(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (η» Pub. No.: US 2011/0223832 Al
`Rose et al.
`Sep. 15,2011
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`US 20110223832A1
`
`(54) BRASSIERE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE
`COVERINGS
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Alishea Rose, Nova Scotia (CA);
`James Frederick Carr Rose, Nova
`Scotia (CA)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl.No
`.:
`
`13/040,620
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Mar. 4, 2011
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Mar. 5, 2010 (CA) ..................................... 2,695,904
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int.Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A41C 3/12
`(2006.01)
`A41C 3/00
`(52) U.S. Cl....................... 450/86; 450/1; 450/93; 450/89
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A brassiere has a plurality of interchangeable coverings
`capable of adorning the brassiere so as to change the visual
`appearance of the brassiere. The brassiere includes a plurality
`of fastening means, which include hooks, snaps, Velcro, zip­
`per, buttons and/or fabric ties. The coverings have mating
`fastening means and are capable of being attached to the
`brassiere so as to provide an outer covering. The coverings
`differ from each other by way of fabric, colour, pattern and/or
`texture. Optionally, the brassiere can have means to reveal or
`conceal the woman’s cleavage.
`
`NIKE-1030
`p. 1
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`Patent Application Publication Sep. 15, 2011 Sheet 1 of 4
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`Patent Application Publication Sep. 15, 2011 Sheet 2 of 4
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`Patent Application Publication Sep. 15, 2011 Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 2011/0223832 Al
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`1
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`Sep. 15,2011
`
`BRASSIERE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE
`COVERINGS
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`[0001] The present invention relates to undergarments and
`undergarment accessories. In particular, the present invention
`relates to a ladies’ brassiere with interchangeable coverings
`purposed to change the visual appearance of the brassiere.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0002] Undergarments for women which are purposed to
`cover and support a woman’s breasts are manufactured and
`marketed in a variety of colours and fabrics. Persons wearing
`transparent or lace material apparel recognize the need to
`coordinate the colour of the apparel with that of the under­
`garment. Thus, it is desirable that the undergarment looks
`similar to or is a fashionable match with the outer garment.
`[0003] Addressing this necessity can become very expen­
`sive as women need to buy more brassieres which would
`match each different shirt or dress they may wear. Accord­
`ingly, it may be desirable to have the versatility to change the
`appearance of a brassiere, by simply covering the brassiere
`with a sleeve or sheath as necessary. A brassiere will also be
`referred herein as bra.
`[0004] Efforts in the past to provide such versatility have
`been limited. For example, U.S. Patent Application No. 2009/
`0093189 Al (Frey) discloses a partial undergarment for cov­
`ering a selected portion of a woman’s chest or cleavage, that
`includes a piece of fabric and a plurality of fasteners con­
`nected to the fabric so that the fabric is movably and remov­
`ably attachable to the bra. The piece of fabric hangs above and
`between the cups of the bra, protecting the wearer from
`undesired or unintentional exposure.
`[0005] U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0123148 Al
`(Heer) discloses a brassiere system that has a bra with two
`back strap attachment points and a number of interchangeable
`back straps. The straps are distinct from each other in terms of
`length, width, fabric type, color and can be interchanged in
`order to adjust the bra and to alter the appearance of the back
`straps for aesthetic reasons, such as coordinating with other
`garments.
`[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,906 (May) discloses a garment
`set comprising a brassiere and a number of strap sets, each of
`the strap sets being distinct from the others in that the fabrics,
`colors textures, sizes and shapes are distinct. The bra wearer
`may choose associated straps to match an outer garment with
`the straps, without the need to separately purchase many
`different complete undergarments.
`[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,861 (Flaherty) discloses a bra
`set that includes a bra and a number of interchangeable strap
`sets that differ from each other in color, size, and/or fabric and
`they look like clothing. The articles of clothing can be sold
`with matching straps as well.
`[0008] U.S. Patent Application No. 2009/0075562 Al
`(Lung) discloses a selectable interchangeable bra system
`which allows the user to customize the bra in terms of size,
`shape, cut, as well as color and compatibility with outerwear.
`The selectable bra system comprises the basic bra parts as
`separate components provided with connecting means to
`allow for assembling a complete, user-customized bra.
`[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,092 Al (Leyhe et al.) discloses
`a nursing bra that is designed with cup frames provided with
`hook and loop fasteners or other types of fasteners for attach­
`
`ing removable cups that can be interchanged. The bra comes
`with a number of cups that can be replaced in the cup frame of
`the bra.
`[0010] U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/00601125 Al
`(Boser) discloses the usage of VELCRO-hook and loop type
`fastening strips in a brassiere construction with removable
`components.
`[0011] However, no individual patent referred to above
`places emphasis on a single undergarment foundation to
`which a number of distinct coverings can be attached so as to
`be used in conjunction with a similar variety of outer gar­
`ments. Thus, the present invention was made in recognition of
`the known prior art devices and with a view to providing a
`simple alternative to an expensive undergarment wardrobe.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0012] An object of the invention is, thus, to provide a
`ladies’ brassiere set comprising a brassiere and a plurality of
`interchangeable coverings purposed to change the visual
`appearance of the brassiere. The brassiere may have two
`breast cups and a back band, the two breast cups and the back
`band being assembled together in a conventional manner.
`[0013] In accordance with an aspect of the present inven­
`tion, there is provided a plurality of interchangeable cover­
`ings that may differ from each other by way of fabric, color,
`pattern and/or texture.
`[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, there is provided a ladies’ brassiere kit or set
`including a brassiere and a plurality of interchangeable cov­
`erings, each covering being adapted for sliding over the two
`breast cups and the back band of the brassiere so as to con­
`form to the size and shape of the brassiere and change the
`visual appearance of the brassiere.
`[0015] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
`invention, there is provided a brassiere kit or set including a
`brassiere having fastening means disposed at the margin of
`the breast cups and the back band of the brassiere and a
`plurality of coverings having a plurality of corresponding
`mating fastening means for attachment of a covering on the
`outer surface of the brassiere so as to change the visual
`appearance thereof.
`[0016] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
`invention, the brassiere set can be provided with shoulder
`straps that may be permanently or detachably connected to
`the brassiere by any known practical attachment means. The
`shoulder straps would pull through openings in the cover. The
`permanently attached shoulder straps can be of a transparent
`color or of a neutral, skin tone color.
`[0017] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
`invention, the brassiere kit or set can include a plurality of
`removable shoulder straps matching the colour, texture and/
`or pattern of the coverings.
`[0018] Any suitable fastening means can be used, such as,
`for example, hooks, snaps, Velcro™ tabs, magnets, zippers,
`buttons or fabric ties, or other fastening means known to a
`person skilled in the art.
`[0019] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
`invention, the brassiere kit or set includes a brassiere provided
`with optional fastening means used to reveal or conceal a
`woman’s cleavage.
`[0020] The further scope of applicability of the present
`invention will become apparent from the detailed description
`given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the
`detailed description and specific examples, while indicating
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`p. 6
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`US 2011/0223832 Al
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`2
`
`Sep. 15,2011
`
`preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of
`illustration and should not be construed as limiting the inven­
`tion in any way since various changes and modifications
`within the spirit and scope of the invention will become
`apparent to those skilled in the art or science from this
`detailed description.
`[0021] It is to be understood that each specific term
`includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar
`manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will
`now be described, by way of example, in conjunction with the
`following drawings, in which:
`[0023] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a brassiere set accord­
`ing to the present invention, with the covering not using the
`cleavage fasteners;
`[0024] FIG. 2 shows a back view of the brassiere set
`depicted in FIG. 1;
`[0025] FIG. 3 shows a front view of a brassiere set accord­
`ing to a second embodiment of the present invention, with
`covering using the cleavage fasteners;
`[0026] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a brassiere set with
`sleeve covering;
`[0027] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of a brassiere set with
`sleeve covering;
`[0028] FIG. 6 Shows a front view of a brassiere with latex
`pockets; and
`[0029] FIG. 7 shows a rear view of a brassiere with latex
`pockets.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0030] The following description is presented to enable a
`person skilled in the art or science to which the present inven­
`tion pertains to make and use the invention, and is provided in
`the context of a particular application and its requirements.
`[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates, from the front, an exemplary
`embodiment of a brassiere set according to the present inven­
`tion. The brassiere is shown with dotted line. In a preferred
`embodiment, a brassiere covering A covers the brassiere on
`the outer side and might have edges that are inwardly extend­
`ing under the margins of the brassiere. The covering is shown
`as it might typically be attached to the breast cups at the
`attachment points 1. A pair of shoulder straps B are attached
`to the brassiere. Preferably the straps are removably attached
`to the brassiere by any means known to a man skilled in the
`art. The permanently attached shoulder straps can be of a
`transparent color or of a neutral, skin tone color. The covering
`can be constructed of, but not limited to, a soft pliable fabric
`material. The covering can be provided with mating fasteners
`corresponding to the type of fasteners attached to the bras­
`siere. The locations and positions of the fastening means both
`on the brassiere and covering are not limited and may be
`established according to the size, shape, and form of the
`brassiere. Additional factors such as the need to cover the
`breasts’ cleavage can be taken into consideration when deter­
`mining the number and location of the fastening means. Pref­
`erably, attaching fasteners are provided on the interior edge of
`the breast cups and back band. The shoulder straps would pull
`through openings D in the cover. Alternatively, the fastening
`means can be provided on the outer side of the margins of the
`brassiere. The position of the fasteners is not so important as
`the ability of the interchangeability of the brassiere covering
`
`that would allow the wearer to attach and/or remove the cover
`to the bra as desired. The fasteners are placed far enough from
`the edges of the bra and covering so that they do not show
`when the brassiere set is worn. Further, the fasteners are
`preferably selected to have a low profile so that they do not
`create bumps that are visible when the brassiere set is worn.
`[0032] Any fastening means can be used, such as, for
`example, hooks, snaps, Velcro™ tabs, magnets, zippers, but­
`tons and button holes, or fabric ties, or other fastening means
`known to a person skilled in the art.
`[0033] In a preferred embodiment a brassiere kit can be
`provided including a brassiere, a plurality of coverings of
`different shapes, colours, patterns, and textures. The brassiere
`and the coverings can be provided with the fastening means
`attached thereto, or, the fastening means can be included
`separately in the kit so as to be attached to the brassiere and
`the coverings as may be desired in order to alter the visual
`appearance of the brassiere in accordance with the present
`invention. The brassiere can be of any shape and dimension.
`The coverings are constructed in a similar shape and dimen­
`sion to that of the brassiere, with the exception of the section
`that would cover the central front portion between the breast
`cups. The central front portion of the covering can reveal or
`conceal the wearer’s cleavage. FIG. 1 illustrates the use of the
`covering to change the appearance of the brassiere and to
`conceal the wearer’s cleavage,
`[0034] Referring to FIG. 2 there is a back view of the
`brassiere of FIG. 1. The covering might typically be attached
`to the back band C. Numeral reference 1 shows exemplary
`locations where the fastening means can be provided on the
`back band of the brassiere and on the bra covering. A strap
`support structure B can optionally be provided and can be of
`any type known to a person skilled in the art.
`[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates, from the front, another exemplary
`embodiment of a brassiere set according to the present inven­
`tion. The brassiere is shown with dotted line. According to
`this embodiment, optional fasteners provided on the front
`central portion of the brassiere and on the bra covering at
`attachment points 2 might be used to reveal the wearer’s
`cleavage as desired. The covering is shown as it might typi­
`cally be attached to the breast cups at the attachment points 1.
`[0036] Shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is the front view and the
`rear view, respectively, of another preferred embodiment of
`the present invention in which the covering is a substantially
`tubular sleeve A. In use, the sleeve can be slid over the bras­
`siere so as to cover the brassiere from one end to the other. The
`sleeve can be made of flexible, stretchable material such as,
`but not limited to, lycra, nylon, spandex, enabling it to be
`pulled over the bra. The sleeve can be fastened to the ends of
`the back band at the attaching points 1 as shown in FIG. 5. The
`sleeve diameter can be variable along the length of the sleeve
`so as to coordinate and conform to the shape and form of a
`conventional brassiere. The brassiere can be strapless or pro­
`vided with removable straps B. Preferably the sleeve can be
`provided with one or more openings D corresponding to the
`positions where the straps can be pulled through and/or re­
`attached to the brassiere.
`[0037] Reference is made now to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 for a
`description of an alternate embodiment of the invention in
`which the bra is provided with clear latex pockets on the
`frontal portions of the breast cups and the back band of the
`brassiere. The outer layer of the pockets is be made of clear,
`transparent material. The pockets have slits E on the upper
`side as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Various inserts made of,
`
`p. 7
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`US 2011/0223832 Al
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`3
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`Sep. 15,2011
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`but not limited to, plastic, fabric, can be inserted into the
`pockets through the openings E. The inserts can be of differ­
`ent colours or patterns so as to change the appearance of the
`bra.
`[0038] While the invention has been illustrated and
`described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description,
`it is to be understood that it should not be considered restric­
`tive in character and that only the preferred embodiments
`have been shown and described and thus, various modifica­
`tions to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to
`those skilled in the art or science, and the general principles
`defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and
`applications without departing from the spirit and scope of
`the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be
`limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is to be accorded
`the widest scope consistent with the principles and features
`disclosed herein.
`
`1. A brassiere set comprising: a bra portion comprising two
`breast cups and a back portion assembled together; a plurality
`of membranes sized to cover at least outwardly the bra por­
`tion; and means for removably attaching said membranes to
`the bra portion.
`2. The brassiere set according to claim 1 wherein the means
`for removably attaching the membranes comprises: a plural­
`ity of fasteners positioned along an upper and a lower edge of
`the two breast cups and of the back portion; and a plurality of
`mating fasteners positioned at corresponding locations on the
`membranes for attachment of the membranes to the bra por­
`tion.
`3. The brassiere set according to claim 2 wherein the fas­
`teners are one of a hook, snap Velcro™, magnet, zipper,
`button and fabric tie.
`4. The brassiere set according to claim 1 wherein each of
`said membranes differs from every other membrane in tex­
`ture.
`5. The brassiere set according to claim 1 wherein each of
`said membranes differs from every other membrane in color.
`
`6. The brassiere set according to claim 1 wherein at least
`one membrane is a stretchable tubular sheath adapted to slide
`over the bra portion.
`7. The brassiere set of claim 1 further comprising at least
`one shoulder strap interconnected with the bra portion, and
`wherein each of the membranes has at least one opening
`positioned such that the at least on shoulder strap can pull
`there through when the membrane is attached to the bra
`portion.
`8. The infinity brassiere set according to claim 1 further
`comprising means for revealing and concealing a wearer’s
`cleavage.
`9. The brassiere set according to claim 1 wherein the plu­
`rality of membranes are made of fabric.
`10. An interchangeable covering membrane for a conven­
`tional bra comprising: a fabric portion sized to cover at least
`an outside of the conventional bra; and fasteners for remov­
`ably attaching the fabric portion to the conventional bra,
`wherein the fasteners is one of a hook, fabric tie, VELCRO™,
`snap and zipper.
`11. The interchangeable covering membrane according to
`claim 10 wherein the fabric portion comprises at least one
`aperture substantially aligned, when the fabric is attached to
`the bra, with a shoulder strap attachment location.
`12. An interchangeable covering for a conventional bra
`comprising: a membrane portion sized to cover at least an
`outside of the conventional bra, the membrane being made of
`clear latex; and means for removably attaching the membrane
`portion to the conventional bra, wherein the means is one of a
`hook, fabric tie, VELCRO™, snap and sipper.
`13. The interchangeable covering according to claim 12
`wherein the membrane portion comprises: a first pocket sub­
`stantially aligned, when the membrane is attached externally
`to the bra, with a first breast cup of the conventional bra; a
`second pocket substantially aligned, when the membrane is
`attached externally to the bra, with a second breast cup of the
`conventional bra; wherein the first and the second pockets are
`sized to receive a fabric portion.
`
`p. 8
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`