EP2975959A1 - Item of lingerie - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a part of an item of lingerie, specifically to a three-dimensional underwire (1) for a brassière, the profile thereof being in the form of an arch with two limbs (2, 2'), characterised in that the cross-section thereof is an essentially curvilinear triangle and in that the two limbs (2, 2') are inclined in relation to each other at a certain angle. The invention also relates to a brassière comprising said underwire (1).

Description

 LINGERIE ARTICLE Object of the invention

 The present invention relates to a piece of lingerie and more specifically to a frame for a bra, and the bra comprising the frame.

Technological background

 [0002] Lingerie articles, such as bras, which have given women an undeniable ease of movement which contributed to their release, are well known. These can be basically classified into two families. On the one hand the bras without armature, which are rather intended for women with low chest, and on the other hand bras underwire, which are more specifically intended to support medium or strong breasts.

 In the case of bras without reinforcement, it is a simple textile, either cut and sewn, or molded for the realization of the cups which themselves are attached to the straps and a headband support , often itself in fabric. Various and varied closure means can of course be envisaged for such supports.

The other large family is constituted by bras comprising a frame with frames also called whales and which are intended to provide improved support to the chest.

[0005] Underwired bras usually comprise sewn or molded cups to which elements serving as reinforcements such as whales are attached. Classically these whales are constituted in one relatively rigid material such as a metal rod or possibly a rigid element made of a synthetic material. The said whales are then sewn inside a fabric structure to protect them, especially during washing, and to protect the person who wears this type of bra.

 In practice, the main disadvantage of the use of such reinforcements elements constituted by whales lies in the fact that there is always a risk of injury due to the poor positioning of said whales. In addition, these whales although they are often trapped between two layers of fabric in the bra can be extracted from said bra for example during a machine wash, and consequently, cause damage to said washing machine. Finally, in general, the discomfort caused by the presence of whales is greater than in the case of a bra without whale.

 In recent years, it is customary to offer women, cups that have a molded shape. These cups are made in most cases using a foam, for example a flexible polyurethane foam, subjected to forming. It is also possible to directly envisage using fabrics comprising a significant percentage of synthetic fibers, more particularly elastomer fibers, which can be thermoformed directly in a mold and which will be in the form of seamless cups. The main advantage of the use of elastomeric fibers is that the cup continues to have flexibility and therefore intrinsic deformability.

The present invention aims to propose a new type of bra, and more specifically a new type of frame, which would offer a capacity of support of the chest, reinforced compared to the bra without armature or whale and which does not have the disadvantages of the family of bras belonging to the family of rigid armored bras, and in particular that is sufficiently flexible for s adapt to the shape of the chest and the movements of it.

In addition, the present invention aims to propose a new type of bra, and more particularly a new type of frames, which would not only provide increased comfort and support but also avoid any risk of loss of the elements. especially when washing in a washing machine.

 The present invention also aims to provide a type of bra, and more specifically reinforcements, which must be able to present several kinds of models for example for daily lingerie, but also to the sportswear and bath and that can fit any form of bra.

 Similarly, the present invention aims to provide a new type of bra, and more precisely reinforcements, which will adapt to the desired aesthetic by the lingerie designer.

Finally, the present invention can be adapted to any type of hat especially for weak breasts, medium breasts or breasts. Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a reinforcement for bra in the form of a profile with two branches, characterized in that the section of each of the branches of the profile is a polyhedron and preferably a curvilinear triangle and in that the central axis of each of the two branches is not arranged in one and the same plane.

 Advantageously, the angle of inclination of (between) the two branches is between 5 and 40 degrees.

Preferably, the armature comprises a suitable internal face, in use condition to come into contact with the body of the user, an outer face opposite to the inner face and turned, in use condition towards the user. outside the body of the user, the curvilinear polyhedron being defined by at least one face constituting the inner face, an outer face, and at least one third face projecting on the inner face and intended to support the breast of the user in conditions of use.

 Advantageously, one of the arms of the armature, defined as the first branch, is adapted to be in contact, in use, with the breast part of the user near the sternum and the another limb, defined as the second limb, is capable of being in contact, in use, with the breast part of the user situated opposite to the sternum, the two limbs considered individually being situated in a same plan.

Preferably, one of the arms of the armature, defined as the first branch, is adapted to be in contact, in use condition, with the breast part of the user near the sternum and the breast. another limb, defined as the second limb, is able to be in contact, in use condition, with the breast part of the user situated opposite to the sternum, at least one of the two limbs considered individually being located in at least two different planes. Advantageously, the central axis of the second branch is located on a curved surface. Preferably, the second leg is bent (inclined) inwardly of the armature.

 In some embodiments of the invention, the two branches of the armature are identical.

 Preferably, the two branches of the armature are asymmetrical, the first branch being shorter than the second branch.

According to a preferred embodiment of the armature, its outer face has at least one notch.

Advantageously, the frame of the invention has a plurality of notches, the density of which varies along the frame, the density of the notches being preferably greater on the second branch than on the first branch.

 Preferably, the dimensions of the notches vary in at least one direction of the space.

 Advantageously, the armature of the invention comprises (or consists of) one or more polymeric materials having a flexural modulus greater than 350 MPa, preferably between 500 and 3000 MPa, and more preferably between 800 and and 2000 MPa. The polymeric material is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides and mixtures thereof.

 Another aspect of the invention relates to a double armature comprising a set of two armatures according to the invention.

The present invention also relates to a bra comprising a reinforcement or a double reinforcement according to the invention. Brief description of the figures

 Figure 1 shows an overview of a first preferred embodiment of a simple frame according to the present invention.

 [0027] Figure 2 shows an overall view of a second preferred embodiment of a simple frame according to the present invention.

 Figure 3 shows in a simplified manner the diagram of a double armature according to the present invention.

 Figures 4A-4B show side projection views of the frame according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to the pictures of Figures 5A and 5B.

Figures 5A-5B are photographs in side view of the frame of Figures 4A and 4B.

 Figure 6 (which is equivalent to the figure

8A) is similarly to FIG. 5A a side projection view of the armature, but according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

 Figure 7A corresponds to a 3D view of a portion of the frame according to the invention in the median plane, while Figures 7B-7C show a view in more detail.

 FIG. 8A is equivalent to FIG. 6.

 Figures 8B and 8C show in 3D the structure of the notches in the first preferred embodiment of the frame according to the invention.

Figures 9A and 9B show in 3D a general view of the frame according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention, on the inner face side for Figure 9A, and outer side side for Figure 9B. Figure 10 illustrates the general principle of positioning the frame according to the invention on the chest of a user.

 Figure 11 shows an overall profile of a notch of the frame according to the invention.

 Figure 12 shows how two successive notches along the armature of the invention form a tooth. Detailed description of the invention

 The originality of the bra according to the invention is based on a particular frame, a three-dimensional frame. More precisely, this reinforcement advantageously has a profile that has a geometric configuration in 3 dimensions. In addition, particularly advantageously, the structure itself is in 3 dimensions.

 According to the invention, this frame has a conformation adapted to provide both a good support of the chest and sufficient flexibility for the user, that is to say, both the rigidity necessary for support effective mechanics and optimum user comfort.

 Advantageously, the armature further has a suitable composition which contributes to ensure this dual role.

 [0042] Thus, from a conformational point of view

(thus geometric), the armature or whale 1 according to the present invention corresponds to a piece with a profile (and preferably the central axis of said profile) which has a shape (geometric configuration) arcade or arc as for example a U shape, preferably truncated, and adapted to support either the right breast or the left breast of the user as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

 Alternatively, the armature (more commonly called whale) 1 according to the present invention corresponds to a single piece with a double section forming a double U or a double arch adapted to support both the right breast and the breast. left of the user as shown in Figure 3.

 The dimensions of the frame will be adapted to different standards of measurements commonly used in the field of lingerie, in particular as regards the size of the cup.

 The section 1 consists of two branches

2.2 ', preferably unsymmetrical, joined to each other at a zone 3 called "junction zone". This junction zone 3 corresponds, in use, to the maximum support area of the breast (breast weight) by the profile 1.

 Each limb 2,2 'comprises a free distal end 4,4' forming one of the two edges of the armature 1, and a proximal zone 5,5 ', which joins the proximal end 5', 5 of the other branch 2 ', 2 defines the junction zone 3.

 For each branch 2, 2 ', a central axis (not shown) is also defined. It may be an axis corresponding to the succession of geometric centers or centers of gravity of successive perpendicular sections for the same corresponding branch. In the case of a homogeneous material, the center of gravity will correspond to the geometric center. It can also be envisaged that this central axis is materialized for example by a mechanical whale having a certain flexibility.

As illustrated in these same figures 4A and

4B, as well as in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6, the character three-dimensional of the geometrical configuration of the armature according to the invention comes first of all because the two branches 2,2 ', and more precisely the central axes of each of the two branches 2,2' are inclined, of the section 1 (of the arcade) are not located in the same plane. In other words, the two branches 2,2 'of the section 1 are inclined at an angle 6 relative to each other. This characteristic of the reinforcement according to the invention contributes to an optimal adaptation of the armature to the shape of the body of the user, that is to say to its anatomy, including when it performs movements.

 Preferably, this angle 6 varies between 5 and

40 degrees, and preferably between 15 and 35 degrees, and even more preferably between 20 and 30 degrees.

 In addition, each of the two branches 2,2 'taken individually is positioned in one and the same plane, or in a curved surface does not correspond to a single plane and then contributing in this case to the three-dimensional character the geometric configuration of the section 1, as shown for example in Figure 4A or Figures 5A and 5B.

Thus, particularly advantageously, the branch 2 that is to say the branch intended to be in contact, in use, with the portion 18 of the breast 19 of the user placed against the sternum ( see Figure 10) has a conformation in space as it is bent inwardly of the frame, as illustrated in Figure 4A. The curved side is thus placed towards the sternum.

With this conformation, the wearer's chest is better supported, as wrapped and worn, giving a pleasant effect worn. Advantageously, the internal curvature of the frame makes it possible to keep the bra well glued to the body even if the weight of the breasts tends to take off the middle of the frame which will be put back in place thanks to this curvature.

 Likewise, thanks to this particular conformation, the frame, in use condition does not deform, it only detaches a little when the weight of the breast of the user is forward, c that is, typically when the person leans forward. The frame comes back and sticks back to the body as soon as the person stands up.

 The armature 1 or whale has an inner face 7, intended, in use, to be in contact with the chest of the user, and an outer face 8, opposite to the inner face 7 and therefore oriented , in use condition, as the name suggests, outward. It should be understood that the outer face 8 of the armature 1, in use condition, is not in contact with the chest of the user, as illustrated in Figures 4B and 6.

The three-dimensional character of the reinforcement according to the invention also comes from the fact that the profile 1 has an essentially three-dimensional structure, that is to say which has a section of the shape of a polyhedron / polygon, and of preferably a section of triangular shape, and even more preferably a section of triangular curvilinear shape. In other words, if a section of the profile of the reinforcement is made in the median plane, a polyhedron and preferably a curvilinear triangle is obtained, ie the profile draws a polygon or a triangle whose at least one of the sides is curved as illustrated in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C. [0057] Preferably, this curvilinear triangle has three sides:

 the first side 10 is defined by the internal face 7 of the armature 1 which preferably has a convex surface;

 - The second side 11 is defined by the plane 9 which projects from the inner face 7 of the armature 1; it is the side on which, in use, rests (rests) on the breast of the user; this second side 11 thus provides a breast support function;

 - At least a third side 12 is defined by the outer face 8 of the armature 1; this side 12 is curved and can be concave or convex (see Figure 7C).

The inner face 7 of the profile 1 is preferably convex so as to be able, in use, to marry the user's anatomy, and more precisely the shape of the thorax on which it rests and follow at best the shape of the side (s) on which it rests.

 However, alternatively, the inner face 7 may also have a generally flat surface rather than convex.

 It may also be envisaged that the profile of the armature 1 has a section of more complex shape than the curvilinear triangle. Those skilled in the art can easily anticipate other shapes that could also be suitable for the frame 1 to fulfill its role.

Preferably, the section 1 according to the present invention is provided on its outer face 8 with at least one notch 13 (see Figures 8A-8C and 9A-9B). Nevertheless, alternatively, the armature according to the invention may also have no notch. When the profile 1 has notches

13, the density of these varies advantageously along the frame according to the desired degree of flexibility.

Preferably, the density of the notches 13 varies along the frame 1, this density being greater on the branch 2 'than on the branch 2. In other words, as shown in FIG. Preferably according to the invention, the frame 1 comprises more notches 13 on its part intended to be in contact, in use condition, with the part 18 'of the breast 19 of the user opposite to the sternum than on its part intended to be in contact with the part 18 of the breast of the user near the sternum.

 Thus, the frame 1 once in place in a bra can, in use, adapt at any time to the best shape of the chest of the user, and more precisely its cage thoracic, while providing maximum support of the chest, thereby increasing the comfort of the user, including when it is in motion, and regardless of the nature of these movements.

 Preferably, the density of the notches is such that the number of notches varies between 5 and 15, and even more preferably between 8 and 11, on the branch 2, while the number of notches varies between 15 and 15. and 30, and even more preferably between 17 and 28, on the branch 2 '.

Similarly, the dimensions of the notches 13 may advantageously vary depending on the desired degree of flexibility. Thus, preferably, the depth of the notch (dimension in the plane 9) will be maximum at the places where it is desired that the reinforcement has the maximum flexibility, that is to say on the part intended to be in contact with the outside of the wearer's chest.

 Thus, advantageously, the depth of the notches (dimension in the plane 9) varies between 0 and 50 mm, and preferably between 0.1 and 20 mm.

 The depth of the notches 13 may also be constant along the frame in some embodiments.

 Advantageously, two successive notches 13,13 'together form a tooth 16 whose width 17 (dimension following the curvature of the frame) may preferably vary between 2 and 30 mm, preferably from 2 to 10 mm (see figures 6 and 12).

 The shape of the notches 13 may also vary. Advantageously, the edges 14, 14 'of the notches 13 are rounded so as to avoid hanging the fabric once in place in the bra, as shown in FIG. 11.

 As shown in FIGS. 2, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6, 9A-9B, and as already mentioned above, preferably, the two branches 2, 2 'of the armature according to the invention do not are not symmetrical.

 In order to be integrated best in the bra, the frame can advantageously be sewn on the fabric piece forming the bra through one or more openings 15,15 'located on its edges as shown for example in Figures 1 and 2.

As shown in Figure 10, when the bra is put in place, the frame or whale is arranged under the breast, and the bra can be closed either in the back or on the front, this for example using a clip disposed on a support strip surrounding the body, this strip being essentially positioned perpendicular to the bust and to maintain the bra in place.

With regard to its composition, preferably, the reinforcement or whale according to the present invention consists of one or more polymeric materials having a flexural modulus greater than 350 MPa, preferably between 500 and 3000 MPa, and more preferably between 800 and 2000 MPa.

Preferably, the polymeric material is selected from the group of polyethylenes (PE), polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylenes (PP), polystyrenes (PS), and polyamides (PA).

Preferably, the polymeric material comprises polypropylene (PP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE).

 Among the polypropylenes, the random copolymers comprising a low level of ethylene are preferred, they in fact have a flexural modulus of between 900 and 1200 MPa, which represents a good compromise between the rigidity necessary for effective mechanical support. and optimal comfort of use. They also have a reduced glass transition temperature below 0 ° C, which prevents them from becoming brittle, for example during transport in cold regions. Finally, these statistical polymers have improved transparency, which allows greater freedom of color or appearance choices for the bra designer.

The high density polyethylenes (having a density greater than 0.93 g / cm ³ ) have similar properties, with nevertheless a lower melting point (+/- 130 ° C.) and a glass transition less than -50 ° C. ° C. In the case of a material having a high degree of crystallinity, it is also less transparent than polypropylene.

 Thanks to both its particular conformation and composition, the armature according to the invention allows an optimal distribution of breast weight, especially for large breasts, thus avoiding any tilting of the weight of the breast to the front , and therefore any feeling of discomfort for its user. The armature according to the invention avoids after some movements of the bust, that the breast slides forward and does not sag, and that the bottom of the bra is detached from the body, as is known with the frames classic metal, thus ensuring, despite the movements, a constant aesthetic.

Claims

1. Reinforcement for bra in the form of a profile with two branches (2,2 '), characterized in that the section of each of the branches of the profile is a polyhedron and preferably a curvilinear triangle and in that central axis of each of the two branches (2,2 ') is not arranged in one and the same plane.  2. Reinforcement according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle of inclination of the two branches (2,2 ') is between 5 and 40 degrees.  3. Reinforcement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the armature comprises an inner face (7) adapted, in use condition to come into contact with the body of the user, an outer face (8) opposite to the internal face (7) and turned, in use condition outwardly of the body of the user, the curvilinear polyhedron being defined by at least one face constituting the inner face (7), an outer face (8) , and at least one third face (9) projecting on the inner face (7) and intended to support the breast of the user under conditions of use. 4. Reinforcement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of its branches, defined as the first branch (2), is adapted to be in contact, in use, with the part (18) of the breast (19) of the user near the sternum and the other limb (2 '), defined as the second limb, is adapted to be in contact, in use condition, with the portion (18) ') of the breast (19) of the user located opposite to the sternum, the two branches considered individually being located in the same plane. 5. Reinforcement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one of its branches, defined as the first branch (2), is adapted to be in contact, in use condition, with the part (18) of the breast (19) of the user near the sternum and the other limb (2 '), defined as the second limb, is able to be in contact, in use condition, with the part (18 ') of the breast (19) of the user located opposite to the sternum, at least one of the two branches considered individually being located in at least two different planes.  6. Reinforcement according to claim 5, characterized in that the central axis of the second branch (2) is located on a curved surface.  7. Reinforcement according to claim 6, characterized in that the second leg (2 ') is curved (inclined) towards the inside of the armature.  8. Reinforcement according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that its two branches (2,2 ') are asymmetrical, the first branch (2) being shorter than the second branch (2').  9. Reinforcement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that its outer face (8) has at least one notch (13).  10. Reinforcement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it has a plurality of notches (13), the density of which varies along the reinforcement, the density of the notches being preferably greater on the second branch (2 ') than on the first branch (2). 11. Reinforcement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the dimensions of the notches (13) in at least one direction of space vary. 12. Reinforcement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of one or more polymeric materials having a flexural modulus greater than 350 MPa, preferably between 500 and 3000 MPa, and more preferably between 800 and 2000 MPa.  13. Reinforcement according to claim 12, characterized in that the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides and mixtures thereof.  14. Double reinforcement comprising a set of two frames according to one of the preceding claims, fixed to one another.  15. Bra comprising a reinforcement or a double reinforcement according to any one of the preceding claims.