DETACHABLE COMPRESSIVE DEVICE FOR ENCAPSULATING BRASSIERES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

62/243,298 filed October 19, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An ill-fitting bra is a serious medical issue as it can contribute to numerous negative health outcomes, such as pain in the upper limbs, neck, back, and head (McGhee et al., J Sci Med Sport, 2010, 13(6):568-572; McGhee et al., Appl Ergon, 2013, 44(1): 112-118). Athletic brassiere designs have been limited by lack of research that has not existed beyond kinematic data that accounts for breast induced discomfort related to upward breast displacement during physical activity (McGhee et al., Appl Ergon, 2013, 44(1): 112-118). Past athletic or sport brassiere inventions address bra comfort through designs intended to provide upward breast support and limits breast motion through use of compression, encapsulation, or a combination between

compression and encapsulation. Theses inventions describe designs primarily intended to provide breast support. However, as illustrated by U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,938,711; 8, 172,639; 7,435,155; 7,381,113; and 4,781,651, these inventions do not allow for detachment of the compression and encapsulating brassiere or versatility in wearing styles.

U.S. Patent No. 7,938,711 describes an improved fitting and aesthetically pleasing sports brassiere comprising multiple points of adjustability, form-fitting means, comforting means, and aesthetically pleasing means. However, the design does not allow for detachment of any parts of the construction by the user.

U.S. Patent No. 8,172,639 describes a fully integrated exercise garment including front and rear panels with height adjusting straps that extend over the wearer's shoulders. The front panel includes an outer compression fabric and an inner cup assembly, which is essentially non-compressive. The cup assembly includes individual cups for each breast, which can each include an under support. An elastic band extends around the bottom portion of the garment. Tensioning structures, such as side flaps extending from the back to the front, can be provided to adjust the circumferential size of the garment. The garment can include releasable connectors on the side of the garment to at least partially release the compressive tension to aid in putting on and taking off the garment. However, the design does not allow for detachment of any parts of the construction by the user.

U.S. Patent No. 7,435, 155 describes an athletic bra with an integrated exoskeleton support structure including an adjustable compression strap and molded cups to both encapsulate and compress the breasts to maximize support, comfort, and motion control during athletic activities. However, the design does not allow for detachment of any parts of the construction by the user.

U.S. Patent No. 7,381, 113 describes an exercise brassiere that provides sufficient support to allow a wearer to participate in active exercise or sporting events, yet is constructed with breast pads laminated into the brassiere to improve the esthetic appearance of the wearer's breasts. However, the design does not allow for detachment of any parts of the construction by the user.

U.S. Patent No. 4,781,651 describes an athletic bra with flexible inelastic material shaped as cups, just above and encircling a support band that encircles the torso, and a stabilizer strip attached to the encircling band immediately beneath the cups to support the breasts. However, the design does not allow for detachment of any parts of the construction by the user.

Recent studies have acknowledged that an ill-fitted, well designed bra also results in negative health outcomes. While a functional design strategy may address the need for brassiere support, it does not address the need for the user to achieve adequately fitted brassieres. Achieving an adequately fitted brassiere is primarily addressed through education strategies that inform the user of how to select the proper brassiere (McGhee et al., J Physiotherapy, 2010, 56(1): 19-24; McGhee et al., Appl Ergon, 2013, 44(1): 112-

118). The user needs the ability to further refine the brassiere to attain an individualized fit which can be achieved by increasing their brassieres versatility. There is a need in the art for an athletic brassiere that with improved individual fit and support. The present invention meets this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides devices for encapsulating supportive bras with removable straps and methods for using the same. In one aspect, the invention relates to a compressive bra comprising: a front support; a back support; a pair of shoulder supports; and a chest band. The front support, back support, and shoulder supports comprise at least two layers of textiles to form a continuous inner space. The front support and back support each comprise in at least one of the textile layers at least one slot to access the continuous inner space.

In one embodiment, the chest band comprises a continuous loop that encircles a user's chest. In one embodiment, the chest band comprises an elastic material.

