Bra paddy back

Abstract

A pliant cover from the fasteners on the back straps of a bra that shields a wearer's back from the irregularities typically present at the ends of the back straps. The cover is easily applied to any bra, removable, or may be left on the bra by sliding further to the right or left back strap.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/400,644 filed Jul. 30, 2010.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

[0004] Not applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates generally to apparel, and specifically to undergarments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Undergarments such as bras often have sewn regions and fasteners of various types that irritate a wearer's skin. One region of special concern are the back straps of a bra which when connected at the back, expose a wearer's skin to typically rough stitching, course textures and ridged areas where the fabric has been folded to create a seam. The wearer's discomfort is often exacerbated by heat and humidity. It would be desirable to provide a shield to guard against such irritation by a bra that would be (1) unobtrusive, (2) easily applied, (3) readily detachable (3) absorbent, and (4) washable as needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is a one-piece soft fabric cover that completely shields a wearer's back from the irritation caused by the stitching, and hook and eye fasteners which are typically at the fastening point at back of a bra.

[0008] In one aspect, the invention includes a flexible tubular construction of soft fabric that is slipped over the ends of back straps to form a shield against irritation and chaffing that can occur when bare skin is exposed to the rough texture of bra back straps.

[0009] In another aspect, the flexible tubular construction has a longitudinal, generally H-shaped slit for access of the fasteners of the back straps with the side having the slit facing outwardly, and a side of soft padded material facing the wearer's skin.

[0010] In still another aspect of the present invention, the cover is a padded panel having a fastening means to form it into a tubular structure once in place between a wearer's back and the back straps of a bra.

[0011] One object of the present invention is to prevent irritation from bra back straps.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide for increased comfort and wearability of certain bra's, that while sized correctly, are not often worn because of the rough texture of the back straps.

[0013] The description as follows is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, combinations and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a bra which does not form any part of the invention in a typical use;

[0015] FIG. 2 FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one embodiment according to the present invention is a typical use;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan view according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view taken along lines 2'-2' of FIG. 3;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a plan view according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing embodiment of FIG. 5 in a typical use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference Listing

[0020] 12 tubular body

[0021] 12a aperture

[0022] 14 sew line

[0023] 16 padding

[0024] 18 access slit

[0025] 20 back straps

[0026] 22 strap fasteners

[0027] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-6; a shield to guard against the irritation from a bra back strap includes at least a cover that encircles the stitching and the hook and eye fasteners 22 located at the ends of the back straps 20 of a bra, in which the cover is of generally tubular construction 12 and is made of a washable soft material such as polyester or cotton. A portion of the tubular construction facing the back of a wearer is padded 16, while a portion facing away from a wearer's back is unpadded or only lightly padded, to hide the construction while being worn under a blouse or dress. One method of construction given by way of example only, and considered to be non-limiting is to (1) provide a first rectangular panel of cloth, and (2) place a smaller rectangular section of relatively thick batting 16 atop the panel so that the batting occupies one-half of the area of the panel, and to (3) place another section of relatively thin batting to occupy the other half section of the panel, and (4) place a second rectangular panel of cloth over the first panel and the batting sections, and (5) sew 14 the panels and batting together to create a tubular construction in which one side of the construction has greater thickness than the other. The construction can be two panels sewn generally face to face with two longitudinal sew lines producing an channel therethrough, or the construction can be of knit construction having a tubular shape with no sew lines, or alternately, the construction can be a single panel with a relatively thinner portion and a relatively thicker portion which is folded over itself and joined along one edge with at least a single sew line. Still other construction aspects will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and are considered to be encompassed by the present invention. If the cover possesses an access means for fastening and unfastening the fasteners of the back straps of a bra, it is conceivable that a wearer may wish to attach the cover permanently over the fasteners of either a left or right back strap by sewing or other means which will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.

[0028] The foregoing steps (1-5) at least produce a fabric construction 12 that can be applied to the end of a single back strap prior to donning the bra. As depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, after the back straps 20 are fastened together, the cover is moved into position to encircle the irritating portions 22 of the back bra straps 20, with the relatively thicker; typically padded section 14 of the tube facing the wearer's back, while the relatively unobtrusive thin section faces outwardly.

[0029] As depicted in FIG. 5, in another embodiment according to the present invention, the tubular construction 14 has an "H" shaped slit 18 along a section of its length permitting access to the back strap fasteners 22 while the tube is in place covering the ends of the bra straps.

[0030] The cover can be removed from the bra by sliding free of the straps, left on the bra, or slid to one side or the other when removing the bra.

[0031] While the invention has been described by the embodiments given, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the foregoing specification.

Claims

1. In combination with a bra, a cover for the fasteners on the back straps of a bra to reduce chaffing and discomfort comprising: a generally tubular construction having i) a relatively thicker portion abutting the back of a wearer; and ii) a relatively thinner portion abutting an outward facing side of the back straps; and, the cover normally positioned during wear over the joined fasteners on ends of the back strap.

2. The cover of claim 1 in which the construction is slidable to reside over a left or right back strap.

3. The cover of claim 1 in which the construction is removable.

4. The cover of claim 1 permitting access to the fasteners while being worn.

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