Inner bra cup
An inner bra cup includes a connecting portion on an outer end thereof for connecting with a shoulder strap. A top edge of the inner bra cup has a recessed portion and a convex portion. The convex portion includes a nipple covering section above a line passing through a lowest point of an inner side of the convex portion and a lowest point of the recessed portion. A distance from a highest point of the nipple covering section to the line is at least 2.5 cm when the nipple covering section is in a flattened state. The nipple covering section includes a heavier, thicker section that covers a nipple of a bosom of a wearer and that has a thickness of 1-9 mm. The nipple covering section is in intimate contact with the bosom of the wearer.
This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/189,694 filed Jul. 27, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an inner bra cup and, more particularly, to an inner bra cup that is not liable to deform.
2. Description of the Related Art
A bra provides several functions for female bosoms, including lifting, concentration, beautification, and protection. Typical bras are made of cloth or include bra cups having an inner lining made of foam or sponge for providing lifting and concentration effect. However, the cups deform or become baggy after many times of wearing and washing. Hence, the top edge 10 of the bra 1 cannot be in intimate contact with the bosom 11 of the wearer, as illustrated in
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a substantially bowl-shaped inner bra cup comprises an outer end. A connecting portion extends from the outer end and is adapted for connecting with an end of a shoulder strap. The inner bra cup further includes a top edge that has a recessed portion adjacent to the connecting portion. The top edge further includes a convex portion that is contiguous to the recessed portion and that converges upward. The convex portion includes a nipple covering section above a line passing through a lowest point of an inner side of the convex portion and a lowest point of the recessed portion. A distance from a highest point of the nipple covering section to the line is at least 2.5 cm when the nipple covering section is in a flattened state. The nipple covering section includes a thicker section that covers a nipple of a bosom of a wearer and that has a thickness of 1-9 mm. The thicker section is heavier than a remaining portion of the nipple covering section, with the nipple covering section in intimate contact with the bosom of the wearer.
Preferably, the inner bra cup is made of silicon rubber, latex rubber, or composite silicon rubber/latex rubber.
Preferably, the distance from the highest point of the nipple covering section to the line is 2.5-6 cm.
Preferably, the top covering section further includes a thinner section that is above the thicker section and that is thinner than the thicker section.
Preferably, the thicker section extends downward to a position below the line, and a distance between the position and the line is smaller than 2 cm or 3 cm.
Preferably, the thicker section includes at least one gap to provide a path for air circulation.
Preferably, the thicker section includes at least two protrusions between which the gap is defined.
Preferably, a distance between two middle points of two sides of the nipple covering section is 4-9 cm.
Preferably, a line passing through the middle points of the sides of the nipple covering section is parallel to the line passing through the lowest point of the inner side of the convex portion and the lowest point of the recessed portion.
Preferably, the inner bra cup further includes a connecting strip mounted to a lower edge thereof.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a substantially bowl-shaped inner bra cup comprises a top edge including a convex portion that converges upward. The convex portion includes a nipple covering section above a line passing through a lowest point of an inner side of the convex portion and a lowest point of an outer side of the convex portion. A distance from a highest point of the nipple covering section to the line is at least 2.5 cm when the nipple covering section is in a flattened state. The nipple covering section includes a thicker section that covers a nipple of a bosom of a wearer and that has a thickness of 1-9 mm. The thicker section is heavier than a remaining portion of the nipple covering section, with the nipple covering section in intimate contact with the bosom of the wearer.
Preferably, the inner bra cup is made of silicon rubber, latex rubber, or composite silicon rubber/latex rubber.
Preferably, the distance from the highest point of the nipple covering section to the line is 2.5-6 cm.
Preferably, the top covering section further includes a thinner section that is above the thicker section and that is thinner than the thicker section.
Preferably, the thicker section extends downward to a position below the line, and a distance between the position and the line is smaller than 2 cm or 3 cm.
Preferably, the thicker section includes at least one gap to provide a path for air circulation.
Preferably, the thicker section includes at least two protrusions between which the gap is defined.
Preferably, a distance between two middle points of two sides of the nipple covering section is 4-9 cm.
Preferably, a line passing through the middle points of the sides of the nipple covering section is parallel to the line passing through the lowest point of the inner side of the convex portion and the lowest point of the outer side of the convex portion.
