EP2563174A2

EP2563174A2 - Improvements relating to clothing

Info

Publication number: EP2563174A2
Application number: EP11725654A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Reenagh Mccall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-29
Filing date: 2011-04-29
Publication date: 2013-03-06
Also published as: US20130122780A1; WO2011135092A3; WO2011135092A2

Abstract

A brassiere (1 ) comprises a torso encircling bodice (2) and a pair of complementary breast cups (3, 4) mounted at a front of the bodice (2). A front upper edge of the bodice (2) has two curved cut-out portions (5, 6) for close fitting of the upper front edge of the bodice (2) under a wearer's breasts in use. A central tongue (7) between the cut-out portions (5, 6) extends upwardly between the breasts, in use. Each breast cup (3, 4) is attached to the bodice (2) adjacent an upper free end of the tongue (7) and at an outer side of each cut-out portion (5, 6) at an underarm portion of the bodice (2). Thus, an opening is left between a lower edge of each breast cup (3, 4) and the front of the bodice (2). An outwardly projecting breast support (9) is mounted along an upper edge of each cut-out portion (5, 6).

Description

"Improvements relating to clothing"

Introduction This invention relates to clothing, and in particular to brassieres and the like garments.

Many bra shapes and styles are available on the market. These are single layered garments around the wings, bodice and under the cups. This single layer moves with the body and into positions the body adapts. So by lifting ones arms in the air the under cup seam will slide slightly upwards and sit out of position when the arms are lowered. Similarly, with sideways movement, reaching, stretching etc. the bra can slip to one side resulting in the dropping of a strap or the pinching of a wire etc. This is even more prevalent in active wear such as sports and swimwear where movement is constant and this can result in the chaffing of the skin due to the shift of fit on the body from the movement.

The majority of improvements in bras over recent years have concentrated on cups, with the inclusion of moulded insertions into the inner cup to push the breast in the intended direction. As the cups are moulded or laminated they are more rigid in texture and less flexible resulting in the cradle of the bra often sitting low on the ribcage following movement, and often curling upwards during wear. This is uncomfortable to wear and the support is compromised as the breast is being pushed rather than lifted from below.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided a brassiere comprising a torso encircling bodice and a pair of breast cups attached to the bodice, each cup being attached at each side of the cup to the bodice, leaving an opening between a lower edge of the breast cup and the bodice, a front upper edge of the bodice having two cut-out portions for close fitting of the upper edge of the bodice under a wearer's breasts with a central tongue between the cut-out portions extending upwardly between the breasts, each cup being attached to the tongue and at an outer side of a cut-out portion, and an outwardly projecting breast support is mounted along an upper edge of each cut-out portion.

In one embodiment of the invention, the width of the breast support gradually increases between each side of the breast support and a central part of the breast support.

In another embodiment the depth of each breast support gradually increases between each side of the breast support and a central part of the breast support.

In another embodiment a pocket is provided along the upper edge of each cut-out portion, a reinforcing element being mounted within said pocket.

In another embodiment said pocket has an opening at one end to facilitate removal of the reinforcing element, a wire retaining flap being mounted across said opening, said flap being retractable to provide access to the pocket.

In a further embodiment an extension wing is provided at an outer side of each breast cup, said extension wing extending rearwardly and being attached to the bodice at a rear portion of the bodice.

In another embodiment shoulder straps are attached to a top of each breast cup and extending rearwardly therefrom and are attached to the rear portion of the bodice.

Various materials can be used for the breast support, such as enhanced foam, or gel or air filled elements.

In another embodiment, each breast cup can is movable between a normal breast support position and a nursing position.

In another embodiment there is provided means for retaining the breast cup in the breast support position and in the nursing position. ln one embodiment of the invention the retaining means comprises a fastener for releasably securing a lower edge portion of the breast cup in a lowered breast support position on the bodice and in a raised nursing position secured at an upper end of the breast cup.

In another embodiment the fastener is engagable within a pocket at a top of the breast cup.

In another embodiment the fastener is a hook and pile fastener. Various other fasteners such as studs, clips, hooks, magnetic clips and the like may be used alternatively.

In another aspect there is provided a brassiere comprising a torso encircling bodice and a pair of breast cups attached to the bodice, each cup being attached at each side of the cup to the bodice, leaving an opening between a lower edge of the breast cup and the bodice, a front upper edge of the bodice having two cut-out portions for close fitting of the upper edge of the bodice under a wearer's breasts with a central tongue between the cut-out portions extending upwardly between the breasts, each cup being attached to the tongue and at an outer side of a cut-out portion, each breast cup being movable between a normal breast support position and a nursing position.

