Patent Publication Number: US-2021186126-A1

Title: Brassiere

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/EP2019/074513, filed Sep. 13, 2019 which claims priority to UK Application No. GB 1815037.5, filed Sep. 14, 2018 (granted Sep. 30, 2020 as GB2577116), under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a). Each of the above referenced patent applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to brassieres, also known as bras. In particular, the present invention relates to adjustable bras, such as adjustable sports bras. 
     Description of the Related Technology 
     It has been shown that not undertaking regular exercise can have a detrimental effect of mental and physical health. There is therefore a general interest in increasing the number of people participating in regular physical activity. 
     Participation levels of females taking part in regular physical activity declines rapidly during their teenage years. Up to half of girls stop playing sport when they reach puberty, which can lead to a lifetime of inactivity and thus associated health issues. As such, it is desirable to encourage female teenagers to continue participation in sport as they mature to adulthood. Studies have shown that females are discouraged from exercising for a number of reasons, including body image concerns, discomfort and embarrassment. In particular, up to half of girls say that their breasts are affecting their participation in sport and exercise. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brassiere comprising: left and right bust sections, each comprising a top section and a bottom section; a rear member having a first end and a second end and configured to be adjustable in length to vary a distance between the first end and the second end; left and right shoulder straps connecting the top section of each of the left and right bust sections to the first end of the rear member; a chest band connecting the bottom section of each of the left and right bust sections to the second end of the rear member; and first and second adjustment mechanisms for adjusting a length of the chest band. The first and second adjustment mechanisms are positioned on respective first and second sides of the second end of the rear member. 
     Optionally, the second end of the rear member comprises one or more channels, and the chest band is configured to pass freely through the one or more channels to connect the chest band to the second end of the rear member. 
     Optionally, the chest band comprises left and right portions extending from the respective left and right bust sections to the second end of the rear member. A free end of the left portion of the chest band may be configured to pass through a first channel of the one or more channels, fold back on a remainder of the left portion of the chest band, and releasably attach to the remainder of the left portion of the chest band to provide the first adjustment mechanism. A free end of the right portion of the chest band may be configured to pass through a second channel of the one or more channels, fold back on a remainder of the right portion of the chest band, and releasably attach to the remainder of the right portion of the chest band to provide the second adjustment mechanism. 
     Optionally, at least one of the first and second adjustment mechanisms provides adjustment of the length of the chest band in discrete intervals. 
     Optionally, the left portion of the chest band comprises a first plurality of engagers arranged at intervals on the remainder of the left portion of the chest band, and a first engagement device at the free end of the left portion of the chest band for engaging with any one of the first plurality of engagers, and the right portion of the chest band comprises a second plurality of engagers arranged at intervals on the remainder of the right portion of the chest band, and a second engagement device at the free end of the right portion of the chest band for engaging with any one of the second plurality of engagers. 
     Optionally, each of the first plurality of engagers is a receiver that is configured to receive and retain the first engagement device, and each of the second plurality of engagers is a receiver that is configured to receive and retain the second engagement device. Optionally, each of the first and second engagement devices comprises a swan hook, and the first and second pluralities of engagers comprise pockets to receive the respective swan hook. 
     Optionally, the left and right bust sections are joined by a releasable fastener. Optionally, the releasable fastener comprises a locking mechanism. Optionally, the releasable fastener comprises a zip. 
     Optionally, the rear member comprises a slider for adjusting the length of the rear member. 
     Optionally, the left and right shoulder straps are adjustable in length. 
     Optionally, the chest band comprises elastic or is elastically deformable. 
     Optionally, each of the left and right bust sections comprises a wicking material. 
     Optionally, the brassiere is a sports brassiere. 
     Optionally, each of the left and right bust sections is configured to receive a cup insert. Optionally, each of the left and right bust sections comprises an inner lining comprising an opening to receive the cup insert. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising: a brassiere according to the first aspect of the present invention, and a plurality of cup inserts for insertion in the bust sections of the brassiere. The plurality of cup inserts are of different sizes. 
     Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a front view of a sports bra according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  shows a rear view of the sports bra of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the invention aim to provide a bra suitable for pubescent females. The female body goes through many changes during this time of life, including increases in height, chest circumference and bust size. These changes take place at different times and at different rates, meaning it can be difficult to find suitable and comfortable clothing, particularly for sports. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a bra with adjustability in a plurality of directions. 
