Abstrict A strapless and backless bra is provided that can be worn with
backless or revealing clothing. The bra includes a first and a second
cup each having: 1) an open top end; 2) a closed bottom end; 3)
an outer side and an inner side each having substantially parallel
top portions; and a tab, positioned proximate the outer side of
the cup. In addition, the bra may include a rigid underwire/supporter
and a rigid reinforcement member for enhancing the appearance of
a user's breasts while providing uniform lift and support.
Claims What is claimed is:
1. A strapless and backless bra, comprising:
a first cup and a second cup, wherein the first and second cups
are joined together and wherein each cup includes:
an open top end,
a closed bottom end,
an outer side and an inner side, wherein an upper portion of the
outer and inner sides are substantially parallel to each other;
and
a tab attached to the outer side.
2. The bra of claim 1 further comprising a supporter, positioned
to extend along the periphery of the closed end and the outer and
the inner sides of each cup.
3. The bra of claim 2 wherein the supporter is rigid.
4. The bra of claim 1 wherein the bra is constructed from a soft
woven fabric.
5. The bra of claim 1 wherein the bra is constructed from a knitted
fabric.
6. The bra of claim 1 wherein each tab is positioned on one side
of a body of a user.
7. The bra of claim 1 further comprising at least one reinforcement
member, positioned between the closed bottom end, the open top end,
and the sides of each cup.
8. The bra of claim 7 wherein the at least one reinforcement member
extends from the closed end to the open end of each cup.
9. The bra of claim 7 wherein the at least one reinforcement member
is rigid.
10. The bra of claim 1 further comprising means for adhering the
bra to a user.
11. The bra of claim 10 wherein the means for adhering the bra
to the user comprises a two sided tape with a first side contacting
the tab and a second side contacting one side of a body of a user.
12. The bra of claim 11 wherein the two sided tape has a first
adhesive on the first side and a second adhesive on the second side.
13. The bra of claim 12 wherein the first adhesive is a random
oriented, polyester fiber in a hypoallergenic, pressure sensitive
acrylic adhesive.
14. The bra of claim 12 wherein the second adhesive is a hypoallergenic,
pressure sensitive, acrylate adhesive.
15. A strapless and backless bra, comprising:
a pair of cups, wherein each cup includes:
an open top end,
a closed bottom end,
an outer side and an inner side, wherein an upper portion of the
outer and inner sides are substantially parallel to each other,
a tab attached to the outer side; and
wherein the inner sides of each cup are connected.
16. The bra of claim 15 further comprising at least one rigid
reinforcement member extending from the open top end to the closed
bottom end of at least one cup.
17. The bra of claim 15 further comprising a pair of rigid supporters,
each supporter being positioned along a periphery of each of the
pair of cups.
18. The bra of claim 17 further comprising an adhesive, positioned
on the pair of opposing tabs, wherein the adhesive adheres each
tab to one side of a body of a user.
19. A strapless and backless bra comprising:
a band of stretchable material having opposing ends;
a first tab and a second tab, each being attached to one of the
opposing ends; and
wherein the band of stretchable material is positionable across
a body of a user so that each opposing end is proximate a breast
of the user.
20. The bra of claim 19 further comprising an adhesive, positioned
on the first and the second tabs, for adhering each tab only to
one side of a body of a user.
21. The bra of claim 19 wherein the stretchable material is spandex.
22. A strapless and backless bra, comprising:
a) a first cup and a second cup, wherein each cup includes:
an open top end,
a closed bottom end,
an outer side and an inner side, wherein an upper portion of the
outer and inner sides are substantially parallel to each other,
a tab, attached to the outer side; and
b) wherein the upper portions of each inner side are joined together.
23. A strapless and backless bra, comprising:
a) a first cup and a second cup, wherein each cup includes:
an top end,
a bottom end,
an outer side and an inner side, wherein an upper portion of the
outer and inner sides are substantially parallel to each other,
a tab, attached to the outer side; and
b) wherein the cups are joined together.
Description BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to a strapless and backless
bra, and more particularly, to a strapless and backless bra for
providing uniform lift and support and enhanced appearance of the
breasts of a user.
2. Background Art
In the production of undergarments, a bra is often required that
can be worn with backless, low cut, or other revealing garments.
For example, when a backless dress is worn, a bra is required that
cannot be seen by others while still maintaining uniform lift and
support for the user's breasts.
Heretofore, many have attempted to solve this problem by employing
inferior variations. Examples include the following, all of which
are herein incorporated by reference:
U.S. Pat. No. 2079426 to Schottenfels;
U.S. Pat. No. 3749102 Wynants;
U.S. Pat. No. 3934593 to Mellinger;
U.S. Pat. No. 4343313 to Le Juene;
U.S. Pat. No. 4553550 to Hattori;
U.S. Pat. No. 4992074 to Diaz; and
U.S. Pat. No. 5755611 to Noble et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 2079426 to Schottenfels teaches a supporting garment
having two cups and a plurality of heads onto which adhesive is
placed. The bra of Schottenfels is inferior because, inter alia,
the orientation of the cups and the placement of the adhesive heads
along the top of the cups cause the bra to be exposed when worn
with a low cut or similar revealing garment.
U.S. Pat. No. 4992074 to Diaz, U.S. Pat. No. 3934593 to Mellinger,
and U.S. Pat. No. 5755611 to Noble et al. all teach a bra comprised
of two separate cups having adhesive positioned along the periphery
thereof. With bras having two separate cups, however, a number of
problems become apparent. For example, a user will not have uniformity
in lift and support of both breasts. In contrast, bras having two
separate cups can only lift and support the breasts as individual
units, leading to a unevenness or distortion in the lift, support,
and overall appearance of the user's breasts. In addition, Diaz,
Mellinger and Noble et al. all teach the use of adhesive over a
large part of the user's breasts. Such a teaching leads to unnecessary
discomfort in both the application and removal of the bra. Moreover,
instead of being U-shaped, the cups of these related devices flare
outward near their top portions. This configuration leads to decreased
lift and support of a user's breasts while giving the breasts an
undesired or unflattering shape.
Therefore, there exists the need for a strapless and backless bra
that can be worn with revealing clothing while lifting and supporting
the breasts of a user with uniformity and comfort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art
by including a strapless and backless bra that will lift and support
the breasts of a user with uniformity and comfort while optimizing
breast appearance. According to one aspect of the present invention,
a strapless and backless bra is provided, which includes first and
second cups, connected or joined together, each cup having: 1) an
open top end; 2) a closed bottom end; 3) an outer side and an inner
side that are substantially parallel to each other; and 4) a tab,
positioned proximate the outer side of the cup.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a strapless
and backless bra is provided, which includes: 1) a pair of cups
connected together, each cup having an open top end and a closed
bottom end; and 2) a strapless and backless system, operatively
attached to the cups for supporting the breasts of a user. The strapless
and backless bra may also include one or more rigid reinforcement
members or boning, positioned to extend vertically across the cup
from the top end to the bottom end.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a strapless
and backless bra is provided, which includes: 1) a band of stretchable
material having opposing ends; and 2) a first tab and a second tab,
each of which is positioned proximate one of the opposing ends of
the band.
It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide
a strapless and backless bra for lifting and supporting the breasts
of a user with uniformity and comfort.
The preferred embodiment of the invention is designed to solve
the problems herein described and other problems not discussed,
which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features and advantages of this invention will
be more readily understood from the following detailed description
of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a strapless and backless bra in accordance
with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the first embodiment of the present invention
when placed on a user;
FIG. 3 is a front view of a strapless and backless bra in accordance
with a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a front view of a strapless and backless bra in accordance
with a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a front view the third embodiment of the present invention
when placed on a user;
FIG. 6 is a side view of an adhesive tape of the present invention;
and
FIG. 7 is a front view of a releasable snap-fit connector in accordance
with the present invention.
It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale.
The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended
to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are
intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and
therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the
invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements
between the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a first embodiment
of a strapless and backless bra in accordance with the present invention.
As shown, bra 10 includes U-shaped cups 12 and 14 which are connected
by bridge connector 16.
U-shaped cups 12 and 14 each have an outer side 24 an inner side
26 an open top end 20 and a closed bottom end 22. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 cups 12 and 14 are U-shaped with the upper portions
of the outer side 24 and the inner side 26 of each cup 12 and 14
being substantially parallel to each other to provide optimal lift
and support for the breasts 32 and 34 of a user 38. This is in contrast
to related bras, in which the cups flare outward, thus, providing
less lift and support to the breasts 32 and 34 of a user 38. The
bra 10 is preferably constructed from a soft woven or knitted fabric,
such as cotton and/or lace. However, it should be understood that
many equivalent alternatives for material exist.
Each cup 12 and 14 of the bra 10 may also include an underwire
or supporter 18 that is positioned along the periphery of the cups
12 and 14. Specifically, the underwire 18 is formed from a rigid
material and extends along each cup, in a U-shaped configuration,
along the outer side 24 the closed bottom end 22 and the inner
side 26. The underwire or supporter 18 aids in the lifting and supporting
of the user's breasts 32 and 34 and, although it is not necessary
for every user 38 large breasted women may prefer it. Examples
of rigid material that could be used as an underwire 18 include,
inter alia, metal or plastic. However, it should be appreciated
that many other equivalents exist that could be used as an underwire
18.
Bridge connector 16 represents any form of connection between the
U-shaped cups 12 and 14 such as a unitary piece of material, as
shown. However, it should be appreciated that many equivalent alternatives
exist. For example, bridge connector 16 could be, inter alia, a
releasable snap-fit connector 16 an eye and hook connector , or
a system for joining the inner sides 26 of the U-Shaped cups 12
and 14 together. FIG. 7 depicts the U-shaped cups 12 and 14 joined
together by a releasable snap-fit connector. As shown, the releasable
snap-fit connector 16 has complementary snap-like female 72 and
male 74 interconnections positioned proximate each inner side 26.
To join the U-shaped cups 12 and 14 together, the user would snap
male interconnection 74 into complementary female interconnection
72 after the individual U-shaped cups 12 and 14 have been attached
to the user's 38 body.
Opposing tabs 28 and 30 are provided and are positioned proximate
the outer sides 24 of the cups 14 and 12 respectively. As show
in FIG. 2 the tabs 28 and 30 are adhered only to the outer sides
of the breasts 32 and 34 of the user 38. This positioning of the
tabs 28 and 30 reduces the surface area of the bra 10 that must
be adhered to the user's 38 body and allows for the bra to remain
hidden when worn with revealing clothing. In addition, the placement
of the tabs provides for optimal lift, support, and appearance of
the user's 38 breasts 32 and 34.
Adhesion of the bra 10 to the user 38 is preferably accomplished
using a two sided tape 60. As depicted in FIG. 6 two sided generally
includes a body side adhesive 62 on one side and a fabric side adhesive
64 on the other side. Body side adhesive 62 is preferably a hypoallergenic,
pressure sensitive, acrylate adhesive that is non-toxic and reduces
irritation of the skin of a user 38. Fabric side adhesive 64 is
preferably a random oriented polyester fiber in a hypoallergenic,
pressure sensitive, acrylic adhesive that will optimize adhesion
of the two sided tape 60 to the tabs 28 and 30 of the bra 10. This
specific two sided tape 60 having the cited body side adhesive 62
and fabric side adhesive 64 is available from 3M Corp. of St. Paul,
Minn. Although a preferred compound has been cited for both adhesives,
it should be appreciated that many equivalents exist.
To be worn, the user 38 places one piece/segment of the two sided
tape 60 in contact with each of the tabs 28 and 30. Specifically,
the fabric side adhesive 64 of each segment of the two sided tape
60 is placed onto the back surface of each of the tabs 28 and 30.
Once the two sided tape 60 is firmly adhered to each of the tabs
28 and 30 the bra may then be adhered to the user 38. This is accomplished
by placing the body side adhesive 62 of tab 28 in contact with the
outer side of a user's 38 body proximate the armpit. Then, the bra
is pulled and/or stretched across the user's 38 body until the body
side adhesive 62 of the other tab 30 is placed in contact with,
and is adhered to, the outer side of the user's 38 body proximate
the other armpit. This example is given for illustration purposes
only and not intended to be limiting. For example, a user can apply
tab 30 first and then tab 28.
It should be appreciated that the tabs 28 and 30 could have a heat
sealable polyethylene or other similar film (not shown) bonded to
the back surface thereof. The film would be disposed between the
back surface of the tabs 28 and 30 and the two sided tape 60. Such
a film would facilitate the release of the two sided tape 60 from
the tabs 28 and 30 and eliminate the need for having a two sided
tape 60 with two different adhesives. For example, the two sided
tape 60 could have body side adhesive 62 on both sides.
The combination of: 1) tabs that adhere only to the outer side
of the user's breasts; 2) two U-shaped cups that are connected/joined
together; and 3) an underwire or supporter, when used, optimizes
the lift, support, and appearance of the user's 38 breasts 32 and
34 while still allowing for the user 38 to wear backless or similar
revealing clothing. Specifically, the placement of the tabs 28 and
30 along only the outer sides of the user's body 38 allow the bra
10 to be positioned such that the top portions of the breasts 32
and 34 can be exposed through the open top ends 20 of the cups 12
and 14 while not exposing any part of the bra 10. Also, the placement
of the tabs 28 and 30 allows breasts 32 and 34 to be uplifted while
being pulled inward towards the center of the user's 38 body.
Similarly, the U-shaped cups 12 and 14 and the underwire/supporter
18 when used, lift the user's 38 breasts 32 and 34 while pulling
them inward to give the breasts 32 and 34 a uniform and flattering
shape along with the appearance of increased size.
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a strapless and backless bra
50 in accordance with the present invention. Specifically, bra 50
is provided and includes U-shaped cups 12 and 14 that are connected/joined
together. As shown in FIG. 3 U-shaped cups 12 and 14 are joined
together by a bridge connector 16.
Also similar to the bra 10 of the first embodiment, each cup 12
and 14 of the bra 50 has: 1) an inner side 26; 2) an outer side
24; 3) an open top end 20; 4) a closed bottom end 22; and 5) a tab
28 or 30 positioned proximate to the outer side 24. Bra 50 may
also include an underwire or supporter 18 formed from a rigid material,
such as plastic, metal, or other similar equivalent. As shown in
the FIG. 3 each cup 12 and 14 is U-shaped with the upper portions
of the outer side 24 and the inner side 26 being substantially parallel
to each other to provide optimal lift and support for the user's
38 breasts 32 and 34. This is in contrast to related bras, in which
the cups flare outward, thus, giving less lift and support to a
user. The bra 50 is also preferably constructed from a soft woven
or knitted fabric, such as cotton and/or lace. However, it should
be understood that many equivalent alternatives for material exist.
Bridge connector 16 represents any form of connection between the
U-shaped cups 12 and 14 such as a unitary piece of material, as
shown. However, it should be appreciated that many equivalent alternatives
exist. For example, bridge connector 16 could be, inter alia, a
releasable snap-fit connector, an eye and hook connector, or a system
for joining the inner sides 26 of the U-shaped cups 12 and 14 together.
FIG. 7 depicts the U-shaped cups 12 and 14 joined together by a
releasable snap-fit connector. As shown, the releasable snap-fit
connector 16 has complementary snap-like female 72 and male 74 interconnections
positioned proximate each inner side 26. To join the U-shaped cups
12 and 14 together, the user would snap male interconnection 74
into complementary female interconnection 72 after the individual
U-shaped cups 12 and 14 have been attached to the user's 38 body.
Bra 50 differs from bra 10 by the inclusion of rigid reinforcement
members or boning 36. As shown, rigid reinforcement members 36 are
positioned vertically across each of the U-shaped cups 12 and 14
between the outer sides 24 and the inner 26 sides. The role of the
rigid reinforcement members 36 is to provide additional lift and
support while enhancing the shape of the user's breasts 32 and 34.
Rigid reinforcement members 36 are preferably metal or plastic,
however it should be understood that many equivalent alternatives
exist.
Bra 50 is applied to a user's body 38 in the same manner as the
bra 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,
a two sided tape 60 is provided having a body side adhesive 62 on
one side and a fabric side adhesive 64 on the other side, as depicted
in FIG. 6. Body side adhesive 62 is preferably a hypoallergenic,
pressure sensitive, acrylate adhesive that is non-toxic and reduces
irritation of the skin of a user 38. Fabric side adhesive 64 is
preferably a random oriented polyester fiber in a hypoallergenic,
pressure sensitive, acrylic adhesive that will optimize adhesion
of the two sided tape 60 to the tabs 28 and 30 of the bra 50. As
stated above, although a preferred compound has been cited for both
adhesives, it should be appreciated that many equivalents exist.
To apply the bra 50 to the user's body, the user 38 must apply
one piece/segment of the two sided tape to the back surface of each
tab 28 and 30 with the fabric side adhesive 64 contacting the tab
28 and 30. Then, the bra 50 is applied to the user's 38 body as
described in the illustrative example given above.
It should be appreciated that the tabs 28 and 30 could have a heat
sealable polyethylene or other similar film (not shown) bonded to
the back surface thereof. The film would be disposed between the
back surface of the tabs 28 and 30 and the two sided tape 60. Such
a film would facilitate the release of the two sided tape 60 from
the tabs 28 and 30 and eliminate the need for having a two sided
tape 60 with two different adhesives. For example, the two sided
tape 60 could have body side adhesive 62 on both sides.
