US008016640B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Morgan
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,016,640 B2
`Sep. 13, 2011
`
`(54) CLOTHING
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Joanne Lynsey Morgan, Nottingham
`(GB)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/584,388
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Dec. 21, 2004
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT/GB2004/005352
`
`§ 371 (OX1),
`(2), (4) Date:
`
`Aug. 22, 2006
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO2005/060773
`PCT Pub. Date: Jul. 7, 2005
`
`(65)
`
`(30)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2007/0123143 A1
`
`May 31, 2007
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`6/1926 McKeefrey ................... .. 450/61
`1,590,693 A *
`1/1930 Gifford
`1,890,507 A
`12/1934 Cox
`1,984,253 A
`5/1937 Schottenfels
`2,079,426 A
`.. 450/64
`8/1946 Lustig
`2,406,699 A *
`
`.. 450/63
`7/1949 Laszlo
`2,475,624 A ""
`9/1950 Panes ............................ .. 450/60
`2,523,715 A *
`4/1954 Panighini
`2,793,369 A
`2/1956 Croxall
`......................... .. 450/63
`2,734,193 A *
`9/1962 Cousins ........................ .. 450/60
`3,054,408 A *
`6/1966 Brumberger
`3,255,754 A
`3,419,895 A * 12/1968 Stephensen ................... .. 450/60
`.. 450/60
`3,491,762 A *
`1/1970 Simonsen
`
`3,642,009 A *
`2/1972 Nobbs
`450/60
`1/1973 Carey .........................
`3,710,800 A *
`450/64
`(Continued)
`
`CH
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`338801
`7/1959
`
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`European Office Action dated Mar. 26, 2009; 5 pages.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Gloria Hale
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Collard & Roe, P.C.
`
`Dec. 23, 2003
`Sep. 22, 2004
`
`(GB) ................................. .. 0329720.7
`(GB) ................................. .. 0420999.5
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A41C 3/00
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`............................. .. 450/62; 450/63; 450/64
`(58) Field of Classification Search .................. .. 450/39,
`450/59, 40, 44, 62—64
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`The invention relates to a breast support apparatus for use
`with any garment. The sling or wrap of material is elasticated
`or “stretchable” and non-slip, for example, being of cotton/
`polyester. The sling or wrap of material has been shaped as
`shown witli the ends being narrowed to the widtl1 of elasti-
`cated, connecting strap, the ends being joined to the strap and
`to one another, for example, by appropriate stitching. The
`ends of the strap are passed through an opening in metal
`connecting buckle of the connecting strap. The connecting
`strap may be used to connect or hook the breast apparatus to
`an appropriate location 011 an outer garment.
`
`1,026,326 A
`1,584,525 A *
`
`5/1912 Leporin
`5/1926 Freeman ....................... .. 450/62
`
`8 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`7001)
`
`DMC Exhibit 2033_001
`
`

`
`US 8,016,640 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`11/1973 Markowitz ...................... 450/60
`3.769.987 A
`1/1976 Mellinger
`3,934,593 A
`9/1976 Walks"
`379827547 A
`4/1982 Freedinan et al.
`4,324,254 A
`8/1982 Lc Jcunc
`4,343,313 A
`2/1983 Silber
`4,372,320 A
`4/1987 Stern et al.
`4,655,224 A
`12/1992 Heinen
`5,171,182 A
`9/2000 McKeown
`6,113,460 A
`5/2001 Valentin
`6,231,424 B1
`6/2004 Smith ............................. .. 450/1
`6,755,717 B2 *
`7.452.260 B2 * 11/2008 Redenius
`450/63
`
`
`
`450;60
`450 62
`450/60
`............... N 450/60
`
`7,497,760 B2 :
`7,549,908 B2
`7,645,179 B2 *
`7,677,951 B2 >x<
`
`..
