U.S. patent application number 12/167493 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-07 for bra cup with thin, air-permeable layer.
Invention is credited to Jin-Yi Jian.
Application Number | 20090117824 12/167493 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40588566 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090117824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jian; Jin-Yi |
May 7, 2009 |
BRA CUP WITH THIN, AIR-PERMEABLE LAYER
Abstract
A bra cup includes an outer cloth, an inner cloth, and a layer
of high-molecular polymer between the inner and outer cloths. The
layer of high-molecular polymer includes a perimeter having first
and second edges spaced in a length direction and upper and lower
edges spaced in a height direction perpendicular to the length
direction. The layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a
perforate area having a plurality of vents each extending from an
outer face through an inner face thereof. The perforate area
extends from the upper edge through the lower edge in the height
direction. The perforate area further extends from a center of the
first layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second
edges in the length direction and has a length at least two-thirds
of that of the layer of high-molecular polymer in the length
direction.
Inventors: |
Jian; Jin-Yi; (Bade City,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KAMRATH & ASSOCIATES P.A.
4825 OLSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 245
GOLDEN VALLEY
MN
55422
US
|
Family ID: |
40588566 |
Appl. No.: |
12/167493 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11935423 |
Nov 6, 2007 |
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12167493 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
450/38 ; 450/39;
450/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/14 20130101; A41C
3/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/38 ; 450/39;
450/57 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/00 20060101
A41C003/00; A41C 3/10 20060101 A41C003/10 |
Claims
1. A bra cup comprising, in combination: an outer cloth including a
convex outer face and a concave inner face; an inner cloth
including an outer face and a breast covering inner face adapted
for covering a breast of a wearer of the bra cup; and a first layer
of high-molecular polymer between the concave inner face of the
outer cloth and the outer face of the inner cloth, with the first
layer of high-molecular polymer including a convex outer face and a
concave inner face, with the first layer of high-molecular polymer
further including a perimeter having first and second edges spaced
in a length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in a height
direction perpendicular to the length direction, with the first
layer of high-molecular polymer further including a first perforate
area having a plurality of first vents each extending from the
outer face through the inner face thereof, with the first perforate
area extending from the upper edge through the lower edge of the
first layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction, with
the first perforate area further extending from a center of the
first layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second
edges in the length direction and having a length at least
two-thirds of that of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in
the length direction.
2. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in
combination: a bladder mounted between a lower section of the inner
face of the outer cloth and a lower section of the outer face of
the first layer of high-molecular polymer, with the bladder
including a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the
inner face of the outer cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the
lower section of the front face of the first layer of
high-molecular polymer, and with the bladder including an interior
between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid.
3. The bra cup as claimed in claim 2, with the bladder being spaced
from the perimeter of the first layer of high-molecular polymer,
and with the bladder being coextensive with the first perforate
area of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the length
direction.
4. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in
combination: a bladder mounted between a lower section of the inner
face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a lower
section of the outer face of the inner cloth, with the bladder
including a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the
inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a
convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of
the inner cloth, and with the bladder including an interior between
the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid.
5. The bra cup as claimed in claim 4, with the bladder being spaced
from the perimeter of the first layer of high-molecular polymer,
and with the bladder being coextensive with the first perforate
area of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the length
direction.
6. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in
combination: an air-permeable pad mounted between a lower section
of the inner face of the outer cloth and a lower section of the
outer face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, with the
air-permeable pad including a convex outer side bonded to the lower
section of the inner face of the outer cloth and a convex inner
side bonded to the lower section of the front face of the first
layer of high-molecular polymer.
7. The bra cup as claimed in claim 6, with the air-permeable pad
being spaced from the perimeter of the first layer of
high-molecular polymer, with the air-permeable pad being
coextensive with the first perforate area of the first layer of
high-molecular polymer in the length direction.
8. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in
combination: a second layer of high-molecular polymer between the
first layer of high-molecular polymer and the inner cloth, with the
second layer of high-molecular polymer including an outer face
having a convex upper section engaged with an upper section of the
inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, with the
outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer further
including a lower section, with the second layer of high-molecular
polymer further including an inner face engaged with the outer face
of the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer
further including a perimeter having first and second edges spaced
in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the
height direction, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer
further including a second perforate area having a plurality of
second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner
face thereof, with the second perforate area extending from the
upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of
high-molecular polymer in the height direction, with the second
perforate area further extending from a center of the second layer
of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the
length direction and having a length at least two-thirds of that of
the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction;
and a bladder mounted between a lower section of the inner face of
the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the lower section of
the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, with
the bladder including a convex outer side bonded to the lower
section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular
polymer and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the
outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, and with
the bladder including an interior between the inner and outer sides
and filled with fluid.
