U.S. patent application number 14/509388 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-30 for decolletage-shaping brassiere.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hannelore SCHLUETER. Invention is credited to Hannelore SCHLUETER.
Application Number | 20150118936 14/509388 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51753167 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150118936 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCHLUETER; Hannelore |
April 30, 2015 |
DECOLLETAGE-SHAPING BRASSIERE
Abstract
This is attained in a brassiere for stabilizing and shaping
female breasts and having cups adapted to hold the breasts and at
least one strap securing the cups in place. The cups are
horizontally spaced at most 10 cm from one another by a bridge
piece. The bridge piece is a dimensionally stable molded that holds
the cups at a constant spacing from one another.
Inventors: |
SCHLUETER; Hannelore;
(Remagen-Oberwinter, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SCHLUETER; Hannelore |
Remagen-Oberwinter |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
51753167 |
Appl. No.: |
14/509388 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
450/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/12 20130101; A41C
3/02 20130101; A41C 3/0028 20130101; A41C 3/124 20130101; A41C
3/0007 20130101; A41C 3/142 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
450/1 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/12 20060101
A41C003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 28, 2013 |
DE |
102013017801.0 |
Claims
1. In a brassiere for stabilizing and shaping female breasts and
having cups adapted to hold the breasts and at least one strap
securing the cups in place, the cups being horizontally spaced at
most 10 cm from one another by a bridge piece, wherein the bridge
piece is a dimensionally stable molded that holds the cups at a
constant spacing from one another.
2. The brassiere defined in claim 1, wherein the dimensionally
stable molded part has or forms two.
3. The brassiere defined in claim dimensionally stable cup sections
that are connected to or formed on ends of the molded part that
face the cups, each of the cup sections being integrated into a
respective one of the cups.
4. The brassiere defined in claim 2, wherein a height of the cup
sections corresponds at least approximately to a height of the cups
in inner he end regions juxtaposed with each other, and a width of
the cup sections extends between one-fourth and at most one-third
of the respective cup from the respective end thereof that faces
the other cup to a center thereof that faces away from the other
cup.
5. The brassiere defined in claim 1, wherein the cups are connected
to one another via an underbust band.
6. The brassiere defined in claim 4, wherein the dimensionally
stable molded part is integrated into the underbust band.
7. The brassiere defined in claim 1, further comprising: underwires
that extend around bottom sides of the cups and along lateral inner
regions of the cups juxtaposed with each other, the dimensionally
stable molded part connecting the underwires to one another.
8. The brassiere defined in claim 1, wherein the dimensionally
stable molded part is formed by parts that can be adjusted relative
to one another and can be fastened to one another in different
positions of adjustment so that the length of the molded part that
determines the spacing between the cups is variable.
9. The brassiere defined in claim 6, further comprising: underwires
that extend along lateral regions of the cups juxtaposed with each
other and extend up to upper ends of the lateral regions.
10. The brassiere defined in claim 8, wherein unattached ends of
the underwires end diverge from one another in the lateral regions
of the cups.
11. The brassiere defined in claim 1, wherein the dimensionally
stable molded part is made of a rigid fabric structure, a
dimensionally stable plastic, a metal encased in fabric, or a
combination thereof.
12. The brassiere defined in claim 1, wherein the dimensionally
stable molded part is a substantially flat, strip-like element that
is rigid in a X direction along its longitudinal extension and in a
Y direction along its vertical extension, and is flexible in a Z
direction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a brassiere. More
particularly this invention concerns a brassiere specifically
intended for shaping a woman's decolletage and having cups spaced
at most 10 cm from each other by a bridge piece.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A brassiere is a garment that is designed to support and
shape a woman's breasts. Because of the shaping action it exerts on
the breasts, the construction of a brassiere is also subject to
changes in the contemporary ideal of beauty. The basic form of the
brassiere has not changed since ancient times. An assembly of
straps for stabilizing and lifting the female breast are known even
from antiquity. However, the shape of the cup that holds each
individual breast and forces the breast into a typical shape, even
determining the height of the breast, has changed over time with
changes in the ideal of beauty.
