GB2253333A - Brassiere - Google Patents

Abstract

A brassiere having a torso encircling bodice (2) and pair of breast cups (10, 11) attached to the bodice. Only each side of a breast cup (10,11) is attached to the bodice, thereby leaving an opening between a lower edge (15, 16) of each breast cup and the bodice, allows freedom of movement for the wearer and improved ventilation. Various fastening means associated with crossover back strap arrangements are described. The brassiere may be incorporated, for example, in corsets, lingerie, body suits, cat suits, basques, strapless and fitted fashion outer garments, swimwear and other foundation garments. <IMAGE>

Description

Improvements relatinq to clothing" The invention relates to improvements to clothing, and in particular to brassieres.

Brassieres typically comprise a torso encircling bodice portion and a pair of breast cups attached to the bodice, each cup being attached along a lower edge of the cup to the bodice. These garments can be somewhat uncomfortable to wear, for example, if the woman raises her arms overhead the bodice portion tends to ride upwardly and needs to be readjusted subsequently for comfort in normal use.

The present invention is directed towards overcoming this problem.

According to the invention, there is provided a brassiere, comprising a torso encircling bodice and a pair of breast cups attached to the bodice, each cup being attached at each side of the cup to the bodice leaving an opening between a lower edge of the breast cup and the bodice.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a front upper edge of the bodice has two cut-out portions for close fitting of the upper edge of the bodice under a weare@ breasts with a central tongue between the cut-out portio@ extending upwardly between the breasts, each cup bei@ attached at the tongue and to an outer side 5 of portion.

Preferably, means is provided to open the bodice for eas fitting on a wearer, fastener means being provide@ to interconnect associated free ends o the bodice.

In another embodiment, the bodice comprises and a rear portion formed by back straps attached at each side of the front portion, and fastener means for securing straps together to encircle the torso of the wearer with the bodice.

In a further embodiment, a first fastener element is provide@ at a free end of each strap engageable with a complementa@@ second fastener element on the other strap remote from the free end of the strap, the straps crossing over each other for engagement of the fastener elements Preferably, the second fastener element is mounted adjacen@ each side of the front portion so that each strap extendaround the back of the wearer in use In another arrangement, each second fastener element is mounted intermediate the ends of a back strap. In this way, only the free ends of the back straps are crossed over and fastened together at either side of the spine of the wearer in use.

Alternatively, complementary fastener elements may be provided at free ends of each strap for interengagement of free ends of the straps. This allows centre fastening of the back straps at the spine of the wearer.

In some cases the brassiere may be of front opening type, the bodice having a front fastening means to open the bodice between the breast cups.

In a further embodiment, a pair of shoulder straps may be provided on the brassiere, each shoulder strap having a front end attached at a top of a breast cup and rear end attached to a rear portion of the bodice adjacent the central part of the rear portion. Thus, advantageously, the rear ends of the shoulder straps are positioned adjacent the spine of the wearer in use for added comfort maintaining the shoulder straps firmly on the shoulders of the wearer in use.

In a preferred embodiment, each breast cup is stitched to the bodice at the tongue and at an underarm portion of the bodice integrally with a stitched seam between the front portion and a back strap.

In another aspect the invention provides incorporating a brassiere as described above. The brassiere may be incorporated, for example, in corsets, lingerie, body suits, cat suits, basques, strapless and fitted fashion oute@ garments, swimwear and other foundation garments envisaged that the brassiere may be adapted for person@ wearing a breast prosthesis.

