Mammiform and Protector
In 1864, Eleanor Marshall was granted Patent No. 43,321 for her "mammiform breast-protectors." From her patent:
With springs like that, if a woman accidentally fell forward she'd bounce right back up.
Be it known that I, E.M. Marshall, of Hillsdale, Columbia county, in the State of New York, have invented, made, and applied to use a new and improved article for ladies' wear, which I term a "Mammiform and Protector"...
My improved mammiform and protector is formed of wire wound upon these formers, forming two springs, AA, connected together as shown, and being as similar as possible to the natural breasts. These springs AA may be separated and used singly when desired...
My improved mammiform and protector, being thus constructed, will be found to possess the following advantages: light, flexible, and covering the natural breasts without depressing them, and serving to protect them, and yet the springs of my mammiform and protector may be pressed together or onto the natural breasts, or in any other direction, and when relieved from such pressure resume their natural position and save the wearer the relaxing and debilitating effects of pads, answering all the purposes of a protector, and always presenting a natural appearance.
My improved mammiform and protector is formed of wire wound upon these formers, forming two springs, AA, connected together as shown, and being as similar as possible to the natural breasts. These springs AA may be separated and used singly when desired...
My improved mammiform and protector, being thus constructed, will be found to possess the following advantages: light, flexible, and covering the natural breasts without depressing them, and serving to protect them, and yet the springs of my mammiform and protector may be pressed together or onto the natural breasts, or in any other direction, and when relieved from such pressure resume their natural position and save the wearer the relaxing and debilitating effects of pads, answering all the purposes of a protector, and always presenting a natural appearance.
With springs like that, if a woman accidentally fell forward she'd bounce right back up.
Comments
In the junk drawer in the kitchen, Mom had an egg separator that was formed very much like that. I don't recall her ever using it - it was more a curiosity then a practical device.
Posted by KDP on 12/29/22 at 12:21 PM
Looks like a classic conical 50s "bullet bra"without the fabric.
Posted by eddi on 12/30/22 at 04:12 AM
And what are we trying to protect them from???
Posted by Brian on 12/30/22 at 09:44 AM
Madonna, eat your heart out!
Posted by Richard Bos on 12/31/22 at 12:37 PM
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Category: Patents | Underwear | Nineteenth Century