Item of clothing having a modular structure

Abstract

The invention relates to an item of clothing having a modular structure, comprising at least one wrap-around band (14) as a first module, which has non-damaging fastening means (2) on one side and a detachable arrangement of at least one garment module (22) as at least one further module.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a garment with a modular structure.

[0002] WO 2008 / 014 879 A1 and US 2010 / 0297913 A1 disclose a bra with removable cups that are detachably attached to a bra base by means of a hook-and-loop fastener. The bra base includes an underbust band that can be placed around the torso and which can be opened on the back opposite the cups by means of a fastener. On either side of the fastener, one end of a strap is attached, the other end of which can be hooked into a loop on the corresponding cup attached to the bra base.

[0003] Furthermore, US 2012 / 0135667 A1 discloses a bra (BH) with removable cups which are detachably attached to an underbust band of the bra by means of a hook and loop fastener, wherein a fastening area is molded onto the cups which has hook and loop strips onto which loop strips of the underbust band are placed, so that the underbust band extends above the fastening areas of the cups.

[0004] In Germany, bra sizes are standardized according to EN 13402. Conventional bra sizes consist of two elements: a number in cm representing the underbust measurement (band width) and a letter indicating the cup size. Underbust measurements vary by 5 cm, starting at 60 cm for very narrow torsos. According to the current sizing system, an underbust band, if present, is sewn together with two cups of a specific size.

[0005] Until now, bra sizes were usually determined using standard size charts. However, these charts often originate from corset making. Corsets or bustiers, however, fit much more tightly than most bras and are made of firm material, while bras are made using elastane, polyester, cotton, or microfiber. (Lingerie Pattern Construction, Madeleine van der Werve, 2016).

[0006] The fit of a bra depends on various factors such as the firmness of the breast tissue, the cup size, the width and height of the breast base, the distance between the breasts, the breast shape, the breast depth, the breast width, the breast volume, the underbust measurement, etc. A comfortably snug underbust band is very important for a good bra fit. (Custom-made lingerie and swimwear, Bella Hendriks, 2013).

[0007] Bras and bikini tops that conform to the current standardized sizing system cannot accommodate all body shapes. In particular, bras with a very small band and very large cups, or with a very large band and small cups, are not manufactured industrially. This results in a poor fit for the bra or bikini top, which is not only uncomfortable for the wearer but also poses health risks such as skin irritation, shoulder and back pain, or shoulder deformities.

[0008] US patent 2017 / 0164667 A1 discloses a garment with a modular structure according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0009] Furthermore, US 2012 / 0135667 A1 discloses a bra (BH) with removable cups which are detachably attached to an underbust band of the bra by means of a hook and loop fastener, wherein a fastening area is molded onto the cups which has hook and loop strips onto which loop strips of the underbust band are placed, so that the underbust band extends above the fastening areas of the cups.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of creating a garment of the type mentioned above which, after selection of appropriate modules, can be individually adapted to its wearer, in particular his measurements, preferences or needs, by appropriately combining the selected modules.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to create a garment from a modular system with various modules without requiring special craftsmanship.

[0012] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a securely fitting bra or bikini top as a garment which is optimally adapted to the respective body shape, in particular the breast shape, of the bra or bikini wearer.

[0013] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0014] The dependent claims advantageously develop the idea of ​​the invention further.

[0015] A garment with a modular structure comprises at least one wrapping band as a first module, which on one side has fastening means for the non-destructive and detachable arrangement of at least one clothing module as at least one further module, and on the wrapping band a pair of trousers, a skirt or an apron or similar lower garment is detachably arranged on the one hand and cups of a bra or bikini top or a blouse or a T-shirt or similar upper garment on the other.

[0016] The length of the sling is adapted to the body part to which the garment is to be attached. The sling and the garment module can be detachably and non-destructively connected using buttons, a zipper, a removable adhesive, or similar means, preferably using snap fasteners and / or hook-and-loop fasteners. For example, the sling can be used to secure a garment module designed as a blouse to the underside of the wearer's body, preventing it from slipping. Simultaneously, a skirt or trousers can be attached to the sling alongside the blouse. For this purpose, the sling is preferably designed as a hip or waist band, meaning its length is such that it can be wrapped around and fastened to the corresponding body part of the person being dressed.If a clothing module consists of, for example, bra cups or a bikini top, then the band is preferably designed as an underbust band. The cups can then be attached to the underbust band in an interchangeable manner. Furthermore, an apron can be attached to the underbust band below the cups to provide a tankini top or similar garment.

[0017] Preferably, the length of the underbust band is continuously adjustable and / or the band is made of an elastic material, at least in sections. Of course, hook and loop fasteners, for example, can also be elastic or made of an elastic material. The waistband, designed as a hip or waistband, has a substantially predetermined length with sewn ends. Naturally, it is equipped on at least one side with at least one fastening device for the non-destructive and detachable attachment of at least one garment module and is made of an elastic material, at least in sections.

[0018] A garment designed as a bra or bikini top with a modular structure comprises at least two modules that are connected to each other by connecting elements in a way that allows for non-destructive detachment. An underbust band forms the first module, and two cups, either independently or connected to each other, form the second module. The entirety of the cups, or the individual cups and the underbust band, are connected to each other by connecting elements in a way that allows for non-destructive detachment.

[0019] Advantageously, different cup sizes can be combined with underbust bands of varying lengths, widths, and / or thicknesses and connected to each other non-destructively at the underbust band and cups by corresponding fastening elements, which can also be referred to as connecting elements. The fit of the bra or bikini top according to the invention can thus be individually tailored to the wearer's body shape, resulting in a bra or bikini top with an optimal fit and optimal comfort.

[0020] The cups can be separate, i.e., independent of each other, or connected as a single unit and thus non-destructively attached to the underbust band by a connecting element. This connecting element is located primarily at the lower end of the cups. Optionally, the cups can be connected to each other by a connecting piece.

[0021] Advantageously, each cup has a retaining element on its upper surface for the detachable attachment of one end of a replaceable strap. The strap is detachably connected either at each end to a cup or at one end to the cup and the other end to a retaining element on the underbust band. Therefore, the strap can run around the wearer's neck, or, if two straps are used, extend over the shoulders. The straps advantageously increase stability and wearing comfort.

[0022] An embodiment that is not part of the invention is a set with several sling bands and several clothing modules, wherein the ends of the sling band designed as an underbust band are detachably connectable to each other or are permanently connected to each other, and the sling band has fastening means on at least one side for the non-destructive and detachable arrangement of at least one clothing module.

[0023] In a further embodiment not belonging to the invention, a set comprises at least two underbust bands and a set of at least two cups, wherein one of the underbust bands and two cups, the cups being connected independently of each other or to each other, can be detachably connected to each other by connecting elements in variable size combinations without damage.

[0024] The at least two underbust bands come in different lengths, widths, and / or thicknesses. The cups come in different sizes and / or fits.

[0025] From this set, underbust bands of different lengths, widths and / or thicknesses or strengths can be selected, and each underbust band can be connected to cups of different sizes and / or fits using connecting elements in a non-destructive manner.

[0026] Naturally, the underbust bands and the cups have corresponding fastening means so that they can be connected to each other.

[0027] Furthermore, the cups have fastening devices at their lower end and, if they can be individually attached to the underbust band, can be positioned at any desired lateral distance. This allows the spacing of the cups to be chosen as desired. Thus, the spacing of the cups can be individually tailored to the body shape, especially the bust distance, of the bra or bikini wearer.

[0028] The length of the sling band, especially the underbust band, is infinitely adjustable, particularly if, for example, a closure is designed as a Velcro fastener.

[0029] The underbust band is crucial for the stability of the bra or bikini top according to the invention. The length of the underbust band can be individually adjusted and thus selected according to the underbust circumference.

[0030] Not all combinations of underbust measurement and cup size are manufactured industrially. For example, bras with a particularly small underbust band (e.g., 65 cm) and a particularly large cup (e.g., G), as well as those with a particularly large underbust band (e.g., 100 cm) and a particularly small cup (e.g., A), are not produced. The individual sizes based on underbust measurement, i.e., the lengths of the respective underbust bands, are in 5 cm increments according to the established sizing system (70, 75, 80, 85, 90, etc.). However, this sizing system, especially the sizes available industrially, does not accommodate all body measurements and therefore often results in underbust bands that are either too loose or too tight. This significantly compromises the bra's stability. The resulting discomfort can lead to health problems for the wearer, such as back pain.

[0031] The stepless adjustability of the underbust band length results in optimally fitting bras or bikini tops, thus avoiding the disadvantages known from the state of the art.

[0032] Preferably, the underbust band can have any desired width and / or thickness. The underbust band can have a width of 0.5 cm to 10 cm.

[0033] The thickness of the underbust band can range from 0.05 cm to 1 cm. A thickness of 0.1 cm to 0.75 cm is advantageous.

[0034] The stability of the bra or bikini according to the invention is advantageously achieved through the underbust band.

[0035] The compression band can be elastic or inelastic. This ensures a comfortable fit for the wearer, especially with the underbust band. Pressure points and discomfort can thus be avoided.

[0036] Preferably, the sizes and / or fits of the cups are variable. For example, the cups can be available in sizes AA, A, B, C, D, E (DD), F, G, H, I, J, K.

[0037] Naturally, different cup sizes can be combined with underbust bands of varying lengths, widths, and / or thicknesses. The provided bra or bikini top can thus be adapted to any body shape and offers optimal support.

[0038] The cup styles can be selected from the following groups: molded cup bras, demi-cup bras, triangle bras, balconette bras, T-shirt bras, and push-up bras. Preferably, the cups have a molded cup or triangle shape. Underwires are advantageous on the underside of the cups. These underwires, preferably metal ones, create a rounded shape and provide optimal support. This is particularly beneficial for women with larger breasts. The underwires provide stability and relieve back strain.

[0039] Advantageously, the cups can have side openings designed to accommodate inserts made of different materials. For example, foam or silicone inserts can be placed into the openings. This can create a visually enlarging effect. This is particularly beneficial for women with smaller breasts or for women who have undergone medical procedures, such as a mastectomy.

[0040] Advantageously, the straps offer a variable fit. They can have different widths and / or thicknesses and be connected as a halter neck or to the underbust band. The straps can also be crossed at the back. Preferably, the underbust band and / or the straps and / or the cups can be padded. The padding material can be selected from the group consisting of foam or silicone. Preferably, the straps have padding in the shoulder and / or neck area. The padding advantageously prevents pressure points, shoulder pain, and / or shoulder deformities.

[0041] The underbust band can be connected to a garment that at least partially covers the abdominal area by means of connecting elements that allow for non-destructive detachment. Optionally, the garment that at least partially covers the abdominal area can be connected to (under)pants or bikini bottoms by means of connecting elements that allow for non-destructive detachment. Advantageously, the bra or bikini top can thus be transformed into a top, swimsuit, or bodysuit. Similarly, a dress can also be attached to the bra or bikini top according to the invention.

[0042] Preferably, the inner or outer surface of the garment, which at least partially covers the abdominal area, can have an additional layer of fabric, wherein the additional layer of fabric is connected to the garment covering the abdominal area by connecting elements. The additional layer of fabric can be decorated or undecorated. Small items such as money or jewelry can advantageously be concealed behind the additional layer of fabric.

[0043] The wrap band can optionally be attached to a top or garment using fasteners. An additional layer of fabric, with or without decoration, can then be attached to the top or garment using fasteners. This additional layer of fabric is particularly useful for concealing small items such as money or jewelry.

[0044] To achieve a magnifying effect, the underwear or bikini bottoms can have at least one opening designed to accommodate inserts, for example made of foam or silicone.

[0045] Advantageously, the fastening means can be arranged in opposite directions on the front or back of the underbust band and the cups. The underbust band has at least one fastening means, which is attached to the front or back of the underbust band, and each cup, individually or as a group, has at least one corresponding fastening means, which is attached to the front or back of the cups in the opposite direction to the fastening means of the underbust band.

[0046] The fastening devices can be selected from the group consisting of at least one hook and loop fastener, snap fasteners, loops, or hooks. Preferably, at least one hook and loop fastener or snap fastener constitutes the fastening device.

[0047] Preferably, the hook-and-loop fastener, or the hook-and-loop strip and / or the loop side of the fastener, can be designed as an elastic band. This is particularly advantageous if the underbust band is elastic. This allows the hook-and-loop fastener to be attached seamlessly to the underbust band, resulting in high flexibility, comfortable wear, and easy handling.

[0048] The bra or bikini top according to the invention may further feature decorative elements. For example, sequins, beads, rings or chains may be attached to the bra or bikini top according to the invention.

[0049] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the associated drawing.

[0050] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a garment designed as a bra according to the invention, wherein the cups are designed in a shell shape, Fig. 2 a further representation of the garment designed as a bra according to Fig. 1 , wherein the cups are triangular in shape, Figs. 3 to 9 show alternative garments according to the invention, Fig. 10 shows a wrap-around band designed as an underbust band, Fig. 11 shows a further illustration of the wrap-around band, Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of a bra cup.

[0051] The garment 13 has a modular structure and comprises a wrap-around band 14 as a first module. A wrap-around band 14, designed as an underbust band 3, preferably has ends that can be detachably connected to one another. For this purpose, hooks 15 and eyelets 16 or loops for mutual attachment, or a hook-and-loop fastener 17 and loop strip 18, are arranged at the ends. The wrap-around band 14 can be continuously adjustable in length and / or made, at least in sections, of an elastic material 19. Depending on its arrangement on a wearer 9, i.e., a person wearing the garment, the wrap-around band 14 is designed as an underbust band 3, a waist band 20, or a hip band 21. The wrap-around band 14 designed as a waist band 20 or hip band 21 preferably has connected, in particular sewn, ends and a fixed circumference.Naturally, it is equipped on at least one side with at least one fastening element 2 for the non-destructive and detachable attachment of at least one clothing module 22 and can be made, at least in sections, of an elastic material 19. Furthermore, it is of course possible to arrange a fastening element 2 designed as a hook and loop fastener 17 on one side of the wrapping band 14 and a fastening element 2 designed as a loop fastener 18 on the other side for holding different clothing modules 22.

[0052] For the detachable and in particular non-destructive arrangement of clothing modules 22, the wrapping band 14 has either a part of a hook and loop fastener, i.e. either a loop tape 18 or a hook and loop tape 17, or a part of a snap fastener 23 as a fastening means 2, which interact with corresponding counterparts on the respective clothing module 22.

[0053] Fig. 1Figure 1 schematically represents a bra 1, which, as a clothing module 22, comprises two cups 4 in a shell shape and a band 14 designed as an underbust band 3. The cups 4 are connected to each other by a connecting element 10. The connecting element 10 can, for example, be made of fabric. It is also possible that the connecting element 10 is designed in two parts, so that the cups 4 can be separated from each other and connected by means of fasteners 2 associated with the connecting element 10, which are not shown in detail. The entirety of the cups 4 and the underbust band 3 are connected to each other non-destructively and detachably by fasteners 2. The underbust band 3 can be elastic. The fasteners 2 are attached to the front of the underbust band 3.Corresponding fastening means 2 are attached to the reverse of the entire cup assembly 4, opposite the fastening means 2 on the front of the underbust band 3. The fastening means 2 are designed such that the fastening means 2 on the underbust band 3 can be connected to the corresponding fastening means 2 on the cups 4 in a non-destructive manner.

[0054] The fastening means 2 act as hook-and-loop fasteners and are designed as hook-and-loop tape 17 and loop tape 18. Alternatively, the corresponding fastening means 2 can be attached to the back of the underbust band 3 and to the front of the entire cup assembly 4. The hook-and-loop fastener on the underbust band 3 can be elastic. In an alternative embodiment, the fastening means 2 can be designed as snap fasteners 23, hooks 15, 24, or eyelets 16 or loops. Any size combinations of underbust band 3 and cups 4 can be combined and connected to each other without damage by means of the fastening means 2. The cups 4 can be connected to the underbust band 3 at any variable lateral distance 5. The length of the underbust band 3 is continuously adjustable, depending on the underbust circumference of the bra wearer, particularly when the fastening means 2 are designed as hook-and-loop fasteners.The underbust band 3 can be designed in any width according to double arrow 7 and / or thickness 8. The stability and support of the bra according to the invention is achieved by the underbust band 3. The correct length, width, and thickness of the underbust band 3 result in optimal wearing comfort. The size of the cups 4 is variable depending on the bust circumference of the bra wearer and can be combined with the underbust band 3 at a variable lateral distance 5. By means of retaining elements 25, designed here as hooks 24, the straps 9 can be attached to the cups 4 and the underbust band 3 in a non-destructive manner by means of loops at their ends. The straps 9 advantageously have a length adjustment device 11 so that the length of the straps 9 can be adjusted as desired, depending on the body shape and size of the bra wearer. In an alternative embodiment, the straps 9 can be closed by a strap closure 12.The straps 9 thus formed run from cup 4 to cup and form a halter-neck bra. Alternatively, the straps 9 run from each cup 4 to a hook 24 attached to the underbust band 3 and thus extend over the shoulders of the bra wearer.

[0055] Fig. 2Figure 1 schematically depicts a bra 1 according to the invention, comprising two triangular cups 4 as a garment module 22 and an underbust band 3. The cups 4 and the underbust band 3 are connected to each other by fasteners 2 in a way that allows for non-destructive detachment. The underbust band 3 is advantageously designed to be elastic. The corresponding fasteners 2 are positioned opposite each other on the front of the underbust band 3 and on the back of the cups 4 and are designed as hook-and-loop fasteners. Any combination of sizes of underbust band 3 and cups 4 can be combined and connected to each other by corresponding fasteners 2. The cups 4 can be connected to the underbust band 3 at any variable lateral distance, as indicated by the double arrow 5, i.e., at any desired distance from each other. This allows the distance between the cups 4 to be adjusted to the bust distance of the bra wearer.The length of the underbust band 3, as indicated by the double arrow 6, is individually adjustable. The underbust band 3 is available in various widths and / or thicknesses. The cup size 4 is variable, selectable according to the bra wearer's breast size, and can be combined with the underbust band 3. The straps 9 can be attached to the cups 4 and the underbust band 3 without damage by means of the retaining elements 25. The straps 9 advantageously have a length adjustment device 11.

[0056] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a partial representation of a woman wearing a garment 13 designed as a bikini top 1, which corresponds in its construction to the previously described bra 1 and requires no further description. Figure 26 shows shorts 26, for example, bikini bottoms, which can be made as conventional shorts 26 or modularly and, in addition to the actual fabric of the shorts 26, which represents a garment module 22, includes a waistband 21, to which the fabric of the shorts 26 is detachably attached by means of the associated fastening means 2. A strip of fabric 27, serving as a kind of apron, extends between the underbust band 3 and the waistband 21 and is indicated by a dashed line. This strip can be attached or removed as needed.

[0057] After Fig. 4On the one hand, a decorative fabric is assigned to the bra 1 as a further clothing module 22, so that a strapless top is provided, and on the other hand, a clothing module 22 designed as a bottom part with trousers 26 is arranged on the underbust band 3, the bottom part being detachably attached to the underbust band 3 by means of fastening means 2. Thus, the bottom part cannot slip relative to the top part and a uniform-looking garment 13 is provided.

[0058] According to Fig. 5 The garment 13 essentially comprises a clothing module 22 formed from a fabric panel 27, wherein the fabric panel 27, which is detachably attached to the underbust band 3, extends over the wearer's breasts and around her neck. Furthermore, a lower part comprising trousers 26, which extends over the abdomen and waist, is detachably attached to the underbust band 3.

[0059] After Fig. 6 The garment 13, designed as a bikini top 1, has the structure already described above. In addition, the wearer is clothed in long trousers 26, which can be modular and, besides the actual fabric of the trousers 26, which constitutes a clothing module 22, includes the waistband 21, to which the fabric of the trousers 26 is detachably attached by means of associated fastening means 2.

[0060] In the representation according to Fig. 7 There are 28 sleeve attachments arranged on the straps 9 of the bikini top.

[0061] In contrast to Fig. 6 shows Fig. 8A skirt 29 instead of trousers 26, the fabric of the skirt 29 being detachably attached to the waistband 20 by means of fastening means 2. A fabric panel 27, detachably held by means of fastening means 3, can be provided between the waistband 20 and the underbust band 3, thus completing the garment 13.

[0062] According to Fig. 9 On the hip belt 21, a blouse 30 and trousers 26 are arranged as clothing modules 22 by means of fastening means 2 and can be detachably attached. Reference sign

[0063] 1. bra or bikini 16. eyelet 2. Fasteners 17. Velcro 3. underbust band 18. Hook and loop tape 4. basket 19. material 5. Side spacing 20. waistband 6. Double arrow 21. hip belt 7. Double arrow 22. Clothing module 8. thickness 23. push button 9. carrier 24. Hook 10. Connecting part 25. Holding device 11. Length adjustment device 26. trousers 12. Carrier closure 27. fabric 13. garment 28. sleeve cuff 14. wrapping strap 29. rock 15. Hook 30. Blouse

Claims

1. Item of clothing having a modular structure, comprising at least one wrap-around band (14) as a first module, characterized in that the wrap-around band (14) has on one side fastening means (2) for the non-damaging and detachable arrangement of at least one garment module (22) as at least one further module, and a pair of trousers (26), a skirt (29) or an apron or similar garment bottom is detachably arranged and cups (4) of a bra or bikini top (1) or a blouse (30) or a T-shirt or similar garment top is / are detachably arranged on the wrap-around band (14).

2. Item of clothing according to claim 1, characterized in that the wrap-around band (14) is designed as a hip strap (21), a waist band (20), or an underbust band (3) and the fastening means (2) is designed as a hook and loop tape (17) or a snap (23), the garment module (22), on the basis of the fastening means (2) of the wrap-around band (14), having a fabric hook and loop tape (18) or a snap (23) as the fastening means.

3. Item of clothing according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least the entirety of the cups (4) or the cups (4) each by themselves and the underbust band (3) are detachably interconnected by the fastening means (2) in a non-damaging manner.

4. Item of clothing according to claim 3, characterized in that each cup (4) has a retaining means (25) on its upper side for detachably fastening one end of a strap (9), the strap (9) being detachably connected either with each of its ends to a cup (4) or with one end to the cup (4) and with the other end to a retaining means (25) of the underbust band (3).

5. Item of clothing according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the length of the wrap-around band (14) designed as an underbust band (3) is infinitely adjustable and / or the wrap-around band (14), at least in sections, is made of an elastic material (19).

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