CN117295427A - Brassiere bearing structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects herein relate to a support structure for supporting a breast covering portion of an article of clothing. The support structure includes a plurality of discrete cable structures. At least a portion of the discrete cable structure has a first shape configuration in an untensioned state and a second shape configuration in a tensioned state.

Description

Brassiere bearing structure

Technical Field

Aspects herein relate to a support structure for a breast covering portion of a brassiere, the support structure comprising a plurality of discrete cable structures.

Background

Support garments in the form of conventional bras provide support by using one or more panels of textile material having varying degrees of stretch and recovery in different areas of the bra or by layering different materials on top of each other to create the desired support. Furthermore, the different materials are typically molded into a "cup" shape. The manufacture of these types of bras can be time consuming and expensive and provide limited customizable fit and/or support to the wearer.

Disclosure of Invention

The following clauses represent example aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any of the following clauses may be combined in a multi-subordinate fashion to rely on one or more other clauses. Furthermore, any combination of subordinate clauses (clauses explicitly dependent on previous clauses) may be combined while remaining within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and are not limiting.

Clause 1. A breast covering portion for supporting an article of clothing, the breast covering portion comprising: a base layer; and a support structure positioned outside the base layer and comprising a first plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures having a first shape configuration in an untensioned state and a second shape configuration in a tensioned state.

Clause 2. The breast covering portion of clause 1, wherein the support structure is secured to the base layer at a first position and a second position, and is not secured to the base layer between the first position and the second position.

Clause 3 the breast covering portion of clause 2, wherein the first position is in an upper portion of the breast covering portion and the second position is in a lower portion of the breast covering portion.

Clause 4 the breast covering portion of any of clauses 2-3, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures extend between the first position and the second position over at least a central region of the breast covering portion.

Clause 5 the breast covering portion of any of clauses 2-4, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures are not secured to the base layer between the first and second positions.

Clause 6 the breast covering portion of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the support structure has greater stretch resistance than the base layer.

Clause 7 the breast covering portion of any of clauses 1-6, wherein each discrete cable structure comprises a plurality of linear segments extending alternately in a positive x-direction and a negative x-direction when in the first shape configuration.

Clause 8 the breast covering portion of any of clauses 1-7, wherein each discrete cable structure comprises a single continuous linear segment when in the second shape configuration.

Clause 9. A breast covering portion for supporting an article of clothing, the breast covering portion comprising: a support structure, the support structure comprising: a first plurality of discrete cable structures and a second plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures having a first shape configuration in an untensioned state and a second shape configuration in a tensioned state, the second shape configuration being different from the first shape configuration, each of the second plurality of discrete cable structures having the second shape configuration in the untensioned state and the tensioned state.

Clause 10. The breast covering portion supporting an article of clothing of clause 9, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures extend from an upper portion of the breast covering portion, over a central region of the breast covering portion, and to a lower portion of the breast covering portion.

Clause 11. The garment-supporting breast covering portion of any of clauses 9-10, wherein the second plurality of discrete cable structures extends from the upper portion of the breast covering portion, over lateral and medial regions of the breast covering portion, and to the lower portion of the breast covering portion.

The breast covering portion supporting an article of clothing of any of clauses 9-11, wherein the support structure further comprises a lower peripheral portion positioned at the lower portion of the breast covering portion, and wherein each of the first and second plurality of discrete cable structures extends from the lower peripheral portion.

Clause 13. The breast covering portion supporting a garment of any of clauses 9-12, wherein the first shape configuration comprises a plurality of linear segments extending alternately in a positive x-direction and a negative x-direction.

Clause 14. The breast covering portion supporting an article of clothing of any of clauses 9-13, wherein the second shape configuration comprises a single continuous linear segment.

Clause 15. A method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast covering portion of an article of clothing, the method comprising: forming the support structure in a flat planar form, the support structure comprising: a first plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures having a first shape configuration, and a second plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the second plurality of discrete cable structures having a second shape configuration different from the first shape configuration.

Clause 16. The method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast covering portion of an article of clothing according to clause 15, wherein the first shape configuration comprises a plurality of linear segments extending alternately in a positive x-direction and a negative x-direction.

Clause 17. The method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast covering portion of an article of clothing according to any of clauses 15-16, wherein the second shape configuration comprises a single continuous linear segment.

Clause 18 the method of manufacturing a support structure for a breast covering portion for supporting an item of clothing according to any of clauses 15-17, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures extends from an upper portion of the breast covering portion, over a central region of the breast covering portion, and to a lower portion of the breast covering portion.

Clause 19 the method of manufacturing a support structure for a breast covering portion for supporting an item of clothing of any of clauses 15-18, wherein the second plurality of discrete cable structures extends from the upper portion of the breast covering portion, over lateral and medial regions of the breast covering portion, and to the lower portion of the breast covering portion.

Clause 20. The method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast covering portion of an article of clothing according to any of clauses 15-19, wherein the support structure is formed of a low stretch material.

Drawings

Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a view of a first example support structure forming a breast covering portion for supporting an article of clothing, in accordance with aspects hereof, wherein the first example support structure is in a flat form and in an untensioned state;

fig. 2 depicts a view of a second example support structure forming a breast covering portion for supporting an article of clothing, in accordance with aspects hereof, wherein the second example support structure is in a flat form and in an untensioned state;

FIG. 3 depicts a view of a front portion of a support garment in a flat form and in an untensioned state, in accordance with aspects herein;

Fig. 4 depicts an example configuration in accordance with aspects herein, in which a breast covering portion includes a base layer and a support structure positioned outside the base layer;

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a wearer wearing the support structure of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 6 depicts a rear view of the wearer of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects hereof; and

fig. 7 depicts a flowchart of an example method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast-covering portion of an article of clothing, in accordance with aspects herein.

Detailed Description

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Furthermore, although the terms "step" and/or "block" may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

Support garments in the form of conventional bras provide support by using one or more panels of textile material having varying degrees of stretch and recovery in different areas of the bra or by layering different materials on top of each other to create the desired support. Furthermore, the different materials are typically molded into a "cup" shape. The manufacture of these types of bras can be time consuming and expensive and provide limited customizable fit and/or support to the wearer.

Aspects herein relate to a support structure for a brassiere that includes a discrete cable structure that extends in a generally vertical orientation from an upper portion of a breast covering portion of the brassiere to a lower portion of the breast covering portion. The discrete cable structure is formed of a low or no stretch material. In an example aspect, the discrete cable structures include a first plurality of discrete cable structures extending over a central region of the breast covering portion and a second plurality of discrete cable structures extending over lateral and medial regions of the breast covering portion. The first plurality of discrete cable structures has a first shape configuration in an untensioned state and a second shape configuration in a tensioned state. The untensioned condition corresponds to the brassiere being in an undetached configuration (i.e., when the breast is not positioned within the breast covering portion) and being generally planar in form, and the tensioned condition corresponds to the brassiere being in a donned configuration (i.e., when the breast of sufficient size to fill the breast covering portion is positioned within the breast covering portion). In an example aspect, the first shape configuration includes a zig-zag configuration having linear segments extending alternately in positive and negative x directions (i.e., medial and lateral directions), and the second shape configuration includes a single continuous linear configuration. The use of a zig-zag configuration or other similar configuration facilitates a reversible increase in length when the first plurality of discrete cable structures is subjected to tension and is tensioned (e.g., straight), such as when the breast is positioned within the breast covering portion. In an example aspect, the second plurality of discrete cable structures in both the untensioned and tensioned states have a second shape configuration.

When the brassiere is worn, displacement caused by at least a central portion of the wearer's breast (the portion of the wearer's breast including the areola and the superior, inferior, and medial and lateral sides of the areola) results in the first plurality of discrete cable structures transitioning from the first zig-zag configuration to the second linear shape configuration. Because the cable structures are formed of a low or no stretch material, once the cable structures are tensioned and transition to the second shape configuration, they provide support for the central portion of the wearer's breast, which may help reduce upward and downward movement of the breast during, for example, exercise. Because of the smaller breast volume at the lateral and medial sides of the breast, the cable structure located in this region is generally not required to undergo a reversible increase in length, thereby accounting for the linear configuration of the second plurality of discrete cable structures in the untensioned and tensioned states. The second plurality of discrete cable structures provides support to the medial and lateral sides of the breast, which may help reduce medial-to-lateral rocking during, for example, exercise.

In an example aspect, to help support the load applied by the wearer's breast when the bra is worn, a plurality of discrete cable structures may be anchored at an upper portion of the breast covering portion and at a lower portion of the breast covering portion. In one example, both the first and second plurality of discrete cable structures can be anchored to the shoulder straps or strap areas of the bra by stitching, adhesive, cohesive, or the like. Similarly, both the first and second pluralities of discrete cable structures can be anchored to a lower peripheral portion of the bra or to a lower edge of the bra.

In an example aspect, the support structures described herein may be manufactured in a flat planar form, eliminating the need for time consuming and potentially expensive molding steps. For example, at least the first and second plurality of discrete cable structures may be cut from a low or no stretch material, or the first and second plurality of discrete cable structures may be printed in a flat form using, for example, a polymeric material such as a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) material. In another example, the first and second plurality of discrete cable structures can be constructed using a flexible but strong material, such as a thread or yarn made from para-aramid fibers.

In an example aspect, the geometry of at least the first plurality of discrete cable structures can be adjusted to accommodate different breast sizes. For a brassiere designed for a larger breast, the length of the zig-zag section can be increased in one or both of the positive and negative x directions to increase the overall length of the cable structure as it is tensioned. Also, the number of zig-zag segments within the cable structure may be increased such that the overall length of the cable structure increases upon tensioning. Aspects herein further contemplate that the support structure may be customized for an individual wearer. For example, a body scan may be performed on the wearer's breast, and the geometry of the cable structures (i.e., the number and/or shape of the zigzags) may be designed such that the first plurality of discrete cable structures are collectively tensioned when the brassiere is worn. Aspects herein also contemplate the use of a base layer positioned under or within the support structure for contact or near contact with the skin surface of the wearer.

As used throughout this disclosure, the term "bra" is intended to encompass any type of support garment configured to support a wearer's breast. Therefore, the art bra encompasses traditional bras, athletic bras, vests, sleeveless shirts, swimwear, and the like. The term "breast covering portion" is the portion of the brassiere that is positioned adjacent to the wearer's breast and generally extends from the top portion of the wearer's breast (e.g., near the wearer's clavicle) to the lower portion of the wearer's breast (e.g., the wearer's inframammary fold) and from the medial edge of the wearer's breast (e.g., near the wearer's sternum) to the lateral edge (e.g., near the wearer's armpit). Positional terms such as "medial," "lateral," "upper," "lower," and the like, when used in reference to a brassiere and/or breast covering portion, are relative to a brassiere that is being worn by a wearer who is standing upright as intended. Thus, the term "upper" means a position located closer to the wearer's head, and the term "lower" means a position located closer to the wearer's waist. The term "medial" when used with respect to a breast covering portion means a position located closer to the midline of the wearer's body, and the term "lateral" when used with respect to a breast covering portion means a position located closer to the wearer's axillary midline. The term "central region" when used with respect to a breast covering portion means a location approximately midway between the medial and lateral sides of the breast covering portion. This location generally corresponds to the central vertical portion of the wearer's breast, which encompasses the areola and the area above the areola up to near the wearer's clavicle, below the areola up to near or including the inframammary fold, and the areas located inboard and outboard of the areola (e.g., within about 2 to 4cm of the areola).

