U.S. patent application number 17/722341 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-04 for sustainable bra garment and improved bio-based pad portions.
This patent application is currently assigned to Gelmart Industries, Inc. The applicant listed for this patent is Gelmart Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Eve Bastug, Yoseph Nasser.
Application Number | 20220240597 17/722341 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006269404 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220240597 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bastug; Eve ; et
al. |
August 4, 2022 |
SUSTAINABLE BRA GARMENT AND IMPROVED BIO-BASED PAD PORTIONS
Abstract
A sustainable bra garment that includes first and second cup
portions that are formed of one or more recycled flexible materials
and first and second side wing panels that extend from the first
and second cup portions, respectively, and having first and second
cushioning support pads formed of a bio-based foam material that is
biodegradable and/or recyclable. First and second cushioning
support pads are configured to be coupled with the first and second
cup portions, respectively. Each of the pads is formed of an
eco-friendly sustainable material, such as a sugar cane-based
polymer foam material, that has hardness and density values that
provide both cushioning and support to breasts of a wearer of the
sustainable bra garment. The cushioning support pads may be used
with a bra garment or with other garments such as swimwear and
other apparel where bra support pads can be incorporated.
Inventors: |
Bastug; Eve; (North Haledon,
NJ) ; Nasser; Yoseph; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gelmart Industries, Inc. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Gelmart Industries, Inc
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
1000006269404 |
Appl. No.: |
17/722341 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
17329790 |
May 25, 2021 |
11330849 |
|
|
17722341 |
|
|
|
|
17009133 |
Sep 1, 2020 |
|
|
|
17329790 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/144 20130101;
A41C 3/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41C 3/14 20060101
A41C003/14; A41C 3/10 20060101 A41C003/10 |
Claims
1. A sustainable bra garment, comprising: first and second cup
portions that are formed of one or more recycled flexible
materials; first and second side wing panels extending from the
first and second cup portions, respectively, the first and second
side wing panels being formed of one or more recycled flexible
materials; and first and second cushioning support pads configured
to be coupled with the first and second cup portions, respectively,
each of said pads having front and back surfaces, the front surface
of each pad having a generally convex shape and the back surface of
each pad having a generally concave shape; each of said pads being
formed of a bio-based polymeric foam material that has hardness and
density values that provide both cushioning and support to breasts
of a wearer of the sustainable bra garment; said bio-based
polymeric foam material comprising at least about 60-90% sugar
cane-based polymer; said sugar cane-based polymer combined with at
least; a peroxide-based initiator, and a foaming agent; said sugar
cane-based polymer, peroxide-based initiator and foaming agent
mixture formed into a substantially flat sheet by methods
comprising; the addition of heat to about 125.degree. C. to form a
liquid melt mixture; and compressing said liquid melt mixture in a
pass through pressing belt to form a substantially flat sheet;
expanding the volume of said substantially flat sheet by a two-step
heating method comprising, heating said substantially flat sheet to
about 130.degree. C. for about 25 minutes to obtain an expansion of
about 90% of said substantially flat sheet, and re-heating said
substantially flat sheet to about 175.degree. C. for about 45
minutes to achieve a second expansion of about 200%; whereby a
substantially flat bio-based polymer foam sheet is formed, said
bio-based polymer foam sheet being shaped into pad portions by a
molding method comprising; heating said bio-based polymer foam
sheet within a mold to about 160.degree. C. for about 2 minutes,
and cooling said bio-based polymer foam sheet within said mold to
about 10.degree. C. for about 2 minutes; each said pad portion
formed within said mold into a shape having an inner surface
substantially concave in shape and an outer surface substantially
convex in shape; said bio-based polymeric foam material having, an
Asker C hardness value of about 15 to about 25.
2. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, wherein the sustainable
material is a biobased material that is non-toxic to the wearer and
is devoid of any petroleum-based foam material.
3. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, wherein each pad is
devoid of a lamination or glue layer on at least the back surface
thereof.
4. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, wherein the one or more
recycled materials of the first and second cup portions and the
first and second side wing panels are formed of one or more
recycled fabrics.
5. The sustainable bra garment of claim 4, wherein the first and
second cup portions and the first and second side wing panels are
formed of the same recycled fabric.
6. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, further comprising
elastic shoulder straps attached between the first cup portion and
the first side wing panel and between the second cup portion and
the second side wing panel, respectively, and the elastic shoulder
straps are formed of recycled materials.
