This invention relates to a bra. Bras comprising two cups sewn together are known to prior art. A respective strip is sewn to each cup. Said strips are connectable to each other at a clasp device and, once joined to each other, define a rear supporting bra strap. The strips may be adjusted in length according to the size of the user's chest, in such a way as to correctly position it.

The clasp device comprises a metal hook connected to a strip. Said hook can be fastened to a respective metal seat formed on the opposite strip. In particular, two or more equidistant seats are formed on the strip opposite to the hook to form a limited closing adjustment. Thus, the user may adjust the size of the rear strap by connecting the hook to the appropriate seat.

Background art

Bras known to prior art also comprise two connecting straps between the cups and the rear strap, which serve to unload the weight of the bra and breast onto the user's shoulders.

Bra sizes, at least in Italy, are based on two different measurements expressed with correlated indexes.

More precisely: the first measurement is numeric, generally variable from 1 to 8, and indicates the size of the chest; the second measurement is a letter, varies from A to G, and indicates the difference, expressed in 'standard' values, between the measured size of the breast and the above chest size.

The bras described above have certain drawbacks.

A first drawback is that even though bras known to prior art have an adjustment system, they do not allow obtaining optimal adjustment to the anatomy of each individual user. This drawback is increasingly significant when the user has significantly disproportionate breast and chest sizes with respect to standard measurements, a situation in which the bra must be substantially adjusted to the measurements of the user.

A second drawback is that the distance between the two cups in bras known to prior art is fixed and therefore the size of the bra must also be adjusted in this case. It is indeed known that various, if not unlimited, types of female anatomies exist and therefore the distance between the two cups may vary substantially.

Purpose and summary of the invention

In this context, the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to provide a bra cup, a strap and a clasp device that overcome the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide a bra cup, a strap and a clasp device which can make the bra more adaptable to the body of the user. The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a bra cup, a strap and a clasp device comprising the technical features described in one or more of the accompanying claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention are more apparent in the detailed description below, with reference to a preferred, non-limiting, embodiment of a bra cup, a strap and a clasp device, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is an exploded view of a bra comprising a cup, a strap and a clasp device according to this invention;

- Figure 2 is a view of the bra of Figure 1 during assembly;

- Figures 3a and 3b are perspective views of a detail of a bra cup and strap in an alternative embodiment according to this invention, and

- Figure 4 is a view of a detail of a supporting element in a further embodiment.

Detailed description

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a bra defined by two cups 2, a strap 3 and a clasp device 4 according to this invention. In particular, the bra 1 is of the front closing type.

In detail, each cup 2 has a concave surface 2a and a convex surface 2b opposite to the concave surface 2a. Furthermore, the cup has an edge 2c delimiting it. It should be noticed that each bra 1 comprises a pair of cups 2, which are symmetrical to each other. Each cup 2 also comprises a semi-rigid supporting element 10, for example made of rubber. Said supporting element 10 is located along the edge 2c in a lower portion of the cup 2 so as to improve the support of the user's breast. According to this invention, each cup 2 has a coupling portion 5 to fasten to the strap 3 and to the clasp device 4. In detail, the coupling portion 5 is formed on the convex surface 2b and is located along the edge 2c. In other words, the coupling portion 5 is shaped like a strip adjacent to the edge 2c. In further detail, the coupling portion 5 is located along a lower area of the edge 2c.

The coupling portion 5 comprises a plurality of protrusions 6, which extend away from the convex surface 2b of the cup 2. In practice, the protrusions reversibly hook appropriately shaped areas of the strap 3 and of the clasp device 4 to the cup 2.

The cup 2 also comprises a closing element 7, to be applied to the coupling portion 5. In particular, the closing element 7 has a plurality of seats 8, each associable with a respective protrusion 6 so as to fasten the closing element 7 to the coupling portion 5. It should be noticed that when it is fastened to the cup 2, the closing element 7 performs the function of the above indicated supporting element 10.

As described below, both the strap 3 and the clasp device 4 have portions which can be inserted between the coupling portion 5 and the closing element 7 so as to be blocked on the cup 2 by the protrusions 6.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the protrusions 6 are arranged in a line 9 at the edge 2c of the cup 2. In particular, each protrusion 6 comprises a head which can be inserted in the seat 8 to block it therein. In other words, the operation of the individual protrusion 6 and of the respective seat 8 is similar to that of a press-stud.

It should also be noticed that it is advantageously possible to apply a covering (not illustrated), preferably made of fabric, to the closing element 7. In particular, it is advantageous to cover a visible surface of the closing element 7 to improve the appearance of it.

Furthermore, the bra 1 according to this invention comprises a strap 3, which, in use, defines a rear strap 3 in contact with the user's back. The strap 3 has two ends 3a, each connectable to a respective cup 2.

In particular, the strap 3 has a plurality of holes 11 at each end 3a. In particular, the strap 3 has two rows 12 of holes 11 , each located along a respective end 3a.

In greater detail, each hole 11 can receive a respective protrusion 6 of one of the cups 2, so as to anchor the strap 3 to the cups 2. In other words, each row 12 of holes 11 can be closed between a coupling portion 5 and a closing element 7 of a respective cup 2.

It should be noticed that it is advantageously possible to vary the position of the end 3a of the cup 2 according to the user's needs by simply having the holes 11 receive the suitable protrusions 6 selected from among the ones available on the coupling portion of the cup 2.

It should be noticed in an alternative embodiment of this invention shown in particular in Figures 3a and 3b, that the cup 2 comprises a guide 13, which is formed on a respective supporting element 10. The strap 3 in this case comprises a pair of sliders 14 each located on a respective end 3a of the strap 3. Each slider 14 can be inserted to slide in a respective guide 13.

Figure 4 shows a further embodiment in which the guide 13 and the sliders 14 have different shapes and sizes from the embodiment in Figures 3a and 3b. This solution is more stable and adjustable due to the presence of a plurality of protrusions 20 formed on the supporting element 10 and shaped to match respective sockets 21 formed on the sliders 14.

A bra 1 clasp device 4 is also part of this invention, comprising a first closing element 4a and a second closing element 4b. The closing elements 4a, 4b are each associable with a respective cup 2 and, once fastened to them, close the bra 1 by hooking to each other.

In other words, the closing elements 4a, 4b can be changed between an open configuration where they are detached from each other and a closed configuration where they are attached to each other. In other words again, the first closing element 4a and the second closing element 4b are shaped to match each other so as to snap close.

Each closing element 4a, 4b comprises a connecting portion 15 in order to connect to a respective cup 2. The connecting portion 15 has at least one hole 16 similar to the holes 1 1 on the ends 3a of the strap 3 described above. The holes 16 cause the connecting portions 15, and therefore the closing elements 4a, 4b, to connect to the protrusions 6 of the cups 2. In greater detail, each closing element 4a, 4b comprises two holes 16.

It should also be noticed that the closing elements 4a, 4b are rotatably associated with each other in the closed configuration. In other words, in the closed configuration the closing elements can rotate about an axis of rotation which is equidistant from the cups 2 and, in use, substantially horizontal. An embodiment (not illustrated) is also possible in which one of the connecting portions 15 comprises a hinge, which in the closed configuration, can bend the clasp device 4 about a substantially vertical axis.

In addition to the above described elements, a bra 1 according to this invention may also comprise two further straps 17. These further straps 17 are commonly called "shoulder straps", and serve to connect the cups 2 to the strap 3, thus supporting the weight of the user's breast. In use, said further straps 17 are each located on a respective shoulder of the user. The further straps 17 are connectable to the strap 3, in particular through a pair of hooks 18 each located at an end of the further straps 17. The hooks 18 insert into openings 19 formed on the cups 2 and on the strap 3.

The further straps 17 also comprise means for adjusting the length of them (not illustrated). These means for adjusting the length have a sliding buckle, which is commonly used in bras known in prior art and for this reason is not further described.

A bra according to this invention is shown in unassembled configuration, in reference to Figure 1. The bra 1 in this configuration comprises two further straps 17 each connectable to the strap 3 and to the respective cup 2. The cups 2 are connectable to each other by the clasp device 4. Lastly, the rear strap 3 is connectable to the cups 2 in the above described ways. A further aspect of this invention is a bra 1 package comprising a bra 1 as described above and a plurality of clasp devices 4, straps 3 and further straps 17 in a variety of different lengths and designs. This allows the user to autonomously assemble a made-to-measure bra.

The present invention achieves the aim proposed. The cup, the strap and the clasp device can indeed be assembled to each other by the final user, who can therefore . make a made-to-measure bra and therefore, perfectly adaptable to the user's body.

The present invention also has a major advantage. Indeed, by inserting into the holes of the strap and of the clasp device, the protrusions of the cup hold these elements in position. Consequently, increased stability and more comfort are ensured for the final user.