U.S. patent application number 11/674834 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-26 for brassieres.
Invention is credited to Zhen Qiang LIU.
Application Number | 20080153388 11/674834 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39272908 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080153388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIU; Zhen Qiang |
June 26, 2008 |
BRASSIERES
Abstract
A bra includes two breast cups that each include an outer fabric
layer and an inner fabric layer. A neckline perimeter of each
breast cup is defined at least by one of the outer fabric layer and
inner fabric layer. At each breast cup, a core pad is captured
between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer that
includes a tapered perimeter region to define a thin perimeter
region, the thin perimeter region located inward of the neckline
perimeter. Also, a bra includes two breast cups from each of which
there extends a chest band portion each chest band portion
including at least an interior most panel and an exterior most
panel. Each chest band portion includes an upper perimeter and a
lower perimeter. Captured between and adhered with the interior
most panel and the exterior most panel is at least one elastic band
that is located to extend at least along at least part of and
adjacent the upper perimeter and the lower perimeter.
Inventors: |
LIU; Zhen Qiang; (Hong Kong,
CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Family ID: |
39272908 |
Appl. No.: |
11/674834 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11614313 |
Dec 21, 2006 |
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11674834 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
450/39 ;
450/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/00 20130101; A41C
3/0014 20130101; A41C 3/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/39 ;
450/93 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/00 20060101
A41C003/00 |
Claims
1. A bra that includes two breast cups that each include an outer
fabric layer and an inner fabric layer and wherein a neckline
perimeter of each breast cup is defined at least by one of the
outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer, wherein at each breast
cup, a core pad is captured between the inner fabric layer and the
outer fabric layer that includes a tapered perimeter region to
define a thin perimeter region, said thin perimeter region located
inward of the neckline perimeter.
2. A bra of claim 1 wherein the thin perimeter region is located
proximate most the neckline perimeter of the breast cup yet is not
contiguous the neckline perimeter.
3. A bra of claim 1 wherein the thin perimeter region of the core
pad is the perimeter region of the core pad that is proximate most
the neckline.
4. A bra of claim 1 wherein the inner fabric layer is laminated to
the core pad.
5. A bra of claim 1 wherein the outer fabric layer is laminated to
the core pad.
6. A bra of claim 1 wherein the inner fabric layer and the outer
fabric layer are laminated with each other and are laminated to
each other at least some regions at where the core pad is not
placed intermediate thereof.
7. A bra of claim 1 wherein the inner fabric layer and the outer
fabric layer are laminated to each other at regions intermediate of
the neckline perimeter of each breast cup and the thin perimeter
region of the core pad.
8. A bra of claim 1 wherein the outer fabric layer includes at
least one panel of a lace.
9. A bra of claim 8 wherein intermediate of at least the panel of
lace and the core pad is a lining panel.
10. A bra of claim 9 wherein the lining panel covers the entire
outwardly presented surface of the core pad.
11. A bra of claim 1 wherein the outer fabric layer at each breast
cup includes a panel of lace and a panel of opaque fabric.
12. A bra of claim 8 wherein where the outer fabric layer includes
lace, the inner fabric layer is a sheer fabric panel.
13. A bra of claim 8 wherein the outer fabric layer includes lace
only at regions where the outer fabric layer does not overlay the
core pad.
14. A bra of claim 1 wherein the core pad is of at least one ply of
foam.
15. A bra of claim 1 wherein the ply of foam is a shaven ply of
foam to define at least at the thin perimeter region, a reduced
thickness of said core pad.
16. A bra of claim 1 wherein the extent of the core pad at where it
is located at a breast cup is smaller than the breast cup.
17. A bra of claim 1 wherein the core pad consists of two plies of
foam material laminated with each other and for each breast cup,
capturing an underwire.
18. A bra of claim 17 wherein both plies of foam material are
tapered to define the thin perimeter region.
19. A bra of claim 17 wherein one of the foam plies defines the
thin perimeter region of the core pad, the other foam ply including
a perimeter region that sits inward of the thin perimeter
region.
20. A bra of claim 19 wherein the perimeter region that sits inward
of the thin perimeter region is also a tapered perimeter
region.
21. A bra of claim 1 wherein the core pad has perimeter regions
other than at least part of the thin perimeter region that are
contiguous the perimeter of the breast cups.
22. A bra of claim 1 wherein there are two core pads, one for each
breast cup.
23. A bra of claim 1 wherein there is one core pad that extends
across a bridge between the cups to extend at part of each breast
cup.
24. A bra of claim 1 wherein the bra is a molded bra.
25. A bra of claim 1 wherein the bra is a seamless bra.
26. A core panel for a bra that includes two breast cups that each
include an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer and wherein
a neckline perimeter of each breast cup is defined at least by one
of the outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer, wherein said core
pad includes a tapered perimeter region to define a thin perimeter
region, said thin perimeter region to be located inward of the
neckline perimeter.
27. A core panel for a bra comprising: a first ply of foam material
that includes an upper perimeter region to be located proximate
more the neckline of at least one breast cup of a bra with which
the core panel is to be incorporated, a second ply of foam material
laminated to the first ply of foam material, wherein the upper
perimeter region of the first ply of foam material is tapered so
that the upper perimeter region of the first ply is thinner than
the body region of the first ply.
28. A core panel for a bra of claim 27 wherein the second ply
includes an upper perimeter region contiguous the upper perimeter
region of the first ply.
29. A core panel for a bra of claim 27 wherein the second ply
includes an upper perimeter region that is at least partly located
inwardly of the perimeter region of the first ply.
30. A core panel for a bra of claim 27 wherein the upper perimeter
region of the second ply is tapered so that the upper perimeter
region of the second ply is thinner than the body region of the
first ply.
31. A core panel for a bra of claim 27 wherein the first and second
plies capture at least one underwire structure.
32. A core panel for a bra of claim 27 wherein the first and second
plies define a shape to the core pad that in use will extend at
each breast cup of a bra with which it is to be incorporated.
33. A core panel for a bra of claim 27 wherein the core pad is
molded to include a cup form.
34. A core panel for a bra of claim 27 wherein the core pad is
molded to include two cup forms.
