COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application no. 63/182,882, filed May 01, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Garments often require the user to add an undergarment, such as a bra. Undergarments or bras have come in numerous designs. The designs have included full-cup, plunge, balconettte, and demi-cup, as examples. However, the designs have posed numerous problems for wearers.

[0004] Individuals with larger bra sizes, including but not limited to those which are categorized as DD through H/l and above, are at a disadvantage. Standard bras that are sized in this category do not address the unique concerns of individuals in this size category, rather they are merely replicas of the bras made for categories below DD which are merely sized up. This leads to a bulky uncomfortable garment that is uncomfortable, unsightly beneath garments, and difficult to pack for travel, among other things.

[0005] Furthermore, the conventional bra when sized for those categorized in the above DD range are cumbersome to operate. Often individuals have certain physical limitations including shoulder issues, inflammatory issues, tendon or muscle limitations, joint immobility, and other differences in mobility. It is difficult if not impossible for these individuals to put on a conventional bra with its attendant back closures and multiple small hooks.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a garment with an integrated undergarment or bra that is comfortable to wear, easy to use, removes unsightly undergarment lines, and is easy to pack/store BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] Generally, the present disclosure provides a breast management system in the form of an undergarment or bra including a cup that is integral with and shaped into the neckline, an underwire, and a lateral elastic region. The present disclosure provides a bra which may be integral with clothing. The present disclosure provides a dress with integral breast support. The present disclosure provides a bra with cups directly integrated into the same shape as the neckline, an underwire, and the elastic structure. The elastic structure may comprise lateral sections and horizontal sections. The lateral sections may be arranged approximately in line with or slightly in front of the midaxillary line. The horizontal section may be located under the breast line.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a garment comprises an outer garment; a breast management system inside the outer garment and having: a first panel; a second panel attached, at one panel seam and at another panel seam, to the first panel; at least one of a first cup having a first cup seam and a second cup having a second cup seam; wherein the at least one of the first cup seam is aligned with one end of the one panel seam and the second cup seam is aligned with another end of the another panel seam.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a garment comprises an outer garment; a breast management system inside the outer garment and having: a first panel having a first panel lower peripheral edge; a second panel, attached to the first panel, and having a second panel lower peripheral edge; at least one of a first cup and a second cup attached to the first and second panels; at least one of: a pair of lateral elastic parts attached to opposing lateral parts of the second panel; and a circumferential elastic part attached to the first and second panel lower peripheral edges.

[00010] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a breast management system configured to be attachable inside an outer garment comprises a first panel; a second panel attached to the first panel and having a second panel lower peripheral edge; at least one of a first cup having a first cup lateral peripheral edge and a second cup having a second cup lateral peripheral edge; at least one of a first seam that extends from the first cup lateral peripheral edge to the second panel lower peripheral edge and a second seam that extends from the second cup lateral peripheral edge to the second panel lower peripheral edge; at least one of a lateral elastic part attached to a lateral part of the second panel and a circumferential elastic part attached to the second panel lower peripheral edge. [00011] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the following claims.

DRAWINGS

[00012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

[00013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a breast management system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

[00014] FIG. 3 is a front, plan view of the breast management system of FIG. 2; [00015] FIG. 4 is a rear, plan view of the breast management system of FIG. 2;

[00016] FIG. 5 is a side view of the breast management system of FIG. 2;

[00017] FIG. 6 is a top view of the breast management system of FIG. 2;

[00018] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the breast management system of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00019] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details.

[00020] The following description of the various systems and methods is not intended to limit the inventive systems and methods disclosed herein to one variation, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art of making undergarments to make and use the inventive systems and methods.

[00021] As used herein, the terms “aspect” and “aspects” are used interchangeably. Therefore, the singular refers to the plural, and vice versa.

[00022] Generally, the problems to be solved herein are undergarments or bras that can be integrated into an outer garment, while providing an entire garment that is comfortable and supportive, particularly for women with large breasts, minimizes or removes unsightly garment lines, and hides breast areas from sight outside of the garment.

[00023] The present disclosure solves the foregoing problems by providing a breast management system in the form of a bra. The bra may include at least one cup. The at least one cup may have at least two components. The two components may be shaped each in a teardrop shape. There may be a seam that connects the two components just over the press point and that seam may follow the cup to directly where the strap connects to the body of the disclosed bra. That contrasts with conventional bras which are designed with a cup and then another piece that connects that cup to the strap region. The disclosed bra may have a cup that goes from the underwire directly to the strap seemingly seamlessly. The cup goes from the underwire with only one seam over the breast apex point and directly to the strap attachment piece.

[00024] Further, the present disclosure solves the foregoing problems by providing an uninterrupted elastic band travelling completely around the bodice and can be for example but not limited to approximately 0.5inch wide to 2.0 inch wide and more specifically in some variations approximately 1.5 inches wide. In its location beneath the breast region the elastic band stretches horizontally but not vertically.

