Abstrict A sports bra includes interchangeable breast protectors of varying
degrees of protection. A breast protector for a sports bra with
walls defining nipple recesses. A breast protector for a sports
bra with a soft, flexible foam section and a hard plastic armor
layer. A gap between inner and outer layers of the sports bra is
sized to permit the insertion and removal of the breast protectors
and retention of the breast protectors between the inner and outer
layers.
Claims We claim:
1. A sports bra, comprising:
a textile main garment having breast protectors;
the breast protectors chosen from a pair of first interchangeable
cups made entirely of soft, flexible foam and a second pair of interchangeable
cups having a soft, flexible foam section and a hard plastic armor
layer;
with the armor layer pierced with holes to promote breathability;
the breast protectors including nipple recesses;
the main garment formed of an outer layer and an inner layer, with
a gap formed by opposed edges in a front, center portion of the
inner layer, and the gap sized to permit the insertion and removal
of the breast protectors and retention of the breast protectors
between the inner and outer layers.
Description TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to athletic apparel, and more particularly
to women's upper torso garment having armored cups.
BACKGROUND ART
The state of the art in sports bras is the so-called "jog
bra" familiar to women engaged in sporting activities. With
boxing for women gaining acceptance as a sports activity, it has
become apparent that a sports bra offering improved protection is
needed.
McCracken et al. disclose breast protectors having a demi-teardrop
shape in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5806103 and 5 439409. The McCracken
et al. breast protectors are intended to be used with a conventional
brassiere.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention provides an improved sports bra that has interchangeable
cups, so that the degree of protection is variable. In another aspect
of the invention the cups are formed with nipple recesses for improved
fit and comfort.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages
will be apparent from the Detailed Description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying Drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of our new sports bra;
FIG. 2 is a front view of a first set of interchangeable cups;
FIG. 3 is a front view of a second set of interchangeable cups;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4--4 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5--5 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the sports bra; and
FIG. 7 is a partially broken away front elevational view of the
sports bra.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring initially to FIG. 1 sports bra 10 has a textile main
garment 12. Main garment 12 has breast protectors 14 16 within.
Breast protectors 14 16 may optionally be selected from one of
several types of protection, depending on the activity in which
they are used.
In FIGS. 2 and 4 first interchangeable cups 18 20 are made entirely
of soft, flexible foam 22. In FIG.s 3 and 5 second interchangeable
cups 22 24 have a soft, flexible foam section 26 and a hard styrene
armor layer 28. Armor layer 28 is pierced with holes 30 to promote
breathability. First interchangeable cups 18 20 include nipple
recesses 32 and second interchangeable cups 22 24 include nipple
recesses 34.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7 main garment 12 is preferably formed
of an outer layer 36 of stretchable cotton-poly fabric and an inner
layer 38 of wicking poly Lycra fabric. The overall shape of the
garment 12 is that of the conventional jog bra, except that a gap
40 is formed by opposed edges 42 44 in the front, center portion
46 of inner layer 38. Gap 40 is sized to permit the insertion and
removal of breast protectors 14 16 and retention of the breast
protectors 14 16 between the inner and outer layers 38 36.
The wearer can select either of the interchangeable cups sets depending
on the nature of the sports activity she will engage in, or no cups
at all for non-impact sports. The cups are designed for easy insertion
and removal and to provide a smooth and comfortable fit. The foam-only
cups 18 20 provide adequate protection for such activities as basketball,
soccer, flag football, volleyball, cycling and jogging. For boxing
and other impact sports the armored cups 22 24 would be selected.
The sports bra of this invention offers protection, comfort, flexibility
and durability.
Whereas, the present invention has been described with respect
to a specific embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various
changes and modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the
art, and it is intended to encompass such changes and modifications
as fall within the scope of the appended claim.
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