[0003] Some known brassieres are designed to make the breasts
appear larger; such brassieres lift the breasts above the neckline
of a correspondingly cut dress (for example, a dirndl), giving the
breasts the appearance of greater volume. Brassieres of the type
are so-called "push-up" brassieres or brassieres with integrated
underwires. In addition to lifting the breast to create the
appearance of greater breast volume, some known brassieres are
padded; the brassieres are comfortable to wear due to their
padding, but the padding also fills in the cups of the brassiere
that are necessarily cut larger. The padding is usually at in the
lower and/or outer part of each cup (relative to the cup center)
and inside the cup (relative to the cup surface), in order to fill
in the decolletage.
[0004] The multiplicity of desired breast shapes based on a
particular ideal of beauty and the multiplicity of potential
natural breast shapes result in an even greater multiplicity of
relative breast deformations from the natural form to the desired
breast form. As long as the wearer has firm and highly elastic
connective tissue, the multiplicity of relative deformations is of
no concern, since the inherent elasticity of the individual breast
allows it to be deformed in any direction. If some regions of the
breast are deformed less than other regions of the breast, the
elastic connective tissue is able to offset this difference in
deformation. Only when the difference in deformation between the
natural and the desired shape can no longer be offset by the
elasticity of the connective tissue, for example if the volume of
the cup and the volume of the breast do not coincide, or if the cup
rests at a substantially different location on the front of the
body than the natural location of the breast, a change must be made
to a different size, in which the cup size and/or the bust
measurement (relative to the transverse sectional plane of the
body) of the brassiere are adjusted.
[0005] If the connective tissue in the breast is not or is no
longer elastic, for example following significant weight loss,
after pregnancy or before a substantial increase in breast volume
as a result of pregnancy followed by a rapid decrease in breast
volume, which may be accompanied by connective tissue tears,
following severe illness, after and/or during chemotherapy and with
age-related decreases in connective-tissue elasticity, the breast
is no longer able to compensate for extensive deformation. When, in
addition to the connective tissue of the breast, the connective
tissue of the flat part of the chest below the throat and on the
chest itself slackens, breast shaping can produce an undesirable
wrinkling of the skin. The desired effect of a deformation in
accordance with the ideal of beauty is nullified from an aesthetic
standpoint by potentially increased wrinkling.
[0006] Particularly when a push-up brassiere is worn, if the wearer
has weak connective tissue and/or diminished elasticity below the
throat and over the chest, the flat skin will react by wrinkling,
forming substantially vertically extending sagittal wrinkles at the
center of the chest that is divided approximately in half by the
sagittal plane of the body. Moreover, wrinkles can form in the
upper layer of the skin, fanning out over the entire decolletage
area, particularly with the natural movement of the breast with
changes in the position of the torso or with movement of the torso.
Depending on the shape of the breast, transverse wrinkles may also
alternatively form in the area of the cleavage that is tangential
to the center of the body and is divided by the transverse plane of
the body. The formation of wrinkles is undesirable, not only
because the wrinkles give the appearance of aging skin, but also
because the induced wrinkling can result in the development of
actual wrinkles. Finally, skin that is forced into wrinkles can
also become painful, can perspire more than the rest of the skin
and can even become inflamed.
[0007] German published application DE 27 03 239 discloses a breast
band that is placed around the back of the neck, with its two ends
being crossed over in the region between the breasts and then tied
together in the back. The crossed, flat textile band tightens the
skin of the decolletage, thereby decreasing the formation of
wrinkles. However, a band of this type cannot be worn with a
backless gown, a low-neckline top, a low-neckline dress or a
low-neckline pullover since the band would be unaesthetically
visible.
[0008] German published application DE 27 11 541 discloses a
garment comparable to the breast band mentioned in the introductory
portion that, when worn as intended below the breasts by the
wearer, has a textile strip similar to an underbust band of a
brassiere. This textile strip forms an acute triangle between the
breasts. This garment for tightening the decolletage also cannot be
worn with a backless gown, a low-neckline top, a low-neckline dress
or a low-neckline pullover since it would be unaesthetically
visible. Moreover, this band would collide with a supplemental
brassiere, making both is uncomfortable to wear.
[0009] A generic brassiere is known from US 2010/0242291 A1. In
this case, a flexible bridge piece is provided between the cups,
with the length of the piece being adjustable in order to adjust
the spacing between the cups. However, this does nothing to
counteract a potential wrinkling of the wearer's skin.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an improved decolletage-shaping brassiere.
