FITNESS BRA

Abstract

A fitness bra in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure includes first and second cup assemblies, wherein the first and second cup assemblies are connected or connectable to each other, each of the first and second cup assemblies configured with a support assembly including a first support and a second support, a band system configured for coupling the first and second cup assemblies to the body of a user, and a shoulder strap system configured to provide at least one of vertical and diagonal lifting for first and second cup assemblies.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/360856, filed Jul. 11, 2016, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Sports or athletic bras for women are typically designed to use compression force for breast support. The breasts are compressed against the wearer's chest to reduce movement of the breasts during exercise. Compression can cause breathing difficulty and/or discomfort for some wearers. Therefore, there exists a need for a new type of bra for breast support during exercise.

SUMMARY

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fitness bra is provided. The fitness bra includes: first and second cup assemblies, wherein the first and second cup assemblies are connected or connectable to each other, each of the first and second cup assemblies configured with a support assembly including a first support and a second support; a band system configured for coupling the first and second cup assemblies to the body of a user; and a shoulder strap system configured to provide at least one of vertical and diagonal lifting for first and second cup assemblies.

[0005] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a fitness bra is provided. The fitness bra includes: first and second cup assemblies, wherein the first and second cup assemblies are connected or connectable to each other, each of the first and second cup assemblies configured with a support assembly including a first support and a second support, wherein the first support is configured for placement at the breast root of the user and wherein the second support is configured for placement at a position between the breast root and the nipple of the user; and a strap and band system configured for coupling the first and second cup assemblies to the body of a user.

[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a fitness bra is provided. The fitness bra includes: first and second cup assemblies, wherein the first and second cup assemblies are connected or connectable to each other, each of the first and second cup assemblies configured with a support assembly including a first support and a second support; a band system configured for coupling the first and second cup assemblies to the body of a user; and a shoulder strap system configured to provide at least vertical and diagonal lifting for first and second cup assemblies, wherein the first underwire corresponds to diagonal lifting of each of the first and second cup assemblies and the second underwire corresponds to vertical lifting of each of the first and second cup assemblies.

[0007] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second supports may be coupled to one another or discrete from one another.

[0008] In any of the embodiments described herein, the shoulder strap system may include a first shoulder strap extending portion for vertical lifting and a second shoulder strap extending portion for diagonal lifting.

[0009] In any of the embodiments described herein, the he first and second cup assemblies may each include first cup portions.

[0010] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second cup assemblies may each include first and second cup portions.

[0011] In any of the embodiments described herein, the support assembly may be configured to provide under-bust support.

[0012] In any of the embodiments described herein, the support assembly may be configured to provide under-and side-bust support.

[0013] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first support may be configured for placement at the breast root of the user.

[0014] In any of the embodiments described herein, the second support may be configured for placement at a position between the breast root and the nipple of the user.

[0015] In any of the embodiments described herein, the second support may be configured for shock absorption.

[0016] In any of the embodiments described herein, the first and second supports may be selected from the group consisting of underwires, boning, and pressed foam creases.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this disclosure will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a front view of a fitness bra in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the support and cup construction of the fitness bra of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of a fitness bra in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIGS. 4-7 are cross-sectional views of fitness bras in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIGS. 8 and 9 are views of a fitness bra in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following description sets forth one or more examples of a fitness bra and components thereof. Generally, embodiments described herein relate to fitness bras having improved construction for breast support during exercise without restriction of respiratory muscle function.

[0024] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings in which numerals reference elements is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.

[0025] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to fitness bras having improved breast support. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fitness bra 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a breast support portion 22 including first and second cup assemblies 24 and 26, a shoulder strap system 28, and a back strap system 30.

[0027] Although shown and illustrated as a bra, embodiments of the present disclosure may also include bras that are incorporated into clothing, such as, shirts, tank tops, or bathing suits.

