Dynamic Function Fashion Tape and Methodology

This application incorporates by reference and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/203,416, entitled Dynamic Function Fashion Tape, filed 2021 Jul. 21, that was converted to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/814,230 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,779,061 issued Oct. 10, 2023); and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/229,536 filed Aug. 2, 2023, by the present inventor.

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

The present invention relates to bras, brassieres, breast covers, fashion tape, breast tape, shape tape, body art, body tissue lifting, bodywear, and more specifically to disposable adhesive bra solutions, bra replacements, breast tape solutions, body art solutions, engineered fashion tape, body tissue lift tape, body tissue projecting solutions, bodywear lifting, bodywear projecting solutions, shape wear solutions, body smoothing tape, body shaping tape that are dynamically functioning.

There is increasing desire to find a more comfortable, pain free and healthy solution to wearing a bra and brassiere. There is also increasing desire to find a more visually pleasing solution to wearing a bra and brassiere to wear with certain styles of clothing.

Many users have discomfort and pain in the body while wearing bras and brassieres. One example is pain coming from the user wearing an underwire bra with the underwire in the cup poking into their side and a breast tissue causing discomfort. A second example is the bra not supporting the heavy weight of some breast tissue, and a bra strap is pulling down on the shoulders from said excess weight. A third example is a support frame anchoring the bra in the best place for support, but the user may not feel comfortable with the tightness of the support frame around user's ribcage and back. The excess weight of the breast tissue also causes back pain and poor posture in many users from the excess weight in the front of the user's body being out of balance with their body. A fourth example is when a ring and slide on the bra strap which are used for adjustment of the strap, are digging into fleshy areas of a user's upper torso. These examples are a few of many reasons users find bras uncomfortable and create pain in different areas of their body.

During the time of this filing, users worldwide have enjoyed the freedom and comfort of not wearing a bra while being quarantined and working from home during the global COVID-19 pandemic. For years, users have also been wearing a bralette, a seamless bra, and other tank top style bras for increased comfort and modesty to cover the breast and nipple, however, these bralettes and bras do not offer support, performance, or dynamic function. These types of styles provide modesty and comfort but do very little, if any, to provide support or performance features for the user's breast tissue, especially as breast tissue volume increases in the user.

There is increasing desire to find a healthier solution to wearing a bra, especially a bra with an underwire. The use of underwires in bras is to assist the projection of the user's breast tissue while wearing for a feminine and sensual look to the breast tissue. Underwire in the front cup is placed on a portion of the user's breast tissue in the garment and is not extending to the lateral sides of the breast tissue. Bras with traditionally u-shaped underwires in the cup restrict the natural flow of a person's lymphatic system while wearing, including a nerve cell and a mammary gland are all impacted by the restriction of a rigid underwire while a breast's inframammary fold is shaped like a soft, rounded check mark shape and reaches underneath an armpit and is therefore a very different shape than the underwire is representing. The placement of the underwire in the front and the outer side of the breast creates pressure and therefore many times is uncomfortable, creates pain and potential health issues.

Bra straps, support frames, a hook and eye, a metal hardware and underwire all create different forms of health issues. Bra straps create pressure on the shoulders, the bra support frame many times creates discomfort when worn for extended periods of time and when ill-fitting bras are worn. A hook and eye bra closure also become uncomfortable when the hook and eye is not quality and not having sufficient padding. The metal hardware on the bra strap may contain allergy causing nickel for users, and many times create pain in the user's body if placed in certain positions on the bra strap. Users have reported sustained painful issues and health problems from each one of these parts of the bra or in entirety of wearing a bra.

There is increasing desire to find a more visually pleasing solution to wearing a bra and brassiere. Many users want the look of wearing a great fitting, lifting and supportive underwire bra without the bra straps, and support frame around the body so that they can wear a plunging neckline, an open back, a halter neckline and other open fashion styles. They also increasingly want the comfort and freedom of not wearing a bra at all. The users that love the look of an underwire bra because of enhanced cleavage from the projection and lift of the breast tissue, and more rounded shape of the breast, many times wants a more comfortable and healthier solution to a traditional underwire bra. The user wants comfort and good health but also wants a feminine and sensual look, many times cannot find an alternative solution that is providing the lift, projection, support, and function of the traditional underwire bra. Users want the option to wear clothing and fashion they love but many times a clothing style does not work with wearing a traditional bra because of plunging necklines, open back and/or other styles lines in the clothing. Users do not want a cup, support frame, strap and the closure or a fastener of the traditional bra showing in the fashion style.

It is known in the prior art to have alternative bra and brassiere solutions that are a one-time wearable adhesive bra. One method of the one-time wearable adhesive bra is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,229,335 B2 to Davis (2007) where a breathable member is 100% Rayon, a woven, combined with one layer of a medical grade adhesive which has apertures also known as perforations in the embodiment for the purpose of breathability. It is the outer Rayon woven with the medical grade adhesive on the back and a paper liner for backing in combination is making it slippery, tearing easily, and difficult to apply. The paper liner is issued for protecting the adhesive before application. The embodiment tears easily while the user is first removing the paper liner. The woven adhesive embodiment wrinkles very easily while applying to the breast tissue and front torso area. The wrinkles stay after applying making it ineffective. Although it is breathable due to the apertures cut into the embodiment, the apertures are also making it easier to tear and wrinkle the outer Rayon as well. It is collapsing and losing its side stability, therefore again making it an ineffective solution.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,042 B2 to Davis (2003), an adhesive bra that is reusable, where the backless strapless bra with swivel snap system is a combination of 100% polyester material and a reusable silicone adhesive film inner layer embodiment. The swivel snap system is meant to swivel to create cleavage for the user. However, the snap system tears away easily from the material damaging the embodiment when trying to apply or remove from the user's breast making it ineffective. This material adhesive and snap combination flattens the breast tissue by pulling the sides of the breasts together in the center front sternum area, to create cleavage and lift, however, it is another ineffective approach and neither of the desired scenarios are working. There is no projection, no shaping, and no elevation, the embodiment is only creating a pulling mono-breast look. Depending on the weight and size of the breasts, they are falling, are not being supported, or shaped in a flattering way making it ineffective.

Another method of the one-time wearable adhesive bra is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,831 to Dodge (2002) wherein the fabric and adhesive tape combination is made for an alternative strapless swimsuit top. Dodge created an adhesive swimsuit top to adhere to the breast for an adhesive-free nipple area. One problem is an areola and a nipple are not uniformly located on breast tissue, often being in different positions from one breast to another for each person making this an ineffective solution.

In a desperate approach to find a solution to not wearing the bra, the industry is using a kinesiology tape as a solution to tape the breast, however it is invented for a different purpose and therefore not performing for the way it is desired and intended.

In U.S. Pat. No. 10,869,776 B2 to Hahn et al. (2020), the patent for kinesiology tape, which is currently being used, marketed, and patented as bra solutions from other inventors should be explained first. The kinesiology tape, a sport and physical therapy tape, was originally invented to heal and support the biochemical process in the body for humans and animals to engage with the body movement and influence certain biochemical processes such as the production of steroids. As stated in '776 B2, “Kinesiology tape may be elastic and stretchable in only one direction along an axis, which is typically along a length of the tape. Kinesiology tape may be stretched when it is applied to the skin and there may be a resulting tension in the tape that lifts the skin. Kinesiology tape may provide some support and stability. Kinesiology tape may create neuromuscular feedback which increases proprioception. Various taping techniques may tend to either relax muscles or create stronger firing of muscles”. Relaxed muscles and stronger firing of muscles renders this ineffective as a bra solution because it does not hold breast tissue in one place. The breast is still engaging with the body's movements and with gravity making this another ineffective solution for wearing a bra.

