Brassiere with Concealed Utility Pocket

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/717,480, which was filed on Nov. 7, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of bra. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel bra having at least one credit or debit card sized pocket embedded therein. The pocket is used for storing and accessing personal items such as cards, folded bills, coins, and more. The pocket helps replace the need for a purse or handbag while traveling. The pocket is strategically located within the cup of the bra, positioned off to the side. The pocket is constructed from mesh or other breathable fabrics, maintaining comfort and breathability for the wearer. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, most apparel for women lacks dedicated pockets or storage space for securing small valuable or essential items such as credit cards, money, cell phones, and other personal belongings. Consequently, handbags and wallets are commonly used by women for carrying such items. However, purses can be bulky, making them a target for theft and prone to being easily stolen. Additionally, carrying a purse occupies the hands and arms, and finding smaller items within a purse can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Without the ability to carry a handbag or wallet, women often find themselves without convenient storage options for their personal items.

Although some women's clothing includes pockets but placing personal items in these pockets can lead to several issues. Items may be damaged when a person sits down, and the security of items stored in such pockets is often compromised, making them susceptible to theft or loss. Additionally, storing items in apparel pockets can alter the shape and appearance of the clothing, which many women find undesirable. As a result, women are frequently compelled to carry a purse or handbag, despite its inconveniences.

To securely store important personal items, many women resort to placing them in standard bra cups. However, bra cups are not designed for secure storage and items can slip out easily and may be exposed to perspiration. Furthermore, it is often embarrassing and inconvenient for women to adjust stored items and bra cups in public settings. There is a desire among women for improved bras that can securely and comfortably hold personal items without causing discomfort or altering the bra's appearance.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved bra that enables a wearer to store personal items inside the bra. There is also a long felt need in the art for a novel bra that includes a concealed utility pocket for holding personal items. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for improved bras that can securely and comfortably hold personal items without causing discomfort or altering the bra's appearance. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a pocket bra which includes at least one pocket which helps replace the need for a purse or handbag while traveling. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved brassiere that enables users to store change, ID cards, credit cards, lip balm, and numerous other small items in an embedded pocket. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a bra that integrates a pocket within the bra's structure to provide secure, accessible, and comfortable storage option. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a bra with at least one embedded pocket that offers a practical and secure solution for women to store their essential items discreetly.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a brassiere with concealed utility pocket. The brassiere further comprises a left cup and a right cup, each configured to support the respective breast of a wearer. At least one strap and a fastening mechanism for securing the brassiere to the body of the wearer. At least one pocket is disposed (i.e., attached) inside at least one of the bra cups, the pocket is sewn along a side edge of the cup and has an open top end covered by a flap, wherein the flap is detachably fastened using a hook and loop fastener to secure the items stored inside the pocket. The pocket may include silver-infused edges for hygiene, an insulating layer also functioning as a radio frequency (RF) shield, and a built-in Bluetooth tracking device.

In this manner, the brassiere with concealed utility pocket of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with an improved bra featuring at least one pocket sewn into at least one breast cup. The pocket provides discreet or concealable storage within a bra, offering a practical alternative to carrying small personal items such as credit cards, cash, coins, and a location device such as Apple™ AirTag™. The pocket features a flap with a hook and loop fastener for secure closure and is made from breathable, antimicrobial-treated fabric. The bra securely and comfortably holds personal items without causing discomfort or altering the bra's appearance. The bra functions as a practical alternative to carrying a purse or handbag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a brassiere. The brassiere further comprises a left cup and a right cup, each configured to support the respective breast of a wearer. A left strap extends from a top end of the left cup to a left wing of the brassiere and a right strap extends from a top end of the right cup to a right wing of the brassiere. A fastening mechanism is integrated for securing the brassiere to the body of the wearer. At least one pocket is disposed (i.e., attached) inside at least one of the bra cups, the pocket is sewn along a side edge of the cup and has an open top end covered by a flap, wherein the flap is detachably fastened using a hook and loop fastener to secure the items stored inside the pocket.

In yet another embodiment, a brassiere with a concealed utility pocket is disclosed. The brassiere includes a left cup and a right cup, each cup including an inner surface and an outer surface. A pocket is integrated within at least one cup and is positioned towards the outer edge and near the underarm area, the pocket has a pair of side edges and a bottom edge sewn to the cup, and an open top end covered by a flap, the flap includes a hook and loop fastener, wherein the pocket is constructed from mesh fabric and includes antimicrobial treatment to prevent bacterial growth.

In another embodiment, the pocket is made from a breathable fabric and designed to be easily accessed while the brassiere is being worn.

In another aspect, the pocket dimensions are approximately 3 inches in length and 2 inches in width to 4 inches in length and 3 inches in width.