9. The bra cup as claimed in claim 8, with the bladder being spaced
from the perimeter of each of the first and second layers of
high-molecular polymer, with the first perforate area being
coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height
directions, with the plurality of first vents being aligned with
the plurality of second vents, and with the bladder being
coextensive with the first and second perforate areas in the length
direction.
10. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in
combination. an outer air-permeable cloth between the first layer
of high-molecular polymer and the outer cloth, with the outer
air-permeable cloth including a convex outer face engaged with the
inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a
concave inner face having an upper section and a lower section; an
inner air-permeable cloth between the outer air-permeable cloth and
the outer cloth, with the inner air-permeable cloth including an
outer face having a convex upper section engaged with the upper
section of the inner face of the outer air-permeable cloth, with
the outer face of the inner air-permeable cloth further including a
lower section, with the inner air-permeable cloth further including
an inner face; a second layer of high-molecular polymer between the
inner air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth, with the second
layer of high-molecular polymer including an outer face engaged
with the inner face of the inner air-permeable cloth, with the
second layer of high-molecular polymer further including an inner
face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth, with the
second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a
perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length
direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction,
with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a
second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each
extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof, with
the second perforate area extending from the upper edge through the
lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the
height direction, with the second perforate area further extending
from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward
the first and second edges in the length direction and having a
length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of
high-molecular polymer in the length direction; and a bladder
mounted between the lower section of the inner face of the outer
air-permeable cloth and the lower section of the outer face of the
inner air-permeable cloth, with the bladder including a convex
outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the
outer air-permeable cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the
lower section of the outer face of the inner air-permeable cloth,
with the bladder including an interior between the inner and outer
sides and filled with fluid.
11. The bra cup as claimed in claim 10, with the bladder being
spaced from a perimeter of each of the inner and outer
air-permeable cloths, with the first perforate area being
coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height
directions, with the plurality of first vents being aligned with
the plurality of second vents, and with the bladder being
coextensive with the first and second perforate areas in the length
direction.
12. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in
combination: an air-permeable cloth between the outer air-permeable
cloth and the outer cloth, with the air-permeable cloth including a
convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the first layer of
high-molecular polymer, with the inner air-permeable cloth further
including a concave inner face; and a second layer of
high-molecular polymer between the air-permeable cloth and the
inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer
including a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the
air-permeable cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular
polymer further including a concave inner face engaged with the
outer face of the inner cloth, with the second layer of
high-molecular polymer further including a perimeter having first
and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower
edges spaced in the height direction, with the second layer of
high-molecular polymer further including a second perforate area
having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer
face through the inner face thereof, with the second perforate area
extending from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second
layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction, with the
second perforate area further extending from a center of the second
layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges
in the length direction and having a length at least two-thirds of
that of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length
direction.
13. The bra cup as claimed in claim 12, with the first perforate
area being coextensive with the second perforate area in the length
and height directions, and with the plurality of first vents being
aligned with the plurality of second vents.
14. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in
combination: an air-permeable cloth between the outer air-permeable
cloth and the outer cloth, with the air-permeable cloth including a
convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the first layer of
high-molecular polymer, with the air-permeable cloth further
including a concave inner face having an upper section and a lower
section; a second layer of high-molecular polymer between the inner
air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth, with the second layer of
high-molecular polymer including an outer face having an upper
section engaged with the upper section of the inner face of the
air-permeable cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular
polymer further including an inner face engaged with the outer face
of the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer
further including a perimeter having first and second edges spaced
in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the
height direction, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer
further including a second perforate area having a plurality of
second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner
face thereof, with the second perforate area extending from the
upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of
high-molecular polymer in the height direction, with the second
perforate area further extending from a center of the second layer
of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the
length direction and having a length at least two-thirds of that of
the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction;
and a bladder mounted between the lower section of the inner face
of the air-permeable cloth and a lower section of the outer face of
the second layer of high-molecular polymer, with the bladder
including a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the
inner face of the air-permeable cloth and a convex inner side
bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the second layer
of high-molecular polymer, with the bladder including an interior
between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid.