`
`DE
`Ep
`GB
`GB
`GB
`GB
`GB
`
`3;2009 Regliniflgs
`6 2009 Yu
`o
`1/2010 Redenius
`3/2010 Redenius
`Chong et al.
`10/2003 Sorensen
`2003/0186617 A1
`FORETGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`10231636
`1/2004
`1335543
`2/2004
`403528
`12/ 1933
`435414
`9/1935
`464114
`4/1937
`595743
`12/1947
`809804
`3/1959
`
`GB
`
`E
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`W0
`W0
`W0
`W0
`
`2208785
`
`4/1989
`
`A
`
`09 003 700
`2001/1254207
`2002 038308 A
`2002009404
`W0 8000121 A
`W0 0400865 A
`WO007470
`v\,OZ004012539
`
`10997
`9/2001
`2/2002
`10/2002
`,/1980
`@1004
`2/2000
`7/2004
`“
`OTHER pUBL1CAT1QNS
`
`International Search Repon, Mailed on Feb. 3, 2006 for PCT/
`0
`,
`GB1_0O4/005352 that was filed on Dec. 21., 2004.
`European Search Report, Date 0fC01T1P1et1011 Oisearch W35 OCt~ 31,
`2003 for
`02 9083 that was
`011 Dec. )0, 2002.
`§;(1?;1E11P1(1:Ca£1011dP:1'5u?;11t7t8OI;1}1e :0(21)_ EP_C afild 1'<(=~)%'81;;: :07Ru1e
`ate
`pr.
`, 1.
`or pp ication
`o.
`,
`.
`.
`Patents Act 1977—Search Report under Section 17 for Great Brimin,
`Search dated Oct. 15, 2004 for Application No. GB0420999.5.
`Patents Act 191;/7i—1:iuither Search 1:6p0I‘[ ulnder Section 17 for Great
`Britain, Searc
`ate Dec. 3, 2004 or App ication No. GB0420999.
`5.
`lnternational Search Report.
`
`* Cited by examiner
`
`DMC Exhibit 2033_002
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 13, 2011
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`Sheet 1 of9
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`US 8,016,640 B2
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`DMC Exhibit 2033_003
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 13, 2011
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`Sheet 2 of9
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`US 8,016,640 B2
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`Figure 3
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`Figure 4
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`DMC Exhibit 2033_004
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep.13,2011
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`Sheet30f9
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`US 8,016,640 B2
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`DMC Exhibit 2033 005
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 13, 2011
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`Sheet 4 of9
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`US 8,016,640 B2
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`Figure 6a
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`402
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`4130’
`Figure 633
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`DMC Exhibit 2033_006
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 13, 2011
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`Sheet 5 of9
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`US 8,016,640 B2
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`DMC Exhibit 2033_007
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 6 0f9
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`US 8,016,640 B2
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`Figure 8a
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`Figure 81:-
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`DMC Exhibit 2033_008
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 13, 2011
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`Sheet 7 of9
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`US 8,016,640 B2
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`Figrre 9
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`DMC Exhibit 2033_009
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 13, 2011
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`Sheet 8 of9
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`US 8,016,640 B2
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`F1" guts 10
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`700
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`DMC Exhibit 2033_010
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 13, 2011
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`Sheet 9 of9
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`US 8,016,640 B2
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`Figum £1
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`DMC Exhibit 2033_011
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`

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`US 8,016,640 B2
`
`1
`CLOTHING
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Great
`Bri ain Application No. 0329720.7 filed Dec. 23, 2003 and
`Great BritainApplication No. 0420999.5 filed Sep. 22, 2004.
`Ap olicant also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §365 of PCT/
`GB2004/005352 filed Dec. 21, 2004. The international appli-
`cation under PCT article 21(2) was published in English.
`This invention relates to improvements in or relating to
`clo hing and is more particularly concerned witl1 improve-
`me its in or relating to female underwear or breast support
`strtctures, such as brassieres.
`Ladies fashion garments often have thin shoulder or neck
`straps or may be strapless and/or backless or halterneck (and/
`or transparent/translucent and/or very delicate and/or may be
`nig 1twear/swimwear) and it is believed that known methods
`of areast support and/or enhancement with such garments
`uncer which a conventional brassiere cannot suitably be worn
`(he ein after called ‘garments ofthe type specified’) tendto be
`disadvantageous or rather unsatisfactory, at least in some
`circumstances. The term ‘thin strap’ is meant to refer to a
`wicth of strap which cannot conveniently be employed to
`cor11pletely cover a brassiere strap.
`Of course, if conventional brassieres (shoulder-strap or
`hal er neck) were to be worn with such garments the straps of
`the brassieres would be visible or apparent and spoil the
`desired effect of the garment.
`Many proposals have been made in an effort to provide
`suitable breast support or enhancement with garments of the
`type specified, ranging from brassieres with transparent plas-
`tics straps or straps which crisscross low down on the back,
`for example, arotmd the waist, or strapless brassieres that
`comprise an u11derwire and cups that are attached to the
`breasts by double-sided, disposable dermal adhesive tape. It
`is believed that none of these arrangements are entirely sat-
`isfactory. For example, where transparent straps are provided
`on the brassiere, these can, nevertheless, still be seen on the
`body, for example around the shoulders or neck, or wherever
`the straps lie and are not really comfortable or reassuring for
`the wearer. Once again, brassieres tiat include crisscross
`straps that wrap around the waist are necessarily designed in
`such manner that they tend to squash the breasts rather than
`support and uplift them and tend to be L isadvantageous in that
`the straps may create unsightly ridges of flesh detectable
`underneath the garment. The use of adhesive tape 011 the
`breasts to attach the brassiere is far fro n ideal and often does
`not work at all well for a substantial period oftime, so that the
`brassiere will simply become detached from the wearer.
`Additionally, the double-sided tape ends to be relatively
`expensive and can only be used once. Also, the adhesive may
`adhere quite strongly to the body necessitating considerable
`pain or discomfort for the wearer to remove the adhesive
`completely. Furthermore, it is believec that a relatively natu-
`ral look is very difficult to achieve wi h such brassieres that
`tend not to lift and support the breasts in the manner required.
`Rather, such bras sieres tend to be confining and may pull the
`breasts downwardly or create unnatural bulging, depending
`upon the particular size, shape and uniformity of breasts. ln
`summary, some brassieres for such garments, disadvanta-
`geously, may have a low back or clear strap back (or even a
`halter neck strap) or include breast cups that l1ave to be
`attached by adhesive tape to the wearer and which extend
`around the side of the body. Other brassieres for such gar-
`ments, disadvantageously, may not lie completely flat on the
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`35
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`2
`skin and may be seen or detected through the garment cover-
`ing the brassiere more particularly where the garment is of
`delicate or thin fabric material, said garment, for example,
`being evening wear where such brassieres are usually
`required. With some strapless and backless brassieres requir-
`ing the use ofadhesive tape, the downward force of gravity on
`the breasts has to be balanced using the friction of the bras-
`siere against the skin of the breast and, since such brassieres
`have a relatively small surface area, flesh may be pinched and
`effectively squeezed out of the sides of the brassiere. Indeed,
`this problem seems to be more acute where the strapless and
`backless brassiere is a convertible brassiere (i.e. a brassiere
`having straps that can be removed from the brassiere if
`desired for use with certain garments) which needs to be worn
`more tightly when used without straps in a backless and
`strapless garment scenario. Even so, the problem may occur
`with low back, strapless or halter neck brassieres or where the
`brassiere straps are thin or transparent (as such straps tend to
`press or dig i11to the skin to a greater extent causing ridges of
`flesh on the body).
