Abstrict A bra barrier device (16) comprising a flexible, substantially
flat absorptive protective band (18) worn on an abdomen (20) of
a woman's body (22). A top edge (24) of the band (18) extends under
the breasts (26) and a lower border (28) at the cups (30) of a bra
(32), so as to prevent dermal irritation and lesions caused by heat,
moisture and chaffing associated with use of the bra (32).
Claims What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent
is set forth in the appended claims:
1. A bra barrier device comprising:
a) a flexible, substantially flat absorptive protective band worn
on an abdomen of a woman's body, with a top edge of said band folded
over away from said abdomen and extending under the breasts and
the cups of said bra;
b) means for engaging the outside of the folded portion of said
band with the bottom edge of the cups of said bra; and
c) said engaging means comprising mating hook and loop fastener
strips on the folded portion of said band and said bottom edge of
the cups of said bra.
2. A carrier device for and in combination with a bra, said bra
having a pair of cups with a lower border and shoulder straps, comprising:
a) a flexible, substantially flat absorptive protective wraparound
strip folded to form a lengthwise V-shape;
b) adhesive on an inner surface of said wraparound strip, said
inner surface engaged with said lower border and one end of each
of said shoulder straps, so as to prevent dermal irritation and
lesions caused by heat, moisture and chaffing associated with use
of the bra.
3. A bra barrier device comprising:
a) a flexible, substantially flat absorptive protective wraparound
strip;
b) adhesive on an inner surface of said wraparound strip for holding
said strip on an abdomen; and
c) the top edge of said strip being folded over so as to engage
and adhere to a lower border of the cups of a bra.
Description BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The instant invention relates generally to female body undergarments
and more specifically it relates to a bra barrier device. The bra
barrier device is made for a woman to be worn with a bra. It soothes
irritated skin, can treat irritation, acts as a barrier against
abrasive material and absorbs perspiration. It can be made inexpensively
by containing recycled paper material, while it is easy and convenient
to use. Since the product can consist of paper and adhesive strips,
a woman could customize it by using a pair of scissors to shape
it.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous female body undergarments have been provided in prior
art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 609434 to Howe; 723893 to Meyer;
3301259 to McLeod; 5060648 to Zarkesh and 5603653 to Hartman
all are illustrative of such prior art. While these units may be
suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they
would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention
as heretofore described.
HOWE, ELEANOR EUDORA
COREST
U.S. Pat. No. 609434
A corset, the opposite sides of which are provided with detachable
belts or straps. The ends of the belts or straps adjacent to the
body of the corset being widened approximately as wide as the corset.
The straps or belts being provided at the free ends thereof with
means for connecting the same. The upper and lower extended portions
at the inner ends of the straps adjacent to the body portion of
the corset being stiffened with transverse stays. The body portions
of the belts or straps adjacent to the wider ends being also provided
with transverse stays, substantially as shown and described.
MEYER, SOPHIE
CORSET
U.S. Pat. No. 723893
A corset having at its upper front edge a pair of breast-supports,
the broad faces of which are substantially horizontal.
McLEOD, JOSEPHINE C.
BODY SUPPORTING UNDERGARMENT
U.S. Pat. No. 3301259
In an undergarment of the character described, a bodice adapted
to provide breast and abdominal support formed of serially interconnected
elastic and inelastic panels. Front, back and side panels are contoured
and dimensioned to provide a narrow waist section and a highly elastic
body-girdling abdominal portion of relatively substantial length.
Separable fastening means are incorporated between two of the panels.
Laterally spaced apart breast cups at the top of the front panel
being attached thereto at concavely arcuate joints. Relatively inflexible
stiffening elements are in the joints. Vertically extending stays
are in the bodice and spaced therearound. At least one of the stays
extends inwardly of and over the stiffening elements and up into
each of the breast cups and being constructed and arranged to keep
the stiffening elements from bearing against the abdomen of the
wearer.
ZARKESH, SHAHLA
BREAST BINDER
U.S. Pat. No. 5060648
A breast binder for supporting the breast during breast engorgement.
It would be worn after child deliver, basically by mothers who do
not intend to breast feed their babies, to help treat the pain caused
by breast engorgement.
EARTMAN, KATHIE F.
PERSPIRATION ABSORBENT PADS FOR FEMALE BREASTS
U.S. Pat. No. 5603653
Various embodiments of perspiration absorbent pads for female breasts
are provided, which are particularly adapted for placement between
the overlying breast and the adjacent surface of the chest to preclude
skin-to-skin contact and to absorb perspiration in that area. The
pads may comprise generally cylindrical absorbent devices, having
either random fiber or other fill material therein or a rolled sheet
of absorbent material. Such cylindrically shaped pads provide for
moisture absorption and also provide some uplifting of the breast
to produce the appearance of a fuller bust line. Other embodiments
comprise a relatively thin and flat pad, having a non-slip outer
sheet of material, a moisture impervious layer, a thin moisture
absorbent layer, and another layer to transfer moisture to the moisture
absorbent layer. The relatively thin pads may also include a relatively
thicker portion similar to the cylindrical pads, to provide greater
absorption properties and uplift. Some of the pad embodiments are
particularly adapted to be retained between the breast and adjacent
chest, depending upon the fullness of the breast, and require no
adhesives or other form of retention to remain in place. Others
provide for attachment to the inner surface of the lower portion
of a brassiere cup, to absorb perspiration emanating from the lower
front portion of the breast. Any of the pad embodiments may be formed
of reusable or economically disposable materials, as desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Many women often experience skin rashes and lesions caused by the
chafing of their bras, perspiration and heat combined. This device
is an absorptive, protective, barrier layer worn as an insert between
the bra and skin. This layer of soft absorptive material cushions
and soothes irritated skin, wicks away perspiration, and acts as
a barrier layer preventing abrading from the lower border of the
bra.
It could have a therapeutic function by providing medication to
affected areas if it's fibers are impregnated with substances like
aloe or zinc oxide. Some type of paper material is envisioned, similar
to diaper filler. Application of this barrier layer could be done
with the utilization of adhesive strips or VELCRO. This device seeks
to protect skin areas under the breast and in one ramification,
between the breasts.
The bra barrier device is a full barrier insert worn with a bra,
affixed to the lower border of the bra and lower aspect of the cup
with adhesive strips. The insert extends from the undersurface of
the breast to two to three inches below the bra. Additional adhesive
strips are optional.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a bra barrier
device that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
Another object is to provide a bra barrier device that will prevent
dermal irritation and lesions caused by heat, moisture and chafing
associated with the use of a bra.
An additional object is to provide a bra barrier device that seeks
to sooth, protect and medicate skin areas about the female breast
which have already been affected and irritated.
A further object is to provide a bra barrier device that is simple
and easy to use.
A still further object is to provide a bra barrier device that
is economical in cost to manufacture.
Further objects of the invention will appear as the description
proceeds.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention
may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are
illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific
construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the
present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein;
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the
present invention worn on an abdomen of a woman's body, extending
under the breasts and a lower border of the cups of a bra.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view taken in the direction of arrow
2 in FIG. 1 with parts of the bra broken away and the woman's body
removed therefrom.
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional perspective view taken along line 3--3
in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a side perspective view taken in the direction of arrow
4 in FIG. 1 with parts of the bra broken away and in phantom, with
the woman's body removed therefrom.
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view taken in the direction of arrow
5 in FIG. 4 with the bra removed therefrom and the woman's breasts
shown in phantom.
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view taken in the direction of arrow
6 in FIG. 1 with the bra removed from the woman's body.
FIG. 6a is a front perspective view, similar to FIG. 1 showing
a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6b is a rear perspective view, similar to FIG. 2 taken in
the direction of arrow 6b in FIG. 6a.
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of the
present invention worn on the abdomen of the woman's body under
the breast with the bra removed therefrom.
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the third embodiment per se,
taken in the direction of arrow 8 in FIG. 7 shown in a flat straight
position.
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along line 9--9 in FIG.
8.
FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the third embodiment worn
on the abdomen of the woman's body under the breasts and the lower
border at the cups of the bra, with parts broken away and in section.
FIG. 11 is a bottom rear perspective view of the bra, showing a
fourth embodiment of the present invention attached about the lower
border and the shoulder straps thereof.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment per se.
FIG. 13 is a front elevational view, showing the fourth embodiment
attached about the lower border of the bra worn on the woman's body.
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view, similar to FIG. 6a, showing
a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with parts broken away
and in section.
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view taken in the direction of arrow
15 in FIG. 14 with parts broken away and in section.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently
throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference
characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,
FIGS. 1 through 15 illustrate the present invention being a bra
barrier device 16. With regard to the reference numerals used, the
following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.
______________________________________ 16 bra barrier device 18
band of 16 20 abdomen of 22 22 woman's body 24 top edge of 18 26
breast of 22 28 lower border of 32 30 cup of 32 32 bra 34 removable
maintaining structure of 16 36 first VELCRO strip of 34 on 28 38
second VELCRO strip of 34 on 18 40 adhesive of 34 on 18 42 extendable
section of 18 44 nipple of 26 46 central partition of 18 48 cleavage
area between 26 50 porous inner layer of 18 52 medicated middle
layer of 18 54 nonporous outer layer of 18 56 porous inner layer
of 18 58 absorptive padded middle layer of 18 60 nonporous outer
layer of 18 62 wraparound strip for 16 64 adhesive on 62 66 shoulder
strap of 32 ______________________________________
The bra barrier device 16 as shown in FIGS. 1 through 10 14 and
15 comprises a flexible, substantially flat absorptive protective
band 18 worn on an abdomen 20 of a woman's body 22. A top edge 24
of the band 18 extends under the breasts 26 and a lower border 28
at the cups 30 of a bra 32 so as to prevent dermal irritation and
lesions caused by heat, moisture and chaffing associated with use
of the bra 32.
A structure 34 is for maintaining the band 18 in a removable manner
in position on the abdomen 20 on the woman's body 22. The removable
maintaining structure 34 as best seen in FIGS. 2 3 and 4 includes
two VELCRO strips 36 and 38. The first VELCRO strip 36 is applied
onto an inner surface of the lower border 28 at the cups 30 of the
bra 32. The second VELCRO strip 38 is applied onto an outer surface
of the band 18 adjacent the top edge 24. When the two VELCRO strips
36 and 38 mate together, the band 18 will be held in position on
the abdomen 20 of the woman's body 22.
The removable maintaining structure 34 as best seen in FIGS. 5
and 8 is adhesive 40 applied onto an inner surface of the band
18. When the band 18 is pressed against the abdomen 20 of the woman's
body 22 the adhesive 40 will stick thereto.
The band 18 can contain two extendable sections 42 integral with
the top edge 24 to protect the breasts 26 up to the nipples 44.
The band 18 can also contain a central partition 46 as shown in
FIGS. 6a and 6b, integral with the top edge 24 which extends up
into a cleavage area 48 between the breasts 26 to offer additional
protection between the breasts 26.
The band 18 in FIGS. 7 through 10 includes a porous inner layer
50 a medicated middle layer 52 and a nonporous outer layer 54.
When the porous inner layer 50 is placed against the skin on the
abdomen 20 of the woman's body 22 the medicated middle layer 52
will release medication to the skin.
The band 18 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 includes a porous inner
layer 56 an absorptive padded middle layer 58 and a nonporous outer
layer 60. When the porous inner layer 56 is placed against the skin
on the abdomen 20 up to the nipples 44 the absorptive padded inner
layer 58 will help uplift the breasts 26 within the cups 30 of the
bra 32.
FIGS. 11 through 13 show the bra barrier device 16 comprising a
flexible, substantially flat absorptive protective wraparound strip
62. Adhesive 64 is on an inner surface of the wraparound strip 62.
When the wraparound strip 62 is folded longitudinally and inwardly
to a V-shaped configuration, the inner surface with the adhesive
64 can engage with the lower border 28 at the cups 30 of the bra
32 so as to prevent dermal irritation and lesions caused by heat,
moisture and chaffing associated with use of the bra 32. When the
wraparound strip 62 is folded longitudinally and inwardly to the
V-shaped configuration, the inner surface with the adhesive 64 can
engage with a shoulder strap 66 of the bra 32 so as to prevent
dermal irritation and lesions caused by the heat, moisture and chaffing
associated with use of the bra 32.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above,
or two or more together may also find a useful application in other
types of methods differing from the type described above.
While certain novel features of this invention have been shown
and described are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended
to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood
that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes
in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation
can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any
way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the
gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current
knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting
features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute
essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of
this invention.
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