15. The bra cup as claimed in claim 14, with the bladder being
spaced from a perimeter of the air-permeable cloth and from the
perimeter of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, with the
first perforate area being coextensive with the second perforate
area in the length and height directions, with the plurality of
first vents being aligned with the plurality of second vents, and
with the bladder being coextensive with the first and second
perforate areas in the length direction.
16. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in
combination: an air-permeable cloth between the first layer of
high-molecular polymer and the inner cloth, with the air-permeable
cloth including a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of
the first layer of high-molecular polymer, with the air-permeable
cloth further including a concave inner face having an upper
section and a lower section; a second layer of high-molecular
polymer between the air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth, with
the second layer of high-molecular polymer including an outer face
having an upper section engaged with the upper section of the inner
face of the air-permeable cloth, with the outer face of the second
layer of high-molecular polymer further including a lower section,
with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including
an inner face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth, with
the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a
perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length
direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction,
with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a
second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each
extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof, with
the second perforate area extending from the upper edge through the
lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the
height direction, with the second perforate area further extending
from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward
the first and second edges in the length direction and having a
length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of
high-molecular polymer in the length direction; and an
air-permeable pad mounted between the lower section of the inner
face of the air-permeable cloth and the lower section of the outer
face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, with the
air-permeable pad including a convex outer side bonded to the lower
section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth and a convex
inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the
second layer of high-molecular polymer.
17. The bra cup as claimed in claim 16, with the air-permeable pad
being spaced from a perimeter of the air-permeable cloth and from
the perimeter of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, with
the first perforate area being coextensive with the second
perforate area in the length and height directions, with the
plurality of first vents being aligned with the plurality of second
vents, and with the air-permeable pad being coextensive with the
first and second perforate areas in the length direction.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/935,423 filed Nov. 6, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a bra cup and, more
particularly, to a bra cup with a thin, air-permeable layer.
[0003] Women's breasts can be beautified by bras. A typical thin
cup for bras includes an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric
layer sewn together to form a structure having a convex outer face
and a concave inner face. The thin cup may further include an
optional cloth layer sewn to the outer face. Such a thin cup
provides poor shaping force and poor touch and is liable to deform.
A pad made of foam material or cotton is mounted between the outer
and inner fabric layers to increase the elastic shaping force.
However, the pad has a certain thickness and, thus, results in a
thick bra cup. On the other hand, the elastic shaping force is
unsatisfactory if the pad is thin.
[0004] A need exists for a bra cup that is thin and capable of
providing elastic shaping force for beautifying a breast of a
wearer.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention solves this need and other problems in
the field of bra cups by providing, in a preferred form, a bra cup
including an outer cloth having a convex outer face and a concave
inner face. An inner cloth includes an outer face and a breast
covering inner face adapted for covering a breast of a wearer of
the bra cup. A first layer of high-molecular polymer is mounted
between the concave inner face of the outer cloth and the outer
face of the inner cloth. The first layer of high-molecular polymer
includes a convex outer face and a concave inner face. The first
layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a perimeter having
first and second edges spaced in a length direction and upper and
lower edges spaced in a height direction perpendicular to the
length direction. The first layer of high-molecular polymer further
includes a first perforate area having a plurality of first vents
each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof.
The first perforate area extends from the upper edge through the
lower edge of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the
height direction. The first perforate area further extends from a
center of the first layer of high-molecular polymer toward the
first and second edges in the length direction and has a length at
least two-thirds of that of the first layer of high-molecular
polymer in the length direction.
[0006] In another embodiment, a bladder is mounted between a lower
section of the inner face of the outer cloth and a lower section of
the outer face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The
bladder includes a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of
the inner face of the outer cloth and a convex inner side bonded to
the lower section of the front face of the first layer of
high-molecular polymer. The bladder includes an interior between
the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid. The bladder is
spaced from the perimeter of the first layer of high-molecular
polymer. The bladder is coextensive with the first perforate area
of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the length
direction.
[0007] In a further embodiment, a bladder mounted between a lower
section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular
polymer and a lower section of the outer face of the inner cloth.