`Once again, it is believed that known backless/strapless
`brassieres do little to compensate for the difference in size
`between the breasts that mo st women have so that the breasts
`may not lie level when supported by the brassiere. It tends to
`be disadvantageous that some backless/strapless brassieres
`may alter the appearance or outer shape of the garment when
`worn in a way not desired by the wearer. Such backless/
`strapless brassieres tend to be disadvantageous in that many
`different sizes are required for different sizes of breast and
`sometimes such set si7es tend not to fit very well more par-
`ticularly where the wearer has a significant size difference
`(e.g. one cup size) between her breasts. Also, there would
`appear to be few such brassieres on the market for cup sizes
`over a ‘C’ cup. There are some such brassieres for cup sizes
`larger than a ‘C’ but they te11d to be disadvantageous as they
`may drag the breasts downwardly to some extent requiring
`more or less constant re-adj ustment by the wearer. This is why
`there tends to be more choice in brassieres of cup size under
`a ‘C’ cup i.e. because it would appear easier for brassieres of
`this type to support smaller breasts. Furthermore, some back-
`less/strapless brassieres tend to be too firm or rigid and impart
`an urmatural rigidity or look to the breasts when viewed
`through, or from outside of, the covering garment. Brassieres
`for garments of the type specified may have other additional
`disadvantages not discussed further in this specification.
`It is known to provide a breast support in the form of a sling
`or shelf for supporting both breasts simultaneously without
`covering the nipples, thus allowing a greater freedom. How-
`ever, the sling or shelf includes adjustable shoulder straps
`which would be visible with garments of the type specified
`and thus would not be suitable for such garments.
`German Patent Specification No. DE 10231636 shows a
`self-adhesive strip offilm that may be wound offan applicator
`reel directly onto the body and around the breast. Such
`arrangements tend to be inconvenient and awkward to apply.
`The film strip is not re-usable since the ‘tacky’ quality is lost
`after one application and could not be wotmd back onto the
`applicator reel. Moreover, the thin film does not have a self-
`sustaining or memory shape and may possibly adhere to itself
`in an inconvenient manner.
`
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,424 shows a brassiere having breast
`cups attached to the body by adhesive tabs positioned near the
`arms at the outside only of each breast. Thus, there is no sling
`or wrap of material (more particularly for an individual
`breast) suspended or supported from a location at or above a11
`upper portion of the associated breast/s or at least above the
`nipple/s of the breasts. Thus, the arrangement tends to be
`
`DMC Exhibit 2033_012
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`

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`US 8,016,640 B2
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`5
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`disadvantageous in that little uplift or re-shaping is given to
`the breasts (more particularly in the cleavage region of the
`breasts). Indeed, there is a disclosure of use of an underwire/
`supporter and a rigid reinforcement member for enhancing
`the appearance of the breasts.
`It is an object of the present invention to at least alleviate
`one or more of the aforementioned, or other, disadvantages
`associated with breast support and/or breast enhancement for
`garments of the type specified.
`According to the present invention there is provided breast
`support apparatus for supporting at least one breast from
`underneath a covering garment of the type specified, said
`apparatus comprising at least one sling or wrap of material
`arranged i11 use to lift and support said breast, said sling or
`wrap being suspended, i11 use, from the garment, or on the
`body of the wearer from underneath the garment.
`Usually, said breast support apparatus will be without
`shoulder and’or neck and/or back support straps.
`Further according to the present invention there is provided
`a garment of the type specified having at least one breast
`support apparatus attached or attachable thereto in order to
`suspend the breast support apparatus, said breast support
`apparatus comprising a sling or wrap of material for support-
`ing at least one breast in use.
`Furthcr according to thc prcscnt invention there is provided
`breast support apparatus in the form of a sling or wrap of
`material for suspending at least one breast from a garment of
`the type specified in use, said apparatus including suspension
`means for the sling/wrap of material, said suspension means
`being attachable to a garment ofthe type specified to be worn
`with the breast support apparatus. The sling/wrap of material
`may be releasably fastenable to the suspension means.
`Further according to the present invention there is provided
`a method of supporting at least one breast, said method com-
`prising suspending said breast in a sling or wrap of material
`and supporting the sling or wrap of material on a garment of
`the type specified or on a body of the wearer from undemeath
`a garment of the type specified and, preferably, from a loca-
`tion at or above an upper portion of the breast.
`Usually, the breast support apparatus will be adapted to 40
`support an individual breast (so that two such breast support
`apparatuses will normally be required for one wearer)
`although in other embodiments both breasts may be sup-
`ported simultaneously side by side by said breast support
`apparatus (particularly applicable for larger brcasts).
`By embodiments of the present invention the sling or wrap
`of material of the breast support apparatus can be arranged to
`lift and support the or each breast giving some shaping to
`same by suspending the breast against the force of gravity,
`preferably, from a location or locations at or above an upper 50
`portion ofthe breast/s or at least from above the nipple/s ofthe
`breast/s.
`Further according to the present invention there is provided
`breast support apparatus for supporting at least one breast
`from underneath a covering garment of the type specified, 55
`said apparatus including means for lifting and supporting said
`breast, said means being suspended, in use, from a location or
`locations above the nipple of said breast, said location or
`locations being fror11 the garment or on the body oftlie wearer
`from underneath the garment. Said means for lifting and 60
`supporting the breast may comprise a sling or wrap of mate-
`rial.
`Preferably, the sling or wrap ofmaterial is flexible and may
`be elasticated or ‘stretchable’ and may grip the breasts pref-
`erably in a non-slip manner. Preferably, the sling or wrap of 65
`material does not have a preformed shape and may adapt at
`least in part to the shape and/or size of the or each breast.
`
`35
`
`45
`
`4
`Even so, it is possible in some embodiments of the inven-
`tion that the sling or wrap of material is provided with pad-
`ding material such as foam which may conveniently be in the
`form of a suitably shaped insert or inserts. Preferably, the
`insert or inserts is/are readily removable from the sling or
`wrap ofmaterial and replaceable with a different size/sizes to
`suit the wearer.
`
`The sling or wrap of material may be releasably fastenable
`to the garment ofthe type specified to be worn with the breast
`support apparatus or may be permanently or semi-perma-
`nently attached thereto.
`Where a releaseable fastening to the gam1e11t is provided as
`aforesaid, said fastening may be of any suitable means such as
`one or more press studs or surface contact fastening material
`such as Velcro (Velcro is a registered trade mark) or means
`such as a button and receiving hole, or hole that receives a
`loop, or tie of the sling or wrap material. The suspension
`means may comprise a strip of material on which is mounted
`part of the releasable fastening with the remainder of the
`releasable fastening being provided on the sling/wrap of
`material e.g cooperating female part of a press stud may be
`provided on said material strip where male press stud part is
`on the sling or wrap ofmaterial. Said strip ofmaterial may be
`connected to the garment by any convenient means such as by
`stitching and/or hcat activatcd adhcsivc.
`In sonre embodiments of the present invention, the fasten-
`ing location or locations of the sling/wrap of material to the
`garment may be adjustable (more particularly in the height
`direction of garment). In this way where two breast support
`apparatuses are provided (one for each breast), if necessary,
`one breast may be supported from a higher point on the
`garment than the other in order to even up the position of the
`breasts where there is a lack of uniformity or considerable
`size difference between same.
`Conveniently, the fastening location of the or each breast
`support apparatus may be provided on an upper inside edge of
`the garment (near an associated shoulder or neck support
`strap o11 the garment if provided).
`Additionally, or alternatively, each breast may be provided
`with associated breast support apparatus comprising a sling
`or wrap of material of a different size or shape to the other i11
`order to achieve a more uniform or balanced overall appear-
`ance.
