The present invention relates to self-inflating brassiere padding. The present invention also relates to a brassiere comprises at least one self-inflating brassiere padding. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the self-inflating brassiere padding and brassiere.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Breast asymmetry, where there is a noticeable difference in the shape and size of the breasts, is said to affect almost all women to some degree, with some women having over 3 cup sizes difference between their breasts. Breast asymmetry may be a result of number of factors, including for example cancer surgeries; congenital conditions such as Poland Syndrome, Breast Hypoplasia, Juvenile Hypertrophy or Amastia; or of completely benign and natural causes such as pregnancy, puberty, menopause, breastfeeding or bodyweight fluctuations. Breast asymmetry is more than a cosmetic issue as this can have a damaging effect on a woman's self-esteem, mental health, physical comfort and quality of life.

There is a need for a product which can be effectively used to create a symmetrical appearance of the breasts of a user and to alleviate the significant psychological distress and physical discomfort associated with breast asymmetry.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-inflating brassiere padding for positioning in a cup of a brassiere comprising: a self-inflating air bladder comprising an air tight enclosure surrounding low density foam; and a magnetic valve in communication with the air tight enclosure and configured to allow air into/out of the air bladder.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brassiere comprising at least one self-inflating brassiere padding as herein described.

The air tight enclosure of the padding is preferably formed from air tight, resilient deformable material. The enclosure defines an air tight chamber located therein.

The magnetic valve may be moveable between a first open position, enabling air to flow into the air bladder causing self-inflation of the enclosure of the bladder, and a second closed position to effectively seal the enclosure of the air bladder from an external environment (i.e. to prevent air flow therefrom). When the magnetic valve is placed in the first open position, an airflow pathway is created into the chamber defined by the enclosure of the padding. Air continues to enter the chamber and the low density foam expands. Conversely, depending on the requirements of the user, the user may manually expel air from within the chamber by compressing the padding, enabling air to exit through the magnetic valve and causing the low density foam to contract.

Once the user has inflated or deflated the padding to a sufficient extent, the magnetic valve may be engaged to seal the air tight enclosure of the air bladder from the external environment.

The use of a magnetic valve enables the user to quickly and easily activate the inflation and deflation of the padding, as required. The magnetic valve preferably does not include any small parts requiring accurate hand-eye coordination or manual dexterity. As such the magnetic valve enables users with reduced manual dexterity to operate the padding to facilitate the desired inflation and deflation. The use of a magnetic valve to seal the airtight enclosure also provides improved reassurance to the user that the valve is reliably sealed and will not separate or cause unintended inflation/deflation of the padding.

The padding may be placed within a brassiere to create a symmetrical appearance and to alleviate the significant distress and discomfort associated with breast asymmetry. The present invention provides a non-surgical and effective solution to the challenges of breast asymmetry.

The air tight enclosure of the padding preferably comprises a first surface and an opposed second surface. The first and second surfaces are preferably attached to each other along edges thereof to form a continuous, peripheral, sealed edge. The first surface is configured in use to be positioned against an inner surface of a cup of the brassiere. The second surface is configured in use to be positioned against the breast of a user. The padding is preferably configured in use to be rotatable about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by a central portion of the brassiere extending between the cups of the brassiere. The user can in effect rotate the padding through 180 degrees to place the padding in either the left cup or right cup of the brassiere such that the first surface of the padding is configured to be in contact with an inner surface of either cup of the brassiere. The padding of the present invention therefore provides increased versatility for use compared to conventional padding.

The padding of the present invention is preferably configured to be engaged to at least a portion of the brassiere to ensure that the padding remains in position relative to the corresponding inner surface of the cup of the brassiere during movement. The first surface may be composed of material which, together with the inner surface of the corresponding cup of the brassiere, provides sufficient frictional resistance to prevent unintentional movement of the padding relative to the inner surface.

The magnetic valve preferably comprises a first magnetic portion and a second magnetic portion which are operable to engage each other to substantially seal the air tight enclosure of the air bladder and to disengage from each other to open the air tight enclosure of the air bladder to the external environment.

The magnetic valve preferably comprises a first magnetic portion defining an air passageway, for example a channel or opening, extending therethrough in communication with the air bladder. The first magnetic portion, preferably the air passageway, preferably extends through the air tight enclosure of the self-inflating air bladder. An airflow passageway is preferably provided between the air passageway (for example channel) of the first magnetic portion and the chamber defined by the enclosure of the air bladder.

The magnetic valve preferably further comprises a second magnetic portion configured to magnetically engage and to substantially seal the air passageway defined by the first magnetic portion.

In one embodiment, the first magnetic portion provides a substantially planar upper surface defining the air passageway and the second magnetic portion provides a substantially planar upper surface configured to magnetically engage, extend across and to substantially seal the air passageway defined by, the first magnetic portion.

