U.S. patent application number 16/040800 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-15 for garment having cup parts.
This patent application is currently assigned to WACOAL CORP.. The applicant listed for this patent is WACOAL CORP.. Invention is credited to Satoko ADACHI, Akemi YAMAMOTO.
Application Number | 20180325186 16/040800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59397615 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180325186 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YAMAMOTO; Akemi ; et
al. |
November 15, 2018 |
GARMENT HAVING CUP PARTS
Abstract
A brassiere (1) includes: a pair of cup parts (20); a front part
(2) that covers front sides of the pair of cup parts (20); a
band-shaped part (4) that is connected to the front part (2), is to
be disposed circumferentially under the breasts of a wearer, and is
formed of a member that exerts a tightening force; and link parts
(21 to 24) formed of at least four stretchy tape-shaped members for
each of the cup parts (20). Widthwise sides of the respective
tape-shaped members are connected to an upper side portion, an
upper inner portion, a lower side portion, and a lower inner
portion of the cup part (20), and a side of each of the tape-shaped
members opposite to the side connected to the cup part (20) is
connected to either the front part (2) or the band-shaped part (4).
A center area of lengthwise sides of each of the tape-shaped
members is separable from the front part (2).
Inventors: |
YAMAMOTO; Akemi; (Kyoto-shi,
JP) ; ADACHI; Satoko; (Kyoto-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WACOAL CORP. |
Kyoto-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
WACOAL CORP.
Kyoto-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
59397615 |
Appl. No.: |
16/040800 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2016/052276 |
Jan 27, 2016 |
|
|
|
16040800 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/0057 20130101;
A41C 3/12 20130101; A41D 2400/38 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/12 20060101
A41C003/12; A41C 3/00 20060101 A41C003/00 |
Claims
1. A garment having cup parts that cover breasts, the garment
comprising: a pair of cup parts; a front part that covers front
sides of the pair of cup parts; a band-shaped part that is
connected to the front part, is to be disposed circumferentially
under the breasts of a wearer, and is formed of a member that
exerts a tightening force; and link parts formed of at least four
stretchy tape-shaped members for each of the cup parts, in which
widthwise sides of the respective tape-shaped members are connected
to an upper side portion, an upper inner portion, a lower side
portion, and a lower inner portion of the cup part, a side of each
of the tape-shaped members opposite to the side connected to the
cup part is connected to either the front part or the band-shaped
part, and a center area of lengthwise sides of each of the
tape-shaped members is separable from the front part.
2. The garment having cup parts according to claim 1, wherein the
link part is stretchier lengthwise than widthwise.
3. The garment having cup parts according to claim 1, further
comprising: an upper skin-side part that is disposed closer to a
skin side than the link parts, is connected to upper peripheries of
the cup parts, is connected to the front part at a position
corresponding to an upper portion of the breasts, and is formed of
a member that stretches and contracts vertically; and a base
skin-side part that is disposed closer to the skin side than the
link parts, is connected to lower peripheries of the cup parts, is
connected to the base-shaped part and the front part at positions
corresponding to side portions of the respective breasts, and is
formed of a member that stretches and contracts laterally.
4. The garment having cup parts according to claim 1, wherein a
first link part connected to the upper side portion of the cup part
is connected to the front part at a position corresponding to an
upper side portion of a corresponding one of the breasts, a second
link part connected to the upper inner portion of the cup part is
connected to the front part at a position corresponding to an upper
inner portion of the breast, a third link part connected to the
lower side portion of the cup part is connected to the band-shaped
part at a position corresponding to a lower side portion of the
breast, and a fourth link part connected to the lower inner portion
of the cup part is connected to the band-shaped part at a position
corresponding to a lower inner portion of the breast.
5. The garment having cup parts according to claim 4, wherein the
second link part has a tensile force weaker than any one of the
first, third, and fourth link parts.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a garment having cup parts
covering breasts.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Brassieres effective in aesthetical shaping of the breasts
are widespread in general. To provide good shaping, various kinds
of brassieres are widespread such as a wired brassiere with a wire
to support the breasts, a 3/4-cup brassiere, and a half-cup
brassiere.
[0003] Also widespread are sports brassieres that adapt to the
movement of a wearer and are suitable to be worn by a wearer
playing sports. Sports brassieres not only offer mobility, but also
keep the breasts from bouncing. Thus, many sports brassieres are
structured to hold the breasts down (see, for example, Patent
Document 1).
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication
No. 2006-104613
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, general sports brassieres are highly functional in
keeping the breasts from bouncing, but often provide poor shaping
due to the configuration to hold the breasts down. On the other
hand, regular brassieres provide good shaping, but often fail to
keep the breasts from bouncing.
[0006] Thus, development of a brassiere capable of providing good
shaping and keeping the breasts from bouncing is anticipated.
[0007] The present invention therefore has an objective to provide
a garment having cup parts capable of providing good shaping and
keeping the breasts from bouncing.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0008] To solve the above problem, a garment having cup parts
according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a pair
of cup parts that cover breasts; a front part that covers front
sides of the pair of cup parts; a band-shaped part that is
connected to the front part, is to be disposed circumferentially
under the breasts of a wearer, and is formed of a member that
exerts a tightening force; and link parts. The link parts are
formed of at least four stretchy tape-shaped members for each of
the cup parts. Widthwise sides of the respective tape-shaped
members are connected to an upper side portion, an upper inner
portion, a lower side portion, and a lower inner portion of the cup
part, and a side of each of the tape-shaped members opposite to the
side connected to the cup part is connected to either the front
part or the band-shaped part. A center area of lengthwise sides of
each of the tape-shaped members is separable from the front
part.
Effect of the Invention
[0009] The present invention can provide a garment having cup parts
capable of providing good shaping and keeping the bust from
bouncing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a brassiere according to an
embodiment of the present invention on a wearer.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the brassiere according
to the embodiment of the present invention on a wearer.
[0012] FIGS. 3a-3b are a perspective view of the brassiere
according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3(a)
being a diagram from which a front part is cut off and FIG. 3(b)
being a diagram of the cut-off front part.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the inside of the brassiere
according to the embodiment of the present invention from the skin
side, the diagram missing an upper skin-side part and a base
skin-side part partially.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the brassiere according to the
embodiment of the present invention.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0015] Next, an embodiment of the present invention is described
with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same
or like elements are denoted by the same or like reference
numerals.
[0016] In the embodiment of the present invention, the stretch and
recovery properties are measured by attaching a test piece to a
constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile testing machine, repeating
stretch and recovery a plurality of times at a speed of
approximately 300 mm per minute, and calculating the average of
stretch forces (cN) exerted when the test piece is stretched a
predetermined percent in a predetermined direction and recovery
forces (cN) exerted when the test piece is recovered the
predetermined percent. An elongation percentage is measured by
attaching a test piece to a constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile
testing machine and applying a predetermined load to the test piece
in a predetermined direction. Here, the test piece is 160
mm.times.25 mm if the test piece is a sheet-shaped member, and is
160 mm.times.the full width if the test piece is a tape-shaped
member. The test piece is attached to the
constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile testing machine with an
upper grip of 25 mm, a lower grip of 35 mm, and a grip interval of
100 mm.
EMBODIMENT
[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, a brassiere 1 is
described as an example of a garment having cup parts covering the
breasts. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the brassiere 1 includes
a front part 2, a back covering part 3, and a band-shaped part
4.
[0018] The front part 2 covers the front side of the wearer. The
front part 2 is formed by a stretchy member covering the front
sides of a pair of cup parts 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 3a-3b.
Provided symmetrically at the skin side of the front part 2 are, in
addition to the pair of cup parts 20, link parts 21 to 24, an upper
skin-side part 26, and a base skin-side part 27.
[0019] The back covering part 3 covers the back side of the wearer
and is connected to the front part 2 near the shoulder lines. So as
not to cover the shoulder blade areas, the back covering part 3 is
divided into two parts near the shoulders, the two parts being
integrated at the height position of the shoulder blade areas,
extending through the center of the back, and then below the height
position of the shoulder blade areas, branching away from each
other to the left and right sides. The back covering part 3 may be
formed of, for example, a mesh material to allow ventilation.
[0020] The band-shaped part 4 is to be disposed circumferentially
under the breasts of the wearer, and is formed by a member that
exerts a tightening force. The band-shaped part 4 is connected to
both the lower edge of the front part 2 and the lower edge of the
back covering part 3. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the front part 2
and the back covering part 3 may be connected to the band-shaped
part 4 while overlapping each other near the center of each of the
left and right sides. Further, the front part 2 and the back
covering part 3 are preferably not fixed to each other near the
center of each of the sides so as not to hinder the movement of the
wearer.
[0021] The band-shaped part 4 is, for example, a broad rubber band
which is approximately two to four centimeters wide. Since the
band-shaped part 4 is formed of a powerful member, the band-shaped
part 4 stably stays in place on the torso of the wearer without
being disarrayed or displaced by the movement of the wearer. Due to
its tightening force, the band-shaped part 4 enables the front part
2 and the back covering part 3 to stay at their predetermined
positions. The skin side of the band-shaped part 4 may have a
non-slip treatment such as bumps formed by embroidery.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the embodiment of the present
invention, a set of two male hooks 41 are provided at an end of the
band-shaped part 4, and four sets of two female hooks 42 are
provided at the other end of the band-shaped part 4 to mate with
the set of two male hooks 41. The wearer locks the male hooks 41 in
an appropriate set of female hooks 42 out of the four sets of the
female hooks to gain tightness suited for her physique. The
band-shaped part 4 thus formed to be detachable allows the wearer
to readily put on and take off the brassiere.
Front Part
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the front part 2 includes a cup
covering portion 2a, base covering portions 2b, side covering
portions 2c, and shoulder contacting portions 2d.
[0024] The cup covering portion 2a is disposed on the breasts area
of the front part 2. The cup covering portion 2a covers the pair of
cup parts 20 without exposing the shapes of the pair of cup parts
20 disposed on the skin side, and smoothly fits along the shapes of
the breasts. The lower edge of the cup covering portion 2a is
connected to the band-shaped part 4.
[0025] The cup covering portion 2a is formed of a material such as,
for example, tricot. The cup covering portion 2a is preferably a
laterally stretchable material so that it can fit the body of the
wearer widthwise. It is also preferable that the cup covering
portion 2a is a material that can blend with the shape of the
breasts of the wearer.
[0026] The base covering portions 2b are disposed at positions on
the front part 2 corresponding to lower side portions of the
respective breasts. The base covering portions 2b are each
substantially triangular, and are connected to the cup covering
portion 2a at positions corresponding to the lower side portions of
the respective breasts. The lower edges of the base covering
portions 2b are connected to the band-shaped part 4. Since the cup
covering portion 2a and the base covering portions 2b are separate
parts from each other, the front part 2 can be three-dimensionally
shaped to provide the roundness of the breasts.
[0027] The base covering portions 2b are formed of, for example, a
material such as tricot. The base covering portions 2b are
preferably a laterally stretchable material so that it can fit the
body of the wearer widthwise.
[0028] The side covering portions 2c are disposed starting from
positions corresponding to upper side portions of the respective
breasts, extending along the cup covering portion 2a and the
corresponding base covering portions 2b at the arm sides, and
terminating at the left and right side lines, respectively. The
upper edges of the side covering portions 2c are connected to the
respective shoulder contacting portions 2d. The inner edges of the
side covering portions 2c (closer to the midline of the wearer) are
connected to the cup covering portion 2a and the corresponding base
covering portions 2b. Their lower edges are connected to the
band-shaped part 4. When the brassiere 1 is worn, the pulling
forces from the shoulder lines and the tightening force from the
band-shaped part 4 vertically stretch the side covering portions 2c
and hold the side breast fat down, aesthetically correcting the
lines around the side breast fat.
[0029] For example, the side covering portions 2c are formed of a
material such as tricot. The side covering portions 2c are
preferably a material that exerts a force of recovery when
stretched and exerts a tightening force so as to facilitate pushing
of the side breast fat of the wearer.
[0030] The shoulder contacting portions 2d are disposed across the
respective shoulder lines. The shoulder contacting portions 2d are
connected to the respective side covering portions 2c at the front
of the wearer and are connected to the back covering part 3 at the
back of the wearer.
[0031] The shoulder contacting portions 2d are, for example, formed
of a material such as tricot. Since the brassiere 1 according to
the embodiment of the present invention pulls up the pair of cup
parts 20 and the side covering portions 2c at the shoulder lines,
loads are applied to the shoulder lines. Thus, the shoulder
contacting portions 2d, being formed of a soft material that
stretches smoothly, give a better touch on the skin around the
shoulders, achieving comfort of wear and mobility.
[0032] In an example described in the embodiment of the present
invention, the cup covering portion 2a and the shoulder contacting
portions 2d are integrally formed of a single member. In the
embodiment of the present invention, the single member constituting
the cup covering portion 2a and the shoulder contacting portions 2d
and a pair of members constituting the base covering portions 2b
are connected to form the shape of the front part 2. As illustrated
in FIG. 3(b) , the side covering portions 2c are superimposed on
the side portions of the member formed by connecting the pair of
members constituting the base covering portions 2b to the cup
covering portion 2a. The side covering portions 2c may
alternatively be superimposed on the back side (the skin side). In
another embodiment, the cup covering portion 2a and the shoulder
contacting portions 2d may be formed of separate members, and the
cup covering portion 2a, the base covering portions 2b, the side
covering portions 2c, and the shoulder contacting portions 2d may
be connected together to form the shape of the front part 2.
Cup Parts
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 3a-3b and 4, a description is given
of the cup parts 20 provided inside the brassiere 1 according to
the embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] The cup parts 20 are shaped as a pair of bells
three-dimensionally covering the left and right breasts to ensure
shaping and shape retention of the breasts. In the embodiment of
the present invention, the cup parts 20 do not have wires along the
barge scan lines, and instead, use a stretchy material to form the
bell shapes matching the shapes of the breasts. In the embodiment
of the present invention, the cup parts 20 are formed of a urethane
material having shaping retention properties.
[0035] The cup parts 20 according to the embodiment of the present
invention are formed by molded members made of urethane having
shape retention properties, but may be formed of
three-dimensionally shaped non-woven fabric, sponge, or the like,
and any of various members may be used. Further, the structure of
the cup parts 20 is not limited to the wire-free structure, and may
be, for example, one that supports the barge scan lines with wires.
Also, there is no limitation in the shapes of the cup parts 20.
Link Parts
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 3a-3b and 4, a description is given
of the link parts 21 to 24 connected to each of the cup parts 20
provided inside the brassiere 1 according to the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 3a-3b and 4, the link parts 21 to 24
are connected to each of the cup parts 20 according to the
embodiment of the present invention, the link parts 21 to 24 being
formed by at least four stretchy tape-shaped members. The link
parts 21 to 24 are members that are made of a powernet material or
the like that is highly stretchy, smoothly stretches in a
predetermined direction, and exerts a tightening force. The link
parts 21 to 24 can keep the breasts from bouncing by following the
bouncing of the breasts through stretching and by drawing the
breasts using the tightening properties.
[0038] In the link parts 21 to 24, one widthwise sides of the
respective tape-shaped members are connected to an upper side
portion, an upper inner portion, a lower side portion, and a lower
inner portion of the corresponding cup part 20. Their sides
opposite to the sides connected to the cup parts 20 are connected
to either the front part 2 or the band-shaped part 4. Each
tape-shaped member is so formed that a center area of the
lengthwise sides thereof is separable from the front part 2. The
link parts 21 to 24 are stretchier lengthwise than widthwise.
[0039] Areas near the two opposite widthwise sides of each of the
link parts 21 to 24 are connected to the cup part 20 and to the
front part 2 or the band-shaped part 4, and the center areas of the
two lengthwise sides are not connected to any of the members. Areas
near end portions of the lengthwise sides (areas near the two
opposite widthwise sides) may be connected to the front part 2 as
seam allowance for being connected to the front part 2 or the cup
part 20. On the other hand, the center areas of the lengthwise
sides (portions of the two lengthwise sides of each of the link
parts 21 to 24 away from the two opposite widthwise sides) are not
connected to any of the members and are formed in such a manner as
to be separable from all the members. Thus, each of the link parts
21 to 24 is not affected by any of the other members and can
stretch and contract independently of one another depending on the
distance between the two opposite widthwise sides of the link part
21 to 24. Since the link parts 21 to 24 independently stretch and
contract by following the movement of the wearer and the bouncing
of the breasts caused by the movement of the wearer, the link parts
21 to 24 are capable of absorbing the movement of the breasts,
drawing the breasts toward the center of the body, and keeping the
breasts from bouncing. Further, since the link parts 21 to 24
absorb the movement of the breasts, the cup parts 20 can stay close
to the breasts, thereby prevented from being displaced.
Furthermore, the link parts 21 to 24 exert tightening forces
independently, thereby keeping the breasts from bouncing. Moreover,
the link parts 21 to 24 are connected to the edge of each of the
cup parts 20 and hence do not hold the cup parts 20 down. Thus, the
link parts 21 to 24 can retain the shapes of the cup parts 20
without compromising the retaining of the shapes of the cup parts
20.
[0040] Hereinbelow, the link parts 21 to 24 are referred to as a
first link part 21, a second link part 22, a third link part 23,
and a fourth link part 24 and described in further detail.
[0041] The first link part 21 is connected to an upper side portion
of a corresponding one of the cup parts 20 and connected to the
front part 2 at a position corresponding to an upper side portion
of the breast. In the embodiment of the present invention, the
first link part 21 is connected to the connection between the cup
covering portion 2a and the corresponding shoulder contacting
portion 2d of the front part 2. Thus, the first link part 21
stretches and contracts by following the movement of the
corresponding cup part 20 while being supported at the connection
between the cup covering portion 2a and the shoulder contacting
portion 2d. The first link part 21 may be extended further to the
shoulder line.
[0042] The second link part 22 is connected to an upper inner
portion of the cup part 20 (near the midline of the wearer), and is
connected to the front part 2 at a position corresponding to an
upper inner portion of the breast. In the embodiment of the present
invention, the second link part 22 is connected to the upper edge
of the cup covering portion 2a of the front part 2 near the midline
(near the decolletage). The connection between the second link part
22 and the cup covering portion 2a is disposed while being
tensioned laterally by the pulling-up force exerted by the left and
right shoulder contacting portions 2d. Thus, the second link part
22 stretches and contracts by following the movement of the cup
part 20 while being supported at the connection with the cup
covering portion 2a.
[0043] The third link part 23 is connected to a lower side portion
of the cup part 20, and is connected to the band-shaped part 4 and
the front part 2 at a position corresponding to a lower side
portion of the breast. Since the band-shaped part 4 exerts a strong
tightening force and stably stays on the wearer as described above,
in the embodiment of the present invention, the third link part 23
stretches and contracts by following the movement of the cup part
20 while being supported at the connection with the band-shaped
part 4.
[0044] The fourth link part 24 is connected to a lower inner
portion of the cup part 20 (near the midline of the wearer) and is
connected to the band-shaped part 4 and the front part 2 at a
position corresponding to a lower inner portion of the breast. In
the embodiment of the present invention, the fourth link part 24
stretches and contracts by following the movement of the cup part
20 while being supported at the connection with the band-shaped
part 4, like the third link part 23.
[0045] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first link
part 21 and the second link part 22 are disposed to form
substantially the letter V together, and the third link part 23 and
the fourth link part 24 are disposed to form substantially the
upside-down letter V together. Thus, each cup part 20 receives
vertical and lateral powers from the link parts 21 to 24. The link
parts 21 to 24 stretch and contract in predetermined directions
independently, and hence absorb the movement of the cup part 20 in
any direction and keep the breast from bouncing and the cup part 20
from being displaced. The first link part 21, the second link part
22, the third link part 23, and the fourth link part 24 draw the
cup part 20 with balance by their tightening forces and keep the
cup part 20 from bouncing.
[0046] When the brassiere 1 is worn, the link parts 21 to 24
stretch to fit the wearer. A point P1 is a point at which the first
link part 21 is connected to the cup part 20 and a point P1' is a
point at which the first link part 21 is connected to the cup
covering portion 2a. The length between the point P1 and the point
P1' is shorter when the brassiere 1 is placed flat than when the
brassiere 1 is worn. Thus, the link parts 21 to 24 fit the wearer
when the brassiere 1 is worn, and when the cup parts 20 move, the
link parts 21 to 24 can stretch and contract by following the
movement of the cup parts 20 and exerting tightening forces.
[0047] The distance on each of the link parts 21 to 24 when the
brassiere 1 is placed flat is shorter than, and is for example
approximately 60% to 98% of, the distance on the front part 2
between the corresponding positions at which the link part 21 to 24
is connected. The distance on each of the link parts 21 to 24 may
be appropriately adjusted by changing the material or stretch
properties of the link parts 21 to 24.
[0048] Specifically, the length between the point P1 and the point
P1' on the first link part 21 when the brassiere 1 is placed flat
is shorter than the length between the point P1 and the point P1'
on the front part 2 when the brassiere 1 is placed flat. The same
is true for the other link parts. Thus, the cup parts 20 and the
link parts 21 to 24 can be formed to be spaced away from the front
part 2. Further, the link parts 21 to 24 are more stretchable and
contractible than the front part 2, and therefore can stretch and
contract independently of the stretch and contraction of the front
part 2 and follow the movement of the breasts sensibly.
[0049] The second link part 22 preferably has a tensile force
weaker than any of the first link part 21, the third link part 23,
and the fourth link part 24. The first link part 21, the third link
part 23, and the fourth link part 24 can withstand strong tensile
forces because they are connected to and supported at the stable,
strong hard-to-move positions, such as the shoulder lines or the
band-shaped part 4. On the other hand, the second link part 22 is
connected to an upper inner end portion of the cup covering portion
2a, and this connection is tensioned laterally by the pulling-up
forces exerted by the left and right shoulder contacting portions
2d. Thus, the second link part 22 is easily movable and less stable
than the other link parts. For this reason, the second link part 22
is formed to exert a weak tensile force so as to avoid the
connection between the second link part 22 and the cup covering
portion 2a being pulled by the second link part 22, resulting in
poor fit to the wearer.
[0050] Specifically, the distance on each of the first link part
21, the third link part 23, and the fourth link part 24 when the
brassiere 1 is placed flat is, for example, approximately 60% to
95% of the distance on the front part 2 between the corresponding
positions at which the link part is connected. On the other hand,
the distance on the second link part 22 when the brassiere 1 is
placed flat is, for example, approximately 80% to 98% of the
distance on the front part 2 between the corresponding positions at
which the second link part 22 is connected.
[0051] The link parts 21 to 24 are preferably made of a material
whose stretch and recovery properties in the length direction are,
for example, approximately 100 cN to 180 cN. The stretch and
recovery properties are measured by repeating stretch and recovery
of a test piece attached to a constant-rate-of-extension-type
tensile testing machine, and calculating the average of stretch
forces (cN) exerted when the test piece is stretched 30% and
recovery forces (cN) exerted when the test piece is recovered
30%.
[0052] For example, the link parts 21 to 24 are preferably made of
a material whose elongation percentage in the length direction is
approximately 100% to 160%. The elongation percentage is measured
by applying, in the length direction, a load of 14.7 N to a test
piece attached to a constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile testing
machine.
[0053] In the embodiment of the present invention, the link parts
21 to 24 exert desired stretch forces by use of the same members
with the lengths thereof adjusted. However, the present invention
is not limited to the above case. The link parts 21 to 24 may use
members with different stretch forces. For example, the member used
for the second link part 22 may have lower stretch and recovery
properties than the other members.
Upper Skin-Side Part and Base Skin-Side Part
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the upper skin-side part 26 and
the base skin-side part 27 are disposed on the skin side of the
brassiere 1.
[0055] The upper skin-side part 26 is disposed closer to the skin
side than the link parts 21 to 24. The upper skin-side part 26 is
connected to the upper peripheries of the cup parts 20, and is also
connected to the front part 2 at a position corresponding to an
upper portion of the breasts. The upper skin-side part 26 is formed
of a sheet member that stretches and contracts vertically.
[0056] In the embodiment of the present invention, the upper
skin-side part 26 is connected over a span of the upper edges of
the cup parts 20, and is also connected to the front part 2 above
the breasts area, more specifically to the upper edge of the side
covering portions 2c. The upper skin-side part 26 is disposed so as
to stretch more vertically than laterally. Thus, the upper
skin-side part 26 lifts up the cup parts 20 smoothly by the pulling
force from the shoulder lines, allowing following of the vertical
movement of the cup parts 20. Since the upper skin-side part 26 is
formed to receive power in directions different from the link parts
21 to 24, the upper skin-side part 26 enables the cup parts 20 to
be lifted up without hindering the actions of the link parts 21 to
24.
[0057] Note that the upper skin-side part 26 may be extended beyond
the connections between the cup covering portion 2a and the
shoulder contacting portions 2d to the connection between the back
covering part 3 and the shoulder contacting portions 2d.
[0058] The base skin-side part 27 is disposed closer to the skin
side than the link parts 21 to 24. The base skin-side part 27 is
connected to the lower peripheries of the cup parts 20, and is also
connected to the front part 2 at positions corresponding to side
portions of the breasts and to the band-shaped part 4. The base
skin-side part 27 is formed of a sheet member that stretches and
contracts laterally.
[0059] In the embodiment of the present invention, the base
skin-side part 27 is connected over a span of the lower edges of
the cup parts 20 and is also connected to the side edges of the
side covering portions 2c of the front part 2 and to the upper edge
of the band-shaped part 4. The base skin-side part 27 is disposed
to stretch more laterally than vertically. Thus, the base skin-side
part 27 stretches circumferentially (laterally) by the
circumferential tightening force exerted by the band-shaped part 4,
allowing the cup parts 20 to fit the wearer. Since the base
skin-side part 27 is formed to receive power in directions
different from the link parts 21 to 24, the base skin-side part 27
enables the cup parts 20 to fit the wearer without hindering the
actions of the link parts 21 to 24.
[0060] The upper skin-side part 26 is preferably formed of a
material that exerts power enough to pull up the cup parts 20. The
base skin-side part 27 is preferably formed of a material that
exerts power enough to fit the cup parts 20 to the wearer.
Moreover, since the upper skin-side part 26 and the base skin-side
part 27 come into direct contact with the skin, their materials are
preferably pleasant to touch. Further, considering that the
brassiere 1 is used during exercise, the upper skin-side part 26
and the base skin-side part 27 preferably have functions such as
sweat absorbance and quick-drying.
[0061] When these functions cannot be achieved by a single
material, each of the upper skin-side part 26 and the base
skin-side part 27 may be formed of a plurality of materials.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the upper skin-side part 26
includes an upper skin-side contact portion 26a that comes into
contact with the skin and an upper reinforcement portion 26b
disposed closer to the front part 2 than the upper skin-side
contact portion 26a. Similarly, the base skin-side part 27 includes
a base skin-side contact portion 27a that comes into contact with
the skin and a base reinforcement portion 27b disposed closer to
the front part 2 than the base skin-side contact portion 27a.
[0062] The upper skin-side contact portion 26a and the base
skin-side contact portion 27a that come into direct contact with
the skin achieve functions such as a pleasant touch on the skin,
sweat absorption, and quick-drying.
[0063] The upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base
reinforcement portion 27b are formed of a powerful material such
as, for example, a powernet material. The upper reinforcement
portion 26b exerts power to pull up the cup parts 20, and the base
reinforcement portion 27b exerts power to make the cup parts 20 fit
the wearer.
[0064] The upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base
reinforcement portion 27b are preferably made of a material whose
stretch and recovery properties in a predetermined direction are,
for example, approximately 100 cN to 180 cN. The stretch and
recovery properties are measured by repeating stretch and recovery
of a test piece attached to a constant-rate-of-extension-type
tensile testing machine a plurality of times, and calculating the
average of stretch forces (cN) exerted when the test piece is
stretched 30% and recovery forces (cN) exerted when the test piece
is recovered 30%.
[0065] Further, the upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base
reinforcement portion 27b are preferably made of a material whose
elongation percentage in a predetermined direction is approximately
100% to 160%. The elongation percentage is measured by applying, in
a predetermined direction, a load of 14.7 N to a test piece
attached to a constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile testing
machine.
[0066] The "predetermined direction" in the above stretch and
recovery properties and elongation percentage is the direction in
which upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base reinforcement
portion 27b stretches well. Specifically, the stretch and recovery
properties and elongation percentage of the upper reinforcement
portion 26b are values regarding the vertical direction, and the
stretch and recovery properties and elongation percentage of the
base reinforcement portion 27b are values regarding the lateral
direction.
[0067] Note that it is preferable that the upper skin-side contact
portion 26a and the base skin-side contact portion 27a are members
having lower elongation percentages and higher stretch and recovery
properties than the upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base
reinforcement portion 27b so as not to hinder the powers of the
upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base reinforcement portion
27b.
[0068] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a description is given of a
section taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, the left
hand corresponds to the skin side of the brassiere 1 (the wearer's
side) , and the right hand corresponds to the front side of the
brassiere 1.
[0069] On the front side of the brassiere 1, the front part 2 (the
shoulder contacting portion 2d, the side covering portion 2c, and
the cup covering portion 2a) is connected to the band-shaped part
4. The side covering portions 2c is disposed at the front side of
the shoulder contacting portion 2d and the cup covering portion 2a
that are integrally formed. The cup part 20 is provided at the skin
side of the cup covering portion 2a.
[0070] The upper skin-side part 26 formed of a sheet member is
disposed over the entire upper edge of the cup part 20, and the
upper edge of the cup part 20 is thus connected to the front part 2
via the upper skin-side part 26. The base skin-side part 27 formed
of a sheet member is disposed over the entire lower edge of the cup
part 20, and the lower edge of the cup part 20 is thus connected to
the band-shaped part 4 via the base skin-side part 27. The upper
skin-side part 26 and the base skin-side part 27 are formed so that
the cup part 20 may stably stay on the wearer wearing the brassiere
1. Specifically, the upper skin-side part 26 and the base skin-side
part 27 exert tightening powers. The upper skin-side part 26
stretches and contracts well vertically, whereas the base skin-side
part 27 stretches and contracts well laterally. Thus, when the
brassiere 1 is worn, the upper skin-side part 26 pulls the cup part
20 up while being supported at the shoulder lines, and at the same
time, draws the cup part 20 toward the center of the wearer to make
the cup part 20 stay along the breast. When the brassiere 1 is
worn, the base skin-side part 27 stretches laterally by the
tightening power of the band-shaped part 4 and fits the body of the
wearer, allowing the lower edge of the cup part 20 to stay stably
along the barge scan line of the breast.
[0071] Further, a portion of the upper edge of the cup part 20 is
connected to the front part 2 via the first link part 21 formed of
a tape-shaped member, and a portion of the lower edge of the cup
part 20 is connected to the band-shaped part 4 via the fourth link
part 24 formed of a tape-shaped member. Further, the first link
part 21 and the fourth link part 24 are formed of members that
stretch and contract well vertically in FIG. 5. Thus, even if the
cup part 20 stably placed on the wearer by the base skin-side part
27 and the upper skin-side part 26 bounces by following the
movement of the wearer, the bouncing of the cup part 20 is absorbed
by the high stretch and contraction properties of the first link
part 21 and the fourth link part 24, and displacement of the cup
part 20 can be prevented.
[0072] As described above, the brassiere 1 according to the
embodiment of the present invention can provide good shaping and
keep the breasts from bouncing.
Other Embodiments
[0073] As described above, the details of the present invention
have been disclosed by using the embodiment and modifications of
the present invention. However, it should not be understood that
the description and drawings which constitute part of this
disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure,
various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques
will be easily found by those skilled in the art.
[0074] For example, although a brassiere is described as the
garment having cup parts in the embodiment of the present
invention, the present invention may be any other underwear such as
a camisole having cup parts.
[0075] The present invention naturally includes various embodiments
and the like that are not described herein. Accordingly, the
technical scope of the present invention should be determined only
by the matters to define the invention in the scope of claims
regarded as appropriate based on the description.
EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0076] 1 brassiere
[0077] 2 front part
[0078] 2a cup covering portion
[0079] 2b base covering portion
[0080] 2c side covering portion
[0081] 2d shoulder contacting portion
[0082] 3 back covering part
[0083] 4 band-shaped part
[0084] 20 cup part
[0085] 21 first link part
[0086] 22 second link part
[0087] 23 third link part
[0088] 24 fourth link part
[0089] 26 upper skin-side part
[0090] 26a upper skin-side contact portion
[0091] 26b upper reinforcement portion
[0092] 27 base skin-side part
[0093] 27a base skin-side contact portion
[0094] 27b base reinforcement portion
[0095] 41 male hook
[0096] 42 female hook
* * * * *