CORSETRY CUP

Abstract

A corsetry cup is provided that has two preformed textile spacing layers connected together at least at their edges, wherein between the two spacing layers, a chamber is formed to receive a filler layer. Each spacing layer, at least in sections, has an inner layer on its inside, which is connected to the spacing layer, such that the chamber is completely surrounded by the inner layer. The inner layer has a material that is water repellent and/or water impermeable.

Description

This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to German Patent Application No. DE 20 2010 016 747.7, which was filed in Germany on Dec. 17, 2010, and which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a corsetry cup comprising two preformed textile spacing layers, connected to one another at least on the outer edges, wherein a chamber is formed between the two spacing layers to receive a filler layer.

2. Description of the Background Art

Corsetry cups are often incorporated, for example, into cups of a brassiere to make a breast appear larger. Usually, cushion layers made of foam, fiber or other spacing textiles are used for corsetry cups. These materials ensure good cushioning and thus the appearance of a larger breast, but these materials have the drawback that when they come into contact with water, they behave like a sponge and draw the water into their interior. As a result the materials dry very poorly and become very heavy when wet because of their high water content.

The fact that the cushion materials mentioned dry poorly and are very heavy in the wet state is highly disadvantageous, especially when a corsetry cup is used for swimsuits. Particularly in the case of swimsuits, low water uptake by the clothing and rapid drying of the wet clothing are desired. Aside from the poor drying result, furthermore, for example, a wet swimsuit or a wet bikini top with a cup cushioned with the materials mentioned becomes unnaturally heavy, which considerably impairs the overall visual appearance of the swimsuit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a corsetry cup that is suitable for use in swim or leisure wear, which dries relatively rapidly in particular after contact with water, and even in the wet state shows a good visual appearance.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the object is accomplished by a corsetry cup comprising two preformed textile spacing layers, which are joined together at least at their edges, wherein a chamber is formed between the two spacing layers to receive a filler layer, characterized in that each spacing layer at least in sections has an inner layer on its inside connected with the spacing layer, wherein the chamber is completely surrounded by the inner layer, and that the inner layer consists of a material that is water-repellent and/or impermeable to water.

The present invention has the advantage that a watertight chamber is formed between the two textile spacing layers and that material usable for increasing the volume of the corsetry cup, namely foam, fiber material or spacing textiles, can be incorporated in a watertight chamber. The cushioning or filler material, generally showing a tendency toward high water uptake, is thus protected from contact with water, and in consequence does not become filled with water upon contact of the corsetry cup with water, especially during swimming. As a result, the swim or leisure wear provided with the corsetry cup takes up relatively little water and thus dries comparatively quickly. Furthermore, according to the invention, no additional weight increase in the corsetry cup in contact with water takes place, so that the swim or leisure wear also provides a good visual appearance in the wet condition.

The textile spacing layer results in a space on the outside of the corsetry cup relative to the watertight chamber, so that air circulation is possible between the skin of the wearer and the watertight chamber, resulting in a pleasant sensation when wearing. It has proven especially advantageous that the textile spacing layer be made of a spacing textile, for example a knitted spacing material or a woven spacing material.

In an embodiment, the inner layer is a plastic film layer. A plastic film layer is low in weight and can fit well against the preformed spacing layer.

To further improve the comfort of wearing, in an embodiment, air circulation through the corsetry cup is provided in that the inner layer is formed as a moisture- and air-permeable membrane.

To obtain a particularly firm connection of the inner layer and the spacing layer, it is advantageous that the inner layer and the spacing layer are connected together at least partially, in particular are laminated together.

It is furthermore advantageous that the two inner layers are connected together liquid-tight, especially are sealed together. In this way it is ensured that no liquid, especially water, can penetrate into the chamber, which in turn could be taken up by the filler or cushioning material.

Since swim or leisure wear is also washed and used at higher bathing temperatures, for example 36/37° C., it is advantageous that the inner layer is essentially stable in shape in a predetermined temperature range, especially that it does not shrink. Shrinking of the inner layer would mean that the inner layer either pulls away from the spacing layer or the spacing layer would contract, which in both cases would lead to an unattractive external appearance of the swim or leisure wear provided with a corsetry cup.

The predetermined temperature range advantageously covers a range between about 0° C. to 100° C.

It is advantageous for the filler layer to comprise at least one of the materials foam, fiber material or spacing textiles, wherein the filler layer can also be a multi-layer filler core.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawing which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein the sole FIGURE illustrates a cross-section through a corsetry cup according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The FIGURE shows a cross-section through a corsetry cup 10 according to a preferred embodiment. The corsetry cup 10 consists of two preformed spacing layers 12 and 14, which are made from a woven or knitted spacing material, i.e., from a spacing textile. The two spacing layers 12 and 14 are shaped differently from one another and are connected together at their edges. Between the two spacing layers 12 and 14, a chamber 16 is formed. On the inside of each spacing layer 12, 14 an inner layer 18 is arranged. The chamber 16 is filled with a filler material.

The inner layer can consist of a water-repellent and/or water-impermeable material, for example plastic. To keep the corsetry cup breathable, the embodiments shown have a moisture-air-permeable membrane.

The inner layers 18 cover the spacing layers 12, 14, in each case essentially over the full surface, and are firmly connected to these. In particular, the inner layer 18 and the respective spacing layers 12, 14 are laminated together. The chamber 16 is fully lined with the inner layer 18. At the points where the two inner layers 18 make contact, i.e., in the area of the edges of the spacing layers 12 and 14, the two inner layers 18 are firmly connected together and form a watertight bond.

The chamber 16 is thus formed as a watertight cavity. The filler material arranged in the chamber 16, which for example may be a layer of foam, fiber material or spacing textile, thus remains dry on contact of the corsetry cup with water. Thus when a corsetry cup according to the invention is used, only the spacing layer becomes wet on contact with water.

The inner layer furthermore is stable in shape over a temperature range, which may comprise a range between about 0° C. to 100° C. In particular, the film does not shrink upon contact with higher water temperatures. Thus the corsetry cup retains its desired shape even after drying of the swim or leisure wear.

The corsetry cups according to the invention are preferably suitable for swimsuits, which according to their purpose frequently become wet. In addition the corsetry cups according to the invention, in the case of clothing that must be washed frequently, for example athletic or leisure wear, offer the advantage that since the filler layer does not become wet, will dry rapidly and be ready for use again.

Instead of a single-layer filler material, alternatively a filler core consisting of multiple layers may be used. Within the framework of the invention it is likewise possible not to incorporate any filler material into the chamber.

The corsetry cups produced according to the invention can for example have an outer textile layer, not shown, on one or both sides for reasons of appearance.

The corsetry cups shown are not only suitable for use in breast cups of a brassiere or the like, but are also for example suitable as shoulder pads or as pads for athletic pants or underpants.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A corsetry cup comprising:

two preformed textile spacing layers connected together at least at their edges; and

a chamber formed between the two spacing layers, the chamber being configured to receive a filler layer,

wherein each spacing layer, at least in sections, has an inner layer on its inside, which is connected to the spacing layer, such that the chamber is completely surrounded by the inner layer, and

wherein the inner layer is formed of a material that is water repellent and/or water impermeable.

2. The corsetry cup according to claim 1, wherein the textile spacing layer is made of a spacing textile.

3. The corsetry cup according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer is a plastic film layer.

4. The corsetry cup according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer is a moisture- and air-permeable membrane.

5. The corsetry cup according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer and the spacing layer are adhered together at least in sections, or are laminated together.

6. The corsetry cup according to claim 1, wherein the two inner layers are connected together liquid-tight, especially are sealed together.

7. The corsetry cup according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer is essentially stable in shape in a predetermined temperature range such that it does not shrink.

8. The corsetry cup according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined temperature range comprises a range between about 0° C. to 100° C.

9. The corsetry cup according to claim 1, wherein the filler layer comprises at least one of the materials foam, fiber material or spacing textiles.

10. The corsetry cup according to claim 1, wherein the filler layer is a multi-layer filler core.