EP2975959B1 - Item of lingerie - Google Patents

Description

Subject of the invention

The present invention relates to a piece of lingerie article and more specifically to a bra frame, as well as to the bra comprising this frame.

Technological background

We are well aware of lingerie articles such as bras which offered women an undeniable ease of movement which contributed to their liberation. These can essentially be classified into two families. On the one hand, bras without underwire, which are intended more for women with a small breast, and on the other hand, bras with underwire, which are more precisely intended for supporting medium or strong breasts.

In the case of bras without underwire, it is a simple textile, either cut and sewn, or molded for the realization of the cups which themselves are fixed to suspenders and a support band, often - even in fabric. Various and varied closing means can of course be envisaged for such supports.

The other big family is made up of bras including an underwired structure also called whales and which are intended to offer improved support to the chest.

Underwired bras usually include sewn or molded cups to which underwire elements such as whales are attached. Conventionally these whales are made up of a relatively rigid material such as a metal rod or possibly a rigid element made of a synthetic material. Said whales are then sewn inside a fabric structure in order to protect them, especially during washing, and to protect the person who wears this type of bra.

In practice, the main drawback of the use of such reinforcing elements formed by the whales lies in the fact that there is always a risk of being injured due to the incorrect positioning of said whales. In addition, these whales, although they are often trapped between two layers of fabric in the bra, can be extracted from said bra, for example during a machine wash, and consequently, cause damage to said bra. washing machine. Finally, in general, the discomfort brought by the presence of whales is greater than in the case of a bra without whale.

US 2011/159780 A1 describes a bra provided with two frames having a curved shape with a 3D geometric configuration. However, nothing is specified there concerning the degree of flexibility in each of the two branches.

EP 2471393 A1 also describes a bra frame in which the central axis corresponding to the succession of geometric centers for the same branch is not located in the same plane, so that each of the branches is inclined by a certain angle d tilt relative to each other. Again, the variation in flexibility within the reinforcements itself is not described there.

In recent years, we have been used to offering women beanies that have a molded shape. These cups are produced in most cases using a foam, for example a flexible polyurethane foam, subjected to forming. It is also possible to envisage directly using fabrics comprising a large percentage of synthetic fibers, more particularly elastomer fibers, which can be thermoformed directly in a mold and which will be in the form of seamless cups. The main advantage of using elastomeric fibers is that the cap continues to exhibit flexibility and therefore intrinsic deformability.

The present invention aims to propose a new type of bra, and more precisely a new type of underwire, which would offer a capacity for breast support, reinforced compared to the bra without underwire or whalebone and which does not have the disadvantages of the family of bras belonging to the family of bras with rigid underwires, and in particular which is sufficiently flexible for s '' adapt to the shape of the chest and its movements.

In addition, the present invention aims to propose a new type of bra, and more particularly a new type of underwire, which would not only provide increased comfort and support but also would avoid any risk of loss of the underwire elements. especially when cleaning in a washing machine.

The present invention also aims to propose a type of bra, and more precisely underwire, which must be able to present several kinds of models intended for example for everyday lingerie, but also for sports and bath lingerie. and which can adapt to any shape of bra.

Likewise, the present invention aims to propose a new type of bra, and more precisely underwire, which will adapt to the aesthetics desired by the lingerie designer.

Finally, the present invention makes it possible to adapt to any type of hat, in particular intended for weak breasts, medium breasts or large breasts.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a bra frame in the form of a profile with two branches, preferably non-symmetrical, having a 3D geometric configuration so that the central axis corresponding to the succession of geometric centers or centers of gravity of the successive perpendicular sections for the same corresponding branch is not located in the same plane, so that each of the branches is inclined by a certain angle of inclination relative to each other, characterized in that that the section of each of the branches of the profile is a polygon having a section of triangular shape, with at least one of the curved or curvilinear sides and,
in that the angle of inclination of the two branches is between 5 and 40 degrees.

The frame includes an internal face capable, in use condition of coming into contact with the body of the user, an external face opposite the internal face and turned, in condition of use towards the outside of the body of the body. user, the polygon being defined by at least one face constituting the internal face, an external face, and at least a third face projecting from the internal face and intended to support the breast of the user under conditions of use.

Advantageously, one of the branches of the armature, defined as the first branch, is capable of being in contact, in condition of use, with the part of the user's breast near the sternum and the other branch, defined as the second branch, is able to be in contact, in condition of use, with the part of the breast of the user located opposite to the sternum, the two branches considered individually being located in the same plane.

Preferably, one of the branches of the frame, defined as the first branch, is able to be in contact, in condition of use, with the part of the user's breast near the sternum and the other branch , defined as the second branch, is capable of being in contact, in condition of use, with the part of the user's breast situated opposite to the sternum, at least one of the two branches considered individually being located in at least two different shots. Advantageously, the central axis of the second branch is located on a curved surface. Preferably, the second branch is curved (inclined) towards the inside of the frame.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the two branches of the frame are identical.

Preferably, the two branches of the frame are asymmetrical, the first branch being shorter than the second branch.

According to a preferred embodiment of the frame, its external face has at least one notch.

Advantageously, the frame of the invention has several notches, the density of which varies along the frame, the density of the notches being preferably greater on the second branch than on the first branch.

Preferably, the dimensions of the notches vary in at least one direction of space.

Advantageously, the reinforcement of the invention comprises (or consists of) one or more polymeric materials having a flexural modulus greater than 350 MPa, preferably between 500 and 3000 MPa, and more preferably between 800 and 2000 MPa . The polymeric material is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides and mixtures thereof.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a double frame comprising a set of two frames according to the invention.

The present invention also relates to a bra comprising a frame or a double frame according to the invention.

Brief description of the figures

• The figure 1 presents an overview of a first preferred embodiment of a simple frame according to the present invention.
• The figure 2 presents an overview of a second preferred embodiment of a simple frame according to the present invention.
• The figure 3 presents in a simplified manner the diagram of a double frame according to the present invention.
• The Figures 4A-4B present views in lateral projection of the frame according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to the photos of Figures 5A and 5B .
• The Figures 5A-5B correspond to photographs in side view of the frame of Figures 4A and 4B .
• The figure 6 (which is equivalent to the figure 8A ) represents analogously to the figure 5A a side projection view of the frame, but according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• The figure 7A corresponds to a 3D view of a portion of the reinforcement according to the invention in the median plane, while the figures 7B-7C present a more detailed view.
• the figure 8A is equivalent to the figure 6 .
• The Figures 8B and 8C show in 3D the structure of the notches in the first preferred embodiment of the frame according to the invention.
• The Figures 9A and 9B show in 3D a general view of the reinforcement according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention, on the internal face side for figure 9A , and external face side for figure 9B .
• The figure 10 illustrates the general principle of positioning the frame according to the invention on the chest of a user.
• The figure 11 presents an overall profile of a notch of the armature according to the invention.
• The figure 12 shows how two successive notches along the frame of the invention form a tooth.

Detailed description of the invention :

The originality of the bra according to the invention rests on a very special frame, a three-dimensional frame. More specifically, this frame advantageously has a profile which has a geometric configuration in 3 dimensions. In addition, particularly advantageously, the structure itself is in 3 dimensions.

According to the invention, this frame has a conformation adapted to offer both good support of the chest and sufficient flexibility for the user, that is to say both the rigidity necessary for effective mechanical support and optimal user comfort.

Advantageously, the frame also has a suitable composition which contributes to ensuring this dual role.

Thus, from a conformational (therefore geometric) point of view, the frame or whale 1 according to the present invention corresponds to a part with a profile (and preferably the central axis of said profile) which has a shape (geometric configuration). arch or arc like a U shape, preferably truncated, and adapted to support either the right breast or the user's left breast as presented to the figure 1 and at the figure 2 .

Alternatively, the frame (more commonly known as a whale) 1 according to the present invention corresponds to a single piece with a double profile forming a double U or a double arch adapted to support both the right breast and the left breast of the user, as presented to the figure 3 .

The dimensions of the frame will be adapted to the different measurement standards commonly used in the field of lingerie, in particular with regard to the size of the cup.