[0028] As mentioned above, previously designed sports bras are designed such that the bust is compressed against the wearer's chest to reduce movement of the bust during exercise, for example, by using a compressing material across the bust and torso. Compression of the breasts and the torso limits the expansion of the chest which limits full respiratory capacity of the wearer by restricting total lung expansion and volume. The compression may cause discomfort and reduce athletic performance by reducing one's capacity to fully oxygenate through maximal respiration. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure allow for improved functional respiration and therefore improved athletic performance by the wearer.

[0029] In contrast with previous designs, the fitness bra 20 of the present disclosure provides a comfortable fit across the torso so there is no restriction on respiration. The fitness bra 20 supports the bust with minimized compression of the rib cage and respiratory muscle function.

[0030] The first and second cup assemblies 24 and 26 are connected or connectable to one another. In that regard, the first and second cup assemblies 24 and 26 may be permanently connected to one another by a cup assembly connector 40. Alternatively, the first and second cup assemblies 24 and 26 may include a front latch (not shown) to be releasable and connectable to one another.

[0031] The first and second cup assemblies 24 and 26 may be made from any suitable materials for making bra cups, including but not limited to natural materials, such as cotton, and synthetic materials such as polyester or pressed foam. In addition, the first and second cup assemblies 24 and 26 may include foam padding included in the construction of the cup assemblies 24 and 26. The first and second cup assemblies 24 and 26 each include a support assembly 32 configured for support and lifting the wearer's breasts in a plurality of lifting directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the support assembly 32 is configured to support each breast under the breast and on the outside region of the breast, for lifting support and lateral support, providing enhanced surface area support to support the bust without chest compression. A band system is configured for coupling the first and second cup assemblies to the body of a user.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the support assembly 32 includes a first support 34 and a second support 36. The first and second supports 34 and 36 may be positioned in various positions in relation to one another to increase or decrease bust support for optimal bust positioning. In one embodiment, the positioning of the first and second supports 34 and 36 in relation to one another may be adjusted for a specific wearer.

[0033] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the first support 34 may be configured for placement at or near the breast root of the user. Also, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the second support 36 may be configured for placement at a location between the breast root and the nipple of the user.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the supports 34 and 36 are underwire supports. However, other types of support are within the scope of the present disclosure. As non-limiting examples, other suitable first and second supports include boning as shown in FIGS. 4-7 and pressed foam structure, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0035] The first and second support 34 and 36 provide double support for the wearer, as compared to single support of typical bras having only one support for placement at or near the breast root of the user. The first and second supports 34 and 36 may be designed in an "open mouth" configuration in which the two supports couple at their respective ends, but are at various distances from one another measured from the midpoint to provide increasing level of support of the underside of each breast against gravity without causing compression.

[0036] As seen in the illustrated embodiment, first and second supports 34 and 36 may be optionally coupled to one another along the lengths of the first and second supports 34 and 36. In the illustrated embodiment, a connection between the first and second supports shown as a connecting wire 38 is shown in a wrapping configuration around the first and second supports 34 and 36. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting wire 38 may, for example, be a helix wire wrapped, welded or otherwise attached between the first and second supports 34 and 36 at a plurality of attachment positions. The helix wire 38 may be made from a semi-rigid or flexible material, such as a flexible metal or an elastic material.

[0037] In other embodiments, the first and second supports 34 and 36 may be coupled to one another in a single structure with the first support 34 defining a first end of the structure and the second support 36 defining a second end of the structure.

[0038] The first and second supports 34 and 36 of the support assembly 38 may be made from a rigid material, such as rigid plastic or metal. The supports may include suitable padding or encasement to provide comfort to the wearer. Although shown in the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 as having a circular cross-sectional shape, the first and second supports 34 and 36 may have an oval cross-sectional shape or a rectangular cross-sectional shape having rounded ends (see e.g., FIGS. 4-7).

