CN114245716A

CN114245716A - clothing products

Info

Publication number: CN114245716A
Application number: CN202080044973.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 阿什利·马尔代西
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-06-18
Filing date: 2020-06-18
Publication date: 2022-03-25
Also published as: US20220295910A1; WO2020252531A1; JP2022537332A; CA3144109A1; EP3986187A1; EP3986187A4; AU2020295283A1

Abstract

A bra cover (10) has a main body portion (2) configured to be worn around at least an upper portion of a user's torso and at least one shoulder strap (8) connected to the main body portion (2). The body part 2 has an inner fabric layer ( 4 ) and an outer fabric layer 6 . The bra cover (10) has at least one opening (12, 18) in the inner fabric layer (4) or the outer fabric layer 6 of the main body part (2) through which openings can be inserted The bra strap and cup portion of the bra is held between the inner and outer fabric layers.

Description

Clothing product

Technical Field

The present invention relates to articles of clothing, and more particularly to a covering for a brassiere.

Background

Fashionable corsets or brassieres have been the mainstream of manufacture and use since the early 1900 s. The main components of a standard brassiere include a chest band (band) that encircles the torso and supports the two cups. The cups are held in place by two shoulder straps. The chest band may be fastened at the back, typically by hook and eye fasteners. In some variations, the brassiere may not include shoulder straps ("strapless brassiere"), or may have detachable shoulder straps that may be removed or rearranged to change the configuration of the shoulder straps.

Bras are designed according to a set of standard, idealized sizes. Due to the wide variety of human anatomy, many users find it difficult to find a suitable brassiere. There is often a conflict between comfort (i.e., support provided by the brassiere, materials used, etc.) and style. That is, the user's favorite brassiere (based on comfort) may not be suitable for fashion wear with clothing that displays components of the brassiere (e.g., the brassiere shoulder straps). The user may also wish to change the appearance of their favorite brassiere from the user's other garments.

In such cases, there is a need for an article of clothing and method for covering, hiding and/or disguising the appearance of a brassiere without affecting the support provided by the brassiere.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brassiere cover comprising:

a body portion configured to be worn around at least an upper portion of a user's torso, the body portion including an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer;

at least one shoulder strap connected to the body portion, an

At least one opening in the inner or outer fabric layers of the body portion through which a breast band and cup portion of the brassiere can be inserted to be retained between the inner and outer fabric layers.

The at least one opening may be configured to be removably insertable into the bust band and the cup portion of the brassiere.

The openings may be in the inner fabric layer.

The body portion may be in the form of a substantially hollow tube configured such that the bust band and cup portion of the brassiere extend around the entire circumference of the tube after insertion.

The shoulder straps may include an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and at least one opening in the inner or outer fabric layer of the shoulder straps for receiving a sling of the brassiere.

The at least one opening in the shoulder straps may be configured to removably receive the straps of the brassiere.

The at least one opening in the shoulder strap may be in the inner fabric layer.

The shoulder straps may include an upper fabric layer and at least one retention feature for retaining the straps of the bra below said upper layer in use.

The retention feature may comprise a fabric loop attached to the inside of the upper fabric layer of the shoulder strap.

The shoulder strap may comprise an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer, and the opening in the body portion and at least one opening in the inner or outer fabric layer of the shoulder strap may be defined by fabric flaps cut out of the respective fabric layer, each flap having an open end which is reversibly secured to the surrounding and/or underlying fabric.

The open end of each flap may be reversibly secured by one or more hook and eye fasteners.

The shoulder straps are removably connected to the body portion.

The cover may comprise further openings in the inner layer of the body portion.

At least one opening may be located at a front of the body portion and at least one other opening may be located at a back of the body portion.

At least the body portion may be seamless.

The inner or outer fabric layers of the body portion may be laser cut to define the opening.

The inner or outer fabric layers of the shoulder straps may be laser cut to define the opening.

The covering may further include a retaining member disposed on the body portion for retaining the position of the chest band and cup portions of the brassiere between the inner and outer fabric layers of the body portion.

The retaining member may comprise a hook for attachment to a loop on the bra.

The cover may include an adjustable pleating portion on the body portion.

The cover may be configured to be worn as an undergarment.

The covering may be configured to be worn as one or more of a stand-alone upper body garment, a laminate, a swimsuit top, and a sports top.

In another aspect, a method of concealing a brassiere using the covering described above is provided, including inserting a bust band and a cup portion of the brassiere into the body portion through an opening in the inner or outer fabric layers of the body portion such that the bust band and the cup portion of the brassiere are retained between the inner and outer fabric layers of the body portion.

Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front portion of a brassiere cover according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an inner side of a front portion of a bra cover;

FIG. 3 illustrates a back portion of the bra cover;

FIG. 4 shows the inner side of the back portion of the bra cover;

FIG. 5 illustrates a brassiere cover according to another embodiment in an unfolded state;

FIG. 6 illustrates the brassiere cover of FIG. 5 in a gathered condition;

FIG. 7 illustrates an interior side of a front portion of a brassiere cover according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates an inner side of a back portion of the brassiere cover of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates a brassiere cover according to another embodiment in an unfolded state;

FIG. 10 illustrates the brassiere cover of FIG. 9 in a gathered condition;

FIG. 11 illustrates a brassiere cover according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 12 shows an inner side of a front portion of the brassiere cover of FIG. 11.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1-4, according to one embodiment, brassiere cover 10 includes a body portion 2, the body portion 2 configured to be worn around at least an upper portion of a user's torso, the body portion 2 including an inner fabric layer 4 (shown more clearly in fig. 2, fig. 2 showing an inner side of brassiere cover 10) and an outer fabric layer 6 (shown more clearly in fig. 1, fig. 1 showing an outer side of brassiere cover 10). Brassiere cover 10 also includes at least one shoulder strap 8 attached to body portion 2. There is at least one opening 12 in the inner fabric layer 4 of the body portion 2 through which a breast band and cup portion (not shown) of the brassiere can be preferably removably inserted to be retained between the inner fabric layer 4 and the outer fabric layer 6.

The body portion 2 is in the form of a substantially hollow tube defining a continuous path between the inner and

outer fabric layers

4, 6 along the entire circumference of the tube, such that the chest band and cup portions of the brassiere extend around the entire circumference of the tube after insertion. That is, unlike prior art vests or sports tops that have an internal front pocket for receiving the bra cups, the brassiere cover 10 of the present invention accommodates at least the entire bust band and cup portion of the brassiere. Accordingly, brassiere cover 10 can be used to cover and conceal different types of bras and, when worn, provide support and coverage to the concealed brassiere.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, shoulder straps 8 of brassiere cover 10 include at least one opening 18 in inner fabric layer 14, outer fabric layer 16, and inner fabric layer 14 for preferably removably receiving a sling (not shown) of a brassiere (not shown).

Although the openings 12 in the body portion 2 and/or the openings 18 in the shoulder straps 8 are preferably provided in the inner fabric layer to better conceal the openings, it will be appreciated that the openings may alternatively be provided in the

outer fabric layers

6, 16, respectively.

To use brassiere cover 10, the user selects a brassiere to be inserted into the brassiere cover (e.g., their favorite brassiere). For the embodiment shown in fig. 1-4, the brassiere must have a removable sling. The user removes the straps from the bra and inserts the chest band and cup portions of the bra into the body portion 2 through the openings 12 so that these portions are contained between the inner fabric layer 4 and the outer fabric layer 6. The user then inserts each brassiere strap through opening 18 into shoulder straps 8 of brassiere cover 10 and reattaches the ends of the brassiere straps to the bust band and cup portion of the brassiere. Brassiere cover 10 may then be donned and the back fasteners of the brassiere fastened through openings 12.

To facilitate insertion of the brassiere into brassiere cover 10, it is contemplated that body portion 2 and shoulder straps 8 each include a plurality of openings, including at least one opening in a front portion of each of the body portion and shoulder straps and at least one other opening in a back portion of each of the body portion and shoulder straps. For example, to facilitate reattachment of the brassiere straps to the breast band and cup portions of the brassiere after each component has been inserted into brassiere cover 10, openings are preferably provided where the body portion 2 of the front and back of brassiere cover 10 intersects shoulder straps 8, approximately where the brassiere straps are attached to the brassiere.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4,

openings

12, 18 may be shaped to facilitate insertion of the bust band and cup portions of the brassiere and the sling portions of the brassiere, while maintaining substantial closure of the openings and preventing buckling of the bra cover when worn. In particular, the openings may be in the shape of elongated triangles or diamonds, the long side of the corresponding shape coinciding with the direction of stretching of the fabric when the bra cover is worn. For example, as shown in fig. 2 and 4, the elongated diamond-shaped openings in shoulder straps 8 are configured to be substantially closed when worn due to the downward stretching of the fabric, yet each diamond-shaped opening is of sufficient length to facilitate insertion of the sling portion of the bra. In other embodiments, the opening may comprise an opening having a generally oval or circular shape. In another embodiment, the opening may comprise an opening having a generally square or rounded square shape. An opening having a generally square or rounded square shape is preferably located on the back liner of the cover. In yet another embodiment, the openings may comprise a combination of openings having different shapes. In one embodiment, the edges of each opening are completed with a jacquard assisted knitting machine using yarns of the same fabric used to construct the covering.

