CA2109670C - Brassiere with successive transport wicking and vapour passing/liquid blocking layers - Google Patents
Brassiere with successive transport wicking and vapour passing/liquid blocking layersInfo
- Publication number
- CA2109670C CA2109670C CA 2109670 CA2109670A CA2109670C CA 2109670 C CA2109670 C CA 2109670C CA 2109670 CA2109670 CA 2109670 CA 2109670 A CA2109670 A CA 2109670A CA 2109670 C CA2109670 C CA 2109670C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- moisture
- fabric
- brassiere
- hydrophilic
- hydrophobic
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41C—CORSETS; BRASSIERES
- A41C3/00—Brassieres
- A41C3/0071—Brassieres with interchangeable or detachable cups
Landscapes
- Corsets Or Brassieres (AREA)
Abstract
A moisture management brassiere which includes a brassiere body, including a body and back strap. The body and back strap are formed of a stretch fabric having a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact and for wicking moisture away from the skin. A moisture dispersal fabric layer is provided, and is constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defines a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear. The moisture dispersal fabric layer receives moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer. Stretch yarns provide stretch to the back strap. A pair of breast enclosing and supporting cups are attached to the back strap of the brassiere.
Each of the cups is constructed of a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin. A moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face is provided for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer. A liquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabric defining the outermost fabric face resides adjacent to the second hydrophilic moisture dispersal fabric layer.
Each of the cups is constructed of a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin. A moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face is provided for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer. A liquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabric defining the outermost fabric face resides adjacent to the second hydrophilic moisture dispersal fabric layer.
Description
21 0~670 B~ASSIERE WITH SUCCESSIVE TRANSPORT WICKIN~
AND VAPOUR PASSING/LIQUID BLOCKING LAYERS
Technlcal Field and Backqround of the Invention This lnventlon relates to molsture managlng undergarments for women, speclflcally to brassleres worn by women durlng the late stages of pregnancy, lmmedlately followlng delivery and e~pecially durlng the lactatlon perlod when an lnfant chlld ls belng breast-fed ~y the lactating mother.
The female mammary gland is a somewhat conlcal mass of glandular tis~ue traversed and supported by strands of fibrous tissue and covered by a thlck layer of fat. Each gland is sltuated ln the superflclal fascla coverlng the anterlor aspect of the thorax and usually extends from the level of the second or thlrd rlb to that of the slxth rlb.
The hemi~pherlcal pro~ectlon formed by the gland lie~ upon the superflclal aspect of the pectoralls ma~or and to a lesser extent upon the serratus anterlor muscle. Near the summlt of each mammary gland and usually at the level of the fourth or flfth rlb ls a papllla mammae, or nlpple from which the mother's mllk flows.
Page l Breast feeding has enjoyed a re~ent recurrence of popularity. It is now recognized that breast f~in~ has a number of significant advantages o~er bottle f~ing. Nother~s milk is always the right temperature, and contains the proper proportionS
of carbohydrate, protein and fat. Mother~s milk is free from bacterial cont~mi~tion and contains natural antibodies to numerouS
infant diseases.
This recurrence of popularity has, however, run squarely into the ever-increasing tendency for women to combine careers with child-rearing. This presents pro~lems relating to proper garment selection and wear, and em~arr~cm~nt which may result from leakage from the breasts through to outer garments.
During pregnancy, par~;c~ ~ly in the latter stages, the breast enlarges under the influence of hormonal changes incident to pregnancy, and in preparation for lactation. Upon delivery of the child, the breast is prepared to dispense milk from tiny openings in the nipple, unless suppressed.
During these stages of pregnancy and motherhood, it is not ~ncommon for women to experience leakage from the nipple. This invention addresses problems associated with both the increased size and weight of the breast during and after pregnancy, and also with the lea~age that often occurs at times, during the work day, for example, when a child cannot be ~ed or the clothing changed.
This often results in embarrassing wet spots on clothing and 2~ unwanted wetness next to the s~in. This condition can cause odor, chafing, irritation and an environment con~t~cive to the growth of bacteria and fungus.
The fabrics from which this moisture managing brassiere is constructed are inten~e~ to quickly move moisture away from the skin of the wearer and slow the outward movement of the moisture while at the same time enhancing the dispersion of the moisture to those fibers of the fabric that do not touch the skin. The fabric also permits moisture in the form of vapor to migrate to the outer surface of the fabric where evaporation will occur.
The result of these functions is to keep the skin as dry as possible while preventing outer clothing from becoming wet from milk or perspiration leaking through the brassiere from inside to outside.
Summarv of the Invention Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a moisture-management brassiere.
