US20020193048A1

US20020193048A1 - Wear having cup units

Info

Publication number: US20020193048A1
Application number: US10/069,813
Authority: US
Inventors: Makoto Kato; Ranpei Kimura; Hiromi Yamauchi; Shuji Sakaki; Yasushi Hanida; Masaaki Otsubo; Masanori Sakamoto; Gen Kudo; Toru Hiruta; Teruo Fukumoto; Nobue Hiiragi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Wacoal Corp
Priority date: 2000-06-26
Filing date: 2001-06-25
Publication date: 2002-12-19
Also published as: HK1046083A1; AU6632701A; EP1323358A1; WO2002000049A1; KR20020038565A; CN1362862A; TW567045B

Abstract

Left and right cup portions and a base portion are separated at a bust perimeter position. A border frame made of a resin of a necessary rigidity and flexibility is attached along a separation edge of the base portion. A joining portion is provided unitarily on the border frame. A joiner portion is provided on the cup portion. The cup portion and the base portion are detachably connected by a female-male interconnection of the joiner portion with the joining portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to clothing that has a cup portion such as a brassiere, body suit, and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to clothing in which the cup portion and a base portion are separate and are connected in a detachable manner.

BACKGROUND ART

In the prior art, the following have been proposed as foundations for brassieres and the like in which the cup portion and the base portion are separated and are connected in a detachable manner. They are connected using a joining means of a fastener, a surface fastener provided with raised hair-like latching parts (so-called Velcro), and string.

In other words, for the brassiere of Japanese Utility Model Publication Number 47-9943, ornamental portions having small holes are provided along the separation sites for both the cup portion and the base portion. These are joined by passing an elastic string through both of their small holes.

In addition, for the brassiere of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Number 8-158111, male and female surface fasteners provided with raised hair-like latching parts are provided along the separation sites for both the cup portion and the base portion. These are connected by latching together by contact.

Furthermore, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,425,420, as shown in FIG. 18, fasteners F are provided on the separation sites for both the cup portion C and the base portion S.

The joining means proposed in the prior art as described above have the following problems.

In other words, with the first joining means described above in which a string (elastic) is passed through small holes, the attachment procedure of passing the string through the holes is very cumbersome. In addition, the joining strength is weak. Furthermore, the string contacts the skin at various places, making it uncomfortable to wear.

In the second joining means of a surface fastener, the joining strength is weak, and they are easily separated. In addition, if the surface fasteners are not joined precisely and are out of position, when the surface fastener contacts the skin, the raised hair latching parts can irritate the skin, making it uncomfortable to wear.

With the third joining means of fasteners, they must be placed in an arc-shape, and the interlocking of the latching pieces is easily separated and can open spontaneously. There are problems in terms of the joining strength.

Furthermore, the separation site of the cup portion and the base portion is the verges line where normally a wire is inserted. When using any of the joining means of string, surface fastener, and fastener as described above, there is no capability of correction of the bust similar to the wire. When a wire is added in addition to the joining means, the structure of the joining part becomes extremely complex, and the thickness is increased.

Furthermore, although there is a very close relationship between the size of the cup portion and the size of the base portion, in all of the brassieres provided in the prior art as described above, there is no consideration made to the size of the joining portion of the cup portion and the base portion. There is simply disclosed a structure in which the cup portion and the base portion can be detached. One advantage of having a separate cup portion and base portion is in being able to exchange cup portions with different designs or with different sizes for the left and right.

However, with the prior art examples described above, the cup portion and base portion are simply separated, and the left and right are provided as a unit on the base portion. As a result, if the sizes of the left and right cup portions are changed, because the base portion is the same, there are problems with the joining portion.

Furthermore, in the prior art examples described above, the base portion and the left and right back portions are all provided as a unit. There is no way to make selections based on the strength of the elasticity of the back portion or the design of the back portion, or the type of fasteners on the left and right back portions.

The present invention considers the problems described above. The object of the present invention is to provide clothing having a cup portion such as brassieres and the like which is satisfactory in terms of joining strength, ease of the joining operation, and wearing comfort. In addition, the wearer can each select the design and size of the cup portions based on her individual preference. As a result, depending on the mood of the day or the combination with the outerwear, the range in coordinating brassieres can be expanded.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides clothing having a cup portion, comprising: left and right cup portions and a base portion being separated at a bust perimeter position; a border frame made of a resin having a required rigidity and flexibility being attached along a separation edge of the base portion; a joining portion being provided unitarily on the border frame; a joiner portion being provided on the cup portion; the cup portion and the base portion being detachably connected by a female-male interconnection of the joiner portion with the joining portion.

The cup portion and the base portion are separated at the bust edge, and preferably along the verges line. They do not always have to be separated along the verges line. At the lower part of the bust, they are separated along the verges line, but on the sides, it can be expanded slightly towards the side.

As described above, because a border frame made of a resin having flexibility and rigidity is attached along the separation edge on the separated base portion, when the cup portion and the base portion are joined by a joining means, the above border frame functions as a wire. The bust raising and correcting capability is still maintained. In other words, the joining portion is provided unitarily with a wire equivalent member.

For the resin described above, resin and hard rubber and the like is used. In particular, thermoplastic polybutyl terephthalate is suitable for use.

In addition, because the joining portion and the joiner portion provided on the cup portion and the base portion have a female-male interconnecting shape, they can be detached easily and are not easily separated. For example, by having a head portion on the end of the male side of either the joining portion or the joiner portion, and also by having an inner diameter of an insertion hole on the female side that is less than the head portion, when the head portion is pushed in and inserted, a reliable interconnection is achieved.

Furthermore, because the joining portion is a resin molded product, the skin side can be a flat plane, and by also using a soft resin, the feel on the skin is comfortable.

In this manner, by being able to join the left and right cup portions and the base portion, the designs and colors of the cup portion and the base portion can be changed according to individual tastes. In addition, the cup portions can be removed and washed and easily put away. The shape of the cup portion can be maintained for a long time.

The border frame of the base portion described above is formed from a thin ribbon-shaped body made of resin. Preferably, a similar border frame is attached to the separation edge on the cup portion as well. In addition, preferably, as with the joining portion, the joiner portion is provided unitarily with the border frame, and the joining portion and the joiner portion, both of which are resin molded products, have a male-female interconnection.

Furthermore, these border frames are attached along approximately the entire length of the separation edge of the base portion and the cup portion.

On the cup side, instead of the border frame described above, a wire of a metal wire or a resin wire and the like or a rigid cloth can be attached along the separation edge. A separate joiner portion can also be attached.

For the cup portion as described above, a plurality of types of different sizes are provided. With these plurality of types of cup portions, they have the same shape for the separation part with the base portion, and they also have attached the same joining portion. A plurality of types of cup portions can be connected with a single type of base portion.

Stated more concretely, in order to accommodate size variations, the base portion can have, for example, three types of S, M, L. With the cup portion, the section that joins with the base portion can have the same three types of S, M, L, but there are further variations for the volume of the cup portion, and there are two or more types of A, B, . . . G and the like.

The body circumference measurement including the base portion can have the size adjusted by using material that can be stretched for the back cloth and by having a large number of rows of back links in the left and right back portions. As a result, compared to the cup portions, a fewer number of sizes can accommodate different body types.

For the cup portion, the fit is determined by the cup size alone. In addition, if the cup portion is made from material that can stretch such as stretch lace and the like, the shape maintaining and shape forming ability is poor. As a result, using material that does not stretch and having many types of cup portions with fine size divisions is preferred from the standpoint of bust shape maintenance and shape formation.

As a result, as described above, in order to have different size cup portions connect to one base portion, different size cup portions have the same shape for the connecting separation section, and the same joining portion and joiner portion are provided.

Of course, as with the cup portion, the base portion can also have a large variety of sizes.

The pair of border frames described above is provided with a joining portion and a joiner portion that have female-male interconnection. The female joining portion has a shape in which an end opening of a small diameter hole is continuous with a large diameter hole on the other end. The male joiner portion has a shape in which a head portion is provided on a shaft portion end. From an end opening at the circumferential end, the shaft portion of the male joiner portion is inserted into the small diameter hole of the female joining portion, and the head portion is inserted into the large diameter hole. It then slides along the separation site in the circumferential direction.

When the cup portion and the base portion are to be separated, they are separated by sliding in the opposite direction.

Furthermore, in order to be retained in the final slide position, a locking means, which locks the male-female joining portions, is provided at both or one or the other of the ends in the longitudinal direction. When the locking means is provided on one side, it is provided at the end that is at the side of the body.

In this manner, when the male-female joining portions are both provided along the entire length and they are joined over the entire length, a stable interconnection is established. In addition, they are easily joined and do not easily come apart. Because the male-female joining portions have no protrusions or depressions, it is comfortable to wear. Because the male-female joining portions also function as a wire, this is preferable from the standpoint of shape-forming capability.

There can be a male-female interconnection with only one of them extending along the entire length, and the other can be shorter.

Alternatively, the pair of border frames as described above is provided with a joining portion and a joiner portion that have an intermittent male-female interconnection with spaced intervals along the circumferential direction. The female joining portion has a shape in which a small diameter hole at the end opening connects to a large diameter hole and, in addition, one end in the circumferential direction is open and the other end is closed. The male joiner portion has a shape in which a head portion is provided on a shaft portion end. From an end opening at the circumferential end of the female joining portion, the shaft portion of the male joiner portion is inserted into the small diameter hole of the female joining portion, and the head portion is inserted into the large diameter hole. It then slides up to the closed end. In addition, when the male joiner portion reaches the closed part, the protrusion and depression provided on these male-female joining portions are engaged.

In addition, for the male-female joining portion, on the pair of border frames described above, a joining portion and a joiner portion that has a spaced male-female interconnection in the circumferential direction can be provided, and when the border frames are layered, the male joining portion having a head portion at the end of a shaft portion can be pushed in to join with the female joiner portion having a latching hole.

Alternatively, on the pair of border frames described above, a joining portion and a joiner portion that has a spaced male-female interconnection in the circumferential direction can be provided, and a male joiner portion provided with a latching tab can be pushed in the radial direction, which is perpendicular to the circumferential direction, and into the female joining portion which has a through hole. The latching tab protrudes from the through hole and is latched to the edge of through hole.

Furthermore, for the joining portion and the joiner portion provided on the pair of border frames, as long as they have a male-female interconnection which does not come apart easily, they are not limited to the forms as described above, and other forms can be suitably used.

The border frames as described above are preferably positioned on the outer surface side of a cushioning material that is provided on the skin contact side. Stated more concretely, the border frame is attached to the outer surface of the base cloth and the cup cloth. The skin side of the base cloth and cup cloth is layered with a cushioning cloth with a nice feel. A non-woven cloth or a polyurethane foam and the like can also be interposed. In addition, a cloth attached to the surface of a polyurethane foam can also be used.

In this manner, by placing a cushion on the skin-side, the section where the border frame and the male-female joining portions are attached can have a soft feel to the skin.

Furthermore, a cloth with a design is attached to the surface of the cup cloth.

In addition, a cloth with a design can also be attached to the reverse side of the cup portion (the skin side surface). In this manner, when a cloth having a design is attached to both the front and reverse sides of the cup portion, the cup portions can be reversible. In this manner, by having reversible cup portions and having cloths with different designs on the surface side and the reverse side, the cup portions can be worn with the protrusion of the cup portions reversed, and two designs can be enjoyed with one cup portion. By reversing the cup portions, the cup portion which was used as the right cup portion and attached to the border frame on the right side of the base portion is now attached to the left border frame on the base portion, and the cup portion used as the left cup portion is now attached to the right border frame.

When the border frames for the base portion and the cup portion have a left-right symmetric shape, the right cup portion can be attached to the right border frame of the base portion and the left cup portion can be attached to the left border frame of the base portion even when the cup portions are reversed.

Preferably, the left and right cup portions, which are separated from the base portion, are divided as separate pieces, and each are separately connected to the base portion via the joining member. In this manner, by having left and right cup portions that can be attached individually to the base portion, left and right cups with different designs and colors can be attached, and a more unique brassiere can be made based on the taste of the wearer.

Furthermore, when the left and right bust sizes are slightly different, a left cup portion and a right cup portion which each conform to the bust sizes of the left and right can be selected and attached, and a more precise fit can be achieved.

The back portion, which is placed on the back side of the left and right sides of the base portion described above, can be provided as a unit with the base portion, or it can be detachably connected via a joining means.

When the back portion is separated from the base portion and connected by a joining means, several types of back portions can be prepared having differing degrees of stretching or different colors. By changing the combination with the base portion, a brassiere with the preferred design or feel for the wearer can be achieved. The back portion can be detachably connected by a front hook as well.

Furthermore, the base portion comprises a left and right base portion which are each attached to the left and right cup portions by a joining means. These left and right base portions can be provided as a unit, or they can be divided into left and right base portions that are detachably connected at the front center by a joining means.

When the left and right base portions are separated, if the left and right cup portions are separated and different sizes or colors are selected, left and right base portions that match these cup portions can be selected.

Furthermore, a pair of left and right shoulder straps can be detachably connected at both ends to the cup portion and the back portion so that the shoulder straps can be selected and attached. In this case, the wearer can wear the bra without attaching shoulder straps.

Alternatively, one end of the shoulder straps can be already attached to either the cup portion or the back portion, and the other end can be detachably connected to the other side. In this manner, by attaching one end of the shoulder strap to either the cup portion or the back portion, the loss of the shoulder strap can be prevented.

In addition, clothing having a cup portion as described above include brassieres, body suits, slips with brassieres, shirts with brassieres, camisoles with brassieres, and swim suits, and the like.

With these clothing having cup portions, if the shape and joining members at the separation site of the cup portion and the base portion are the same, the cup portions can be shared. For example, the cup portions of a brassiere can be removed and attached to be used as cup portions for a body suit or a slip with a brassiere.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a disassembled perspective drawing of a brassiere of a first embodiment. [0055]
FIG. 2(A) is an enlarged surface drawing of the brassiere of the first embodiment seen from the skin side and the opposite side. FIG. 2(B) is a surface drawing of when it is assembled. [0056]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional drawing along line III-III of FIG. 2(B). [0057]
FIG. 4 is a disassembled surface drawing of one section of a brassiere of a second embodiment. [0058]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional drawing along line V-V of FIG. 4. [0059]
FIG. 6 is a modification example of the second embodiment. FIG. 6(A) is a surface drawing of one section of a base portion. FIG. 6(B) is a drawing of a reverse surface of one section of the base portion. [0060]
FIG. 7 is a modification example of a brassiere of FIG. 6 and is a cross-sectional drawing showing how the base portion and the cup portion are joined. [0061]
FIG. 8 is a disassembled surface drawing of one section of a brassiere of a third embodiment. [0062]
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional drawing showing how the cup portion and the base portion of the brassiere of the third embodiment are joined. [0063]
FIG. 10 is a disassembled surface drawing of one section of a brassiere of a fourth embodiment. [0064]
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional drawing showing how the cup portion and the base portion of the brassiere of the fourth embodiment are joined. [0065]
FIG. 12 is a disassembled surface drawing of a brassiere of a fifth embodiment. [0066]
FIG. 13 is a disassembled surface drawing of a brassiere of a sixth embodiment. [0067]
FIG. 14 is a disassembled surface drawing of a brassiere of a seventh embodiment. [0068]
FIG. 15 is an enlarged drawing of one section of a modification example. [0069]
FIG. 16 is a disassembled perspective drawing of another modification example. [0070]
FIG. 17(A)-(D) show when the present invention is applied to clothing other than brassieres. [0071]
FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a brassiere of a prior art example.[0072]

BEST MODES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, the embodiments of the present invention will be described below. [0073]
Referring to FIGS. [0074] 1-3, a brassiere of a first embodiment is shown.
Brassiere A comprises a [0075] left cup portion 1, a right cup portion 2, a base portion 3, a left back portion 4, a right back portion 5, a left shoulder strap 6, and a right shoulder strap 7.
[0076] Left cup portion 1 and right cup portion 2 as described above are separate pieces. In addition, they are also separated from base portion 3. Left and right cup portions 1, 2 are each separately connected to base portion 3. Base portion 3 and left and right back portions 4, 5 are formed from one member as a continuous unit. One end of each left and right shoulder straps 6, 7 is already connected to left and right back portions 4, 5, and the other end can be connected to the upper end of left and right cup portions 1, 2.
As a result, with brassiere A of the first embodiment, [0077] back portions 4, 5, left and right shoulder straps 6, 7, and base portion 3 are all one continuous piece. Together with left and right cup portions 1, 2, brassiere A is constructed by assembling these three pieces.
The separation site of left and [0078] right cup portions 1, 2 and base portion 3 is positioned along the verges line. As a result, a separation edge 1 a and a separation edge 2 a of left and right cup portions 1, 2 are lines that expand in a downward arc-shape. In addition, a pair of a left cup attachment portion 3 a and a right cup attachment portion 3 b are provided in an arc-shaped indented manner on base portion 3. The arc-shaped inner perimeter edges of cup attachment portions 3 a, 3 b become a separation edge 3 c and a separation edge 3 d.
A border frame [0079] 11 (11A, 11B) made of resin is attached along the entire length of separation edges 1 a, 2 a of left and right cup portions 1, 2. A border frame 12 (12A, 12B) made of resin is also attached along the entire length of separate edges 3 c, 3 d of base portion 3.
Stated more concretely, border frames [0080] 11, 12 are thin ribbon-shaped pieces formed into a curved shape. Border frame 12 has a two-tier structure with a thin attachment portion 12 a of thickness around 1 mm and a relatively thick protruding portion 12 b of thickness 2.5 mm. Attachment portion 12 a is layered with the edge of a cloth 3 e of base portion 3, and they are sewn together (H). Border frame 11 is provided with a protrusion portion 11 b that is bent in an L-shape from the end of a thin attachment portion 1 a. Attachment portion 1 a is layered with the edge of cup cloth 1 a, 2 a of cup portion 1, 2, and these are sewn together (H).
Border frames [0081] 11, 12 are sewn onto the skin side of cup cloth 1 a, 2 a of cup portions 1, 2 and base cloth 3 a of base portion 3. Protruding portions 11 b, 12 b protrude towards the outer surface side, which is opposite to the skin side.
A joining [0082] portion 14, having a shape shown in FIG. 3, is provided in a unitary manner on the base portion border frame 12. In addition, the cup portion border frame 11 is provided with a joiner portion 15 having a shape shown in FIG. 3. In addition, joining portion 14 and joiner portion 15 are formed at positions near the two ends in the longitudinal direction and at several sites in between at certain intervals (4 sites in the embodiment shown).
Joining [0083] portion 14 provided on border frame 12 of base portion 3 is a male type and has a shape in which a ball-shaped head portion 14 b is continuous with the end of a shaft portion 14 a which protrudes out from frame 12. Joiner portion 15 provided on border frame 11 on cup portions 1, 2 is a notched hole in a shape of a cross. The joining means is a ball joint format in which ball-shaped head portion 14 b pushes open this hole and is inserted.
As a result, [0084] cup portions 1, 2 are fitted into the pair of cup attachment portions 3 a, 3 b of base portion 3. Border frame 11 of cup portion 1, 2 is layered on the upper surface of protrusion portion 12 b of border frame 12 at the separation edge of base portion 3. When ball-shaped head portion 14 b of joining portion 14 is pushed into the hole of joiner portion 15, cup portions 1, 2 are connected to base portion 3. By connecting in this way, ball-shaped head portion 14 b protrudes out from the opposite side as the skin side, and ball-shaped head portion 14 b does not contact with the skin.
When removing [0085] cup portions 1, 2 from base portion 3, frame 11 of cup portions 1, 2 is pulled upwards so as to be separated from frame 12. Ball-shaped head portion 14 b is pulled out from the holes, and they are separated from each other.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a second embodiment is shown. The difference with the first embodiments is in the joining means between [0086] cup portions 1, 2 and base portion 3. The other structures are the same as with the first embodiment; and therefore, their descriptions are omitted.
In the second embodiment, [0087] border frame 11 for the cup and border frame 12 for the base has a male-female interconnection over the entire perimeter.
In other words, a joining [0088] hole 14 a, which is continuous over the entire perimeter, is provided as female joining portion 14 on protrusion portion 12 b of border frame 12 on base portion 3. Joining hole 14 a has a shape in which there is a small diameter hole 14 a 2, which has an end insertion opening 14 a-1, and a large diameter hole 14 a-3, which is continuous with the end of small diameter hole 14 a-2. A latching protrusion portion 12 c protrudes out from protruding portion 12 b near one end in the circumferential direction (near the end that is at the side of the body). The end that is towards the side of the body is a closed portion 12 d, and the opposite side is an insertion opening 12 e. A joiner portion 15 is provided over the entire length of border frame 11 of cup portions 1, 2 as well. Joiner portion 15 has a bullet-shaped latching head portion 15 a protruding out from the end of L-shaped protrusion portion 11 b. In addition, a latching depression 11 c, which latches with latching protrusion portion 12 c, is indented at the end of protrusion portion 11 b. Small diameter hole 14 a-2 can also be a cone-shaped hole having a gradually decreasing diameter.
When connecting [0089] cup portions 1, 2, to base portion 3, an end P2 in the circumferential direction of cup portions 1, 2 is placed against insertion opening 12 e at an end P1 in the circumferential direction of cup attachment portions 3 a, 3 b of base portion 3. Latching head portion 15 a is pushed into latching hole 12 c, and bullet-shaped latching head portion 15 a is housed inside large diameter hole 14 a-3. Under this condition, latching head portion 15 a is made to slide in the circumferential direction as shown by the arrow. At the end, latching depression 11 c latches with latching protrusion 12 c.
In this manner, latching [0090] head portion 15 a is housed and retained in large diameter hole 14 a-3 over the entire perimeter.
With this male-female interconnection, because the maximum outer diameter of bullet-shaped [0091] latching head portion 15 a is larger than the minimum inner diameter of small diameter hole 14 a-2, latching head portion 15 a does not readily slip out through small diameter hole 14 a-2. Cup portions 1, 2 and base portion 3 are connected with the necessary joining strength. In addition, latching depression 11 c and latching protrusion 12 c are latched and locked at the sliding completion position near the end which is at the side of the body. In addition, the end is closed portion 12 d. As a result, the male-female interconnection does not come apart, and the cup portion and the base portion are reliably connected and fastened.
When removing, the cup portions are removed by sliding them in the opposite direction as when attaching them. [0092]
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a modification example of the second embodiment is shown. The attachment of border frames [0093] 11, 12 on the separation edge of left and right cup portions 1, 2 and base portion 3 is changed.
In other words, female and male joining [0094] portions 11, 12 are formed protruding out from a middle position in the thickness direction of border frames 11, 12 over their entire length. In addition, cup cloth 1 a, 2 a, and base cloth 3 a are positioned on the skin side of border frames 11, 12.
In addition, [0095] base cloth 3 a is extended to the joining position of female- male joining portions 11, 12. With this extended section, base cloth 3 a is surrounded by a cushion cloth 5, and they are sewn together.
For [0096] base cloth 3 a, a non-stretching marquisette is used, and for cushion cloth 5, a tricot is used. In this manner, because the skin side of the male-female joining portion has three layers of cloths of base cloth 3 a and surrounding cushion cloth 5, the feel against the skin is soft.
[0097] Base cloth 3 a surrounded by tricot can be further layered with unwoven cloth or polyurethane foam.
In addition, because the cross-section center of male and female joining [0098] portions 11, 12 have a left-right symmetry, the same joining portions can be used for both the left and right cups, and they can be used in common.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a third embodiment is shown. As with the second embodiment, the joining means between [0099] cup portions 1, 2 and base portion 3 is changed from the first embodiment, but the other structures are the same as the first embodiment.
As with the first embodiment, in this third embodiment, a joining portion and a joiner portion are molded in a unitary manner onto border frames [0100] 12, 11 at near both ends in the circumferential direction and at a plurality of sites in between at certain intervals.
A [0101] female joining portion 14 is provided at intervals on protrusion portion 12 b of border frame 12 on base portion 3. Joining portion 14 has a shape in which a box 14 a is provided with a through hole 14 b in the radial direction.
On [0102] border frame 11 which is attached to cup portions 1, 2, an L-shaped joiner portion 15 is provided on a wide attachment portion 11 a at spaced intervals in the circumferential direction. A latching tab 15 a is provided at the end of joiner portion 15.
For the task of connecting [0103] cup portions 1, 2 to base portion 3, cup portions 1, 2 are placed at cup attachment portions 3 a, 3 b of base portion 3. Each joining portion 14 is positioned opposite joiner portion 15. As indicated by the arrow, joiner portion 15 is made to slide in the radial direction. Latching tab 15 a is inserted by pushing open through hole 14 b. When latching tab 15 a passes through through hole 14 b, latching tab 15 a is latched at the end of through hole 14 b.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a fourth embodiment is shown. As with the third embodiment, a [0104] joiner portion 15 and a joining portion 14 are provided intermittently in the circumferential direction of border frames 11, 12. Joining hole 14 a of joining portion 14 is open on one end in the circumferential direction and closed on the other. In addition, on the closed side of joining hole 14 a, a latching protrusion 14 c is provided. On the outer perimeter of latching head portion 15 a of joiner portion 15, a latching depression 15 c is provided.
For the task for connecting [0105] cup portions 1, 2 to base portion 3, cup portions 1, 2 are placed at cup attachment portions 3 a, 3 b of base portion 3. Each joiner portion 15 is positioned on one end of each joining portion 14. Latching head portion 15 a is inserted from the open end of latching hole 14 a. In this condition, latching head portion 15 a slides in circumferential direction as shown by the arrow. Latching protrusion 14 c and latching depression 15 c are joined.
In both the third and fourth embodiments, as shown by the modification example of the second embodiment, a border frame can be attached to the outer surface side of the cup cloth and the base cloth, and the base cloth can be extended to the male-female joining position, and the extension section can be covered with a cushioning cloth in order to have a better feel. [0106]
Referring to FIG. 12, a fifth embodiment is shown. In a brassiere B, left and [0107] right cup portions 1, 2 are already connected by a connecting cloth 20. The means for joining cup portions 1, 2, which are connected by connecting cloth 20, to base portion 3 can be any of the means described in the first through the fourth embodiments.
Referring to FIG. 13, a sixth embodiment is shown. With a brassiere C, [0108] base cloth 3 is separated from a left back portion 4 and a right back portion 5. Therefore, brassiere C is assembled from five separate pieces of left and right cup portions 1, 2, base cloth 3, and left and right back portions 4, 5.
A joining [0109] portion 21 and a joiner portion 22 similar to that of the second embodiment are provided between left and right ends 3 e, 3 f of base cloth 3 and each end 4 a, 5 a of back cloth 4, 5.
Referring to FIG. 14, a seventh embodiment is shown. With a brassiere D, a [0110] base portion 3′ is also divided between a left base portion 30 and a right base portion 31. In addition, left and right shoulder straps 7, 8 are also separated, and this has the most divided structure. In other words, brassiere D is assembled from a total of eight separate pieces of left and right cup portions 1, 2, left and right base portions 30, 31, left and right back portions 4, 5, and left and right shoulder straps 7, 8.
Left and [0111] right base portions 30, 31 are divided at the front center. For the joining means, a joining portion 32 and a joiner portion 33 similar to that of the second embodiment are provided, and base portion 30 and base portion 31 are detachably connected.
Referring to FIG. 15, left and [0112] right base portions 30, 31 can be detachably latched by a front hook 35 and a front hook 36.
Referring to FIG. 16, an eighth embodiment is shown. In this eighth embodiment, a border frame is not provided on [0113] cup portions 1, 2 along the entire length of the separation site with base portion 3. Joiner portion 15 is provided intermittently at both ends of the separation site and at spaced positions in between in the circumferential direction. A border frame 12 is provided over the entire length of the separation site on base portion 3. A joining portion 14 is provided over the entire length of this border frame and detachably joins with joiner portion 15. In addition, the cup shape is also different from the shape of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
With this structure in which left and [0114] right cup portions 1, 2 are separated from and then connected in an exchangeable manner to base portion 3, this is not limited to brassieres. This can be applied to a body suit as shown in FIG. 17(A), a slip with a brassiere as shown in FIG. 17(B), a shirt with a brassiere as shown in FIG. 17(C), a camisole with a brassiere as shown in FIG. 17(D).
In these cases, [0115] base portion 3 is continuous with a front body portion and a back body portion.
Furthermore, referring to FIG. 17(C), the front body portion is continuous with the base portion which is detachably joined with [0116] cup portions 1, 2. By dividing this front body portion into left and right portions, it can be a type that can be opened and closed by joining joining members 37 and 38.
Possible Uses in Industry [0117]
As is clear from the above description, with clothing having a cup portion such as a brassiere and the like of the present invention, at least the left and right cup portions and the base portion are separated. The cup portion and base portion can be selected as desired. The brassiere is formed by male-female interconnection of a joining means. As a result of a brassiere formed with this structure, the wearer can select the design and size according to her taste, and she can exchange them herself. As a result, depending on her mood for the day and what her outer wear will be, the range of coordinating brassieres can be broadened. [0118]
Furthermore, because the joining portion and the joiner portion provided on the cup portion and the base portion have a male and female (indented and protruding) joining shape, they can be easily attached and removed. In addition, they have a structure that does not easily become separated. In other words, clothing having a cup portion such as a brassiere and the like with satisfactory joining strength, ease of joining operation, and wearing comfort can be achieved. [0119]
Furthermore, because a border frame made of a thin resin and the like is attached along the separation edge of the cup portion and the base portion, this border frame acts as the wire of a wire brassiere of the prior art. This can contribute to the shaping of the bust. [0120]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Clothing having a cup portion, comprising:

left and right cup portions and a base portion being separated at a bust perimeter position;

a border frame made of a resin of a necessary rigidity and flexibility being attached along a separation edge of said base portion;

a joining portion being provided unitarily on said border frame;

a joiner portion being provided on said cup portion;

said cup portion and said base portion being detachably connected by a female-male interconnection of said joiner portion with said joining portion.

2. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 1, wherein:

a border frame made of a resin of a necessary rigidity and flexibility is attached to a separation edge of said cup portion;

in addition, said joiner portion is provided unitarily with said border frame;

and said border frames are attached along approximately the entire length of said separation edges of said base portion and said cup portion.

3. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 1, wherein:

said cup portion and said base portion are separated along a verges line.

4. A clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 1, wherein:

a plurality of types of said cup portions with differing sizes is provided;

said plurality of types of cup portions has the same shape for a separation part with said base portion, and a same joining portion is attached to said plurality of types of said cup portions;

said plurality of types of cup portions can be connected to a single type of said base portion.

5. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 2, wherein:

said joining portion and said joiner portion, which join in said female-male interconnection, are provided over the entire length of said pair of border frames;

on said female joining portion, a small diameter hole of an end opening is continuous with a large diameter hole at the other end;

for said male joiner portion, a head portion is provided at an end of a shaft portion;

from an opening at one end in a circumferential direction, said shaft portion of said male joiner portion is inserted into said small diameter hole, and said head portion is inserted into said large diameter hole, and they are made to slide in a circumferential direction along said separation site.

6. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 2, wherein:

said joining portion and said joiner portion, which join in said female-male interconnection, are provided intermittently at spaced intervals along a circumferential direction of said pair of border frames;

in addition, said female joining portion has one end in said circumferential direction open and the other end closed;

from said opening at one end in said circumferential direction of said female joining portion, said shaft portion of said male joiner portion is inserted into said small diameter hole, and said head portion is inserted into said large diameter hole, and they are made to slide to said closed end;

in addition, said male-female joining portions are provided with a protrusion portion and a depression portion that can engage when said male joiner portion reaches said closed end.

7. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 2, wherein:

said male joining portion has a head portion at an end of a shaft portion;

said female joiner portion has a latching hole;

while laying said border frames on top of each other, said male joining portion is pushed into said female joiner portion.

8. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 2, wherein:

said joining portion and said joiner portion, which join in said female-male interconnection, are provided at spaced intervals along a circumferential direction of said pair of border frames;

said female joining portioning has a through hole;

said male joiner portion has a latching tab;

said male joiner portion is pushed into said female joining portion in a radial direction perpendicular to said circumferential direction, and said latching tab protrudes from said through hole to latch at the edge of said through hole.

9. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 1, wherein:

said border frame is placed on an outer surface side of a cloth or a cushioning material that is provided on a skin contact side.

10. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 1, wherein:

said left and right cup portions are separate pieces or else are connected in an unitary manner.

11. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 1, wherein:

a back portion, which is positioned towards a back side of a left and right side of said base portion, is provided unitarily with said base portion;

alternatively, said back portion is detachably connected to said base portion via a joining means.

12. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 1, wherein:

said base portion comprises a left and right base portions to which left and right cup portions are each attached by a joining means;

said left and right base portions are provided unitarily, or alternatively are separated into left and right base portions that are detachably connected by a joining means at front center.

13. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 1, wherein:

a pair of left and right shoulder straps are connected between left and right cup portions and left and right sides of said back portion;

both ends of said shoulder straps are detachably connected to said cup portion and said back portion;

or alternatively, one end of said should straps are already attached to one or the other of said cup portion or said back portion, and the other end of said shoulder straps is detachably connected to the other.

14. Clothing having a cup portion as described in claim 1, comprising:

a brassiere, a body suit, a slip with a brassiere, a shirt with a brassiere, a camisole with a brassiere, or a swimsuit.