Abstrict A bra support structure and outer layer garment combination is
provided. The Bra support structure, usually constructed of a spandex
material, includes a first front chest support panel (1) as the
first outermost interior layer thereof and is adjacent to the outer
layer garment structure. The bra support structure also includes
an second front chest support panel (2). The first and second panels
are sewn together and attached to the outer garment layer along
each of their side, shoulder and neckline edges. The inner and outer
layers of the bra support structure and sewn together around the
circumference of the breast area to form pockets which can hold
pads to provide additional support and contouring. Different densities
and thicknesses of pads can be provided. The bra suuport structure
bottom edge is free from the outer garment layer to provide freedom
of movement to the wearer. The bra support structure includes two
triangular back straps formed of a powermesh material and which
are centrally attached by a fastener. The side edges of the triangular
back straps are attached to the side edges of the other bra support
and outer layer garment layers to provide additional support to
the wearer.
Claims What is claimed is:
1. A brassiere support structure in combination with an outer layer
garment structure; said brassiere support structure comprising a
front portion having a free bottom edge; two back strap portions
each having a free bottom edge; wherein said outer layer garment
structure and said brassiere support structure are joined together
at common edges and seams positioned along a wearer's sides, shoulders
and neckline and wherein said brassiere support structure front
and back portions have unattached bottom edges allowing greater
freedom of movement of said outer layer garment while providing
contouring and support to the breasts of the wearer.
2. A brassiere support structure and an outer layer garment structure
combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein said bra support structure
includes a double layer front chest support panel section, a right
back strap section and a left back strap section.
3. A brassiere support structure and an outer layer garment structure
as claimed in claim 1 wherein said outer layer garment includes
a top edge extending from a first shoulder edge across a neckline
to a second top shoulder edge; two side arm seam edges and two torso
side edge seams; wherein said bra support panel includes includes
a top edge extending from a first shoulder edge across a neckline
to a second top shoulder edge; two side arm seam edges and two torso
side edge seams and wherein said bra support and said outer garment
layer structures are sewn together along said top edge, said two
side arm edges and said two torso side edge seams.
4. A bra support structure and outer layer garment structure as
claimed in claim 1 wherein said outer layer garment structure is
structured in the form of any one of a top, t-shirt, bodysuit, swimsuit,
camisole, slip, pajama top, blouse, shirt, jacket, gown, dress or
any other upper body torso covering garment.
5. A bra support structure and outer layer garment structure combination
as claimed in claim 1 wherein said bra support structure construction
includes a double layer chest support panel section with dual breast
covering pockets within the double layer construction.
6. A bra support structure and outer layer garment structure combination
as claimed in claim 5 wherein said breast covering pockets are each
formed by stitching said double layer chest support panel fabric
layers together about each breast circumference while leaving an
access opening in said pockets along each of said wearer's sides.
7. A breast support structure and outer layer garment structure
combination as claimed in claim 6 wherein pads are removably inserted
into said pocket.
8. A bra support structure and outer layer garment structure combination
as claimed in claim 7 wherein said pad is constructed of any one
of a thin, smooth, microfiber, polyfil or foam material.
9. A bra support structure and outer layer garment structure as
claimed in claim 7 wherein said pad has a plan view shape with a
convex upper edge and concave lower edge and a molded three dimensional
convex shape with a convex outer surface to provide smooth contouring
of each breast and wherein each pad is placed in any angled position
located on each breast and within each of said pockets.
10. A bra support garment and outer layer garment structure as
claimed in claim 7 wherein said pockets are formed and sized to
allow for the symmetrical or asymmetrical placement of said pads
within said pockets to provide for infinite adjustability of the
pads and contouring to any desired location over and about each
breast and wherein said adjustment of said pad is limited only by
the outer edges of said pockets, the size of the pad and the choice
of placement by the wearer.
11. A bra support garment and outer layer garment structure combination
as claimed in claim 7 wherein a selection of pad pairs are provided
which vary in thickness, shape, size and material density to provide
various levels of contouring and support.
12. A bra support structure and outer layer garment combination
as claimed in claim 2 wherein said back left and right sections
are constructed of a power mesh material and said front panel support
layers are constructed of spandex.
13. A bra support structure and outer layer garment construction
as claimed in claim 12 wherein said outer layer garment construction
is formed of any one of spandex, lace, stretch lace, a knit fabric,
a woven fabric or any combination thereof.
14. A bra support structure and outer layer garment construction
combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein said right and left back
panel sections are joined by a fastener.
