CN112714617A

CN112714617A - Bra

Info

Publication number: CN112714617A
Application number: CN201980060176.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 露西·霍塞尔; 蒂莫西·约翰·詹姆斯
Original assignee: Skoblazer Ltd
Current assignee: Skoblazer Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-14
Filing date: 2019-09-13
Publication date: 2021-04-27
Also published as: GB201815037D0; GB2577116A; EP3849361A1; GB2577116B; WO2020053399A1; US20210186126A1

Abstract

A brassiere (1) is disclosed, comprising: left and right chest sections (10,20) each comprising a top section (12,22) and a bottom section (14, 24); a rear member (70) having a first end (72) and a second end (74) and being configured to be adjustable in length to vary a distance between the first end and the second end; left and right shoulder straps (40,50) connecting a top section of each of the left and right chest sections to a first end of the rear member; a chest strap (60) connecting a bottom section of each of the left and right chest sections to the second end of the back member; and first and second adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the length of the chest strap, wherein the first and second adjustment mechanisms are positioned on respective first and second sides of the second end of the rear member. A kit is also disclosed that includes a brassiere and a plurality of cup inserts (18, 28).

Description

Bra

Technical Field

The present invention relates to brassieres, also known as brassieres. In particular, the present invention relates to adjustable brassieres, such as adjustable sports brassieres.

Background

It has been shown that the absence of regular exercise can have adverse effects on mental and physical health. Thus, there is a general interest in increasing the number of people participating in regular athletic activities.

The level of participation of women participating in regular physical activities drops rapidly during their adolescent period. Up to half of girls stop moving when they reach puberty, which can lead to lifelong inactivity, thus creating associated health problems. It is therefore desirable to encourage female adolescents to continue to participate in sports after their adults. Studies have shown that female exercise is discouraged for a variety of reasons, including physical appearance problems, discomfort and embarrassment. In particular, up to half of girls say that their breasts are affecting their participation in sports and exercise.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a brassiere comprising: a left chest section and a right chest section, each of the left chest section and the right chest section comprising a top section and a bottom section; a rear member having a first end and a second end and configured to be adjustable in length to vary a distance between the first end and the second end; left and right shoulder straps connecting the top section of each of the left and right chest sections to the first end of the rear member; a chest strap connecting the bottom portion of each of the left and right chest segments to the second end of the back member; and the first adjusting mechanism and the second adjusting mechanism are used for adjusting the length of the chest belt. The first and second adjustment mechanisms are positioned on respective first and second sides of the second end of the rear member.

Optionally, the second end of the posterior member includes one or more channels, and the chest strap is configured to freely pass through the one or more channels to connect the chest strap to the second end of the posterior member.

Optionally, the chest strap comprises a left side portion and a right side portion extending from the respective left and right chest segments to the second end of the rear member. A free end of the left portion of the chest strap may be configured to pass through a first channel of the one or more channels, fold back over a remaining portion of the left portion of the chest strap, and releasably attach to the remaining portion of the left portion of the chest strap to provide the first adjustment mechanism. A free end of the right portion of the chest strap may be configured to pass through a second channel of the one or more channels, fold back over a remaining portion of the right portion of the chest strap, and releasably attach to the remaining portion of the right portion of the chest strap to provide the second adjustment mechanism.

Optionally, at least one of the first and second adjustment mechanisms provides adjustment of the length of the chest strap at discrete intervals.

Optionally, the left portion of the chest strap comprises: a first plurality of engagers arranged at intervals on the remaining portion of the left side portion of the chest band; and a first engagement arrangement at the free end of the left side portion of the chest strap for engagement with any of the first plurality of engagers, and the right side portion of the chest strap comprising: a second plurality of engagers arranged at intervals on the remaining portion of the right side portion of the chest band; and a second engagement means at the free end of the right side portion of the chest band for engagement with any of the second plurality of engagers.

Optionally, each of the first plurality of adapters is a receiver configured to receive and retain the first engagement device and each of the second plurality of adapters is a receiver configured to receive and retain the second engagement device. Optionally, each of the first and second engagement devices comprises a swan hook and the first and second pluralities of engagers comprise pockets to receive the respective swan hooks.

Optionally, the left and right chest segments are joined by a releasable fastener. Optionally, the releasable fastener comprises a locking mechanism. Optionally, the releasable fastener comprises a zipper.

Optionally, the rear member comprises a slide for adjusting the length of the rear member.

Optionally, the left shoulder strap and the right shoulder strap are adjustable in length.

Optionally, the chest band comprises elastic or is elastically deformable.

Optionally, each of the left and right chest segments comprises a wicking material.

Optionally, the bra is a sport bra.

Optionally, each of the left and right chest segments is configured to receive a cup insert. Optionally, each of the left and right chest segments comprises a liner comprising an opening to receive the cup insert.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising: a brassiere according to a first aspect of the invention, and a plurality of cup inserts for insertion into the breast segments of the brassiere. The plurality of cup inserts are of different sizes.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a sports bra in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and is

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the sports bra of FIG. 1.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a brassiere suitable for adolescent women. The female body undergoes many changes over the years, including increases in height, bust and chest size. These changes occur at different times and at different rates, which means that it is difficult to find suitable and comfortable garments, particularly for sports. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a brassiere having adjustability in multiple directions.

Fig. 1 shows a front view of a sports bra 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Sports bra 1 comprises a left chest section 10 and a right chest section 20, said left chest section 10 and said right chest section 20 being configured to cover, in use, respective left and right sides of a wearer's chest. In some embodiments, the left and

right chest sections

10,20 extend, in use, at least partially around the respective left and right sides of the wearer. The left chest section 10 and the right chest section 20 may be configured to engage with the user's chest and may be configured to support the chest in use.

The left chest section 10 and the right chest section 20 are connected to each other. In some embodiments, left chest section 10 and right chest section 20 are releasably connected to each other by releasable fastener 30, which allows sports bra 1 to be secured in place from the front. Providing releasable fastener 30 at the front of sports bra 1 allows for adjustment of sports bra 1 before the user puts on sports bra 1, rather than having to adjust sports bra 1 while wearing sports bra 1 (which can be embarrassing). Releasable fastener 30 allows a user to quickly don and doff sports bra 1 without having to release or adjust any adjustment mechanisms included in sports bra 1. Accordingly, sports bra 1 may be maintained in a preferred adjusted configuration until the user desires to change the fit.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the releasable fastener 30 comprises a zipper 32. A first portion 33 of the zipper 32 is fixedly attached to the left chest segment 10 and a cooperable second portion 34 of the zipper 32 is fixedly attached to the right chest segment 20. In other embodiments, for example only, the faster-releasable 30 may alternatively include snap fasteners (snap fasteners), such as

Or one or more buttons.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the releasable fastener 30 includes a locking mechanism 36 configured to prevent premature opening of the zipper 32. For example, the lever may be configured to prevent opening of the zipper 32 when it is in the locked position. Such a locking mechanism 36 may help increase wearer confidence in the athletic bra 1 without the need for complex releasable fasteners 30.

In some embodiments, the releasable fastener 30 includes an inner liner (not shown) to help protect the wearer from experiencing discomfort due to contact between the releasable fastener 30 and the wearer's skin. In the embodiment of fig. 1, zipper 32 includes an inner liner (not shown) that extends along the length of zipper 32 on the inside of sports bra 1.

In other embodiments, the left chest section 10 and the right chest section 20 may be permanently connected to each other. For example, the left chest section 10 and the right chest section 20 may be formed from one piece of material. For example, the left chest section 10 and the right chest section 20 may be adhered or mechanically connected (e.g., sewn) together.

Each of the left chest section 10 and the right chest section 20 comprises a

top section

12,22 and a

bottom section

14, 24. Top section 12 of left chest section 10 is connected to first end 42 of left shoulder strap 40 and top section 22 of right chest section 20 is connected to first end 52 of right shoulder strap 50. Left shoulder strap 40 and right shoulder strap 50 are configured to extend from the front to the back of the wearer's body across the shoulders in use. In some embodiments, the lengths of left shoulder strap 40 and right shoulder strap 50 are independently adjustable (e.g., via a sliding mechanism (not shown)).

The

bottom sections

14,24 of the left and

right chest sections

10,20 are connected to the chest strap 60. In use, the chest strap 60 encircles the chest under the wearer's chest. In some embodiments, the chest bands 60 comprise elastic or are elastically deformable. In some embodiments, the chest strap 60 comprises polyamide (such as nylon) and/or polyurethane (such as spandex or elastane). In some embodiments, the chest strap 60 comprises rubber or latex. In some embodiments, the chest strap 60 comprises a material that stretches between 15% and 80% when bearing a weight of 500 g. In some embodiments, the chest strap 60 comprises a material that stretches between 35% and 55% when bearing a weight of 500 g. Such material enables the chest band 60 to conform to the shape of the wearer to provide support and a snug fit without inhibiting movement of the wearer. In some embodiments, the chest strap 60 has a width of 15mm to 80 mm. For example, the chest strap 60 may have a width of approximately 40 mm.

Fig. 2 shows a rear view of the sports bra 1 of fig. 1. Sports bra 1 includes a rear member 70, the rear member 70 having a first end 72 and a second end 74 and being configured to be adjustable in length to vary the distance between the first end 72 and the second end 74. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the back member 70 is continuously adjustable (e.g., via a slide mechanism 76) within a defined adjustment range. In other embodiments, by way of example only, the back member 70 may be formed by a material such as

To the hook and loop system of (a). In some embodiments, the back member 70 may be adjustable in discrete increments. Adjustment of rear member 70 may help improve the comfort of athletic bra 1 after increasing the height of the wearer.

First end 72 of rear member 70 is connected to second end 44 of left shoulder strap 40 and second end 54 of right shoulder strap 50. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 2, second end 44 of left shoulder strap 40 is connected to second end 54 of right shoulder strap 50. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 2, left shoulder strap 40 and right shoulder strap 50 merge at their respective second ends 44, 54 such that second ends 44, 54 are a common second end. In some embodiments, left shoulder strap 40, right shoulder strap 50, and rear member 70 are formed from a single piece of material.

The second end 74 of the back member 70 is connected to the chest strap 60. In some embodiments, the posterior component 70 is fixedly attached to the chest strap 60. For example, the back member 70 may be adhered or mechanically attached (e.g., sewn) to the chest strap 60. In other embodiments, the posterior member 70 is movably connected to the chest strap 60. For example, in this embodiment, the second end 74 of the posterior member 70 includes a first hoop 80 defining a first passageway and a second hoop 82 defining a second passageway, and the chest strap 60 passes freely through the first and second passageways. The

hoops

80, 82 are depicted in fig. 2 as flat hoops. In other embodiments, the

hoops

80, 82 may be of any other shape suitable for connecting the posterior component 70 to the chest strap 60. In some other embodiments, one or each of the

hoops

80, 82 may be replaced by another member (such as a U-shaped or C-shaped member) that defines a channel.

Sports bra 1 includes a first adjustment mechanism and a second adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of chest straps 60. This may help accommodate the increase in circumference of the wearer. Providing first and second adjustment mechanisms, as opposed to a single adjustment mechanism, increases the available adjustment range of the length of chest strap 60, thereby increasing the amount of growth of the wearer that the same athletic bra 1 can accommodate. In some embodiments, the length of the chest strap 60 can be adjusted by up to 5 inches by the first and second adjustment mechanisms. The first and second adjustment mechanisms are positioned on respective first and

second sides

78, 79 of the second end 74 of the rear member 70. Thus, the rear member 70 is located between the first and second adjustment mechanisms. This allows for even or uneven adjustment of the chest strap 60 on either side of the posterior component 70 as may be required to help maintain the left and

right chest sections

10,20 in alignment with the chest.

In some embodiments (such as the one shown), the chest strap 60 includes a left side portion 61 that extends from the left chest section 10 to the second end 74 of the back member 70, and a right side portion 65 that extends from the right chest section 20 to the second end 74 of the back member 70. In some embodiments, left portion 61 and right portion 65 include respective bands. In some embodiments (such as the one shown), the free end 62 of the left side portion 61 of the chest strap 60 passes, in use, through the first channel defined by the first hoop 80 and is folded back over the remainder of the left side portion 61 of the chest strap 60. In some embodiments (such as the one shown), the free end 66 of the right side portion 65 of the chest strap 60 passes, in use, through the second channel defined by the second hoop 82 and is folded back over the remainder of the right side portion 65 of the chest strap 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the free ends 62, 66 of the respective left and right portions 61, 65 of the chest strap 60 are releasably attached to the remainder of the left and right portions 61, 65 of the chest strap 60 to provide respective first and second adjustment mechanisms.

The first and second adjustment mechanisms may provide continuous adjustment of the length of the chest strap 60 within a defined adjustment range. In some embodiments, the first and second adjustment mechanisms may include, for example

The hook and loop system of (1). For example, the left and right free ends 62, 66 may each include a plurality of hooks on a surface facing the remainder of the respective left and right portions 61, 65 of the chest strap 60, and the remainder of the respective left and right portions 61, 65 of the chest strap 60 may each include a plurality of loops on a surface facing the respective plurality of hooks. In other embodiments, the location of the barbs and the hoops can be reversed.

In some embodiments, the first adjustment mechanism and the second adjustment mechanism provide adjustment of the length of the chest strap 60 at discrete intervals. This may be advantageous as compared to continuous adjustment, as the discrete intervals may help ensure even adjustment of the chest strap 60 on either side of the back member 70. For example, the first adjustment mechanism may include: a first plurality of engagers 63, the first plurality of engagers 63 being arranged at (e.g. regular) intervals on the remaining part of the left portion 61 of the chest strap 60; and a first engagement means 64 at the free end 62 of the left portion 61 of the chest strap 60 for engagement with any one of the first plurality of engagers 63. In this embodiment, each of the first plurality of adapters 63 is a receiver configured to be able to receive and retain a first engagement device 64. The second adjustment mechanism may include: a second plurality of engagers 67, the second plurality of engagers 67 being arranged at (e.g. regular) intervals on the remainder of the right side portion 65 of the chest strap 60; and a second engagement means 68 at the free end 66 of the right side portion 65 of the chest strap 60 for engagement with any one of the second plurality of engagers 67. In this embodiment, each of the second plurality of adapters 67 is a receiver configured to be able to receive and hold a second engagement device 68.

By way of example only, each of the first and second pluralities of

adapters

63 and 67 may include: a hoop, a pocket, a hole, or a first part of a two-part snap. By way of example only, each of the first and second engagement devices 64, 68 may include: a second part of a hook, button, or two-part snap.

In use, the first engagement means 64 engages one of the first plurality of engagers 63. Engaging the first engagement arrangement 64 in the engager of the first plurality of engagers 63 that is furthest from the rear member 70 provides the tightest configuration of the first adjustment mechanism. In use, the second engagement arrangement 68 engages one of the second plurality of engagers 67. Engaging the second engagement arrangement 68 in the engager of the second plurality of engagers 67 that is furthest from the rear member 70 provides the tightest configuration of the second adjustment mechanism.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the first and second engaging means 64, 68 are swan hooks. Each of the remaining portions of the respective left and right portions 61, 65 of the chest strap 60 includes an adapter in the form of a plurality of (e.g., equidistant) pockets configured to receive a respective swan hook to adjust the length of the chest strap 60.

Other configurations may be employed to provide the first and second adjustment mechanisms. For example, the second plurality of engagers 67 may be configured to engage with the first engagement means 64 and/or vice versa such that the free ends 62, 66 of the left and right portions 61, 65 of the chest strap 60 cross each other at the rear of the sports bra 1 (not shown). In one example, one of the left and right portions 61, 65 of the chest strap 60 can include an aperture (not shown) between the plurality of

adapters

63, 67 and the engagement devices 64, 68 through which the other of the left and right portions 61, 65 of the chest strap 60 passes.

In some embodiments, at least one of the

left chest segments

10 and 20 and the back member 70 is formed of a wicking material (such as polyester). Preferably, the wicking material is elastic or elastically deformable. For example, at least one of the

left chest segments

10 and 20 and the back member 70 may comprise

Such materials provide comfort and support to the wearer while helping the wearer to remain cool during their participation in athletic activities. In some embodiments, left shoulder strap 40 and right shoulder strap 50 comprise the same material as left chest segment 10 and left chest segment 20. In some embodiments, left shoulder strap 40 and right shoulder strap 50 comprise the same material at rear member 70. In some embodiments, left shoulder strap 40 and right shoulder strap 50 comprise the same material as chest strap 60. In some embodiments, left chest section 10 and left chest section 20 and left shoulder strap 40 and right shoulder strap 50 are integrally formed or integrated.

Cup inserts (shown in phantom at 18,28 in fig. 2) may help improve the chest support provided by athletic bra 1. In some embodiments, the left chest section 10 and the left chest section 20 may be configured to receive respective cup inserts 18, 28. For example, the

breast segments

10,20 may be configured to releasably secure the cup inserts 18,28 to the

inner surfaces

11, 21 of the

breast segments

10, 20. Cup inserts 18,28 may also help improve the aesthetics of athletic bra 1, which may help encourage teenagers to wear athletic bra 1 and thus engage in athletic activities.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, at least a portion of each of the left chest section 10 and the left chest section 20 comprises a lining on the respective

inner surface

11, 21. The liner may be a material that helps to wick moisture away from the wearer's skin. In this embodiment, the lining of the left chest section 10 and the left chest section 20 each comprise an

opening

16, 26. Each

opening

16, 26 is for receiving a

respective cup insert

18, 28. The cup inserts 18,28 may be selectively inserted by the user. The cup inserts 18,28 may be formed of a soft, pliable material. Cup inserts 18,28 may help improve the chest support provided by athletic bra 1.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a kit comprising a sports bra 1 according to embodiments of the present invention and a plurality of cup inserts 18,28 for insertion into the

breast segments

10, 20. The cup inserts 18,28 may be of different sizes. The wearer can select an appropriately

sized cup insert

18,28 for insertion into the

chest segment

10,20 based on their chest size.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention are contemplated. For example, various types of adjustment mechanisms may be used to adjust the length of the back member 70 and chest strap 60. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A brassiere, comprising:

a left chest section and a right chest section, each of the left chest section and the right chest section comprising a top section and a bottom section;

a rear member having a first end and a second end and configured to be adjustable in length to vary a distance between the first end and the second end;

left and right shoulder straps connecting the top section of each of the left and right chest sections to the first end of the rear member;

a chest strap connecting the bottom portion of each of the left and right chest segments to the second end of the back member; and

a first adjustment mechanism and a second adjustment mechanism for adjusting a length of the chest strap, wherein the first adjustment mechanism and the second adjustment mechanism are positioned on respective first and second sides of the second end of the back member.

2. The bra of claim 1, wherein the second end of the back member comprises one or more channels, and wherein the chest strap is configured to pass freely through the one or more channels to connect the chest strap to the second end of the back member.

3. The bra of claim 2, wherein the chest band comprises a left side portion and a right side portion extending from the respective left and right chest segments to the second end of the back member,

wherein a free end of the left portion of the chest strap is configured to pass through a first channel of the one or more channels, fold back over and releasably attach to a remaining portion of the left portion of the chest strap to provide the first adjustment mechanism, and

wherein a free end of the right portion of the chest strap is configured to pass through a second channel of the one or more channels, fold back over a remaining portion of the right portion of the chest strap, and releasably attach to the remaining portion of the right portion of the chest strap to provide the second adjustment mechanism.

4. The bra of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second adjustment mechanisms provides adjustment of the length of the chest band at discrete intervals.

5. The bra of claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the left portion of the chest band comprises: a first plurality of engagers arranged at intervals on the remaining portion of the left side portion of the chest band; and a first engagement means at the free end of the left side portion of the chest strap for engagement with any of the first plurality of engagers; and is

Wherein the right portion of the chest band comprises: a second plurality of engagers arranged at intervals on the remaining portion of the right side portion of the chest band; and a second engagement means at the free end of the right side portion of the chest band for engagement with any of the second plurality of engagers.

6. The bra of claim 5, wherein each of the first plurality of adapters is a receiver configured to receive and retain the first engagement device and each of the second plurality of adapters is a receiver configured to receive and retain the second engagement device.

7. The bra of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein each of the first and second engagement devices comprises a swan hook and the first and second pluralities of adapters comprise pockets to receive the respective swan hooks.

8. The bra of any of the preceding claims, wherein the left chest segment and the right chest segment are joined by a releasable fastener.

9. The bra of claim 8, wherein the releasable fastener comprises a locking mechanism.

10. The bra of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the releasable fastener comprises a zipper.

11. The bra of any of the preceding claims, wherein the back member includes a slider for adjusting the length of the back member.

12. The bra of any of the preceding claims, wherein the left and right shoulder straps are adjustable in length.

13. The bra of any of the preceding claims, wherein the chest bands comprise elastic.

14. The bra of any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the left and right chest segments comprises a wicking material.

15. The bra of any of the preceding claims, wherein the bra is a sport bra.

16. The bra of any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the left and right breast segments is configured to receive a cup insert.

17. The bra of claim 16, wherein each of the left and right chest segments comprises a liner comprising an opening to receive the cup insert.

18. A kit, comprising:

the bra of claim 16 or claim 17, and

a plurality of cup inserts for insertion into the breast segment of the bra,

wherein the plurality of cup inserts are of different sizes.