WO2010122359A2

WO2010122359A2 - Improvements relating to bras

Info

Publication number: WO2010122359A2
Application number: PCT/GB2010/050678
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lisa Mulube
Original assignee: Marks And Spencer Plc
Priority date: 2009-04-24
Filing date: 2010-04-26
Publication date: 2010-10-28
Also published as: WO2010122359A3; GB2469691A; GB0907115D0

Abstract

The present application describes techniques for improving the fit of bras. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a cup structure for a bra and to a bra incorporating the cup structure of the present invention. A bra cup structure is described having a first filler material and a second filler material, the first filler material being more malleable than the second filler material. The first and second filler materials at least partially overlap each other in one or more regions of the cup.

Description

Improvements Relating to Bras

The present invention relates generally to techniques for improving the fit of bras. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a cup structure for a bra and to a bra incorporating the cup structure of the present invention. The present invention further relates to a shoulder strap construction for a bra and, also, to a construction for a bra wing.

Bra cups which incorporate a padding, or filler, material in order to enhance, shape and support a wearer's bust are well known. For example, filler material may be provided between an outer layer of a cup structure and an inner lining to generate a padded cup structure for a bra. The use of a foam filler material derived, for example, from polyurethane or silicone has become popular. Such a foam filler material can be readily moulded into the shape of a cup using known pre-form moulding techniques and, if required, covered with a fabric material to provide a cup structure which is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

The filler materials most commonly used in bra cup structures, including polyurethane or silicon foams, tend to return a force that is substantially comparable to the force exerted on the filler. Thus, whilst the firmness associated with commonly employed filler materials is useful for uplifting and enhancing the size of a bust, these materials can suffer from the problem that the cup structure does not necessarily mate well with all areas of the breast. This can lead to the occurrence of so-called "empty spots" between the breast and the inner surface of the bra. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the shape and size of wearers' breasts is extremely varied so that the provision of a firm filler material in a particular location of the cup is unlikely to complement the bust of each and every wearer.

Bras which incorporate filler materials, for example to create the appearance of a certain desired shape or enhanced bust size, are designed to cater for the "typical" bust shape within a particular size range. However, it is very common that a wearer's bust will not conform exactly to the typical shape that was assumed when the cup structure was designed and, as such, for problems with the apparent fit of the bra to arise. Fit issues may, for example, include empty areas at the apex or at the high point of the bra, loose areas at the neck edge where the bust is not as full, or tight areas where the bust is fuller than assumed. The present invention seeks to alleviate the problems associated with the fit of a bra cup that can occur in the case of cup structures which incorporate a filler material. Furthermore, the present invention seeks to provide a cup structure with improved suitability and/or fit for breasts of a variety of shapes within a given size range.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cup for a bra, the cup comprising: a first filler material and a second filler material, the first filler material being more malleable than the second filler material, said first and second filler materials at least partially overlapping each other in one or more regions of the cup.

It should be appreciated, within the context of the present invention, that references to the first and second filler materials being "overlapping", should be interpreted to include both directly overlapping, in which the first and second filler materials are in direct contact with each other, as well as indirectly overlapping, in which one or more other materials are provided between the first and second filler materials.

The property of malleability describes the ability of a material to deform under pressure, or compressive stress, and may also be described in terms of the firmness of the material. Thus, the first, more malleable, filler material is softer and exhibits more give than the second filler material. Conversely the second filler material is firmer and more resistant to compressive stress than the first filler material. It is therefore better suited to shaping and enhancing the apparent size of a wearer's bust.

Preferably, the first filler material is sufficiently malleable as to be able to conform to the shape of an adjacent portion of a wearer's breast in order to compliment, rather than significantly alter, the natural shape of a wearer's breast. Preferably, the second filler material is sufficiently firm as to be able to exert a pressure against an adjacent portion of a wearer's breast in order to encourage the breast upwardly and/or inwardly, for example, to thereby alter the natural shape of a wearer's breast. Preferably, the second filler material resists significant deformation in use and, thus, the external shape of the cup structure in the region(s) of the second filler material will be predominantly determined by the manufactured shape of the region of the second filler material, rather than the natural shape of the wearer. Advantageously, according to embodiments of the present invention, the different properties of the first and second filler material work together to provide a cup structure which can not only shape, lift or enhance the apparent size of a wearer's bust, as a consequence of the properties of the second filler material, but which also properly conforms to the shape of a wearer's bust as a consequence of the properties of the first filler material. A bra comprising the cup structure of the present invention therefore advantageously offers superior comfort and fit as well as an enhanced silhouette as desired.

In particular, a key benefit of embodiments of the present invention is that contact between the breast and the inner surface is improved. Thus, embodiments of the present invention not only provide better support, but the potential for the occurrence of empty spots and/or tight areas is also minimised. Furthermore the ability of the first filter material to adapt to, and accommodate, the particular way in which the natural shape of a wearer's bust will become altered under the influence of the second filler material, ensures that a bra comprising the cup structure of the present invention accommodates a variety of bust shapes, within a given size range, effectively tailoring the fit of the bra to a specific wearer.

The first, more malleable, filler material is preferably "shape memory foam", also known as visco-elastic foam. Shape memory foam may be made from polyurethane with additional chemicals that alter the cell structure, also described as viscous structure, of the foam. The cell structure of the foam affects the ability of air to pass between the cells. The more open cell structure of shape memory foam, as compared to conventional polyurethane or silicon foam, allows air to pass between the cells of the foam in response to pressure. This property renders the foam more pliable, allowing it to mate well with the natural shape of the wearer. Furthermore, the inherent malleability of shape memory foam ensures a superior level of comfort for the wearer.

The second filler material is preferably conventional polyurethane or silicon foam that is commonly used as a filler material for padded bra structures. The firmness associated with conventional foam filler materials renders them useful for shaping and padding the cup structure in order to give the wearer a fuller silhouette and improved shape, and provides a greater degree of support than the first filler material. The main important physical difference between shape memory foam and "conventional" foam, therefore resides in the cellular structure, or viscous structure of the foam.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a cup for a bra, the cup comprising: a first foam material and a second foam material, the first foam material having a more open cellular structure than the second foam material, said first and second foam materials at least partially overlapping each other in one or more regions of the cup.

It will be appreciated that the density of each filler material may be selected according to the desired qualities of the resultant bra structure and that both conventional foam and shape memory foam, for example, may come in a range of densities. In the case of shape memory foam, the overall density depends on the chemicals added to polyurethane to produce the foam and will affect how readily the foam will contour to a wearer's shape at normal body temperature. A higher density shape memory foam allows the foam to mould to itself to the shape of a warm body within a few minutes. A lower density shape memory foam tends to be is more pressure-sensitive and, consequently, will mould more quickly to the shape of the body. According to embodiments of the present invention, the density of shape memory foam forming the first filler material is preferably in the range 50 to 80 kg/m3, and the density of conventional foam forming the second filler material is preferably in the range 26 to 40 kg/m3.

The arrangement and positioning of the first and second filler materials within the cup structure may be selected according to the intended visual effect of a bra incorporating a cup structure embodying the present invention. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention only one, or the other, of the first and second filler materials is present in one or more region(s) of the cup. For example, it is envisaged that a bra cup embodying the present invention may comprise a continuous layer of the first filler material, in addition to a layer of the second filler material in at least one, discrete, region of the cup. Thus, the locations of the, or each, region(s) of the second filler material, which advantageously serves to enhance the size and/or shape of the bust, may be selected according to the intended visual effect of the bra when worn, whilst the layer of first filler material provides all over comfort and improves the fit and comfort of the bra. For example, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the second filler material is provided in a layer which extends over a first region, the first region extending from the cup base to a point at, or near, the high point of the cup structure, as well as laterally. In the case of a so-called "push-up bra", this first region of second filler material is typically centred towards the outer sides of the cup structure, in order that a wearer's breasts may be encouraged both upwards and inwards to enhance cleavage. Alternatively, in the case of a so-called "T-shirt" bra, the first region will typically be centred just under the centre of a wearer's breast in order to provide lift for a natural, rounded shape to the upper part of the breast.

The second filler material may alternatively or additionally be provided in a layer at a second region, which second region is at/near the apex of the cup. Furthermore, the second filler material may alternatively or additionally be provided in a layer at a third region, which third region is at/near the front of the cup.

It will be appreciated that the extent of the first to third regions will vary depending on the desired result and on the size of the bra cup.

The thickness of the first and/or second filler materials may also be varied, according to embodiments of the present invention, in order to vary the overall malleability and/or the structure, and function, of the cup. In particular, the thickness of the, or each, layer of the second filler material is varied according to the intended visual effect of a bra embodying the present invention, e.g. the degree of size enhancement and/or "lift" that it is intended the bra will provide to the wearer.

Rather than providing several distinct regions of the second filler material, the second filler material may be provided in a layer which extends over more than one of the first region, the second region and the third region. In this embodiment, the thickness of the layer of second material will preferably vary such that that the layer of the second filler material is thickest at the first and/or second and/or third region, with only a relatively thin layer of the second filler material provided in regions around/between the first and/or second and/or third region accordingly. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the region at/near the neck edge of the cup, a layer of the first filler material is provided either alone, or in combination with a thin layer of the second filler material.

According to further embodiment of the present invention, both filler materials are provided over the majority, or indeed the entirety, of the cup. Thus, the cup structure may therefore comprise two continuous, overlapping layers of a first and second filler material.

Embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable as a cup structure for a T-shirt style bra, since the second filler material can advantageously serve to urge a wearer's bust into a natural, rounded, shape whilst the first filler material can serve to provide coverage and comfort over the upper portion of the breast.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the cup structure of the present invention is provided in conjunction with an outer layer, or "shell", of limited flexibility. This outer layer, which may for example be formed from compressed memory foam to give it a more closed cellular structure, has a degree of rigidity that ensures the shape of the layer does not become significantly changed or deformed in use. Thus, the outer layer may advantageously be shaped to give a desired or "ideal" silhouette to the cup. The external silhouette or shape of a bra incorporating a cup structure according to this embodiment will therefore be primarily determined by the shape of the rigid outer layer, whilst the first and second filler materials of the cup structure serve to ensure a good fit between the breast and the inner surface of the cup, minimising the potential for empty spots or tight areas.

There are a number of other issues that commonly arise in relation to the fit of a bra. For example, the shoulder straps, which each typically extend from the apex of the bra cup to the wings of the bra so as to extend over the shoulder of a wearer in use, can often be found to dig in to the flesh of the wearer, causing discomfort and interfering with the visual appearance of the bra in the region of the straps. This is particularly problematic in the case of larger sized bras, since the greater weight of the wearer's bust will exert a downward force on the straps in use, thereby tending to pull the strap into the flesh of the wearer, particularly in the region over the top of the shoulder. There is therefore a need to alleviate the afore-mentioned problems associated with known shoulder straps. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a shoulder strap for a bra, the shoulder strap exhibiting a variable elasticity over the length of the strap. A bra structure incorporating the shoulder strap of the third aspect of the present invention is also provided.

Advantageously, according to embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, by varying the elasticity, i.e. the ability of the strap to stretch in response to appropriate pulling forces, it is possible to balance the requirements of strength/support with comfort as necessary over the length of the shoulder strap. Thus, the portion of the strap that will extend over the shoulder of a wearer in use may preferably have a higher degree of elasticity than other portions of the strap. This arrangement is advantageous in that it prevents, or at least reduces, the possibility of the strap cutting into the flesh of a wearer.

It is envisaged that a shoulder strap embodying the present invention may be constructed using materials of varying inherent elasticity for different portions of the strap. Alternatively, different "glues" may be applied to the strap in order to alter the elasticity of the strap and to achieve different levels of stretch over the length of the strap.

A similar problem arises in relation to the wings of a bra which extend from the outer side edges of the cup to meet, and typically connect via complimentary coupling portions provided at either end of each wing, in the region of the centre of a wearer's back in use. Specifically, despite known wing constructions commonly employing a variable length coupling portion to allow a wearer to adjust the length of the wings and, thus, how tight the fit of the wings is in use, it is a common problem that the wings cut into the flesh of the wearer. There is therefore a need to mitigate problems associated with the fit of known bra wings in order to improve their comfort and fit whilst still providing adequate strength and support as required.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wing structure for a bra, the wing structure exhibiting a variable elasticity over the length of the wing structure. A bra structure incorporating the wing structure of the fourth aspect of the present invention is also provided. According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the elasticity of a portion of the wing that is adjacent to the cup in use is greater than the elasticity of a portion of the wing that is at, or adjacent to, the coupling portion of the wing. According to this arrangement, the portion of the wing that is adjacent to the cup is capable of providing the strength that is required to support the weight of the bust, whilst the portion of the wing that extends across the back of the wearer in use exhibits sufficient stretch, or elasticity, to prevent or at least reduce the possibility of the wing digging into the flesh of the wearer.

It is envisaged that a wing structure for a bra embodying the present invention may be constructed using materials of varying inherent elasticity for different portions of the wing. It is also envisaged that sections of additional relatively rigid, or inelastic, material, e.g. plastic, may be provided in addition to the basic wing structure in regions where additional strength is required (e.g. at the portion of the wing adjacent to the side edges of the bra cup.)

It will be appreciated that the features of one aspect may be applied in conjunction with the features of any of the other aspects. A bra according to a particularly preferred embodiment will advantageously utilise the cup structure of the first/second aspects in addition to the shoulder strap construction of the third aspect and/or the wing construction of the fourth aspect.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a first example of a cup layer arrangement suitable for the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a second example of a cup layer arrangement suitable for the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a third example of a cup layer arrangement suitable for the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates the different parts of a bra cup; Figure 5 shows a cup construction according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows the layer arrangement of the first and second filler materials when considered from a side profile of the cup construction shown in Figure 5; and

Figure 7 shows a bra structure incorporating a pair of bra cups as shown in Figure 5.

With reference to Figure 1 , a cross-sectional view through a region of a cup is shown in order to illustrate a first example of a cup layer arrangement for an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1 , there is provided a first filler material 10 and a second filler material 20, the first and second filler materials overlapping each other and being provided between an outer layer of fabric material 9a and an inner layer of fabric material 9b. The first filler material 10 is more malleable than the second filler material. The first filler material may comprise, for example, visco-elastic foam or "shape memory foam" and the second filler material may comprise, for example, polyurethane foam or silicon foam.

Figure 2 shows an alternative cup layer construction in which a layer of second filler material 20 is provided between an outer layer of first filler material 10a and an inner layer of first filler material 10b. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the resultant three layers of filler material are provided between an outer layer of fabric 9a and an inner layer of fabric 9b. In an alternative, similar construction (not shown), the outer layer of first filler material 10a comprises compressed shape memory foam and forms a relatively rigid outer shell that is shaped, as desired, during the manufacture of the cup.

Figure 3 shows a further cup layer construction in which the thickness of the layer of the second filler material 20 varies over the illustrated section of the cup. Furthermore, the cup layer arrangement shown in Figure 3 comprises a relatively rigid outer shell 1 1 which is shaped during manufacture to give the profile shown. Thus, whilst the layers of the first filler material 10a and 10b and, to a lesser extent, the second filler material 20 will deform under a compressive force exerted by a wearer's breast in use, the shape of the rigid outer shell will remain substantially the same. Cup structures and bras embodying the present invention may employ any of the layer arrangements discussed above and shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 3.

Figure 4 illustrates the different parts of a bra cup 1 as well as the main regions where the second filler material may be provided, according to embodiments of the present invention, in order to enhance the size, and/or shape of the bust of a wearer in use.

Specifically, the bra cup comprises the neck edge 4 of the cup, the apex 7 of the cup, the front 6 of the cup and the cup base 8. The cup shown in Figure 4 also comprises an underwire 5 for additional support.

Three distinct regions are indicated on the cup shown in Figure 4. A first region A is depicted which extends from adjacent, or near, the cup base 8 to a point at, or near, the high point 3 of the cup structure, as well as laterally. A second region B extends in the area at or near the apex 7 of the cup, whilst a third region C extends in the area at or near the front 6 of the cup.

As will be discussed with reference to Figure 5, regions A, B and C represent the locations of a bra cup where the second filler material may be advantageously provided. It will be appreciated that the extent and shape of the regions A, B and C, and their precise positioning, will vary depending on the size of the cup and on the intended style of a bra incorporating the cup.

Figure 5 shows the arrangement of the second filler material in a cup structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, which utilises contours to illustrate the variation in the thickness of the second filler material 20 over the different regions A, B and C of the cup. A region D is also illustrated in Figure 5, which is the remaining area of the cup and which, according to this embodiment, comprises a layer of the first filler material. As shown in Figure 5, a layer of second filler material 20 is provided which encompasses the regions A, B and C. As illustrated by the contours of this Figure, the thickness of the second filler material varies across the layer of second filler material and is thicker in regions A, B and C than in areas around/between those regions.

Figure 6 shows the layer arrangement of the first and second filler materials when considering a side profile of the cup construction shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 shows a bra structure incorporating a pair of bra cups as shown in Figure 5, when worn accordingly.

Claims

1. A bra cup comprising: a first filler material and a second filler material, the first filler material being more malleable than the second filler material, said first and second filler materials at least partially overlapping each other in one or more regions of the cup.

2. A bra cup as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the first filler material and/or the second filler material varies over the bra cup.

3. A bra cup as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the combined malleability of the first and second filler materials varies over the bra cup.

4. A bra cup as claimed in any preceding claim, the cup comprising a continuous layer of said first filler material and a layer of the second filler material in at least one region of the cup.

5. A bra cup as claimed in any preceding claim, the cup comprising inner and outer layers of said first filler material and, in at least one region of the cup, a layer of the second filler material provided between said inner and outer layers of said first filler material.

6. A bra cup as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second filler material is provided at a first region which extends from the base of the cup to a point at, or near, the high point of the cup and laterally.

7. A bra cup as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second filler material is provided at a second region which is located at, or near, the apex of the cup.

8. A bra cup as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said second filler material is provided at a third region which is located at, or near, the front of the cup.

9. A bra cup as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first filler material comprises shape memory foam.

10. A bra cup as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second filler material comprises polyurethane or silicon foam.

1 1. A bra cup according to any preceding claim, further comprising a shaped outer layer.

12. A cup for a bra, the cup comprising: a first foam material and a second foam material, the first foam material having a more open cellular structure than the second foam material, said first and second foam materials at least partially overlapping each other in one or more regions of the cup

13. A bra comprising a pair of bra cups as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A shoulder strap for a bra, the shoulder strap exhibiting a variable elasticity over the length of the strap.

15. A wing structure for a bra, the wing structure exhibiting a variable elasticity over the length of the wing structure.

16. A cup/shoulder-strap/wing-structure for a bra, and a bra, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.