15. A bra support and outer layer garment construction combination
as claimed in claim 14 wherein said fastener is adjustable.
16. A bra support structure nad outer layer garment combination
as claimed in claim 15 wherein said adjustable fastener includes
any one of a hook and eye fastener or hook and loop fastener.
17. A bra support structure and an outer layer garment structure
combination as claimed in claim 2 wherein said left and right back
panels are each triangularly shaped.
18. A bra support structure and outer layer garment structure combination
as claimed in claim 2 wherein said bra support structure includes
a bottom edge which is unattached to said outer layer garment structure
and thereby allows greater freedom of movement of said wearer in
said garment while allowing the desired support and contouring to
the wearer.
19. A bra support structure and outer layer garment structure combination
as claimed in claim 1 wherein said bra support structure includes
elastic attached at a lower circumference.
20. A brassiere support structure in combination with an outer
layer garment structure; said brassiere support structure comprising
a three section construction including a front portion and two back
strap portions; wherein said outer layer garment structure and said
brassiere support structure are joined together at common edges
and seams positioned along a wearer's sides, shoulders and neckline;
wherein said bra support structure includes a double layer chest
support panel section with dual breast covering pockets within the
double layer construction; wherein said pockets are formed and sized
to allow for the symmetrical or asymmetrical placement of contouring
pads within said pockets to provide for the infinite adjustability
of the pads to any desired location over and about each breast;
wherein said adjustment of said pad is limited only by the outer
edges of said pockets and the size of the pad in order to provide
the desired contouring of the wearer's breasts and wherein said
contouring pad placement is at the choice of the wearer.
Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to women's garments and
undergarments. More particularly, the present invention relates
to a brassiere construction which is particularly suited for integration
with an outer garment the combination of which provides support
and shape while improving comfort and appearance particularly during
active wear. In a preferred embodiment, the brassiere construction
allows for customized selection of inserts, e.g., cups, to accommodate
an individual's breast asymmetries, including differences in breast
size, shape or juxtaposition and provide an enhanced appearance
of the breasts when the brassiere is worn under a garment, irrespective
of whether the brassiere construction is affixed to the garment.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Brassieres have generally been designed to accommodate substantially
symmetrical breasts. Moreover, they are generally designed independently
of the garments under which they are worn. Notwithstanding bathing
suits, the concept of an integrated brassiere and garment is nevertheless
known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5045018 ("the '018 patent")
discloses a camisole having an integrated receiving section for
brassiere cups with a stretchable strip affixed in all embodiments
of the invention to the base and length of the brassiere cups or,
in a preferred embodiment, having a separate stretchable strip sewn
to a receiving section of the camisole beneath the cups. Since the
cups are attached, they are not understood to be designed to be
interchanged with different sized cups. Moreover, the position of
the cups cannot be changed to accommodate breasts that are not symmetrically
aligned. Furthermore, in the '018 patent the brassiere cups are
inserted into a receiving section, the base of which is sewn to
the inside of the front of the garment. While such a garment may
provide support, the garment and receiving section are likely to
move relative to one another, such that in regular active wear the
base of the receiving section will tend to ride-up over the breasts
and require frequent adjustment of the brassiere element within
the garment.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an integrated brassiere
(hereinafter "bra") and garment construction that not
only provides support and the option of enhancement of the woman's
bustline, but also an entirely natural look since the bra element
is joined to the garment in such a manner as to permit the front
of the garment to move substantially independently of the bra element.
Further, since the cups are not attached to each other, they can
be individually selected so as to customize the bra, thereby enhancing
the comfort of its use as well as the appearance of the bustline.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
While it is a principal object of the present invention to provide
an integrated bra and garment construction that minimizes displacement
("riding-up") of the bra within the garment during active
wear, the bra construction affords the wearer the opportunity to
customize the fit and comfort of the bra as well as appearance created
by the bra and hence can be worn without being integrated into,
i.e., affixed to, the garment.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an integrated
bra/garment, e.g., of a unitary or one-piece construction, that
provides support for the breasts without creating a bulky or puckered
appearance. The novel bra construction element of the present invention
can be utilized in a variety of garments.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a
bra/garment construction that can be optionally provided with different
styles or sizes of support cups which in turn may be individually
positioned to promote comfort and enhance a wearer's figure. Alternatively,
the bra construction may be worn without the use of inserts for
a more natural appearance.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide
a bra construction integrated with garments that can be worn discreetly
and comfortably over or in conjunction with a prosthesis by women
who have had a partial or full mastectomy.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide
a bra construction that can be used by girls whose breasts have
not fully developed to provide a smooth and uniform breast appearance.