In one embodiment, the pair of shoulder supports have a fixed length. In one embodiment, the pair of shoulder supports have an adjustable length. In one embodiment, the pair of shoulder supports are releasably attached to the back support. In one embodiment, the pair of shoulder supports separately extend proximally from the front support and merge into a single strap before connecting to the back support.

In one embodiment, the textile is selected from the group consisting of: nylon, cotton, spandex, acrylic, polyester, polyethylene, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the textile is elastic.

In one embodiment, the slots further comprise a zipper or a hook and loop fastener. In one embodiment, the continuous inner space is dimensioned to fit a supportive bra. In one embodiment, the shoulder supports comprise at least one slot in at least one of the textile layers to access the continuous inner space. In one embodiment, the continuous inner space is dimensioned to fit a supportive bra with shoulder straps.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of encapsulating a supportive bra using the device of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of inserting the supportive bra into the inner space of the front support via at least one slot and joining the supportive bra back clasps together in the inner space of the back support.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of inserting a supportive bra strap having a first end and a second end into the inner space of each of the shoulder supports via at least one slot, wherein the first ends of the supportive bra straps are attached to the supportive bra within the inner space of the front support and the second ends of the supportive bra straps are attached to the supportive bra within the inner space of the back support. In one embodiment, the second ends of the supportive bra straps are attached to the supportive bra within the inner space of the back support such that the two supportive bra straps cross each other.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of inserting a single supportive bra strap having a first end and a second end into the inner space of one shoulder support via at least one slot, wherein the first end of the supportive bra strap is attached to the supportive bra within the inner space of the front support and the second end of the supportive bra strap is attached to the supportive bra within the inner space of the back support.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of inserting a single supportive bra strap having a first end and a second end into the inner space of both shoulder supports via at least one slot, such that the supportive bra strap attaches to the supportive bra within the inner space of the front support at its first end, extends through the inner space of one shoulder strap towards the back support, loops back and extends through the inner space of the other shoulder strap towards the front support, and attaches to the supportive bra within the inner space of the front support at its second end.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a supportive compression bra system, comprising a compressive bra comprising a front support, a back support, a pair of shoulder supports, and a chest band; and a supportive bra. The front support, back support, and shoulder supports of the compressive bra comprise at least two layers of textiles to form a continuous inner space. The front support, back support, and pair of shoulder supports each comprise in at least one of the textile layers at least one slot to access the continuous inner space. The supportive bra is removably positioned in the continuous inner space of the front support and the back support.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises supportive bra shoulder straps removably positioned in the continuous inner space of the pair of shoulder supports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

Figure 1 depicts an exemplary detachable compressive device having been flipped inside out such that the slots on the interior textile surface of the device are visible.

Figure 2 depicts the back support and a shoulder slot of an exemplary detachable compressive device.

Figure 3 depicts the clasp access slot of an exemplary detachable compressive device.

Figure 4 depicts an exemplary detachable compressive device with a bra inserted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a detachable compressive device for encapsulating supportive bras with removable straps and methods for using the same. The devices of the invention are detachable from a user's bra and provide improved support through compression and encapsulation. Definitions It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many other elements found in typical brassieres and women's athletic wear. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and/or steps are desirable and/or required in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and

modifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled in the art.

Unless defined elsewhere, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are described.

As used herein, each of the following terms has the meaning associated with it in this section.

The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element.

"About" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%), ±1%), and ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are

appropriate.

Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, 6, and any whole and partial increments there between. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

The present invention provides a detachable compressive device for encapsulating supportive bras with removable straps. The device is capable of encapsulating a user's bra for improved fit and support.

Referring now to Figure 1, an exemplary detachable compressive device 10 is depicted having been flipped inside out. Detachable compressive device 10 comprises front support 12, back support 14, shoulder supports 16, and chest band 18. Front support 12 and back support 14 compress the user's chest and back, respectively. Front support 12 and back support 14 are connected at their distal edge to chest band 18, which comprises a continuous loop that encircles the user's chest.

Shoulder supports 16 extend proximally from front support 12 and attach to back support 14. In one embodiment, shoulder supports 16 are made from a fixed length of textile. In another embodiment, shoulder supports 16 comprise any length adjustment feature known in the art, such as a sliding buckle mechanism or a hook and slot mechanism. In one embodiment, detachable compressive device 10 has a "racerback style," wherein shoulder supports 16 extend proximally from front support 12 at two points, join together into a single shoulder support, and attach to back support 14 at one point. In another embodiment, detachable compressive device 10 has a "classic style," wherein shoulder supports 16 are in parallel and extend proximally from front support 12 at two points and attach to back support 14 at two points. In another embodiment, a "classic style" detachable compressive device 10 comprises shoulder supports 16 that are detachable from back support 14, such that a user may choose to attach shoulder supports 16 to back support 14 in parallel in the "classic style" or attach shoulder supports 16 to back support 14 in a cross back style.

Detachable compressive device 10 can comprise any suitable textile. Non-limiting examples of textiles that detachable compressive device 10 can comprise include: nylon, cotton, spandex, acrylic, polyester, polyethylene, and the like. In one embodiment, the device comprises a combination of textiles. In another embodiment, the device comprises textile blends. In one embodiment, at least one textile is elastic.

Detachable compressive device 10 comprises at least two layers of textiles. The at least two layers of textiles are fastened to each other along the edge or border of device 10, also known as the hem, to form an inner space. The mode of fastening can be any mode known in the art, including but not limited to: bonding, sewing, gluing, and the like. Preferably, detachable compressive device 10 comprises a continuous inner space throughout front support 12, back support 14, and shoulder supports 16.

Front support 12 comprises bra slots 20 on inner textile layer 32. Bra slots 20 provide access to the inner space of the device, such that a user can insert a bra into the inner space by passing the bra through bra slots 20. Bra slots 20 can take any suitable form, such as an opening cut into the textile, an opening covered by a flap of textile, an opening closable by a zipper, an opening closable by a hook and loop fastener, and the like.

Back support 14 comprises clasp access slot 26. Clasp access slot 26 provides access to the inner space of the device, such that a user can secure or unsecure the back clasp of a bra that has been inserted into the inner space of the device. In one embodiment, clasp access slot 26 is located on outer textile layer 30 of the device. In another embodiment, clasp access slot 26 is located on inner textile layer 32 of the device. Clasp access slot 26 can take any suitable form, such as an opening cut into the textile, an opening covered by a flap of textile, an opening closable by a zipper, an opening closable by a hook and loop fastener, and the like. Back support 14 further comprises a plurality of back strap slots 28 situated along the proximal edge of back support 14. Back strap slots 28 provide access to the back strap of an inserted bra, such that an inserted bra's shoulder straps may be attached to the inserted bra's back strap in a plurality of configurations.

Shoulder supports 16 comprises a plurality of shoulder strap slots 22 on inner textile layer 32. Shoulder strap slots 22 provide access points to facilitate the threading of a bra's shoulder straps through the inner space of shoulder supports 16. Shoulder strap slots 22 also provide exit points for a bra's shoulder straps. Shoulder strap slots 22 can take any suitable form, such as openings cut into the textile, openings covered by a flap of textile, openings closable by a zipper, openings closable by a hook and loop fastener, and the like.

Detachable compressive device 10 encapsulates supportive bras with removable straps to provide improved fit and support. The supportive bra with removable straps may be inserted into the device in at least five configurations: strapless, classic, cross back, one strap, and halter.

In one embodiment, detachable compressive device 10 encapsulates a supportive bra in a strapless configuration. The supportive bra is inserted into the inner space of front support 12 by passing the supportive bra through any one of bra slots 20. The back straps of the supportive bra are then inserted into the inner space of back support 14 through bra slots 20 such that the back straps of the supportive bra meet at clasp access slot 26. The supportive bra clasp may then be secured either prior or after equipping detachable compressive device 10.

In another embodiment, detachable compressive device 10 encapsulates a supportive bra in a classic configuration. The supportive bra is inserted into the inner space of front support 12 by passing the supportive bra through any one of bra slots 20. The back straps of the supportive bra are then inserted into the inner space of back support 14 through bra slots 20 such that the back straps of the supportive bra meet at clasp access slot 26. The supportive bra straps are then inserted into shoulder supports 16 by passing the supportive bra straps through any one of shoulder strap slots 22. The first ends of the supportive bra straps are threaded into the inner space of front support 12 and attached to the front of the supportive bra. The method of attaching the second ends of the supportive bra straps to the back straps of the supportive bra depends on the style of detachable compressive device 10. For example, in a "classic style" device, the second ends of the supportive bra straps may be threaded through shoulder supports 16 into the inner space of back support 14 to attach to the back straps of the supportive bra, while in a "racerback style" device, the second ends of the supportive bra straps exit shoulder support 16 via shoulder strap slots 22 and enter the inner space of back support 14 through back strap slots 28 to attach to the back straps of the supportive bra.

In another embodiment, detachable compressive device 10 encapsulates a supportive bra in a cross back configuration. The supportive bra is inserted into the inner space of front support 12 by passing the supportive bra through any one of bra slots 20. The back straps of the supportive bra are then inserted into the inner space of back support 14 through bra slots 20 such that the back straps of the supportive bra meet at clasp access slot 26. The supportive bra straps are then inserted into shoulder supports 16 by passing the supportive bra straps through any one of shoulder strap slots 22. The first ends of the supportive bra straps are threaded into the inner space of front support 12 and attached to the front of the supportive bra. The method of attaching the second ends of the supportive bra straps to the back straps of the supportive bra depends on the style of detachable supportive bra device 10. For example, in a "classic style" device having detachable shoulder supports 16, shoulder supports 16 may be attached to back support 14 in a cross back style, and the second ends of the supportive bra straps may be threaded through shoulder supports 16 into the inner space of back support 14 to attach to the back straps of the supportive bra, while in a "racerback style" device, the second ends of the supportive bra straps exit shoulder support 16 via shoulder strap slots 22 and enter the inner space of back support 14 through back strap slots 28 to attach to the back straps of the supportive bra.

In another embodiment, detachable compressive device 10 encapsulates a supportive bra in a one strap configuration. The supportive bra is inserted into the inner space of front support 12 by passing the supportive bra through any one of bra slots 20. The back straps of the supportive bra are then inserted into the inner space of back support 14 through bra slots 20 such that the back straps of the supportive bra meet at clasp access slot 26. One supportive bra strap is then inserted into a first shoulder support 16 of the user's choosing by passing the supportive bra strap through shoulder strap slot 22. The first end of the supportive bra strap is threaded into the inner space of front support 12 and attached to the front of the supportive bra. The second end of the supportive bra strap may be threaded through shoulder support 16 to attach to the back strap of the supportive bra in any manner the user chooses.

In another embodiment, detachable compressive device 10 encapsulates a supportive bra in a halter configuration. The supportive bra is inserted into the inner space of front support 12 by passing the supportive bra through any one of bra slots 20. The back straps of the supportive bra are then inserted into the inner space of back support 14 through bra slots 20 such that the back straps of the supportive bra meet at clasp access slot 26. One supportive bra strap is then inserted into a first shoulder support 16 of the user's choosing by passing the supportive bra strap through shoulder strap slot 22. The first end of the supportive bra strap is threaded into the inner space of front support 12 and attached to the front of the supportive bra. The second end of the supportive bra strap is threaded through the inner space of the second shoulder support 16, into the inner space of front support 12, and attached to the front of the supportive bra.

The disclosures of each and every patent, patent application, and publication cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. While this invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments and variations of this invention may be devised by others skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. The appended claims are intended to be construed to include all such embodiments and equivalent variations.