WO2006025754A1

WO2006025754A1 - An uplift bra

Info

Publication number: WO2006025754A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2005/000229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carolyn Gleeson
Original assignee: Trifinity Limited
Priority date: 2004-08-31
Filing date: 2005-08-31
Publication date: 2006-03-09
Also published as: EP1784090A1; EP1784090A4; AU2005280691A1; US20080125011A1

Abstract

A bra with two breast cups (3, 4), joined together at a mid region. (10) A chest strap (19, 20) extends from each breast cup, to encompass the chest of the wearer. The chest straps (19, 20) are engaged to each breast cup at at least two locations, a first location (C) being above a second location (B). Each breast cup has a panel with a perimeter defining a neckline (6, 7) and a support line (8, 9). The support line is of a continuously curved nature between its upper terminus (C) where a shoulder support strap (13) is located, and its inner terminus where the cups are joined (10) The breast cups each include a longitudinally extending line of inelasticity (26) extending between the first location (C) and the mid region (10).

Description

An Uplift Bra

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements to an uplift bra and particularly but not solely to a bra to enhance cleavage.

BACKGROUND

Bras to change the chest region appearance of a person are known. An example of a bras is disclosed in US 4,470,419. It is a bra which aims to reduce of flatten the underarm region of tissue of the wearer. Its construction is such that it would not maximise the cleavage of the breast at or above the neckline of the bra because the neckline is tight as between the shoulder straps and the mid region of the bra. Furthermore there is no uplifting occurring of the lower region of the breast tissue to aid in the generation of cleavage by the bra of US 4,470,419.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide an uplift bra which is an improvement over the prior art described above or will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention consists in an uplift bra comprising two breast cups, each to receive at least part of a breast of the wearer of the bra, means for joining said breast cups at a mid region of said bra to define with said breast cups so joined, a breast cup assembly a chest strap or straps extending from each said breast cup, to encompass at least part of the chest of the wearer of the bra so that when worn the chest strap or straps hold the breast cups against the chest region of the wearer, the or each chest strap engaged to each breast cup at at least two locations, a first location (herein after "upper point") being above a second location (herein after "lower point") wherein each breast cup consists of a panel (whether defined by a single or multi panel, single or multi ply assembly) which includes a perimeter defining a neckline and a support line, the support line generally extending about the lower region of the breast cup and the neck line generally extending about the upper region of the breast cup, said support line being of a continuously curved (but not necessarily constant curvature) nature between;

(i) its upper terminus at or proximate to which at least one of (a) an over the shoulder support strap and (b) the upper point is located , and

(ii) its inner terminus at or proximate to which at least one of (a) the lower point and (b) the means for joining the two breast cups is located wherein each said breast cup includes a longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity extending between said upper point and said means for joining.

Preferably said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity terminates at a first end at said upper point and at its second end, at or proximate said means for joining.

Preferably said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity passes below the region of said panel at where said nipple of the wearer is to be located.

Preferably said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity lies on a direct albeit contoured to the cup shape of said breast cup line between said upper point and said means for joining.

Preferably said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity lies on a downwardly curved and contoured to the cup shape of said breast cup line between said upper point and said means for joining. Preferably said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity lies on a direct albeit contoured to the cup shape of said breast cup line between said upper point and said mid region of said bra.

Preferably said neckline of a said breast cup is commensurate with said longitudinally extending region of inelasticity.

Preferably said neckline of a said breast cup is commensurate with said longitudinally extending region of inelasticity and said upper point is provided at the upper terminus of said support line.

Preferably a shoulder strap is located at the upper terminus of said support line and is at or proximate to said upper point, said bra being in this instance a quarter bra.

Preferably said neckline defines the upper side of said panel located above said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity and said upper terminus of said support line is above said upper point. Preferably said support line is of a continuously curved (but not necessarily constant curvature) nature between;

(i) its upper terminus at or proximate to which at least one of (a) an over the shoulder support strap and (b) the upper point is located , and (ii) its inner terminus at or proximate to the means for joining the two breast cups.

