Mannequin for lingerie display and method of its manufacturing

Abstract

The current invention relates to a mannequin for displaying lingerie such as bras and / or underpants, wherein said mannequin has a torso comprising a pair of breasts and a chest wall, wherein each breast has a convex curvature, wherein said convex curvature ends in a concave groove positioned at the juncture between the breast end and the chest wall, said groove exhibiting a depth at the deepest point of said groove of between 2 and 35 mm and a width of 12 and 70 mm.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of mannequin design, specifically to a mannequin designed for displaying lingerie such as bras and underpants.BACKGROUND

[0002] Mannequins are widely used in the retail industry to display clothing items, including lingerie such as bras and underpants. Mannequins are known from FR2241188, US2022327766, and EP3006187. However, current mannequins present several challenges. Firstly, they are often made from hard plastic, which does not resemble the soft tissue of the human body. This discrepancy makes it difficult to accurately represent how a bra would fit on a human body. In particular, the unrealistic representation of breasts on regular mannequins is a significant concern, as it does not allow for a universal fit of all types of bras, even of the same size. Secondly, the space between the legs of regular mannequins is often too narrow, leading to the crumpling of underpants. Lastly, conventional mannequins lack anatomical precision in the representation of the body, especially in the area of the breasts and the chest wall. This lack of precision often results in an inaccurate representation of how lingerie would fit on a human body. Therefore, there is a need for a mannequin that can accurately represent the human body and provide a realistic fit for all types of lingerie.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention pertains to a mannequin designed for displaying lingerie such as bras and underpants. The mannequin is characterized by a torso comprising a pair of breasts and a chest wall, with each breast having a convex curvature that ends in a concave groove at the juncture between the breast end and the chest wall. The groove has specific depth and width parameters. The mannequin also features an abdominal portion, a back portion and a pubis portion positioned between two legs. The minimum distance between the legs is defined, and the mannequin may also comprise arms and a head.

[0004] The invention also describes a method of making the mannequin, involving the use of a digital 3D model. The mannequin has several advantages, including a more realistic and diverse display of lingerie, a more accurate representation of the fit and appearance of these products when worn, and a streamlined manufacturing process.DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0005] Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a mannequin according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a semi-lateral view of a mannequin according to the invention. Figure 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of a mannequin according to the invention. Figure 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of a mannequin according to the invention. Figure 5 shows a front view of two mannequins according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 shows a back view of two mannequins according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 shows a lateral view of two mannequins according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 embodiments of a mannequin according to the prior art and embodiments of mannequins according to embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention concerns a mannequin for displaying lingerie such as bras and / or underpants or swimwear. The mannequin respects the proportion of a woman's body while perfectly displaying the garments.

[0007] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

[0008] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: "A", "an", and "the" as used herein refer to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

[0009] "About" as used herein refers to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of + / -20% or less, preferably + / -10% or less, more preferably + / -5% or less, even more preferably + / -1% or less, and still more preferably + / -0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

[0010] "Comprise", "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specify the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0011] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0012] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0013] The expression "% by weight", "weight percent", "%wt" or "wt%", here and throughout the description unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the respective component based on the overall weight of the formulation.

[0014] Whereas the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any ≥3, ≥4, ≥5, ≥6 or ≥7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members.

[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.

[0016] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0017] In a first aspect, the current disclosure relates to a mannequin for displaying lingerie such as bras and / or underpants, wherein said mannequin has a torso comprising a pair of breasts and a chest wall, wherein each breast has a convex curvature, wherein said convex curvature ends in a concave groove positioned at the juncture between the breast end and the chest wall, said groove exhibiting a depth at the deepest point of said groove of between 2 mm and 35 mm and a width of between 12 and 70 mm.

[0018] Dressing of soft tissue, as that of a human body with a snug article such as a bra, results in a degree of the underwire of the bra or the band of a sports bra cutting into the soft tissue of the body. On a hard plastic mannequin, there is no such cutting into the tissue. As a result, mannequins designed as 1-on-1 reproduction of a human body do not properly display the underwear garments as they do not properly stretch the garments. As a consequence, the underwear garments are crumpled and ill-fitting. The detailed design of the mannequin according to the invention even when made of hard plastic, overcomes these issues. The concave groove under each breast provides a realistic space for the underwire of a bra to fit, enabling a more accurate representation of how the bra would fit on a human body. This, in turn, creates a more appealing visual presentation of the bra, potentially influencing the purchase decisions of customers.

[0019] The groove according to the invention differs significantly from the natural contour or fold that typically forms when the chest is viewed from the side, as seen in traditional mannequins or anatomical depictions. Unlike the shallow and less defined groove naturally formed at the juncture between the breast and the chest wall, the groove as disclosed herein is deliberately deeper, with a precisely defined depth ranging between 2 mm and 35 mm. This enhanced depth ensures the proper accommodation of lingerie components such as the underwire of bras or the band of sports bras, thereby providing a more realistic and appealing representation of how such garments fit on the human body.

[0020] The depth of the groove at its deepest point is in some embodiments between 2 mm and 35 mm, between 2 mm and 30 mm, between 2 mm and 25 mm, between 2 mm and 20 mm, between 2 mm and 15 mm, between 2 mm and 10 mm, between 2 mm and 8 mm, between 2 mm and 7.5 mm, between 2 mm and 7 mm, between 2 mm and 6.5 mm, between 2 mm and 6 mm, between 2 mm and 5.5 mm, between 2 mm and 5 mm, between 2 mm and 4.5mm,r between 2 mm and 4 mm, between 2 mm and 3.5 mm or between 2 mm and 3 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0021] Alternatively, the depth of the groove at its deepest point is between 2.5 mm and 35 mm, between 3 mm and 35 mm, between 3.5 mm and 35mm, between 4 mm and 35 mm, between 4.5 mm and 35 mm, between 5 mm and 35 mm, between 5.5 mm and 35 mm, between 6 mm and 35 mm, between 7.5mm and 35 mm, between between 8 mm and 35 mm, between 10 mm and 35 mm, between 15 mm and 35 mm, between 20 mm and 35 mm, between 25 mm and 35 mm, or between 30 mm and 35 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0022] In yet another alternative embodiment, the depth of the groove at its deepest point is between 4 mm and 30 mm, between 5 mm and 25 mm, between 8 mm and 20 mm, or between 10 mm and 15 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0023] Similarly, the width of the groove varies, with a range of between 15 mm and 70 mm, between 20 mm and 70 mm, between 25 mm and 70 mm, between 30 mm and 70 mm, between 35 mm and 70 mm, between 40 mm and 70 mm, between 45 mm and 70 mm, between 50 mm and 70 mm, between 55 mm and 70 mm, between 60 mm and 70 mm, or between 65 mm and 70 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0024] In alternative embodiments, the width of the groove is between 12 mm and 65 mm, between 12 mm and 60 mm, between 12 mm and 55 mm, between 12 mm and 50 mm, between 12 mm and 45 mm, between 12 mm and 40 mm, between 12 mm and 35 mm, between 12 mm and 30 mm, between 12 mm and 25 mm, between 12 mm and 20 mm, or between 12 mm and 15 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0025] In yet other alternative embodiments, the width of the groove is between 15 mm and 65 mm, between 20 mm and 60 mm, between 25 mm and 55 mm, between 30 mm and 50 mm, between 35 mm and 45 mm, or between 40 mm and 45 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0026] These variations in the dimensions of the groove allow for the mannequin to accommodate bras of different sizes and designs, further enhancing its versatility in displaying lingerie.

