UNDERWIRE BRASSIERE AND ITEM OF CLOTHING, IN PARTICULAR AN ITEM OF LINGERIE, PROVIDED WITH SUCH A BRASSIERE

Abstract

A brassiere including a first cup, a second cup, a first underwire having a first free end and a first joining end opposite to the first free end, the first underwire being curved and at the first cup, and a second underwire having a second free end and a second joining end opposite to the first free end, the second underwire being curved and at the second cup, wherein the first joining end of the first underwire is connected to the second joining end of the second underwire, and wherein the first joining end of the first underwire crosses the second joining end of the second underwire.

Claims

1. A brassiere comprising: a first cup; a second cup; a first underwire having a first free end and a first joining end opposite to the first free end, the first underwire being curved and at the first cup; and a second underwire having a second free end and a second joining end opposite to the first free end, the second underwire being curved and at the second cup, wherein the first joining end of the first underwire is connected to the second joining end of the second underwire, and wherein the first joining end of the first underwire crosses the second joining end of the second underwire.

2. The brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the first and second joining ends are curved in a direction of curvature of the first and second underwires, respectively, with an angle of curvature that is increased with respect to the curvature of the first and second underwires.

3. The brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the first and second joining ends are beveled.

4. The brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the first and second joining ends are held together by a support element.

5. The brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the first underwire comprises an indentation at the first joining end.

6. The brassiere according to claim 5, wherein the indentation comprises a bent portion of the first underwire.

7. The brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the first underwire comprises a first shortened free end and the second underwire comprises a second shortened free end.

8. The brassiere according to claim 7, wherein a first edge of the first shortened free end is located at more than about 3 centimeters from a point of curvature of the first cup, and a second edge of the second shortened free end is located at more than about 3 centimeters from the point of curvature of the second cup.

9. The brassiere according to claim 1, wherein the first cup comprises a first channel, the first underwire being accommodated in the first channel, and wherein the second cup comprises a second channel, the second underwire being accommodated in the second channel.

10. The brassiere according to claim 9, wherein the first and second channels are reinforced.

11. A method of manufacturing a brassiere by 3D printing, the brassiere comprising: a first cup; a second cup; a first underwire having a first free end and a first joining end opposite to the first free end, the first underwire being curved and at the first cup; and a second underwire having a second free end and a second joining end opposite to the first free end, the second underwire being curved and at the second cup, wherein the first joining end of the first underwire is connected to the second joining end of the second underwire, and wherein the first joining end of the first underwire crosses the second joining end of the second underwire.

12. A garment comprising: an item of women's clothing; and a brassiere comprising: a first cup; a second cup; a first underwire having a first free end and a first joining end opposite to the first free end, the first underwire being curved and at the first cup; and a second underwire having a second free end and a second joining end opposite to the first free end, the second underwire being curved and at the second cup, wherein the first joining end of the first underwire is connected to the second joining end of the second underwire, and wherein the first joining end of the first underwire crosses the second joining end of the second underwire.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying figures are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. In these figures, like reference numerals describe like elements.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevational view of a brassiere item including a brassiere according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the brassiere item of FIG. 1, worn by a user.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates two crossed brassiere underwires according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a junction zone of the two underwires according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration of joining ends of the underwires according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates the junction zone of the two underwires and respective channels according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates an indentation provided in one of the underwires according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates the joining end having the indentation of one of the underwires of FIG. 7.

[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates a junction zone of the underwires and the channels according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate cross-sectional views of the underwires and the channels taken along the lines A-A, B-B, C-C, and D-D, respectively, in FIG. 9.

[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevational view of a brassiere item including a brassiere according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 12A illustrates underwires provided with notches at a junction zone according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 12B illustrates a support element adapted to maintain the underwires of FIG. 12A together according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 13 illustrates the joining end of the underwire, provided with an elbow according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a brassiere 1 according to a first embodiment may be in the form of a brassiere item (or a stand-alone brassiere) 2.

[0048] In the following description, the terms outer and inner are defined with respect to a body of a user 3 (shown partially in FIG. 2) who wears the brassiere 1. In other words, inner refers to a side facing (or towards) the body of the user 3 and outer refers to an opposite direction (or a side facing away from the body of the user 3 or opposite to the inner side). Furthermore, the terms upper and lower, top and bottom are also defined with respect to the body of the user 3 who wears the brassiere 1. In other words, upper and top may refer to portions relatively towards a head of the user 3, and lower and bottom may refer to portions relatively towards feet of the user 3.

[0049] The brassiere 1 may include two cups 4 and 5 (e.g., a first cup 4 and a second cup 5) to support breasts of the user 3, as well as two curved underwires 6 and 7 (e.g., a first underwire 6 and a second underwire 7) to facilitate the positioning and support of the breasts.

[0050] The first underwire 6 is associated with (or accommodated in or at) the first cup 4 and the second underwire 7 is associated with (or accommodated in or at) the second cup 5, as described further below.

[0051] The first underwire 6 and the second underwire 7 are curved (e.g., generally U-shaped). The first underwire 6 has a first free end 6A and a first joining end 6B, and the second underwire 7 has a second free end 7A and a second joining end 7B.

[0052] The first and second underwires 6, 7 are joined to each other by means of the first and second joining ends 6B, 7B, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, at a junction 8 between the first cup 4 and the second cup 5 (see, e.g., FIG. 1).

[0053] According to embodiments, the first joining end 6B and the second joining end 7B of the first and second underwires 6, 7, respectively, are crossed (e.g., cross each other), as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0054] By crossing the first joining end 6B of the first underwire 6 and the first joining end 7B of the second underwire 7, the first and second underwires 6, 7 do not move apart outwardly, or the likelihood thereof is reduced, and the brassiere 1 may provide an optimal (or more comfortable) fit.

[0055] The first joining end 6B of the first underwire 6 and the second joining end 7B of the second underwire 7 may cross at a junction zone 9, so that the first and second joining ends 6B, 7B are located beyond the junction zone 9, for example, over a distance 20 ranging from about 0.5 centimeters to about 3 centimeters. The distance 20 (see FIG. 4) is variable and depends on the embodiment considered. Furthermore, a length of the junction zone 9 is also variable and also depends on the embodiment considered.

[0056] The crossing allows an articulation about an axis of rotation, shown by a point 10 in FIG. 4, which is located substantially in a plane of symmetry 11 of the brassiere 1 at the center of the junction zone 9 perpendicular to the axial part (see FIG. 4) of the plane of symmetry 11.

[0057] The articulation (or pivoting) enables the first and second underwires 6, 7 to move apart or towards one another under the junction zone 9, generating a scissor effect, as shown by a double arrow 12 in FIG. 4. Thus, by moving the first and second underwires 6, 7 apart, in particular to adapt the brassiere 1 to the body morphology of the user 3, no forward (or outward) motion is generated at the first and second joining ends 6B, 7B, which are connected to one another by crossing, or the likelihood of forward or outward motion is reduced.

[0058] The crossing of the first and second underwires 6, 7 provides an articulation along a single central axis between the two ends fixed inside a channel, by producing an articulation motion of underwire structure of the brassiere 1 in its entirety. As such, a single articulation motion of the underwire may occur when the underwire is part of a brassiere, e.g., about a single and substantially central axis of the user of the brassiere. With a single pivoting point 10, it is possible to achieve both the appearance and the comfort that are desired in the design of a brassiere.

[0059] The brassiere item (or stand-alone brassiere) 2 may also include two wings 13 and 14 (e.g., a first wing 13 and a second wing 14) assembled to the first and second cups 6, 7, respectively, by an end thereof, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. At an opposite end of each of the first and second wings 13, 14 is a closure means 15A, 15B (e.g., a first closure means 15B and a second closure means 15A, respectively) that are part of a closing (or fastening) system 15. The fastening system 15 may include conventional hooks 15A and eyes 15B, as an example. According to embodiments, the brassiere item 1 may further include shoulder straps 16 and 17 (e.g., a first shoulder strap 16 and a second shoulder strap 17).

[0060] According to embodiments, the brassiere item 2 may also be of the strapless type and may therefore omit the straps 16 and 17.

[0061] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second underwires 6, 7 may be of variable height, width and length, depending in particular on the size of the first and second cups 4, 5 and the brassiere model types.

[0062] The first and second underwires 6, 7 may be made with a rectangular, square or ovoid cross-section, for example, or with any other suitable cross-sectional shape. The first and second underwires 6, 7 may be made of various suitable elements. By way of non-limiting examples, the first and second underwires 6, 7 may be made of metal, of a metal alloy, of glass fiber, and/or of a plastic including, for example, polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These materials may also be contained inside a sheath.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5, according to one or more embodiments, the first and second joining ends 6B, 7B of the first and second underwires 6, 7 may be curved in the direction of curvature of the curved first and second underwires 6, 7, as shown by arrows 18 and 19, with an angle of curvature that is increased with respect to the normal curvature (shown as a dotted line in FIG. 5) of the curved first and second underwires 6, 7. This additional curvature is very visible (and accentuated for purposes of clarity in FIG. 5) by comparing the example of FIG. 5 with that of FIG. 7, for instance. This additional (or enhanced) curvature may protect the user 3 against underwires that may, on occasion, tear through clothing, and more particularly through a channel receiving the underwire (e.g., due to wear).

[0064] For the same purpose, in one or more embodiments, free edges (or end edges) 6C and 7C of the first and second joining ends 6B and 7B, respectively, may be beveled (e.g., a first free end 6C of the first joining end 6B and a second free end 7C of the second joining end 7B may be beveled).

[0065] According to one or more embodiments, as can be seen in FIG. 13, the first and second joining ends 6B, 7B of the first and second underwires 6, 7 may include an elbow oriented in the opposite direction to that of the curvature of the curved first and second underwires 6, 7, as shown for the second joining end 7B of the second underwire 7. The elbow may provide a scissor effect (e.g., an improved scissor effect). Similarly, according to embodiments, the first and second free edges 6C, 7C of the first and second joining ends 6B, 7B, respectively, may be beveled.

[0066] Furthermore, according to one or more embodiments, the first and second joining ends 6B, 7B of the first and second underwires 6, 7 may be maintained together by a supporting element 21, for example, a clip, as schematically shown in FIG. 6.

[0067] Other support means or elements may be considered in the scope of the present disclosure. By way of example, FIGS. 12A-12B show first and second joining ends 6B, 7B provided with notches 29 and a support element 30 that passes through the notches 29 to secure together the first and second underwires 6, 7 at the first and second joining ends 6B, 7B.

[0068] The brassiere 1 may include, in the lower part of each of the first and second cups 4, 5, a channel 22, 23 (e.g., a first channel 22 and a second channel 23), as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. The first and second underwires 6, 7 are respectively arranged (or inserted or introduced or accommodated) in one of the channels 22, 23. The first underwire 6 is arranged in the first channel 22 and the second underwire 7 is arranged in the second channel 23. Although the first and second underwires 6, 7 are respectively arranged inside the corresponding first and second channels 22, 23 and are not visible from the exterior, the positioning of the first and second underwires 6, 7 are illustrated with a solid line (e.g., in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 11) in the figures to facilitate understanding of embodiments of the disclosure.

[0069] A lower edge 4A, 5A (e.g., a first lower edge 4A of the first cup 4 and a second lower edge 5A of the second cup 5) (see FIG. 1) of each of the first and second cups 4, 5 respectively defines a periphery of the first and second cups 4, 5 that rests on the thorax where the mammary gland of the user 3 extends outwards from the thorax. The first and second lower edges 4A, 5A contribute, in a conventional manner, to the adjustment and support characteristics of the brassiere 1.

[0070] The first and second channels 22, 23 each extend downwardly along the first and second lower edges 4A, 5A of the first and second cups 4, 5, respectively. The first and second lower edges 4A, 5A of the first and second cups 4, 5, respectively, therefore form a line curved in an arc of a circle and respectively receive the first and second underwires 6, 7.

[0071] The first channel 22 and the second channel 23 join at the central junction 8 of the first cup 4 and the second cup 5. A part may be provided to hold the first and second channels 22, 23 at the junction 8.

[0072] For increased comfort, a slightly elastic fabric may be used to form the first and second channels 22, 23.

[0073] According to one or more embodiments, the first and second channels 22, 23 may be reinforced, for example, with an elastic tube made of elastomer or rubber, or with a reinforcement ribbon (for example, a rigid ribbon) arranged inside the first and second channels 22, 23.

[0074] According to one or more embodiments including the first and second channels 22, 23, the first and second underwires 6, 7 may be respectively secured to the first and second cups 4, 5 of the brassiere 1 by other conventional means, such as sewing, gluing, moulding (or molding), forming, stitching, 3D printing or insertion into shells (representing the cups). The underwires may be integrated in a mould (or mold) to provide a moulded (or molded) brassiere.

[0075] Furthermore, according to one or more embodiments, at least one of the first and second underwires 6, 7 may include an indentation 24 (or a recessed part), at the joining end thereof (e.g., the first joining end 6B or the second joining end 7B, respectively). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the indentation 24 is provided in the first underwire 6 located at the crossing. As such, the outermost joining end (e.g., the first joining end 6B) may be prevented from moving outwardly at the crossing, or the likelihood thereof may be reduced. The risk of outward movement is even further reduced for the second underwire 7, which is located further inwards (or closer to the body of the user 3) than the first underwire 6.

[0076] The indentation 24 may be provided in different ways, for example, by the removal of material if the first underwire 6 is relatively thick.

[0077] According to one or more embodiments, the indentation 24 may be formed by a bend 25 (e.g., a curvature) of the first underwire 6, as shown in FIGS. 7-8. The bend 25 (or bending) may have variable characteristics, such as a variable size, shape, angle of curvature, etc.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the indentation 24 may be provided in the second underwire 7, or two smaller but complementary indentations 24 may be provided in the first and second underwires 6, 7 at the junction 9.

[0079] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, one of the underwires (e.g., the first underwire 6 (or the right cup underwire) or the second underwire 7 (or the left cup underwire) of the brassiere 1) may be located in an outer part of the junction zone 9. Referring to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the first underwire 6 is arranged outwardly at the junction zone 9 where the first and second underwires 6, 7 cross each other. FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D show cross-sectional views along the cross-section lines A-A, B-B, C-C and D-D of FIG. 9, respectively. FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D show the relative positions, looking down, of the first and second underwires 6, 7 (in cross-section), at the junction zone 9.

[0080] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 11, according to some embodiments, a brassiere 1 may include first and second underwires 6, 7 which may respectively include the first free end 6A and the second free end 7A that is shortened with respect to the underwires 6, 7 of FIG. 1 and with respect to the first and second channels 22, 23. The first and second channels 22, 23 may each have a length that is adapted to a length of the shortened first and second underwires 6, 7. In some embodiments, the first and second edges 6D, 7D of the first and second free ends 6A, 7A of the first and second underwires 6, 7, respectively is located at a height H that may be less than or equal to about 3 centimeters from a point of curvature 26 of the curvature of each of the first and second underwires 6, 7, as shown, for example, in FIG. 11. The point of curvature 26 is the extreme point (or vertex), e.g., the lowermost point, where the curvature of the first and second underwires 6, 7 changes to an upwards direction.

[0081] In this embodiment, according to another definition, the first and second underwires 6, 7 may be shorter than the underwires 6, 7 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 (at the first and second free ends 6A and 7A) by a distance of approximately four to seven centimeters, for example, approximately six centimeters (e.g., towards the first and second wings 13, 14).

[0082] The first and second free ends 6A, 7A, thus shortened, of the first and second underwires 6, 7, respectively, do not rise under the armpits of the user 3. This feature affords space for the breasts to move to the sides, as shown by the arrows 27 and 28 of FIG. 11. This feature may provide a solution to the problem generated by breasts with mammary asymmetry, by reducing the arc that extends towards the first and second wings 13, 14. The reduction of the length of the first and second underwires 6, 7 contributes to preventing the breasts from falling downwards out of the first and second cups 4, 5, or reducing the likelihood thereof, and to enabling the breasts to move to the sides towards the first and second wings 13, 14.

[0083] Furthermore, this feature may facilitate breathing of the user 3 at the solar plexus.

[0084] This embodiment also allows users 3 who want to flatten their breasts in the brassiere 1 to move their breasts underneath their arms, thereby efficiently reducing or minimizing the perceived size of their breasts.

[0085] According to the embodiment of the brassiere 1 of FIG. 1, the arc follows the lower periphery, which is particularly suited to users with mammary symmetry, which provides great comfort and fits well (or may fit perfectly) with the cleavage of the user 3. It has been noted that the brassiere 1 provides significantly improved support of the breasts. The brassiere 1 may be advantageous or desirable with large cup sizes.

[0086] The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, with underwires 6, 7 located at or underneath the armpits may be suited to the following users, for example: users (e.g., women) experiencing discomfort due to pressure under their breasts generated by conventional brassieres; users (e.g., women) for whom there is a poor fit at the cleavage (or an empty space in the cups); and/or users (e.g., women) who want to breathe better and enjoy greater freedom of movement with their brassiere.

[0087] Furthermore, the example embodiment of the brassiere 1 of FIG. 11, in which the arc follows a part of the lower periphery, without encompassing the first and second wings 13, 14, may be well suited to users 3 with breasts that have a (slight or marked) mammary asymmetry, and to users 3 with large to very large breasts and who want to reduce the perceived size of their breasts.

[0088] The embodiment of FIG. 11 with underwires 6, 7 at the inframammary fold may be suited to the following users, for example: users (e.g., women) with breasts that feature mammary asymmetry; users (e.g., women) experiencing discomfort caused by pressure under their breasts generated by conventional brassieres; users (e.g., women) for whom there is a poor fit at the cleavage (or an empty space in the cups); users (e.g., women) who want to breathe better and enjoy greater freedom of movement with their brassiere; and/or users (e.g., women) with large breasts and a small back, as the underwires do not extend too high under the armpits.

[0089] The brassiere 1, 1, as described above, therefore have many advantages and features.

[0090] The brassiere 1, 1 reduce (or eliminate) the need to rely on a specific part of a conventional brassiere, e.g., the center front gore. It is known that a center front gore limits the adjustment features of brassieres and does not provide for an optimal adjustment for women. The elimination of the center front gore at the center of the brassiere remedies these disadvantages and it also makes it possible to use lighter fabric for the manufacture of a brassiere.

[0091] The presence of the center front gore can cause the compression and congestion of the breasts, which are not due to the quality of the material of the brassiere cups, but rather to a poor design and the absence or articulation of the brassiere at the cleavage. A conventional brassiere may cause irritation, leading to marking and even injuries. The elimination of the center front gore remedies (or alleviates) these disadvantages. The elimination of the center front gore allows for natural mechanical support and releases the breast, facilitating adequate blood and lymph circulation. The elimination of the center front gore also releases the belly, enabling it to rise when users, who have a round belly due to excess weight or a pregnancy, for example, are in a seated position.

[0092] The present disclosure may be used and applied in a broad and varied range of ways. For example, the characteristics of the brassiere 1, 1, such as described above, may be applied to a brassiere item 2 (e.g., an individual item or a stand-alone brassiere), as shown in the examples of FIGS. 1, 2, and 11. In addition, the brassiere 1, 1 may also be applied to an item of clothing (e.g., women's clothing), such as an item of lingerie, including elements supporting the breasts. By way of non-limiting examples, the brassiere 1, 1 may be applied to items of clothing such as cinchers, bustiers, corsets, slips, bathing suits, dresses, nightgowns, etc.

[0093] It should be noted that the present disclosure enables the adjustment of brassieres based on an adjusted and folding brassiere without a center front gore, the elements of which supporting the breasts are suitable for being adjusted to fit a user (e.g., a woman) having a given breast size, and the elements of which surrounding the body are designed to fit around the body of the user, to achieve a brassiere of different size intended to be worn by a user with a specific breast size. The result is that, in a range of brassieres of the same model type, the elements that support the breasts will have variable sizes.

[0094] The brassiere 1, 1 (having the first and second cups 4, 5 and the first and second underwires 6, 7 or 6, 7) or a part of the brassiere 1, 1 may be made in different ways.

[0095] For example, the brassiere 1, 1 may be manufactured using a conventional method of additive manufacturing, e.g., by 3D printing of different types and, for example, of the filament deposition type.

[0096] The brassiere 1, 1 may also be manufactured with one or more of the following techniques: selective powder sintering, laser solidification of a resin, lamination by addition of laser-cut layers, resin solidification by photo-polymerization, and a textile alternative of the binder jetting method.

[0097] It is also possible to consider a digital meshing technique, for example, with a digital embroiderer.

[0098] While this disclosure has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.