Shape Support System for Garments

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a garment including a shape memory material, wherein upon the shape memory material reaching a transition temperature, the shape memory material transforms from a first shape to a second shape, wherein the second shape imparts a greater force to a body part with which the garment is in contact as compared to the force imparted to the body part by the first shape, wherein the transition temperature is between, and including, 90° F. and 105° F. The garments of the present disclosure may include bras, foundation garments, athletic/sports bras, swimwear, among others.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A garment comprising:
 a shape memory material, wherein upon the shape memory material reaching a transition temperature, the shape memory material transforms from a first shape to a second shape,   wherein the second shape imparts a greater localized supportive force to a body part with which the garment is in contact as compared to the force imparted to the body part by the first shape,   wherein the transition temperature is between, and including, 90° F. and 105° F.   
     
     
         2 . The garment of  claim 1  wherein the shape memory material includes polyurethane. 
     
     
         3 . The garment of  claim 1  wherein the first shape is concave and the second shape is less concave. 
     
     
         4 . The garment of  claim 1  wherein the first shape includes a smooth surface and the second shape includes projections extending from the previously smooth surface. 
     
     
         5 . A brassiere comprising:
 a pair of breast cups each including an upper portion and lower portion, wherein the lower portion includes a shape memory material,   wherein upon the shape memory material reaching a transition temperature, the shape memory material transforms from a first shape to a second shape,   wherein the second shape imparts a greater localized supportive force to a body part with which the garment is in contact as compared to the force imparted to the body part by the first shape,   wherein the transition temperature is between, and including, 90° F. and 105° F.   
     
     
         6 . The brassiere of  claim 5  wherein the shape memory material includes polyurethane. 
     
     
         7 . The brassiere of  claim 5  wherein the first shape is concave and the second shape is less concave. 
     
     
         8 . The brassiere of  claim 5  wherein the first shape includes a smooth surface and the second shape includes projections extending from the previously smooth surface.