WO2015145156A1

WO2015145156A1 - Bra

Info

Publication number: WO2015145156A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/050901
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ann-Marie Stephenson
Original assignee: Urbanissity Limited
Priority date: 2014-03-27
Filing date: 2015-03-26
Publication date: 2015-10-01
Also published as: GB2524559A; GB2524559B; GB201405518D0

Abstract

A bra is disclosed. The bra comprises first and second bra cups (31, 32) comprising respective outer side portions (61, 62) and first and second bands (81, 82) or, if each band is divided into sections, band seconds comprising respective first ends detachably attached to respective outer side portions of the bra cups and second ends detachably attachable to the other band or to an adjacent band section.

Description

Bra

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a bra.

Background

Brassieres (commonly referred to simply as a "bras") are usually sold as single-piece items, in distinct sizes, categorised according to a combination of band size and cup size, for example, "32D".

The choice of sizes is limited not only in terms of choice of band size (typically confined to even-numbered lengths in inches) and cup size, but also in terms of the number of combinations of the band size and cup size. Thus, for given design or cut of bra, a potential wearer may not be able to find a bra having a preferred design and the best fit.

There is a common misconception that the volume and shape of a cup for a given cup size remains the same as the band size increases, namely that a cup of a 32D bra has the same volume and shape as a cup of a 34D bra. However, this is not the case and the volume and shape of a cup tends to change as the band size increases. For example, a D cup for a 32-inch band may fit a wearer well, but a D cup for a 34-inch band may not fit.

WO 2006/049861 A2 describes an extender for a bra which allows a wearer to increase the length of the back band. However, a bra extension can be awkward to fit and may result in a bra which is uncomfortable to wear. This is because a band of given length is normally cut to fit the shape of the body and so although an extender can help to increase band size, it results in a bra having an extended band which is not cut to fit the shape of the body.

WO 2010/004391 Ai, US 2003/0236054 Ai and US 2009/025872 Ai describe brassieres which include single-piece bands. Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention is provided a bra. The bra comprises first and second bra cups comprising respective outer side portions. The bra further comprises first and second bands (or band sections) comprising respective first ends detachably attached to respective outer side portions of the bra cups and second ends detachably attachable to the other band (or to an adjacent band section).

This can provide greater scope for customisation and offer a bra which fits better since one band (or, where a band is divided into more than one section, band section) can be removed and replaced with another band (or band section) which has different size, different cut and/or different design.

The bra may further comprise first and second shoulder straps. Each of the first and second shoulder straps may comprise respective first ends detachably connectable to respective bra cups and second ends detachably connectable to respective bands or band sections.

The first and second bra cups may be permanently or detachably attached via a bridge. Each outer side portion may be provided with a respective set of first fastening members and each first end of the band or band portion may be provided with a respective set of second fastening members for cooperating with the first fastening members for detachable attaching the band or band section to the bra cup. The first fastening members may comprise one or more hooks and the second fastening members comprise one or more eyes. Alternatively, the first fastening members may comprise one or more eyes and the second fastening members comprise one or more hooks. The hook(s) may comprise metal, plastic or other suitable material. The eye(s) may comprise metal, plastic, fabric or other suitable material.

The bra maybe configured such that when a band is attached to a respective bra cup, a seamless interior surface is formed. For example, each outer portion or each first end of the band or band section may comprise an interior flap or cover for forming the seamless interior surface when a band is attached to a respective bra cup. The bra maybe configured such that when a band is attached to a respective bra cup using fastening members, the fastening members are not visible from the exterior when the bra is worn. For example, each outer portion or each first end of the band or band section may comprise an exterior flap for covering or concealing fastening members from the exterior when the bra is worn.

A first fastening arrangement may be used to attach the first end of a band or band section to a respective outer side portion of a bra cups and a second type of fastening arrangement maybe used to attach the second end of band or band section to the other band or adjacent band section. The first and second fastening arrangements may be of the same type. The fastening arrangement or fastening means may comprise one or more hook-and-eye. The fastening arrangement or fastening means may comprise Velcro (RTM). The fasting arrangement may comprise a plastic grip seal. The grip seal may comprise first member comprising an elongate channel having inwardly projecting ledges or lips and a second corresponding member comprising an elongate rib which is removably insertable into the channel and retained by the lips. The fastening arrangement may comprise a lacing arrangement comprising first and second sets of eyelets and a lace.

The fastening arrangement may comprise a magnetic fastening arrangement. For example, the magnetic fastening arrangement may comprise first and second strips, where first and/or second strips comprise magnetic material.

The fastening arrangement is preferably distributed along the outer side of a cup and across the end of the bands. If the fastening arrangement comprises discrete points of attachments (such as eyes and/or hooks), then there are preferably at least two and up to four, six, eight or more points of attachments. This can help to spread load evenly along the edge of the cup, thereby making the bra more comfortable to wear, and/or help to maintain, or even enhance, the appearance of the bra.

A combination of fastening arrangements may be used.

The band or band section according may taper from the first end to the second end. The bra may be a balconette bra, a half cup bra, a full cup bra, a plunge bra, a minimiser bra, an enhancer bra or a side support bra. The bra may be a swimsuit top, a seamless bra, a sports bra, an underwire bra, a multi- way, non-wired bra, a soft cup/nursing bra or mastectomy bra. For a swimsuit or sports bra, plastic fastening members are preferably used.

The bra may comprise recycled material or material from a sustainable source. For example, cup underwire may comprise recycled plastic.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a band or band section for a bra. The band or band section comprises a first end configured to be detachably attachable to an outer side portion of a bra cup and a second end configured to be detachably attachable to another band or to an adjacent band section so as to allow interchange of bands or band sections.

The band or band section according may taper from the first end to the second end.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a bra worn by a wearer;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the bra shown in Figure l with shoulder straps removed; and Figure 3 illustrates a multi-section band.

Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments

Referring to Figure 1, a bra 1 is shown being worn by a wearer 2.

The bra 1 includes first and second bra cups 31, 3₂ having respective inner side portions 4i, 4₂ joined by a bridge 5 and respective outer side portions 61, 6₂. First and second detachable shoulder straps 71, 72 are joined to the bra cups 31, 3₂, for example, at the tops of the outer side portions 61, 6₂.

Referring also to Figure 2, the bra 1 includes first and second bra bands 81, 8₂ (which may also be referred to generally as "wings", "panels", "sides" or "tabs" and which may also include the modifier "side" and/or "back", such as "side wings" or "side/back panels" etc.).

Each bra band 81, 8₂ can be removed and replaced by another, different bra band which may be of different size, different cut and/ or different design, while retaining the correctly fitting cup. Alternatively, the bra bands 81, 8₂ can be retained and different cups 3i, 3₂ can be attached to the bra bands 81, 8₂.

This offers the wearer the opportunity to achieve a better or more comfortable fit, to accommodate changes in body size or shape and/or to change the appearance of the bra. Each band 81, 8₂ includes a respective first end g , g₂ and a second end 1O1, io₂. Each band 81, 8₂ is shaped (or "cut"), for example contoured, to fit comfortably around the torso of the wearer 2 beneath the underarm.

As shown in Figure 2, the first ends g , g₂ are detachably attachable to respective outer side portions 61, 6₂ of the bra cups 31, 3₂. First and second sets of complementary fastening elements Hi, n₂, 12_1; 12₂ are provided on the outer side portions 61, 6₂ of the bra cups 2_1; 2₂ and at the first ends 91, 9₂ of the bands 81, 8₂. The complementary fastening elements Hi, n₂, 12_1; 12₂ take the form of a set of one, two or more hooks Hi, ii₂ and correspondingly positioned and dimensioned eyes 12_!, 12₂. However, other forms for fastening elements, such as Velcro (RTM), can be used. Preferably, the fastening elements Hi, n₂, 12_1; 12₂ have low profiles. Where plural fastening elements are provided, they may be arranged in a row along the edge of the cup. Hooks Hi, n₂ are provided on the bra cup and eyes 12_1; 12₂ are provided on the bands. However, the hooks Hi, ii₂ may be provided on the bands and the eyes 12_1; 12₂ provided on the cups. As shown in Figure 2, each first end 91, 9₂ has an edge 131, 13₂ which is shaped, in this case arcuate, to follow the contour of the outer side portion 61, 6₂.

The fastening members 12_1; 12₂ are provided on an exterior-facing surface 141, 14₂ of the panel 81, 8₂, i.e. the surface which is intended to face away from the body of wearer. However, the fastening members 12_1; 12₂ can be provided on the interior-facing surface (not shown), i.e. the surface which is intended to face the body of the wearer.

As shown in Figure 2, the fastening members 12_1; 12₂ on the bands 81, 8₂ are offset, for example by a few millimetres, from the edge 131, 13₂ of the bands 81, 8₂ to leave short strip 15₂. This can help to provide a seamless interior-facing surface and improve comfort for the wearer. However, other arrangements can be used, such as a flap, particularly if the fastening members 12_1; 12₂ are placed on the interior-facing surface (not shown). In that case, the flap can fold over the fastening members 12_1; 12₂ and run to meet the edge of the bra cup.

The fastening members Hi, n₂ on the bra cups 81, 8₂ are disposed on an exterior-facing surface of the bra cups 81, 8₂. However, the fastening members Hi, n₂ can be provided on an edge surface, interior-facing surface (not shown) or embedded between two layers of material. Piping or edging (not shown) forms an exterior flap over the fastening members Hi, n₂ so that the both sets of fastening members Hi, n₂, 12_1; 12₂ are partially or fully concealed when the bra is worn.

As shown in Figure 2, third and fourth sets of complementary fastening elements 16₁, 17_1; i6₂, 17₂ are provided at the second ends 1O1, io₂ of the bands 81, 8₂ to allow the bands to be connected and, thus, secure the bra around the torso. The complementary fastening elements 16, 17 take the form of two or more rows of hooks and corresponding positioned and dimensioned eyes. However, other forms for fastening elements can be used.

The fastening arrangements between a cup 31, 3₂ and respective first end g , g₂ of a band 8i, 8₂ and between the second ends lOi, io₂ of the bands lOi, io₂ are preferably of the same type, e.g. hook-and-eye.

The shoulder straps , 7₂ attach to an upper edge of respective bands 8i, 8₂ using a flat clip (not shown).

As mentioned earlier, each band 8i, 8₂ can be cut to fit the wearer comfortably. Each band 8i, 8₂ generally gently tapers from the first end g , g₂ to the second end lOi, io₂. Thus, the width, w, of a band 8i, 8₂ generally decreases between upper and lower edges i8i, i8₂, i9i, 19₂. The upper and lower edges 181, i8₂, 191, 19₂ are generally curved or contoured to fit the shape of the wearer 2. To provide a more comfortable fit, the curvature of an edge 181, i8₂, 191, 19₂ can differ according to the length of the band 81, 8₂.

The bra 1 can be purchased in an assembled state (i.e. ready-to-wear) or unassembled state. The user can select or purchase new or replacement bands 81, 8₂ or cups 31, 3₂ so as to improve the fit of the bra 1 and/or change its appearance.

The bands 81, 8₂ need not be single-piece. Referring to Figure 3, a single-piece band 8 is shown. However, as shown in Figure 3, a multi-section band 8A, 8B can be used. As shown in Figure 3, the sections 8A, 8B may have respective regions 18, 19 of overlap in which fastening members (not shown) are disposed. Sections 8A, 8B can be joined using similar fastening arrangements to those described earlier.

A band which includes sections 8A, 8B can offer even greater flexibility.

Each band 8 can be divided into two, three or more sections. However, the total number of sections need not add up to and even number (e.g. 2 or 4). For example, two bands may be replaced by three or five band sections. This can allow a wearer to re- locate the point of attachment to a position which maybe better suited for a particular outer garment.

The bra 1 can be manufactured from a range of synthetic materials suitable for clothing, for example, polyester or nylon. The bra may include natural material, e.g. in a blend of material. The bra may include recycled material or material from a sustainable source. The wings can be formed of the same material as the cups 9 or another material exhibiting a degree of elasticity. The cup design can be selected from any known style, for example, balconette, half cup, full cup, plunge, minimiser, enhancer, and side support.

The bra may also be for use as part of a multi-piece swimsuit, seamless bra, sports bra, underwired bra, multi-way, non-wired bra, and soft cup/nursing bras.

It will be appreciated that many modifications may be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described.

The cups 3i, 32 need not be permanently joined.

Pairs of bands 81, 8₂ need not be replaced. For example, one band, but not another, may be replaced. Furthermore, although bands may be provided as a pair, each band having the same nominal length (e.g. a 32-inch left band and a 32-inch right band), bands of different nominal lengths can be selected (e.g. a 32-inch left-side band and a 34-inch right-side band).

Claims

1. A bra comprising:

first and second bra cups comprising respective outer side portions; and first and second bands or band sections comprising respective first ends detachably attached to respective outer side portions of the bra cups and second ends detachably attachable to the other band or to an adjacent band section.

2. A bra according to claim l, further comprising:

first and second shoulder straps.

3. A bra according to claim 2, wherein each of the first and second shoulder straps comprise respective first ends detachably connectable to respective bra cups and second ends detachably connectable to respective bands or band sections.

4. A bra according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bra has a front and back and wherein the first and second bra cups are permanently attached at the front.

5. A bra according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bra has a front and back and wherein the first and second bra cups are detachably attached at the front.

6. A bra according to any preceding claim, wherein each outer side portion is provided with a respective set of first fastening members and each first end of the band or band portion is provided with a respective set of second fastening members for cooperating with the first fastening members for detachably attaching the band or band section to the bra cup.

7. A bra according to claim 6, wherein the first fastening members comprise at least one or at least two hooks and the second fastening members comprise at least one or at least two eyes.

8. A bra according to claim 6, wherein the first fastening members comprise at least one or at least two eyes and the second fastening members comprise at least one or at least two hooks.

9. A bra according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a hook and eye arrangement comprising at least one hook and at least one eye, optionally at least two hooks and at least two eyes.

10. A bra according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a grip seal.

11. A bra according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a lacing arrangement.

12. A bra according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a magnetic closure arrangement.

13. A bra according to any preceding claim, configured such that when a band is attached to a respective bra cup a seamless interior surface is formed.

14. A bra according to any preceding claim, wherein each outer portion or each first end of the band or band section comprises an interior flap for forming a seamless interior surface when a band is attached to a respective bra cup.

15. A bra according to any preceding claim, configured such that when a band is attached to a respective bra cup using fastening members, the fastening members are not visible from the exterior when the bra is worn.

16. A bra according to any preceding claim, wherein each outer portion or each first end of the band or band section comprises an exterior flap for covering or concealing fastening members from the exterior when the bra is worn.

17. A bra according to any preceding claim, wherein a first fastening arrangement is used to attach the first end of a band or band section to a respective outer side portion of a bra cups and a second type of fastening arrangement is used to attach the second end of band or band section to the other band or adjacent band section, wherein the first and second fastening arrangements are of the same type.

18. A band or band section according to any preceding claim, wherein the band or band section tapers from the first end to the second end.

19. A band or band section for a bra, wherein the band or band section comprises: a first end configured to be detachably attachable to an outer side portion of a bra cup and a second end configured to be detachably attachable to another band or to an adjacent band section so as to allow interchange of bands or band sections.

20. A band or band section according to claim 19, wherein the band or band section tapers from the first end to the second end.