L®ALL,TOVAOMTHESE, PRESENTS; SHAT,COME,
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`
`July 1, 2024
`
`Certifying Officer
`
`By Authority of the
`Under Secretary of Commercefor Intellectual Property
`and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
`
`THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT ANNEXED HERETO IS A TRUE COPY FROM
`
`THE RECORDSOF THIS OFFICE OF:
`
`PATENT NUMBER: 10,219,550
`
`ISSUE DATE: March 5, 2019
`
`Rodney Glover
`
`NIKE-1007
`p. 1
`
`

`

`a2) United States Patent
`US 10,219,550 B1
`(0) Patent No.:
`*Mar. 5, 2019
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Goff
`
`US010219550B1
`
`(54)
`
`POCKET BRA SYSTEM
`
`(71)
`
`Applicant: Sharon Goff, Hilton Head, SC (US)
`
`(72)
`
`(73)
`
`Inventor: Sharon Goff, Hilton Head, SC (US)
`
`Assignee: Sherrywear LLC, Hilton Head Island,
`SC (US)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 15/679,206
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 17, 2017
`
`(63)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 15/045,606, filed on
`Feb. 17, 2016, now Pat. No. 9,808,036, which is a
`continuation-in-part of application No. 14/082,777,
`filed on Nov. 18, 2013, now Pat. No. 9,295,288,
`which is a continuation-in-part of application No.
`13/066,822, filed on Apr. 26, 2011, now Pat. No.
`8,597,072.
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`A4IC 3/00
`US. Cl.
`
`(2006.01)
`
`CPC ciececcccccccieeenenereeee A4IC 3/0035 (2013.01)
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC .... A41C 3/00; A41C 3/10; A41C 3/12; A41C
`3/0035; A41C 3/148
`USPC Loe 450/89, 54-57, 36, 39; 2/247-251
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2,624,881 A *
`
`3,747,545 A *
`
`4,263,678 A *
`
`1/1953) Lee wee AAIC 3/0035
`2/247
`7/1973 Nicolay oo. DOS5B3/10
`112/68
`4/1981 Off woe AA4ILD 27/20
`2/247
`4,699,144 A * 10/1987 Sherwood .....0.... A4I1C 3/148
`450/54
`3/1995 Greenberg ............. A4I1C 3/148
`2/247
`3/1996 Lee woe AAIC 3/0035
`2/247
`9/1998 Cooper we AA4ILD 27/20
`2/247
`9/2009 McLaren .......... AAIC 3/0035
`2/247
`
`5,395,280 A *
`
`5,496,205 A *
`
`5,799,336 A *
`
`7,585,200 B1*
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner — Gloria Hale
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Lambert Shoretell &
`Connaughton; Gary E. Lambert; David J. Connaughton,
`Jr.
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A strap assembly includes a chest strap and shoulderstraps.
`Similarly configured left and right cups are provided. The
`strap assembly is attached to the cups whereby the strap
`assembly adheres the cups to a wearer. Each cup has curved
`upper, lower, interior and exterior edges. Each cup hasinside
`and outside surfaces. A patch is operatively associated with
`each cup. Each patch has a linear upper edge and curved
`lower, interior and exterior edges. Each patch has inside and
`outside surfaces. Stitching couples the lower, interior and
`exterior edges of each patch to the lower,
`interior and
`exterior edges of an associated cup. A linear opening is
`formed along the upper edge of each patch. Piping covers
`the upper edge of each patch. The piping is adapted to allow
`the patch to move away from and back toward the cup
`between open and closed orientations.
`
`14 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`126
`
`p. 2
`
`