These and other objectives are realized in accordance with the
present invention. Specifically, a bra or bra-like construction
is provided that is comfortable to wear without loss of support,
and when integrated with an outer garment gives an entirely smooth
natural and uniform appearance to the bustline as observed from
the front of the outer garment and is comfortable during active
wear, specifically insofar as the bra portion does not "ride-up"
and require frequent adjustment. While the bra construction may
be integrated into any suitable outer garment, the present invention
as further disclosed herein in its integrated configuration will
be disclosed in the context of a garment known as a camisole.
In a preferred bra/garment (camisole) embodiment, the bra construction
includes a support panel which has front and back portions that
are joined together; top and side portions that are joined at their
respective edges to the corresponding edges of the camisole (which
may also be the inside seam of the camisole) and a bottom portion
including a bottom edge that is unattached to the camisole. The
support panel further includes stretchable material that is attached
to the bottom edge of the support panel or otherwise incorporated
into the bottom portion thereof. Specifically, the stretchable material
may be an elastic strap, a portion of which is attached to the bottom
edge of the support panel and an unattached portion so that the
entire strap encircles the body beneath the breasts. In accordance
with the present invention, the support panel may be formed with
pocket areas into which bra cups or inserts of varying sizes and
styles may be interchangeably inserted. The support panel may be
constructed from any material, however, it is preferred that the
material be compatible, e.g., color compatible, with the material
used in the manufacture of the outer garment in order to give a
uniformly integrated appearance and to minimize the separate appearance
of the bra construction through the outer garment where that objective
is considered fashionably desirable. In view of the integration
of the bra construction with the camisole, adjustable straps may
be incorporated into the camisole, e.g., shoulder straps, that will
further enhance the fit of the garment and bra combination.
Further objects, features, advantages and embodiments of the invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description taken
in conjunction with the accompanying figures showing illustrative
embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and
the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like
reference numbers indicate like features and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the bra support structure front chest
support panel outside layer independent of the outer layer garment
structure.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the inside layer of the front chest support
panel of the bra support structure.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the two triangular back strap sections.
FIG. 4A is a front inside view of the bra support structure and
outside garment layer combination showing the attachment of the
bra support structure front panels to the outer garment layer structure.
FIG. 4B is a front inside view of the bra support structure and
outside garment layer combination showing the attachment of the
bra support structure two triangular back support straps to the
outer garment layer structure.
FIG. 5a is a front view of a top embodiment of the outer layer
garment structure of the present invention.
FIG. 5b is a front view of a t-shirt embodiment of the outer layer
garment structure of the present invention.
FIG. 5c is a front view of a bodysuit embodiment of the outer layer
garment structure of the present invention.
FIG. 5d is a front view of a swimsuit top embodiment of the outer
layer garment structure.
FIG. 5e is a front view of a camisole embodiment of the outer layer
garment structure of the present invention.
FIG. 5f is a front view of a slip embodiment of the outer layer
garment structure of the present invention.
FIG. 5g is a front view of a pajama top embodiment of the outer
layer garment structure of the present invention.
FIG. 5h is a front view of a blouse and/or shirt embodiment of
the outer layer garment structure of the present invention.
FIG. 5i is a front view of a dress embodiment of the outer layer
structure of the present invention.
FIG. 5j is a front view of a gown embodiment of the outer layer
garment structure of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a front view of the double layer chest support panel
with the pocket seam detail of the dual breast covering pockets
with the pocket access openings.
FIG. 7 is an interior view of the camisole embodiment of the bra
support structure and outer layer garment combination showing the
breast covering pockets formed by stitching the double layer chest
panels together about the circumference of the breast and also the
breast covering pockets access openings.
FIG. 8 is an inside view of the double layer bra support structure
showing the stitching about the breast area forming the pockets
with access openings and removable bra pads for insertion therein.
FIG. 9A is a bra pad three-dimensional side view.
FIG. 9B is a plan view of the pad front showing the convex upper
edge and the concave lower edge.
FIG. 10 is an inside view of the bra support and outer layer garment
structure combination showing the breast pocket outlines with the
pocket access openings and bra pads for insertion within the pockets.
FIG. 11 is a front interior view of the bra support structure and
outer layer garment combination showing the breast pocket seam outlines;
the pocket access openings and the contouring pads inserted within
the pockets with the adjustability of the pads within the pockets.
FIG. 12a is a side view of the bra support panel and outer layer
garment combination with a level 1 pad placed within the pocket.
FIG. 12b is a side view of the bra support panel and outer layer
garment combination with a level 2 pad placed within the pocket.
FIG. 12c is a side view of the bra support panel and outer layer
garment combination with a level 3 pad placed within the pocket.
FIG. 13 is a rear view of the bra support structure two triangular
back straps formed of a Powermesh material attached together.
FIG. 14a is a front interior view of the bra support structure
and outer layer garment combination showing the front panels.
FIG. 14b is a back interior view of the bra support structure and
outer layer garment combination showing the two triangular back
straps.
FIG. 15 is a closeup rear view of the two triangular back strap
sections joined together by a fastener.
FIG. 16 is a closeup rear view of the two triangular back strap
sections joined together by an adjustable fastener.
FIG. 17a is a closeup rear view of the adjustable rear back strap
fastener in the hook and eye form.
FIG. 17b is a closeup rear view of the adjustable rear back strap
fastener in the hook and loop fastener form.
FIG. 18 is a closeup view of the two triangular back strap sections.
FIG. 19A is an inside front view of the bra support structure and
outside garment layer combination.
FIG. 19b is an inside back view of the bra support structure and
outside garment layer combination.
FIG. 20 is a closeup view of the bra support structure front showing
the elastic at the lower circumference.
FIG. 21 is an expanded side view of the bra support structure and
outer garment layer combination layers.
The present invention is described below in detail with references
to the figures which are solely intended as illustrative embodiments
thereof. It should be understood that changes and modifications
can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from
the true scope and spirit of the present invention a set forth in
the claims following this specification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows the bra support structure first front chest support
panel (1) which is the first outermost interior layer of the bra
support panel structure and which is adjacent to the outer layer
garment structure. The front chest support panels are preferably
formed of a LYCRA spandex material. The front chest support panel
(1) includes sewing line seams (3) around the circumference of each
breast area. When the first chest support panel is sewn to the second
front chest support panel (2) the sewn seams around the circumference
of the breast areas(3) form pockets (5) over each breast area. Each
pocket (5) has an access opening (4) along the outer side edges
wherein each access opening is under each armpit of the wearer along
the side of the wearer's body. FIG. 2 shows the inside or innermost
front chest panel layer of the bra support structure which is closest
to the chest of the body of the wearer. The curved side of the panels
form the pocket access openings when the layers (1) and (2) are
attached together. The rear strap structure (as seen in FIG. 3)
shows the two triangular straps including a left back strap section
(6) and a right back strap section (7). In the top embodiment the
front chest panels (1) and (2), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 each
include a first shoulder edge (8), a neckline edge (12) and a second
shoulder edge (9) and two torso side edge seams (11) as seen in
FIG. 4a. Additionally, the support panels include two side arm seam
edges (10) as shown in FIG. 4b. Also shown in FIG. 4a is the outer
layer garment front (13) and in FIG. 4b the outer layer garment
back (14) is shown. The attachment of the bra support structure
to the outer garment layer structure is accomplished by sewing the
corresponding seam edges of the two support front chest panels and
the front (13) and rear (14) outer layer garment panels together.
Additionally, the two triangular bra support back strap sections
are sewn by their torso side edge seams to the torso side edge seams
of the front bra support structure and the outer layer garment support
structure.
The bra support structure two front chest panels and the front
outer layer garment panels are sewn along their first shoulder edge
(8), neckline (12), second shoulder edge (9), both side arm seam
edges (10) and two torso side edge seams (11). The only portion
along the sides of the layers left unsewn is along the side torso
seam and is the access opening (4) which is the curved portion in
the inside layer of the front chest panel. The back panel of the
outside garment layer (14) as seen in FIG. 4(b) is also sewn to
the other panels (12 and 13) along the side torso seam edges.
The two triangular back strap portions include side torso seams
that are also sewn to the side torso seams of the other garment
layers.
The bra support structure and outer layer garment combination can
be constructed including many different types of outer layer garment
constructions including a top as seen in FIG. 5a; a t-shirt as seen
in FIG. 5b; a bodysuit as seen in FIG. 5c; a swimsuit as seen in
figure 5d; and a camisole as seen in FIG. 5e. Other embodiments
include a slip as seen in FIG. 5f; a pajama top as seen in FIG.
