AU2019220287A1

AU2019220287A1 - Item of clothing having a modular structure

Info

Publication number: AU2019220287A1
Application number: AU2019220287A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Eileen Bohnen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-02-15
Filing date: 2019-02-05
Publication date: 2020-08-20
Also published as: CN111698918A; DE202018100846U1; WO2019158388A1; EP3752018A1; CA3090568A1; US20210145081A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an item of clothing having a modular structure, comprising at least one wrap-around band (14) as a first module, which has non-damaging fastening means (2) on one side and a detachable arrangement of at least one garment module (22) as at least one further module.

Description

The invention relates to an item of clothing having a modular structure.

WO 2008/014 879 Al and US 2010/0297913 Al disclose a brassiere (bra) with removable cups which are detachably fastened to a bra lower part by means of a hook and loop fastener. The bra lower part comprises an underbust band which is placeable around the upper body and can be opened by means of a fastener on the rear side opposite the cups. On both sides of the fastener, one end of a strap is attached, the other end of which can be hooked into a loop of the cup associated with and attached to the bra lower part.

Furthermore, US 2012/0135667 Al discloses a brassiere (bra) with removable cups which are detachably fastened to an underbust band of the bra by means of a hook and loop fastener, wherein on the cups, a fastening area is formed which has hook and loop tapes, onto which the fabric hook and loop tapes of the underbust band are placed, so that the underbust band extends above the fastening areas of the cups.

In Germany, bra sizes are standardized according to EN 13402. The sizes of conventional bras consist of two elements, a number in [cm] which represents the underbust circumference (underbust width), and a letter which represents the cup size. The individual sizes with regard to the underbust circumference are each 5cm apart, beginning at 60cm for very small upper bodies. According to the current size system, an underbust band, if present, is, in a specific size, firmly sewn together with two cups of a specific size.

Thus far, the bra size has been taken from established size charts. However, these charts are frequently taken from the corset industry. However, corsets or corsages have a significantly tighter fit than most bras and are made from a solid material while bras are produced using elastane, polyester, cotton, or microfiber. (Schnittkonstruktion Dessous, Madeleine van der Werve, 2016).

The fit of a bra depends on different factors, such as the firmness of the breast tissue, the cup size, the width and height of the top of the breast, the distance between the breasts, the breast shape, the breast depth, the breast width, the breast volume, the underbust circumference (underbust width), etc. For this purpose, a pleasantly tight underbust band is very important for a good fit of the bra. (Massarbeit Dessous und Badebekleidung, Bella Hendriks, 2013).

However, the bras or bikini tops corresponding to the currently standardized size system cannot fit all body shapes. Industrially, for example, no bras particularly with a very small underbust band and particularly large cups or a very large underbust band and small cups are produced. This results in a bad fit of the respective bra or bikini top, which is both uncomfortable for the bra or bikini wearer and entails health risks, such as skin irritations, shoulder and back pain, or shoulder deformations.

The problem addressed by the invention is that of providing an item of clothing of the initially described type which, after selecting respective modules, is individually adjustable to its wearer, particularly to said wearer's measurements, preferences, or requirements, by a corresponding assembly of the selected modules.

A further problem addressed by the invention is that of creating an item of clothing from a modular system with different modules without requiring particular skillfulness.

A further problem addressed by the invention is that of providing a reliably fitting bra or a reliably fitting bikini top as an item of clothing which is optimally adjusted to the respective body shape, particularly the breast shape, of the bra or bikini wearer.

This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims.

The dependent claims develop the concept of the invention in an advantageous manner.

An item of clothing having a modular structure comprises at least one wrap-around band as a first module, which has non-damaging fastening means on one side and a detachable arrangement of at least one garment module as at least one further module.

In its length, the wrap-around band is adjusted to the body part to be wrapped, on which the item of clothing is supposed to fit, i.e., is supposed to be fastened. The wrap-around band and the garment module can be coupled to one another in a non-damaging, detachable manner by means of buttons, a zipper, a detachable pressure-sensitive adhesive, or the like, preferably by means of snaps and/or hook and loop fasteners. For example, a garment module designed as a blouse can be securely fastened by means of the wrap-around band on the underside on the body of the wearer and slipping can be prevented. In addition to the blouse, it is simultaneously possible to securely fasten a skirt or pants to the wrap-around band. For such purpose, the wrap-around band is preferably designed as a hip strap or a waistband, i.e., its length is designed or adjustable or cuttable to length or the like such that it can be placed and fastened around the respective body part of the person to be clothed. If a garment module is, for example, a cup of a brassiere (bra) or a bikini top, the wrap-around band is preferably designed as an underbust band. It is then possible to arrange the cups on the underbust band in an interchangeable manner. In addition, an apron can be attached to the underbust band below the cups in an interchangeable manner in order to provide a top of a tankini or the like.

The length of the wrap-around band designed as an underbust band is preferably infinitely adjustable and/or the wrap-around band is, at least in sections, made of an elastic material. Hook and loop and/or fabric hook and loop tapes, for example, of hook and loop fasteners used can naturally also be designed to be elastic or made from an elastic material. The wrap-around band designed as a hip strap or waistband has an essentially predetermined length with sewed up ends. At least on one end, it is naturally fitted with at least one fastening means for a non-damaging and detachable arrangement of at least one garment module, and at least in sections, it is made of an elastic material.

An item of clothing having a modular structure and designed as a brassiere or bikini top has at least two modules detachably interconnected in a non-damaging manner by connecting elements, wherein an underbust band forms a first module and two cups independently from one another or jointly connected form a second module. The entirety of the cups or each of the cups by themselves and the underbust band are detachably interconnected in a non-damaging manner.

Advantageously, different cup sizes can be combined with underbust bands of different length, width and/or strength and detachably interconnected in a non-damaging manner by corresponding fastening means, which can also be called connecting elements, on the underbust band and the cups. The fit of the bra or bikini top according to the invention can thus be individually adjusted to the respective body shape of the wearer and results in a bra or a bikini top with optimal fit and optimal wear comfort.

The cups can be present each by themselves, i.e., separate from one another, or as an entirety, i.e., connected to one another, and thus be detachably connected to the underbust band in a non-damaging manner. The connecting element is located particularly at the lower end of the cups. Optionally, the cups can be connected to one another by a connecting part.

Advantageously, each cup, on the upper side, has a retaining means for detachably fastening one end of an interchangeable strap, wherein the strap is detachably connected either with each of its ends to a cup or with one end to the cup and with the other end to a retaining means of the underbust band. As a result, the strap can run around the nape of the wearer, or in the case of an arrangement with two straps, they extend over the shoulders. The straps advantageously increase the stability and the wear comfort.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a set having a plurality of wrap-around bands and a plurality of garment modules, wherein the ends of the wrap-around band designed as an underbust band are detachably connectable or firmly interconnected, and the wrap-around band has, at least on its one side, fastening means for the non-damaging and detachable arrangement of at least one garment module.

In a further or alternative design, one set comprises at least two underbust bands and one set of at least two cups, wherein one underbust band and two cups respectively, the cups being either independent from or connected to one another, are detachably connectable by connecting elements in a non damaging manner in variable size combinations.

The at least two underbust bands are present in different lengths and/or widths and/or thicknesses. The cups are present in different sizes and/or fits.

From the set according to the invention, underbust bands with a different length, width and/or thickness or strength can be selected, and one underbust band each can be detachably connected by connecting elements in a non-damaging manner to cups with different sizes and/or fits.

The underbust bands and the cups naturally have corresponding fastening means, so that they can be connected to one another.

In addition, the cups have fastening means at their lower end and, if they can be fastened individually to the underbust band, can be arranged at any variable side distance. Therefore, any distance between the cups can be selected. As a result, the distance of the cups can be adjusted individually to the body shape, particularly to the distance of the breasts, of the bra or bikini wearer.

Advantageously, the length of the wrap-around band, particularly the underbust band, is infinitely adjustable, particularly if, for example, a fastener is designed as a hook and loop fastener.

The underbust band is significant for the stability of the bra or bikini top according to the invention. The length of the underbust band can be adjusted individually and thus be selected according to the underbust circumference.

Industrially, not all size combinations of underbust width and cups are produced. For example, no bras are manufactured with a particularly small underbust band (for example, 65cm) and particularly large cups (for example, G) and with a particularly large underbust band (for example, 100cm) and particularly small cups (for example, A). According to the size system known from the prior art, the individual sizes with regard to the underbust circumference, i.e., the lengths of the respective underbust bands, are each cm apart (70, 75, 80, 85, 90, etc.). This size system, particularly the industrially available sizes, does not fit all body dimensions and frequently results in underbust bands with a fit that is too loose or too tight. As a result, the stability of the bra is greatly affected. The disadvantageous wear comfort can lead to health problems, such as back pain, for the bra wearer.

The infinite adjustability of the length of the underbust band results in optimally fitting bras or bikini tops, thus preventing the disadvantages known from the prior art.

Preferably, the underbust band has any width and/or thickness. The underbust band can have a width from 0.5cm to 10cm.

The thickness of the underbust band can be from 0.05cm to 1cm. Advantageously, the underbust band has a thickness of 0.1cm to 0.75cm.

Advantageously, the stability of the bra or bikini according to the invention is a result of the underbust band.

The wrap-around band can be elastic or inelastic. As a result, the fit of the wrap-around band, particularly the underbust band, is comfortable for the wearer. Pressure pains can thus be prevented.

The sizes and/or the fits of the cups are preferably variable. For example, the cups can be present in the sizes AA, A, B, C, D, E (DD), F, G, H, I, J, K.

Different cup sizes can naturally be combined with underbust bands of different width and/or strength. The provided bra or the bikini top can thus be adjusted to all body shapes and has optimal stability.

The fits of the cups can be selected from the group consisting of cup bra, demi cup bra, triangle bra, balconette bra, T-shirt bra, push-up bra. Preferably, the cups are cup- or triangle-shaped. Advantageously, the underside of the cups can have underwires. The underwires, preferably metal wires, result in a round shape and an optimal supporting effect. This is advantageous particularly for women with larger breasts. The wires provide stability and relieve the back.

Advantageously, the cups can have openings on the sides, wherein the openings are designed to accommodate inserts made of different materials. For example, inserts made of foam or silicon can be inserted in the openings. This results in a visual enlargement effect which is advantageous particularly for women with smaller breasts or for women after medical procedures, for example, after a mastectomy.

Advantageously, the straps have a variable fit. The straps can have different widths and/or thicknesses and be connected as a halter-neck strap or connected to the underbust band. The straps can also be fastened in the back in a crossed manner. The underbust band and/or the straps and/or the cups can preferably have a padding. The material of the padding can be selected from the group consisting of foam or silicon. Preferably, the straps have a padding in the shoulder area and/or the nape area. Advantageously, pressure pains and/or shoulder pains and/or shoulder deformations are prevented by the padding.

The underbust band can be detachably connected in a non-damaging manner to an item of clothing which, at least partially, covers the abdominal area. Optionally, the item of clothing which, at least partially, covers the abdominal area can be detachably connected in a non-damaging manner to (under)pants or a bikini bottom by fastening elements. In this manner, a top, a bathing suit, or a teddy can advantageously be made from the bra or the bikini top. Similarly, a dress can also be fastened to the bra or bikini top according to the invention.

Preferably, the inner or outer side of the item of clothing, which, at least partially, covers the abdominal area, can have a further fabric layer, wherein the further fabric layer is connected by connecting elements to the item of clothing which, at least partially, covers the abdominal area. The further fabric layer can be designed with or without decoration. Advantageously, small objects, such as money or jewelry, can be hidden behind the further fabric layer.

Optionally, the wrap-around band can be connected by fastening means to a top. A further fabric layer with or without decoration can be attached to the top. Advantageously, small objects, such as money or jewelry, can be hidden behind the further fabric layer.

In order to achieve an enlargement effect, the underpants or bikini bottom can have at least one opening which is designed to accommodate inserts made, for example, from foam or silicon.

Advantageously, the fastening means can be attached correspondingly in an opposite manner on the front or rear side of the underbust band and the cups. For this purpose, the underbust band has at least one fastening means, wherein the fastening means is attached to the front or rear side of the underbust band, and the cups, each individually or the entirety of cups, have at least one corresponding fastening means, wherein the corresponding fastening means is attached, in an opposite manner to the fastening means of the underbust band, to the front or rear side of the cups.

The fastening means can be selected from the group consisting of at least one hook and loop fastener, snaps, loops, or hooks. Preferably, at least one hook and loop fastener or snaps form the fastening means.

Preferably, the hook and loop fastener or the hook and loop tape and/or the fabric hook and loop tape of the hook and loop fastener can be designed as an elastic band. This is particularly advantageous if the underbust band is elastic. As a result, the hook and loop fastener can be attached to the underbust band in a gapless manner and results in high flexibility, pleasant wear comfort and simple handling.

Furthermore, the bra or the bikini top according to the invention can have decorative elements. For example, sequins, pearls, rings, or chains can be attached to the bra or the bikini top according to the invention.

In the following, the invention shall be described in more detail using embodiments with reference to the associated drawings.

The drawings show in:

Figure 1 a schematic depiction of an item of clothing according to the invention designed as a bra, wherein cups are cup-shaped;

Figure 2 a further depiction of the bra according to Figure 1, wherein the cups are triangle shaped;

Figure 3

to depictions of alternative items of clothing according to the invention;

Figure 9

Figure 10 a depiction of a wrap-around band designed as an underbust band;

Figure 11 a further depiction of the wrap-around band;

Figure 12 a schematic depiction of a cup of the bra.

The item of clothing 13 has a modular structure and comprises a wrap-around band 14 as a first module, wherein a wrap-around band 14 designed as an underbust band 3 preferably comprises ends which are detachably interconnectable, for the purpose of which hooks 15 and eyes 16 or loops to be hooked into one another, or a hook and loop tape 17 and a fabric hook and loop tape 18 of a hook and loop fastener are arranged on its end. The wrap-around band 14 can have an infinitely adjustable length and/or be made, at least in sections, from an elastic material 19. On the basis of the arrangement on a strap 9, i.e., a person wearing the item of clothing, the wrap-around band 14 is designed as an underbust band 3, a waistband 20, or a hip strap 21. The wrap-around band 14 designed as a waistband 20 or a hip strap 21 preferably has interconnected, particularly sewed up, ends and a fixed circumference. At least on one end, it is naturally fitted with at least one fastening means 2 for a non-damaging and detachable arrangement of at least one garment module 22 and can, at least in sections, be made of an elastic material 19. In addition, it is naturally possible to arrange a fastening means 2 designed as a hook and loop tape 17 on one side of the wrap-around band 14 and to arrange a fastening means 2 designed as a fabric hook and loop tape 18 on the other side for retaining different garment modules 22.

For the detachable and particularly non-damaging arrangement of garment modules 22, the wrap-around band 14 either has one part of a hook and loop fastener, i.e., either a fabric hook and loop tape 18 or a hook and loop tape 17, or one part of a snap 23 as the fastening means 2, which interact with corresponding counterparts on the respective garment module 22.

Figure 1 schematically shows a bra 1, having two cup-shaped cups 4 as a garment module 22 and a wrap-around band 14 designed as an underbust band 3. The cups 4 are interconnected by a connecting part 10. The connecting part 10 can be made, for example, of fabric. It is also possible that the connecting part 10 has a two-part design, so that the cups 4 can be separated and are connectable by means of fastening means 2 (not depicted in detail) associated with the connecting part 10. The entirety of the cups 4 and the underbust band 3 are non-damagingly and detachably interconnected by fastening means 2. The underbust band 3 can be designed to be elastic. The fastening means 2 are attached to the front side of the underbust band 3. Corresponding fastening means 2 are attached to the rear side of the entirety of the cups 4 opposite the fastening means 2 attached to the front side of the underbust band 3. The fastening means 2 are designed such that the fastening means 2 on the underbust band 3 can be non-damagingly and detachably connected to the corresponding fastening means 2 on the cups 4.

The fastening means 2 act as a hook and loop fastener and are designed as a hook and loop tape 17 and a fabric hook and loop tape 18. Alternatively, the corresponding fastening means 2 can be attached to the rear side of the underbust band 3 and to the front side of the entirety of the cups 4. The hook and loop fastener on the underbust band 3 can be designed to be elastic. In an alternative embodiment, the fastening means 2 can be designed as snaps 23, hooks 15, 24 or eyes 16 or loops. Any size combinations of underbust band 3 and cups 4 can be combined with one another and non-damagingly and detachably interconnectable by the fastening means 2. The cups 4 can be connected to the underbust band 3 at any variable side distance 5. The length of the underbust band 3 is individually adjustable in an infinite manner, depending on the underbust circumference of the bra wearer, particularly if the fastening means 2 are designed as a hook and loop fastener. The underbust band 3 can be designed with any width, according to the double arrow 7, and/or with any thickness 8. The stability or fit of the bra according to the invention is achieved by the underbust band 3. The correct length, width, and thickness of the underbust band 3 results in optimal wear comfort. Depending on the breast circumference of the bra wearer, the size of the cups 4 is designed to be variable and can be combined at variable side distances with the underbust band 3. Due to retaining means 25 presently designed as hooks 24, straps 9 can be detachably fastened to the cups 4 and the underbust band 3 in a non-damaging manner by means of loops at their ends. The straps 9 preferably have a length adjustment device 11, so that the straps 9 can be adjusted to any length, depending on the body shape and size of the bra wearer. In an alternative embodiment, the straps 9 can be closed by a strap fastener 12. The thus designed straps 9 run from cup 4 to cup and form a halter-neck bra. Alternatively, the straps 9 run from one cup 4 each to a hook 24 attached to the underbust band 3 and subsequently extend over the shoulder of the bra wearer.

Figure 2 schematically shows a bra 1 according to the invention, which comprises two triangle-shaped cups 4 as the garment module 22, and an underbust band 3. The cups 4 and the underbust band 3 are detachably interconnected in a non-damaging manner by the fastening means 2. Advantageously, the underbust band 3 is designed to be elastic. The corresponding fastening means 2 are attached in an opposite manner to the front side of the underbust band 3 and the rear side of the cups 4 and designed as a hook and loop fastener. Any size combination of underbust band 3 and cups 4 can be combined with one another and are interconnectable by corresponding fastening means 2. The cups 4 can be connected to the underbust band 3 at any variable side distance, i.e., at any distance to one another, according to the double arrow 5. As a result, the distance between the cups 4 can be adjusted to the distance between the breasts of the bra wearer. The length of the underbust band 3 is individually adjustable according to the double arrow 6. The underbust band 3 is selected in any width and/or thickness. Depending on the breast size of the bra wearer, the size of the cups 4 is variably selectable and combinable with the underbust band 3. Due to the retaining means 25, the straps 9 can be detachably fastened to the cups 4 and the underbust band 3 in a non-damaging manner. Advantageously, the straps 9 have a length adjustment device 11.

Figure 3 shows a partial depiction of a wearer with an item of clothing 13 designed as a bikini top 1, which structurally corresponds to the bra 1 described above and requires no further description. In addition, short pants 26, for example, a bikini bottom, are shown, which can be designed as conventional pants 26 or to be modular and, in addition to the actual fabric of the pants 26, which represent a garment module 22, comprise a wrap-around band 14 designed as a hip strap 21, to which the fabric of the pants 26 is detachably fastened by means of the associated fastening means 2. A fabric panel 27 serving as a type of apron extends between the underbust band 3 and the hip strap 21, which can be attached or removed as required and is indicated by the dashed line.

According to Figure 4, a decorative fabric as a further garment module 22 is associated with the bra 1, so that, overall, a strapless top is provided, and a garment module 22 designed as a bottom with pants 26 is arranged on the underbust band 3, wherein the bottom is detachably fastened to the underbust band 3 by means of the fastening means 2. With respect to the top, the bottom cannot slip out of position, and a uniformly appearing item of clothing 13 is provided.

According to Figure 5, the item of clothing 13 essentially comprises a garment module 22 formed from a fabric panel 27, wherein the fabric panel 27 detachably fastened to the underbust band 3 extends over the breasts and around the nape of the wearer. In addition, a bottom comprising pants 26 is detachably fastened to the underbust band 3, said bottom extending over and covering the abdomen and the waist.

According to Figure 6, the item of clothing 13 designed as a bikini top 1 is provided with the structure already described above. In addition, the wearer is clothed in long pants 26 which can be designed to be modular and, in addition to the actual fabric of the pants 26, which constitutes a garment module 22, comprise the wrap-around band 14 designed as a hip strap 21, to which the fabric of the pants 26 is fastened by means of associated fastening means 2.

In the depiction according to Figure 7, short sleeves 28 are arranged on the straps 9 of the bikini top 1.

Deviating from Figure 6, Figure 8 shows a skirt 29 instead of pants 26, wherein the fabric of the skirt 29 can naturally also be detachably fastened to the waistband 20 by means of fastening means 2. Between the waistband 20 and the underbust band 3, a fabric panel 27 detachably held by means of fastening means 3 can be provided, which completes the item of clothing 13.

According to Figure 9, a blouse 30 and pants 26 as the garment modules 22 are detachably fastened to the hip strap 21 by means of fastening means 2.

Reference signs

1. Bra or bikini 16. Eye

2. Fastening means 17. Hook and loop tape

3. Underbust band 18. Fabric hook and loop tape

4. Cups 19. Material

5. Side distance 20. Waistband

6. Double arrow 21. Hip strap

7. Double arrow 22. Garment module

8. Thickness 23. Snap

9. Strap 24. Hook

10. Connecting part 25. Retaining means

11. Length adjustment device 26. Pants

12. Strap fastener 27. Fabric panel

13. Item of clothing 28. Short sleeve

14. Wrap-around band 29. Skirt

15. Hook 30. Blouse

Claims

Patent claims

1. Item of clothing having a modular structure, comprising at least one wrap-around band (14) as a first module, which has on one side fastening means (2) for the non-damaging and detachable arrangement of at least one garment module (22) as at least one further module.

2. Item of clothing according to claim 1, characterized in that the wrap-around band (14) is designed as a hip strap (21), a waistband (20), or an underbust band (3), and the fastening means (2) is designed as a hook and loop tape (17) or a snap (23), wherein the garment module (22), on the basis of the fastening means (2) of the wrap-around band (14), has a fabric hook and loop tape (18) or a snap (23) as the fastening means.

3. Item of clothing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that both pants (26), a skirt (29), or an apron or similar garment bottom and cups (4) of a brassiere or bikini top (1), or a blouse (30), or a T-shirt or similar garment top are detachably arranged on the wrap-around band (14).

4. Item of clothing according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least the entirety of the cups (4) or the cups (4) each by themselves and the underbust band (3) are detachably interconnected by the fastening means (2) in a non-damaging manner.

5. Item of clothing according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that each cup (4) has a retaining means (25) on the upper side for detachably fastening one end of a strap (9), wherein the strap (9) is detachably connected either with each of its ends to a cup (4) or with one end to the cup (4) and with the other end to a retaining means (25) of the underbust band (3).

6. Item of clothing according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the length of the wrap around band (14) designed as an underbust band (3) is infinitely adjustable and/or the wrap around band (14), at least in sections, is made of an elastic material (19).

7. Set, comprising a plurality of wrap-around bands (14) and a plurality of garment modules (22), wherein the ends of the wrap-around band (14) designed as an underbust band (3) are detachably interconnectable, and the wrap-around band (14) has, at least on its one side, fastening means (2) for the non-damaging and detachable arrangement of at least one garment module (22).

8. Set, comprising at least one underbust band (3) and at least two cups (4), wherein one of the underbust bands (3) and two of the cups (4), with the cups (4) being either independent from one another or interconnected, are detachably interconnectable by fastening means (2) in a non damaging manner in variable size combinations.

9. Item of clothing or set according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the cups (4) are connectable to the underbust band (3) at any variable side distance (5).

10. Item of clothing or set according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the inner or outer side of the garment module (22), which, at least partially, covers the abdominal area, has a further fabric layer, wherein the further fabric layer is connected by connecting elements to the garment module (22) which, at least partially, covers the abdominal area.

11. Item of clothing or set according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the fastening elements (2) are selected from the group consisting of at least one hook and loop fastener, snaps (23), loops or hooks (15) and/or eyes, and/or zipper.