Gap has filed a patent for high impact, high support bras. The bras feature a band that wraps around the torso, with first and second cup regions and a channel below them. A molded cradle is fitted into the channel, and each cup region contains a tessellated encapsulating bra cup made up of multiple tiles. The cups provide cantilevered support and have concave inner faces and convex outer faces. GlobalData’s report on Gap gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Gap, thermoformed fabric undergarments was a key innovation area identified from patents. Gap's grant share as of September 2023 was 30%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
High impact, high support bras with tessellated encapsulating bra cups
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230292851A1) describes a unique design for a bra that aims to provide improved support and comfort. The bra includes a band that wraps around the torso and features two cup regions. Each cup region is fitted with a tessellated encapsulating bra cup, which is made up of multiple tiles. These cups have a concave inner face and a convex outer face.
One interesting aspect of the design is that the size of the tiles in the bra cups varies. The tiles that are further away from the bottom portion of the cup are larger in size compared to those closer to the bottom. This variation in tile size is intended to enhance the support provided by the bra.
The patent also mentions that the tessellated encapsulating bra cups collectively contribute cantilevered support to the bra. This means that the cups are designed to provide support without the need for additional structures or wires.
The bra design includes a channel running below the cup regions, formed between an inner fabric and an outer fabric. A molded cradle is fitted into this channel, which adds curvature to the bra in a specific plane. This feature helps to enhance the shape and support provided by the bra.
The tiles in the bra cups can be either hollowed or solid structures, depending on the specific design. Additionally, the first cup region may have an embroidery on its exterior portion, adding a decorative element to the bra.
Other features of the bra include an outer textile layer, an inner pad layer, and a gore between the cup regions. The bra may also include textile strips attached to the cup regions and a compressible auxetic polymeric foam with a negative Poisson's ratio in the tessellated encapsulating bra cup.
Overall, this patent describes a bra design that incorporates unique features to enhance support, comfort, and shape. The use of tessellated encapsulating bra cups, varying tile sizes, and a molded cradle contribute to the overall functionality of the bra.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Gap, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
