U.S. patent application number 14/778402 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-18 for item of lingerie.
The applicant listed for this patent is Anne LELONG. Invention is credited to Anne LELONG.
Application Number | 20160044973 14/778402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48049953 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160044973 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LELONG; Anne |
February 18, 2016 |
ITEM OF LINGERIE
Abstract
The invention relates to a part of an item of lingerie,
specifically to a three-dimensional underwire (1) for a brassiere,
the profile thereof being in the form of an arch with two limbs (2,
2'), characterised in that the cross-section thereof is an
essentially curvilinear triangle and in that the two limbs (2, 2')
are inclined in relation to each other at a certain angle. The
invention also relates to a brassiere comprising said underwire
(1).
Inventors: |
LELONG; Anne; (Comines,
BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LELONG; Anne |
Comines |
|
BE |
|
|
Family ID: |
48049953 |
Appl. No.: |
14/778402 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
March 19, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/055725 |
371 Date: |
September 18, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
450/45 ;
450/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/0007 20130101;
A41C 3/128 20130101; A41C 3/124 20130101; A41C 3/122 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/12 20060101
A41C003/12; A41C 3/00 20060101 A41C003/00 |
Claims
1. An underwire for a brassiere in the form of a profile with two
limbs, characterized in that the section of each of the limbs of
the profile is a polyhedron and preferably a curvilinear triangle
and in that the central axis of each of both limbs is not
positioned in a single and same plane.
2. The underwire according to claim 1, characterized in that the
tilt angle of both limbs is comprised between 5 and 40 degrees.
3. The underwire according to claim 1, characterized in that the
underwire comprises an internal face capable, under conditions of
use, of coming into contact with the body of the user, an external
face opposite to the internal face and turned, under conditions of
use, to the outside of the body of the user, the curvilinear
polyhedron being defined by at least one face forming the internal
face, an external face, and at least one third face protruding on
the internal face and intended to support the breast of the user
under conditions of use.
4. The underwire according to claim 1, characterized in that one of
its limbs, defined as the first limb, is able to be in contact,
under conditions of use, with the portion of the breast of the user
in proximity to the sternum and the other limb, defined as the
second limb, is able to be in contact, under conditions of use,
with the portion of the breast of the user located opposite to the
sternum, both limbs considered individually being located in a same
plane.
5. The underwire according to claim 1, characterized in that one of
its limbs, defined as the first limb, is able to be in contact,
under conditions of use, with the portion of the breast of the user
in proximity to the sternum and the other limb, defined as the
second limb, is able to be in contact, under conditions of use,
with the portion of the breast of the user located opposite to the
sternum, at least one of the two limbs considered individually
being located in at least two different planes.
6. The underwire according to claim 5, characterized in that the
central axis of the second limb is located on a curved surface.
7. The underwire according to claim 6, characterized in that the
second limb is curved (tilted) towards the inside of the
underwire.
8. The underwire according to claim 4, characterized in that both
of its limbs are dissymmetrical, the first limb being shorter than
the second limb.
9. The underwire according to claim 1, characterized in that its
external face has at least one notch.
10. The underwire according to claim 1, characterized in that it
has several notches, the density of which varies along the
underwire, the density of the notches being preferably greater on
the second limb than on the first limb.
11. The underwire according to claim 1, characterized in that the
dimensions of the notches in at least one space direction of space
vary.
12. The underwire according to claim 1, characterized in that its
consists of one or several polymeric materials having a flexure
modulus of more than 350 MPa, preferably comprised between 500 and
3,000 MPa, and more preferably between 800 and 2,000 MPa.
13. The underwire according to claim 12, characterized in that the
polymeric material is selected from the group formed by
polyethylenes, poly(vinyl chloride)s, poly(ethylene terephthalate),
polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides and mixtures thereof.
14. A double underwire comprising a set of two underwires according
to claim 1, attached to each other.
15. A brassiere comprising an underwire or a double underwire
according to claim 1.
Description
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a part of an item of
lingerie, and more specifically to an underwire for a brassiere, as
well as to the brassiere comprising this underwire.
TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] Lingerie articles are well known, such as brassieres which
provide women with an undisputable ease of movement which
contributed to their liberation. The latter may essentially be
classified in two families. On the one hand, brassieres without any
underwire, which are rather intended for women having small
breasts, and on the other hand brassieres with underwires, which
are more specifically intended for holding average or large
breasts.
[0003] In the case of brassieres without any underwire, this is a
simple textile, either cut out and sewn, or molded for making cups,
which themselves are attached to straps and to a support band,
often itself in fabric. Diverse and varied attachment means may of
course by contemplated for such supports.
[0004] The other great family is formed by brassieres comprising a
structure with underwires also called stays and which are intended
to provide improved support of the breasts.
[0005] Brassieres with underwires usually comprise sewn or molded
cups to which are attached elements used as underwires such as
stays. Conventionally, these stays are formed in a relatively rigid
material such as a metal rod or optionally a rigid element in a
synthetic material. Said stays are then sewn inside a fabric
structure in order to protect them, notably during washing
operations, and to protect the person wearing this type of
brassiere.
[0006] In practice, the main drawback of the use of such underwire
elements formed by the stays lies in the fact that there always
exists a risk of injury because of poor positioning of said stays.
Further, these stays although they are often confined between two
fabric layers in the brassiere may be extracted from said brassiere
for example during washing in a washing machine, and consequently
cause damage to said washing machine. Finally, generally, the
discomfort brought by the presence of stays is larger than in the
case of a brassiere without any stays.
[0007] In recent years, cups which have a molded shape, were
usually proposed to women. These cups are made in most cases with
foam, for example a flexible polyurethane foam, subject to forming.
It is also possible to directly contemplate the use of fabrics
having a significant percentage of synthetic fibers, more
particularly elastomeric fibers, which may be thermoformed directly
in a mold and which will appear as cups without any seams. The main
advantage of the use of elastomeric fibers is that the cup
continues to have flexibility and therefore intrinsic
deformability.
[0008] The present invention is directed to proposing a novel type
of brassiere, and more specifically a novel type of underwires
which would provide a breast-holding capacity, which is reinforced
as compared with brassieres without any underwire or stay and which
does not have the drawbacks of the family of brassieres belonging
to the family of brassieres with rigid underwires, and notably
which is sufficiently flexible for adapting to the shape of the
breast and to the movements of the latter.
[0009] Further, the present invention is directed to propose a
novel type of brassiere, and more particularly a novel type of
underwires, which would provide not only increased comfort and hold
but would also avoid any risk of losing underwire elements in
particular during cleaning in a washing machine.
[0010] The present invention also aims at proposing a type of
brassiere, and more specifically of underwire, which will be
adapted to the aesthetics desired by the creator of the
lingerie.
[0011] Finally, the present invention gives the possibility of
adapting to any type of cup, in particular intended for small
breasts, medium breasts or large breasts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention relates to an underwire for brassiere,
in the form of a profile with two limbs, characterized in that the
section of each of the limbs of the profile is a polyhedron and
preferably a curvilinear triangle and in that the central axis of
each of the two limbs is not positioned in a single and same
plane.
[0013] Advantageously, the tilt angle of (between) both limbs is
comprised between 5 and 40 degrees.
[0014] Preferably, the underwire comprises an internal face
capable, under conditions of use of coming into contact with the
body of the user, an external face opposite to the internal face
and turned, under conditions of use, outwards from the body of the
user, the curvilinear polyhedron being defined by at least one face
forming the internal face, an external face, and at least one third
face protruding on the internal face and intended to support the
breast of the user under conditions of use.
[0015] Advantageously, one of the limbs of the underwire, defined
as the first limb, is able to be in contact, under conditions of
use, with the portion of the breast of the user in proximity to the
sternum and the other limb, defined as the second limb, is able to
be in contact, under conditions of use, with the portion of the
breast of the user located opposite relatively to the sternum, both
individually considered limbs being located in a same plane.
[0016] Preferably, one of the limbs of the underwire, defined as
the first limb, is able to be in contact, under conditions of use,
with the portion of the breast of the user in proximity to the
sternum and the other limb, defined as the second limb is capable
of being in contact under conditions of use with the portion of the
breast of the user located opposite to the sternum, at least one of
both limbs, considered individually being located in at least two
different planes. Advantageously, the central axis of the second
limb is located on a curved surface. Preferably, the second limb is
curved (tilted) towards the inside of the underwire.
[0017] In certain embodiments of the invention, both limbs of the
underwire are identical.
[0018] Preferably, both limbs of the underwire are dissymmetrical,
the first limb being shorter than the second limb.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the underwire, its
external face has at least one notch.
[0020] Advantageously, the underwire of the invention has several
notches, the density of which varies along the underwire, the
density of the notches preferably being greater on the second limb
than on the first limb.
[0021] Preferably, the dimensions of the notches vary in at least
one space direction.
[0022] Advantageously, the underwire of the invention comprises (or
consists of) one or several polymeric materials having a flexure
modulus of more than 350 MPa, preferably comprised between 500 and
3,000 MPa, and more preferably between 800 and 2,000 MPa. The
polymeric material is preferably selected from the group formed by
polyethylenes, poly(vinyl chloride)s, poly(ethylene terephthalate),
polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides and mixtures thereof.
[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a double
underwire comprising a set of two underwires according to the
invention.
[0024] The present invention also relates to a brassiere comprising
an underwire or a double underwire according to the invention.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an overview of a first preferred embodiment of
a simple underwire according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows an overall view of a second preferred
embodiment of a simple underwire according to the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows in a simplified way the diagram of a double
underwire according to the present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 4A-4B show lateral projection views of the underwire
according to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, corresponding to the photographs of FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0029] FIGS. 5A-5B correspond to photographs in a side view of the
underwire of FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0030] FIG. 6 (which is equivalent to FIG. 8A) similarly to FIG. 5A
illustrates a side projection view of the underwire, but according
to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 7A corresponds to a 3D view of a portion of the
underwire according to the invention in the middle plane, while
FIGS. 7B-7C show a view with more details.
[0032] FIG. 8A is equivalent to FIG. 6.
[0033] FIGS. 8B and 8C show in 3 dimensions the structure of the
notches in the first preferred embodiment oft the underwire
according to the invention.
[0034] FIGS. 9A and 9B show in 3 dimensions a general view of the
underwire according to the second preferred embodiment of the
invention, on the internal face side for FIG. 9A, and on the
external face side for FIG. 9B.
[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates the main principle for positioning the
underwire according to the invention on the breast of a user.
[0036] FIG. 11 shows an overall profile of a notch of the underwire
according to the invention.
[0037] FIG. 12 shows how two successive notches along the underwire
of the invention form a tooth.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] The originality of the brassiere according to the invention
is based on a quite particular underwire, a three-dimensional
underwire. More specifically, this underwire advantageously has a
profile which is a geometrical configuration in three dimensions.
Further, more advantageously, the structure is itself
three-dimensional.
[0039] According to the invention, this underwire has an adapted
conformation for providing both good support of the breast and
sufficient flexibility for the user, i.e. both the rigidity
required for efficient mechanical support and optimum comfort of
use.
[0040] Advantageously, the underwire further has an adapted
composition which contributes to ensuring this double role.
[0041] Thus, from a conformational (therefore geometrical) point of
view, the underwire or stay 1 according to present invention
corresponds to a part with a profile (and preferably the central
axis of said profile) which has a shape (geometrical configuration)
of an arch or a circular arc such as for example a U-shape,
preferably truncated, and adapted for supporting either the right
breast, or the left breast of the user as shown in FIG. 1 and in
FIG. 2.
[0042] Alternatively, the underwire (more commonly called stay) 1
according to the present invention corresponds to a single part
with a double profile forming a double U or a double arch adapted
for supporting both the right breast and the left breast of the
user, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0043] The dimensions of the underwire will be adapted to the
various measurement standards currently used in the field of
lingerie, in particular as regards the size of the cup.
[0044] The profile 1 consists of two limbs 2, 2', preferably
non-symmetrical, joined to each other at an area 3 called a
<<junction area>>. This junction area 3 corresponds,
under conditions of use, to the area of maximum support of the
breast (of the weight of the breast) by the profile 1.
[0045] Each limb 2, 2' comprises a free distal end 4, 4' forming
one of two edges of the underwire 1, and a proximal area 5, 5',
which by joining up with the proximal end 5', 5 of the other limb
2', 2 defines the junction area 3.
[0046] A central axis (not shown) is also defined for each limb 2,
2'. This may be an axis corresponding to the succession of the
geometrical centers or centers of gravity of the successive
perpendicular sections for a same corresponding limb. In the case
of homogenous material, the centre of gravity will correspond to
the geometrical centre. It is also possible to contemplate that
this central axis be materialized for example by a mechanical
support having some flexibility.
[0047] As illustrated in these same FIGS. 4A and 4B, as well as in
FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6, the three-dimensional nature of the geometrical
configuration of the underwire according to the invention first of
all comes from the fact that both limbs 2, 2', and more
specifically the central axis of each of both limbs 2, 2' are
tilted, of the profile 1 (of the arch) are not located in the same
plane. In other words, both limbs 2, 2' of the profile 1 are tilted
by a certain angle 6 relatively to each other. This characteristic
of the underwire according to the invention contributes to optimal
adaptation of the underwire to the shape of the body of the user,
i.e. to her anatomy, including when the latter performs
movements.
[0048] Preferably, this angle 6 varies between 5 and 40.degree.,
and preferably between 15 and 35.degree., and still more preferably
between 20 and 30.degree..
[0049] Further, each of the two limbs 2, 2' taken individually is
positioned either in a single and same plane, or according to a
curved surface not corresponding to a single and same plane but
then contributing in the latter case to the three-dimensional
nature of the geometrical configuration of the profile 1, as shown
for example in FIG. 4A or in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0050] Thus, in a particular advantageous way, the limb 2 i.e. the
limb intended to be in contact, under conditions of use with the
portion 18 of the breast 19 of the user placed against the sternum
(see FIG. 10) has a conformation in space such that it is curved
towards the inside of the underwire, as illustrated in FIG. 4A. The
curved side is therefore placed towards the sternum.
[0051] By means of this conformation, the breast of the user is
better supported, as encased and held, giving a pleasant effect
upon wearing the brassiere.
[0052] Advantageously, the inner curvature of the underwire gives
the possibility of maintaining the brassiere well adhered to the
body even if the weight of the breasts tend to detach the middle of
the underwire which will be set into place by means of this
curvature.
[0053] Also, by means of this particular confirmation, the
underwire, under conditions of use, cannot deform, it only becomes
a little detached when the weight of the breast of the user is
exerted towards the front, i.e. typically when the person bends
forward. The underwire comes back into place and is again adhered
to the body as soon as the person straightens back.
[0054] The underwire or stay 1 has an internal face 7, intended,
under conditions of use, to be in contact with the thorax of the
user, and an external face 8, opposite to the internal face 7 and
therefore oriented, under conditions of use as indicated by its
name, towards the outside. Therefore it should be understood that
the external face 8 of the underwire 1, under conditions of use, is
not in contact with the thorax of the user, as illustrated in FIGS.
4B and 6.
[0055] The three-dimensional nature of the underwire according to
the invention also comes from the fact that the profile 1 has an
essentially three-dimensional structure, i.e. which has a section
of the shape of a polyhedron/polygon, and preferably a section with
a triangular shape, and still more preferably a section with a
curvilinear triangular shape. In other words, if a section of the
profile of the underwire is carried out in the middle plane, a
polyhedron and preferably a curvilinear triangle are obtained, i.e.
the profile draws a polygon or a triangle for which at least one of
the sides is curved, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C.
[0056] Preferably, this curvilinear triangle has three sides:
[0057] the first side 10 is defined by the internal face 7 of the
underwire 1 which preferably has a convex surface; [0058] the
second side 11 is defined by the plane 9 which will protrude from
the internal face 7 of the underwire 1; this is the side on which
under conditions of use, the breast of the user is supported; this
second side 11 therefore ensures a function for supporting the
breast; [0059] at least one third side 12 is defined by the
external face 8 of the underwire 1; this side 12 is curved and may
be concave or convex (see FIG. 7C).
[0060] The internal face 7 of the profile 1 is therefore preferably
convex so as to be able, under conditions of use, to fit at best
the anatomy of the user, and more specifically the shape of the
thorax on which it rests and fit at best the shape of the side(s)
on which it rests.
[0061] However, alternatively, the internal face 7 may also have a
globally planar surface rather than convex.
[0062] It is also possible to contemplate that the profile of the
underwire 1 has a section with a more complex shape than the
curvilinear triangle. One skilled in the art may easily anticipate
other shapes which may also be suitable in order that the underwire
1 may fulfill its role.
[0063] Preferably, the profile 1 according to present invention is
provided on its external face 8 with at least one notch 13 (see
FIGS. 8A-8C and 9A-9B). Nevertheless, alternatively, the underwire
according to the invention may also not have any notch.
[0064] When the profile 1 has notches 13, the density of the latter
advantageously varies along the underwire depending on the desired
degree of flexibility.
[0065] Preferably, the density of the notches 13 varies along the
underwire 1, this density being larger on the limb 2' than on the
limb 2. In other words, as shown in FIG. 10, preferably according
to the invention, the underwire 1 comprises more notches 13 on its
portion intended to be in contact, under conditions of use, with
the portion 18' of the breast 19 of the user opposite to the
sternum than on its portion intended to be in contact with the
portion 18 of the breast of the user in proximity to the
sternum.
[0066] Thus, the underwire 1 once set into place in a brassiere
may, under conditions of use, adapt at any instant at best to the
shape of the thorax of the user, and more specifically of her rib
cage, while ensuring maximum support of the breast, thereby
increasing the comfort of the user, including when the latter is
moving, and this regardless of the nature of these movements.
[0067] Preferably, the density of the notches is such that the
number of notches varies between 5 and 15, and still more
preferably between 8 and 11, on the limb 2, while the number of
notches varies between 15 and 30, and still more preferably between
17 and 28, on the limb 2'.
[0068] Also, the dimensions of the notches 13 may advantageously
vary depending on the desired degree of flexibility. Thus,
preferably, the depth of the notch (dimension in the plane 9) will
be maximum at locations where it is desired that the underwire has
maximum flexibility, i.e. on the portion intended to be in contact
with the outside of the breast of the user.
[0069] Thus, advantageously, the depth of the notches (dimension in
the plane 9) varies between 0 and 50 mm, and preferably between 0.1
and 20 mm.
[0070] The depth of the notches 13 may also be constant along the
underwire in certain embodiments.
[0071] Advantageously, two successive notches 13, 13' form together
a tooth 16 for which the width 17 (dimension along the curvature of
the underwire) may preferably vary between 2 and 30 mm, preferably
from 2 to 10 mm (see FIGS. 6 and 12).
[0072] The shape of the notches 13 may also vary. Advantageously,
the edges 14, 14' of the notches 13 are rounded so as to avoid
catching the fabric once it is set into place in the brassiere, as
shown in FIG. 11.
[0073] As shown by FIGS. 2, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6, 9A-9B, and as already
mentioned above, preferably, both limbs 2, 2' of the underwire
according to the invention are not symmetrical.
[0074] In order to be able to be integrated at best into the
brassiere, the underwire may advantageously be sewn on the piece of
fabric forming the brassiere by means of one or several apertures
15, 15' located on its edges as shown for example in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the brassiere is set into
place, the underwire or stay is positioned under the breast, and
the brassiere may either be closed on the back or on the front,
this for example by means of a fastening hook positioned on a
supporting band surrounding the body, this band being essentially
positioned perpendicularly with respect to the torso and allowing
the brassiere to be maintained in place.
[0076] As regards its composition, preferably, the underwire or
stay according to present invention consists of one or several
polymeric materials having a flexure modulus of more than 350 MPa,
preferably comprised between 500 and 3,000 MPa, and more preferably
between 800 and 2,000 MPa.
[0077] Preferably, the polymeric material is selected from the
group of polyethylenes (PE), polyvinyl chloride)s (PVC),
polyethylene terephthalate) (PET), polypropylenes (PP),
polystyrenes (PS), and polyamides (PA).
[0078] Preferably, the polymeric material comprises polypropylene
(PP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE).
[0079] From among polypropylenes, random copolymers having a low
ethylene content are preferred, indeed they have a flexion modulus
comprised between 900 and 1,200 MPa, which represents a good
compromise between the rigidity required for efficient mechanical
support and optimum comfort of use. They further have a reduced
glassy transition temperature of less than 0.degree. C., which
gives the possibility of avoiding their becoming fragile for
example during transport in cold regions. Finally, these random
polymers have improved transparency, which allows greater freedom
in colors and in appearance selections for the brassiere
designer.
[0080] High density polyethylenes (having a density of more than
0.93 g/cm.sup.3) have similar properties, nevertheless with a lower
melting point (+/-130.degree. C.) and a glassy transition below
-50.degree. C. As this is a material having a high crystallinity
level, it is also less transparent than polypropylene.
[0081] Both by its conformation and its particular composition, the
underwire according to the invention allows optimum distribution of
the weight of the breast, notably for large breasts, thereby
avoiding any forward movement of the weight of the breast, and
therefore any sensation of discomfort for its user. The underwire
according to the invention avoids after a few movements of the
torso, that the breast slips forward and collapses, and that the
base of the brassiere does not detach from the body, as this is
known with conventional metal underwires, thereby ensuring constant
aesthetics in spite of the movements.
* * * * *