GB2547950B

GB2547950B - Improvements in or relating to bras

Info

Publication number: GB2547950B
Application number: GB1603808.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mercer Julia
Original assignee: Marks and Spencer PLC
Current assignee: Marks and Spencer PLC
Priority date: 2016-03-04
Filing date: 2016-03-04
Publication date: 2019-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-04
Also published as: GB2547950A; GB201603808D0

Description

Title: Improvements in or relating to bras

The present invention relates to bras or brassieres. In particular the invention relates to non-underwired bras and more specifically strapless bras without an underwire.

Background

Underwired bras are very popular, and a large proportion of currently-available bras include an underwire. This is particularly the case for shape-enhancing bras (as opposed to more functional garments such as sports bras and nursing bras), larger-sized bras and (shoulder) strapless bras.

Most bras include shoulder straps to assist in providing support and keeping the bra in place when worn. However, women may prefer bras without shoulder straps, particularly when worn with strapless tops. For this type of bra an underwire is particularly useful for providing support.

The use of an underwire is popular because the wires provide strong structural elements which can be used as a frame to help provide a desired shape. However, many women find that underwired bras can be uncomfortable, particularly if worn for long periods. In addition, the use of underwired bras is sometimes discouraged, for instance during pregnancy or nursing. A particular problem with strapless bras is gaping between the top of the cup and the wearer, making the bra less comfortable and distorting the appearance.

Summary

Aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying claims.

One aspect provides a garment for at least partially supporting the bust of a wearer, the garment comprising: two cup regions for receiving the breasts of a wearer, the cup regions being separated by a connecting region that is located over the wearer's sternum when worn, wherein each cup region extends to an apex at an outlet side extremity, distal to the connecting region, wherein a lower edge of each cup region has a first curvature, a upper edge of each upper region has a second curvature and the apex of the cup has a third curvature, wherein the third curvature is tighter than the first and second curvatures and the proportional difference between the radius of the first curvature and the radius of the third curvature is in the range of 0.10 - 0.20; and two wings attached to the respective sides of the cup regions distal from the connection region, each wing having an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge meeting the cup region at a location above the apex of the cup region.

The construction of the garment provides for a bra, without the need for an underwire. The garment is able to provide sufficient support that an underwire is not needed. The arrangement is particularly useful for a bra that does not include shoulder straps, such as a strapless bra. Without an underwire, the garment is more comfortable to wear.

When a horizontal axis is defined extending between the apices of the two cups, when worn, the apices may be substantially in line with the wearer's sternum (provided the garment is correctly fitted). The apex of the cup region extends into the wing of the garment. This assists in giving a smooth shape to the side of the garment when worn and assists in providing a better fit to the garment. Typically, the apex covers at least a part of the outer side of a wearer's breast when worn.

Each cup may further comprise a layer of reinforcing material within the cup region proximal to but spaced apart from the lower edge and extending substantially along the lower edge, wherein the reinforced region is more stiff relative to the remaining parts of the cup region. The reinforced region may be at least partially filled with a multi-fibre bed of material or foam, which stiffens the lower area. This assists in providing sufficient support from the garment without the need for an underwire. Typically it is more difficult to provide a strapless bra for larger sizes, for example sizes 96cm (38 inches) DD and larger. However, the strapless bra disclosed herein is suitable for all sizes. For larger sizes, the shape of the reinforced region may be modified to provide more support at the side of the bra, proximal to the apex.

The cross-sectional profile of each cup may, if viewed along a generally vertical axis passing through the centre of the cup, be 'S'-shaped, having a convex upper area for receiving the upper part of the wearer's breast and a relatively concave lower area for receiving the lower part of the wearer's breast. The location of the reinforced region within the cup corresponds substantially to, or falls substantially wholly within, the concave lower area. When worn, the concave lower area is pushed outwards by the wearer's lower breast and the wearer's breasts are supported at least in part by the reinforced region of the cups. This construction of the garment assists in providing a smooth shape and silhouette to the garment when worn. In addition, the shape contributes to the support provided by the garment.

The garment may comprise an inwardly curled lip located at the upper edge of each cup and extending substantially along the upper edge of the cup. Thus, along the upper edge, the cup curves into the body when worn. This assists in providing a good 'snug' fit to the garment and preventing gaping between the garment and the wearer's bust along the upper edge of the garment.

In one example, when the garment is relaxed and a horizontal axis is defined extending between the apices of the two cups, the wings may be attached to the cup regions so that the lower edges of the wings are angled downwards relative to the axis as they extend away from the cup region. Typically, the angle between the horizontal axis and the lower edge of the wings is between 10 and 30 degrees, more preferably between 15 and 25 degrees, and more preferably about 20 degrees, or the angle may be defined in terms of how much lower the distal end of the wing is, relative to the attachment point. Typically, the distal end will be between 2cm and 5cm below the horizontal axis, and more preferably 3cm below the horizontal axis compared with a corresponding point parallel with the bottom edge of the wing at the edge of the cup. The wings may taper as they extend away from their respective attachment points. The wings each may further comprise a fastener at the end distal from the cup.

The angle between the wings and the cup region allows the wings, when worn, to be fastened and form a back strap which sits substantially horizontally across the wearer’s back, when properly fitted.

Each wing may have at least one high friction region located on the inside of the garment and extending along upper and lower edges of the wings, wherein the friction between a wearer’s skin and the high friction bands is higher than between the wearer’s skin and the fabric of the wing. Each wing may have at least three high friction bands on the inside of the garment extending along each of the upper and lower edges of the wings. The high friction bands help to keep the garment in place when worn and during use.

Description of the Invention

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a bra;

Figure 2 illustrates an inside view of a portion of a bra;

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a bra;

Figure 4 illustrates a front view of a bra; and Figure 5 illustrates a front view of a single cup.

Throughout this specification terms such as “inside”, “outside”, “upper”, “lower”, “concave”, “convex”, “inner”, “outer”, “upward”, and “downward” are used. It should be understood that these terms are used to describe the relative position and properties of various features when the garment is in a relaxed configuration or is worn in the manner described and depicted herein, and not in any other orientation.

An overview and front view of a bra 1 is illustrated in figures 1 and 4. The garment is in a relaxed configuration i.e. when the garment is not worn and lies substantially flat on a surface. The garment has two cup regions 2 for receiving the breasts of a wearer. The cup regions 2 are separated by a connecting region 3. As shown in the illustration, the connecting region 3 extends between the lower edges 4 of the cup regions 2 for approximately one third of the overall height of the cup regions 2.

Attached to each of the cup regions 2 is a wing 5. The wings 5 are attached to the outer side or side extremity distal to the connecting region 3. The wings 5 each have a lower edge 6 which is substantially straight and an upper edge 7. The wings 5 preferably taper as they extend away from the cup regions 2. Where the wings 5 are attached to the cup regions 2, in the relaxed configuration, they are generally angled downwards from the cup regions 2.

The bra 1 illustrated in figures 1 and 4 is of a strapless type and therefore does not include shoulder straps. In addition, the bra 1 preferably does not include an underwire or other boning to provide support. Instead the bra 1 relies on other features (discussed herein) to provide support.

Each cup region 2 has an asymmetric outline, rim or circumference. The basic shape of the cup region 2 is a hemisphere. In addition, the cup 2 extends to an apex 9 at the outer side extremity, distal to the connecting region 3 and extends below the lower edge of the hemisphere. Considering a single cup 2, the lower edge 4 has a first degree of curvature and the upper edge 10 has a second degree of curvature (which may, in some examples, be the same as the first degree of curvature). The side extremity the cup region outline has a third degree of curvature, which is considerably tighter than the first and second curvatures resulting in the apex 9 (i.e. the apex 9 has a significantly smaller radius of curvature than the lower or upper edge 4, 10). The lateral extension to the cup provided by the apex 9 elongates the shape of the cup region 2 to the outer side and into the wing 5. Thus, if the cup region 2 were bisected along a vertical axis the lower part of the cup region would not be symmetrical (and in fact could be significantly asymmetric).

Figure 5 illustrates a single cup region 2 suitable for use in the bra 1. As discussed above, the shape of the cup region 2 can be described by the relative curvature between different parts of the circumference of the cup region 1. The curvature may be defined by the radius of the curve, i.e. if the curve where extended to a complete circle (as shown by curve ‘B’) the radius of the circle. In figure 5, the radius of the lower edge is defined as ‘C’, i.e. the first degree of curvature. The radius of the upper edge is defined as ‘B’, i.e. the second degree of curvature. The radius of the apex 9 is defined as ‘A’, i.e. the third degree of curvature.