[0039] The first and second supports 34 and 36 of the wire assembly 38 may be contained in one or more pockets 62 of the breast support portion 22 to contain at least a portion of the wire assembly 38. The one or more pockets 62 can provide padding for the wearer at the location of the wires 34 and 36 and prevent discomfort for the wearer associated with the supports 34 and 36 and also can hold the wire assembly 38 in its desired configuration.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the support assembly 32 includes a connecting wire 38 for coupling the first and second supports 34 and 36 and the support assembly 32 may be disposed in a single pocket for each of the first and second cup assemblies 24 and 26.

[0041] In another configuration, if the first and second supports 34 and 36 are separated and not coupled to one another, the first and second supports 34 and 36 may be disposed in separate pockets with the connecting wire 38 in surrounding relationship with the pockets for each of the first and second supports 34 and 36. The entire support assembly 32 may be contained in a third surrounding pocket.

[0042] In another configuration, the first and second supports 34 and 36 may be disposed in separate pockets having holes for passage of the helix wire 38 between the pockets.

[0043] Spacing between the first and second supports 34 and 36 may vary based on the bust support needed. For a bigger cup size, there may be a desire for more of an "open mouth" position with greater distance between the two supports (and/or pockets) for greater support against gravity.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second cup assemblies 24 and 26 each include first and second cup portions 44 and 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second cup portions 44 and 46 are coupled to one another by being sewn together. However, the first and second cup portions may be separate components that are not coupled or sewn together except at the location of the support assembly 32. Although shown as first and second cup assemblies including first and second cup portions, single cup portions or integrated cup portions are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the first support 34 is associated with the first cup portion 44, such that the first support 34 provides bust support for the first cup portion 44. Likewise, the second support 36 is associated with the second cup portion 46, such that the second support 36 provides bust support for the second cup portion 46. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, first and second supports are associated with one cup portion.

[0046] As seen in FIG. 1, a shoulder strap system 28 includes shoulder straps 50 that support breast lifting in a plurality of directions, for example, in the vertical direction, as indicated by arrow 52, and in the diagonal direction, as indicated by arrow 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder strap system 28 includes shoulder straps 50 having first and second extending portions 58 and 60, each extending portion connectable to each of the first and second cup portions 44 and 46 to provide respective diagonal and vertical lifting of the cup portions 44 and 46.

[0047] In other embodiments, the shoulder strap system 28 may be configured as a single strap without first and second extending portions 58 and 60, or as two discreet separate straps, with each separate strap providing respective diagonal and vertical lifting vectors for the wearer's breasts. As seen in FIG. 8, shoulder strap systems 28 providing uni-directional lifting are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] In use, the first support 34 corresponds to diagonal lifting of the wearer's breast, as indicated by arrow 54. In that regard, the first support 34 is coupled to the first strap extension section 60 through the first cup portion 44. The effect of diagonal lifting for the wearer is breast lifting for bust support to reduce downward movement of the wearer's breasts during exercise.

[0049] The second support 36 corresponds to vertical lifting of the wearer's breast, as indicated by arrow 52. In that regard, the second support 36 is coupled to the second strap extension section 58 through the overlaying second cup portion 46. The effect of vertical lifting for the wearer is bust support from the side inward for bust support to reduce outward movement of the wearer's breasts during exercise.

[0050] Although the first and second cup assemblies 24 and 26 are shown as including first and second cup portions 44 and 46, it should be appreciated the fitness bra 20 may be constructed to include only one cup portion that has both diagonal and vertical lifting capabilities.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 3, another embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The embodiment of FIG. 3 is substantially similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, except for differences regarding the support assembly. Like numeral references for similar parts in the embodiment of FIG. 3 are similar, but are in the 100 series.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the support assembly 132 is configured for support and lifting the wearer's breasts by being positionable under the wearer's breast, and not on the side of the wearer's breast. This configuration may provide additional comfort for the wearer. The side region beside the cup assembly 122 provides side bust support for the wearer.

[0053] Now referring to FIGS. 4-7, spacing of the first and second supports 34 and 36 is provided. Referring to FIG. 4, the first support 34 is positioned at the breast root to provide support at the intersection of the breast and the torso. The second support 36 is spaced a distance from first support 34 and is positioned to support the underside of the breast. As non-limiting examples, the spacing between the first and second supports 34 and 36 may be in the range of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The support assembly 32 of FIG. 4 may also include a connecting wire 38 to connect the first and second supports 34 and 36 to one another at various points along their respective lengths. The configuration of FIG. 4 shows the first and second supports 34 and 36 in respective pockets, with each support coupled to a discrete cup.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, similar support spacing is provided between the first and second supports 34 and 36. The configuration of FIG. 5 shows the first and second supports 34 and 36 in respective pockets, with the support assembly 32 contained in a surrounding pocket, with respective cups coupled to respective sides of the support assembly 32.

[0055] The configuration of FIG. 6 shows the first and second supports 34 and 36 in respective pockets, with the support assembly 32 contained in a surrounding pocket formed by an end of material defining the respective cups.

[0056] The configuration of FIG. 7 shows the first and second supports 34 and 36 in respective pockets, with the support assembly 32 contained in a surrounding pocket formed by an end of material defining one cup.

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a fitness bra in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 is similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 constructions except for differences regarding the support assembly and the cup assemblies.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 9, the support assembly 232 is manufactured from pressed foam. Creases are formed in the pressed foam to provide shape and contour to the cup assemblies and to provide a support assembly including first and second creases as first and second supports 234 and 236. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, a first crease is configured for placement at the breast root of the user. A second crease is configured for placement at a position between the breast root and the nipple of the user. The support assembly 232 provides shock absorption for the breasts of the user. The creases may be firm foam creases configured to function as support structure.

[0059] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A fitness bra, comprising: first and second cup assemblies, wherein the first and second cup assemblies are connected or connectable to each other, each of the first and second cup assemblies configured with a support assembly including a first support and a second support; a band system configured for coupling the first and second cup assemblies to the body of a user; and a shoulder strap system configured to provide at least one of vertical and diagonal lifting for first and second cup assemblies.

2. The fitness bra of claim 1, wherein the first and second supports are coupled to one another or discrete from one another.

3. The fitness bra of claim 1, wherein the shoulder strap system includes a first shoulder strap extending portion for vertical lifting and a second shoulder strap extending portion for diagonal lifting.

4. The fitness bra of claim 1, wherein the first and second cup assemblies each include first cup portions.

5. The fitness bra of claim 1, wherein the first and second cup assemblies each include first and second cup portions.

6. The fitness bra of claim 1, wherein the support assembly is configured to provide under-bust support.

7. The fitness bra of claim 1, wherein the support assembly is configured to provide under-and side-bust support.

8. The fitness bra of claim 1, wherein the first support is configured for placement at the breast root of the user.

9. The fitness bra of claim 1, wherein the second support is configured for placement at a position between the breast root and the nipple of the user.

10. The fitness bra of claim 1, wherein the second support is configured for shock absorption.

11. The fitness bra of claim 1, wherein the first and second supports are selected from the group consisting of underwires, boning, and pressed foam creases.

12. A fitness bra, comprising: first and second cup assemblies, wherein the first and second cup assemblies are connected or connectable to each other, each of the first and second cup assemblies configured with a support assembly including a first support and a second support, wherein the first support is configured for placement at the breast root of the user and wherein the second support is configured for placement at a position between the breast root and the nipple of the user; and a strap and band system configured for coupling the first and second cup assemblies to the body of a user.

13. A fitness bra, comprising: first and second cup assemblies, wherein the first and second cup assemblies are connected or connectable to each other, each of the first and second cup assemblies configured with a support assembly including a first support and a second support; a band system configured for coupling the first and second cup assemblies to the body of a user; and a shoulder strap system configured to provide at least vertical and diagonal lifting for first and second cup assemblies, wherein the first underwire corresponds to diagonal lifting of each of the first and second cup assemblies and the second underwire corresponds to vertical lifting of each of the first and second cup assemblies.