`
`It is possible that the or each breast may be supported by
`said sling or wrap of material which is suspended from a
`location or locations on the body rather than on the garment
`itselfln such an instance, the sling or wrap ofmaterial may be,
`for example, supported by (possibly double-sided) dermal
`adhesive tape located at or above an upper portion of the
`breast. It is believed in such a scenario that the breast/s will be
`
`held more securely by the adhesive tape than when the breast
`is supported from underneath by e.g. a semi-rigid cup con-
`nected by double-sided adhesive tape to the undemeath
`curved part of the breast. In practice, where double-sided
`adhesive tape is used to attach a strapless and backless bras-
`siere to a curved part of the breast, the brassiere can become
`detached from the breast more easily than should be the case.
`However, it is envisaged that, where double-sided adhesive
`tape is used i11 conjunction with the sling or wrap of material
`in accordance with the present invention, the adhesive tape
`means be attached to an upper part of the breast/s which
`should not give rise to problems in detachment.
`Usually, the ends of the sling or wrap of material will be
`close to one another when worn on the breast/s and may, for
`example, be connected closely adjacent to one another on the
`garment to be worn. It is possible that the ends of the sling or
`wrap of material may be cormected together before the sling
`
`DMC Exhibit 2033_013
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`US 8,016,640 B2
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`5
`or wrap of material is connected to the garment so that there
`is only a single attachment location on the garment for the
`sling or wrap of material. However, it is also possible for the
`ends of the sling or wrap of material to be connected to the
`garment at spaced locations if required. Even so, usually, the
`ends of the sling or wrap of material will be close to one
`another on the garment (or a single attachment location is
`provided), since it is believed this will provide a better sup-
`port and uplift than if tl1e sling/wrap of material is connected
`to the garment at relatively widely spaced locations. On other
`occasions, a different feeling or effect may be desired by the
`wearer, which would suit the ends of the sling or wrap of
`material being connected to the garment at spaced locations.
`It is believed that creating a sling or wrap ofmaterial for the
`breast/s which forms a closed hoop of “stretchable” material
`surrounding snugly and hugging and lifting the breast/s,
`which is suspended from a point at or above the upper portion
`of the breast/s, effectively lifts and cradles the breast/s pro-
`viding a much more natural and enhanced appearance than
`current brassieres for garments of the type specified.
`The sling or wrap ofmaterial may leave the nipple/s of the
`breast/s exposed prior to coverage with the garment to be
`worn with same and, thus, the breast support apparatus may
`also include separate or integral nipple cover means for mod-
`csty purposcs.
`Whilst one breast apparatus may be used to support botl1
`breasts simultaneously this may move the breasts more
`closely together than might be wished for with some shapes
`and sizes of breasts.
`Thus, it is believed that the employment oftwo individual
`breast support apparatuses (one for each breast) may prove to
`be the most advantageous embodiment of the present inven-
`tion at least for smaller breasts. It is believed that individual
`
`slings or wraps of material for each breast should give the
`maximum uplift and shaping to both sides of the breast and
`allow the mo st advantageous, natural, if damped, swing ofthe
`breasts relative to the garment.
`Many other advantageous features ofthe present invention
`will be apparent fro111 the following description and drawings.
`An embodiment of breast support apparatus in accordance
`with the present invention, will now be described, by way of
`example only, with reference to the following somewhat dia-
`grammatic drawings, not drawn to scale, in which:—
`FIG. 1 shows a plan view ofbreast support apparatus for an
`individual breast;
`FIG. 2 shows an inside-out view of a garment of the type
`specified to be worn with two breast support apparatuses of
`FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 shows a view of the upper half of a girl wearing an
`associated breast support apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 on
`each breast, said breast support apparatuses being connected
`to the garment as shown in FIG. 2;
`FIG. 4 shows a front view of one ofthe girl’s breasts shown
`in FIG. 3 fitted with the breast support apparatus of FIG. 1:
`FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 511 show four views of alternative sus-
`pension means for fastening the breast support apparatus that
`may be attachable to the garment in FIG. 2, and
`FIGS. 6a, 6b show two alternative underside views of the
`suspension means shown in FIGS. 5a-5d.
`Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, breast support appa-
`ratus 1 adapted for supporting an individual breast includes a
`suitably shaped length of material M.
`The breast support apparatus 1 may include any suitable
`material M such as an elasticated or “stretchable” (preferably
`non-slip) fabric that could be of cotton/polyester or woven or
`knitted construction or wl1icl1 r11ay, for exar11ple, be of lace.
`The material M may be single, double or multi-layered and
`
`10
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`15
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`20
`
`25
`
`30
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`35
`
`40
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`6
`may or may not comprise a suitably shaped pocket 2 (shown
`for convenience as rectangular dashed lines) for a suitably
`shaped insert offoam padding or the like that could be used to
`enhance or increase the apparent size of the breast.
`In this particular embodiment, the length of the breast
`support apparatus 1 is 23 cm and the width is 8 cr11, with the
`length of the upper and lower parallel straight sides S1, S2
`being 14 cm each. Each end of the breast support apparatus 1
`is shaped inwardly by oppositely curved side edges 1a, 1b; 1c,
`1d towards male press stud portions 3a, 3b that seat in respec-
`tive female press stud portions 101a, 101b; 101c, 101d
`mounted on suspension means in the form of a rectangular
`strips ofmaterial 400 on the inside of a flimsy garment 100 of
`the type specified having thin shoulder straps s1, s2 (see FIG.
`2 and FIG. 5b). The male press stud portions 3a,3b each
`comprise one half ofco-operative releasable fastening means
`3a,3b;101a,101b for the ends of the breast support apparatus
`1. The female press stud portions 101a,101b on the garment
`form the mating halves of the releasable fastening means for
`said breast support apparatus 1. The female press stud por-
`tions 101a, 101b are shown in enlarged detail in FIG. 5b. The
`shoulder straps s1, s2 are only shown in part for ease of
`illustration. The garment 100 is in the fonn of a top of semi-
`transparent material D through which bra straps of a conven-
`tional brassicrc would bc visiblc.
`
`Ir1 use of the breast support apparatus 1 by a wearer (r11ore
`particularly as shown by the girl 200 iii FIG. 3) each indi-
`vidual breast 201 is initially encircled from underneath and
`supported in a manner with the apparatus 1 (means for lifting
`and supporting the breast 201) acting as a sling or wrap
`around the breast from underneath to lift and support same.
`The curved shaping ofthe apparatus 1 allows the formed sling
`to sit neatly on the breast 201. Advantageously, the breast 201
`is gripped by the stretchable material of the sling to hold the
`breast in a non-slip manner. Once one breast 201 has been
`encircled by the associated breast support apparatus 1 and the
`ends of same brought close together, male press stud portions
`311 and 3b can be releasably connected to female press stud
`portions 101a, 1011) or 101c, 101d to suspend the apparatus 1
`and hence the associated breast 201 from the garment 100.
`The other breast may be suspended from a second breast
`support apparatus 1 in a similar maimer with male press-stud
`portions 3a, 3b being engaged into the vacant female press
`stud portions 101a, 1011) or 101c, 101d.
`It is to be noted that tl1c garmcnt 100 includes very thin
`straps s1, s2 that pass around the neck of the girl shown i11
`FIG. 3 and which may, for example, be part ofa halter neck of
`a garment. The garment 100 could not be worn with a con-
`ventional brassiere having straps since the straps could not be
`hidden from View by the thin straps S1,S2‘.
`Accordingly, two breast support apparatuses 1 may be
`worn with the garment 100 to lift and support the breasts in a
`discreet manner.
`Since each breast 201 is supported individually by separate
`support apparatus 1, it is believed that a more natural look
`may be obtained, more particularly where the nipples are only
`covered by the garment 100 itself.
`It is to be appreciated that the breast support apparatus has
`not been provided with inserts in FIG. 3 of the drawings.
`FIG. 4 of the drawings shows a front view of an individual
`breast 201 supported by breast support apparatus 1 (FIG. 1).
`Since the breast 201 is supported by the support apparatus 1
`which acts in the manner of a sling, it is believed that better lift
`and support is given to the breast, from underneath and from
`both sides, more particularly by forces acting in directions of
`arrows a and b ir1 the FIGURE. Thus the breast 201 itself is not
`
`squashed or flattened out or ifted directly from underneath in
`
`DMC Exhibit 2033_014
`
`

`
`US 8,016,640 B2
`
`7
`a manner which could cause bulging. lmportantly, the breast
`201 is fully supported in an area extending outwardly from
`the junction of the breast with the body rather than merely
`from underneath at a location spaced from said junction.
`Thus, the breast support apparatus 1 hugs the contour of the
`breast 201.
`
`I11 an alternative embodiment of the present invention (not
`shown), the connection or fastening location on the garment
`for the fastemng means on the breast support apparatus 1 may
`be adjustable (preferably height adjustable) by any suitable
`means so that where there is a significant discrepancy
`between the size or shape of the breasts, one breast may be
`supported at a location on the garment which is higher than
`the other if one breast needs more lift and support than the
`other to provide a more uniform balanced appearance. The
`height adjustment may be continuously adjustable or pro-
`vided by a number of preselectable positions.
`I11stead of providing such a height adjustable connection
`on the garment 100 itself, a different size of breast support
`apparatus 1 may be used for the second breast so that each
`may be supported from a similar height location on the gar-
`ment with the second breast support apparatus 1 having dif-
`ferent support parameters that will allow the second breast to
`be lifted higher relative to the first.
`FIGS. 5a-5d show variant suspcnsion mcans 400', 400,
`400" and 400"' having different fastening or connection
`means of the brassiere support apparatus 1 to the garment
`100. FIG. 5a shows a rectangular piece of material 400'
`including the female portion 401 ofa press-stud fastening that
`may be co-operable with a single male press stud portion, not
`shown on the breast support apparatus 1 , rather than two male
`press stud portions being provided, and FIG. 6a shows an
`underside view being provided with a self-adhesive backing
`402 that may be heat activated, for example, by an iron, to
`attach same to garment 100. Such an arrangement may be
`used with the single press-stud arrangement shown in FIG. 5a
`or the double press-stud arrangement shown in FIG. 5b.
`FIG. 5c shows an alternative fastening arrangement having
`a rectangular piece of material 400" with a button B that may
`be co-operable with one or more loops or button holes (not
`shown on the breast support apparatus 1) instead ofpress stud
`fastenings 3a,3b;101a,101b. Similarly FIG. 5d may be pro-
`vided with a right-angled slot C for ties (not shown) on the
`breast support apparatus 1 to pass therethrough and be tied on
`thc rcvcrsc side of strip 400"'.
`Additionally, or allematively, the reverse side of the strip of
`material 400, 400', 400", 400"' may be provided with pre-
`placed stitch holes p as shown in FIG. 6b for attachment or
`added securement to the garment 100.
`The aforedescribed embodiment of the present invention
`provides for the breast apparatuses 1 to be releasably sus-
`pended from spaced locations on the garment 100. IIowever,
`the connections of the breast support apparatuses 1 to the
`garment 100 may be effectively permanent or semi-penna-
`nent or alternatively the breast apparatuses could be sus-
`pended directly from the wearer’s body (for example by
`double-sided adhesive tape, conveniently attached to an
`upper portion of the associated breast, or from above the
`breast, but underneath tl1e garment 100).
`Although not shown, in an alternative arrangement the
`breast support apparatus may comprise a sling or wrap of
`material that encircles both breasts rather than just an indi-
`vidual breast. Thus only one central upper su