Protective brassiere with local energy absorption
OwnerLaJean Lawson, Hinda Millerinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sports brassiere provides impact protection with rigid cups of polyethylene, lined inside (and preferably outside) with closed-cell foam, such as neoprene. The foam reduces injury by absorbing impact energy. The inner layer is compressed over a large area and, therefore, absorbs more energy. The neoprene layers extend beyond the periphery of the rigid cups and are glued to the respective surfaces of the cups within the periphery of the cups and are glued to one another outside the periphery of the cups, using waterproof glue. Two layers of thin nylon are bonded to the neoprene layers. Since the laminate absorbs no water, it is easily dried after washing.
Claims17
A unitary brassiere comprising straps and a breast-covering portion, the breast-covering portion further comprising a waterproof protective laminate comprising:
- a generally breast-shaped rigid cup having an inside surface, nearest the breast when in use, and an outside surface, and
- a first foam layer of closed-cell plastic foam adhered to the inside surface of said rigid cup to cover the inside surface entirely.
A method of protecting a breast from impact, comprising:
- providing a rigid cup of a size to be completely filled with breast tissue of the breast, said cup being lined with an inner layer of energy-absorbing closed-cell foam;
- and
- placing the cup onto the breast so that breast tissue fills the cup completely,
- whereby an impact creates pressure in the breast and the foam absorbs energy by being compressed.
A unitary brassiere comprising straps and a breast-covering portion, the breast-covering portion further comprising a waterproof protective laminate comprising:
- a generally breast-shaped rigid cup having an inside surface, nearest the breast when in use, and an outside surface, and
- a foam layer of closed-cell plastic foam adhered to the outside surface of said rigid cup to cover the outside surface entirely.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.