BRASSIERES
United States Patent 3630208
An insert liner adapted to be detachably or permanently secured in a brassiere, said insert being provided with cutout portions through which a portion of the wearer's breasts project, said breast-encircling insert lining providing support beneath the breasts to create a desired uplift of the breasts as well as distributing the weight uniformly to alleviate the strain on the shoulder straps and promoting the comfort as well as the appearance of the wearer, said insert being readily adaptable for use in existing brassieres as well as in either strapless or strap-type brassieres and other garments.
Inventors:
Werth, Irene E. (Milwaukee, WI)
Balow, Zella J. (Eau Claire, WI)
Balow, Zella J. (Eau Claire, WI)
Application Number:
04/840314
Publication Date:
12/28/1971
Filing Date:
07/09/1969
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
International Classes:
A41C3/10; A41C3/00; A41C3/10
Field of Search:
128/484,487,479,517
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Michell, Robert W.
Claims:
What we claim is
1. In a brassiere including a pair of breast-receiving cups and laterally extending bands designed to extend around the wearer's back, and having coacting fastening means adjacent the free ends of said bands, a completely removable bust-supporting insert device, comprising: a pair of adjacent cup portions which are adapted to fit within the corresponding cup portions of the brassiere, each of said insert cups having a cutout therethrough conforming generally to the breast contours and being of sufficient size for a portion of the wearer's breasts to be projected therethrough, whereby the wearer's breasts are supported from beneath and from the sides by said breast-encircling insert, the lower portion of said insert which is positionable beneath the wearer's breasts being relatively rigid to provide maximum support and uplift; a seam strip formed on said brassiere at a point spaced laterally outwardly from each of the brassiere cups; generally triangular bracing elements forming the outer ends of said insert device, the outer end portions of said bracing elements being alignable with said brassiere seam strips; and coacting snap-type connecting elements on said bracing element outer end portions and on said seam straps adapted to detachably secure said breast-supporting insert within said brassiere, the lower longitudinal edge of said insert being free of the brassiere to provide a self-adjusting floating-type support.
1. In a brassiere including a pair of breast-receiving cups and laterally extending bands designed to extend around the wearer's back, and having coacting fastening means adjacent the free ends of said bands, a completely removable bust-supporting insert device, comprising: a pair of adjacent cup portions which are adapted to fit within the corresponding cup portions of the brassiere, each of said insert cups having a cutout therethrough conforming generally to the breast contours and being of sufficient size for a portion of the wearer's breasts to be projected therethrough, whereby the wearer's breasts are supported from beneath and from the sides by said breast-encircling insert, the lower portion of said insert which is positionable beneath the wearer's breasts being relatively rigid to provide maximum support and uplift; a seam strip formed on said brassiere at a point spaced laterally outwardly from each of the brassiere cups; generally triangular bracing elements forming the outer ends of said insert device, the outer end portions of said bracing elements being alignable with said brassiere seam strips; and coacting snap-type connecting elements on said bracing element outer end portions and on said seam straps adapted to detachably secure said breast-supporting insert within said brassiere, the lower longitudinal edge of said insert being free of the brassiere to provide a self-adjusting floating-type support.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to brassieres, and more particularly to a novel and improved bust-supporting insert for brassieres.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore there have been a number of brassiere designs utilizing inner linings or inserts intended to provide an uplifted contour to the wearer's breasts, but none of such prior devices has proven entirely satisfactory for its intended purposes. For one thing, many of said prior bust-supporting implements have employed rigid stays or struts, which are exceedingly uncomfortable to wear, while others have utilized complex strap and harness arrangements which are not only difficult and tedious to arrange and fasten, but which add substantially to the manufacturing cost of the brassiere. Still other prior bust-supporting devices of the general type herein concerned have been formed of rigid, nonflexible materials which are very uncomfortable and which frequently impede the wearer's breathing and freedom of movement.
Examples of prior patented brassieres of the types hereinabove described are disclosed in the following U.S. patents: No. 3,213,462; No. 2,429,680; No. 2,472,940; No. 2,420,575; No. 2,391,417; No. 2,445,767; No. 3,225,768; and No. 3,409,017.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to provide an insert device which is readily permanently or detachably mountable in brassieres and other garments and which is designed to provide a breast-encircling support upon which the busts are supported for a proper upward contouring thereof, thereby providing a more glamorous figure without the use of rigid stays or other uncomfortable braces, and without padding or other artificial aids.
