Modulating chest support structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a modulating chest support structure for dispersing and supporting a shifting load wherein said support structure includes a lateral torso restraint band having a pair of ends each presenting a breast interface pair each of which is spaced by a pivotal support member and a hyperbolic multi-support shoulder structure associated with each breast interface pair and including at least one interior support member, one central support member and one outer support member, each of which is spaced from said central support member along a lateral axis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of the prior filed U.S. provisional application No. 62 / 276,024 filed Jan. 7, 2016 which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is broadly directed to a chest support structure, and more particularly, to a non-symmetric modular chest support structure that receives, transforms, and disperses the forces of posterior and anterior loads such as breasts in a manner that reduces the forces and stresses on the spine.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]One embodiment of the current invention relates to a brassiere for supporting breasts of a woman. Breasts of young women tend to be protuberant whereas breasts of older women tend to be pendulous. Protuberant breasts are supported by fibrous tissue strands known as ligaments of Astley Cooper. When the ligaments of Astley Cooper become overstretched or atrophic, the breasts droop. The breast tissue itself does not have mu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0031]The present invention relates to improvements in brassieres and chest packs which dissipate the forces and stresses caused, in part, by the weight of shifting and moving loads having a variety of shapes and sizes. In particular, the present invention employs an improved exoskeleton modulating chest support structure including a hyperbolic shoulder support structure, a breast interface and an anchor support member, all adapted for reducing the forces and stresses exerted on the spine by breast weight and size. In general, with the current invention, each breast is treated as a separate entity and operates in a distinct manner to diminish its own forces. For example, the left and right breast can operate independently or collectively.

[0032]The modulating chest support structure extends longitudinally between an anterior vertical support structure and a posterior vertical support structure, originating anteriorly from the anterior plumed articulation at an anterior support junction, similarly originating posteriorly from the posterior plumed articulation at a posterior support junction. The hyperbolic support structure generally includes plural support members and as depicted includes three shoulder support members that extend longitudinally and intersect with a lateral axis, which generally extends outwardly from a torso along a shoulder. Providing plural support members allows for modulation along each of the three axes which may be required during biological changes. For example, depending on the change in the breast, it may be necessary for the shoulder support members to contract or elongate in various directions to alleviate the stress and strain of the supported breast. The three shoulder support members, depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5, traverse a lateral axis. The multiple support members help alleviate and disperse forces exerted on the spine.

[0033]In a general sense, a breast having a particular weight acts as a lever, which in an unsupported manner requires an equal and opposite muscular force exerted along the thoracic spine generally directed towards T6-T8. The present invention, with a low profile breast interface 20 reduces the muscular force vector by reducing the gravitational force exerted upon the breast by compressing and lifting the breast upwardly and inwardly. The present invention provides a more healthy alternative by reducing the outwardly directed force vector, allowing the thoracic spine to return to an unweighted postural condition and placing less stress along the thoracic spine. This compression and lifting also diminishes the stresses exerted along the shoulder area.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, women around the globe are suffering from spine pain, in part due to lack of support associated with their large, heavy breasts.

This pain is made worse by poor posture and the bone-weakening effects of age including menopause.

Incorrectly sized bras also contribute to back spinal pain.

As women age, osteoporosis inherently weakens bone structures.

Along with aging, especially post-menarche, women have hormonal changes that also weaken their bone structure.

Poor posture such as that caused by thoracic kyphosis contributes to inefficient weight distribution contribute to excessive pain.

Scoliosis, another structural deformity, leads to inefficient and asymmetrical weight distribution on the spine from the right and left breast.

Traumatic situations such as car accidents or injury on a job may lead to temporary and sometimes permanent pain generation by the spine.

Of course these panels tend to hold in the wearer's sides but they are situated on muscles on the back of the wearer's trunk and they tend to restrict her motion and her circulation.

Studies have shown that the impact of neck forces may contribute or cause back pain.

Movement of a women's chest below her breasts is quite limited compared with movement of her shoulders and movements of her back.

Improperly fitted brassieres may be a significant factor of thoracic spine pain.

A standard brassiere currently is not designed to handle the varying load caused by significant breast changes which may exist statically or present changes that occur over time.

A standard brassiere may not be designed to handle the additional breast load and may fail based on varying breast sizes in either or both breasts.

When a standard brassiere fails, it may cause additional stress and strain on the thoracic spine.

Standard brassieres do not provide proper support to avoid thoracic spine pain based on the range of forces caused by varying breast sizes.

Due to the weight which must be supported over an extended period, many of the same difficulties need to be addressed in other applications.

For example, backpacks may carry heavy loads for significant periods while traversing a variety of terrains.

In some cases, these loads are carried improperly for example at a forward angle.

However, in some cases, these hip belts are improperly positioned or fail to properly support the carried load.

However, the current shoulder strap typically utilizes a singular strap which must carry the entire weight of the entire load forcing the shoulder straps into the sensitive shoulder region of the wearer causing pain and discomfort, failing to properly support the carried load and causing stress and strain upon the wearer.

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