BRASSIERE WITH ANTI-SLIP FEATURE

Abstract

There is provided a breast cup comprising an outer panel including an outer fabric layer, an inner panel including an inner fabric layer to be worn against a wearer's skin, the inner panel including an upper and a lower region, wherein the upper region is closest to and the lower region is furthest from a neckline of a user when the breast cup is worn by the user, and wherein the inner panel includes disposed on at least a portion of the lower region, a discontinuous layer of an elastomeric material to provide a region of high friction when worn against a user's skin. A method of making the same is also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to brassieres breast cups providing an anti-slip feature within the breast cup to enhance comfort and aesthetic appeal.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Aside from providing support, many brassieres are designed to enhance the appearance of a wearer's bust, generally by lifting the breasts up and pushing them forward or away from the wearer's body, and/or toward each other to create the illusion of a more substantial cleavage.

[0003] A variety of methods have been employed to accomplish these lifting and pushing effects including the use of foam, rubber or gel-filled inserts within the breast cup to provide padding thereby displacing the breast and creating the illusion of a larger breast size. The padding is typically positioned within the lower portion of breast cup to provide the desired lifting and pushing effect offered by the so-called "push-up" bra.

[0004] When a user wears such a push-up bra, the user will typically adjust the relative position of the breasts within the breast cup so as to achieve the optimal level of comfort and aesthetic appeal. However, after having worn the brassiere for a number of hours, simple body movements will have caused the position of the breasts within the breast cups to shift potentially causing discomfort to the wearer and a less than optimal appearance.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a breast cup construction which prevents undesirable movements of the breast within the breast cup and a brassiere which incorporates such a breast cup construction.

[0006] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having reference to the following specification together with its drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a breast cup comprising:

[0008] an outer panel including an outer fabric layer;

[0009] an inner panel including an inner fabric layer to be worn against a wearer's skin, the inner panel including an upper and a lower region, wherein the upper region is closest to and the lower region is furthest from a neckline of a user when the breast cup is worn by the user;

[0010] wherein the inner panel includes disposed on at least a portion of the lower region, a discontinuous layer of an elastomeric material to provide a region of high friction when worn against a user's skin.

[0011] Preferably, the discontinuous layer of elastomeric material is disposed on the inner panel in a pattern having at least some visual appeal.

[0012] More preferably, the pattern comprises a plurality of segments each comprising elastomeric material.

[0013] In one embodiment, segment of elastomeric material is no more than 20 millimetre² in area.

[0014] Each segment of elastomeric material preferably has a thickness of no more than 0.6 millimetres.

[0015] In a preferred form of the invention, the elastomeric material comprises silicone rubber.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brassiere comprising:

[0017] a pair of breast cups each including: [0018] an outer panel including an outer fabric layer; [0019] an inner panel including an inner fabric layer to be worn against a wearer's skin, the inner panel including an upper and a lower region, wherein the upper region is closest to and the lower region is furthest from a neckline of a user when the breast cup is worn by the user;

[0020] an intermediate bridging region extending between the breast cups; and

[0021] a back strap extending from each of the breast cups;

[0022] wherein the inner panel includes disposed on at least a portion of the lower region, a discontinuous layer of an elastomeric material to provide a region of high friction when worn against a user's skin.

[0023] Preferably, the discontinuous layer of elastomeric material is disposed on the inner panel in a pattern having at least some visual appeal.

[0024] More preferably, the pattern comprises a plurality of segments each comprising elastomeric material.

[0025] In one embodiment, each segment of elastomeric material is no more than 20 millimetre² in area.

[0026] Each segment of elastomeric material has a thickness of no more than 0.6 millimetres.

[0027] In a preferred form of the invention, the elastomeric material comprises silicone rubber.

[0028] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making breast cups, the method comprising the following steps:

[0029] forming an outer panel including an outer fabric layer;

[0030] forming an inner panel including an inner fabric layer to be worn against a wearer's skin, the inner panel including an upper and a lower region, wherein the upper region is closest to and the lower region is furthest from a neckline of a user when the breast cup is worn by the user;

[0031] applying a discontinuous layer of an elastomeric material on at least a portion of the lower region of the inner panel;

[0032] combining the outer panel and inner panel; and

[0033] trimming the combined panels to define one or more breast cups.

[0034] In one embodiment, the outer panel includes an outer fabric layer laminated with a foam layer and the method further comprises the step of molding the outer panel to form a pair of breast cups.

[0035] In a preferred form of the invention, the inner fabric layer is laminated with a foam layer and the method further comprises the step of molding the inner panel to form a pair of breast cups once the discontinuous layer of an elastomeric material has been disposed upon at least a portion of the lower region of the inner panel.

[0036] Preferably, the discontinuous layer of elastomeric material is disposed upon the inner panel in a pattern having at least some visual appeal and the step of applying the discontinuous layer of the elastomeric material on at least a portion of the lower region of the inner panel comprises spraying the elastomeric material onto a film layer, the film layer including perforations corresponding to the pattern to be disposed thereon upon the inner fabric layer the film being positioned thereon.

[0037] More preferably, the method further including the step of passing the inner fabric layer through a heating apparatus after disposing the elastomeric material thereon.

[0038] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brassiere comprising breast cups made by the method described hereinabove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in greater detail by reference to the accompanying figures which facilitate understanding of the method according to this invention. The particularity of the figures and the related description is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the broad identification of the invention as given in the attached claims.

[0040] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a typical molded breast cup.

[0041] FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the molded breast cup of FIG. 1A.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing the inner panel of a breast cup embodying the principles of the present invention.

[0043] FIGS. 3A to 3J are front on views of the inner panel of a breast cup according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 4A shows the first step in a method of making a breast cup embodying the principles of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 4B shows the second step in a method for making the breast cup.

[0046] FIG. 4C shows the third step in a method for making the breast cup.

[0047] FIG. 4D shows the fourth step in a method for making the breast cup.

[0048] FIG. 4E shows the fifth step in a method for making the breast cup.

[0049] FIG. 4F shows the sixth step and final step in a method for making the breast cup.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a brassiere incorporating breast cups embodying the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Referring firstly to FIG. 1A there is shown a typical breast cup 100 of the molded variety comprising an outer panel 110 which includes an outer fabric layer and an inner panel 120 including an inner fabric layer to be worn against a wearer's skin. A middle layer (not shown) comprising fill may be disposed between the outer panel 110 and the inner panel 120. The illustrated breast cup 100 is molded so as to apply a pushing force against an underside of the user's breast causing the breast to be displaced into the upper region 130 of the breast cup. The upper region 130 of the breast cup 100 being the region that sits against the upper side of a user's breast when fitted to a user. However, it is to be understood that the breast cup 100 of the present invention is not limited to molded or "push-up" type brassieres, but can be adapted to and provide advantages to various other types of brassiere.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 2, the inner panel 120 of the breast cup 100 includes upper 130 and lower 150 regions, wherein the upper region 130 is closest to and the lower region 150 is furthest from a neckline of the user when the breast cup is worn by a user. The inner panel 120 includes disposed on at least a portion of the lower region 150, a discontinuous layer of an elastomeric material 160. This layer of elastomeric material 160 provides a region of high friction when worn against a user's skin and ameliorates the slippage of the user's breast within the breast cup 100.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3A through to 3J, the layer of elastomeric material 160 may be disposed upon the inner panel 120 in a pattern that provides visual appeal. Each illustrated pattern comprises a plurality of segments 170 each comprising elastomeric material which has been disposed upon the inner panel 120 of the breast cup 100 to provide a visually appealing pattern. The visual appeal may be further enhanced by providing the elastomeric materials in one or more colours. Application of the elastomeric material in a discontinuous layer forming a pattern minimises discomfort to the user who will wear the elastomeric material against the skin whilst providing the desired region of high friction to minimise slippage of the breast within the breast cup.