In U.S. Pat. No. 11,160,316 B2 to O'Leary (2021) another method of a “one-time wearable brassiere for supporting and lifting breasts”, is another invention to adhesive bra solutions on the market and is made of the above listed sport and physical therapy kinesiology tape. The embodiment pictured and described in '316 B2, is a large “pear-shaped” embodiment which temporarily covers the nipple and breast tissue. This has more of a natural feel for the skin and is softer than the previous versions of adhesive solutions mentioned above that are paper-like and tear easily. The kinesiology tape conforms better to the body and does not tear; however, it is very flattening to the breast and creates undesired side breast bulges, these problems increase as the breast size increases. The “pear-shaped stretchable woven fabric” squishes the breast in an awkward, undesired shape. The large “pear-shaped” embodiment flattens the breast, like a large nipple cover, that lifts the breast to a certain extent because it pulls on the upper breast skin area towards a collar bone and depending on the weight of the breast tissue, it elevates it somewhat. This is very unflattering and creating a masculine look with side breasts and back fat especially in the bigger sizes because it is distributing the breast tissue in a lateral way because the breast tissue itself is placed in a more oblong shape reaching from the sternum to underneath an armpit on the body. O'Leary is using the “pear-shaped” embodiment in combination with the kinesiology tape sold on a roll, as in '776 B2. Only when you apply additional cuttable kinesiology tape, which you must figure out and cut it yourself to apply it along the side of the breast tissue along an underarm towards a shoulder, you can cover the side breast bulge, and push the breast more towards the front sternum. Besides it not being pretty and feminine on the body because of the forementioned performance issues it is also leaving a lot of room for failure while the user is applying. Again, this is a lot of unnecessary, frustrating work and multiple products to create a look, that may not deliver the promise solution making it a less than effective product again.

In U.S. Pat. No. 10,638,799 B2 to Karon et al. (2020), “strapless and backless brassiere” for lifting and holding larger breasts in position, another one-time wearable bra. This invention improves the wrinkling issue found in earlier inventions with a plurality of tabs at the upper portion of the embodiment, and a plurality of scallops at the bottom portion of the embodiment but it does not solve it completely. It is improving forming around the roundness of the breast tissue because of the openings at the top. However, the plurality of tabs at the top which is meant to accommodate the volume and shape of the breast with this 2-dimensional embodiment is still creating an uneven surface with wrinkles around a bust point nipple area, which is the tip of a breast's projection and therefore will show everything, disturbing the desired look, especially under a piece of tight clothing. The breasts are still placed very far apart depending on the user's body shape and breast weight or volume. This invention is made of stretchable medical grade adhesive tape with one side coated as adhesive. But again, this one-time wearable adhesive bra solution is made of ultra-thin material making it more comfortable for the skin, but it is too thin and has too much stretch, so it is not able to support the weight of a larger breast making this an ineffective bra solution.

A need therefore exists for a bra solution that eliminates the above-described disadvantages and problems. Therefore, it is desirable to have a beautifully designed, comfortable, healthy, and high performing bra and brassiere solution which may or may not be seen when wearing clothes. The above disadvantages have been overcome in the present invention.

The present invention relates generally to dynamic function adhesive to be used in the manufacture of dynamic function fashion tape and the methodology. In particular, the invention refers to flexible material strategically placed singularly or plurally in combination with double coated medical grade adhesive strategically placed predetermined predisposed direction singularly or plurally to create the intelligence and methodology of the present invention.

In particular, the invention refers to an outer layer covering in strategically predetermined predisposed directional placement singularly or plurally and incorporating medical grade adhesive in strategically predetermined predisposed directional placement singularly or plurally in combination to create layers of a one-time wearable dynamic function fashion tape and the methodology for the purpose of creating a performance solution. The performance solution defies gravity shapes lifts projects and sculpts breast tissue body tissue and an area of the user's body.

