U.S. patent application number 12/966664 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-14 for self-adjusting brassiere.
This patent application is currently assigned to Maidenform, Inc.. Invention is credited to Wanda Moses-Jones, Kristen Quaranta.
Application Number | 20120149277 12/966664 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46199835 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120149277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moses-Jones; Wanda ; et
al. |
June 14, 2012 |
SELF-ADJUSTING BRASSIERE
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a garment that is
capable of providing additional comfort, support, and/or
flexibility to the user. For example, the garment can be in the
form of a brassiere having bra cups defined at least partially by a
bra rim. Each of the bra cups includes an outer stretchable layer
and an inner layer, and a bra wing supports the bra cups on a user.
A stretchable component is located on each of the bra cups adjacent
to at least a portion of the bra rims and attached to the inner
layer. The stretchable component is made from a stretchable fabric
and has a stretchability greater than the inner layer and less than
the outer layer. The inner layer, the outer layer and the
stretchable component are structured so as to allow the bra cups to
expand to accommodate differently shaped and/or sized body
portion(s) across different shape and/or size groups.
Inventors: |
Moses-Jones; Wanda; (East
Orange, NJ) ; Quaranta; Kristen; (Chappaqua,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Maidenform, Inc.
Iselin
NJ
|
Family ID: |
46199835 |
Appl. No.: |
12/966664 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
450/41 ;
450/75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/0028
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/41 ;
450/75 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/14 20060101
A41C003/14; A41C 3/12 20060101 A41C003/12 |
Claims
1. A brassiere comprising: bra cups and a bra wing for supporting
the bra cups on a user, the bra cups each comprising: a stretchable
outer layer; an inner layer; and a stretchable component attached
to the inner layer, the stretchable component having a
stretchability greater than the inner layer and less than or the
same as the outer layer, wherein the stretchable outer layer is
attached to the inner layer and the stretchable component along a
periphery of the bra cups.
2. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner layer is formed so
as to define a predetermined shape and maintain the predetermined
shape during the use of the brassiere.
3. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner layer comprises a
foam material.
4. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the stretchable component
comprises up about 5% to about 30% of an inner area of a respective
cup of the bra cups.
5. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner layer is made of a
material having an elongation between about 0% to about 115% under
a 10 lb load.
6. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the stretchable component is
made of a material having an elongation between about 50% to about
130% under an 8.8 lb load.
7. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the stretchable outer layer is
made of a material having an elongation between about 95% to about
153% under an 8.8 lb load.
8. The brassiere of claim 1, further comprising bra straps
connected to the bra wing and the bra cups.
9. A brassiere comprising: bra cups each being defined at least
partially by a bra rim, each of the bra cups including an outer
stretchable layer and an inner layer; a bra wing for supporting the
bra cups on a user; and a stretchable component located on each of
the bra cups adjacent to at least a portion of the bra rims and
attached to the inner layer, the stretchable component comprising a
stretchable fabric, the stretchable component having a
stretchability greater than the inner layer and less than the outer
layer, wherein the inner layer, the outer layer and the stretchable
component are structured so as to allow the bra cups to expand to
accommodate differently shaped and/or sized body portion(s) across
different shape and/or size groups.
10. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein the stretchable component is
joined to a portion of the bra rims.
11. The brassiere of claim 9 further comprising: a wire channel
formed along at least a portion of each bra rim; and a bra
underwire encased in the wire channel, wherein the stretchable
component is joined to the wire channel.
12. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein the inner layer is formed so
as to define a predetermined shape and maintain the predetermined
shape during the use of the brassiere.
13. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein the inner layer comprises a
foam material.
14. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein the stretchable component
comprises up about 5% to about 30% of an inner area of a respective
cup of the bra cups.
15. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein the inner layer is made of a
material having an elongation between about 0% to about 115% under
a 10 lb load.
16. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein the stretchable component is
made of a material having an elongation between about 50% to about
130% under an 8.8 lb load.
17. The brassiere of claim 9, wherein the outer layer is made of a
material having an elongation between about 95% to about 153% under
an 8.8 lb load.