Typical measurements for various sized bras 1 are provided in the following table, where the measurement tolerance is +/-3mm. The bra sizes are provided in inches for the band size, and letters for the cup size, as is standard in the industry:

Discussion of distances D and E follows below.

As can be seen from the typical values in the table above, the radius A of the apex 9 remains constant and the radii B and C of the upper edge 10 and lower edge 4 respectively increase with increasing bra size. Radius C is greater than radius B, and the proportional difference B:C is between about 0.60 - 0.77. Of course, these values may be varied to make bras with different proportions to fit body shapes that significantly depart from the measurements used by industry norms. The proportional difference A:C, i.e. the shape of the apex 9 compared with the lower edge 4 is typically in the range 0.10 - 0.20.

When considering two cup regions 2 as part of a constructed bra 1, the apices 9 are preferably substantially in line with the connection region 3 and, when worn, the wearer’s sternum. The point at the outer side extremities of the cup regions 2 or the apices 9 may be used to define a horizontal axis H extending between the two apices 9. The asymmetrical outline of the cup regions 2 is illustrated in figures 1, 4, and 5, and the apex 9 is detailed in figure 3.

Referring again to figure 5 and the above table, length or distance Έ’ corresponds to the distance between the hemispherical portion of the cup region 2, defined by the radius ‘B’, and the apex 9 at distal extremity of the cup region 2. Typically, for smaller sizes, the distance Έ’ is approximately equal to the diameter of third degree of curvature, i.e. for the example illustrated 30mm (=2x’A’=2x15mm). As the sizes of bra 1, distance Έ’ increases whereas radius ‘A’ is constant. Thus, the apex 9 extends or elongates the shape of the cup region 2 at the side further into the wing 5, and the outline of the cup region 2 becomes more asymmetrical with increasing size.

Now considering the structure of the cup region 2, a layer of reinforced material within the material of the cup region 2 provides a reinforced region 8. As illustrated in figure 1, the reinforced region 8 is located proximal, but spaced apart from, the lower edge 4 of the cup region 2. The reinforced region 8 preferably extends substantially along the length of the lower edge 4, between the apex 9 and the connection region 3 and following the curvature of the lower edge 4. The reinforced regions 8 are stiffer than the remaining parts of the cup region 2. The reinforced regions 8 are shaped to provide support to the lower part of the wearer’s breasts.

An alternative arrangement of the reinforced region 8 is illustrated in figure 4. Typically the alternative arrangement of the reinforced region 8 is suitable for larger sized bras. At the apex 9/distal end of the cup region 2, the reinforced region 8 extends and curves more in an upwards directly into the cup region 2 of the bra 1. This is intended to provide more support to the side of the breast when the bra 1 is worn.

Referring to the bra 1 in a relaxed configuration i.e. where the bra 1 is resting on a surface, we will now consider the direction perpendicular to the plane of the surface and the shape of the cup 2. One would expect the cup region 2 to be formed to have a shape which will correspond broadly to the expected shape of the wearer’s breast, this may be described as a ‘C’-shape. However, the curvature of the cup region 2 within the expected outline is varied for strapless bra 1. Illustrated in figure 2 the bra 1 is positioned so that the cup region 2 is upright, as if the bra 1 is worn. However, as illustrated in figure 2, the bra 1 is shown in isolation (without the body of the wearer shown).

The cup region 2 has a convex upper area 11 for receiving the upper part of the wearer’s breast (as expected) and unusually a relatively concave lower area 12 for receiving the lower part of the wearer’s breast. In figure 5 this area 12 is between radius ‘B’ and radius ‘C’. In other words, when considering the shape of the cup region 2, if one were to construct a straight line from the lower edge 4 of the cup region 2 to the peak (i.e. the point at which the cup is furthest from the rim in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the rim), indicated at'+’ in figure 5, of the cup region 2, moving from the lower edge 4 to the peak +, the shape of the cup would first curve inwardly away from the line, and then curve towards the line. Thus, the cup region 2 has an ‘S’-shape rather than the expected and more usual ‘C’-shape.

The location of the concave lower area 12 and the reinforced region 8 substantially coincide. When worn, the lower concave area 12 is pushed outwards by the lower portion of the wearer’s breast to provide a smoothly contoured silhouette to the garment. The upper edge 10 has an inwardly curling lip which assists in the fit of the garment. In figure 2, the lip at the upper edge 10 is exaggerated. The lip of the upper edge 10 curves in towards the body of the wearer, when the garment is worn. This assists in preventing gaping between the upper edge 10 and the body. Gaping is a particular problem with strapless bras.

Turning now to consider the wings 5 in more detail, in a relaxed configuration, the wings 5 are positioned such that they extend at a downward angle ‘a’ from the horizontal axis H, illustrated in figures 1 and 3. As noted above, the wings 5 are attached to the outer side extremity of the cup regions 2. Typically, angle ‘a’ is between 15 and 25 degrees. This shaping of the garment may alternatively be defined by the distance below the horizontal axis H of the distal end of the wing 5. Typically, the distal end 14 will be approximately 3cm below the horizontal axis compared with a corresponding point parallel with the bottom edge 6 of the wing 5 at the edge of the cup 2. Therefore, the angle ‘a’ may vary for smaller band sizes of the bra 1 compared with larger band sizes. Of course, the angle ‘a’ will depend on the band size and cup size of the particular bra 1 in question. When worn, the bra 1 will be tilted forward due to the connection region 3 resting on the wearer’s sternum. In this configuration, the lower edge 6 of the wing 5 will be, if the bra 1 is a correct fit for the wearer, substantially horizontal as illustrated in figure 2. 11

Again, in a relaxed configuration and if the bra 1 were laid on a table, the cup region 2 would sit proud of the wings 5. In other words there is no smooth transition between the wings 5 and the cup 2 at the apex 9 so that the cup 2 is raised relative to the band. When worn, the wearer’s breast will fill out this shaping and the garment becomes smoothly contoured. This feature, or the cup region 2 being proud of the wings 5 assists in preventing the sides of the cup region 2 from ‘digging-in’ to the side of the wearer’s breasts, thereby making the bra 1 more comfortable to wear.

The wings 5 are attached at their widest point to the apex 9 and extend partially along part of the lower and upper edges 4, 10 of the cup 2. Returning again to figure 5 and the above table, depth or distance Ό’ illustrates the attachment length of the wings 5 and the positioning above and below the apex 9. The joint between the wing 5 and the upper edge 10 is above the peak +, and the joint between the wing 5 and the lower edge 4 is below the hemispherical part of the cup region 2. As the size of the bra 1 increases, the distance Ό’ also increases, in part to provide more support. This also helps with the shaping of the side of the bra 1 as the apex 9 extends further into the wings 5.

Extending along the upper and lower edges 7, 6, of the wings 5 on the inside face are high friction bands 13, illustrated in figure 3. These preferably run parallel to the edges 6, 7 from the outer side of the cup 2 to a fastener 14. In the illustration three high friction bands 13 are shown. The skilled person will understand that fewer or more friction bands 13 may be used depending on the particular garment. The high friction bands 13 provide an area of high friction between the bra 1 and the wearer’s skin. This assists in keeping the bra 1 in place during use. The high friction bands 13 may consist of stripes or other regions of exposed Lycra (RTM) that are sufficiently flexible to move with the fabric of the bra 1.

The fasteners 14 shown in the figures are of the ‘hook and eye’ type (although other types may be used). At the distal end, one wing 5 terminates with a ‘hook’ fastener 14, while the other wing 5 terminates with an ‘eye’ fastener 14. When worn, the two fasteners 14 are connected so that the wings 5 form a back strap. When fastened, the wings 5 sit substantially horizontally across the wearer’s back, in the position illustrated in figure 2.

The cup regions 2 and connecting region 3 may be formed as a unitary, moulded item using a polymer material, although the cup regions 2 may also be formed separately from other materials such as weft or warp knitted materials, and attached to a connecting region 3.

As mentioned above, the reinforced region 8 is within the cup region 2. It is important that the reinforced region 8 is formed of a material which is relatively stiff or rigid and supporting while retaining a ‘soft’ feel for the wearer. The reinforced region 8 is stiffer than the remaining parts of the cup regions 2 and may be reinforced, for example, using fiber fill or filler material (such as Fiberfil ™). In one embodiment, the reinforced region 8 could be a laminated layer, on the inside or outside surface, or within the cup region 2 between inner layers next to the skin of a wearer and outer decorative layers. The shape of the reinforced region 8 may be formed separately and then the region 8 is bonded to foam of other layers of bra 1. Thus, the reinforced region 8 may feel like it is a separate piece of the garment, which is stiffer or harder. However, as it is contained or bonded within the bra 1, the reinforced region 8 is fixed and is not removable. It will be understood that, in use, the reinforced regions 8 will support a wearer’s breast in an upward direction when worn.

The cup regions 2 may have inner and/or outer layers laminated or otherwise attached to its inner/outer sides. For instance, inner and outer layers of fabric may be laminated onto the cup regions 2, to improve the comfort and appearance of the cup regions 2 and to contain the layer of material of the reinforced regions 8.

The forces arising from supporting the wearer’s breast may be borne by the reinforced region 8 may also be effectively transmitted to other structural elements of the bra 1, such as the back strap or wings 5.

The invention is not limited to strapless bras, and may be applied equally to bras which include straps to provide additional support. Furthermore, the invention could be used for other garments such as swimwear such as bikini tops and one-piece swimsuits, and tops which include “built-in” bras. The invention may be applied to any garment which is required to fulfil the function of at least partially supporting the bust of a user.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

Claims

1. A garment for at least partially supporting the bust of a wearer, the garment comprising: two cup regions for receiving the breasts of a wearer, the cup regions being separated by a connecting region that is located over the wearer’s sternum when worn, wherein each cup region extends to an apex at an outer side extremity, distal to the connecting region, wherein a lower edge of each cup region has a first curvature, a upper edge of each up region has a second curvature and the apex of the cup has a third curvature, wherein the third curvature is tighter than the first and second curvatures and the proportional difference between the radius of the first curvature and the radius of the third curvature is in the range 0.10 - 0.20; and two wings attached to the respective sides of the cup regions distal from the connection region, each wing having an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge meeting the cup region at a location above the apex of the cup region.

2. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein each cup further comprising a layer of reinforcing material within the cup region proximal to but spaced apart from the lower edge and extending substantially along the lower edge, wherein the reinforced region is more stiff relative to the remaining parts of the cup region.

3. A garment according to claim 2, wherein the reinforced region is at least partially filled with a multi-fibre bed of material or foam, which stiffens the lower area.

4. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein each cup is ‘S’-shaped, having a convex upper area for receiving the upper part of the wearer’s breast and a relatively concave lower area for receiving the lower part of the wearer’s breast.

5. A garment according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2 or 3, wherein the location of the reinforced region within the cup corresponds substantially to the concave lower area.

6. A garment according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when worn, the concave lower area is pushed outwards by the wearer’s lower breast.

7. A garment according to claims 2 to 6, wherein the wearer’s breasts are supported at least in part by the reinforced region of the cups.

8. A garment according to any preceding claim, further comprising an inwardly curled lip located at the upper edge of each cup and extending substantially along the upper edge of the cup.

9. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the cup material is flexible to provide a smoothly contoured shape when filled by a wearer’s breast.

10. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the apex covers at least a part of the outer side of a wearer’s breast when worn and the apex extends into the wings.

11. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein when a horizontal axis is defined extending between the apices of the two cups, when worn, the apices are substantially in line with the wearer’s sternum.

12. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the lower edges of the wings are substantially straight and the wings taper as they extend away from their respective attachment points.

13. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein when the garment is relaxed and a horizontal axis is defined extending between the apices of the two cups, the wings are attached to the cup regions so that the lower edges of the wings are angled downwards relative to the axis as they extend away from the cup region.

14. A garment according to claim 13, wherein the angle between the horizontal axis and the lower edge of the wings is between 10 and 30 degrees, more preferably between 15 and 25 degrees, or more preferably about 20 degrees, or wherein the distal end of each wing is approximately 3cm below the horizontal axis compared with a corresponding point parallel with the bottom edge of the wing at the edge of the cup.

15. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein each wing has at least one high friction region located on the inside of the garment and extending along upper and lower edges of the wings, wherein the friction between a wearer’s skin and the high friction region is higher than between the wearer’s skin and the fabric of the wing.

16. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein each wing has at least three high friction stripes on the inside of the garment extending along each of the upper and lower edges of the wings, wherein the friction between a wearer’s skin and the high friction stripes is higher than between the wearer’s skin and the fabric of the wing.

17. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the wings each further comprise a fastener at the end distal from the cup.

18. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein, when worn, the wings may be fastened to form a backstrap which sits substantially horizontally across the wearer’s back.

19. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the apex of the cup region and the wings are joined to provide a smooth contour join between the support element and the wing.