U.S. patent application number 13/825145 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-18 for garment with cup sections.
This patent application is currently assigned to WACOAL CORP.. The applicant listed for this patent is Keiko Ishii, Yukio Yamazaki. Invention is credited to Keiko Ishii, Yukio Yamazaki.
Application Number | 20130183885 13/825145 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45892095 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130183885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamazaki; Yukio ; et
al. |
July 18, 2013 |
Garment with Cup Sections
Abstract
The present invention provides a garment with cup sections,
which prevents the occurrence of slippage due to an action of a
wearer or the like and thus can maintain the wearer's bust
silhouette fine without any effort of correcting the slippage when
it is worn. The garment with cup sections according to the present
invention includes: a pair of cup sections (101) and a back
cloth(s) (103). The back cloth (103) is arranged on the lateral
sides of the cup sections (101). Each of the cup sections (101)
includes a stretchable member(s) (101a) and a linear or
strip-shaped interlining member(s) (105). At least one end of the
interlining member (105) is on a verge's line-corresponding portion
in the cup section (101), and the stretchable member (101a) is
arranged in a region between the interlining member (105) and the
lower edge of the cup section (101).
Inventors: |
Yamazaki; Yukio; (Kyoto,
JP) ; Ishii; Keiko; (Kyoto, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Yamazaki; Yukio
Ishii; Keiko |
Kyoto
Kyoto |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
WACOAL CORP.
Kyoto
JP
|
Family ID: |
45892095 |
Appl. No.: |
13/825145 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
September 27, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP10/66731 |
371 Date: |
March 20, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
450/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/08 20130101; A41C
3/0021 20130101; A41C 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/59 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/00 20060101
A41C003/00 |
Claims
1. A garment with cup sections, comprising: a pair of cup sections;
and a back cloth, wherein the back cloth is arranged on lateral
sides of the cup sections, each of the cup sections includes a
stretchable member and a linear or strip-shaped interlining member,
at least one end of the interlining member is on a verge's
line-corresponding portion in the cup section, and the stretchable
member is arranged in a region between the interlining member and a
lower edge of the cup section.
2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein each of the cup
sections includes two interlining members, and the interlining
members are arranged on a front center side and a lateral side of
the cup section.
3. The garment according to claim 2, wherein the two interlining
members are arranged in such a manner that an end of one of the
interlining members is in contact with an end of the other
interlining member in the vicinity of the lowest point on the
verge's line-corresponding portion.
4. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the interlining member
passes through an intermediate region that lies between a bust
top-corresponding position and the verge's line-corresponding
portion.
5. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the interlining member
is arched.
6. The garment according to claim 1, wherein in each of the cup
sections, a portion excluding the stretchable member is molded
integrally to form an integrally molded member.
7. The garment according to claim 6, wherein in the integrally
molded member, a portion corresponding to the interlining member is
harder than any other portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a garment with cup
sections.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A garment with cup sections, e.g., a brassiere, comes in
several varieties, one of which is a strapless type having no
shoulder straps. Strapless brassieres are used widely for occasions
of wearing off-the-shoulder clothes, for example. However, in the
case of a strapless brassiere, a wearer tends to be particularly
anxious about downward slippage of the brassiere, which may cause
the wearer to be acutely aware of even a slight slippage and to
correct the position of the brassiere over and over again. Also, in
order to prevent the brassiere from slipping down, the wearer
sometimes may limit her movements, such as avoiding moving her arms
up and down, for example. Under these circumstances, there is a
demand for a strapless brassiere that can achieve improved
stability of wearer's breasts when it is worn. Thus, a brassiere in
which each cup section includes bones that extend vertically has
been proposed in order to stabilize the shape of a wearer's breasts
when the brassiere is worn (see Patent Document 1, for example).
Also, with the aim of achieving the shape stability particularly in
strapless brassieres, a brassiere has been proposed in which each
cup cloth is provided with elastic bone members that extend
substantially vertically (see Patent Document 2, for example).
CITATION LIST
Patent Document(s)
[0003] Patent Document 1: JP 9(1997)-157912 A
[0004] Patent Document 2: JP 7(1995)-252704 A
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, even if the shape of breasts is stabilized in the
static state when a brassiere is worn, the brassiere is liable to
slip down when the wearer moves her arm(s) up and down largely or
the wearer jumps, for example. When the wearer raises her arm, her
nipple is brought to a higher position and the verge's profile (a
contour of the base of a breast) turns from a horizontally long
oval to a vertically long oval. A conventional brassiere cannot
sufficiently deal with the breast's movement or the change in shape
of the breast, thus causing the breast to bulge out from an upper
edge and a side part of a cup section, resulting in out-of-shape
wearing, and the breast that has bulged out itself pushes down the
cup section. FIG. 13 schematically shows the movement of a breast
when a person wearing a conventional brassiere raises her right arm
with her body leaning toward the left side. When the wearer raises
her arm, a wire in a cup support section opens toward the direction
indicated with the arrow I, and an upper edge of the cup section
leans toward a direction away from the breast. This causes the
wearer's breast to bulge out from the upper edge and the side part
of the cup section. When the arm is moved up and down repeatedly,
the portion that has bulged out becomes greater, and downward
slippage of the brassiere becomes more and more significant
(accumulated slippage). FIGS. 14A and 14B are side views
schematically showing the breast movement at the time of a jump
action. In each of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the dashed line indicates a
breast in the static state. When a person jumps into the air, her
breasts are lifted up, as indicated with the solid line in FIG.
14A. Then, when her feet come down to the ground, her breasts swing
back downward widely, as indicated with the solid line in FIG. 14B.
If she wears a brassiere, a large impact caused by this breast
movement is exerted on the entire cup sections of the brassiere at
once. As a result, the brassiere as a whole slips downward (impact
slippage). This occurs not only in strapless brassieres but also in
brassieres with straps and garments with cup sections such as
camisoles with cup sections.
[0006] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
garment with cup sections, which prevents the occurrence of
slippage due to an action of a wearer or the like and thus can
maintain the wearer's bust silhouette fine without any effort to
correct slippage when it is worn.
Means for Solving Problem
[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
provides a garment with cup sections, including: a pair of cup
sections; and a back cloth. The back cloth is arranged on lateral
sides of the cup sections. Each of the cup sections includes a
stretchable member and a linear or strip-shaped interlining member.
At least one end of the interlining member is on a verge's line (a
semicircular contour on the lower edge of a breast)--corresponding
portion in the cup section. The stretchable member is arranged in a
region between the interlining member and a lower edge of the cup
section.
Effects of the Invention
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to
provide a garment with cup sections, which prevents the occurrence
of slippage due to an action of a wearer or the like and thus can
maintain the wearer's bust silhouette fine without any effort to
correct slippage when it is worn. This advantageous effect can be
obtained regardless of whether the garment has straps or not.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing, as an example of the
garment with cup sections according to the present invention, a
brassiere according to a first embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows the vicinity of a cup section in the brassiere
according to the first embodiment.
[0011] FIGS. 3A to 3F show the vicinity of a cup section in
modified examples of the brassiere according to the first
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the brassiere according
to the first embodiment in a strapless form.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing, as another example of
the garment with cup sections according to the present invention, a
brassiere according to a second embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing, as still another
example of the garment with cup sections according to the present
invention, a brassiere according to a third embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows a brassiere-provided camisole, which is yet
another example of the garment with cup sections according to the
present invention. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the
brassiere-provided camisole. FIG. 7B is a front view showing the
vicinity of cup sections in an inside-out state, and FIG. 7C is a
back view of the same.
[0016] FIG. 8 shows a brassiere-provided camisole, which is yet
another example of the garment with cup sections according to the
present invention. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the
brassiere-provided camisole, and FIG. 8B is a back view of the
same.
[0017] FIG. 9 shows still other examples of the garment with cup
sections according to the present invention. FIG. 9A is a
perspective view showing a triangle bra, and FIG. 9B is a
perspective view showing a camisole.
[0018] FIG. 10 shows still other examples of the garment with cup
sections according to the present invention. FIG. 10A is a
perspective view showing a long-line brassiere, and FIG. 10B is a
perspective view showing a bustier.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a tube top as yet
another example of the garment with cup sections according to the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 12A shows breast shapes observed in wearing evaluation.
Photographs in FIG. 12A show three-dimensional shapes of chest
parts when brassieres are worn by indicating moire interference
fringes as contour lines. The photographs (a) show the state before
an action (the static state), the photographs (b) show the state
where a test user has raised her right arm, the photographs (c)
show the state after the test user carried out the arm-shaking
action 10 times, and the photographs (d) shows the test user
carried out the jump action 10 times.
[0021] FIG. 12B show photographs of the chest part shown in the
moire photographs (a) and (c) of FIG. 12A as viewed from the
side.
[0022] FIG. 13 schematically shows the movement of a breast when a
person wearing a brassiere raises her arm.
[0023] FIG. 14 shows side views schematically showing the movement
of a breast when a person jumps. FIG. 14A shows the state of the
breast when she jumps into the air. FIG. 14B shows the state of the
breast when her feet come down to the ground.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0024] In the garment with cup sections according to the present
invention, it is preferable that each of the cup sections includes
two interlining members, and the interlining members are arranged
on a front center side and a lateral side of the cup section. Also,
it is preferable that the two interlining members are arranged in
such a manner that an end of one of the interlining members is in
contact with an end of the other interlining member in the vicinity
of the lowest point on the verge's line-corresponding portion.
[0025] In the garment with cup sections according to the present
invention, it is preferable that the interlining member passes
through an intermediate region that lies between a bust
top-corresponding position and the verge's line-corresponding
portion.
[0026] In the garment with cup sections according to the present
invention, it is preferable that the interlining member is
arched.
[0027] In the garment with cup sections according to the present
invention, the interlining member may be a tape-like interlining
member.
[0028] In the garment with cup sections according to the present
invention, it is preferable that, in each of the cup sections, a
portion excluding the stretchable member is molded integrally to
form an integrally molded member. It is more preferable that, in
the integrally molded member, a portion corresponding to the
interlining member is harder than any other portion.
[0029] In the garment with cup sections according to the present
invention, it is preferable that, at lower edges of the pair of cup
sections, cup support sections for supporting the cup sections are
arranged.
[0030] The garment with cup sections according to the present
invention can be used suitably as a brassiere. In particular, the
present invention exhibits a prominent effect when applied to a
strapless brassiere. Thus, the garment with cup sections according
to the present invention can be used preferably as a strapless
brassiere. It is also preferable that the garment with cup sections
according to the present invention is configured so as to include
interlining members arranged on the front center sides of the cup
sections, and the stretchable members on the front center sides of
the pair of cup sections are connected to each other. This
configuration is applicable to a bustier and the like. The garment
with cup sections according to the present invention also is
applicable to a garment like a so-called long-line brassiere, which
is characterized in that it further includes a bodice section in
which bones extending vertically are arranged and the interlining
members are arranged integrally with the bones.
[0031] The garment with the cup sections according to the present
invention will be described with reference to illustrative
examples. It is to be noted, however, the present invention is by
no means limited to or restricted by the following examples.
First Embodiment
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a brassiere 100 according to a first embodiment
of the garment with cup sections of the present invention. FIG. 1
is a perspective view showing the brassiere 100 of the present
embodiment in the state where back cloths 103 are connected to each
other. The brassiere 100 of the present embodiment is a so-called
half-cup brassiere that includes: a pair of cup sections 101; a
pair of cup support sections 102 for supporting the cup sections
101, respectively; a pair of back cloths 103; and a pair of
detachable shoulder straps 104. The pair of cup support sections
102 are arranged at the lower edges of the pair of cup sections
101, respectively, and a base section 110 is arranged under the
lower edges of the pair of cup support sections 102. The pair of
cup support sections 102 are formed along the verge's lines, and
connected to each other via the base section 110. One end of each
of the pair of back cloths 103 is attached to the lateral side of
each cup support section 102 via the base section 110. Interlocking
connection sections 106 are attached to the other ends of the pair
of back cloths 103, respectively, so that the pair of back cloths
103 can be connected and disconnected freely at around the center
of a wearer's back. The pair of cup sections 101 each include:
interlining members 105; stretchable members 101a; and a
non-stretchable member 101b. Each interlining member 105 is arched,
and both ends of the interlining member 105 are connected to the
cup support section 102. Each stretchable member 101a is arranged
between the interlining member 105 and the cup support section 102.
The term "arched" as used herein means a curved shape protruding
upward. In the present embodiment, the interlining members 105 are
arranged in two portions in each cup section 101, namely, a portion
on the front center side and a portion on the lateral side in a
lower part of the cup section.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows the vicinity of the cup section 101 of the
brassiere 100 of the present embodiment. The stretchable members
101a are arranged in the lower part of the cup section 101. Thus,
for example, owing to stretching of the stretchable members 101a in
the directions indicated with the arrows shown in FIG. 2A, the cup
section 101 can follow the movement of a wearer's breast in various
directions. Also, even in the case where a wearer's breasts move
greatly when, for example, the wearer jumps to exert an impact on
the cup sections 101, the stretchable members 101a can absorb this
impact. Thus, the cup sections 101 return to their static state
quickly while preventing the cup support sections 102 and the base
section 110 from being affected by the impact. As a result, the
"impact slippage" as described above can be prevented.
[0034] Moreover, in the brassiere 100 of the present embodiment,
the three-dimensional shape of each cup section can be maintained
by the tension of the interlining members 105. More specifically,
even if the stretchable members 101a are stretched, the change in
shape of the non-stretchable member 101b constituting the cup
section 101 is inhibited by the tension of the interlining members
105, as shown in FIG. 2B. This allows the brassiere according to
the present invention to follow the movement of a wearer's breasts
while maintaining the shapes of the cup sections when the wearer is
in action. Thus, the wearer's breasts are less liable to bulge out
from upper parts or side parts of the cup sections 101. As a
result, the "accumulation slippage" as described above also can be
prevented. In particular, when two arched interlining members are
provided as in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a
central portion in the lower part of each cup section (a portion
between these interlining members) from becoming wrinkled and thus
prevent the cup sections themselves from slipping down. Therefore,
the shapes of the cup sections can be maintained more
effectively.
[0035] In the present embodiment, the interlining members 105 each
showing a substantially semicircular contour are arranged in two
portions, namely, a portion on the front center side and a portion
on the lateral side in a lower part of each cup section 101. In
order to prevent downward slippage of the base section 110, the
lower part of each cup sections 101 may entirely be formed of a
stretchable member. However, this may cause the cup sections
themselves to become wrinkled, resulting in downward slippage of
the cup sections as a whole. Thus, as in the present embodiment, it
is preferable to arrange the arched interlining members 105 in two
portions in such a manner that at least one end of each arched
interlining member 105 is on a verge's line-corresponding portion
at the lower edge of the cup section 101, and to arrange the
non-stretchable member 101b between these two interlining members.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 3A, it is preferable that the two
interlining members 105 provided in the two portions are arranged
in such a manner that the end of one of the interlining members is
in contact with the end of the other interlining member in the
vicinity of the lowest point of the cup support section 102. In the
case where the end of one of the interlining members is in contact
with the end of the other interlining member, not only the ends of
the interlining members but also portions including the ends of the
interlining members may be in contact with each other. In the case
where the interlining members are arranged in two portions as in
the present embodiment, the distance between the interlining
members, the positions of the respective interlining members, etc.
may be adjusted depending on the breast volume of a wearer, the
shape and design of the brassiere, etc.
[0036] One of the stretchable members 101a preferably is arranged
in a region including the midpoint M between the lowest point and
the lateral side-end point of the cup support section 102 shown in
FIG. 2C. As shown in FIG. 3B, the stretchable member 101a may be
provided so as to extend to the lateral side-end point of the cup
support section 102.
[0037] The shape of the interlining member 105 is not limited to an
arched shape. The interlining member 105 may be linear as shown in
FIG. 3C, or may have a shape including a bend as shown in FIG. 3D.
The interlining member may have a strip shape with a certain width,
or it may be linear like a wire. In the case where the interlining
member has a width, the width preferably is within about 3 cm.
Also, the interlining member may have a varying width. For example,
as shown in FIG. 3E, it is also possible to use a substantially
triangular interlining member with a varying width. Regarding the
ends of the interlining member 105, it is only necessary that at
least one end is on a verge's line-corresponding portion in the cup
section 101, and the front center side-end and/or the lateral
side-end of the interlining member 105 may extend to the upper edge
of the cup, for example. Although FIG. 3C shows an embodiment where
the interlining member 105 arranged on the front center side has a
front center side-end extending to the upper edge of the cup
section, the present invention is not limited thereto. The
interlining member arranged on the lateral side and an interlining
member with any other shape also may have the same configuration.
The shapes of the interlining member illustrated above are
applicable not only to the interlining member on the front center
side but also to the interlining member on the lateral side. Also,
as shown in FIG. 3F, the front center side-end and the lateral
side-end of the interlining member may be configured so as not to
extend to the edge of the cup section. In this case, the
interlining members may extend as high as about the bust
top-corresponding position. When the interlining members are
configured as shown in FIG. 3F, in the cup section divided by the
interlining members, each stretchable member is arranged in a
region between the interlining member and the cup lower edge, i.e.,
a region on the side without a bust top. As described above, a
region where the stretchable member is arranged is not limited to a
region "surrounded" by the interlining member and the cup section
lower edge.
[0038] A maximum width L shown in FIG. 2C of the region where the
stretchable member 101a is arranged, i.e., a maximum distance
between the interlining member 105 and the cup support section 102
preferably is at least 1.0 cm. When the maximum width L is less
than 1.0 cm, the effect due to the stretching cannot be obtained
sufficiently. The upper limit of the width, which varies depending
on the size of the brassiere, preferably is set so that the
stretchable member 101a does not extend over the bust
top-corresponding position. When the stretchable member 101a is too
wide, the breast-shaping properties and the stability of breasts
when the brassiere is worn might be insufficient. The width can be
designed considering the positions of the interlining members 105
in the cup section 101 to be described below. As a material of the
stretchable members 101a, it is possible to use a stretch material,
such as a tulle power net fabric, a one-way power net fabric, a
power net fabric, a two-way tricot, or a plain knitted fabric, for
example. The stretch material preferably is attached to the
brassiere with a slight tension being applied thereto, because this
prevents the occurrence of slack when a person wearing the
brassiere turns around her body. When the stretchable members 101a
are arranged in a plurality of regions, the respective regions may
have the stretchable members formed of different materials.
[0039] The stretchable members 101a preferably have breathability.
In a region around breasts, the amount of sweating is greatest at
portions directly above the verge's lines. By providing the
breathable stretchable members 101a in a lower part of each cup
section 101, it is possible to improve airflow at portions with
large amounts of sweating. By providing the breathable stretchable
members 101a in the above portions, the brassiere provides
excellent breathability in the vicinity of the verge's lines when
it is worn, so that the brassiere can attain fine wearing
feeling.
[0040] The interlining members 105 preferably are arranged so that
they pass through an intermediate region A that lies between a bust
top-corresponding position T and the verge's line-corresponding
portion, as shown in FIG. 2C. In order to lift up a wearer's
breasts effectively, it is effective to push up the above region.
When the interlining members 105 are arranged so as to pass through
the region A, the interlining members 105 can support and lift up
the wearer's breasts to attain excellent breast-shaping properties.
By arranging the interlining member 105 so as to pass through the
lateral side of the region A, an effect of pushing the wearer's
breasts toward the center also can be obtained.
[0041] As the interlining member 105, it is possible to use, for
example, a tape-like interlining member, such as an amorphous wire,
a metal wire, a resin wire, or a fabric tape. The fabric tape may
be a laminate of two or more pieces of fabric. In particular, a
fabric tape that has a multi-ply weave construction obtained by
laminating two or more pieces of woven fabric in the thickness
direction and is adapted so that the stretchability on one side in
the width direction is higher than the stretchability on the other
side maintains a curved shape in the width direction. Such a curved
tape can maintain a curved state without inserting a wire
therethrough.
[0042] As the non-stretchable members 101b, it is possible to use
any material used as a material of cup sections in ordinary
brassieres as appropriate. For example, the non-stretchable members
101b may be formed by bonding a plurality of pieces of thick
nonwoven fabric, or may be formed using a urethane foam; a nonwoven
fabric; a thick sheet-like circular knitted fabric (a knitted
fabric with a cross-section similar to that of a corrugated
cardboard) knitted with a highly elastic yarn such as polyurethane;
or a thick sheet-like warp-knitted fabric (double russell) knitted
with a highly elastic yarn such as polyurethane, for example. When
the material is too soft to keep the three-dimensional shape of the
cup sections, an additional interlining member(s) may be arranged
in each cup section, regardless of the position of the stretchable
members.
[0043] In the cup section 101, the interlining members 105 and the
non-stretchable member 101b may be molded integrally to form an
integrally molded member. In this case, for example, the integrally
molded member may be formed so that interlining
member-corresponding portions are harder than a non-stretchable
member-corresponding portion. The term "hard" as used herein means
a hardness sufficient for maintaining the shapes of the interlining
member-corresponding portions to an extent similar to that when an
amorphous wire, a metal wire, a resin wire, a fabric tape, or the
like is used as the material of the interlining members.
Alternatively, the fabric tape, wire, or the like may be provided
in the interlining member-corresponding portions in the integrally
molded member. As a material of the integrally molded member, it is
possible to use, for example, a urethane foam; a nonwoven fabric; a
thick sheet-like circular knitted fabric (a knitted fabric with a
cross-section similar to that of a corrugated cardboard) knitted
with a highly elastic yarn such as polyurethane; or a thick
sheet-like warp-knitted fabric (double russell) knitted with a
highly elastic yarn such as polyurethane, for example.
[0044] In order to obtain an integrally molded member with the
interlining member-corresponding portions being hard, the
integrally molded member may be produced in the following manner,
for example. A material as described above with a uniform thickness
is provided, and subjected to compression molding using a mold with
a desired shape. A portion to be thin after the molding is
compressed strongly and thus becomes hard. A portion to be thick
after the molding is compressed weakly and thus becomes soft. Thus,
it is possible to obtain an integrally molded member having a
suitable thickness and a suitable softness. Accordingly, by forming
the interlining member-corresponding portions thinner, it is
possible to make the portions harder than other portions.
[0045] Alternatively, it is also possible to make the interlining
member-corresponding portions harder by laminating a plurality of
materials and then compressing them. For example, in the case where
urethane foam is used as a material of the integrally molded
member, the compression may be carried out with a nonwoven fabric
being sandwiched between urethane and urethane at the interlining
member-corresponding portions. Also, by providing a material
including portions with different thicknesses as an original
material before being subjected to the compression and then
compressing the material so as to have a uniform thickness, the
portions thicker than other portions before the compression can be
made hard. The hardness can be changed also by such a method.
[0046] In the present embodiment, portions where the
non-stretchable members 101b are arranged may be formed using a
material that is not non-stretchable. Furthermore, although the
base section 110 extends over the lateral side of the cup sections
101 in the present embodiment, the base section 110 may extend in
the middle of the lower edge of each cup section 101. By providing
the base section 110, it is possible to improve the wearing
stability at the under bust part.
[0047] One end of each shoulder strap 104 passes through a
connection device 108a attached to the upper edge of the cup
section 101 and turns around to be introduced into a length
adjuster 108b, which is an eight-shaped ring. In the state where
the length of the shoulder strap 104 is adjustable, the other end
of the shoulder strap 104 is attached to the upper edge of the back
cloth 103. The connection devices 108a also can be attached to the
upper edge of the cup section 101 and the upper edge of the back
cloth 103 in a detachable manner. By attaching the connection
devices 108a in a detachable manner, the brassiere can be worn with
or without straps. The form of the shoulder straps 104 is not
limited thereto. For example, a so-called "halter-neck" type
strap(s) connecting the upper parts of the pair of cup sections 101
may be employed. The positions at which the shoulder straps 104 are
attached can be determined depending on the shape of the cup
sections 101 and the design of the brassiere. In the case of a
half-cup brassiere, the position at which the shoulder strap 104 is
attached in each cup section 101 generally is closer to the lateral
side, as compared to that in a full cup brassiere to be described
below. By setting the positions at which the shoulder straps 104
are attached so as to be closer to the lateral sides, it becomes
possible to push up a wearer's breasts from the sides more
strongly, thereby emphasizing the cleavage between the breasts and
the swelling at upper parts of the breasts.
[0048] The shoulder straps 104 are not limited as long as they
allows the cup sections 101 to be suspended from a wearer's
shoulders. The shoulder straps may be formed of cords or fabric
tapes. Also, a so-called "round type" strap, which is a wide strap
as used in a tank top, may be employed. The present invention is
not limited to an embodiment where the pair of shoulder straps 104
are attached to the pair of cup sections 101 in one-to-one
correspondence with the ends of each shoulder strap being attached
to an upper part of the cup section 101 and to the back cloth 103.
For example, like shoulder straps as used in a sports type
brassiere, two shoulder straps 104 may be integrated on the back
side, and this integrated strap may be attached to the back cloth
103. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the brassiere according to the
present invention may be in a strapless form without the shoulder
straps 104. Since downward slippage is less liable to occur in the
brassiere according to the present invention, one can realize the
advantageous effect of the invention especially when the brassiere
is used in the strapless form. Moreover, even when the brassiere
has straps, it is not necessary that the straps have a function of
preventing downward slippage. This expands the range of choices for
the brassiere design, so that more fashionable designs become
possible.
[0049] Although the brassiere of the present example uses a hook
closure (e.g., a hook-and-eye closure) as the interlocking
connection sections 106, other connection devices such as grippers,
buttons, cords, and hook and loop fasteners also can be selected
and used as appropriate depending on the design or use of the
brassiere. When the above-described hook-and-eye closure, gripper,
or button is used, it is preferable to provide a plurality of
locking positions in advance so as to allow fine adjustment of the
degree of fastening. Other kinds of connection devices also may be
used. It is not always necessary that the back cloths 103 have the
interlocking connection sections 106. For example, the brassiere
may be a front closure type with the interlocking connection
sections 106 being provided in the front center. Alternatively, the
brassiere may be a brassiere without the interlocking connection
sections 106 or a brassiere with back cloths to be fastened by
tying them together.
[0050] In a half-cup brassiere to which the configuration of the
present invention as illustrated in the present embodiment is
applied, especially the lower cup sections become stable.
Conventional half-cup brassieres cannot accommodate an impact
exerted by a wearer's breasts, so that cup sections tend to lean
forward. In contrast, in the brassiere according to the present
embodiment, the leaning and slippage of the cup sections due to an
action of a wearer or the like are less liable to occur.
Second Embodiment
[0051] FIG. 5 shows a brassiere 200 according to a second
embodiment of the garment with cup sections of the present
invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the brassiere 200
of the present embodiment in the state where back cloths 203 are
connected to each other. The brassiere 200 of the present
embodiment is a so-called 3/4 cup brassiere that includes: a pair
of cup sections 201; a pair of cup support sections 202 for
supporting the cup sections 201, respectively; a pair of back
cloths 203; and a pair of shoulder straps 204. The pair of cup
support sections 202 are arranged at the lower edges of the pair of
cup sections 201, respectively, and a base section 210 is arranged
under the lower edges of the pair of cup support sections 202. The
pair of cup support sections 202 are formed along the verge's
lines, and connected to each other via the base section 210.
[0052] In the case of a 3/4 cup brassiere, the position to which
the shoulder strap 204 is attached in each cup section 201 is
closer to the middle of the cup section 201. The shoulder straps
204 lift up a wearer's breasts entirely, thus setting the position
of the center of gravity of the breasts high. As in the brassiere
100 of the first embodiment, the pair of cup sections 201 each
include: interlining members 205; stretchable members 201a, and a
non-stretchable member 201b. Each interlining member 205 is arched,
and both ends of the interlining member 205 are connected to the
cup support section 202. Each stretchable member 201a is arranged
between the interlining member 205 and the cup support section 202.
In the present embodiment, each cup section 201 has the interlining
members 205 in two portions, namely, a portion on the front center
side and a portion on the lateral side in a lower part of each cup
section 201. An end of one of the interlining members is in contact
with an end of the other interlining member in the vicinity of
their connection portions to the cup support section 202, but the
form of the interlining members is not limited thereto. In the case
of a 3/4 cup brassiere with straps, the interlining members may be
in contact with each other on the side closer to the lateral side
relative to the lowest point. Other configurations are the same as
those in Embodiment 1, and the same effect as in Embodiment 1 also
can be obtained. In particular, in a 3/4 cup brassiere employing
the configuration of the present invention, a wearer's breasts can
be supported stably at side parts of the cup sections.
Third Embodiment
[0053] FIG. 6 shows a brassiere 300 according to a third embodiment
of the garment with cup sections of the present invention. FIG. 6
is a perspective view showing the brassiere 300 of the present
embodiment in the state where back cloths 103 are connected to each
other. The brassiere 300 of the present embodiment does not include
a base section, and cup support sections 102 are connected to each
other via a front center member 307. One end of each of the pair of
back cloths 103 is attached directly to the lateral side of each
cup support section 102. Other configurations are the same as those
in Embodiment 1. Even if a base section is not provided, it is also
possible to provide a brassiere that can still prevent the
occurrence of "impact slippage" and "accumulation slippage" and
thus can maintain a wearer's bust silhouette fine. Therefore,
design variations of the brassiere according to the present
invention can be increased.
Fourth Embodiment
[0054] FIG. 7 shows a brassiere-provided camisole 400 as another
example of the garment with cup sections according to the present
invention. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the brassiere-provided
camisole. FIG. 7B is a front view showing the vicinity of cup
sections in an inside-out state, and FIG. 7C is a back view of the
same.
[0055] This brassiere-provided camisole 400 is a strapless
brassiere-provided camisole with a brassiere-corresponding part
being provided on the inside of a bodice of the camisole. As shown
in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the brassiere-provided camisole 400 includes a
brassiere-corresponding part designed based on substantially the
same concept as that for the brassiere 100 described with reference
to FIG. 1 in a strapless form. In the present embodiment, the
brassiere-provided camisole 400 has a bodice 401 provided so as to
cover the brassiere-corresponding part. A back cloth 103 does not
have interlocking connection sections, and the brassiere-provided
camisole 400 can be put on and taken off without operating
interlocking connection sections. Other configurations are
substantially the same as those in the brassiere 100 shown in FIG.
1. Components identical to those in FIG. 1 are given the same
reference numerals, and duplicate explanations therefor are
omitted. Although the present embodiment is directed to the
brassiere-provided camisole having the brassiere-corresponding part
designed based on substantially the same concept as that for the
brassiere 100 according to the first embodiment, the present
invention is not limited thereto. The brassiere-provided camisole
may have a brassiere-corresponding part according to any other
embodiment. The brassiere-provided camisole of the present example
may be embodied in the form without the back cloth 103. With the
configuration of the present example, it is possible to prevent
downward slippage that may occur in garments having no shoulder
parts when a wearer is in action.
Fifth Embodiment
[0056] Next, as still another example of the garment with cup
sections according to the present invention, FIG. 8 shows a
brassiere-provided camisole 500. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of
the brassiere-provided camisole 500, and FIG. 8B is a back view of
the same. A brassiere-corresponding part in this brassiere-provided
camisole 500 is designed based on substantially the same concept as
that for the brassiere 100 described with reference to FIG. 1. In
the present embodiment, the brassiere-provided camisole 500 has,
under a base section 110, a lower chest bodice 501 and a skirt
section 502 connected thereto. Although the lower chest bodice 501
and the skirt section 502 are provided under the back cloth 103 in
the present example, the skirt section 502 may be attached directly
to the lower edge of the back cloth 103. Other configurations are
substantially the same as those in the brassiere 100 shown in FIG.
1. Components identical to those in FIG. 1 are given the same
reference numerals, and duplicate explanations therefor are
omitted. Although the present embodiment is directed to the
brassiere-provided camisole having the brassiere-corresponding part
designed based on substantially the same concept as that for the
brassiere 100 according to the first embodiment, the present
invention is not limited thereto. The brassiere-provided camisole
may have a brassiere-corresponding part according to any other
embodiment. The brassiere-provided camisole according to the
present example may be embodied in the form without the back cloth
103.
Sixth Embodiment
[0057] FIG. 9A is a front view showing a triangle bra 600a
according to a sixth embodiment of the garment with cup sections of
the present invention. In the present embodiment, a rubber tape
passes through parts corresponding to cup support sections in cup
sections 601 and connected to back cloths 603. The back cloths are
connectable at a wearer's back when the triangle bra is worn. Other
configurations are the same as those in Embodiment 3. Even if cup
support sections are not provided as in the present embodiment
(such as a wireless form), it is also possible to provide a
brassiere that can still prevent the occurrence of "impact
slippage" and "accumulation slippage" and thus can maintain a
wearer's bust silhouette fine. Therefore, design variations of the
brassiere according to the present invention can be increased. It
is to be noted that the form without cup support sections, such as
a wireless form, is not limited to a triangle bra, and also is
applicable to other embodiments.
[0058] FIG. 9B shows a perspective view of a camisole 600b as a
modified example of the present embodiment.
[0059] A brassiere-corresponding part in this camisole 600b may
have the same design as the triangle bra 600a shown in FIG. 9A.
Although the triangle bra 600a employs a rubber tape in the parts
corresponding to cup support sections, a ribbon or the like may be
used instead of the rubber tape so as to reduce the feeling of
tight pressure in wearing.
Seventh Embodiment
[0060] FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a long-line brassiere
700 according to a seventh embodiment of the garment with cup
sections of the present invention.
[0061] This long-line brassiere 700 is a strapless type brassiere
including the cup sections shown in FIG. 3A. A bodice 706 is
provided under the cup sections, and bones 707 extending vertically
are provided in the bodice 706. Although the present embodiment is
directed to the long-line brassiere with the cup sections shown in
FIG. 3A, the present invention is not limited thereto. With the
configuration of the present example, also in a garment such as a
long-line brassiere, it is possible to prevent "impact slippage"
and "accumulation slippage" and downward slippage that may occur
when a wearer is in action, thus maintaining a wearer's bust
silhouette fine. It is also possible to prevent downward slippage
or the like of the bones 707 in the long-line brassiere, so that
favorable wearing feeling can be obtained.
Eighth Embodiment
[0062] FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of a bustier 800 according
to an eighth embodiment of the garment with cup sections of the
present invention.
[0063] This bustier 800 does not include portions corresponding to
cup support sections. In a bodice 806 provided under cup sections,
interlining members 805 are integrated with bones 807 arranged so
as to extend vertically. As illustrated in FIG. 10B, each
stretchable member 801a is provided in a region between the
interlining member 805 and the lower edge of the cup section. The
stretchable member 801a may further extend up to around the upper
edge of a waist part of the bodice 806 in a region along the bone
807. With the configuration of the present example, also in a
garment such as a bustier, it is possible to prevent "impact
slippage" and "accumulation slippage" and downward slippage that
may occur when a wearer is in action, thus maintaining a wearer's
bust silhouette fine. It is also possible to prevent downward
slippage or the like of the bones 807 in the bustier, so that
favorable wearing feeling can be obtained.
Ninth Embodiment
[0064] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a tube top 900 as yet
another example of the garment with cup sections according to the
present invention.
[0065] In this tube top 900, in a brassiere-corresponding part,
stretchable members 901a on the front center sides of right and
left cup sections are formed integrally with each other. The
brassiere-corresponding part is in wireless form with no wire or
the like being provided at the lower edges of the cup sections. A
back cloth 103 does not have interlocking connection sections, and
the tube top 900 can be put on and taken off without operating
interlocking connection sections. Although the present embodiment
is directed to the tube top in which the stretchable members 901a
on the front center sides of the right and left cup sections are
formed integrally with each other, the present invention is not
limited thereto. The tube top may have a brassiere-corresponding
part according to any other embodiment. With the configuration of
the present example, even in garments with no shoulder parts, such
as a tube top, it is possible to prevent "impact slippage" and
"accumulation slippage" and downward slippage that may occur when a
wearer is in action, thus maintaining a wearer's bust silhouette
fine. Also, favorable wearing feeling can be obtained.
[0066] (Subjective Evaluation in Wearing Test)
[0067] The following are the results of subjective wearing
evaluation on the brassiere 100 according to the present invention
shown in FIG. 1. A plurality of test users conducted the following
actions (1) and (2) in the state where they wore each of the
brassiere 100 and a conventional brassiere A, both in the form
without straps (the form shown in FIG. 4): (1) 10 times of
arm-shaking action; and (2) 10 times of jump action. Thereafter,
the test users were asked for comments regarding wearing feeling.
The conventional brassiere A was a brassiere employing molded cup
sections with their lower parts being thicker. The arm-shaking
action was the following series of actions by each test user:
"swinging up her right arm upright; bending her body to the left at
about a 90-degree angle while holding her right arm as it was;
straightening up her body again; and pulling down her right arm".
The jump action was the following action by each test user:
"jumping vertically to the extent that her feet were completely off
the ground". The test users were made up of five persons. Three out
of the five test users all had a cup size of C70, and their breast
volumes were "large", "medium", and "small", respectively. The
remaining two had a cup size of E70, and their breast volumes were
both "medium". In response to the question which of the brassiere
100 and the conventional brassiere A prevented slippage in the
arm-shaking action, four out of the five test users commented that
the brassiere according to the present invention did, and one
commented neither. In response to the question which of the
brassiere 100 and the conventional brassiere A prevented slippage
in the jump action, four out of the five test users answered that
the brassiere according to the present invention did, and one
commented neither. From these results, it was found that downward
slippage is less liable to occur in the brassiere according to the
present invention even when it is used in a strapless form.
[0068] Also, the same test users as above conducted the arm-shaking
action and the jump action in the state where they wore each of the
brassiere 100 and a conventional brassiere B, both in the form
without straps. Thereafter, they were asked for comments regarding
wearing feeling. The conventional brassiere B was a strapless type
brassiere with cut and sewn cup sections. The cup sections of the
conventional brassiere B have good breast-shaping properties, and
the conventional brassiere B had been evaluated as being less
liable to cause out-of-shape wearing as compared with the
conventional brassiere A. As a result, in response to the question
which of the brassiere 100 and the conventional brassiere B
prevented slippage in the arm-shaking action, three out of the five
test users commented that the brassiere according to the present
invention did, and two commented that the conventional brassiere B
did. Regarding the slippage in the jump action, four out of the
five test users commented that the brassiere according to the
present invention did, and one commented that the conventional
brassiere B did. From these results, it was found that downward
slippage is less liable to occur in the brassiere according to the
present invention even when it is used in a strapless form.
[0069] (Evaluation Before and After Action)
[0070] The following are the results of wearing evaluation before
and after the actions on the brassiere 100 according to the present
invention shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 12A shows moire photographs showing
the shapes of the breasts of one of the test users when she wore
each of the brassiere 100 and the conventional brassiere B, both in
the form without straps. The photographs in FIG. 12A show front
views of the test user's chest part when the two kinds of
brassieres were worn. Each photograph shows a three-dimensional
shape of the chest part by indicating moire interference fringes as
contour lines. The photographs on the upper row show the state
where the test user wore the brassiere 100, and the photographs on
the lower row show the state where the test user wore the
conventional brassiere B. The test user had a cup size of E70 and a
"medium" breast volume. In FIG. 12A, the photographs (a) show the
state before an action (the static state), the photographs (b) show
the state where the test user has raised her right arm, the
photographs (c) show the state after the test user carried out the
arm-shaking action 10 times, and the photographs (d) show the state
after the test user carried out the jump action 10 times. FIG. 12B
shows photographs of the chest part shown in the moire photographs
(a) and (c) as viewed from the side. Each photograph includes a
reference line, which indicates the test user's bust top position
before the action.
[0071] It can be seen that, when the test user wore the brassiere
100 of the present invention, even after the 10 times of
arm-shaking action and the 10 times of jump action, the breast
shape remained substantially unchanged as compared with that before
these actions. In contrast, when the test user wore the
conventional brassiere B, it can be seen from the moire
interference fringes photographs and the side views of the same
that, after the 10 times of arm-shaking action, the shape of each
cup section turned to a "beak-like shape" such that an upper part
of the cup section curves inward so that the entire cup section is
crushed vertically with a bust top-corresponding portion of the cup
section protruding forward. It also can be seen that, after the 10
times of jump action, the conventional brassiere B as a whole had
slipped downward.
[0072] From these results, the following mechanism is speculated,
which, however, does not limit the present invention. When the
wearer raises her arm, her nipple is brought to a higher position
and the verge's profile turns from a horizontally long oval to a
vertically long oval. The conventional brassiere B cannot
sufficiently deal with the breast's movement or the change in shape
of the breast, thus causing the breast to bulge out from an upper
edge and a side part of the cup section, resulting in out-of-shape
wearing, and the breast that has bulged out itself pushes down the
cup section. Furthermore, when the arm is moved up and down
repeatedly, the portion that has bulged out becomes greater. As a
result, each cup section is crushed vertically to have a "beak-like
shape", so that downward slippage of the brassiere becomes more
significant. In contrast, the brassiere according to the present
invention can follow the movement of a wearer's breasts while
maintaining the shapes of the cup sections when the wearer is in
action. The brassiere according to the present invention thus
prevents the breasts from budging out from the cup sections, so
that downward slippage owing to a repeated action is less liable to
occur. Moreover, even when a large impact is exerted on the
brassiere when, for example, the wearer jumps, the stretchable
members absorb the impact. Thus, it is possible to bring the
wearer's breasts to their static state while preventing the cup
support sections and the base section from being affected by the
impact. Therefore, downward slippage caused by impact is less
liable to occur in the brassiere according to the present
invention.
[0073] The present invention has been described above with
reference to specific examples of its embodiment, namely, a
brassiere, a brassiere-provided camisole, a tube top, etc. It is to
be noted, however, the garment with cup sections according to the
present invention is not limited to these specific examples, and
can be embodied in various forms. For example, the present
invention is applicable not only to garments such as those
described in the above embodiments, but also to bodysuits and
brassiere-provided slips. In addition to these foundation garments,
the present invention also is applicable to tops of separate-type
and one-piece-type swimsuits, leotards, and other various garments
with cup sections. The present invention also is applicable to
front closure type garments whose front center parts are connected
to each other using a hook closure that can be connected and
disconnected freely.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0074] The garment with cup sections according to the present
invention can be embodied in various forms. For example, the
present invention is applicable not only to foundation garments
such as those described in the above embodiments, but also to
various garments with cup sections such as sportswear and
outerwear.
EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0075] 100, 200, 300: brassiere [0076] 101, 201, 601: cup section
[0077] 101a, 201a, 801a, 901a: stretchable member [0078] 101b,
201b: non-stretchable member [0079] 102, 202: cup support section
[0080] 103, 203, 603: back cloth [0081] 104, 204: shoulder strap
[0082] 105, 205, 805: interlining member [0083] 106: interlocking
connection section [0084] 108a: connection device [0085] 108b:
length adjuster [0086] 110, 210: base section [0087] 307: front
center member [0088] 400, 500: brassiere-provided camisole [0089]
401: bodice [0090] 501: lower chest bodice [0091] 502: skirt
section [0092] 600a: triangle bra [0093] 600b: camisole [0094] 700:
long-line brassiere [0095] 706, 806: bodice [0096] 707, 807: bone
[0097] 800: bustier [0098] 900: tube top [0099] M: midpoint of the
lowest point and the lateral side end point of cup support section
[0100] L: width of stretchable member [0101] T: bust
top-corresponding position [0102] A: intermediate region
* * * * *