[0011] Another object is the provision of such an improved
decolletage-shaping brassiere that overcomes the above-given
disadvantages, in particular to devise a brassiere of the type
indicated, with which any wrinkling of the wearer's skin in the
decolletage area is counteracted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This is attained in a brassiere for stabilizing and shaping
female breasts and having cups adapted to hold the breasts and at
least one strap securing the cups in place. The cups are
horizontally spaced at most 10 cm from one another by a bridge
piece. The bridge piece according to the invention is a
dimensionally stable molded that holds the cups at a constant
spacing from one another.
[0013] According to the invention, with a brassiere of conventional
design that can be provided with an underbust band and can be
designed with or without straps, and that has a closure element
that wraps around the body, an appropriately dimensionally stable
molded part is provided between the cups. This dimensionally stable
molded part keeps the cups, which are spaced from one another, at a
constant spacing from one another when the brassiere is put on by
the user. The spacing between the cups can be from 2 cm to 10 cm,
for example. A spacing of 3 cm to 6 cm is preferred. A spacing of 3
cm to 5 cm is particularly preferred.
[0014] The spacing between the cups is preferably defined such
that, when the brassiere is worn as intended, the spacing is
measured approximately over the breastbone of the wearer. The
dimensionally stable molded part keeps the cups spaced from one
another such that the formation of wrinkles in the skin,
particularly in the form of sagittal wrinkles extending
substantially vertically at the center of the chest and fanning out
therefrom, is avoided, so that, even with diminished connective
tissue elasticity, the formation of wrinkles in the skin is
avoided, and a correspondingly positive look and feel for the
wearer is achieved.
[0015] Preferably, the dimensionally stable molded part has or
forms two dimensionally stable cup sections, connected to or formed
at the end regions of the molded part facing the cups, with each
cup section being integrated into a cup.
[0016] The dimensionally stable cup sections can be made of the
same material as the dimensionally stable molded part. Preferably,
however, these likewise dimensionally stable cup sections are made
of a somewhat softer material, in the interest of improving wearing
comfort.
[0017] The height of the cup sections in accordance with the
invention corresponds at least approximately to the height of the
cups in the end regions thereof that face one another, and that the
width of the cup sections extends over one-fourth or at most
one-third of the cup from the end region thereof that faces the
other cup to the center region thereof that faces away from the
cup.
[0018] This serves to ensure that the breasts of the person wearing
the brassiere are held securely, with the desired spacing between
the breasts being achieved by the corresponding positioning of the
cups.
[0019] Also according to the invention the cups are connected to
one another via an underbust band. In this case, the dimensionally
stable molded part is integrated into the underbust band.
[0020] Furthermore according to the invention the brassiere has
underwires that extend around the bottom side of the cups and along
the lateral regions of the cups that face one another, and that the
dimensionally stable molded part connects the underwires to one
another.
[0021] In all embodiments, the dimensionally stable molded part
consists of parts that can be adjusted relative to one another and
can be fastened to one another in different positions of
adjustment, so that the length of the molded part that determines
the spacing between the cups is variable.
[0022] Preferably, the underwires extend along the lateral regions
of the cups that face one another, up to the upper ends of the
lateral regions. In this case, the unattached ends of the
underwires end diverging from one another in the lateral regions of
the cups.
[0023] Further according to the invention the dimensionally stable
molded part is made of a rigid fabric structure, a dimensionally
stable plastic, metal that is encased in fabric or a combination
thereof.
[0024] Also in accordance with the invention the dimensionally
stable molded part is a substantially flat, ribbon-like element
that is rigid in the X direction along its longitudinal extension
and in the Y direction along its vertical extension, and is
flexible in the Z direction.
[0025] According to the invention the two cups, which are open
toward the top, are spaced approximately 2 cm to 10 cm, preferably
approximately 3 cm to 6 cm, particularly preferably approximately 3
cm to 5 cm from one another in the region of the breast band, with
this spacing between the cups being defined at the closest point
that is located approximately above the wearer's breastbone when
the brassiere is worn as intended. In contrast to known brassieres,
with the brassiere according to the invention the cups are spaced a
greater spacing from one another than is customary in known
brassieres. Although the cups of known brassieres are spaced
slightly from one another in the bottom region over the breastbone
at the center of the body since the cups or the underwires converge
at this point, the spacing between the cups or the underwires in
the region of the center of the body is usually quite small.
