Patent Publication Number: US-8123587-B2

Title: Convertible bra

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/162,955, entitled CONVERTIBLE BRA, filed 24 Mar. 2009, the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by its reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of intimate apparel, and more particularly to a brassiere having easily detachable and interchangeable cups. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Brassieres themselves are a very mature art, dating to the early 19 th  century in the US alone. However, there remains a need in the art for a brassiere having removable cups and a set including a brassiere frame to which one of several removable cups may be attached, to select among various fashion selections, and/or chose from among plural size and shapes of cup for the various effects these provide to the wearer. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a brassiere garment having interchangeable cup portions. Cups may be interchanged in order to provide alternate shaping options that a variety of cups can provide, or alternate fashion options, without the need to produce and purchase an entire different and new brassiere structure. 
     Therefore, according to the present disclosure, an intimate apparel apparatus includes a brassiere frame with a chest band for securing the brassiere frame to the wearer, and a first arcuate recess in the brassiere frame for receiving a first detachable brassiere cup. A first arcuate channel is located along the edge of first arcuate recess. A first detachable brassiere cup has a first arcuate latch at a perimeter thereof. The first arcuate latch and the first arcuate channel are slidably engageable with one another, and have substantially identical cross sections, such that the first arcuate latch and the first arcuate channel resist transverse separation from each other when slidably engaged. The arcuate latch and the arcuate channel are optionally concealed or concealable, in a front view, by material of the brassiere frame or the first detachable brassiere cup. 
     The cross section of the first arcuate latch and the first arcuate channel may include a spiral portion, optionally having a lip relatively greater thickness at its end. The cross section may alternately include a pair of substantially parallel walls, optionally having a closed end to which the substantially parallel walls are each attached. A lip section of relatively greater thickness may be provided at an end of at least one of the substantially parallel walls. Where a closed end and a lip are provided, the lip section may extend into an area bounded by the closed end and the substantially parallel walls. The distance between the nearest points of the substantially parallel walls, including any lip, may be set to no greater than about the largest thickness of either of the substantially the parallel walls, including any lip. 
     The engageable ends of the first arcuate latch and/or the first arcuate channel may be provided with a surface treatment to enhance their visibility, for example contrasting color, thereby facilitating their sliding engagement. A similar color may be applied to both engageable ends. The color applied to the engageable ends of the first and second detachable cups and corresponding channels may be distinguished from each other, but similar between the matched latch and channel. 
     Further provided according to the instant disclosure is an intimate apparel set, including at least one brassiere garment as described above, and additionally having further pair or pairs of detachable brassiere cups, interchangeable with those already described. The plurality of detachable brassiere cup pairs may each comprise a distinguished style, size, shape, color material, or pattern from the other detachable brassiere cup pairs in the set. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       These and other features, benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like structures across the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a boxed brassiere set according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a brassiere according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the brassiere according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in an alternate configuration having one brassiere cup removed 
         FIG. 4  is an end view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b ,  5   c  and  5   d  illustrate a progression of engaging a detachable brassiere cup with the brassiere frame according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6 , illustrates a rear view of a detachable brassiere cup according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a latch according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a channel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  illustrate the engagement of a latch and channel with one another according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating unattached and attached states, respectively; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front elevation view the brassiere according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, having one detachable brassiere cup removed; 
         FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  illustrate a first alternate configurations for the latch and channel, in unattached and attached states, respectively; 
         FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  illustrate a second alternate configuration for the latch and channel, in unattached and attached states, respectively; 
         FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  illustrate a third alternate configuration for the latch and channel, in unattached and attached states, respectively; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a partial front elevation view of a further embodiment of a brassiere according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15   a  illustrates a front elevation view of a pair of detachable brassiere cups in a first style; 
         FIG. 15   b  illustrates a front elevation view of the first style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame; 
         FIG. 15   c  illustrates a rear elevation view of the first style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame; 
         FIG. 16   a  illustrates a front elevation view of a pair of detachable brassiere cups in a second style; 
         FIG. 16   b  illustrates a front elevation view of the second style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame; 
         FIG. 16   c  illustrates a rear elevation view of the second style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame; 
         FIG. 17   a  illustrates a front elevation view of a pair of detachable brassiere cups in a third style; 
         FIG. 17   b  illustrates a front elevation view of the third style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame; 
         FIG. 17   c  illustrates a rear elevation view of the third style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame; 
         FIG. 18   a  illustrates a front elevation view of a pair of detachable brassiere cups in a fourth style; 
         FIG. 18   b  illustrates a front elevation view of the fourth style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame; 
         FIG. 18   c  illustrates a rear elevation view of the fourth style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame; 
         FIG. 19   a  illustrates a front elevation view of a pair of detachable brassiere cups in a fifth style; 
         FIG. 19   b  illustrates a front elevation view of the fifth style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame; 
         FIG. 19   c  illustrates a rear elevation view of the fifth style of detachable brassiere cups installed in a brassiere frame; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates brassiere according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a rear exploded assembly view of the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  shows a detachable brassiere cup according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 23  shows a detachable side and back panel of a brassiere according to the third embodiment; and 
         FIG. 24  shows a partial exploded assembly view of the brassiere cup and side and back panel of the third embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is a boxed brassiere set, generally  100 , including a bra frame  102  matched sets of detachable brassiere cups  104   a  and  104   b ,  106   a  and  106   b ,  108   a  and  108   b . In this instance, the set is packaged in a box  110 , optionally transparent, as in this case, and further optionally including a hanger hook  112  for display and sale. Hanger hook  112  may be selectively removable. As will be explained in more detail herein, any of brassiere cups  104   a  and  104   b ,  106   a  and  106   b ,  108   a  and  108   b  are selectively attachable to or detachable from bra frame  102 . Alternately, the brassiere according to the present disclosure may be sold as a complete individual unit, i.e. having a bra frame  102 , a single pair of cups  104   a  and  104   b ,  106   a  and  106   b , or  108   a  and  108   b , and optionally a pair of straps  126   a ,  126   b . Any part of the set  100 , or matched parts such as cups or straps, may also be packaged and marketed separately. 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 2  is a brassiere  120 , according to the present disclosure. It includes a bra frame  122 , to which a pair of detachable brassiere cups  124   a ,  124   b  are attached. Brassiere  120  also includes a pair of straps  126   a ,  126   b , extending from the cups  124   a ,  124   b , respectively, to a chest band wing panel  128   a ,  128   b , respectively. Straps  126   a ,  126   b  are preferably selectively detachable from either or both the corresponding chest bands  128   a ,  128   b , and/or cups  124   a ,  124   b . Moreover straps  126   a ,  126   b , if detachable, may be reconfigured in either crossover or halter fashion. Chest bands  128   a ,  128   b  may be secured to one another by corresponding hook  103   b  and eye  130   a  closure parts, or alternately hook-and-loop (e.g., VELCRO), button-and-eye, snaps, or the like. 
     Turning then to  FIG. 3 , illustrated is the brassiere  120  in an different configuration. Specifically, cup  124   b  is removed from frame  122 , and strap  126   b  is detached from cup  124   b . Also shown are the channel  132   b , which is secured along and adjacent to an edge of the recess  134   b  of the bra frame  122 , recess  134   b  being formed to receive the detachable cup  124   b . Channel  132   b  slidably receives a latch  136   b , latch  136   b  being secured along and adjacent to a lower edge of the cup  124   b . Optionally, embedded within the cup  124   b  is a support underwire  138   b  (shown in hidden line).  FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the channel  132   b  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . In particular, the channel  132   b  includes a lip  140  extending partially across the channel opening  142  from either or both sides of the inner channel wall  144 . The lip  140  aids in engaging and retaining the corresponding latch  138   b . The description of the this one side of the brassiere  120  will be understood as sufficient to describe the opposing side, e.g. cup which is generally symmetrical across a vertical plane bisecting the brassiere  120 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b ,  5   c  and  5   d , the method of engaging the cup  124   b  with the bra frame  122 . As shown in  FIG. 5   a , a first end  150   b  of latch  136   b  is brought into engagement with an opposite end  152   b  of the corresponding channel  132   b . With reference to  FIGS. 5   b ,  5   c , the latch  136   b  is slidably inserted into the channel  132   b  by generally rotating the cup  124   b . With reference to  FIG. 5   d , the cup  124   b  is in position when the first end  150   b  is brought into alignment with a corresponding end  156  of the channel  132   b.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , illustrated is a rear side of cup  124   b . Visible from the rear is a loop  160   b  by which the strap  126   b  is removably attached. Underwire  138   b  (shown in hidden line) is contained within a fabric casing  162   b . Latch  138   b  may be secured to the cup  124   b  by stitching between the casing  162   b  and the cup fabric  166   b . As shown in  FIG. 6 , pre-formed holes  164   b  may be provided in the latch  136   b  to facilitate the stitching. Alternately, the latch  136   b  may be secured by thermal or adhesive joining means, or any suitable joining technique as used in garment manufacture. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a latch  136   b . Latch  136   b  is generally arcuate in shape and has a span dimension  165 , a depth dimension  167 , and a circumferential dimension  169 . In an exemplary embodiment, span dimension  165  is about 5.25 inches, depth dimension  167  is about 2.5 inches, and circumferential dimension  169  is about 7.5 inches. These specific dimensions are, of course, subject to change with various sizes of bra  120  and specifically cup  124   b , or to change in general without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a sample channel  132   b . Channel  132   b  may also include pre-formed holes  168   b  to facilitate stitching, and/or be secured to the bra frame  122  by other suitable joining technique already mentioned with respect to the latch  136   b . Both latch  136   b  and channel  132   b  (and their counterparts latch  136   a  and channel  132   a  of the opposing cup  124   a ) are preferably positioned to be concealed by the material of cup  124   b  and/or frame  122 , for example inward with respect to the wearer&#39;s body and behind, when the latch  136   b  and channel  132   b  are engaged with one another, in order to provide a pleasing overall appearance. This is illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 14 . 
     In certain embodiments end  150   b  of the latch  136   b  and end  152   b  of channel  132   b  may given a surface treatment to visually distinguish them from the remainder of the structure. One such surface treatment may be color-coding, for example like-colored, in order to indicate their attachment to engage the cup  124   b  with the bra frame  122 , and distinguished from the colored ends of the opposing cup  124   a , which are themselves color-matched with one another. Alternately, the color may be simply to distinguish from the surrounding material of the bras  120  and its parts in order to facilitate visual alignment and engagement of the latch  136   b  and channel  132   b . Further, a locking mechanism, such as a tab, hasp, or the like, may be provided to secure the latch  136   b  within the channel  132   b  when they are fully engaged with one another, i.e., end  150   b  positioned adjacent end  156   b  with latch  136   b  slidably engaged with channel  132   b . A pressure on the locking a tab, hasp, or the like, or alternately on the channel  132   b  of latch in the vicinity of the a tab, hasp, or the like, would be sufficient to release the latch from the channel and permit the disengagement latch  136   b  from the channel  132   b , and thus the cup  124   b  from the bra frame  122 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , illustrated generally is the engagement of the latch  136   b  and the channel  132   b  with one another, by illustrating both unattached and attached states, respectively. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , illustrated in a front elevation view is the brassiere  120  according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, having one cup  124   b  removed. The cup  124   b  is attached generally as described above with reference to  FIGS. 4   a - 4   d . Also visible in  FIG. 9  is a rear loop  170   b , where a strap  126   b  (not shown) may be removably attached to the chest band  128 . A similar loop (obscured by cup  124   a ) may be provided on an opposing side of the chest band  128  from the detachable attachment of strap  126   a  thereto. Shown for the first time in  FIG. 10  is an optional center front closure  172 . With the provision of a center front closure  172 , hook  103   b  and eye  130   a  closure parts (or their substitutes) may be optionally omitted, and a unitary chest band  128  formed in place of divided wing panels  128   a ,  128   b.    
     In addition to  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b ,  FIGS. 11   a - 11   b ,  12   a - 12   b , and  13   a - 13   b  illustrate a variety of configurations for the latch and channel, in corresponding unattached and attached positions, respectively. In  FIGS. 11   a - 11   b , latch  236  and channel  232  are essentially identical, distinguished primarily by their placement, whether attached to brassiere cup  124   a ,  124   b , or bra frame  122 . Latch  236  (and channel  232 ) exhibit a flange  280  to facilitate connection with the corresponding cup  124   a ,  124   b  or bra frame  122 . A generally u-shaped channel includes parallel walls  282 ,  284 , each attached to a closed end  283 . A lip  286  extends inward from the walls  282 ,  284 , and preferably, as in this case, into the channel as well. The gap between the walls  282 ,  284 , including any lip  286 , in preferably no greater than the thickness of the wall  282 ,  284  of the counterpart latch or channel, including any lip  286 . Thereby, the latch and the channel, once slidably engaged, resist transverse separation from each other. The material of the latch  236  and channel  232  is resilient, having some degree of flexibility, for example plastic or metal. 
       FIGS. 12   a - 12   b  illustrate latch  332  having a generally polygonal cross-section, in this case triangular, prismatically extended. Corresponding channel  336  includes side walls  384  angled inward towards a vertical centerline of the cross-section, preferably also including an inwardly extending lip  386 . Other polygonal shapes aside from triangular may be substituted, for the latch  332 , with corresponding adjustment to the shape of the channel  336 . Latch  332  and channel  336  may be interchangeably located on either the cup portion or the bra frame portion. 
       FIGS. 13   a - 13   b  illustrate a further embodiment of the latch and channel. In this embodiment, latch  436  and channel  432  are essentially identical, distinguished essentially by their placement, whether cup  124   a ,  124   b  or bra frame  122 . Latch  436  (and channel  432 ) also exhibit a flange  480  to facilitate connection with the corresponding cup  124   a ,  124   b  or bra frame  122 . The flange extends into an inward spiral  488 , optionally with a lip  486  of greater thickness. Channel  432  and latch  436  are again engaged with one another slidably, as generally described above, while resisting their transverse separation once slidably engaged. The embodiments of  FIGS. 11   a - 11   b , and  13   a - 13   b  have as advantages that they are essentially identical for both sides of the connection, reducing the manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts that must be manufactured. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 15   a - 15   c ,  16   a - 16   c ,  17   a - 17   c ,  18   a - 18   c , and  19   a - 19   c , illustrated are a variety of support and fashion choices that can be present by various interchangeable cup designs with a single bra frame. For example,  FIGS. 15   a - 15   c  shows an lightly padded cup style, cups  224   a ,  224   b .  FIG. 15   a  shows cups  224   a ,  224   b .  FIG. 15   b  shows cups  224   a ,  224   b , the cups attached to the bra  120  in front elevation view.  FIG. 15   c  shows the cups  224   a ,  224   b  attached to the bra  120  in rear elevation view. This view convention continues for  FIGS. 16   a - 16   c ,  17   a - 17   c ,  18   a - 18   c , and  19   a - 19   c .  FIGS. 16   a - 16   c  show sheer moulded cups  324   a ,  324   b , including a scalloped edge finish  325   a ,  325   b , respectively, at the upper edge of each cup  324   a ,  324   b .  FIGS. 17   a - 17   c  illustrate a so-called balconette cup  424   a ,  424   b . Balconette cups  424   a ,  424   b  each including removable ‘cookies’, e.g.,  426   a , or pads which the wearer can choose to insert or remove from the cup, e.g., cup  424   a , through opening e.g.  428   a , as desired. The opposing cup  424   b  would be provided with similar cookie (not shown) and opening  428   b .  FIGS. 18   a - 18   c  illustrate padded push-up cups  524   a ,  524   b , i.e., having more padding and consequently more lift than the lightly padded cups  224   a ,  224   b  of  FIGS. 15   a - 15   c .  FIGS. 19   a - 19   c  illustrate demi cups  624   a ,  624   b , e.g., one having a lower cut of neckline than other full cup styles. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. In this embodiment, brassiere  720  includes a cup assembly  721 , including a pair of brassiere cups  724   a ,  724   b , connected with one another by a bridge  725 , alternately or additionally having a releasable front center closure  770 . On an inside (with respect to the wearer) of an lateral outer edge of each cup  724   a ,  724   b , a plurality of closures  736   a ,  736   b  connect the cup assembly  721  with a seamless tubular back  728 . Straps  726   a ,  726   b , selectively detachable from either or both cup assembly  721  and seamless tubular back  728 , may also connect the cup assembly  721  generally at a top of each cup  724   a ,  724   b , with the tubular back  728 . Alternately, back portion  728  may also include a conventional closure (not shown), for example hook-and-eye or alternative described elsewhere herein. 
     Turning then to  FIG. 21 , the cup assembly  721 , with straps  726   a ,  726   b  still attached thereto, is shown detached from the back portion  728  of the brassiere  720 . The back portion  728  may include a loops  770   a ,  770   b  for receiving the releasable straps  726   a ,  726   b , as described with respect to earlier embodiments. Closures  736   a ,  736   b  are illustrated as snaps connecting the cup assembly  721  to the back portion  728  with corresponding structure  732   a ,  732   b , which can be substituted for hook-and-eye closures, other closure styles noted elsewhere, or a zipper. 
     Turning then to  FIG. 22 , note that the snaps  736   b  connecting the cup assembly  721  with the back portion  728  may be integrated along an underwire channel  762   b . Four snaps are illustrated, though more or fewer may be suitable or desired.  FIG. 22  also shows a loop  760  at the cup  724   b  for receiving the releasable strap  726   b . Alternately, a snap, hook-and-eye, or other releasable closure (e.g., hook-and-loop, known by the trade name VELCRO) may be substituted in this or other embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the manner of attaching the back portion  728  to the cup assembly  721  is shown. Notwithstanding the curvature of the cup  724   a ,  724   b , the underwire, or the curved nature of the snaps, hooks, etc., located thereon, the back portion  728  may simply rectangular. Elasticity of the back portion  728  can account for the difference in shapes at the joining. Alternately, the cup assembly  721  and the back portion  728  may be tailored to fit with one another. The snaps on the back portion  728  may be located on an outward surface thereof, with respect to the wearer, to meet the inner surface of the cup assembly  721  having the corresponding closure structure  736   a ,  736   b . Thereby, the snaps are prevented from causing any discomfort to the wearer. 
     Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.