In a further embodiment, the second magnetic portion comprises a plug configured to be received within, magnetically engage with and to substantially seal the air passageway defined by the first magnetic portion. The magnetic valve, for example a magnetic valve formed from the first and second magnetic portions, is preferably located on the self-inflating air bladder at a location configured to be at or adjacent a central portion of the brasserie located between the cups thereof.

The presence of the magnetic valve on the padding does not catch on overlying clothing or become visible through overlying clothing. The presence of the valve does not detract from the lines and contours of the body through overlying clothes, especially when placed at or adjacent the central location.

In one embodiment, the padding further comprises an attachment member for releasably securing the padding to a brassiere. The attachment member is preferably configured to extend from the air bladder and to engage a portion of the brassiere, for example a central portion of the brassiere located between the cups thereof. The attachment member is configured to retain the padding in position relative to the corresponding inner surface of the cup of the brassiere during movement. As a result, the padding of the present invention provides a greater degree of confidence to the user and is superior to conventional paddings.

The attachment member preferably comprises at least a portion of the magnetic valve, for example the first or second magnetic portion. For example, one portion of the magnetic valve may be provided on the attachment member, and the corresponding other portion of the magnetic valve may be provided on the self-inflating bladder.

In one embodiment, the attachment member has a first end attached to or configured to attach to and/or extend around a central portion of a brassiere located between the cups thereof. A second end of the attachment member preferably comprises at least a portion of the magnetic valve for engagement to a further portion provided on the self-inflating air bladder.

Preferably, a second magnetic portion of the magnetic valve is located at or adjacent a second end of the attachment member, and a first magnetic portion is located on the self-inflating air bladder.

In one embodiment, the attachment member is an elongated portion, for example a flap. The attachment member is preferably easily operated by a single hand of a user without requiring handeye coordination and high levels of manual dexterity.

The attachment member may be secured to the brassiere by any suitable means. In one embodiment, the first end of the attachment member comprises adhesive for attachment to the central portion of the brassiere located between the cups thereof. The attachment member may for example be secured to the central portion of the brassiere by stitching. The attachment member may comprise one or more attachment means, such as cooperative male and female fasteners, poppers, zips, buttons, hook and eye fasteners, configured to secure the attachment member to the central portion of the brassiere.

The low density foam is preferably open cell foam, for example polyurethane.

The brassiere may comprise a single self-inflating brassiere padding, as herein described, or a pair of self-inflating brassiere paddings.

In one embodiment, the padding is configured for insertion into a pocket of a cup portion of a brassiere.

In one embodiment, the padding may further comprise adhesive configured to engage at least a portion of a cup of the brassiere.

The or each self inflating brassiere padding may be an internal integral part of the brassiere. In one embodiment, the self-inflating brassiere padding is configured to be received within a pocket of a cup portion of the brassiere.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a self inflating brassiere padding as herein described, the method comprising: obtaining low density foam; forming an air tight enclosure around the low density foam; and placing a magnetic valve in communication with the air tight enclosure such that the magnetic valve is operable to allow air into/out of the air bladder.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing a brassiere comprising at least one self-inflating brassiere padding as herein described, the method comprising: obtaining low density foam; forming an air tight enclosure around the low density foam; placing a magnetic valve in communication with the air tight enclosure such that the magnetic valve is operable to allow air into/out of the air bladder to provide a self-inflating brassiere padding; and placing at least one self-inflating brassiere padding within a cup of a brassiere.

The air tight enclosure may be formed between a first and second opposed surface.

The term "brassiere" is used herein to include brassieres, sports wear, swimwear and bikinis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1A is a photograph of a self-inflating brassiere padding according to one embodiment of the present invention in a first closed position;

Figure IB is a photograph of a self-inflating brassiere padding according to one embodiment of the present invention in a second open position;

Figure 2A is a schematic illustration of a brassiere comprising a self-inflating brassiere padding according to one embodiment of the present invention in a first closed position;

Figure 2B is a schematic illustration of a brassiere comprising a self-inflating brassiere padding according to one embodiment of the present invention in a second open position; and Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the air bladder of the padding according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the Figures, the self-inflating brassiere padding 10 for positioning in a cup 12 of a brassiere 14 comprises a self-inflating air bladder 16 comprising an air tight enclosure surrounding low density foam. The self-inflating air bladder 16 may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the air tight enclosure is composed of a fabric layer laminated to ensure that the material is air tight. Preferably, the fabric layer is laminated with polyurethane. It is however to be understood that the air tight enclosure is formed from air tight, resilient deformable material. The air tight enclosure comprises a first surface and an opposed second surface. Each surface may further comprise a covering of soft material, such as for example jersey material, to improve the comfort for a user. The air tight enclosure is provided such that either of the first and second surfaces may be positioned in contact with the skin of a user, depending on the particular requirements.

The air tight enclosure comprises an upper edge 18 for positioning towards an upper portion 20 of the cup 12. The air tight enclosure further comprises a lower edge 22 for positioning towards a lower portion 24 of the cup 12.

It is to be understood that the padding 10 is provided such that the padding 10 may about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by a central portion of the brassiere extending between the cups 12 of the brassiere 14 such that the user can select the padding 10 for insertion into either cup 12 of the brassiere 14.

The low density foam is preferably open cell foam, such as for example polyurethane. It is however to be understood that the low density foam may comprise any suitable open cell foam, or combinations thereof.

The padding 10 further comprises a magnetic valve 26 in communication with the air tight enclosure and operable to allow air into/out of the air bladder 16.

The magnetic valve 26 comprises a first magnetic portion 28 defining an air passageway 30 extending therethrough in communication with the air bladder 16. The magnetic valve 26 further comprises a second magnetic portion 32 configured to magnetically engage with and to substantially seal the air passageway 30 defined in the first magnetic portion 28. It is however to be understood that the second magnetic portion may, in one or more embodiments, comprise a plug configured to be received within, magnetically engage with, and to substantially seal the air passageway defined in the first magnetic portion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic valve 26, in particular the first and second magnetic portions 28, 32, have a substantially circular cross section. It is however to be understood that the magnetic valve, in particular the first and second magnetic portions, may have any suitable cross section. Each of the first and second magnetic portions 28, 32 provides a substantially planar engagement surface to ensure, during magnetic engagement between the portions 28, 32, that the first and second magnetic portions sit flush adjacent each other to seal the air passageway 30.

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the self-inflating brassiere padding 10 further comprises an attachment member 34 for releasably securing the padding to a brassiere 14. The attachment member 34 is an elongate member, in the form of a flap. The attachment member 34 has a first end 36 attached to a central portion 38 of a brassiere 14 located between the cups 12 thereof, and a second end 40 comprising the second magnetic portion 32 of the magnetic valve 26 for engagement with the first magnetic portion 28 provided on the self-inflating air bladder 16.

The first end 36 of the attachment member 34 may be affixed to the central portion 38 of the brassiere 14 by any suitable means, such as for example by one or more of: adhesive, stitching, poppers, buttons, hooks, or any combination thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, the padding 10 is provided within the cup 12 of the brassiere. It is to be understood that the padding 10 may be positioned within a pocket of a cup portion of a brassiere. The padding may further comprise additional adhesive portions on the first or second surfaces of the enclosure to aid placement of the padding within the cup 12. The padding may include additional attachment features for engagement with complimentary attachment features provided on the inner surface of the cup portion. For example, the padding may include one or more attachment features, such as cooperative male and female fasteners, poppers, zips, buttons, hook and eye fasteners, configured to secure the padding to additional attachment features located within the cup 12.

In use, the user positions the padding 10 within the desired cup 12 of the brassiere. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the use of a single padding 10, it is to be understood that a user may use a pair of paddings 10, one inserted within each cup 12 of the brassiere. For example the padding could be provided as a pair of paddings extending from the attachment member into each cup of the brassiere. In one embodiment, the user may use a pair of paddings, each in communication with a separate valve provided by the attachment member. The user can position the padding 10 in a left hand cup 12 of the brassiere 14 such that the first surface of the enclosure is positioned adjacent the cup 12 of the brassiere 14. Alternatively, the user may rotate the padding 10 about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by a central portion of the brassiere extending between the cups of the brassiere to position the padding within the right hand cup 12 of the brassiere 14 such that the opposing first surface of the enclosure is positioned adjacent the cup of the brassiere 14.

The user may open the valve 26 by disengaging the first magnetic portion 28 and the second magnetic portion 32 to open the airflow passageway into the enclosure of the padding 10. The foam within the padding 10 subsequently self-inflates. The user can adjust the degree of inflation by manually depressing the padding 10 as required. Once the desired degree of inflation has been achieved the user can close the magnetic valve 26 by reengaging the first and second magnetic portions 28, 32.

On engagement of the first and second magnetic portions 28, 32, the padding 10 becomes securely attached, via the attachment member 34, to the central portion 38 of the brassiere 14.

The inflation and deflation of the padding 10, i.e. the movement of the padding between the open and closed positions as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, is easily operable by a user by movement of the attachment member 34, in the form of a flap adjacent the central portion 38. The magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic portions 28, 32 together with the attachment member 34 enables the magnetic valve 26 to be confidently operated, by a single hand of a user without requiring use of small parts which require accurate alignment.

The present invention therefore provides self-inflating padding for a brassiere which can be inserted within either (or both) cups of a brassiere, whilst enabling accessible user control of inflation, and providing for secure placement within the brassiere without detracting from the overall appearance, shape and contours of the brassiere.