The bladder includes a convex outer side bonded to the lower
section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular
polymer and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the
outer face of the inner cloth. The bladder includes an interior
between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid. The
bladder is spaced from the perimeter of the first layer of
high-molecular polymer. The bladder is coextensive with the first
perforate area of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the
length direction.
[0008] In still another embodiment, an air-permeable pad is mounted
between a lower section of the inner face of the outer cloth and a
lower section of the outer face of the first layer of
high-molecular polymer. The air-permeable pad includes a convex
outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the
outer cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of
the front face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The
air-permeable pad is spaced from the perimeter of the first layer
of high-molecular polymer. The air-permeable pad is coextensive
with the first perforate area of the first layer of high-molecular
polymer in the length direction.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, a second layer of high-molecular
polymer is provided between the first layer of high-molecular
polymer and the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular
polymer includes an outer face having a convex upper section
engaged with an upper section of the inner face of the first layer
of high-molecular polymer. The outer face of the second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes a lower section. The second
layer of high-molecular polymer further includes an inner face
engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes a perimeter having first
and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower
edges spaced in the height direction. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes a second perforate area
having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer
face through the inner face thereof. The second perforate area
extends from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second
layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction. The second
perforate area further extends from a center of the second layer of
high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the
length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of
the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.
A bladder is mounted between a lower section of the inner face of
the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the lower section of
the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer. The
bladder includes a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of
the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a
convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of
the second layer of high-molecular polymer. The bladder includes an
interior between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid.
The bladder is spaced from the perimeter of each of the first and
second layers of high-molecular polymer. The first perforate area
is coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and
height directions. The first vents are aligned with the second
vents. The bladder is coextensive with the first and second
perforate areas in the length direction.
[0010] In still another embodiment, an outer air-permeable cloth is
provided between the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the
outer cloth. The outer air-permeable cloth includes a convex outer
face engaged with the inner face of the first layer of
high-molecular polymer and a concave inner face having an upper
section and a lower section. An inner air-permeable cloth is
provided between the outer air-permeable cloth and the outer cloth.
The inner air-permeable cloth includes an outer face having a
convex upper section engaged with the upper section of the inner
face of the outer air-permeable cloth. The outer face of the inner
air-permeable cloth further includes a lower section. The inner
air-permeable cloth further includes an inner face. A second layer
of high-molecular polymer is provided between the inner
air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer includes an outer face engaged with the
inner face of the inner air-permeable cloth. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes an inner face engaged with
the outer face of the inner cloth. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes a perimeter having first
and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower
edges spaced in the height direction. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes a second perforate area
having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer
face through the inner face thereof. The second perforate area
extends from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second
layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction. The second
perforate area further extends from a center of the second layer of
high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the
length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of
the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.
A bladder is mounted between the lower section of the inner face of
the outer air-permeable cloth and the lower section of the outer
face of the inner air-permeable cloth. The bladder includes a
convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of
the outer air-permeable cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the
lower section of the outer face of the inner air-permeable cloth.
The bladder includes an interior between the inner and outer sides
and filled with fluid. The bladder is spaced from a perimeter of
each of the inner and outer air-permeable cloths. The first
perforate area is coextensive with the second perforate area in the
length and height directions. The first vents are aligned with the
second vents. The bladder is coextensive with the first and second
perforate areas in the length direction.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, an air-permeable cloth is
provided between the outer air-permeable cloth and the outer cloth.
The air-permeable cloth includes a convex outer face engaged with
the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The
inner air-permeable cloth further includes a concave inner face. A
second layer of high-molecular polymer is provided between the
air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer includes a convex outer face engaged with
the inner face of the air-permeable cloth. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes a concave inner face
engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes a perimeter having first
and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower
edges spaced in the height direction. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes a second perforate area
having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer
face through the inner face thereof. The second perforate area
extends from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second
layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction. The second
perforate area further extends from a center of the second layer of
high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the
length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of
the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.
The first perforate area is coextensive with the second perforate
area in the length and height directions. The first vents are
aligned with the second vents.
[0012] In still another embodiment, an air-permeable cloth is
provided between the outer air-permeable cloth and the outer cloth.
The air-permeable cloth includes a convex outer face engaged with
the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The
air-permeable cloth further includes a concave inner face having an
upper section and a lower section. A second layer of high-molecular
polymer is provided between the inner air-permeable cloth and the
inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer includes an
outer face having an upper section engaged with the upper section
of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes an inner face engaged with
the outer face of the inner cloth. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes a perimeter having first
and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower
edges spaced in the height direction. The second layer of
high-molecular polymer further includes a second perforate area
having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer
face through the inner face thereof. The second perforate area
extends from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second
layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction. The second
perforate area further extends from a center of the second layer of
high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the
length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of
the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.
A bladder is mounted between the lower section of the inner face of
the air-permeable cloth and a lower section of the outer face of
the second layer of high-molecular polymer. The bladder includes a
convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of
the air-permeable cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower
section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular
polymer. The bladder includes an interior between the inner and
outer sides and filled with fluid. The bladder is spaced from a
perimeter of the air-permeable cloth and from the perimeter of the
second layer of high-molecular polymer. The first perforate area is
coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height
directions. The first vents are aligned with the second vents. The
bladder is coextensive with the first and second perforate areas in
the length direction.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, an air-permeable cloth is
provided between the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the
inner cloth. The air-permeable cloth includes a convex outer face
engaged with the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular
polymer. The air-permeable cloth further includes a concave inner
face having an upper section and a lower section. A second layer of
high-molecular polymer is provided between the air-permeable cloth
and the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer
includes an outer face having an upper section engaged with the
upper section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth. The
outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer further
includes a lower section. The second layer of high-molecular
polymer further includes an inner face engaged with the outer face
of the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer
further includes a perimeter having first and second edges spaced
in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the
height direction. The second layer of high-molecular polymer
further includes a second perforate area having a plurality of
second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner
face thereof. The second perforate area extends from the upper edge
through the lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular
polymer in the height direction. The second perforate area further
extends from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer
toward the first and second edges in the length direction and has a
length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of
high-molecular polymer in the length direction. An air-permeable
pad is mounted between the lower section of the inner face of the
air-permeable cloth and the lower section of the outer face of the
second layer of high-molecular polymer. The air-permeable pad
includes a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the
inner face of the air-permeable cloth and a convex inner side
bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the second layer
of high-molecular polymer. The air-permeable pad is spaced from a
perimeter of the air-permeable cloth and from the perimeter of the
second layer of high-molecular polymer. The first perforate area is
coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height
directions. The first vents are aligned with the second vents. The
air-permeable pad is coextensive with the first and second
perforate areas in the length direction.
[0014] The present invention will become clearer in light of the
following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this
invention described in connection with the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The illustrative embodiments may best be described by
reference to the accompanying drawings where:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a bra
utilizing two bra cups of an embodiment according to the preferred
teachings of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one of the bra cups of
FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the bra cup of FIG. 2
with an inner cloth of the bra cup removed.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the bra cup of FIG.
2.
[0020] FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the bra cup of
FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a bra cup of another
embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the bra cup of FIG. 6
with an inner cloth of the bra cup removed.
[0023] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the bra cup of FIG.
6.
[0024] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of a
further embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of still
another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of yet
another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of still
another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of yet
another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of still
another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of yet
another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention.
[0031] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic
teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the
Figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and
dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be
explained or will be within the skill of the art after the
following teachings of the present invention have been read and
understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional
proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and
similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art
after the following teachings of the present invention have been
read and understood.
[0032] Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same
numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the
terms "first", "second", "inner", "outer", "lower", "upper", "end",
"portion", "section", "longitudinal", "length", "height", and
similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these
terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as
it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized
only to facilitate describing the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] A bra utilizing two bra cups of an embodiment according to
the preferred teachings of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1
of the drawings and generally designated 10. The bra cup 10 of FIG.
1 includes a bra panel 11, two bra cups 20 sewn to the bra panel
11, two back straps 12 and 13 each having an end coupled to the bra
panel 11, and two shoulder straps 14 and 15 each having a outer end
coupled to one of the bra cups 20 and a inner end coupled to one of
the back straps 12 and 13. The other ends of the back straps 12 and
13 are releasably coupled with each other. Each bra cup 20
according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is of
a light, thin, air-permeable structure and provides elastic shaping
force. The bra cups 20 are of identical properties in elasticity
and permeation.