The profile 1 is made up of two branches 2,2 ′, preferably non-symmetrical, joined to each other at the level of a zone 3 called “junction zone”. This junction zone 3 corresponds, under conditions of use, to the zone of maximum support of the breast (of the weight of the breast) by the profile 1.

Each branch 2.2 ′ comprises a free distal end 4.4 ′ forming one of the two edges of the armature 1, and a proximal zone 5.5 ′, which by joining the proximal end 5 ′, 5 on the other branch 2 ', 2 defines the junction area 3.

A central axis (not shown) is also defined for each branch 2, 2 ′. It can be an axis corresponding to the succession of geometric centers or centers of gravity of successive perpendicular sections for the same corresponding branch. In the case of a homogeneous material, the center of gravity will correspond to the geometric center. It is also conceivable that this central axis is materialized for example by a mechanical whale having a certain flexibility.

As illustrated on these same Figures 4A and 4B , as well as on Figures 5A, 5B and 6 , the character three-dimensional geometric configuration of the reinforcement according to the invention comes firstly from the fact that the two branches 2,2 ′, and more precisely the central axes of each of the two branches 2,2 ′ are inclined, from profile 1 (of the arch) are not located in the same plane. In other words, the two branches 2,2 ′ of the profile 1 are inclined at a certain angle 6 relative to one another. This characteristic of the frame according to the invention contributes to an optimal adaptation of the frame to the shape of the body of the user, that is to say to her anatomy, including when the latter performs movements.

Preferably, this angle 6 varies between 5 and 40 degrees, and preferably between 15 and 35 degrees, and even more preferably between 20 and 30 degrees.

In addition, each of the two branches 2.2 'taken individually is positioned either in one and the same plane, or according to a curved surface which does not correspond to one and the same plane and thus contributing in the latter case to the three-dimensional character of the configuration. profile 1, as shown for example by figure 4A where the Figures 5A and 5B .

Thus, in a particularly advantageous manner, the branch 2, that is to say the branch intended to be in contact, in condition of use, with the part 18 of the breast 19 of the user placed against the sternum (see figure 10 ) has a conformation in space as it is curved towards the inside of the frame, as illustrated in the figure 4A . The curved side is therefore placed towards the sternum.

Thanks to this conformation, the user's chest is better supported, as if wrapped and worn, giving a pleasant effect when worn.

Advantageously, the interior curvature of the frame makes it possible to keep the bra tightly attached to the body even if the weight of the breasts tends to peel off the middle of the frame which will fall back into place thanks to this curvature.

Likewise, thanks to this particular conformation, the frame, in conditions of use does not deform, it only peels off a little when the weight of the user's breast is forward, that is that is, typically when the person leans forward. The frame comes back in place and sticks to the body again as soon as the person straightens up.

The frame or whale 1 has an internal face 7, intended, in condition of use, to be in contact with the user's thorax, and an external face 8, opposite the internal face 7 and therefore oriented, in condition of use, as its name suggests, outwards. It should therefore be understood that the external face 8 of the frame 1, in condition of use, is not in contact with the user's chest, as illustrated in Figures 4B and 6 .

The three-dimensional nature of the reinforcement according to the invention also comes from the fact that the profile 1 has an essentially three-dimensional structure, that is to say which has a section in the shape of a polyhedron / polygon, and preferably a section of triangular shape, and even more preferably a section of curvilinear triangular shape. In other words, if we make a section of the profile of the reinforcement in the median plane, we get a polyhedron and preferably a curvilinear triangle, that is to say that the profile draws a polygon or a triangle whose at least one of the sides is curved, as illustrated on the Figures 7A, 7B and 7C .

• le premier côté 10 est défini par la face interne 7 de l'armature 1 qui présente de préférence une surface convexe;
• le deuxième côté 11 est défini par le plan 9 qui vient en saillie à partir de la face interne 7 de l'armature 1 ; c'est le côté sur lequel, en condition d'utilisation, repose (s'appuie) le sein de l'utilisatrice ; ce deuxième côté 11 assure donc une fonction de support du sein;
• au moins un troisième côté 12 est défini par la face externe 8 de l'armature 1 ; ce côté 12 est incurvé et peut être concave ou convexe (voir figure 7C).

Preferably, this curvilinear triangle has three sides:

• the first side 10 is defined by the internal face 7 of the frame 1 which preferably has a convex surface;
• the second side 11 is defined by the plane 9 which projects from the internal face 7 of the frame 1; it is the side on which, in condition of use, rests (leans) the breast of the user; this second side 11 therefore provides a breast support function;
• at least a third side 12 is defined by the external face 8 of the frame 1; this side 12 is curved and can be concave or convex (see figure 7C ).

The internal face 7 of the profile 1 is therefore preferably convex so as to be able, in conditions of use, to best match the anatomy of the user, and more precisely the shape of the thorax on which it rests and to follow the shape of the side (s) on which it rests.

However, alternatively, the internal face 7 can also have a generally flat rather than convex surface.

It is also conceivable that the profile of the frame 1 has a section of more complex shape than the curvilinear triangle. Those skilled in the art can easily anticipate other forms which could also be suitable for the frame 1 to fulfill its role.

Preferably, the profile 1 according to the present invention is provided on its external face 8 with at least one notch 13 (see figures 8A-8C and 9A-9B ). However, alternatively, the frame according to the invention may also not have a notch.

When the profile 1 has notches 13, the density of these advantageously varies along the reinforcement depending on the degree of flexibility desired.

Preferably, the density of the notches 13 varies along the frame 1, this density being greater on the branch 2 'than on the branch 2. In other words, as shown in the figure 10 , preferably according to the invention, the frame 1 comprises more notches 13 on its part intended to be in contact, in condition of use, with the part 18 ′ of the user's breast 19 opposite the sternum than on its part intended to be in contact with part 18 of the user's breast near the sternum.

Thus, the frame 1 once in place in a bra can, under conditions of use, adapt at all times to the best of the shape of the user's chest, and more precisely of his rib cage, any ensuring maximum support of the chest, thereby increasing the comfort of the user, including when it is in motion, and whatever the nature of these movements.

Preferably, the density of the notches is such that the number of notches varies between 5 and 15, and even more preferably between 8 and 11, on branch 2, while the number of notches varies between 15 and 30, and even more preferably between 17 and 28, on branch 2 '.

Likewise, the dimensions of the notches 13 can advantageously vary depending on the degree of flexibility desired. Thus, preferably, the depth of the notch (dimension in plane 9) will be maximum at the places where it is desired that the reinforcement has the maximum flexibility, that is to say on the part intended to be in contact with the outside of the user's chest.

Thus, advantageously, the depth of the notches (dimension in plane 9) varies between 0 and 50 mm, and preferably between 0.1 and 20 mm.

The depth of the notches 13 can also be constant along the frame in certain embodiments.

Advantageously, two successive notches 13, 13 ′ together form a tooth 16 whose width 17 (dimension along the curvature of the frame) can preferably vary between 2 and 30 mm, preferably from 2 to 10 mm (see figures 6 and 12 ).

The shape of the notches 13 can also vary. Advantageously, the edges 14, 14 ′ of the notches 13 are rounded so as to avoid catching the fabric once in place in the bra, as shown in the figure 11 .

As the figures 2 , 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6 , 9A-9B , and as already mentioned above, preferably, the two branches 2,2 ′ of the frame according to the invention are not symmetrical.

In order to be able to be integrated in the bra as well as possible, the frame can advantageously be sewn onto the piece of fabric forming the bra thanks to one or more openings 15, 15 ′ located on its edges as shown for example the Figures 1 and 2 .

As shown in the figure 10 , when the bra is in place, the frame or whalebone is arranged under the breast, and the bra can be closed either in the back or on the front, this for example using a clip arranged on a support band surrounding the body, this band being essentially positioned perpendicularly to the bust and to keep the bra in place.

As regards its composition, preferably, the reinforcement or rib according to the present invention consists of one or more polymeric materials having a flexural modulus greater than 350 MPa, preferably between 500 and 3000 MPa, and so more preferred between 800 and 2000 MPa.

Preferably, the polymeric material is selected from the group of polyethylenes (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylenes (PP), polystyrenes (PS), and polyamides (PA) .

Preferably, the polymeric material comprises polypropylene (PP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE).

Among the polypropylenes, the random copolymers comprising a low level of ethylene are preferred, they indeed have a flexural modulus of between 900 and 1200 MPa, which represents a good compromise between the rigidity necessary for effective mechanical support and comfort optimal use. They also have a reduced glass transition temperature of less than 0 ° C, which prevents them from becoming brittle, for example during transport in cold regions. Finally, these statistical polymers have improved transparency, which allows greater freedom of color or choice of appearance for the designer of the bra.

High density polyethylenes (having a density greater than 0.93 g / cm ³ ) have similar properties, with nevertheless a lower melting point (+/- 130 ° C) and a glass transition less than -50 ° C. Being a material with a high degree of crystallinity, it is also less transparent than polypropylene.

Thanks to both its particular conformation and composition, the frame according to the invention allows optimal distribution of the weight of the breast, especially for large breasts, thus avoiding any tilting of the weight of the breast forward, and therefore any feeling of discomfort for its user. The frame according to the invention prevents, after a few movements of the bust, that the breast does not slide forward and sag, and that the bottom of the bra does not come off the body, as is known with the frames classic metal, thus ensuring, despite the movements, a constant aesthetic.

Claims (14)

1. An armature for a brassiere in the form of a profile with two branches (2, 2') that are preferably asymmetrical, having a 3D geometric configuration such that the central axis corresponding to the succession of the geometric centers or the centers of gravity of the successive perpendicular sections for a corresponding same branch is not located in the same plane, such that each of the branches (2, 2') is inclined by a certain angle of inclination (6) relative to one another,
   characterized in that the section of each of the branches of the profile is a polygon having a triangular shape, with at least one of the sides being curved or curvilinear, and in that the angle of inclination (6) of the two branches (2, 2') is between 5 and 40 degrees, and
   the armature comprising an inner side (7) able, under usage conditions, to come in contact with the body of the user, an outer side (8) opposite the inner side (7) and, under usage conditions, turned away from the body of the user, the polygon being defined by at least one side constituting the inner side (7), an outer side (8) and at least one third side (9) protruding on the inner side (7) and intended to support the breast of the user under usage conditions.
2. The armature (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of its branches, defined as the first branch (2), is able to be in contact, under usage conditions, with the part (18) of the breast (19) of the user close to the sternum and the other branch (2'), defined as the second branch, is able to be in contact, under usage conditions, with the part (18') of the breast (19) of the user located opposite relative to the sternum, the two branches, considered individually, being located in a same plane.
3. The armature (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of its branches, defined as the first branch (2), is able to be in contact, under usage conditions, with the part (18) of the breast (19) of the user close to the sternum and the other branch (2'), defined as the second branch, is able to be in contact, under usage conditions, with the part (18') of the breast (19) of the user located opposite relative to the sternum, at least one of the two branches considered individually being located in at least two different planes.
4. The armature according to claim 3, characterized in that the central axis of the second branch (2) is located on a curved surface.
5. The armature according to claim 4, characterized in that the second branch (2') is curved or inclined towards the inside of the armature.
6. The armature according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that its two branches (2,2') are asymmetrical, the first branch (2) being shorter than the second branch (2').
7. The armature according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that its outer face (8) has at least one notch (13).
8. The armature according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it has several notches (13), the density of which varies along the armature, the density of the notches preferably being larger on the second branch (2') than on the first branch (2).
9. The armature according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degree of flexibility varies in each of the two branches (2, 2') by varying the density of the notches along said branches.
10. The armature according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the dimensions of the notches (13) vary in at least one spatial direction.
11. The armature according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is composed of one or several polymeric materials having a bending modulus larger than 350 MPa, preferably between 500 and 3000 MPa, more preferably between 800 and 2000 MPa.
12. The armature according to claim 10, characterized in that the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes, polyvinylchlorides, polyethylene terephthalates, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides and mixtures thereof.
13. A double armature comprising a set of two armatures according to one of the preceding claims, fastened to one another.
14. A brassiere comprising an armature or a double armature according to any one of the preceding claims.

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