Sports bra

Abstract

A bra with an adjustable and distributed support mechanism is disclosed. One aspect of certain embodiments includes support lifters that are adjustable using a tensioning mechanism.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A bra comprising:
 a distributed tensioning mechanism including a respective set of lifters at each breast portion of the bra connected to a respective tension strap at a respective shoulder portion of the bra;   a tension adjusting device for applying tension to the respective tension straps and the respective sets of lifters; and   wherein:   each set of lifters form a distributed web over each breast portion of the bra; and   the respective tension strap at each respective shoulder portion of the bra extends from an apex portion of the distributed web, the respective tension strap continuing over the respective shoulder portion and around a back portion of the bra to a frontal girth portion of the bra and coupling to the tension adjusting device at the frontal girth portion of the bra.   
     
     
         2 . The bra of  claim 1 , wherein the tension adjusting device comprises a spool and a ratchet, wherein the spool can be rotated in one direction to increase the tension applied to the distributed tensioning mechanism or rotated in another direction to reduce the tension applied to the distributed tensioning mechanism, and wherein the ratchet can lock the spool when the ratchet is in contact with the spool. 
     
     
         3 . The bra of  claim 1 , wherein the tension adjusting device comprises a rack and drive pinion, wherein the drive pinion can be rotated in one direction to increase the tension applied to the distributed tensioning mechanism or rotated in another direction to reduce the tension applied to the distributed tensioning mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The bra of  claim 1 , wherein the tension adjusting device comprises a spool and a locking strap, wherein the spool can be rotated in one direction to increase the tension applied to the distributed tensioning mechanism or rotated in another direction to reduce the tension applied to the distributed tensioning mechanism, and wherein the spool includes a locking surface that is capable of mating with a corresponding locking surface of the locking strap. 
     
     
         5 . The bra of  claim 1 , wherein the tension adjusting device comprises a spool and a locking strap, wherein the spool can be rotated in one direction to increase the tension applied to the distributed tensioning mechanism or rotated in another direction to reduce the tension applied to the distributed tensioning mechanism, and wherein the spool includes a hook and loop surface that is capable of adhering to a corresponding hook and loop surface of the locking strap. 
     
     
         6 . The bra of  claim 1 , wherein the tension adjusting device comprises a spring loaded hinged lock comprising a fixed portion and a movable hinged portion, wherein the movable hinged portion impinges on a portion of the respective tension straps when the movable hinged portion is in the locked position. 
     
     
         7 . The bra of  claim 1 , wherein the tension adjusting device includes a finger detent portion for rotating a spool of the tension adjusting device. 
     
     
         8 . The bra of  claim 1 , wherein the tension adjusting device includes a rotating spool with an easy-to-grip surface.