GARMENT HAVING CUP PARTS

Abstract

A brassiere (1) includes: a pair of cup parts (20); a front part (2) that covers front sides of the pair of cup parts (20); a band-shaped part (4) that is connected to the front part (2), is to be disposed circumferentially under the breasts of a wearer, and is formed of a member that exerts a tightening force; and link parts (21 to 24) formed of at least four stretchy tape-shaped members for each of the cup parts (20). Widthwise sides of the respective tape-shaped members are connected to an upper side portion, an upper inner portion, a lower side portion, and a lower inner portion of the cup part (20), and a side of each of the tape-shaped members opposite to the side connected to the cup part (20) is connected to either the front part (2) or the band-shaped part (4). A center area of lengthwise sides of each of the tape-shaped members is separable from the front part (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a garment having cup parts covering breasts.

BACKGROUND ART

Brassieres effective in aesthetical shaping of the breasts are widespread in general. To provide good shaping, various kinds of brassieres are widespread such as a wired brassiere with a wire to support the breasts, a ¾-cup brassiere, and a half-cup brassiere.

Also widespread are sports brassieres that adapt to the movement of a wearer and are suitable to be worn by a wearer playing sports. Sports brassieres not only offer mobility, but also keep the breasts from bouncing. Thus, many sports brassieres are structured to hold the breasts down (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

Patent Document

PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-104613

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, general sports brassieres are highly functional in keeping the breasts from bouncing, but often provide poor shaping due to the configuration to hold the breasts down. On the other hand, regular brassieres provide good shaping, but often fail to keep the breasts from bouncing.

Thus, development of a brassiere capable of providing good shaping and keeping the breasts from bouncing is anticipated.

The present invention therefore has an objective to provide a garment having cup parts capable of providing good shaping and keeping the breasts from bouncing.

Means for Solving the Problem

To solve the above problem, a garment having cup parts according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a pair of cup parts that cover breasts; a front part that covers front sides of the pair of cup parts; a band-shaped part that is connected to the front part, is to be disposed circumferentially under the breasts of a wearer, and is formed of a member that exerts a tightening force; and link parts. The link parts are formed of at least four stretchy tape-shaped members for each of the cup parts. Widthwise sides of the respective tape-shaped members are connected to an upper side portion, an upper inner portion, a lower side portion, and a lower inner portion of the cup part, and a side of each of the tape-shaped members opposite to the side connected to the cup part is connected to either the front part or the band-shaped part. A center area of lengthwise sides of each of the tape-shaped members is separable from the front part.

Effect of the Invention

The present invention can provide a garment having cup parts capable of providing good shaping and keeping the bust from bouncing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a brassiere according to an embodiment of the present invention on a wearer.

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the brassiere according to the embodiment of the present invention on a wearer.

FIGS. 3a-3b are a perspective view of the brassiere according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3(a) being a diagram from which a front part is cut off and FIG. 3(b) being a diagram of the cut-off front part.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the inside of the brassiere according to the embodiment of the present invention from the skin side, the diagram missing an upper skin-side part and a base skin-side part partially.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the brassiere according to the embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same or like elements are denoted by the same or like reference numerals.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the stretch and recovery properties are measured by attaching a test piece to a constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile testing machine, repeating stretch and recovery a plurality of times at a speed of approximately 300 mm per minute, and calculating the average of stretch forces (cN) exerted when the test piece is stretched a predetermined percent in a predetermined direction and recovery forces (cN) exerted when the test piece is recovered the predetermined percent. An elongation percentage is measured by attaching a test piece to a constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile testing machine and applying a predetermined load to the test piece in a predetermined direction. Here, the test piece is 160 mm×25 mm if the test piece is a sheet-shaped member, and is 160 mm×the full width if the test piece is a tape-shaped member. The test piece is attached to the constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile testing machine with an upper grip of 25 mm, a lower grip of 35 mm, and a grip interval of 100 mm.

EMBODIMENT

In an embodiment of the present invention, a brassiere 1 is described as an example of a garment having cup parts covering the breasts. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the brassiere 1 includes a front part 2, a back covering part 3, and a band-shaped part 4.

The front part 2 covers the front side of the wearer. The front part 2 is formed by a stretchy member covering the front sides of a pair of cup parts 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 3a-3b. Provided symmetrically at the skin side of the front part 2 are, in addition to the pair of cup parts 20, link parts 21 to 24, an upper skin-side part 26, and a base skin-side part 27.

The back covering part 3 covers the back side of the wearer and is connected to the front part 2 near the shoulder lines. So as not to cover the shoulder blade areas, the back covering part 3 is divided into two parts near the shoulders, the two parts being integrated at the height position of the shoulder blade areas, extending through the center of the back, and then below the height position of the shoulder blade areas, branching away from each other to the left and right sides. The back covering part 3 may be formed of, for example, a mesh material to allow ventilation.

The band-shaped part 4 is to be disposed circumferentially under the breasts of the wearer, and is formed by a member that exerts a tightening force. The band-shaped part 4 is connected to both the lower edge of the front part 2 and the lower edge of the back covering part 3. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the front part 2 and the back covering part 3 may be connected to the band-shaped part 4 while overlapping each other near the center of each of the left and right sides. Further, the front part 2 and the back covering part 3 are preferably not fixed to each other near the center of each of the sides so as not to hinder the movement of the wearer.

The band-shaped part 4 is, for example, a broad rubber band which is approximately two to four centimeters wide. Since the band-shaped part 4 is formed of a powerful member, the band-shaped part 4 stably stays in place on the torso of the wearer without being disarrayed or displaced by the movement of the wearer. Due to its tightening force, the band-shaped part 4 enables the front part 2 and the back covering part 3 to stay at their predetermined positions. The skin side of the band-shaped part 4 may have a non-slip treatment such as bumps formed by embroidery.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the embodiment of the present invention, a set of two male hooks 41 are provided at an end of the band-shaped part 4, and four sets of two female hooks 42 are provided at the other end of the band-shaped part 4 to mate with the set of two male hooks 41. The wearer locks the male hooks 41 in an appropriate set of female hooks 42 out of the four sets of the female hooks to gain tightness suited for her physique. The band-shaped part 4 thus formed to be detachable allows the wearer to readily put on and take off the brassiere.

Front Part

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the front part 2 includes a cup covering portion 2a, base covering portions 2b, side covering portions 2c, and shoulder contacting portions 2d.

The cup covering portion 2a is disposed on the breasts area of the front part 2. The cup covering portion 2a covers the pair of cup parts 20 without exposing the shapes of the pair of cup parts 20 disposed on the skin side, and smoothly fits along the shapes of the breasts. The lower edge of the cup covering portion 2a is connected to the band-shaped part 4.

The cup covering portion 2a is formed of a material such as, for example, tricot. The cup covering portion 2a is preferably a laterally stretchable material so that it can fit the body of the wearer widthwise. It is also preferable that the cup covering portion 2a is a material that can blend with the shape of the breasts of the wearer.

The base covering portions 2b are disposed at positions on the front part 2 corresponding to lower side portions of the respective breasts. The base covering portions 2b are each substantially triangular, and are connected to the cup covering portion 2a at positions corresponding to the lower side portions of the respective breasts. The lower edges of the base covering portions 2b are connected to the band-shaped part 4. Since the cup covering portion 2a and the base covering portions 2b are separate parts from each other, the front part 2 can be three-dimensionally shaped to provide the roundness of the breasts.

The base covering portions 2b are formed of, for example, a material such as tricot. The base covering portions 2b are preferably a laterally stretchable material so that it can fit the body of the wearer widthwise.

The side covering portions 2c are disposed starting from positions corresponding to upper side portions of the respective breasts, extending along the cup covering portion 2a and the corresponding base covering portions 2b at the arm sides, and terminating at the left and right side lines, respectively. The upper edges of the side covering portions 2c are connected to the respective shoulder contacting portions 2d. The inner edges of the side covering portions 2c (closer to the midline of the wearer) are connected to the cup covering portion 2a and the corresponding base covering portions 2b. Their lower edges are connected to the band-shaped part 4. When the brassiere 1 is worn, the pulling forces from the shoulder lines and the tightening force from the band-shaped part 4 vertically stretch the side covering portions 2c and hold the side breast fat down, aesthetically correcting the lines around the side breast fat.

For example, the side covering portions 2c are formed of a material such as tricot. The side covering portions 2c are preferably a material that exerts a force of recovery when stretched and exerts a tightening force so as to facilitate pushing of the side breast fat of the wearer.

The shoulder contacting portions 2d are disposed across the respective shoulder lines. The shoulder contacting portions 2d are connected to the respective side covering portions 2c at the front of the wearer and are connected to the back covering part 3 at the back of the wearer.

The shoulder contacting portions 2d are, for example, formed of a material such as tricot. Since the brassiere 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention pulls up the pair of cup parts 20 and the side covering portions 2c at the shoulder lines, loads are applied to the shoulder lines. Thus, the shoulder contacting portions 2d, being formed of a soft material that stretches smoothly, give a better touch on the skin around the shoulders, achieving comfort of wear and mobility.

In an example described in the embodiment of the present invention, the cup covering portion 2a and the shoulder contacting portions 2d are integrally formed of a single member. In the embodiment of the present invention, the single member constituting the cup covering portion 2a and the shoulder contacting portions 2d and a pair of members constituting the base covering portions 2b are connected to form the shape of the front part 2. As illustrated in FIG. 3(b) , the side covering portions 2c are superimposed on the side portions of the member formed by connecting the pair of members constituting the base covering portions 2b to the cup covering portion 2a. The side covering portions 2c may alternatively be superimposed on the back side (the skin side). In another embodiment, the cup covering portion 2a and the shoulder contacting portions 2d may be formed of separate members, and the cup covering portion 2a, the base covering portions 2b, the side covering portions 2c, and the shoulder contacting portions 2d may be connected together to form the shape of the front part 2.

Cup Parts

With reference to FIGS. 3a-3b and 4, a description is given of the cup parts 20 provided inside the brassiere 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The cup parts 20 are shaped as a pair of bells three-dimensionally covering the left and right breasts to ensure shaping and shape retention of the breasts. In the embodiment of the present invention, the cup parts 20 do not have wires along the barge scan lines, and instead, use a stretchy material to form the bell shapes matching the shapes of the breasts. In the embodiment of the present invention, the cup parts 20 are formed of a urethane material having shaping retention properties.

The cup parts 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention are formed by molded members made of urethane having shape retention properties, but may be formed of three-dimensionally shaped non-woven fabric, sponge, or the like, and any of various members may be used. Further, the structure of the cup parts 20 is not limited to the wire-free structure, and may be, for example, one that supports the barge scan lines with wires. Also, there is no limitation in the shapes of the cup parts 20.

Link Parts

With reference to FIGS. 3a-3b and 4, a description is given of the link parts 21 to 24 connected to each of the cup parts 20 provided inside the brassiere 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3a-3b and 4, the link parts 21 to 24 are connected to each of the cup parts 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the link parts 21 to 24 being formed by at least four stretchy tape-shaped members. The link parts 21 to 24 are members that are made of a powernet material or the like that is highly stretchy, smoothly stretches in a predetermined direction, and exerts a tightening force. The link parts 21 to 24 can keep the breasts from bouncing by following the bouncing of the breasts through stretching and by drawing the breasts using the tightening properties.

In the link parts 21 to 24, one widthwise sides of the respective tape-shaped members are connected to an upper side portion, an upper inner portion, a lower side portion, and a lower inner portion of the corresponding cup part 20. Their sides opposite to the sides connected to the cup parts 20 are connected to either the front part 2 or the band-shaped part 4. Each tape-shaped member is so formed that a center area of the lengthwise sides thereof is separable from the front part 2. The link parts 21 to 24 are stretchier lengthwise than widthwise.

Areas near the two opposite widthwise sides of each of the link parts 21 to 24 are connected to the cup part 20 and to the front part 2 or the band-shaped part 4, and the center areas of the two lengthwise sides are not connected to any of the members. Areas near end portions of the lengthwise sides (areas near the two opposite widthwise sides) may be connected to the front part 2 as seam allowance for being connected to the front part 2 or the cup part 20. On the other hand, the center areas of the lengthwise sides (portions of the two lengthwise sides of each of the link parts 21 to 24 away from the two opposite widthwise sides) are not connected to any of the members and are formed in such a manner as to be separable from all the members. Thus, each of the link parts 21 to 24 is not affected by any of the other members and can stretch and contract independently of one another depending on the distance between the two opposite widthwise sides of the link part 21 to 24. Since the link parts 21 to 24 independently stretch and contract by following the movement of the wearer and the bouncing of the breasts caused by the movement of the wearer, the link parts 21 to 24 are capable of absorbing the movement of the breasts, drawing the breasts toward the center of the body, and keeping the breasts from bouncing. Further, since the link parts 21 to 24 absorb the movement of the breasts, the cup parts 20 can stay close to the breasts, thereby prevented from being displaced. Furthermore, the link parts 21 to 24 exert tightening forces independently, thereby keeping the breasts from bouncing. Moreover, the link parts 21 to 24 are connected to the edge of each of the cup parts 20 and hence do not hold the cup parts 20 down. Thus, the link parts 21 to 24 can retain the shapes of the cup parts 20 without compromising the retaining of the shapes of the cup parts 20.

Hereinbelow, the link parts 21 to 24 are referred to as a first link part 21, a second link part 22, a third link part 23, and a fourth link part 24 and described in further detail.

The first link part 21 is connected to an upper side portion of a corresponding one of the cup parts 20 and connected to the front part 2 at a position corresponding to an upper side portion of the breast. In the embodiment of the present invention, the first link part 21 is connected to the connection between the cup covering portion 2a and the corresponding shoulder contacting portion 2d of the front part 2. Thus, the first link part 21 stretches and contracts by following the movement of the corresponding cup part 20 while being supported at the connection between the cup covering portion 2a and the shoulder contacting portion 2d. The first link part 21 may be extended further to the shoulder line.

The second link part 22 is connected to an upper inner portion of the cup part 20 (near the midline of the wearer), and is connected to the front part 2 at a position corresponding to an upper inner portion of the breast. In the embodiment of the present invention, the second link part 22 is connected to the upper edge of the cup covering portion 2a of the front part 2 near the midline (near the décolletage). The connection between the second link part 22 and the cup covering portion 2a is disposed while being tensioned laterally by the pulling-up force exerted by the left and right shoulder contacting portions 2d. Thus, the second link part 22 stretches and contracts by following the movement of the cup part 20 while being supported at the connection with the cup covering portion 2a.

The third link part 23 is connected to a lower side portion of the cup part 20, and is connected to the band-shaped part 4 and the front part 2 at a position corresponding to a lower side portion of the breast. Since the band-shaped part 4 exerts a strong tightening force and stably stays on the wearer as described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the third link part 23 stretches and contracts by following the movement of the cup part 20 while being supported at the connection with the band-shaped part 4.

The fourth link part 24 is connected to a lower inner portion of the cup part 20 (near the midline of the wearer) and is connected to the band-shaped part 4 and the front part 2 at a position corresponding to a lower inner portion of the breast. In the embodiment of the present invention, the fourth link part 24 stretches and contracts by following the movement of the cup part 20 while being supported at the connection with the band-shaped part 4, like the third link part 23.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the first link part 21 and the second link part 22 are disposed to form substantially the letter V together, and the third link part 23 and the fourth link part 24 are disposed to form substantially the upside-down letter V together. Thus, each cup part 20 receives vertical and lateral powers from the link parts 21 to 24. The link parts 21 to 24 stretch and contract in predetermined directions independently, and hence absorb the movement of the cup part 20 in any direction and keep the breast from bouncing and the cup part 20 from being displaced. The first link part 21, the second link part 22, the third link part 23, and the fourth link part 24 draw the cup part 20 with balance by their tightening forces and keep the cup part 20 from bouncing.

When the brassiere 1 is worn, the link parts 21 to 24 stretch to fit the wearer. A point P1 is a point at which the first link part 21 is connected to the cup part 20 and a point P1′ is a point at which the first link part 21 is connected to the cup covering portion 2a. The length between the point P1 and the point P1′ is shorter when the brassiere 1 is placed flat than when the brassiere 1 is worn. Thus, the link parts 21 to 24 fit the wearer when the brassiere 1 is worn, and when the cup parts 20 move, the link parts 21 to 24 can stretch and contract by following the movement of the cup parts 20 and exerting tightening forces.

The distance on each of the link parts 21 to 24 when the brassiere 1 is placed flat is shorter than, and is for example approximately 60% to 98% of, the distance on the front part 2 between the corresponding positions at which the link part 21 to 24 is connected. The distance on each of the link parts 21 to 24 may be appropriately adjusted by changing the material or stretch properties of the link parts 21 to 24.

Specifically, the length between the point P1 and the point P1′ on the first link part 21 when the brassiere 1 is placed flat is shorter than the length between the point P1 and the point P1′ on the front part 2 when the brassiere 1 is placed flat. The same is true for the other link parts. Thus, the cup parts 20 and the link parts 21 to 24 can be formed to be spaced away from the front part 2. Further, the link parts 21 to 24 are more stretchable and contractible than the front part 2, and therefore can stretch and contract independently of the stretch and contraction of the front part 2 and follow the movement of the breasts sensibly.

The second link part 22 preferably has a tensile force weaker than any of the first link part 21, the third link part 23, and the fourth link part 24. The first link part 21, the third link part 23, and the fourth link part 24 can withstand strong tensile forces because they are connected to and supported at the stable, strong hard-to-move positions, such as the shoulder lines or the band-shaped part 4. On the other hand, the second link part 22 is connected to an upper inner end portion of the cup covering portion 2a, and this connection is tensioned laterally by the pulling-up forces exerted by the left and right shoulder contacting portions 2d. Thus, the second link part 22 is easily movable and less stable than the other link parts. For this reason, the second link part 22 is formed to exert a weak tensile force so as to avoid the connection between the second link part 22 and the cup covering portion 2a being pulled by the second link part 22, resulting in poor fit to the wearer.

Specifically, the distance on each of the first link part 21, the third link part 23, and the fourth link part 24 when the brassiere 1 is placed flat is, for example, approximately 60% to 95% of the distance on the front part 2 between the corresponding positions at which the link part is connected. On the other hand, the distance on the second link part 22 when the brassiere 1 is placed flat is, for example, approximately 80% to 98% of the distance on the front part 2 between the corresponding positions at which the second link part 22 is connected.

The link parts 21 to 24 are preferably made of a material whose stretch and recovery properties in the length direction are, for example, approximately 100 cN to 180 cN. The stretch and recovery properties are measured by repeating stretch and recovery of a test piece attached to a constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile testing machine, and calculating the average of stretch forces (cN) exerted when the test piece is stretched 30% and recovery forces (cN) exerted when the test piece is recovered 30%.

For example, the link parts 21 to 24 are preferably made of a material whose elongation percentage in the length direction is approximately 100% to 160%. The elongation percentage is measured by applying, in the length direction, a load of 14.7 N to a test piece attached to a constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile testing machine.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the link parts 21 to 24 exert desired stretch forces by use of the same members with the lengths thereof adjusted. However, the present invention is not limited to the above case. The link parts 21 to 24 may use members with different stretch forces. For example, the member used for the second link part 22 may have lower stretch and recovery properties than the other members.

Upper Skin-Side Part and Base Skin-Side Part

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the upper skin-side part 26 and the base skin-side part 27 are disposed on the skin side of the brassiere 1.

The upper skin-side part 26 is disposed closer to the skin side than the link parts 21 to 24. The upper skin-side part 26 is connected to the upper peripheries of the cup parts 20, and is also connected to the front part 2 at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the breasts. The upper skin-side part 26 is formed of a sheet member that stretches and contracts vertically.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the upper skin-side part 26 is connected over a span of the upper edges of the cup parts 20, and is also connected to the front part 2 above the breasts area, more specifically to the upper edge of the side covering portions 2c. The upper skin-side part 26 is disposed so as to stretch more vertically than laterally. Thus, the upper skin-side part 26 lifts up the cup parts 20 smoothly by the pulling force from the shoulder lines, allowing following of the vertical movement of the cup parts 20. Since the upper skin-side part 26 is formed to receive power in directions different from the link parts 21 to 24, the upper skin-side part 26 enables the cup parts 20 to be lifted up without hindering the actions of the link parts 21 to 24.

Note that the upper skin-side part 26 may be extended beyond the connections between the cup covering portion 2a and the shoulder contacting portions 2d to the connection between the back covering part 3 and the shoulder contacting portions 2d.

The base skin-side part 27 is disposed closer to the skin side than the link parts 21 to 24. The base skin-side part 27 is connected to the lower peripheries of the cup parts 20, and is also connected to the front part 2 at positions corresponding to side portions of the breasts and to the band-shaped part 4. The base skin-side part 27 is formed of a sheet member that stretches and contracts laterally.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the base skin-side part 27 is connected over a span of the lower edges of the cup parts 20 and is also connected to the side edges of the side covering portions 2c of the front part 2 and to the upper edge of the band-shaped part 4. The base skin-side part 27 is disposed to stretch more laterally than vertically. Thus, the base skin-side part 27 stretches circumferentially (laterally) by the circumferential tightening force exerted by the band-shaped part 4, allowing the cup parts 20 to fit the wearer. Since the base skin-side part 27 is formed to receive power in directions different from the link parts 21 to 24, the base skin-side part 27 enables the cup parts 20 to fit the wearer without hindering the actions of the link parts 21 to 24.

The upper skin-side part 26 is preferably formed of a material that exerts power enough to pull up the cup parts 20. The base skin-side part 27 is preferably formed of a material that exerts power enough to fit the cup parts 20 to the wearer. Moreover, since the upper skin-side part 26 and the base skin-side part 27 come into direct contact with the skin, their materials are preferably pleasant to touch. Further, considering that the brassiere 1 is used during exercise, the upper skin-side part 26 and the base skin-side part 27 preferably have functions such as sweat absorbance and quick-drying.

When these functions cannot be achieved by a single material, each of the upper skin-side part 26 and the base skin-side part 27 may be formed of a plurality of materials. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the upper skin-side part 26 includes an upper skin-side contact portion 26a that comes into contact with the skin and an upper reinforcement portion 26b disposed closer to the front part 2 than the upper skin-side contact portion 26a. Similarly, the base skin-side part 27 includes a base skin-side contact portion 27a that comes into contact with the skin and a base reinforcement portion 27b disposed closer to the front part 2 than the base skin-side contact portion 27a.

The upper skin-side contact portion 26a and the base skin-side contact portion 27a that come into direct contact with the skin achieve functions such as a pleasant touch on the skin, sweat absorption, and quick-drying.

The upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base reinforcement portion 27b are formed of a powerful material such as, for example, a powernet material. The upper reinforcement portion 26b exerts power to pull up the cup parts 20, and the base reinforcement portion 27b exerts power to make the cup parts 20 fit the wearer.

The upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base reinforcement portion 27b are preferably made of a material whose stretch and recovery properties in a predetermined direction are, for example, approximately 100 cN to 180 cN. The stretch and recovery properties are measured by repeating stretch and recovery of a test piece attached to a constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile testing machine a plurality of times, and calculating the average of stretch forces (cN) exerted when the test piece is stretched 30% and recovery forces (cN) exerted when the test piece is recovered 30%.

Further, the upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base reinforcement portion 27b are preferably made of a material whose elongation percentage in a predetermined direction is approximately 100% to 160%. The elongation percentage is measured by applying, in a predetermined direction, a load of 14.7 N to a test piece attached to a constant-rate-of-extension-type tensile testing machine.

The “predetermined direction” in the above stretch and recovery properties and elongation percentage is the direction in which upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base reinforcement portion 27b stretches well. Specifically, the stretch and recovery properties and elongation percentage of the upper reinforcement portion 26b are values regarding the vertical direction, and the stretch and recovery properties and elongation percentage of the base reinforcement portion 27b are values regarding the lateral direction.

Note that it is preferable that the upper skin-side contact portion 26a and the base skin-side contact portion 27a are members having lower elongation percentages and higher stretch and recovery properties than the upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base reinforcement portion 27b so as not to hinder the powers of the upper reinforcement portion 26b and the base reinforcement portion 27b.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a description is given of a section taken along the line A-A′ in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, the left hand corresponds to the skin side of the brassiere 1 (the wearer's side) , and the right hand corresponds to the front side of the brassiere 1.

On the front side of the brassiere 1, the front part 2 (the shoulder contacting portion 2d, the side covering portion 2c, and the cup covering portion 2a) is connected to the band-shaped part 4. The side covering portions 2c is disposed at the front side of the shoulder contacting portion 2d and the cup covering portion 2a that are integrally formed. The cup part 20 is provided at the skin side of the cup covering portion 2a.

The upper skin-side part 26 formed of a sheet member is disposed over the entire upper edge of the cup part 20, and the upper edge of the cup part 20 is thus connected to the front part 2 via the upper skin-side part 26. The base skin-side part 27 formed of a sheet member is disposed over the entire lower edge of the cup part 20, and the lower edge of the cup part 20 is thus connected to the band-shaped part 4 via the base skin-side part 27. The upper skin-side part 26 and the base skin-side part 27 are formed so that the cup part 20 may stably stay on the wearer wearing the brassiere 1. Specifically, the upper skin-side part 26 and the base skin-side part 27 exert tightening powers. The upper skin-side part 26 stretches and contracts well vertically, whereas the base skin-side part 27 stretches and contracts well laterally. Thus, when the brassiere 1 is worn, the upper skin-side part 26 pulls the cup part 20 up while being supported at the shoulder lines, and at the same time, draws the cup part 20 toward the center of the wearer to make the cup part 20 stay along the breast. When the brassiere 1 is worn, the base skin-side part 27 stretches laterally by the tightening power of the band-shaped part 4 and fits the body of the wearer, allowing the lower edge of the cup part 20 to stay stably along the barge scan line of the breast.

Further, a portion of the upper edge of the cup part 20 is connected to the front part 2 via the first link part 21 formed of a tape-shaped member, and a portion of the lower edge of the cup part 20 is connected to the band-shaped part 4 via the fourth link part 24 formed of a tape-shaped member. Further, the first link part 21 and the fourth link part 24 are formed of members that stretch and contract well vertically in FIG. 5. Thus, even if the cup part 20 stably placed on the wearer by the base skin-side part 27 and the upper skin-side part 26 bounces by following the movement of the wearer, the bouncing of the cup part 20 is absorbed by the high stretch and contraction properties of the first link part 21 and the fourth link part 24, and displacement of the cup part 20 can be prevented.

As described above, the brassiere 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can provide good shaping and keep the breasts from bouncing.

Other Embodiments

As described above, the details of the present invention have been disclosed by using the embodiment and modifications of the present invention. However, it should not be understood that the description and drawings which constitute part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be easily found by those skilled in the art.

For example, although a brassiere is described as the garment having cup parts in the embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may be any other underwear such as a camisole having cup parts.

The present invention naturally includes various embodiments and the like that are not described herein. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention should be determined only by the matters to define the invention in the scope of claims regarded as appropriate based on the description.

EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 brassiere

2 front part

2a cup covering portion

2b base covering portion

2c side covering portion

2d shoulder contacting portion

3 back covering part

4 band-shaped part

20 cup part

21 first link part

22 second link part

23 third link part

24 fourth link part

26 upper skin-side part

26a upper skin-side contact portion

26b upper reinforcement portion

27 base skin-side part

27a base skin-side contact portion

27b base reinforcement portion

41 male hook

42 female hook

Claims

1. A garment having cup parts that cover breasts, the garment comprising:

a pair of cup parts;

a front part that covers front sides of the pair of cup parts;

a band-shaped part that is connected to the front part, is to be disposed circumferentially under the breasts of a wearer, and is formed of a member that exerts a tightening force; and

link parts formed of at least four stretchy tape-shaped members for each of the cup parts, in which

widthwise sides of the respective tape-shaped members are connected to an upper side portion, an upper inner portion, a lower side portion, and a lower inner portion of the cup part,

a side of each of the tape-shaped members opposite to the side connected to the cup part is connected to either the front part or the band-shaped part, and

a center area of lengthwise sides of each of the tape-shaped members is separable from the front part.

2. The garment having cup parts according to claim 1, wherein

the link part is stretchier lengthwise than widthwise.

3. The garment having cup parts according to claim 1, further comprising:

an upper skin-side part that is disposed closer to a skin side than the link parts, is connected to upper peripheries of the cup parts, is connected to the front part at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the breasts, and is formed of a member that stretches and contracts vertically; and

a base skin-side part that is disposed closer to the skin side than the link parts, is connected to lower peripheries of the cup parts, is connected to the base-shaped part and the front part at positions corresponding to side portions of the respective breasts, and is formed of a member that stretches and contracts laterally.

4. The garment having cup parts according to claim 1, wherein

a first link part connected to the upper side portion of the cup part is connected to the front part at a position corresponding to an upper side portion of a corresponding one of the breasts,

a second link part connected to the upper inner portion of the cup part is connected to the front part at a position corresponding to an upper inner portion of the breast,

a third link part connected to the lower side portion of the cup part is connected to the band-shaped part at a position corresponding to a lower side portion of the breast, and

a fourth link part connected to the lower inner portion of the cup part is connected to the band-shaped part at a position corresponding to a lower inner portion of the breast.

5. The garment having cup parts according to claim 4, wherein

the second link part has a tensile force weaker than any one of the first, third, and fourth link parts.