[0034] According to an embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, each
bra cup 20 includes an air-permeable outer cloth 22, an
air-permeable inner cloth 23, and a thin layer of high-molecular
polymer 24 between the outer cloth 22 and the inner cloth 23. The
outer cloth 22 includes a convex outer face 26 and a concave inner
face 28. The inner cloth 23 includes a convex outer face 27 and a
breast covering concave inner face 29. An underwire 30, 31 (FIG. 1)
is sewn to an underside of each bra cup 20. A layer of cloth (not
shown) may be sewn to the outer edge of the outer cloth 22 for
aesthetical purposes. The thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24
includes a convex outer face 240 engaged with the inner face 28 of
the outer cloth 22 and a concave inner face 242 engaged with the
outer face 27 of the inner cloth 23. The thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 includes a perimeter having first and
second edges 243 and 245 spaced in a length direction parallel to a
breast length of a wearer. The perimeter of the thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 further includes upper and lower edges
246 and 248 spaced in a height direction perpendicular to the
length direction. The thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 is
coextensive with the outer cloth 22 and the inner cloth 23 in the
length and height directions. The thin layer of high-molecular
polymer 24 includes a perforate area 241 having a plurality of
through-holes 25 each extending from the convex outer face 240
through the concave inner face 242. According to the most preferred
form shown, the perforate area 240 extend from the first edge 243
through the second edge 245 of the thin layer of high-molecular
polymer 24 and from the upper edge 246 through the lower edge 248
of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The vents 25 are
uniformly distributed in the perforate area 241. Thus, the bra cup
20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is
thin, light, and air-permeable and is capable of providing elastic
shaping force for supporting a breast of a wearer. However, the
perforate area 241 can only extend a portion of the thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 in the length direction. As an example,
the perforate area 241 extends from a center of the thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 toward the first and second edges 243 and
245 in the length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of
that of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in the length
direction. The bra 10 is durable without the risk of deformation
and provides the wearer with wearing comfort while beatifying the
breasts of the wearer. The thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24
is preferably engaged with the outer and inner cloths 22 and 23 by
screen printing and pressing. It can be appreciated that the outer
cloths 22 of the two bra cups 20 can be integral with each other to
form a one-piece bra.
[0035] According to the preferred form shown, the thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 has a thickness of 0.1-1 mm to provide a
thin structure with elastic shaping force. Furthermore, a foam
agent can be previously added in the thin layer of high-molecular
polymer 24 to provide a foam material after taking shape. Suitable
materials for the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 include
but not limited to polystyrene, propylene butadiene styrene resin,
polyamide resin, polybutylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide,
polyether ether ketone, polyamide-imide, organic silicon resin,
polyoxypropylenediamine, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose resin,
polyvinyl acetal resin, polyurethane resin, polyalkyd resin,
phenolic formaldehyde resin, and combinations thereof.
[0036] FIGS. 6-8 show a bra cup 20 of another embodiment according
to the preferred teachings of the present invention. In this
embodiment, a bladder 40 is mounted between a lower section of the
inner face 28 of the outer cloth 22 and a lower section of the
outer face 240 of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The
bladder 40 includes a convex outer side 42 bonded to the lower
section of the inner face 28 of the outer cloth 22 and a convex
inner side 44 bonded to the lower section of the outer face 240 of
the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The bladder 40
includes a hollow interior between the outer and inner sides 42 and
44 and filled with fluid 41 such as oil, air, water, or powdery
lotion to support and raise the breast of the wearer and to provide
a cleavage. The bladder 40 is spaced from the perimeter of the thin
layer of high-molecular polymer 24. According to the most preferred
form shown, the bladder 40 is formed by heat-pressing two resilient
rubber films that form the outer and inner sides 42 and 44 of the
bladder 40. The bladder 40 is coextensive with the perforate area
241 in the length direction. However, the perforate area 241 can
extend throughout the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in
the length direction and in the height direction and have an area
larger than that of the bladder 40. Note that the lower section of
the thin layer of high-polymer 24 and the lower section of the
inner cloth 23 become substantially S-shaped due to provision of
the bladder 40.
[0037] In a modified embodiment shown in FIG. 9 that is modified
from the bra cup 20 of FIG. 8, the bladder 40 is mounted between a
lower section of the outer face 27 of the inner cloth 23 and a
lower section of the inner face 242 of the thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24. Specifically, the outer side 42 of the
bladder 40 is bonded to the lower section of the inner face 242 of
the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24, and the inner side 44
of the bladder 40 is bonded to the lower section of the outer face
27 of the inner cloth 23. Note that the lower section of the inner
cloth 23 become substantially S-shaped due to provision of the
bladder 40.
[0038] In a modified embodiment shown in FIG. 10 that is modified
from the bra cup 20 of FIG. 8, the bladder 40 is replaced with an
air-permeable pad 50 made of air-permeable cotton material.
Specifically, the air-permeable pad 50 includes a convex outer side
51 bonded to a lower section of the inner face 28 of the outer
cloth 22 and a convex inner side 52 bonded to a lower section of
the outer face 240 of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24.
The air-permeable pad 50 supports and raises the breast of the
wearer to provide a cleavage. The air-permeable pad 50 is spaced
from the perimeter of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24.
The air-permeable pad 50 is coextensive with the perforate area 241
in the length direction. However, the perforate area 241 can extend
throughout the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in the
length direction and in the height direction and have an area
larger than that of the air-permeable pad 50.
[0039] In another embodiment of the bra cup 20 shown in FIG. 11,
outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24 are
mounted between the outer cloth 22 and the inner cloth 23.
Specifically, the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 has
a convex outer face 240 engaged with the inner face 28 of the outer
cloth 22 and a concave inner face 242. The inner thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 includes an outer face 240 having a
convex upper section engaged with an upper section of the concave
inner face 242 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer
24. The inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 further
includes an inner face 242 engaged with the outer face 27 of the
inner cloth 23. Each of the outer and inner thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 includes a perforate area 241 having a
plurality of vents 25 extending from the outer face 240 through the
inner face 242 thereof. According to the most preferred form shown,
the inner and outer thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24 are
coextensive with the inner and outer cloths 23 and 22 in the length
and height directions, the perforate area 241 of the outer thin
layer of high-molecular polymer 24 is coextensive with the
perforate area 241 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular
polymer 24 in the length and height directions, and the vents 25 of
the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 are aligned with
the vents 25 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24.
However, the perforate area 241 of the outer thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 does not have to be coextensive with the
perforate area 241 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular
polymer 24, and the vents 25 of the outer thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 can be misaligned with the vents 25 of
the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. Furthermore, a
bladder 40 is fixed (by e.g., bonding) between lower sections of
the thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24. The bladder 40
includes a convex outer side 42 bonded to a lower section of the
inner face 242 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24
and a convex inner side 44 bonded to a lower section of the outer
face 240 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The
bladder 40 includes a hollow interior between the outer and inner
sides 42 and 44 and filled with fluid 41 such as oil, air, water,
or powdery lotion to lift the breast of the wearer and to provide a
cleavage. The bladder 40 is spaced from the perimeters of the inner
and outer thin layers of high-molecular polymer 24. The bladder 40
is coextensive with the perforate areas 241. However, the perforate
areas 241 can extend throughout the thin layer of high-molecular
polymers 24 in the length direction and in the height direction and
have an area larger than that of the bladder 40.
[0040] In yet another embodiment of the bra cup 20 shown in FIG.
12, outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24 are
mounted between the outer cloth 22 and the inner cloth 23.
Furthermore, outer and inner air-permeable cloths 221 and 231, such
as air-permeable mesh cloths, are mounted between the outer and
inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24. Further, a bladder
40 is mounted between lower sections of the outer and inner
air-permeable cloths 221 and 231. Specifically, the outer thin
layer of high-molecular polymer 24 has a convex outer face 240
engaged with the inner face 28 of the outer cloth 22 and a concave
inner face 242. The outer air-permeable cloth 221 includes a convex
outer face 222 engaged with the inner face 242 of the outer thin
layer of high-molecular polymer 24 and a concave inner face 224.
The inner air-permeable cloth 231 includes an outer face 232 having
a convex upper section engaged with an upper section of the inner
face 224 of the outer air-permeable cloth 221. The inner
air-permeable cloth 231 further includes an inner face 224. The
inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 includes an outer
face 240 engaged with the inner face 234 of the inner air-permeable
cloth 231. The inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24
further includes an inner face 242 engaged with the outer face 27
of the inner cloth 23. Each of the outer and inner thin layers of
high-molecular polymer 24 includes a perforate area 241 having a
plurality of vents 25 extending from the outer face 240 through the
inner face 242 thereof According to the most preferred form shown,
the perforate area 241 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular
polymer 24 is coextensive with the perforate area 241 of the inner
thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in the length and height
directions, and the vents 25 of the outer thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 are aligned with the vents 25 of the
inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. Furthermore, the
outer and inner air-permeable cloth 221 and 231 are coextensive
with the outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24
and the outer and inner cloths 22 and 23 in the length and height
directions. However, the perforate area 241 of the outer thin layer
of high-molecular polymer 24 does not have to be coextensive with
the perforate area 241 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular
polymer 24, and the vents 25 of the outer thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 can be misaligned with the vents 25 of
the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The bladder 40
includes a convex outer side 42 bonded to a lower section of the
inner face 224 of the outer air-permeable cloth 221 and a convex
inner side 44 bonded to a lower section of the outer face 232 of
the inner air-permeable cloth 231. The bladder 40 includes a hollow
interior between the outer and inner sides 42 and 44 and filled
with fluid 41 such as oil, air, water, or powdery lotion to lift
the breast of the wearer and to provide a cleavage. The bladder 40
is spaced from perimeters of the outer and inner air-permeable
cloths 22 and 23 that are preferably aligned with the perimeters of
the inner and outer layers of high-molecular polymer 24. The
bladder 40 can be coextensive with the perforate areas 241.
[0041] FIG. 13 shows a further modified embodiment of the bra cup
20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention
modified from the bra cup 20 of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, outer
and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24 are mounted
between the outer cloth 22 and the inner cloth 23. Furthermore, an
air-permeable cloth 221 is mounted between the outer and inner thin
layers of high-molecular polymers 24. Specifically, the outer thin
layer of high-molecular polymer 24 has a convex outer face 240
engaged with the inner face 28 of the outer cloth 22 and a concave
inner face 242. The air-permeable cloth 221 includes a convex outer
face 222 engaged with the inner face 242 of the outer thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 and a concave inner face 224. The inner
thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 includes a convex outer
face 240 engaged with the inner face 224 of the air-permeable cloth
221. The inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 further
includes a concave inner face 242 engaged with the outer face 27 of
the inner cloth 23. Each of the outer and inner thin layers of
high-molecular polymer 24 includes a perforate area 241 having a
plurality of vents 25 extending from the outer face 240 through the
inner face 242 thereof. According to the most preferred form shown,
the perforate area 241 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular
polymer 24 is coextensive with the perforate area 241 of the inner
thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in the length and height
directions, and the vents 25 of the outer thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24 are aligned with the vents 25 of the
inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. Furthermore, the
air-permeable cloth 22 is coextensive with the outer and inner thin
layers of high-molecular polymers 24 and the outer and inner cloths
22 and 23 in the length and height directions. However, the
perforate area 241 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular
polymer 24 does not have to be coextensive with the perforate area
241 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24, and the
vents 25 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 can
be misaligned with the vents 25 of the inner thin layer of
high-molecular polymer 24.
[0042] FIG. 14 shows a further modified embodiment of the bra cup
20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention
modified from the bra cup 20 of FIG. 11. In this embodiment, an
air-permeable cloth 221 is added. Specifically, the air-permeable
cloth 221 includes a convex outer face 240 engaged with the concave
inner face 242 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer
24. The air-permeable cloth 221 further includes a concave inner
face 242 having an upper section engaged with the upper section of
the convex outer face 240 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular
polymer 24. The inner face 242 of the air-permeable cloth 221
further includes a lower section engaged with the outer side 42 of
the bladder 40.
[0043] FIG. 15 shows a further modified embodiment of the bra cup
20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention
modified from the bra cup 20 of FIG. 14, wherein the bladder 40 is
replaced with an air-permeable pad 50 shown in FIG. 10.
[0044] The bra cups 20 according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention are thin, light, and air-permeable and are
capable of providing elastic shaping force for supporting the
breasts of the wearer by providing one or more thin layers of
high-molecular polymer 24 with a plurality of vents 25 between the
outer and inner cloths 22 and 23. The bra 10 utilizing the bra cups
20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is
durable without the risk of deformation and provides the wearer
with wearing comfort while beatifying the breasts of the
wearer.
[0045] Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general
characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated,
the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all
respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by
the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be
embraced therein.
* * * * *