CN111280498A

CN111280498A - Cup steel ring for bra and manufacturing method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN111280498A
Application number: CN201811490587.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘震强
Original assignee: Regina Miracle International Group Ltd
Current assignee: Regina Miracle International Group Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-06
Filing date: 2018-12-06
Publication date: 2020-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-06
Also published as: JP7427436B2; JP2020090770A; CN111280498B

Abstract

Provides a steel ring for a user to wear a cup of a bra. The steel ring comprises a hard ring having a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section. The underwire further comprises a soft shell with a hard ring embedded inside it, wherein the soft shell is rotatable around the hard ring to allow the underwire to be twisted at one or both of its end regions, thereby enabling the user to adjust the shape of the breast of the cup. Further, a brassiere is provided that includes the underwire sandwiched between first and second layers at an underside of at least one brassiere cup thereof.

Description

Cup steel ring for bra and manufacturing method thereof

Technical Field

The invention relates to a steel ring for a bra. The invention also relates to a brassiere comprising a underwire. A method of manufacturing a brassiere is also provided in which a underwire is embedded.

Background

Bra designers typically use underwires (metal or plastic) to make their bra cups to support and shape the breasts. Unfortunately, these devices do not allow the wearer to adjust the cup. Women have differences in breast type or texture due to natural growth, pregnancy, childbirth, care and/or aging. The prior art brassieres produced in mass production provide a symmetrical breast cup that fits most female breasts. This type of contour does not allow the wearer to freely adjust the breast cup size.

In addition, the function of the underwires in the brassiere is to provide support. Conventional underwires for bras are substantially U-shaped wires having a substantially rectangular cross-section, such as disclosed in U.S. patent No.7,179,150. As described in U.S. patent No.7,179,150, a wire eyelet is inserted into an eyelet sleeve to form an eyelet assembly that includes a wire within the eyelet sleeve. With conventional metal underwires, typically the underwires are not fixed to the underwire sleeve, but there is some "underwire play" to allow the underwires to move slightly within the underwire sleeve. This wire play is to avoid the snare being retracted during washing, thereby causing the wire to pierce the snare, and also to avoid friction (e.g. during washing) causing the wire to pierce the snare. However, a disadvantage of this "wire play" is that movement of the wire may cause the wire to "dislocate", thereby affecting the performance of the bra in terms of providing support and aesthetics.

Thus, the comfort of the wearer of the bra remains a problem with bras comprising conventional metal underwires. Furthermore, there is no suitable and convenient means in the art to enable a user to adjust the breast cups to their breast shape. It is an object of the present invention to provide a underwire which enables a brassiere comprising the underwire to be more comfortable for the wearer of the brassiere, and which further is designed to provide a custom fit of the brassiere cup.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a underwire for a brassiere cup is provided. The steel ring comprises a hard ring having a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section. The underwire further comprises a soft shell with a hard ring embedded inside it, wherein at least a portion of the soft shell is rotatable around the hard ring to allow the underwire or the soft shell to be twisted at one or both of its end regions to enable a user to adjust the shape of the underwire to the breast shape.

In one embodiment, the hard band is a wire made of a metallic material.

Preferably, the metallic material comprises one or more of steel, titanium alloy, nickel titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy and copper alloy.

In one embodiment, the entire length of the rim has a uniform circular cross-section. In another embodiment, the entire length of the rim has a uniform elliptical cross-section.

In one embodiment, the soft shell is made of a thermoplastic material.

Preferably, the thermoplastic material comprises one or more of polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Polyoxymethylene (POM), silicone and nylon.

In one embodiment, the steel ring is adapted to twist its end regions by holding the central region stationary and rotating one or both of its end regions.

In one embodiment, the soft shell is adapted to twist the end regions of the soft shell by holding the central region stationary and rotating one or both end regions.

In one embodiment, the steel ring is adapted to be twisted at one or both end regions thereof such that the one or both end regions of the steel ring are disposed at an angle to a plane defined at the central region. Preferably, the angle is greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees.

Optionally, the thickness of the soft shell varies along the length of the steel ring such that the soft shell is thickest at one or both end regions of the steel ring.

Preferably, the hard ring extends along the central axis of the soft shell.

Preferably, the soft shell extends beyond the end of the hard ring embedded therein.

In another aspect, a brassiere is provided that is worn by a user. The bra includes at least one bra cup having a first layer and a second layer. The brassiere further includes a underwire sandwiched between the first and second layers at an underside of at least one of the breast cups. The steel ring comprises a hard ring having a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section. The steel ring also comprises a soft shell in which the hard ring is embedded. At least a portion of the soft shell is rotatable about the hard ring to allow the steel ring or the soft shell to be twisted at one or both end regions thereof, thereby enabling a user to adjust the shape of the steel ring to accommodate the breast shape.

Preferably, the hard band is a wire made of a metallic material including one or more of steel, titanium alloy, nickel titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy and copper alloy.

Preferably, the soft shell is made of a thermoplastic material comprising one or more of polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Polyoxymethylene (POM), silicone and nylon.

In one embodiment, the steel ring is adapted to twist its end regions by holding the central region of the steel ring stationary and rotating one or both of its end regions.

In one embodiment, the steel ring is adapted to be twisted at one or both end regions thereof such that the one or both end regions of the steel ring are disposed at an angle to a plane defined at the central region of the steel ring. Preferably, the angle is greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees.

Preferably, the thickness of the soft shell varies along the length of the steel ring such that the soft shell is thickest at one or both end regions of the steel ring.

In yet another aspect, a method of manufacturing a brassiere is provided. The method comprises first providing a hard ring made of metallic material and having a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section, and then performing injection molding of a thermoplastic material around the hard ring to form a soft shell embedding the hard ring inside it, to obtain a steel ring. At least a portion of the soft shell is rotatable about the hard ring to allow the steel ring or the soft shell to be twisted at one or both end regions thereof, thereby enabling a user to adjust the shape of the steel ring to accommodate the breast shape.

The method further comprises providing a first layer and a second layer, arranging the obtained steel ring between the first layer and the second layer, and hot pressing the first layer and the second layer together such that the steel ring is sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

Drawings

For a more complete understanding of example embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a brassiere incorporating underwires according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic view of a steel ring according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the steel ring of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A shows a schematic view of a steel ring subjected to a rotational force in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the steel ring of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3B illustrates a transition from a first state to a second state according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the steel ring of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C illustrates a transition from a first state to a second state according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A shows a schematic view of a steel ring according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 4B shows a schematic view of the steel ring of fig. 4A. Fig. 4B shows only one end region, in its first state;

fig. 4C shows a schematic view of the steel ring of fig. 4A. Fig. 4C shows only one end region, in its second state;

FIG. 5A shows a schematic view of a underwire for a brassiere according to another embodiment of the present invention in its first state;

FIG. 5B shows a schematic view of the steel ring of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5B shows a schematic view of the steel ring in its second state;

FIG. 6A shows a schematic view of a steel ring according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the steel ring of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B illustrates a transition from a first state to a second state;

FIG. 7 shows a mold for forming a steel ring according to one or more embodiments of the invention; and

fig. 8A-8D illustrate steps of forming a brassiere incorporating underwires according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, devices and methods have been shown in block diagram form only to avoid obscuring the invention.

Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Furthermore, this specification describes various features that may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, this specification describes various requirements which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

Embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes and are limited in scope by many variations. It should be understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but are intended to cover the application or embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any headings used in this specification are for convenience only and do not have a legal or limiting effect.

Reference herein to internal and external or similar terms in relation to a component or article of a brassiere or a portion of a brassiere should be understood as relating to the body of a user, i.e. the wearer of the brassiere (hereinafter, the two terms "user" and "wearer" are used interchangeably without any limitation). For example, "interior" or "inner side" or "interior region" is a relative term, meaning that the article is closer to the wearer's body than an article that is farther from the wearer's body. "interior" does not mean "innermost" unless otherwise specified. This similarly applies to terms such as "external".

When referring to the term "layer", it is to be understood that it is not limited to that layer being composed of one panel or having an area defined by two or more connected panels. Each panel may have different characteristics (e.g., color, thickness, material, orientation, size).

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a brassiere 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, fig. 1 shows a breast cup region 102 of the brassiere 100. As shown, the breast cup region 102 generally defines two breast cup regions (both indicated by common numeral 104) that are generally identical to one another and are positioned adjacent to one another. The intermediate bridge region 106 may extend between the two breast cups 104. In the preferred form, at least one material component of the breast cup region 102 is continuous therein, and preferably also includes a bridge region 106. However, in the alternative, each bra cup 104 may be individually predetermined and may be secured together at the bridge region 106 to define the bra cup region 102 upon assembly. In some examples, the bra cup regions 102 may be made of a material that is seamless and at least some of which are molded, and preferably at least portions of the materials are joined to one another by lamination. Brassiere 100 may also include elements such as shoulder straps 108, chest straps (not shown), and the like, for supporting brassiere 100 on the body of the wearer when worn. In addition, as shown in fig. 1, each of the bra cups 104 also includes a underwire 110 generally on its underside. In one or more examples, the steel ring 110 may be generally U-shaped. The underwire 110 in each breast cup 104 can help shape and support the lower perimeter of the respective breast cup 104.

Fig. 2A shows a schematic view of a steel ring 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the steel ring 110 cut around the plane AA' of fig. 2A. As shown in fig. 2A, the underwire 110 is substantially U-shaped to conform to the brassiere cup. In some examples, as shown in fig. 2A, the shape is not a perfect U-shape, for example, one arm or portion of the underwire 110 may have a steeper gradient than and be shorter than the other arm or portion to conform to the bra cup 104. In this embodiment, the underwire 110 is secured in the breast cup 104 or brassiere 100, the underwire 110 including a hard band 112, and a soft shell 114 inside which the hard band 112 is embedded. The soft shell 114 may, but need not, be cylindrical. Preferably, the hard band 112 extends along the central axis of the soft shell 114. That is, the hard band 112 is embedded within the interior or middle of the soft shell 114 (as shown more clearly in FIG. 2B). By covering or surrounding the hard band 112 with the soft outer shell 114, the risk of the steel band 110 piercing the steel band sheath is reduced. Preferably, soft shell 114 has at least one flat surface that is preferably closer to the body of the wearer so as to comfortably fit the body of the wearer when brassiere 100 is worn.

In one embodiment, the hard band 112 (e.g., a metal wire) is made of a metallic material. The metallic material may include one or more of steel, titanium alloy, nickel titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, and copper alloy. In addition, the soft shell 114 is made of a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may include one or more of polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Polyoxymethylene (POM), silicone, and nylon. In some examples, the plastic material used for the soft outer shell 114 may be an impact copolymer. Impact copolymers can be prepared by blending polypropylene with ethylene-polypropylene-rubber. Furthermore, the hardness of the plastic can be adjusted by adding calcium carbonate to the mixture. In some examples, the thermoplastic elastomer is a copolyester ether, preferably a block copolyether with hard and soft segments, such as a poly (butylene terephthalate) -polyether. In some embodiments, the mesh material may be embedded within the soft shell 114 of the steel ring 110. The mesh material may extend from each end of the steel ring 110 to a portion of the soft shell 114, and the hard ring 112 is embedded inside the soft shell 114. The mesh material provides strength to the ends of the steel ring 110 and reduces the risk of the ends of the hard ring 112 passing through the soft shell 114.

By providing the brassiere 100 with a underwire 110 having a hard ring 112 (e.g., a metal wire) and a soft shell 114 (e.g., a plastic shell), the underwire 110 provides rigid support in the central region 110a and more flexible support at its

end regions

110b and 110 c. In

end regions

110b and 110c, the relatively soft plastic material of plastic shell 114 provides comfort to the wearer of brassiere 100 due to, for example, the greater flexibility of plastic materials than, for example, metals. The relatively flexible, e.g., plastic,

end regions

110b and 110c also enable the underwire 110 to more closely follow the shape of the wearer's body when the brassiere 100 is worn. This is in contrast to conventional wire underwires, in which the wire is somewhat elastic, but generally does not follow the shape of the wearer so closely when the brassiere is worn, which is undesirable in terms of both aesthetics and comfort.

Further, in one embodiment, the soft outer shell 114 extends beyond the end of the hard band 112 embedded therein. In one example, the soft outer shell 114 of the steel ring 110 extends beyond the hard ring 112 at one end of the steel ring 110. In another example, the soft outer shell 114 may extend beyond the hard rings 112 at both ends of the steel ring 110. The soft outer shell 114 may extend beyond the hard rim 112 to a greater extent at one end of the steel rim 110. The length of the soft shell 114 beyond the length of the hard band 112 at the end of the steel ring 110 may be about 5% to 25%, preferably 10% to 15%, of the total length of the steel ring 110. Only the plastic portion, for example, formed at the

end regions

110b and 110c of the steel ring 110 is more flexible than the region including the hard ring 112. Thus, comfort is provided to the wearer of brassiere 100 that includes underwire 110 of the present invention. In other words, end

regions

110b and 110c of underwire 110 are preferably more flexible than central region 110a of underwire 110 to provide greater comfort to the wearer of brassiere 100 including underwire 110, as underwire 110 more closely conforms to the shape of the wearer's breast.

