Abstrict A push-up bra has an envelope between the front panel and the rear
panel of the bra cups, that receives a flexible pouch containing
a mixture of water and a hygroscopic agent such as 70% glycerine--30%
water. The hygroscopic agent will draw moisture into the envelope
preventing the volume of liquid from decreasing.
Claims What it is claim:
1. A pad for a push-up bra comprising a flexible, sealed envelope
formed of a film of tough, synthetic resin, resistant to puncture
capable of permeation of water through the film at body temperature,
said envelope containing a liquid consisting essentially of a mixture
of 10-60% by weight water; the remainder being an organic hygroscopic
agent miscible with water capable of drawing water vapor from outside
the envelope through the film into the envelope.
2. A pad according to claim 1 in which the film has a low transmission
rate for water vapor.
3. A pad according to claim 2 in which the organic hygroscopic
agent is present in said liquid in a major amount.
4. A pad according to claim 2 in which the hygroscopic agent is
an organic polyhydric alcohol.
5. A pad according to claim 4 in which the polyhydric alcohol is
glycerine.
6. A pad according to claim 5 in which the liquid contains about
30% water and about 70% glycerine.
7. A pad according to claim 1 in which the envelope is formed of
a heat sealable, flexible, tear-resistant film having a thickness
from 0.01 to 5 mm.
8. A push-up bra cup comprising in combination:
a front fabric panel in the shape of a bra cup and having a peripheral
edge;
an inner fabric panel in the shape of a bra cup having a peripheral
edge;
the peripheral edges being joined to form an envelope; and
a flexible pouch formed of a flexible film of organic resin capable
of permeation of water through the film at body temperature, said
pouch containing an odorless liquid consisting essentially of a
mixture of water and a major amount of an organic hygroscopic agent
capable of drawing water vapor from outside said pouch through said
film into said pouch, said pouch being received in the envelope.
9. A push-up bra according to claim 8 in which the odorless liquid
contains at least 50 to 90% by weight of a polyhydric alcohol hygroscopic
agent.
10. A push-up bra according to claim 9 in which the odorless liquid
is a mixture of about 30% by weight of water and 70% by weight of
glycerine hygroscopic agent.
11. A push-up bra containing:
two bra cups;
means joining the cups;
a strap connecting the cups;
said cups each containing a flexible pouch formed of a film of
synthetic organic resin capable of transmitting water vapor through
the film at body temperature, said pouch containing a mixture of
water and a major amount of an organic polyol hygroscopic material
capable of drawing water vapor through said film into said pouch.
12. A bra according to claim 11 in which the material is glycerine.
Description TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an improved pad for a brassiere
and, more particularly to a flexible, liquid filled envelope incorporated
into a push-up bra.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Brassieres are worn not only to provide support for women's breasts,
but also to enhance the shape of the breasts within the brassieres,
the portion of the breasts above the breasts and the cleavage between
the breasts.
Push-up bras are designed to shape and elevate the breasts. Push-up
bras usually contain a rubber pad received in a pocket in the lower
front panels of the bra cups. The pad was formed by molding into
a complex arcuate shape. Rubber pads were both stiff and uncomfortable.
Rubber pads also caused insecurity due to straying of the pads.
Other push-up bras used a more yielding silicone foam and some use
Nylon (polyamide) padding to shape and lift.
Push-up bras with liquid filled envelopes have recently appeared
on the market. Silicone oil liquids are very expensive and are hard
to seal. Hydrocarbon oils have also been utilized as the liquid
either alone or in a mixture with water. Hydrocarbons can attack
the envelope. The liquids in the envelope are heated to body temperature
of about 99.degree. F. At this temperature, evaporation is increased
and the hydrocarbon vapors can permeate through the wall of the
envelope, creating offensive, unpleasant odors. Furthermore, water
vapor is also able to permeate through the wall of the envelope
decreasing the liquid volume in the envelope. The envelope could
rupture or impact or when pierced by a sharp object causing embarrassment,
discomfort and destruction of the pad.
______________________________________ List of References Patentee
Patent No. ______________________________________ Block, et al.
3620222 Kirby, et al. 3845507 Miller 5235974 ______________________________________
STATEMENT OF THE PRIOR ART
Block, et al. discloses a foam, push-up brassiere pad. Kirby, et
al. discloses a breast prosthesis to be worn inside a brassiere
cup containing an inner bag. A jell-like liquid such as carboxymethyl
cellulose is sealed within an outer bag containing air. Miller discloses
an electrically heated bra for lactating mothers containing a fluid
impermeable chamber filled with water.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
The improved bra according to the invention contains a flexible
envelope filled with a mixture of water and an odorless, organic
hygroscopic agent in specified proportions providing no unpleasant
aroma and little evaporation of water through the film of the envelope.
The envelope is formed of a film of a tough synthetic resin resistant
to puncture, preferably a thermoplastic resin capable of being heat-sealed.
The film has low transmission rate for water vapor. The hygroscopic
agent is able to drive water vapor from outside the envelope through
the film into the envelope so that liquid volume is maintained.
The push-up bra of the invention looks and feels more natural and
the bra eliminates discomfort and insecurity caused by stiff, sharp
edged or straying inner pads. The inner cup lining adjacent the
skin is soft and wicks moisture away from the skin.
These and many other features and attendant advantages of the invention
will become apparent as the invention becomes better understood
by reference to the following detailed description when considered
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. |