EP0809945B1 - Ladies underwear, especially brassière - Google Patents

Abstract

A ladies' undergarment with a molded upper part, in particular a brassiere has two side parts which include cups, are joined together in the front central area between the cups, have a back fastener at the back ends and are provided with shoudler straps. Each side part includes a blank which covers their entire surfaces and is of a textile material which is composed at least in part of thermoplastically fusible fibres. Reinforcement parts are bonded to the blank parts at least along their outer edges. The reinforcement parts are also of a textile material which is composed at least in part of thermoplastically fusible fibres. The side parts are joined together in the front central area by a thermally produced weld. The parts of the back fastener as well as the shoulder straps are indirectly or directly joined to the side parts by thermally produced welds.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a piece of underwear for women elaborated top, especially a bra, from two side parts containing the bust cups, the in the front middle area between the bust cups connected together at the rear ends have a back closure and those with straps are provided.

State of the art

Bras are undergarments that are made with regard to on their determination to cover, support and shape the female breast in many different sizes and shapes must be manufactured and kept in stock. Through her, due to this provision adapted spatial form exist they traditionally consist of a number of different parts, which make up a variety of their composition Work steps that are time-consuming and costly and a rational industrial way of working largely withdraw. Aside from being a bra from a number of different parts, mostly from textile Material, like side parts, bust cups, Carrier tapes, trimming or edging tapes, back closure etc., it is conventionally required to do this Connect parts together by sewing. That requires not just one yourself at the junctions along the sewing process, but also the use of a Connecting medium, e.g. a sewing thread.

There has been no shortage of attempts in the prior art on the one hand this complex manufacturing process simplify, but also find a fit, which comprises as many sizes and shapes as possible, and finally these two conditions together connect.

So one is called "One for All" sold bra known from two each one-piece, the bust cups from side parts textile, stretchy material. These parts are each at the edges by strips of elastic Reinforced material, which is welded to the Side parts are connected. That way too Carrier tapes generated, at least this Reinforcement strips starting from the side panels of the carrier tapes. Although through this type of Edge reinforcements on the connection medium for the Sewing process could be dispensed with, but still remains Time required to cover the edges of the Brassieres for creating welded joints to leave. Furthermore, neither could connect the Side parts, still for attaching the closure parts or the Seams should be avoided.

Especially for the comfort of such bras increase, in order to increase the shaping power Reinforcement parts such as Chopsticks, hangers or the like are incorporated, it has also become known Cut parts in the form of the areas to be reinforced a correspondingly firmer material with a laminate weldable polyester material and this Then hand out with a second continuous workpiece elastic material to bring together and by heating to connect a three-layer workpiece (US 5 154 659). After cooling, the elastic is then removed Base material in the chest area by Molden die Bust cup worked out. This one too Bra will be the side panels in the front Center axis by sewing with thread together connected and the back fastener parts and carrier tapes sewn on.

Similarly, it is selected for amplification Areas of a garment, such as a panty girdle or a bra, known, on the basis of a textile material in the screen printing process in certain Pattern to apply a powdered glue, after that is melted in a drying oven (EP 0 255 101 B1). On the areas of the base coated with adhesive then becomes one of the areas of the glue application appropriate top layer applied by the application of Heat and pressure using the adhesive with the base is connected. Strength and shaping properties here by the shape and size of the adhesive application and choice of Adhesive material determined. The further assembly too this bra is made by sewing.

Object of the invention

The invention has for its object a design for a women's undergarment, especially one To create bras that are suitable for a modern industrial Manufacturing is suitable, especially any continuous and avoids sewing operations requiring a connecting medium.

Presentation of the invention

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a Women's undergarment, especially a bra solved with the features specified in claim 1.

Advantageous further developments result from the Subclaims.

Compared to the conventional connection techniques, in particular by sewing, the invention Bras not only without any threads or the like Lanyards are made, but so are practically only selectively, i.e. by pressing, welding or the like, operations to connect the individual parts or required for assembly.