Importantly, the dynamic function fashion tape and methodology of the present invention is not only visually pleasing and naturally comfortable, but it also performs dynamically and functions dynamically and fits the ideal image of any figure.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. The foregoing objects and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon referring to the detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which preferred structural embodiments incorporating the principles of the present invention are shown by way of illustrative examples. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

The present invention will now be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying figures, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention, may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

The term “dynamic function” as used herein represents the force of the embodiment. It is the performance on the body with a certain controlled stretchability that creates lift and shape when recovering, which is referring to said modulus.

The term “fashion tape” as used herein represents the solution many have used trying to keep the breast in place and lifted without being revealed when wearing challenging outerwear pieces such as a gown, plunging necklines, a backless super elongated triangle style, a deep cut underarm and other skin revealing necklines and cutouts in clothing.

A better understanding of the present invention may be obtained from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments described in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

represents the first embodimentof first layer made of elastic lacewith outer surfaceand inner surfaceof first layerpredisposed predetermined directionally placed.represents the first inner body layer of embodimentmade of medical grade adhesivepredisposed predetermined directionally placed.represents the second inner side support layer of embodimentmade of medical grade adhesive memberpredisposed predetermined directionally placed.represents all layers laminated together of embodimentwith first layer lacewith second layer medical grade adhesiveand with third layer medical grade adhesive. Thisis shown without the backing layer of paper linerfor purpose of showing the layers of predisposed predetermined directionally placed lace and adhesive members.represents the complete laminated embodimentfrom the backing layer protective paper linerpoint of view which is used to keep debris out before applying and to ensure proper function of the tape.represents an example of the cross section of laminated layers with lace layerwith body medical grade adhesive layerwith additional support medical adhesive layershown without protective paper liner.represents an example of the preferred order of placement of the combination of layers which may vary from embodiment to embodiment; cross section of laminated layers with lace layer(or other flexible fabrics) with body medical grade adhesive layerand additional support medical grade adhesive layer(or other support layers) shown including protective paper lining layer.represents an example of a final laminated lace version embodimentready to apply on the body.

Further explanation to the above detailed description in embodimentthe outer lace layeris placed directionally on one grain line strategically placed intentionally providing support for the breast tissue combined with the inner body medical grade adhesive layershown in, which is placed on a different grain line strategically placed intentionally for additional lift support and projection for the user's breast tissue. Furthermore, an additional side support medical grade adhesive layerrepresented inis added with another directional grain line strategically placed intentionally therefore adding even more lift support and projection for the user's breast tissue.

Instructions to adhering and wearing the first embodiment of the present invention dynamic function fashion tapeon the breast tissue and torso area are listed here. Before and after on-body sketches are shown in drawing.

To apply embodiment, the user will begin by removing paper lining layerfrom one of the pair either right or left side of the two-piece embodiment. Step two the wearer should hold the breast tissue up with their free hand while applying the tape with the other hand. Stepstart from the outer side at the underarm, applying across the bust line and finish adhering with the inner side at the center of the wearer's sternum. Applying the tape to the farthest outer portion of one breast near the underarm and finishing at the center front sternum this will achieve the best lift and projection of the wearer's breast tissue. Repeat these steps on the opposite breast.

is an example of the side view of the on-body sketch after applying dynamic function fashion tape. The dashed lines in the drawing represent breast tissue underneath to show placement on the wearer's breast and inframammary fold.

The dynamic function fashion tapeproviding a demi or balconet look of a bra silhouette is smooth and conforming to the body while creating the desired shape. The user will love how comfortable, feminine, and natural they will look with a soft projected and lifted breast tissue. The ease of movement and freedom from not having to wear a traditional bra will be very enjoyable to the user. The user will enjoy a wireless backless frameless strapless scooping breast volume device as it is truly a two-dimensional (2D) device that transforms and performs as a three-dimensional (3D) device.