5g; a blouse or shirt as seen in FIG. 5h; a dress as seen in FIG.
5i and a gown as seen in FIG. 5j. In detail, the double layer chest
support structure, as seen in FIG. 6 shows the double layer structure
including the first chest support panel (1) and the second chest
support panel (2) with the access opening (4) for access to the
dual breast covering pockets (5) formed by the stitching around
the breast areas (3) which attaches the two front chest support
panels together to form the pockets (5). The camisole embodiment
of FIG. 5e is also shown in detail in FIG. 7. The camisole embodiment
includes adjustable straps (15) with adjustment mechanisms as commonly
used in bra, camisole and slip constructions to provide adjustability
to the camisole straps and thereby provides further adjustment to
the camisole itself and the exact placement of the breast covering
pockets onto the breasts of the wearer as desired. The camisole
includes a camisole body (16) and the same neckline edge (12); arm
seam edges (10) and torso side seam edges (100) where the two bra
support front panels are attached to the front camisole outer layer
garment. The back straps (67) are structured and attached as in
the previous embodiment. The only difference is the camisole embodiment
is that it includes spaghetti type straps (15) instead of shoulder
seams (8) and (9). Therefore, the camisole embodiment is not attached
at the shoulder seams (8 and 9) but rather along the neckline (12)
which extends across the top of the camisole to meet the respective
side arm edge seams (10). The camisole includes the breast covering
pocket (5) formed by the stitching (3) around the circumference
of each breast. The pockets (5) are formed for the insertion of
pads (17) therein and are shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows the removable
pads (17) which are inserted into the pockets (5) as desired by
the wearer. The lower edge of the front bra support panel includes
elastic (18) which provides a smooth and secure fit along the bottom
of the bra support structure to the wearer's body. The bottom edge
is not sewn to the outer layer garment structure front panel 1 and
is free to conform to the body of the wearer when the wearer moves
about or changes position. The pads (17) are three dimensional in
shape and have a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface
to be flush against the wearer. The upper edge is convex and the
lower edge is concave as seen in FIGS. 9a and 9b. The pads (17)
can be placed into the pockets (5) through the pocket access opening
(4) and placed in the pocket at any angle. The pads are shaped to
provide the smooth contouring of each breast.
FIG. 11 shows the symmetrical or asymmetrical places ment of the
pads (18) into the bra support structure pockets (5). The stitching
(3) of the pocket (5) edges is located and structured to form and
size the pocket to allow for a range of placement locations. The
placement of the pads is only limited by the size of the pocket
and the size of the pads inserted in the pockets and the desire
of the wearer. The wearer can place the pads (17) in the pockets
symmetrically or asymmetrically. They can also place different sized
pads in the each pocket or pads of different densities.
The pockets and the pad structures allow for the infinite adjustability
and the contouring of the breast at any location from the center
of the breast to the side seam of the garment. The pad (17) can
move in the pocket (5) up or down, in towards the center of the
garment or out towards the side of the garment or diagonally in
any direction within the circumferential stitching area (3) about
the breast that forms the pocket (5).
The bra support structure and outer layer garment combination structure
includes the adaptability to use a variety of pads (17). The pads
(17) can include different levels of contouring and support. A level
one pad is a thin pad (17a) which provides a slight contour and
support; a level two pad (17b) is a medium thickness for adding
size for a fuller contour and firm support and a level three (17c)
pad or full thickness pad to augment size and provide altered contour
with full support. The pad can be a breast enhancing pad or breast
prosthesis. A selection of pads can be provided with the garment
for use by the wearer as desired. Each pad can vary in shape, thickness
and density to provide various levels of contour and support. The
bra pads are preferably full-sized bra cups, as opposed to "half-moon"
cups or inserts, which may be made of heat molded microfiber, such
as cotton, polyfil or foam, covered by one or more thin panels of
jersey tricot or taffeta. The pads (17) can be positioned as required
to fit any woman's body irrespective of the shape, size or juxtaposition
of the breasts. For example, if a woman is shaped with breasts that
are slightly lower or shifted to one side, the support pads can
be positioned so as to fit snugly and support the breasts in a comfortable
position. Likewise, if a woman has breasts that are positioned closer
together and higher, the support pads (17) are positioned accordingly
for proper and comfortable support. The bra structure back panels
(as seen in FIG. 13 and 14b) include a left back support panel and
a right back support panel. Each of the left and right back panels
are triangular in shape and are formed of a Power mesh material.