In another embodiment, shoulder straps 8 of brassiere cover 10 include an upper fabric layer 20 and at least one retention feature 22 for retaining the brassiere straps below upper layer 20 during use.

In one embodiment, the retention feature 22 comprises a loop of fabric (not shown) that is attached to the inside of the upper fabric layer 20 of the shoulder strap 8. That is, instead of a substantially continuous inner layer of fabric beneath the upper layer 20, a discontinuous loop of fabric (similar to the loop on a waistband for receiving a belt) facilitates the passage of a brassiere sling. In some embodiments, each fabric loop is detachable at one end from the inside of the upper fabric layer 20 to further facilitate positioning of the bra straps. The removable end of each fabric loop may be reversibly secured to the upper fabric layer 20 by one or more fasteners, such as hook and eye fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, and the like.

Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment that may be used with a brassiere that does not have detachable shoulder straps. The body portion 2 and shoulder straps 8 include outer 6, 16 and inner 4, 14 fabric layers, respectively, and fabric flaps 26 cut from the

inner fabric layers

4, 14. Each flap 26 has an open end 28 that can be reversibly secured to the surrounding and/or underlying fabric. Thus, the wings 26 define the openings 12 in the body portion 2 and the openings 18 in the shoulder straps 8 for insertion into the breast band and cup portions of the bra and the sling portion of the bra, respectively. Reversible fixation may be achieved by one or more fasteners, such as hook and eye fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, and the like. In the schematic views of fig. 7 and 8, point 30 shows where such a fastener may be located. To use brassiere cover 10, the open ends of fabric flaps 26 are unfastened, the brassiere (including attached shoulder straps) is placed adjacent the inner surface of the outer fabric layer, and fabric flaps 26 are refastened to secure the brassiere in place between the inner and outer fabric layers.

Fig. 5 and 6 show an embodiment comprising an adjustable pleat portion 32 with a drawstring 34 centrally located along the front of the body portion 2. This allows the user to vary the height of the top of the body portion 2, for example to match the neckline on various garments. Alternatively or additionally, a pleated portion 32 may be provided on the back of the main body portion 2 to enable the wearer to customize the rear collar. Fig. 9 and 10 show an embodiment including similar corrugated portions 32 at the sides of the body portion 2 for varying the depth of each armhole.

Although the figures show brassiere cover 10 having two shoulder straps 8, it will be appreciated that some embodiments may have a single shoulder strap, such as for a single shoulder dress or coat. In some embodiments, shoulder straps 8 may be removably connected to the body portion to enable a user to convert brassiere cover 10 into a single-shoulder or strapless configuration, and/or to allow for replaceable shoulder straps.

Figures 11 and 12 show another embodiment in which the shoulder straps 8 of the cover do not function to conceal the shoulder straps of the brassiere. Instead, the strapless bra may be inserted into the body portion 2 and secured in place by the retaining member 36 provided on the body portion. The retaining member may comprise, for example, a hook for attachment to a loop present on the bra.

Brassiere cover 10 may be constructed from any suitable fabric, preferably having one or more of the following characteristics: four-way stretch, spring back, sweat and moisture absorption, odor control, soft and smooth texture, light weight, and cooling characteristics. Preferably, the fabric is adapted to be of seamless construction such that at least the body portion 2 may be seamless to increase the comfort of the wearer. For example, the seams of the covering and the shoulder straps may be constructed using circular knitting. Furthermore, the inner fabric layer is preferably adapted for laser cutting. In a preferred embodiment, the

openings

12, 18 in the body portion and/or shoulder straps are laser cut to provide a precise and even line with a self-sealing edge. Additionally or alternatively, the edges of the opening may be completed with a jacquard assist knitting machine using the same fabric as used to construct the covering. In one embodiment, the cover may be constructed from recycled polyester and synthetic fibers (e.g., lycra). For example, up to 95%, preferably up to about 90%, of the fabric used to construct the covering is recycled polyester, with the remainder of the fabric used for the covering being synthetic fibers. In another embodiment, the cover may be constructed from nylon and synthetic fibers (e.g., lycra). For example, up to 95%, preferably up to about 90%, of the fabric used to construct the covering is nylon, with the remainder of the fabric used for the covering being synthetic fibers.

In some embodiments, the fabric of brassiere cover 10 is sufficiently opaque and thick to ensure substantially complete coverage of the brassiere. For example, the user's favorite brassiere may be a color that does not fit under a white T-shirt, or may have lace or other texture that does not fit under a thin/very thin (sheet) coat. In this embodiment, brassiere cover 10 may be white, opaque and appropriately thick to cover the brassiere, making it suitable for wearing under a white/thin/sheer coat. In other embodiments, brassiere cover 10 can be used to conceal or change the appearance of a brassiere. In this case, the fabric of brassiere cover 10 may be extremely thin, such as lace, so that the brassiere is not substantially completely covered by brassiere cover 10. Brassiere cover 10 in turn is used to change/refresh the appearance of the brassiere.

Brassiere cover 10 may be worn as an undergarment. In addition to concealing the wearer's brassiere, in some embodiments, cover 10 may provide additional support, covering, warming or cooling functions, and/or aesthetic or decorative properties. Brassiere cover 10 may also be configured to be worn as one or more of a stand-alone upper body garment, a layered article (layering), a supportive garment, a swimsuit top, and a sportswear top.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of concealing a brassiere using brassiere cover 10 described above. The method includes inserting the bust band and cup portion of the brassiere into the body portion 2 through the opening 12 of the body portion such that the bust band and cup portion of the brassiere are retained between the inner fabric layer 4 and the outer fabric layer 6 of the body portion. If the brassiere straps of the brassiere are to be concealed, each brassiere strap is inserted into or secured under a shoulder strap 8 of the brassiere cover through an opening 18 or through a loop of fabric.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above.

The citation of any prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or any matter which is known in the specification is not to be construed as an admission or any form of suggestion that the following is entitled to: i.e., that prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

1. A bra covering, comprising:

at least one shoulder strap connected to the body portion, an

At least one opening in the inner or outer fabric layers of the body portion through which a breast band and cup portion of a brassiere may be inserted to be retained between the inner and outer fabric layers.

2. The covering of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening is configured to be removably insertable into a bust band and a cup portion of the brassiere.

3. A covering according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the openings are in the inner fabric layer.

4. A covering according to any preceding claim wherein the body portion is in the form of a substantially hollow tube configured such that the bust band and cup portion of the bra extend around the entire circumference of the tube after insertion.

5. A covering according to any preceding claim, wherein the shoulder straps comprise an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer and at least one opening in the inner or outer fabric layer of the shoulder straps for receiving a sling of the bra.

6. The covering of claim 5, wherein the at least one opening in the shoulder straps is configured to removably receive the straps of the brassiere.

7. A covering according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the at least one opening in the shoulder strap is in the inner fabric layer.

8. A covering according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shoulder straps comprise an upper fabric layer and at least one retaining feature for retaining the bra straps under the upper layer in use.

9. The covering of claim 8, wherein the retention feature comprises a fabric loop connected to an inner side of the upper fabric layer of the shoulder strap.

10. A covering according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the shoulder strap comprises an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer, and wherein the opening in the body portion and at least one opening in the inner or outer fabric layer of the shoulder strap are defined by fabric flaps cut out of the respective fabric layer, each flap having an open end which is reversibly secured to the surrounding and/or underlying fabric.

11. The covering of claim 10, wherein the open end of each flap is reversibly secured by one or more hook and eye fasteners.

12. A covering according to any preceding claim, wherein the shoulder strap is removably connected to the body portion.

13. A covering according to any preceding claim comprising a further opening in an inner layer of the body portion.

14. The covering of claim 13, wherein at least one opening is located at a front of the body portion and at least one other opening is located at a back of the body portion.

15. A covering according to any preceding claim wherein at least the body portion is seamless.

16. A covering according to any preceding claim wherein the inner or outer fabric layer of the body portion is laser cut to define the opening.

17. A covering as claimed in claim 5 or any claim dependent on claim 5, wherein the inner or outer fabric layer of the shoulder strap is laser cut to define the opening.

18. A covering according to any preceding claim, further comprising a retaining member provided on the body portion for retaining the position of the bust band and cup portion of the bra between the inner and outer fabric layers of the body portion.

19. A covering according to claim 18 wherein the retaining member comprises a hook for attachment to a loop on the bra.

20. A covering according to any preceding claim including an adjustable pleat portion on the body portion.

21. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, which is configured to be worn as an undergarment.

22. A covering according to any preceding claim wherein the covering is configured to be worn as one or more of a separate upper body garment, a laminate, a swimsuit top and a sports top.

23. A method of concealing a bra using the covering of any one of the preceding claims, comprising inserting a bust band and a cup portion of the bra into the body portion through the opening in the inner fabric layer or the outer fabric layer of the body portion such that the bust band and cup portion of the bra are retained between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer of the body portion.