By eliminating the most annoying and stretching behavior influencing or possibly also commissioning, by The new bra also has sewing seams improved wearing properties. Because of its flat End edges or material transitions is the Bra according to the invention ideal for wearing under tight-fitting clothes since he is on top of it worn clothing does not show. By reduced Variety of materials result in good care properties and also a simplified recyclability. Finally the method of manufacture also allows better reproduction the required fit and a comparably cheap Manufacturing cost structure.

Description of the drawing

Fig. 1

eine Innenansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Büstenhalters, die

Fig. 2A/B

Detaildarstellungen der Befestigung der Trägerbänder,

Fig. 3A/B

Detaildarstellungen der Befestigung der Teile eines Rückenverschlusses,

Fig. 4A/B

Detaildarstellungen des vorderen mittleren Bereichs einer anderen Ausführungsform des Büstenhalters mit einer stumpfen Schweißnaht und die

Fig. 5 bis 7

im schematischen Vertikalschnitt aufeinanderfolgende Stationen der Herstellung einer solchen Schweißnaht.

The invention is explained below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. It shows

Fig. 1

an interior view of a bra according to the invention, the

2A / B

Detailed representations of the fastening of the carrier tapes,

3A / B

Detailed representations of the fastening of the parts of a back fastener,

Fig. 4A / B

Detailed representations of the front middle region of another embodiment of the bra with a butt weld and the

5 to 7

in the schematic vertical section successive stations of the production of such a weld.

In the drawing, the invention is based on the example of a Bra shown as a women's undergarment. However, the invention is also applicable to other items of clothing applicable, which have a worked out top, such as e.g. Swimsuits or the like.

In Fig. 1 is a bra according to the invention of the Shown inside. The bra 1 consists of two side parts 2 and 3, which are mirror-symmetrical to one front central axis M are formed and arranged. The Side panels 2 and 3 each comprise by molding molded bust cups 4 and 5. The side parts 2 and 3 are in the area of the front central axis M in one area 6 connected to each other. At the rear ends of the Side panels 2 and 3 are the active and passive Parts of a back closure 7. In the front upper area the side parts 2 and 3, above the bust cups 4 and 5, carrier tapes 8 are fixed at 9 and in the rear Area at 10 in an adjustment element 11 formed loop 12 adjustably attached.

The side parts 2 and 3 each consist of one of their entire surface covering layer 13 or 14 from one textile, to a certain extent stretchable material, at least partially contains thermoplastic fusible fibers. On these basic parts 13 and 14 are from the inside Reinforcement parts laminated, in their entirety with 15 and 16 are designated. These reinforcement parts 15, 16 also consist of a textile, preferably a less stretchy material, at least that too partially contains thermoplastic fusible fibers.

1 shows, the reinforcing parts 15, 16 from frame-like blanks that are approximately uniformly wide, band-like along the outer edges of the side parts 2 and 3 to reinforce and stabilize the Edges. These are lower, parallel to lower edge 17 extending parts 18, in the back area adjoining, running to the carrier tapes 8 Parts 19, parts 21 running along the upper edges 20 and finally above the bust cups 4, 5 Parts 22. Starting from the lower edge 17 of the bra 1 extend the parts 18 of the reinforcements 15, 16 to in into the area of the bust cups 4 and 5; they form there reinforcements 23 to support the chest or Shaping their contour.

If the undergarment according to the invention here on Example of a bra with back closure and Carrier tapes is shown, so the invention is not limited to this. The bra can be used instead a back closure also have a front closure or completely without closure as a so-called "step-in bra" be trained. It can also be used without carrier tapes, so be strapless. After all, that is Invention also on swimsuits, both in one piece as well as bikini applicable.

To manufacture the bra according to the invention first made the two side parts 2 and 3, this then connected to each other in the front middle region 6 and finally the carrier tapes 8 and the closure parts 7 appropriate.

For the production of the side parts 2 and 3 of the brassiere 1 is first on a base course or a rough cut of the reinforcement 15, 16 forming textile material applied a coating through which a connection with the base web 13 or 14 can be produced. This can either be a "hot melt" adhesive coating, or also a thin film that can be activated by applying heat. Then the inside contours of the Reinforcement parts 15, 16 punched out and the remaining frame-like parts - still without an outer contour - on the Rough cut for the cut parts 13 and 14 placed. The application of heat and pressure Reinforcing parts 15, 16 containing rough cuts with the Rough cuts 13, 14 of the base web are connected. Only after the bust cups 4 and 5 are molded and the Punched outer contours. It makes sense to have two each corresponding side parts 2 and 3 in each other congruent location on top of each other.

After these preparatory measures, the Assembling the bra. For this, the superimposed stamped and molded parts 2 and 3 opened, in the front middle area 6 of the Center axis M to form a triangular overlap 23 brought and in this area by a weld 24th firmly connected. This can be done by a single Pressing and welding process take place. This connection can also by designing a motif, e.g. "Bloom", optically be made attractive.

Then the parts of the back closure 7 and the Carrier tapes 8 attached. This can be done with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are explained, the excerpts in larger Show scale.

The fixed connection 9 of the carrier tapes 8 with the front 2A shows the upper regions of the brassiere 1. The Carrier tapes 8, mostly made of elastic tape material exist, usually contain thermoplastic fusible fibers so that they, with the appropriate Areas of the side parts 2, 3 overlapped, can be connected to each other by welds 25. For adjustable attachment 10 of the carrier tapes 8 in rear area (Fig. 2B) is made of the material of the Side parts 2 or 3 with laminated reinforcement one Tab 26 formed, which is pulled through an eyelet 27 and then is repelled. By a weld 25, the Tab 26 welded to side part 2 or 3. Through the Eyelet 27 becomes the carrier tape 8 in a manner known per se pulled, which forms a loop 12.

Similarly, with the parts of the Move back fastener 7 (Fig. 3). The back closure 7 consists of an active closure part 7a and passive closure part 7b. The active closure part 7a has a locking head 7c, the passive locking part 7b a recess 7d. Place both locking parts 7a and 7b each in an eyelet 7e. The ends run here too of the side parts 2 and 3 in tabs 28, each pulled through the eyelets 7e and backwards to be handled, then by welds 29 with the Material of the side parts 2 and 3 to be welded.

It follows from this that it is for the assembly of the Brassieres according to the invention none along a route running and requiring a connection medium Sewing operations required; the production is rather limited on simple punching, pressing and welding processes, i.e. on Processes that can be carried out easily in a way that is suitable for automatic machines Machines can be run.

While the side parts 2, 3 of the invention Bra 1 in that shown in Fig. 1 Embodiment in the front middle area 6 by Overlap 23 encountered and one of the triangular Outline of the overlap joint corresponding, too triangular weld 24 are also connected the possibility of side panels 2, 3 in the front middle Area 6 between the bust cups 4, 5 with the same edge butt joint in a weld 30. This possibility is shown in detail in front view in FIG. 4A and in Fig. 4B in a corresponding section in a view shown from the inside. Such a blunt one Weld seam can be produced in a simple manner schematically in some successive phases in the 5 to 7 are shown.

This simple connection option is based on the fact that according to the invention both for the rough cuts 13, 14 of the Side parts, as well as for the reinforcement parts 15, 16 textile materials are used, at least partially contain thermoplastic fusible fibers. Such fibers can be applied using ultrasound or Heat, if necessary with the simultaneous application of Pressure to be welded. It succeeds after Overlay the from the rough cuts 13, 14 and Reinforcement parts 15, 16 existing side parts 2, 3 in mutually congruent location this in the area of the later ends 32, 33 forming the front central region 6 Welding with application of pressure under complete Cut to connect so that after Opening parts 2, 3 the two lying one on top of the other welded ends 32, 33 into an elongated Get in position and so blunt with each other are welded. In this way, one succeeds practically invisible, at least not bulky straightforward Connection of the two front inner ends of the side parts 2, 3.

To secure this weld 30 and at the same time this very heavily used front middle area 6 of the To strengthen bra 1, it is useful in this Area preferably on the inside of the bra Laminate reinforcing part 31, which makes sense is made of the same material as the side parts 2, 3 themselves and in the same way as their different locations can be connected to these layers of material (Fig. 4A / B).

How such a blunt weld 30 advantageously produces 5 to 7 show.

In Fig. 5 is shown schematically how the two Side parts 2, 3 from the base material 13, 14 and Reinforcement parts 15, 16 are placed on top of each other so that whose front inner ends 32, 33 cover each other. Of the double-layered area is then in the effective area brought an ultrasonic welding device 34 that only through a sonotrode 34a and a lower abutment 34b is indicated. The lower abutment 34b has in its upper part facing the material triangular Cross section to not only a weld but also to enable a separation of the material parts.

By lowering the sonotrode 34a in the direction of the arrow 35 becomes that between the sonotrode 34a and the abutment 34b located material energy. this leads to a heat development and thus a welding of the Plastic threads in the two material layers. The two of them ends 32, 33 of the side parts 2, 3 lying one above the other connecting weld 30 is in Fig. 6, which the Situation after welding and separation shows, indicated.

The two front central edges 32, 33 are thus the Side parts 2, 3 connected to each other.

After opening both side parts 2 and 3 come the ends 32, 33, which were still on top of each other, into one stretched position (Fig. 7), in which the side parts 2, 3 with their ends 32, 33 butt butt are.

Claims (12)

1. Ladies' undergarment, in particular a brassiere, consisting of two side parts (2, 3) which comprise the cups (4, 5), are joined together in the front central area (6) between the cups (4, 5), have a back fastener (7) at the back ends and are provided with shoulder straps (8), characterised by the following features

   a) the side parts (2, 3) each consist of a blank (13, 14) which covers their entire surface and consists of a textile material which comprises at least in part thermoplastically fusible fibres,

   b) reinforcement parts (15, 16) are bonded to the blank parts (13, 14), at least along their outer edges, which parts (15, 16) also consist of a textile material which comprises at least in part thermoplastically fusible fibres,

   c) the side parts (2, 3) are joined together in the front central area (6) by a weld (24, 30) produced by thermal means,

   d) the parts (7a, 7b) of the back fastener (7) as well as the shoulder straps (8) are indirectly or directly joined to the side parts (2, 3) by welds (25, 29) produced by thermal means.
2. Brassiere according to claim 1, characterised in that the blank parts (13, 14) of the side parts (2, 3) and/or the reinforcement parts (15, 16) consist of an elastic material.
3. Brassiere according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the reinforcement parts (15, 16) extend approximately like a tape with a substantially uniform width along the edges of the side parts (2, 3).
4. Brassiere according to claim 3, characterised in that, starting from the bottom edge (17) of the brassiere (1), the reinforcement parts (15, 16) extend into the area of the cups (4, 5).
5. Brassiere according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the outer contour and the arrangement of the reinforcement parts (15, 16) are adapted to the respective fit requirements.
6. Brassiere according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the tape-like areas (18, 19, 21, 22) of the reinforcement parts (15, 16) are undulating.
7. Brassiere according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the side parts (2, 3) overlap in the front central area (6) between the cups (4, 5) and are joined together in the area of the overlap (23) by a weld (24).
8. Brassiere according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the facing ends (32, 33) of the side parts (2, 3) are butt-welded together edge-to-edge in a weld (30) in the front central area (6) between the cups (4, 5).
9. Brassiere according to claim 8, characterised in that the weld (30) is preferably backed with a bonded reinforcement part (31) on the inside of the brassiere (1).
10. Brassiere according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the side parts (2, 3) form at the back ends narrow tongues which are passed through eyelets (7e) of the back fastener parts (7a, 7b) and closed by forming a loop (28).
11. Brassiere according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the shoulder straps (8) are joined directly to the side parts at the front shoulder strap fixtures (9).
12. Brassiere according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the shoulder straps (8) are attached to the back shoulder strap fixtures (10) such that they can be adjusted by means of a respective loop (12) at an eyelet (27), which eyelets are in turn joined to the side parts (2, 3) by means of a tongue (26) which is pulled through and formed into a loop.

Images