US3896818A

US3896818A - Foundation garment

Info

Publication number: US3896818A
Application number: US488618A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jack J Locascio
Original assignee: Rapid-American Corp
Current assignee: Rapid-American Corp; Hillshire Brands Co
Priority date: 1973-05-14
Filing date: 1974-07-15
Publication date: 1975-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 1992-07-29

Abstract

An elastically framed brassiere is disclosed which includes means to selectively restrict the elasticity of the frame along selected areas. The brassiere generally comprises a pair of breast cups, each of which is framed by respective inner and outer distensible panels; said breast cups being further framed on the bottom by underbust panels having their primary stretch direction in the vertical direction. Body encircling means comprising dorsal panels secured to the respective outer edges of the aforementioned outer panels form a body encircling assembly which, together with conventional shoulder straps, helps maintain the brassiere on the body of the wearer. The aforementioned distensible inner panels are juxtaposed along the medial area between the cups, and said distensible inner and outer panels extend below the level of the bottom edge of the respective breast cups for securement along outer edges of the aforementioned vertically distensible underbust panels and finally terminate at the lower edge of the garment along which there is preferably secured an underbust band. The upper inner side edge of each breast cup includes at least one portion of predetermined undulated configuration with respect to the remainder of such edge, and that portion of undulated configuration confronts a correspondingly configured undulated region provided in the inner edge of the respective inner panel to define an opening through the brassiere in association with each breast cup thereof. A layer of non-stretchable, preferably ''''transparent,'''' material overlaps at least a portion of each breast cup, overlaps the aforementioned opening associated with each breast cup, and overlaps at least an intermediate portion of the distensible inner panel associated with the respective breast cups to selectively restrict the lines of stretch between the respective shoulder straps and the medial area between the cups.

Description

United States Patent 1 Locascio July 29, 1975 FOUNDATION GARMENT [75] Inventor: Jack J. Locascio, Bayonne, NJ.

[73] Assignee: Rapid-American Corporation, New

York, NY.

[22] Filed: July 15, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 488,618

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 359,934, May 14, 1973,

2,888,930 6/1959 Coleman et a1... 128/498 X 3,094,991 6/1963 Smith 128/498 X 3,192,929 7/1965 Guberman. 128/494 X 3,392,732 7/1968 H6lscher.... 128/500 X 3,566,878 3/1971 Radomski i 128/489 3,606,891 9/1971 Marcario et al. 128/500 X Primary ExaminerWerner H. Schroeder Attorney, Agent, or FirmStewart J. Fried; Jeffrey A. Schwab [57] ABSTRACT An elastically framed brassiere is disclosed which includes means to selectively restrict the elasticity of the frame along selected areas. The brassiere generally comprises a pair of breast cups, each of which is framed by respective inner and outer distensible panels; said breast cups being further framed on the bottom by underbust panels having their primary stretch direction in the vertical direction. Body encircling means comprising dorsal panels secured to the respective outer edges of the aforementioned outer panels form a body encircling assembly which, together with conventional shoulder straps, helps maintain the brassiere on the body of the wearer. The aforementioned distensible inner panels are juxtaposed along the medial area between the cups, and said distensible inner and outer panels extend below the level of the bottom edge of the respective breast cups for securement along outer edges of the aforementioned vertically distensible underbust panels and finally terminate at the lower edge of the garment along which there is preferably secured an underbust band.

The upper inner side edge of each breast cup includes at least one portion of predetermined undulated configuration with respect to the remainder of such edge, and that portion of undulated configuration confronts a correspondingly configured undulated region provided in the inner edge of the respective inner panel to define an opening through the brassiere in association with each breast cup thereof. A layer of non-stretchable, preferably transparent, material overlaps at least a portion of each breast cup, overlaps the aforementioned opening associated with each breast cup, and overlaps at least an intermediate portion of the distensible inner panel associated with the respective breast cups to selectively restrict the lines of stretch between the respective shoulder straps and the medial area between the cups.

17 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures SHEET PATENTED JUL 2 9 I975 TEN TED JUL29 SHEET FOUNDATION GARMENT This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 359,9 filed May 14, 1973, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to brassieres, and, more particularly, to brassieres, the breast cups of which are enclosed or framed by adjacent inner, outer and underbust panels in such a manner as to comfortably dissipate forces encountered during wear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,971, issued Oct. 24, 1972, to William C. I-Iittel, et al., and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, there is disclosed a brassiere, the breast cups of which are framed by distensible inner, outer and underbust panels.

As discussed in the l-Iittel Patent, in order to standardize construction of conventional foundation garments, manufacturers have designated various girth and bust cup sizes, enabling womento purchasea brassiere, for example, that has the proper volumetric capacity for the particular size of the wearers bust as it relates to the torso dimensions. In the art, the bust cup sizes are progressively alphabetically identified, such as AA-D, with the girth dimensions identified by the numbers, for example, 30-40. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of any such garment are thus standardized to some extent so that it can be used by a majority of women having a bust size and girth falling within the particular standardized size designation, e.g., 30A, 348, etc.

However, it is recognized that both the girth of the female torso at the bust and the volumetric capacities of the bust vary or change within each class of standardized size designation as well as varying for a given woman, in response to body breathing, movement, and, to a certain extent, depending upon the given time of the month with respect to the womans menstrual cycle.

An elastically framed brassiere of the type, for example, disclosed in the Hittel, et al., patent desirably functions to accomodate these variations ingirth size and volumetric capacity while at the same time comfortably takes into account the natural discontinuity between the two breasts by promoting optimum shaping and separated configuration by maintaining the medial portion of the garment against the sternum of the body. Simultaneously, an elastically framed brassiere permits ease of breathing movement and advantageously tends to be non-restrictive incritical anatomical areas, for. example, along the outer side edges of the cups, which is the area of blood supply to the breasts. Finally, the distensibility of the various framing panels of the cups advantageously dissipate the various forces applied to the garment during movement of the wearer and, particularly, the vertical forces which are especially acute during lifting of the arms.

Elastic framing in a brassiere provides thebasic advantages enumerated above, however the elastic framing must be controlled or the cups loose their supportive capabilities. Brassiere cups are generally constructed of arelatively flaccid fabric and if the periph: eral edges of the cups are not maintained under tension, the weight of the breast will not be supported. The.

problem of proper tensioning of the cups is accentuated where the peripheral edges of the cups are framed by elastic material. The weight of the breast is concentrated along the lower section of the cup, with the cup urged downward. Since the cup projects outward of the body, this downward force is experienced in the lower .cup area, not only as a vertically downward force, but

as a horizontal force across the curved surface of the cup material.

As can be thus appreciated, it would be desirable to construct the garment having vertical distensibility along the central region between the cups, but somewhat limited distensibility in the horizontal direction between the cups.

Similarly, it would be desirable to have a degree of horizontal distensibility along the upper inner edges of the cup, with a minimal degree of vertical distensibility along such region. The major problem is one of according the comfort found in garments framed with distensible panels and, at the same time, overcoming the predilection of such garments to lose support.

In the garment of the I-Iittel et al. patent, the problem has been overcome through a selective orientation of the stretch pattern of the frame about the brassiere.

The present invention provides means to selectively restrict certain areas of the cups in framing, and through the implementation of such selective restriction, provides a'construction which enables variation in the shape of the cup perimeter. With the teachings of the present invention,'means are provided to construct a brassiere which tends to de-emphasize the normally structured look associated with framed garments, and at the same time, will possess the advantages of the framed garment. I

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The instant invention provides a brassiere having a frontal portion which includes two breast receiving cups in cup framing means peripherally extending about the cups. Body encircling members, generally in the nature of side panels having a rear closure, extend laterally outward of a frame, the framing of the cup and shoulder straps extend upward of the cup framing, over the shoulders of the wearer, with the shoulder straps terminating along a portion of the body encircling band. 7 v

, To aid in understanding the breast cups can be considered to have four basic perimeter segments, that is a lower inner edge, and upper inner edge, an outer edge andabottom edge. The framing for the cup generally includes a substantially vertically distensible inner panel which extends along the upper and lower inner edges of the cups, with the inner panels of the two cups secured to one another along a vertical medial line between the lower inner edges of the cups. Each of the outer edges of the cups are framed by distensible outer panels, preferably having their primary direction of stretch along a generally upward inclined plane from the horizontal towards the shoulder strap location.

It is also desirable to include an'underbust arrangement below the cups. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the underbust arrangement generally includes a vertically distensible underbust panel extending along the respective bottom edges of each of the breast cups. In the embodiment shown, the inner and outer panels extend beyond their respective cup edges to a location below the plane of the bottom edge of'thecups into a line of juxtaposition with the respective underbust panel for each cup and are secured along the lower extent of the garment, it is also preferable to have horizontally elastic means along the lower edge of each of the outer panels.

Restricting means are provided to restrict the vertical distensibility of the inner panels as they extend along the upper inner edge of each of the cups. As more particularly described hereafter, the restricting means preferably includes a layer of non-stretch material associated with each cup which is selectively affixed to both the cup and the bordering outer edge of the inner panel so that the non-stretchable material freely overlays the inner panels. Preferably, the affixation of the nonstretchable material is vertically along a portion of the medial member between the cups; horizontally along the central region of the cup; and along the outer bordering edge of the inner panel as it extends substantially parallel to the upper inner edge of the cup.

Since affixation of the non-stretchable material in the manner just described provides a free overlying of such material between the medial member which separates the cups and the cups themselves, the vertical distensibility along the central portion between the cups is not interrupted or restricted by the non-stretchable member.

Similarly, the preferably freely overlying relationship of the non-stretchable member in the inner panel results in a retension of the ability of the inner panel to distent adjacent the shoulder strap location. Thus, strain relief at that location is effected.

The present invention further teaches a method of employing such restricting means in a manner which rather than emphasizing the structured look of a framed garment, de-emphasizes the same.

The upper inner side edge of each breast cup as illustrated in the described figures includes at least one portion of predetermined undulated configuration with respect to the remainder of such edge, and that portion of undulated configuration confronts a correspondingly configured undulated region provided in the upper inner edge of the respective inner panel to define geometric shape along such edge of the brassiere cup. The layer of non-stretchable is preferably transparent, and such material which overlaps at least a portion of each breast cup, overlaps the aforementioned opening associated with each breast cup, and overlaps at least an intermediate portion of the distensible inner panel associated with each cup to stabilize same and thereby interrupt the lines of stretch between the respective shoulder straps and the medial area between the cups can thus perform its supportive function in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a brassiere constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the brassiere of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the brassiere of the instant invention as worn by the wearer;

FIG. 3A is a sectional view taken along the arrows 3-3 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the brassiere of the instant invention as worn by the wearer, and particularly illustrating the lines of force encountered when the right arm of the wearer is lifted;

FIG. 4A is an exploded partial rear view of a portion of the brassiere of the instant invention; and

FIG. 4B is an exploded partial front view of the portion of the brassiere illustrated in FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Turning to the Figures, wherein like numbers designate like elements, there is shown the brassiere I0 of the instant invention. The brassiere 10 includes cups l2 and 14, each having inner edges l6, outer edges 18, and bottom edges 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each cup comprises upper and lower portions 22 and 24 (FIGS. 3 and 4) joined by a seam line 26. If desired, the cups may be a seamless molded cup or a sewn cup having a differing number of segments appropriately joined to form the generally conical shape illustrated.

The joining arrangement between the breast cups 12 and 14 comprises a pair of inner

distensible panels

28 and 30, the respective

inner edges

32 and 34 of which are secured to and extend along the respective inner edges 16 of each of the breast cups to a location below the respective bottom edges for securement to

inner edges

36 and 38 of respective vertically distensible

underbust panels

40 and 42 respectively. The securement of the

inner edges

32 and 34 of the

inner panels

28 and 30 to the

inner edges

36 and 38 respectively of the

underbust panels

40 and 42 is by means of vertically distensible lines of stitching 35, for example, zig-zag stitching. As noted, underbust panels are preferably distensible in the vertical direction only, thus allowing the underbust panels to be brought in to mold flatly against the body and thereby provide a definitive break between the top edge of the underbust panels and the bottom edge of the cup, so as to maintain the supporting function beneath each cup.

The total underbust area may be made vertically distensible through the use of distensible stitching lines between the lowermost vertical edges of the

inner panels

28 and 30 and their juxtaposed underbust panels and, additionally, by providing a vertical distensible medial member 54 between the breast cups to which are affixed the

outer edges

46 and 48 of the

inner panels

28 and 30.

At their bottommost ends, the respective

inner edges

32 and 34 of the

inner panels

28 and 30 are secured to an underbust member or band 44 to be described in greater detail. At the upper portions, the respective

outer edges

46 and 48 of the

inner panels

28 and 30 are provided with

binding strips

50 and 52. As best seen in FIG. 1, the major lines of stretch for the

inner panels

28 and 30 are substantially vertical in those portions which are juxtaposed along the medial member 54. However, since these lines of stretch are slightly biased with respect to a true vertical, they gradually angle up toward the point of attachment of the shoulder straps 96 and 98 to be described in greater detail.

Thus, it will be appreciated that the respective

inner panels

28 and 30 form a generally Y-shaped yoke arrangement which, together with the

underbust panels

40 and 42 and the

outer panels

56 and 58 to be described, constitute an enclosing framing for the breast cups 12 and 14.

The

outer panels

56 and 58 include inner edges 60 and 62, respectively, which are secured for a major portion along their length along the respective outer edges 18 of the breast cups l2 and 14 and which then extend below the height of the bottom edges 20 of the cups l2 and 14 and are secured to the

outer edges

64 and 66, respectively, of the aforementioned vertically distensible

underbust panels

40 and 42. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner edges 60 and 62 of the outer panels are secured to the

outer edges

64 and 66 of the

underbust panels

40 and 42 by lines of stitching 67.

As illustrated by the bias lines depicted in FIG. 1, the

lines of stretch in the

outer panels

56 and 58 are generally angularly oriented up toward the points of

attachment

100 and 102 of the shoulder straps 96 and 98. Thus, it will be appreciated that

outer panels

56 and 58 are particularly available to accomodate and dissipate upwardly angled forces toward the

apexes

100 and 102 which are experienced during breathing and lifting of the arms.

The inner edges 60 and 62 of the

outer panels

56 and 58 terminate in their securement to the aforementioned underbust member 44. The outer edges 68 and 70 of the

outer panels

56 and 58 are joined to respective

inner edges

72 and 74 of

dorsal panels

76 and 78 by means of tapes 73, while the

bottom edges

80 and 82 of the

outer panels

56 and 58 are coextensive with underbust member 44, and

top edges

84 and 86 of the

outer panels

56 and 58 are secured to

tapes

88 and 90 which also extend along the

top edges

92 and 94 of the

dorsal panels

76 and 78. Conventional adjustable

shoulder strap assemblies

96 and 98 extend from their

respective apexes

100 and 102 of the

inner panels

28 and 30 to the rear of the garment where they are secured along the

outer edges

104 and 106 of the

dorsal panels

76 and 78, respectively, for ultimate securement to conventional rear closure means 108 and 110 shown as a conventional hook and eye arrangement.

The underbust member 44 is horizontally distensible along those portions thereof which extend outward from the respective

outer edges

64 and 66 of the

underbust bands

40 and 42. This may be accomplished by employing an elastic band which is elastic along its entire length, it being understood that its horizontal distensibility between the

edges

64 and 66 will be defeated by virtue of its being overlapped and secured to portions of the garment in that region which have only vertical distensibility, namely, the vertically distensible

underbust panels

40 and 42, the vertically distensible juxtaposed lower portions of the

inner panels

28 and 30, and the vertically distensible medial member 54. Alternatively, the underbust member 44 may actually comprise a plurality of lengths joined end to end, with only those lengths which extend outwardly of the

edges

64 and 66 being provided with the desired horizontal distensibility.

In view of the above, it will be appreciated that horizontal release will be provided at the lower regions of the

outer panels

56 and 58. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, this is most desirable since that region is the specific anatomical area beneath which blood is supplied to the breasts.

The upper portion of the inner edges 16 of the breast cups l2 and 14 are provided with portions 120 of predetermined undulated configuration (in the illustrated embodiment, a scalloped configuration) with respect to the remainder of edges 16. In like fashion, the

inner edges

32 and 34 of the

inner panels

28 and 30, respectively, are provided with corresponding regions 122 of a companion predetermined undulated configuration which are substantial reversals with respect to and confront the aforementioned portions to thereby define a geometric pattern 124 associated with each of the breast cups l2 and 14. As best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, there are further provided layers of preferably transparent material 126 which overlap the upper portion 22 of the breast cups l2 and 14, overlap the respective openings 124, and overlap that portion of the

inner panels

28 and 30 which extends between an imaginary extension of the seam line 26 (designated 128 in FIG. 4B) and the imaginary arcuate extension of the outer edge 18 of the respective breast cups (which imaginary arcuate extension is designated 130 in FIG. 4B). It should be noted that the layers of transparent material 126 are sewn to the respective

inner panels

28 and 30 along the upper outer edge 48 of the inner panels 28 and 3t); medial line 54 between the cups and inner edge 34. The layers 126 are not sewn to the respective

inner panels

28 and 30 along the

imaginary lines

128 and 130, respectively, and as aforementioned allow desired vertical distensibility in these areas. A material such as knit lino is readily suitable since it has the desirable transparent characteristics also has the characteristics of being non-stretchable. However, when secured in overlapping fashion to the

inner panels

28 and 30 in the manner described above, those portions 132 along the upper inner edge of the cups of the inner panels will be substantially restricted (i.e., the normal distensibility of such regions 132 will be restrained by the overlapping, non-stretchable material 126). Accordingly, the normal lines of stretch of such intermediate portions 132 will be interrupted and the easy line of stretch which would otherwise exist vertically along the upper inner edge of the cup will be restricted. It will be appreciated that in this relatively simple manner, the possibility of the aforementioned loss of support is eliminated or greatly reduced. At the same time, the provision of fanciful openings 124 (in this case, of scalloped configuration) together with the transparent layers of material 126 associated therewith will produce an aesthetically pleasing appearance which will de-emphasize what some consider to be the otherwise structured appearance of a framed brassiere.

With respect to the tab portions 136 located at the extremity of the branch portions of the

inner panels

28 and 30, since these portions have not been overlapped by the layers 126 of non-stretchable material, they still exhibit distensibility along their vertically biased lines of stretch. Accordingly, these regions provide an excellent strain relief area to which the

straps

96 and 98 may be sewn.

Thus, there has been described an elastically framed brassiere which possesses all of the advantages of such garments while at the same time, eliminating the disadvantages normally associates therewith. The

outer panels

56 and 58 having angular bias lines of stretch particularly available to accomodate enlargement of the pectoral muscles which occurs when the arm is lifted; the underbust panels, together with the juxtaposed lower portions of the inner panels and the vertically distensible central region between the cups 54 allow desired vertical accomodation associated, for example, with the natural breathing movements while at the same time promoting optimum shaping and breast separation with proper support therebeneath; the upper extremities of the inner'panels (i.e., the tab locations 136) provide an expansible strain relief region to which the shoulder straps may be secured; and the intermediate portion of the branch portions of the inner panels is properly stabilized to interrupt the lines of force transmittal which would otherwise exist between the tab locations and the center of the garment to thereby prevent a loss of support in the cups while all of the above has been effectuated in a manner which produces an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

While the invention has been shown, illustrated, described and disclosed in terms of embodiments or modifications which were assumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the precise embodiment or modification herein shown, illustrated, described and disclosed. For example, the shape and number of the openings 124 may, of course, vary as may the choice of materials so long as the various preselected stretch characteristics are maintained. These alternative embodiments and others whill will now suggest themselves, of course, fall within the scope of the claims which are hereappended.

What is claimed:

1. A brassiere comprising:

a frontal portion;

body encircling means affixed laterally outward of said frontal portion and shoulder straps extending upward of said frontal portion including:

first and second breast receiving cups, each of said cups having a lower inner edge, an upper inner edge, an outer edge and a bottom edge; and breast cup framing means;

said breast cup framing means including a distensible inner panel extending along the respective upper and lower inner edge of each of said breast cups, said distensible inner panels juxtaposed and secured to one another along a vertical medial line between the lower inner edges of said cups;

and means to selectively restrict the distensibility of said distensible inner panels as they extend along the upper inner edges of said cups;

said restricting means including a layer of nonstretchable material which spans in overlaying rela tionship and is secured to at least a portion of the respective inner distensible panel which extends along the upper inner edge of such cup such that the distensibility of said inner panels along said lower inner cup edges is retained.

2. The brassiere as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inner panel extends along the upper inner edge of each cup to an area adjacent the top of each cup where the shoulder straps are secured and wherein said restricting means is unsecured to the portion of said inner panel adjacent the top of each of said cups to permit distensibility of said inner layers adjacent the top of each said cup.

3. The brassiere as claimed in claim 1 further including a medial vertical extending member secured along the line juxtaposition of said inner panels.

4. The brassiere as claimed in claim 3 wherein said restricting means is secured to said medial member extending between said cups and wherein a portion of said restricting means which spans over said inner panel to said medial member freely overlies said inner panel and is unsecured thereto.

5. The brassiere as claimed in claim 4 wherein said media] vertically extending member is vertically distensible.

6. The brassiere as claimed in claim 1 wherein said breast cup framing means further includes a distensible outer panel extending along the respective outer edge of each of said breast cups.

7. The brassiere as claimed in claim 6 further including an underbust panel extending along the respective bottom edge of each of said breast cups.

8. The brassiere as claimed in claim 7 wherein said inner panels and outer panels extend beyond their respective cup edges to a location below the plane of the bottom edge of its respective cup along a line of juxtaposition with its respective underbust panel and are secured thereto.

9. The brassiere as claimed in claim 8 wherein said inner panels and said underbust panels are substantially vertically distensible.

10. The brassiere as claimed in claim 1 wherein each upper inner edge of said cups includes a portion of predetermined undulated configuration with respect to the remainder of said inner edge and each said inner panel includes an inner edge having at least one region of predetermined undulated configuration in substantial juxtaposition to said undulated configuration of said upper inner cup edge to define a geometric configuration therebetween.

11. The brassiere as claimed in claim 10 wherein said restricting means is substantially transparent and overlays said geometric configuration.

12. A brassiere comprising:

a frontal portion having two breast receiving cups; cup framing means peripherally extending about said cups; body encircling means affixed laterally outward of said framing means; and shoulder straps extending upward of said cup framing means;

each of said breast cups having a lower inner edge, an upper inner edge, and outer edge and a bottom edge;

said cup framing means including;

a substantially vertically distensible inner panel extending along the respective upper and lower inner edge of each of said cups, said distensible inner panels juxtaposed and secured to one another along a vertical medial line between the lower inner edges of said cups;

a vertically extending member secured along said line of juxtaposition of said inner panels;

distensible outer panels extending along the respective outer edge of each of said breast cups;

an underbust panel extending along the respective bottom edge of each of said breast cups;

horizontally elastic means along the lower edge of each of said outer panels;

and means to selectively restrict the distensibility of said inner panels as they extend along the upper inner edges of said cups;

said restricting means including a layer of nonstretchable material, associated with each cup;

said layer of non-stretchable material extends in overlying relationship to said inner panel along the upper inner edge of said cup in such a manner as to permit distensibility of said inner layers adjacent the top of each said cup.

13. The brassiere as claimed in claim 12 wherein said each said cup includes a substantially horizontally extending seam line and wherein said restricting means is affixed to said cup along said seam line.

14. The brassiere as claimed in claim 13 wherein said restricting means is affixed to said medial member between said cups and wherein the portion of said restricting means which extends over said inner panel to said medial member freely overlies said inner panel and is unsecured thereto.

15. The brassiere as claimed in claim 14 wherein said restricting means freely overlies said inner panel adjacent said shoulder strap location.

16. The brassiere as claimed in claim 15 wherein each upper edge of said cups includes a portion of predetermined undulated configuration with respect to the parent.

Claims

1. A brassiere comprising: a frontal portion; body encircling means affixed laterally outward of said frontal portion and shoulder straps extending upward of said frontal portion including: first and second breast receiving cups, each of said cups having a lower inner edge, an upper inner edge, an outer edge and a bottom edge; and breast cup framing means; said breast cup framing means including a distensible inner panel extending along the respective upper and lower inner edge of each of said breast cups, said distensible inner panels juxtaposed and secured to one another along a vertical medial line between the lower inner edges of said cups; and means to selectively restrict the distensibility of said distensible inner panels as they extend along the upper inner edges of said cups; said restricting means including a layer of non-stretchable material which spans in overlaying relationship and is secured to at least a portion of the respective inner distensible panel which extends along the upper inner edge of such cup such that the distensibility of said inner panels along said lower inner cup edges is retained.

5. The brassiere as claimed in claim 4 wherein said medial vertically extending member is vertically distensible.

12. A brassiere comprising: a frontal portion having two breast receiving cups; cup framing means peripherally extending about said cups; body encircling means affixed laterally outward of said framing means; and shoulder straps extending upward of said cup framing means; each of said breast cups having a lower inner edge, an upper inner edge, and outer edge and a bottom edge; said cup framing means including; a substantially vertically distEnsible inner panel extending along the respective upper and lower inner edge of each of said cups, said distensible inner panels juxtaposed and secured to one another along a vertical medial line between the lower inner edges of said cups; a vertically extending member secured along said line of juxtaposition of said inner panels; distensible outer panels extending along the respective outer edge of each of said breast cups; an underbust panel extending along the respective bottom edge of each of said breast cups; horizontally elastic means along the lower edge of each of said outer panels; and means to selectively restrict the distensibility of said inner panels as they extend along the upper inner edges of said cups; said restricting means including a layer of non-stretchable material, associated with each cup; said layer of non-stretchable material extends in overlying relationship to said inner panel along the upper inner edge of said cup in such a manner as to permit distensibility of said inner layers adjacent the top of each said cup.

16. The brassiere as claimed in claim 15 wherein each upper edge of said cups includes a portion of predetermined undulated configuration with respect to the remainder of said inner edge and each said inner panel includes an inner edge having at least one region of predetermined undulated configuration in substantial juxtaposition to said undulated configuration of said upper inner cup edge to define a geometric configuration therebetween.

17. The brassiere as claimed in claim 16 wherein at least the portion of the restricting means which overlays said geometric configuration is substantially transparent.