The present invention relates generally to the field of undergarments and more specifically to a backless and strapless multi-piece bra. according to the preamble of claim 1 and known from US-A-4 553 550.

Bras have long been used to provide support to a wearer's breasts. However, traditional bras are unacceptable when worn with backless or shoulderless outer garments, as various parts, including their straps, will be visible. As a result, various backless and/or strapless bras have been developed for use with such outer garments.

For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,780,081 to Chen et al. describes a backless, strapless bra having cups held to a wearer's breasts with an adhesive. However, the device of the Chen et al. patent utilizes a connector between the cups of the bra which is intended to provide cleavage to a user's breasts. As such, the device cannot be worn with outer garments having plunging necklines, as the connector and possibly the cups of the device will be visible. In addition, the device would provide little support for the underside of a wearer's breast.

Accordingly, a need exists for a bra that is backless and strapless and is capable of providing support and/or cleavage to a wearer's breasts while being usable with a wide range of revealing outer garments.

The device of the present invention provides a backless, strapless bra that provides support and/or cleavage to a wearer's breasts and the components of which are not visible, even when worn with a wide variety of revealing outer garments.

The invention provides a backless and strapless bra comprising a set of cup members for supporting a front surface of a wearer's breast, a set of support members for supporting an underside of a wearer's breast, and at least one mesh member connecting a support member to at least one of a cup member and a second support member, wherein each cup member is unattached to any other cup member.

The foregoing and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention.

The embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like elements, and wherein:

• FIGS. 1A-I show several views and embodiments of a multi-piece bra having a round cup.
• FIGS. 2A-F show several views and embodiments of a multi-piece bra having an oval cup.
• FIGS. 3A-F show several views and embodiments of a multi-piece bra having an "eye-shaped" cup.
• FIGS. 4A-H show several views and embodiments of a multi-piece bra having a half-round cup.
• FIGS. 5A-G show several views and embodiments of a multi-piece bra having a partial half-round push-up cup.

The multi-piece bras shown in figures 1A, 1B, 1D, 1E, 1H, 1I, 2A, 2B, 2D - 2F, 3A, 3B, 3D - 3F, 4A, 4B, 4D - 4H, 5A, 5B, 5D - 5F and 5G do not form part of the invention but represent background art useful for understanding the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-B, a first embodiment of a multi-piece bra is shown. FIG. 1A shows a front view of the device 1, comprising a round cup member 10 and a support member 20. Support member 20 is depicted as an elongate member having squared ends 20a, 20b. One or both ends 20a, 20b may similarly be rounded. Cup member 10 and support member 20 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone. An exemplary cloth material is a tricote available from MBK Enterprises, Inc. of Chatsworth, CA, U.S.A. Optionally, cup member 10, support member 20, or both may be composed of a stretchable foam material. In addition, cup member 10 may include various devices common to the manufacture of bras, including, for example, padding to provide the appearance of a larger breast.

FIG. 1B shows a front view of device 1 as it would be applied to a wearer. Support member 20 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 10 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 10 and support member 20 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 10 may partially or completely cover support member 20 when applied.

FIG. 1C shows device 1 with optional mesh member 40 connecting cup member 10 and support member 20. Mesh member 40 may be of the same material or a different material as cup member 10 and support member 20.

FIG. 1D shows device 1 having a first support member 20 and a second support member 22 residing below first support member, and each residing below cup member 10. First and second support members may be of the same or different materials.

FIG. 1E shows device 1 of FIG. 1D with optionally rounded ends 20a, 20b, 22a, 22b on each of first support member 20 and second support member 22. It should be appreciated that while each end of first support member 20 and second support member 22 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared.

FIG. 1F shows a side view of device 1 as it would be located on a wearer's breast. Cup member 10 and support member 20 are secured to a wearer's breast by an adhesive 30 along an inner surface of each of cup member 10 and support member 20. Adhesive 30 may be provided upon one or both of cup member 10 and support member 20 or it may be applied to the inner surfaces of each by a wearer prior to application of device 1. Adhesive 30 may cover one or more portions or an entire interior surface of cup member 10 and support member 20. Substances suitable for use as adhesive 30 include skin-sensitive, pressure-sensitive, hypoallergenic, acrylate adhesives that are non-toxic and non-irritating to a wearer's skin. Such adhesives are available from, for example, 3M Inc. of St. Paul MN, U.S.A.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, adhesive 30 is a layer of silicone having properties making it adhesive or "tacky" to the touch. Such a material provides sufficient adhesion to a wearer's breast that cup member 10 and support member 20 are held in place and provide sufficient support to a wearer's breast but may be easily removed without causing discomfort to a wearer's skin. Optionally, cup member 10, support member 20, or both may be composed of such a silicone, obviating the need for a separate layer of adhesive 30.

Support member 20 is an elongate member placed substantially along an underside of a breast, providing support in direction A similar to that of an underwire in a traditional bra. Cup member 10 is placed over a front surface of a breast, providing support in direction B, holding the breast toward the wearer's body. Optionally, a mesh member 40 may connect cup member 10 and support member 20. Preferably, there is no adhesive 30 on an interior surface of mesh member 40. As such, mesh member 40 may provide additional support to a breast while still allowing the independent movement of cup member 10 and support member 20.

FIG. 1G shows a side view of device 1 as it would be located on a wearer's breast. First support member 20 is connected to cup member 10 and second support member 22 by first mesh member 40 and second mesh member 42, respectively. Such an embodiment may be useful, for example, where a wearer requires additional support for the underside of a breast. As in FIG. 1F, adhesive 30 may be applied to a portion or an entire interior surface of cup member 10, first support member 20, and second support member 22.

FIG. 1H shows a side view of device 1, wherein cup member 10 is applied to cover support member 20. As in FIGS. 1F-G, adhesive 30 may be applied to a portion or an entire interior surface of cup member 10 and support member 20.

FIG. 1I shows a partially exploded side elevational view of device 1 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Two cup members 10L, 10R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts. Right cup member 10R and right support member 20R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast. Right support member 20R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while right cup member 10R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast. Left cup member 10L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 10L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course, that left cup member 10L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member.

While FIGS. 1A-I show cup member 10 having a substantially round shape, other shapes are possible. Such shapes include, for example, half-rounds, partial half-rounds, ovals, half-ovals, partial half-ovals, "eye" shapes, and ellipses. Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to FIGS. 2A-F, 3A-F, 4A-H, and 5A-G.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-F, various embodiments of device 100 are shown, wherein cup member 110 has an oval shape. FIG. 2A shows a front view of device 100, comprising an oval cup member 110 and a support member 120. Cup member 110 and support member 120 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone.

FIG. 2B shows a front view of device 1 as it would be applied to a wearer. Support member 120 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 110 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 10 and support member 120 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 110 may partially or completely cover support member 120 when applied.

FIG. 2C shows device 100 with optional mesh member 140 connecting cup member 110 and support member 120. Mesh member 140 may be of the same material or a different material as cup member 110 and support member 120.

FIG. 2D shows device 100 with a first support member 120 and a second support member 122 residing below first support member, and each residing below cup member 110. First and second support members may be of the same or different materials.

FIG. 2E shows device 100 of FIG. 2D with optionally rounded ends 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b on each of first support member 120 and second support member 122. It should be appreciated that while each end of first support member 120 and second support member 122 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared.

FIG. 2F shows a partially exploded side elevational view of device 100 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Two cup members 110L, 110R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts. Right cup member 110R and right support member 120R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast. Right support member 120R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while right cup member 110R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast. Left cup member 110L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 110L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course, that left cup member 110L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-F, various embodiments of device 200 are shown, wherein cup member 210 has an exaggerated oval or "eye" shape. FIG. 3A shows a front view of the device 200, comprising an "eye-shaped" cup member 210 and a support member 220. Cup member 10 and support member 20 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of device 200 as it would be applied to a wearer. Support member 220 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 210 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 210 and support member 220 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 210 may partially or completely cover support member 220 when applied.

FIG. 3C shows device 200 with optional mesh member 240 connecting cup member 210 and support member 220. Mesh member 240 may be of the same material or a different material as cup member 210 and support member 220.

FIG. 3D shows device 200 with a first support member 220 and a second support member 222 residing below first support member, and each residing below cup member 210. First and second support members may be of the same or different materials.

FIG. 3E shows device 200 of FIG. 3D with optionally rounded ends 220a, 220b, 222a, 222b on each of first support member 220 and second support member 222. It should be appreciated that while each end of first support member 220 and second support member 222 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared.

FIG. 3F shows a partially exploded side elevational view of device 200 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Two cup members 210L, 210R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts. Right cup member 210R and right support member 220R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast. Right support member 220R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while right cup member 210R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast. Left cup member 210L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 210L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course, that left cup member 210L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-H, various embodiments of device 300 are shown, wherein cup member 310 has a half-round shape, wherein cup member 310 is substantially U-shaped and a top portion of cup member 310 has opposing sides that are substantially parallel. FIG. 4A shows a front view of the device 300, comprising a half-round cup member 310 and a support member 320. Cup member 310 and support member 320 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone.

FIG. 4B shows a front view of device 300 as it would be applied to a wearer. Support member 320 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 310 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 310 and support member 320 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 310 may partially or completely cover support member 320 when applied.

FIG. 4C shows device 300 with optional mesh member 340 connecting cup member 310 and support member 320. Mesh member 340 may be of the same material or a different material as cup member 310 and support member 320.

FIG. 4D shows device 300 with a first support member 320 and a second support member 322 residing below first support member, and each residing below cup member 310. First and second support members may be of the same or different materials.

FIG. 4E shows device 300 of FIG. 4D with optionally rounded ends 320a, 320b, 322a, 322b on each of first support member 320 and second support member 322. It should be appreciated that while each end of first support member 320 and second support member 322 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared.

FIG. 4F shows device 300 of FIG. 4A, wherein cup member 310 further comprises an underwire 350. Such an embodiment may be desirable, for example, where a wearer desires more upward support of a breast than is provided by support member 320.

FIG. 4G shows a front view of device 300 as it would be applied to a wearer. Support member 320 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 310, which includes underwire 350, is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 310 and support member 320 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 310 may partially or completely cover support member 320 when applied.

FIG. 4H shows a partially exploded side elevational view of device 300 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Two cup members 310L, 310R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts. Right cup member 310R and right support member 320R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast. Right support member 320R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while right cup member 310R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast. Left cup member 310L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 310L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course, that left cup member 310L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-G, various embodiments of device 400 are shown, wherein cup member 410 has a partial half-round shape, designed to raise and move a wearer's breast to a medial position, thus providing cleavage. FIG. 5A shows a front view of the device 400, comprising a partial half-round cup member 410 and a support member 420. Cup member 410 and support member 420 may each be composed of one or more of a number of materials, including, for example, cloth and silicone.

FIG. 5B shows a front view of device 400 as it would be applied to a wearer. Support member 420 resides along an underside of a wearer's breast while cup member 410 is placed along a front surface of the breast. While both cup member 410 and support member 420 are substantially flat before application, each conforms to the shape of a wearer's breast upon application. As shown, cup member 410 may partially or completely cover support member 420 when applied.

FIG. 5C shows device 400 with optional mesh member 440 connecting cup member 410 and support member 420. Mesh member 440 may be of the same material or a different material as cup member 410 and support member 420.

FIG. 5D shows device 400 with a first support member 420 and a second support member 422 residing below first support member, and each residing below cup member 410. First and second support members may be of the same or different materials.

FIG. 5E shows device 400 of FIG. 5D with optionally rounded ends 420a, 420b, 422a, 422b on each of first support member 420 and second support member 422. It should be appreciated that while each end of first support member 420 and second support member 422 is shown having a rounded shape, it is within the scope of the present invention that one end of either or both support members may be rounded while the other end is squared.

FIG. 5F shows device 400 comprising a pair of cup members 410R, 410L and support members 420R, 420L as well as optional tab members 460R, 460L located on or adjacent a lateral surface of each cup member 410R, 410L. That is, tab members 460R, 460L may be attached to cup members 410R, 410L by any means known in the art or may be applied as independent members to areas adjacent cup members 410R, 410L. Tab members 460R, 460L provide additional support to a wearer's breast by further securing cup member 410R, 410L to a side of the wearer's body. Accordingly, an adhesive such as that described above may be applied to a portion or an entire interior surface of tab member 460R, 460L. Tab members 460R, 460L may be of the same or a different material than cup member 410R, 410L and support member 420R, 420L.

FIG. 5G shows a partially exploded side elevational view of device 400 as applied to a wearer (shown in phantom). Two cup members 410L, 410R are provided, one for each of a wearer's breasts. Right cup member 410R and right support member 420R are shown before application to the wearer's right breast. Right support member 420R is to be applied to an underside of the wearer's right breast while right cup member 410R is to be applied to a front surface of the wearer's right breast. Left cup member 410L is shown applied to the wearer's left breast. As applied, left cup member 410L covers left support member (not shown), which has been applied to an underside of the wearer's left breast. It should be understood, of course, that left cup member 410L or any other cup member may similarly cover only a portion of a support member or none of the support member, depending, for example, on the size of a wearer's breast and/or the particular sites of application of the cup member and the support member.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.