EP0546506A1 - Support device, in particular for a brassier - Google Patents

Abstract

A support device, in particular for a brassière has an essentially circular to oval shape, the longitudinal axis of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder in order to ensure better pressure absorption. Furthermore, the support device comprises a supporting part (6) which comprises a pressure distribution zone (7a) at least in a centre distance or in a core zone, which pressure distribution zone is non-elastic and rigid, i.e. cannot be deformed with usual loading. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a support device, in particular for a brassiere according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such support devices serve as an orthopedic shoulder pad, in particular to fulfill a support function for the brassiere or also all kinds of carrier parts in the shoulder-chest area.

Especially women with large breasts complain that the bra wearers can exert painful pressure on the shoulder. Such loads are often exacerbated by the tension that is triggered and caused thereby.

A generic support device is known for example from DE-GM 75 19 459. The support device also serves as a shoulder pad for bra straps. The shoulder pad must adapt resiliently to the shoulder and be resiliently padded. Therefore, this generic support device has a resilient strap on which the strap of the bra rests. The underside of the surface of the resilient bracket which is in contact with the body is padded with a resilient foam which corresponds to the contour of the resilient bracket and slightly projects beyond the edge thereof. The resilient temple with the padding under it is viewed in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder, is convexly curved and extends with a comparatively short width in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder from the back to the front over the shoulder.

A support device largely corresponding to the abovementioned prior art has become known from DE-GM 75 40 730. This support device is also made of elastic material and extends in its longitudinal direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the shoulder.

A support device has also become known from US 4,795,400. This is namely padding that can be placed under the brassiere. This can be constructed in several layers. The foam used can be encased with adhesive layers of fabric.

In the support device known from US Pat. No. 4,100,924, a soft-flexible layer material is also used, it being additionally possible to integrate diagonally extending, additionally provided flexible support carriers at corresponding locations at a distance from one another.

Although the use of such support devices contributes to the fact that straps, in particular bra straps, cut less in the shoulder area, it has nevertheless been shown that the desired improved effects are still far from sufficient.

The object of the present invention is therefore to improve the generic support device.

The object is achieved according to the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

A significant improvement is achieved by the present invention.

So far, it has always been assumed that spring-elastic, bow-shaped pads are to be used as the support device, which run with comparatively little extension in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder from the rear side of the shoulder over the front. However, this can only achieve limited success.

In contrast, the invention proposes a completely new solution. This is because, according to the invention, a support part with a pressure distribution section is used, which consists of solid, essentially inelastic material. This pressure distribution section is preferably formed in the manner of a hard shell. Since it is neither springy nor elastic, it can actually bring about the desired pressure distribution.

However, the advantages according to the invention are only achieved if the support part itself extends with its longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder and the pressure distribution section, which consists of solid and essentially inelastic material, extends at least in a central region of the support part.

In other words, the pressure distribution section represents the actual "core zone" of the support part. The section of the support part which extends beyond this core area can be designed in the manner of a completely soft and flexible shell part, which, however, at least due to its shape still has sufficient dimensional stability.

However, it is preferably provided that the fixed and non-bendable pressure distributor section accounts for at least 75% and more, preferably even over 90% of the entire support part in terms of area and is possibly only surrounded by a comparatively soft and padded peripheral edge. Since the pressure distribution section on its underside is still padded accordingly and is curved upwards in a convex arc or spatially adapted to the shape of the shoulder, it is actually ensured for the first time that even with otherwise severely incisive straps, in particular bra straps, an optimal one and none Pressure distribution leading to tension is possible.

The support device according to the invention not only offers advantages if, for example, a Bra straps cut undesirably in the shoulder area, but can also be used in the following diseases.

Breast amputations reduce lymphatic congestion in the arm and pressure on the shoulder if the breast prosthesis is too heavy.

In the case of a cervical spine syndrome (shoulder-arm syndrome), tension and inflammation resulting from the stresses already described are prevented or reduced.

In periarthritis humeroscapularis (PHS), the pain conditions in the shoulder that arise from a variety of causes are reduced or prevented.

In a cervical syndrome, with which the various functional disorders of the neck are summarized as a collective term, pain and restricted movement in combination with symptoms of deficiency are reduced or prevented.

A bra according to the invention or a support device according to the invention can also be used advantageously in therapy for joint inflammation after shoulder operations and shoulder injuries of all kinds.

• Figur 1 : einen erfindungsgemäßen Büstenhalter mit Stützeinrichtung in der Vorderansicht;
• Figur 2 : ein die Stützeinrichtung bildendes Schalenteil in der Draufsicht;
• Figur 3 : den Schnitt 111-111 in Figur 2;
• Figur 4 : den Schnitt IV-IV in Figur 2;
• Figur 5 : eine perspektivische Ansicht eines abgewandelten Ausführungsbeispieles;
• Figur 6 : eine Querschnittsdarstellung quer zur Längsrichtung des in Figur 5 gezeigten Stützteiles.

Further advantages, details and features of the invention result from the exemplary embodiments explained with reference to drawings. The following show in detail:

• Figure 1: a bra according to the invention with support device in the front view;
• Figure 2: a shell part forming the support device in plan view;
• Figure 3: section 111-111 in Figure 2;
• Figure 4: the section IV-IV in Figure 2;
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment;
• Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view transverse to the longitudinal direction of the support member shown in Figure 5.

In Figure 1, the use of the support device according to the invention in connection with a brassiere 1 is shown below. The bra 1 has the usual straps 4 that extend over the shoulders. The support devices 5 shown in FIG. 1 can be placed on the shoulders in the form of two shell-shaped support parts 6, the bra straps of the bra running approximately in the middle over the support parts 6. The support device 5, which is designed in the form of a shell-shaped support part 6, is placed in mirror image on the two shoulders.

The design of the support device 5, i. on the design of the support part 6, discussed in more detail.

The support part 6 is a molded shell 7 made of soft and flexible material, which is protected by a hard, i.e. stabilized in use, essentially inelastic pressure distribution section 7a, which is preferably designed as an upper part or core, stabilized in a certain area. Seen in plan view, this stabilization area B extends in the transverse direction of the shoulder or in the longitudinal direction of the carrying straps 4 over the entire central area of the molded shell 7. The outer and inner end regions 8, 9 of the molded shell 7 located on both sides of the stabilized area B are indeed soft and flexible, but shape-stabilized due to the shell shape of the molded shell 7.

In the transverse direction of the shoulder, the molded shell 7 is curved in an arc shape, the front and rear end regions 11, 12 being able to originate tangentially from the curved curvature 13 (see FIG. 4). In the longitudinal direction of the shoulder, the molded shell 7 is adapted to the contour of the shoulder, i.e. the inner end region 9 extends approximately horizontally, while the outer end region 8 is curved downward in an arc shape in accordance with the shoulder curvature which merges into the arm. This curvature is designated by 14.

In its extended position, the molded shell 7 assumes an approximately circular or elliptical shape. Therefore, the front and rear end regions 11, 12 form arcuate tongues which, due to the underside shell cavity 15 adapted to the shape of the shoulder, bear against the shoulder on the front and rear. The underside or hollow side of the molded shell 7 thus not only has a large shoulder contact surface 10, but it is also adapted to the shape of the shoulder, so that there is a positive shoulder contact.

The pressure distributor section 7a is formed in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3 by a strip 16 of solid material, preferably metal or plastic, which extends parallel to the arcuate curvature 13. The ends of the strip 16 are preferably at a distance of 1 cm from the associated outer and inner edges of the front and rear end regions 11, 12. The width of the strip 16 corresponds to the stabilization area B and is approximately 6 cm in the present exemplary embodiment.

The detachable or non-detachable connection between the support part 6 and the associated carrier tape 4 is designated 17 and is preferably formed by a Velcro fastener. For this purpose, a Velcro strip 18a, which preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the carrier tape 4, and a Velcro strip 18b are located on the underside of the associated shell Carrier tape 4 in the area of the molded shell 7. The Velcro strips 18a, 18b can each be glued or sewn on.

A Velcro connection 17 not only enables easy-to-use closing and loosening of the connection 17, but also a stepless adjustment of the support part 6 relative to the carrying strap 4 in the area of the existing size of the Velcro connection, thereby making adjustments to the position of the supporting part 6 relative to the carrying strap 4 both in the longitudinal direction of the Carrier tape 4 and transversely to it are possible.

The molded shell preferably consists of a first upper layer 19, which is preferably made of leather, and on the underside of which the pressure distribution section 7a acting in the manner of a stabilizer rests and is preferably fastened, a lower layer 21 in the form of a lower cover made of textile material and an intermediate layer the upper and lower layers 19, 21 arranged pad 22, z. B. made of foam rubber or soft natural or plastic. The cushion 22 also extends on the underside in the region of the stabilizer 7a or strip 16. The cushion 22 is preferably dimensioned somewhat thicker in the outer end region 8 than in the inner end region 9. The layers 19, 21 are formed by at least one extending on the circumference of the molded shell 7 Contact line 20 connected to each other, e.g. B. by an adhesive track or a seam.

In Figure 1 it is made clear that vertical load forces acting on the shoulder from the brassiere 1 (arrow A) are introduced into the shoulder distributed over a large support surface formed by the underside of the molded shell 7, as a result of which a low surface pressure and thus a low load on the Shoulder is given. In addition, due to the positive connection between the support part 6 and the shoulder by the arrow C illustrated tensile forces with which the bra 1 acts on the shoulder due to the weight of the breast, taken up by the support part 6 and passed into the shoulder with little stress. As a result, the support of the breast is significantly improved and the pressure load from the bra 1 in the chest area is reduced.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pressure distributor section 7a extends in a central core or longitudinal region B of the support part 6. The length of the pressure distributor section 7a in the axial longitudinal direction, i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder, here amounts to at least 25% of the total length of the support part, but can be made much longer, for example by at least 50%, 75%, 80%, 90% or even 95% and more of the total length of the support device, i.e. of the shoulder part 6. It is also possible that essentially the entire support part 6 is formed by the pressure distribution section 7a. With a possible total length of the support device 5 of, for example, an average of 10 cm to a maximum of 16, 18 or 20 cm, i.e. approximately 13 cm to 17 cm, the core area, i.e. the pressure distribution section 7a which represents the core zone has a minimum length of approximately 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm or at least 10 cm.

In the transverse direction thereto, that is to say transversely to the longitudinal direction of the shoulder, the pressure distributor section 7a u. U. may also be shorter than in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and have a width of, for example, 2 cm to 10 cm, preferably 3 cm to 7 cm.

Finally, the pressure distribution section 7a as the core zone, deviating from the rather bow-shaped configuration shown, may have a shape and contour which is also more shell-shaped and extends in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder in plan view and, for example, reproduces the shape and contour of the outer edge of the support device itself is designed.

However, it would also be possible, as stated, for the pressure distributor section 7a to extend practically into the outer peripheral edge region of the support device, i.e. of the support member 6 extends. Then all or almost all of the support part 6 is designed to be non-deformable and inelastic, or at least in its core zone outlined above, it is inelastic and non-deformable, i.e. designed to be non-deflectable in normal use.

Otherwise, the rigid pressure distributor section 7a represents a core zone in the support part 6. The pressure distributor section 7a can be formed from a separate component which is integrated in the support device 5 or in the support part 6. Alternatively, the pressure distribution section 7a can be formed in one piece with the support part 6 or connected in a form-fitting manner.

Also in the latter case, the different effect of the pressure distributor section 7a, which is inflexible and non-deformable under normal load, and the remaining edge region of the support part 6, which extends around the pressure distributor section 7a, which is very resilient and softer or harder as required can be chosen, can be achieved solely by appropriate different choice of materials or material dimensions. In other words, for example when using metal or plastic, in particular hard plastic, the core zone can be chosen so thick that here the pressure distribution section 7a is, as desired, non-deformable and non-deflectable, but that to the outer peripheral edge region of the support part 6 the material cross cut, that is, the material thickness, increasingly thinner, so that the pressure distribution section 7a, which forms the core zone of the support part 6, to the outer edge of the support part 6 due to the thinning wall thickness slowly into a somewhat more elastic and resilient, that is to say flexible and possibly also somewhat deflectable area continuously or by leaps and bounds through the formation of a level or material weakening.

An embodiment which is slightly modified in the sense of the statements made above is discussed below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 5 and 6 (wherein FIG. 6 is not shown to scale), the support device 5 consists of a support part 6, in which the pressure distribution section 7a is also designed in a cap or shell shape and extends practically over the entire surface and shape of the support part 6 extends.

In other words, the pressure distribution section 7a extends in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder, is approximately elliptical or oval in plan view and is preferably not only deflectable not only in a core region B, but up to the outer peripheral edge 31 in normal use, i.e. inelastic, designed.

In the exemplary embodiment explained, the pressure distribution section 7a is padded on its underside by the cushion 22, the cushion 22 on the underside of the pressure distribution section 7a being sewn together along the seam 20 with a further upper layer 19, which may consist of the same cushioning material.

In order to be able to guide the bra straps 4 in a non-slip manner on the top of the support device transversely to the shoulder, in the exemplary embodiment shown according to FIGS. to the longitudinal direction of the support device 5, running path 35 on which the upper layer 19 has been omitted. This results in a certain groove-shaped depression with which the bra 4 of the bra is held laterally in a non-slipping manner.

In the exemplary embodiment explained, the pressure distributor section 7a can of course also be limited here to the core zone B, which is only shown in broken lines in FIG. 5, so that the pressure distributor section 7a, in turn, merges outside the core zone B into the mold shell 7, which here is at least slightly elastic or bendable under pressure. The support member 6, i.e. the pressure distributor section 7a and the molded shell 7 can consist of one piece or of two separate components.

Claims (10)

1. support device, in particular for a brassiere, - With a support part (6) - The support member (6) is curved in cross section transversely to the shoulder longitudinal direction upwards in a convex arc shape or spatially adapted to the shape of the shoulder - On the underside of the support part (6), padding (22) is provided - The padding (22) projects beyond the outer contour of the support part (6)
characterized by the following features - The support member (6) extends with its longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder - The support member (6) further comprises a pressure distribution section (7a) which is solid and substantially inelastic - The pressure distributor section (a) extends at least in a central region of the support part (7). 2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure distributor section (7a) extends in a core zone (B) of the support member (6) in the longitudinal shoulder direction such that the length of the pressure distributor section (7a) in the shoulder longitudinal direction is at least 25%, preferably more than 50%, 75%, 80% or 90% or 95% of the longitudinal direction of the shoulder part (6) in the longitudinal direction of the shoulder. 3. Support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the length of the pressure distributor section (7a) in the shoulder longitudinal direction is at least 6cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, 9 cm or at least 10 cm. 4. Support device according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pressure distributor section (7a) substantially up to the outer peripheral edge (31) or an outer seam (20) surrounding the pressure distributor section (7a) for an outer layer (19, 21) and / or an upholstery (22) is sufficient. 5. Support device according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support device (5), i.e. the support part (6) is shaped in a substantially circular to oval shape in plan view. 6. Support device according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pressure distribution section (7a) is essentially circular to oval in plan view. 7. Support device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support part (6) is cup-shaped or cap-shaped. 8. Support device according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pressure distribution section (7a) is shell-shaped or cap-shaped. 9. Support device according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the support part (6) in the two in the shoulder longitudinal direction laterally to the pressure distributor section (7 a) lying end areas and / or in the two in the shoulder transverse direction laterally to the Pressure distribution section (7a) lying side areas (11, 12) has a low dimensional stability. 10. Support device according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the support part (6) in its adjacent to the pressure distribution section (7a) adjacent edge areas is dimensionally stabilized due to the shell shape.

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