35. A molded brassiere including: a core pad of at least an inner
layer of molded foam material preferably laminated with an outer
layer of molded foam material, said core pad defining two breast
cup regions and an intermediate bridge region extending there
between and wherein at least one layer of flexible material having
non-stretch properties is provided adjacent one of or intermediate
of and laminated with said inner and outer layer of molded foam
material at said bridge region, said flexible material having
non-stretch properties oriented so that across the bridge region
parallel to the cup to cup direction said core pad is
non-stretchable, and an inner and outer layer, each of at least a
fabric material, is disposed on opposed sides of and each laminated
with said core pad on a respective interior and exterior side of
said core pad to preferably encase said core pad, at least one of
the inner and outer layer at least partially defining a neckline
perimeter, wherein the core pad includes a tapered perimeter region
defining a thin perimeter region located inward of the neckline
perimeter.
36. A molded brassiere of claim 35 wherein said flexible material
having non stretch properties is a woven fabric material with
bi-directional non-stretch properties and is oriented such that the
non stretch orientation extends across said bridge region parallel
to the cup to cup direction of said core pad.
37. A molded brassiere of claim 35 wherein said layer of flexible
material having non stretch properties is captured intermediate of
said inner and outer layer of molded foam material.
38. A molded brassiere of claim 35 wherein said inner and outer
layers of foam are coextensive with each other and both define a
perimeter of the said core pad.
39. A molded brassiere of claim 35 wherein said inner and outer
layers of foam are staggered such that the outer layer may extend
to define the neckline perimeter and the inner layer may sit inward
of the neckline perimeter at least part of the neckline
perimeter.
40. A molded brassiere of claim 38 wherein said core pad perimeter
terminates short of said neckline perimeter.
41. A molded brassiere of claim 35 wherein said core pad is of a
shape defining only the breast cups and said bridge, but not
shoulder straps and chest strap(s).
42. A molded brassiere of claim 41 wherein said chest straps extend
outwardly from each side of said core pad provided region of said
molded brassiere.
43. A molded brassiere of claim 35 wherein two underwire structures
are provided intermediate of said inner layer and said outer layer
of foam, one each adjacent the breast cup regions.
44. A molded brassiere of claim 43 wherein said inner layer and
said outer layer of foam are laminated directly to each other save
for said flexible material having non-stretch properties and said
two underwire structures.
45. A molded brassiere of claim 44 wherein said underwire structure
comprises a rigid elongate member and a flexible material casing
about at least part of said rigid elongate member.
46. A molded brassiere of claim 45 wherein said casing is a fabric
material.
47. A molded brassiere of claim 45 wherein said casing is adhered
to one or each of the facing surfaces of said inner and outer
layers of foam by an adhesive material.
48. A molded brassiere of claim 45 wherein said casing is a tubular
sock within which said rigid elongate member is located, the sock
having closed distal ends.
49. A molded brassiere of claim 35 wherein said outer fabric layer
may be lace.
50. A molded brassiere of claim 49 wherein said inner fabric layer
may be a sheer fabric.
51. A molded brassiere of claim 49 wherein at least side of core
pad proximate the lace layer has an intermediate backing
material.
52. A molded brassiere of claim 49 wherein there is an intermediate
backing material between interior and exterior sides of said core
pad and respective said inner and outer fabric layers.
53. A molded brassiere of claim 35 wherein the outer fabric layer
may consist of at least two plies of material.
54. A molded brassiere of claim 53 wherein the two plies of
material may be butt joined or lap joined.
55. A bra that includes two breast cups from each of which there
extends a chest band portion each chest band portion including at
least an interior most panel and an exterior most panel, each chest
band portion including an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter,
wherein captured between and adhered with said interior most panel
and said exterior most panel is at least one elastic band that is
located to extend at least along at least part of and adjacent the
upper perimeter and lower perimeter.
56. A bra as claimed in claim 55 wherein the interior most panel
and exterior most panel are fabric.
57. A bra as claimed in claim 55 wherein intermediate of at least
one of the (i) exterior most panel and (ii) interior most panel,
and the at least one elastic band, is at least one additional
panel.
58. A bra as claimed in claim 57 wherein the additional panel is a
foam panel.
59. A bra as claimed in claim, 58 wherein the foam panel is
coextensive with at least one of the exterior most panel and
interior most panel.
60. A bra as claimed in claim 55 wherein the interior most panel
and the exterior most panel are coextensive each other.
61. A bra as claimed in claim 55 wherein for each chest band
portion, the elastic band is contiguous at least one of the
exterior most panel and interior most panel.
62. A bra as claimed in claim 55 wherein for each chest band
portion, the elastic band extends between the adjacent breast cup
and the free distal end of the chest band portion.
63. A bra as claimed in claim 55 wherein for each chest band
portion, the elastic band extends from the adjacent breast cup to
the free distal end of the chest band portion.
64. A bra as claimed in claim 55 wherein the at least one elastic
band is adhered with the exterior most panel and interior most
panel by adhesive tape disposed to each side of said at least one
elastic band.
65. A bra as claimed in claim 55 wherein the at least one elastic
band is adhered to the exterior most panel and interior most panel
by adhesive tape disposed to each side of said at least one elastic
band.
66. A bra as claimed in claim 55 wherein for each chest band
portion there are two elastic bands, a first elastic band that is
located to extend at least along at least part of and adjacent the
upper perimeter and a second elastic band that is located to extend
at least along at least part of and adjacent the lower
perimeter.
67. A bra as claimed in claim 55 wherein the exterior most panel
and interior most panel are laminated with each other.
68. A bra as claimed in claim 55 wherein the exterior most panel
and interior most panel are laminated to each other.
69. A bra that includes two breast cups that each include an outer
fabric layer and an inner fabric layer and wherein a neckline
perimeter of each breast cup is defined at least by one of the
outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer, wherein at each breast
cup, a core pad is captured between the inner fabric layer and the
outer fabric layer that includes a tapered perimeter region to
define a thin perimeter region, said thin perimeter region located
inward of the neckline perimeter and wherein extending from each of
said two breast cups is a chest band portion each chest band
portion including at least an interior most panel and an exterior
most panel, each chest band portion including an upper perimeter
and a lower perimeter, wherein captured between and adhered with
said interior most panel and exterior most panel is at least one
elastic band that is located to extend at least along at least part
of and adjacent the upper perimeter and lower perimeter.
