Undergarment with an adjustable support configuration

Abstract

The bra adjustment mechanism enables a wearer to modify the fit of the garment. The adjustment mechanism is suitable for bras having a cup portion, a body surround portion and a strap that is connected between the cup and body surround portions. The strap has a free end with a connector for attaching the strap to a body surround portion, which has a plurality of connection positions for to securing the connector to the body surround at a selected position. The body surround preferably includes an elastic segment that provides an expansion area in the body surround for maximum sizing flexibility upon closure of the bra or movement by a wearer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bra having a cup, a body surround, and a strap that is connected between the cup and the body surround,
 wherein the strap has at least one free end that includes a connector, and   the body surround includes at least one position that defines a plurality of connection positions that are configured to mate with the strap connector and secure the free end of the strap to the body surround at a selected connection position.   
     
     
         2 . The bra of  claim 1 , further comprising a guide that locates the free end of the strap relative to the plurality of connection positions. 
     
     
         3 . The bra of  claim 1 , wherein the body surround includes at least one elastic portion. 
     
     
         4 . The bra of  claim 2 , further comprising a comfort closure that depends from the guide. 
     
     
         5 . The bra of  claim 1 , further comprising a comfort closure that overlies the plurality of connection positions. 
     
     
         6 . The bra of  claim 4 , wherein the comfort closure is connected to the body surround. 
     
     
         7 . An adjustment mechanism for a bra having a cup, a body surround, and a strap that is connected between the cup and the body surround and has at least one free end of the strap secured to a connector, the adjustment mechanism comprising:
 a plurality of connection positions that are defined on the body surround and are configured to secure the connector to the body surround at a selected one of the plurality of connection positions.   
     
     
         8 . The adjustment mechanism of  claim 7 , further comprising a guide on the body surround that locates the free end of the strap relative to the plurality of connection positions. 
     
     
         9 . The adjustment mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the body surround includes at least one elastic portion. 
     
     
         10 . The adjustment mechanism of  claim 8 , further comprising a comfort closure that depends from the guide. 
     
     
         11 . The adjustment mechanism of  claim 7 , further comprising a comfort closure that overlies the plurality of connection positions. 
     
     
         12 . The adjustment mechanism of  claim 10 , wherein the comfort closure is connected to the body surround. 
     
     
         13 . A bra comprising:
 two cups that are connected to each other and to a body surround that includes an elastic portion;   two straps, each strap is connected to a respective cup, and has a free end with a connector; and,   two strap guides that are attached to the body surround;   wherein the body surround includes a plurality of connection positions that are configured to mate with the strap connectors and secure the straps to the body surround at selected connection positions and the strap guides locate the free ends of the straps relative to the plurality of connection positions.