Patent Abstract:
An apparatus to be used as a woman&#39;s undergarment is provided. The apparatus is a bra having a strap that fastens to the cups of the bra that protect and hold the breast of the user. The apparatus has a cup having at least a first layer which contacts the individual&#39;s skin. The apparatus further has a second layer which is directly opposed to the first layer and may contact the outer clothing of the individual. Moreover, the device has a third layer which is positioned between the first layer and the second layer and further wherein the third layer may provide an extra zone of thickness for the breast nipple and thereby may enable concealment of an erect breast nipple. The third layer may be of varying thickness and in an embodiment may be thicker than the first and second layer and may be removable from the undergarment if desired.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This document is a continuation application which claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/626,796, filed on Jan. 24, 2007, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to the field of women&#39;s undergarments. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for women with surgically altered breasts for support and cosmetic purposes. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The brassiere or “bra” has been around for centuries in different forms. The brassiere is commonly referred to as a bra. A bra is a piece of clothing that typically supports, covers, and may elevate the breasts of the user wearing the piece of clothing. The brassiere is typically an undergarment. The bra may also be utilized as a fashion statement as well as a support structure for enhancement, support, and/or alteration of a body profile. 
         [0004]    The bra was originally developed about two centuries ago and has evolved from the corset. Bras are different than their predecessor garments in that they contain cups to support and cover the breast and also typically have shoulder straps to elevate and lift the breast to a desire height. Additionally, bras may have a variety of different colors, designs, fabrics, and cup sizes to fit users with larger and/or smaller breast sizes. 
         [0005]    The evolution of the bra is typically tied to the socio-economic status of women throughout history. For instance, as women achieved higher and higher status in society, both in new occupations and activities, the outwear and the underwear evolved with these new social status and activities. At various points, women have used these garments and devices to cover, restrain or elevate their breasts. 
         [0006]    Early in the development of the modem bra, the most common type of undergarment for the breast was the corset, which was used predominately by wealthier women and women of status. The corset pushed the breast upwards which gave the impression of larger, fuller, breasts and helped support larger breasts. Later, many clothing designers that worked on women&#39;s clothes experimented with corset design by splitting the corset into multiple parts, including support structures where the corset included shoulder straps or neck straps. 
         [0007]    Soon thereafter, the modern bra became a reality, although the modern bra was not common place for the common woman until almost the first half of the 20 th  century. Since that time, the bra has become a very common garment used my most post-puberty women. The bra serves multiple purposes, including the functionalities of support, lift, and body sculpting. Additionally, the bra also serves to provide a fashion statement, e.g., via visual enhancement and, sometimes, as a stand-alone fashion characteristic. 
         [0008]    The common bra typically consists of cups for the breasts, a center panel, a band running around the torso under the breast, and a shoulder strap for each side. Bras typically are made of some fabric, usually cotton or polyester. However, bras can be constructed from spandex, lace, and a plurality of different materials, depending on the taste and feel of the user. The cups of the bra are usually reinforced by underwire made of metal and/or plastic. Additionally, the bra is usually fastened with a hook fastener on the band, typically at the back. However, sometimes the fastener may be located on the front portion or even side portion of the bra, depending on style, taste, and fashion. 
         [0009]    Many bras are fashioned with significant padding that functions to increase comfort and to make the breasts look bigger. Other types of bras, such as the push-up bras, are fashioned to enhance the cleavage, and use padding to achieve this effect. However, in the early 1960&#39;s a new problem came into play with the advent of breast augmentation. With breast augmentation, round or shaped breast implants are inserted either on top of or below the pectoral muscle, which is the large chest muscle on which the breast lies. The implants can be inserted through the armpits, via the nipples, from below the breast, or even from the umbilicus through very small incisions, which leave minimal scarring of the breast tissue. An advantage of the procedure of having breast augmentation is the breasts&#39; ability to be supported by the implant. Women having received breast augmentations typically do not need as much support and/or lift that a bra provides; therefore, many women with breast augmentation do not wear bras. 
         [0010]    However, many users with breast augmentations may want to wear a bra for support, fashion, and style. But these users do not need the formal structure of the bra, including the straps, underwire, and other support means, because, typically, the after-effects of breast augmentation allows for a woman to function without the need for a bra. Another potential problem for women that have undergone breast augmentation is the sensitivity of the breast nipples. Changes in sensitivity of the breast nipple may occur after breast augmentation, whereby some users suffer from a loss of sensitivity. However, a large number of women suffer from the opposite problem. Many women, after breast augmentation, are prone to breast nipple sensitivity, wherein the breast nipple remains in a prolonged erect state. While a woman with breast augmentation may not need a bra to support or lift her breasts, she may prefer to wear a bra to conceal the erect nipple from showing through the clothing. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, a need still exists for an apparatus that may be utilized by women with breast augmentation that is aesthetically pleasing, yet functional. Moreover, a need exists for an improved bra for women with breast augmentations, wherein the bra provides very little support for the surgically enhanced breast, but allows for concealment of erect nipples in an aesthetically pleasing fashion. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that may be used as an undergarment, e.g., a woman&#39;s undergarment. Additionally, the present disclosure may be utilized in other women&#39;s garments, including dresses and swim wear. The apparatus may be a bra having a strap that fastens to each of the cups of the bra to protect and hold the breast of the user. The apparatus has a cup having a first layer which contacts the user&#39;s skin. The apparatus further has a second layer which is directly opposed to the first layer and may contact the outer clothing of the user. Moreover, the apparatus has a third layer and/or insert which is positioned between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the third layer may provide an extra zone of thickness for the breast nipple, and thereby enable concealment of an erect breast nipple. 
         [0013]    In an exemplary embodiment the present disclosure, a women&#39;s undergarment is provided. The undergarment has a first and second shoulder strap having a front end and a back end adapted to extend over the shoulder of an user. Additionally, the undergarment has a back strap whereby the first and second shoulder strap extend over the shoulder and are connected to the back strap by a fastening means. Moreover, the undergarment has a first cup and second cup attached to the first and second shoulder straps, the first and second cup adapted to support the breast and at least one insert whereby the insert is positioned directly in front of the nipple of an user to conceal the nipple from showing through clothing. 
         [0014]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup having a plurality of layers. 
         [0015]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup having a first layer and a second layer, whereby the first layer and second layer are separated from each other, wherein the first layer is adapted to be in contact with the breast of the user, and wherein the second layer is adapted to be in proximity to the outer garment of the user. 
         [0016]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the insert fits between the first layer and the second layer. 
         [0017]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup that has a first layer and second layer wherein the insert is affixed to the first layer. 
         [0018]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the insert is placed between the first and second layer, wherein the insert is proportioned smaller than the total space utilized by the first and second layers, and wherein the insert is removably affixed to either of the first and second layers by an attachment means. 
         [0019]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises an insert that is of greater thickness than either of the first and second layers of the undergarment. 
         [0020]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and second cup having a first layer and second layer, wherein the first and second layer are constructed of a similar material. 
         [0021]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first cup and the second cup having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first and second layers are constructed of different materials. 
         [0022]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises an insert dimensioned for coverage of the nipple of the user, wherein the insert is thickest at a position where the nipple contacts the insert. 
         [0023]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a first and second cup having a first layer and a second layer which are removably attached from one another by a fastener, whereby the fastener allows for an opening between the first layer and the second layer. 
         [0024]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises a fastener which is a hook and loop system. 
         [0025]    In an exemplary embodiment, the undergarment comprises an insert which is constructed into a cosmetic and aesthetic fashion and placed within the first cup and second cup of the undergarment. 
         [0026]    To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for using a women&#39;s undergarment is provided. The method comprises: providing a first and second shoulder strap having a front end and a back end adapted to extend over the shoulder of an user; providing a back strap whereby the first and second shoulder strap extend over the shoulder and are connected to the back strap by a fastener; providing a first cup and second cup attached to the first and second shoulder straps, the first and second cup adapted to support the breast; and inserting an insert into the first and second cup, whereby the insert is positioned directly in front of the nipple of an user to conceal the nipple from showing through clothing. 
         [0027]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises positioning the insert between a first layer and a second layer of the first cup and the second cup of the undergarment. 
         [0028]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises removably affixing the insert to the first and second cups of the undergarment utilizing an attachment means whereby the attachment means is a hook and loop system. 
         [0029]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises providing a first cup and a second cup having a first layer and a second layer, wherein the insert is placed between the first layer and second layer at a position corresponding to the nipple of the breast of the user. 
         [0030]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises providing a first cup and a second cup having a first layer and second layer, wherein the insert is placed between the first layer and the second layer, and whereby the insert has a thickness greater than the first layer and second layer. 
         [0031]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises allowing an user to separate a first layer and a second layer of a first and second cup, whereby the user may introduce, adjust, or remove the insert from between the first layer and second layer of the first cup and second cup of the undergarment. 
         [0032]    In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises allowing an user to separate a first layer and a second layer of a first and second cup by the use of a fastener, whereby the fastener may allow for manual manipulation of the first and second layers, whereby the user may insert, adjust, or remove the insert from between the first layer and second layer of the first cup and second cup of the undergarment. To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a convenient apparatus relating to a women&#39;s undergarment is provided. 
         [0033]    In another exemplary embodiment, a women&#39;s undergarment is provided. The undergarment may be constructed for women who do not need as much structured support for the breasts. 
         [0034]    Another exemplary embodiment is a women&#39;s undergarment that may have a plurality of layers therein, wherein the plurality of layers may increase the comfort of the undergarment. 
         [0035]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed for users that do not need the extra support of a conventional related art bra. 
         [0036]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed for users having surgically enhanced breasts. 
         [0037]    An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed for users having just reached puberty, and wherein the user does not need extra support to lift and support the breast. 
         [0038]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed for users having surgically augmented breasts. 
         [0039]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed for users having surgically lifted breasts and/or breasts that are not prone to normal gravitational pulls. 
         [0040]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed with a shoulder strap for comfort. 
         [0041]    An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a cup to hold and/or support the breast of the user utilizing the undergarment. 
         [0042]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a support structure such as an underwire if desired, but would preferably not have said support structure. 
         [0043]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, including a first layer, a second layer and a third layer. 
         [0044]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, wherein the plurality may include at least two layers. 
         [0045]    An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein the plurality of layers may be constructed of different materials. 
         [0046]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein the plurality of layers may be constructed of the same materials. 
         [0047]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein the plurality of layers may be constructed of the same materials. 
         [0048]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed with a plurality of layers, and wherein some of the layers may have similar materials while other layers have different materials. 
         [0049]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed with a plurality of layers, wherein some of the layers may have similar materials while other layers have different materials, and wherein the differing materials may have different functions such as support, comfort, and/or concealment. 
         [0050]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers where at least one layer may be thicker at its midpoint. 
         [0051]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers where at least one layer may be thicker than other layers, and wherein the thicker layer may be thicker only a certain specified points such as the point that contacts the nipple of the breast of an user. 
         [0052]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers including a first layer, a second layer and a third layer, wherein the first layer and third layer may be of a uniform thickness, and wherein the second layer may be of a thickness greater than both the first and third layers. 
         [0053]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s garment for concealment of the erect nipple of an user, wherein the present disclosure may be utilized in a dress and additionally may be utilized in women&#39;s swim wear, 
         [0054]    Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the device maybe utilized in women&#39;s dresses, tank tops, blouses, and/or any other garment that may conceal the erect nipple of the user. 
         [0055]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed with a plurality of colors. 
         [0056]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers including a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, wherein the first layer and third layer may completely surround and enclose the second layer. 
