BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the pad of the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the pad of the FIG. 1 of the present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pad of FIG. 2, along line 3-3 of the present invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pad of FIG. 2, along line 4-4 of the present invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates a brassiere incorporating the pad of FIG. 1 of the present invention; and
FIG. 6 illustrates a pad of the present invention having a film formed from a single folded film sheet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings and, in particular to FIG. 1, there is generally represented the pad of the present invention generally represented by reference numeral 10. Pad 10 has an upper edge 15, a lower edge 20 and a central region 25. Lower edge 20 is generally proximate a torso encircling band, fold or welt that wraps around the torso of the wearer. Central region 25, as shown in FIG. 2, is entirely across the middle portion of brassiere pad 10. Brassiere pad 10 also has a flange 30 at the peripheral edge of the pad 10. Upper edge of Flange 30 is generally proximate the location where a brassiere strap is connected. Flange 30, as is commonly known in art, is secured to inside fabric of brassiere often by sewing.
Referring to FIG. 3, pad 10 has a first or outer surface or outer film 35 and a second or inner surface or inner film 40. Between and encased by outer film 35 and inner film 40 is gel 45. Gel 45 extends from upper edge 15 to lower edge 20 of pad 10 within films 35 and 40. Significantly, gel 45 has a uniform thickness from upper edge 15 to lower edge 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the thickness of gel 45 is uniform and is identical to the cross-section of FIG. 3. Different cross-sections of breast pad 10 have the same thickness. The uniform thickness is provided by the complementary curvature and dimensions of outer film 35 and inner film 40 that encase gel 45. Were outer film 35 and inner film 40 of different curvatures, the cross-section of pad 10 and thickness of gel 45 would be variable. The uniformity of outer film 35 and inner film 40 is achieved by molding outer film 35 and inner film 40 in identical molds. In this manner, an identical curvature is achieved in outer film 35 and inner film 40 to impart a uniform thickness to gel 45. The thickness of gel 45 together with outer film and inner film 40 is approximately 2.00 mm to 3.00 mm although a thicker pad could be used for additional brassiere fullness without modifying the natural shape of the wearer. For example, a thicker pad having a thickness of approximately 3.25 mm could also be used to create a pad having greater thickness to provide additional fullness.
Preferably, outer film 35 and inner film 40 are each made from a thermoplastic polyurethane. The thicknesses of outer film 35 and inner film 40 are each approximately 0.0127 mm to 0.0762 mm. While the pad 10 is shown as having a first film 35 and a second film 40, alternatively, a single folded film 37 having a folded edge 38 could also have been used to encase gel 45, as shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, the thickness of film 37 is approximately 0.0127 mm to 0.0762 mm. The density of films 35, 40 and 37 is approximately 1.20 g/cm3 to 1.4 g/cm3. The thicknesses of films 35 and 40 or single folded film 37 are minimal compared to the thicknesses of other similar films that are used to encase gels or fluids of inserts or pads of other brassieres. The thickness of the film ensures that the texture of the gel is felt through the film to provide a very natural feel to the pad. A thicker film would give the outer pad surface, a hard and/or unnatural feel that would not simulate the feel of natural breast tissue.
Gel 45 is a preferably a liquid silicone having a viscosity of approximately 1200 cps. The viscosity of gel 45 offers a natural feel between the film layers 35 and 40. The combination of outer film 35, gel 45 and inner film 40 provide a natural feel to the breast pad 10. The minimal thickness of the films 35 and 40 and the gel 45 imparts a realistic quality to the pad surface that feels much like natural breast tissue. The thickness of films 35 and 40 allow the softness and viscosity of gel layer 45 to be felt. The uniform thickness of gel layer 45 provides consistent uniform fullness throughout the breast area of wearer.
Referring to FIG. 5, the pad 10 of the present invention can be assembled into a brassiere 60. Brassiere 60 has a pair of breast receiving cups 65, a pair of side panels 70 and a pair of shoulder straps 75 connected to respective side panels and breast receiving cups. Pad 10 is secured in brassiere 60 by sewing flange 30 to the fabric of the brassiere to prevent shifting during wear. Brassiere 60 provides added fullness to the wearer and maintains the natural shape of the wearer beneath clothing. Additionally, the softness and fullness that pad 10 provides to brassiere 60 enhances the natural shaping of the wearer by simulating the feel of real breast tissue.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20080096464