Brassieres that are designed to fill in breast volume result in a
decolletage in which the two breasts touch one another or at least
nearly touch one another. When the natural breasts are forced
toward one another in this way, in a person with correspondingly
weak or weakened connective tissue a vertically extending sagittal
wrinkle or group of sagittal wrinkles is produced in the cleavage
area at the center of the body, or a transverse wrinkle or group of
transverse wrinkles is produced in the region, extending
substantially horizontally and following the horizontal curve along
the tops of both breasts. Moreover, with the natural repositioning
movement of the breasts, induced with movement of the torso or with
changes in the position of the torso, fan-shaped wrinkles can form
particularly in the upper layer of skin and can fan out over the
entire decolletage. Unexpectedly, it has been found that the
spacing between the cups, which according to the invention is small
but not negligible, is sufficient to prevent the undesirable
formation of wrinkles. This desired effect is further intensified
by an underwire that extends across the horizontal plane at the
center of the body, and from the center of the body above the
breast, extends toward the outside. A breast and decolletage that
are shaped in this manner are distinguishable externally in terms
of shape only slightly from a decolletage of a breast that has
highly elastic connective tissue. The forced spacing between the
breasts causes the skin of the upper decolletage, below the throat,
to lie flat on the chest, and no wrinkles are created. The slight
tightening that the brassiere according to the invention exerts on
the skin of the decolletage is experienced as wearing comfort. The
slight spacing between the breasts is visible when this area of the
decolletage is uncovered. The shaping of the breasts gives the
decolletage a more youthful appearance, since the decolletage
creates the impression of fresh, elastic skin. When the wearer
wears a dress or a top that is not cut too low, the breast beneath
it will appear shapely and the cleavage and/or decolletage will be
free of wrinkles. Continuous (daily) wearing of the brassiere
according to the invention, including, for example, under
high-neckline tops, will prevent the formation of wrinkles in the
decolletage as a result of squeezing, pressing and movement, so
that in the summer, the wearer can show off a wrinkle-free
decolletage at the beach or during formal ball season.
[0026] According to the invention, each of the cups has a curved
underwire, with the spacing between the cups being defined at the
point where, when the brassiere is worn as intended, the two wires
are closest to one another, wherein with underwires of this type
that do not extend between the cups, the spacing is defined at the
point where the imaginary extensions of the underwires according to
harmonic curvature are closest to one another. Some known
brassieres have wires that support only part of the lower breast,
and therefore, the two wires of the two cups of these known
brassieres are spaced a substantial spacing from one another.
However, the imaginary harmonic curve extension of the underwires
of such brassieres is such that the two underwires would come
within close proximity of one another, thereby positioning the
breasts close to one another. According to the concept of the
invention, however, the harmonic extensions of the two wires in the
region between the breasts are spaced from one another as specified
in the invention and mentioned in the introductory part, without
sudden changes in curvature. The imagined extension of the wire
according to harmonic curvature is a curvature that approximately
follows the border of the natural breast, and extends without
abrupt changes in curvature that are visible to the naked eye.
[0027] For brassieres that appear to increase the volume of the
breast by lifting the breasts slightly, according to the invention,
in contrast to a classic push-up brassiere, when the brassiere is
worn as intended, the two underwires have a bottom region in which
the two wires approach one another, and a top region in which the
two wires extend in parallel toward one another or diverge from one
another, and the angle that is formed relative to the median point
of the respective underwire as the vertex around which the two
underwires diverge is approximately 5.degree. to 45.degree.,
preferably approximately 10.degree. to 30.degree., particularly
preferably approximately 15.degree. to 25.degree. from the
horizontal plane. In the area between the breasts, the linear form
of the cup, the shaping of which is supported particularly by the
underwire, is particularly important for avoiding undesirable
wrinkles in the skin. The wires that diverge in the upper region of
the individual breasts tighten the skin of the decolletage just
enough that the formation of sagittal wrinkles or fan-shaped
wrinkles in the upper layer of skin, which are created especially
with the natural movement of the breast as a result of changes in
the position of the torso or with movement of the torso, are
avoided over the entire decolletage area.