[0054] In forming the pattern each segment 170 of elastomeric material is preferably no more than 20 millimetre² in area. More preferably, each segment 170 of elastomeric material has a thickness of no more than 0.6 millimetres.

[0055] The elastomeric material will generally comprise silicone rubber, such as for example, ELASTOSIL® E43 TRANSPARENT manufactured by Wacker Chemie AG. The features of silicone rubber that make it useful for this purpose are the high coefficient of friction together with ease of application since it cures at room temperature under the influence of atmospheric moisture.

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 4A to 4F, there is shown the sequence of steps for manufacturing a breast cup according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4A, there is shown a precursor outer panel 410 including an outer fabric layer preferably laminated with a memory foam layer. In FIG. 4C, there is shown a precursor inner panel 420 including an inner fabric layer also preferably laminated with a soft foam layer. The inner fabric layer of the inner panel 420 is so called since it is most proximate to the user's skin when the breast cup or brassiere incorporating the breast cup is fitted to the user. The outer fabric layer of the outer panel 410 is so called since it is most distal from the user's skin when the breast cup or brassiere incorporating the breast cup 100 is fitted to the user.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 4B, the outer panel 410 is subjected to a molding process by sandwiching the outer panel between two complementary portions of a molding machine, each portion defining a two cup molding surface. FIG. 4B shows the resultant, molded outer panel with the two cups 430 formed.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 4D, the discontinuous layer of an elastomeric material 440 is applied to a region of the inner panel 420 corresponding to at least a portion of the lower region of the breast cup to form a pattern. In one embodiment, the application of the elastomeric material 440 on the inner fabric layer is accomplished by spraying the elastomeric material onto a film layer (not shown), the film layer including perforations corresponding to the pattern to be disposed thereon upon the inner fabric layer. The film, which will typically comprise a plastic film, overlays the fabric layer of the inner panel 420 during the spraying process.

[0060] The elastomeric material 440 will cure at room temperature after around 12 hours. Alternatively, to accelerate curing, once the elastomeric material 440 has been deposited upon the inner panel 420, the inner panel can be passed through a heating apparatus set at 70 to 80 degrees Celsius for a period of 3 to 5 minutes and then allowed to cure at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 4E, the inner panel 420 is molded to form a pair of breast cups 450 once the discontinuous layer of an elastomeric 440 material has been disposed upon the inner panel 420 in a region corresponding to at least a portion of the lower region of the breast cup. As described with reference to FIG. 4B, the molding process involves sandwiching the inner panel 420 between two complementary portions of a molding machine 460, each portion defining a two cup molding surface. FIG. 3F shows the resultant, molded inner panel 420 with the elastomeric material 440 disposed thereon and the two cups 450 formed.

[0062] Subsequently, the outer panel 410 is laminated with the inner panel 420 with the foam layer of each facing each other, and the breast cup shapes formed. Alternatively, and indeed more preferably, the molding of the inner panel and the lamination of the outer panel with the inner panel take place simultaneously in one step. In this case, the outer panel 410 and the inner panel 420 are placed against each other with the foam layer of each facing each other, and both panels are sandwiched between two complementary portions of a molding machine for the molding process and the lamination process to occur simultaneously with the application of heat and adhesives.

[0063] Referring back to FIG. 2, once the breast cup shapes have been substantially formed, the breast cups are cut and then trimmed from the molded assembly (not shown) to form the individual molded breast cups 100.

[0064] Referring now to FIG. 5, a brassiere 500 may then be formed by attaching other components including bridging portion 510 and back strap or straps 520 securing the brassiere to the wearer and optionally under wire and shoulder straps 530 to the breast cups 540.

[0065] The advantage of the present invention is the avoidance of slippage of the user's breast relative to the breast cup, thereby enhancing wearer comfort and maintaining the desired visual appearance. The breast cup of the present invention is particularly applicable to molded and "push-up" type brassieres, but it will be understood that the present invention is applicable to all types of brassieres, whether padded or not.

[0066] While the invention has been described in conjunction with a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications and variations in light of the foregoing description are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed.

Claims

1. A breast cup comprising: an outer panel including an outer fabric layer; an inner panel including an inner fabric layer to be worn against a wearer's skin, the inner panel including an upper and a lower region, wherein the upper region is closest to and the lower region is furthest from a neckline of a user when the breast cup is worn by the user; wherein the inner panel includes disposed on at least a portion of the lower region, a discontinuous layer of an elastomeric material to provide a region of high friction when worn against a user's skin.

2. A breast cup according to claim 1, wherein the discontinuous layer of elastomeric material is disposed on the inner panel in a pattern having at least some visual appeal.

3. A breast cup according to claim 2, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of segments each comprising elastomeric material.

4. A breast cup according to claim 3, wherein each segment of elastomeric material is no more than 20 millimetre² in area.

5. A breast cup according to claim 3, wherein each segment of elastomeric material has a thickness of no more than 0.6 millimetres.

6. A breast cup according to claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material comprises silicone rubber.

7. A brassiere comprising: a pair of breast cups each including: an outer panel including an outer fabric layer; an inner panel including an inner fabric layer to be worn against a wearer's skin, the inner panel including an upper and a lower region, wherein the upper region is closest to and the lower region is furthest from a neckline of a user when the breast cup is worn by the user; an intermediate bridging region extending between the breast cups; and a back strap extending from each of the breast cups; wherein the inner panel includes disposed on at least a portion of the lower region, a discontinuous layer of an elastomeric material to provide a region of high friction when worn against a user's skin.

8. A brassiere according to claim 7, wherein the discontinuous layer of elastomeric material is disposed on the inner panel in a pattern having at least some visual appeal.

9. A brassiere according to claim 8, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of segments each comprising elastomeric material.

10. A brassiere according to claim 9, wherein each segment of elastomeric material is no more than 20 millimetre² in area.

11. A brassiere according to claim 9, wherein each segment of elastomeric material has a thickness of no more than 0.6 millimetres.

12. A brassiere according to claim 7, wherein the elastomeric material comprises silicone rubber.

13. A method of making breast cups, the method comprising the following steps: forming an outer panel including an outer fabric layer; forming an inner panel including an inner fabric layer to be worn against a wearer's skin, the inner panel including an upper and a lower region, wherein the upper region is closest to and the lower region is furthest from a neckline of a user when the breast cup is worn by the user; applying a discontinuous layer of an elastomeric material on at least a portion of the lower region of the inner panel; combining the outer panel and inner panel; and trimming the combined panels to define one or more breast cups.

14. A method of making a breast cup according to claim 13, wherein the outer panel includes an outer fabric layer laminated with a foam layer and the method further comprises the step of molding the outer panel to form a pair of breast cups.

15. A method of making a breast cup according to claim 13, wherein the inner fabric layer is laminated with a foam layer and the method further comprises the step of molding the inner panel to form a pair of breast cups once the discontinuous layer of an elastomeric material has been disposed upon at least a portion of the lower region of the inner panel.

16. A method of making a breast cup according to claim 13, wherein the discontinuous layer of elastomeric material is disposed upon the inner panel in a pattern having at least some visual appeal and the step of applying the discontinuous layer of the elastomeric material on at least a portion of the lower region of the inner panel comprises spraying the elastomeric material onto a film layer, the film layer including perforations corresponding to the pattern to be disposed thereon upon the inner fabric layer the film being positioned thereon.

17. A method of making a breast cup according to claim 16, the method further including the step of passing the inner fabric layer through a heating apparatus after disposing the elastomeric material thereon.

18. A brassiere comprising breast cups made by the method of claim 13.

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