         [0057]    In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein the at least one layer may be thicker than the other of the plurality of layers. 
         [0058]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein one layer may not take up the entire volume of the other of the plurality of layers. 
         [0059]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, wherein a first layer and second layer may be adjacent, and a third layer may be in contact with the breast of the user, and wherein the third layer is of differing thickness to the first and second layer. 
         [0060]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be machine and/or hand washable. 
         [0061]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, wherein a first layer and second layer may be adjacent, and a third layer may be in contact with the breast of the user, and wherein the third layer is of differing material than the first and second layers. 
         [0062]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein at least one layer may be removed from the undergarment if desired. 
         [0063]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein at least one layer may be removed from the undergarment and replaced with another layer having either an increased or decreased thickness. 
         [0064]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed of cotton. 
         [0065]    Still a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed of polyester. 
         [0066]    Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed of lace. 
         [0067]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed of nylon. 
         [0068]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may be constructed of any suitable material. 
         [0069]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein the layers may be constructed of different materials including cotton, polyester, lace, nylon, and/or any other suitable material. 
         [0070]    Still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment may have a plurality of layers, and wherein at least one layer provides the advantage of concealing the erect nipple of the breast of the user wearing the undergarment. 
         [0071]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a women&#39;s undergarment, wherein the undergarment allows for concealment of the erect nipple of the breast of the wearer. 
         [0072]    Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the disclosure, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
         [0073]    Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described herein, and will be apparent from the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0074]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of a brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0075]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating another front perspective view of the brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0076]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a rear view of the brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0077]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional side view of the brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0078]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a front view of the brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0079]      FIG. 6A  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional side view of a brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0080]      FIG. 6B  is a diagram illustrating another cross-sectional side view of a brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0081]      FIG. 6C  is another cross-sectional side view of a brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0082]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a front view of the brassiere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0083]    Turning now to the drawings, wherein elements are identified by numbers and like elements are identified by like numbers throughout the several figures of the Drawing, the brassiere  1  is generally depicted in  FIG. 1 ; and the brassiere or bra  1  may be utilized by an user  31  that may not need underwire support (not shown). 
         [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , this diagram illustrates, in a front perspective view, a brassiere  1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The brassiere  1  (hereinafter referred to as a “bra”) may have a plurality of different configurations, but for illustrative purposes is shown in conventional common use form. The bra  1  may have shoulder straps  5 ,  17  and first and second cups  13 ,  15  that may be used to hold and/or support the breast  9  of an user  31 . The bra  1  may have a clasp  11  between the first cup  13  and a second cup  15  of the bra  1 . The bra  1  may have a contoured shape in an exemplary embodiment, whereby the cups  13 ,  37  are shaped to hold and/or support the breast  9  of the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the bra  1  is produced for those users who do not require the structural element of an underwire (not shown) and/or push up facilities. 
         [0085]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the bra  1  comprises a first cup  13  and a second cup  15  and may be generally contoured to fit the breast  9  of an user  31 . A first shoulder strap  5  and a second shoulder strap  17  may be respectively attached to the first cup  13  and the second cup  15  for securing the bra  1  around the chest cavity  18  the user  31  (also  FIG. 2 ). Understood is that the bra  1  may be constructed in a plurality of differing shapes and forms for cosmetic and aesthetic bras and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0086]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , each of the first cup  13  and the second cup  15  respectively accommodate interchangeable inserts, such as a first insert  21  and a second insert  23 . The first insert  21  and the second insert  23  may be placed within the first cup  13  and the second cup  15  respectively. The inserts  21 ,  23  are comprise a thickness greater than a thickness of any other portion of the bra  1 . Further the inserts  21 ,  23  are configured to be positioned at the contact point of the nipple of the breast  9  and would thereby conceal the erect nipple of the user utilizing the bra  1 . The inserts  21 ,  23  may be either permanently affixed to the bra  1  and/or, in an exemplary embodiment, may be insertable and/or removed from the bra  1  if desired. Additionally, the ability to insert and/or remove the inserts  21 ,  23  may also give the user the ability to manipulate and move the inserts  21 ,  23  into the desire position within the bra  1 . For example, many women have nipples that may not be at the midpoint of the breast  9 . This is sometimes the result of augmented breasts and/or other breast surgeries. Often times, the nipple is not centralized on the breast tissue. The present disclosure may allow for manipulation of the inserts  21 ,  23  into a position that results in correct alignment of the inserts  21 ,  23  about the nipple of the user  31 . 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , these diagrams respectively illustrate, in a front perspective view and a rear view, a bra  1  comprising shoulder straps  5 ,  17  attached to the first and second cups  13 ,  15 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Also illustrated, within the cups  13 ,  15  are the removable inserts  21 ,  23  disposable at different positions within the bra  1  as needed to conceal the erect nipple of the user  31 . In an exemplary embodiment, the inserts  21 ,  23  may have an adhesive  35  to attach to the outside layer  37  of the bra  1  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). In another exemplary embodiment, the inserts  21 ,  23  may utilize a hook and fastener  25  to facilitate attachment to the outside layer  37  of the bra  1 , whereby the user  31  may detach the inserts  21 ,  23  from the bra  1  completely when desired, or, in the alternative, may utilize the fastener  39  to alter the position of the inserts  21 ,  23  to properly conceal the erect nipple of the user  31 . In another exemplary embodiment, the inserts  21 ,  23  may have an adhesive  35  to facilitate attachment to the outside layer  37  of the bra  1  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). In another exemplary embodiment, the inserts  21 ,  23  may utilize a hook and fastener  39  to facilitate attachment to the outside layer  37  of the bra  1 , whereby the user  31  may detach the inserts  21 ,  23  from the bra  1  completely when desired, or in the alternative, may utilize the fastener  39  to alter the position of the inserts  21 ,  23  to properly conceal the erect nipple of the user  31 . In another exemplary embodiment, a shelf or pocket (not shown) may be utilized to allow for positioning of the inserts  21 ,  23  in the cup  13 ,  15  of the bra  1 . The shelf and/or pocket maybe constructed into the bra  1  and may allow for proper placement of the inserts  21 ,  23  and allow for easy removal and placement within the cups  13 ,  15 . 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , this diagram illustrates, in a rear view, the back portion  37  of the bra  1 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder straps  5 ,  17  may be connected at the back portion  37  by a locking member  41 . The locking member  41  may be a latch  45  whereby the latch  45  may be a clasp  47  for attaching the shoulder straps  5 ,  17  to a first back strap  49  and a second back strap  51 . 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , this diagram illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a bra  1  being utilized by a user  31 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The breast  55  having a nipple  57  is shown, wherein the breast  55  may be covered by a cup, such as the first cup  13 , of the bra  1 . In an exemplary embodiment, the bra  1  may have a first layer  61  and a second layer  63 . The first layer  61  may contact the breast  55  of the user  31  and may be constructed of any suitable material such as cotton, polyester, lace, nylon, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer  61  is constructed of cotton for comfort. The second layer  63  is the outer most layer and may contact the clothes (not shown) of the user  31 . The second layer  63  may be constructed of any suitable material such as cotton, polyester, lace, nylon, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer  63  may be constructed of cotton for comfort. However, understood is that the first layer  61  and the second layer  63  may be constructed of different materials depending on comfort, aesthetic preferences and the like. The first layer  61  and the second layer  63  are preferably of equal thickness and attached to each other at a portion of the shoulder straps  5 ,  17  of the bra  1 . 
         [0090]    Still referring to  FIG. 4 , this diagram further illustrates a third layer  71 . The third layer  71  may be the inserts  21 ,  23  mentioned above. The third layer  71  is of greater thickness than either of the first and second layers  61 ,  63 . Additionally, the third layer  71  may not utilize the entire space from the top portion  75  of the cup  12  to the bottom portion  77  of the cup  13 , whereby the third layer  71  may only occupy a smaller portion of the space between the first layer  61  and the second layer  63 . The third layer inserts  21 ,  23  may have a tapered shape, wherein the midpoint  81  of the insert  21  is thicker than the top portion  83  and/or bottom portion  85  of the insert  21 . The midpoint  81  has a thickness that helps to greatly reduce or completely eliminate the display of an erect nipple through the fabric of the bra  1 . Additionally, the localized positioning of the insert  21  within the first and second layers  61 ,  63  may eliminate unwanted bulk and weight of the bra  1  for the user  31 . The insert  21  is placed between the first layer  61  and the second layer  63 . 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , this diagram illustrates a front view of the brassiere  1 , comprising an insert  21  being placed within a first cup  13 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer  61  and the second layer  63  may be separated by an opening  95 , whereby the opening  95  may be positioned on an outside portion  97  of the first layer  61  and an outside portion  99  of the second layer  63 . The first layer  61  and second layer  63  may have an opening  95 , whereby the opening  95  allows for insertion of the insert  21  into a position  25  between the first layer  61  and the second layer  63 . The opening  95  may have an attachment feature  103  for facilitating separating the first layer  61  from the second layer  63  as well as insertion and removal of the insert  21  from therebetween. The attachment means  103 , in an exemplary embodiment, is a hook and fastener, whereby the first layer  61  and the second layer  63  may be easily separated from each other and reattached with little effort by the user  31  utilizing the bra  1 . In an additional exemplary embodiment, the inserts  21 ,  23  maybe attached to the first and/or second layers  61 ,  63  by a pocket or shelf system (not shown), whereby a small pocket or shelf (not shown) is built into either of the first layer  61  and/or second layer  63 , whereby the inserts  21 ,  23  may be inserted into the shelf or pocket thereby removing the need for an attachment feature  103 . However, understood is that the attachment feature  103  may be any method or apparatus for attaching the first layer  61  to the second layer  63 , such as a snap-on, clasp, zipper, button, shelf system, pocket, or the like. 
         [0092]    Referring to  FIG. 6A , this diagram illustrates, in a cross-sectional side view, of a brassiere  1 , wherein the insert  21  may be placed in different positions within the layers  61 ,  63  and may be of varying sizes depending on the need of the user  31 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Contemplated is that the bra  1  of the present disclosure is utilized by women having breast augmentation and/or surgically enhanced breasts, but the bra  1  may be also utilized by teens or users that do not need additional lift and support for their breasts. The insert  21  is placed between the first layer  61  and the second layer  63 . 
         [0093]    Referring to  FIG. 6B , this diagram illustrates, in another cross-sectional side view, a brassiere  1 , wherein the insert  21  is positioned on the inside of the first layer  61 , whereby the insert  21  may be attached to the first layer  61  and may directly contact the nipple  57  of the user  31 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The insert  21  may be fastened to the first layer  61  by a fastener  39 , whereby the user  31  may shift or move the insert  21  as desired to place the insert  21  over the nipple  57 . Additionally, if desired, the user  31  may completely remove the insert  21  from the bra  1 . 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIG. 6C , this diagram illustrates, in another cross-sectional side view, a brassiere  1 , wherein an insert  21  with a much thicker top portion  83  and bottom portion  85 . whereby users  31  that wish for a more uniform breast look, or for the perception of larger breasts  55  may have the added padding of the insert  21  give that perception, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , this diagram illustrates, in a front view, the brassiere  1 , wherein the inserts  21 ,  23  may be attached to the second layer  63  and/or may be seen through the second layer  63 , whereby the inserts  21 ,  23  may depict a variety of different characters, emblems, or fashion features, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the bra  1  has an insert  21 , whereby the insert  21  is fashioned in the form of a cherry  91 ; and the second insert  23  is fashioned in the form of a leaf  93 , by example only. 
         [0096]    Thus, specific embodiments and applications of the apparatus have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. The terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0