[0028] In one particular embodiment of the brassiere according to
the invention, the two cups are connected to one another via a
rigid molded part in the underbust band, and in the case of a
brassiere with underwires, the molded part is connected to the
underwires. A dimensionally stable molded part between the cups
stabilizes the spacing between the breasts, and the dimensionally
stable molded part allows the underbust band to be worn even
relatively loosely, while still maintaining the spacing between the
breasts. In a further embodiment of the brassiere according to the
invention, in the interest of wearing comfort the molded part is
connected to two cup sections that support the parts of the breasts
that face the center of the body. Such a molded part is integrated
into the textile region of the underbust band, and if an underwire
is present, the molded part is connected to the underwires. The cup
sections extend into the parts of the cups that face inward
relative to the center of the body, with the cup sections shaping
and supporting the breasts in this breast region that is highly
susceptible to wrinkling.
[0029] To adjust the tightening of the skin in the decolletage
area, in a further embodiment of the invention a French clasp is
located between the cups, and can be fastened at more than one
spacing between the cups, wherein when a dimensionally stable
molded part is provided, the French clasp is part of the molded
part. This French clasp can be provided alternatively or in
addition to a rear clasp, with the object of the French clasp being
not only to fasten the underbust band, but also to vary the spacing
between the cups.
[0030] The concept according to the invention can be applied to a
multiplicity of known forms of brassieres, such as backless
brassieres, strapped or strapless bandeaux, non-wired or wired
brassieres, cup-only brassieres, push-up brassieres designed
specifically for support in order to visually enlarge smaller
breasts or shape the decolletage, bikini brassieres, sports
brassieres, arthritis brassieres, compression brassieres, nursing
brassieres, shelf brassieres, bustiers, corsages, corselettes,
corsets or torselettes.
[0031] For push-up brassieres that have a large underwire, in one
embodiment of the invention, when the brassiere is worn as
intended, the opening of the cups is directed upward approximately
vertically. In contrast to the traditional opening for the wires in
push-up brassieres, which in generic push-up brassieres are
directed toward the center of the body, with the present shape of
the brassiere, the opening is directed upward vertically. As a
result, the breasts are not pressed toward the center of the body,
which, in the case of weak connective tissue, will result in the
creation of undesirable sagittal wrinkles. Moreover, the formation
of wrinkles in the upper layers of skin, fanning out over the
entire decolletage area, particularly with the natural movement of
the breast with changes in the position of the torso or with
movement of the torso, is thereby prevented.
[0032] To stabilize the spacing between the breasts and to give the
underbust band a good adaptive shape without unnecessarily
compressing the rib cage, in one embodiment of the invention the
molded part, which is sewn into the underbust band and optionally
into the cups, is stabilized mechanically between the cups, with
the stabilization being made of a more rigid fabric than the
remainder of the underbust band, a polymeric material or metal
encased in fabric.
[0033] For stylish breast shaping, in one embodiment of the
invention, when the brassiere is worn as intended, the cups have at
least one shaping seam that extends upward toward the center of the
body, along which seam the curvature of the cup surface changes
abruptly. As a result, a soft edge that follows the shaping seam is
produced on the breast surface that follows a breast dart in a
tailored dress.