According to one embodiment, the rim 112 has a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section. This cross-sectional shape of the hard band 112 allows the soft shell 114 to rotate about the hard band 112. Fig. 3A shows the steel ring 110 subjected to a rotational force (indicated by the symbol "X") at the end region 110 c. Figure (a). FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the steel ring 110 of FIG. 3A (when having a hard ring 112 with a circular cross-section). Fig. 3B shows a cut at plane BB' and depicts the change or transition in state of the steel ring 110 at the end region 110c due to the rotational force X. As shown in fig. 3B, the steel ring 110 (at the end region 110 c) or the soft shell may deform from a first state (referenced by the symbol "Y") to a second state (referenced by the symbol "Z"). Similarly, fig. 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the steel ring 110 of fig. 3A (when having a hard ring 112 with an elliptical cross-section). The embodiment shown in fig. 3C cuts at plane BB' and depicts the change in state of the steel ring 110 at the end region 110C due to the rotational force X. As shown in fig. 3C, the steel ring 110 (at the end region 110C) or the soft shell may deform from a first state (referenced by the symbol "Y") to a second state (referenced by the symbol "Z").

The design proposed in the preceding paragraph allows the underwire 110 or soft shell to be twisted at one or both

end regions

110b and 110c of the underwire 110, thereby enabling the user to adjust the shape of the underwire or bra cup 104 to its breast shape. In this embodiment, the steel ring 110 is adapted to be twisted (as needed) by fixing (e.g., holding) its central region 110a and then rotating it or one or both

end regions

110b and 110c of the soft shell. Fig. 4A shows a schematic view of a steel ring 110 of the invention with a central zone 110a and two

end zones

110b and 110c and with a hard ring 112 and a soft outer shell 114. Fig. 4B shows a schematic view of the steel ring 110, which shows only one end region, i.e. the end region 110B, in its first state 'Y'. Fig. 4C shows a schematic view of the steel ring 110, which shows only the same end region 110b in its second state "Z", wherein the end region 110b shown has been twisted. In the second state 'Z', i.e., after rotating or twisting one end region 110b of the steel ring 110 or the soft shell clockwise or counterclockwise to some extent relative to the (fixed) central region 110a of the steel ring 110, the steel ring 110 or the soft shell remains in a "twisted" state (e.g., the state 'Z' as shown in fig. 4C). The twisted end region, as shown by end region 110B in fig. 4C, is better able to adjust the underwire 110 to the shape of the wearer's breast than end region 110B in fig. 4B. In fig. 4B, the steel ring 110 or the soft shell is not rotated or twisted. It can be seen that the steel ring 110 is adapted to be twisted at one or both

end regions

110b and 110c thereof such that the steel ring 110 defines a plane at the central region 110a, and the one or both

end regions

110b and 110c of the steel ring 110 are disposed at an angle with respect to the defined plane, the angle being preferably greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Stated differently, the steel ring 110 is adapted to be twisted at one or both

end regions

110b and 110c thereof such that the one or both end regions of the steel ring 110 are disposed to form an angle with a plane defined at a central region of the steel ring 110, the angle being preferably greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate a design of the underwire 110, which may be a W-shape spanning the two breast cups 104 of the brassiere 100. As shown, the underwire 110 comprises a continuous soft shell 114 and two hard rings 112 embedded in the soft shell 114 corresponding to each breast cup 104. Fig. 5A shows the steel ring 110 in its first state. Fig. 5B shows the steel ring 110 in its second state when subjected to a rotational or twisting force. It can be seen that as the underwire 110 or the

end regions

110b and 110c of the soft shell are twisted, the overall length of the underwire 110 can be reduced (or the underwire 110 lifted), which can result in the underwire 110 forming the underside curve of the breast cup 104 of greater curvature, which in turn is suitable for wearers having relatively smaller breasts or flatter underside breast shapes. Thus, the user can adjust the underwire 110 or breast cup 104 to its breast shape by twisting or untwisting the underwire 110 by rotating the underwire 110 or the

end regions

110b and 110c of the soft shell.

FIG. 6A shows a schematic view of a steel ring 110 with a different shaped soft shell 114. Fig. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the steel ring 110 of fig. 6A. Fig. 6B illustrates a transition from the first state to the second state when the steel ring 110 or the soft shell is subjected to a rotational force according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Here, the thickness of the soft shell 114 varies along the length of the steel ring 110 such that the soft shell 114 is thickest at one or both

end regions

110b and 110c of the steel ring 110. The increased thickness at one or both

end regions

110b and 110c of the hard band 112 can help reduce the risk of the hard band 112 penetrating the soft shell 114.

For the brassiere 100 of the present invention, a underwire assembly may be provided that includes the underwire 110 of any of the foregoing embodiments and a web of wire for receiving the underwire 110. The steel ring 110 may be fixed to the steel ring cover, and such fixing may be achieved by means of sewing of a tie rod or a hitch, or the like. Since the steel ring 110 has a soft outer shell 114, such as a plastic shell, the risk of the steel ring 110 piercing the steel ring sheath is reduced, which enables the steel ring 110 to be secured to the steel ring sheath without "steel ring play", thus solving the problems associated with conventional metal steel rings. In some examples, the steel ring 110 may be tapered at the

end regions

110b and 110c, which facilitates securing the steel ring 110 to the steel ring sleeve at its tapered or conical end by a stitching means such as a tie rod or a hitch. Here, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the underwire assembly may be stitched to the breast cups 104 to form the brassiere 100.

The steel ring 110 of the present invention is preferably manufactured by injection molding or injection molding. In one embodiment, the hard loop or wire 112 is held in place within a mold and then, for example, a plastic material is injected into the mold to form the steel loop 110 comprising a soft outer shell 114 (e.g., plastic shell) surrounding the hard loop (e.g., wire) 112. An embodiment of a mold 700 for forming the steel ring 110 of the present invention is shown in fig. 110. As shown, the mold 700 includes two mold halves 702,704 that when brought together form a cavity 706, and a thermoplastic material is injected into the cavity 706 to form the soft shell (e.g., plastic shell) 114. Specifically, the step of obtaining the steel ring 110 includes providing a hard ring (e.g., hard ring 112) made of a metallic material and having a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section, and injection molding a thermoplastic material around the hard ring to form a soft outer shell 114 (e.g., a soft cylindrical shell) having the hard ring embedded therein.

Fig. 8A-8D illustrate the steps of forming a brassiere 100 using underwires 110 of the present invention. Fig. 8A and 8C show a molding device 800 for performing the step of forming the brassiere 100 with underwires 110, and includes a first mold 802 and a second mold 804. A first layer 806 of suitable material for forming brassiere 100 is disposed between first mold 802 and second mold 804. In some examples, the first layer 806 may include a plurality of layers, such as a fabric layer and a foam layer, without limitation. The first layer 806 is hot-pressed between the first mold 802 and the second mold 804 to form a first molded layer 806 (shown in fig. 8B). Thereafter, a first moulding layer 806 and a second layer 808 are arranged between the mould 802 and the mould 804, and the steel ring 110 (obtained as above) is arranged between the first moulding layer 806 and the second layer 808. Thereafter, the first layer 806 and the second layer 808 are hot pressed together using the mold 802 and the mold 804 such that the steel ring 110 is sandwiched between the first layer 806 and the second layer 808 to form a sheet 810 (shown in fig. 8D). The sheet 810 may then be trimmed as necessary to form the brassiere 100 using the underwire 110 of the present invention (as shown in fig. 1).

It will be appreciated that heat may be applied and may fuse the plastic shell to the rim (if the rim is of some similar material to the plastic shell) typically during an injection molding process, or any other process that forms a soft shell (e.g., a plastic shell) around the rim, thereby preventing the shell from rotating around the rim. However, in this embodiment, the use of suitable duromer metals and thermoplastic materials will ensure that no such fusion will occur, and therefore the use of metal wire 112 and plastic sheath 114 will be a suitable choice for the underwire 110 of the present invention, as they generally cannot "fuse" and can be relatively rotated after formation. It is contemplated that friction between the soft outer shell 114 (e.g., plastic outer shell) and the hard ring (e.g., metal wire 112) may be such that relative rotation is possible after formation (e.g., injection molding), and the steel ring 110 or soft outer shell may remain in this state once the steel ring 110 or soft outer shell transitions to its second (twisted) state.

The present steel ring 110 differs from conventional steel rings in that the hard ring (or wire) 112 has a circular or elliptical cross-section. The circular or elliptical cross-section enables the soft shell 114 (e.g., plastic shell) to be (manually) rotated about the hard ring 112. By holding the steel ring 110 or the soft shell stationary at the central region 110a and rotating one or both

end regions

110b and 110c of the steel ring 110 or the soft shell around the hard ring 112, the steel ring 110 or the soft shell is "twisted" at the

end regions

110b and 110 c. This twisting can be done manually at both ends of the steel ring 110 or the soft shell and enables the steel ring 110 to better conform to the shape of the body than without the twisting. Friction between the hard loop or wire 112 and the soft shell 114 (e.g., a plastic shell) enables the

twisted end regions

110b and 110c to remain twisted. It will be appreciated that a conventional plastic steel ring alone, without an embedded hard band or wire, will generally not remain in a twisted state, as the plastic will generally slowly return to its original untwisted shape. Thus, a wearer of a brassiere 100 with the present underwire 110 can manually adjust the underwire 110 (by rotating its ends) until it best fits her body shape, and once completed, the shape of the underwire 110 will remain in the second (twisted) state.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A underwire for a brassiere cup, the underwire comprising:

a hard ring of substantially circular or elliptical cross-section; and

a soft shell having said hard ring embedded therein, wherein at least a portion of said soft shell is rotatable about said hard ring to allow said steel ring to be twisted at one or both end regions thereof, thereby enabling a user to adjust the shape of said steel ring to conform to the shape of a breast.

2. The steel ring of claim 1, wherein said hard ring is made of a metallic material.

3. The steel ring of claim 2, wherein the metallic material comprises one or more of steel, titanium alloy, nickel titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, and copper alloy.

4. The steel ring of claim 1, wherein said soft shell is made of a thermoplastic material.

5. The steel ring of claim 4, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises one or more of polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Polyoxymethylene (POM), silicone, and nylon.

6. The steel ring of claim 1, wherein said steel ring is adapted to twist its end regions by holding the central region stationary and rotating one or both of its end regions.

7. The steel ring according to claim 6, wherein said steel ring is adapted to be twisted at one or both end regions thereof such that said one or both end regions are disposed at an angle to a plane defined at said central region.

8. The steel ring of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the soft shell varies along a length of the steel ring such that the soft shell is thickest at one or both end regions of the steel ring.

9. The steel ring of claim 1, wherein the hard ring extends along a central axis of the soft shell.

10. The steel ring of claim 1, wherein the soft shell extends beyond the ends of the hard ring embedded therein.

11. A brassiere to be worn by a user, comprising:

at least one breast cup having a first layer and a second layer; and

a underwire sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer at an underside of the at least one breast cup, the underwire comprising:

a hard ring of substantially circular or elliptical cross-section; and

a soft shell having the hard ring embedded therein, wherein at least a portion of the soft shell is rotatable about the hard ring to allow the steel ring to be twisted at one or both end regions thereof, thereby enabling a user to adjust the shape of the steel ring to suit the shape of the breast.

12. The bra of claim 11, wherein the hard band is made of a metallic material comprising one or more of steel, titanium alloy, nickel titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, and copper alloy.

13. The bra of claim 11, wherein the soft shell is made of a thermoplastic material comprising one or more of polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Polyoxymethylene (POM), silicone, and nylon. .

14. The bra of claim 11, wherein the underwire is adapted to twist its end regions by holding the central region stationary and rotating one or both of its end regions.

15. The bra of claim 14, wherein the underwire is adapted to be twisted at one or both end regions thereof such that the one or both end regions are disposed at an angle to a plane defined at the central region.

16. The bra of claim 11, wherein a thickness of the soft shell varies along a length of the underwire such that the soft shell is thickest at one or both end regions of the underwire.

17. A method of manufacturing a underwire for a brassiere cup, the method comprising:

providing a hard ring made of a metallic material and having a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section; and

injection moulding of a thermoplastic material is carried out around the rim to form a soft shell embedding the rim inside, to obtain a steel ring.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

providing a first layer and a second layer;

arranging the obtained steel ring between the first and second layers; and

hot pressing the first and second layers together such that the steel ring is sandwiched between the first and second layers.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the metallic material comprises one or more of steel, titanium alloys, nickel titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, zinc alloys, and copper alloys.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises one or more of polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), Polyoxymethylene (POM), silicone, and nylon.