The second embodiment of the present invention, dynamic function fashion tapeis a two-piece cup version like said lace dynamic function fashion tapebut in a fabric combination and slightly different design lines and shape to represent the variety of endless possibilities in the methodology.

represents the first layer of second embodimentmade of elastic fabricwith outer surfaceand inner surfaceof first layerpredisposed predetermined directionally placed.represents the first inner body layer of embodimentmade of medical grade adhesive memberpredisposed predetermined directionally placed.represents the second inner side support layer of embodimentmade of medical grade adhesive memberpredisposed predetermined directionally placed.represents embodimentof the complete laminated embodiment with first layer in elastic fabricwith second layer in medical grade adhesive layerand with third layer in medical grade adhesive. Not shown is the paper backing linerthat is used to keep debris out and secure proper function of the tape as illustrated in.represents an example of the cross section of complete laminated layers, with outer flexible textile layer representing different textile cover layers used depending on embodiment.represents an example of an outer fabric as the final laminated second embodimentbefore applying on the body. The user will apply embodimentas the same application as embodimentasand the user can vary the areola being shown or covered depending on breast tissue size and preference.represents embodimenton a user's body from the front after applying. Dashed lines represent areola partially covered and breast tissue underneath embodiment.represents embodimenton a user's body from the side and back view after applying.

The dynamic function fashion tapeperforms and feels like a second skin controlling the body's shape and movement in an ideal healthy way like the dynamic function fashion tape. It lifts and re-shapes the breast tissue in a feminine natural look, is very comfortable breathable body temperature neutral and light weight, the user may forget they are wearing it with the smooth surface underneath clothing being so enjoyable.

The third embodiment of the present invention dynamic function fashion tapeis a one-piece cup version like lace dynamic fashion tapein performance features and methodology but in an elastic lace one-piece combination and slightly different design lines and shape to represent the variety of endless possibilities in the methodology. For example, the one-piece dynamic function fashion tapecan be worn singularly or in pairs as desired by the user. All dynamic function fashion tape embodiments can be worn layered or in various combinations as desired by the user with endless possibilities of application of the methodology.

represents the first layer of third embodimentmade of elastic lacewith outer surfaceand inner surfaceof first layerpredisposed predetermined directionally placed.represents the first inner body layer of third embodimentmade of medical grade adhesive memberpredisposed predetermined directionally placed.represents the second inner center front support layer of third embodimentmade of medical grade adhesivepredisposed predetermined directionally placed.represents all layers laminated together of embodimentwith first layer in elastic lacewith second layer in medical grade adhesiveand with third layer in medical grade adhesive. Thisis shown without the backing layer of paper linerfor purpose of showing the layers of predisposed predetermined directionally placed lace and adhesive members.represents an example of the cross section of laminated layers, with flexible textile layer representing different textile cover layers used depending on embodiment and body adhesive layer and additional support adhesive layer representing different additional support members depending on embodiment, shown including protective paper liner layer.further represents an example of the outer lace as the final third embodimentbefore applying on the body.

is an example of a one-piece version of dynamic function fashion tape laceworn cradling both breast tissues with nipple cover shown for modesty, and dashed lines shown for representing the breast tissue underneath fashion tape. In this, the user is starting at the sternum applying fashion tapeacross one breast tissue while holding breast tissue to desired height to the underarm and then repeating the same steps on other side.is an example of a one-piece lace version of dynamic function fashion tapeworn in a pair on both sides of the breast and torso with very deep plunge outerwear. The dashed lines on the breast tissue represent where the breast tissue most probably is located underneath fashion tapedepending on breast tissue volume and desired placement. The dashed lines at the neckline and armhole represent a possible cut line and easily trim for adjustment. In this, the user is starting at the lower portion of the torso waistline area with one of the pieces of fashion tapeand applying it going up the torso holding the breast tissue up and into the desired height applying over the tissue on the outer side of breast tissue at underarm and end at the shoulder area depending on the desired neckline placement. Can be trimmed before applying. Repeat on the second side or as desired.

There are one piece and two-piece variations that can be used. The third embodiment, dynamic function fashion tapeis a one-piece embodiment that can be worn cradling the breast tissue from one breast to the other including both breast tissue areas. It can also be worn from neckline or shoulder area down along the underarm and the side of the breast or underneath the breast. The user can also wear it on the side of the breast toward the back, or in combination of any of the above. Many possibilities of applying the two-piece and one-piece embodiments together and/or separately, depending on the user's needs and desires. These examples are a great solution to wearing a strapless bra without the feeling of wanting to pull it up all day long because it naturally adheres to the breast tissue and torso areas. It eliminates a support frame and fastener. Traditional strapless bras also have very strong elastics with hot, uncomfortable silicone attached to the elastic. The silicone is also not breathable and irritates many users' skins while wearing including some having allergic reactions and all of this is eliminated with the present embodiments.

The present invention and methodology may provide lift smoothing and slimming benefits without the unsightly view of a bra, shape wear or other garments. The user can also wear multiple pairs of the present invention and layer them in different areas of their body for lift support and smoothing. The user can create their own silhouette and body art. There are endless combinations to create a solution to wearing traditional bras, lingerie, and other innerwear and outerwear garments. The present invention and methodology are made in pretty colors, fabrics, and laces, it lifts the user's breasts and spirit making you feel feminine while wearing and free of restriction. The opportunity and possibility to cover a large range of breast sizes, shapes and volume is endless, no matter if the breast is very different in size from left to right, or if the user had a mastectomy.

The present invention began as a replacement of a bra and has been further developed into a replacement for shape wear and solution garment options and a methodology of strategically designed dynamically functioning solutions. Additionally, it can be a replacement for swim, active, inner, and outer wear garments and accessories depending on the style of dynamic function fashion tape worn by the user.

The user will love how comfortable, feminine, and natural they will look with a soft projected and lifted breast tissue. The ease of movement and freedom from not having to wear a traditional bra will be very enjoyable to the user. Traditional bras have elastics, straps, underwire, support frame, and hardware that many find uncomfortable particularly larger breasted people. The user will also be able to enjoy wearing many different types of clothing with the present invention and methodology because of the lack of underwire, bra straps, support frame and a tight back. The user's body will move more freely, and user will feel healthier, and more feminine with the alternative to wearing a bra in the present invention and methodology.

The present invention and methodology lifts and re-shapes the breast tissue ideally, smooths body tissue in a healthy way, is very comfortable breathable body temperature neutral and light weight, the user may forget they are wearing it, is easy to apply, can wear continuously for up to 10 days during light physical activities, it is waterproof and showerproof, it is a non-surgical breast lift, and provides breast projection without underwire or any other harmful, rigid force around the tissue that would achieve some kind of uncontrolled projection. The present invention and methodology are a wireless backless frameless strapless scooping breast volume device. It is truly a two-dimensional (2D) device that transforms and performs as a three-dimensional (3D) device.

All illustrations of the drawings are for describing selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The specifications describe a dynamic function fashion tape, dynamic function fashion tapeand dynamic function fashion tapeas applied to breast tissue. However, the inventive dynamic function fashion tape design and methodology may be used in any application in which the user may benefit from and/or require projection lift support and/or concealing shaping smoothing of breast tissue and/or other body tissue.

Others have invented fashion tapes that are difficult to apply, and don't perform easily or in a satisfying way. The present invention of fashion tape is dynamically functioning and dynamically performing because of the various aspects and advantages of the present methodology. It is a well-researched and well-tested, solution and high-performance driven methodology that provides controlled projection fit lift and ultimate comfort due to consciously selected materials and components that are strategically placed to create reinforced power zones.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the embodiments disclosed in the examples which is intended as illustrations of the aspect of the invention and the methodology which are functionally equivalent are within the scope of the invention. Various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is realized that other variations and modifications of the embodiments listed are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, any equivalents to the embodiments described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims.