GB2553343A

GB2553343A - Brassiere with breast separator

Info

Publication number: GB2553343A
Application number: GB1614955.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leigh Woodward Jamie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-02
Filing date: 2016-09-02
Publication date: 2018-03-07
Also published as: WO2018042174A1; GB201614955D0

Abstract

A brassiere 1 comprises an outer layer 2 comprising a back portion 3 and a front portion 4 coupled together, and a breast separator 6 provided inside the outer layer 2. The breast separator 6 may be connected to the outer layer 2. The breast separator 6 may comprise a projecting portion (6a, figure 2) which projects upwards in use so as to lie within the wearers cleavage. The projecting portion (6a, figure 2) may project upward between the cups 5 from the uppermost point (X, figure 2) at which the cups 5 join the breast separator 6. The projecting portion (6a, figure 2) may be triangular or wedge shaped and may be made of foam or other resilient material. The advantage is a bra with enhanced support of the breasts.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Brassiere with breast separator Abstract Title: Brassiere with breast separator (57) A brassiere 1 comprises an outer layer 2 comprising a back portion 3 and a front portion 4 coupled together, and a breast separator 6 provided inside the outer layer 2. The breast separator 6 may be connected to the outer layer 2. The breast separator 6 may comprise a projecting portion (6a, figure 2) which projects upwards in use so as to lie within the wearer’s cleavage. The projecting portion (6a, figure 2) may project upward between the cups 5 from the uppermost point (X, figure 2) at which the cups 5 join the breast separator 6. The projecting portion (6a, figure 2) may be triangular or wedge shaped and may be made of foam or other resilient material. The advantage is a bra with enhanced support of the breasts.

Fig

4/4

Brassiere with Breast Separator

The present disclosure relates to the field of brassieres (bras) and particularly to bras suitable to be worn during exercise and which provide enhanced separation and support of the breasts.

Bras are worn by many women to support their breasts. The type of bra selected to be worn will often be influenced by the personal preferences of a wearer regarding, among other factors, comfort and any activity to be performed while the bra is being worn.

A sports bra is a type of bra that provides increased support to the breasts, reducing movement of the breasts during physical exercise and thereby reducing discomfort that may otherwise result from such movement. Sports bras generally provide additional support by encapsulating and/or compressing the breasts. Sports bras that encapsulate the breasts usually have moulded cups that separate the breasts and provide support around each breast, whereas sports bras that compress the breasts usually apply uniform pressure to flatten the breasts against the chest.

The type of sports bra selected to be worn will depend on a range of factors, including breast size and the nature of the exercise to be undertaken. Different types of physical exercise can result in varying amounts of breast movement. Lowimpact exercise will typically cause less movement than high-impact exercise.

Larger breasts will generally move more during physical exercise than smaller breasts.

For women who have larger breasts and who wish to perform high (or in some cases even low-impact activities), prior art sports bras may not provide adequate separation of the breasts to reduce movement and prevent stretching/sagging of the skin that may occur by contact of the breasts with one another from gravity and the weight of the breasts through not enough support from the bra.

The present invention arose in a bid to provide an improved sports bra providing enhanced separation and support of the breasts.

According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided a 5 brassiere comprising an outer layer comprising a back portion and a front portion coupled to the back portion; and a breast separator, wherein the breast separator is provided inside the outer layer.

The breast separator is preferably attached to the outer layer. It is most 10 preferably attached to the outer layer in a base portion only of the breast separator.

It may be permanently or removably attached.

The breast separator preferably comprises a projecting portion, which projects upward (i.e. substantially vertically when the wearer is standing) during use to lie within the wearer’s cleavage. The projecting portion may project upward by a distance of between 2 and 10cm.

The brassiere may further comprise a pair of cups provided inside the outer layer, the breast separator being provided between the cups and the cups being joined to one another via the breast separator.

The projecting portion may project upward from the uppermost point at which the cups join to the breast separator.

The breast separator may be formed from foam. The foam may be provided with one or more reinforcing elements in the form of wires, boning or otherwise.

Further, preferred, features are presented in the dependent claims.

Non-limiting embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a rear view of a brassiere according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a front perspective view ofthe separator, cups and elastic members separated from the brassiere of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the brassiere of Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows a breast separator alone, which is suitable for use in embodiments that omit cups.

With reference to Figures 1 and 3 there is shown a brassiere (bra) 1, which, in broad terms, comprises an outer layer 2 comprising a back portion 3 and a front portion 4 coupled to the back portion 3, and a breast separator 6. The breast io separator 6 is provided inside the outer layer 2.

In the depicted, preferred, arrangement, a pair of cups 5 are further provided inside the outer layer 2. The breast separator 6 is provided between the cups 5 and the cups 5 are joined to one another via the breast separator 6. Whilst the description focusses on this preferred arrangement, it should be appreciated that in alternative arrangements the cups 5 may be omitted. For example, the outer layer could itself be suitably arranged to provide support to the breasts without the need for cups 5. A breast separator 6 is shown in Figure 4 without cups.

Regardless of the presence of cups 5 or not, it is preferred that the separator is attached to the outer layer. Such attachment preferably being in a base portion of the separator only. Such attachment may be permanent or removable. A permanent attachment is generally preferred, by adhesive, stitching, or similar. However, detachable arrangements using hook and loop fasteners or otherwise will be possible, as readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In the depicted arrangement, the cups 5 and the breast separator 6 are preferably formed separately to one another and attached to opposed sides of the breast separator 6 by stitching, gluing or otherwise. For durability and ease of manufacture, stitching is preferred. It should be appreciated, however, that in alternative arrangements, the breast separator 6 and the cups 5 could be formed together as a single unit.

The breast separator 6 most preferably comprises a projecting portion 6a, which extends longitudinally and which projects upward, so as to lie within the wearer’s cleavage during use. In the present, preferred arrangement, the projecting portion 6a projects upward between the cups 5 from the uppermost point X at which the cups 5 join to the breast separator 6. The breast separator may be considered to comprise both the projecting portion 6a and a bridge portion 6b, as seen most clearly in Figure 2, wherein the bridge portion 6b is provided in a base portion of the breast separator. In alternative arrangements, the breast separator 6 may comprise the projecting portion 6a only. This is particularly the case in arrangements that omit the io cups 5. The projecting portion 6a and bridge portion 6b are preferably formed together as a single unit when they are both provided. They could, however, be formed separately and in the extreme need not be joined directly to one another.

The cups 5 are attached to the bridge portion 6b, which lies below the projecting portion 6a. The projecting portion 6a, by projecting upward beyond the uppermost points of attachment X of the cups 5 to the breast separator 6, may be suitably located in the cleavage between a wearer’s breasts in use, to thereby ensure adequate separation between the breasts.

The distance the projecting portion 6a projects may be varied in dependence on the cup size of the bra, the positioning of the breast separator when used without cups, or otherwise. The invention is not to be limited in this regard. The projecting portion 6a may, for example, project by any distance (or any sub range of distances) between 2cm and 10cm in dependence on the specific form of the bra. It has, however been found that projecting portion having a projecting distance of 4cm or more is particularly effective.

A preferred form of the separator 6 is shown in Figures 2 and 3, with the separator in Figure 2 attached to cups and the separator in Figure 4 independent of any cups. As may be seen, the thickness of the projecting portion 6a (in a front back direction related to the wearer in use) increases as it projects upward. The thickness of the projecting portion preferably increases continuously from its base (at the uppermost point of attachment X of the cups 5 to the separator 6 in the arrangement of Figure 2) to its tip. As may also be seen, the width of the projecting portion 6a (perpendicular to the front back direction) decreases as it projects upward. The width of the projecting portion preferably decreases continuously from its base to its tip. The sides of the protecting portion are most preferably curved, as shown. The curve is gentle with the projecting portion defining a steep sided substantially triangular or wedge-shaped member.

It should be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the form of the projecting portion 6a may be varied. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, alternative forms will be useful for providing suitable separation between the io breasts whilst also providing a discrete unobtrusive addition to the bra that is not visible or at least only minimally visible from the outside. For example, the thickness could be constant, or could vary to a point and then remain constant, or could increase and decrease over the length of the projecting portion (along the projecting direction); and/or the width could be constant, or could decrease to a point and then remain constant or could decrease and increase over the length of the projecting portion, or could taper rather than curving.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 2 the breast separator 6 is of continuous/unitary form, wherein the curvature of the sides of the breast separator 6 becomes shallower (i.e. the radius of curvature increases) to follow the curvature of the inner side edge of each of the cups that are attached thereto; and wherein the thickness of the breast separator as a whole gradually decreases from its tip to its base (at the lowermost point of attachment to the cups 5). In alternative arrangements, the projecting portion 6a and/or the bridge portion 6b may take a different form, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The breast separator 6 is most preferably formed from a resilient material. It is most preferably formed from moderate to high density foam. The foam is preferably covered in a fabric. One or more reinforcing elements may be provided, for example, in the form or boning or wires. They may be embedded in the foam or attached to a surface thereof. Numerous suitable foams and alternative materials will be envisaged by those skilled in the art. The material is not critical so long as the breast separator may sufficiently keep its form to separate the breasts of the wearer without causing any undue discomfort.

The cups 5 may take any suitable conventional form. They may be of moulded form and are most preferably boned/underwired to provide the bra with suitable form and support. The cups 5 are self-supporting.

Means may be provided for pulling the cups 5 and/or breast separator 6 against the body of the wearer (with such means provided in addition to the outer io layer 2/bra body itself). Such means in the present arrangement comprise elastic members, which most preferably take the form of band-like elastic members.

As seen in Figures 1 and 2 a pair of elastic members 7 are attached at their proximal ends to the projecting portion 6a. The elastic members 7 extend outward from opposed sides of the breast separator 6 and are attached to the outer layer 2 at their distal ends. The elastic members each extend above a respective one of the cups 5 at an oblique angle to the projecting direction of the projecting portion 6a.

The elastic members 7 are provided with fastening means 8 at their distal ends for attachment to the outer layer. The fastening means 8 most preferably comprise hooks that are variably engageable with suitable tracks 9 for adjustable attachment of the distal ends of the elastic members 7 to the outer layer 2. It should be appreciated that alternative attachment means could, however, be implemented, including, for example, hook and loop fastening means, or otherwise. In some arrangements, although less preferable, the distal ends could be immovably attached to the outer layer 2 by stitching or otherwise. As may be seen, the distal ends of the elastic members 7 preferably attach to the outer layer adjacent an intersection between cup panels 10 and shoulder straps 11 of the outer layer 2. The elastic members 7 may have a higher elastic modulus than the outer layer 2 itself. The elastic members 7 act to pull the tip of the breast separator 6 against the body of the wearer.

As seen in Figure 1 a pair of further elastic members 12 is provided. Each of the further elastic members 12 is attached at a proximal end to a lower portion of a respective one of the cups and extends generally transversely outward from the respective cup with its distal end attached to the outer layer. The further elastic members 12 are operable to apply a contractive force to pull the base portion of the cups/breast separator against the wearer’s body. The further elastic members 12 have a higher elastic modulus than the outer layer 2 itself. In the present arrangement, the distal ends of the further elastic members 12 are fixed to the outer layer 2 by stitching. The distal ends could alternatively be provided with adjustable fastening means similar to those discussed above. Where no cups are provided, the further elastic members 12 may instead attach to the breast separator 6 itself in a io base portion thereof.

It should be appreciated that whilst both the elastic members 7 and further elastic members 12 are present in the depicted embodiment, there may be arrangements where only the elastic members 7 or only the further elastic members

12 are provided. In further arrangements both the elastic members 7 and further elastic members 12 may be omitted. Moreover, alternative means for pulling the cups and/or breast separator against the wearer’s body may be implemented, in dependence on the structure of the outer layer 2.

It should be noted that the outer layer 2 may be formed from one or more separate pieces of material. Most preferably, a plurality of material panels will be joined to form a bra having the desired shape. The outer layer may itself be formed from several separate layers. The material of the outer layer may be stretchable or may be rendered stretchable by any suitable arrangement of elastic members in strand or belt form, or otherwise. Additional layers may be provided inside the outer layer.

In the present arrangement, the outer layer 2 defines a bra body having the front portion 4 and the back portion 3. The back portion 3 defines four straps 13 that are joined to one another by a suitable clasp mechanism 14. A bottom strap 15 is further optionally provided.

Whilst the bra is shown to be of the openable type, it could equally be of the closed type (without any fastener), the bra being pulled on over the head of the wearer. Moreover, it could be of the form that is openable at the front as opposed to at the back.

Finally, it should be noted that the present invention may find application in a range of bras, not just sports bras.

Claims

Claims

1. A brassiere comprising:

an outer layer comprising a back portion and a front portion coupled to the

5 back portion; and a breast separator, wherein the breast separator is provided inside the outer layer.
2. A brassiere as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the breast separator is attached to io the outer layer.
3. A brassiere as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the breast separator is attached to the outer layer in a base portion only of the breast separator.

15
4. A brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the breast separator comprises a projecting portion, which projects upward during use, so as to lie within the wearer’s cleavage.
5. A brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the brassiere further

20 comprises a pair of cups provided inside the outer layer, the breast separator being provided between the cups and the cups being joined to one another via the breast separator.
6. A brassiere as claimed in Claim 5, where in the projecting portion projects

25 upward between the cups from the uppermost point at which the cups join to the breast separator.
7. A brassiere as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 6, wherein the projecting portion has a height of between 2 and 10cm.
8. A brassiere as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 6, wherein the thickness of the projecting portion increases as it projects upward along at least part of its length.
9. A brassiere as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the thickness of the projecting portion increases continuously from its base to its tip.
10. A brassiere as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 9, wherein the width of the

5 projecting portion decreases as it projects upward along at least part of its length.
11. A brassiere as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the width of the projecting portion decreases continuously from its base to its tip.

io
12. A brassiere as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 11, wherein sides of the protecting portion are curved or tapered.
13. A brassiere as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 12, wherein the projecting portion is substantially triangular or wedge-shaped.
14. A brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the breast separator comprises a resilient material.
15. A brassiere as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the breast separator

20 comprises foam.
16. A brassiere as claimed in Claim 14 or 15, wherein the breast separator comprises one or more reinforcing elements.

25
17. A brassiere as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 16, wherein a pair of elastic members are attached at their proximal ends to the projecting portion, the elastic members extending outward from opposed sides of the breast separator and attached to the outer layer at their distal ends.

30
18. A brassiere as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the elastic members each extend above a respective one of the cups.
19. A brassiere as claimed in Claim 17 or 18, wherein the elastic members are provided with fastening means at their distal ends for adjustable attachment to the outer layer.

5
20. A brassiere as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the distal ends of the elastic members attach to the outer layer adjacent an intersection between cup panels and shoulder straps of the outer layer.
21. A brassiere as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 20, wherein the elastic io members have a higher elastic modulus than the outer layer.
22. A brassiere as claimed in Claim 5 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein a pair of further elastic members is provided, each of the further elastic members is attached at a proximal end to a lower portion of a respective one of the cups and

15 extends outward from the respective cup with its distal end attached to the outer layer.
23. A brassiere as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the further elastic members have a higher elastic modulus than the outer layer.
24. A brassiere as claimed in Claim 5 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the cups are underwired.
25. A brassiere as hereinbefore defined with reference to the accompanying

25 figures.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1614955.1 Examiner: Dr Caroline Bird