Bra with two layers of support

A front-close bra comprises a fabric back panel. A left inner bra cup and a right inner bra cup are coupled to the back panel. A left outer front panel is coupled to the left side of the back panel and is configured to cover the left inner bra cup. A right outer front panel is coupled to the right side of the back panel and is configured to cover the right inner bra cup. An inner closure couples a right side of the left inner bra cup to a left side of the right inner bra cup. An outer closure couples one of a right side of the left outer front panel and a left side of the right outer front panel to another area of the bra so as to hold the respective outer front panel in place over the respective inner bra cup that it covers.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a bra for supporting a wearer's breasts. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bra that provides advantageous benefits to a wearer while it is being put on and while it is worn during exercise.

SUMMARY

According to one example of the present disclosure, a front-close bra comprises a fabric back panel having a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side. A left inner bra cup has a left side coupled to the left side of the back panel and a right inner bra cup has a right side coupled to the right side of the back panel. A left outer front panel has a left side coupled to the left side of the back panel and configured to cover the left inner bra cup, and a right outer front panel has a right side coupled to the right side of the back panel and configured to cover the right inner bra cup. An inner closure couples a right side of the left inner bra cup to a left side of the right inner bra cup and an outer closure couples one of a right side of the left outer front panel and a left side of the right outer front panel to another area of the bra so as to hold the respective outer front panel in place over the respective inner bra cup that it covers.

According to another example of the present disclosure, a front-close bra comprises a fabric back panel having a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side. A left convex inner bra cup has a lower edge with a first underwire and has a left side coupled to the left side of the back panel. A right convex inner bra cup has a lower edge with a second underwire and has a right side coupled to the right side of the back panel. A left outer front panel has a left side coupled to the left side of the back panel and is capable of covering the left inner bra cup, and a right outer front panel has a right side coupled to the right side of the back panel and is capable of covering the right inner bra cup. An inner closure couples a right side of the left inner bra cup to a left side of the right inner bra cup, and an outer closure couples a right side of the left outer panel to a left side of the right outer panel. The bra further includes left and right back straps extending from the top side of the back panel and left and right outer shoulder straps coupling the left and right back straps to a top portion of the left outer front panel and a top portion of the right outer front panel, respectively. The bra further includes left and right inner shoulder straps having first ends coupled to first and second interior faces of the left and right outer shoulder straps, respectively, and second ends coupled to a top portion of the left inner bra cup and a top portion of the right inner bra cup, respectively. The left and right inner bra cups encapsulate, lift, and separate a wearer's breasts and the left and right outer panels compress the wearer's breasts so as to minimize movement thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-5 and 7-8illustrate a front-close bra10according to the present disclosure. With reference specifically toFIG. 2, the bra comprises a fabric back panel12having a left side14, a right side16, a top side18, and a bottom side20. Each of these sides are described as if the bra10was viewed from the front (i.e., from the perspective ofFIG. 1), so for example the left side14appears on the right inFIG. 2. With particular reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the bra10further includes a left inner bra cup22having a left side24coupled to the left side14of the back panel12, and a right inner bra cup26having a right side28coupled to the right side16of the back panel12. As shown, the left and right inner bra cups22,26have somewhat rounded lower edges30,32, respectively. A left outer area of rounded lower edge30is attached to a left side stay34, which is in turn attached to the left side14of the back panel12, such as for example by sewing along a left side seam100. A right outer area of rounded lower edge32is attached to a right side stay36, which is in turn attached to the right side16of the back panel12, such as for example by sewing along right side seam102. In another example, the inner bra cups22,26are extended outwardly such that they are attached directly to the back panel12at their respective left and right sides24,28at side seams100,102, without the need for left and right side stays34,36. The attachments mentioned above can be made by gluing, sewing, integral knitting, ultrasonic welding, ultrasonic sewing etc. In the example shown, each of the rounded lower edges30,32comprises an underwire, which is inserted in the left and right inner bra cups22,26in a manner known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 3, the bra10further comprises a left outer front panel38having a left side40coupled to the left side14of the back panel12, and a right outer front panel42having a right side44coupled to the right side16of the back panel12. The left outer front panel38is configured to cover the left inner bra cup22and the right outer front panel42is configured to cover the right inner bra cup26, as can be seen by comparison ofFIG. 1withFIG. 3. In one example, the outer front panels38,42are made of a spandex blend, and may include a mesh fabric structure.

As shown inFIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the bra10further comprises an inner closure46that couples a right side48of the left inner bra cup22to a left side50of the right inner bra cup26. As shown herein, the right side48of the left inner bra cup22is attached to a piece of fabric52, which is in turn attached to the inner closure46, and the left side50of the right inner bra cup26is attached to a similar piece of fabric54, which is in turn attached to the inner closure46. The inner closure46is coupled to the pieces of fabric52,54at ends that are opposite where the pieces of fabric52,54are attached to the inner bra cups22,26. In another example, the bra cups22,26are directly connected to the inner closure46without the need for the pieces of fabric52,54. The above-mentioned attachments can be made by gluing, sewing, integral knitting, ultrasonic welding, ultrasonic sewing, etc.

In the example shown, the inner closure46is a clasp having a left clasp half47and a mating right clasp half49. The left clasp half47is coupled to the right side48of the left inner bra cup22and the right clasp half49is coupled to the left side50of the right inner bra cup26. Again, with reference toFIGS. 3 and 6, in the example shown, such coupling is accomplished via pieces of fabric52,54, respectively. In the example shown, the clasp halves47,49can be easily clicked together to close the front of the inner bra. In other examples, the inner closure46comprises a hook and eye closure, Velcro, snaps, magnets, buttons, ties of any sort, toggles, or poppers.

With reference hack toFIG. 1, the bra10further comprises an outer closure that couples one of a right side58of the left outer front panel38and a left side60of the right outer front panel42to another area of the bra10so as to hold the respective outer front panel38,42in place over the respective inner bra cup22,26that it covers. It should be noted that the right and left sides58,60of the outer front panels38,42are referred to as such as if they were in a closed position (i.e., covering the inner bra cups22,26as inFIG. 1). Thus, InFIGS. 3 and 4, these sides58,60appear to be mislabeled, but in fact are not.

In the example shown, the outer closure56couples a right side58of the left outer front panel38to a left side60of the right outer front panel42. Further, in the example shown, the outer closure56is a zipper having a left zipper half62and a mating right zipper half64. As known to those having ordinary skill in the art, the left zipper half62and the right zipper half64can be combined by pulling a zipper pull66so as to join together mating teeth on each of the left and right zipper halves62,64. In the example shown, the left zipper half62is coupled to the right side58of the left outer front panel38and the right zipper half64is coupled to the left side60of the right outer front panel42.

In other examples, such as shown inFIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B, the outer front panels38,42may have a more of a triangular shape and may be folded across one another to create a cross-over front to the bra10. In the example shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, the left side60of the right outer front panel42may be coupled by a closure57to the left side stay34at a bottom edge thereof. The closure57therefore would have one half connected to the left side60of the right outer front panel42and one half connected to the left side stay34. The right side58of the left outer front panel38may then be crossed over the right outer front panel42and coupled by a closure59to an area near the right side44of the right outer front panel42. The closure59would therefore have one half connected to the right side58of the left outer front panel38and one half connected to the right side44of the right outer front panel42. In the examples ofFIGS. 11A and 11B, the location of connection of the outer front panels38,42to the remainder of the bra10is moved inwardly, such that closure57′ is provided directly beneath left inner bra cup22, and closure59′ is provided more inwardly of right side44of right outer front panel42, and closer to being located directly underneath right inner bra cup26, yet connected to right outer front panel42. It should be understood that in both examples shown inFIGS. 10A-10B and 11A-11B, which outer front panel38,42is crossed over the other could be reversed. In this way, one of the closures57,57′ or59,59′ constitutes an outer closure that couples one of a right side58of the left outer front panel38and a left side60of the right outer front panel42to another area of the bra10so as to hold the respective outer front panel38,42in place over the respective inner bra cup22,26that it covers.

In each of the above-described examples, the closure56,57,59may be a zipper, a hook and eye closure, a Velcro closure, a series of magnets, a magnetic zipper, gecko tape, a magnetic hook and eye closure, buttons, ties of any sort, toggles, two or more clips/clasps, or a series of poppers.

With reference toFIGS. 1-4 and 8, the bra10further comprises left and right back straps68,70(or fabric spacer straps) extending from the top side18of the back panel12. In one example, the bra10further comprises left and right outer shoulder straps72,74that couple the left and right back straps68,70to a top portion of the left outer front panel38and a top portion of the right outer front panel42, respectively. In one example, the outer shoulder straps72,74are padded. The bra10further comprises left and right inner shoulder straps76,78coupling, the left and right back straps68,70to a top portion of the left inner bra cup22and a top portion of the right inner bra cup26, respectively. As shown inFIG. 2, the left and right inner shoulder straps76,78are coupled to first and second interior faces of the left and right outer shoulder straps72,74, respectively. More specifically, the left and right inner shoulder straps76,78have first ends75,77coupled to first and second interior faces of the left and right outer shoulder straps72,74, respectively, and second ends79,81coupled to a top portion of the left inner bra cup22and a top portion of the right inner bra cup26, respectively.

In addition, as also shown inFIGS. 2 and 8, the left and right outer shoulder straps72,74are coupled to the left and right back straps68,70, respectively, by first and second rings80,82. The rings80,82, in combination with first and second strap adjuster slides84,86, allow for adjustment of a length of the left and right back straps68,70.

As shown inFIGS. 2-4, the left and right back straps68,70are coupled to the top side18of the back panel12proximate a center area88of the back panel12so as to form a racer-back shape. This racer-back shape can take the form of a Y or a V. In alternative examples, the left and right back straps68,70are coupled to the top side18of the back panel12closer to outer edges of the back panel12than the coupling shown herein, and therefore form more of a U-shape with the back panel12. In another example, the back straps68,70cross one another to form an X. In another example, the back straps68,70can extend parallel to one another (i.e., connect to the back panel12at outer edges therefor) and may be optionally held together with a clip adjuster.

With reference toFIGS. 3-5 and 7, several features of the bra10provide comfort and protection from contact with the outer closure56while the bra10is worn. In one example, the bra10further comprises a fabric strip90extending along one of the right side58of the left outer front panel38and the left side60of the right outer front panel42. The fabric strip90is located behind one of the left and right zipper halves62,64(seeFIG. 7), respectively, so as prevent contact of the zipper with a wearer's body. In other words, the fabric strip90is located between the zipper (or other outer closure56) and the wearer's body. In the example shown, the fabric strip90is located along the left side60of the right outer front panel42and behind the right zipper half64. The right zipper half64is therefore not visible inFIGS. 3, 4, and 5as it is situated on the opposite side of the fabric strip90from that shown. When the left zipper half62is joined to the right zipper half64, it also is situated in front of the fabric strip90so that the zipper does not contact the wearer's body, and is visible from the front of the bra10(seeFIG. 1).

The bra10may further comprise a fabric pocket92coupled to a lower portion of one of the right side58of the left outer front panel38and the left side60of the right outer front panel42. The fabric pocket92envelops a lower end of the zipper and prevents the lower end of the zipper from contacting the wearer's body. In the example shown, the fabric pocket92is coupled to a lower portion of the left side60of the right outer front panel42, and in front of the fabric strip90. The approximate location of the fabric pocket92is shown inFIGS. 3 and 4by a dashed line, although it should be understood that the fabric pocket92is actually provided on the reverse side of the fabric strip90from that shown inFIGS. 3 and 4.

The bra10further comprises an elastic band94that extends along a bottom side96of the left outer front panel38, along the bottom side20of the back panel12, and along a bottom side98of the right outer front panel42. The elastic band94fits snuggly against a wearer's torso around her rib cage. In another example, the side stays34,36of the inner bra cups22,26are connected at their other edges by a separate, second piece of elastic (and perhaps fabric, as well) that extends around the wearer's back, effectively creating a back panel for the inner bra, which is separated from the back panel12of the outer bra at the bottom side20thereof.

With reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, in one example, the left side24of the left inner bra cup22and the left side40of the left outer front panel38are coupled to the left side14of the back panel12at a left side seam100. The right side28of the right inner bra cup26and the right side44of the right outer front panel42are coupled to the right side16of the back panel12at a right side seam102. In another example, the back panel12and the left and right outer front panels38,42are integral with one another (i.e., made of one piece of fabric) and the inner bra cups22,26are coupled thereto. In another example, the back panel12and the left and right inner bra cups22,26are integral with one another and the outer front panels38,42are coupled thereto.

FIG. 9illustrates another example of the front close bra10′. The view shown is from the back of the bra10′, looking toward the front. In the view, the back panel12has been removed so as to show the inside of the left and right inner bra cups22′,26′. The bra10′ has left and right outer shoulder straps72′,74′ similar to those of the bra10shown inFIGS. 1-8. However, the bra10′ has no inner shoulder straps. Instead, an upper portion302of the left inner bra cup22′ is directly connected to the outer shoulder strap72′ along a seam304and an upper portion306of the right inner bra cup26′ is directly connected to the outer shoulder strap74′ along a seam308. Although seams304,306are shown herein, such connection could alternatively be made by gluing, knitting, ultrasonic techniques, etc. Fabric pieces310may be provided along the top edges of the inner bra cups22′,26′ in order to secure the inner bra cups22′,26′ to the outer shoulder straps72′,74′. Note that all other portions of the bra10′ could be similar to those shown inFIGS. 1-8, although for sake of clarity, only portions of left and right outer front panels38′,42′ have been shown inFIG. 9.

In one example, the left and right inner bra cups22,26comprise a lightweight, moisture-wicking spacer fabric. The left and right inner bra cups22,26may further comprise first and second pieces of foam at first and second apexes of each bra cup, respectively, so as to conceal a wearer's nipples. Concealment could alternatively be accomplished with foam padding, thermoplastic rubber, gel, fiberfill, foam, gel pads, or the like. In another example, each of the left inner bra cup22and the right inner bra cup26has a convex shape, as shown most clearly inFIG. 5. Together, the convex shape and underwires provided in the left and right inner bra cups22,26allow the cups22,26to encapsulate, lift, and separate a wearer's breasts. The inner bra cups22,26also support each breast individually, providing maximum support. Meanwhile, the left and right outer front panels38,42compress the wearer's breasts so as to minimize movement thereof. This is especially helpful while that wearer is active, such as when she is exercising.

During high impact activities a woman's breasts do not move up and down together, but rather separately, in what is called a “butterfly” or figure-eight motion. This movement of the breasts is very painful and possibly damaging to the supportive breast tissue. The combination of encapsulation of the breasts by the inner bra cups22,26and compression of the breasts by the outer front panels38,42counteracts this butterfly motion by providing maximum support to the bra10and thereby reduces impact on a wearer's breasts when the wearer is engaged in vigorous activity. Encapsulation is generally accomplished with a molded pad with or without an underwire, and comprises using two individual cups that surround each breast, keeping them separate; while compression generally involves a fabric that is itself molded or shaped slightly to control breast movement by flattening the breast tissue against the chest of the wearer. Encapsulation of the breast with a convex cup and an underwire supports, lifts, and separates the wearer's breasts instead of merely compressing them in towards the wearer's torso. Further, the inner bra cups move and flex with the wearer rather than move independently of her. In one example, the mold depth of a mold used to create the inner bra cups22,26is slightly reduced, which helps control movement of the wearer's breasts during activity. The inner bra cups22,26of the present disclosure, when combined with the outer front panels38,42, deliver maximum support while maintaining the wearer's breasts in place with comfort and without the need for excessive cover of the wearer's chest area. Compression fabric may also be used for the back panel12, such that the entire bra10has a slightly firmer fit.

The outer front panels38,42provide the compression required for limiting movement of the wearer's breasts during exercise, although not as much compression is needed when compared to a bra without inner bra cups. Uniting the left and right outer front panels38,42together with the outer closure56, or crossing front panels38,42over one another and securing them to the remainder of the bra10with closures57,57′ and59,59′ provides the needed compression to prevent breast movement, and the location of side seams100,102ensures that the fabric of the outer front panels38,42is pulled tightly enough to provide such compression. Prior encapsulation of the wearer's breasts within the inner bra cups22,26lessens the force required to pull the left and right outer front panels38,42together in order to couple them with the outer closure56, or across the wearer's chest in the above-mentioned cross-over configuration with closures57,57′ and59,59′. This makes putting the bra10on very easy. Further, another benefit is that a wearer can unzip or un-cross the outer front panels38,42after exercising to release the compression and breathe easier, such as during a cool-down stretch.

The bra10according to the present disclosure could be incorporated into many different types of clothing, including but not limited to maternity bras, everyday (i.e., non-sports) bras, camisole tops, scuba gear, or any other type of clothing. The inner bra cups22,26would be connected to the outer layer of the clothing in question in much the same way as the connection shown herein to the outer front panels38,42. Additional or alternative connection points for the inner bra to the outer garment include, but are not limited to: along the underarms, at the straps, or at the straps and underarms.

In the above description certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different devices described herein above may be used in alone or in combination with other devices. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Each limitation in the appended claims is intended to invoke interpretation under 35 USC §112(f) only the terms “means for” or “step for” are explicitly recited in the respective limitation.