As seen in FIG. 14a the front panel of the bra support structure
is constructed of a LYCRA spandex material. The left and right rear
triangular back strap portions (67) are fastened together with
a fastener (19) as seen in FIG. 15. The fastener (19) is a hook
and eye fastener which is adjustable as seen in FIG. 16. The hook
and eye fastener (19) of FIG. 17a includes a hook (d) which is fastened
into the desired eye (a,b or c) which provides the different levels
of adjustment (a-c) where level a provides a smaller lower edge
circumference and c provides for a larger lower edge circumference
in the bra support structure. A hook and loop fastener (VELCRO)
(20) as seen in FIG. 17b can also be used where a loop material
(20a) fastens to a hook material (20b) and which provides infinite
adjustability along the length of the hook and loop strap material.
The left and right back straps (21a) and (21b) include a lower elastic
band (18a) which is further split into two elastic rear band sections
(18b) and (18c) at the fastener. The camisole embodiment of FIG.
19a shows the front inside view of the bra support structure and
the outer garment layer. The lower elastic edge (18) of the bra
support structure is not sewn to the outer garment layer (13). The
elastic is only sewn at the side seams (11) along with the two front
bra support panels (1) and (*2) and which are also fastened together
by seams along the arm edges (10) and the neckline edge(12).
Additionally, the rear bottom elastic edge (18) is also free along
its bottom edge from the outer garment rear layer (14). The back
elastic bottom edge (18) is sewn to the outer layer garment rear
layer (14) only at the side seams. The left rear triangular back
strap portion (6) is fastened to the outer layer garment at its
torso side seams and the right rear back strap portion (7) is fastened
to the outer layer garment at the torso side seam. Both back straps
(6 and 7) attach together at the garment rear with a fastener (19).
FIG. 20 shows a closeup view of the bra support structure front
panel which includes a bottom elastic portion (18)a which runs along
the entire bottom circumference of the bra support structure to
provide a secure fit of the bottom edge of the bra support structure
to the body of the wearer while the outer layer garment front and
rear panels are looser about the wearer and free from the bottom
edge of the bra support structure.
In conclusion, the main components of the bra support structure
and outer layer garment combination are shown in FIG. 21. The front
outer layer (13) of the outer layer garment includes a neckline
(12) a shoulder seam (9) and arm seam (10). The front support panel
outer layer (1) includes an elastic portion (18) at the bottom,
the inner bra support layer (2) includes access openings (4). Layers
13 1 and 2 are sewn together along common neckline, shoulder, arm
edge and torso edge seams leaving the access opening (4) open. Additionally,
breast pocket stitching (3) around the circumference of each breast
is sewn through layers 1 and 2 to form breast pockets (5) over each
breast. The access openings (4) allow pads (17) to be placed in
each pocket at the discretion of the wearer. The placement of the
pad within the pocket is at a location chosen by the wearer and
which is limited only by the size of the pockets and the pad. The
pad can be placed at any location or position, symmetrically or
asymmetrically and provides infinite adjustability within the pocket
stitching seams. The back straps (6 and 7) are attached at the side
edges to the side seam edges of the other layers of the outer garment
(1314) and the bra support structure (1 and 2). The bra straps
are triangular and are attached by a fastener (19) which is adjustable.
The back panel is sewn to the other panels at the shoulder seams
and the torso side seams. The bra support structure is attached
to the outer garment structure only along the top and side edges
and is free at the bottom front and back to allow movement of the
wearer. This then allows the garment to move freely and not bind
or pull the bra structure up on the wearer's body. The pockets and
pads provides contouring and support that stays in the appropriate
place while allowing for freedom of movement of the wearer.
The bra support structure layers (1) and (2) can also be constructed
separate from an outer garment layer and worn alone with the pads
to provide contouring and support to the wearer when the bra support
structure is integrated into a garment, this arrangement allows
the garment to fit softly, smoothly and comfortably over the torso
while the bra portion provides support, positioning and shaping
for the breasts. The arrangement also enables the garment to move
relatively independently of the bra element despite a unitary construction
and prevents the bra element from riding-up over the breasts during
active wear.
Although the present invention has been described in connection
with particular embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that
such embodiments are susceptible of modification and variation without
departing from the scope of the inventive concept as defined by
the appended claims. Furthermore, the bra construction of the present
invention as shown in FIG. 1 may be integrated with and used in
other garments such as tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, tee-shirts,
slips, dresses and athletic wear for providing improved fit and
appearance.
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