Sports bra

Abstract

The application provides a sports bra, belonging to the technical field of underwear. The sports bra comprises a main body fabric and a breast pad fixed to the inner side of the main body fabric. The breast pad is a concave negative Poisson's ratio structural member, and the side of the breast pad away from the main body fabric is used for contacting the human body. The sports bra provided by the application has the advantages that the breast pad fixed to the inner side of the main body fabric cannot move, and the breast pad is a concave negative Poisson's ratio structural member, has the characteristics of stretching and swelling, can activate the adaptive system when being attached to the human chest, adapts to the shape of individual breasts, and can provide dynamic support during sports by means of the adaptive function, thereby improving the wearing comfort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of underwear technology, and more specifically, relates to a sports bra. Background Technology

[0002] Bra pads are typically made of elastic microporous polyurethane foam and / or spacer fabric, utilizing a three-dimensional knitted structure to improve breathability and comfort. To enhance bra fit and comfort, molded bra pads are increasingly favored for their smooth shaping, good support, and diverse cup designs. However, the manufacturing process of molded bra pads is complex and time-consuming due to the need to handle a large number of cup sizes, styles, and material properties. Furthermore, the three-dimensional characteristics of the breast increase the complexity of developing bra pad molding parameters. While smooth, seamless molded bra pads offer a three-dimensional fit and a variety of firmness options, controlling the molding process and ensuring product quality often relies on labor-intensive trial-and-error methods. The diversity of bra sizes and breast contours presents significant challenges for manufacturers, requiring multiple engineering stages and specialized techniques to produce well-fitting molded bra pads. Despite continuous advancements in molded bra pad development, the problem of ill-fitting bras remains fundamentally unresolved.

[0003] Current sports bras suffer from several technological limitations that impact fit, comfort, and overall user satisfaction. First, traditional sizing often fails to accommodate a wide range of breast shapes and sizes, leading to discomfort and a poor fit for many wearers. Second, the materials used in traditional bra padding (such as polyurethane foam and fabric) may not provide sufficient support or adaptability during exercise, potentially restricting movement, creating gaps, and failing to maintain shape. This results in increased breast displacement and reduced comfort, ultimately leading to insufficient support and increased chest pressure. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a sports bra to solve the technical problems of insufficient support and poor comfort of existing sports bras during exercise.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is: to provide a sports bra, comprising:

[0006] Main fabric;

[0007] The breast pad is fixed to the inside of the main fabric. The breast pad is a concave negative Poisson's ratio structure. The side of the breast pad facing away from the main fabric is for contact with the human body.

[0008] Optionally, each unit in the breast pad has an axisymmetric pattern.

[0009] Optionally, the breast pad includes crisscrossing horizontal and vertical edges, both of which are wavy.

[0010] Optionally, the minimum spacing between two adjacent horizontal edges and the minimum spacing between two adjacent vertical edges are both not less than 0.4 mm.

[0011] Optionally, the breast pad includes a first region and a second region, wherein the unit size of the first region is smaller than the unit size of the second region.

[0012] Optionally, the unit size of the breast pad is not less than 6.14 mm.

[0013] Optionally, the edge of the breast pad is bonded to the main fabric.

[0014] Optionally, the breast pad has a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge, which are sequentially connected. The first edge is located on the inner upper edge of the breast pad, and the second edge and the third edge are bonded to the main body fabric.

[0015] Optionally, the breast pad is made of silicone.

[0016] Optionally, the breast pad has multiple areas with different thicknesses.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the sports bra provided in this application are as follows: the breast pads are fixed inside the main fabric and will not move; moreover, the breast pads are concave negative Poisson's ratio structures with stretching and expansion characteristics; when they fit against the human chest, they can activate an adaptive system to adapt to the individual breast shape; and during exercise, they can provide dynamic support through self-adaptation, thereby improving wearing comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is one of the three-dimensional structural diagrams of a sports bra provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 A second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a sports bra provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 A comparative schematic diagram showing the breast pad provided in the embodiments of this application before and after expansion;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic of the breast pad before it expands.

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the breast pad after it has expanded.

[0024] Figure 6 A comparative schematic diagram of the partial structure of the breast pad provided in the embodiments of this application before and after expansion;

[0025] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the expansion comparison of breast pads with different unit sizes provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single unit in a breast pad provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the breast pad provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 9 The diagram shows the application of breast pads in a sports bra.

[0029] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0030] 10. Main fabric; 20. Chest pad; 21. Horizontal edge; 22. Vertical edge; 201. First edge; 202. Second edge; 203. Third edge; 211. First area; 212. Second area; 213. First sub-area; 214. Second sub-area; 215. Third sub-area. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0032] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0033] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 10 The sports bra provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described.

[0036] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sports bra includes a main fabric 10 and a breast pad 20, which is fixed to the inside of the main fabric 10. The breast pad 20 is a concave negative Poisson's ratio structure. The side of the breast pad 20 facing away from the main fabric 10 is for contact with the human body.

[0037] The main fabric 10 is a woven material. Optional features include a vest-style design, a back-button design, or cross-strap designs. (See reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The main fabric 10 is vest-shaped, and the breast pads 20 are fixed inside the main fabric 10. Understandably, the main fabric 10 is elastic, which allows room for the breast pads 20 to expand when they expand.

[0038] The breast pad 20 is fixed to the inside of the main fabric 10. In some optional embodiments, the breast pad 20 is fixed to the inside of the main fabric 10 by sewing. In some optional embodiments, the main fabric 10 has a receiving cavity, and the breast pad 20 is inserted into the receiving cavity from an opening on one side and connected to the main fabric 10. The fixed connection between the breast pad 20 and the main fabric 10 ensures that the breast pad 20 can provide relatively stable support during user movement, reducing the weakening of support caused by movement of the breast pad 20.

[0039] See Figure 3 The breast pad 20 is concave, with the concave side facing the body and the convex side facing outward. Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of a negative Poisson's ratio structural component in its original state. Figure 5This is a partial structural diagram of a negative Poisson's ratio component in an expanded state. (See also...) Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The negative Poisson's ratio structure expands in the lateral dimension under axial tension and contracts in the lateral dimension under axial compression, exhibiting unique mechanical properties that enhance the adaptability and comfort of the breast pad 20. This negative Poisson's ratio structure increases the area of ​​the breast pad 20 when stretched, unlike the shrinking characteristic of traditional fabrics, thus preventing pressure or bulging at the edges of the bra cups. Compared to traditional bras, the sports bra provided in this application, employing a negative Poisson's ratio structure, expands laterally during stretching to adapt to breast shape and changes, allowing for a closer fit to the chest skin without creating pressure points or unsightly bulges, improving the dynamic adaptation of the breast pad 20 during exercise and enhancing wearing comfort.

[0040] See Figure 3 In its natural state, before expansion, the breast pad 20 is roughly two-dimensional. When worn, the shape and movement of the breasts cause the breast pad 20 to expand accordingly, making it three-dimensional, reducing pressure on the breasts while providing support. The specifications of the breast pad 20 mainly involve size adaptability and contour fit. Different users have different breast shapes, and current bra sizes have a limited range of fit, making it difficult for users in the middle size range to find a suitable bra. Taking a negative Poisson's ratio structural component with a unit size of 6.14mm as an example, its mechanical and expansion properties can cover A cup to D cup. In other words, the breast pad 20, using a negative Poisson's ratio structural component, can achieve "one size fits many," meaning one size of breast pad 20 can fit more breast shapes. Furthermore, the left and right breasts of the same person also differ. Using a negative Poisson's ratio structural component as the breast pad 20 allows it to adapt to the different sizes of the left and right breasts through stretching and expansion, thus ensuring that the breast pad 20 adapts to shape differences while providing good support and conforming to the breast contour. During movement, the negative Poisson's ratio structural components can continuously and actively adapt to breast movement, eliminating gaps in movement and ensuring adequate support.

[0041] In some alternative embodiments, the breast pad 20 is in direct contact with the human body. Thus, the inner side of the breast pad 20, i.e., the side of the breast pad 20 facing the human body, is in direct contact with the skin, with no fabric between the human body and the breast pad 20, reducing fabric friction against the skin and minimizing the effect of fabric elasticity on the expansion and contraction of the breast pad 20. In still other alternative embodiments, the breast pad 20 is not in direct contact with the human body. At least one layer of fabric is present between the breast pad 20 and the human skin, improving the wearing experience.

[0042] The sports bra provided in this application embodiment has a breast pad 20 fixed inside the main fabric 10 and will not move. Moreover, the breast pad 20 is a concave negative Poisson's ratio structure with stretching and expansion characteristics. When it fits against the human chest, it can activate the adaptive system to adapt to the individual breast shape. During exercise, it can provide dynamic support through self-adaptation, improving wearing comfort. Compared with traditional laminated polyurethane foam and spacer fabric, it has good elasticity and shape adaptability, can adapt to different breast shapes, and can provide a personalized and comfortable experience during exercise.

[0043] In some specific embodiments of this application, each unit in the negative Poisson's ratio structural component is an axisymmetric structure.

[0044] The unit of a negative Poisson's ratio structural component refers to the basic geometric unit that constitutes the negative Poisson's ratio structural component. Each unit being axisymmetric means that each unit is symmetrical along either the longitudinal or transverse direction. For example, each unit in a negative Poisson's ratio structural component is symmetrical along the transverse direction. Or, each unit in breast pad 20 is symmetrical along the longitudinal direction. In addition, each unit in breast pad 20 is axisymmetric both longitudinally and laterally. Breast pad 20 has a certain thickness and is concave; therefore, the number of unit layers varies in different regions of breast pad 20. Specifically, the edge regions of breast pad 20 are thinner, and correspondingly, the number of unit layers in the edge regions of breast pad 20 is less.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, the breast pad 20 includes a horizontal side 21 and a vertical side 22, both of which are wavy. The horizontal side 21 and the vertical side 22 are arranged alternately to form multiple units, see reference. Figure 6 In each unit, the highest points of the two horizontal sides 21 face outwards, and the highest points of the two vertical sides 22 face inwards; or, the highest points of the two vertical sides 22 face outwards, and the highest points of the two horizontal sides 21 face inwards. Each unit has a symmetrical structure along the longitudinal direction and also a symmetrical structure along the transverse direction. Due to the volume of the breast and the movement of the breast, the unit size of the corresponding area in the breast pad 20 increases, thereby adapting to breast movement and volume changes, and providing good support for the breast.

[0046] Optionally, the width W of both the horizontal side 21 and the vertical side 22 shall not be less than 1.2 mm. For example, the width W of both the horizontal side 21 and the vertical side 22 may be the same, either 1.2 mm or 1.5 mm. Alternatively, the width W of the horizontal side 21 and the vertical side 22 may be different, with the horizontal side 21 having a width W of 1.2 mm and the vertical side 22 having a width W of 1.5 mm. It should be noted that the width W of the horizontal side 21 refers to the minimum side length of the horizontal cross-section of the horizontal side 21. For example, if the cross-section of the horizontal side 21 is square, then the width W of the horizontal side 21 is the dimension of the shortest side length of the square cross-section. Similarly, if the cross-section of the horizontal side 21 is circular, then the width W of the horizontal side 21 is the diameter of the horizontal side 21. The width W of the vertical side 22 is similar to that of the horizontal side 21 and will not be described further. If the width W of both the horizontal side 21 and the vertical side 22 is less than 1.2 mm, it will be difficult to achieve in terms of manufacturing process, resulting in excessively high processing costs.

[0047] The minimum distance L between any two adjacent horizontal edges 21 or two adjacent vertical edges 22 shall not be less than 0.4 mm. The high points of the wavy horizontal edges 21 shall correspond, and the distance L between them shall not be less than 0.4 mm. Similarly, the high points of the wavy vertical edges 22 shall correspond, and the distance L between them shall not be less than 0.4 mm. The minimum distance L between any two adjacent horizontal edges 21 and two adjacent vertical edges 22 can be 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, or any other value greater than 0.4 mm.

[0048] In some optional embodiments of this application, see [reference]. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The breast pad 20 includes a first region 211 and a second region 212, wherein the unit size of the first region 211 is smaller than the unit size of the second region 212.

[0049] The smaller the unit size of a negative Poisson's ratio structural member, the lower its elasticity, the greater the load required for expansion, and the stronger its supporting force. The lower edge, outer edge, and inner edge of the breast pad 20 are the main stress points, requiring enhanced support and pressure buffering. Therefore, negative Poisson's ratio structural members with smaller unit sizes are used in this area to provide stronger support under applied forces. The first region 211 includes at least one of the lower edge, outer edge, and inner edge of the breast pad 20. Negative Poisson's ratio structural members with larger unit sizes are used in other regions outside the first region 211.

[0050] Optional, such as Figure 9As shown, the second region 212 also includes a first sub-region 213, a second sub-region 214, and a third sub-region 215, each with different unit sizes. The first sub-region 213 corresponds to the inner edge of the breast pad, the second sub-region 214 corresponds to the lower edge of the breast pad, and the third sub-region 215 corresponds to the outer edge of the breast pad. For example, the unit size of the first sub-region 213 is 6.14 mm, the unit size of the second sub-region 214 is 8.14 mm, and the unit size of the third sub-region 215 is 9.14 mm. The specific settings are determined based on the design of the breast pad 20 and the desired activity scenario.

[0051] The sports bra provided in this application embodiment improves breast support and wearing comfort during exercise by setting negative Poisson's ratio materials with different unit sizes in the first and second regions.

[0052] In some specific embodiments of this application, the unit size of the breast pad 20 is not less than 6.14 mm.

[0053] The unit size of breast pad 20 refers to the unit length and unit width of the negative Poisson's ratio structure. A unit size of not less than 6.14mm means that either the unit length or the unit width is not less than 6.14mm. For example, the unit length and unit width are the same, both 6.14mm, 7.14mm, etc. Alternatively, the unit length and unit width may be different, as long as both the unit length and unit width in breast pad 20 are not less than 6.14mm. It can be understood that each unit in breast pad 20 is symmetrical along both the longitudinal and transverse directions, and the unit size of breast pad 20 is not less than 6.14mm.

[0054] See Figure 7 The unit sizes of the breast pads 20 are 6.14mm, 7.14mm, 8.14mm, and 9.14mm, respectively. Figure 7 It can be seen that, with the same void height, material strength, and chest pad thickness in the negative Poisson's ratio structural components, the size of the unit affects the degree of expansion. During the design of the chest pad 20, the degree of expansion can be adjusted by changing the unit size, resulting in different adaptability and pressure. This allows for customization of the required support level according to individual needs and activity type.

[0055] In some optional embodiments of this application, the edge of the breast pad 20 is bonded to the main fabric 10. For example, the edge of the breast pad 20 is connected to the main fabric 10 by heat pressing, thereby achieving a seamless connection, so that the breast pad 20 can provide stable support while reducing friction at the connection point during movement. Optionally, the breast pad 20 is square, teardrop-shaped, or round. The edges of the breast pad 20 are all connected to the main fabric 10 or only partially bonded to the main fabric 10. Taking the teardrop-shaped breast pad 20 as an example, the upper edge of the breast pad 20 is straight and conforms to the chest line, the lower edge is naturally curved to support, and the outer edge connects the upper and lower edges, with a smooth transition. The upper edge, lower edge, and outer edge of the breast pad 20 are all fixedly connected to the main fabric 10, or only the lower edge and outer edge of the breast pad 20 are connected to the main fabric 10, and the upper edge is not connected to the main fabric 10.

[0056] In a specific embodiment of this application, the breast pad 20 has a first edge 201, a second edge 202 and a third edge 203 connected in sequence. The first edge 201 is located on the inner upper edge of the breast pad 20, and the second edge 202 and the third edge 203 are bonded to the main fabric 10.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the breast pad 20 is triangular in shape and has three edges: a first edge 201, a second edge 202, and a third edge 203. The three edges are arc-shaped and connected sequentially. The first edge 201 is located at the upper inner edge of the breast pad 20, the second edge 202 is located at the outer outer edge of the breast pad 20, and the third edge 203 is located at the lower edge of the breast pad 20. During fixation, only the second edge 202 and the third edge 203 are bonded to the main fabric 10. The first edge 201 provides a margin of movement for the fixation of the second edge 202 and the third edge 203, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing the impact of fixation deviation on wearing comfort.

[0058] In some specific embodiments of this application, the breast pad 20 is made of silicone.

[0059] Specifically, an embedded cavity mold is fabricated using 3D printing, and a negative Poisson's ratio material is poured into the mold. Optionally, vacuum casting can be used to precisely realize complex patterns and details on the negative Poisson's ratio structure. For example, silicone is poured into the mold cavity, and excess silicone on the surface is carefully removed. Then, the silicone-filled mold is placed in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum level in the vacuum chamber can be adjusted. For example, air in the vacuum chamber can be expelled using a vacuum pump, thereby creating a low-pressure environment within the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber helps eliminate air bubbles within the silicone in the mold, ensuring a more uniform distribution of the silicone parts within the mold. To ensure complete curing of the silicone, it is left to stand at room temperature for at least 12 hours after vacuum casting. Of course, other processing methods can also be used.

[0060] For different individuals, the unit size of the negative Poisson's ratio structural components can be adjusted for a better fit. The high tensile strength of the negative Poisson's ratio silicone components provides superior elasticity, allowing them to better conform to the breast contour and ultimately improve wearing comfort. Furthermore, using silicone to fabricate the negative Poisson's ratio structural components enhances the elasticity and durability of the bra pad 20, improving comfort and lifespan. The combination of silicone and negative Poisson's ratio ensures that the bra pad 20 dynamically adapts to the wearer's movements, while enhancing support and providing a more personalized and comfortable experience during exercise.

[0061] Optionally, the breast pad 20 can be directly pressed and fixed to the main fabric 10 even if it is not fully cured. The adhesive properties of the soft silicone are used to achieve a secure connection between the two. Figure 2 As shown, the edge of the breast pad 20 is connected to the main fabric 10. Before the silicone is fully cured, the breast pad 20 is pressed together with the main fabric 10. Of course, after the breast pad 20 is fully cured, it can also be fixed to the main fabric 10 by high-pressure pressing.

[0062] The combination of silicone and a negative Poisson's ratio structure leverages the flexibility, durability, and support properties of silicone to further improve pressure distribution between the breast pad 20 and the breast, enhancing the wearing experience and reducing discomfort associated with traditional sports bras. The breast pad 20 utilizes a silicone negative Poisson's ratio structure, fully utilizing its properties to adapt to different breast shapes while providing necessary support during exercise, effectively controlling breast shift and improving the overall performance and wearing comfort of the sports bra.

[0063] In some specific embodiments, the breast pad 20 has multiple regions of varying thickness. The breast pad 20 is concave, with a thicker bottom and a thinner top; the edges are thinner and the middle is thicker. Thus, the breast pad 20 has multiple regions of varying thickness, and the unit size of each region can be the same or different.

[0064] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A sports bra, characterized in that: include: Main fabric (10); The breast pad (20) is fixed to the inside of the main fabric (10). The breast pad (20) is a concave negative Poisson's ratio structure. The side of the breast pad (20) facing away from the main fabric (10) is used to contact the human body.

2. The sports bra as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each unit in the negative Poisson's ratio structural component is an axisymmetric pattern.

3. The sports bra as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The breast pad (20) includes crisscrossing horizontal edges (21) and vertical edges (22), both of which are wavy.

4. The sports bra as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The minimum distance between two adjacent horizontal edges and the minimum distance between two adjacent vertical edges are both not less than 0.4 mm.

5. The sports bra as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The breast pad (20) includes a first region (211) and a second region (212), wherein the unit size of the first region (211) is smaller than the unit size of the second region (212).

6. The sports bra as described in claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The unit size of the breast pad (20) is not less than 6.14 mm.

7. The sports bra as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The edge of the breast pad (20) is bonded to the main fabric (10).

8. The sports bra as described in claim 1 or 7, characterized in that: The breast pad (20) has a first edge (201), a second edge (202) and a third edge (203), the first edge (201), the second edge (202) and the third edge (203) are connected in sequence, the first edge (201) is located on the inner upper edge of the breast pad (20), and the second edge (202) and the third edge (203) are bonded to the main fabric (10).

9. The sports bra as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The breast pad (20) is made of silicone.

10. The sports bra as described in claim 1 or 9, characterized in that: The breast pad (20) has multiple areas with different thicknesses.

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