       FIG. 1  shows a front view of a sports bra  1  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sports bra  1  comprises a left bust section  10  and a right bust section  20 , which are configured to cover the respective left and right sides of the bust of the wearer in use. In some embodiments, the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  extend at least partially around the respective left and right sides of the wearer in use. The left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  may be configured to engage with the bust of the user, and may be configured to support the bust in use. 
     The left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  are connected to each other. In some embodiments, the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  are releasably connected to each other by a releasable fastener  30 , which allows the sports bra  1  to be secured in position from the front. Provision of the releasable fastener  30  at the front of the sports bra  1  allows for adjustment of the sports bra  1  prior to the user putting the sports bra  1  on, rather than having to adjust the sports bra  1  whilst wearing the sports bra  1 , which may be awkward. The releasable fastener  30  allows the user to quickly put on the sports bra  1  or take off the sports bra  1 , without having to release or adjust any adjustment mechanism comprised in the sports bra  1 . The sports bra  1  can therefore be left in the preferred adjusted configuration until the user wants to change the fit. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the releasable fastener  30  comprises a zip  32 . A first portion  33  of the zip  32  is fixedly attached to the left bust section  10  and a co-operable second portion  34  of the zip  32  is fixedly attached to the right bust section  20 . In other embodiments, by way of example only, the releasable faster  30  may instead comprise a snap fastening, a hook and loop system such as Velcro®, or one or more buttons. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the releasable fastener  30  comprises a locking mechanism  36  configured to prevent premature opening of the zip  32 . For example, a lever may be provided to impede opening of the zip  32  when the lever is in a locked position. Such a locking mechanism  36  may help to increase the confidence of the wearer in the sports bra  1 , without requiring a complicated releasable fastener  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the releasable fastener  30  comprises an inner lining (not shown) to help protect the wearer from experiencing discomfort caused by contact between the releasable fastener  30  and the wearer&#39;s skin. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the zip  32  comprises an inner lining (not shown) extending along the length of the zip  32  on the inner side of the sports bra  1 . 
     In other embodiments, the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  may be permanently connected to one another. For example, the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  may be formed from one piece of material. For example, the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  may be adhered or mechanically connected (e.g. sewn) together. 
     Each of the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  comprises a top section  12 ,  22  and a bottom section  14 ,  24 . The top section  12  of the left bust section  10  is connected to a first end  42  of a left shoulder strap  40 , and the top section  22  of the right bust section  20  is connected to a first end  52  of a right shoulder strap  50 . The left and right shoulder straps  40 ,  50  are configured, in use, to extend over the shoulders from the front to the rear of the body of the wearer. In some embodiments, the lengths of the left and right shoulder straps  40 ,  50  are independently adjustable, for example by a sliding mechanism (not shown). 
     The bottom sections  14 ,  24  of the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  are connected to a chest band  60 . In use, the chest band  60  encircles the chest of the wearer below the bust. In some embodiments, the chest band  60  comprises elastic or is elastically deformable. In some embodiments, the chest band  60  comprises a polyamide, such as nylon, and/or a polyurethane, such as spandex or elastane. In some embodiments, the chest band  60  comprises rubber or latex. In some embodiments, the chest band  60  comprises material which, when subjected to a weight of 500 g, stretches by between 15% and 80%. In some embodiments, the chest band  60  comprises material which, when subjected to a weight of 500 g, stretches by between 35% and 55%. Such a material enables the chest band  60  to conform to the shape of the wearer to provide support and a snug fit, without inhibiting movement of the wearer. In some embodiments, the chest band  60  has a width of 15 mm to 80 mm For example, the chest band  60  may have a width of approximately 40 mm. 
       FIG. 2  shows a back view of the sports bra  1  of  FIG. 1 . The sports bra  1  comprises a rear member  70  having first and second ends  72 ,  74  and configured to be adjustable in length to vary a distance between the first and second ends  72 ,  74 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the rear member  70  is continuously adjustable within a defined range of adjustment, for example by a sliding mechanism  76 . In other embodiments, by way of example only, the rear member  70  may be adjustable by a hook and loop system such as Velcro®. In some embodiments, the rear member  70  is adjustable in discrete increments. Adjustment of the rear member  70  can help to improve the comfort of the sports bra  1  following an increase in height of the wearer. 