It is another object of the invention to provide a brassiere which disperses leakage of milk and perspiration throughout a sufficiently wide area-so as to retard leak-through to outer garments.
It is another object of the invention to provide a brassiere which wicks milk and perspiration away from the skin, in order to increase comfort for the wearer.
It is another ob~ect of the invention to provide a brasslere which has cups for enclosing and supporting the breasts which are attached to the body components of the garment by means of a molsture management stretch fabrlc.
It is another ob~ect of the lnventlon to provide a brassiere which has cups which stretch to accommodate the breast when enlarged, and whlch then relax to provide continuous support as the breast is emptied of milk and thus reduced ln size.
In accordance wlth an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a molsture management reusable and launderable brassiere, comprlslng: (a) a brasslere body, including a thorax-enclrcllng back strap for holdlng the brasslere in position on the wearer, comprising~ a stretch fabrlc having a moisture transport fabrlc layer constructed of hydrophillc yarns which define a flrst fabrlc face for residlng ln skln contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin; (2) a molsture dlspersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophillc yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin durlng garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic molsture transport layer; and (3) stretch yarns ln the back strap for provlding stretch to the back strap; (b) a pair of breast enclosing and supportlng cups attached to the back strap of the brasslere and comprislng: (1) a moisture transport fabrlc layer page 4 constructed of hydrophoblc yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skln contact durlng garment wear and for wicklng moisture away from the skln; ~2) a moisture dispersal fabrlc layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing ln spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receivlng molsture from the hydrophoblc moisture transport layer; and (3) a llquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabric outermost fabric face reslding ad~acent to the second hydrophilic molsture dispersal fabric layer; (c) a pair of shoulder straps attached by one ~nd to respective cups and by respective opposite ends to the back-strap to provide further support to the breasts.
According to one preferred embodlment of the lnvention, the hydrophobic yarn of the moisture transport layer of the back strap and the cups is chosen from the fiber group consisting of polyester and polypropylene.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the hydrophilic yarn of the moisture dispersal fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of hydrophilic nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophilic nylon and regular nylon.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the yarn of the liquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of polyester and nylon mlcrofiber.
page 5 Accordlng to yet another preferred embodiment of the lnvention, the yarn of the moisture management stretch fabrlc of the body of the brassiere connecting the cups to the back ~trap of the brassiere ls chosen from the group consistlng of blends of nylon/SPANDEX*, polyester/SPANDEX and cotton/SPANDEX.
Accordlng to yet another preferred embodiment of the inventlon, the moisture transport fabrlc layer of the brassiere cups is constructed of hydrophobic polyester yarns formed of ~ibers havlng a high surface area in relation to volume.
Accordlng to yet another preferred embodlment of the lnventlon, the moisture transport fabric layer of the brasslere cups is constructed of a "push-pull" integrated knlt fabric having hydrophobic polyester fibers on the lnner fabrlc face next to the skin of the wearer and hydrophilic nylon on the obverse fabrlc face.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the brasslere includes means for detachlng a part of the cup from the body of the brasslere for exposing a breast for nursing.
In another aspect of the invention, there ls provlded a moisture management reusable and launderable brasslere, comprlsing: (a) a brasslere body, including a thorax-encircling back strap for holding the ~rasslere in posltlon on the wearer, comprislngs (1) a stretch fabric page 6 * Trade-mark C
having a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing ln skln contact durlng garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skln, wherein the hydrophobic yarn of the molsture transport layer ls chosen from the fiber group conslstlng of polyester and polypropylene; 12) a molsture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and deflning a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophoblc molsture transport layer, whereln the hydrophilic yarn of the molsture dispersal fabrlc layer ls chosen from the fiber group consisting of hydrophilic nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophilic nylon and conventional nylon; and (3) stretch yarns in the back strap for providing stretch to the back strap; (b) a pair of breast enclosing and supportlng cups attached to the back strap of the brassiere and comprising: ll) a molsture transport fabrlc layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact durlng garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin, wherein the hydrophobic yarn of the moisture transport layer ls chosen from the fiber group conslsting of polyester and polypropylene; (2~ a moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophlllc yarns and deflnlng a second fabric face for resldlng ln spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for recelvlng molsture from the page 7 f~
2 1 0~670 hydrophobic moisture transport layer, wherein the hydrophllic yarn of the moisture dlspersal fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group conslstlng of hydrophillc nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophillc nylon and conventional nylon; and (3) a liquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabrlc comprlslng an outermost fabrlc face residing ad~acent to the second hydrophlllc molsture dlspersal fabrlc layer; and ~cl a palr of shoulder straps attached by one end to respectlve cups and by respectlve opposlte ends to the back-strap to provlde further support to the breasts, sald shoulder straps comprislng a stretch fabric.
Brlef DescrlPtlon of the Drawinqs Some of the ob~ects of the invention have been set forth above. Other ob~ects and advantages of the invention will appear as the lnventlon proceeds when taken in con~unctlon wlth the followlng drawings, in whlch:
Flgure 1 ls a moisture managing brassiere according to an embodlment of the present lnventlon;
Flgure 2 ls a vlew of the lnslde of the cup of the brassiere ln Flgure 1 whlch would hold the wearer's left breast;
Flgure 3 ls a cross-sectional view of a "push-pull"
knit fabric that lntegrates hydrophoblc flbers and hydrophllic flbers according to an embodiment of the invention; and page 8 Figure 4 is a moisture managing brassiere according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Description of the Preferred Embodiment and Best Mode 5Referring now specifically to the drawings, a moisture managing brassiere according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1, and broadly indicated at reference numeral 10.
The brassiere 10 is intended for use by women in the late 10stages of pregnancy and during the period of lactation following delivery. Brassiere 10 is constructed of a body portion 11 which includes a pair of shoulder straps 12 and 13, a back strap 14 and a pair of cups 15 and 16. The cups 15 and 16 may be designed so that they can be partially detached to permit access to the breast 15for nursing. By way of example, complementary hook and loop fastening elements 18 and 19 are provided on the upper perimeter of the cups 15 and 16. Thus, the top of the cups 15 and 16 can be folded down towards the bodice of the brassiere 10 and out of the way so that the infant can nurse. When nursing is complete, the 20cup 15 or 16 is folded back into position and secured in place by pressing the hook elements 18 into the loop elements 19. Of course, other fastening elements, such as snaps, may also be used.
The shoulder straps 12 and 13 are constructed of a rt stretch fabric, such as a warp knitted elastic fabric disclosed in U.S. Patent N~. 5,297,2g6.
The body 11 and back strap 14 are formed of a stretch fabric 17 having a moisture transport fabric layer 17A constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face residing in skin contact during garment wear. This fabric layer 17A is intended to wick moisture away from the skin. The fabric layer 17A
may be polyester or polypropylene.
A moisture dispersal fabric layer 17B is constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defines a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear. Layer 17B
receives moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer 17A. The hydrophilic yarn of the moisture dispersal fabric layer 17B may be nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophilic nylon and conventional nylon; Stretch yarns are incorporated into the fabric 17 for providing stretch to the body 11 and back strap 14.
The body 11 and back strap 14 are preferably constructed of moisture management stretch fabric which includes approximately 85% polyester fibers and 15% sp~P~ fibers. The polyester fibers are designed for relatively great ~urface area in relation to volume, such as Coolmax (R) fibers produced by the DuPont Corporation, with channels rllnning longitll~inAlly along the shaft of the fiber to e~hAncP the wicking or transport of moisture.
The brassiere cups 15 and 16 are constructed of a multi-layer fabric system described in detail in Figure 2.
C _ _ In addition to supporting the breast, the brassiere cup 16 shown in Figure 2 includes a hydrophobic fabric layer 21 to reside next to the skin to quic~ly transport moisture away from the skin. Fabric layer 21 is comprised of polyester wicking fibers such as Coolmax (R) that are designed specifically to transport moisture. An intermediate fabric layer 22 is placed adjacent to the outer fabric face of fabric layer 21, and is formed of a hydrophilic dispersal fabric layer that wor~s to keep the moisture away from the skin by providing hydrophilic fibers to receive moisture transported to its surface by hydrophobic fabric layer 21.
Thus fabric layer 22 spreads moisture along its fibers and thereby enhances evaporation and reduces the likelihood of liquid moisture penetrating to stain outer clothing.
The brassiere cup 16 also includes a third outermost fabric layer 23 that is liquid impermeable but vapor permeable.
This polyester microfiber fabric layer blocks the outward flow of liquid, yet allows the moisture that has been temporarily dispersed throughout the dispersal fabric layer 22 to pass through in vapor form (evaporate). Fabric layer 23 forms the outer surface or shell of the brassiere cup 16.
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a fabric of a brassiere cup 30 of a different embodiment of the invention than that shown in Figure 2. Brassiere cup 30 is constructed of a "push-pull~l bi-component warp knit fabric formed of hydrophobic polyester wicking fibers which form the innermost fabric layer 31 2 t 09670 for residing next to the skin of the wearer, and an integrally knit outer fabric layer 32 formed of hydrophilic fibers such as Hydrofil (R) produced by Allied Fibers. Fabric 30 combines in one integrally knit fabric the same fibers and functions of fabric layers 21 and 22 of cup 16 illustrated in Figure 2.
Cup 33 may be used instead of cup 16, while ret~ ng the hydrophilic ~abric layer 22 in the moisture managing fabric system used in the brassiere cup 16.
In accordance with another embodiment as shown in Figure 4, brassiere 50 is constructed of a body portion 51 which includes a pair of shoulder straps 52 and 53, a back strap 54 which is attached by hooks in the back, and a pair of cups 55 and 56. Cups 55 and 56 are set into the body 51 with respective elastic gores 58 and 59. Gores 58 and 59 are constructed of a moisture management fabric comprised of approximately 75~ Coolmax (R) polyester and 25% spandex fibers. This is a smooth fabric with the capacity to stretch approximately 75% in any direction, such as that manufactured by Charbert, Inc. or by Lida, Inc. This fabric provides support for the breast yet allows the cups 55 and 56 to expand as the breasts are enlarged with fluid and to contract while maintaining support as the breast contracts as a result of the removal of fluid. Brassiere 50 has sufficient stretch so that it can simply be pulled off of one shoulder to a degree n~c~c~ry to expose the breast, with the weight of the breast bearing on the top of the cup 55 or 56 to keep it from interfering with nursing. When P~ge 12 C
nursing is complete, the breast is merely placed back in the cup 55 or 56 by pulling the cup upwardly over the breast.
The body 11 and back straps 14 are constructed as described above with reference to Figure 1. The brassiere cups 55 and 56 are constructed of a multi-layer fabric system as described above with reference to Figure 2.
A moisture management brassiere is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation--the invention being defined by the claims.
AND VAPOUR PASSING/LIQUID BLOCKING LAYERS
Technlcal Field and Backqround of the Invention This lnventlon relates to molsture managlng undergarments for women, speclflcally to brassleres worn by women durlng the late stages of pregnancy, lmmedlately followlng delivery and e~pecially durlng the lactatlon perlod when an lnfant chlld ls belng breast-fed ~y the lactating mother.
The female mammary gland is a somewhat conlcal mass of glandular tis~ue traversed and supported by strands of fibrous tissue and covered by a thlck layer of fat. Each gland is sltuated ln the superflclal fascla coverlng the anterlor aspect of the thorax and usually extends from the level of the second or thlrd rlb to that of the slxth rlb.
The hemi~pherlcal pro~ectlon formed by the gland lie~ upon the superflclal aspect of the pectoralls ma~or and to a lesser extent upon the serratus anterlor muscle. Near the summlt of each mammary gland and usually at the level of the fourth or flfth rlb ls a papllla mammae, or nlpple from which the mother's mllk flows.
Page l Breast feeding has enjoyed a re~ent recurrence of popularity. It is now recognized that breast f~in~ has a number of significant advantages o~er bottle f~ing. Nother~s milk is always the right temperature, and contains the proper proportionS
of carbohydrate, protein and fat. Mother~s milk is free from bacterial cont~mi~tion and contains natural antibodies to numerouS
infant diseases.
This recurrence of popularity has, however, run squarely into the ever-increasing tendency for women to combine careers with child-rearing. This presents pro~lems relating to proper garment selection and wear, and em~arr~cm~nt which may result from leakage from the breasts through to outer garments.
During pregnancy, par~;c~ ~ly in the latter stages, the breast enlarges under the influence of hormonal changes incident to pregnancy, and in preparation for lactation. Upon delivery of the child, the breast is prepared to dispense milk from tiny openings in the nipple, unless suppressed.
During these stages of pregnancy and motherhood, it is not ~ncommon for women to experience leakage from the nipple. This invention addresses problems associated with both the increased size and weight of the breast during and after pregnancy, and also with the lea~age that often occurs at times, during the work day, for example, when a child cannot be ~ed or the clothing changed.
This often results in embarrassing wet spots on clothing and 2~ unwanted wetness next to the s~in. This condition can cause odor, chafing, irritation and an environment con~t~cive to the growth of bacteria and fungus.
The fabrics from which this moisture managing brassiere is constructed are inten~e~ to quickly move moisture away from the skin of the wearer and slow the outward movement of the moisture while at the same time enhancing the dispersion of the moisture to those fibers of the fabric that do not touch the skin. The fabric also permits moisture in the form of vapor to migrate to the outer surface of the fabric where evaporation will occur.