[00025] Generally, the present disclosure provides an undergarment or bra capable of independent wear and/or capable of integration into a garment. In one variation, the present disclosure provides built-in bra support for up to H/l cups. The disclosed undergarment remediates the need for individuals with breast measurements up to and including H/l cup size to bra tape and also remediates the need for strapless bras, which do not comfortably accommodate the breast. The disclosed undergarment may be made of, for example but not limited to moisture-wicking antimicrobial tech fabric and super soft elastic. The materials and design of the disclosed undergarment may make for less red marks and may help reduce or eliminate perspiration in the breast area. [00026] Additionally, the disclosed garment in the form of a dress is capable of at least six configurations including but not limited to cross-back or cami straps with various lengths, e.g., mini, maxi or asymmetrical. The disclosed dress with integral breast support may be made of any material including but not limited to any one of: super soft slinky jersey that’s breathable, stain-resistant, and wrinkle resistant [00027] Further, the present disclosure provides a breast management system in the form of an undergarment or bra that is streamlined for comfort, hygiene, seamless appearance below outer garments, natural appearance (e.g., it reduces the “shelf” breast look created by strapless bras, it reduces the overflow caused by poorly sized cups, and similar.)

[00028] Also, the present disclosure provides a breast management system in the form of an undergarment or bra that is capable of being worn separately or integrated into a garment. This allows individuals in the DD and higher bra measurement category to have access to and enjoy clothing items before unavailable to them. This thus empowers individuals with unlimited choices for style and self-expression and addresses the needs of all individuals to feel comfortable in their clothing.

[00029] According to the present disclosure, a garment into which the present breast management system in the form of an undergarment or bra may be integrated can be for example, but not limited to, a dress. The dress may be made of a slinky material due to the nature of the undergarment/bra. Whereas with conventional built-in bras of this size, a slinky or silky material could not easily be used because it would show or fail to support the bra elements.

[00030] In the present disclosure, the undergarment or bra may be integrated into the inside top of a dress or other clothing item including a shirt, robe, nightgown, lingerie, etc. While usable for any sized individual, the disclosed undergarment or bra may be desirable for and address the needs of individuals in the breast category including and above the D-size. The present undergarment or bra may include an underwire which may be of standard underwire sizing 15 or greater; it may be approximately but not limited to about 14 through about above 15, or about 16 or more.

[00031] Furthermore, the present undergarment or bra is more efficient for packing into suitcases for travel and/or for storing in the home in less space. The present disclosure provides an undergarment or bra that is capable of being flat-packed. This provides efficiency of packaging for shipping, distribution, sale. It lowers the cost of shipping and lowers the carbon footprint by reducing packaging and space requirements. It also reduces the amount of luggage required for travel.

[00032] In FIG. 1 an exemplary garment 300 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The exemplary garment 300 can include an outer garment 200, such as a dress. The exemplary garment 300 can also include an integrated breast management system 100, such as in the form of an undergarment or bra according to aspects of the present disclosure. In an exemplary form, the breast management system 100 may be attached to the inside of the outer garment 200. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the breast management system 100 may be sewn or clipped to the inside of the outer garment 200.

[00033] However, according to other aspects of the present disclosure, the breast management system 100 may not be integrated into the garment 300. Thereby, the same breast management system 100 can be worn underneath multiple outer garments.

[00034] In FIGS. 2-7, an exemplary breast management system 100 in the form of an undergarment or bra, according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The system 100 may include a first panel 101 and a second panel 102. The first and second panels 101, 102 may be configured to be worn adjacent to a torso of a wearer. In aspects of the present disclosure, the first panel 101 may be configured to be worn at a front side of a torso of the wearer, while the second panel 102 may be configured to be worn at lateral sides and back side of a torso of the wearer.

[00035] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the first panel 101 can be one integral component configured in the absence of sub-panels, which may or may not be attachable, such as by hook-and-eye closures. Similarly, the second panel 102 can be one integral component configured in the absence of sub-panels, which may or may not be attachable.

[00036] The back of the disclosed system 100 does not include any clamps or clasps. It is continuous and does not open. The fabric and elastic structure continue around the back. It is inside the materials where it cannot be viewed.

[00037] In FIGS. 2-3, the first panel 101 may have a first panel lower peripheral edge 101a and a first panel upper peripheral edge 101 f, in aspects of the present disclosure. The first panel lower peripheral edge 101a may be configured to be worn below the breasts of the wearer, in aspects of the present disclosure. The first panel upper peripheral edge 101 f may be configured to be worn at the breasts of the wearer, in aspects of the present disclosure.

[00038] Similar to the first panel 101, the second panel 102 may have a second panel lower peripheral edge 102a and a second panel upper peripheral edge 102f, in aspects of the present disclosure. The second panel lower peripheral edge 102a may be configured to be worn below the breasts of the wearer, in aspects of the present disclosure. The second panel upper peripheral edge 102f may be configured to be worn at the sides and back of the wearer.

[00039] In addition, the second panel 102 may include a pair of lateral parts 102b. In aspects of the present disclosure, one or both lateral parts 102b may be configured to be worn at the sides of the wearer.

[00040] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the first and second panels 101 , 102 may be constructed of different or the same materials. The first and second panels 101, 102 may be constructed of a fabric, in aspects of the present disclosure. The first and second panels 101, 102 may be constructed of a stretchable fabric, in aspects of the present disclosure.

[00041] In FIGS. 2-3, according to aspects of the present disclosure, the first panel 101 may be attached, at one or more seams, to the second panel 102. Accordingly, the first panel 101 may be attached, at one panel seam 115 and at another panel seam 116, to the second panel 102 in aspects of the present disclosure. In aspects of the present disclosure, the seams 115, 116 may be areas where the first and second panels 101 , 102 are joined together by thread or other means known in the art.

[00042] In FIGS. 2-3, the system 100 may include at least one of a first cup 103 and a second cup 104, in aspects of the present disclosure. In other aspects, the system 100 includes both first and second cups 103, 104. One or both cups 103, 104 may be attached to both panels 101, 102, in aspects of the present disclosure. Each of the first and second cups 103, 104 can be configured to be worn over breasts of the wearer. In aspects of the present disclosure, the first and second cups 103, 104 can have the same or different configurations.

[00043] According to aspects of the disclosure, the first cup 103 may have a first cup upper peripheral edge 103a, a first cup lateral peripheral edge 103b, a first cup lower peripheral edge 103c, and a first cup central area 103d. In aspects of the present disclosure, the first cup upper peripheral edge 103a may be configured to be worn over a front area of a breast of the wearer. In aspects of the present disclosure, the first cup lateral peripheral edge 103b may be configured to be worn adjacent to a midaxillary line and/or an axilla area of the wearer. In aspects of the present disclosure, the first cup lower peripheral edge 103c may be configured to be worn under a breast of the wearer. In aspects of the present disclosure, the first cup central area 103d may be configured to be worn over a nipple area of a breast of the wearer.

[00044] In aspects of the present disclosure, second cup 104 may have a second cup upper peripheral edge 104a, a second cup lateral peripheral edge 104b, a second cup lower peripheral edge 104c, and a second cup central area 104d. According to aspects of the present disclosure, one or more of the foregoing 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d may be respectively configured similarly to 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d and therefore are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[00045] In FIG. 3, according to aspects of the present disclosure, the combined first and second cup upper peripheral edges 103a, 104a have a scoop or generally U- shaped configuration when the system 100 is on a wearer. The first and second cup upper peripheral edges 103a, 104a may also be separated by a distance 120.

[00046] In a variation, the cups 103, 104 join as close together as possible at the center to avoid gaping at the neckline. In a variation, the cups are sewn directly into the same shape as the neckline and the underwire. [00047] According to aspects of the present disclosure, one or both cups 103, 104 may be made of multiple layers of material. Under the first layer, there may be several layers on the inside that may be made of, for example, but not limited to, a compression tripod SPANDEX® type material. The material may also include one or more of the following qualities: moisture wicking. The fabric may contribute to the function. The layers of fabric may continue around the entire bodice in a unified piece (which may include seams between but are sewn into a unified piece).

[00048] In aspects of the present disclosure, there may be no foam in one or both cups 103, 104. One of both cups 103, 104 may be free of all hard structural materials such as foams.

[00049] The disclosed system 100 includes apex to apex seams that create more of a natural shape than conventional bras. The two-piece structure of the cup is each a tear drop which comes together in the middle with an apex-to-apex seam. Each side is a mirror image. The seam travels across the breast diagonally instead of a dummy cup sewed into a dress.

[00050] In FIGS. 2-3, 5 and 7, according to aspects of the present invention, the first cup 103 may have a first cup seam 103e. In aspects of the present disclosure, the first cup seam 103e may be an area where two components of the first cup 103 are joined together by thread or other means known in the art. The first cup seam 103e may be aligned with one end of one of the two panel seams 115, 116. In aspects of the present disclosure, the first cup seam 103e may extend from the first cup lateral peripheral edge 103b and to the first cup lower peripheral edge 103c. In aspects of the present disclosure, the first cup seam 103e may not extend over (i.e., is outside of) the first cup central area 103d. Accordingly, the first cup seam 103e may be other than in a straight line.

[00051] In aspects of the present disclosure, the first cup seam 103e can have an end at the first cup lower peripheral edge 103c. That end can be aligned with the panel seam 109 at an end thereof which can be at the first cup lower peripheral edge 103c. The first cup seam 103e and the panel seam 109 can, in combination, be a first combined seam 109, in aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, in aspects of the present disclosure, the first combined seam 109 can extend from the first cup lateral peripheral edge 103b to the second panel lower peripheral edge 102a.

[00052] In FIGS. 2-3, 5 and 7, according to aspects of the present disclosure, the second cup 104 may have a second cup seam 104e. The second cup seam 104e may be configured similarly to the first cup seam 103e, in aspects of the present disclosure. In aspects of the present disclosure, the second cup seam 104e may be an area where two components of the second cup 104 are joined together by thread or other means known in the art. The second cup seam 104e may be aligned with one end of one of the two panel seams 115, 116. In aspects of the present disclosure, the second cup seam 104e may extend from the second cup lateral peripheral edge 104b and to the second cup lower peripheral edge 104c. In aspects of the present disclosure, the second cup seam 104e may not extend over (i.e. , is outside of) the second cup central area 104d. Accordingly, the second cup seam 104e may be other than in a straight line.

[00053] In aspects of the present disclosure, the second cup seam 104e can have an end at the second cup lower peripheral edge 104c. That end can be aligned with the panel seam 116 at an end thereof which can be at the second cup lower peripheral edge 104c. The second cup seam 104e and the panel seam 116 can, in combination, be a second combined seam 110, in aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, in aspects of the present disclosure, the second combined seam 110 can extend from the second cup lateral peripheral edge 104b to the second panel lower peripheral edge 102a. [00054] From the foregoing, and as seen in FIG. 3, the panel seam 115 can extend from the first cup lower peripheral edge 103c and to the first panel lower peripheral edge 101a and/or to the second panel lower peripheral edge 102a, in aspects of the present disclosure. Similarly, the panel seam 116 can extend from the second cup lower peripheral edge 104c and to the first panel lower peripheral edge 101a and/or to the second panel lower peripheral edge 102a, in aspects of the present disclosure.

[00055] In FIGS. 2-5 and 7, according to aspects of the present disclosure, the system 100 may include a circumferential elastic part 107. It may be configured to extend around a torso of the wearer. The circumferential elastic part 107 may be affixed to the first and/or second panels 101, 102, in aspects of the present disclosure. The circumferential elastic part 107 may be affixed to the first panel lower peripheral edge 101a and/or to the second panel lower peripheral edge 102a, in aspects of the present disclosure.

[00056] The circumferential elastic part 107 may provide a buffer that prevents the underwire from cutting into the flesh and or otherwise properly orient it in the garment 300. This contrasts with conventional built-in bras which include only an elastic at the bottom and a foam cup. As further described below, the present disclosure can also have an elastic on the axilla area orienting the breasts in a forward-facing direction, and underwire cups (which can be made of any material including plastics) and seam structure that separates the breasts into distinct units. [00057] In FIGS. 2-5 and 7, according to aspects of the present disclosure, the system 100 may include one or more lateral elastic parts 108. In an aspect of the present disclosure, there are a pair of lateral elastic parts 108. It/they may be configured to be adjacent to midaxillary lines and/or axillary areas of the wearer. The one or more lateral elastic parts 108 may be affixed to the second panel 102, such as at one or both opposing lateral parts 102b, in aspects of the present disclosure. One or more lateral elastic parts 108 may extend between the second panel upper peripheral edge 102f and the second panel lower peripheral edge 102a, in aspects of the present disclosure. One or more lateral elastic parts 108 may extend from the second upper peripheral edge 102f and to the circumferential elastic part 107, in aspects of the disclosure.

[00058] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the lateral elastic region 108 that runs in the axilla line, e.g., the midaxilla line, from the armpit region of the garment 300 to where it meets the horizontal elastic 108 discussed above. In a variation, the lateral elastic is capable of stretching vertically but not horizontally. In another variation, it may stretch opposite or both directions. This lateral elastic variation may form support that holds like a softer version of boning. It allows a structural connection. This prevents the breast tissue from protruding from the side opening of the disclosed system 100. [00059] The system 100 may, in aspects of the present disclosure, include a pair of straps 105, 106. The straps 105, 106 may each be configured to be worn on shoulders of the wearer. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the strap 105 may be attached at 111 to the first cup 103 and at 113 to the second panel 102. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the strap 106 may be attached at 112 to the second cup 104 and at 114 to the second panel 102.

[00060] The present disclosure is not limited to the variations described, as it also covers all equivalent implementations insofar as they do not depart form the spirit of the disclosure. Further, the present disclosure is not yet limited to the combination of features as described herein but may be defined by any other combination of all the individual features disclosed. Further, the present disclosure is not yet limited to the sequence of method steps as described herein but may be defined by any other combination or order the steps disclosed. Any person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the claims that modifications could be made to the disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure.