Abstract:
The claimed invention is directed to brassieres that offer extra support for large women. The brassieres include an inner bra band and an outer bra band.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser No. 12/228,073, filed on Feb. 8, 2008 now abandoned as U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/007,000 and converted to U.S. Nonprovisional patent application No. 12/228,073 on Feb. 24, 2009 based on the request under 37 CFR 1.53(c)(3) filed Jan. 16, 2009. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to European Community Design Registrations 000984505-0001 and 000984505-0002, registered Aug. 8, 2008, which claim priority to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 12/228,073, filed as U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/007,000on Feb. 8, 2008. The entireties of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/007,000, U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/228,073, and European Community Design Registration 000984505-0001 are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to brassieres. More particularly, this invention is directed to brassieres that offer extra support for large women. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Brassieres, or bras, provide support and enhance the shape of the breasts. Bras and similar undergarments have long been known. While the details of construction of bras may vary, the basic structure is two cups which cover and hold the breasts, two bra bands, which are coupled to the sides of the cups and wrap around the wearer, and a closure, which attaches the two bands to each other in the middle of the back along the spine. Many bras also have shoulder straps, under wires, a center gore, and a frame. 
     There are several problems with the construction of the basic bra, especially for larger sized wearers. Often, the weight of the breasts causes the shoulder strap to move forward, which pulls the bra band up higher on the back of the wearer than intended. This may be uncomfortable for the wearer, may cause the breasts to sit lower than desired, and may prevent much of the support that the bra was intended to provide. 
     Another problem caused by the basic construction is that the bra band applies so much pressure on the area under the wearer&#39;s arm that flesh and fat are displaced and bulge out from the band. This can be uncomfortable for the wearer and the effects can often be seen through clothing, provide an undesirable look and feeling of embarrassment for the wearer. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art for a bra, especially for larger women, that provides adequate support, stays in place, and is comfortable for the wearer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to brassieres having an inner bra band and an outer bra band. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings that form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, the present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation, with like reference numerals referring to like elements, wherein: 
         FIGS. 1(   a )- 1 ( cc ) illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 2(   a )- 2 ( q ) illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 3(   a )- 3 ( w ) illustrate a strapless embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 4(   a )- 4 ( f ) are sketches illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 5(   a )- 5 ( lll ) are sketches illustrating a strapless embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a bra that provides support and comfort to wearers, especially larger wearers. While bras can be worn by either males or females, and by either children or adults, they are generally worn by adult females. Thus, in the following description, the terms “women,” “woman,” “her,” and “she” may be used to describe the wearer of the bra. This is meant for simplicity and clarity and is not intended to exclude men, girls, or boys, or to limit the scope of the invention in any way. 
     As used herein, the term “cups” refers to the two portions of the bra that cover and hold the breasts. A cup may cover the entire breast or only a portion of the breast. 
     As used herein “bra bands” refers to the portion of the bra that extend from the outer base of the cups, around the woman, and secure in the back, usually along the spine. Bra bands may be distinct from the cups or they may be an extension of the cups. 
     As used herein the term “inner bra band” refers to the bra band that originates at a point closer to the woman than the outer bra band. 
     As used herein the term “outer bra band” refers to the bra band that originates as a point further from the woman than the inner bra band. 
     As used herein, the term “shoulder straps” refers to straps that are coupled to the upper portion of the cups and extend over the shoulders. The other ends of the shoulder straps may attach to the bra bands in the back or to each other behind the neck. 
     As used herein, the terms “closure” and “clasp” refer to the device or mechanism used to couple the bra bands to each other or the shoulder straps to each other, usually along the spine of a woman. 
     As used herein the term “underwire” refers to a “wire” which runs under the lower portion of the cup to provide additional support and shape. The “wire” can be made out of a variety of materials including, but not limited to metals, plastic, or a combination thereof. The wires may be flexible or they may be rigid. 
     As used herein the term “frame” refers to material surrounding other components of the bra that offer stability or support. 
     As used herein the term “bone” refers to a support structure inserted into the material of a bra to provide stability, maintain rigidity, and/or maintain the width of the material into which it is inserted. 
     As used herein, when referring to a bra, the terms “right or right side” refer to the right side of the garment as worn. For example, the right cup would cover a woman&#39;s right breast. 
     As used herein, when referring to a bra, the terms “left or left side” refer to the left side of the garment as worn. For example, the left cup would cover a woman&#39;s left breast. 
     As used herein, when referring to a bra, the term “front” refers to the portion of the bra that would be covering the front of a woman. For example, the cups are at the front of the bra. 
     As used herein, when referring to a bra, the term “back” refers to the portion of the bra that would be covering the back of a woman. For example, the “closure” is generally located at the back of a bra. 
     As used herein, when referring to a bra, the term “side” refers to the portion of the bra that would be covering the side of woman, such as the area under the arm. For example, at least a portion of the bra band is generally at the side of the bra. Thus, the right side of a bra covers the right side of a woman and the left side of a bra covers the left side of a woman. 
     The bra of the present invention includes two cups and two bra bands, including an inner bra band and an outer bra band. Each bra band is generally made up of two panels, a right bra band panel and a left bra band panel. Each inner bra band panel is attached to the corresponding cup, preferably originating at the bottom center of the cup, and continues in an upward and outward direction around the side of a woman. The inner bra band provides support and lifts the breasts and also reduces the amount of bulging that occurs with a bra with only a single bra band. 
     Each outer bra band panel is coupled to the side portion of the corresponding cup and continues in a horizontal direction around the woman. The outer bra bands can be directly or indirectly attached to the corresponding cup or they can be extensions of the corresponding cup. 
     The inner bra band and the outer bra band may be coupled to each other at the point where the outer bra band is coupled to the cup. In one embodiment, this attachment may continue until the point where the inner bra band is no longer covered by the outer bra band. In another embodiment, this coupling may terminate at a point prior to the point where the inner bra band is no longer covered by the outer bra band. The outer bra band panels “hug” a woman around the sides of her upper rib cage and attach to each other at her spine. 
     In one embodiment, the inner bra band panels may attach to each other. In one embodiment, the attachment is at a woman&#39;s spine, preferably above the point of attachment of the outer bra band panels. A bra may or may not have shoulder straps. If a bra has shoulder straps, in one embodiment the shoulder straps may attach to each other at the woman&#39;s spine and the inner bra band panels may attach to the shoulder straps on each side of the woman&#39;s spine. In another embodiment, the shoulder straps may attach to the inner bra bands and the inner bra bands may attach to each other at a point along the woman&#39;s spine. 
     In other embodiments, the inner bra bands, the outer bra bands, and/or the shoulder straps may be single continuous pieces of material that are coupled to the right cup at one end and to the left cup at the other end. In other words, they may be single panels rather than a combination of right and left panels. In still other embodiments, the inner bra band panels, the outer bra band panels, and/or the shoulder straps may attach at a point other than the woman&#39;s spine. 
     The following figures and description are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that such figures and description are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Further, it will be apparent that the invention may be implemented in other bra styles as well as in swim suits, gym apparel, evening wear, and other garments capable of accommodating a built-in bra. 
       FIGS. 1(   a )- 1 ( cc ) illustrate one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 1(   a ) illustrates the front/right portion of a bra  100 . The left side of the bra will be a mirror image of the right side. Illustrated in  FIG. 1(   a ) is a right cup  110 , a right shoulder strap  120 , a right outer bra band panel  130 , and a right inner bra band panel  140 . The cup  110  may be made of any material suitable for a bra cup and may be of any style. The cup may or may not be molded. In a preferred embodiment, the cup is molded. In one embodiment, the cup has a push up insert. The cup may or may not contain an under wire. In a preferred embodiment, the cup contains an under wire. 
     Attached to the upper portion of the cup  110  is a shoulder strap  120 . The shoulder strap  120  may be attached to any portion of the cup that allows the strap to sit over the woman&#39;s shoulder  150 . Alternatively, the shoulder strap  120  may be coupled to the cup  110  via another portion or portions of the bra  100  that are attached to the cup  110 . In other words, the shoulder strap  120  need not be attached directly to the cup  110 . The shoulder strap  120  may be permanently affixed to the bra  100  or it may be removable. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder strap  120  is removable from the bra  100 . The shoulder strap  120  may be made of any material suitable for a shoulder strap. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder strap  120  is made of a gel material. 
     Also attached to the cup  110  is the outer bra band panel  130 . The outer bra band panel  130  may be attached to any portion of the cup  110  that allows the bra to be held in place. Alternatively, the outer bra band panel  130  may be coupled to the cup with another portion or portions of the bra  100  that are attached to the cup  100 . In other words, the outer bra band panel  130  need not be attached directly to the cup  110 . In a preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1(   a ) the outer bra band  130  is an extension of the cup  110 . In another preferred embodiment, the outer bra band panel  130  originates at the bottom center of the inside of the cup  110 . In a most preferred embodiment, the outer bra band panel  130  originates at the bottom center front of the inside of the cup  110 . The outer bra band panel  130  may be made of any material suitable for an outer bra band. In a preferred embodiment, the outer bra band panels  130  are made of micro-fiber. In a most preferred embodiment, the micro-fiber is a double microfiber material. 
     Attached to the bottom center of the inside of the cup  110  is the inner bra band panel  140 . In a preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panel  140  originates at the bottom center front of the inside of the cup  110 . The inner bra band panel  140  lifts and supports the breast and holds the flesh and skin under a woman&#39;s arm in place. The inner bra band  140  may be attached to any portion of the cup  110  that allows the inner bra band panel  140  to support the breast. Alternatively, the inner bra band panel  140  may be coupled to the cup  110  with another portion or portions of the bra  100  that are attached to the cup  110 . In other words, the inner bra band panel  140  need not be attached directly to the cup  110 . In a preferred embodiment, however, the inner bra band panel  140  is attached to the cup  110 . In a most preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panel  140  is attached to the cup  110  from the point of initial attachment at the bottom of the cup all the way out to the end of the cup. At this point, the inner bra band panel  140  may separate from the bra  100  or, in a preferred embodiment, may be attached to the corresponding outer bra band panel  130 . The inner bra band panel  140  may be made of any material suitable for an inner bra band. In a preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panels  140  are made of micro-fiber. In a most preferred embodiment, the micro-fiber is a double microfiber material. 
     FIG. ( b ) illustrates the back right portion of the bra illustrated in  FIG. 1(   a ). The back left side of the bra will be a mirror image of the right side. In this embodiment, the right outer bra band panel  130  attaches to the left outer bra band panel (not shown) at a point along the spine  160  of the woman. The right and left outer bra band panels may be attached with any mechanism capable of attaching two panels. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a hook  170  and eye (not shown) mechanism. In another embodiment, the outer bra band may be a single panel with no point of attachment. 
     The shoulder straps  120  attach to each other at a point along the spine  160  of the woman above the point of attachment of the outer bra band panels. The right and left shoulder straps may be attached with any mechanism capable of attaching two shoulder straps. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a hook  170  and eye (not shown) mechanism. In another embodiment, the shoulder strap may be a single strap with no point of attachment. The mechanism of attachment may be the same mechanism used to attach the outer bra band panels or it may be a different mechanism. In one embodiment, the shoulder straps contain one or more bones  180  which, among other things, provide rigidity to the shoulder straps  120 . 
     In this embodiment, the inner bra band panel  140  is attached to the outer bra band panel  130  until a portion somewhere between the woman&#39;s spine and her side. The inner bra band panel  140  attaches to the shoulder strap  120  at a point of attachment  190  prior to the point at which the right and left shoulder straps attach to each other. The inner bra band panel  140  may be attached to the shoulder strap  120  by any mechanism capable of attaching them. The attachment may be permanent or it may be removable. 
       FIG. 1(   c ) illustrates the back portion, including the right and left sides, of the bra shown in  FIGS. 1(   a ) and  1 ( b ). 
       FIGS. 1(   d )- 1 ( cc ) illustrate additional views and/or variations of the bra shown in  FIGS. 1(   a )- 1 ( c ). 
       FIGS. 2(   a )- 2 ( q ) illustrate another embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2(   a ) illustrates the front, right portion of a bra  200 . The left side of the bra will be a mirror image of the right side. Illustrated in  FIG. 2(   a ) is a frame  205 , a cup  210 , optional seams  215 , a shoulder strap  220 , a side panel  235 , an inner bra band panel  240 . 
     The frame  205  may surround the cup  210  and other portions of the bra and provide extra support and comfort. The frame  205  may be made of any material capable of providing support and comfort. 
     The cup  210  may be made of any material suitable for a bra cup and may be of any style. The cup may or may not be molded. In one embodiment, the cup has a push up insert. The push up insert can be made of any material capable of pushing up the breast. In a preferred embodiment, the bra does not have a push up insert. The cup may or may not contain an under wire. In a preferred embodiment, the cup does not contain an under wire. The cup may or may not contain one or more seams  215 . In a preferred embodiment the cup contains seams  215 . In a most preferred embodiment, the cup  210  contains a first seam positioned horizontally across the middle of the cup and a second seam positioned vertically from the horizontal seam to the bottom of the cup  210 . 