In another embodiment there is provided means for retaining each breast cup in the breast support position and in the nursing position.

In a further embodiment the retaining means comprises a fastener for releasably securing a lower edge portion of the breast cup in a lowered breast support position on the bodice and in a raised nursing position secured at an upper end of the breast cup.

In another embodiment the fastener is engagable within a pocket at a top of the breast cup when in the raised nursing position.

In another embodiment each breast cup has an elasticated lower edge and an elasticated inner edge, and inner edges of the breast cups are releasabiy interconnected by a zip fastener.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be more clearly understood by the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a brassiere according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a detail elevational view of a front part of a bodice forming portion of the brassiere;

Fig. 3 is a detail partially cut-away view of a breast support portion of the brassiere;

Fig. 4 is a view similarly to Fig. 3 showing an alternative construction of breast support;

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the brassiere;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another brassiere according to the invention;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail perspective view showing portion of the brassiere of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of another brassiere according to the invention;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a further brassiere according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of another brassiere according to a another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 11 is an elevational view of another brassiere according to the invention;

Fig. 12 is a detail elevational view showing portion of another brassiere according to the invention;

Fig. 13 is an elevational view of another brassiere according to the invention;

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13 showing the brassiere in another position of use; and

Fig. 15 is an elevational view of the brassiere shown in Fig. 13.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 5 thereof, there is illustrated a brassiere according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The brassiere 1 comprises a torso encircling bodice 2 and a pair of complementary breast cups 3, 4 mounted at a front of the bodice 2. A front upper edge of the bodice 2 has two curved cut-out portions 5, 6 for close fitting of the upper front edge of the bodice 2 under a wearer's breasts in use. A central tongue 7 between the cut-out portions 5, 6 extends upwardly between the breasts, in use. Each breast cup 3, 4 is attached to the bodice 2 adjacent an upper free end of the tongue 7 and at an outer side of each cut-out portion 5, 6 at an underarm portion of the bodice 2. Thus, an opening is left between a lower edge of each breast cup 3, 4 and the front of the bodice fully along the front portion of the bodice 2. An outwardly projecting breast support 9 is mounted along an upper edge of each cut- out portion 5, 6. Should straps 10 are attached at a top of each breast cup 3, 4 and extend rearwardly therefrom and are attached to a rear portion 11 of the bodice 2.

In Fig. 1 , the left breast cup 4 is raised to show the underlying structure but would normally sit over the bodice 2 in similar fashion to the right breast cup 3. It will be noted that a width W of each breast support 9 gradually increases between each side of the breast support 9 and a central part of the breast support 9. Also, the depth D of each breast support 9 gradually increases between the side of the breast support 9 and a central part of the breast support 9.

It will be appreciated that each breast support 9 provides for lifting a breast away from the rib cage in an upward and central movement, enhancing the shape of the breast but also respecting the natural contours of the body. This is achieved through the gradual increase in the size of both the depth and width of the breast support structure, as it arrives at a central point beneath the breast, as opposed to current push-up bras which effectively push the breasts from a circular to an oval shape through the addition of inserts. As the breast is effectively placed on the curved shelf formed by the support 9, the weight of the breast is relieved and redistributed throughout the structure of the brassiere 1.

The bodice 2 fits against the torso of the wearer and firmly anchors the garment on the wearer while at the same time the breast cups 3, 4 can move relative to the fixed bodice 2 to accommodate movement of the wearer.

It will be appreciated that the brassiere of the invention provides enhanced fit with enhanced comfort. The brassiere of the invention enhances a woman's own natural shape, whilst delivering the comfort of a non-wired brassiere, the protection from breast bounce and back strain of a sports brassiere and the added lift of a push-up brassiere.

It will be appreciated that the invention can be applied to brassieres generally and also other related garments such as sportswear, nightwear, swimwear and foundation garments generally.

Referring now to Figs. 6 and 7 there is shown another brassiere according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 30. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case a pocket 31 is provided along the upper edge of each cut-out portion 5, 6. A reinforcing wire 32 is demountably secured in the pocket 31. The pocket 31 has an opening 33 at an outer end thereof to facilitate removal of the reinforcing wire 32. A wire retaining flap 34 is mounted across said opening 33. This flap 34 is retractable, for example it may be of an elastic material, to provide access to the pocket 31.

Referring now to Fig. 8, there is shown another brassiere according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 40. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case an extension wing 41 is provided at an outer side of each breast cup 3, 4. This extension wing 41 extends rearwardly and is attached to the bodice at the rear portion 11 of the bodice adjacent a rear fastener of the brassiere. In this case also a somewhat larger breast support 9 is provided at a front portion of the bodice 2. This support 9 may comprise any suitable material, for example, foam - simplex, filled, bonded, moulded, laminated, embossed etc. In the drawing, the breast cup 3 is shown pulled upwardly to show the construction of the bodice, however, the breast cup 3 would normally extended downwardly over the breast support 9 and bodice 2.

Referring now to Fig. 9 there is shown another brassiere according to a further embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 45. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case a larger breast support 9 is shown. Here again, the breast cups 3, 4 have been pulled up to show the inner structure of the brassiere 45, however, as previously stated, the breast cups 3, 4 normally extend down over the breast support 9 and bodice 2.

Referring to Fig. 10, there is illustrated a nursing brassiere according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 50. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case, the breast cups 3, 4 can be peeled back between a normal breast support position (left breast cup 4) and a raised folded nursing position (right breast cup 3). Fasteners, in this case complementary hook and pile fastener elements 14, 15, 16 are releasably inter-engagable to retain the breast cups 3, 4 in either the breast support position or in the nursing position. A first fastener element 14 is mounted at a lower inner edge portion of each breast cup 3, 4. A second fastener element 15 is mounted at a lower edge of the bodice 2 at a central front portion of the bodice 2 for securing the breast cup 3, 4 in the normal support position. A third fastener element 16 is mounted within a pocket 26 at a top of the breast cup 3, 4 for retaining the breast cup 3, 4 in an upwardly folded stored position exposing the breast of the user for nursing.

Each breast cup 3, 4 has an elasticated inner edge 17 and an elasticated lower edge 18. When the breast cups 3, 4 are in the lowered breast supporting position inner edges 17 of the breast cups 3, 4 are releasably interconnected by a zip fastener 20.

In use, the brassiere 50 is normally worn with the breast cups 3, 4 in the support position. When the woman needs to nurse her child, the zip 20 is drawn upwardly allowing the mother to then open either breast cup 3, 4 for nursing. The mother releases the fastener 14, 15 at a lower edge of the selected breast cup 3, 4 and peels back the breast cup 3, 4 folding it upwardly and inserting the fastener 14 into the pocket 26 at a top of the breast cup 3, 4 to engage the complementary fastener element 16 within the pocket 26 and secure the breast cup 3, 4 in a neatly folded position. Thus, the material of the breast cup 3, 4 is tucked well away from the baby's face while nursing. When the mother has finished nursing the baby she simply pulls lightly to release the fastener 14, 16 securing the breast cup 3, 4 in the pocket 26. The zip 20 is then pulled downwardly pulling the breast cup 3, 4 into place and re-engaging the fastener 14, 15 at a bottom of the bodice 2. It will be appreciated that the zip 20 closes easily as the alternate breast cup 3, 4 has remained taut and so eliminates the need to use a second hand to fold the fabric down when zipping. Further due to the bodice 2 construction and fitting on the wearer there is no need to re-position the breast following nursing. It will be appreciated that the invention advantageously provides optimum comfort for the mother at all times. She does not have pieces of fabric hanging beneath her clothing or digging into her. Also she does not have her breasts distorted in any way as the invention respects the anatomy of a nursing mother's breasts. It relieves pressure on the milk ducts. It also allows for changes of size of the breasts during nursing as the bodice support fits under the crease of the breast due to its structure. This means that throughout the entire nursing process the breasts are being supported by the bodice. It will be appreciated that various different types of fasteners could be used for securing the breast cups in the raised or lowered positions. Also, instead of the zip shown interconnecting the breast cup, other types of fasteners such as hook and pile fasteners might be used. Referring now to Fig. 11 there is shown another nursing brassiere according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 60. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case each breast cup 3, 4 is of two-part construction having an elasticated top part 61 and a complementary elasticated lower part 62. This construction is particularly useful as a night feeding brassiere as the top part 61 can be raised and/or the lower part 62 can be pulled down to expose the breast for feeding.

Referring now to Fig. 12, there is shown another nursing brassiere according to a further embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 65. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. In this case, the top part 61 has a cut-away portion 66 which together with the breast support 9 defines an opening 67 exposing the breast for feeding. The lower part 62 of the breast cup 4 covers the upper part 61 during normal use, but can be pulled down to expose the opening 67 for feeding when required.

Referring now to Figs. 13 and 14 there is shown another nursing brassiere according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 70. Parts similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference numerals.

The brassiere 70 has a torso encircling bodice 72. An upper edge of a front portion of the bodice 72 has a pair of cut-out portions 74, 75 for close fitting of the front portion of the bodice 72 under a wearers breasts in use with a central tongue 76 between the cut-out portions 74, 75 extending upwardly between the breasts as shown in Fig. 2. A pair of breast cups 78, 79 are mounted on the bodice 72. Each breast cup 78, 79 is attached at an upper free end 80 of the tongue 76 and at an outer side 81 , 82 of a cut-out portion 74, 75 at an underarm portion of the bodice 72. Thus, an opening is provided between a lower portion of each breast cup 78, 79 and the bodice 72. The breast cup 78, 79 can be peeled back between a normal breast support position as shown in Fig. 15 and a raised folded nursing position, as shown in Fig. 14. Fasteners, in this case complementary hook and pile fastener elements 84, 85, 86 are releasably inter-engagable to retain the breast cups 78, 79 in either the breast support position (Fig. 15) or in the nursing position (Fig. 14).

A first fastener element 8 is mounted at a lower inner edge portion of each breast cup 78, 79. A second fastener element 85 is mounted at a lower edge of the bodice 72 at a central front portion of the bodice 72 for securing the breast cup 78, 79 in the normal support position shown in Fig. 15. A third fastener element 86 is mounted within a pocket 96 at a top of the breast cup 78, 79 for retaining the breast cup 78, 79 in an upwardly folded stored position exposing the breast of the user for nursing. Each breast cup 78, 79 has an elasticated inner edge 87 and an elasticated lower edge 88. When the breast cups 78, 79 are on the lowered breast supporting position inner edges 87 of the breast cups 78, 79 are releasably interconnected by a zip fastener 90. In use, the brassiere 1 is normally worn with the breast cups 78, 79 in the support position as shown in Fig. 15. When the woman needs to nurse her child, the zip 90 is drawn upwardly allowing the mother to then open either breast cup 78, 79 for nursing. The mother releases the fastener 84, 85 at a lower edge of the selected breast cup 8, 9 and peels back the breast cup 78, 79 folding it upwardly and inserting the fastener 84 into the pocket 96 at a top of the breast cup 78, 79 to engage the complimentary fastener element 86 within the pocket 96 and secure the breast cup 78, 79 in a neatly folded position. Thus, the material of the breast cup 78, 79 is tucked well away from the baby's face while nursing. When the mother has finished nursing the baby she simply pulls lightly to release the fastener 84, 86 securing the breast cup 78, 79 in the pocket 96. The zip 90 is then pulled downwardly pulling the breast cup 78, 79 into place and re-engaging the fastener 84, 85 at a bottom of the bodice 72. It will be appreciated that the zip 90 closes easily as the alternate breast cup 78, 79 has remained taut and so eliminates the need to use a second hand to fold the fabric down when zipping. Further due to the bodice 72 construction and fitting on the wearer there is no need to re-position the breast following nursing.

This invention offers the wearer a choice of support to suit their needs, and outerwear. To give the wearer an improved fit and comfort in all activities. To offer an enhanced silhouette and breast lift without contorting the breast. To offer a freedom of movement without discomfort, chaffing, poking wires, slipping straps etc. To offer different support options in comfortable sportswear; to offer Internal support options that can be incorporated into all bra and swimwear functions and styles, to offer specific solutions to maternity and nursing bras such as a choice of front openings and a nursing sports option.

According to the invention there is provided a cutaway bodice all around and under the breasts which when attached to any version of outer brassiere works to anchor the outer bra constantly in place under the breast much in the way of a bridge structure. This allows outer bra movement without the resulting shifting of the under cup portion of the bra in an upward or sideways movement. Breasts, therefore, are always supported by an uncompromised fit.

The cutaway bodice can form the under layer of any bra structure. This has a variety of adaptations of shape, form and style. Each of these forms can in turn be moulded, laminated, filled, bonded, embossed etc. as needs or styles require.

The adaptations include different cuts and depths of the breast supports which respond to breast size, larger and smaller cup; bra function, sports, swimwear, surgical, maternity, fashion etc.; and the preferred level of support by the wearer.

Each of the adaptations are attached to the cutaway under breast portion of the bodice in the under layer of a garment. These can be stitched, moulded, bonded, laminated or attached by any other means. The uniqueness of this bra Invention lies in its two separate layers. The inner layer, or Inner support system for support, improved fit and comfort and the outer layer for coverage, style and function. It is the combination of these two layers which allows each layer to perform its function to its optimum. The straps and baseband are connected to the outer layer which is therefore subject to body movement, contrastingly, the under breast construction is connected or hinged at the two outer wing and /or wing and cup seams and at the top centre front wing (optional) which anchors the inner layer structure to the body and the outer layer, whilst allowing the two structures to act independently on the body. As the inner layer is not sewn down or connected to an outer garment at the base, it is not subject to being pulled or dragged out of place by the movement of the torso or arms of the wearer. Further, as the inner layer is not covered by a fabric cup t is able to sit closer to the breast for a better fit and enhanced support.

The advantages of the two layered system are: the inner layer fits more directly and precisely under the breast and maintains its position as it is not being pulled or dragged out of place by the movement or function of the outer layer, this is particularly prevalent in long line, shapewear, bodies etc. where the movement of the wearer throughout the day can result in the undercup section being dragged to sit on the ribcage. There is a complete freedom of movement for the wearer due to the stable and consistent under breast positioning, making the Invention ideal for sports, dance, lifting of babies, and daily activities. There is an enhanced silhouette for the wearer, respecting her natural body shape and not pushing the breast into contorted positions. The invention helps support breast tissue and alleviates breast bounce.

The addition of a protruding support from the cut away cup expands the potential of the function from improved fit and comfort to include improved support, enhanced shape, breast weight management, breast tissue support, post operative comfort, protection, compression and support, of breasts; breast placement, sensitivity protection and breathable support in maternity and nursing; breathable breast prosthesis positioning and support allowing security and free movement in Mastectomy bras; breathable and free moving outer with structured non flattening inner bodice, breast support in sports. Figure enhancing, breast stabilising, free body movement support in Swimwear, watersports wear, ski and triathlon wear.

The inner layer can be wired, removable wired or wire-free but should remain a fully intact form encircling the two breasts and being connected by a centre tongue. For comfort, ease of washing and the use of a day for night bra the wire can be removed from the inner protrusions through the inclusion of a n elasticated or stitched flap preferably made of stretch fabric or a stabiliser running along the outer cup seam and the upper wing under the arm hole across the top of the wire casing. It is preferable that the wire casing is cut at an angle at the top for ease of removal and that the flap is reinforced, it is also possible to include elasticated stitching and/ or a spring action at the top of the wire casing for ease of release. For ease of fitting a front opening fastener may be substituted at the centre front tongue as long as once on the body the fastener maintains the two halves of the inner support system intact.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A brassiere comprising a torso encircling bodice and a pair of breast cups attached to the bodice, each cup being attached at each side of the cup to the bodice, leaving an opening between a lower edge of the breast cup and the bodice, a front upper edge of the bodice having two cut-out portions for close fitting of the upper edge of the bodice under a wearer's breasts with a central tongue between the cut-out portions extending upwardly between the breasts, each cup being attached to the tongue and at an outer side of a cut-out portion, and an outwardly projecting breast support is mounted along an upper edge of each cut-out portion.

The brassiere as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the width of the breast support gradually increases between each side of the breast support and a central part of the breast support.

3. The brassiere as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the depth of each breast support gradually increases between each side of the breast support and a central part of the breast support.

4. The brassiere as claimed in as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a pocket is provided along the upper edge of each cut-out portion, a reinforcing element being mounted within said pocket.

The brassiere as claimed in claim 4 wherein said pocket has an opening at one end to facilitate removal of the reinforcing element, a wire retaining flap being mounted across said opening, said flap being retractable to provide access to the pocket.

The brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an extension wing is provided at an outer side of each breast cup, said extension wing extending rearwardly and being attached to the bodice at a rear portion of the bodice.

The brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim wherein shoulder straps are attached to a top of each breast cup and extending rearwardly therefrom and are attached to the rear portion of the bodice.

The brassiere as claimed in as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each breast cup is movable between a normal breast support position and a nursing position.

The brassiere as claimed in claim 8 wherein there is provided means for retaining each breast cup in the breast support position and in the nursing position.

The brassiere as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the retaining means comprises a fastener for releasably securing a lower edge portion of the breast cup in a lowered breast support position on the bodice and in a raised nursing position secured at an upper end of the breast cup.

The brassiere as claimed in claim 10 wherein the fastener is engagable within a pocket at a top of the breast cup when in the raised nursing position.

12. The brassiere as claimed in any of claims 8 to 11 , wherein each breast cup has an elasticated lower edge and an elasticated inner edge, and inner edges of the breast cups are releasably interconnected by a zip fastener.