The term "cable structure" means a structure having a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than the width. For example, the length may be at least about 25 times greater than the width. For example, if a single cable structure has a width of 5mm, it has a length of at least about 125mm or 12.5 cm. When used to describe a single cable structure, the term "discrete" means that the cable structure is spaced apart from adjacent cable structures at least at a midpoint of the length of the cable structure. In an example aspect, the discrete cable structure can include two cable structures that are joined together at one or more points along their respective lengths. As described herein, discrete cable structures are formed from low stretch or non-stretch materials, meaning that the materials generally do not have inherent stretch properties (mechanical or elastic) in response to a tensioning force, and thus the length and/or width of the material remains substantially unchanged when subjected to a tensioning force below the breaking/tear point of the material. For example, the discrete cable structure may undergo a length change from about 0% of the rest length to about 20% of the rest length in response to the tensioning force. One example test standard for determining the tensile characteristics of a yarn includes ASTM D2256/D2256M (2015). The term "zig-zag" as used in describing the cable structure means a shape having alternating linear segments extending in positive and negative x-directions along at least a portion of the length of the cable structure, wherein the cable structure extends in the y-direction. It is contemplated herein that a particular cable structure may have linear segments extending in the y-direction in addition to the zig-zag segments. The term "linear" as used when describing the shape of the cable structure means extending along a straight line or near a straight line.

All measurements provided herein were made while the support structure and/or breast covering portion were at standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15K and 100 kPa), unless otherwise indicated.

Fig. 1 depicts a breast covering portion 100, such as a brassiere, that supports clothing, wherein in an example aspect, the breast covering portion 100 is configured for use with a wearer's left breast. The description of the breast covering portion configured for the right breast of the wearer is generally the same. The breast covering portion 100 is shown in a flat planar form, such as occurs after manufacture. In an exemplary aspect, the breast covering portion 100 includes an upper portion, generally indicated by reference numeral 110, which in some aspects may include a portion of a shoulder strap 112. Breast covering portion 100 also includes a lower portion, indicated generally by reference numeral 114, which in some aspects may include a lower periphery 116. The breast covering portion 100 includes a medial side or region 118 and a lateral side or region 120. The central region 122 is positioned between the medial region 118 and the lateral region 120.

The breast covering portion 100 includes a support structure generally indicated by reference numeral 124. In an example aspect, the support structure 124 may be formed from a low or non-stretchable material such as TPU, a tightly woven textile that does not include elastic yarns, a tightly knit textile that does not include elastic yarns, a nonwoven material, a thread or yarn formed from para-aramid fibers, combinations of the foregoing, or the like. As described further below, the support structure 124 may be manufactured in a flat planar form using various methods such as, for example, printing (e.g., extruding liquid TPU from a printhead in a predetermined pattern), cutting textile material, braiding, embroidery, and the like.

The support structure 124 includes a first plurality of discrete cable structures 126, the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 having a first shape configuration when the breast covering portion 100 is in a flat planar form and in an untensioned state. A first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 extends generally perpendicularly from the upper portion 110 of the breast covering portion 100, over the central region 122, and to the lower portion 114 of the breast covering portion 100. In the configuration shown in fig. 1, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 includes a first cable structure 126a and a second cable structure 126b that together form one of the discrete cable structures 126. When the breast covering portion 100 is in a flat planar form as shown in fig. 1, this corresponds to each of the first and second cable structures 126a, 126b including a substantially vertical linear segment 128 and a zig-zag segment 130 when the breast covering portion 100 is in an untensioned state. In the zig-zag section 130, each of the first cable structure 126a and the second cable structure 126b extends alternately in the positive x-direction and the negative x-direction with reference to the cartesian coordinate system shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 1, the amount of extension or displacement 125 in the positive x-direction and the negative x-direction is measured from the midline of the cable structure 126, which cable structure 126 includes an imaginary extension of the linear segment 128. In various example aspects herein, the zig-zag section 130 is in a first shape configuration. Each of the first cable structure 126a and the second cable structure 126b may be joined at the region where their respective zigzags intersect, such as at point 131. The use of zigzags and other similar shapes having alternating segments extending in the positive x-direction and the negative x-direction increases the overall length of each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 upon tensioning.

The number of zigzags in the zigzagged section 130 can be increased or decreased to accommodate different breast sizes. For example, increasing the number of zigzags in the zigzagged section 130 increases the overall length of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 when tensioned, and may be used when the support structure 124 is sized for a larger breast. Conversely, reducing the number of zigzags in the zigzagged section 130 relatively reduces the overall length of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 when tensioned, and may be used when the support structure 124 is sized for a smaller breast. In another example, the amount of displacement 125 of the zig-zag in the positive x-direction and the negative x-direction may be increased or decreased to accommodate different breast sizes. For example, increasing the amount of zigzag displacement 125 in the positive x-direction and/or the negative x-direction increases the overall length of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 upon tensioning, and may be used when the support structure 124 is sized for a larger breast. Conversely, reducing the zig-zag displacement 125 in the positive x-direction and/or the negative x-direction relatively reduces the overall length of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 upon tensioning, and may be used when the support structure 124 is sized for a smaller breast. It is also contemplated herein that the number of zigzags in the zigzagged section 130 and the amount of displacement 125 of the zigzags in both the positive and negative x directions can be adjusted to increase the overall length of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 when tensioned or to decrease the overall length of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126.