     The first end  72  of the rear member  70  is connected to a second end  44  of the left shoulder strap  40  and a second end  54  of the right shoulder strap  50 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the second end  44  of the left shoulder strap  40  is connected to the second end  54  of the right shoulder strap  50 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the left shoulder strap  40  and the right shoulder strap  50  merge at their respective second ends  44 ,  54 , so that the second ends  44 ,  54  are a common second end. In some embodiments, the left shoulder strap  40 , the right shoulder strap  50  and the rear member  70  are formed from a single piece of material. 
     The second end  74  of the rear member  70  is connected to the chest band  60 . In some embodiments, the rear member  70  is fixedly attached to the chest band  60 . For example, the rear member  70  may be adhered or mechanically attached (e.g. sewn) to the chest band  60 . In other embodiments, the rear member  70  is movably connected to the chest band  60 . For example, in this embodiment the second end  74  of the rear member  70  comprises a first hoop  80  defining a first channel and a second hoop  82  defining a second channel, and the chest band  60  freely passes through the first and second channels. The hoops  80 ,  82  are depicted as flattened loops in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, the hoops  80 ,  82  may be any other shape suitable for connecting the rear member  70  to the chest band  60 . In some other embodiments, one or each of the hoops  80 ,  82  may be replaced by another member defining a channel, such as a U-shaped or a C-shaped member. 
     The sports bra  1  comprises first and second adjustment mechanisms for adjusting a length of the chest band  60 . This can help to accommodate an increase in chest circumference of a wearer. Providing first and second adjustment mechanisms as opposed to a single adjustment mechanism increases the available range of adjustment in the length of the chest band  60 , thus increasing the amount of growth of the wearer that the same sports bra  1  can accommodate. In some embodiments, the length of the chest band  60  can be adjusted by up to 5 inches via the first and second adjustment mechanisms. The first and second adjustment mechanisms are positioned on respective first and second sides  78 ,  79  of the second end  74  of the rear member  70 . The rear member  70  is thus located between the first and second adjustment mechanisms. This allows even or uneven adjustment of the chest band  60  on either side of the rear member  70 , as may be required to help maintain alignment of the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  with the bust. 
     In some embodiments, such as that illustrated, the chest band  60  comprises a left portion  61  extending from the left bust section  10  to the second end  74  of the rear member  70 , and a right portion  65  extending from the right bust section  20  to the second end  74  of the rear member  70 . In some embodiments, the left and right portions  61 ,  65  comprise respective bands. In some embodiments, such as that illustrated, the free end  62  of the left portion  61  of the chest band  60  passes through the first channel defined by the first hoop  80  and is folded back on a remainder of the left portion  61  of the chest band  60  in use. In some embodiments, such as that illustrated, the free end  66  of the right portion  65  of the chest band  60  passes through the second channel defined by the second hoop  82  and is folded back on a remainder of the right portion  65  of the chest band  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, free ends  62 ,  66  of the respective left and right portions  61 ,  65  of the chest band  60  are releasably attached to the remainders of the left and right portions  61 ,  65  of the chest band  60  to provide the respective first and second adjustment mechanisms. 
     The first and second adjustment mechanisms may provide continuous adjustment of the length of the chest band  60  within a defined range of adjustment. In some embodiments, the first and second adjustment mechanisms may comprise a hook and loop system such as Velcro®. For example, the left and right free ends  62 ,  66  may each comprise a plurality of hooks on a surface facing the remainder of the respective left and right portion  61 ,  65  of the chest band  60 , and the remainder of the respective left and right portions  61 ,  65  of the chest band  60  each comprise a plurality of loops on a surface facing the respective plurality of hooks. In other embodiments, the locations of the hooks and loops may be reversed. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second adjustment mechanisms provide adjustment of the length of the chest band  60  in discrete intervals. This can be advantageous compared to continuous adjustment because the discrete intervals may help to ensure even adjustment of the chest band  60  on either side of the rear member  70 . For example, the first adjustment mechanism may comprise a first plurality of engagers  63  arranged at, e.g. regular, intervals on the remainder of the left portion  61  of the chest band  60 , and a first engagement device  64  at the free end  62  of the left portion  61  of the chest band  60  for engaging with any one of the first plurality of engagers  63 . In this embodiment, each of the first plurality of engagers  63  is a receiver configured to be able to receive and retain the first engagement device  64 . The second adjustment mechanism may comprise a second plurality of engagers  67  arranged at, e.g. regular, intervals on the remainder of the right portion  65  of the chest band  60 , and a second engagement device  68  at the free end  66  of the second portion  65  of the chest band  60  for engaging with any one of the second plurality of engagers  67 . In this embodiment, each of the second plurality of engagers  67  is a receiver configured to be able to receive and retain the second engagement device  68 . 
     Each of the first and second plurality of engagers  63 ,  67  may comprise, by way of example only: a loop, a pocket, a hole, or a first part of a two-part snap fastener. By way of example only, each of the first and second engagement devices  64 ,  68  may comprise: a hook, a button, or a second part of a two-part snap fastener. 
     In use, the first engagement device  64  engages one of the first plurality of engagers  63 . Engaging the first engagement device  64  in the furthest of the first plurality of engagers  63  from the rear member  70  provides the tightest configuration of the first adjustment mechanism. In use, the second engagement device  68  engages one of the second plurality of engagers  67 . Engaging the second engagement device  68  in the furthest of the second plurality of engagers  67  from the rear member  70  provides the tightest configuration of the second adjustment mechanism. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the first and second engagement device  64 ,  68  are swan hooks. Each of the remainders of the respective left and right portions  61 ,  65  of the chest band  60  comprises engagers in the form of a plurality of, e.g. equally-spaced, pockets configured to receive the respective swan hook to adjust the length of the chest band  60 . 
     Other configurations may be employed to provide the first and second adjustment mechanisms. For example, the second plurality of engagers  67  may be configured to engage with the first engagement device  64  and/or vice versa, so that the free ends  62 ,  66  of the left and right portions  61 ,  65  of the chest band  60  cross over each other at the rear of the sports bra  1  (not shown). In an example, one of the left and right portions  61 ,  65  of the chest band  60  may comprise an aperture between the plurality of engagers  63 ,  67  and the engagement device  64 ,  68 , through which the other of the left and right portions  61 ,  65  of the chest band  60  passes (not shown). 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  and the rear member  70  is formed from a wicking material, such as polyester. Preferably, the wicking material is elastic or elastically deformable. By way of example, at least one of the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  and the rear member  70  may comprise Lycra®. Such materials provide comfort and support to a wearer, whilst helping to keep the wearer cooler during participation in physical activity. In some embodiments, the left and right shoulder straps  40 ,  50  comprise the same material as the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20 . In some embodiments, the left and right shoulder straps  40 ,  50  comprise the same material at the rear member  70 . In some embodiments, the left and right shoulder straps  40 ,  50  comprise the same material as the chest band  60 . In some embodiments, the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  and the left and right shoulder straps  40 ,  50  are integrally formed or unitary. 
     Cup inserts (denoted by dotted lines  18 ,  28  in  FIG. 2 ) may help to improve the bust support provided by the sports bra  1 . In some embodiments, the left and right bust  10 ,  20  sections may be configured to receive respective cup inserts  18 ,  28 . For example, a bust section  10 ,  20  may be configured to releasably secure a cup insert  18 ,  28  to an inner surface  11 ,  21  of the bust section  10 ,  20 . Cup inserts  18 ,  28  can also assist in improving the aesthetic of the sports bra  1 , which may help to encourage teenagers to wear the sports bra  1  and therefore participate in physical activity. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , at least part of each of the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  comprises an inner lining on the respective inner surface  11 ,  21 . The inner lining can be of a material to assist in wicking moisture away from the skin of the wearer. In this embodiment, the linings of the left and right bust sections  10 ,  20  each comprise an opening  16 ,  26 . Each opening  16 ,  26  is for receiving a respective cup insert  18 ,  28 . The cup inserts  18 ,  28  are selectively insertable by a user. The cup inserts  18 ,  28  may be formed from a soft, pliable material. The cup inserts  18 ,  28  may help to improve the bust support provided by the sports bra  1 . 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a kit comprising a sports bra  1  according to an embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of cup inserts  18 ,  28  for insertion in the bust sections  10 ,  20 . The cup inserts  18 ,  28  may be of different sizes. The wearer may select suitably sized cup inserts  18 ,  28  for insertion in the bust sections  10 ,  20  based on their bust size. 
     The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. For example, various types of adjustment mechanisms could be used to adjust the length of the rear member  70  and the chest band  60 . It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.