7. The sustainable bra garment of claim 6, wherein each of the
shoulder straps include an adjustable element for adjusting the
length of the shoulder straps, the adjustable element being formed
of a sustainable material that has a hardness value that is greater
than the hardness value of the sustainable material of the
pads.
8. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, wherein each of the
first and second cup portions has an underwire channel.
9. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, further comprising a
bridge panel that joins the first and second cup portions, the
bridge panel is formed of a recycled material.
10. The sustainable bra garment of claim 1, wherein the free ends
of the first and second side wings panels include corresponding
clasp elements for clasping the free ends together.
11. A sustainable cushioning support pad for use in a bra garment
or other garment, comprising: a pad portion formed of one or more
bio-based polymeric foam materials, comprising at least about
60-90% sugar cane-based polymer; said sugar cane-based polymer
combined with at least; a peroxide-based initiator, and a foaming
agent; said sugar cane-based polymer, peroxide-based initiator and
foaming agent mixture formed into a substantially flat sheet by
methods comprising; the addition of heat to about 125.degree. C. to
form a liquid melt mixture; and compressing said liquid melt
mixture in a pass through pressing belt to form a substantially
flat sheet; expanding the volume of said substantially flat sheet
by a two-step heating method comprising, heating said substantially
flat sheet to about 130.degree. C. for about 25 minutes to obtain
an expansion of about 90% of said substantially flat sheet, and
re-heating said substantially flat sheet to about 175.degree. C.
for about 45 minutes to achieve a second expansion of about 200%;
whereby a substantially flat bio-based polymer foam sheet is
formed, said bio-based polymer foam sheet being shaped into pad
portions by a molding method comprising; heating said bio-based
polymer foam sheet within a mold to about 160.degree. C. for about
2 minutes, and cooling said bio-based polymer foam sheet within
said mold to about 10.degree. C. for about 2 minutes; said pad
portion formed within said mold into a shape having an inner
surface substantially concave in shape and an outer surface
substantially convex in shape; said pad portion having an Asker C
hardness value of about 15 to about 25.
12. A method for making cushioning support pads for use in a
sustainable bra garment or other garment, comprising: pad portions
formed of one or more bio-based polymeric foam materials,
comprising at least about 60-90% sugar cane-based polymer; said
sugar cane-based polymer combined with at least; a peroxide-based
initiator, and a foaming agent; said sugar cane-based polymer,
peroxide-based initiator and foaming agent mixture formed into a
substantially flat sheet by methods comprising; the addition of
heat to about 125.degree. C. to form a liquid melt mixture; and
compressing said liquid melt mixture in a pass through pressing
belt to form a substantially flat sheet; expanding the volume of
said substantially flat sheet by a two-step heating method
comprising, heating said substantially flat sheet to about
130.degree. C. for about 25 minutes to obtain an expansion of about
90% of said substantially flat sheet, and re-heating said
substantially flat sheet to about 175.degree. C. for about 45
minutes to achieve a second expansion of about 200%; whereby a
substantially flat bio-based polymer foam sheet is formed, said
bio-based polymer foam sheet being shaped into pad portions by a
molding method comprising; heating said bio-based polymer foam
sheet within a mold to about 160.degree. C. for about 2 minutes,
and cooling said bio-based polymer foam sheet within said mold to
about 10.degree. C. for about 2 minutes; each said pad portion
formed within said mold into a shape having an inner surface
substantially concave in shape and an outer surface substantially
convex in shape; each said pad portion having an Asker C hardness
value of about 15 to about 25.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 17/329,790, filed on May 25, 2021, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/009,133 filed
on Sep. 1, 2020. This disclosure relates generally to a bra garment
and more particularly to bra garment formed of sustainable
materials, including improved bra pad portions formed of bio-based
polymeric foam materials, that as contrasted with petroleum-based
foam pad materials, are recyclable, biodegradable and/or
environmentally sustainable.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bras are commonly worn by women to provide support for their
breasts and for enhanced shape and appearance. Other garments have
built-in bras and can provide the same function. Proper support for
the wearer is important for bras and thus dictates the type of
materials that can be used, particularly for the pads of the bra
used for shaping and support as desired, which are typically formed
of petroleum-based polymeric foams that are not recyclable or
biodegradable. As such, foam pads are usually attached to the bra
using a glue. The foam material and glue, however, can be toxic to
the wearer and is not recyclable or environmentally friendly. There
is therefore a need for improved environmentally friendly bra
garments, particularly bra garments having foam pad portions formed
of recyclable and biodegradable materials to make bra products more
environmentally friendly and sustainable. The improved recyclable
and biodegradable support pads of the present invention may be used
with a bra garment or with other garments such as swimwear and
other apparel where bra support pads can be incorporated.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present disclosure may provide a sustainable bra garment
that comprises first and second cup portions that include bra pad
portions formed of one or more bio-based polymeric foam materials
and first and second side wing panels that are formed of recycled
flexible materials and extend from the first and second cup
portions, respectively. First and second cushioning support pads
are configured to be coupled with the first and second cup
portions, respectively. Each of the bra pad portions has front and
back surfaces wherein the front surface of each pad that has a
generally convex shape and the back surface of each pad that has a
generally concave shape. Each of the pads is formed of a
sustainable material that has hardness and density values that
provide both cushioning and support to breasts of a wearer of the
sustainable bra garment. The pads formed of a sustainable material
may also be used within other types of garments and apparel, such
as sports bras, swimwear, camisoles, bustiers and other apparel
where bra support pads can be incorporated.
[0004] In certain embodiments, the sustainable material is a
bio-based material, such as a sugar cane-based polymeric foam
material (known in the art as a "green-EVA" material) that is
non-toxic to the wearer. The sustainable material is formed with
biodegradable materials and with an environment-friendly process;
each pad can also be devoid of a lamination or glue layer on at
least the back surface thereof; the one or more recycled materials
of the first and second cup portions and the first and second side
wing panels is one or more recycled fabrics; and/or the first and
second cup portions and the first and second side wing panels are
formed of the same recycled fabric.
[0005] In other embodiments, the bra garment further comprises
elastic shoulder straps attached between the first cup portion and
the first side wing panel and between the second cup portion and
the second side wing panel, respectively, and the elastic shoulder
straps are formed of recycled materials; each of the shoulder
straps include an adjustable element for adjusting the length of
the shoulder straps, the adjustable element is formed of a
sustainable material that has a hardness value that is greater than
the hardness value of the sustainable material of the pads; each of
the first and second cup portions has an underwire channel; the bra
garment of claim 1, further comprising a bridge panel that joins
the first and second cup portions, and the bridge panel is formed
of a recycled material; and/or the free ends of the first and
second side wings panels include corresponding clasp elements for
clasping the free ends together.
[0006] The present disclosure may also provide a sustainable bra
garment that comprises first and second cup portions that are
formed of one or more recycled fabrics. Each of the first and
second cup portions has an outer piece and an inner piece. The
inner and outer pieces are attached to one another at respective
perimeters thereof forming a pad receiving area therebetween. First
and second side wing panels extend from the first and second cup
portions, respectively. The first and second side wing panels are
formed of one or more recycled fabrics. First and second cushioning
support pads are retained in the receiving areas of the first and
second cup portions, respectively. Each of the pads has front and
back surfaces that correspond to the outer and inner pieces of the
first and second cup portions, respectively. The front surface of
each pad has a generally convex shape and the back surface of each
pad has a generally concave shape. Each of the pads is formed of
only a sustainable material that has hardness and density values
that provide both cushioning and support to breasts of a wearer of
the sustainable bra garment. The sustainable material is a biobased
material that is non-toxic to the wearer.
[0007] In some preferred embodiments, environmentally friendly pad
portions can be manufactured by a sustainable and
environment-friendly process using sugar cane-based polymeric foam
materials known in the art as Green or bio-based EVA materials.
Bio-based EVA materials are known in the art and have been
developed and used previously for the production of the soles of
certain specialty footwear products [See
https://www.forbes.com/sites/veenamccoole/2018/08/01/allbirds-launches-fl-
ip-flops-made-from-sustainable-sugarcane/?sh=55cd98913672 and
https://materialdistrict.com/articleglip-flops-sugarcane-foam/].
However, in the present invention it has been found that a
bio-based EVA material can be more specifically formulated and
processed to produce a softer and yet structurally sound foam
polymer material appropriate for use as an eco-friendly bra pad. In
the present invention, preferred polymerization and foaming methods
are disclosed for use in forming molded bra pad products from
bio-based EVA's, that have the flexibility and structural qualities
of petroleum-based EVA's, but that are biodegradable and/or
recyclable after the useful life of the pad is reached for a
typical bra pad product. Also the outer piece of each cup portion
may be formed of a recycled nylon and the inner piece of each cup
portion is formed of recycled polyester; the bra garment further
comprises elastic shoulder straps attached between the first cup
portion and the first side wing panel and between the second cup
portion and the second side wing panel, respectively, and the
elastic shoulder straps are formed of recycled fabric; and/or each
of the first and second cup portions has an underwire channel and a
bridge panel joins the first and second cup portions, and both the
underwire channel and the bridge panel are formed of a recycled
material.
[0008] The present disclosure may yet further provide a sustainable
bra garment that comprises first and second cup portions. Each of
the first and second cup portions has an outer piece and an inner
piece. The inner and outer pieces are attached to one another at
respective perimeters thereof forming a pad receiving area
therebetween. The inner and outer pieces are formed of one or more
recycled fabrics. The first and second side wing panels extend from
the first and second cup portions, respectively. The first and
second side wing panels are formed of one or more recycled fabrics.
First and second cushioning support pads are retained in the
receiving areas of the first and second cup portions, respectively.
Each of the pads has front and back surfaces that correspond to the
outer and inner pieces of the first and second cup portions,
respectively. The front surface of each pad has a generally convex
shape and the back surface of each pad has a generally concave
shape. As disclosed herein each of the pads is formed of a
sustainable material that is a biobased foam polymer with hardness
and density values that provide both cushioning and support to
breasts of a wearer of the sustainable bra garment, and that is
non-toxic to the wearer. Substantially, each portion of the
sustainable bra garment is formed of either recycled or sustainable
materials.
[0009] In certain embodiments, the sustainable material can be
manufactured by a sustainable and environment-friendly process; the
bra garment further comprises elastic shoulder straps attached
between the first cup portion and the first side wing panel and
between the second cup portion and the second side wing panel,
respectively, and the elastic shoulder straps are formed of
recycled fabric; each of the shoulder straps include an adjustable
element for adjusting the length of the shoulder straps, the
adjustable element being formed of a sustainable material that has
a hardness value that is greater than the hardness value of the
sustainable material of the pads; and/or each of the first and
second cup portions has an underwire channel and a bridge panel
joins the first and second cup portions, and the free ends of the
first and second side wings panels include corresponding clasp
elements for clasping the free ends together, wherein the underwire
channel, the bridge panel, and the clasping elements are formed of
recycled materials.
[0010] This summary is not intended to identify essential features
of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in
determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. It is to be
understood that both the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to
provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and
character of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute
a part of this specification. It is to be understood that the
drawings illustrate only some examples of the disclosure and other
examples or combinations of various examples that are not
specifically illustrated in the figures may still fall within the
scope of this disclosure. Examples will now be described with
additional detail through the use of the drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front or outside elevational view of an
exemplary sustainable bra garment, according to present
disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear or inside elevational view of the
sustainable bra garment illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front or outside elevational view of another
exemplary sustainable bra garment, according to present
disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear or inside elevational view of the
sustainable bra garment illustrated in FIG. 3; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a cup
of the sustainable bra garment according to the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a bio-based EVA foam
sheet used for forming one or more pads made in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of pad portions partially
formed from a bio-based EVA foam sheet, as illustrated in FIG. 6,
made in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front or elevational view of a finished pad made
according to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Referring to the figures, the present disclosure generally
relates to a bra garment 100 formed of sustainable and recycled
materials that is environmentally friendly, non-toxic to the wearer
to promote health and wellness, and can be manufactured at a
reduced cost. The bra garment 100 may be, for example a bra, sports
bra, a maternity bra, a brassier, a bikini top, a camisole, other
lingerie top, or other breast covering garment, such as
swimwear.
[0021] The bra garment 100 may generally comprise cup portions
102a, 102b, side wing panels 104a, 104b extending from the
respective cup portions 102a, 102b, and pads 108 for the cup
portions 102a, 102b. Shoulder straps 106a, 106b may also be
provided such that shoulder strap 106a connects between cup portion
102a and side wing panel 104a and shoulder strap 106b connects
between cup portion 102b and side wing panel 104b. The pads 108 are
formed of a sustainable material that provides both cushioning and
support for a wearer's breasts. The remainder of the bra garment
100 may be formed of recycled materials and/or sustainable
materials. As such, the entirety or substantially the entirety of
the bra garment 100 can be formed of only sustaining and recycled
materials.
[0022] The sustainable material in accordance with the present
disclosure is a biobased material that is non-toxic to the wearer
and may also be devoid of fossil-fuel-based foam material and the
like. The sustainable material used to form the pads 108, for
example, can have hardness and density values sufficient to provide
both cushioning and support to the wearer. And the sustainable
material for the bra garment 100 can be manufactured by a
sustainable and environment-friendly process.
[0023] The sustainable material in accordance with the present
disclosure is one that is ecological, friendly, climate-friendly,
green, environmental, environmentally-sound, fuel-efficient,
energy-efficient, non-polluting, organic, and energy-saving. The
sustainable material is a material that can be viable, continuous,
continual, feasible, unceasing, livable, supportable, imperishable,
unending, renewable, and green. A sustainable material is produced
based on available resources to meet current needs while ensuring
that adequate resources are available for future generations. In an
example, the sustainable material can be a sugar cane or corn-based
polymer. Also, biodegradable additives can be added to the sugar
cane or corn-based polymer.
[0024] The cup portions 102a and 102b and the side wing panels 104a
and 104b may be formed of a recycled material, such as a recycled
fabric. A recycled material in accordance with the present
disclosure is one that is waste converted into usable material.
Recycled fabrics are waste products or fabrics and textiles that
can be sorted, graded and reused again to make recycled fabrics,
such synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and the like.
[0025] Each of the cup portions 102a, 102b of the bra garment 100
has an outer piece 120 and an inner piece 122 that can be attached,
such as by sewing, to one another at respective perimeters thereof
forming a pad receiving area 124 therebetween in which respective
pads 108 are contained, as seen in FIG. 5. The outer piece 120 may
have a generally convex shape selected from a number of available
breast cup sizes. The inner piece may have a generally concave
shape selected from a number of available cup sizes. The outer and
inner pieces 120 and 122 are formed of one or more flexible
materials. In an example, the outer piece can be formed of nylon or
recycled nylon and the inner piece can be formed of polyester or
recycled polyester. The polyester can be brushed for added softness
against the wearer's skin.
[0026] Each of the pads 108 has front and back surfaces 110 and 112
that correspond to the outer and inner pieces 120 and 122,
respectively, of the cup portions 102a, 102b. The front surface 110
of each pad 108 has a generally convex shape and the back surface
112 of each pad 108 has a generally concave shape, as best seen in
FIG. 5. The size of the pad 108 can be any breast cup size and
generally corresponds to the size of the outer and inner pieces 120
and 122 of the cup portions 102a, 120b.
[0027] Each of the pads 108 is formed of a sustainable material
that is a bio-based or Green EVA polymer material with hardness and
density values that provide both cushioning and support to breasts
of a wearer of the sustainable bra garment, and that is non-toxic
to the wearer. For example, the sustainable material of the pads
108 may be comprised of between about 60 to 85% sugar cane polymer.
This ratio of the sustainable material provides the desired
flexibility to the pads 108 as well as providing comfort and
cushioning and sufficient support to the wearer.
[0028] In an example of a preferred embodiment, the pads 108 are
formed only of the sustainable material that is polymerized using
between 60% to 85% bio-based EVA (eg. A sugar cane-based polymer).
The bio-based EVA is polymerized by combining said sustainable
substance (in the form of sugarcane ethanol) with an initiator,
such as a hydrogen peroxide (or bis peroxide) and a blowing (or
foaming) agent, such as an azodicarbonimide, as well as other
chemicals and additives known in the art, such as a titianium
dioxide which may be used as a coloring pigment. The method of the
present invention includes heating the bio-based EVA mixture from
room temperature to about 125 degrees Celsius (about 260.degree.
F.) to create a melt mixture that resembles the consistency of a
dough. Such bio-based EVA material is then compressed using a
pass-through pressing belt to form a substantially flat sheet. The
volumetric shape of the substantially flat bio-based EVA sheet is
then expanded through a two-step heating process comprising: 1)
heating said sheet to about 130 degrees Celsius (about 265.degree.
F.) for about 25 minutes to obtain a volumetric expansion of about
90%, and 2) re-heating said sheet to about 175 degrees Celsius
(about 350.degree. F.) for about 45 minutes to obtain a second
volumetric expansion of about 200% to form a bio-based EVA foam
sheet. An example of a resulting bio-based EVA foam sheet 115 is
shown in FIG. 6, which can be used as material for forming one or
more pads 108.
[0029] The bio-based EVA foam sheet 115 is then formed into partial
pad portions 115a and 115b by a molding method comprising: 1)
heating a portion of said bio-based polymer foam sheet within a
mold to about 160.degree. C. (320.degree. F.) for about 2 minutes,
and 2) cooling said bio-based polymer foam sheet within said mold
to about 10.degree. C. (50.degree. F.) for about 2 minutes; such
that each said partial pad portion (115a and 115b) is formed within
said mold into a shape having an inner surface substantially
concave in shape and an outer surface substantially convex in shape
and resulting in pad portions having preferred Asker hardness
values of about 15 to about 25 on an Asker C scale. Examples of
partially formed pad portions 115a and 115b are shown in process in
FIG. 7 after forming of the pad cup portions using the above
preferred molding methods.
[0030] An example of a finished pad portion 108 made in accordance
with the above processing methods is shown in FIG. 8. The
above-preferred processing methods can yield pad portions having
various cup sizes. Several such pad portion samples were subjected
to a SATRA test method to assess a preferred range of pad material
hardness properties. The material hardness of each sample ranging
from cup sizes of 32 A to 40 DD was determined at various surface
points by subjecting samples to a SATRA TM205:2016 test method
using a durometer having an Asker C scale to measure the material
hardness. It was determined after such hardness testing that a
range of Asker C hardness values of between about 17 to about 22
resulted in preferred material hardness values to provide both
appropriate cushioning and sufficient support for the breasts of a
wearer of a sustainable bra garment or other garment in which such
pads 108 are incorporated.
[0031] The front surface 110 of each pad 108 may also be laminated
to assist with application of the outer piece 120 of the cup
portions 102a, 120b. The back surface 112 of each pad 108 may be
devoid of any lamination. Alternatively, each pad 108 can be devoid
of any lamination altogether, i.e. on either the front or back
surface 110 and 112 thereof.
[0032] Each of the side wing panels 104a, 104b is connected to an
outer edge of a respective cup portion 102a, 102b. The side wing
panels 104a, 104b can be formed of one or more fabrics, such as
nylon, recycled nylon and the like. The side wing panels 104a, 104b
can be made of the same or different recycled fabric as that of the
cup portions 102a, 102b. Also, recycled yarns may be used for
sewing the perimeters of any of the portions or panels of the bra
garment 100, such as the perimeters 109 around the side wing panel
104a, 104b. The free ends of the side wings panels 104a, 104b
include corresponding clasp elements 130 and 132, respectively,
such as hook and eye elements, for clasping the free ends together
in a conventional manner. The clasp elements 130 and 132 may be
formed of recycled materials, such as recycled metal for the hook,
and fabric or yarn for the eye.
[0033] The shoulder straps 106a, 106b may be formed of recycled
materials, such as a recycled elastic material, such as recycled
yarns and the like, to provide flexibility and comfort to the
wearer. Each shoulder strap 106a and 106b may be adjustable using
adjustable elements such as corresponding ring and hook members 134
and 136, which function as is known in the art. The ring and hook
members 134 and 136 may be formed of a sustainable material, such
as a sugar cane polymer. The sugar cane polymer of the ring and
hook members 134 and 136 would be harder and more rigid that the
sugar cane polymer which forms the pads 108. That is, the sugar
cane polymer of the ring and hook members 134 and 136 have a
sufficient hardness value and rigidity to couple to the shoulder
straps 106a, and 106b to allow adjustment thereof.
[0034] The bra garment 100 may include an underwire, as seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2, or the bra garment 100' may not have underwire, as
seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The bra garment 100 has an underwire
channels 140a, 140b at the bottom of supports 102a, 102b,
respectively. The underwire channels 140a, 104b may be formed of
recycled fabrics, such as recycled yarns, and are sized to receive
a conventional underwire. A bridge panel 138 extends between the
underwire channels 140a, 140b to join the cup portions 102a, 102b.
The bridge panel 138 can be formed of a recycled material, such as
recycled nylon.
[0035] The bra garment 100' as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, is
substantially the same as the bra garment 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2,
except that it does not have an underwire or underwire channels.
The cup portions 102a', 102b' of the bra garment 100' are the same
as cup portion 102a, 102b, except that the cup portions 102a, 102b'
are sewn together, using recycled yarn for example, at a center
line 150 and a bottom line 152, as best seen in FIG. 4. An optional
lace trim 154 may be provide at the top of the cup portions 102a',
120b'. The lace trim 154 can be formed of a recycled material, such
as recycled yarn and the like.
[0036] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the
benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions
and the associated drawings that modifications, combinations,
sub-combinations, and variations can be made without departing from
the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Likewise, the various
examples described may be used individually or in combination with
other examples. Those skilled in the art will appreciate various
combinations of examples not specifically described or illustrated
herein that are still within the scope of this disclosure. In this
respect, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited
to the specific examples set forth and the examples of the
disclosure are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.
[0037] The following definitions and terms are used in this
disclosure: [0038] EVA: As used in this disclosure, "EVA" is an
acronym known and used in the art as a reference to
"ethylene-vinyl-acetate", an elastic petroleum-based polymer that
can be used to produce materials and products with a rubber-like
softness and flexibility. [0039] Green or Bio-based EVA: As used in
this disclosure, "Green EVA" or "Bio-based EVA" is used to describe
a carbon negative material made substantially from sugarcane
(sugarcane ethanol) and used as an alternative and/or substitute
for a petroleum-based polymer. Existing bio-based EVA materials are
available commercially and are supplied by Braskem as an EVA resin.
Preferred resins are identified as EVA Evance SVT 2145 and SVT
2180, which are typically in the form of foam sheets for use in the
soles of footwear products, or in toys and furniture. [0040]
Hydrogen peroxide or bis (triflourmethyl) peroxide: As used in this
disclosure, "hydrogen peroxide" or "bis peroxide" is used to
describe a chemical used as an initiator (or catalyst) for the
polymerization of unsaturated ethylene-like molecules for the
production of stable polymeric materials, including as an initiator
for Bio-based EVA materials. [0041] Blowing or Foaming Agent: As
used in this disclosure, a "blowing agent" or "foaming agent" is
used to describe chemical compositions used in state-of-the-art
polymerization processes, typically an azodicarbonimide, capable of
producing a cellular structure through a foaming process to reduce
density and increase relative stiffness of a base polymer. [0042]
Titanium dioxide or titanium IV oxide [TiO2]--As used in this
disclosure, "titanium dioxide" or "titanium IV oxide" is used to
describe a substance typically used as a pigment (also known as
"titanium white") for paints and polymers. [0043] Asker
Hardness--As used in this disclosure, "Asker Hardness" is used to
describe the measure of hardness of a given material (or how
resistant it will be to permanent indentation), measured by the
depth of indentation that is created on the material with a
specified force. The measuring instrument typically used is known
as a durometer, and different respective scales for measuring
hardness (such as Asker, Shore, Rockwell hardness scales) are known
in the art. Accordingly, different hardness scales are used for
measuring the solidity of different materials with varying
properties, like rubbers, polymers and elastomers. The most
commonly used scales for measuring the hardness of rubber materials
are the Asker C and Shore 00 or A scales for softer materials and
the Shore D scale for harder materials. The Asker C scale is
generally used for measuring hardness of more flexible foam or
rubber materials.
[0044] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents, unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the adjective
"another," when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean
one or more elements. The terms "comprising," "including," "having"
and similar terms are intended to be inclusive such that there may
be additional elements other than the listed elements.
[0045] Additionally, where a method described above does not
explicitly require an order to be followed by its steps or an order
is otherwise not required based on the description or claim
language, it is not intended that any particular order be inferred.
Likewise, where a method claim below does not explicitly recite a
step mentioned in the description above, it should not be assumed
that the step is required by the claim.
[0046] It is noted that the description and claims may use
geometric or relational terms. These terms are not intended to
limit the disclosure and, in general, are used for convenience to
facilitate the description based on the examples shown in the
figures. In addition, the geometric or relational terms may not be
exact. For instance, walls may not be exactly perpendicular or
parallel to one another because of, for example, roughness of
surfaces, tolerances allowed in manufacturing, etc., but may still
be considered to be perpendicular or parallel.
* * * * *
References