The first shape configuration shown in fig. 1 is illustrative. For example, it is contemplated herein that the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 may not include the linear segments 128, or that the linear segments 128 may be shorter or longer than shown. It is also contemplated herein that the zig-zag segments 130 may take other shapes that alternately extend in the positive x-direction and the negative x-direction to increase the overall length of the discrete cable structure 126 upon tensioning. Example shapes include, for example, curves or waves (e.g., sinusoids).

The support structure 124 also includes a second plurality of discrete cable structures 132, the second plurality of discrete cable structures 132 including a medial set 132a positioned at the medial region 118 of the breast covering portion 100 and a lateral set 132b positioned at the lateral region 120 of the breast covering portion 100. The medial group 132a of discrete cable structures has a second shape configuration and extends linearly in a generally perpendicular orientation from the upper portion 110 of the breast covering portion 100, along the medial region 118 of the breast covering portion 100, and to the lower portion 114 of the breast covering portion 100. The outer set 132b of discrete cable structures also has a second shape configuration and extends linearly in a vertical orientation from the upper portion 110 of the breast covering portion 100, along the outer region 120 of the breast covering portion 100, and to the lower portion 114 of the breast covering portion 100. In an example aspect, the second shape configuration includes a single continuous linear segment without any zigzags or other similar shapes. Thus, because the second plurality of discrete cable structures 132 is formed of a low or no stretch material, the second plurality of discrete cable structures 132 have a relatively fixed length, whether in an untensioned or tensioned state. The vertical orientation of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 and the second plurality of discrete cable structures 132 aligns the cable structures 126 and 132 with the weight experienced by the wearer's breast while standing upright.

Each of the first and second pluralities of discrete cable structures 126, 132 has a first end 134 anchored at the upper portion 110 of the breast covering portion 100 and a second end 136 anchored at the lower portion 114. In one example aspect, the first end 134 may anchor the first end 134 to the shoulder strap 112 or an area proximate to the shoulder strap 112 and the second end 136 to the lower enclosure 116 by stitching, adhesive, melting, welding, or the like. In another example aspect, shoulder strap 112 and/or lower periphery 116 can be integrally formed with first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 and second plurality of discrete cable structures 132 such that first end 134 extends integrally from shoulder strap 112 and second end 136 extends integrally from lower periphery 116. The fixedly anchoring the first and second ends 134, 136 facilitates the first and second pluralities of discrete cable structures 126, 132 supporting vertical loads applied by the breast when positioned within the breast covering portion 100.

The spacing between each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 and the second plurality of discrete cable structures 132 shown in fig. 1 is illustrative. In an example aspect, the spacing between the cable structures 126 and 132 and the number of cable structures 126 and 132 can be adjusted to provide more or less support. For example, increased support for the central region 122 of the breast covering portion 100 may be achieved by increasing the number of cable structures in the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 and/or decreasing the spacing between each of the cable structures 126, while less support for the central region 122 may be achieved by decreasing the number of cable structures in the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 and/or increasing the spacing between each of the cable structures 126. Increased support for the medial region 118 and/or the lateral region 120 of the breast covering portion 100 may be achieved by increasing the number of cable structures in the second plurality of discrete cable structures 132 and/or decreasing the spacing between each of the cable structures 132, while less support for the medial region 118 and/or the lateral region 120 may be achieved by decreasing the number of cable structures in the second plurality of discrete cable structures 132 and/or increasing the spacing between each of the cable structures 132. Likewise, additional multiple cable arrangements may be included to increase the overall support provided by the support structure 124. For example, the support structure 124 may include a third plurality of discrete cable structures, a fourth plurality of discrete cable structures, and so forth.

Fig. 2 depicts a second example breast covering portion 200. Similar to the breast covering portion 100, the breast covering portion 200 is configured for the left breast of the wearer. The depiction of the breast covering portion configured for the right breast of the wearer is generally the same. The breast covering portion 200 is shown in a flat planar form, such as occurs after manufacture. In an example aspect, the breast covering portion 200 includes an upper portion 210, which upper portion 210 may include a portion of a shoulder strap 212 in some aspects. The breast covering portion 200 also includes a lower portion 214, which lower portion 214 may include a lower periphery 216 in some aspects. The breast covering portion 200 includes a medial region 218 and a lateral region 220. The central region 222 is positioned between the medial region 218 and the lateral region 220.

The breast covering portion 200 includes a support structure 224. Similar to support structure 124, support structure 224 may be formed of a low or no stretchability material. Support structure 224 is fabricated in a flat planar form using the example fabrication methods described above for support structure 124.

The support structure 224 includes a first plurality of discrete cable structures 226, the first plurality of discrete cable structures 226 having a first shape configuration when the breast covering portion 200 is in a flat planar form and in an untensioned state. The first plurality of discrete cable structures 226 extends generally perpendicularly from the upper portion 210 of the breast covering portion 200, over the central region 222, and to the lower portion 214 of the breast covering portion 200. In the example shown in fig. 2, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 226 comprises a single cable structure. Each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 226 includes a linear segment 228 and a wave segment 230 when the breast covering portion 200 is in a flat planar form. In the band 230, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 226 alternates in the positive x-direction and the negative x-direction like a sine wave. In an example aspect, the band 230 includes a first shape configuration. Similar to the zig-zag section 130 of the breast covering portion 100, the use of waves increases the overall length of each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 226 when tensioned. Further similar to the zig-zag section 130, the number and/or amplitude 225 of the waveforms in the wave band 230 may be increased to increase the overall length of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 226 while tensioned, or the number and/or amplitude 225 of the waves may be decreased to decrease the overall length of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 226 while tensioned. As shown in fig. 2, the amplitude 225 is measured from a midline of the cable structure 226, which cable structure 226 includes an imaginary extension of the linear segment 228.