Preferably said support line is of a continuously curved (but not necessarily constant curvature) nature between;

(i) its upper terminus at or proximate to which an over the shoulder support strap is located , and

(ii) its inner terminus at or proximate to the means for joining the two breast cups, wherein the upper point is disposed to the support line of the breast cup below the upper terminus. Preferably said means for joining is a bridge member between said two breast cups.

Preferably said bridge member is a separate item.

Preferably said bridge member is integral with said breast cups, said breast cups and said bridge being formed from a single panel or ply of multi-ply assembly.

Preferably said means for joining is a stitching or adhesive means engaging said cups directly together.

Preferably said means defining a chest band is split chest band to define a first and second chest band portion a first portion engaged to a first of said breast cups and a second portion engaged to the other breast cup.

Preferably said split chest band has its first and second portions selectively engagable at regions distal from said breast cups.

Preferably said first and second portions selectively engagable by a clasp mechanism.

Preferably said means defining a chest band is non-interruptible along its extent between its regions of affixing to each said breast cups, said bra being of a kind which can be undone at the mid region of the bra anterior of the wearer of the bra. Preferably said mid region of the bra includes means for selectively fastening said breast cups together.

Preferably said chest strap or straps includes means to define a top and bottom pull line each pull line provided engaged at the upper and lower point of a said breast cup respectively. Preferably said means defining said pull lines are non elastic regions of said chest strap or straps.

Preferably each said pull line is defined by a non elastic band.

Preferably said non elastic bands of the or each chest band are joined by a webbing extending between the top and bottom pull lines. Preferably said webbing is a fabric material. Preferably said webbing is also engaged to said support line of each breast cup.

Preferably said pull lines are at least at regions thereof immediately adjacent said breast cups, not connected to each other by any form of webbing. Preferably said non elastic bands are not interconnected with each other at least at regions thereof immediately adjacent said breast cups.

Preferably said non elastic bands are independent chest straps extending form their respective engagement points at said support line.

Preferably said upper pull line induces a horizontal force to said support line when the bra is worn by a wearer.

Preferably said upper pull line also induces an upward force to said support line when the bra is worn by a wearer.

Alternatively said upper pull line also induces a downward force to said support line when the bra is worn by a wearer. Preferably said upper point is above the nipple of the wearer.

Preferably said lower point is below the nipple of the wearer.

Preferably for each said breast cup, said respective bottom pull line is horizontally in line with the means for joining said breast cups.

Preferably for each said breast cup, said respective lower point is horizontally in line with the means for joining said breast cups.

Preferably said upper and lower points and a point or region at where said means for joining is provided, form an isosceles triangle.

Preferably said upper and lower points and a point or region at where said means for joining is provided, form an scalene triangle. Preferably lower band induces a purely horizontal force to the breast cup at its support line.

Preferably the neckline of each said breast cup is of a length and/or curvature to, when worn, not to tend towards reducing the curvature thereof in a line between its upper terminus and said means for joining. Preferably the neckline of each said breast cup is of a length and/or curvature to, when worn, not to tend towards reducing the projected curvature thereof onto plane extending generally perpendicular to the anterior plane of the body of the wearer and passing through its upper terminus and said means for joining.

Preferably the neckline of each said breast cup is of a length and/or curvature to, when worn, not to tend towards reducing the projected curvature thereof onto plane parallel to the anterior plane of the body of the wearer.

Preferably said neckline does not choke the displacement of the breast tissue of the wearer from displacing in part out from beyond the cover of each said breast cup.

Preferably said panel of each breast cup is at least of two sub panels engaged together along said line of inelasticity.

Preferably said line or zone of inelasticity is a line of stitching. Preferably said zone of inelasticity is a line of modification of the panel which is not provided to other regions of the panel inward of the perimeter thereof.

Preferably said zone of inelasticity is a line of inelasticity.

Preferably the zone of inelasticity passes below the would be location of the nipple of the wearer.

In a second aspect the present invention consist in a garment which incorporates a bra as herein before described.

In a further aspect the present invention consist in a bra as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In still a further aspect the present invention consist in a bra as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Where reference herein is made to inelasticity, it is to be appreciated that it can mean that such is of less elasticity than other portions of the breast cup of the bra of the present invention. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred form of the present invention will now be described with reference to the Figures in which:

Figure IA is a front view of a bra of the present invention illustrating a preferred but not essential panel layout for each of the breast cups showing a preferred chest strap and shoulder strap configuration disposed from each of the breast cups,

Figure IB is a front view of a bra of the present invention shown in a quarter bra style wherein the breast cups do not extend upwards sufficiently to cover the nipples of the wearer,

Figure 2 is a front view of a breast cup from which there are disposed the chest straps and shoulder strap in the most preferred configuration of the present invention,

Figure 3 is an anterior upper body view of a person wearing the uplift bra of the present invention,

Figure 4 is a view provided for explanatory purposes to illustrate the forces and mechanisms to which the bra of the present invention is subjected to when being worn, and

Figure 5 is a front view of a breast cup illustrating the points of attachment of the chest strap or straps to provide the point forces at points B and C to the support line 8 of a breast cup. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure IA, shows a general view of the uplift bra 1 of the present invention. The uplift bra 1 consists of two breast cups 3, 4 provided for the purposes of both supporting and covering preferably a substantial portion or at least a lower portion of each breast of the wearer. Each breast cup 3, 4 includes an upper/inner perimeter line 6, 7 (hereinafter referred to as "neckline") and an outer/lower perimeter line (hereinafter referred to as "support line") 8, 9. The neckline 6, 7 may be of any desirable profile taking into consideration desirable design aspects such as ensuring that the nipple of the wearer is covered and to provide an aesthetic profile. In an alternative form of the present invention, the bra 1 may not necessarily provide the breast cup 3, 4 to cover the nipple of the wearer. Bras known for example by the name "quarter bra" may be of a form wherein no portion of the breast cup covers the nipple and the breast cup only provides support to portions of the breast below (and perhaps also outward from) the nipple. Such a bra is for example shown in Figure IB.

Since the bra 1 is preferably provided for the purposes of enhancing cleavage, the neckline 6, 7 preferably does not extend upwardly to an extent that it will cover all of the cleavage generated by the bra when worn.

Whilst reference herein is made to the term "cleavage" the general result that the bra of the present invention is able to provide is an uplifting of the breast tissue of the wearer. For some wearers, uplifting will result in cleavage but for others and depending on the bra size selected, uplifting may not necessarily create cleavage. As such it will be appreciated that whilst the term "cleavage" is known to describe a particular appearance of the breast of the wearer, such may not necessarily be achieved whilst uplifting is achieved by the bra of the present invention.

The support line 8, 9 of each of the breast cups 3, 4 is preferably of a continuous though not necessarily constant, curvature. It is preferably of a non- stretch configuration. The support line of each cup extends from a mid region 10 of the bra 1 where for example each cup 3, 4 is engaged to the other cup or engaged to a bridging section 11 (see Figure 2). With reference to Figure IA the support line 8 of for example the first mentioned breast cup 3 extends from the mid region 10 to the outer/upper terminus 12 of the support line 8 of the breast cup 3. At the upper region 12, the breast cup 3 has disposed a shoulder strap 13. The shoulder strap 13 is engaged to the breast cup 3 at its periphery at or very proximate to where the outer/upper terminus 12 of the support line 8 is provided. An identical arrangement occurs with respect to the other breast cup 4.

In combination with this preferred continuous and substantially curved support line 8, 9, the interior portion of each of the breast cups 3, 4 includes an important aspect for the purposes of enhancing cleavage when the bra 1 of the present invention is worn. This aspect is a line of rigidity or zone of rigidity 14 (or also herein referred to as zone or line of inelasticity) extending from the mid region 10 of each of the breast cups to the support line 8, 9 of each of the breast cups 3, 4. The line of rigidity 14 may also be considered a line of tension or line of support or zone of tension. It is established across the cup 3 as shown in Figure 2, between point 10 or proximate thereto, and point 18. The line is most preferably of a non elastic nature in its longitudinal direction.

In the example of the bra shown in Figure IB it can be seen that this line of rigidity 14 does not extend across the breast cup but instead extends along the neckline or is the neckline of the breast cup.

Whilst a physical modification may be made to the breast cup to define the line of rigidity, in some forms this may not necessarily be so. In a bra where for example the breast cup is made from a moulded material, no modification by the introduction of additional material of the breast cup along the line of rigidity 14 may occur. The line of rigidity or zone of rigidity is established in concave profile of the breast cup at this line of rigidity as a result of the application of forces to the breast cup by the various components engaged to the breast cup, which will be described below.

The line of rigidity 14 may for example be provided by a line of stitching, a seam connecting two panels of the breast cup together or by for example the conversion of a normally flexible material of the breast cup into a rigid or semi-rigid form. For example the breast cup is made from a moulded plastics material, application of heat to the region along the line of rigidity 14 can convert the moulded material to a firmer and more rigid form. The line of rigidity 14 and with reference to Figure 2, extends between the mid region 10 at or proximate its inner most terminus 17 to its other terminus 18 at or proximate the support line 8 of the cup 3. The other or outer terminus 18 of the line of rigidity 14 is positioned, (with reference to a coordinate frame of a kind wherein the bra 1 of the present invention is being worn) so as to provide the outer terminus 18 of the line of rigidity 14 higher than its inner terminus 17. The angle to the horizontal between the inner and outer terminus 17, 18 may for example be between 5 and 45 degrees. In the most preferred form this line of rigidity 14 is provided to the cup shape 3 so as to run across the breast tissue preferably below the nipple of the wearer, to uplift the lower portions of the breast.

It will be most desirable if the zone is of a continuous curvature so as not to create any undesirable indentations in the breast tissue which may detract form the visual appearance of the bra being worn.

Preferably at or approximate to the junction of the outer terminus 18 with the support line 8 of the breast cup 3, there is provided a chest strap 19. The chest strap 19 is a strap which extends about the torso of the wearer of a person and may be interrupted by a clasp or catch like mechanism but preferably connects to a like chest strap or continues about the torso wearer for engagement to the other breast cup of a bra 1. This chest strap (upper chest strap 19) is engaged to the breast cup 18 preferably at the support line 8 (and likewise to the other breast cup 4) close or at the same point as where the outer terminus 18 of the line of rigidity 14 is located.

As such the upper chest strap 19 preferably engages to the breast cup 3 at a location above the end of the neck line 6 of the breast cup 3 at the inner region 10 of the bra 1. However this upper chest strap 19 is not engaged at such a vertical (but not necessarily vertically aligned) displacement from the inner region 10 to be at the upper most terminus of the neck line 6 at or where the shoulder strap 13 engages at region 12 of the breast cup 3.

With reference to Figure IB where a quarter bra is shown, it can be seen that the shoulder straps 13 engage at proximate to the breast cups at the upper most terminus of the neckline 6/14 which is also substantially commensurate with the location at where the chest strap 19 engages with each of the breast cups.

A second or lower chest strap 20 is also provided extending from the breast cup 3. The lower chest strap 20 is provided to extend about the torso of the wearer to be engaged to the other of the breast cups. It is preferably also interruptible by a clasp to allow for convenient use of the bra 1. It however would be appreciated that the mid region 10 of the bra may alternatively be provided with the clasp 4 for putting on and taking off of the bra 1. The lower chest strap 20 engages to for example the breast cup 3 at its support line 8 where the support line 8 is at its lower most point. Whilst it may not necessarily be at the lowest most point, the point of engagement of the lower chest strap 20 is such that it provides a substantially horizontal force to the breast cup 3 which extends substantially through the mid region 10 of the bra 1. This force passes preferably below the breasts of the wearer. This is for example shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5 it can be seen that point B is substantially horizontally in line with point A. In the example shown in Figure 5, a portion of the breast cup still extends below the horizontal between points A and B. However in an alternative configuration point B may be below that shown in Figure 5 and may tend towards or be at the lowest point of the breast cup.

With reference to Figure 4, it can be seen that a triangulation is occurring between points (i) A at the mid region 10 of the bra, (ii) B at the region where the lower chest strap 20 engages to the support line 8 of the breast cup, and (iii) C at where the upper chest strap 19 engages to the support line 8 of the breast cup 3. Such triangulation occurs substantially along various lines of rigidity including the previously mentioned line 14 provided extending across the breast cup between its inner terminus 17 and outer terminus 18. However a preferred line of rigidity 26 also exists substantially along the horizontal region 30 of the support line 8 of the breast cup 3. A line of rigidity 27 may also exist substantially along or approximate to that portion of the support line 8 between the points B and C at where the upper and lower straps 19, 20 are engaged to the breast cup 3. Since in the preferred form the support line 8 of the breast cup 3 is of a non stretch configuration, (and the panels or the interior panel portions of the breast cup can be of a flexible material) the triangulation between points A, B and C is substantially along lines of rigidity provided by the particular construction of the breast cup 3.

With provision of the shoulder strap 13 to the upper region 12 of the support line 8 and wherein the angle of force applied by the shoulder strap 13 is substantially in line (e.g. tangential) with the support line 8 at region 12 of the breast cup 3, the upwardly directed force supporting the breast cup 3 by the shoulder strap 13 is along the support line 8 at the region 12. With the substantially continuously curved nature of the support line 8, this upward support force FU applied to the support line 8 by the shoulder strap 13 holds the breast cup 3 against dropping down the chest of the wearer of the bra. In the most preferred form of the present invention the upper chest strap 19 holds point C outwardly from the mid region 10 of the breast cup. This outward force may be substantially horizontal as for example shown by arrow FH on Figure 4 or may include an upwardly direct component FO. This upwardly directed component of force FO is preferably or tends towards being in line with the line of rigidity 14 extending between points A and C. However since a component of force FU is applied to the support line 8 of the breast cup by the chest strap 13, such upwardly directed force FO applied by the upper chest strap 19 is not necessary for a tension to be created along the line of rigidity 27 extending between the points B and C. However the force FO may be provided to enhance that tension between point B and C. Most preferably the force FL provided by the lower chest strap 20 is substantially horizontal. Where reference is made to outward forces it is not forces outwards of the body but outwards from the centre for example.

With reference to Figure 2, the panel of the breast cup 3 below the line of rigidity 14 and between it and the support line 8 may be of a single panel or of a double or multi panel arrangement as for example in Figure 2. It can be seen that a two panel configuration is provided including a first panel 31 and a second panel 32 which are separated by a line 33 such as a seam connecting two panels together or a weld or a line of rigidity like that provided in the form of the line of rigidity 14. The line of rigidity 33 may be provided for the purposes like that of the line of rigidity 14 and/or for the purposes of providing a curvature to this part of the breast cup 3 for the purposes of enhancing cleavage. However in a form where the breast cup 3 is made from a moulded material, such a panel assembly as shown in Figure 2 may not be necessary. As can be seen with reference to Figure 4, a triangulation is occurring between the anchor points A, B and C, and preferably such triangulation is occurring below the location where the nipple of the wearer is placed or likely to be placed when the bra of the present invention is being worn. As such whilst point C in a full cover bra is located at a position away from the upper most region of the breast cup, in a quarter bra where the breast cup does not cover the nipple of the wearer, anchor point C may be provided at or proximate to the upper point of the breast cup at or near where the shoulder straps also attach to the breast cup.

Whilst reference herein has been made to the provision of two straps, an upper strap and lower strap 19, 20, it will be appreciated that such straps need not necessarily be independent items but may form part of a chest band or wing wherein the chest band or wing includes upper and lower perimeters commensurate with anchor points B and C as for example shown in Figure 5. Furthermore the chest band may not necessarily provide upper and lower perimeter lines commensurate with anchor points B and C but may incorporate lines of rigidity or tension which are in line with points B and C yet having a perimeter of the chest band beyond the lines of tension. The two breast cups are joined to each other or are connected to each other at the mid region of the bra. This joining may be by way of an intermediate connection panel or panels or gore. Alternatively the cups may be directly joined to each other by stitching or other fastening. This may include adhesive. Alternatively the breast cups are of a one piece assembly. In the most preferred form the line between points A and C extends preferably less than 45 degrees to the line between A and B. The line between A and B is preferably substantially horizontal.

The line between A and C will be contoured as it extends across the three dimensional cup shape. It hence may have flexibility in terms of bending but in its longitudinal direction is substantially inelastic or of a non-stretch configuration. The line between points A and C is preferably a straight line other than it running across a contoured three dimensional cup shape. In other words when looking front on, the line does look substantially straight. The upper strap 19 which is substantially horizontal can apply a longitudinal force along the line of inelasticity extending between points A and C. This is because there is some degree of alignment between the horizontal strap 19 and the line of inelasticity running between points A and C. Were the line between points A and C be vertical, then the horizontal force of the upper strap could not apply a force longitudinally along the line of inelasticity.

In the most preferred form there is only one line of inelasticity however additional lines may extend below the line of inelasticity extending between points A and C. There may for example be a line of inelasticity extending between points A and B. Preferably there is no line of inelasticity above the line between points A and C other than the neckline perimeter 6 which may be inelastic. The curvature of the breast cup above the line of inelasticity between points A and C is preferably such as to allow for breast tissue to extend beyond the neckline perimeter 6. The neckline perimeter 6 is of a shape to allow such tissue to extend above it. The shape of the cup above the line of inelasticity is preferably such as to not press against the breast tissue but may merely be there for the purposes of providing some visual cover to the breast tissue therebelow.

The lower portion of the breast cup 3 is provided in a configuration for the purposes of displacing the lower breast tissue and reducing the volume of this region of the breast of the wearer. Such can result in the displacement of the breast tissue to more liberal regions of the breast cup where greater room is provided for the tissue to displace and expand to. Such room is preferably provided towards the upper regions of the breast cup tending towards and at the neck line 6. The curvature or concave nature of the breast cup at the region below the line of rigidity 14 is such as to produce both the volume at this region as well as preferably preventing the dropping of the breast below the support line 8.

In the breast cup of the present invention little or no tension may be created between the upper region 12 of the breast cup and the inner region 10 and along the neck line 6. The neck line 6 is to be formed in a condition where it basically opens up to the breast tissue being displaced from the lower regions of the breast thereby allowing for the breast tissue to be presented in a form providing cleavage. It is for this reason that the outer terminus 18 and where or approximate to where the upper strap 19 are provided, does not tend towards or is not approximate at to the upper point 12 of the breast cup 3 at where the shoulder strap 13 is engaged. It is also for this reason that the shoulder strap 13 lies towards the inner region of the bra relative to the vertical as for example shown in Figure 2 rather than to the outer side as shown in Figure IA. In the condition as shown in Figure IA, the upward force FU applied to the breast cup 3 by the shoulder strap 13 can result in a greater tension being created between points 12 and 10 of the breast cup 3 thereby tightening the region between points 12 and 10 of the breast cup and discouraging the displacement of breast tissue beyond the perimeter 6 of the breast cup 3. A slightly inwardly angling force applied by the shoulder strap 13 will have a tendency to open up the perimeter line 6 and 7 of each of the breast cups 3 and 4 thereby provide less resistance to the breast tissue displacing upwardly beyond these perimeter lines.

One of the advantages that the bra of the present invention provides is that the support for the bra starts from the centre back in contrast to a regular bra where most of the support comes from the shoulder straps. Due to the triangulation that occurs and the forces that are applied by the chest straps at the two points of each of the breast cups, a pressure and volume reducing effect is applied to the lower breast tissue of the wearer to thereby displace the breasts upwardly. The over the shoulder straps are not the primary reason that such uplift occurs but instead are provided to assist to a certain extent, the holding in place of the breast cups. Another advantage that the bra of the present invention can provide is that it can be made of a non-stretch fabric or one-way stretch fabric where no underwires or padding is required. This will enhance comfort to the wearer and also reduce manufacturing costs. With the application of pressure to the cup form of the bra substantially even pressure over the breast cup can be achieved wherein the breast tissue is forced away from the outer and/or lower perimeter line and towards the open and uncovered area of the breast opposite to the outer and/or lower perimeter line.

Accordingly in the most preferred form the present invention does not provide breast cups which extend across the entire breast tissue of the wearer due to the fact that such complete cover would result in the bra covering any cleavage that is formed by the bra of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An uplift bra comprising two breast cups, each to receive at least part of a breast of the wearer of the bra, means for joining said breast cups at a mid region of said bra to define with said breast cups so joined, a breast cup assembly a chest strap or straps extending from each said breast cup, to encompass at least part of the chest of the wearer of the bra so that when worn the chest strap or straps hold the breast cups against the chest region of the wearer, the or each chest strap engaged to each breast cup at at least two locations, a first location (herein after "upper point") being above a second location (herein after "lower point") wherein each breast cup consists of a panel (whether defined by a single or multi panel, single or multi ply assembly) which includes a perimeter defining a neckline and a support line, the support line generally extending about the lower region of the breast cup and the neck line generally extending about the upper region of the breast cup, said support line being of a continuously curved (but not necessarily constant curvature) nature between;

2. An uplift bra as claimed in claim 1 wherein said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity terminates at a first end at said upper point and at its second end, at or proximate said means for joining.

3. An uplift bra as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity passes below the region of said panel at where said nipple of the wearer is to be located.

4. An uplift bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity lies on a direct albeit contoured to the cup shape of said breast cup line between said upper point and said means for joining.

5. An uplift bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity lies on a downwardly curved and contoured to the cup shape of said breast cup line between said upper point and said means for joining.

6. An uplift bra as claimed in claim 1 wherein said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity lies on a direct albeit contoured to the cup shape of said breast cup line between said upper point and said mid region of said bra.

7. An uplift bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said neckline defines the upper side of said panel located above said longitudinally extending line or region of inelasticity and said upper terminus of said support line is above said upper point.

8. An uplift bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said support line is of a continuously curved (but not necessarily constant curvature) nature between;

9. An uplift bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said support line is of a continuously curved (but not necessarily constant curvature) nature between; (i) its upper terminus at or proximate to which an over the shoulder support strap is located , and (ii) its inner terminus at or proximate to the means for joining the two breast cups, wherein the upper point is disposed to the support line of the breast cup below the upper terminus.

10. An uplift bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said chest strap or straps includes means to define a top and bottom pull line each pull line provided engaged at the upper and lower point of a said breast cup respectively.

11. An uplift bra as claimed in claim 10 wherein said means defining said pull lines are non elastic regions of said chest strap or straps.

12. An uplift bra as claimed in claim 10 wherein each said pull line is defined by a non elastic band.

13. An uplift bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said upper point is above the nipple of the wearer.

14. An uplift bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein said lower point is below the nipple of the wearer.

15. An uplift bra as claimed in claim 10 wherein for each said breast cup, said respective bottom pull line is horizontally in line with the means for joining said breast cups.

16. An uplift bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said panel of each breast cup is at least of two sub panels engaged together along said line of inelasticity.

17. An uplift bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said line or zone of inelasticity is a line of stitching.

18. A garment which incorporates a bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A bra as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20. A bra as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.