70. A bra that includes an exterior most fabric layer and an
interior most fabric layer each defining two breast cups and two
chest band portions extending from a respective breast cup, and
wherein a neckline perimeter of each breast cup is defined at least
by one of the exterior most layer and interior most layer, wherein
at each breast cup, a core pad is captured between the exterior
most layer and interior most layer that includes a tapered
perimeter region to define a thin perimeter region, said thin
perimeter region located inward of the neckline perimeter, and
wherein said interior most layer and an exterior most layer at each
chest band portion define an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter,
wherein captured between and adhered with said interior most layer
and exterior most layer at each said chest band portion is at least
one elastic band that is located to extend at least along at least
part of and adjacent the upper perimeter and lower perimeter.
71. A molded brassiere including: a core pad of at least an inner
layer of molded foam material preferably laminated with an outer
layer of molded foam material, said core pad defining two breast
cup regions and an intermediate bridge region extending there
between and wherein at least one layer of flexible material having
non-stretch properties is provided adjacent one of or intermediate
of and laminated with said inner and outer layer of molded foam
material at said bridge region, said flexible material having
non-stretch properties oriented so that across the bridge region
parallel to the cup to cup direction said core pad is
non-stretchable, and an inner and outer layer, each of at least a
fabric material, is disposed on opposed sides of and each laminated
with said core pad on a respective interior and exterior side of
said core pad to preferably encase said core pad, at least one of
the inner and outer layer at least partially defining a neckline
perimeter, wherein the core pad includes a tapered perimeter region
defining a thin perimeter region located inward of the neckline
perimeter, and wherein extending from each breast cup region is a
chest band portion defined at least in part by the inner and outer
layer, each said chest band portion includes an upper perimeter and
a lower perimeter, wherein captured between and adhered with said
inner and outer layer is at least one elastic band that is located
to extend at least along at least part of and adjacent the upper
perimeter and lower perimeter.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to improvements to
brassieres.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Pads are effective in creating support of the breasts of a
wearer of a brassiere (hereinafter "bra").
[0003] Pads that are incorporated in bras can help support the
breasts and also create uplift. A pad is normally made from a foam
material and is incorporated between interior and exterior most
layers of the bra. The pad is located normally covering the entire
breast cup regions of a bra. However the incorporation of pads in a
bra can be undesirable for certain reasons. A pad increases the
thickness of the breast cup regions of a bra. At regions where a
perimeter of the pad is defined, a sudden change in the thickness
of the bra can be created. Such a sudden change in thickness, may
be undesirable for visual reasons. A bra worn under an over
garment, such as a dress or top, may to some wearers wish to be
inconspicuous. Where a sudden change in thickness or a thick
perimeter of the bra is defined, the bra may be more readily
visible from the outside of the over garment. The bra or regions of
the bra where such features are defined, may show through the dress
or top and this may be visually undesirable.
[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a partial core pad incorporating brassiere that has
improved external visual impact and/or that will at least provide
the public with a useful choice.
[0005] Another feature of prior art bras that it is undesirable is
in relation to the chest band construction. An elastic band has
traditionally been added to the chest bands (also known as the
wings or wing portions) of a bra in order to enhance the elasticity
of the chest bands. This may assist in providing improved sizing
characteristics of the bra and provide some degree of flexibility
in the chest band size. For example, a wearer need not adjust the
size of the chest band if the wearer increases or decreases in
chest or bust size as the size change can, to a certain extent, be
compensated for by the elastic band.
[0006] An elastic band may be sewn onto and along the length of the
external side of the fabric layer facing/touching the wearer's skin
when the brassiere is worn. The elastic band may be wrapped or
covered by a fabric layer to form an assembly before being sewn
onto the chest band.
[0007] The main disadvantage of this type of chest band
construction is that the elastic band or the assembly may cause
discomfort to the wearer and create a visually unappealing
appearance. This may increase localised friction on the skin of the
wearer. The chest band may also dig into the wearer. Other parts of
the chest band that do not include the elastic band may hence bulge
out.
[0008] In some bras, designated elastic bands are not added to the
chest bands. The elasticity of the chest bands in such case is
provided only by the natural elasticity of the fabric layers of the
chest bands or in combination with the natural elasticity of any
foam layers added to the chest bands. The main disadvantage of this
type of construction is that the elasticity of the chest bands may
deteriorate after repeated washing of the bra or repeated or
prolonged stretching of the chest bands. This may be as a result of
the properties of the materials used for making the fabric layers
and any foam layers of the chest bands.
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a brassiere that has improved chest band construction
and/or a chest band for association with components to define a
brassiere with improved chest band construction or that will at
least provide the public with a useful choice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention consists
in a bra that includes two breast cups that each include an outer
fabric layer and an inner fabric layer and wherein a neckline
perimeter of each breast cup is defined at least by one of the
outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer, wherein at each breast
cup, a core pad is captured between the inner fabric layer and the
outer fabric layer that includes a tapered perimeter region to
define a thin perimeter region, said thin perimeter region located
inward of the neckline perimeter.
[0011] Preferably the thin perimeter region is located proximate
most the neckline perimeter of the breast cup yet is not contiguous
the neckline perimeter.
[0012] Preferably the thin perimeter region of the core pad is the
perimeter region of the core pad that is proximate most the
neckline.
[0013] Preferably the inner fabric layer is laminated to the core
pad.
[0014] Preferably the outer fabric layer is laminated to the core
pad.
[0015] Preferably the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer
are laminated with each other and are laminated to each other at
least some regions at where the core pad is not placed intermediate
thereof.
[0016] Preferably the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer
are laminated to each other at regions intermediate of the neckline
perimeter of each breast cup and the thin perimeter region of the
core pad.
[0017] Preferably the outer fabric layer includes at least one
panel of a lace.
[0018] Preferably intermediate of at least the panel of lace and
the core pad is a lining panel.
[0019] Preferably the lining panel covers the entire outwardly
presented surface of the core pad.
[0020] Preferably the outer fabric layer at each breast cup
includes a panel of lace and a panel of opaque fabric.
[0021] Preferably where the outer fabric layer includes lace, the
inner fabric layer is a sheer fabric panel.
[0022] Preferably the outer fabric layer includes lace only at
regions where the outer fabric layer does not overlay the core
pad.
[0023] Preferably the core pad is of at least one ply of foam.
[0024] Preferably the ply of foam is a shaven ply of foam to define
at least at the thin perimeter region, a reduced thickness of said
core pad.
[0025] Preferably the extent of the core pad at where it is located
at a breast cup is smaller than the breast cup.
[0026] Preferably the core pad consists of two plies of foam
material laminated with each other and for each breast cup,
capturing an underwire.
[0027] Preferably both plies of foam material are tapered to define
the thin perimeter region.
[0028] Preferably one of the foam plies defines the thin perimeter
region of the core pad, the other foam ply including a perimeter
region that sits inward of the thin perimeter region.
[0029] Preferably the perimeter region that sits inward of the thin
perimeter region is also a tapered perimeter region.
[0030] Preferably the core pad has perimeter regions other than at
least part of the thin perimeter region that are contiguous the
perimeter of the breast cups.
[0031] Preferably there are two core pads, one for each breast
cup.
[0032] Preferably there is one core pad that extends across a
bridge between the cups to extend at part of each breast cup.
[0033] Preferably the bra is a molded bra.
[0034] Preferably the bra is a seamless bra.
[0035] In a second aspect the present invention consists in a core
panel for a bra that includes two breast cups that each include an
outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer and wherein a neckline
perimeter of each breast cup is defined at least by one of the
outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer, wherein said core pad
includes a tapered perimeter region to define a thin perimeter
region, said thin perimeter region to be located inward of the
neckline perimeter.
[0036] In a further aspect the present invention consists in a core
panel for a bra comprising:
[0037] a first ply of foam material that includes an upper
perimeter region to be located proximate more the neckline of at
least one breast cup of a bra with which the core panel is to be
incorporated,
[0038] a second ply of foam material laminated to the first ply of
foam material
[0039] wherein the upper perimeter region of the first ply of foam
material is tapered so that the upper perimeter region of the first
ply is thinner than the body region of the first ply.
[0040] Preferably the second ply includes an upper perimeter region
contiguous the upper perimeter region of the first ply.
[0041] Preferably the second ply includes an upper perimeter region
that is at least partly located inwardly of the perimeter region of
the first ply.
[0042] Preferably the upper perimeter region of the second ply is
tapered so that the upper perimeter region of the second ply is
thinner than the body region of the first ply.
[0043] Preferably the first and second plies capture at least one
underwire structure.
[0044] Preferably the first and second plies define a shape to the
core pad that in use will extend at each breast cup of a bra with
which it is to be incorporated.
[0045] Preferably the core pad is molded to include a cup form.
[0046] Preferably the core pad is molded to include two cup
forms.
[0047] In a further aspect the present invention consists in a
molded brassiere including,
[0048] a core pad of at least an inner layer of molded foam
material preferably laminated with an outer layer of molded foam
material, said core pad defining two breast cup regions and an
intermediate bridge region extending there between and wherein at
least one layer of flexible material having non-stretch properties
is provided adjacent one of or intermediate of and laminated with
said inner and outer layer of molded foam material at said bridge
region, said flexible material having non-stretch properties
oriented so that across the bridge region parallel to the cup to
cup direction said core pad is non-stretchable, and
[0049] an inner and outer layer, each of at least a fabric
material, is disposed on opposed sides of and each laminated with
said core pad on a respective interior and exterior side of said
core pad to preferably encase said core pad, at least one of the
inner and outer layer at least partially defining a neckline
perimeter,
[0050] wherein the core pad includes a tapered perimeter region
defining a thin perimeter region located inward of the neckline
perimeter.
[0051] Preferably said flexible material having non stretch
properties is a woven fabric material with bi-directional
non-stretch properties and is oriented such that the non stretch
orientation extends across said bridge region parallel to the cup
to cup direction of said core pad.
[0052] Preferably said layer of flexible material having non
stretch properties is captured intermediate of said inner and outer
layer of molded foam material.
[0053] Preferably said inner and outer layers of foam are
coextensive with each other and both define the perimeter of the
said core pad.
[0054] Preferably said inner and outer layers of foam are staggered
such that the outer layer may extend to define the neckline
perimeter and the inner layer may sit inward of the neckline
perimeter at least part of the neckline perimeter.
[0055] Preferably said core pad perimeter terminates short of said
neckline perimeter.
[0056] Preferably said core pad is of a shape defining only the
breast cups and said bridge, but not shoulder straps and chest
strap(s).
[0057] Preferably said chest straps extend outwardly from each side
of said core pad provided region of said molded brassiere.
[0058] Preferably two underwire structures are provided
intermediate of said inner layer and said outer layer of foam, one
each adjacent the breast cup regions.
[0059] Preferably said inner layer and said outer layer of foam are
laminated directly to each other save for said flexible material
having non-stretch properties and said two underwire
structures.
[0060] Preferably said underwire structure comprises a rigid
elongate member and a flexible material casing about at least part
of said rigid elongate member.
[0061] Preferably said casing is a fabric material.
[0062] Preferably said casing is adhered to one or each of the
facing surfaces of said inner and outer layers of foam by an
adhesive material.
[0063] Preferably said casing is a tubular sock within which said
rigid elongate member is located, the sock having closed distal
ends.
[0064] Preferably said outer fabric layer may be lace.
[0065] Preferably said inner fabric layer may be a sheer
fabric.
[0066] Preferably at least side of core pad proximate the lace
layer has an intermediate backing material.
[0067] Preferably there is an intermediate backing material between
interior and exterior sides of said core pad and respective said
inner and outer fabric layers.
[0068] Preferably the outer fabric layer may consist of at least
two plies of material.
[0069] Preferably the two plies of material may be butt joined or
lap joined.
[0070] In a further aspect the present invention consists in a bra
that includes two breast cups from each of which there extends a
chest band portion each chest band portion including at least an
interior most panel and an exterior most panel, each chest band
portion including an upper perimeter and a lower perimeter, wherein
captured between and adhered with said interior most panel and said
exterior most panel is at least one elastic band that is located to
extend at least along at least part of and adjacent the upper
perimeter and lower perimeter.
[0071] Preferably the interior most panel and exterior most panel
are fabric.
[0072] Preferably intermediate of at least one of the (i) exterior
most panel and (ii) interior most panel, and the at least one
elastic band, is at least one additional panel.
[0073] Preferably the additional panel is a foam panel.
[0074] Preferably the foam panel is coextensive with at least one
of the exterior most panel and interior most panel.
[0075] Preferably the interior most panel and the exterior most
panel are coextensive each other.
[0076] Preferably for each chest band portion, the elastic band is
contiguous at least one of the exterior most panel and interior
most panel.
[0077] Preferably for each chest band portion, the elastic band
extends between the adjacent breast cup and the free distal end of
the chest band portion.
[0078] Preferably for each chest band portion, the elastic band
extends from the adjacent breast cup to the free distal end of the
chest band portion.
[0079] Preferably the at least one elastic band is adhered with the
exterior most panel and interior most panel by adhesive tape
disposed to each side of said at least one elastic band.
[0080] Preferably the at least one elastic band is adhered to the
exterior most panel and interior most panel by adhesive tape
disposed to each side of said at least one elastic band.
[0081] Preferably for each chest band portion there are two elastic
bands, a first elastic band that is located to extend at least
along at least part of and adjacent the upper perimeter and a
second elastic band that is located to extend at least along at
least part of and adjacent the lower perimeter.
[0082] Preferably the exterior most panel and interior most panel
are laminated with each other.
[0083] Preferably the exterior most panel and interior most panel
are laminated to each other.
[0084] In a further aspect the present invention consists in a bra
that includes two breast cups that each include an outer fabric
layer and an inner fabric layer and wherein a neckline perimeter of
each breast cup is defined at least by one of the outer fabric
layer and inner fabric layer, wherein at each breast cup, a core
pad is captured between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric
layer that includes a tapered perimeter region to define a thin
perimeter region, said thin perimeter region located inward of the
neckline perimeter and wherein extending from each of said two
breast cups is a chest band portion each chest band portion
including at least an interior most panel and an exterior most
panel, each chest band portion including an upper perimeter and a
lower perimeter, wherein captured between and adhered with said
interior most panel and exterior most panel is at least one elastic
band that is located to extend at least along at least part of and
adjacent the upper perimeter and lower perimeter.
[0085] In a further aspect the present invention consists in a bra
that includes an exterior most fabric layer and an interior most
fabric layer each defining two breast cups and two chest band
portions extending from a respective breast cup, and
[0086] wherein a neckline perimeter of each breast cup is defined
at least by one of the exterior most layer and interior most layer,
wherein at each breast cup, a core pad is captured between the
exterior most layer and interior most layer that includes a tapered
perimeter region to define a thin perimeter region, said thin
perimeter region located inward of the neckline perimeter, and
[0087] wherein said interior most layer and an exterior most layer
at each chest band portion define an upper perimeter and a lower
perimeter, wherein captured between and adhered with said interior
most layer and exterior most layer at each said chest band portion
is at least one elastic band that is located to extend at least
along at least part of and adjacent the upper perimeter and lower
perimeter.
[0088] In a further aspect the present invention consists in a
molded brassiere including:
[0089] a core pad of at least an inner layer of molded foam
material preferably laminated with an outer layer of molded foam
material, said core pad defining two breast cup regions and an
intermediate bridge region extending there between and wherein at
least one layer of flexible material having non-stretch properties
is provided adjacent one of or intermediate of and laminated with
said inner and outer layer of molded foam material at said bridge
region, said flexible material having non-stretch properties
oriented so that across the bridge region parallel to the cup to
cup direction said core pad is non-stretchable, and
[0090] an inner and outer layer, each of at least a fabric
material, is disposed on opposed sides of and each laminated with
said core pad on a respective interior and exterior side of said
core pad to preferably encase said core pad, at least one of the
inner and outer layer at least partially defining a neckline
perimeter,
[0091] wherein the core pad includes a tapered perimeter region
defining a thin perimeter region located inward of the neckline
perimeter, and
[0092] wherein extending from each breast cup region is a chest
band portion defined at least in part by the inner and outer layer,
each said chest band portion includes an upper perimeter and a
lower perimeter, wherein captured between and adhered with said
inner and outer layer is at least one elastic band that is located
to extend at least along at least part of and adjacent the upper
perimeter and lower perimeter.
[0093] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the
parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the
specification of the application, individually or collectively, and
any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements
or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which
have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates,
such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if
individually set forth.
[0094] Where reference herein is made to interior and exterior or
similar terminology in relation to component parts or items of the
bra or part of the bra, it is meant to be understood to be in
relation to the body of the wearer of the bra. For example the
"interior" or "inner side" or "inner region" is a relative term to
denote that an item is more proximate the face side of the bra that
is more proximate to the body of the wearer than items of the bra
that are more distal the body of the wearer. "Inner" does not mean
"inner most" unless specified. This similarly applies to terms such
as "outer" or "exterior".
[0095] Where there is reference to the word "layer" it is to be
understood that it may have its common definition and, but not
limited to that the layer could consist of one panel or may have
regions that are defined by two or more panels that are joined and
that may each be of a different characteristic (e.g. color,
thickness, material, orientation, size).
[0096] Where there is reference to the word "layer" it is to be
understood that it may have its common definition and, but not
limited to that the layer may be of one ply or of more plies of the
same or dissimilar characteristics (e.g. color, thickness,
material, orientation, size) that are engaged to each other such as
by lamination or other in an at least partial overlapping
configuration.
[0097] By seamless is meant the bra is visibly substantially
seamless, in that the edges of the bra are finished in a seamless
way, for example by ultrasonic welding, or by folding the edge of
an outer layer over and affixing it to an inner layer by a
non-stitching means, or by some other means that is substantially
without seams. Seams may however be found inside the bra structure
where it is not externally visible, or in visibly less conspicuous
externally at places such as the region where the shoulder strap is
attached to a bra cup region, or the region where hook or eye tape
is connected to the chest bands.
[0098] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or
both.
[0099] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural
and/or singular forms of the noun.
[0100] The term "comprising" as used in this specification means
"consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in
this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced
by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other
features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and
"comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0101] A preferred form of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0102] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a bra of the present invention,
[0103] FIG. 2a illustrates a variation to the formation of the
present invention wherein each breast cup may be separately defined
and incorporate the features and optional features herein described
wherein each component can then be fastened together at the bridge
region,
[0104] FIG. 2b illustrates the incorporation of the components
defining the breast cup or breast cup region and other components
capable of being engaged or fastened therewith to define a bra,
[0105] FIG. 3 is a front view of part of a bra showing some
components in a partial see through manner to illustrate the core
pads in location at each of the breast cups,
[0106] FIG. 4 is a sectional view through section AA of FIG. 3,
[0107] FIG. 5 is a sectional view through section AA but only
through and of a variation of the core pad,
[0108] FIG. 6 is a sectional view through section AA but only
through part of and of a variation of the core pad of FIG. 3,
[0109] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the core pad shown in part in FIG.
6,
[0110] FIG. 8 is a sectional view through part of section AA of a
variation of FIG. 3 illustrating the core pad and exterior and
interior layers,
[0111] FIG. 9 is a partial front view of a bra showing some
components in a see-through condition,
[0112] FIG. 10 is a front view of part of a bra of a variation of
the invention,
[0113] FIG. 11a is a sectional view through section BB of FIG.
10,
[0114] FIG. 11b is an exploded view of FIG. 11a with a slight
variation of the exterior most panel,
[0115] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a variation of FIG. 11a,
[0116] FIG. 13 is a sectional view a two part exterior most panel
configuration,
[0117] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of part of a bra illustrating
the incorporation of elastic bands at the chest strap region of a
bra, and
[0118] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of part of a bra illustrating
the incorporation of an elastic band at the chest strap region of a
bra.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0119] With reference to FIG. 1 there is shown a bra 100 that may
generally be defined by a breast cup region 102, chest bands 103
and 104 and shoulder straps 105 and 106. The shoulder straps 106
and 105 may extend between the breast cup region 102 and each of
the chest bands 103 and 104 respectively.
[0120] Such over the shoulder straps may however be optional as it
is envisaged that the bra may also be of a strapless version.
Indeed whilst reference is herein made to a bra, it is envisaged
that the assembly of panels component parts and items to define
such, may alternatively be incorporated into other garments such
as, for example, evening dresses or bathing suits or similar.
[0121] At the ends of each of the chest bands may be fasteners 107
and 108 that are mutually cooperative to allow for the bra to be
fastened about the chest of a wearer.
[0122] The bra may be seamless and made from materials at least
some of which are molded or moldable and that are engaged to each
other preferably at least in part by lamination.
[0123] As can be seen with reference to FIG. 2b the components
defining the breast cup region 102 may be fastened to the
components defining the chest band 103 and the shoulder strap 106.
Such fastening may occur by adhesive and/or ultrasonic welding or
other forms of welding and/or by stitching. Stitching is not the
preferred form of assembly. In the most preferred form the bra of
the present invention is a seamless bra that incorporates little or
no stitching at all. With reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b it can be
seen that a bra of the present invention can be made from discrete
components such as the breast cups and the chest bands that are
during the manufacture of the bra fastened together. However in the
most preferred form the or at least some of the plies of material
of the bra are continuous over both breast cups and both chest
bands.
[0124] The breast cup region 102 preferably defines two breast cups
109 and 110 that are adjacent to each other and between which may
extend an intermediate bridge region 111. At least some of the
material components defining the breast cups 109 and 110 are
continuous over the entire breast cup region 102, including across
the bridge region 111. Alternatively some or all of the material
components may only be present at least part of the breast cups 109
and 110.
[0125] In the preferred form, at least one of the material
components of the breast cup region 102 is continuous over the
breast cup region 102 and preferably also over the bridge region.
However in alternative forms each of the breast cups 109 and 110
may be separately predefined as for example shown in FIG. 2a and
may be affixed together at the bridging region 111 to define, once
assembled, a breast cup region 102.
[0126] The bra includes a neckline perimeter 121 and 122 at each of
the breast cups 109 and 110. The neckline perimeter may be
continuous or may be discretely defined for each breast cup. The
neckline perimeter generally extends from an upper region of each
breast cup preferably at where the shoulder straps are engaged to
the breast cup, to or towards the bridge region 111. The neckline
perimeter as shown in the bra in FIG. 1, is preferably continuous
across the neckline perimeter and extends from shoulder strap to
shoulder strap. The neckline perimeter generally sits above a
substantial part of the breast of the wearer. The neckline is often
that part of the bra that is exposed through the likes of the
necked tops or shirts. It is also that part of the bra against
which clothing may cling or sit tightly against.
[0127] Additional components, layers or plies of material may be
provided with the materials defining the breast cup region and/or
the bra, to those herein defined.
[0128] Variations to the bra shown in FIG. 1 may include where the
chest bands 104 and 103 are unitary and may extend along the lower
perimeter of the breast cup region 102. The bra may be a front
opening bra where mutually cooperative fasteners are positioned at
the bridge region 111 to allow the bra to be opened and fastened at
that region.
[0129] With reference to FIG. 3 there is shown part of a bra
wherein at each breast cup 109 and 110, there is provided a core
pad 1, 2. In the upper regions of each of the breast cups at and
towards the neckline perimeter 121, a gradual reduction in the
thickness of the breast cups is defined. FIG. 3 shows an exterior
most panel 4 on which is positioned the core pads 1, 2. Each core
pad is shaped so as to taper at least at parts of each of the core
pads towards at least part of the upper perimeter 5, 6 thereof. The
upper perimeter of each cup is disposed more, towards the neckline
perimeter 121/122 of the bra. The upper perimeter regions
correspond to being located at the upper locations of each of the
core pads. Preferably tapering of the pads occurs towards the
entire upper perimeter region of each of the core pads. In the most
preferred form tapering occurs towards the entire perimeter of the
breast pads. Such tapering reduces the thickness of each of the
core pads. This reduction in thickness, when the pads are
incorporated in a bra and are captured between the exterior most
layer 4 and interior most layer 7 as for example shown in FIG. 4,
will result in the tapered perimeter region of the core pads from
becoming indistinguishable to the touch.
[0130] In the most preferred form at least that perimeter of each
of the core pads that sits inward of the breast cup is tapered
whereas any remaining perimeter of the core pad need not be
tapered. Such non tapered perimeter regions need not be tapered
because they are located at parts of the bra where other parts such
as the underwire are located.
[0131] During manufacture of the core pad, a constant thickness
sheet of a foam material may be taken and shaved to the appropriate
form for defining the tapered perimeter region(s).
[0132] Most preferably the core pad 1 and 2 are of a size so that
its side and lower perimeters are substantially contiguous the
corresponding breast cup perimeter regions whereas the upper
perimeter region of the core pads sit inward of the neckline
perimeter of each of the breast cups.
[0133] In one form of the present invention the bra is defined by
an exterior most panel 4 and an interior most panel 7 of a flexible
material such as a fabric material capturing therebetween a core
pad at each of the breast cups. As shown in FIG. 4, each core pad
may consist of a single ply of foam material. The exterior most
panel 4 and interior most panel 7 extend beyond the upper perimeter
6 of the core pad to terminate at the neckline perimeter 121.
[0134] In the example shown in FIG. 4 both the exterior and
interior most panels are contiguous at the neckline perimeter.
Preferably the interior and exterior most panels 4 and 7 are
contiguous across the entire breast cup regions and chest band
regions of the bra.
[0135] Preferably the exterior most panel 4 and interior most panel
7 and the core pads are laid up and by the use of adhesive bonded
or tacked together in a layflat condition after which a subsequent
mold forming of the three dimensional shape or shapes occurs.
Additional materials may be incorporated with the interior and
exterior most panels and core pads prior to or subsequent such
molding steps. Such may include underwires, a non-stretch fabric
bridge panel and/or others.
[0136] With reference to FIG. 5, there is shown for example a
variation to the core pad 1 wherein an underwire assembly 9 is
positioned intermediate of two plies of foam 10, 11. An exterior
ply 10 and interior ply 11 of foam material are bonded and
preferably laminated together. An underwire assembly 9 that may
include an underwire captured within a fabric sock is positioned
intermediate of the plies 10 and 11. The foam plies capture the
underwire assembly at least in part and preferably entirely
therebetween. In one form where two or more plies of foam material
are laminated together to define a core pad, the foam plies are
preferably of the same perimeter shape and are preferably fully
laminated to each other save at where for example the underwire is
laminated intermediate of the two plies.
[0137] A variation to the preferred form as shown by way of example
with reference to FIG. 5, is shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, the
exterior ply 10 is of a size to extend at least at one region of
the perimeter of this ply beyond at least part of the perimeter
region of the interior ply 11. The extension of the perimeter of
the exterior ply 10 beyond the perimeter of the interior ply 11
preferably occurs at the perimeter region 6 of the core pad. Both
the interior and exterior plies of foam material, having been
shaved to define an upper tapered perimeter, allows for a thin
perimeter to be defined at the region 6 of the core pad 1. FIG. 7
shows the core pad 1. It can be seen that the perimeter 12 of the
interior ply 11 sits inwardly of the perimeter 6 of the exterior
ply 10. A staggered positioning of the perimeter of the ply at
where tapering of the core pad is defined, allows for a thin
perimeter of the core panel to be defined. Preferably the tapering
is to a zero thickness.
[0138] With reference to FIG. 8, such a staggering of panels may
also occur in respect of the exterior and interior most panels 4
and 7. For example the exterior most panel 4 may extend to define
the neckline perimeter 121 whereas the interior panel 7 may sit
inward of the neckline perimeter 121 at least part of the neckline
perimeter. As well as defining a gradual tapering of the thickness
of breast cups of the bra, the construction of the bra also reduces
the thickness of the bra towards upper regions extending towards
and/or at the neckline perimeter of the bra.
[0139] In the most preferred form, no foam core pad extends to be
positioned at the neckline perimeter or perimeter regions of the
bra. The foam core perimeter terminates short of the neckline
perimeter.
[0140] This reduces thickness thereby helping reduce or eliminate
deterability of the neckline perimeter and core pads, at least to
the touch and/or visually when the bra is worn.
[0141] Having preferably only two overlying plies of material,
defined by the exterior most panel 4 and interior most panel 7, at
the upper region such as region 16 (that region positioned between
the core pad and the neckline perimeter of each of the breast cup),
can also help with breathability and ventilation of the skin of the
wearer at these regions.
[0142] With reference to FIG. 9, a variation is shown wherein the
core panel is continuous across the bridge region 111. Only one
foam core pad 19 is provided rather than two discrete core pads 1/2
as previously described. The core pad 19 may also extend at least
in part to and at least part of the chest bands 103/104. Again the
core pad 19 in this variation includes an upper perimeter that
terminates inward of at least part of the neckline perimeter 121.
Preferably the upper perimeter 6 terminates short of the entire
neckline perimeter 121 of each of the breast cups.
[0143] With reference to FIG. 10, a variation is shown where the
exterior most panel consists of at least two plies of material. The
exterior most panel 4 preferably consists of a first ply 21 and a
second ply 22. The first ply 21 may be of a material of different
characteristics (color or texture or thickness or other) to the
second ply of material 22. The first ply of material 21 may for
example be a lace material and may extend to and at least part of
the chest bands and part of each of the breast cups. The first ply
of material 21 is preferably bonded to the second ply of material
22 along the join 23. The join 23 may be a butt join as shown in
FIG. 11a or may be a lap join as shown in FIG. 13. Such joining may
occur by adhesive and/or ultrasonic welding. A bra that includes a
variation in outwardly appearance by this construction of the
outermost panel may be defined. Where the first ply 21 is of a lace
material, it may include apertures providing a see-through effect.
A contrasting colour material may be provided by a backing material
to the lace. Indeed multiple contrasting materials may be provided
to provide a backing to the lace.
[0144] Most preferably the join 23 is contiguous at least part of
the upper perimeter 6 of the core pad 1. Alternatively and with
reference to FIG. 11b, the perimeter 23 may at least in part sit
inwardly of the core panel 1. Where for example a lace material
defines the ply 21 and the join 23 extends across part of the core
pad 1, the core pad 1 is preferably laminated with at least one and
preferably both fabric plies 26 and 27.
[0145] A variation where the core panel consists of a single ply of
foam material, the core panel 1 is lined by opposed plies 26 and
27. Preferably the foam panel is captured between the plies. The
plies hide the foam from being visible through the lace
material.
[0146] Preferably both sides of the foam panels 10 and 11 are
laminated with plies 26 and/or 27 although in one form the interior
side of the foam panel need not be lined by the ply 26.
[0147] The interior most panel 7 may be of a fabric material or of
a sheer fabric material. It may also be of two or more plies bonded
together but is preferably of one piece and preferably coextensive
with the exterior most panel. At least at some of the regions other
than where the core pad is provided, the sheer material will be
visible through the lace material from external of the bra. For
example, through the apertures of the lace material 21, the sheer
material 7 will be visible. At regions where the sheer material may
extend over the foam panels, apertures through the lace material
allow for the ply 27 of the core panel to be seen therethrough.
[0148] With reference to FIG. 14 there is shown part of a bra 500
wherein a particular construction of a chest band is shown. The
construction of the chest band 503 (and which is duplicated on the
chest band on the other side of the bra) includes the exterior most
fabric panel 507 and interior most fabric panel 504. Intermediate
of the exterior and interior most fabric panels 507, 504 may be
further panels of material in addition to the components
hereinafter described relating to the incorporation of elasticity
in the chest band. For example the interior more panel may be an
assembly of a foam panel with an interior most fabric panel
laminated to it. Likewise the exterior more panel may be an
assembly of a foam panel with an exterior most fabric panel
laminated to it.
[0149] Elasticity can be incorporated in the chest band 503 by the
provision of two elastic bands 560 and 561. In the most preferred
form the elastic bands 560 and 561 are contiguous the interior most
and exterior most fabric panels 504 and 507 although additional
panels of material on one or both sides of the elastic bands 560
and 561 may be provided.
[0150] The elastic band 560 preferably extends adjacent along and
parallel to the upper perimeter 573 of the chest band 503. It
preferably extends between and preferably from or proximate the
breast cup 509 to or towards the chest strap claps (not shown) at
the other end of the chest band 503.
[0151] The elastic band 561 preferably extends adjacent along and
parallel to the lower perimeter 574 of the chest band 503. It
preferably extends between and preferably from or proximate the
breast cup 509 to or towards the chest strap claps (not shown) at
the other end of the chest band 503.
[0152] During assembly of the bra (or of a chest band 503 to be
incorporated with other components to define the bra) adhesive tape
is utilised. Preferably the adhesive tape is known as Bemis
adhesive tape which is a two sided heat sensitive adhesive
tape.
[0153] By way of example to illustrate the adhesive tape, a strip
of adhesive tape 531 is shown located between the elastic band 560
and the interior most panel 504.
[0154] In the most preferred form the chest band is constructed by
having both sides of each elastic bands 560,561 attached to the
two-sided heat sensitive adhesive tape. The adhesive will provide
the greatest adhesion when it is heated up during lamination of the
two panels 504,507 and the elastic bands 560,561 together by the
application of heat and pressure. At room temperature, the adhesive
only provides low adhesion but which is sufficient for moderately
fixing the elastic bands 560,561 at the desired positions on one of
the two panels 504,507 immediately before performing the
lamination. If the external side of the exterior most fabric panel
507 is to face upwards during the lamination, the elastic bands
560,561 are preferably placed on the internal side of the interior
most panel 504
[0155] Alternatively and less preferred, the adhesive tape may for
example be provided on the interior most fabric panel 504 at where
the elastic bands 560 and 561 are to be located. Likewise the
exterior most fabric panel 507 may have adhered to it such tape at
where the elastic bands 560 and 561 are to be located. The tape is
preferably provided adjacent the longitudinally extending perimeter
edges of the respective interior most and exterior most fabric
panels. The elastic bands 560 and 561 may be applied to the exposed
side of the tape on the interior most fabric panel and thereafter
the exterior most fabric panel 507 may be adhered to the exposed
side of the elastic band 560 and 561 by adhering the adhesive tape
engaged to the exterior most fabric panel 507 thereto. However this
may alternatively be achieved by firstly appaneling the elastic
band 560 and 561 to their respective adhesive tape on the exterior
most fabric panel 507 thereafter adhering the exposed side of the
elastic bands to the exposed surfaces of the adhesive tape on the
interior most fabric panel 504.
[0156] In yet an alternative manner, the adhesive tape may firstly
be applied to each side of each of the elastic bands 560 and 561
thereafter the exterior and interior most fabric panels 507 and 504
being applied to the exposed surfaces of the tape. It will be
appreciated that other combinations of assembling the chest band
construction may be achieved.
[0157] Once the layers are assembled, wherein the elastic bands 560
and 561 are captured between the interior and exterior most fabric
panels 504, 507, a lamination of the chest band can occur by the
application of heat and pressure.
[0158] Two elastic bands 560,561 are so fixed in order to provide
the chest band 503 with substantially even distribution of
elasticity along the length of the chest band 503 when the
brassiere 500 is being worn (i.e. when the chest band 503 is being
stretched along its length). Such even distribution of elasticity
cannot be achieved if only one of the elastic bands 560,561 is so
fixed.
[0159] Even distribution of elasticity can also be achieved if a
singe elastic band that is substantially co-extensive to the
boundary of the chest band 503 is used instead. This is for example
shown in FIG. 15. In such an embodiment the single elastic band 590
may be substantially of the same shape as the chest strap and have
an upper perimeter provided as where the upper perimeter of the
upper elastic band 560 is provided and a lower perimeter as where
the lower perimeter of the lower elastic band 561 is provided.
Adhesive 591 and 592 may be provided on each side of the band
590.
[0160] Nevertheless, using two elastic bands 560, 561 is preferred
in order to save some material costs.
[0161] The chest band construction as herein described that
incorporates the elastic band or bands may be utilized in
combination with the breast cup construction as herein described to
offer a product with a number of advantages over prior art.
[0162] The or some of the fabric material used may be of a material
known by model number CMF-7440MU of Friendly Foundate Ltd. This
fabric is made of 80% Tactel and 20% lycra. The fabric layer 9 may
have a make-up of approximately 80% Tactel 40d/34f and 20% lycra
40d and of a weight of, for example, 190 g/m2.
[0163] The foam used is preferably a polyurethane foam of a
precursor density of, for example, 30-40d.
[0164] Adhesive used may be of a kind such as RM-30 of Ultra Energy
Adhesive Trading Co., Ltd.
[0165] The bridge fabric may be 7118 of Goldspring Co. Ltd. It is
preferably a piece of gauze which is 100% nylon.
[0166] One or all the molding processes occur preferably at an
upper mold temperature of 180.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. and the
lower mold is preferably of 180.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. The
dwell time holding the mold portions together is for example 120
seconds.
* * * * *