[0027] In further embodiments of the mannequin, as disclosed herein, the groove extends under each breast on a length of between 80 mm and 350 mm. In some embodiments, the groove has a length of between 90 mm and 350 mm, between 100 mm and 350 mm, between 125 mm and 350 mm, between 150 mm and 350 mm, between 175 mm and 350 mm, between 200 mm and 350 mm, between 225 mm and 350 mm, between 250 mm and 350 mm, between 275 mm and 350 mm, between 300 mm and 350 mm, or between 325 mm and 350 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0028] Alternatively, the groove has a length between 80 mm and 325 mm, between 80 mm and 300 mm, between 80 mm and 275 mm, between 80 mm and 250 mm, between 80 mm and 225 mm, between 80 mm and 200 mm, between 80 mm and 175 mm, between 80 mm and 150 mm, or between 80 mm and 100 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0029] In yet another alternative embodiment, the groove has a length between 90 mm and 325 mm, between 100 mm and 300 mm, between 125 mm and 275 mm, between 150 mm and 250 mm, between 175 mm and 225 mm, between 150 mm and 200 mm or between 175 mm and 200 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0030] The groove, which is a concave indentation positioned at the juncture between the end of the breast and the chest wall, prevents the lingerie from slipping or moving out of place, ensuring that the displayed items remain in their intended position and has preferably a length that accommodates the dimensions of the underwire of a bra.

[0031] In addition, the extended groove contributes to the realistic representation of the body. It helps to create a more natural transition between the breast and the chest wall, reducing the rigid and artificial appearance often associated with traditional mannequins.

[0032] Furthermore, the extended groove can be easily incorporated into the manufacturing process of the mannequin. It can be digitally modeled and precisely cut into the material of the mannequin, ensuring a high level of accuracy and consistency. The groove can also be adjusted or modified as needed, allowing for a high degree of customization and flexibility.

[0033] The breast plane, as disclosed herein is to be understood as the plane drawn through the highest point of a breast and the lowest point of said breast. The highest point of the breasts is in some embodiments at the position of the breast corresponding to the nipple. The lowest point of the breast is located on the bottom folding line of the breasts, also called herein the end of the convex curvature of the breast.

[0034] The chest wall plane, as disclosed herein is to be understood as the plane parallel to the chest wall.

[0035] The groove is positioned on the mannequin at the intersection of the breast plane and the chest wall plane. The breast plane slices the breast in some areas but in the areas below the breast, the breast plane intersects with the plane of the chest wall.

[0036] The chest wall has a certain curvature with a radius of the curvature that changes rapidly in the vicinity of the breast. The region where this change in curvature happens is the place where the groove starts. The groove can thus be defined as the horizontal V-shape between the breast and the chest wall.

[0037] To measure the width and depth of the groove, a vertical line from where the curvature of the chest wall starts changing in the direction of the breast is defined. The distance between the starting point of this line and the endpoint where it touches the breast is defined as the width of the groove. The depth of the groove can be defined as the length of the line segment that starts at the deepest point of the groove and perpendicularly ends on the previously drawn vertical line segment.

[0038] It would be obvious to the skilled person that a groove is positioned under each corresponding breast, so the grooves of the toros come in pairs.

[0039] In addition to the concave groove, the convex curvature of each breast also contributes to the realistic presentation of bras on the mannequin. The curvature closely mimics the natural shape of a human breast, allowing bras to fit snugly and smoothly, without any wrinkles or gaps. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the bras but also provides customers with a more accurate understanding of how the bras would fit on their bodies.

[0040] In an embodiment of the mannequin, the curvature of the breast end is defined by a radius of between 0.5 and 15 mm.

[0041] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiment is not limiting, and the radius of the curvature of the breast end can be adjusted within the range of 0,5 and 5 mm to suit the specific requirements of the bra to be displayed. This flexibility in the design of the mannequin allows it to accommodate a wide range of bra sizes and styles, thus making it a versatile tool for displaying lingerie products.