`

`US 10,219,550 B1
`
`Page 2
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`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7,753,759 B2*
`
`8,257,140 B2*
`
`7/2010 Pintor we. A41C 3/0035
`450/54
`9/2012 Kenny oe A41C 3/12
`2/247
`8,597,072 BI* 12/2013 Lucas wo A4IC 3/0035
`2/247
`3/2016 Goff woe A4IC 3/0035
`9,295,288 BI*
`
`.. A41LC 3/0035
`9,808,036 B1* 11/2017
`2/2008 Updyke ........... A4IC 3/0035
`2008/0032600 Al*
`450/89
`4/2009 Pintor we. A41C 3/0035
`450/31
`8/2009 Arledge wu... A4IC 3/0035
`450/39
`5/2010 Li wee A4IC 3/10
`450/39
`
`2009/0104845 Al*
`
`2009/0209173 Al*
`
`2010/0124869 AL*
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`p. 3
`
`p. 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar.5, 2019
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 10,219,550 B1
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`FIG.
`
`|
`
`1G
`
`/0
`
`38
`
`p. 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 5, 2019
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
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`US 10,219,550 B1
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`4O
`
`FIG. 2
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`
`
`p. 5
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 5, 2019
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`Sheet 3 of 6
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`US 10,219,550 B1
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`
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`p. 6
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`p. 6
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 5, 2019
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`Sheet 4 of 6
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`US 10,219,550 B1
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`FIG.
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`¢
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`
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`p. 7
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar.5, 2019
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`Sheet 5 of 6
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`US 10,219,550 B1
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`FIG. 9
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`200
`
`p. 8
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar.5, 2019
`
`Sheet 6 of6
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`US 10,219,550 B1
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`265
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`FIG. II
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`200
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`278
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`a
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`p. 9
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`

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`US 10,219,550 B1
`
`1
`POCKET BRA SYSTEM
`
`RELATED APPLICATION
`
`The present application is a continuation-in-part of pend-
`ing application Ser. No. 13/066,822 filed Apr. 26, 2011, the
`subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates to a pocket bra system and
`more particularly pertains to removably receiving a hand-
`held electronic device while providing support and shape to
`the breasts of a wearer, the receiving and supporting and
`shaping being done in a safe, convenient and economical
`manner.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types
`of bra systems of known designs and configurations now
`present in the prior art, the present invention provides an
`improved pocket bra system. As such, the general purpose of
`the present invention, which will be described subsequently
`in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved pocket
`bra system and method which hasall the advantages of the
`prior art and none of the disadvantages.
`To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises
`a pocket bra system. First provided is a strap assembly
`which includes a chest strap and shoulder straps. Similarly
`configured left and right cups are provided. The strap
`assembly is attached to the cups whereby the strap assembly
`adheres the cups to a wearer. Each cup has curved upper,
`lower, interior and exterior edges. Each cup has inside and
`outside surfaces. A patch is operatively associated with each
`cup. Each patch has a linear upper edge and curved lower,
`interior and exterior edges. Each patch has inside and
`outside surfaces. Stitching couples the lower, interior and
`exterior edges of each patch to the lower,
`interior and
`exterior edges of an associated cup. A linear opening is
`formed along the upper edge of each patch. Piping covers
`the upper edge of each patch. The piping is adapted to allow
`the patch to move away from and back toward the cup
`between open and closed orientations.
`There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
`important features of the invention in orderthat the detailed
`description thereof that follows may be better understood
`and in order that the present contribution to the art may be
`better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features
`of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which
`
`will form the subject matter of the claims attached.
`In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
`of the invention in detail,
`it is to be understood that the
`invention is not limited in its application to the details of
`construction and to the arrangements of the components set
`forth in the following description orillustrated in the draw-
`ings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of
`being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
`to be understood that
`the phraseology and terminology
`employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and
`should not be regarded as limiting.
`As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
`conception, upon whichthis disclosure is based, may readily
`be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures,
`methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes
`
`2
`of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the
`claims be regarded as including such equivalent construc-
`tions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope
`of the present invention.
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide
`a new and improved pocket bra system which hasall of the
`advantagesofthe prior art bra systems of knowndesigns and
`configurations and none ofthe disadvantages.
`It is another object of the present invention to provide a
`new and improved pocket bra system which maybeeasily
`and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
`It is further object of the present invention to provide a
`new and improved pocket bra system which is of durable
`and reliable constructions.
`
`invention is to
`An even further object of the present
`provide a new and improved pocket bra system which is
`susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both
`materials and labor, and which accordingly is then suscep-
`tible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby
`making such pocket bra system economically available to
`the buying public.
`Evenstill another object of the present invention is to
`provide a pocket bra system for removably receiving a
`handheld electronic device while providing support and
`shapeto the breasts of a wearer, the receiving and supporting
`and shaping being donein a safe, convenient and economi-
`cal manner.
`
`Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide
`a new and improved pocket bra system for removably
`receiving a handheld electronic device and other objects
`while providing support and shapeto the breasts of a wearer.
`These together with other objects of the invention, along
`with the various features of novelty which characterize the
`invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims
`annexed to and forminga part of this disclosure. For a better
`understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and
`the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be
`had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in
`which there is illustrated preferred and alternate embodi-
`ments of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The invention will be better understood and objects other
`than those set forth above will become apparent when
`consideration is given to the following detailed description
`thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed
`drawings wherein:
`FIG.1 is a front elevational view of a pocket bra system
`constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along line 2-2 of
`FIG. 1.
`
`FIG.3 is a rear elevational view taken along line 3-3 of
`FIG. 2.
`
`FIG.4 is a front elevational view of a pocket bra system
`constructed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of
`the invention.
`
`FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 of
`FIG.4.
`
`FIG.6 is a rear elevational view taken along line 6-6 of
`FIG. 5.
`
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`45
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`FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
`FIG.4.
`
`FIG.8 is a rear elevational view taken along line 8-8 of
`FIG.7.
`
`p. 10
`
`p. 10
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`

`

`US 10,219,550 B1
`
`3
`FIG.9 is a front elevational view of a pocket bra system
`constructed in accordance with another alternate embodi-
`mentof the invention.
`
`FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along line 10-10
`of FIG. 9.
`FIG.11 is a side elevational view ofthe pocket bra system
`shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
`
`FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view taken along line 12-12
`of FIG. 11.
`The same reference numerals refer to the same parts
`throughout the various Figures.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
`FIG. 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and
`improved pocket bra system embodying the principles and
`concepts of the present invention and generally designated
`by the reference numeral 10 will be described.
`The present invention, the pocket bra system 10 is com-
`prised of a plurality of components. Such components in
`their broadest context include a strap, left and right cups, a
`rectangular patch and a linear slit. Such components are
`individually configured and correlated with respect to each
`other so as to attain the desired objective.
`First provided is a strap assembly. The strap assembly
`includes a generally horizontal chest strap 14. The chest
`strap is positionable around the chest and back of a wearer.
`The strap assembly includesleft and right generally vertical
`shoulder straps 16. The shoulderstraps are positionable over
`the shoulders of the wearer. The shoulder straps have free
`ends. The free ends are coupled to the chest strap adjacent
`to the chest of the wearer and adjacent to the back of the
`wearer.
`
`A left cup 18 is provided. A similarly configured right cup
`20 is provided. Each cup hasan inside surface and an outside
`surface. The left and right cups each have an upper-most
`point 22. The left and right cups each have a lower-most
`point 24. A generally vertical axis is provided. The vertical
`axis divides each cup into an inner hemisphere interiorly and
`an outer hemisphere exteriorly. The left and right cups each
`have an inner-most point 26. The left and right cups each
`have an outer-most point 28. A generally horizontal axis is
`provided. The horizontal axis divides each cup into an upper
`hemisphere above and a lower hemisphere below.
`A rectangular patch 32 is provided next. The patch is
`operatively associated with each cup. Each patch has gen-
`erally horizontal upper and lower edges. Each patch has
`generally vertical interior and exterior edges. The patch has
`a periphery. The periphery hasstitching. In this manner the
`periphery of each patch is coupledto the inside surface of an
`associated cup. The majority of each patch is in the upper
`hemisphere. The majority of each patch is in the outer
`hemisphere. A rectangular chamber 34 is provided. The
`chamberis provided between each patch and its associated
`cup. The chamberis rectangular. The chamber has a height
`of 120 and 140 millimeters. The chamber has a width of
`between 60 and 70 millimeters. The pockets are fabricated
`of a resilient closed cell polyurethane foam. The foam has a
`thickness of from 2 to 4 millimeters. The patches are
`fabricated of an elastic fabric.
`Further providedis a linear slit 38. Theslit is provided in
`each patch. Theslit is provided parallel with, and closely
`spaced from, the upper edge of each patch. Each slit has a
`length greater than 90 percent of the width of the chamber.
`An elastic band 40 is provided. The elastic band is provided
`
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`35
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`4
`within each patch. The elastic band surrounds the slit. The
`elastic band is adapted to return the slit to a closed orien-
`tation. The elastic band is further adaptedto allow theslit to
`stretch to an enlarged orientation.
`Provided last is a handheld electronic device 46. The
`handheld electronic device is positionable within the cham-
`ber. The handheld electronic device has a height of 115
`millimeters, plus or minus 10 percent. The handheld elec-
`tronic device has a width of 59 millimeters. The handheld
`
`electronic device has a thickness of 9 millimeters plus or
`minus 10 percent. The slit is adapted to stretch to the open
`orientation when adding the handheld device to, or remov-
`ing the handheld device from,
`the chamber. Theslit is
`adapted to contract
`to the closed orientation when the
`handheld device is within or without the chamber. The
`thickness and the material of the cups and the patches are
`adapted to abate inward projections by the handheld devices
`in the chambers tending to poke a user. The thickness and the
`material of the cups and the patches are adapted to abate
`outward projections by the handheld devices in the cham-
`bers tending to create unsightly projections.
`An alternate embodiment 100 of the present invention is
`provided. An under-wire 104 is provided. The under-wireis
`provided beneath each cup.
`A central patch 108 is provided. The central patch is
`provided intermediate the cups. In this manner a central
`chamber is formed. The central patch has horizontal upper
`and lower edges 110, 112. The central patch has vertical side
`edges 114, 116. The upper and lower edges are longer than
`the side edges. The central patch has a central slit 118. The
`central slit is provided parallel with and in proximity to the
`upper edge. The central chamber is adapted to receive and
`support keys.
`An upper patch 120 is provided on each shoulder strap.
`The upper patches have horizontal upper and lower edges
`122, 124. The upper patches have vertical side edges 126,
`128. The upper and lower edges are shorter than the side
`edges. The upper patches each have an upperslit 130. The
`upperslit is provided parallel with and in proximity to the
`upper edge. The upper chambers are adapted to receive and
`support pills.
`FIGS. 9 through 12 illustrate a system 200 constructed in
`accordance with another alternate embodimentof the inven-
`
`tion. In such alternate embodiment, enlarged bra pockets
`202 are constructed on the cups of the bra. In addition, side
`pockets 204 are constructed along both sides of the bra.
`Althoughonly a right side pocket is illustrated, it should be
`understood that a similarly constructed left side pocket is
`preferably provided additionally.
`As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, thereis illustrated a pocket
`bra system 200 for removably receiving a handheld elec-
`tronic device and other objects while providing support and
`shapeto the breasts of a wearer. The system includes a strap
`assembly 214. The strap assembly is formedof a chest strap
`216 and shoulder straps 218.
`Nextprovided are similarly configuredleft and right cups
`222, 224. Each cup hasinside and outside surfaces. The strap
`assembly is attached to the cups whereby the strap assembly
`adheres the cups to a wearer. Each cup has curved upper
`edge 226, a lower edge 228, an interior edge 230 and an
`exterior edge 232. Each cup hasinside and outside surfaces.
`A patch 236 is operatively associated with each cup. Each
`patch has a linear upper edge 238 and a curved lower edge
`240, an interior edge 242 and an exterior edge 248. Each
`patch has inside and outside surfaces.
`interior and exterior
`Stitching 250 couples the lower,
`edges of each patch to the lower, interior and exterior edges
`
`p. 11
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`p. 11
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`

`

`US 10,219,550 B1
`
`6
`5
`such that the opening faces the exterior edge of the at
`of an associated cup. A linear opening 252 is thus formed
`along the upper edge of each patch. Piping 256 covers the
`least one of the left and right cup to whichit is attached.
`upper edge of each patch. The upper edge of the patch and
`2. The pocket bra of claim 1 wherein the patch is
`the piping are adaptedto allow the patch to move away from
`operatively associated with only one of the left and right
`cups.
`and back toward the cup between open and closed orienta-
`tions.
`3. The pocket bra of claim 1 further comprising a non-
`Pockets 260 are formed between the patches and the cups.
`padding item positioned in the pocket.
`The cups are preferably fabricated ofa resilient closed cell
`4. The pocket bra of claim 1 wherein the lower edge of the
`polyurethane foam with a thickness of from 2 to 4 millime-
`patch is coupled adjacent to the bra by a stitching.
`ters. The patches are also preferably fabricated ofa resilient
`5. The pocket bra of claim 1 wherein the exterior edge of
`closed cell polyurethane foam with a thickness of from 2 to
`the patch is coupled to the exterior edge of the at least one
`4 millimeters.
`of the left and right cups byastitching.
`A handheld electronic device 46 is adapted to be placed
`6. The pocket bra of claim 2 further comprising a second
`within a pocket.
`patch forming a second pocket operatively associated with
`An under-wire 264 is coupled beneath each cup in a
`the other of the left and right cups.
`generally vertical plane.
`7. The pocket bra of claim 1 wherein the patch lower and
`Lastly provided is a side patch 268 on each side of the
`exterior edges are aligned with the lower and exterior edges
`chest strap. The side patches each have a horizontal upper
`of the at least one of the left and right cups bya stitching,
`edge 270 and a lower edge 272 and vertical side edges 274.
`and wherein the stitching is along the lower and exterior
`The upper and lower edges of each patch are longer than the
`edges of the patch.
`side edges. The side patches includesidestitching 276 along
`the lower and side edges. Thus is formed an upper opening
`8. A pocket bra comprising:
`278 at cach side patch.
`a strap assembly comprising a chest strap; and comprising
`As to the manner of usage and operation of the present
`left and right cups, each cup being an area to receive a
`invention,
`the same should be apparent from the above
`breast of a wearer and having inside and outside
`description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to
`surfaces, the strap assembly being attached to the cups
`the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
`whereby the strap assembly connects the cups to the
`With respect to the above description then,
`it is to be
`wearer, each cup having upper,
`lower, interior body
`realized that the optimum dimensionalrelationships for the
`facing, and opposite exterior edges;
`parts of the invention, to includevariations in size, materials,
`a patch forming a pocket operatively associated with at
`shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly
`least one ofthe left and right cups, the patch having an
`and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one
`upper edge, a lower edge, and an exterior edge, the
`skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those
`patch having inside and outside surfaces;
`illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification
`the lower edge of the patch coupled to the bra adjacent to
`are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
`a lower edge of the at least one of the left and right
`Therefore, the foregoing is consideredas illustrative only
`cups, and the exterior edge of the patch coupled adja-
`of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
`cent to the exterior edge of the at least one ofthe left
`modifications and changes will readily occurto those skilled
`and right cups, a pocket opening formed along the
`in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
`upper edge of the patch being unconnected to the at
`construction and operation shown and described, and
`least one of the left and right cups;
`accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may
`the pocket opening capable of repeated receiving and
`be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
`removalof an item when being worn by the wearer; and
`The invention claimed is:
`wherein the upper edge of the patch crosses over a surface
`of the cup to form the opening, the upper edge crossing
`such that the opening faces the interior edge of the at
`least one of the left and right cup to whichit is attached.
`9. The pocket bra of claim 8 wherein the patch is
`operatively associated with only one of the left and right
`cups.
`10. The pocket bra of claim 8 further comprising a
`non-padding item positioned in the pocket.
`11. The pocket bra of claim 8 wherein the lower edge of
`the patch is coupled adjacent to the bra bya stitching.
`12. The pocket bra of claim 8 wherein the exterior edge
`of the patch is coupled adjacent to the exterior edge of the
`at least one of the left and right cups by a stitching.
`13. The pocket bra of claim 9 further comprising a second
`patch forming a second pocket operatively associated with
`the other of the left and right cups.
`14. The pocket bra of claim 8 wherein the patch lower and
`exterior edges are aligned with the lower and exterior edges
`of the at least one of the left and right cups bya stitching,
`and wherein the stitching is along the lower and exterior
`edges of the patch.
`
`1. A pocket bra comprising:
`a strap assembly comprising a chest strap; and comprising
`left and right cups, each cup being an area to receive a
`breast of a wearer and having inside and outside
`surfaces, the strap assembly being attached to the cups
`whereby the strap assembly connects the cups to the
`wearer, each cup having upper,
`lower, interior body
`facing, and opposite exterior edges;
`a patch forming a pocket operatively associated with at
`least one ofthe left and right cups, the patch having an
`upper edge, a lower edge, and an exterior edge, the
`patch having inside and outside surfaces;
`the lower edge of the patch coupled to the bra adjacent to
`a lower edge of the at least one of the left and right
`cups, and the exterior edge of the patch coupled adja-
`cent to the exterior edge of the at least one ofthe left
`and right cups, a pocket opening formed along the
`upper edge of the patch being unconnected to the at
`least one of the left and right cups;
`the pocket opening capable of repeated receiving and
`removalof an item when being worn bythe wearer; and
`wherein the upper edge of the patch crosses over a surface
`of the cup to form the opening, the upper edge crossing
`
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