In yet another aspect, the pocket includes an insulating layer to function as an RF shield, preventing heat and RF energy from escaping the pocket. A built-in Bluetooth tracking device is embedded within the pocket, the device is a low energy Bluetooth beacon for tracking the brassiere when lost or tracking the wearer of the brassiere.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the concealed utility compartment brassiere of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an isolated view of the personal items holding pocket embedded in the concealed utility pocket brassiere of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view showing the position of the pocket in the pocket brassiere in accordance with the disclosed structure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a user wearing the utility compartment brassiere of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the bra pocket used in the utility compartment brassiere of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved bra that enables a wearer to store personal items inside the bra. There is also a long felt need in the art for a novel bra that includes a concealed utility pocket for holding personal items. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for improved bras that can securely and comfortably hold personal items without causing discomfort or altering the bra's appearance. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a pocket bra which includes at least one pocket which helps replace the need for a purse or handbag while traveling. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved brassiere that enables users to store change, ID cards, credit cards, lip balm, Apple™ AirTag™, and numerous other small items in an embedded pocket. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a bra that integrates a pocket within the bra's structure to provide secure, accessible, and comfortable storage option. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a bra with at least one embedded pocket that offers a practical and secure solution for women to store their essential items discreetly.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a brassiere with a concealed utility pocket. The brassiere includes a left cup and a right cup, each cup including an inner surface and an outer surface. A pocket is integrated within at least one cup and is positioned towards the outer edge and near the underarm area, the pocket has a pair of side edges and a bottom edge sewn to the cup, and an open top end covered by a flap, the flap includes a hook and loop fastener, wherein the pocket is constructed from mesh fabric and includes antimicrobial treatment to prevent bacterial growth.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the concealed utility compartment brassiere of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The concealed utility pocket brassiere 100 is designed to provide a discreet or concealable storage space within a bra. More specifically, the pocket bra 100 functions as a practical alternative to carrying a small purse or handbag for carrying small personal items such as a credit card, coins, Apple™ AirTag™, cash, and more. The pocket bra 100 includes a left cup 102 for supporting left breast of a wearer and a right cup 104 for supporting right breast of the wearer. A left strap 106 extends from the top end 108 of the left cup 102 to the left wing 110 of the bra 100. A right strap 112 extends from the top end 114 of the right cup 104 to the right wing 116 of the bra 100.

A set of hooks 118 is disposed at the end 120 of the right wing 116 and a set of corresponding eyes 122 is disposed at the end 123 of the left wing 110 enabling the hooks and eyes to secure the bra 100 to the body of the wearer. The straps 106, 112 are preferably adjustable to fit the bra 100 to different users. A pocket 124 is disposed (i.e., attached) inside at least one bra cup which can be either left cup 102 or right cup 104. The pocket 124 is not visible from outside and is sewn along the side edge 126 of the cup 102. The pocket 124 has an open top end 128 which is covered by a flap 130. The flap 130 includes a hook fastener 132 disposed thereon for detachably fastening to the loop fastener 134 which is disposed on the pocket surface 136 or on the bra cup as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The pocket 124 can be of any geometric shape but is preferably generally square or rectangular (i.e., rectilinear). The flap 130 can be easily reached by the wearer of the bra 100 and the flap opens up slightly upwards for easy access of the stored items as illustrated in FIG. 2. The side placement of the pocket 124 enables the items stored within the pocket 124 to not protrude or alter the external shape of the bra 100, maintaining a smooth silhouette. The pocket 124 can have dimensions from about 3″(L)×2″ (W) to about 4″ (L)×3″ (W) and helps in maintaining structural integrity and support of the pocket bra 100, distributing weight evenly and avoiding any imbalance or discomfort.

The pocket 124 is designed to be easily opened and accessed while the pocket bra 100 is being worn, providing convenience without the need to disrobe the pocket bra 100. The hook and loop fastener 132, 134 secures the items inside the pocket 124, preventing accidental loss. The pocket 124 is preferably made from mesh or other breathable fabrics, maintaining comfort and breathability for the wearer of the bra 100 and can be designed in the same or different color from the bra 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isolated view of the personal items holding pocket embedded in the concealed utility pocket brassiere 100 of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated, the pocket 124 includes a pair of side edges 202, 204 which are sewn to a bra cup and a bottom edge 206 which is also sewn to the bra cup. The flap 130 pivot edge can be sewn to the bra cup and the flap 130 is adapted to open towards the center of the body or slightly upwards (Arrow A) ensuring that the wearer can easily access the pocket with a simple hand movement. The hook and loop fastener 132, 134 enable secure fastening of the flap 130 of the pocket 124.

In some embodiments, the edges 202, 204, 206 are silver-infused to maintain hygiene and reduce odor and antimicrobial treatments are applied to the pocket fabric to prevent the growth of bacteria on stored items. The pocket 124 is insulating and functions as an RF-shield, thereby preventing heat of battery and RF energy to come out of the pocket 124.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view showing the position of the pocket in the pocket brassiere in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, the pocket 124 is placed towards the side of the cup 102, away from the center or apex 302 of the cup. The pocket 124 minimizes interference with the main support and shaping function of the bra cup.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a user wearing the utility compartment brassiere of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, a wearer 400 wears the pocket bra 100 as a conventional bra and the bra pocket 124 is positioned towards the outer edge 402 of the breast, near the underarm area 404. The pocket 124 can be easily accessed from the top edge 406 of the bra cup 102 or can also be accessed from the side edge 126 of the bra cup. The side placement and seam integration of the bra pocket 124 enable easy access without significant movement, making it convenient to retrieve or store items by the wearer 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the bra pocket used in the utility compartment brassiere of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the present embodiment, the bra pocket 502 includes a built-in Bluetooth tracking device 504 designed for tracking the bra 100 when lost and for tracking the wearer of the bra 100. The tracking device 504 can be in the form of low energy Bluetooth beacon.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “concealed utility compartment brassiere”, “concealed utility pocket brassiere”, “pocket bra”, and “bra” are interchangeable and refer to the concealed utility pocket brassiere 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the concealed utility pocket brassiere 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the concealed utility pocket brassiere 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the concealed utility pocket brassiere 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the concealed utility pocket brassiere 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the concealed utility pocket brassiere 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.