GB2568892A

GB2568892A - Single hand operable brassiere

Info

Publication number: GB2568892A
Application number: GB1719840.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kaur Banga Surinderjit
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-11-29
Filing date: 2017-11-29
Publication date: 2019-06-05
Also published as: GB201719840D0

Abstract

A brassiere 1 suitable for single hand operation comprising first 2 and second 3 cups at opposed ends of an elongate strip of material 4 the cups being adjustably and releasably fastened by means of a manually graspable elongate tab 10 extending from one of the cups. Preferably the bra also comprises shoulder straps 5, 6 which are fastened by ladder clips 9 at the front of the bra by making the rear portion 7 longer than the front portion 8. Preferably the front closure comprises a second tab 11- the tabs may overlap by way of a guide (18, figs. 6-8) which forms an aperture between the cups. Preferably the elongate strip is resiliently stretchy and has adjustable length. The bra is particularly suited for persons with only one functional hand to don, position, fasten and adjust an item for support of their bust.

Description

SINGLE HAND OPERABLE BRASSIERE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a brassiere that is adapted for single handed operation. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to a brassiere intended for use by persons who have one functional hand.

Background of the Invention

A brassiere, also commonly known as a bra, is a garment that is fundamentally designed to cover and support a wearer’s breasts. Significant design variations are known. The most widely employed design, having a pair of cups, a pair of shoulder straps, and an adjustable, releasably fixable clasp at the back, is widely regarded not to be as convenient to put on as one might like.

Often, the wearer of such a classically designed brassiere may struggle to fasten the bra clasp behind her back, as well as finding it particularly awkward to adjust the shoulder strap length (so as to adjust the imparted support), due to the design and location of the buckles employed. These functional limitations have been known to result in a wearer fastening the rear bra clasp with the bra positioned backwards about her torso, then repositioning the garment to bring the cups into alignment with her breasts, then awkwardly slotting her arms through the shoulder straps. Furthermore, the buckles employed for adjustment of shoulder strap length are known to require two hands to adjust as a result of their small design and awkward location, selected for aesthetics over functionality. Hence, wearers typically adjust said buckles whilst the brassiere is not being [1] worn, don the brassiere, assess the support, remove the brassiere and repeat as necessary until the desired support is imparted.

As a result of these shortfalls, it is desirable to design a brassiere with alternative fastening means for improved ease of use. Accordingly, many variations are established in the art. One particular example is that of front closure brassieres, whose design is such that the wearer can bring the two cups of the brassiere together across the front of her bust, allowing for a simpler fastening operation. Early front closure brassieres utilised fastening methods that were considered to be impractical, such as very small hook fastenings, which were designed for aesthetics over functionality. These limitations led to the employment of more wearer-friendly releasable fixings, such as hook and loop fastening material. Whilst these more refined, wearer-friendly front closure brassieres address the issue of the rear facing fixing, these brassieres still require that the wearer have the use of two hands. That is to say, the wearer must hold one breast cup / end of the brassiere in place with one hand, whilst bringing the other breast cup / end of the brassiere into alignment for fastening with the other hand.

Other variants, such as sports brassieres, negate the use of fixings and shoulder strap adjusters altogether. In this design, a brassiere is provided as a continuous garment whose elasticity is such that the wearer may pull it on over her head, insert her arms through the appropriate apertures and draw the material over her breasts. This brassiere design, however, is believed to typically lack the support needed for everyday use and is limited in its ability to be adjusted for the comfort and support requirements of the wearer.

[2]

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to address the above shortfalls in the practicality of existing brassiere designs. Specifically, the lack of functionality surrounding brassiere fastening and support adjustment is addressed, especially for wearer’s who have the use of only one hand. Accordingly, the present invention has the objective of providing a brassiere that may be positioned, fastened and adjusted with one hand.

According to the present invention, there is provided a brassiere for single handed operation, the brassiere comprising first and second brassiere cups, situated adjacent first and second respective remote ends of an elongate strip of material, wherein the first and the second brassiere cups are adjustably and releasably fastenable to one another and positionable by means of a manually graspable elongate tab extending from one of said brassiere cups.

Preferably, the first and the second brassiere cups are further connected to the elongate strip of material by a first and a second respective shoulder strap means.

Preferably, a first strap member of each shoulder strap means extends from an upper margin of the elongate strip of material and a second strap member of each shoulder strap means extends from an upper margin of the respective brassiere cup.

Preferably, the first strap member and the second strap member of each shoulder strap means are fastened to one another adjacent their respective distal ends by means of an adjustable fastening.

Advantageously, the adjustable fastening comprises a ladder-lock buckle, providing a more readily adjustable fastening means than the aforementioned adjustable strap fastenings of the present art.

[3]

Advantageously, the first strap member of each shoulder strap means is longer than the second strap member of each shoulder strap means, thus positioning the adjustable fasting towards the chest of the wearer, as opposed to over the shoulder or towards the shoulder blades, thus brassiere support may be adjusted whilst the brassiere is in use.

Preferably, the manually graspable elongate tab extends laterally from the first or the second brassiere cup.

Preferably, the manually graspable elongate tab comprises a first component of an adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling between the brassiere cups.

The brassiere may also comprise an additional fixing tab, wherein the fixing tab extends laterally from the brassiere cup opposing the brassiere cup from which the manually graspable tab extends, and comprises a first component of an adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling between the brassiere cups.

Preferably, a second component of the adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling is located on a margin of either the first or the second brassiere cup.

Preferably, the adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling comprises a hook and loop repositionable fastening fabric.

The first or the second brassiere cup may comprise a tab guide, connected at a first and a second remote end to said brassiere cup.

Preferably, the tab guide is substantially rigid.

Alternatively, the tab guide is flexible, comprising a pliable material.

Advantageously, the tab guide defines a guide aperture, capable of receiving the manually graspable elongate tab.

Preferably, the elongate strip of material is resiliently extendible.

[4]

Alternatively, a length of the elongate strip of material, and in turn, a circumference of the brassiere, is adjustable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example, specific embodiments according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a brassiere for single handed operation, unfastened;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the brassiere for single handed operation shown in Figure 1, unfastened;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view the brassiere for single handed operation shown in Figure 1, fastened, as worn;

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the brassiere for single handed operation shown in Figure 1, fastened, as worn;

Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a brassiere for single handed operation, unfastened;

Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the brassiere for single handed operation shown in Figure 5, unfastened;

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the brassiere for single handed operation shown in Figure 5, fastened, as worn;

[5]

Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the brassiere for single handed operation shown in Figure 5, fastened, as worn;

Figure 9 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a brassiere for single handed operation, fastened, as worn, showing an optional strapless design;

Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the brassiere for single handed operation shown in Figure 9, fastened, as worn; and

Figure 11 is a scrap perspective view of a ladder lock buckle of a brassiere for single handed operation as shown in any of Figures 1-8, isolated and in use.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

Figure 1

Referring now to the Figures, and to Figure 1 in particular, a first embodiment of the present invention, a first brassiere 1, is shown in a relaxed state (unfastened, unworn state).

The brassiere 1, comprises first 2 and second 3 brassiere cups situated adjacent first and second respective remote ends of an elongate strip of material 4. Said elongate strip of material 4 extends across the back of the wearer and is resiliently extendible, so as to inherently adjust to a circumference of the bust of the wearer. Alternatively, the elongate strip of material 4 may also include an adjustable section, so as to allow the wearer to modify the circumference of the brassiere 1 prior to donning said brassiere 1. The brassiere cups 2,3 are further connected to the elongate strip of material 4 by a first 5 and a second 6 respective shoulder strap.

[6]

Each shoulder strap 5,6 comprises a first strap member 7 and a second strap member 8. The first strap member 7 of each shoulder strap 5,6 extends from an upper margin of the elongate strip of material 4, whilst the second strap member 8 extends from an upper margin of the respective brassiere cup 2,3. The strap members 7,8 are fastened to one another by an adjustable fastening 9, fixedly located adjacent the distal end of the first strap member 7 and adjustably locatable at a selected point along the second strap member

8. The adjustable fastening 9 is preferably a ladder-lock buckle (depicted in Figure 11), given that this design of buckle is more easily adjustable whilst in use and may be adjusted with one hand. The first strap member 7 is preferably longer than the second strap member 8 so that their respective distal ends meet towards the bust of the wearer and thus, the adjustable fastening 9 is also positioned towards the wearer’s bust. This feature is advantageous, as it allows the wearer more readily to adjust the overall length of each shoulder strap 5,6 whilst the brassiere 1 is worn. In doing so, the wearer may modify the imparted support of the brassiere 1.

The brassiere 1 also features a manually graspable elongate tab 10 and an additional fixing tab 11. In the present embodiment, the tab 10 is present solely for manipulation and alignment of the brassiere 1. The tab 10 may be of any convenient dimension so as to allow the wearer to grasp the tab 10. In other embodiments, the tab 10 has further features (see below). The additional fixing tab 11 comprises a first adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling component 12, allowing the wearer to securely fasten the brassiere 1 across her bust. A second coupling component, with which the first coupling component 12 engages, and imparted functionality of the present embodiment will be discussed in Figures 2 and 3.

[7]

It should be noted that left and right handed embodiments are intended in the manufacture of the aforementioned brassiere 1, so as to accommodate the physical limitation or preference of the wearer. The brassiere 1 as depicted in Figures 1-4 is designed for left handed use, therefore, its mirror image would be for right handed use.

Figure 2

The first brassiere 1 for single handed operation is shown in a relaxed state (unfastened, unworn state).

The brassiere 1 comprises a second adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling component 13 located on a margin of the second brassiere cup 3. The second coupling component 13 forms a releasable fastening upon engaging with the first coupling component 12 of the additional fixing tab 11. The first and second adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling components 12,13 of the first brassiere 1 preferably comprise hook and loop components of a hook and loop repositionable fastening fabric. The remaining features illustrated in Figure 2 have already been discussed in the context of Figure 1 above.

Figure 3

Figure 3 is intended to assist in illustrating the design and imparted functionality of the features of the first brassiere 1. The brassiere 1 is shown in a fastened, as worn state and the function of these features is discussed below. The numbering is drawn from Figures 1 and 2.

[8]

The wearer dons the brassiere 1 by inserting her right arm through the aperture created by the first shoulder strap 5 and inserting her left arm through the aperture created by the second shoulder strap 6. The wearer then grips the manually graspable elongate tab 10 with her left hand and brings the second brassiere cup 3 into position over her left breast. Once the second brassiere cup 3 is in place, the manually graspable elongate tab 10 is pressed against the torso of the wearer with pressure from her right arm. The manually graspable elongate tab 10 is then released, the additional fixing tab 11 is gripped and drawn across the chest of the wearer to position the first brassiere cup 2 over the right breast and to fasten the brassiere 1 by means of the first and second adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling components 12,13.

Once the brassiere 1 has been fastened in place with the fixing tab 11, the wearer may alter the support of the brassiere 1 by adjusting the length of each shoulder strap 5,6 through manipulation of the adjustable fastenings 9. That is to say, the wearer may grasp the loose end of the second strap member 8 of each shoulder strap 5,6 in turn and pull said loose end away from the adjustable fastening 9, thus shortening the length of the respective shoulder strap 5,6 and imparting additional support to the breasts.

To remove the brassiere 1, the wearer may first lengthen each shoulder strap 5,6 by manipulation of the adjustable fastenings 9. The wearer then grasps the additional fixing tab 11 and uncouples the first and second adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling components 12,13 by pulling the fixing tab 11 away from the second brassiere cup 3. The wearer may now doff the unfastened brassiere 1 by removing her arms from the apertures created by the first and second shoulder strap 5,6.

[9]

Figure 4

Figure 4 is also intended to assist in illustrating the design and imparted functionality of the comprised features. As such, the brassiere 1 is shown in a fastened, as worn state. The numbering is drawn from Figures 1 and 2.

It can be seen in Figure 4 that upon fastening the brassiere 1 in an as worn state, the manually graspable elongate tab 10 is effectively held in place and out of sight along a margin of the inside of the first brassiere cup 2. Whilst in this embodiment, the first component of a releasable fastening coupling 12 is not present on the manually graspable elongate tab 10, it would be possible to add such a component 12 to said tab 10, with the corresponding second component 13 being situated on a margin of the inside of the first brassiere cup 2. In such a variation, the manually graspable elongate tab 10 may be adjustably, and releasably fastened on the inside of the first brassiere cup 2. Furthermore, as previously discussed, said configuration and features may be mirrored to provide a right handedly operable variant.

Figure 5

A second embodiment of the present invention, a second brassiere 14 for single handed operation, is shown here in a relaxed state (unfastened, unworn state).

The second brassiere 14 comprises features 2-10 of the first brassiere 1 (numbering is drawn from Figure 1). The second brassiere 14, as depicted in Figure 5, is designed for right handed operation so as to emphasise potential variations. Thus, the manually graspable elongate tab 10 extends laterally from the first brassiere cup 2, as opposed to [10] extending from the second brassiere cup 3, as depicted in Figures 1-4 for the first brassiere

1. For left handed use, the second brassiere 14 and its features would be mirrored.

The second brassiere 14 does not feature an additional fixing tab 11 but has alternative fastening arrangements to those of the first brassiere 1. These fastening arrangements are most clearly shown in Figures 6-8 and are discussed below.

Figure 6

The second brassiere 14 for single handed operation is shown in a relaxed state (unfastened, unworn state).

The manually graspable elongate tab 10 of the second brassiere 14 further comprises a third adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling component 15. Said third adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling component 15 is capable of being releasably fastened to a fourth adjustable, releasably fastenable component 16, located on a margin of the first brassiere cup 2. The third and fourth adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling components 15,16 of the second brassiere 14 preferably comprise hook and loop components of a hook and loop repositionable fastening fabric.

The second brassiere 14 further comprises a tab guide 17, connected at its remote ends to an inner margin of the second brassiere cup 3. The tab guide 17 is preferably a rigid structure, potentially constructed of plastics, metals or metal alloys. The tab guide 17 defines a guide aperture 18, through which the manually graspable elongate tab 10 can be passed. In an alternative design of the second brassiere 14, the tab guide 17 may comprise a flexible material.

[H]

Figure 7

Figure 7 is intended to assist in illustrating the design and imparted functionality of the above features. As such, the second brassiere 14 is shown in a fastened, as worn state and the function of the aforementioned features is discussed below. The numbering is drawn from Figures 5 and 6.

The wearer dons the second brassiere 14 by inserting her right arm through the aperture created by the first shoulder strap 5 and inserting her left arm through the aperture created by the second shoulder strap 6. The wearer then grips the manually graspable elongate tab 10 with her right hand and passes the tab 10 through the tab guide 17 by means of the guide aperture 18. The wearer then draws the brassiere cups 2,3 together and into contact with her breasts by pulling the manually graspable elongate tab 10 back toward its point of origin. Once the brassiere cups 2,3 are covering the breasts and the preferred lateral support of the second brassiere 14 is achieved, the wearer then fastens the manually graspable elongate tab 10 along the margin of the first brassiere cup 2 by means of the third and fourth adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling components 15,16.

Once the second brassiere 14 has been fastened in place, the wearer may alter the support of the second brassiere 14 by adjusting the length of each shoulder strap 5,6 through manipulation of the adjustable fastenings 9. That is to say, the wearer may grip the loose end of the second strap member 8 of each shoulder strap 5,6 in turn and pull said loose end away from the adjustable fastening 9, thus shortening the length of the respective shoulder strap 5,6 and imparting support to the breasts.

To remove the second brassiere 14, the wearer may lengthen the first and second shoulder straps 5,6 by manipulation of the adjustable fastenings 9. The wearer then grasps [12] the manually graspable elongate tab 10 and uncouples the third and fourth adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling components 15,16 by pulling the manually graspable elongate tab 10 away from the first brassiere cup 2. The wearer may now doff the unfastened second brassiere 14 by removing her arms from the apertures created by the first and second shoulder straps 5,6.

Figure 8

Figure 8 is intended to assist in illustrating the design and imparted functionality of the above features. As such, the second brassiere 14 is shown in a fastened, as worn state. The numbering is drawn from Figures 5 and 6.

It can be seen in Figure 8, unlike the first embodiment of the present invention (the first brassiere 1 of Figure 4), upon fastening the second brassiere 14 in an as worn state, there are no features of the second brassiere 14 that require tucking away, such as the manually graspable elongate tab 10 of Figure 4. Thus, this second embodiment may indeed provide the wearer with a more readily wearable brassiere.

Figures 9 and 10

A third embodiment of the present invention, a third brassiere 19 for single handed operation, is shown in a fastened, as worn state in front and rear perspective views (Figures 9 and 10 respectively). The third brassiere 19 comprises the features of the second brassiere 14, excluding the first and second shoulder straps 5,6. Accordingly, Figures 9 and 10 therefore represent a strapless variation on the second brassiere 14. Numbering is drawn from Figures 5 and 6.

[13]

The third brassiere 19 may provide sufficient lateral support to the wearer, in an embodiment that is still single handedly operable. The wearer dons the third brassiere 19 by temporarily pressing the second brassiere cup 3 to her torso with her left arm, before gripping the manually graspable elongate tab 10 with her right hand and passing the tab 10 through the tab guide 17 by means of the guide aperture 18. The wearer then draws the brassiere cups 2,3 into contact with her breasts by pulling the manually graspable elongate tab 10 back toward its point of origin. Once the brassiere cups 2,3 are covering the breasts and the preferred lateral support of the third brassiere 19 is achieved, the wearer may then fasten the manually graspable elongate tab 10 along the margin of the first brassiere cup 2 by means of the third and fourth adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling components 15,16. The lateral support of the third brassiere 19 should be sufficient to meet the requirements of the wearer, provided that the circumference of the third brassiere 19 has been adjusted to give a sufficiently snug fit, by means of the third and fourth adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling components 15,16.

To remove the third brassiere 19, the wearer grips the manually graspable elongate tab 10 and uncouples the third and fourth adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling components 15,16 by pulling the manually graspable elongate tab 10 away from the first brassiere cup 2. The wearer may then doff the unfastened third brassiere 19.

Figure 11

Figure 11 shows an adjustable fastening 9 comprising a ladder lock buckle of conventional form, attached to the distal end of the first strap member 7 and having the second strap member 8 threaded engagingly through the ladder lock buckle.

Claims

1. A brassiere for single handed operation, comprising;

first and second brassiere cups, situated adjacent first and second respective remote ends of an elongate strip of material, wherein the first and the second brassiere cups are adjustably and releasably fastenable to one another and positionable by means of a manually graspable elongate tab extending from one of said brassiere cups.

2. The brassiere as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and the second brassiere cups are further connected to the elongate strip of material by a first and a second respective shoulder strap means.

3. The brassiere as claimed in claim 2, wherein a first strap member of each shoulder strap means extends from an upper margin of the elongate strip of material and a second strap member of each shoulder strap means extends from an upper margin of the respective brassiere cup.

4. The brassiere as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first strap member and the second strap member of each shoulder strap means are fastened to one another adjacent their respective distal ends by means of an adjustable fastening.

5. The brassiere as claimed in claim 4, wherein the adjustable fastening comprises a ladder-lock buckle.

6. The brassiere as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first strap member of each shoulder strap means is longer than the second strap member of each shoulder strap means.

[15]

7. The brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the manually graspable elongate tab extends laterally from the first or the second brassiere cup.

8. The brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the manually graspable elongate tab comprises a first component of an adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling between the brassiere cups.

9. The brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an additional fixing tab, wherein the fixing tab extends laterally from the brassiere cup opposing the brassiere cup from which the manually graspable tab extends, and comprises a first component of an adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling between the brassiere cups.

10. The brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a second component of the adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling is located on a margin of either the first or the second brassiere cup.

11. The brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable, releasably fastenable coupling comprises a hook and loop repositionable fastening fabric.

12. The brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first or the second brassiere cup comprises a tab guide, connected at a first and a second remote end to said brassiere cup.

13. The brassiere as claimed in claim 12, wherein the tab guide is substantially rigid.

14. The brassiere as claimed in claim 12, wherein the tab guide is flexible, comprising a pliable material.

15. The brassiere as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the tab guide defines a guide aperture, capable of receiving the manually graspable elongate tab.

[16]

16. The brassiere of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate strip of material is resiliently extendible.

17. The brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a length of the elongate strip of material, and in turn, a circumference of the brassiere, is adjustable.

[17]