Abstract:
The current invention aims to absorb sweat and body odor from the breasts. It also protects the skin by providing a cushioned support strip below the bra wire. The invention is a lining to be affixed between the inner lining of a brassiere and the skin, having three layers and a set of flaps protruding from the device adapted to be folded outward to hold the device in place.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/669,689 filed Jul. 10, 2012. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a brassiere pad and, more particularly, to a hygienic product for protecting the skin below the breast while wearing. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Brassieres, commonly known as bras, are undergarments made to support a woman&#39;s breasts. The cup of the bra is designed to contain the breast. The cup often contains stiffening panels to support the breasts, and the edge of the cup is generally a rib-like, tough material, often containing an underwire to raise the breasts and prevent sagging. Bra wearers complain of rubbing around the cup, sweatiness in the under-bra area, and general itching resulting in many cases in rashes and irritated skin. Consequently, there is a need for a product that keeps the wearer dry and comfortable, and complements wearing a bra. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, the bra is an expensive item of clothing. Most women only own a few at a time. The bra often does not last long in its original state, losing color quickly and falling apart at the seams after several washes. Consequently, there is a need for a method of prolonging the useful life of a bra by enabling a woman to wear a bra for longer periods of time between washes. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,246,416 B2 describes a foldable one-piece insert worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. Said invention includes straps which wrap around the wearer&#39;s torso in order to keep the invention in place. Additionally, said invention provides a simple solution to irritation caused by the metallic straps at the bottom of the bra. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,717 B1 describes a bra with hot/cold inserts for a therapeutic device in the form of a vest-like elastic garment adapted to be worn on the human upper torso. The device includes front panels having pockets therein for retaining gel packs. The device is effective in providing warm or cold therapy to the chest and rib areas. The garment can be used by humans of both genders. This invention is limited to therapeutic use. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,536 A describes a disposable bra liner comprising three cup-shaped coextensive layers attached together, with each layer presenting a circular periphery. The bra liners further include a structural member attached to the layers for maintaining the shape of the pad. The structural member includes an elastic band attached to the layers at their peripheries and preferably has a plurality of V-shaped folding portions. The invention does not deal with irritation caused by the metal underwire. Furthermore, the invention is held in place with the V shaped flaps (which therefore must be folded over), which does not offer the option of folding or unfolding the V-shaped folding portions, pursuant to the wearer&#39;s choice. 
         [0008]    US 20120157951 A1 describes a bra liner which has a first sheet of fluid-pervious non-woven material having a first edge and a second edge. A second sheet of fluid pervious non-woven material having a first edge and a second edge is positioned in adjacent relationship to the first sheet. The first edge of the second sheet is joined to the first edge of the first sheet and the second edge of the second sheet is joined to the second edge of the first sheet. A breathable compartment is formed between the first and second sheets. A layer of super absorbent gel material and cotton fluff is positioned in the compartment. Said invention does not deal with irritation caused by the bra&#39;s metal underwire. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The current invention aims to absorb sweat and body odor in the upper body region in a similar way to the way a sanitary pad absorbs bodily fluid in the lower body of a woman. It also protects the skin by providing a cushioned support strip below the bra wire. 
         [0010]    The bra pad provides a solution for any type of bra, including bras of the “push up”, “sheer”, and “sports” variety. The current invention provides a cheap, disposable, hygienic, thin, and lightweight solution. 
         [0011]    The present invention relates to a lining to be affixed between the inner lining of a brassiere and the skin, comprising:
       1. A protective nylon (or any other non-woven material) outer layer that is water proof and attaches to the bra from the inside with an adhesive.   2. A middle thin absorbent layer, either with or without absorbing and perfuming substances. For example the absorbent layer may comprise talcum powder to absorb sweat, odor, and bodily fluids.   3. A smooth inner layer of cotton (or any other comfortable material) that is pressed against the skin.   4. Two flaps protruding from the bottom of the device and out of the bra. Said flaps are made of a comfortable and flexible material with the ability to be folded outward and connecting to the outer portion of the bra and protecting the skin from chafing and irritation caused by the underwire.   5. Two more flaps protruding from the upper-inner-portion of the invention, corresponding to the cleavage created by the position of the bra. Said flaps comprise flexible material. Said flaps may be kept in place, or folded over the outer portion of the bra diagonally, creating a V-shape, to the wearer&#39;s choosing.       
 
         [0017]    The pad is three dimensional, meaning not flat, rather it is rounded and possesses volume (similar to a bra cup) in order to fit perfectly into the bra with the adhesive side pressed against the bra, while the cotton side is pressed against the skin. 
         [0018]    The present invention shall additionally be made of relatively cheap, disposable materials. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is an obverse view of the bra pad with upper pads unfolded; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is an obverse view of the bra pad with upper pads folded; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a set of stacked bra pads; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a front ‘x-ray’ view of a bra pad in use between bra and breasts, with bottom flaps unfolded; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a front ‘x-ray’ view of a bra pad in use between bra and breasts, with bottom flaps folded underneath the bottom of the bra; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a front ‘x-ray’ view of a bra pad in use between bra and breasts, with bottom flaps folded underneath the bottom of the bra; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a bra pad in use between bra and breasts. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention may produce one or several other embodiments. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
         [0028]    The principles and operation of a bra pad according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  shows the bra pad  100  with upper pads  101  unfolded and lower pads  102  unfolded. The bra pads come ready pressed out in the shape of a cup to fit into a three-dimensional cup of a bra. There are two lower flaps  102  and two upper flaps 1-1. The lower flaps 1-2 folds over the bra from the inside, outwards. 
         [0030]    The central regions are upper flaps. The upper flap folds over the bra in the cleavage section. Both flaps are cushioned and give added protection from the underwire and help secure the bra pad, although the flaps do not necessarily have to be folded over. The upper flap can either be left closed, or may be opened in the middle and folded outwards for lower cleavage. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows the bra pad with upper pads  101  unfolded, the left lower pad folded, and right lower pad  102  unfolded. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a set of stacked bra pads  100 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is a front ‘x-ray’ view of a bra pad in use between bra  103  and breasts. Here the bottom flaps  102  and top flaps  101  are both in their unfolded state. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is a front ‘x-ray’ view of a bra pad  100  in use between bra  103  and breasts, with bottom flaps  102  folded underneath the bottom of the bra and top flaps  101  still unfolded. 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a front ‘x-ray’ view of a bra pad  100  in use between bra  103  and breasts, with bottom flaps  102  folded underneath the bottom of the bra and top flaps  101  folded. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the bra pad  100  in use, showing its position relative to the bra  103 . 
         [0037]    The bra pad comprises three layers in preferred embodiments. The outer layer is a soft layer that comes into contact with the skin. This outer layer is made up of a cotton-based material that provides cushioning. The middle layer is an absorbent layer for absorbing sweat and body fluids. The middle layer may optionally contain scented talcum powder that is scented with, for example, a feminine scent. As another example, baby powder may be employed. The inner layer is a generally waterproof layer made of nylon or other synthetic fabric. The inner layer makes contact with the bra and prevents any fluids and odors from penetrating the fabric of the bra. Moisture is retained inside the bra pad. The outer layer may contain adhesive for affixing to the inside of the bra. 
         [0038]    The bra pads come in various sizes and colors. 
         [0039]    The bra pads are thin and lightweight, and stretch to some extent. The bra pads do not add appreciable width or volume to the wearer&#39;s breasts. The bra pads have smooth, rounded edges for comfort. The bra pads are disposable and individually wrapped. 
       Improvements and Add-Ons: 
       [0040]    Aside from protecting the skin below the breast, absorbing sweat, elongating the bra life, and keeping the area fresh, dry and clean, the pad can also serve as a protection layer for women who have gone through breast augmentation through the crease below the breast. A scar tissue can form post-surgery at this location, and the pad can act as a soft shield which protects the scar from the hard wire inside the bra that rests on the tender scar tissue. 
         [0041]    A short summary of the main innovative features of the inventive bra pads follows:
       1. The whole pad is disposable.   2. The pad absorbs sweat, leaving the breast dry.   3. The pad protects the delicate skin in the area (and thus avoid rashes)   4. Leaves a light baby-powder scent (in some embodiments)   5. The pad is shaped in such a way that it curves perfectly onto the breast   6. The pad elongates the life of any bra; since less laundering (a process known to ruin bras) is needed due to decreased sweat into the bra, the bras last longer   7. The layer that rests on the breast has pores that funnel the sweat into the second (middle layer). These pores are one way and so the sweat cannot travel back onto the skin.   8. The pad can serve as a protective layer between bra and scar tissue present in many post breast augmentation surgeries   9. The whole pad is extremely thin, and its outer layer fabric is based on cotton. Therefore it is comfortable and will barely be noticeable for the woman wearing it   10. The pad can be worn with any type of bra—regular straps, strapless, with or without wires, and with a sports bra.       
 
         [0052]    While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Furthermore just as every particular reference may embody particular methods/systems, yet not require such, ultimately such teaching is meant for all expressions notwithstanding the use of particular embodiments. Therefore, the claimed invention as recited is not limited to the embodiments described herein.