     Coupled to the upper portion of the cup  210  is a shoulder strap  220 . The shoulder strap  220  may be attached to any portion of the cup that allows the strap to sit over the wearer&#39;s shoulder  250 . Alternatively, the shoulder strap  220  may be coupled to the cup  210  with another portion or portions of the bra that is attached to the cup. In a preferred embodiment, shoulder strap is attached to the frame  205  located at the upper portion of the cup  210 . The shoulder strap  220  may be permanently affixed to the bra  200  or it may be removable. In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder strap  220  is permanently affixed to the bra  200 . The shoulder strap  220  may be made of any material suitable for a shoulder strap  220 . In a preferred embodiment, the shoulder strap  220  is made of a gel material. 
     Also coupled to the cup is the outer bra band panel  230 . The outer bra band panel  230  may be attached to any portion of the cup  210  that allows the bra  200  to be held in place. Alternatively, the outer bra band panel  230  may be coupled to the cup with another portion or portions of the bra  200  that are attached to the cup  210 . In other words, the outer bra band panel  230  need not be attached directly to the cup  210 . In a preferred embodiment, the outer bra band panel  130  originates at the bottom center of the inside of the cup  110 . In a most preferred embodiment, the outer bra band panel  130  originates at the bottom center front of the inside of the cup  110 . In a preferred embodiment, there is a side bone  235  where the cup  210  and the outer bra band panel  230  meet. The side bone  235  helps to keep the width of the bra in place. The size of the side bone  235  may vary depending on the size of a bra  200 . In a preferred embodiment, the side bone is 5 inches long. The outer bra band panel  230  may be made of any material suitable for an outer bra band. In a preferred embodiment, the outer bra band panels  130  are made of micro-fiber. In a most preferred embodiment, the micro-fiber is a double microfiber material. 
     Attached to the bottom center of the inside of the cup is the inner bra band panel  240 . In a preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panel  140  originates at the bottom center front of the inside of the cup  110 . The inner bra band lifts and supports the breast and holds the flesh and skin under the woman&#39;s arm in place. The inner bra band panel  240  may be attached to any portion of the cup that allows the inner bra band panel  240  to support the breast. Alternatively, the inner bra band panel  240  may be coupled to the cup  210  with another portion or portions of the bra  200  that are attached to the cup  210 . In other words, the inner bra band panel  240  need not be attached directly to the cup  210 . In a preferred embodiment, however, the inner bra band panel  240  is attached directly to the cup  210 . In a most preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panel  240  is attached to the cup  210  starting at the bottom of the cup and remaining attached to the cup all the way out to the end of the cup. At this point, the inner bra band may separate from the bra  200  or, in a preferred embodiment, may be attached to the outer bra band. In one embodiment, the inner bra band panel  240  remains attached to the cup  210  and/or the outer bra band panel  230  until it reaches the side bone  235 . The inner bra band panel  240  may be made of any material suitable for an inner bra band. In a preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panel  240  is made of micro-fiber. In a most preferred embodiment, the micro-fiber is a double micro-fiber material. 
       FIG. 2(   b ) illustrates the right side portion of the bra  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2(   a ). The left side of the bra will be a mirror image of the right side. In this embodiment, the outer bra band panel  230  attaches to the bone  230  which is located at the side of the woman. 
     The inner bra band panel  240  may be attached to the cup until it reaches the bone  235 . The inner bra band panel  240  cradles the breast providing lift and support. The inner bra band panel  240  travels up the back and away from the outer bra band  230 . 
       FIG. 2(   c ) illustrates the back right portion of the bra shown in  FIGS. 2(   a ) and  2 ( b ). The back left side of the bra will be a mirror image of the right side. In this embodiment, the right outer bra band panel  230  attaches to the left outer bra band panel (not shown) at a point along the woman&#39;s spine  260 . The right and left outer bra band panels may be attached with any mechanism capable of attaching bra band panels In a preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a hook  270  and eye (not shown) mechanism. In another embodiment, the outer bra band may be a single panel with no point of attachment. 