The result of these functions is to keep the skin as dry as possible while preventing outer clothing from becoming wet from milk or perspiration leaking through the brassiere from inside to outside.
Summarv of the Invention Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a moisture-management brassiere.
It is another object of the invention to provide a brassiere which disperses leakage of milk and perspiration throughout a sufficiently wide area-so as to retard leak-through to outer garments.
It is another object of the invention to provide a brassiere which wicks milk and perspiration away from the skin, in order to increase comfort for the wearer.
It is another ob~ect of the invention to provide a brasslere which has cups for enclosing and supporting the breasts which are attached to the body components of the garment by means of a molsture management stretch fabrlc.
It is another ob~ect of the lnventlon to provide a brassiere which has cups which stretch to accommodate the breast when enlarged, and whlch then relax to provide continuous support as the breast is emptied of milk and thus reduced ln size.
In accordance wlth an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a molsture management reusable and launderable brassiere, comprlslng: (a) a brasslere body, including a thorax-enclrcllng back strap for holdlng the brasslere in position on the wearer, comprising~ a stretch fabrlc having a moisture transport fabrlc layer constructed of hydrophillc yarns which define a flrst fabrlc face for residlng ln skln contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin; (2) a molsture dlspersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophillc yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin durlng garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic molsture transport layer; and (3) stretch yarns ln the back strap for provlding stretch to the back strap; (b) a pair of breast enclosing and supportlng cups attached to the back strap of the brasslere and comprislng: (1) a moisture transport fabrlc layer page 4 constructed of hydrophoblc yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skln contact durlng garment wear and for wicklng moisture away from the skln; ~2) a moisture dispersal fabrlc layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing ln spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receivlng molsture from the hydrophoblc moisture transport layer; and (3) a llquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabric outermost fabric face reslding ad~acent to the second hydrophilic molsture dispersal fabric layer; (c) a pair of shoulder straps attached by one ~nd to respective cups and by respective opposite ends to the back-strap to provide further support to the breasts.
According to one preferred embodlment of the lnvention, the hydrophobic yarn of the moisture transport layer of the back strap and the cups is chosen from the fiber group consisting of polyester and polypropylene.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the hydrophilic yarn of the moisture dispersal fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of hydrophilic nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophilic nylon and regular nylon.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the yarn of the liquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of polyester and nylon mlcrofiber.
page 5 Accordlng to yet another preferred embodiment of the lnvention, the yarn of the moisture management stretch fabrlc of the body of the brassiere connecting the cups to the back ~trap of the brassiere ls chosen from the group consistlng of blends of nylon/SPANDEX*, polyester/SPANDEX and cotton/SPANDEX.
Accordlng to yet another preferred embodiment of the inventlon, the moisture transport fabrlc layer of the brassiere cups is constructed of hydrophobic polyester yarns formed of ~ibers havlng a high surface area in relation to volume.
Accordlng to yet another preferred embodlment of the lnventlon, the moisture transport fabric layer of the brasslere cups is constructed of a "push-pull" integrated knlt fabric having hydrophobic polyester fibers on the lnner fabrlc face next to the skin of the wearer and hydrophilic nylon on the obverse fabrlc face.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the brasslere includes means for detachlng a part of the cup from the body of the brasslere for exposing a breast for nursing.
In another aspect of the invention, there ls provlded a moisture management reusable and launderable brasslere, comprlsing: (a) a brasslere body, including a thorax-encircling back strap for holding the ~rasslere in posltlon on the wearer, comprislngs (1) a stretch fabric page 6 * Trade-mark C
having a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing ln skln contact durlng garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skln, wherein the hydrophobic yarn of the molsture transport layer ls chosen from the fiber group conslstlng of polyester and polypropylene; 12) a molsture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and deflning a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophoblc molsture transport layer, whereln the hydrophilic yarn of the molsture dispersal fabrlc layer ls chosen from the fiber group consisting of hydrophilic nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophilic nylon and conventional nylon; and (3) stretch yarns in the back strap for providing stretch to the back strap; (b) a pair of breast enclosing and supportlng cups attached to the back strap of the brassiere and comprising: ll) a molsture transport fabrlc layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact durlng garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin, wherein the hydrophobic yarn of the moisture transport layer ls chosen from the fiber group conslsting of polyester and polypropylene; (2~ a moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophlllc yarns and deflnlng a second fabric face for resldlng ln spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for recelvlng molsture from the page 7 f~
2 1 0~670 hydrophobic moisture transport layer, wherein the hydrophllic yarn of the moisture dlspersal fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group conslstlng of hydrophillc nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophillc nylon and conventional nylon; and (3) a liquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabrlc comprlslng an outermost fabrlc face residing ad~acent to the second hydrophlllc molsture dlspersal fabrlc layer; and ~cl a palr of shoulder straps attached by one end to respectlve cups and by respectlve opposlte ends to the back-strap to provlde further support to the breasts, sald shoulder straps comprislng a stretch fabric.
