Abstract:
The present invention relates to a garment for sleeping for the correction of sagging breasts and wrinkles, whose purpose is to provide rest for the breasts, as well as preventing and correcting breast sagging by restraint, preventing the skin from distending and losing consistency and elasticity. It is also the object of the invention to prevent and correct the appearance of wrinkles and “memory lines” in the whole area of the neckline and chest. The garment is intended for use in periods of sleeping, rest and repose, where the wearer has privacy and preferably within the confines of their home

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/989,361 filed May 6, 2014 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a garment for sleeping for the correction of sagging breasts and wrinkles, whose purpose is to provide rest for the breasts, as well as preventing and correcting breast sagging by restraint, preventing the skin from distending and losing consistency and elasticity. It is also the object of the invention to prevent and correct the appearance of wrinkles and “memory lines” in the whole area of the neckline and chest. 
         [0003]    The garment is intended for use in periods of sleeping, rest and repose, where the wearer has privacy and preferably within the confines of their home. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Brassieres that are used during the day contain excessive seams and material, such as wires and other elements that subject breasts to an excessive pressure, as well as to an inadequate support. Breasts have to be well adapted to the brassiere, they cannot remain loose since this can cause inconveniences and problems, such as hardness, uncomfortable marks and chest and back pain. 
         [0005]    The skin deterioration that is produced by natural causes presents itself in the shape of wrinkles, furrows or lines of expression, so that these are normally caused by muscular contraction, being accentuated in greater measure in areas where movements or postures are repeated frequently. 
         [0006]    Physical deterioration is due to the loss of three important elements for the skin: collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans responsible for retaining and maintaining the moisture content in the skin. Among other causes that will accelerate the process, the abuse of sunbathing, tobacco, alcohol and pollution that block the pores, reducing the possibility of the skin to conveniently oxygenate; drastic changes in weight, pregnancy, and plastic surgery, where the skin and volume are subjected to drastic changes. 
         [0007]    Therefore, breasts due to their volume and weight tend, when they are not being supported by any type of garment, to move and slide one on another, or they move toward the sides, so that the weight of the breast applies a constant pressure in their connecting area which corresponds to the cleavage area, where they apply all their weight upon falling one on another. When this happens, the breasts drag, tighten and pull the skin that holds them, which is located in the area of the neckline (their only support) from the base of the neck, causing wrinkles and lines of expression. The dragging caused by the weight of the breasts causes stretching of the skin and, as a result, breasts lose firmness and begin to drop and sag, producing the opposite effect when the breasts are moving toward the sides for lack of support, causing the stretching of the skin from the cleavage central area, where the breasts start to take shape. 
         [0008]    That is to say, breasts, due to their weight, volume, bad postures, use of improper garments, pregnancies, surgeries, severe diets that cause aggressive changes in weight and the passage of time itself, involve a loss of firmness in the skin and, as consequence, cause sagging of the breast. 
         [0009]    However, there are bra designs that aim to prevent the formation of wrinkles in the neckline, designs that are often made from Lycra, lacking cups or other support for the breasts, the design consists of a strapless bra without cups, which remains close to the skin in the cleavage area, keeping the breasts separated, but creating a void in the area, which does not prevent the sliding of the breasts on one another while sleeping or resting, as they are dragged by their own weight and volume. In the absence of any cups or any other system that holds the breasts, wrinkles in the central area of the neckline are prevented, as the sliding of the breasts when in an extended or lying down position cannot be avoided, which causes the skin of the breasts to stretch, losing consistency and they end up sagging by pulling the skin in connection to the upper area of the breast, so the lateral areas of the neckline remain unprotected. Besides, the surface of the skin that has not been protected in the lateral area, ends up dragging the central area, or the lateral area stretches so much that upon being the central area smooth and the lateral area stretched, it causes vertical lines in the bust&#39;s line where it joins the arms, an effect that is appreciated the grater the volume of the breasts. That is, the greater the volume and weight, the greater the pressure and the dragging. 
         [0010]    Another disadvantage of bra designs provided for the previously mentioned purposes, is that they are “one size fits all”, so they are not suitable for people with a considerable volume, thereby limiting their suitability to sizes of small volume or to those who have not suffered from the influence of any physical or external agent. 
         [0011]    There are also bra designs that aim for the same purpose, based on introducing a type of padded structure with an oval, narrow shape between the two breasts, so that the disadvantage of this model or design is that it only prevents the formation of wrinkles in the intersection of the breasts, since it does not extend toward the neckline, with the added drawback that the breasts remain under an excessive pressure, disturbing rest and leaving the neckline skin unprotected. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The garment of the claimed invention has been created to solve problems based on a special design or configuration. More specifically, the brassiere of the invention is intended to be used by a wearer at night when they are resting or asleep. The garment comprises an integral body with two well differentiated parts, a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has a general “X”-shape with an upper section, a middle section and a lower section. The upper section of the front portion comprises two straps that extend upward to form a “V”-shape. In the normal course of use, the straps are designed and adapted to reach the shoulder areas of the wearer. The rear portion has an upper section, a middle section and a lower section. The upper section of the rear portion comprises two straps that extend upward to form a “U” shape. In the normal course of use, the straps are designed and adapted to reach the shoulder areas of the wearer. 
         [0013]    The middle section of the front portion has edges that project upwards, with a divergence, to form the sides of the armholes, with inner concave curvature to form the corresponding cups for the breasts. 
         [0014]    The straps of the front portion and the rear portion aid in fastening the garment to the wearer. The ends of the straps contain a mechanism for attaching the front portion straps to the rear portion straps. In certain embodiments of the invention, the mechanism for attaching the front portion straps of the garment to the rear portion straps comprises a “hook-and-eye” closure. In certain embodiments, the ends of the straps of the front portion contain the eye portion of the “hook-and-eye” closure. Conversely, the ends of the straps of the rear portion contain the hook portion of the “hook-and-eye” closure. In the normal course of use, the straps of the rear portion are extended above and over the straps of the front portion, such that the hook portion of the “hook-and-eye” closure can connect with and to the eye portion of the “hook-and-eye” closure to form a secure connection or fit on the upper shoulder area of the wearer. 
         [0015]    In certain embodiments of the invention, the ends of the ends of the straps contain a mechanism for adjusting their length. In some embodiments, the mechanism that attaches the front portion straps to the rear portion straps also contains a mechanism for adjusting the length of the straps. For example, a plurality of “hook-and-eye” closures may be used at the ends of the front portion and rear portion straps to facilitate the adjustment of the straps in accordance with a wearer&#39;s size and preference. In certain embodiments, the ends of the straps of the front portion of the garment contain multiple rows of “eyes” while the straps of the rear portion contain a single row of hooks. The “hooks” from the straps of the rear portion can be linked to or connected with any of the “eyes” on the straps of the front portion of the garment. Depending upon which row of “eyes” the “hooks” connect to, the length of the straps can be adjusted to suit the wearer. 
         [0016]    In certain embodiments, the middle section of the front portion has edges that project upwards, with a divergence, forming the sides of the corresponding armholes, with inner concave curvature to form the corresponding cups for the breasts. 
         [0017]    The lower section of the front portion of the garment and the lower section of the rear portion form a contiguous piece that extends around the circumference of the wearer below the breast region. The lower sections of the front portion of the garment and the lower section of the rear portion serve to provide a snug fit and support to the wearer. 
         [0018]    Referring to the middle section of the front portion of the bra garment, it includes material that fills the void areas when wearing the bra, areas that correspond to the cleavage, i.e., acting as support for the breasts, as well as the areas of the semi-perimeter of the contour of the breasts themselves, to keep them separated. In certain embodiments, the middle section of the front portion of the bra garment contains a stiffening material that aids in maintaining the shape of the middle portion and causes it to remain stiff and not bend. 
         [0019]    The middle and lower sections of the rear portion of the bra garment, form a contiguous piece, the bra being put on through the head. 
         [0020]    Regarding the lateral concave edges of the middle section of the front portion and their lateral extensions or sides, they optionally may have a quilted padding which purpose is to fill the areas that generate a void around the contour of the breasts, providing optimum support and comfort for the breasts. 
         [0021]    The bra may be optionally complemented with inner lining made of microfiber, Lycra or the like, which covers both the front and the rear portions, being set around the perimeter by sawing it or by any other system to properly attach it. 
         [0022]    According to the design that is provided by the above-mentioned characteristics, the bra itself turns out to be suitable for all kinds of women, regardless of the volume and contour of their breasts, being able to be manufactured in all kinds of sizes, small, medium or large. 
         [0023]    Another of the advantages of the bra is that it allows sleeping on your stomach diminishing the pressure that the body exerts on the breasts, since the void produced in the cleavage area has been filled. 
         [0024]    The wearing of said bra prevents the skin from stretching, holding the weight of the breasts so that these remain in their natural position, thereby preventing the weakening of the skin and ultimately preventing and delaying the formation of wrinkles that generate in the entire neckline and thoracic area, the only and main support of the breasts, besides preventing and correcting the lines and wrinkles in the cleavage area. 
         [0025]    Said bra is susceptible to be complemented with an optional inter-pectoral pad to fill all the voids that generate in the thorax and pectoral areas which generate movement, sliding or pressure on the breasts, keeping them in their natural position, since it fills and does not separate. 
         [0026]    Specifically, that inter-pectoral pad, as a complement of the bra, is formed by a moulded body made of foam or other similar spongy material, that gives it the adequate comfort, so that said pad offers a relatively flat frontal face, although with a notably curved-convex profile and with short lateral extensions in its edges, while its rear or inner face configures a sharp, rounded ridge crest and curved-concave faces, being said crest intended to lean on the user&#39;s thorax, while its curved-concave lateral edges perfectly adapt to the breasts, protecting them when the pad lays through its frontal face on a horizontal surface such as a mattress, bed, or any another surface. 
         [0027]    Said body of the pad will be conveniently covered by a lining made of microfiber, Lycra or the like, that covers it entirely and gives it an appropriate surface feel. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of the garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of the garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  shows a rear view of the garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the garment of the claimed invention  10  comprises an integral body with two well differentiated parts, a front portion  12  and a rear portion  14 . The front portion has a general “X”-shape with an upper section  13 , a middle section  15  and a lower section  17 . The upper section of the front portion  13  comprises two straps  11  that extend upward to form a “V”-shape. In the normal course of use, the straps  11  are designed and adapted to reach the front shoulder areas of the wearer. The rear portion  14  has an upper section  19 , a middle section  21  and a lower section  23 . The upper section of the rear portion comprises two straps  16  that extend upward to form a “U” shape. In the normal course of use, the straps  16  are designed and adapted to reach the rear shoulder areas of the wearer. 
         [0032]    The straps of the front portion  11  and the rear portion  16  aid in fastening the garment to the wearer. The ends of the straps contain a mechanism  20  for attaching the front portion straps  11  to the rear portion straps  16 . In certain embodiments of the invention, the mechanism for attaching the front portion straps of the garment to the rear portion straps comprises a “hook-and-eye” closure. In certain embodiments, the ends of the straps of the front portion  11  contain the eye portion  20   a  of the “hook-and-eye” closure. Conversely, the ends of the straps of the rear portion  16  contain the hook portion  20   b  of the “hook-and-eye” closure. In the normal course of use, the straps of the rear portion are extended above and over the straps of the front portion, such that the hook portion of the “hook-and-eye” closure can connect with and to the eye portion of the “hook-and-eye” closure to form a secure connection or fit on the upper shoulder area of the wearer. This connection is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         [0033]    In certain embodiments of the invention, the ends of the straps contain a mechanism for adjusting their length. In some embodiments, the mechanism  20  that attaches the front portion straps to the rear portion straps also contains a mechanism for adjusting the length of the straps. For example, a plurality of “hook-and-eye” closures ( 20   a  and  20   b  in  FIG. 2 ) may be used at the ends of the front portion and rear portion straps to facilitate the adjustment of the straps in accordance with a wearer&#39;s size and preference. In certain embodiments, the ends of the straps of the front portion of the garment  11  contain multiple rows of “eyes”  20   a  while the straps of the rear portion  16  contain a single row of hooks  20   b.  The “hooks” from the straps of the rear portion can be linked to or connected with any of the “eyes” on the straps of the front portion of the garment. Depending upon which row of “eyes” the “hooks” connect to, the length of the straps can be adjusted to suit the wearer. Thus, the mechanism  20  serves to adjust the length of the straps and also aids in fastening the garment to the wearer. 
         [0034]    It should be noted that although the length of the straps may be adjusted incrementally for adjusting and fine-tuning the length of the straps to suit the comfort of the wearer, the straps  11  and  16  are integral to the garment  10 . In other words, the straps are movable only within the confines of stretchability of the garment and are not removable or replaceable as seen in other bra-type garments 
         [0035]    In certain embodiments, the middle section of the front portion  15  has edges that project upwards, with a divergence, forming the sides of the corresponding armholes, with inner concave curvature to form the corresponding cups  25  for the breasts. 
         [0036]    The cups  25  for the breasts cause the breasts to be left uncovered and separated by the middle section  15 . 
         [0037]    The lower section of the front portion  17  of the garment and the lower section of the rear portion  23  form a contiguous piece or band  24  that extends around the circumference of the wearer below the breast region. The lower sections of the front portion  17  of the garment and the lower section of the rear portion  23  serve to provide a snug fit and support to the wearer. 
         [0038]    Referring to the middle section  15  of the front portion of the bra, it includes material that fills the void areas when wearing the bra, areas that correspond to the cleavage, i.e., acting as support for the breasts, as well as the areas of the semi-perimeter of the contour of the breasts themselves, to keep them separated. In certain embodiments, the middle section of the front portion of the bra garment  15  contains a stiffening material that aids in maintaining the shape of the middle portion and causes it to remain stiff and not bend. 
         [0039]    The middle  21  and lower sections  23  of the rear portion of the bra, is a contiguous piece, the bra being put on through the head. 
         [0040]    In the above-mentioned figures the bra of the invention is shown comprising a front portion and a rear portion, forming an integral body, wherein the lower sections of the front portion and rear portion forms a band  24  as a support for the whole structure, extending along said front portion and said rear portion circumferentially around the wearer. 
         [0041]    From this lower band  24 , the middle section  21  of the rear portion centrally derives with its concave lateral edges projecting downwards on one side, determining a lower concave edge, and projecting upwards on the other side, with divergent sections. The upper section of the rear portion  19  forms a U-shape between the straps  16 . 
         [0042]    Besides, the central area of said lower band  24  is extended toward the lateral sides, and at the same time extends on the sides of the armholes, on which sides, the concave curvature of its inner and lower edge is extended, determining, among the above-mentioned concave edges, the cups of the bra. 
         [0043]    Again, from the lower band  24 , the middle section  15  of the front portion rises to form an X-shape between the straps  11  and the lower band  24 . 
         [0044]    In certain embodiments, the middle section  15  has an optional cushioned padding that covers both the inter-mammary area, and the semi perimeter of the lower contour of the breasts, including the sides of the armholes, the padding also shown in the figures. 
         [0045]    In regards to the cups, formed in the bra, its function is to avoid the movement of the breasts and protect them against rubbing and stretching in areas where the central support section does not cover them, these cups join and integrate in the support or central section, thus avoiding unnecessary seams, with the particularity that the external contour of said cup is reduced proportionally to the padding that has been used in the semicircle of the breast in which the padding itself has been used both in the cleavage central area and in the lower part of the breast itself. 
         [0046]    The rear portion is significantly rectangular (see  21  and  23 ) below the U-shaped upper section  19 , as can be seen in the figures. That rear portion of the bra includes shoulder straps which are optionally padded and adjustable, being fastenable on the top front shoulder of the wearer. As is seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the straps  16  of the rear portion of the garment attach to the straps  11  of the front portion of the garment.  FIGS. 1 and 3  show the straps in the attached position and show the attachment occurring at the top front shoulder area of the wearer.  FIG. 2  shows the position of the eyes  20   a  and hooks  20   b  of the attachment mechanism  20  present on the ends of the garment. 
         [0047]    The structure of the bra may be optionally protected with a lightweight cover or lining made of microfiber, Lycra or the like, which gives the bra its final shape, protecting the armholes area and preventing the formation of vertical wrinkles running parallel to the armholes and the ones generated in the neckline. 
         [0048]    With the previously described brassiere, all the areas susceptible of generating wrinkles are isolated upon filling the void that is created in the thoracic area, inter-mammary area and contour of the breasts, independently isolating all the areas that may generate them, the breasts are protected and the stretching of the skin and sagging of the breasts is avoided, thanks to the holding effect of all its perimeter, which is logically carried out by the cups of the bra itself, leaving the area corresponding to thoracic cage and neckline protected by the middle sections of the upper and lower portions, while the sides are encircling, preventing the breasts from getting out of the cups of the bra itself. 
         [0049]    Also notable is the fact that, whatever the position in which the user sleeps, the breasts and skin remain protected with the maximum comfort, creating a pleasant sensation of well-being, so that referring to the three more common sleeping positions, the bra produces the following results: 
         [0050]    On one&#39;s back: it prevents the breasts from moving to the sides, being this the most recommended position because it prevents the pressure of one breast on the other and, as a result, the stretching that they cause on the skin, protecting the neckline from the centre of the cleavage area. 
         [0051]    On one&#39;s side: Regardless of the side on which the user rests or lies down, right or left, the breast opposite the one that lays on the support surface, slides on the one that is resting on said surface, causing the stretching of the skin in the neckline, the cleavage area and the area of the skin of the breast in the opposite side on which it slides on the other, so that due to the configuration and design of the bra, it prevents the sliding of a breast on the other, due to the presence of the middle section of the front portion. 
         [0052]    On one&#39;s front: It reduces the pressure that is applied on the breasts as they are protected by the middle section  14  in the cleavage area, which is calculated in function of the depth of its internal development. 
         [0053]    The garment described above manages to fill the void that is created in the thoracic area, particularly in the cleavage area, preventing frontal or lateral pressures on the woman&#39;s body from causing deformations and wrinkles in her breasts that could cause any of the aforementioned problems.