Similar to the first embodiment of the present invention, a combination
of features provide optimal lift, support, and appearance of the
user's breasts while allowing the user 38 to wear backless or similar
revealing clothing. Generally, the features of: 1) tabs that adhere
only to the outer sides of the user's body; 2) two U-shaped cups
that are connected/joined together; 3) rigid reinforcement members;
and 4) an underwire or supporter, when used, optimize the lift and
support of the user's breasts 32 and 34 while still allowing for
the user 38 to wear backless or similar revealing clothing. Specifically,
the placement of the tabs 28 and 30 along only the outer sides of
the user's 38 body allow the bra 50 to be positioned such that the
top portions of the breasts 32 and 34 can be exposed through the
open top ends 20 of the cups 12 and 14 while not exposing any part
of the bra 50. Also, the placement of the tabs 28 and 30 allows
the breasts 32 and 34 to be uplifted while being pulled inward towards
the center of the user's 38 body.
Similarly, the U-shaped cups 12 and 14 and the underwire/supporter,
when used, lift the user's 38 breasts 32 and 34 while pulling them
inward giving the breasts 32 and 34 a uniform and flattering shape
along with the appearance of increased size. Finally, the rigid
reinforcement members 36 provide additional optimization of breast
shape and lift.
FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a strapless and backless bra in accordance
with a third embodiment of the present invention. In particular,
bra 100 includes a unitary band of material 40 having opposing ends
46 and 48. A pair of tabs 42 and 44 are affixed to ends 46 and 48
respectively. Similar to the first and second embodiments, the tabs
42 and 44 are constructed from a soft woven or knitted fabric, such
as cotton or lace. However, it should be appreciated that many equivalent
variations exist which are suitable. The unitary band of material
40 is preferably fashioned from a stretchable fabric, such as lycra
or other similar material.
Bra 100 is applied to a user's body 38 in the same manner as the
strapless and backless bras 10 and 50 of the first and second embodiments
of the present invention. Specifically, a two sided tape 60 is provided
having a body side adhesive 62 on one side and a fabric side adhesive
64 on the other side, as depicted in FIG. 6. Body side adhesive
62 is preferably a hypoallergenic, pressure sensitive, acrylate
adhesive that is non-toxic and reduces irritation of the skin of
a user 38. Fabric side adhesive 64 is preferably a random oriented
polyester fiber in a hypoallergenic, pressure sensitive, acrylic
adhesive that will optimize adhesion of the two sided tape 60 to
the tabs 42 and 44 of the bra 100. Although a preferred compound
has been cited for both the adhesives, it should be appreciated
that many equivalents exist.
To apply the bra 100 to the user's body, the user 38 must apply
one piece/segment of the two sided tape to the back surface of each
tab 42 and 44 with the fabric side adhesive 64 contacting the tab
42 and 44. Then, the bra 100 is applied to the user's 38 body as
described in the illustrative example given above.
It should be appreciated that the tabs 42 and 44 could have a heat
sealable polyethylene or other similar film (not shown) bonded to
the back surface thereof. The film would be disposed between the
back surface of the tabs 42 and 44 and the two sided tape 60. Such
a film would facilitate the release of the two sided tape 60 from
the tabs 42 and 44 and eliminate the need for having a two sided
tape 60 with two different adhesives. For example, the two sided
tape 60 could have body side adhesive 62 on both sides.
The combination of using a highly stretchable fabric and the particular
placement of the tabs 42 and 44 provides optimal lift, support,
and appearance of the user's breasts while allowing the user 38
to wear backless or similar revealing clothing. Specifically, the
highly stretchable fabric, when pulled across the user's 38 body,
allows the breasts 32 and 34 to be snugly lifted and supported as
one unit, thus, ensuring uniformity in size and overall appearance
of the breasts 32 and 34.
Similarly, the placement of the tabs 42 and 44 along only the outer
sides of the user's 38 body allow the bra 10 to be positioned such
that the top portions of the breasts 32 and 34 can be exposed over
the unitary band of material 40 while not exposing any part of the
bra 100. Also, the placement of the tabs 42 and 44 allows the breasts
32 and 34 to be uplifted while being pulled inward towards the center
of the user's 38 body.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of this
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description.
It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to
the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and
variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that
may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be
included within the scope of this invention as defined by the accompanying
claims.
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