18. The brassiere of claim 9, further comprising bra straps
connected to the bra wing and the bra cups.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a garment formed
to provide increased comfort, support, and/or flexibility to the
user. In particular, the present invention relates to a brassiere
that provides a stretchable and/or customized fit to accommodate
differently shaped and/or sized body portion(s) across different
shape and/or size groups to enhance comfort, support, and/or
flexibility to many different users.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Garments are typically made in standard shapes and/or sizes,
each of which is intended to fit a group of users having similar
body shapes and sizes. Within any shape and/or size group, the
intended users may nevertheless have somewhat different heights
and/or weights. As a result, the standard shape and/or size system
cannot comfortably fit all users in the same shape and/or size
group. This is particularly true when the garments are designed to
fit closely on the users' bodies.
[0003] For example, brassieres are available in standard band sizes
(e.g., 32 to 42 inches) and cup sizes (e.g., AA to DD) to
accommodate women of different body shapes and sizes. Brassieres of
a selected band and/or cup size are intended to fit not only users
of that particular shape and/or size but also those whose actual
bodily dimensions may fall between two standard shapes and/or two
standard sizes. In view of this phenomenon, the standard shapes
and/or sizes will not comfortably fit all users.
[0004] Custom tailoring is a conventional technique used to fit a
garment to a specific user by first measuring the user, and then
making, or modifying, the garment according to the measurement.
Although custom tailoring can be employed to address the
above-mentioned problem, the cost and effort associated with custom
tailoring makes it impractical to supply to the mass market.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a garment that can be formed
according to a standard shape and/or size system, yet capable of
providing a stretchable fit to accommodate different shapes and/or
sizes occurring across different shape and/or size group without
significantly increasing cost. In particular, the present invention
provides a brassiere that self-adjusts to a variety of different
shape and size users, while also providing the ability to
continuously self-adjust to that particular user when that user's
body changes shape and/or size such as when the wearer bends her
body during various physical activities or changes occurring during
natural physiological cycles, while enhancing comfort, support,
and/or flexibility to the user.
[0006] The present invention relates generally to a garment that
provides additional comfort, support, and/or flexibility to users
across different shape and/or size groups. For example, the garment
can be in the form of a brassiere having bra cups defined at least
partially by a bra rim. Each of the bra cups includes an outer
stretchable layer and an inner layer, and a bra wing supports the
bra cups on a user. A stretchable component is located on each of
the bra cups adjacent to at least a portion of the bra rims and
attached to the inner layer. The stretchable component is made from
a stretchable fabric and has a stretchability greater than the
inner layer and less than the outer layer. The inner layer, the
outer layer and the stretchable component are structured so as to
allow the bra cups to expand to accommodate differently shaped
and/or sized body portion(s) across different shape and/or size
groups.
[0007] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the
brassiere can also have the bra wings and bra straps made of a
stretchable fabric similar to the outer layer of the bra cups. This
will allow the bra wings and bra straps expand to accommodate users
across different shape and/or size groups.
[0008] The inner layer, bra wings and bra straps are preferably
made from a stretchable fabric containing a fiber that has a high
elongation and a low hysteresis, thereby providing a fabric with
optimum stretching with less force and greater recovery power. This
results in the wearer experiencing little or no perceptible
resistance to stretch movements, as well as a quick shape recovery
so as to closely conform to the body of the wearer. It will be
appreciated that the stretchable fabric can be knitted or woven or
in the form of lace, embroidery, mesh, and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For the purposes of illustrating the present invention,
there is shown in the drawings an illustrative form, it being
understood however, that the invention is not limited to the
precise form shown by the drawings in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is the front view of a brassiere according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a body-side view of the brassiere of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the brassiere taken along line
I-I in FIG. 2; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a body-side view of a brassiere according to a
further embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Referring now to the drawings where like numerals indicate
like elements, a brassiere constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention is shown and designated
generally as 10. In the various embodiments illustrated, the
garment of the present invention is shown as a brassiere 10.
However, the present invention is not limited to brassieres 10 and
can be incorporated into other garments, including, for example,
briefs, tops and other types of shapewear. Additionally the
exemplary brassieres 10 shown in the drawings are not to be
considered limiting in any manner. It will be appreciated that the
various features described herein may be used singly or in any
combination thereof.
[0015] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the brassiere 10
generally comprises a pair of bra cups 12 and a bra wing 14. The
bra cups 12 can be joined to each other in the front either
permanently, such as through a center fabric as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, or releasably, such as through various conventional
fasteners (not shown). The bra wing 14 can join the bra cups 12 in
the back.
[0016] If desired, the brassiere 10 can be formed with one or more
supporting elements to provide additional support to the user. For
example, one or more shoulder straps 16 can be provided and joined
to the bra cups 12 and the bra wing 14 in various conventional
manners. A bra underwire 18 (visible in FIG. 3) can be provided and
encased in a wire channel 20 formed at the bottom bra rim 22 of
each of the bra cups 12. It will be appreciated that various other
supporting elements can be employed in the brassiere 10 to provide
additional support, which are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0017] The bra cups 12 are preferably formed so as to have a
multi-layer structure, such as including outer layers 12a and inner
layers 12b. In the preferred construction, the outer layers 12a and
the inner layers 12b are attached to each other only along the
outer edges, or periphery, of the bra cups. This allows each of the
outer and inner layers to move freely with respect to each other
within almost all of a region contacting the wearer. This assists
the fabric layers to more easily conform to the individual shape
and/or size of the wearer.
[0018] The outer layer 12a is preferably made of a fabric
containing a fiber that has a high elongation and a low hysteresis,
thereby providing a fabric with optimum stretching with less force
and greater recovery power. As a result of the low force required
for stretching, the wearer experiences little or no perceptible
resistance to stretch movements. As a result of the low hysteresis
characteristic of the fabric layer material, the fabric quickly
recovers its shape and closely conforms to the body of the wearer.
That is, the fabric of the outer layer 12a conforms and maintains
contact with the body of the wearer throughout a wide range of
movements by the wearer. A non-limiting example of an elastomeric
fabric that is applicable to the present invention is fabric
containing LYCRA.RTM. T902C spandex. LYCRA.RTM. T902C spandex is a
co-polyether-based, clear spandex with high elongation and
relatively flat stress/strain behavior. Such a fabric can be
composed of a nylon/elastane material blend, for example, a 58%
nylon/42% elastane fabric available from Best Pacific Textile Ltd.
as item number 12765MS1.
[0019] The material of the outer layer 12a preferably has an
elongation in a range from about 95% to about 153% in either or
both of the length and width directions under an 8.8 lb load. In
another example, the fabric of the outer layer 12a also preferably
has a modulus in the range from about 1.2 to about 2.1 when the
elongation of the material is about 40%.
[0020] The inner layer 12b can be formed from a material that is
less stretchable than the outer layer so as to provide a desired
shaping effect to the user. In one example, the inner layer 12b can
include a padding material, such as a foam material with a
polyester fabric liner, to provide a desired shape and enhanced
support to the user. In yet another example, the inner layer 12b
can be a semi-rigid fabric that has a limited stretchability, i.e.,
a limited elongation and/or modulus, to maintain the predetermined
shape of the fabric. Such a fabric can be composed of a
nylon/elastane material blend, for example, a 72% nylon/28%
elastane fabric available from Ruey Tay as item number D3051. The
material of the inner layer 12b also preferably has an elongation
in a range from about 0%, where the material is substantially
non-stretchable, to about 115% in either or both of the length and
width directions under a 10 lb load. The material of the inner
layer 12b also preferably has a modulus in the range from about 1.5
to about 2.6 when the elongation of the material is about 40%.
[0021] A stretchable component 24 is also provided on the inner
portion of the bra cup 12, and attached between the inner layer 12b
and the bottom bra rim 22. The stretchable component 24 is
preferably formed of a material that is more stretchable than that
of the material forming the inner layer 12b, such as a power mesh
fabric available from Ruey Tay under item number 16006SR. The
material of the stretchable component 24 preferably has an
elongation in a range from about 50% to about 130% in either or
both of the length and width directions under an 8.8 lb load. The
material of the stretchable component 24 also preferably has a
modulus in the range from about 0.9 to about 2.5 when the
elongation of the material is about 30%. The stretchable component
24 so formed can expand to provide a stretchable fit to different
shaped and/or sized body portions across different shape and/or
size groups while allowing the inner layer 12b to remain
substantially unchanged and to maintain its predetermined
shape.
[0022] The stretchable component 24 can also be formed into various
shapes and sizes. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the
stretchable component 24 can have a crescent shape. In another
example shown in FIG. 4, the stretchable component 24 can be in a
wedge shape and located adjacent to a side portion of a bra cup 12.
The stretchable component 24 preferably forms from about 5% to
about 50%, or most preferably from about 5% to about 30%, of the
area of the inner portion of the bra cup 12. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, the stretchable component 24 is about 20% of the
area of the inner portion of the bra cup 12.
[0023] The stretchable component 24 can be joined to the other
portion(s) of the brassiere 10 in various ways. For example, the
inner layer 12b, the stretchable component 24 and the bottom bra
rim 22 can be sewn together by various conventional methods, or
formed as a single piece of material but with different (i.e.,
varying) stretchabilities. It will be appreciated that the
stretchable component 24 can be formed and/or joined to the bra
cups 12 in various other ways, such as attachment directly to the
wire channel 20, which are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0024] The elongations of materials discussed herein were measured
under the noted load during the third cycle at the outgoing
stretch, similar to the various test procedures specified in the
ASTM D4964 Standard. As will be understood, the aforementioned
elongation or modulus ranges are merely examples and are not
limiting.
[0025] The bra wing 14 of the brassiere 10 can be formed in various
manners. For example, the bra wing 14 can be formed as a single
continued piece (not shown) or two separate pieces releasably
joined to each other. Each bra wing 14 can have front and rear end
portions 26 and 28. Each of the front end portions 26 of the bra
wing 14 can be adapted to join to one of the bra cups 12 in various
manners. The rear end portions 28 can be adapted to join to each
other in various ways, such as by various fasteners 30. In another
embodiment, the single continuous wing (not shown) can have its
free ends joined to the bra cups 12, which are releasably joined to
each other in the front of the brassiere. It will be appreciated
that various the bra wing 14 can be formed in various other
manners, which are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0026] As described above, the inner layer 12b is less stretchable
than the stretchable component 24 and less stretchable than the
outer layer 12a, and the outer layer 12a is preferably the same as
or more stretchable than the stretchable component 24. The bra wing
and optional shoulder straps are also preferably formed of a fabric
containing the same stretchable fiber as the outer layer 12a. This
combination of stretch characteristics in the fabrics of the
various brassiere components unexpectedly provides a brassiere with
a stretchable and/or customized fit that accommodates differently
shaped and/or sized body portion(s) across different shape and/or
size groups to enhance comfort, support, and/or flexibility to many
different users.
[0027] There are many unexpected advantages to the above-described
construction. Namely, the use of the fabrics in the inner layer,
outer layer, stretchable component, bra wing and straps creates a
brassiere that fits many users across different shape and/or size
groups. For example, brassieres can be made in a standard sizes
34B, 34C and 34D, and comfortably flex and self-adjust to fit
wearers across sizes 34A, 36A, 32C and 34B (for the 34B size);
across sizes 34C, 36B, 38A and 36C (for the 34C size); and across
sizes 34D, 36D, 34D and 38C (for the 34D size). This in turn allows
a manufacturer to greatly reduce the number of items in the product
line, and thus significantly reduce manufacturing costs.
[0028] Although the above description of the present invention is
made in connection with an exemplary article of garment in the form
of a brassiere, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the
present invention is applicable to various other articles of
garments including, but not limited to, briefs, tops and other
shapewear garments.
[0029] While the foregoing description and drawings represent an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention, it will be
understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.
Therefore, the present invention is not limited to only the
embodiments specifically described herein. In particular, it will
be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may
be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements,
proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components,
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention
may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement,
proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the
practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to
specific environments and operative requirements without departing
from the principles of the present invention. The presently
disclosed embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects
as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention
being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the
foregoing description.
* * * * *