U.S. patent application number 11/496154 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for brassiere having stretchable support.
This patent application is currently assigned to Maidenform, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steven Castellano, Wanda Moses-Jones, Manette M. Scheininger.
Application Number | 20070026767 11/496154 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37694986 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070026767 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scheininger; Manette M. ; et
al. |
February 1, 2007 |
Brassiere having stretchable support
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a garment that is
capable of providing additional comfort, support, and/or
flexibility to the user. For example, the garment can have a
stretchable component formed at various locations on and as a
portion of the garment. The stretchable component can stretch
differently from its adjoining material. The garment so formed can
provide an increased flexibility and/or comfort to the user when
the user's body portion changes in shape and/or size, such as
during physical exercises. Additionally or alternatively, the
garment is capable of accommodating different users having
differently shaped and/or sized body portions and providing a
flexible and/or comfortable fit to the different users.
Inventors: |
Scheininger; Manette M.;
(Westfield, NJ) ; Moses-Jones; Wanda; (East
Orange, NJ) ; Castellano; Steven; (Middletown,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO LLP
1177 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS (6TH AVENUE)
NEW YORK
NY
10036-2714
US
|
Assignee: |
Maidenform, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37694986 |
Appl. No.: |
11/496154 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60704480 |
Aug 1, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
450/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/0028 20130101;
A41B 2300/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/039 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/00 20060101
A41C003/00 |
Claims
1. A brassiere comprising bra cups and a bra wing for supporting
the bra cups on a user, the bra cups each comprising: a padded or
molded section which substantially maintains a desired shape during
use and serves a breast shaping function; and a stretchable insert
joined to the padded or molded section; wherein the stretchable
insert has more elasticity than that of the padded or molded
section, the stretchable insert being stretchable to allow the bra
cup to expand while allowing the padded or molded section to
maintain the desired shape to serve its breast shaping
function.
2. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the stretchable insert is
stretchable in all directions.
3. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the stretchable insert takes
up about 5% to about 30% of the area of the cup.
4. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the stretchable insert takes
up about 5% to about 10% of the area of the cup.
5. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the padded or molded section
and the stretchable insert are formed of a single material and
woven to have different stretchabilities.
6. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the padded or molded section
has a predetermined stretchability.
7. A brassiere comprising bra cups and a bra wing for supporting
the bra cups on a user, the bra cups each comprising: a shaped
section having a predetermined shape for support a user's breast,
the shaped section maintaining the predetermined shape during use
to serve a breast shaping function; and a stretchable insert joined
to the shaped section; wherein the stretchable insert has more
elasticity than that of the shaped section, the stretchable insert
being stretchable to allow the bra cup to expand while allowing the
shaped section to maintain the predetermined shape to serve the
breast shaping function.
8. The brassiere of claim 7, wherein the shaped section is made of
a material having a length elongation of no more than about 68%
under a load of 8.8 lb.
9. The brassiere of claim 7, wherein the shaped section is made of
a material having a width elongation of no more than about 63%
under a load of 8.8 lb.
10. The brassiere of claim 7, wherein the shaped section is made of
a material having a modulus in the range of about 1.8 to about 3.0
at a length elongation of about 30%.
11. The brassiere of claim 7, wherein the shaped section is
substantially non-stretchable.
12. A brassiere comprising bra cups and a bra wing for supporting
the bra cups on a user, the bra cups each comprising: inner and
outer layers; and a stretchable insert located on the inner layer,
the stretchable insert being more elastic than the inner layer.
13. The brassiere of claim 12, wherein the inner layer is formed so
as to define a predetermined shape and maintain the predetermined
shape during the use of the brassiere.
14. The brassiere of claim 12, wherein the inner layer comprises a
foam material.
15. The brassiere of claim 12, wherein the outer layer is more
elastic than the stretchable insert.
16. The brassiere of claim 12, wherein the outer layer is made of a
continuous material for providing an aesthetically pleasing
appearance.
17. A brassiere comprising: bra cups each being defined partially
by a bra rim; a bra wing for supporting the bra cups on a user; and
at least one stretchable insert located on one of the bra cups
and/or bra wing and adjacent to at least a portion of the bra rims,
the stretchable insert comprising a stretchable fabric structured
so as to allow the bra cups and/or bra wing to expand to
accommodate different or changing body shapes and/or sizes of a
user; wherein the stretchable insert is located in relation to a
bra rim so as to allow the bra rim to remain in place when the bra
cups and/or wing expand during use.
18. The brassiere of claim 17, wherein the stretchable insert is
joined to a portion of the bra rims.
19. The brassiere of claim 17, wherein the stretchable insert is
formed on each side of each bra rim.
20. The brassiere of claim 17 further comprising: a wire channel
formed along at least a portion of each bra rim; and a bra
underwire encased in the wire channel; wherein the stretchable
insert is joined to the wire channel; and wherein the brassiere is
adapted so that the wire channel contacts a user's body in an
anchoring position to serve a shaping function when the brassiere
is in use.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/704,480 filed Jul. 31, 2005,
now pending, which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a garment formed
to provide increased comfort, support, and/or flexibility to the
user. In particular, the present invention relates to a brassiere
that provides a stretchable and/or customized fit to accommodate
differently shaped and/or sized body portion(s) of a user to
enhance comfort, support, and/or flexibility to the user when the
brassiere is in use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Garments are typically made in standard shapes and/or sizes,
each of which is intended to fit a group of users having similar
body shapes and sizes. Within any shape and/or size group, the
intended users may nevertheless have somewhat different heights
and/or weights. As a result, the standard shape and/or size system
cannot comfortably fit all users in the same shape and/or size
group. This is particularly true when the garments are designed to
fit closely on the users' bodies.
[0004] For example, brassieres are available in standard band sizes
(e.g., 32 to 42 inches) and cup sizes (e.g., AA to DD) to
accommodate women of different body shapes and sizes. Brassieres of
a selected band and/or cup size are intended to fit not only users
of that particular shape and/or size but also those whose actual
bodily dimensions may fall between two standard shapes and/or two
standard sizes. In view of this phenomenon, the standard shapes
and/or sizes will not comfortably fit all users.
[0005] Custom tailoring is a conventional technique used to fit a
garment to a specific user by first measuring the user, and then
making, or modifying, the garment according to the measurement.
Although custom tailoring can be employed to address the
above-mentioned problem, the cost and effort associated with custom
tailoring makes it impractical to supply to the mass market.
[0006] The present invention can provide a garment formed according
to a standard shape and/or size system, yet capable of providing a
stretchable fit to accommodate different shapes and/or sizes
occurring within the same shape and/or size group without
significantly increasing cost. In particular, the present invention
can provide a brassiere that can provide a stretchable fit to
enhance comfort, support, and/or flexibility to the user(s) when
the brassiere is in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates generally to a garment that is
capable of providing additional comfort, support, and/or
flexibility to the user. For example, the garment can comprise a
stretchable component formed at various locations on and as a
portion of the garment. The stretchable component can expand, when
being stretched, allowing the brassiere to fit a larger body
portion. For example, the stretchable component can be formed from
any of elastic materials, such as, but not limited to, those woven
with an elastic yarn (e.g., spandex) or otherwise made to have an
elastomeric characteristic (e.g., stretchable foam). Once the
stretching force is released, the stretchable component can
contract to the initial shape and/or size. For example, the
stretchable component can allow the brassiere to conform to the
wearer's changing body shape and/or size, such as when the wearer
bends her body during various physical activities.
[0008] The stretchable component can stretch differently from its
adjoining material. For example, the stretchable component can
stretch in different directions and/or to different magnitudes from
the adjoining materials do. According to one embodiment, the
stretchable component can be more stretchable than the adjoining
materials. The garment so formed can provide an increased
flexibility and/or comfort to the user when the user's body portion
changes in shape and/or size, such as during physical exercises.
Additionally or alternatively, the garment is capable of
accommodating different users having differently shaped and/or
sized body portions and providing a flexible and/or comfortable fit
to the different users.
[0009] In particular, in accordance with one aspect, the present
invention relates to a garment in the form of a brassiere having a
pair of bra cups and a bra wing for supporting the bra cups on the
wearer of the brassiere. The bra cups and the bra wing are adapted
to fit closely around and support a user's body portion (i.e., a
woman's breasts). According to one embodiment, the stretchable
component can be formed as a portion of the bra cups and/or the bra
wing and provide stretchability thereto, so that the brassiere is
stretchable to accommodate different breast shapes and/or sizes of
the user(s). The stretchable component can be formed in any of
various shapes and/or sizes to provide different
stretchabilities.
[0010] The stretchable component can provide flexibility and/or
comfort to the user in various ways. For example, the stretchable
component can be formed to be stretchable allowing one or more of
the bra cups and the bra wing to expand and/or contract. In one
embodiment, the stretchable component can be stretched as needed to
allow a brassiere to fit fuller shapes and/or larger sizes of a
body portion providing a flexible and/or comfortable support to the
user(s). For example, the stretchable component can be formed to
expand to about twice its initial size. In one embodiment, the
stretchable component can be stretched to at least 120% of its
initial size. The stretched stretchable component can also have the
capability to contract, to allow the brassiere to return to its
initial shape and/or size.
[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the stretchable component can
be stretched in one or several directions as needed. For example,
the stretchable component can expand orthogonally, i.e., in both
warp and weft directions of the fabric forming the stretchable
component. Alternatively, the stretchable component can expand in
all directions. The brassiere so formed can provide increased
comfort, support, and/or flexibility to the user wearing the
garment.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
brassiere can comprise bra cups formed with a shaped section having
a predetermined shape to support a user's breast. For example, the
shaped section can be formed so as to provide a fuller shape for an
enhanced appearance. Additionally or alternatively, the shaped
section can substantially maintain the predetermined shape during
normal use of the brassiere to serve a breast shaping function. For
example, the bra cups can be padded and/or molded so that they can
substantially maintain a desired shape and therefore serve a breast
shaping function. The bra cups can be either stretchable or
non-stretchable. The stretchable component can be joined to the
shaped section and have more elasticity than that of the shaped
section so that the stretchable component can be stretched to allow
the bra cup to accommodate a somewhat larger breast while allowing
the shaped section to maintain the desired shape to serve its
breast shaping function.
[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
the brassiere can comprise bra cups formed with inner and outer
layers. According to this aspect, the stretchable component is
formed as a portion of the inner layer. The inner and outer layers
and the stretchable component can have different elasticities
and/or stretchabilities with the inner layer being the least
elastic and/or stretchable. For example, the stretchable component
may be more elastic than the inner layer, while the outer layer is
as elastic or more elastic than the stretchable component to allow
it to expand. The outer layer can also be made of a continuous
material and/or with design patterns, thereby concealing the inner
layer and the stretchable component and providing a pleasing
aesthetic appearance.
[0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the
brassiere can comprise one or more stretchable components made of a
stretchable fabric and located on the bra cups and/or bra wing. The
stretchable components are stretchable such that the bra cups
and/or wing may expand to accommodate different or changing body
shapes and/or sizes. The locations of the stretchable components
are determined so that they are in contact with the user's body
portions where the most changes occur when the brassiere is in use.
Additionally or alternatively, when the brassiere is formed to
contain one or more bra underwires, the proximity of the
stretchable components to the underwires allows the underwires to
remain in their anchoring positions when the cups and/or wing
expand, thereby reducing the likelihood that the underwire will cut
into the user's breast.
[0015] The stretchable component can have a different
stretchability (e.g., different indices of elasticity, different
directions of flexibility or other different flexibility
characteristics, etc.) from that of the adjoining material on the
garment to provide a variable and additional flexibility and/or
comfort to the user(s). For example, the stretchable component can
be formed of a different stretchable material than the adjoining
material to achieve the variation in stretchability. According to
one embodiment, the stretchable component can be formed to be more
stretchable than the adjoining materials. Additionally or
alternatively, the stretchable component and the adjacent material
can be a single continuous piece of material but woven differently
so as to exhibit different stretchability characteristics. The
stretchable component can be formed to have more stretchability
than that of the adjoining garment materials.
[0016] The stretchable component and its adjoining garment
materials can be stretched in different ways, such as in different
directions and/or to different magnitudes, to provide variable
stretchabilities and additional flexibility, support, and/or
comfort to the user. For example, the stretchable component may
expand more than the adjoining garment materials when being
subjected to the same amount of tension. In one embodiment, the
stretchable component can be stretched while the rest of the
garment maintains its shape and size. In such a case, the
stretchable component expands to accommodate variations between the
shape and/or size of the wearer and those of a "standard shape
and/or size" user while the rest of the garment maintains its
predetermined shape and provides support to the user.
[0017] The stretchable component can be made of various materials
to provide the desired stretchability. Exemplary stretchable
materials include, but not limited to, nylon, spandex (e.g.,
Lycra.RTM.), polyamide, and the like, or a mixture thereof. The
stretchable materials can be knitted or woven or in the form of
lace, embroidery, mesh, and the like. Depending on the type of
garment, one or more stretchable materials can be used to form the
stretchable component and provide the desired stretchability. It
will be appreciated that the stretchable component can be formed
with various other materials, which are also within the scope of
the present invention.
[0018] The stretchable component can be joined to various parts
(e.g., bra cups, bra wing, etc.) of the garment by various
conventional methods, such as sewing, fastening, adhering, and the
like. It will be appreciated that various other methods can be used
to join the stretchable component with the garment, which are also
within the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] For the purposes of illustrating the present invention,
there is shown in the drawings an illustrative form, it being
understood however, that the invention is not limited to the
precise form shown by the drawings in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is the front view of a brassiere formed according to
a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 shows the front view a variation of the first
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 3 shows the body side of a second embodiment of the
brassiere;
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the brassiere taken along
line I-I in FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 5 shows the front view of a third embodiment of the
brassiere; and
[0025] FIG. 6 shows the front view of a fourth embodiment of the
brassiere.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Referring now to the drawings where like numerals indicate
like elements, a brassiere constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention is shown and designated
generally as 10. In the various embodiments illustrated, the
garment of the present invention is shown as a brassiere 10.
However, the present invention is not limited to brassieres 10 and
can be incorporated into other garments, including, for example,
briefs. Additionally the exemplary brassieres 10 shown in the
drawings are not to be considered limiting in any manner. It will
be appreciated that the various features described herein may be
used singly or in any combination thereof.
[0027] The brassiere 10 can be formed in various conventional
manners, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. In a first
embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the brassiere 10 can generally
comprise a pair of bra cups 12 and a bra wing 14, which can be
formed in various conventional manners for supporting a user's
breasts. The bra cups 12 can be joined to each other in the front
either permanently, such as through a center fabric as shown in the
various drawing figures, or releasably, such as through various
conventional fasteners (not shown). The bra wing 14 can join the
bra cups 12 in the back.
[0028] If desired, the brassiere 10 can be formed with one or more
supporting elements to provide additional support to the user. For
example, one or more shoulder straps 16 can be provided and joined
to the bra cups 12 and the bra wing 14 in various conventional
manners. A bra underwire 18 (visible in FIG. 4) can be provided and
encased in a wire channel 20 formed at the bottom bra rim 22 of
each of the bra cups 12. It will be appreciated that various other
supporting elements can be employed in the brassiere 10 to provide
additional support, which are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0029] The bra cups 12 of the brassiere 10 can be formed in various
manners to support a user's breast. For example, the bra cups 12
can have any of various shapes to provide varied support(s) and/or
appeal to the user. For example, the cups 12 can be formed in
various manners to comprise a shaped section 12' with a
predetermined shape. The shape of the shaped section 12' can be
determined based on various factors, such as the cup size of the
brassiere 10. In one example, the shaped section 12' can comprise a
padded and/or molded section formed into a desired shape, such as
to provide an aesthetically appealing appearance. The bra cups 12
can be formed into a fuller shape for an enhanced effect.
[0030] The bra cups 12 can be formed to maintain the predetermined
shape of the shaped section 12' during the use of the brassiere 10
to serve a breast shaping function. In one example, the shaped
section 12' can be made as a padded or molded section capable of
maintaining its initial shape substantially unchanged throughout
the use of the brassiere 10. For example, the shaped section 12'
can be molded with a foam material. Additionally or alternatively,
the shaped section 12' can be formed of a material having a
predetermined stretchability, such as predetermined elongation
and/or modulus, to maintain the predetermined shape. For example,
the shaped section 12' can be formed of a material having a length
elongation in the range from about 0%, where the material is
substantially non-stretchable in the length direction, to about
68%. In another example, the shaped section 12' can be formed of a
material having a width elongation in the range from about 0%,
where the material is substantially non-stretchable in the width
direction, to about 63%. In another example, the shaped section 12'
can be formed of a material having a modulus in the range from
about 1.8 to about 3.0 when the length elongation of the material
is about 30%. The above discussed elongations of materials are
measured under a 8.8 lb load during the third cycle at the outgoing
stretch, similar to the various test procedures specified in the
ASTM D4964 Standard. As will be understood, the aforementioned
elongation or modulus ranges are examples but are not limiting.
[0031] The bra cups 12 can be made of various materials to provide
various supporting effects to the user. In one example, the cups 12
can be made of a foam material, so as to provide enhanced support
to the user. In another example, the cups 12 can be made of
stretchable material to provide comfortable support. In a further
example, at least a portion of the cups 12 can be made of a
material having a visually or tactilly pleasing design or pattern,
to increase the garment's aesthetic appeal. The bra cups 12
themselves can be formed with various designs. It will be
appreciated that various the bra cups 12 can be formed in various
other forms or manners, which are also within the scope of the
present invention.
[0032] The bra wing 14 of the brassiere 10 can be formed in various
manners. For example, the bra wing 14 can be formed as a single
continued piece (not shown) or two separate pieces releasably
joined to each other. Each bra wing 14 can have front and rear end
portions 26 and 28. Each of the front end portions 26 of the bra
wing 14 can be adapted join to one of the bra cups 12 in various
manners. The rear end portions 28 can be adapted to join to each
other in various ways, such as by various fasteners 30. In another
embodiment, the single continuous wing (not shown) can have its
free ends joined to the bra cups 12, which are releasably joined to
each other in the front. It will be appreciated that various the
bra wing 14 can be formed in various other manners, which are also
within the scope of the present invention.
[0033] A stretchable component 24 is provided as a portion of the
brassiere 10 and is shown as a stretchable insert 24a. The
stretchable insert 24a can be formed in various ways to provide a
variable and additional stretchability. For example, the
stretchable insert 24a can be formed so as to comprise a different
stretchable material from that of the remaining portions of the bra
cups 12. In one example, the stretchable insert 24a is formed of a
material that is more stretchable than that of the material forming
the shaped section 12'. The stretchable insert 24a so formed can
expand to provide a stretchable fit to different shaped and/or
sized body portions while allowing the shaped section 12' to remain
substantially unchanged and to maintain its predetermined
shape.
[0034] The stretchable insert 24a can be formed at various
locations on one or both of the bra cups 12 to provide
stretchability to the various cup portions. For example, the
stretchable insert 24a can be formed at a location on the bra cup
12 where changes or variations of body shapes and/or sizes are most
likely to occur. Additionally or alternatively, the stretchable
insert 24a can be formed on the bra cup 12 at a location that will
keep the bra cup 12 in place in relation to the wearer's breast
when the stretchable insert 24a expands. For example, the
stretchable insert 24a can be positioned adjacent to the bra rim
22. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the stretchable insert 24a
is formed as the lower portion of each bra cup 12, allowing the
lower cup portion to expand.
[0035] The stretchable insert 24a can be formed into various shapes
and sizes. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the stretchable
insert 24a can have a crescent shape, which is formed at the bottom
portion of one or both of the bra cups 12. The stretchable insert
24a can take up from about 5% to about 50%, or from about 5% to
about 30%, of a bra cup 12. In an example shown in FIG. 1, the
stretchable insert 24a can be about 30% of the area of the bra cup
12.
[0036] The stretchable insert 24a can be joined to the other
portion(s) of the brassiere 10 in various ways. For example, the
shaped section 12' and the stretchable insert 24a can be sewn
together by various conventional methods, or formed as a single
piece of material but with different (i.e., varying)
stretchabilities. In another embodiment, the stretchable insert 24a
can be adhered to a supporting element, such as to the wire channel
20. It will be appreciated that the stretchable insert 24a can be
formed and/or joined to the bra cups 12 in various other ways,
which are also within the scope of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows a variation of the brassiere 10 shown in FIG.
10. The stretchable component 24 is shown as a stretchable insert
24b in this variation. The stretchable insert 24b is formed
adjacent to a side portion of a bra cup 12, allowing the side cup
portion to expand for a stretchable fit. For example, the
stretchable insert 24b can extend from the center portion of the
bra rim 22 and away from the center of the brassiere 10. As FIG. 2
illustrates, The stretchable insert 24b can be in a wedge shape.
For example, the wedge shaped insert 24b can extend along a portion
of the bra rim 22 and away from the center of the brassiere 10. The
stretchable insert 24b can cover from about 5% to about 10% of the
area of the bra cup 12. It will be appreciated that the stretchable
insert 24b can be formed and/or joined to the bra cups 12 in
various other ways, which are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0038] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the body side of a brassiere 10 formed
according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the bra cups
12 can be formed so as to have a multi-layer structure, such as
including inner and outer layers 12a, 12b, providing a combined
flexibility, support, and/or comfort to the user. For example, the
inner layer 12a can be formed as a shaped section 12' to provide a
desired shaping effect to the user. In one example, the inner layer
12a can be made of a padding material, such as a foam material, to
provide a desired shape and enhanced support to the user. In
another example, the inner layer 12a can be molded to provide a
desired shaping effect to the user. The outer layer 12b can be made
of a material having a design and/or texture to increase the
aesthetic appeal of the garment. For example, the outer layer 12b
can be formed of a continuous piece of material. In another
example, the bra cups 12 can be provided with aesthetically
pleasing designs.
[0039] The stretchable component 24 is shown as a stretchable
insert 24c, which can be provided to form on the inner layer 12a of
the bra cup 12. The stretchable insert 24c can be in a wedge shape,
similar to that shown in FIG. 2. For example, the wedge shaped
insert 24c can extend along a portion of the bra rim 22 and away
from the center of the brassiere 10. The stretchable insert 24c can
cover from about 5% to about 10% of the area of the bra cup 12.
[0040] The inner and outer layers 12a, 12b can be formed so as to
be stretchable or non-stretchable. For example, the inner layer 12a
is formed to be less stretchable than the stretchable insert 24c.
As is discussed above, the inner layer 12a can be formed as a
shaped section 12' and is less stretchable than that of the
stretchable insert 24c, such as to provide and maintain a desired
shaping effect to the user while the stretchable insert 24c
stretches. In one example, the inner layer 12a can be formed of a
substantially non-stretchable or rigid material, such as to serve a
breast shaping function. The outer layer 12b can be formed to be
more stretchable than the inner layer 12a and the stretchable
insert 24c, such as to allow the stretchable insert 24c to stretch.
It will be appreciated that the inner and outer layers 12a, 12b and
the stretchable insert 24c can be formed in various other manners,
which are also within the scope of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of a brassiere 10. The
stretchable component 24 can be in the form of one or more
stretchable segments 24d formed on the bra wing 14. The stretchable
segment 24d can expand, when being stretched, allowing the
brassiere 10 to fit a larger body portion. Once the stretching
force is released, the stretchable segment 24d can contract to the
initial shape and/or size. For example, the stretchable segment 24d
can allow the brassiere 10 to conform to the wearer's changing body
shape and/or size, such as when the wearer bends her body. In one
embodiment, the stretchable segment 24d can have a different
stretchability from that of the bra wing 14. For example, the
stretchable segment 24d can be more stretchable than the bra wing
14. The combination of the bra wing 14 and the stretchable segment
24d can provide a varied and additional stretchability for an
enhanced flexibility and/or comfort.
[0042] The stretchable segment 24d can be positioned at various
locations on the bra wing 14. In one example, the stretchable
segment 24d can be formed on the bra wing 14 at a location where it
is more likely to be stretched than the other portions of the bra
wing 14. In such case, the stretchable segment 24d can expand and
contract to accommodate the changing shape and/or size of the
user's body portion, but retain the bra wing 14 in place when the
user's body portion moves or otherwise changes in shape and/or
size. The stretchable segment 24d can also be formed on other
locations, such as a middle section, of bra wing 14.
[0043] In one example as shown in FIG. 5, the stretchable component
24d can be formed in such a location on the bra wing 14 to keep the
bra cup 12 in place. That is, when the wearer moves and the rear of
the bra wing 14 is pulled away from the bra cup 12, the presence of
the stretchable component 24d causes the stretch to be taken up (or
at least partially taken up) in the stretchable component 24d,
rather than the bra cup 12 so that the bra cup 12 is not displaced
(or at least displaced to a lesser degree) relative to the wearer's
breast, keeping the bra cup 12 and the wearer's breast in place.
This adds both comfort and improved esthetic support to the
brassiere 10.
[0044] For example, the stretchable segment 24d is formed adjacent
to one or both of the bra cups 12. For example, the stretchable
segment 24d can be provided between a bra cup 12 and the bra wing
14 to join the bra cup 12 and the bra wing 14. Because of the
proximity of the stretchable segment 24d to the bra cup 12 and/or
the bra wing 14, the stretchable segment 24d, when stretches, can
release the tension applied onto the brassiere 10, such as when the
user engages in physical exercises or other body activities. The
bra cups 12 and/or the bra wing 14 can thus be kept in place in
relation to the wear's breasts. When the brassiere 10 is formed to
include a bra underwire 18, the stretchable segment 24d is capable
of reducing the likelihood of moving the bra underwire 18 and/or
the wire channel 20 out of their anchoring positions and cutting
into the user's breast.
[0045] The stretchable segment 24d can be formed into various
shapes and/or sizes to provide different stretchabilities. For
example, the stretchable segment 24d can have a triangular shape
positioned between the cup 12 and the bra wing 14. In one example,
the stretchable segment 24d is provided to join each the front end
portion 26 of each bra wing 14 to a bra cup 12. The stretchable
segment 24d can also be formed into other shapes, such as a
rectangular shape. The size of the stretchable segment 24b can be
formed to cover from about 5% to about 50% of the bra wing 14. It
will be appreciated that the stretchable segment 24d can be formed
in various other ways, which are also within the scope of the
present invention.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the brassiere 10, in
which stretchable components 24 are provided on both the bra cups
12 and the bra wing 14. For example, a stretchable insert 24b is
formed on each of the bra cups 12 as is described above. A
stretchable segment 24d is formed between each bra cup 12 and the
front end 26 of each bra wing 14 as is described above. The
combination of stretchable insert 24b and segment 24d can afford
the wearer additional and various supports when the brassiere 10 is
in use, such as accommodating shape and/or size changes of both the
wearer's breasts and the nearby torso portion. Additionally, the
proximity of the stretchable insert 24b and the stretchable segment
24d to the bra rim 22 allows the stretchable insert 24b and segment
24d to effectively take up the stretch in the brassiere 10 caused
by the shape and/or size change of the wearer's body portions, such
as when the wearer is engaging in physical activities. This can
prevent the bra rim 22 from moving out of in its normal use
position and cutting into the wearer's breast.
[0047] Although the above description of the present invention is
made in connection with an exemplary article of garment in the form
of a brassiere, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the
present invention is applicable to various other articles of
garments including, but not limited to, various dresses, gowns,
fitted shirts, and the like.
[0048] While the foregoing description and drawings represent an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention, it will be
understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.
Therefore, the present invention is not limited to only the
embodiments specifically described herein. In particular, it will
be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may
be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements,
proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components,
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention
may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement,
proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the
practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to
specific environments and operative requirements without departing
from the principles of the present invention. The presently
disclosed embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects
as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention
being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the
foregoing description.
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