US20080096464A1

US20080096464A1 - Gel brassiere

Info

Publication number: US20080096464A1
Application number: US11/342,400
Authority: US
Inventors: Gloria Falla
Original assignee: Sara Lee Corp
Current assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises LLC
Priority date: 2006-01-30
Filing date: 2006-01-30
Publication date: 2008-04-24
Also published as: WO2007089313A2; CA2641423A1; WO2007089313A3

Abstract

A pad for a brassiere having a first film and a second film and a gel disposed between the first film the second film, is provided. The first film and the second film are molded to maintain the gel at a uniform thickness throughout. A brassiere having gel pad having a pair of panels each having a breast receiving cup is provided. Each breast receiving cup has a gel pad having a first film overlying a second film. A peripheral flange is formed where the first film and the second film are connected. A layer of gel is disposed between the first film and the second film, and the first film and the second film each have a thickness of approximately 0.0127 mm to 0.0762 mm to maintain a natural feel of the pad.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pad for a brassiere that provides a uniform padding structure. More, particularly, the present invention relates to a pad for a brassiere that has a flexible film assembly that provides a uniform padding structure. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a pad for a brassiere that has a flexible film insert containing a gel or silicone that provides a uniform padding structure with natural feel, and appearance and movement.
2. Description of Related Art
Brassieres are designed to provide a number of purposes with the general purpose of providing a particular benefit to the wearer depending on their needs. Many brassieres offer the wearer lifting and separating of the breast of the wearer. Other brassieres offer support and enhanced cleavage to the wearer. Still other brassieres are worn for special occasion wear, for athletic purposes or to visibly enhance the size of the wearer.
The function of many of these brassieres is to fundamentally change some aspect of the wearer's natural appearance or otherwise modify the wearer's natural appearance. Such brassieres often use foam padding, inserts or underwires to achieve such ends. These brassieres, unfortunately, can result in an unnatural appearance or an uncomfortable brassiere fit.
The present invention is providing a pad structure for a brassiere that provides realistic shaping and movement while offering added fullness with the benefits of comfort and discretion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pad for a brassiere that offers natural and realistic shaping and support.
The present invention also provides a pad for a brassiere that provides realistic movement, like the movement of natural breast tissue.
The present invention further provides such a pad for a brassiere that offers added fullness and is comfortable for everyday wear.
The present invention yet further provides a pad for a brassiere that has a natural feel and consistency like natural breast tissue.
The present invention still further provides a pad for a brassiere that contains a gel or silicone having a natural feeling.
The present invention also provides a pad brassiere that has a film that encase a gel or silicone and provides a natural consistency, like breast tissue.
These and other advantages of the present invention are achieved by a pad for a brassiere having a first film and a second film and a layer of gel disposed between the first film the second film. The first film and the second film are molded to maintain the layer of gel at a uniform thickness.
A gel pad having a first film overlying a second film, the first film and the second film formed from a single folded sheet of film, a peripheral flange formed where the first film and the second film are connected; and a layer of gel disposed between the first film and the second film. The first film and the second film each have a thickness of approximately 0.0127 mm to 0.0762 mm to maintain a natural feel of the pad.
A brassiere having a pair of panels each having a breast receiving cup, and a pair of shoulder straps is provided. Each of the pair of shoulder straps is connected to a separate one of the pair of breast receiving cups. Each breast receiving cup has a pad having a first film overlying a second film, where the first film and the second film are formed from a single folded film sheet. A peripheral flange is formed where the first film and the second film are connected. A layer of gel is disposed between the first film and the second film, wherein the first film and the second film each have a thickness of approximately 0.0127 mm to 0.0762 mm to maintain a natural feel of the pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the pad of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the pad of the FIG. 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pad of FIG. 2, along line 3-3 of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pad of FIG. 2, along line 4-4 of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a brassiere incorporating the pad of FIG. 1 of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a pad of the present invention having a film formed from a single folded film sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and, in particular to FIG. 1, there is generally represented the pad of the present invention generally represented by reference numeral 10. Pad 10 has an upper edge 15, a lower edge 20 and a central region 25. Lower edge 20 is generally proximate a torso encircling band, fold or welt that wraps around the torso of the wearer. Central region 25, as shown in FIG. 2, is entirely across the middle portion of brassiere pad 10. Brassiere pad 10 also has a flange 30 at the peripheral edge of the pad 10. Upper edge of Flange 30 is generally proximate the location where a brassiere strap is connected. Flange 30, as is commonly known in art, is secured to inside fabric of brassiere often by sewing.
Referring to FIG. 3, pad 10 has a first or outer surface or outer film 35 and a second or inner surface or inner film 40. Between and encased by outer film 35 and inner film 40 is gel 45. Gel 45 extends from upper edge 15 to lower edge 20 of pad 10 within films 35 and 40. Significantly, gel 45 has a uniform thickness from upper edge 15 to lower edge 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the thickness of gel 45 is uniform and is identical to the cross-section of FIG. 3. Different cross-sections of breast pad 10 have the same thickness. The uniform thickness is provided by the complementary curvature and dimensions of outer film 35 and inner film 40 that encase gel 45. Were outer film 35 and inner film 40 of different curvatures, the cross-section of pad 10 and thickness of gel 45 would be variable. The uniformity of outer film 35 and inner film 40 is achieved by molding outer film 35 and inner film 40 in identical molds. In this manner, an identical curvature is achieved in outer film 35 and inner film 40 to impart a uniform thickness to gel 45. The thickness of gel 45 together with outer film and inner film 40 is approximately 2.00 mm to 3.00 mm although a thicker pad could be used for additional brassiere fullness without modifying the natural shape of the wearer. For example, a thicker pad having a thickness of approximately 3.25 mm could also be used to create a pad having greater thickness to provide additional fullness.
Preferably, outer film 35 and inner film 40 are each made from a thermoplastic polyurethane. The thicknesses of outer film 35 and inner film 40 are each approximately 0.0127 mm to 0.0762 mm. While the pad 10 is shown as having a first film 35 and a second film 40, alternatively, a single folded film 37 having a folded edge 38 could also have been used to encase gel 45, as shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, the thickness of film 37 is approximately 0.0127 mm to 0.0762 mm. The density of films 35, 40 and 37 is approximately 1.20 g/cm³to 1.4 g/cm³. The thicknesses of films 35 and 40 or single folded film 37 are minimal compared to the thicknesses of other similar films that are used to encase gels or fluids of inserts or pads of other brassieres. The thickness of the film ensures that the texture of the gel is felt through the film to provide a very natural feel to the pad. A thicker film would give the outer pad surface, a hard and/or unnatural feel that would not simulate the feel of natural breast tissue.
Gel 45 is a preferably a liquid silicone having a viscosity of approximately 1200 cps. The viscosity of gel 45 offers a natural feel between the film layers 35 and 40. The combination of outer film 35, gel 45 and inner film 40 provide a natural feel to the breast pad 10. The minimal thickness of the films 35 and 40 and the gel 45 imparts a realistic quality to the pad surface that feels much like natural breast tissue. The thickness of films 35 and 40 allow the softness and viscosity of gel layer 45 to be felt. The uniform thickness of gel layer 45 provides consistent uniform fullness throughout the breast area of wearer.
Referring to FIG. 5, the pad 10 of the present invention can be assembled into a brassiere 60. Brassiere 60 has a pair of breast receiving cups 65, a pair of side panels 70 and a pair of shoulder straps 75 connected to respective side panels and breast receiving cups. Pad 10 is secured in brassiere 60 by sewing flange 30 to the fabric of the brassiere to prevent shifting during wear. Brassiere 60 provides added fullness to the wearer and maintains the natural shape of the wearer beneath clothing. Additionally, the softness and fullness that pad 10 provides to brassiere 60 enhances the natural shaping of the wearer by simulating the feel of real breast tissue.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pad for a brassiere comprising:

a first film and a second film; and

a layer of gel disposed between said first film said second film,

wherein said first film and said second film are molded so that said layer of gel is at a uniform thickness throughout.

2. The pad according to claim 1, wherein said first film and said second film each have a thickness of approximately 0.0127 mm to 0.0762 mm.

3. The pad according to claim 1, wherein said layer of gel is a silicone having a density of approximately 1.2 g/cm³to 1.4 g/cm³.

4. The pad according to claim 1, wherein said layer of gel is a silicone having a viscosity of approximately 1150 cps to 1250 cps.

5. The pad according to claim 4, wherein said layer of gel is a silicone layer having a viscosity of approximately 1200 cps.

6. The pad according to claim 1, wherein said first film and said second film are composed of a polyeurethane film.

7. The pad according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of said layer of gel and said first and said second film is approximately 2.00 mm to 3.00 mm.

8. A pad for a brassiere comprising:

a single sheet of film, said single sheet of film having a first film layer overlying a second film layer,

a flange formed where said first film layer and said second film layer are connected;

a gel disposed between said first film layer and said second film layer,

wherein said single sheet of film has a thickness of approximately 0.0127 mm to 0.0762 mm to maintain a natural feel of the pad.

9. The pad according to claim 8, wherein said gel has a density from approximately 1.2 g/cm³to 1.4 g/cm³.

10. The pad according to claim 8, wherein said gel has a viscosity of approximately 1150 cps to 1250 cps.

11. The pad according to claim 10, where said gel has a viscosity of approximately 1200 cps.

12. The pad according to claim 8, wherein said gel is a silicone gel.

13. The pad according to claim 8, wherein said first film layer and said second film layer are polyurethane film.

14. The pad according to claim 8, wherein said first film layer and said second film layer are molded to maintain said gel at a uniform thickness throughout.

15. The pad according to claim 8, wherein the thickness of said gel together with said single sheet of film is approximately 2.00 mm to 3.00 mm.

16. A brassiere having gel pad comprising:

a pair of panels each having a breast receiving cup;

a pair of shoulder straps, each being connected to a separate one of said pair of breast receiving cups;

each breast receiving cup a gel pad, said gel pad being:

a first film overlying a second film,

a peripheral flange formed where said first film and said second film are connected; and

a gel between said first film and said second film,

wherein said first film and said second film each have a thickness of approximately 00.0127 mm to 0.0762 mm to maintain a natural feel of the pad.

17. The brassiere according to claim 16, wherein said layer of gel has a density from approximately 1.2 g/cm³to 1.4 g/cm³.

18. The pad according to claim 8, wherein said gel has a viscosity of approximately 1150 cps to 1250 cps.

19. The pad according to claim 8, where said gel has a viscosity of approximately 1200 cps.

20. The brassiere according to claim 16, wherein said gel is a silicone gel.

21. The brassiere according to claim 16, wherein said first film and said second film are polyurethane film.

22. The brassiere according to claim 16, wherein said first film and said second film are molded to maintain said layer of gel at a uniform thickness throughout.

23. The brassiere according to claim 16, wherein said first film and said second film are a single sheet of film.