Brlef DescrlPtlon of the Drawinqs Some of the ob~ects of the invention have been set forth above. Other ob~ects and advantages of the invention will appear as the lnventlon proceeds when taken in con~unctlon wlth the followlng drawings, in whlch:
Flgure 1 ls a moisture managing brassiere according to an embodlment of the present lnventlon;
Flgure 2 ls a vlew of the lnslde of the cup of the brassiere ln Flgure 1 whlch would hold the wearer's left breast;
Flgure 3 ls a cross-sectional view of a "push-pull"
knit fabric that lntegrates hydrophoblc flbers and hydrophllic flbers according to an embodiment of the invention; and page 8 Figure 4 is a moisture managing brassiere according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Description of the Preferred Embodiment and Best Mode 5Referring now specifically to the drawings, a moisture managing brassiere according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1, and broadly indicated at reference numeral 10.
The brassiere 10 is intended for use by women in the late 10stages of pregnancy and during the period of lactation following delivery. Brassiere 10 is constructed of a body portion 11 which includes a pair of shoulder straps 12 and 13, a back strap 14 and a pair of cups 15 and 16. The cups 15 and 16 may be designed so that they can be partially detached to permit access to the breast 15for nursing. By way of example, complementary hook and loop fastening elements 18 and 19 are provided on the upper perimeter of the cups 15 and 16. Thus, the top of the cups 15 and 16 can be folded down towards the bodice of the brassiere 10 and out of the way so that the infant can nurse. When nursing is complete, the 20cup 15 or 16 is folded back into position and secured in place by pressing the hook elements 18 into the loop elements 19. Of course, other fastening elements, such as snaps, may also be used.
The shoulder straps 12 and 13 are constructed of a rt stretch fabric, such as a warp knitted elastic fabric disclosed in U.S. Patent N~. 5,297,2g6.
The body 11 and back strap 14 are formed of a stretch fabric 17 having a moisture transport fabric layer 17A constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face residing in skin contact during garment wear. This fabric layer 17A is intended to wick moisture away from the skin. The fabric layer 17A
may be polyester or polypropylene.
A moisture dispersal fabric layer 17B is constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defines a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear. Layer 17B
receives moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer 17A. The hydrophilic yarn of the moisture dispersal fabric layer 17B may be nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophilic nylon and conventional nylon; Stretch yarns are incorporated into the fabric 17 for providing stretch to the body 11 and back strap 14.
The body 11 and back strap 14 are preferably constructed of moisture management stretch fabric which includes approximately 85% polyester fibers and 15% sp~P~ fibers. The polyester fibers are designed for relatively great ~urface area in relation to volume, such as Coolmax (R) fibers produced by the DuPont Corporation, with channels rllnning longitll~inAlly along the shaft of the fiber to e~hAncP the wicking or transport of moisture.
The brassiere cups 15 and 16 are constructed of a multi-layer fabric system described in detail in Figure 2.
C _ _ In addition to supporting the breast, the brassiere cup 16 shown in Figure 2 includes a hydrophobic fabric layer 21 to reside next to the skin to quic~ly transport moisture away from the skin. Fabric layer 21 is comprised of polyester wicking fibers such as Coolmax (R) that are designed specifically to transport moisture. An intermediate fabric layer 22 is placed adjacent to the outer fabric face of fabric layer 21, and is formed of a hydrophilic dispersal fabric layer that wor~s to keep the moisture away from the skin by providing hydrophilic fibers to receive moisture transported to its surface by hydrophobic fabric layer 21.
Thus fabric layer 22 spreads moisture along its fibers and thereby enhances evaporation and reduces the likelihood of liquid moisture penetrating to stain outer clothing.
The brassiere cup 16 also includes a third outermost fabric layer 23 that is liquid impermeable but vapor permeable.
This polyester microfiber fabric layer blocks the outward flow of liquid, yet allows the moisture that has been temporarily dispersed throughout the dispersal fabric layer 22 to pass through in vapor form (evaporate). Fabric layer 23 forms the outer surface or shell of the brassiere cup 16.
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a fabric of a brassiere cup 30 of a different embodiment of the invention than that shown in Figure 2. Brassiere cup 30 is constructed of a "push-pull~l bi-component warp knit fabric formed of hydrophobic polyester wicking fibers which form the innermost fabric layer 31 2 t 09670 for residing next to the skin of the wearer, and an integrally knit outer fabric layer 32 formed of hydrophilic fibers such as Hydrofil (R) produced by Allied Fibers. Fabric 30 combines in one integrally knit fabric the same fibers and functions of fabric layers 21 and 22 of cup 16 illustrated in Figure 2.
Cup 33 may be used instead of cup 16, while ret~ ng the hydrophilic ~abric layer 22 in the moisture managing fabric system used in the brassiere cup 16.
In accordance with another embodiment as shown in Figure 4, brassiere 50 is constructed of a body portion 51 which includes a pair of shoulder straps 52 and 53, a back strap 54 which is attached by hooks in the back, and a pair of cups 55 and 56. Cups 55 and 56 are set into the body 51 with respective elastic gores 58 and 59. Gores 58 and 59 are constructed of a moisture management fabric comprised of approximately 75~ Coolmax (R) polyester and 25% spandex fibers. This is a smooth fabric with the capacity to stretch approximately 75% in any direction, such as that manufactured by Charbert, Inc. or by Lida, Inc. This fabric provides support for the breast yet allows the cups 55 and 56 to expand as the breasts are enlarged with fluid and to contract while maintaining support as the breast contracts as a result of the removal of fluid. Brassiere 50 has sufficient stretch so that it can simply be pulled off of one shoulder to a degree n~c~c~ry to expose the breast, with the weight of the breast bearing on the top of the cup 55 or 56 to keep it from interfering with nursing. When P~ge 12 C
nursing is complete, the breast is merely placed back in the cup 55 or 56 by pulling the cup upwardly over the breast.
The body 11 and back straps 14 are constructed as described above with reference to Figure 1. The brassiere cups 55 and 56 are constructed of a multi-layer fabric system as described above with reference to Figure 2.
A moisture management brassiere is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation--the invention being defined by the claims.
Claims (9)
1. A moisture management reusable and launderable brassiere, comprising:
(a) a brassiere body, including a thorax-encircling back strap for holding the brassiere in position on the wearer, comprising:
(1) a stretch fabric having a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin;
(2) a moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layers; and (3) stretch yarns in the back strap for providing stretch to the back strap;
(b) a pair of breast enclosing and supporting cups attached to the back strap of the brassiere and comprising:
(1) a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin;
(2) a moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer; and (3) a liquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabric outermost fabric face residing adjacent to the second hydrophilic moisture dispersal fabric layer;
(c) a pair of shoulder straps attached by one end to respective cups and by respective opposite ends to the back strap to provide further support to the breasts.
(a) a brassiere body, including a thorax-encircling back strap for holding the brassiere in position on the wearer, comprising:
(1) a stretch fabric having a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin;
(2) a moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layers; and (3) stretch yarns in the back strap for providing stretch to the back strap;
(b) a pair of breast enclosing and supporting cups attached to the back strap of the brassiere and comprising:
(1) a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin;
(2) a moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer; and (3) a liquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabric outermost fabric face residing adjacent to the second hydrophilic moisture dispersal fabric layer;
(c) a pair of shoulder straps attached by one end to respective cups and by respective opposite ends to the back strap to provide further support to the breasts.
2. A brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic yarn of the moisture transport layer of the back strap and the cups is chosen from the fiber group consisting of polyester and polypropylene.
3. A brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic yarn of the moisture dispersal fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of hydrophilic nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophilic nylon and conventional nylon.
4. A brassiere according to claim 3, wherein the yarn of the liquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of polyester and nylon microfiber.
5. A brassiere according to claim 4, wherein the yarn of the moisture management stretch fabric of the body of the brassiere connecting the cups to the back strap of the brassiere is chosen from the group consisting of blends of nylon/SPANDEX, polyester/SPANDEX and cotton/SPANDEX.
6. A brassiere according to claim 1, the moisture transport fabric layer of the brassiere cups is constructed of hydrophobic polyester yarns formed of fibers having a high surface area in relation to volume.
7. A brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the moisture transport fabric layer of the brassiere cups is constructed of a "push-pull" integrated knit fabric having hydrophobic polyester fibers on the inner fabric face next to the skin of the wearer and hydrophilic nylon, on the obverse fabric face.
8. A brassiere according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, and including means for detaching a part of the cup from the body of the brassiere for exposing a breast for nursing.
9. A moisture management reusable and launderable brassiere, comprisings (a) a brassiere body, including a thorax-encircling back strap for holding the brassiere in position on the wearer, comprisings (1) a stretch fabric having a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin, wherein the hydrophobic yarn of the moisture transport layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of polyester and polypropylene;
(2) a moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer, wherein the hydrophilic yarn of the moisture dispersal fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of hydrophilic nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophilic nylon and conventional nylon, and (3) stretch yarns in the back strap for providing stretch to the back strap, (b) a pair of breast enclosing and supporting cups attached to the back strap of the brassiere and comprisings (1) a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin, wherein the hydrophobic yarn of the moisture transport layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of polyester and polypropylene;
(2) a moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer, wherein the hydrophilic yarn of the moisture dispersal fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of hydrophilic nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophilic nylon and conventional nylon; and (3) a liquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabric comprising an outermost fabric face residing adjacent to the second hydrophilic moisture dispersal fabric layer; and (c) a pair of shoulder straps attached by one end to respective cups and by respective opposite ends to the back-strap to provide further support to the breasts, said shoulder straps comprising a stretch fabric.
(2) a moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer, wherein the hydrophilic yarn of the moisture dispersal fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of hydrophilic nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophilic nylon and conventional nylon, and (3) stretch yarns in the back strap for providing stretch to the back strap, (b) a pair of breast enclosing and supporting cups attached to the back strap of the brassiere and comprisings (1) a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin, wherein the hydrophobic yarn of the moisture transport layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of polyester and polypropylene;
(2) a moisture dispersal fabric layer constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defining a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer, wherein the hydrophilic yarn of the moisture dispersal fabric layer is chosen from the fiber group consisting of hydrophilic nylon, cotton, rayon and blends of hydrophilic nylon and conventional nylon; and (3) a liquid impermeable, vapor permeable fabric comprising an outermost fabric face residing adjacent to the second hydrophilic moisture dispersal fabric layer; and (c) a pair of shoulder straps attached by one end to respective cups and by respective opposite ends to the back-strap to provide further support to the breasts, said shoulder straps comprising a stretch fabric.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/991,761 US5297296A (en) | 1991-11-12 | 1992-12-17 | Multi-layer moisture management elastic fabric |
| US991,761 | 1992-12-17 | ||
| US08/003,263 | 1993-01-12 | ||
| US08/003,263 US5269720A (en) | 1991-11-12 | 1993-01-12 | Moisture managing brassiere |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2109670A1 CA2109670A1 (en) | 1994-06-18 |
| CA2109670C true CA2109670C (en) | 1996-08-20 |
Family
ID=26671549
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2109670 Expired - Fee Related CA2109670C (en) | 1992-12-17 | 1993-11-22 | Brassiere with successive transport wicking and vapour passing/liquid blocking layers |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2109670C (en) |
-
1993
- 1993-11-22 CA CA 2109670 patent/CA2109670C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2109670A1 (en) | 1994-06-18 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5269720A (en) | Moisture managing brassiere | |
| EP0602987A1 (en) | Moisture managing undergarment | |
| US5291617A (en) | Moisture management garment | |
| US5392467A (en) | Moisture-management garment and support pouch garment | |
| US5315717A (en) | Multi-layer moisture management fabric and garments incorporating a moisture management panel | |
| US5435014A (en) | Garment having a suspended moisture management panel | |
| US5603653A (en) | Perspiration absorbent pads for female breasts | |
| US4898007A (en) | Moisture management sock | |
| US5017174A (en) | Nursing pad | |
| EP0627178A1 (en) | Moisture management component and garments incorporating a moisture management component | |
| US6540585B1 (en) | Ventilated padded lingerie | |
| US10412998B2 (en) | Leak-resistant nursing apparel and women's wear | |
| EP3437604A1 (en) | Garment with moisture management incontinence pad | |
| US5906876A (en) | Absorbent fabric and undergarments incorporating the fabric | |
| US5152014A (en) | Breathable body wear | |
| WO2017192049A1 (en) | Launderable, absorbent, leakproof bras | |
| EP0777978A2 (en) | Composite textile fabric having moisture management characteristics | |
| US5390376A (en) | Breathable body wear | |
| GB2577982A (en) | Nursing garment | |
| US5533212A (en) | Combination moisture management panty and panty hose system for women | |
| US20050065494A1 (en) | Disposable feminine sanitary panty | |
| CA2109670C (en) | Brassiere with successive transport wicking and vapour passing/liquid blocking layers | |
| EP0627177A1 (en) | Garment having a moisture management suspended panel | |
| US12004576B2 (en) | Garment with absorbent pads and method of manufacture thereof | |
| EP0558351A1 (en) | Moisture management garment |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |