Adjustable strap for brassiere having shoulder and body engaging means

Abstract

The brassiere includes a left and a right cup, each having a proximate side, a distal side, and a top side. The proximate sides of the cups are attached. A left shoulder blade portion is attached to the distal side of the left cup. A right shoulder blade portion is attached to the distal side of the right cup. A first sleeve is formed in the left shoulder blade portion. A second sleeve is formed in the right shoulder blade portion. A first shoulder strap is connected to the right shoulder blade portion and traverses the first sleeve. A second shoulder strap is connected to the left shoulder blade portion and traverses the second sleeve. The shoulder straps are also connected to the top side of the left cup and the top side of the right cup.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional Application entitled, “ADJUSTABLE STRAP FOR BRASSIERE HAVING SHOULDER AND BODY ENGAGING MEANS,” having Ser. No. 60 / 941,008, filed May 31, 2007, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to clothing and, more specifically, relates to an adjustable strap for a brassiere.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Conventional brassieres are adjustable at the shoulder straps with slidable fasteners and adjustable fasteners found along a body strap of the brassiere. Such adjustable fasteners typically include metal or plastic latch and hook mechanisms, found at the front or back portion of a brassiere. Such brassieres may require a user to adjust slidable fasteners and adjustable fasteners on a regular basis.[0004]Ideally, a brassiere would have an accessible adjustable strap across the back between the shoulder blad...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, an adjustment mechanism between the shoulder blades would be difficult, if not impossible, for most women to reach comfortably and independently.

Various mechanisms and contraptions have been devised over the years to resolve this issue, but with unsatisfying results.

Thus, as a user grows or shrinks, brassieres need to be replaced which can be an expensive ordeal.

The apparatus for fastening brassieres is also unwieldy.

A big issue with hook and eye fasteners at the back is that: 1) they are hard to reach—many women don't have the flexibility to fasten and unfasten behind their backs; and 2) it is difficult to actually get each hook into the appropriate eye fastener.

The hooks end up hooking in the wrong place or missing it all together.

Hooks and eye fasteners can chafe the skin and create dermatitis.

Additionally, even after a few hours the band of a brassiere can become uncomfortable because it is fastened into a certain position, which then binds and constricts around the rib cage.

While a new brassiere can be overly constricting after initial purchase, with wear and laundering the band will lose elasticity and become uncomfortable due to a lack of support and inability to sit in a proper position.

Also, the brassiere straps can either end up too loose or too tight and, traditionally, have been difficult to adjust to an appropriate fit.

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