Inner bra cup

Abstract

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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/189,694 filed Jul. 27, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. 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 FIG. 1 of the drawings. Namely, a gap 12 exists between the top edge 10 of the bra 1 and the bosom 11 of the wearer, which may cause exposure of the nipple 12 and, thus, result in embarrassment and unpleasant feeling. Further, the bra 1 made of cloth is liable to deform and thus adversely affects the beautification purposes while having a short life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a user wearing a conventional bra.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of an inner bra cup in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the inner bra cup in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a modified example of the inner bra cup in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating use of the inner bra cup in accordance with the present invention in a bra.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the bra in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating use of the bra in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating an example of an inner side of a thicker portion of the bra cup in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating another example of the inner side of the thicker portion of the inner bra cup in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 a plan view illustrating a further example of the inner side of a thicker portion of the inner bra cup in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 a plan view illustrating still another example of the inner side of a thicker portion of the inner bra cup in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating another embodiment of the inner bra cup in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating use of the inner bra cup in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an embodiment of an inner bra cup 2 in accordance with the present invention is substantially bowl-like and shaped to include a concave inner face for mating with the contour of a female bosom. The inner bra cup 2 is made of silicon rubber, latex rubber, or composite silicon rubber/later rubber. The inner bra cup 2 includes an inner end and an outer end from which a connecting portion 20 extends for connecting with an end of a shoulder strap 34 (see FIG. 5). The inner bra cup 2 further includes a recessed portion 21 on a top edge thereof and adjacent to the connecting portion 20.

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 FIG. 4. The distance between the position and the line C is smaller than 2 cm (or 3 cm, if necessary).

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, when using the inner bra cups 2 in accordance with the present invention to make a bra 3, each inner bra cup 2 is sewn between an outer layer 31 and an inner layer 32 of a cup 30. Namely, the inner bra cup 2 is enveloped in the cup 30. A resilient steel ring 33 (see FIG. 6) may be embedded in the connecting strip 26 at the lower edge of the inner bra cup 2. The resilient steel ring 33 is covered by lower edges of the inner and outer layers 32 and 31 of the cup 30 by sewing. Hence, the resilient steel ring 33 is fixed to the lower edge of the cup 30. The bra 3 further includes two shoulder straps 34 each having an end connected to a connecting portion (not labeled) of an associated cup 30. The connecting portions 20 of the inner bra cups 2 may be sewn to the ends of the shoulder straps 34. The bra 3 further includes a back strap 35 extending from an outer side of each cup 30, with the other end of each shoulder strap 34 connected to an associated back strap 35. The back straps 35 may be sewn to outer sides of the inner bra cups 2.

FIG. 7 illustrates a wearer wearing the bra 3 with the inner bra cups 2 in accordance with the present invention. Since the inner bra cups 2 have excellent shaping ability and restitution characteristics, the cups 30 of the bra 3 are in intimate contact with the bosoms 4 of the wearer, with the resilient steel ring 33 and the shielding section 25 of each inner bra cup 2 supporting and positioning a lower portion of a bosom 4 and with the connecting portions 20 of the inner bra cups 2 and the shoulder straps 34 providing a lifting effect. The bosoms 4 are lifted and positioned without the risk of being pendulous, attaining breast enhancing effects including lifting, concentration, and shaping.

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 FIG. 8), net-like structure 52 (see FIG. 9), spiral structure 53 (see FIG. 10), or particles 54 (see FIG. 11). The protrusions provide paths for air circulation for ventilation purposes.

FIG. 12 illustrates a modified embodiment of the inner bra cup 6 in accordance with the present invention for use with a bra without shoulder straps or a low dress. In this embodiment, the inner bra cup 6 is substantially bowl-like and includes a top edge having a convex portion 60 that converges upward. The convex portion 60 includes a nipple covering section 62 above a line “i” passing through a lowest point “k” of an inner side of the convex portion 60 and a lowest point “l” of an outer side of the convex portion 60. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, a distance from the highest point “d” of the nipple covering section 60 to the line “i” is at least 2.5 cm (preferably 2.5-6 cm) when the nipple covering section 61 is in a flattened state. A distance “g” between two middle points “j” of two sides of the nipple covering section 61 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 61 is parallel to the line “i”. Preferably, the nipple covering section 61 includes a thicker section 62 that covers the nipple of the bosom of the wearer and that has a thickness of 1-9 mm. The nipple covering section 61 further includes a thinner section that is thinner than the thicker section 62 for covering at least a portion of the bosom above the nipple. The remaining section of the inner bra cup 6 outside the thicker section 61 may have a uniform thickness.

Referring to FIG. 13, when using the inner bra cup 6 in a low dress, in a case that no shoulder straps are used, a back strap (not shown) may be connected to an outer side of each inner bra cup 6, allowing the inner bra cups 6 to be in intimate contact with the bosoms 4 of the wearer. When the wearer leans forward, the inner bra cups 6 are still in intimate contact with the bosoms 4 of the wearer without the risk of exposing the nipples while presenting perfect bosom shapes of the wearer.

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.