Bra lining

Abstract

The current invention aims to absorb sweat and body odor from the breasts. It also protects the skin by providing a cushioned support strip below the bra wire. The invention is a lining to be affixed between the inner lining of a brassiere and the skin, having three layers and a set of flaps protruding from the device adapted to be folded outward to hold the device in place.

Claims

1. A method for absorbing moisture in bras comprising the steps of: a. attaching a lining to an inner side of a bra, said lining comprising: i. a first material layer; ii. a second absorbent layer, attached to said first material layer and adapted to absorb bodily fluids; iii. a material-based third layer attached to said second absorbent layer and adapted to engage skin of a user's breasts when said bra is worn; and iv. two bottom flexible flaps protruding from a bottom of the lining; b. folding at least a portion of said bottom flexible flaps around a bottom edge of the bra; and c. attaching said bottom flexible flaps to an outer surface of first and second cups of the bra such that a portion of each of the first and the second cups of the bra is sandwiched between a respective portion of the lining and one of the bottom flexible flaps, wherein said attaching said lining comprises fitting said lining in said bra such that the lining spans both the first and the second cups of said bra and wherein, when said bra is worn by said user, the skin of the breasts of the user is protected from chafing and irritation.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the lining further comprises two top flexible flaps, and the method further comprises folding said top flexible flaps over an upper edge of the bra and attaching said top flexible flaps to an outer side of the bra.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said second absorbent layer comprises absorbent powder.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said absorbent powder comprises talcum powder.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said second absorbent layer comprises odorant.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said lining is shaped so as to fit snugly within the first and the second cups of said bra.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said material-based third layer comprises one-way pores such that sweat absorbed from the skin cannot travel back onto the skin.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said folding comprises folding said at least a portion of said bottom flexible flaps such that a portion of said bottom of said lining separating said flaps remains unfolded.

9. A lining to be placed between an inner surface of a bra and skin of a user's breasts, said lining comprising: a) a first layer that attaches to the inner surface of the bra with an adhesive; b) a second layer adapted to come into contact with the skin of the user's breasts; c) two bottom flexible flaps protruding from the lining and adapted, when said lining is attached to said inner surface of the bra, to be folded round a bottom edge of the bra and to attach to an outer surface of first and second cups of the bra; and d) a slit formed in an upper portion of said lining and centered therein, said slit defining two top flexible flaps protruding from the lining, said top flexible flaps being adapted to fold over an upper edge of the bra; wherein said lining is adapted to span both the first and the second cups of the bra.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is an obverse view of the bra lining with top flaps unfolded;

(3) FIG. 2 is an obverse view of the bra lining with top flaps folded;

(4) FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a set of stacked bra linings;

(5) FIG. 4 is a front x-ray view of a bra lining in use between bra and breasts, with bottom flaps unfolded;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front x-ray view of a bra lining in use between bra and breasts, with bottom flaps folded underneath the bottom of the bra;

(7) FIG. 6 is a front x-ray view of a bra lining in use between bra and breasts, with bottom flaps folded underneath the bottom of the bra;

(8) FIG. 7 is a side view of a bra lining in use between bra and breasts.

(9) FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the lining's layers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(10) The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention may produce one or several other embodiments. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

(11) The principles and operation of a bra lining according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

(12) FIG. 1 shows the bra lining 100 with top flexible flaps 101 unfolded and bottom flexible flaps 102 unfolded. The linings come ready pressed out in the shape of a cup to fit into a three-dimensional cup of a bra. There are two bottom flaps 102 and two top flaps 101. The bottom flaps 102 folds around the bottom of the bra and attach to the outer side of the bra.

(13) The central regions are top flaps. The top flap folds over the bra in the cleavage section. Both flaps are cushioned and give added protection from the underwire and help secure the bra lining, although the flaps do not necessarily have to be folded over. The top flap can either be left closed, or may be opened in the middle and folded outwards for lower cleavage.

(14) FIG. 2 shows the bra lining with top flaps 101 folded, the left bottom flap folded, and right bottom flap 102 unfolded.

(15) FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a set of stacked bra linings 100.

(16) FIG. 4 is a front x-ray view of a bra lining 100 in use between bra 103 and breasts. Here the bottom flaps 102 and top flaps 101 are both in their unfolded state. FIG. 4 further depicts a slit 104 located largely in the middle of the lining. As can be seen, this embodiment further comprises 2 cups 105-106.

(17) FIG. 5 is a front x-ray view of a bra lining 100 in use between bra 103 and breasts, with bottom flaps 102 folded underneath the bottom of the bra and attached to the outer side thereof, and top flaps 101 still unfolded.

(18) FIG. 6 is a front x-ray view of a bra lining 100 in use between bra 103 and breasts, with bottom flaps 102 folded underneath the bottom of the bra and top flaps 101 folded.

(19) FIG. 7 is a side view of the bra lining 100 in use, showing its position relative to the bra 103.

(20) Referring to FIG. 8, the bra lining comprises three layers in preferred embodiments. The first layer 201 is a generally a waterproof layer made of nylon or other synthetic fabric. The first layer makes contact with the bra and prevents any fluids and odors from penetrating the fabric of the bra. The first layer may contain adhesive for affixing to the inside of the bra. The second middle layer 202 is an absorbent layer for absorbing sweat and body fluids. The second layer may optionally contain scented talcum powder that is scented with, for example, a feminine scent. As another example, baby powder may be employed. Moisture is retained inside this second layer of the bra lining. The third layer 203 is a soft layer that comes into contact with the skin. This third layer is made up of a cotton-based material that provides cushioning.

(21) The bra linings come in various sizes and colors.

(22) The bra linings are thin and lightweight, and stretch to some extent. The bra linings do not add appreciable width or volume to the wearer's breasts. The bra linings have smooth, rounded edges for comfort. The bra linings are disposable and individually wrapped.

(23) Improvements and Add-Ons:

(24) Aside from protecting the skin below the breast, absorbing sweat, elongating the bra life, and keeping the area fresh, dry and clean, the lining can also serve as a protection layer for women who have gone through breast augmentation through the crease below the breast. A scar tissue can form post-surgery at this location, and the lining can act as a soft shield which protects the scar from the hard wire inside the bra that rests on the tender scar tissue.

(25) A short summary of the main innovative features of the inventive bra lining follows: 1. The whole linings is disposable. 2. The linings absorbs sweat, leaving the breast dry. 3. The linings protects the delicate skin in the area (and thus avoid rashes). 4. Leaves a light baby-powder scent (in some embodiments). 5. The linings is shaped in such a way that it curves perfectly onto the breast. 6. The linings elongates the life of any bra; since less laundering (a process known to ruin bras) is needed due to decreased sweat into the bra, the bras last longer. 7. The layer that rests on the breast has pores that funnel the sweat into the second (middle) layer. These pores are one way and so the sweat cannot travel back onto the skin. 8. The lining can serve as a protective layer between bra and scar tissue present in many post breast augmentation surgeries. 9. The whole lining is extremely thin, and its outer layer fabric is based on cotton. Therefore it is comfortable and will barely be noticeable for the woman wearing it. 10. The lining can be worn with any type of braregular straps, strapless, with or without wires, and with a sports bra.

(26) While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Furthermore just as every particular reference may embody particular methods/systems, yet not require such, ultimately such teaching is meant for all expressions notwithstanding the use of particular embodiments. Therefore, the claimed invention as recited is not limited to the embodiments described herein.