The first shape configuration shown in fig. 2 is illustrative. For example, it is contemplated herein that the first plurality of discrete cable structures 226 may not include the linear segments 228, or that the linear segments 228 may be shorter or longer than shown. It is also contemplated herein that the band 230 may take other shapes that increase the overall length of the discrete cable structure 226 when tensioned.

The support structure 224 also includes a second plurality of discrete cable structures 232, the second plurality of discrete cable structures 232 including a medial set 232a positioned at the medial region 218 of the breast covering portion 200 and a lateral set 232b positioned at the lateral region 220 of the breast covering portion 200. The medial group 232a of discrete cable structures has a second shape configuration and extends generally perpendicularly along the medial region 218 of the breast covering portion 200 from the upper portion 210 of the breast covering portion 200 and to the lower portion 214 of the breast covering portion 200. The outer set 232b of discrete cable structures also has a second shape configuration and extends generally perpendicularly along the outer region 220 of the breast covering portion 200 from the upper portion 210 of the breast covering portion 200 and to the lower portion 214 of the breast covering portion 200. In an example aspect, the second shape configuration includes a single continuous linear segment without any waves or other similar shapes. Thus, because the second plurality of discrete cable structures 232 are formed of a low or no stretch material, the second plurality of discrete cable structures 232 have a relatively fixed length, whether in an untensioned or tensioned state.

Each of the first and second pluralities of discrete cable structures 226, 232 has a first end 234 anchored at the upper portion 210 of the breast covering portion 200 and a second end 236 anchored at the lower portion 214. In one example aspect, the first end 234 may anchor the first end 234 to the shoulder strap 212 or an area proximate to the shoulder strap 212 and the second end 236 to the lower periphery 216 by stitching, adhesive, melting, welding, or the like. In another example aspect, the shoulder strap 212 and/or the lower enclosure 216 may be integrally formed with the first plurality of discrete cable structures 226 and the second plurality of discrete cable structures 232 such that the first end 234 extends integrally from the shoulder strap 212 and the second end 236 extends integrally from the lower enclosure 216.

Similar to the support structure 124, the spacing between the cable structures 226 and 232 and the number of cable structures 226 and 232 may be adjusted to provide more or less support.

Fig. 3 depicts a front portion of a brassiere 300 in a flat planar form that includes a breast covering portion 100 configured for a left breast of a wearer and a breast covering portion 101 configured for a right breast of a wearer. Fig. 3 also depicts a portion of shoulder strap 312 and a portion of lower periphery 316. In an example aspect, brassiere 300 can be manufactured as a one-piece unit that includes shoulder straps 312 and lower periphery 316. In this aspect, the breast covering portions 100 and 101 are integrally formed with the shoulder straps 312 and the lower periphery 316. In other example aspects, the breast covering portions 100 and 101 may be manufactured as a one-piece unit and attached to the shoulder strap 312 and/or the lower periphery 316 by stitching, adhesive, welding, or the like. In this example, shoulder straps 312 and/or lower periphery 316 may be formed of a material different from the material used to form breast covering portions 100 and 101. For example, lower periphery 316 may be formed from a material having a degree of stretchability to facilitate donning and doffing, and to permit expansion during, for example, aspiration and movement. In other example aspects, the breast covering portion 100 may be manufactured separately from the breast covering portion 101, and the breast covering portions 100 and 101 may be joined together using the attachment/immobilization techniques described herein.

Fig. 4 depicts an exploded view of a breast covering portion 400 that includes a support structure 410 positioned outside a base layer 412. The breast covering portion 400 is configured for use with the left breast of the wearer, but the breast covering portion for the right breast will include the same or similar features. The support structure 410 has a similar configuration as the support structure 124 of the breast covering portion 100 of fig. 1 and includes a first plurality of discrete cable structures 411 and a second plurality of discrete cable structures 413. It is contemplated herein that support structure 410 may alternatively have a similar configuration as support structure 224 or other similar configurations.

In one example aspect, when breast covering portion 400 is incorporated into a brassiere, support structure 410 forms an outward-facing surface of the brassiere, and base layer 412 is configured to be positioned adjacent (i.e., in contact with or near contact with) a surface of the wearer's breast. However, in other example aspects, support structure 410 may form an inward-facing surface of the brassiere (i.e., in contact with or near contact with the surface of the wearer's breast), and base layer 412 may form an outward-facing surface of the brassiere. In yet other example aspects, the support structure 410 may be positioned between two layers. For example, support structure 410 may be positioned between a base layer 412 and an outer layer (not shown), base layer 412 may be positioned adjacent to the surface of the wearer's breast, and the outer layer may provide additional comfort and/or structure to the bra as well as providing different aesthetics.

In an exemplary aspect, the base layer 412 can comprise a continuous textile fabric (e.g., a knitted, woven, or nonwoven textile) having characteristics such as soft hand, absorbent characteristics, and stretch and recovery, making it suitable for positioning adjacent to the breast surface of the wearer. Aspects herein contemplate that support structure 410 has greater stretch resistance than base layer 412. By imparting stretch properties to the base layer 412, the breast covering portion 400 is facilitated to be worn and the comfort of the wearer can be enhanced during movement of the wearer. In one example aspect, the base layer 412 may exhibit about 30% to about 70% more stretchability than the support structure 410 in response to the tensioning force.

In an example aspect, the support structure 410 may be secured to the base layer 412 at a first location 414 at an upper portion 416 of the breast covering portion 400, as indicated by arrow 418. The support structure 410 may also be secured to the base layer 412 at a second location 420 at a lower portion 422 of the breast covering portion 400, as indicated by arrow 424. The fixation may be by stitching, bonding, adhesives, melting, or the like. In an example aspect, the first plurality of discrete cable structures 411 and the second plurality of discrete cable structures 413 can be unsecured with the base layer 412 (i.e., not secured to the base layer 412) between the first position 414 and the second position 420 such that at least the first plurality of discrete cable structures 411 can transition to a linear shape configuration when the breast is positioned within the breast covering portion 400.

Figs. 5 and 6 depict a brassiere 500 worn by a wearer 501, respectively. In an example aspect, brassiere 500 can include a first breast covering portion 510, a second breast covering portion 512, a pair of shoulder straps 514, a lower periphery 516, and a rear portion 518 (shown in fig. 6). The first breast covering portion 510 is configured to cover the right breast of the wearer 501, the second breast covering portion 512 is configured to cover the left breast of the wearer 501, and the rear portion 518 is configured to cover the upper rear torso region of the wearer 501. The shoulder straps 514 are configured to extend over the right and left shoulders of the wearer 501 and connect the first and second breast covering portions 510, 512 to the rear portion 518. The lower periphery 516 extends from the lower edges of the first and second breast covering portions 510, 512 and from the lower edge of the rear portion 518 and is configured to surround the torso region of the wearer 501. For example, the configuration of the pair of shoulder straps 514, rear portion 518, and lower enclosure 516 is illustrative, and it is contemplated herein that these portions may have different configurations, such as a T-shaped or cross-shaped configuration. Aspects herein also contemplate that brassiere 500 can include a strap adjustment mechanism that includes a slider and a closure member such that, for example, lower periphery 516 can include a closure mechanism that enables it to be coupled at, for example, rear portion 518 of brassiere 500. Other types of decorative pieces may be incorporated into brassiere 500 according to aspects herein.

In one example aspect, the different portions of brassiere 500 described above can be integrally formed in a flat planar form in a single manufacturing process. For example, different portions of brassiere 500 can be formed by a printing process in which material (e.g., TPU) is printed in a pattern corresponding to the different portions of brassiere 500. In another example, different portions of brassiere 500 could be cut from a low stretch or non-stretch material. Once manufactured in a flat planar form, one or more portions of brassiere 500 can be secured to one or more other portions of brassiere 500 to complete the construction of brassiere 500. In this example aspect, it is contemplated herein that the resilient plate may be incorporated into one or more portions of the lower enclosure 516, as depicted by reference numeral 517. The incorporation of elastic panel 517 facilitates wearing brassiere 500 and also facilitates expansion of the lower shell during wear, particularly during exercise. Forming brassiere 500 in this manner saves manufacturing costs and time.

In other example aspects, the first breast covering portion 510 and the second breast covering portion 512 may be formed in a flat planar form, either individually or collectively using the example manufacturing methods described above. Once formed, first breast covering portion 510 and second breast covering portion 512 may be coupled to other portions of brassiere 500 (e.g., a pair of shoulder straps 514, lower periphery 516, and rear portion 518) using the immobilization techniques described herein. In this example aspect, one or more other portions of brassiere 500 (e.g., pair of shoulder straps 514, lower periphery 516, and/or rear portion 518) can be constructed using different materials than the low stretch or non-stretch materials used to form first breast covering portion 510 and second breast covering portion 512. For example, the lower periphery 516 may be formed from a material having stretch and recovery properties to facilitate easier donning and movement during wear.

Aspects herein contemplate that brassiere 500 can include a base layer, such as base layer 412. The base layer, if used, may be positioned inside the first breast covering portion 510 and the second breast covering portion 512. The base layer, if used, may also be positioned inside other portions of brassiere 500, such as a pair of shoulder straps 514, lower periphery 516, and/or rear portion 518. Aspects herein also contemplate that brassiere 500 may not include a base layer as shown, such that different portions of brassiere 500 described above are in contact or near contact with the skin surface of the wearer. Additionally, aspects herein contemplate that the base layer may be positioned external to different portions of brassiere 500. Further example aspects contemplate that brassiere 500 and base layer may be sold separately, with brassiere 500 and base layer not being fixed or attached to each other. In this aspect, a wearer may purchase a base layer having a first color and purchase brassiere 500, where brassiere 500 may include a second color that is different from the first color to provide an interesting aesthetic effect when brassiere 500 is worn with the base layer.

Each of the first breast covering portion 510 and the second breast covering portion 512 includes a first plurality of discrete cable structures 520 having a configuration similar to the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126 or 226 and a second plurality of discrete cable structures 522 having a configuration similar to the second plurality of discrete cable structures 132 or 232. The descriptions regarding the first and second pluralities of discrete cable structures 520, 522 are the same as or similar to the descriptions of the first and second pluralities of discrete cable structures 126/226, 132/232, and are not repeated herein.

Fig. 5 depicts brassiere 500 in a worn configuration in which a wearer's breast is positioned within first breast covering portion 510 and second breast covering portion 512. The displacement by the wearer's breast tightens the first plurality of discrete cable structures 520 of the first breast covering portion 510 and the second breast covering portion 512 and causes them to undergo a reversible increase in length due to the zigzags and/or undulations. For example, a force in the z-direction based on the coordinates depicted in fig. 1 may help cable structure 520 undergo a reversible change in the x-direction and/or the y-direction under tension. Thus, displacement by the wearer's breast transitions the first plurality of discrete cable structures 520 from the first shape configuration to the second linear shape configuration. In other words, the displacement caused by the wearer's breast tightens the first plurality of discrete cable structures 520, which transitions the zig-zag and/or wave shape into a linear shape. Because the first plurality of discrete cable structures 520 are formed of a low or no stretch material, the cable structures 520 provide support to at least a central portion of the wearer's breast once tensioned.

Because there is less breast volume on the lateral and medial sides of the breast, the displacement and tension caused by the wearer's breast is less when positioned within the first and second breast covering portions 510 and 512. Because there is less displacement, less need exists for the second plurality of discrete cable structures 522 to undergo a reversible increase in length. Thus, the second plurality of discrete cable structures 522 maintain the second linear shape configuration in both the untensioned and tensioned states.

As described above, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 520 and the second plurality of discrete cable structures 522 can be modified to provide more or less support and/or accommodate a larger breast or a smaller breast. For example, the lengths of the first plurality of discrete cable structures 520 and the second plurality of discrete cable structures 522 may be increased to accommodate larger sized breasts. For the second plurality of discrete cable structures 522, this can be achieved by increasing the overall length of the cable structures 522, as they have a linear configuration. For the first plurality of discrete cable structures 520, this may be achieved by, for example, increasing the displacement of the zig-zag segments in the positive x-direction and the negative x-direction and/or by increasing the number of zig-zag segments. To accommodate smaller sized breasts, the overall length of the cable structure 522 may be reduced, and the displacement and/or number of zig-zag segments in the first plurality of discrete cable structures 520 may be reduced. The overall increased support can be achieved by increasing the number of discrete cable structures in the first and/or second plurality of discrete cable structures 520 and/or 522, regardless of breast size.

Fig. 7 depicts a flow chart of an example method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast covering portion of an article of clothing, such as a bra, and is generally indicated by reference numeral 700. In an example aspect, the support structure may include support structure 124 of fig. 1 or support structure 224 of fig. 2, and the support garment may include brassiere 500 of fig. 5 and 6, for example.

At step 710, a support structure is formed in a flat planar form, wherein the support structure includes a first plurality of discrete cable structures, such as the first plurality of discrete cable structures 126, 226, or 520, and a second plurality of discrete cable structures, such as the second plurality of discrete cable structures 132, 232, or 522. As explained herein, the first plurality of discrete cable structures have a first shape configuration when in a flat planar form, and the second plurality of discrete cable structures have a second shape configuration when in a flat planar form.

Aspects herein contemplate different ways of forming the support structure. In one example, the support structure may be printed using a polymeric material such as TPU. The TPU material, once cured, exhibits little stretchability when subjected to a tensioning force. In another example method of manufacture, the support structure may be cut from a low stretch or non-stretch textile material, including die cutting. Example textile materials include, for example, tightly woven textiles that do not include elastic yarns, tightly knit textiles that do not include elastic yarns, nonwoven materials, leather materials, and the like.

In another example method of manufacture, the support structure may be formed by arranging high tenacity, flexibility, and low or no stretch yarns or threads in a pattern corresponding to the support structure. Example materials include yarns or threads formed from para-aramid fibers. In an example aspect, the yarns or threads may be coated or entangled with a material to improve the comfort of the wearer, particularly when the support structure is in contact or near contact with the skin of the wearer. For example, yarns or threads formed from para-aramid fibers may be coated with TPU material or entangled with polyester yarns, cotton yarns, or the like. With respect to this method of manufacture, it is contemplated herein that the yarns or threads may be embroidered or stitched onto the base layer, as described with respect to the support structure 410 shown in fig. 4.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with an illustrative, but non-limiting, intent. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope thereof. Alternative means of implementing the above-described improvements may be developed by the skilled person without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be performed in the particular order described.

Claim (modification according to treaty 19)

1. A breast covering portion for supporting clothing, the breast covering portion comprising: a base layer; and a support structure positioned outside the base layer and comprising a first plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures having a first shape configuration in an untensioned state and a second shape configuration in a tensioned state, wherein the support structure is secured to the base layer at a first position and a second position and is not secured to the base layer between the first position and the second position.

2. The breast covering portion of claim 1, wherein the first location is at an upper portion of the breast covering portion and the second location is at a lower portion of the breast covering portion.

3. The breast covering portion of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures extend between the first and second positions over at least a central region of the breast covering portion.

4. A breast covering portion according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures are not secured to the base layer between the first and second positions.

5. The breast covering portion of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support structure has greater stretch resistance than the base layer.

6. The breast covering portion of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein each discrete cable structure comprises a plurality of linear segments extending alternately in a positive x-direction and a negative x-direction when each discrete cable structure is in the first shape configuration.

7. The breast covering portion of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein each discrete cable structure comprises a single continuous linear segment when in the second shape configuration.

8. A breast covering portion for supporting clothing, the breast covering portion comprising: a support structure, the support structure comprising: a first plurality of discrete cable structures and a second plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures having a first shape configuration in an untensioned state and a second shape configuration in a tensioned state, the second shape configuration being different from the first shape configuration, each of the second plurality of discrete cable structures having the second shape configuration in the untensioned state and the tensioned state.

9. The garment-supporting breast covering portion of claim 8, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures extends from an upper portion of the breast covering portion, over a central region of the breast covering portion, and to a lower portion of the breast covering portion.

10. The garment-supporting breast covering portion of claim 9, wherein the second plurality of discrete cable structures extends from the upper portion of the breast covering portion, over lateral and medial regions of the breast covering portion, and to the lower portion of the breast covering portion.

11. The breast covering portion supporting a garment of any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the support structure further comprises a lower peripheral portion positioned at the lower portion of the breast covering portion, and wherein each of the first and second plurality of discrete cable structures extends from the lower peripheral portion.

12. The breast covering portion supporting a garment of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first shape configuration comprises a plurality of linear segments extending alternately in a positive x-direction and a negative x-direction.

13. A breast covering portion supporting a garment according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the second shape configuration comprises a single continuous linear segment.

14. A method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast-covering portion of an article of clothing, the method comprising: forming the support structure in a flat planar form, the support structure comprising: a first plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures having a first shape configuration, and a second plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the second plurality of discrete cable structures having a second shape configuration different from the first shape configuration.

15. A method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast-covering portion of a garment according to claim 14, wherein the first shape configuration comprises a plurality of linear segments extending alternately in a positive x-direction and a negative x-direction.

16. A method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast-covering portion of a garment according to any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the second shape configuration comprises a single continuous linear segment.

17. A method of manufacturing a support structure for a breast covering portion for supporting an item of clothing according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures extends from an upper portion of the breast covering portion, over a central region of the breast covering portion, and to a lower portion of the breast covering portion.

18. A method of manufacturing a support structure for a breast covering portion for supporting an item of clothing according to claim 17, wherein the second plurality of discrete cable structures extend from the upper portion of the breast covering portion, over lateral and medial regions of the breast covering portion, and to the lower portion of the breast covering portion.

19. A method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast-covering portion of an item of clothing according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the support structure is formed from a low stretch material.

Claims (20)

1. A breast covering portion for supporting clothing, the breast covering portion comprising: a base layer; and a support structure positioned outside the base layer and comprising a first plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures having a first shape configuration in an untensioned state and a second shape configuration in a tensioned state.

2. The breast covering portion of claim 1, wherein the support structure is secured to the base layer at a first position and a second position and is not secured to the base layer between the first position and the second position.

3. The breast covering portion of claim 2, wherein the first position is at an upper portion of the breast covering portion and the second position is at a lower portion of the breast covering portion.

4. A breast covering portion according to any of claims 2 to 3, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures extend between the first and second positions over at least a central region of the breast covering portion.

5. The breast covering portion of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures are not secured to the base layer between the first and second positions.

6. The breast covering portion of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support structure has greater stretch resistance than the base layer.

7. The breast covering portion of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein each discrete cable structure comprises a plurality of linear segments extending alternately in a positive x-direction and a negative x-direction when each discrete cable structure is in the first shape configuration.

8. The breast covering portion of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein each discrete cable structure comprises a single continuous linear segment when in the second shape configuration.

9. A breast covering portion for supporting clothing, the breast covering portion comprising: a support structure, the support structure comprising: a first plurality of discrete cable structures and a second plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures having a first shape configuration in an untensioned state and a second shape configuration in a tensioned state, the second shape configuration being different from the first shape configuration, each of the second plurality of discrete cable structures having the second shape configuration in the untensioned state and the tensioned state.

10. The garment-supporting breast covering portion of claim 9, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures extends from an upper portion of the breast covering portion, over a central region of the breast covering portion, and to a lower portion of the breast covering portion.

11. The garment-supporting breast covering portion of claim 10, wherein the second plurality of discrete cable structures extends from the upper portion of the breast covering portion, over lateral and medial regions of the breast covering portion, and to the lower portion of the breast covering portion.

12. The breast covering portion supporting a garment of any of claims 10 to 11, wherein the support structure further comprises a lower peripheral portion positioned at the lower portion of the breast covering portion, and wherein each of the first and second plurality of discrete cable structures extends from the lower peripheral portion.

13. The breast covering portion supporting a garment of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first shape configuration comprises a plurality of linear segments extending alternately in a positive x-direction and a negative x-direction.

14. A breast covering portion supporting a garment according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the second shape configuration comprises a single continuous linear segment.

15. A method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast-covering portion of an article of clothing, the method comprising: forming the support structure in a flat planar form, the support structure comprising: a first plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the first plurality of discrete cable structures having a first shape configuration, and a second plurality of discrete cable structures, each of the second plurality of discrete cable structures having a second shape configuration different from the first shape configuration.

16. A method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast-covering portion of a garment according to claim 15, wherein the first shape configuration comprises a plurality of linear segments extending alternately in a positive x-direction and a negative x-direction.

17. A method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast-covering portion of a garment according to any of claims 15 to 16, wherein the second shape configuration comprises a single continuous linear segment.

18. A method of manufacturing a support structure for a breast covering portion for supporting an item of clothing according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the first plurality of discrete cable structures extends from an upper portion of the breast covering portion, over a central region of the breast covering portion, and to a lower portion of the breast covering portion.

19. A method of manufacturing a support structure for a breast covering portion for supporting an item of clothing according to claim 18, wherein the second plurality of discrete cable structures extend from the upper portion of the breast covering portion, over lateral and medial regions of the breast covering portion, and to the lower portion of the breast covering portion.

20. A method of manufacturing a support structure for supporting a breast-covering portion of a garment according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the support structure is formed from a low stretch material.