Bustier Garment Curved Support Structures Weight Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional brassieres cause discomfort due to pressure points, pinching, and misalignment of the shoulders and spine, especially in larger-breasted women, and often fail to maintain a secure fit, leading to aesthetically displeasing results and health issues.
Innovation Solution
A support bustier garment with curved support structures that reposition and redistribute the weight of the breasts, providing a comfortable and secure fit without the need for underwires, using materials like foam, elastic, and flexible structures that conform to the body, and include closure mechanisms for adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional underwires are used to create a uniform shape and lift breasts, then the breast shape is improved, but pressure points, pinching, and rubbing occur against the skin and ribs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional underwire component entirely from the bra structure. Instead of using rigid metal underwires that cause pressure points and pinching, the invention employs flexible support structures made of foam or elastic materials that provide breast support and shaping without harmful pressure points against the skin and ribs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the support structure from rigid (metal underwire) to flexible (foam or elastic materials). This parameter change allows the support structure to conform to the body's natural curves without creating sharp pressure points, while still providing the necessary support and shaping function.
2Force
If shoulder straps are tightened to support breast weight, then support is improved, but the head and spine become misaligned and tension increases in the neck and shoulders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes the support function from the vertical dimension (shoulder straps pulling down on the neck and shoulders) to the horizontal dimension (wide band distributing weight across the rib cage). The extended support structures wrap around the rib cage and back, transferring breast weight to the stronger skeletal structure of the rib cage rather than the soft tissues of the neck and shoulders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a counterbalancing system where the extended support structures wrapping around the rib cage and back provide a counterweight distribution that offsets the breast weight without requiring the shoulder straps to pull down on the neck. This counterbalancing approach prevents spinal misalignment and neck tension by distributing forces through the stronger skeletal structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the back strap is tightened to relieve shoulder pressure, then neck and shoulder tension is reduced, but pressure from the underwire casement against the body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the underwire casement structure entirely, eliminating the source of pressure against the body. The flexible foam or elastic support structures conform to the body's natural shape without creating localized pressure points, allowing the back strap to be adjusted for comfort without increasing harmful pressure from rigid casement structures.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If strapless brassieres are used to eliminate strap pressure, then neck and shoulder tension is eliminated, but the garment slides down the torso and flattens the breast profile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the support structures in the horizontal dimension, wrapping them around the rib cage and back to create a stable anchoring system. This extended configuration provides friction and mechanical interlocking that prevents the garment from sliding down the torso, while the flexible materials maintain the natural breast profile without flattening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible foam or elastic materials that can conform to the body's contours and provide friction-based holding power. These flexible structures adapt to the individual body shape, creating a customized fit that prevents slippage while maintaining the natural breast profile through gentle support rather than rigid compression.
Data Source
AI summary
A bustier garment may have first and second support structures that are housed within a housing. The first and second support structures may be positioned within the housing such that each of the respective support structures correspond to a position between a center and a bottom of a wearer's first and second respective breasts when the bustier garment is worn by a wearer. In one embodiment, the bustier garment may include first and second support structures that are positioned and oriented within a housing such that the respective first and second support structures are substantially perpendicular to a vertical midline of the garment and/or substantially parallel to a lower edge of the garment.