Self-adjusting brassiere

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a garment that is capable of providing additional comfort, support, and/or flexibility to the user. For example, the garment can be in the form of a brassiere having bra cups defined at least partially by a bra rim. Each of the bra cups includes an outer stretchable layer and an inner layer, and a bra wing supports the bra cups on a user. A stretchable component is located on each of the bra cups adjacent to at least a portion of the bra rims and attached to the inner layer. The stretchable component is made from a stretchable fabric and has a stretchability greater than the inner layer and less than the outer layer. The inner layer, the outer layer and the stretchable component are structured so as to allow the bra cups to expand to accommodate differently shaped and/or sized body portion(s) across different shape and/or size groups.

1 . A brassiere comprising:
 bra cups and a bra wing for supporting the bra cups on a user, the bra cups each comprising:   a stretchable outer layer;   an inner layer; and   a stretchable component attached to the inner layer, the stretchable component having a stretchability greater than the inner layer and less than or the same as the outer layer,   wherein the stretchable outer layer is attached to the inner layer and the stretchable component along a periphery of the bra cups.   
     
     
         2 . The brassiere of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer is formed so as to define a predetermined shape and maintain the predetermined shape during the use of the brassiere. 
     
     
         3 . The brassiere of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer comprises a foam material. 
     
     
         4 . The brassiere of  claim 1 , wherein the stretchable component comprises up about 5% to about 30% of an inner area of a respective cup of the bra cups. 
     
     
         5 . The brassiere of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer is made of a material having an elongation between about 0% to about 115% under a 10 lb load. 
     
     
         6 . The brassiere of  claim 1 , wherein the stretchable component is made of a material having an elongation between about 50% to about 130% under an 8.8 lb load. 
     
     
         7 . The brassiere of  claim 1 , wherein the stretchable outer layer is made of a material having an elongation between about 95% to about 153% under an 8.8 lb load. 
     
     
         8 . The brassiere of  claim 1 , further comprising bra straps connected to the bra wing and the bra cups. 
     
     
         9 . A brassiere comprising:
 bra cups each being defined at least partially by a bra rim, each of the bra cups including an outer stretchable layer and an inner layer;   a bra wing for supporting the bra cups on a user; and   a stretchable component located on each of the bra cups adjacent to at least a portion of the bra rims and attached to the inner layer, the stretchable component comprising a stretchable fabric, the stretchable component having a stretchability greater than the inner layer and less than the outer layer,   wherein the inner layer, the outer layer and the stretchable component are structured so as to allow the bra cups to expand to accommodate differently shaped and/or sized body portion(s) across different shape and/or size groups.   
     
     
         10 . The brassiere of  claim 9 , wherein the stretchable component is joined to a portion of the bra rims. 
     
     
         11 . The brassiere of  claim 9  further comprising:
 a wire channel formed along at least a portion of each bra rim; and 
 a bra underwire encased in the wire channel, 
 wherein the stretchable component is joined to the wire channel. 
 
     
     
         12 . The brassiere of  claim 9 , wherein the inner layer is formed so as to define a predetermined shape and maintain the predetermined shape during the use of the brassiere. 
     
     
         13 . The brassiere of  claim 9 , wherein the inner layer comprises a foam material. 
     
     
         14 . The brassiere of  claim 9 , wherein the stretchable component comprises up about 5% to about 30% of an inner area of a respective cup of the bra cups. 
     
     
         15 . The brassiere of  claim 9 , wherein the inner layer is made of a material having an elongation between about 0% to about 115% under a 10 lb load. 
     
     
         16 . The brassiere of  claim 9 , wherein the stretchable component is made of a material having an elongation between about 50% to about 130% under an 8.8 lb load. 
     
     
         17 . The brassiere of  claim 9 , wherein the outer layer is made of a material having an elongation between about 95% to about 153% under an 8.8 lb load. 
     
     
         18 . The brassiere of  claim 9 , further comprising bra straps connected to the bra wing and the bra cups.