     The inner bra band panels  240  attach to each other at the spine  260  of the woman at a point above the point of above the point of attachment of the outer bra band panels. In this embodiment, the inner bra band panel  240  travels up the woman&#39;s back and is combined with the corresponding shoulder strap  220  prior to the point where the inner bra band panels attach to each other. The inner bra band panels  240  may be attached to each other by any mechanism capable of attaching them. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism is a hook  270  and eye (not shown) mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the inner bra band may be a single panel with no point of attachment. In one embodiment, the shoulder straps contain one or more bones  280  which provide rigidity to the shoulder straps. 
       FIGS. 2(   d )- 2 ( q ) illustrate additional views and/or variations of the bra shown in  FIGS. 2(   a )- 2 ( c ). 
       FIGS. 3(   a )- 3 ( w ) illustrate a strapless embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 3(   a ) illustrates the left “butterfly” component of the strapless embodiment  300  including the inside bra band panel  330 , an inside bra band panel bone  325 , a side bone  335 , the outside bra band panel  340 , an outside bra band panel bone  345 , and hooks  370  and eyes  375 . The size of the side bone may vary depending on the size of the bra, but in a preferred embodiment the side bone is 5 inches long. 
       FIG. 3(   b ) illustrates the front portion of two alternative versions of the strapless embodiment. One version is shown covering the right breast and another version is shown covering the left breast. The differences between the version shown on the right side and the left side are for illustration only of two alternative versions. In an actual garment, the right and left sides would be mirror images of each other.  FIG. 3(   b ) illustrates cups  310 , an inner bra band panels  340 , a side bone  335 , and optional seams  315 . 
     The cups  310  may be made of any material suitable for a bra cup. The cups may or may not be molded. In one embodiment, the cup has a push up insert. The push up insert can be made of any material capable of pushing up the breast. The cup may or may not contain an under wire. 
     Attached to the bottom center of the cups are the inner bra band panels  340 . The inner bra band panels  340  lift and supports the breasts and hold the flesh and skin under the woman&#39;s arm in place. The inner bra band panels  340  may be attached to any portion of the cup  310  that allow the inner bra band panels  340  to support the breasts. Alternatively, the inner bra band panels  340  may be coupled to the cups  310  with another portion or portions of the bra  300  that is attached to the cup  310 . In other words, the inner bra band panels  340  need not be attached directly to the cups  310 . In a preferred embodiment, however, the inner bra band panels  340  are attached to the cups  310 . In a preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panels  340  are attached to the cups  310  starting at the bottom center of the inside of the cups and remain attached to the cups all the way out to the end of the cups. In another preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panels  340  are attached to the cups  310  starting at the bottom center front of the inside of the cups and remain attached to the cups all the way out to the end of the cups. The inner bra band panels  340  may be made of any material suitable for an inner bra band panel. In a preferred embodiment, the inner bra band panels  340  are made of micro-fiber. In a most preferred embodiment, the micro-fiber is a double micro-fiber material. 
       FIG. 3(   c ) illustrates the right side portion of the bra illustrated in  FIG. 3(   b ).  FIG. 3(   c ) shows the relationship among the cup  310 , the outer inner bra band panel  330 , and the outer bra band panel  340 . 
       FIG. 3(   d ) illustrates the back left portion of bra shown in  FIGS. 3(   b ) and  3 ( c ). In this embodiment, the left and right outer bra band panels attach to each other at a point along the woman&#39;s spine  260 . The left and right outer bra band panels  340  can be attached with any mechanism capable of attaching bra band panels. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a hook  370  and eye (not shown) mechanism. In another embodiment, the outer bra band may be a single panel with no point of attachment. 
     The right and left inner bra band panels attach to each other at the woman&#39;s spine  260  at a point above the point of attachment of the left and right outer bra band panels. The point of attachment of the outer bra band and the point of the attachment of the inner bra band may overlap. The inner bra band panels may be attached to each other by any mechanism capable of attaching them. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism is a hook  340  and eye (not shown) mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the inner bra band may be a single panel with no point of attachment. 
     The side of the bra may contain a side bone  335  for additional support and structure. The size of the side bone may vary depending on the size of the bra. In a preferred embodiment, the side bone is 5 inches long. In addition, the outer bra band may contain bones  345  for additional support and structure. In addition, the inner bra band may contain bones  325  for additional support and structure. 
       FIGS. 3(   e )- 1 ( w ) illustrate additional views and/or variations of the bra shown in  FIGS. 3(   a )- 3 ( d ). 
       FIGS. 4(   a )- 4 ( f ) are sketches illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIGS. 5(   a )- 5 ( lll ) are sketches illustrating a strapless embodiment of the invention.