Garment with Cup Sections

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a garment with cup sections.

BACKGROUND ART

A garment with cup sections, e.g., a brassiere, comes in several varieties, one of which is a strapless type having no shoulder straps. Strapless brassieres are used widely for occasions of wearing off-the-shoulder clothes, for example. However, in the case of a strapless brassiere, a wearer tends to be particularly anxious about downward slippage of the brassiere, which may cause the wearer to be acutely aware of even a slight slippage and to correct the position of the brassiere over and over again. Also, in order to prevent the brassiere from slipping down, the wearer sometimes may limit her movements, such as avoiding moving her arms up and down, for example. Under these circumstances, there is a demand for a strapless brassiere that can achieve improved stability of wearer's breasts when it is worn. Thus, a brassiere in which each cup section includes bones that extend vertically has been proposed in order to stabilize the shape of a wearer's breasts when the brassiere is worn (see Patent Document 1, for example). Also, with the aim of achieving the shape stability particularly in strapless brassieres, a brassiere has been proposed in which each cup cloth is provided with elastic bone members that extend substantially vertically (see Patent Document 2, for example).

CITATION LIST
Patent Document(s)

Patent Document 1: JP 9(1997)-157912 A

Patent Document 2: JP 7(1995)-252704 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, even if the shape of breasts is stabilized in the static state when a brassiere is worn, the brassiere is liable to slip down when the wearer moves her arm(s) up and down largely or the wearer jumps, for example. When the wearer raises her arm, her nipple is brought to a higher position and the verge's profile (a contour of the base of a breast) turns from a horizontally long oval to a vertically long oval. A conventional brassiere cannot sufficiently deal with the breast's movement or the change in shape of the breast, thus causing the breast to bulge out from an upper edge and a side part of a cup section, resulting in out-of-shape wearing, and the breast that has bulged out itself pushes down the cup section. FIG. 13 schematically shows the movement of a breast when a person wearing a conventional brassiere raises her right arm with her body leaning toward the left side. When the wearer raises her arm, a wire in a cup support section opens toward the direction indicated with the arrow I, and an upper edge of the cup section leans toward a direction away from the breast. This causes the wearer's breast to bulge out from the upper edge and the side part of the cup section. When the arm is moved up and down repeatedly, the portion that has bulged out becomes greater, and downward slippage of the brassiere becomes more and more significant (accumulated slippage). FIGS. 14A and 14B are side views schematically showing the breast movement at the time of a jump action. In each of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the dashed line indicates a breast in the static state. When a person jumps into the air, her breasts are lifted up, as indicated with the solid line in FIG. 14A. Then, when her feet come down to the ground, her breasts swing back downward widely, as indicated with the solid line in FIG. 14B. If she wears a brassiere, a large impact caused by this breast movement is exerted on the entire cup sections of the brassiere at once. As a result, the brassiere as a whole slips downward (impact slippage). This occurs not only in strapless brassieres but also in brassieres with straps and garments with cup sections such as camisoles with cup sections.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a garment with cup sections, which prevents the occurrence of slippage due to an action of a wearer or the like and thus can maintain the wearer's bust silhouette fine without any effort to correct slippage when it is worn.

Means for Solving Problem

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a garment with cup sections, including: a pair of cup sections; and a back cloth. The back cloth is arranged on lateral sides of the cup sections. Each of the cup sections includes a stretchable member and a linear or strip-shaped interlining member. At least one end of the interlining member is on a verge's line (a semicircular contour on the lower edge of a breast)—corresponding portion in the cup section. The stretchable member is arranged in a region between the interlining member and a lower edge of the cup section.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a garment with cup sections, which prevents the occurrence of slippage due to an action of a wearer or the like and thus can maintain the wearer's bust silhouette fine without any effort to correct slippage when it is worn. This advantageous effect can be obtained regardless of whether the garment has straps or not.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing, as an example of the garment with cup sections according to the present invention, a brassiere according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows the vicinity of a cup section in the brassiere according to the first embodiment.

FIGS. 3A to 3F show the vicinity of a cup section in modified examples of the brassiere according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the brassiere according to the first embodiment in a strapless form.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing, as another example of the garment with cup sections according to the present invention, a brassiere according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing, as still another example of the garment with cup sections according to the present invention, a brassiere according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a brassiere-provided camisole, which is yet another example of the garment with cup sections according to the present invention. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the brassiere-provided camisole. FIG. 7B is a front view showing the vicinity of cup sections in an inside-out state, and FIG. 7C is a back view of the same.

FIG. 8 shows a brassiere-provided camisole, which is yet another example of the garment with cup sections according to the present invention. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the brassiere-provided camisole, and FIG. 8B is a back view of the same.

FIG. 9 shows still other examples of the garment with cup sections according to the present invention. FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing a triangle bra, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing a camisole.

FIG. 10 shows still other examples of the garment with cup sections according to the present invention. FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a long-line brassiere, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing a bustier.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a tube top as yet another example of the garment with cup sections according to the present invention.

FIG. 12A shows breast shapes observed in wearing evaluation. Photographs in FIG. 12A show three-dimensional shapes of chest parts when brassieres are worn by indicating moire interference fringes as contour lines. The photographs (a) show the state before an action (the static state), the photographs (b) show the state where a test user has raised her right arm, the photographs (c) show the state after the test user carried out the arm-shaking action 10 times, and the photographs (d) shows the test user carried out the jump action 10 times.

FIG. 12B show photographs of the chest part shown in the moire photographs (a) and (c) of FIG. 12A as viewed from the side.

FIG. 13 schematically shows the movement of a breast when a person wearing a brassiere raises her arm.

FIG. 14 shows side views schematically showing the movement of a breast when a person jumps. FIG. 14A shows the state of the breast when she jumps into the air. FIG. 14B shows the state of the breast when her feet come down to the ground.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the garment with cup sections according to the present invention, it is preferable that each of the cup sections includes two interlining members, and the interlining members are arranged on a front center side and a lateral side of the cup section. Also, it is preferable that the two interlining members are arranged in such a manner that an end of one of the interlining members is in contact with an end of the other interlining member in the vicinity of the lowest point on the verge's line-corresponding portion.

In the garment with cup sections according to the present invention, it is preferable that the interlining member passes through an intermediate region that lies between a bust top-corresponding position and the verge's line-corresponding portion.

In the garment with cup sections according to the present invention, it is preferable that the interlining member is arched.

In the garment with cup sections according to the present invention, the interlining member may be a tape-like interlining member.

In the garment with cup sections according to the present invention, it is preferable that, in each of the cup sections, a portion excluding the stretchable member is molded integrally to form an integrally molded member. It is more preferable that, in the integrally molded member, a portion corresponding to the interlining member is harder than any other portion.

In the garment with cup sections according to the present invention, it is preferable that, at lower edges of the pair of cup sections, cup support sections for supporting the cup sections are arranged.

The garment with cup sections according to the present invention can be used suitably as a brassiere. In particular, the present invention exhibits a prominent effect when applied to a strapless brassiere. Thus, the garment with cup sections according to the present invention can be used preferably as a strapless brassiere. It is also preferable that the garment with cup sections according to the present invention is configured so as to include interlining members arranged on the front center sides of the cup sections, and the stretchable members on the front center sides of the pair of cup sections are connected to each other. This configuration is applicable to a bustier and the like. The garment with cup sections according to the present invention also is applicable to a garment like a so-called long-line brassiere, which is characterized in that it further includes a bodice section in which bones extending vertically are arranged and the interlining members are arranged integrally with the bones.

The garment with the cup sections according to the present invention will be described with reference to illustrative examples. It is to be noted, however, the present invention is by no means limited to or restricted by the following examples.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a brassiere 100 according to a first embodiment of the garment with cup sections of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the brassiere 100 of the present embodiment in the state where back cloths 103 are connected to each other. The brassiere 100 of the present embodiment is a so-called half-cup brassiere that includes: a pair of cup sections 101; a pair of cup support sections 102 for supporting the cup sections 101, respectively; a pair of back cloths 103; and a pair of detachable shoulder straps 104. The pair of cup support sections 102 are arranged at the lower edges of the pair of cup sections 101, respectively, and a base section 110 is arranged under the lower edges of the pair of cup support sections 102. The pair of cup support sections 102 are formed along the verge's lines, and connected to each other via the base section 110. One end of each of the pair of back cloths 103 is attached to the lateral side of each cup support section 102 via the base section 110. Interlocking connection sections 106 are attached to the other ends of the pair of back cloths 103, respectively, so that the pair of back cloths 103 can be connected and disconnected freely at around the center of a wearer's back. The pair of cup sections 101 each include: interlining members 105; stretchable members 101a; and a non-stretchable member 101b. Each interlining member 105 is arched, and both ends of the interlining member 105 are connected to the cup support section 102. Each stretchable member 101a is arranged between the interlining member 105 and the cup support section 102. The term “arched” as used herein means a curved shape protruding upward. In the present embodiment, the interlining members 105 are arranged in two portions in each cup section 101, namely, a portion on the front center side and a portion on the lateral side in a lower part of the cup section.

FIG. 2 shows the vicinity of the cup section 101 of the brassiere 100 of the present embodiment. The stretchable members 101a are arranged in the lower part of the cup section 101. Thus, for example, owing to stretching of the stretchable members 101a in the directions indicated with the arrows shown in FIG. 2A, the cup section 101 can follow the movement of a wearer's breast in various directions. Also, even in the case where a wearer's breasts move greatly when, for example, the wearer jumps to exert an impact on the cup sections 101, the stretchable members 101a can absorb this impact. Thus, the cup sections 101 return to their static state quickly while preventing the cup support sections 102 and the base section 110 from being affected by the impact. As a result, the “impact slippage” as described above can be prevented.

Moreover, in the brassiere 100 of the present embodiment, the three-dimensional shape of each cup section can be maintained by the tension of the interlining members 105. More specifically, even if the stretchable members 101a are stretched, the change in shape of the non-stretchable member 101b constituting the cup section 101 is inhibited by the tension of the interlining members 105, as shown in FIG. 2B. This allows the brassiere according to the present invention to follow the movement of a wearer's breasts while maintaining the shapes of the cup sections when the wearer is in action. Thus, the wearer's breasts are less liable to bulge out from upper parts or side parts of the cup sections 101. As a result, the “accumulation slippage” as described above also can be prevented. In particular, when two arched interlining members are provided as in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a central portion in the lower part of each cup section (a portion between these interlining members) from becoming wrinkled and thus prevent the cup sections themselves from slipping down. Therefore, the shapes of the cup sections can be maintained more effectively.

In the present embodiment, the interlining members 105 each showing a substantially semicircular contour are arranged in two portions, namely, a portion on the front center side and a portion on the lateral side in a lower part of each cup section 101. In order to prevent downward slippage of the base section 110, the lower part of each cup sections 101 may entirely be formed of a stretchable member. However, this may cause the cup sections themselves to become wrinkled, resulting in downward slippage of the cup sections as a whole. Thus, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable to arrange the arched interlining members 105 in two portions in such a manner that at least one end of each arched interlining member 105 is on a verge's line-corresponding portion at the lower edge of the cup section 101, and to arrange the non-stretchable member 101b between these two interlining members. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3A, it is preferable that the two interlining members 105 provided in the two portions are arranged in such a manner that the end of one of the interlining members is in contact with the end of the other interlining member in the vicinity of the lowest point of the cup support section 102. In the case where the end of one of the interlining members is in contact with the end of the other interlining member, not only the ends of the interlining members but also portions including the ends of the interlining members may be in contact with each other. In the case where the interlining members are arranged in two portions as in the present embodiment, the distance between the interlining members, the positions of the respective interlining members, etc. may be adjusted depending on the breast volume of a wearer, the shape and design of the brassiere, etc.

One of the stretchable members 101a preferably is arranged in a region including the midpoint M between the lowest point and the lateral side-end point of the cup support section 102 shown in FIG. 2C. As shown in FIG. 3B, the stretchable member 101a may be provided so as to extend to the lateral side-end point of the cup support section 102.

The shape of the interlining member 105 is not limited to an arched shape. The interlining member 105 may be linear as shown in FIG. 3C, or may have a shape including a bend as shown in FIG. 3D. The interlining member may have a strip shape with a certain width, or it may be linear like a wire. In the case where the interlining member has a width, the width preferably is within about 3 cm. Also, the interlining member may have a varying width. For example, as shown in FIG. 3E, it is also possible to use a substantially triangular interlining member with a varying width. Regarding the ends of the interlining member 105, it is only necessary that at least one end is on a verge's line-corresponding portion in the cup section 101, and the front center side-end and/or the lateral side-end of the interlining member 105 may extend to the upper edge of the cup, for example. Although FIG. 3C shows an embodiment where the interlining member 105 arranged on the front center side has a front center side-end extending to the upper edge of the cup section, the present invention is not limited thereto. The interlining member arranged on the lateral side and an interlining member with any other shape also may have the same configuration. The shapes of the interlining member illustrated above are applicable not only to the interlining member on the front center side but also to the interlining member on the lateral side. Also, as shown in FIG. 3F, the front center side-end and the lateral side-end of the interlining member may be configured so as not to extend to the edge of the cup section. In this case, the interlining members may extend as high as about the bust top-corresponding position. When the interlining members are configured as shown in FIG. 3F, in the cup section divided by the interlining members, each stretchable member is arranged in a region between the interlining member and the cup lower edge, i.e., a region on the side without a bust top. As described above, a region where the stretchable member is arranged is not limited to a region “surrounded” by the interlining member and the cup section lower edge.

A maximum width L shown in FIG. 2C of the region where the stretchable member 101a is arranged, i.e., a maximum distance between the interlining member 105 and the cup support section 102 preferably is at least 1.0 cm. When the maximum width L is less than 1.0 cm, the effect due to the stretching cannot be obtained sufficiently. The upper limit of the width, which varies depending on the size of the brassiere, preferably is set so that the stretchable member 101a does not extend over the bust top-corresponding position. When the stretchable member 101a is too wide, the breast-shaping properties and the stability of breasts when the brassiere is worn might be insufficient. The width can be designed considering the positions of the interlining members 105 in the cup section 101 to be described below. As a material of the stretchable members 101a, it is possible to use a stretch material, such as a tulle power net fabric, a one-way power net fabric, a power net fabric, a two-way tricot, or a plain knitted fabric, for example. The stretch material preferably is attached to the brassiere with a slight tension being applied thereto, because this prevents the occurrence of slack when a person wearing the brassiere turns around her body. When the stretchable members 101a are arranged in a plurality of regions, the respective regions may have the stretchable members formed of different materials.

The stretchable members 101a preferably have breathability. In a region around breasts, the amount of sweating is greatest at portions directly above the verge's lines. By providing the breathable stretchable members 101a in a lower part of each cup section 101, it is possible to improve airflow at portions with large amounts of sweating. By providing the breathable stretchable members 101a in the above portions, the brassiere provides excellent breathability in the vicinity of the verge's lines when it is worn, so that the brassiere can attain fine wearing feeling.

The interlining members 105 preferably are arranged so that they pass through an intermediate region A that lies between a bust top-corresponding position T and the verge's line-corresponding portion, as shown in FIG. 2C. In order to lift up a wearer's breasts effectively, it is effective to push up the above region. When the interlining members 105 are arranged so as to pass through the region A, the interlining members 105 can support and lift up the wearer's breasts to attain excellent breast-shaping properties. By arranging the interlining member 105 so as to pass through the lateral side of the region A, an effect of pushing the wearer's breasts toward the center also can be obtained.

As the interlining member 105, it is possible to use, for example, a tape-like interlining member, such as an amorphous wire, a metal wire, a resin wire, or a fabric tape. The fabric tape may be a laminate of two or more pieces of fabric. In particular, a fabric tape that has a multi-ply weave construction obtained by laminating two or more pieces of woven fabric in the thickness direction and is adapted so that the stretchability on one side in the width direction is higher than the stretchability on the other side maintains a curved shape in the width direction. Such a curved tape can maintain a curved state without inserting a wire therethrough.

As the non-stretchable members 101b, it is possible to use any material used as a material of cup sections in ordinary brassieres as appropriate. For example, the non-stretchable members 101b may be formed by bonding a plurality of pieces of thick nonwoven fabric, or may be formed using a urethane foam; a nonwoven fabric; a thick sheet-like circular knitted fabric (a knitted fabric with a cross-section similar to that of a corrugated cardboard) knitted with a highly elastic yarn such as polyurethane; or a thick sheet-like warp-knitted fabric (double russell) knitted with a highly elastic yarn such as polyurethane, for example. When the material is too soft to keep the three-dimensional shape of the cup sections, an additional interlining member(s) may be arranged in each cup section, regardless of the position of the stretchable members.

In the cup section 101, the interlining members 105 and the non-stretchable member 101b may be molded integrally to form an integrally molded member. In this case, for example, the integrally molded member may be formed so that interlining member-corresponding portions are harder than a non-stretchable member-corresponding portion. The term “hard” as used herein means a hardness sufficient for maintaining the shapes of the interlining member-corresponding portions to an extent similar to that when an amorphous wire, a metal wire, a resin wire, a fabric tape, or the like is used as the material of the interlining members. Alternatively, the fabric tape, wire, or the like may be provided in the interlining member-corresponding portions in the integrally molded member. As a material of the integrally molded member, it is possible to use, for example, a urethane foam; a nonwoven fabric; a thick sheet-like circular knitted fabric (a knitted fabric with a cross-section similar to that of a corrugated cardboard) knitted with a highly elastic yarn such as polyurethane; or a thick sheet-like warp-knitted fabric (double russell) knitted with a highly elastic yarn such as polyurethane, for example.

In order to obtain an integrally molded member with the interlining member-corresponding portions being hard, the integrally molded member may be produced in the following manner, for example. A material as described above with a uniform thickness is provided, and subjected to compression molding using a mold with a desired shape. A portion to be thin after the molding is compressed strongly and thus becomes hard. A portion to be thick after the molding is compressed weakly and thus becomes soft. Thus, it is possible to obtain an integrally molded member having a suitable thickness and a suitable softness. Accordingly, by forming the interlining member-corresponding portions thinner, it is possible to make the portions harder than other portions.

Alternatively, it is also possible to make the interlining member-corresponding portions harder by laminating a plurality of materials and then compressing them. For example, in the case where urethane foam is used as a material of the integrally molded member, the compression may be carried out with a nonwoven fabric being sandwiched between urethane and urethane at the interlining member-corresponding portions. Also, by providing a material including portions with different thicknesses as an original material before being subjected to the compression and then compressing the material so as to have a uniform thickness, the portions thicker than other portions before the compression can be made hard. The hardness can be changed also by such a method.

In the present embodiment, portions where the non-stretchable members 101b are arranged may be formed using a material that is not non-stretchable. Furthermore, although the base section 110 extends over the lateral side of the cup sections 101 in the present embodiment, the base section 110 may extend in the middle of the lower edge of each cup section 101. By providing the base section 110, it is possible to improve the wearing stability at the under bust part.

One end of each shoulder strap 104 passes through a connection device 108a attached to the upper edge of the cup section 101 and turns around to be introduced into a length adjuster 108b, which is an eight-shaped ring. In the state where the length of the shoulder strap 104 is adjustable, the other end of the shoulder strap 104 is attached to the upper edge of the back cloth 103. The connection devices 108a also can be attached to the upper edge of the cup section 101 and the upper edge of the back cloth 103 in a detachable manner. By attaching the connection devices 108a in a detachable manner, the brassiere can be worn with or without straps. The form of the shoulder straps 104 is not limited thereto. For example, a so-called “halter-neck” type strap(s) connecting the upper parts of the pair of cup sections 101 may be employed. The positions at which the shoulder straps 104 are attached can be determined depending on the shape of the cup sections 101 and the design of the brassiere. In the case of a half-cup brassiere, the position at which the shoulder strap 104 is attached in each cup section 101 generally is closer to the lateral side, as compared to that in a full cup brassiere to be described below. By setting the positions at which the shoulder straps 104 are attached so as to be closer to the lateral sides, it becomes possible to push up a wearer's breasts from the sides more strongly, thereby emphasizing the cleavage between the breasts and the swelling at upper parts of the breasts.

The shoulder straps 104 are not limited as long as they allows the cup sections 101 to be suspended from a wearer's shoulders. The shoulder straps may be formed of cords or fabric tapes. Also, a so-called “round type” strap, which is a wide strap as used in a tank top, may be employed. The present invention is not limited to an embodiment where the pair of shoulder straps 104 are attached to the pair of cup sections 101 in one-to-one correspondence with the ends of each shoulder strap being attached to an upper part of the cup section 101 and to the back cloth 103. For example, like shoulder straps as used in a sports type brassiere, two shoulder straps 104 may be integrated on the back side, and this integrated strap may be attached to the back cloth 103. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the brassiere according to the present invention may be in a strapless form without the shoulder straps 104. Since downward slippage is less liable to occur in the brassiere according to the present invention, one can realize the advantageous effect of the invention especially when the brassiere is used in the strapless form. Moreover, even when the brassiere has straps, it is not necessary that the straps have a function of preventing downward slippage. This expands the range of choices for the brassiere design, so that more fashionable designs become possible.

Although the brassiere of the present example uses a hook closure (e.g., a hook-and-eye closure) as the interlocking connection sections 106, other connection devices such as grippers, buttons, cords, and hook and loop fasteners also can be selected and used as appropriate depending on the design or use of the brassiere. When the above-described hook-and-eye closure, gripper, or button is used, it is preferable to provide a plurality of locking positions in advance so as to allow fine adjustment of the degree of fastening. Other kinds of connection devices also may be used. It is not always necessary that the back cloths 103 have the interlocking connection sections 106. For example, the brassiere may be a front closure type with the interlocking connection sections 106 being provided in the front center. Alternatively, the brassiere may be a brassiere without the interlocking connection sections 106 or a brassiere with back cloths to be fastened by tying them together.

In a half-cup brassiere to which the configuration of the present invention as illustrated in the present embodiment is applied, especially the lower cup sections become stable. Conventional half-cup brassieres cannot accommodate an impact exerted by a wearer's breasts, so that cup sections tend to lean forward. In contrast, in the brassiere according to the present embodiment, the leaning and slippage of the cup sections due to an action of a wearer or the like are less liable to occur.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 shows a brassiere 200 according to a second embodiment of the garment with cup sections of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the brassiere 200 of the present embodiment in the state where back cloths 203 are connected to each other. The brassiere 200 of the present embodiment is a so-called ¾ cup brassiere that includes: a pair of cup sections 201; a pair of cup support sections 202 for supporting the cup sections 201, respectively; a pair of back cloths 203; and a pair of shoulder straps 204. The pair of cup support sections 202 are arranged at the lower edges of the pair of cup sections 201, respectively, and a base section 210 is arranged under the lower edges of the pair of cup support sections 202. The pair of cup support sections 202 are formed along the verge's lines, and connected to each other via the base section 210.

In the case of a ¾ cup brassiere, the position to which the shoulder strap 204 is attached in each cup section 201 is closer to the middle of the cup section 201. The shoulder straps 204 lift up a wearer's breasts entirely, thus setting the position of the center of gravity of the breasts high. As in the brassiere 100 of the first embodiment, the pair of cup sections 201 each include: interlining members 205; stretchable members 201a, and a non-stretchable member 201b. Each interlining member 205 is arched, and both ends of the interlining member 205 are connected to the cup support section 202. Each stretchable member 201a is arranged between the interlining member 205 and the cup support section 202. In the present embodiment, each cup section 201 has the interlining members 205 in two portions, namely, a portion on the front center side and a portion on the lateral side in a lower part of each cup section 201. An end of one of the interlining members is in contact with an end of the other interlining member in the vicinity of their connection portions to the cup support section 202, but the form of the interlining members is not limited thereto. In the case of a ¾ cup brassiere with straps, the interlining members may be in contact with each other on the side closer to the lateral side relative to the lowest point. Other configurations are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and the same effect as in Embodiment 1 also can be obtained. In particular, in a ¾ cup brassiere employing the configuration of the present invention, a wearer's breasts can be supported stably at side parts of the cup sections.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 6 shows a brassiere 300 according to a third embodiment of the garment with cup sections of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the brassiere 300 of the present embodiment in the state where back cloths 103 are connected to each other. The brassiere 300 of the present embodiment does not include a base section, and cup support sections 102 are connected to each other via a front center member 307. One end of each of the pair of back cloths 103 is attached directly to the lateral side of each cup support section 102. Other configurations are the same as those in Embodiment 1. Even if a base section is not provided, it is also possible to provide a brassiere that can still prevent the occurrence of “impact slippage” and “accumulation slippage” and thus can maintain a wearer's bust silhouette fine. Therefore, design variations of the brassiere according to the present invention can be increased.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 7 shows a brassiere-provided camisole 400 as another example of the garment with cup sections according to the present invention. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the brassiere-provided camisole. FIG. 7B is a front view showing the vicinity of cup sections in an inside-out state, and FIG. 7C is a back view of the same.

This brassiere-provided camisole 400 is a strapless brassiere-provided camisole with a brassiere-corresponding part being provided on the inside of a bodice of the camisole. As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the brassiere-provided camisole 400 includes a brassiere-corresponding part designed based on substantially the same concept as that for the brassiere 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 in a strapless form. In the present embodiment, the brassiere-provided camisole 400 has a bodice 401 provided so as to cover the brassiere-corresponding part. A back cloth 103 does not have interlocking connection sections, and the brassiere-provided camisole 400 can be put on and taken off without operating interlocking connection sections. Other configurations are substantially the same as those in the brassiere 100 shown in FIG. 1. Components identical to those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations therefor are omitted. Although the present embodiment is directed to the brassiere-provided camisole having the brassiere-corresponding part designed based on substantially the same concept as that for the brassiere 100 according to the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The brassiere-provided camisole may have a brassiere-corresponding part according to any other embodiment. The brassiere-provided camisole of the present example may be embodied in the form without the back cloth 103. With the configuration of the present example, it is possible to prevent downward slippage that may occur in garments having no shoulder parts when a wearer is in action.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, as still another example of the garment with cup sections according to the present invention, FIG. 8 shows a brassiere-provided camisole 500. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the brassiere-provided camisole 500, and FIG. 8B is a back view of the same. A brassiere-corresponding part in this brassiere-provided camisole 500 is designed based on substantially the same concept as that for the brassiere 100 described with reference to FIG. 1. In the present embodiment, the brassiere-provided camisole 500 has, under a base section 110, a lower chest bodice 501 and a skirt section 502 connected thereto. Although the lower chest bodice 501 and the skirt section 502 are provided under the back cloth 103 in the present example, the skirt section 502 may be attached directly to the lower edge of the back cloth 103. Other configurations are substantially the same as those in the brassiere 100 shown in FIG. 1. Components identical to those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations therefor are omitted. Although the present embodiment is directed to the brassiere-provided camisole having the brassiere-corresponding part designed based on substantially the same concept as that for the brassiere 100 according to the first embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The brassiere-provided camisole may have a brassiere-corresponding part according to any other embodiment. The brassiere-provided camisole according to the present example may be embodied in the form without the back cloth 103.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 9A is a front view showing a triangle bra 600a according to a sixth embodiment of the garment with cup sections of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a rubber tape passes through parts corresponding to cup support sections in cup sections 601 and connected to back cloths 603. The back cloths are connectable at a wearer's back when the triangle bra is worn. Other configurations are the same as those in Embodiment 3. Even if cup support sections are not provided as in the present embodiment (such as a wireless form), it is also possible to provide a brassiere that can still prevent the occurrence of “impact slippage” and “accumulation slippage” and thus can maintain a wearer's bust silhouette fine. Therefore, design variations of the brassiere according to the present invention can be increased. It is to be noted that the form without cup support sections, such as a wireless form, is not limited to a triangle bra, and also is applicable to other embodiments.

FIG. 9B shows a perspective view of a camisole 600b as a modified example of the present embodiment.

A brassiere-corresponding part in this camisole 600b may have the same design as the triangle bra 600a shown in FIG. 9A. Although the triangle bra 600a employs a rubber tape in the parts corresponding to cup support sections, a ribbon or the like may be used instead of the rubber tape so as to reduce the feeling of tight pressure in wearing.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a long-line brassiere 700 according to a seventh embodiment of the garment with cup sections of the present invention.

This long-line brassiere 700 is a strapless type brassiere including the cup sections shown in FIG. 3A. A bodice 706 is provided under the cup sections, and bones 707 extending vertically are provided in the bodice 706. Although the present embodiment is directed to the long-line brassiere with the cup sections shown in FIG. 3A, the present invention is not limited thereto. With the configuration of the present example, also in a garment such as a long-line brassiere, it is possible to prevent “impact slippage” and “accumulation slippage” and downward slippage that may occur when a wearer is in action, thus maintaining a wearer's bust silhouette fine. It is also possible to prevent downward slippage or the like of the bones 707 in the long-line brassiere, so that favorable wearing feeling can be obtained.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of a bustier 800 according to an eighth embodiment of the garment with cup sections of the present invention.

This bustier 800 does not include portions corresponding to cup support sections. In a bodice 806 provided under cup sections, interlining members 805 are integrated with bones 807 arranged so as to extend vertically. As illustrated in FIG. 10B, each stretchable member 801a is provided in a region between the interlining member 805 and the lower edge of the cup section. The stretchable member 801a may further extend up to around the upper edge of a waist part of the bodice 806 in a region along the bone 807. With the configuration of the present example, also in a garment such as a bustier, it is possible to prevent “impact slippage” and “accumulation slippage” and downward slippage that may occur when a wearer is in action, thus maintaining a wearer's bust silhouette fine. It is also possible to prevent downward slippage or the like of the bones 807 in the bustier, so that favorable wearing feeling can be obtained.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a tube top 900 as yet another example of the garment with cup sections according to the present invention.

In this tube top 900, in a brassiere-corresponding part, stretchable members 901a on the front center sides of right and left cup sections are formed integrally with each other. The brassiere-corresponding part is in wireless form with no wire or the like being provided at the lower edges of the cup sections. A back cloth 103 does not have interlocking connection sections, and the tube top 900 can be put on and taken off without operating interlocking connection sections. Although the present embodiment is directed to the tube top in which the stretchable members 901a on the front center sides of the right and left cup sections are formed integrally with each other, the present invention is not limited thereto. The tube top may have a brassiere-corresponding part according to any other embodiment. With the configuration of the present example, even in garments with no shoulder parts, such as a tube top, it is possible to prevent “impact slippage” and “accumulation slippage” and downward slippage that may occur when a wearer is in action, thus maintaining a wearer's bust silhouette fine. Also, favorable wearing feeling can be obtained.

(Subjective Evaluation in Wearing Test)

The following are the results of subjective wearing evaluation on the brassiere 100 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1. A plurality of test users conducted the following actions (1) and (2) in the state where they wore each of the brassiere 100 and a conventional brassiere A, both in the form without straps (the form shown in FIG. 4): (1) 10 times of arm-shaking action; and (2) 10 times of jump action. Thereafter, the test users were asked for comments regarding wearing feeling. The conventional brassiere A was a brassiere employing molded cup sections with their lower parts being thicker. The arm-shaking action was the following series of actions by each test user: “swinging up her right arm upright; bending her body to the left at about a 90-degree angle while holding her right arm as it was; straightening up her body again; and pulling down her right arm”. The jump action was the following action by each test user: “jumping vertically to the extent that her feet were completely off the ground”. The test users were made up of five persons. Three out of the five test users all had a cup size of C70, and their breast volumes were “large”, “medium”, and “small”, respectively. The remaining two had a cup size of E70, and their breast volumes were both “medium”. In response to the question which of the brassiere 100 and the conventional brassiere A prevented slippage in the arm-shaking action, four out of the five test users commented that the brassiere according to the present invention did, and one commented neither. In response to the question which of the brassiere 100 and the conventional brassiere A prevented slippage in the jump action, four out of the five test users answered that the brassiere according to the present invention did, and one commented neither. From these results, it was found that downward slippage is less liable to occur in the brassiere according to the present invention even when it is used in a strapless form.

Also, the same test users as above conducted the arm-shaking action and the jump action in the state where they wore each of the brassiere 100 and a conventional brassiere B, both in the form without straps. Thereafter, they were asked for comments regarding wearing feeling. The conventional brassiere B was a strapless type brassiere with cut and sewn cup sections. The cup sections of the conventional brassiere B have good breast-shaping properties, and the conventional brassiere B had been evaluated as being less liable to cause out-of-shape wearing as compared with the conventional brassiere A. As a result, in response to the question which of the brassiere 100 and the conventional brassiere B prevented slippage in the arm-shaking action, three out of the five test users commented that the brassiere according to the present invention did, and two commented that the conventional brassiere B did. Regarding the slippage in the jump action, four out of the five test users commented that the brassiere according to the present invention did, and one commented that the conventional brassiere B did. From these results, it was found that downward slippage is less liable to occur in the brassiere according to the present invention even when it is used in a strapless form.

(Evaluation Before and After Action)

The following are the results of wearing evaluation before and after the actions on the brassiere 100 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 12A shows moire photographs showing the shapes of the breasts of one of the test users when she wore each of the brassiere 100 and the conventional brassiere B, both in the form without straps. The photographs in FIG. 12A show front views of the test user's chest part when the two kinds of brassieres were worn. Each photograph shows a three-dimensional shape of the chest part by indicating moire interference fringes as contour lines. The photographs on the upper row show the state where the test user wore the brassiere 100, and the photographs on the lower row show the state where the test user wore the conventional brassiere B. The test user had a cup size of E70 and a “medium” breast volume. In FIG. 12A, the photographs (a) show the state before an action (the static state), the photographs (b) show the state where the test user has raised her right arm, the photographs (c) show the state after the test user carried out the arm-shaking action 10 times, and the photographs (d) show the state after the test user carried out the jump action 10 times. FIG. 12B shows photographs of the chest part shown in the moire photographs (a) and (c) as viewed from the side. Each photograph includes a reference line, which indicates the test user's bust top position before the action.

It can be seen that, when the test user wore the brassiere 100 of the present invention, even after the 10 times of arm-shaking action and the 10 times of jump action, the breast shape remained substantially unchanged as compared with that before these actions. In contrast, when the test user wore the conventional brassiere B, it can be seen from the moire interference fringes photographs and the side views of the same that, after the 10 times of arm-shaking action, the shape of each cup section turned to a “beak-like shape” such that an upper part of the cup section curves inward so that the entire cup section is crushed vertically with a bust top-corresponding portion of the cup section protruding forward. It also can be seen that, after the 10 times of jump action, the conventional brassiere B as a whole had slipped downward.

From these results, the following mechanism is speculated, which, however, does not limit the present invention. When the wearer raises her arm, her nipple is brought to a higher position and the verge's profile turns from a horizontally long oval to a vertically long oval. The conventional brassiere B cannot sufficiently deal with the breast's movement or the change in shape of the breast, thus causing the breast to bulge out from an upper edge and a side part of the cup section, resulting in out-of-shape wearing, and the breast that has bulged out itself pushes down the cup section. Furthermore, when the arm is moved up and down repeatedly, the portion that has bulged out becomes greater. As a result, each cup section is crushed vertically to have a “beak-like shape”, so that downward slippage of the brassiere becomes more significant. In contrast, the brassiere according to the present invention can follow the movement of a wearer's breasts while maintaining the shapes of the cup sections when the wearer is in action. The brassiere according to the present invention thus prevents the breasts from budging out from the cup sections, so that downward slippage owing to a repeated action is less liable to occur. Moreover, even when a large impact is exerted on the brassiere when, for example, the wearer jumps, the stretchable members absorb the impact. Thus, it is possible to bring the wearer's breasts to their static state while preventing the cup support sections and the base section from being affected by the impact. Therefore, downward slippage caused by impact is less liable to occur in the brassiere according to the present invention.

The present invention has been described above with reference to specific examples of its embodiment, namely, a brassiere, a brassiere-provided camisole, a tube top, etc. It is to be noted, however, the garment with cup sections according to the present invention is not limited to these specific examples, and can be embodied in various forms. For example, the present invention is applicable not only to garments such as those described in the above embodiments, but also to bodysuits and brassiere-provided slips. In addition to these foundation garments, the present invention also is applicable to tops of separate-type and one-piece-type swimsuits, leotards, and other various garments with cup sections. The present invention also is applicable to front closure type garments whose front center parts are connected to each other using a hook closure that can be connected and disconnected freely.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The garment with cup sections according to the present invention can be embodied in various forms. For example, the present invention is applicable not only to foundation garments such as those described in the above embodiments, but also to various garments with cup sections such as sportswear and outerwear.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100, 200, 300: brassiere

101, 201, 601: cup section

101
a, 201a, 801a, 901a: stretchable member

101
b, 201b: non-stretchable member

102, 202: cup support section

103, 203, 603: back cloth

104, 204: shoulder strap

105, 205, 805: interlining member

106: interlocking connection section

108
a: connection device

108
b: length adjuster

110, 210: base section

307: front center member

400, 500: brassiere-provided camisole

401: bodice

501: lower chest bodice

502: skirt section

600
a: triangle bra

600
b: camisole

700: long-line brassiere

706, 806: bodice

707, 807: bone

800: bustier

900: tube top

M: midpoint of the lowest point and the lateral side end point of cup support section

L: width of stretchable member

T: bust top-corresponding position

A: intermediate region

Garment with Cup Sections

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

US Classifications

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

PCT Information