A further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved brassiere insert device which provides support beneath the busts and more uniform weight distribution to reduce the strain on the shoulder straps and minimize the painful biting of the straps into the wearer's shoulders, as frequently occurs with conventional brassieres.
A further object is to provide a novel insert device for brassieres which promotes the insertion of more of the breast and adjacent flesh into the brassiere, thereby not only creating a desirable forward and upward force on the breasts, but reducing the underarm bulges of flesh which characterize the use of many conventional brassieres.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a brassiere and insert combination wherein the insert can be removably snapped into the brassiere, or which insert can be sewn or otherwise permanently installed in the brassiere, including existing brassieres.
A further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved insert device which is designed particularly for use in brassieres, as described, but which insert is also adapted to be installed in nightgowns, swimming suits, and other garments as well.
Still further objects of the present invention are to provide a novel brassiere insert device as described which is simple in design and construction, which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which is durable and long-lasting, and which is otherwise particularly well adapted for its intended purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
In the accompanying drawing, wherein the same reference numerals designate the same parts in all of the views:
FIG. 1 is an exploded plan view showing the insert and a brassiere in disassembled relationship;
FIG. 2 is a plan view with the insert installed in the brassiere; and
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the assembled brassiere and insert unit, taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the numeral 11 designates the brassiere proper, and the novel bust-supporting insert characterizing the present invention is shown therebelow in FIG. 1 and designated generally by the numeral 10.
The brassiere 11 may be formed of cotton or other suitable fabric and includes a pair of breast-receiving cup portions 16, 16' separated by a transverse center seam or strip 17. The entire brassiere is preferably provided with suitable edge trim, and short loop elements 13 project upwardly from the top edge of each of said cup members in the illustrated form of the invention, although said loop elements are not a critical feature of the invention, as will become apparent hereinafter. The outer end portions of said cups 16, 16' have transverse seam strips 18, 18', respectively, and spaced therebeyond are additional seam strips 20, 20'. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention the latter seams are provided with spaced snap-engaging elements 19 adjacent their lower ends, the function of which will be seen hereinafter. The complete brassiere includes integral back band extensions 21, 22 which are designed to extend around the wearer's back, and which can include elastic portions to ensure a snug fit. Coacting hook elements 23 or the like are provided adjacent the free ends of said bands 21, 22 to permit the brassiere to be fastened on the wearer, as is well known in the art. It is to be understood, of course, that the brassiere can be made in different widths, lengths, cup sizes, and colors.
The novel insert device 10 featured in the present invention is preferably formed of a double thickness or lamination of washable fabric or the like which is relatively insensitive to perspiration, and which is yieldable but characterized by substantial permanency of shape. Said insert includes a pair of adjacent cup portions 24, 24', separated by a center seam strip 26, and including side seams 27, 27', said cups being adapted to fit within the corresponding cup portions 16, 16' of the brassiere. Extending rearwardly of the insert side seams or strips 27, 27' are downwardly and outwardly angled, substantially triangular truss or bracing elements 28 formed of fabric, the function of which elements is to add support to said insert, and carried in the outer ends of said triangular bracing elements in the illustrated form of the invention are spaced snap members 28' which are removably engageable with the aforementioned snap elements 19 in the brassiere proper, thus permitting said insert to be separably installed within said brassiere with the insert cup portions 24, 24' in registration with the brassiere cups 16, 16', as shown in FIG. 2.
In lieu of said coacting separable snap elements 19, 28' which permit the detachable installation of the insert within the brassiere, in many applications the insert will be permanently affixed to the brassiere by means of stitching through the outer end portions of said triangular bracing members 28 and the aligned strips 20, 20' on the brassiere proper, the rest of the insert being free of such connecting stitching to provide a self-adjusting floating-type support.
In the form of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the insert 10 is provided with strap elements 12 extending upwardly therefrom and designed to extend over the wearer's shoulders in the conventional manner. Said straps 12 are provided with hook elements 12' and when the insert has been installed in the brassiere, as described, the aforementioned loops 13 on said brassiere are designed to removably engage on said hook elements to secure the top portions of said insert and brassiere together. It is to be understood, however, that in lieu of such a strap-type assembly, the novel insert device 10 featured in the present invention can also be installed in a strapless brassiere, as well as in a swimming suit, nightgown, or other garment. Moreover, as hereinabove mentioned, while a removable, snap-in-type insert is shown and described, it is also possible within the scope of the invention to have said insert sewn or otherwise permanently installed in a brassiere or other garment, and the invention is by no means to be limited to a detachable insert and brassiere assembly.
In accordance with the invention, each of the insert cup portions 24, 24' is provided with an enlarged substantially circular cutout or opening 14, said openings conforming generally to the breast contours and being of sufficient size for a portion of the wearer's breasts to project therethrough. As appears in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3, when the insert has been installed in the brassiere said insert is positioned adjacent the outer wall portion of the brassiere cup. As mentioned, and as is shown in said FIG. 3, said insert or lining 10 is formed of multi-ply material or laminations and the portion 15 thereof located immediately below the openings 14 is relatively rigid, although having sufficient flexibility to closely follow the wearer's body contours, and without being uncomfortably stiff or hampering the breathing functions. Unlike many prior form-shaping brassieres, the present breast-encircling device is designed to embrace and support the bust without requiring any metal stays or other rigid, uncomfortable braces.
In the use of the present invention, when the insert has been snapped or permanently sewn into the brassiere, as described, and the wearer puts the brassiere on, her breasts are supported from beneath on the curved edge 14' provided by the insert cutout 14, and the insert lower portion 15 functions to provide a support for the proper upward contouring of the breasts. The result is not only a desirable shaping and uplifting action, as well as avoidance of a drooping contour, but the provision of said support means functions to distribute the weight and stress more uniformly and provides greatly improved weight suspension, thereby alleviating the strain on the shoulder straps 12 and minimizing the biting or cutting of said straps into the wearer's shoulders, which can be very uncomfortable and painful.
With the present invention, as hereinabove mentioned, in addition to minimizing the strain on the wearer's shoulders, the uplift and more uniform weight distribution provided by the novel breast-supporting lining 10 enhances the appearance of the wearer's bust and gives a more glamorous figure without the use of padding or other artificial aids, and without necessitating any uncomfortable rigid stays or braces. Moreover, the invention is simple in design and construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and is durable and long-lasting.
A further important advantage of the invention is that the inner support element 10 featured in the present invention promotes the insertion of more of the breast and adjacent flesh into the brassiere, thereby not only creating a desirable forward and upward force on the breasts, but reducing the underarm bulges of flesh which are frequently unavoidable when a conventional brassiere is worn.
It is to be understood, of course, and as hereinabove mentioned, that while one preferred embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described herein, numerous modified forms thereof will undoubtedly occur to those having skill in this art. It is contemplated, for example, and as mentioned above, that in lieu of a removable snap-in-type bust-supporting lining insert illustrated, various other types of separable attachment means could be used, or the insert could be permanently sewn into the brassiere, and the invention is not to be limited in this respect.
In addition to possible uses in swimming suits or nightgowns, the new form-shaping insert comprising the present invention can also be advantageously utilized in strapless-type brassieres. Moreover, existing brassieres, of both the strap or strapless type, can be readily adapted to detachably receive the novel insert characterizing the present invention merely by the addition of suitable snap elements, or the insert can be sewn therein if desired.
It is further contemplated that in lieu of forming the bust-supporting insert of a multi-ply fabric material, as illustrated and described herein, it is also possible to mold the insert of a plastic such as perforated polyethylene covered with nylon or other material. Such an insert provides maximum support and is particularly advantageous for use in swimming suits. In short, what is intended to be covered herein is not only the illustrated embodiment of the invention but also any and all modifications or variations thereof as may come within the spirit of said invention.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to brassieres, and more particularly to a novel and improved bust-supporting insert for brassieres.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore there have been a number of brassiere designs utilizing inner linings or inserts intended to provide an uplifted contour to the wearer's breasts, but none of such prior devices has proven entirely satisfactory for its intended purposes. For one thing, many of said prior bust-supporting implements have employed rigid stays or struts, which are exceedingly uncomfortable to wear, while others have utilized complex strap and harness arrangements which are not only difficult and tedious to arrange and fasten, but which add substantially to the manufacturing cost of the brassiere. Still other prior bust-supporting devices of the general type herein concerned have been formed of rigid, nonflexible materials which are very uncomfortable and which frequently impede the wearer's breathing and freedom of movement.
Examples of prior patented brassieres of the types hereinabove described are disclosed in the following U.S. patents: No. 3,213,462; No. 2,429,680; No. 2,472,940; No. 2,420,575; No. 2,391,417; No. 2,445,767; No. 3,225,768; and No. 3,409,017.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to provide an insert device which is readily permanently or detachably mountable in brassieres and other garments and which is designed to provide a breast-encircling support upon which the busts are supported for a proper upward contouring thereof, thereby providing a more glamorous figure without the use of rigid stays or other uncomfortable braces, and without padding or other artificial aids.
A further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved brassiere insert device which provides support beneath the busts and more uniform weight distribution to reduce the strain on the shoulder straps and minimize the painful biting of the straps into the wearer's shoulders, as frequently occurs with conventional brassieres.
A further object is to provide a novel insert device for brassieres which promotes the insertion of more of the breast and adjacent flesh into the brassiere, thereby not only creating a desirable forward and upward force on the breasts, but reducing the underarm bulges of flesh which characterize the use of many conventional brassieres.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a brassiere and insert combination wherein the insert can be removably snapped into the brassiere, or which insert can be sewn or otherwise permanently installed in the brassiere, including existing brassieres.
A further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved insert device which is designed particularly for use in brassieres, as described, but which insert is also adapted to be installed in nightgowns, swimming suits, and other garments as well.
Still further objects of the present invention are to provide a novel brassiere insert device as described which is simple in design and construction, which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, which is durable and long-lasting, and which is otherwise particularly well adapted for its intended purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
In the accompanying drawing, wherein the same reference numerals designate the same parts in all of the views:
FIG. 1 is an exploded plan view showing the insert and a brassiere in disassembled relationship;
FIG. 2 is a plan view with the insert installed in the brassiere; and
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the assembled brassiere and insert unit, taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the numeral 11 designates the brassiere proper, and the novel bust-supporting insert characterizing the present invention is shown therebelow in FIG. 1 and designated generally by the numeral 10.
The brassiere 11 may be formed of cotton or other suitable fabric and includes a pair of breast-receiving cup portions 16, 16' separated by a transverse center seam or strip 17. The entire brassiere is preferably provided with suitable edge trim, and short loop elements 13 project upwardly from the top edge of each of said cup members in the illustrated form of the invention, although said loop elements are not a critical feature of the invention, as will become apparent hereinafter. The outer end portions of said cups 16, 16' have transverse seam strips 18, 18', respectively, and spaced therebeyond are additional seam strips 20, 20'. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention the latter seams are provided with spaced snap-engaging elements 19 adjacent their lower ends, the function of which will be seen hereinafter. The complete brassiere includes integral back band extensions 21, 22 which are designed to extend around the wearer's back, and which can include elastic portions to ensure a snug fit. Coacting hook elements 23 or the like are provided adjacent the free ends of said bands 21, 22 to permit the brassiere to be fastened on the wearer, as is well known in the art. It is to be understood, of course, that the brassiere can be made in different widths, lengths, cup sizes, and colors.
The novel insert device 10 featured in the present invention is preferably formed of a double thickness or lamination of washable fabric or the like which is relatively insensitive to perspiration, and which is yieldable but characterized by substantial permanency of shape. Said insert includes a pair of adjacent cup portions 24, 24', separated by a center seam strip 26, and including side seams 27, 27', said cups being adapted to fit within the corresponding cup portions 16, 16' of the brassiere. Extending rearwardly of the insert side seams or strips 27, 27' are downwardly and outwardly angled, substantially triangular truss or bracing elements 28 formed of fabric, the function of which elements is to add support to said insert, and carried in the outer ends of said triangular bracing elements in the illustrated form of the invention are spaced snap members 28' which are removably engageable with the aforementioned snap elements 19 in the brassiere proper, thus permitting said insert to be separably installed within said brassiere with the insert cup portions 24, 24' in registration with the brassiere cups 16, 16', as shown in FIG. 2.
In lieu of said coacting separable snap elements 19, 28' which permit the detachable installation of the insert within the brassiere, in many applications the insert will be permanently affixed to the brassiere by means of stitching through the outer end portions of said triangular bracing members 28 and the aligned strips 20, 20' on the brassiere proper, the rest of the insert being free of such connecting stitching to provide a self-adjusting floating-type support.
In the form of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the insert 10 is provided with strap elements 12 extending upwardly therefrom and designed to extend over the wearer's shoulders in the conventional manner. Said straps 12 are provided with hook elements 12' and when the insert has been installed in the brassiere, as described, the aforementioned loops 13 on said brassiere are designed to removably engage on said hook elements to secure the top portions of said insert and brassiere together. It is to be understood, however, that in lieu of such a strap-type assembly, the novel insert device 10 featured in the present invention can also be installed in a strapless brassiere, as well as in a swimming suit, nightgown, or other garment. Moreover, as hereinabove mentioned, while a removable, snap-in-type insert is shown and described, it is also possible within the scope of the invention to have said insert sewn or otherwise permanently installed in a brassiere or other garment, and the invention is by no means to be limited to a detachable insert and brassiere assembly.
In accordance with the invention, each of the insert cup portions 24, 24' is provided with an enlarged substantially circular cutout or opening 14, said openings conforming generally to the breast contours and being of sufficient size for a portion of the wearer's breasts to project therethrough. As appears in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3, when the insert has been installed in the brassiere said insert is positioned adjacent the outer wall portion of the brassiere cup. As mentioned, and as is shown in said FIG. 3, said insert or lining 10 is formed of multi-ply material or laminations and the portion 15 thereof located immediately below the openings 14 is relatively rigid, although having sufficient flexibility to closely follow the wearer's body contours, and without being uncomfortably stiff or hampering the breathing functions. Unlike many prior form-shaping brassieres, the present breast-encircling device is designed to embrace and support the bust without requiring any metal stays or other rigid, uncomfortable braces.
In the use of the present invention, when the insert has been snapped or permanently sewn into the brassiere, as described, and the wearer puts the brassiere on, her breasts are supported from beneath on the curved edge 14' provided by the insert cutout 14, and the insert lower portion 15 functions to provide a support for the proper upward contouring of the breasts. The result is not only a desirable shaping and uplifting action, as well as avoidance of a drooping contour, but the provision of said support means functions to distribute the weight and stress more uniformly and provides greatly improved weight suspension, thereby alleviating the strain on the shoulder straps 12 and minimizing the biting or cutting of said straps into the wearer's shoulders, which can be very uncomfortable and painful.
With the present invention, as hereinabove mentioned, in addition to minimizing the strain on the wearer's shoulders, the uplift and more uniform weight distribution provided by the novel breast-supporting lining 10 enhances the appearance of the wearer's bust and gives a more glamorous figure without the use of padding or other artificial aids, and without necessitating any uncomfortable rigid stays or braces. Moreover, the invention is simple in design and construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and is durable and long-lasting.
A further important advantage of the invention is that the inner support element 10 featured in the present invention promotes the insertion of more of the breast and adjacent flesh into the brassiere, thereby not only creating a desirable forward and upward force on the breasts, but reducing the underarm bulges of flesh which are frequently unavoidable when a conventional brassiere is worn.
It is to be understood, of course, and as hereinabove mentioned, that while one preferred embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described herein, numerous modified forms thereof will undoubtedly occur to those having skill in this art. It is contemplated, for example, and as mentioned above, that in lieu of a removable snap-in-type bust-supporting lining insert illustrated, various other types of separable attachment means could be used, or the insert could be permanently sewn into the brassiere, and the invention is not to be limited in this respect.
In addition to possible uses in swimming suits or nightgowns, the new form-shaping insert comprising the present invention can also be advantageously utilized in strapless-type brassieres. Moreover, existing brassieres, of both the strap or strapless type, can be readily adapted to detachably receive the novel insert characterizing the present invention merely by the addition of suitable snap elements, or the insert can be sewn therein if desired.
It is further contemplated that in lieu of forming the bust-supporting insert of a multi-ply fabric material, as illustrated and described herein, it is also possible to mold the insert of a plastic such as perforated polyethylene covered with nylon or other material. Such an insert provides maximum support and is particularly advantageous for use in swimming suits. In short, what is intended to be covered herein is not only the illustrated embodiment of the invention but also any and all modifications or variations thereof as may come within the spirit of said invention.