Preferably, the inner bra cup further includes a connecting strip mounted to a lower edge thereof.
Other objectives, advantages, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to
The top edge further includes a convex portion 22 that is contiguous to the recessed portion 21 and that converges upward. The convex portion 22 includes a nipple covering section 23 above a line C passing through a lowest point “b” of an inner side of the convex portion 22 and a lowest point “a” of the recessed portion 21. A distance “e” from the highest point “d” of the nipple covering section 23 to the line C is at least 2.5 cm (preferably 2.5-6 cm) when the nipple covering section 23 is in a flattened state. A distance “g” between two middle points “j” of two sides of the nipple covering section 23 is 4-9 cm, which is sufficient to cover a nipple of a bosom of a wearer. Preferably, a line passing through the middle points “j” of the sides of the nipple covering section 23 is parallel to the line C. Preferably, the nipple covering section 23 includes a thicker section 24 that covers the nipple of the bosom of the wearer and that has a thickness of 1-9 mm. The nipple covering section 23 further includes a thinner section that is thinner than the thicker section 24 and that is above the thicker section 24 for covering the portion of the wearer's bosom above the nipple. The thinner section may have a thickness of 0.8 mm. The inner bra cup 2 further includes a shielding section 25 below the nipple covering section 23. A connecting strip 26 may be provided along a lower edge of the inner bra cup 2.
In a case that the area of the nipple covering section 23 is small, the thicker section 24 of the nipple covering section 23 may extend downward to a position below the line C, as shown in
Referring to
The nipple covering sections 23 of the inner bra cups 2 in the cups 3 cover the central area of the bosoms 4, with the thicker sections 24 covering the nipples 40 and with the thinner sections adjacent to the thicker sections 24 in intimate contact with the portions of the wearer's bosoms 4 above the nipples 40. Due to provision of the thicker section 24 and the thinner section on each inner bra cup 2, the nipple covering section 23 of each inner bra cup 2 is in reliable intimate contact with the associated bosom 4 of the wearer. When the wearer leans forward, the upper edges of the cups 30 will not turn outward, as the thicker sections 24 are heavier and thus enhance the restitution effect. As a result, the nipples 40 can be reliably covered by the thicker sections 24, with the portions of the wearer's bosoms 4 above the nipples 40 covered by the thinner sections, thereby avoiding exposure of the nipples 40.
Further, when the wearer lifts the shoulder straps 34 upward for adjusting purposes, the recessed portion 21 between the connecting portion 20 and the nipple covering section 23 of each inner bra cup 2 cuts off the force transmission to the nipple covering section 23 while the connecting portion 20 and the shielding section 25 are lifted. This avoids the central portion of the bosoms 4 from being pressed when the shoulder straps 34 are lifted upward. More specifically, the pulling force resulting from upward lifting of the shoulder straps 34 moves the shielding sections 25 upward. However, the pulling force vanishes at the area adjacent to the nipple covering sections 23. Hence, the nipple covering sections 23 are not subjected to the pulling force and thus, can be in intimate contact with the bosoms 4 without pressing the bosoms 4 of the wearer. This presents perfect bosom shapes of the wearer while providing wearing comfort. Further, undesired deformation the bra 3 is less likely to occur and the bra 3 has a longer life, as the inner bra cups 2 have excellent shaping capability and restitution characteristics.
The thicker section 24 of the inner bra cup 2 in accordance with the present invention may include at least one gap in an inner face thereof. The gap may be defined between at least two protrusions. The protrusions may include rib-like protrusions 51 (see
Referring to
As apparent from the foregoing, the inner bra cups 2 and 6 in accordance with the present invention have excellent shaping capability and restitution characteristics, allowing the inner bra cups 2 and 6 to be in intimate contact with the bosoms 4 of the wearer. The bosoms 4 of the wearer are lifted and positioned without being pendulous. Lifting, concentration, and shaping effects are attained. Further, the top edges of the inner bra cups 2 and 6 will not turn outward and, thus, prevent the nipples of the wearer from being exposed. Further, when used with shoulder straps 34, the nipple covering sections 23 will not be subjected to the pulling force for lifting the shoulder straps 34, with the nipple covering sections 23 in intimate contact with the bosoms 4 of the wearer. The bosoms 4 of the wearer will not be pressed and thus present perfect shapes. Further, a bra 3 using the inner bra cups 2 and 6 in accordance with the present invention is less likely to deform and, thus, has a long life. Further, perfect bosom shapes are presented when using the inner bra cups 6 in a low dress.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications and variations are still possible. The scope of the invention is limited by the accompanying claims.
Claims
1. A substantially bowl-shaped inner bra cup comprising an outer end, a connecting portion extending from the outer end and adapted for connecting with an end of a shoulder strap, the inner bra cup further including a top edge, the top edge including a recessed portion adjacent to the connecting portion, the top edge further including a convex portion that is contiguous to the recessed portion and that converges upward, the convex portion including a nipple covering section above a line passing through a lowest point of an inner side of the convex portion and a lowest point of the recessed portion, a distance from a highest point of the nipple covering section to the line being at least 2.5 cm when the nipple covering section is in a flattened state, the nipple covering section including a thicker section that covers a nipple of a bosom of a wearer and that has a thickness of 1-9 mm, with the thicker section being heavier than a remaining portion of the nipple covering section, and with the nipple covering section in intimate contact with the bosom of the wearer.
2. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner bra cup is made of silicon rubber, latex rubber, or composite silicon rubber/latex rubber.
3. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 1 wherein the distance from the highest point of the nipple covering section to the line is 2.5-6 cm.
4. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 1 wherein the top covering section further includes a thinner section that is above the thicker section and that is thinner than the thicker section.
5. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 1 wherein the thicker section extends downward to a position below the line, and wherein a distance between the position and the line is smaller than 2 cm.
6. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 1 wherein the thicker section includes at least one gap to provide a path for air circulation.
7. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 6 wherein the thicker section includes at least two protrusions between which said at least one gap is defined.
8. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 1 wherein a distance between two middle points of two sides of the nipple covering section is 4-9 cm.
9. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 8 wherein a line passing through the middle points of the sides of the nipple covering section is parallel to the line passing through the lowest point of the inner side of the convex portion and the lowest point of the recessed portion.
10. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner bra cup further includes a connecting strip mounted to a lower edge thereof.
11. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 1 wherein the thicker section extends downward to a position below the line, and wherein a distance between the position and the line is smaller than 3 cm.
12. A substantially bowl-shaped inner bra cup comprising a top edge, the top edge including a convex portion that converges upward, the convex portion including a nipple covering section above a line passing through a lowest point of an inner side of the convex portion and a lowest point of an outer side of the convex portion, a distance from a highest point of the nipple covering section to the line being at least 2.5 cm when the nipple covering section is in a flattened state, the nipple covering section including a thicker section that covers a nipple of a bosom of a wearer and that has a thickness of 1-9 mm, with the thicker section being heavier than a remaining portion of the nipple covering section, and with the nipple covering section in intimate contact with the bosom of the wearer.
13. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 12 wherein the inner bra cup is made of silicon rubber, latex rubber, or composite silicon rubber/latex rubber.
14. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 12 wherein the distance from the highest point of the nipple covering section to the line is 2.5-6 cm.
15. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 12 wherein the top covering section further includes a thinner section that is above the thicker section and that is thinner than the thicker section.
16. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 12 wherein the thicker section extends downward to a position below the line, and wherein a distance between the position and the line is smaller than 2 cm.
17. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 12 wherein the thicker section includes at least one gap to provide a path for air circulation.
18. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 17 wherein the thicker section includes at least two protrusions between which said at least one gap is defined.
19. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 12 wherein a distance between two middle points of two sides of the nipple covering section is 4-9 cm.
20. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 19 wherein a line passing through the middle points of the sides of the nipple covering section is parallel to the line passing through the lowest point of the inner side of the convex portion and the lowest point of the outer side of the convex portion.
21. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 12 wherein the inner bra cup further includes a connecting strip mounted to a lower edge thereof.
22. The inner bra cup as claimed in claim 12 wherein the thicker section extends downward to a position below the line, and wherein a distance between the position and the line is smaller than 3 cm.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 1, 2006
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2007
Inventor: Shian Lin (Chiayi City)
Application Number: 11/590,890
International Classification: A41C 3/10 (20060101);