[0034] In another embodiment of the invention, the cups are
embodied as seamless. This results in particular wearing comfort,
especially for wearers with highly sensitive breasts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0035] The above and other objects, features, and advantages will
become more readily apparent from the following description,
reference being made to the accompanying drawing in which:
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a prior-art full cup brassiere worn by a woman
with elastic connective tissue;
[0037] FIG. 2a shows the brassiere of FIG. 1 worn by a woman with
connective tissue with diminished elasticity, resulting in sagittal
wrinkles and fan-shaped wrinkles;
[0038] FIG. 2b shows the brassiere of FIG. 1, worn by a woman with
connective tissue with diminished elasticity, resulting in
transverse wrinkles;
[0039] FIG. 3a shows a prior-art strapless brassiere worn by a
woman with connective tissue with diminished elasticity, resulting
in sagittal wrinkles and fan-shaped wrinkles;
[0040] FIG. 3b shows the brassiere of FIG. 3a worn by a woman with
connective tissue with diminished elasticity, resulting in
transverse wrinkles;
[0041] FIG. 4a shows the brassiere according to the invention with
spaced cups and worn by a woman with connective tissue with
diminished elasticity, smoothing sagittal wrinkles;
[0042] FIG. 4b shows the brassiere of FIG. 4a with spaced cups and
worn by a woman with connective tissue with diminished elasticity,
smoothing transverse wrinkles;
[0043] FIG. 5a shows a strapless brassiere according to the
invention with spaced cups and worn by a woman with connective
tissue with diminished elasticity, smoothing sagittal wrinkles;
[0044] FIG. 5b shows the strapless brassiere according to the
invention with spaced cups and worn by a woman with connective
tissue with diminished elasticity, smoothing transverse
wrinkles;
[0045] FIG. 6 shows a prior-art push-up brassiere that pushes the
breasts toward the center of the body;
[0046] FIG. 7 shows a wired brassiere with cups positioned close to
one another, producing sagittal wrinkles and possibly fan-shaped
wrinkles;
[0047] FIG. 8 shows a wired brassiere with cups positioned close to
one another, producing transverse wrinkles;
[0048] FIG. 9 shows the brassiere according to the invention with
spaced cups and diverging wires;
[0049] FIG. 10 shows the brassiere according to the invention with
a French clasp for adjusting the spacing between the cups;
[0050] FIG. 11.1 shows the brassiere according to the invention
with a molded part in the underbust band and forming part of the
cups, and with a French clasp;
[0051] FIG. 11.2 shows the molded part of FIG. 11.1;
[0052] FIG. 12.1 shows the brassiere according to the invention
with the molded part only in the underbust band and as part of the
cups;
[0053] FIG. 12.2 shows the molded part of FIG. 12.1;
[0054] FIG. 13.1 shows the brassiere according to the invention
with the molded part only in the underbust band, and with a French
clasp;
[0055] FIG. 13.2 shows the molded part of FIG. 13.1;
[0056] FIG. 14.1 shows the brassiere according to the invention
with the molded part only in the underbust band;
[0057] FIG. 14.2 shows the molded part of FIG. 14.1;
[0058] FIG. 15 shows a brassiere according to the invention in a
simple embodiment with a simple molded part sewn between the cups;
and
[0059] FIG. 16 shows a brassiere according to the invention in a
simple embodiment with a molded part sewn between the cups, wherein
the molded part has two cup sections.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0060] FIG. 1 shows a generic full-cup prior-art brassiere 10 worn
by a woman with elastic connective tissue. The breasts 11 and 12
have a typical decolletage shape at the center cleavage 13, which
is perceived as aesthetically pleasing.
[0061] FIG. 2a shows the full-cup prior-art brassiere 10 of FIG. 1
worn by a woman with connective tissue with diminished elasticity.
Rather than a decolletage shape that is desirably wrinkle-free, the
generic prior-art brassiere 10 produces vertically extending
sagittal wrinkles 24 and fan-shaped wrinkles 24a in the area
between the breasts.
[0062] FIG. 2b shows the full-cup prior-art brassiere 10 of FIG. 1
worn by a woman with connective tissue with diminished elasticity.
Rather than a decolletage that is desirably wrinkle-free, the
generic prior-art brassiere in this example produces transverse
wrinkles 25 extending approximately horizontally in the center
cleavage area.
[0063] FIG. 3a shows an optionally strapless wired prior-art
brassiere 30 worn by a woman with connective tissue with diminished
elasticity. Rather than a decolletage that is desirably
wrinkle-free, the generic wired brassiere 30 from the prior art
produces sagittal wrinkles 34 extending approximately vertically
and fan-shaped wrinkles 24a in the area between the breasts.
[0064] FIG. 3b shows an optionally strapless wired prior-art
brassiere 30 worn by a woman with connective tissue with diminished
elasticity. Rather than a decolletage that is desirably
wrinkle-free, the generic wired brassiere 30 from the prior art
produces transverse wrinkles 35 extending approximately
horizontally in the center cleavage area.
[0065] FIG. 4a shows a brassiere 40 according to the invention
whose cups 41 and 42 are spaced approximately 2 cm to 10 cm,
preferably approximately 3 cm to 6 cm, particularly preferably
approximately 3 cm to 5 cm from one another in the area between the
breasts by a relatively stiff and dimensionally stable molded part
46, with the brassiere being worn by a woman with connective tissue
with diminished elasticity. The wearer's decolletage 43 is
tightened slightly by the spacing between the cups 41 and 42,
thereby preventing the formation of the sagittal wrinkles 44 that
would otherwise form.
[0066] The vertically extending sagittal wrinkles 44 that will form
without the cup arrangement according to the invention are
indicated by dashed lines.
[0067] FIG. 4b shows a brassiere 40 according to the invention,
whose cups 41 and 42 are spaced approximately 2 cm to 10 cm,
preferably approximately 3 cm to 6 cm, particularly preferably
approximately 3 cm to 5 cm from one another in the region between
the breasts by a dimensionally stable molded part 46, with the
brassiere being worn by a woman with connective tissue with
diminished elasticity. The wearer's decolletage 43 is tightened
slightly by the constant spacing between the cups 41 and 42,
thereby preventing the transverse wrinkles 45 that will otherwise
form. The horizontally extending transverse wrinkles 45 that will
form without the cup arrangement according to the invention are
indicated by dashed lines.
[0068] FIG. 5a shows an optionally strapless wired brassiere 50
according to the invention, whose cups 51 and 52 are spaced
approximately 2 cm to 10 cm, preferably approximately 3 cm to 6 cm,
particularly preferably approximately 3 cm to 5 cm from one another
in the region between the breasts by a dimensionally stable molded
part 56, with the brassiere being worn by a woman with connective
tissue with diminished elasticity. The wearer's decolletage is
tightened slightly by the forced spacing between the cups 51 and
52, and the vertically extending sagittal wrinkles 54 that would
form only without the cup arrangement according to the invention
are indicated by dashed lines.
[0069] FIG. 5b shows an optionally strapless wired brassiere 50
according to the invention, whose cups 51 and 52 are spaced
approximately 2 cm to 10 cm, preferably approximately 3 cm to 6 cm,
particularly preferably approximately 3 cm to 5 cm from one another
in the region between the breasts by a dimensionally stable molded
part 56, with the brassiere being worn by a woman with connective
tissue with diminished elasticity. The wearer's decolletage 53 is
tightened slightly by the spacing between the is cups 51 and 52,
and the horizontally extending transverse wrinkles 55 that would
form only without the cup arrangement according to the invention
are indicated by dashed lines.
[0070] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of the way in which a
generic prior-art push-up brassiere 60 pushes a woman's breasts
toward the center. This results in vertically extending sagittal
wrinkles and fan-shaped wrinkles in the decolletage area at the
vertical center of the body. The push-up brassiere has cups 61' and
62' with two openings 61 and 62 that point toward the center of the
body at the top, and into which the breasts of the wearer are
pushed.
[0071] FIG. 7 shows a similar effect that is exerted by a generic
prior-art wired brassiere 70 on a wearer's breasts. The cups 71 and
72, which are positioned close to one another, force the skin of
the decolletage to vertical wrinkle formation in the form of
sagittal wrinkles and fan-shaped wrinkles.
[0072] FIG. 8 shows a similar effect that is exerted by a generic
prior-art wired brassiere 70 on a wearer's breasts. The cups 71 and
72, which are positioned close to one another, force the skin of
the decolletage to form horizontal wrinkles in the form of
transverse wrinkles.
[0073] FIG. 9 shows a strapless wired brassiere 90 according to the
invention and in which the cups 91 and 92 are spaced approximately
2 cm to 10 cm, preferably approximately 3 cm to 6 cm, particularly
preferably approximately 3 cm to 5 cm from one another by a
relatively stiff and dimensionally stable molded part 98. This
spacing tightens the skin of the decolletage, so that vertical
sagittal wrinkle formation and fan-shaped wrinkle formation as a
result of movement are avoided. In contrast to the customary
opening for the underwires in generic wired brassieres, according
to the concept of the invention the underwires 93 and 94 of the
respective cups 91 and 92 each have an upper region in which the
two underwires 93 and 94 diverge between the cups 91, 92, with the
angle .alpha. that is formed relative to the median point of the
respective underwire 93, 94, as the vertex 95 around which the two
underwires 93 and 94 diverge, measuring approximately 5.degree. to
45.degree., preferably approximately 10.degree. to 30.degree.,
particularly preferably approximately 15.degree. to 25.degree. from
the horizontal plane 97. In an alternative embodiment of the
invention, the upper areas of the two underwires 93 and 94 extend
parallel to one another relative to the above-mentioned horizontal
plane. To avoid excess strain in the underbust band 96, the spacing
between the breasts is stabilized mechanically by a dimensionally
stable molded part 98 between the cups 91 and 92 that is sewn into
the underbust band 96 and optionally into the cups 91 and 92. The
molded part 98 is made of a more rigid fabric than the remainder of
the underbust band 96, a polymeric material or metal encased in
fabric.
[0074] Finally, FIG. 10 shows a wired brassiere 100 that is
comparable to the wired brassiere 90, but that also has a French
clasp 105 in the region of the dimensionally stable molded part 104
between the cups 101, 102, on the front of the body between the
breasts. This French clasp 105 allows the spacing "d" between the
cups 101 and 102 to be variably adjusted by lengthening or
shortening the molded part 104. This helps to vary the optimal
relief of strain on the skin of the decolletage once the fit of the
brassiere 100 has been selected. When the brassiere is worn as
intended, the cups 101, 102 can have at least one shaping seam 108,
109 that extends upward toward the center of the body, along which
seam the curvature of the cup is surface changes abruptly.
[0075] FIG. 11.1 shows a view of a brassiere 200 according to the
invention with a molded part 201 sewn in, the piece being sewn
between the cups 203, 204 and the underbust band 202 and into the
cups 203 and 204, and having a French clasp 205, with which the
spacing between the cups 203 and 204 can be varied independently of
the tension in the underbust band 202. The molded part 201 is shown
separately in FIG. 11.2, and in this form is constructed in two
parts with the French clasp 205. The molded part 201 also has two
cup sections 201.1 and 201.2 made of the same rigid material,
plastic, a plastic mesh or a wire mesh, with the shell shape of the
piece being adapted to the desired shape of the breasts in the
cups.
[0076] FIG. 12.1 shows a brassiere 300 according to the invention
that has a dimensionally stable molded part 301 without a French
clasp. The molded part 301 in this case is sewn into the underbust
band 302 and into the cups 303 and 304. FIG. 12.2 shows a separate
view of the molded part 301 with the dimensionally stable cup
sections 301.1, 301.2.
[0077] FIG. 13.1 shows a brassiere 400 according to the invention
that has a dimensionally stable molded part 401 only between two
underwires 406 below the cups 403 and 404. The molded part 401
holds the underwires 406 from one another at a constant spacing
that can be adjusted by the French clasp 405 as part of the molded
part 401. In FIG. 13.2, the molded part 401 is shown separately,
with the underwires 406 indicated by dashed lines.
[0078] Finally, FIG. 14.1 shows a simple embodiment of the
brassiere 500 according to the invention that has a dimensionally
stable molded part 501 only in the underbust band 502 between the
cups 503 and 504. The molded part 501 is shown separately in FIG.
14.2, with the meshing or the connection illustrated by the
underwires 506 indicated by dashed lines.
[0079] FIG. 15 shows an optionally strapless brassiere 500 of FIG.
14.1, worn as intended. As a result of the spacing between the cups
503 and 504, which is produced by the molded part 501, the breasts
form a pleasing decolletage, without the formation of sagittal
wrinkles, fan-shaped wrinkles or transverse wrinkles.
[0080] FIG. 16 shows an optionally strapless brassiere 300 of FIG.
12.1, worn as intended. As a result of the spacing between the cups
303 and 304, which is produced by the molded part 301, the breasts
are positioned without the formation of sagittal wrinkles,
fan-shaped wrinkles or transverse wrinkles on the decolletage. In
this case, the breasts are particularly supported in the area of
the breastbone by the cup sections 301.1 and 301.2 of the molded
part 301, resulting in a wrinkle-free decolletage.
[0081] Next to FIG. 14.2, the extension of the substantially flat,
band-like molded part is indicated by arrows. "X" indicates the
longitudinal extension, "Y" indicates the vertical extension and
"Z" indicates the transverse extension (with the axis extending
through the plane of the drawing from back to front) in which the
molded part is flexible.
[0082] The invention is not limited to the embodiment example but
is widely variable within the scope of the disclosure.
[0083] All features disclosed in the text of the description and in
the drawings are regarded as essential to the invention.
* * * * *