The invention will be more clearly understood by the following description of some embodiments thereo:- given by way example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, @ which; Fig. 1 is a front elevational view OF a according to the invention fully opened out Fig. 2 is a front elevational vi of the brasere- Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the brassiere, Fig. 4 is a side partially sectioned view of the brassiere, Fig. 5 is a perspective, partially cutaway view of the brassiere, Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of the brassiere, in use, Fig. 7 is a rear elevational view of the brassiere in use, Fig. 8 is a side view similar to Fig. 3 of another brassiere, Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of a further brassiere shown in a fully opened position, and Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the brassiere of Fig. 9.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 7 thereof, there is illustrated a brassiere according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The brassiere 1 comprises a torso encircling bodice 2 having a front portion 3 with back straps 4, 5 attached at each side of the front portion 3 and forming extensions thereof. An upper edge of the front portion 3 of the bodice 2 has two cut-out portions 7, 8 for close fitting of the front portion 3 under a wearers breasts with a central tongue 9 between the cut-out portions 7, 8 extending upwardly between the breasts as short in Fig. 6. A pair of breast cups 10, 11 are stitched to the front portion 3 of the bodice 2, each cup 10, 11 being attached to the tongue 9 adjacent a free end of the tongue and at an outer side 12, 13 of each cut-out portion 7, 8.

will be noted that each breast cup 10, 11 is stitched a at underarm portion of the bodice 2 integrally with a seam @@ between the front portion 3 and a back strap 4, 5. Thus an opening is left between a lower edge 15, e 16 6 of each reas' 10, 11 and the front portion 3 og the bodice 9 . The low@@ edges 15, 16 of the breast cups 10, 11 project downwardly cover the cut-out portions 7, 8 giving the appearance of conventional brassiere.

Each strap 4, 5 is generally triangular in shape narrowing from a side seam 20, 21 with the front portion 3 to a free end 22, 23. A first fastener element 24, 25 is provided at free end 22, 23 of each strap 4 e 5 and is engageable wi complementary second fastener element 26, 27 on the other strap 4, 5 remote from the free end 22, 23 of the St In this case the second fastener element 26, 27 is mounted adjacent the seam 14 between the strap 4, 5 and the front portion 3 at a lower end of the sap 4, 5 5. It will be that one of the second fastener elements 26 is mounted on outer side of the strap 4 and the other seconQ element 27 is mounted on an inner side of the strap 5.T the straps 4, 5 can be crossed over each other to interengage the fastener elements 24, 25, 26, 27.

Shoulder straps 28 are provided extending between a top of each breast cup 10, 11 and an upper edge 29, 30 of each strap 4, 5. The shoulder straps 28 are length adjustable in conventional fashion. It will be noted that the shoulder straps 28 are attached to the back straps 4, 5 at a position such that in use rear ends of the shoulder straps 28 are positioned adjacent the spine of the wearer to ensure the shoulder straps 28 are firmly held on the shoulders of the wearer.

In use, the brassiere 1 is worn in similar fashion to a conventional brassiere. However, the fact that lower edges of the breast cups 10, 11 are not connected to the bodice 2 allows greater freedom of movement for the user, the band not being pulled out of position even when the wearer raises her arms above shoulder height. Since the front portion 3 of the bodice 2 is shaped for the area immediately under the breasts it is held firmly in place and the breast cups 10, 11 can move to accommodate arm and shoulder movements.

A further advantage of the brassiere is the improved ventilation it gives to the breasts of the wearer making it more comfortable for the wearer.

The cross-over arrangement of the back straps gives attractive line under clothing as it is smooth fasteners protruding, which is particularlv advantageous wearing delicate materials. It is very comfortable for the wearer and because of the low out at the back allows good ventilation to the back of the wearer. Also low ba@@@ dresses or tops can be worn.

It will be appreciated that while a crossover bach st@ arrangement has been shown, any other type of fastening may be used such as a central back fasting or a front fastenin arrangement. Fig. 7 also shows in broken outline a arrangement whereby free ends of the back strays 4, r cross- over and are fastened at each side of the spine of the weare@.

Fig. 8 shows another brassiere 40 similar to the brassiere or Figs. 1 to 7 to and like parts are assigned the same referende numerals. In this case an additional gusset 41 is between the front portion 3 and each back strap 4, gusset may be of any desirable width or may be divided smaller sections joined by seams Figs. 9 and 10 show another brassiere 50 similar brassiere of Figs. 1 to 7 and like parts are assigned reference numerals. In this case, the brassiere 50 is a line brassiere and the front portion 3 and back straps 4, are of shorter depth than in the brassiere illustrate Figs. 1 to 7 which is in the form of a long line brassiere.

This short brassiere is particularly suited for sporting activities. It may have a brief bodice section or drop down over the upper torso of the wearer.

It is also envisaged that a brassiere according to the invention may be incorporated in other garments, such as body suits, slips, corsets, basques and the like foundation garments and also swimsuits.

The brassiere and garments incorporating the brassiere may be made of any suitable materials. The breast cups may be provided with in-built support where necessary, so also the bodice depending on the style of the garment.

The front portion 3 may consist of one complete piece of material or it may be cut in sections and joined by seams to either strengthen or enhance the appearance.

Seams in the bodice and relating to the joining of the back straps may be rearranged for varied styling.

The brassiere when worn, gives the appearance of a conventional brassiere, the cut-out portions under the breasts not being obvious.

I will be appreciated that the brassiere may be any suitable style, not just the basic style illustrated in the drawings Advantageously, the brassiere is stabilised on the body of the wearer due to the bodice hugging the body of the wearer whilst being shaped closely under the bust and contouring on upwards between both breasts narrowing to end between the breasts.

The breast cups are permanently stitched to the bodice at the tongue which extends between the breasts and on either side of the garment under each arm becoming an integral part of the complete garment. When the breast cups are stitched to the bodice under the arms, it becomes one seam combining the breast cups and bodice and thus the front and back of the complete garment merge.

The variety and styling of the breast cups is unlimited. The front portion of the bodice section whilst retaining the basic feature of stabilising the garment on the body may be cut and joined in sections or not, or adorned with diagonal or other stitching to improve the professional looXc or to offer stronger midriff control if necessary This will not depart from the basic design. It may be lined or not depending on the material used and category for which it is intended A particularly advantageous feature of the inventiong is the ventilation afforded to the body (as compared to 2 conventional brassiere) due to the division between the breast cups and the bodice. In long line brassieres the controlling benefit of a long line brassiere is achieved whilst improving the comfort for the wearer.

The back section of the garment is also designed to give maximum comfort with attractive diagonal cross-over straps which fasten adjacent the side seams.

Shoulder straps can be varied in style, and in any suitable materials. In some cases, a strapless brassiere may be provided.

Brassieres according to the invention may be made of any suitable materials.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail.

Claims (15)

1. A brassiere comprising a torso encircling bodice and a pair of breast cups attached to the bodices each cup being attached at each side of the cup to the bodice leaving an opening between a lower edge of the breast cup and the bodice.

2. As brassiere as claimed in claim 1 wherein a front upper edge of the bodice has two cut-out portions for close fitting of the upper edge of the bodice under a wearers breasts with a central tongue between the cutout portions extending upwardly between the breasts each cup being attached to the tongue and at an outer side of a cut-out portion.

3. A brassiere as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein means is provided to open the bodice for ease of fitting on a wearer, fastener means being provided to interconnect associated free ends of the bodice.

4. A brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bodice comprises a front portion and a rear portion formed by back straps attached at each side of the front portion, and fastener means for securing the back straps together to encircle the torso of the wearer with the bodice.

5. A brassiere as claimed in claim 4 wherein a first fastener element is provided at a free end of each strap engageable with a complementary second fastener element on the other strap remote from the free end of the strap, the straps crossing over each other for engagement of the fastener elements.

6. A brassiere as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second fastener element is mounted adjacent each side of the front portion.

7. A brassiere as claimed in claim 5 wherein each second fastener element is mounted intermediate the ends of a back strap

8. A brassiere as claimed in claim 4 wherein complementary fastener elements are provided at a free end of each strap for interengagement of free ends of the straps.

9. A brassiere as claimed in claim 3 wherein the bodice has a front fastening means to open the bodice between the breast cups.

10. A brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim having a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap have a front end attached at a top of a breast cup and a rear end attached to a rear portion of the bodice adjacent a central part of the rear portion.

11. A brassiere as claimed in any of claims 4 to 10 wherein each breast cup is stitched to the bodice at the tongue and at an underarm portion of the bodice integrally with a stitched seam between the front portion and a back strap.

12. A garment incorporating a brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim.

13. A brassiere substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

14. A brassiere substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 8 of the accompanying drawings.

15. A brassiere substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings.