Abstract:
A brassiere closure for full figured brassieres or orthopedic use includes an easily operable engagement of a single large loop and hook. The loop is positionable into an open position in which the hook may readily engage the loop. When pressure is applied to the loop, the loop assumes a closed position, thereby connecting the two wings of the brassiere. In an embodiment, the loop has a D-shaped ring which is hinged to a base, and the hook is ovate and self-centering. In another embodiment, an integral double spring serves to bias the loop in an open position. In another embodiment, secondary magnetic fasteners are used for additional strength and to assist in aligning the loop and the hook. The size and novel features of the closure make it easily operable, even when located behind the wearer&#39;s back.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the filing benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/020,435, filed 3 Jul. 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention pertains generally to garment closures, and more particularly to an easily operable brassiere closure for full figured or disabled individuals. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Common brassiere closures include multiple small eyes which engage an equal number of small hooks, typically behind the back of the wearer. Such closures are difficult to operate for those who are full figured or have a physical disability such as arthritis, and may be impossible to operate for some, such as those who have lost the use of an arm or hand. 
         [0004]    While some prior art closures, such as front closures, are designed for simpler operation, their positioning in between the brassiere cups interferes with the support elements required for a full figured wearer. 
         [0005]    The present closure overcomes these shortcomings by being operable with one simple motion, while also providing adequate support for a full figure brassiere. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is directed to a brassiere closure for a full figure or for orthopedic use. The closure has two members, each attached to one wing of the brassiere. The first closure member includes a single large loop or hook, in contrast to the multiple loops or hooks of common closures. The second closure member includes several of the other of loops and hooks, to allow for adjustment of the brassiere size. A single loop and hook are engaged to connect the brassiere wings. 
         [0007]    In accordance with an embodiment of the closure, the loop has an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the hook may readily engage the loop. When the hook and the loop are engaged, and pressure is applied to the loop, the loop assumes the closed position and the brassiere wings are connected. 
         [0008]    In accordance with another embodiment, the loop has a ring which is hingably mounted to a base and positioned at an angle with respect to the base when the loop is in the open position. 
         [0009]    In accordance with another embodiment, when the loop is in the closed position, the ring is positioned within a depression of the base. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another embodiment, the ring is D-shaped and the hook is ovate. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another embodiment, a single loop is attached to the first closure member and a plurality of hooks are attached to the second closure member and arranged in a longitudinally spaced row. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another embodiment, the loop has a double spring which resists motion of the loop from the open position into the closed position. In another embodiment, the double spring biases the loop in the open position. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another embodiment, the length of the hook is between about 15 mm and about 50 mm. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another embodiment, the loop has a catch for catching the hook and providing resistance to disengaging the hook from the loop. 
         [0015]    In accordance with another embodiment, the hook has multiple pins which project through a closure member and subsequently through multiple holes in a hook backing. The closure member is sandwiched between the hook and hook backing, and the hook backing provides support to the hook. 
         [0016]    In accordance with another embodiment, the closure includes secondary fasteners for additional support. In an embodiment, the secondary fasteners are magnetic and assist in aligning the hook with the loop. 
         [0017]    In accordance with another embodiment, the hook and the loop are ultrasonically welded to a fabric layer of the closure members. 
         [0018]    Other embodiments, in addition to the embodiments enumerated above, will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the closure and method of use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are front elevation views of a first and a second closure member, respectively, of a closure for connecting two wings of a brassiere. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are rear elevation views of the first and second closure members, respectively. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the first closure member engaged with the second closure member. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0023]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are enlarged cross-sections of a loop in an open position and a closed position, respectively;  FIG. 5C  is a side elevation view of the loop in the closed position; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 5D  is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the line  5 D- 5 D of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-section of a hook. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 7A-7C  are enlarged cross-sections of the hook and the loop in progressive stages of engagement. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the second closure member. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are enlarged front and rear elevation views, respectively, of the hook. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are enlarged front and side elevation views, respectively, of a hook backing. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are enlarged exploded and assembled cross-sectional views, respectively, of the second closure member. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are front elevation views of another embodiment of the first and second closure members, respectively. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are rear elevation views of another embodiment of the first and second closure members, respectively. 
       
    
    
       [0033]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 20 
                 closure 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 first closure member 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 second closure member 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 hook 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 32 
                 pins 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 roof 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 34 
                 hook backing 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 35 
                 central region 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 36 
                 holes 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 37 
                 stays 
               
               
                   
                   
                 39 
                 ends 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 loop 
               
               
                   
                   
                 42 
                 open position 
                   
                 44 
                 closed position 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 46 
                 ring 
                 48 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 depression 
                 52 
                 catch 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 hinge 
                 56 
                 double spring 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 60 
                 secondary fastener 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 62 
                 male element 
                 64 
                 female element 
               
               
                   
                   
                 66 
                 magnet 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 fabric 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 welds 
               
               
                   
                 500 
                 wings 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  2 A, and  2 B, there are illustrated, respectively, front elevation views of a first closure member  22  and a second closure member  24  of a closure for connecting two wings of a brassiere, and rear elevation views of the same. While “closure” is described herein as a closure for a brassiere, its use is not limited to brassieres, as it would function on a variety of garments such as lingerie, support garments, and others. “Front” as used herein refers to the face oriented toward the wearer, while “rear” refers to the face oriented away from the wearer. The closure is generally designated as  20  and the wings of the brassiere as  500 . “Wings” of a brassiere refer to two fabric sections, each connected to a cup of the brassiere at one end, which wrap around the back of the wearer and are fastenable to each other at the other ends. 
         [0035]    Closure  20  has first closure member  22  which attaches to one of two brassiere wings  500 , and second closure member  24  which attaches to the other wing  500  (attachment to wings  500  shown in  FIG. 3 ). Closure  20  further includes a loop  40  and a hook  30  engagable with loop  40 . One of loop  40  and hook  30  is attached to first closure member  22 . “One of” here refers to one of the set consisting of hook and loop (i.e. either a hook or a loop), and not to one of each member of the set (i.e. not meaning a hook and a loop). A plurality of the other of hook  30  and loop  40  are attached to second closure member  24  and arranged in a longitudinally spaced row. A single loop  40  is engaged with a single hook  30  to complete the connection of brassiere wings  500 . Having a single fastened loop and hook is a distinguishing feature, as brassiere closures commonly fasten by means of multiple (typically three or four) loops or hooks transversely spaced in a column. The row of hooks  30  or loops  40  on second closure member  24  allows the wearer to adjust the fit of the brassiere by engaging with a loop or hook farther from the wing end of second closure member  24  (larger size) or closer to the wing end (smaller size). 
         [0036]    Loop  40  has an open position  42  (see  FIG. 5A ) in which hook  30  may readily engage loop  40 . When hook  30  engages loop  40  and pressure is applied to loop  40 , loop  40  assumes a closed position  44 , and the two wings of the brassiere are thereby connected. In the embodiments shown throughout, a single loop  40  is attached to first closure member  22  and a plurality of hooks  30  are attached to second closure member  24 . However, the closure would function in the alternate arrangement, where a single hook  30  is attached to first closure member  22  and a plurality of loops  40  are attached to second closure member  24 . The shown arrangement is preferred since loop  40  is a larger and more complex part than hook  30 . Therefore having only one loop  40  reduces the overall size, complexity, and cost of closure  20 . Also in the shown embodiment, loop  40  faces away from the wearer. The closure would function in an arrangement where loop  40  faces the back of the wearer and hook  30  faces away from the wearer. However, the shown arrangement is preferred as it is less likely for loop  40  accidentally assume the closed position while engagement with hook  30  is being attempted. In addition, the shown arrangement is more comfortable for the wearer as the large loop element faces away from the skin. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of first closure member  22  connected to second closure member  24 . Loop  40  and an engaged hook  30  are shown in hidden lines. First and second closure members  22  and  24  of closure  20  each attach to a wing  500  at one end, and connect to each other at the other ends, thereby fastening the brassiere. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of closure  20  along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 , showing hook  30  engaged with loop  40 . In the shown embodiment, first closure member  22  and second closure member  24  each include either a hook  30  or loop  40  affixed to two layers of fabric  70 . The fabric layers extend away from the hook or loop and wing  500  is attached between them. Hook  30  and loop  40  are preferably fabricated from plastic. The fabric layer of closure members  22  and  24  is preferably a laminated material where the inner lining is a fusible material, such as nylon tricot fabric, and the exterior may be cotton, silk, microfiber nylon, or the like. In an embodiment, loop  40  and hook  30  are welded to fabric layers  70  of closure members  22  and  24  along welds  80  (see  FIGS. 12-13 ). The preferred method of welding is an ultrasonic weld as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,025 to Fildan, et al. Each wing  500  may be attached to one or more of fabric layer  70  by a similar ultrasonic weld or by simply sewing or the like. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are enlarged cross-sections of first closure member  22  showing loop  40  in open position  42  and closed position  44 , respectively. Loop  40  has a ring  46  which is hingably mounted to a base  48  by a hinge  54 . When loop  40  is in open position  42 , ring  46  is positioned at an angle with respect to base  48 . In open position  42 , loop  40  is readily engagable with hook  30  (see  FIG. 7B ). Readily engagable means that the loop is positioned such that no further maneuvering of the loop is required to engage the hook. Loop  40  may be positioned to open position  42  before the wearer puts on the brassiere, further simplifying the fastening of the brassiere wings. In an embodiment, loop  40  is biased in open position  42 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5C  is a side elevation view of first closure member  22  showing loop  40  in closed position  44 . Base  48  has a depression  50 . When loop  40  is in closed position  44 , ring  46  is positioned within depression  50  (see also  FIG. 5B ). Base  48  is curved on the shown side in the area of depression  50 . To open loop  40  from closed position  44 , the wearer may insert a finger into depression  50  between base  48  and ring  46 , and pivot ring  46  open by hinge  54  (see  FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B ). 
         [0041]      FIG. 5D  is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the line  5 D- 5 D of  FIG. 2A . In an embodiment, loop  40  has a double spring  56  (one spring is visible in the cross-section of  FIG. 5D , while both springs are visible from the elevation of  FIG. 2A ). When loop  40  is in open position  42 , double spring  56  resists motion of loop  40  into the closed position. In another embodiment, double spring  56  biases loop  40  in open position  42 . “Bias” herein means that loop  40  defaults to open position  42  when not engaged with a hook. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-section of second closure member  24  showing one of hooks  30 . In an embodiment, ring  46  of loop  40  is D-shaped, and hook  30  is ovate (see  FIGS. 1A ,  2 A, &amp;  5 A- 5 B). These shapes have the beneficial effect that the hook self-centers on the ring. The hook and ring may be otherwise shaped and the closure would still function, for example the ring may be semi-circular and the hook J-shaped. In an embodiment, hook  30  has a roof  38  and the width of roof  38  is tapered from a maximum width WM to a lesser width WL. When hook  30  and loop  40  are engaged, ring  46  is closely coupled with roof  38  at the point of maximum width WM (see  FIG. 4 ). In other words, when the hook and loop are engaged they may only be in close contact in a small area. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 7A-7C  are enlarged cross-sections of hook  30  and loop  40  in progressive stages of engagement. In  FIG. 7A , loop  40  is in open position  42  (see  FIG. 5A ). Second closure member  24  is positioned to overlap first closure member  22 . In  FIG. 7B , hook  30  is engaging with loop  40 . With loop  40  in open position  42 , engagement of hook  30  with loop  40  is a simple maneuver performed by sliding hook  30  down and into open loop  40 . In  FIG. 7C , pressure is applied to loop  40  (downward arrow) which assumes closed position  44  (see  FIG. 5B ). In this manner the first and second closure members  22  and  24  are drawn together and closure  20  is fully closed. 
         [0044]    Loop  40  has a catch  52 , for catching hook  30  (see  FIG. 7C ). When closure  20  is closed, catch  52  provides resistance to disengaging hook  30  from loop  40 . Catch  52  is recessed below ring  46  in closed position  44 , so that it does not interfere with the wearer inserting a finger to pivot ring  46  into open position  42  (see  FIGS. 5A-5B ). Catch  52  deflects slightly to allow closure to be made as shown in  FIG. 7C . 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of an embodiment including a plurality of hooks  30  attached to second closure member  24 . Each hook  30  has a corresponding hook backing  34 , shown in hidden lines.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  are enlarged rear and front elevation views, respectively, of hook  30 . Hook  30  has a plurality of pins  32 , or spikes, visible in the front view of  FIG. 9B .  FIGS. 10A and 10B  are enlarged front and side elevation views, respectively, of hook backing  34 . Hook backing  34  has a plurality of holes  36 . 
         [0046]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are enlarged exploded and assembled cross-sectional views, respectively, of second closure member  24 . In the shown embodiment, second closure member  24  includes two fabric layers  70 , hook  30 , and hook backing  34  (additional hooks  30  and corresponding additional hook backings  34  are out of view). One fabric layer  70  is sandwiched between hook  30  and hook backing  34 . Pins  32  of hook  30  project through fabric layer  70  and through holes  36  of hook backing  34 . Pins  30  are preferably made of plastic and, when assembled through holes  36  of hook backing  34  and heated, the tips of pins  30  flatten and expand to join hook  30  to hook backing  34  in the manner of a rivet. The two fabric layers  70  are joined so that hook backing  34  is hidden between fabric layers  70 . 
         [0047]    Hook backing  34  provides additional support to hook  30 , and prevents fabric layer  70  of second closure member  24  from rolling up under stress. As desired for a full figured brassiere, hook backing  34  enables the closure member having hook  30  (either first or second closure member  22  or  24 ) to hold at least  30  pounds (lbs) of stress. In an embodiment, hook backing  34  has a length at least twice the length L of hook  30  (see  FIG. 12B ). In another embodiment, hook backing  34  has a central region  35  shaped complementary to the profile of at least a portion of hook  30 . In the shown case, central region  35  has a shape complementary to the profile of hook  30  excluding roof portion  38  (see  FIG. 9B ). The shapes are complementary in that they are similarly, rather than exactly, shaped. Hook backing  34  has elongated stays  37  which extend from central region  35  and terminate in rounded ends  39 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 12A ,  12 B,  13 A, and  13 B are, respectively, front elevation views of another embodiment of the first and second closure members, and rear elevation views of the same. In the embodiment, closure  20  includes a secondary fastener  60  having a male element  62  and female element  64 . Male element  62  is attached to one of first closure member  22  and second closure member  24 , and female element  64  is attached to the other closure member. In the shown embodiment, two of male element  62  are present, one adjacent to either end of loop  40 . Female elements  64  are adjacent to either end of each hook  30 , and fastened to hook backing  34  (shown in hidden lines) in the manner described in the discussion of  FIGS. 11A&amp;B . Rounded ends  39  provide a region for fastening secondary fasteners  60  to hook backing  34  (see also  FIG. 10A ). Secondary fasteners  60  provide additional strength for the closure, which is especially beneficial when a larger sized closure is desired. An alternate arrangement of secondary fasteners  60  includes female elements  64  adjacent to either end of each loop  40  and male elements  62  adjacent to either end of each hook  30 . 
         [0049]    Secondary fasteners  60  could be any type of fastener well known in the art, such as snaps. In an embodiment, secondary fasteners  60  are magnetic, and male element  62  and female element  64  have magnets aligned to attract each other. This type of fastener also assists in alignment of hook  30  and loop  40 . When hook  30  is positioned near loop  40 , magnets of male elements  62  attract magnets of female elements  64  and help guide hook  30  toward loop  40 . Such a magnetic fastener is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,174 to Fildan, et al 
         [0050]    In an embodiment, hook  30  has a length (L) of between about 15 mm and about 50 mm (see  FIG. 12B ). Loop  40  must be large enough for easy positioning into the open and closed positions, and is therefore preferred to be comparable in size to one or more finger widths. The size of hook  30  is preferred to fit with slight play when engaged with loop  40 . Prior art closures teach away from such a large hook or loop, as commonly closures are sized to be discreet and therefore small. However, in the present closure, the preferred size is beneficial for ease of operation, especially by disabled individuals. 
         [0051]    In terms of use, a method of closing a brassiere includes: (refer to  FIGS. 1-13 )
       (a) providing a brassiere having two wings  500  and a closure  20  including:
           (i) a first closure member  22  attached to one of wings  500 ;   (ii) a second closure member  24  attached to the other of wings  500 ;   (iii) a loop  40 ;   (iv) a hook  30  engagable with loop  40 ;   (v) one of loop  40  and hook  30  attached to first closure member  22 ;   (vi) a plurality of the other of loop  40  and hook  30  attached to second closure member  24  and arranged in a longitudinally spaced row; and,   (vii) loop  40  having an open position  42  and a closed position  44 ;   
           (b) positioning loop  40  in open position  42  so that hook  30  may readily engage loop  40 ;   (c) engaging a single hook  30  with a single loop  40 ; and,   (d) applying pressure to loop  40  so that loop  40  assumes closed position  44 , thereby connecting two wings  500  of the brassiere.       
 
         [0063]    The method further including: 
         [0064]    in (a), loop  40  having a catch  52  for catching hook  30 ; and, 
         [0065]    in (d), catch  52  catching hook  30  and providing resistance to disengaging hook  30  from loop  40 . 
         [0066]    The method further including: 
         [0067]    in (a), closure  20  having a secondary fastener  60 , having a male element  62  and a female element  64 , male element  62  attached to one of first closure member  22  and second closure member  24  and female element  64  attached to the other of first closure member  22  and second closure member  24 ; and, 
         [0068]    after (c), connecting male element  62  and female element  64 . 
         [0069]    The embodiments of the closure and method of use described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, combinations, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims. Further, nothing in the above-provided discussions of the closure and method should be construed as limiting the invention to a particular embodiment or combination of embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.