[0042] In some embodiments, the curvature of the breast end is defined by a radius of between 0.5 mm and 14 mm, between 0.5 mm and 13 mm, between 0.5 mm and 12 mm, between 0.5 mm and 11 mm, between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, between 0.5 mm and 9 mm, between 0.5 mm and 8 mm, between 0.5 mm and 7 mm, between 0.5 mm and 6 mm, between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0043] Alternatively, the curvature of the breast end is defined by a radius of between 1 mm and 15 mm, between 2 mm and 15 mm, between 3 mm and 15 mm, between 4 mm and 15 mm, between 5 mm and 15 mm, between 6 mm and 15 mm, between 7 mm and 15 mm, between 8 mm and 15 mm, between 9 mm and 15 mm, between 10 mm and 15 mm, between 11 mm and 15 mm, between 12 mm and 15 mm, between 13 mm and 15 mm, or between 14 mm and 15 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0044] Alternatively, the curvature of the breast end is defined by a radius of between 2 mm and 14 mm, between 3 mm and 13 mm, between 4 mm and 12 mm, between 5 mm and 11 mm, between 6 mm and 10 mm, between 7 mm and 9 mm, or between 8 mm and 9 mm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mannequin comprises an abdominal portion, a back portion, a shoulders portion and a pubis portion positioned between two legs. The anatomical representation of the mannequin, specifically the abdominal portion, the back portion and the pubis portion is intended to accurately mimic the human form. The pubis portion of the mannequin as disclosed here is however wider than an anatomical representation of the pubis of a person. This design element not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the mannequin but also significantly improves the functionality of the mannequin when displaying lingerie. The shoulders are essential for supporting the straps of the bra.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the mannequin, the minimum distance between the legs is designed to be between 3 cm and 8 cm. Preferably, the distance between the legs is intentionally larger than the typical distance between the legs of a human body. Traditional mannequins replicate the leg spacing of a regular person, but this distance is insufficient to properly accommodate the gusset of undergarments. This limitation arises because mannequins are typically constructed from rigid materials, such as plastic, which do not allow the undergarment to adapt to the natural contours or folds of human skin and flesh.

[0047] The present invention addresses this issue by providing additional space between the legs, ensuring the gusset of the undergarment can stretch and display without distortion. This particular embodiment is designed with the intent of providing a more realistic representation of how lingerie, particularly underpants, would appear on a human body. The increased minimum distance between the mannequin's legs ensures a non-crumpled display of underpants, which gives customers a better impression of how the lingerie would fit and appear on their own bodies. This embodiment is particularly beneficial in retail environments where the visual appeal and accurate representation of the product are key factors in influencing customer purchasing decisions.

[0048] In an embodiment, the minimum distance between the legs of the mannequin is between 3.5 cm and 8 cm, between 4 cm and 8 cm, between 4.5 cm and 8 cm, between 5 cm and 8 cm, between 5.5 cm and 8 cm, between 6 cm and 8 cm, between 6.5 cm and 8 cm, between 7 cm and 8 cm, or between 7.5 cm and 8 cm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0049] Alternatively, the minimum distance between the legs of the mannequin is between 3 cm and 7.5 cm, between 3 cm and 7 cm, between 3 cm and 6.5 cm, between 3 cm and 6 cm, between 3 cm and 5.5 cm, between 3 cm and 5 cm, between 3 cm and 4.5 cm, between 3 cm and 4 cm, or between 3 cm and 3.5 cm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0050] In yet another alternative embodiment, the minimum distance between the legs of the mannequin is between 3.5 cm and 7.5 cm, between 4 cm and 7 cm, between 4.5 cm and 6.5 cm, between 5 cm and 6 cm, or between 5 cm and 5.5 cm, and all the ranges therebetween.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the mannequin, the mannequin comprises arms. These arms provide a more realistic representation of a human figure, thereby improving the visual appeal of the mannequin.

[0052] The arms of the mannequin are preferably proportioned to match the rest of the mannequin's body, thereby maintaining the overall realistic representation of the human figure. In a further embodiment, the arms of the mannequin can be articulated, allowing them to be positioned in various poses. In a further embodiment, the arms of the mannequin may be detachable. This can facilitate the dressing and undressing of the mannequin, as the arms can be removed to allow for easier access to the torso of the mannequin. The detachable arms may be attached to the torso of the mannequin by any suitable means, such as by a friction fit, a snap fit, or a screw fit. In a most preferred embodiment, the arms are attached to the torso by a snap fit, as this provides a secure attachment while still allowing for easy detachment when necessary.

[0053] In an embodiment of the mannequin, as disclosed herein, the arms and legs are segmented. This segmentation allows for a more realistic representation and greater flexibility in positioning, which can be crucial for the effective display of lingerie items such as bras and underpants. The segmentation can be achieved through various methods known in the art, including but not limited to, the use of hinges, ball joints, or other mechanical connectors that allow for movement and positioning.

[0054] In some embodiments of the mannequin, the body has a bulge on each side, positioned in the same plane with the breasts and situated under the arms. The bulges help to maintain the appropriate positioning of the bra band, which is crucial for the correct fit and comfort of the bra. This embodiment, therefore, provides a faithful representation of the body contours of a female dressed in undergarments.

[0055] In a more preferred embodiment, the bulges on each side of the body are strategically positioned to align with the breasts and located under the arms. This positioning is not arbitrary but is based on the anatomy of the female body. The bulges are designed to mimic the natural bulges created on a woman's body when wearing a bra. This embodiment enhances the realism of the mannequin, thereby providing a more accurate and visually appealing display of lingerie. The positioning of the bulges also aids in the fitting of the bra, ensuring that the bra band is correctly positioned and providing a more secure fit.

[0056] In a further embodiment of the mannequin, said mannequin has a head. The presence of a head on the mannequin allows these additional items to be displayed in a realistic and visually appealing manner, thereby attracting the attention of potential customers and enhancing their shopping experience.

[0057] Furthermore, the inclusion of a head on the mannequin contributes to an enhanced visual presentation. The head can be sculpted and painted to resemble a real human head, complete with facial features such as eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. This not only makes the mannequin appear more lifelike, but it also allows the mannequin to better represent the human body, thereby providing a more accurate and effective display of the garments being modelled. The head can also be designed to be detachable or adjustable, allowing for greater flexibility in the display and storage of the mannequin.

[0058] In some embodiments, the mannequin comprises the bust area only, namely the shoulders portion, the neck and the breast portion. The bust has a head in some embodiments. The bust may also have a back portion in some embodiments. The bust is particularly used for displaying bras only.

[0059] In some embodiments, the mannequin is constructed from robust materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), linear low-density, or polyethylene (LLDPE). These materials are known for their strength, flexibility, and lightness, which are essential properties for the mannequin's durability and versatility. The strength of these materials ensures the mannequin's longevity, even with repeated use, thus making it a cost-effective solution for lingerie display.

[0060] Moreover, the flexibility of these materials allows the mannequin to accommodate a wide range of bra and underpants designs. This is particularly advantageous as it enables the mannequin to accurately represent the fit and appearance of various lingerie items, enhancing the visual merchandising of these products. The lightweight nature of these materials also contributes to the mannequin's ease of handling and transport, which is crucial in retail settings where mannequins may need to be frequently moved or repositioned.

[0061] The surface of the mannequin can be treated with paints formulated to match a wide spectrum of human skin tones. Furthermore, the flexibility in paint application enables customization to mimic specific skin types, enhancing the lifelike appearance of the mannequin and its suitability for diverse retail environments. These paints may include acrylic, oil-based, or water-based paints, each offering unique properties for achieving lifelike colouration and texture.

[0062] The mannequin as disclosed herein is produced in some embodiments by a moulding process or by 3D-printing.

[0063] The mannequin, as described in this disclosure, is fabricated in certain embodiments through fibreglass moulding, among other methods tailored to specific production requirements.

[0064] In fibreglass moulding, the fabrication process begins with the creation of a mould of the desired mannequin design, typically from materials such as fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) or silicone. Layers of fibreglass cloth are then impregnated with resin and applied to the mould surface. Once cured, the fibreglass shell is removed from the mould, trimmed, and finished to achieve the final mannequin shape. This method offers advantages such as durability, lightweight construction, and resistance to temperature variations, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Additionally, fibreglass moulding allows for intricate detailing and customization options, ensuring the production of high-quality mannequins with consistent results.

[0065] In an embodiment, the mannequin as described herein is produced by rotational moulding. Rotational moulding, also known as roto-moulding, is a high-temperature, low-pressure plastic forming process that uses heat and biaxial rotation to produce hollow, one-piece parts. It is a preferred method for creating many types of large, hollow products, and in this case, it is particularly effective for creating mannequins.

[0066] The rotational moulding process begins with a hollow mould that is filled with a quantity of plastic material. It is gradually rotated ensuring the plastic melts and coats the interior of the mold to form the desired shape. Once the plastic has cooled, the mould is opened to reveal a one-piece product with a seamless construction. This seamless construction is particularly beneficial for the mannequin as it eliminates any visible lines or joints that could detract from the aesthetic appeal of the displayed lingerie.

[0067] In addition, the rotational moulding process allows for a well-structured mannequin. The uniform wall thickness achieved through this process contributes to the overall structural integrity of the mannequin, making it more robust and durable. This is particularly important for mannequins as they are frequently handled and moved around in retail environments. The improved durability reduces the likelihood of damage or breakage, thereby increasing the lifespan of the mannequin and reducing replacement costs.

[0068] Furthermore, rotational moulding allows for the production of mannequins in a cost-effective manner. The process is highly efficient, allowing for the production of large numbers of units with minimal waste. This is beneficial for large-scale production runs and contributes to the overall affordability of the mannequins.

[0069] In a more preferred embodiment, the rotational speed and heating time during the moulding process are optimized to produce a mannequin with a wall thickness of between 3 and 5 mm. This thickness provides a good balance between structural rigidity and weight, making the mannequin easy to handle while still being robust.

[0070] In the most preferred embodiment, the rotational moulding process is controlled to produce a mannequin with a wall thickness of precisely 4 mm. This provides the optimal combination of durability, weight, and cost-effectiveness.

[0071] Furthermore, 3D-printing technology remains a viable alternative for prototyping and low-volume production of mannequins. By depositing successive layers of material based on digital design files, 3D printing enables unparalleled design flexibility, rapid iteration, and customization options. This approach is particularly advantageous for creating intricate geometries and complex shapes while minimizing material wastage and production lead times.

[0072] In further embodiments of the mannequin as disclosed herein, after moulding or 3D-printing the mannequin is painted, preferably spray painted.

[0073] In a second aspect, the invention as disclosed herein relates to a method of making a mannequin for displaying bras and / or underpants, wherein the mannequin has a torso that substantially resembles that of a prospective user. The method involves several steps, providing a digital 3D model, determining the circumference under the breasts of the 3D model and the volume of the breasts of the 3D model, and moulding a mannequin according to these measurements. The digital 3D model comprises a pair of breasts wearing a bra. Each breast of the mannequin has a convex curvature, which ends in a concave groove positioned at the juncture between the breast end and the chest wall. This groove exhibits a depth at the deepest point of the groove of between 2 mm and 35 mm and a width of between 12 mm and 70 mm, as disclosed in any of the previous embodiments. The method as disclosed herein may be used for making the mannequin according to any of the previous embodiments.

[0074] The breasts of the mannequin are designed with a convex curvature that ends in a concave groove at the juncture between the breast end and the chest wall. This design feature mimics the natural anatomy of the female breast supported by a well-fitting bra, allowing bras to fit onto the mannequin in a more natural and realistic manner.

[0075] In an embodiment of the method, as disclosed herein, the groove extends under each breast on a length of between 80 mm and 350 mm, as disclosed in any of the previous embodiments.

[0076] The use of digital 3D models in the method of making a mannequin streamlines the manufacturing process. It allows for precise and customizable mannequins to be produced with more efficiency and accuracy, reducing waste and increasing productivity. This represents a significant advancement in the field of mannequin manufacturing.

[0077] In some embodiments, the 3D digital model represents the average of a data set comprised of body scans of multiple human subjects, wherein the human subjects are selected to be in the same underwear size range. The database may comprise between 2 and 200 data points, between 5 and 150 data points, between 10 and 100 data points, between 15 and 50 data points or between 15 and 25 data points.

[0078] Alternatively, the 3D model is the scan of a single subject.

[0079] In an embodiment of the method, as disclosed herein, the mannequin comprises a pubis portion positioned between two legs wherein the minimum distance between said legs is between 3 cm and 8 cm, as disclosed in any of the previous embodiments.

[0080] This increased spacing between the legs of is particularly relevant for underpants, which can be easily fitted onto the mannequin without getting crumpled or distorted, thanks to the increased space between the legs of the mannequin. The undergarments thus fitted onto the mannequin provide a more accurate and realistic representation of how they would look when worn by a human subject.

[0081] In an embodiment, the space between the legs of the mannequin is designed to be between 5% and 200% or between 10% and 150% larger than the space between the legs of the pubis portion of the 3D model. This is particularly interesting when the 3D model is a single human subject scan.

[0082] In some embodiments, the mannequin has a buttocks region and the transition from the space between the leg to said buttocks is fluent. This ensures that the underwear fit without wrinkles.

[0083] In a third aspect, the current disclosure relates to the use of the mannequin, as described in the preceding embodiments for displaying bras and / or underpants. The mannequin provides a more realistic representation of the female form, particularly in terms of the breasts and pubis region. This realistic representation is achieved through the specific design features of the mannequin, which include the unique curvature of the breasts and the specific dimensions of the pubis region.

[0084] However, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to this application. The mannequin according to the invention may be employed for displaying all sorts of garments including swimwear, bikinis and big articles of clothing.

[0085] The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0086] With a goal illustrating better the properties of the invention the following presents, as an example and limiting in no way other potential applications, a description of a number of embodiments of the mannequin according to the invention.

[0087] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a mannequin according to the invention. Said mannequin has a torso (1) comprising a pair of breasts (2) and a chest wall (3). At the junction between the breasts (2) and the chest wall (3), a concave groove (4) is positioned.

[0088] The concave groove (4) is also visible in FIG. 3 that shows a side view of an embodiment of a mannequin according to the invention. From a side view, the groove is defined as the horizontal V-shape between the breast and the chest wall. Each breast has a convex curvature (9) that has an end (8), and the concave groove (4) is positioned at the juncture between the convex curvature end (8) and the chest wall (3). The chest wall (3) has a curvature with a radius of the curvature that changes rapidly in the vicinity of the breast (2). The region where this change in curvature happens is the place where the groove (4) starts.

[0089] FIG. 4 shows the positioning of the groove (4) at the intersection (18) between the chest-wall plane (16) and the breast plane (17), wherein the breast plane (17) is the plane of the highest and lowest point of the breast, in side view.

[0090] The groove exhibits at its deepest point a depth (5) and had a width (6) and a length (7). The length of the groove is visible in FIG. 2 which shows a semi-lateral view of of a mannequin according to the invention. As seen in FIG. 3, the groove width line (6) from where the curvature of the chest wall starts changing in the direction of the breast is defined. This groove width line (6) is in the chest-wall plane (16) as shown in FIG. 4. The distance between the starting point of the groove width line (6) and the endpoint where it touches the breast (2) is defined as the width of the groove. The depth of the groove (5) can be defined as the length of the line segment that starts at the deepest point of the groove and perpendicularly ends on the groove width line (6).

[0091] As further seen in FIG 1, a groove (4) exists under each breast. The groove is essential to accommodate the underwire of a bra. The mannequin further has an abdominal portion (10), a back portion (11) and a pubis portion (12) positioned between two legs (13). In preferred embodiments of the mannequin, the minimum distance between said legs (14) is between 3 and 8 cm. The distance between the legs ensured that the underpants easily fit onto the mannequin without getting crumpled or distorted.

[0092] FIG. 5-7 show embodiments of the mannequins according to the invention. In the embodiments of FIG 5A, 6A and 7A, the mannequin has the bra size 75C and the underpants of size 38. In the embodiments of FIG 5B, 6B and 7B, the mannequin has the bra size 80E and the underpants size 42. It is obvious that embodiments, where the mannequins have other bra or underpants sizes, may be envisaged without departing from the invention disclosed herein.

[0093] FIG. 8 shows a prior art mannequin (FIG. 8A), a mannequin according to an embodiment of the invention having a bra size 75C and the underpants of size 38 (FIG. 8B) and a mannequin according to an embodiment of the invention having a bra size 80E and the underpants size 42 (FIG. 8C). The prior art mannequin has no visible groove at the junction between the breasts and the chest wall. The mannequins according to embodiments of the invention have a groove (4) at the junction between the breasts and the chest wall. 1 -torso 2 -breasts 3 -chest wall 4 -concave groove 5 -depth groove 6 -width groove 7 -length groove 8 -convex curvature end 9 -convex curvature 10 -abdominal portion 11 -back portion 12 -pubis portion 13 -leg 14 -distance between legs 15 -shoulders portion 16 -chest plane 17 -breast plane 18 -intersection point

Claims

1. A mannequin for displaying lingerie such as bras and / or underpants, wherein said mannequin has a torso (1) comprising a pair of breasts (2) and a chest wall (3), wherein each breast has a convex curvature (9) that has an end (8), wherein said convex curvature ends in a concave groove (4) positioned at the juncture between the convex curvature end (8) and the chest wall (3), said groove exhibiting a depth (5) at the deepest point of said groove of between 2 mm and 35 mm and a width (6) of between 12 mm and 70 mm.

2. The mannequin according to claim 1, wherein the groove (4) extends under each breast on a length (7) of between 80 mm and 350 mm.

3. The mannequin according to any of the previous claims, wherein the convex curvature end (8) is defined by a radius of between 0.5 mm and 15 mm.

4. The mannequin according to any of the previous claims, wherein said mannequin comprises an abdominal portion (10), a back portion (11), a shoulders portion, and a pubis portion (12) positioned between two legs (13).

5. The mannequin according to any of the previous claims, wherein the minimum distance between said legs (14) is between 3 cm and 8 cm.

6. The mannequin according to any of the previous claims, wherein said mannequin comprises arms.

7. The mannequin according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the body has a bulge on each side of the body positioned in the same plane with the breasts and situated under the arms.

8. The mannequin according to any of the previous claims, wherein said mannequin has a head.

9. The mannequin according to any of the previous claims, wherein said mannequin is made of PE, PP, PVC, nylon, PC, ABS, or LLDPE.

10. The mannequin according to any of the previous claims, wherein said mannequin is made by a moulding process or 3D printing.

11. A method of making a mannequin for displaying bras and / or underpants, wherein said mannequin has a torso that substantially resembles that of a prospective user wherein the method comprises the steps of: - providing a digital 3D model, wherein the 3D model comprises a pair of breasts wearing a bra; - determining the circumference under the breasts of the 3D model and the volume of the breasts of the 3D model; - moulding a mannequin with an under-the-breast circumference and breast volume according to the 3D model, and with a convex curvature of each breast, wherein said convex curvature ends in a concave groove positioned at the juncture between the breast end and the chest wall, said groove exhibiting a depth at the deepest point of said groove of between 2 mm and 35 mm and a width of 12 mm and 70 mm.

12. The method according to claim 13, wherein the groove (4) extends under each breast on a length (7) of between 80 mm and 350 mm l.

13. The method according to any of the claims 11 or 12, wherein the mannequin comprises a pubis portion positioned between two legs and wherein the minimum distance between said legs (14) is between 3 cm and 8 cm.

14. Use of a mannequin according to any of the claims 1 to 10 for displaying bras and / or underpants.

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