BRA CUP WITH THIN, AIR-PERMEABLE LAYER

Abstract

A bra cup includes an outer cloth, an inner cloth, and a layer of high-molecular polymer between the inner and outer cloths. The layer of high-molecular polymer includes a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in a length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in a height direction perpendicular to the length direction. The layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a perforate area having a plurality of vents each extending from an outer face through an inner face thereof. The perforate area extends from the upper edge through the lower edge in the height direction. The perforate area further extends from a center of the first layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of the layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/935,423 filed Nov. 6, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bra cup and, more particularly, to a bra cup with a thin, air-permeable layer.

Women's breasts can be beautified by bras. A typical thin cup for bras includes an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer sewn together to form a structure having a convex outer face and a concave inner face. The thin cup may further include an optional cloth layer sewn to the outer face. Such a thin cup provides poor shaping force and poor touch and is liable to deform. A pad made of foam material or cotton is mounted between the outer and inner fabric layers to increase the elastic shaping force. However, the pad has a certain thickness and, thus, results in a thick bra cup. On the other hand, the elastic shaping force is unsatisfactory if the pad is thin.

A need exists for a bra cup that is thin and capable of providing elastic shaping force for beautifying a breast of a wearer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves this need and other problems in the field of bra cups by providing, in a preferred form, a bra cup including an outer cloth having a convex outer face and a concave inner face. An inner cloth includes an outer face and a breast covering inner face adapted for covering a breast of a wearer of the bra cup. A first layer of high-molecular polymer is mounted between the concave inner face of the outer cloth and the outer face of the inner cloth. The first layer of high-molecular polymer includes a convex outer face and a concave inner face. The first layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in a length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in a height direction perpendicular to the length direction. The first layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a first perforate area having a plurality of first vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof. The first perforate area extends from the upper edge through the lower edge of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction. The first perforate area further extends from a center of the first layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.

In another embodiment, a bladder is mounted between a lower section of the inner face of the outer cloth and a lower section of the outer face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The bladder includes a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the outer cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the front face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The bladder includes an interior between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid. The bladder is spaced from the perimeter of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The bladder is coextensive with the first perforate area of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.

In a further embodiment, a bladder mounted between a lower section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a lower section of the outer face of the inner cloth. The bladder includes a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the inner cloth. The bladder includes an interior between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid. The bladder is spaced from the perimeter of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The bladder is coextensive with the first perforate area of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.

In still another embodiment, an air-permeable pad is mounted between a lower section of the inner face of the outer cloth and a lower section of the outer face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The air-permeable pad includes a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the outer cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the front face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The air-permeable pad is spaced from the perimeter of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The air-permeable pad is coextensive with the first perforate area of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.

In yet another embodiment, a second layer of high-molecular polymer is provided between the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer includes an outer face having a convex upper section engaged with an upper section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a lower section. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes an inner face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof. The second perforate area extends from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction. The second perforate area further extends from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction. A bladder is mounted between a lower section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer. The bladder includes a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer. The bladder includes an interior between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid. The bladder is spaced from the perimeter of each of the first and second layers of high-molecular polymer. The first perforate area is coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height directions. The first vents are aligned with the second vents. The bladder is coextensive with the first and second perforate areas in the length direction.

In still another embodiment, an outer air-permeable cloth is provided between the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the outer cloth. The outer air-permeable cloth includes a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a concave inner face having an upper section and a lower section. An inner air-permeable cloth is provided between the outer air-permeable cloth and the outer cloth. The inner air-permeable cloth includes an outer face having a convex upper section engaged with the upper section of the inner face of the outer air-permeable cloth. The outer face of the inner air-permeable cloth further includes a lower section. The inner air-permeable cloth further includes an inner face. A second layer of high-molecular polymer is provided between the inner air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer includes an outer face engaged with the inner face of the inner air-permeable cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes an inner face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof. The second perforate area extends from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction. The second perforate area further extends from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction. A bladder is mounted between the lower section of the inner face of the outer air-permeable cloth and the lower section of the outer face of the inner air-permeable cloth. The bladder includes a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the outer air-permeable cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the inner air-permeable cloth. The bladder includes an interior between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid. The bladder is spaced from a perimeter of each of the inner and outer air-permeable cloths. The first perforate area is coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height directions. The first vents are aligned with the second vents. The bladder is coextensive with the first and second perforate areas in the length direction.

In yet another embodiment, an air-permeable cloth is provided between the outer air-permeable cloth and the outer cloth. The air-permeable cloth includes a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The inner air-permeable cloth further includes a concave inner face. A second layer of high-molecular polymer is provided between the air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer includes a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the air-permeable cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a concave inner face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof. The second perforate area extends from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction. The second perforate area further extends from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction. The first perforate area is coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height directions. The first vents are aligned with the second vents.

In still another embodiment, an air-permeable cloth is provided between the outer air-permeable cloth and the outer cloth. The air-permeable cloth includes a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The air-permeable cloth further includes a concave inner face having an upper section and a lower section. A second layer of high-molecular polymer is provided between the inner air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer includes an outer face having an upper section engaged with the upper section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes an inner face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof. The second perforate area extends from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction. The second perforate area further extends from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction. A bladder is mounted between the lower section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth and a lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer. The bladder includes a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer. The bladder includes an interior between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid. The bladder is spaced from a perimeter of the air-permeable cloth and from the perimeter of the second layer of high-molecular polymer. The first perforate area is coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height directions. The first vents are aligned with the second vents. The bladder is coextensive with the first and second perforate areas in the length direction.

In yet another embodiment, an air-permeable cloth is provided between the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the inner cloth. The air-permeable cloth includes a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer. The air-permeable cloth further includes a concave inner face having an upper section and a lower section. A second layer of high-molecular polymer is provided between the air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer includes an outer face having an upper section engaged with the upper section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth. The outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a lower section. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes an inner face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction. The second layer of high-molecular polymer further includes a second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof. The second perforate area extends from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction. The second perforate area further extends from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction. An air-permeable pad is mounted between the lower section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth and the lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer. The air-permeable pad includes a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer. The air-permeable pad is spaced from a perimeter of the air-permeable cloth and from the perimeter of the second layer of high-molecular polymer. The first perforate area is coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height directions. The first vents are aligned with the second vents. The air-permeable pad is coextensive with the first and second perforate areas in the length direction.

The present invention will become clearer in light of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this invention described in connection with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrative embodiments may best be described by reference to the accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a bra utilizing two bra cups of an embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one of the bra cups of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the bra cup of FIG. 2 with an inner cloth of the bra cup removed.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the bra cup of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the bra cup of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a bra cup of another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the bra cup of FIG. 6 with an inner cloth of the bra cup removed.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the bra cup of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of a further embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of still another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of yet another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of still another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of yet another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of still another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a bra cup of yet another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.

All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the Figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.

Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “first”, “second”, “inner”, “outer”, “lower”, “upper”, “end”, “portion”, “section”, “longitudinal”, “length”, “height”, and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A bra utilizing two bra cups of an embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings and generally designated 10. The bra cup 10 of FIG. 1 includes a bra panel 11, two bra cups 20 sewn to the bra panel 11, two back straps 12 and 13 each having an end coupled to the bra panel 11, and two shoulder straps 14 and 15 each having a outer end coupled to one of the bra cups 20 and a inner end coupled to one of the back straps 12 and 13. The other ends of the back straps 12 and 13 are releasably coupled with each other. Each bra cup 20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is of a light, thin, air-permeable structure and provides elastic shaping force. The bra cups 20 are of identical properties in elasticity and permeation.

According to an embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, each bra cup 20 includes an air-permeable outer cloth 22, an air-permeable inner cloth 23, and a thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 between the outer cloth 22 and the inner cloth 23. The outer cloth 22 includes a convex outer face 26 and a concave inner face 28. The inner cloth 23 includes a convex outer face 27 and a breast covering concave inner face 29. An underwire 30, 31 (FIG. 1) is sewn to an underside of each bra cup 20. A layer of cloth (not shown) may be sewn to the outer edge of the outer cloth 22 for aesthetical purposes. The thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 includes a convex outer face 240 engaged with the inner face 28 of the outer cloth 22 and a concave inner face 242 engaged with the outer face 27 of the inner cloth 23. The thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 includes a perimeter having first and second edges 243 and 245 spaced in a length direction parallel to a breast length of a wearer. The perimeter of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 further includes upper and lower edges 246 and 248 spaced in a height direction perpendicular to the length direction. The thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 is coextensive with the outer cloth 22 and the inner cloth 23 in the length and height directions. The thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 includes a perforate area 241 having a plurality of through-holes 25 each extending from the convex outer face 240 through the concave inner face 242. According to the most preferred form shown, the perforate area 240 extend from the first edge 243 through the second edge 245 of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 and from the upper edge 246 through the lower edge 248 of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The vents 25 are uniformly distributed in the perforate area 241. Thus, the bra cup 20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is thin, light, and air-permeable and is capable of providing elastic shaping force for supporting a breast of a wearer. However, the perforate area 241 can only extend a portion of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in the length direction. As an example, the perforate area 241 extends from a center of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 toward the first and second edges 243 and 245 in the length direction and has a length at least two-thirds of that of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in the length direction. The bra 10 is durable without the risk of deformation and provides the wearer with wearing comfort while beatifying the breasts of the wearer. The thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 is preferably engaged with the outer and inner cloths 22 and 23 by screen printing and pressing. It can be appreciated that the outer cloths 22 of the two bra cups 20 can be integral with each other to form a one-piece bra.

According to the preferred form shown, the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 has a thickness of 0.1-1 mm to provide a thin structure with elastic shaping force. Furthermore, a foam agent can be previously added in the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 to provide a foam material after taking shape. Suitable materials for the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 include but not limited to polystyrene, propylene butadiene styrene resin, polyamide resin, polybutylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ether ketone, polyamide-imide, organic silicon resin, polyoxypropylenediamine, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose resin, polyvinyl acetal resin, polyurethane resin, polyalkyd resin, phenolic formaldehyde resin, and combinations thereof.

FIGS. 6-8 show a bra cup 20 of another embodiment according to the preferred teachings of the present invention. In this embodiment, a bladder 40 is mounted between a lower section of the inner face 28 of the outer cloth 22 and a lower section of the outer face 240 of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The bladder 40 includes a convex outer side 42 bonded to the lower section of the inner face 28 of the outer cloth 22 and a convex inner side 44 bonded to the lower section of the outer face 240 of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The bladder 40 includes a hollow interior between the outer and inner sides 42 and 44 and filled with fluid 41 such as oil, air, water, or powdery lotion to support and raise the breast of the wearer and to provide a cleavage. The bladder 40 is spaced from the perimeter of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. According to the most preferred form shown, the bladder 40 is formed by heat-pressing two resilient rubber films that form the outer and inner sides 42 and 44 of the bladder 40. The bladder 40 is coextensive with the perforate area 241 in the length direction. However, the perforate area 241 can extend throughout the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in the length direction and in the height direction and have an area larger than that of the bladder 40. Note that the lower section of the thin layer of high-polymer 24 and the lower section of the inner cloth 23 become substantially S-shaped due to provision of the bladder 40.

In a modified embodiment shown in FIG. 9 that is modified from the bra cup 20 of FIG. 8, the bladder 40 is mounted between a lower section of the outer face 27 of the inner cloth 23 and a lower section of the inner face 242 of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. Specifically, the outer side 42 of the bladder 40 is bonded to the lower section of the inner face 242 of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24, and the inner side 44 of the bladder 40 is bonded to the lower section of the outer face 27 of the inner cloth 23. Note that the lower section of the inner cloth 23 become substantially S-shaped due to provision of the bladder 40.

In a modified embodiment shown in FIG. 10 that is modified from the bra cup 20 of FIG. 8, the bladder 40 is replaced with an air-permeable pad 50 made of air-permeable cotton material. Specifically, the air-permeable pad 50 includes a convex outer side 51 bonded to a lower section of the inner face 28 of the outer cloth 22 and a convex inner side 52 bonded to a lower section of the outer face 240 of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The air-permeable pad 50 supports and raises the breast of the wearer to provide a cleavage. The air-permeable pad 50 is spaced from the perimeter of the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The air-permeable pad 50 is coextensive with the perforate area 241 in the length direction. However, the perforate area 241 can extend throughout the thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in the length direction and in the height direction and have an area larger than that of the air-permeable pad 50.

In another embodiment of the bra cup 20 shown in FIG. 11, outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24 are mounted between the outer cloth 22 and the inner cloth 23. Specifically, the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 has a convex outer face 240 engaged with the inner face 28 of the outer cloth 22 and a concave inner face 242. The inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 includes an outer face 240 having a convex upper section engaged with an upper section of the concave inner face 242 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 further includes an inner face 242 engaged with the outer face 27 of the inner cloth 23. Each of the outer and inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 includes a perforate area 241 having a plurality of vents 25 extending from the outer face 240 through the inner face 242 thereof. According to the most preferred form shown, the inner and outer thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24 are coextensive with the inner and outer cloths 23 and 22 in the length and height directions, the perforate area 241 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 is coextensive with the perforate area 241 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in the length and height directions, and the vents 25 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 are aligned with the vents 25 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. However, the perforate area 241 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 does not have to be coextensive with the perforate area 241 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24, and the vents 25 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 can be misaligned with the vents 25 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. Furthermore, a bladder 40 is fixed (by e.g., bonding) between lower sections of the thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24. The bladder 40 includes a convex outer side 42 bonded to a lower section of the inner face 242 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 and a convex inner side 44 bonded to a lower section of the outer face 240 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The bladder 40 includes a hollow interior between the outer and inner sides 42 and 44 and filled with fluid 41 such as oil, air, water, or powdery lotion to lift the breast of the wearer and to provide a cleavage. The bladder 40 is spaced from the perimeters of the inner and outer thin layers of high-molecular polymer 24. The bladder 40 is coextensive with the perforate areas 241. However, the perforate areas 241 can extend throughout the thin layer of high-molecular polymers 24 in the length direction and in the height direction and have an area larger than that of the bladder 40.

In yet another embodiment of the bra cup 20 shown in FIG. 12, outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24 are mounted between the outer cloth 22 and the inner cloth 23. Furthermore, outer and inner air-permeable cloths 221 and 231, such as air-permeable mesh cloths, are mounted between the outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24. Further, a bladder 40 is mounted between lower sections of the outer and inner air-permeable cloths 221 and 231. Specifically, the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 has a convex outer face 240 engaged with the inner face 28 of the outer cloth 22 and a concave inner face 242. The outer air-permeable cloth 221 includes a convex outer face 222 engaged with the inner face 242 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 and a concave inner face 224. The inner air-permeable cloth 231 includes an outer face 232 having a convex upper section engaged with an upper section of the inner face 224 of the outer air-permeable cloth 221. The inner air-permeable cloth 231 further includes an inner face 224. The inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 includes an outer face 240 engaged with the inner face 234 of the inner air-permeable cloth 231. The inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 further includes an inner face 242 engaged with the outer face 27 of the inner cloth 23. Each of the outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymer 24 includes a perforate area 241 having a plurality of vents 25 extending from the outer face 240 through the inner face 242 thereof According to the most preferred form shown, the perforate area 241 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 is coextensive with the perforate area 241 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in the length and height directions, and the vents 25 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 are aligned with the vents 25 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. Furthermore, the outer and inner air-permeable cloth 221 and 231 are coextensive with the outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24 and the outer and inner cloths 22 and 23 in the length and height directions. However, the perforate area 241 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 does not have to be coextensive with the perforate area 241 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24, and the vents 25 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 can be misaligned with the vents 25 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The bladder 40 includes a convex outer side 42 bonded to a lower section of the inner face 224 of the outer air-permeable cloth 221 and a convex inner side 44 bonded to a lower section of the outer face 232 of the inner air-permeable cloth 231. The bladder 40 includes a hollow interior between the outer and inner sides 42 and 44 and filled with fluid 41 such as oil, air, water, or powdery lotion to lift the breast of the wearer and to provide a cleavage. The bladder 40 is spaced from perimeters of the outer and inner air-permeable cloths 22 and 23 that are preferably aligned with the perimeters of the inner and outer layers of high-molecular polymer 24. The bladder 40 can be coextensive with the perforate areas 241.

FIG. 13 shows a further modified embodiment of the bra cup 20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention modified from the bra cup 20 of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24 are mounted between the outer cloth 22 and the inner cloth 23. Furthermore, an air-permeable cloth 221 is mounted between the outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24. Specifically, the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 has a convex outer face 240 engaged with the inner face 28 of the outer cloth 22 and a concave inner face 242. The air-permeable cloth 221 includes a convex outer face 222 engaged with the inner face 242 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 and a concave inner face 224. The inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 includes a convex outer face 240 engaged with the inner face 224 of the air-permeable cloth 221. The inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 further includes a concave inner face 242 engaged with the outer face 27 of the inner cloth 23. Each of the outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymer 24 includes a perforate area 241 having a plurality of vents 25 extending from the outer face 240 through the inner face 242 thereof. According to the most preferred form shown, the perforate area 241 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 is coextensive with the perforate area 241 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 in the length and height directions, and the vents 25 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 are aligned with the vents 25 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. Furthermore, the air-permeable cloth 22 is coextensive with the outer and inner thin layers of high-molecular polymers 24 and the outer and inner cloths 22 and 23 in the length and height directions. However, the perforate area 241 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 does not have to be coextensive with the perforate area 241 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24, and the vents 25 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24 can be misaligned with the vents 25 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24.

FIG. 14 shows a further modified embodiment of the bra cup 20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention modified from the bra cup 20 of FIG. 11. In this embodiment, an air-permeable cloth 221 is added. Specifically, the air-permeable cloth 221 includes a convex outer face 240 engaged with the concave inner face 242 of the outer thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The air-permeable cloth 221 further includes a concave inner face 242 having an upper section engaged with the upper section of the convex outer face 240 of the inner thin layer of high-molecular polymer 24. The inner face 242 of the air-permeable cloth 221 further includes a lower section engaged with the outer side 42 of the bladder 40.

FIG. 15 shows a further modified embodiment of the bra cup 20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention modified from the bra cup 20 of FIG. 14, wherein the bladder 40 is replaced with an air-permeable pad 50 shown in FIG. 10.

The bra cups 20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention are thin, light, and air-permeable and are capable of providing elastic shaping force for supporting the breasts of the wearer by providing one or more thin layers of high-molecular polymer 24 with a plurality of vents 25 between the outer and inner cloths 22 and 23. The bra 10 utilizing the bra cups 20 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is durable without the risk of deformation and provides the wearer with wearing comfort while beatifying the breasts of the wearer.

Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A bra cup comprising, in combination:

an outer cloth including a convex outer face and a concave inner face;

an inner cloth including an outer face and a breast covering inner face adapted for covering a breast of a wearer of the bra cup; and

a first layer of high-molecular polymer between the concave inner face of the outer cloth and the outer face of the inner cloth, with the first layer of high-molecular polymer including a convex outer face and a concave inner face, with the first layer of high-molecular polymer further including a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in a length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in a height direction perpendicular to the length direction, with the first layer of high-molecular polymer further including a first perforate area having a plurality of first vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof, with the first perforate area extending from the upper edge through the lower edge of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction, with the first perforate area further extending from a center of the first layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and having a length at least two-thirds of that of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.

2. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in combination: a bladder mounted between a lower section of the inner face of the outer cloth and a lower section of the outer face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, with the bladder including a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the outer cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the front face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, and with the bladder including an interior between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid.

3. The bra cup as claimed in claim 2, with the bladder being spaced from the perimeter of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, and with the bladder being coextensive with the first perforate area of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.

4. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in combination: a bladder mounted between a lower section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a lower section of the outer face of the inner cloth, with the bladder including a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the inner cloth, and with the bladder including an interior between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid.

5. The bra cup as claimed in claim 4, with the bladder being spaced from the perimeter of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, and with the bladder being coextensive with the first perforate area of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.

6. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in combination: an air-permeable pad mounted between a lower section of the inner face of the outer cloth and a lower section of the outer face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, with the air-permeable pad including a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the outer cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the front face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer.

7. The bra cup as claimed in claim 6, with the air-permeable pad being spaced from the perimeter of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, with the air-permeable pad being coextensive with the first perforate area of the first layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.

8. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in combination:

a second layer of high-molecular polymer between the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer including an outer face having a convex upper section engaged with an upper section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, with the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a lower section, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including an inner face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof, with the second perforate area extending from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction, with the second perforate area further extending from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and having a length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction; and

a bladder mounted between a lower section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, with the bladder including a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, and with the bladder including an interior between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid.

9. The bra cup as claimed in claim 8, with the bladder being spaced from the perimeter of each of the first and second layers of high-molecular polymer, with the first perforate area being coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height directions, with the plurality of first vents being aligned with the plurality of second vents, and with the bladder being coextensive with the first and second perforate areas in the length direction.

10. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in combination.

an outer air-permeable cloth between the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the outer cloth, with the outer air-permeable cloth including a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer and a concave inner face having an upper section and a lower section;

an inner air-permeable cloth between the outer air-permeable cloth and the outer cloth, with the inner air-permeable cloth including an outer face having a convex upper section engaged with the upper section of the inner face of the outer air-permeable cloth, with the outer face of the inner air-permeable cloth further including a lower section, with the inner air-permeable cloth further including an inner face;

a second layer of high-molecular polymer between the inner air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer including an outer face engaged with the inner face of the inner air-permeable cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including an inner face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof, with the second perforate area extending from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction, with the second perforate area further extending from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and having a length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction; and

a bladder mounted between the lower section of the inner face of the outer air-permeable cloth and the lower section of the outer face of the inner air-permeable cloth, with the bladder including a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the outer air-permeable cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the inner air-permeable cloth, with the bladder including an interior between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid.

11. The bra cup as claimed in claim 10, with the bladder being spaced from a perimeter of each of the inner and outer air-permeable cloths, with the first perforate area being coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height directions, with the plurality of first vents being aligned with the plurality of second vents, and with the bladder being coextensive with the first and second perforate areas in the length direction.

12. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in combination:

an air-permeable cloth between the outer air-permeable cloth and the outer cloth, with the air-permeable cloth including a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, with the inner air-permeable cloth further including a concave inner face; and

a second layer of high-molecular polymer between the air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer including a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the air-permeable cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a concave inner face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof, with the second perforate area extending from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction, with the second perforate area further extending from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and having a length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction.

13. The bra cup as claimed in claim 12, with the first perforate area being coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height directions, and with the plurality of first vents being aligned with the plurality of second vents.

14. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in combination:

an air-permeable cloth between the outer air-permeable cloth and the outer cloth, with the air-permeable cloth including a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, with the air-permeable cloth further including a concave inner face having an upper section and a lower section;

a second layer of high-molecular polymer between the inner air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer including an outer face having an upper section engaged with the upper section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including an inner face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof, with the second perforate area extending from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction, with the second perforate area further extending from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and having a length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction; and

a bladder mounted between the lower section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth and a lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, with the bladder including a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, with the bladder including an interior between the inner and outer sides and filled with fluid.

15. The bra cup as claimed in claim 14, with the bladder being spaced from a perimeter of the air-permeable cloth and from the perimeter of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, with the first perforate area being coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height directions, with the plurality of first vents being aligned with the plurality of second vents, and with the bladder being coextensive with the first and second perforate areas in the length direction.

16. The bra cup as claimed in claim 1, further comprising, in combination:

an air-permeable cloth between the first layer of high-molecular polymer and the inner cloth, with the air-permeable cloth including a convex outer face engaged with the inner face of the first layer of high-molecular polymer, with the air-permeable cloth further including a concave inner face having an upper section and a lower section;

a second layer of high-molecular polymer between the air-permeable cloth and the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer including an outer face having an upper section engaged with the upper section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth, with the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a lower section, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including an inner face engaged with the outer face of the inner cloth, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a perimeter having first and second edges spaced in the length direction and upper and lower edges spaced in the height direction, with the second layer of high-molecular polymer further including a second perforate area having a plurality of second vents each extending from the outer face through the inner face thereof, with the second perforate area extending from the upper edge through the lower edge of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the height direction, with the second perforate area further extending from a center of the second layer of high-molecular polymer toward the first and second edges in the length direction and having a length at least two-thirds of that of the second layer of high-molecular polymer in the length direction; and

an air-permeable pad mounted between the lower section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth and the lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, with the air-permeable pad including a convex outer side bonded to the lower section of the inner face of the air-permeable cloth and a convex inner side bonded to the lower section of the outer face of the second layer of high-molecular polymer.

17. The bra cup as claimed in claim 16, with the air-permeable pad being spaced from a perimeter of the air-permeable cloth and from the perimeter of the second layer of high-molecular polymer, with the first perforate area being coextensive with the second perforate area in the length and height directions, with the plurality of first vents being aligned with the plurality of second vents, and with the air-permeable pad being coextensive with the first and second perforate areas in the length direction.