Upper torso garment with varied tuck binder knit structure

An upper-torso garment includes a first knit zone and a second knit zone. The first knit zone includes a knit structure with a single course of tuck binder stitches and having a first amount of flexural rigidity, and the second knit zone includes a knit structure with a plurality of tuck binder courses and having a second amount of flexural rigidity, which is different than the first amount of flexural rigidity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an upper-torso garment, at least a portion of which includes separate knit zones with different amounts of tuck binder courses.

BACKGROUND

Upper-torso garments typically include various parts configured to cover an upper-torso region of a wearer. For example, upper-torso garments often include a chest-covering portion and a back-covering portion. In addition, upper-torso garments may include various textiles and material types, which are sometimes selected based on various properties. An example of one type of textile that may have various properties and that may be used to construct at least part of an upper-torso garment is a knit textile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At a high level, this disclosure describes an upper-torso garment having various elements that contribute to the operation of the article, both independently of, and in combination with, one another. For example, the upper-torso garment includes one or more portions constructed of a knit structure with varying amounts of tuck binder courses. In an aspect of the disclosure, the amount and location of tuck binder courses in the knit structure affect the properties of the upper-torso garment. Other elements may also affect the properties of the garment, including (but not limited to) the yarn composition and size, additional knit structures, and stitch size, which will be described in more detail in other parts of this disclosure. Among other things, the knit structure with varying amounts of tuck binder courses and other elements may contribute to a fit and shape of the garment, as well as to textile properties, such as flexural rigidity, elongation, compression, breathability, elasticity, stability, support, and the like.

Referring initially toFIGS.1-3, an example of an upper-torso garment10is depicted, and in this description, “upper-torso garment” describes any garment configured to cover an upper-torso of a wearer. The illustrated example of the upper-torso garment10is a bra, and the style of bra depicted is sometimes referred to as a sports bra, athletic bra, or other similar designation. And in other aspects of this disclosure, an upper-torso garment may include various other types of garments for a female or male, including a strapless bra, a camisole, a base-layer shirt, a singlet, a racing suit, and the like.

When describing various aspects of the upper-torso garment10, relative terms may be used to aid in understanding relative positions. For instance, as is shown inFIG.1, the upper-torso garment10is divided into a left side12and a right side14. In addition, as is shown inFIG.3, which depicts a side view of the upper-torso garment10, the upper-torso garment10includes a posterior portion16, which typically covers at least part of a wearer's back when the upper-torso garment10is in an in-use state and an anterior portion18that typically covers at least part of a wearer's chest in the in-use state.

Furthermore, the upper-torso garment10includes various parts that may also be referred to when describing aspects of the disclosure. For instance, the upper-torso garment10includes shoulder straps20,22, as well as arm holes24,26, and a neckline28, which generally forms a perimeter around a neck-receiving aperture. In addition, the upper-torso garment10includes a breast-covering portion30on the left side12and a breast-covering portion32on the right side14, and a center bridge34is positioned between the breast-covering portions30,32. The upper-torso garment10also includes a series of encapsulation portions35A,35B,35C,35D,35E, and35F that form a perimeter around at least a portion of the breast-covering portions30,32. In some instances, a combination of the breast-covering portions, the center bridge, and the encapsulation portions may collectively form a chest-covering portion.

Moreover, the upper-torso garment10includes an upper-chest portion39, a left underarm portion36, a right underarm portion38, a left wing40, and a right wing42. The posterior portion16includes a racerback-style rear panel having a main trunk44with rear straps46and48. The main trunk44and the rear straps46,48generally form a “T” shape or a “Y” shape, and the rear straps46,48connect with the shoulder straps20,22. In aspects, the rear straps46,48may be integrally knit with the shoulder straps20,22. As used herein, the term “integral” or “integrally knit” may mean a textile or fabric having a yarn from one or more knitted courses being interlooped with one or more knitted courses of another area. A chest band50extends circumferentially beneath the breast-covering portions30,32and the left and right wings40,42and wraps entirely around to the posterior portion16. The chest band50is illustrated without any clasp or other releasable connector, which might be included in an alternative aspect. These relative regions and parts are provided for explanatory and illustrative purposes and are not necessarily intended to demarcate precise areas of the upper-torso garment10. However, the upper-torso garment10may include structural elements, such as seams or transition regions that provide logical divisions or demarcation.

The upper-torso garment10may include other parts, regions, and portions that are not necessarily denoted inFIGS.1-3, such as a cradle region, underwire, and the like. In addition, as indicated above, the bra-style, upper-torso garment10depicted inFIGS.1-3is merely illustrative of one type of upper-torso garment, and in other aspects of this disclosure, an upper-torso garment may have sleeves, an abdomen-covering portion, a lumbar-covering portion, integral shorts or pants (e.g., such as in a unitard), and the like.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, the upper-torso garment10includes a knit-textile region, and as used herein, “knit-textile region” generally refers to at least a portion of the upper-torso garment10constructed of one or more yarn strands that are interlooped with one another. To aid in explanation,FIG.1identifies an example of a knit-textile region52, and additional details of the knit-textile region52are further depicted in a magnified view54, which illustrates an example of a knit structure56. As depicted by the partially exploded view58, the knit structure56includes courses of interlooped front stitches60and courses of interlooped back stitches62.

Although the knit-textile region52inFIG.1is an illustrative example, the knit structure56depicts high-level aspects of knit structures that may be included at various knit-textile regions in the upper-torso garment10. For instance, the knit structure56is illustrative of a dual-layer knit or spacer fabric in which the courses of interlooped front stitches60form one layer or side of a fabric and the courses of interlooped back stitches62form the other layer or side of the fabric. Moreover, the knit-textile region52is identified for illustrative purposes and serves as an example to aid in the explanation and depiction of more specific aspects of knit structures discussed herein. In other aspects of this disclosure, the upper-torso garment10includes one or more other knit-textile regions that are larger than the knit-textile region52, are positioned in other regions and parts of the upper-torso garment10, and/or are formed of multiple knit zones, which include similar but slightly varied knit structures. For example, at least some of the anterior portion of the upper-torso garment10may include knit-textile regions including the chest band50, the breast-covering portions30,32, the center bridge34, the encapsulation portions35A-F, the left and right underarm portions36,38, the left and right wings40,42, the shoulder straps20,22, the rear straps46,48, and/or any combination thereof. Continuing with this example, a knit-textile region may be included at or extended about two or more portions of the upper-torso garment10and may have multiple knit zones with varying knit structures at different portions of the upper-torso garment10. Further, any of these portions of the upper-torso garment10may be integrally knit as a continuous knit panel or may be separate knit panels.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the breast-covering portions30,32include various identifying features, and for example, the breast-covering portions30,32are generally positioned superior to the chest band50and inferior to the shoulder straps20,22. In addition, the breast-covering portions30,32are generally on the anterior portion18of the upper-torso garment10, extending between the left and right underarm portions36,38and extending between the left and right wings40,42. Furthermore, as suggested byFIGS.1-3, the breast-covering portions30,32may be separated by the center bridge34, may be bordered on one or more sides by the encapsulation portions35A-F and the left and right wings40,42. In some other aspects, the center bridge34may be omitted, such that the breast-covering portions30,32form a single breast-covering portion that spans the anterior side from left-side wings and underarm portions to the right-side wings and underarm portions. Likewise, the width of the encapsulation portions35A-F may be reduced, or the encapsulation portions35A-F may be omitted in other aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated by the side views ofFIGS.2and3, the breast-covering portions30,32are dome-shaped and include a convex exterior surface70, and as such include a concave interior surface that is not viewable in the perspectives shown inFIGS.1-3.

The breast-covering portions30,32may cover and possibly contact a chest region of the wearer when the upper-torso garment10is in an in-use state, such as when donned by a human or mannequin. Furthermore, the breast-covering portions30,32may provide compressive support to respective breast tissue of a wearer. The size and shape of the breast-covering portions30,32depicted inFIGS.1-3is illustrative of one aspect of the subject matter described herein, and in other aspects, the size and shape may be varied.

Turning to aspects of this disclosure that relate to knit-textile regions, in one such aspect, the upper-torso garment10includes knit-textile regions64,66, and68. With reference toFIG.1, the knit-textile region64is included at the breast-covering portion30, the knit-textile region66is included at the left wing40, and the knit-textile region68extends about the breast-covering portion32and the right wing42. Moreover, the knit-textile region68includes a first knit zone164at the breast-covering portion32and a second knit zone166at the right wing42. Though not identified inFIG.1, the knit-textile regions64,66,68are also included in the upper-torso garment10at the opposing side (i.e., the knit-textile region64can be included at the breast-covering portion32, the knit-textile region66can be included at the right wing42, and the knit-textile region68extends about the breast-covering portion30and the left wing40).

With reference toFIG.4, a knit schematic is depicted that illustrates features of a knit structure110of the knit-textile region64. Generally, the knit structure110is a tubular-jacquard knit structure that includes a single tuck binder course. InFIG.4, the knit structure110includes a plurality of front-side courses120and a plurality of back-side courses130, which are constructed of a first yarn strand102and a second yarn strand104. Each course of the plurality of front-side courses120includes consecutive front-side stitches, and similarly, each course of the plurality of back-side courses130includes consecutive back-side stitches. The knit structure110also includes a single tuck binder course140of tuck binder stitches that is constructed of a third yarn strand106.FIG.4also depicts one of the front-side courses122intermittently interlocking with a back-side course132by way of the first yarn strand102extending from the front-side course122to the back-side course132. In addition, at a location corresponding with the first yarn strand102extending to the back-side course132, the second yarn strand104extends from the back-side course132to the front-side course122.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, this structure in which the first yarn strand102extends from the front-side course122to the back-side course132and the second yarn strand104extends from the back-side course132to the front-side course122is referred to as an “interlocking crossover,” which is identified by reference numeral112. InFIG.4, another interlocking crossover114is illustrated in which the first yarn strand102extends from the back-side course132to the front-side course122, and the second yarn strand104extends from the front-side course122to the back-side course132.

Continuing withFIG.4, the single tuck binder course140crosses back and forth between the front-side and back-side courses122,132, tucks every other front-side stitch and every other back-side stitch, and connects the front-side and back-side courses122,132to one another. As depicted inFIG.4, the third yarn strand106forms a tuck binder stitch142in the back-side course132and then transfers to the front-side course122to form another tuck binder stitch144. Further, the third yarn strand106transfers back and forth between the front-side and back-side courses122,132in a sinuous manner to form a tuck binder stitch at every other stitch position in the front-side course122and at every other stitch position in the back-side course132. To avoid overcrowding of the knit structure110illustrated inFIG.4, other single courses of tuck binder stitches are not depicted (e.g., in the courses formed below the front-side and back-side courses122,132), but in other aspects of the disclosure, other single courses of tuck binder stitches could be included to bind other front-side and back-side courses.

InFIG.4, the first, second, and third yarn strands102,104,106are depicted with different appearances than one another, which may represent differences in colors, material compositions, and/or other structural features. For example, the first yarn strand102may be a different color than the second yarn strand104, and in an aspect of this disclosure, the difference in color between the first and second yarn strands102,104results in a striping pattern when the first and second yarn strands102,104intermittently switch back and forth between the front-side course122and the back-side course132, such as the illustrative striping patterns inFIGS.1-3in the breast-covering portions30,32and the left and right underarm portions36,38. The upper-torso garment10inFIGS.1-3is merely an example of one striping pattern that might be achieved, and in other aspects, an upper-torso garment might have a different pattern. In addition, the first yarn strand102and the second yarn strand104might have the same or similar appearance, such that a visual striping pattern is not created by the switching back and forth of the first yarn strand102and the second yarn strand104between the front-side and back-side courses122,132.

Referring now toFIG.5, an example of a knit diagram210corresponding with the knit structure110ofFIG.4is depicted. The knit diagram210includes a plurality of columns and rows. Each column represents a stitch position and each row represents a yarn strand. Within each row, the stitch type is designated, together with an indication of whether the stitch is on the front bed or the back bed. A stitch notation beneath the “yarn” is on the front bed, and a stitch notation above the “yarn” is on the back bed. For example, a row220C designates a stitch type and stitch location for a first yarn strand202at ten stitch positions A-J. The stitch notation212designates a stitch on the front bed, and the stitch notation214designates a stitch on the back bed. As such, the line segment250would correspond with the transfer (e.g., the interlocking crossover) from the front bed to the back bed.

InFIG.5, each of the rows220A-C prescribes knit structures for the first yarn strand202, each of rows230A-C prescribes knit structures for a second yarn strand204, and the row240prescribes a knit structure for a third yarn strand206. The rows220A and220B prescribe ten stitches with the first yarn strand202on the front side of the knit structure, and the rows230A and230B prescribe ten stitches with the second yarn strand204on the back side of the knit structure. As such, rows220A,220B,230A, and230B correspond with the first two front-side courses and the first two back-side courses inFIG.4.

Continuing withFIG.5, the row220C designates stitches for the first yarn strand202, which corresponds to the first yarn strand102ofFIG.4, and similarly, the row230C designates stitches for the second yarn strand204, which corresponds to the second yarn strand104ofFIG.4. Accordingly, the row220C designates three stitches on the front side, a transfer to the back side (i.e., line segment250), five stitches on the back side, a transfer to the front side (i.e., line segment254), and two stitches on the front side. Moreover, the row230C sequentially designates three stitches on the back side, a transfer to the front side (i.e., line segment252), five stitches on the front side, a transfer to the back side (i.e., line segment256), and two stitches on the back side. When executed, the transfers designated by250and252translate into the interlocking crossover112, and the transfers designated by254and256translate into the interlocking crossover114.

With further reference toFIG.5, the row240designates stitches for the third yarn strand206, which corresponds to the third yarn strand106ofFIG.4. As shown inFIG.5, the row240designates that the third yarn strand206forms a tuck binder stitch242on the back side, transfers to the front side (i.e., line segment258), forms a tuck binder stitch244on the front side, and then transfers to the back side (i.e., line segment220). This pattern repeats as the third yarn strand206transfers back and forth between the front side and the back side while forming tuck binder stitches at every other front stitch position and every other back stitch position. As such, the combination of the stitches prescribed by the rows220C,230C, and240translate to the front-side course122, the back-side course132, and the single tuck binder course140ofFIG.4.

Moving toFIG.6, a schematic is depicted that illustrates some features of a knit structure610of the knit-textile region66. Generally, the knit structure610is a tubular-jacquard knit structure that includes a plurality of tuck binder courses. The knit structure610includes a plurality of front-side courses620and a plurality of back-side courses630that are constructed of a first yarn strand602and a second yarn strand604. Each course of the plurality of front-side courses620includes consecutive front-side stitches, and similarly, each course of the plurality of back-side courses630includes consecutive back-side stitches. In addition, a front-side course622is intermittently interlocked with a back-side course632, similar to the knit structure110described above with reference toFIGS.4and5. Accordingly,FIG.6depicts the first yarn strand602extending from the front-side course622to the back-side course632and the second yarn strand604extending from the back-side course632to the front-side course622at an interlocking crossover612.

InFIG.6, the knit structure610also includes a plurality of tuck binder courses640that cross back and forth between the front-side and back-side courses622,632, tuck every front-side stitch and every back-side stitch, and connect the front-side and back-side courses622,632to one another. Moreover, the plurality of tuck binder courses640include a first tuck binder course650, a second tuck binder course660, and a third tuck binder course670, which are constructed of a third yarn strand606. Each of the first, second, and third tuck binder courses650,660,670are formed of a different portion of the third yarn strand606. As such, the third yarn strand606includes a first binder strand portion652, a second binder strand portion662, and a third binder strand portion672, which respectively form the first, second, and third tuck binder courses650,660,670. Collectively, the first, second, and third binder strand portions652,662,672form a tuck binder stitch at every front stitch position and every back stitch position of the front-side and back-side courses622,632(e.g., tuck binder stitches642A-L and644A-L).

As depicted inFIG.6, the first binder strand portion652forms a tuck binder stitch642A in the back-side course632, floats two stitch positions (i.e.,642B,644B and642C,644C) while transferring to the front-side course622to form a tuck binder stitch644D, and then immediately transfers to the back-side course632to form another tuck binder stitch642E. The first binder strand portion652continues in this same manner to form additional tuck binder stitches644H,6421,644L. The second binder strand portion662forms tuck binder stitches in a similar manner as the first binder strand portion652, and as shown inFIG.6, the second binder strand portion662forms a tuck binder stitch644B in the front-side course622, immediately transfers to the back-side course632to from a tuck binder stitch642C, then floats two stitch positions (i.e.,642D,644D and642E,644E) while transferring to the front-side course622to form a tuck binder stitch644F, and continues in this manner to form additional tuck binder stitches642G,644J,642K. Furthermore, the third binder strand portion672transfers back and forth between the front-side course622and the back-side course632in a sinuous manner to form a tuck binder stitch at every other front stitch position and every other back stitch position, thereby forming tuck binder stitches642B,642D,642F,642H,642J,642L on the back-side course632and tuck binder stitches644A,644C,644E,644G,644I,644K on the front-side course622.

InFIG.6, the first, second, and third yarn strands602,604,606are depicted as having different appearances than one another, which may represent differences in colors, material compositions, and/or structural features, like the first, second, and third yarn strands102,104,106ofFIG.4. Moreover, in an aspect of the present disclosure, the first, second, and third yarn strands602,604,606may include the same features and/or any combination thereof as those of the first, second, and third yarn strands102,104,106ofFIG.4, as discussed above. In a further aspect of this disclosure, the first, second, and third binder strand portions652,662,672may be formed of different yarn strands, which may include the same features and/or any combination thereof as those of the first, second, and third yarn strands102,104,106ofFIG.4, as discussed above. Additionally, to avoid overcrowding of the knit structure610illustrated inFIG.6, other courses of tuck binder stitches are not depicted (e.g., in the courses formed below the front-side and back-side courses622,632), but in other aspects of the disclosure, other courses of tuck binder stitches could be included to bind other front-side and back-side courses.

With reference toFIG.7, a knit diagram710corresponding with the knit structure610ofFIG.6is depicted. As shown, the knit diagram710designates a stitch type and a stitch location for each yarn strand represented by rows720A-C,730A-C,750,760, and770at twelve stitch positions represented by columns A-L. Each of the rows720A-C prescribes knit structures for a first yarn strand702, and likewise, each of the rows730A-C prescribes knit structures for a second yarn strand704. The rows720A and720B prescribe twelve stitches with the first yarn strand702on the front side of the knit structure, and the rows730A and730B prescribe twelve stitches with the second yarn strand704on the back side of the knit structure. As such, rows720A,720B,730A, and730B correspond with the first two front-side courses and the first two back-side courses inFIG.6.

Staying withFIG.7, the row720C designates stitches for the first yarn strand702, which corresponds to the first yarn strand602ofFIG.6, and similarly, the row730C sequentially designates stitches for the second yarn strand704, which corresponds to the second yarn strand604ofFIG.6. Accordingly, the row720C designates eight stitches on the front side, a transfer to the back side (i.e., line segment722), and four stitches on the back side. Moreover, the row730C sequentially designates eight stitches on the back side, a transfer to the front side (i.e., line segment732), and four stitches on the front side. When executed, the transfers designated by722and732translate into the interlocking crossover612ofFIG.6.

With continued reference toFIG.7, a row750designates stitches for a first binder strand portion752, which corresponds to the first binder strand portion652ofFIG.6, a row760designates stitches for a second binder strand portion762, which corresponds to the second binder strand portion662ofFIG.6, and a row770designates stitches for a third binder strand portion772, which correspond to the third binder strand portion672ofFIG.6. InFIG.7, the row750sequentially designates that the first binder strand portion752forms a tuck binder stitch742A on the back side, floats two stitch positions (i.e., B and C), forms a tuck binder stitch744D on the front side, forms a tuck binder stitch742E on the back side, and then floats two stitch positions (i.e., F and G). As such, the first binder strand portion752includes a pattern over four, consecutive stitch positions (i.e., float two stitch positions, form a tuck binder stitch on the front side at a next stitch position, and then form a tuck binder stitch on the back side at a last stitch position of the pattern).

As further depicted inFIG.7, the row760sequentially designates that the second binder strand portion762forms a tuck binder stitch744B on the front side, forms a tuck binder stitch742C on the back side, floats two stitch positions, and then repeats this same pattern over the next four, consecutive stitch positions. As such, the second binder strand portion762includes a pattern that is similar to that of the first binder strand portion752but over a different, four consecutive stitch positions. Continuing, the row770sequentially designates that the third binder strand portion772forms a tuck binder stitch744A on the front side, forms a tuck binder stitch742B on the back side, and then continues to form a tuck binder stitch at every other front stitch position and every other back stitch position. Accordingly, the combination of the stitches prescribed by the rows720C,730C,750,760, and770translate to the front-side course622, the back-side course632, the first tuck binder course650, the second tuck binder course660, and the third tuck binder course670ofFIG.6.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a density of tuck binder stitches and/or interlocking crossovers (e.g., amount of tuck binder stitches and/or interlocking crossovers in a given knit-textile region) included among a knit-textile region is selected to achieve an amount of mechanical stretch, flexural rigidity, elongation, and/or compressive force against a wearer's tissue (e.g., breast tissue). That is, a knit-textile region may include multiple knit zones, (e.g., single-layer knit zones, dual-layer knit zones, or a combination thereof) that have varied amounts of tuck binder stitches and interlocking crossovers. More specifically, a knit zone that includes tuck binder stitches at every stitch position and fewer interlocking crossovers among a given number of stitches (e.g., the knit structure601described in connection withFIGS.6and7) will elongate less and have a greater flexural rigidity than another knit zone that includes tuck binder stitches at less stitch positions and more interlocking crossovers among a given number of stitches (e.g., the knit structure110described in connection withFIGS.4and5). As such, the knit zone with more tuck stitches and less interlocking crossovers may provide more compression and stiffness than the other knit zone under the same conditions (e.g., garment size and wearer dimensions), which may provide greater mechanical elongation and less stiffness. Applying these principles, an aspect of the present disclosure includes an upper-torso garment including a knit-textile region (e.g., the knit-textile region68) with two or more knit zones having varied knit structures (e.g., the first and second knit zones164,166of the knit-textile region68), which provide a respective amount of flexural rigidity and elongation based at least in part on the density of tuck binder stitches and interlocking crossovers.

In accordance with these aspects,FIG.8depicts a knit schematic of a knit structure810that includes varied tuck binder courses and interlocking crossovers at different knit zones. Generally, the knit structure810illustrates features included in the knit-textile region68at each of the first and second knit zones164,166. As depicted inFIG.8, the knit structure810is a tubular-jacquard knit structure that includes a single tuck binder course at a first knit zone801A and a plurality of tuck binder courses at a second knit zone801B, which respectively correspond to the first and second knit zones164,166of the knit-textile region68. Moreover, the knit structure810is similar to the knit structure110ofFIG.4at the first knit zone801A. The second knit zone801B is similar to the knit structure610ofFIG.6. As such, the knit structure810includes features that are similar to and/or the same as those of the knit structures110,610, as discussed above in connection withFIGS.4-7. Further, in an aspect of the present disclosure, the knit structure810may include the same features and/or any combination thereof as the knit structures110,610.

Continuing withFIG.8, as depicted, the knit structure810includes a plurality of front-side courses820and a plurality of back-side courses830constructed with a first yarn strand802and a second yarn strand804, both of which extend throughout the first and second knit zones801A,801B. Each course of the plurality of front-side courses820includes consecutive front-side stitches, and similarly, each course of the plurality of back-side courses830includes consecutive back-side stitches. In addition, a front-side course822is intermittently interlocked with a back-side course832, similar to the knit structures110,610described above with reference toFIGS.4-7. Accordingly,FIG.8depicts the first yarn strand802extending from the front-side course822to the back-side course832and the second yarn strand804extending from the back-side course832to the front-side course822at an interlocking crossover812. Further, another interlocking crossover814is illustrated in which the first yarn strand802extends from the back-side course832to the front-side course822, and the second yarn strand804extends from the front-side course822to the back-side course832. As can be seen, the interlocking crossovers812,814are respectively positioned at a transition point (not identified) between the first and second knit zones801A,801B and within the first knit zone801A. Thus, the knit structure810includes an interlocking crossover (e.g.,814) in the first knit zone801A but does not include any interlocking crossovers in the second knit zone801B.

As mentioned, the knit structure810also includes varied tuck binder courses, and an amount of tuck binder courses included in the knit structure810at the first knit zone801A is different than an amount of tuck binder courses at the second knit zone801B. As depicted inFIG.8, in the second knit zone801B, the knit structure810has a plurality of tuck binder courses840including a first tuck binder course850, a second tuck binder course860, and a third tuck binder course870, which are constructed with a third yarn strand806. Each of the first, second, and third tuck binder courses850,860,870are formed of a different portion of the third yarn strand806. As such, the third yarn strand806includes a first binder strand portion852, a second binder strand portion862, and a third binder strand portion872, which respectively form the first, second, and third tuck binder courses850,860,870. Collectively, the first, second, and third binder strand portions852,862,872form a tuck binder stitch at every front stitch position and every back stitch position of the front-side and back-side courses822,832in the second knit zone801B (e.g., tuck binder stitches842A-H and844A-H).

Continuing, the first, second, and third binder strand portions852,862,872have a same spatial arrangement and relationship as the first, second, and third binder strand portions652,662,672ofFIG.6. Thus, as is depicted inFIG.8, in the second knit zone801B, the first binder strand portion852forms a tuck binder stitch842A in the back-side course832, floats two stitch positons (i.e.,842B,844B and842C,844C) while transferring to the front-side course822to form a tuck binder stitch844D, and then immediately transfers to the back-side course832to form another tuck binder stitch842E. The second binder strand portion862forms tuck binder stitches in a similar manner, and in the second knit zone801B, the second binder strand portion862forms a tuck binder stitch844B in the front-side course822, immediately transfers to the back-side course832to from a tuck binder stitch842C, then floats two stitch positions (i.e.,842D,844D and842E,844E) while transferring to the front-side course822to form a tuck binder stitch844F, and then immediately transfers to the back-side course to form a tuck binder stitch842G. Furthermore, in the second knit zone801B, the third binder strand portion872transfers back and forth between the front-side course822and the back-side course832in a sinuous manner to form a tuck binder stitch at every other front stitch position and every other back stitch position, thereby forming tuck binder stitches842B,842D,842F,842H on the back-side course832and tuck binder stitches844A,844C,844E,844G on the front-side course822.

Turning to the first knit zone801A, as depicted inFIG.8, the knit structure810includes a single tuck binder course that interloops with every other front-side stitch and every other back-side stitch, and connects the front-side and back-side courses822,832to one another. As depicted inFIG.8, the first tuck binder course850transitions from the second knit zone801B and extends throughout the first knit zone801A in a manner like the third yarn strand106in the knit structure110ofFIG.4. Thus, the first tuck binder course850forms the single tuck binder course of the knit structure810in the first knit zone801A, and as depicted inFIG.8, in the first knit zone801A, the first binder strand portion852of the third yarn strand806forms a tuck binder stitch846in the back-side course832and then transfers to the front-side course822to form another tuck binder stitch848. Further, throughout the first knit zone801A, the first binder strand portion852transfers back and forth between the front-side and back-side courses822,832in a sinuous manner to form a tuck binder stitch at every other stitch position in the front-side course822and at every other stitch position in the back-side course832.

In addition, to avoid overcrowding of the knit structure810illustrated inFIG.8, other tuck binder courses of tuck binder stitches are not depicted (e.g., in the courses formed below the front-side and back-side courses822,832), but in other aspects of the disclosure, other tuck binder courses of tuck binder stitches could be included to bind other front-side and back-side in a same or similar manner as the first, second, and third tuck binder courses850,860,870bind the front-side and back-side courses822,832in each of the first and second knit zones801A,801B. Other aspects contemplate that first, second, and third tuck binder courses and in turn, the first, second, and third binder strand portions may be included at different positions in the knit structure810, while maintaining a same spatial relationship. In such aspects, the first, second, and third binder strand portions form tuck stitches at every stitch position on the front-side and back-side courses in the second knit zone, but each of the tuck binder stitches formed by a given binder strand portion may be at a different stitch position and/or on a different side.

Furthermore,FIG.8illustratively depicts a quantity of front and back wales included in each of the first and second knit zones801A,801B. InFIG.8, each front-side stitch (e.g., a single loop) of the front-side course822represents a front wale, and likewise, each back-side stitch (e.g., a single loop) of the back-side course832represents a back wale. As such, a total number of front-side and back-side stitches of the front-side and back-side courses822,832in each of the first and second knit zones801A,801B represents a quantity of front and back wales included in each respective knit zone. In one aspect, as is depicted inFIG.8, the first knit zone801A includes a same quantify of front and back wales, and the second knit zone801B includes a same quantity of front and back wales.

InFIG.8, the first, second, and third yarn strands802,804,806are depicted as having different appearances than one another, which may represent differences in colors, material compositions, and/or structural features like the first, second, and third yarn strands102,104,106,602,604,606ofFIGS.4and6. Moreover, in an aspect of the present disclosure, the first, second, and third yarn strands802,804,806include the same features and/or any combination thereof as those of the first, second, and third yarn strands102,104,106,602,604,606ofFIGS.4and6, as discussed above. In a further aspect of this disclosure, the first, second, and third binder strand portions852,862,872may be formed of different yarn strands, which may include the same features and/or any combination thereof as those of the first, second, and third yarn strands102,104,106,602,604,606ofFIGS.4and6.

In additional aspects of this disclosure, each of the first, second, and third yarn strands802,804,806include a variety of yarn types. Such aspects contemplate that the first, second, and third yarn strands include a non-elastic (also sometimes referred to as a non-stretch yarn), which includes an amount of elasticity that provides a maximum stretch of less than 200% under load prior to returning to a non-stretched state when the load is removed. Continuing with these aspects, the non-elastic yarn type of the first yarn strand802and the second yarn strand804provides a maximum stretch of less than 100%. Examples of non-elastic yarn types include nylon and polyester. In one aspect, each of the first, second, and third yarn strands802,804,806include two ends of nylon 2/78D/68F (i.e., 2 ply where each ply is 78 decitex with 68 filaments). Other aspects contemplate that each of the first, second, and third yarn strands802,804,806include nylon 1/44D/34F covered elastic 78D.

Now referring toFIG.9, a knit diagram910corresponding with the knit structure810ofFIG.8is depicted. As shown, the knit diagram910designates a stitch type and a stitch location for each yarn strand represented by rows920A-C,930A-C,950,960, and970at sixteen stitch positions represented by columns A-P. Moreover, the first eight, consecutive stitch positions (i.e., columns A-H) represent a second knit zone901B, and the next eight, consecutive stitch positions (i.e., columns J-P) represent a first knit zone901A. Each of the rows920A-C prescribes knit structures for a first yarn strand902, and likewise, each of the rows930A-C prescribes knit structures for a second yarn strand904. The rows920A and920B prescribe sixteen stitches with the first yarn strand902on the front side of the knit structure, and the rows930A and930B prescribe sixteen stitches with the second yarn strand904on the back side of the knit structure. As such, rows920A,920B,930A, and930B correspond with the first two front-side courses and the first two back-side courses inFIG.8.

With continued reference toFIG.9, the row920C designates stitches for the first yarn strand902, which corresponds to the first yarn strand802ofFIG.8, and similarly, the row930C sequentially designates stitches for the second yarn strand904, which corresponds to the second yarn strand804ofFIG.8. As such, the row920C designates eight stitches on the front side, a transfer to the back side (i.e., line segment922), five stitches on the back side, a transfer to the front side (i.e., line segment924), and three stitches on the front side. The row930C sequentially designates eight stitches on the back side, a transfer to the front side (i.e., line segment932), five stitches on the front side, a transfer to the back side (i.e., line segment934), and three stitches on the back side. When executed, the transfers designated by922and932translate into the interlocking crossover812ofFIG.8, and the transfers designated by924and934translate into the interlocking crossover814ofFIG.8.

With further reference toFIG.9, a row950designates stitches for a first binder strand portion952, which corresponds to the first binder strand portion852ofFIG.8, a row960designates stitches for a second binder strand portion962, which corresponds to the second binder strand portion862ofFIG.8, and a row970designates stitches for a third binder strand portion972, which correspond to the third binder strand portion872ofFIG.8. InFIG.9, throughout the second knit zone901B (i.e., columns A-H), the row950sequentially designates that the first binder strand portion952forms a tuck binder stitch942A on the back side, floats two stitch positions (i.e., B and C), forms a tuck binder stitch944D on the front side, forms a tuck binder stitch942E on the back side, floats two stitch positions (i.e., F and G), and then forms a tuck binder stitch944H. This pattern changes once the first binder strand portion952transitions into the first knit zone901A (i.e., columns J-P), and as depicted, at a start of the first knit zone902A, the first binder strand portion952forms a tuck binder stitch942I on the back side and then forms a tuck binder stitch944J on the front side. The first binder strand portion952then continues to form a tuck binder stitch at every other front stitch position and every other back stitch position through the rest of the first knit zone901A.

As is also depicted inFIG.9, the row960sequentially designates that the second binder strand portion962forms a tuck binder stitch944B on the front side, forms a tuck binder stitch942C on the back side, floats two stitch positions, forms a tuck binder stitch944E on the front side, forms a tuck binder stitch942H on the back side, floats one stitch position, and then terminates at a transition point between the first and second knit zones901A,901B. As such, the second binder strand portion962is knit in the second knit zone901B but not the first knit zone901A. Continuing, the row970sequentially designates that the third binder strand portion972forms a tuck binder stitch944A on the front side, forms a tuck binder stitch942B on the back side, and continues to form a tuck binder stitch at every other front stitch position and every other back stitch position throughout the second knit zone901B. Then, at the transition point between the first and second knit zones901A,901B, the third binder strand portion972terminates, and thus, the third binder strand portion972is knit in the second knit zone901B but not the first knit zone901A. Accordingly, the combination of the stitches prescribed by the rows920C,930C,950,960, and970translate to the front-side course822, the back-side course832, the first tuck binder course850, the second tuck binder course860, and the third tuck binder course870ofFIG.8.

Previously described portions of this disclosure related toFIGS.4-9describe various knit structures that might construct the knit-textile regions64,66,68depicted inFIGS.1-3. As previously described, these knit structures provide an amount of flexural rigidity and elongation to the knit-textile regions64,66,68based on, at least in part, the density of tuck binder stitches and interlocking crossovers, the yarn composition, the yarn size, the stitch length, and/or any combination thereof. Accordingly, in an aspect of the disclosure, the amount of flexural rigidity and elongation translates to a modulus of elasticity that provides an amount of support and compression to an underlying tissue (e.g., breast tissue). As such, a size of the knit-textile regions64,66,68may be configured to include a portion of, or all of, the breast-covering portions30,32, and the size may be determined in various manners, some of which may relate to a size of the upper-torso garment, the breast-covering portions, or a combination thereof. A modulus of elasticity may be determined in various manners, and in one aspect, a testing methodology specified by ASTM D 4964-96 may be used.

As described in other parts of this disclosure, a number of tuck binder stitches and interlocking crossovers in a course or in a knit-textile region can be increased or decreased to change the elongation and the stiffness properties (e.g., modulus of elasticity, flexural rigidity). As such, an aspect of the present disclosure includes an upper-torso garment that includes a first knit zone having a first modulus of elasticity and a second knit zone having a second modulus of elasticity, which is greater than the first modulus of elasticity.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, an upper-torso garment having one or more of the aspects described herein may be knitted using a method represented by a flow diagram1000depicted inFIG.10. Generally, a method of knitting an upper-torso garment includes the steps described at each individual block of the flow diagram1000, which may be performed using a flat-bed knitting machine, having a front needle bed and a back needle bed, such as a commercially available V-bed knitting machine. Moreover, knitting machines having various bed gauges may be used, and in some aspects, various size needles and beds may be used such as 14 gauge, 16 gauge, 18 gauge, and the like.

With reference toFIG.10, a block1002includes forming a first set of consecutive front-side stitches at a first quantity of front-bed needles. In one aspect, the first quantity of front-bed needles includes a first end front-bed needle, a second end front-bed needle, and a first plurality of front-bed needles between the first end front-bed needle and the second end front-bed needle. Next, a block1004includes forming a first set of consecutive back-side stitches at a first quantity of back-bed needles, and in some aspects, the first quantity of back-bed needles includes a first end back-bed needle, a second end back-bed needle, and a first plurality of back-bed needles between the first end back-bed needle and the second end back-bed needle. After forming the first sets of consecutive front-side and back-side stitches, courses of tuck binder stitches are formed. As such, a block1006includes forming a first course of tuck binder stitches by moving a carriage in a first direction, a block1008includes forming a second course of tuck binder stitches by changing a direction of the carriage and by moving the carriage in a second direction, and a block1010includes forming a third course of tuck binder stitches by changing the direction of the carriage and by moving the carriage in the first direction.

In other aspects, the method of knitting the upper-torso garment may include additional steps such as forming a second set of consecutive front-side stitches at a second quantity of front-bed needles, forming a second set of consecutive back-side stitches at a second quantity of back-bed needles, and forming a fourth course of tuck binder stitches that cross back and forth between the second set of consecutive front-side stitches and the second set of consecutive back-side stitches by moving the carriage in the first direction. In another aspect, the method of knitting the upper-torso garment may include forming interlocking crossovers by transferring a yarn strand that forms a set of consecutive front-side stitches to a back-bed needle position and simultaneously transferring a yarn strand that forms a set of consecutive front-side stitches to a front-bed needle position.

The entire upper-torso garment may be knit as a single integrated piece, which is then coupled together at particular locations to create a left side, right side, anterior portion, and posterior portion. In addition, certain parts of the upper-torso garment may be knit separately from one another and then coupled to form the upper-torso garment. In one aspect, the anterior portion with straps is constructed separately from the posterior portion and the two pieces are then coupled to form the upper-torso garment. For example, at least part of the anterior portion may be constructed with all non-elastic yarns, whereas elastic yarns may be knit into the posterior portion. The anterior portion may then be coupled to the posterior portion. These manufacturing aspects are merely examples, and aspects herein contemplate that various other techniques may also be utilized.

The following clauses represent example aspects of concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and are not limiting.Clause 1. An upper-torso garment comprising:a first knit zone and a second knit zone,the first knit zone comprising a single course of tuck binder stitches that cross back and forth between a first set of front-side stitches organized into a first set of front-side courses, and a first set of back-side stitches organized into a first set of back-side courses, wherein each course in the first set of front-side courses is connected to a course in the first set of back-side courses by the single course of tuck binder stitches; andthe second knit zone comprising a plurality of courses of tuck binder stitches that cross back and forth between a second set of front-side stitches organized into a second set of front-side courses, and a second set of back-side stitches organized into a second set of back-side courses, wherein each course in the second set of front-side courses is connected to a course in the second set of back-side courses by the plurality of courses of tuck binder stitches.Clause 2. The upper-torso garment of clause 1, wherein the first set of front-side courses, the first set of back-side courses, and the single course of tuck binder stitches are constructed of a first non-elastic yarn.Clause 3. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of courses of tuck binder stitches, the second set of front-side courses, and the second set of back-side courses are constructed of a second non-elastic yarn.Clause 4. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first non-elastic yarn and the second non-elastic yarn include a same yarn type having a same yarn composition and a same yarn size.Clause 5. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first knit zone has a first modulus of elasticity, and wherein the second knit zone has a second modulus of elasticity, which is greater than the first modulus of elasticity.Clause 6. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second knit zone comprises an underarm portion of the upper-torso garment.Clause 7. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first knit zone comprises a breast-covering portion of the upper-torso garment.Clause 8. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second knit zone comprises one or more encapsulation portions that form a perimeter around at least part of the breast-covering portion.Clause 9. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first knit zone is integrally knit with the second knit zone in the upper-torso garment.Clause 10. An upper-torso garment comprising:a first dual-layer knit zone and a second dual-layer knit zone, the first dual-layer knit zone having a same quantity of front and back wales, and the second dual-layer knit zone having a same quantity of front and back wales;the first dual-layer knit zone comprising a first set of front-side courses, a first set of back-side courses, and a first set of tuck binder courses, wherein each tuck binder course of the first set of tuck binder courses crosses back and forth between a front-side course in the first set of front-side courses and a back-side course in the first set of back-side courses, wherein the first set of tuck binder courses comprises a first quantity of tuck binder stitches; andthe second dual-layer knit zone comprising a second set of front-side courses, a second set of back-side courses, and a second set of tuck binder courses, wherein each tuck binder course of the second set of tuck binder courses crosses back and forth between a front-side course in the second set of front-side courses and a back-side course in the second set of back-side courses, wherein the second set of tuck binder courses includes a second quantity of tuck binder stitches that is greater than the first quantity of tuck binder stitches.Clause 11. The upper-torso garment of clause 10, wherein each course in the first set of tuck binder courses includes a tuck binder stitch at every third stitch position of the front-side course and at every third stitch position of the back-side course.Clause 12. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein each course in the second set of tuck binder courses includes a tuck binder stitch at every second stitch position and every third stitch position of the front-side course and at every second stitch position and every third stitch position of the back-side course.Clause 13. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein each course in the second set of tuck binder courses includes a tuck binder stitch at every stitch position of the front-side course and at every stitch position of the back-side course.Clause 14. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first dual-layer knit zone is constructed from a first non-elastic yarn, and wherein the second dual-layer knit zone is constructed from a second non-elastic yarn.Clause 15. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first dual-layer knit zone comprises a breast-covering portion of the upper-torso garment, an encapsulation portion forming a perimeter around at least a part of the breast-covering portion, or a combination thereof, and wherein the second dual-layer knit zone comprises an underarm portion of the upper-torso garment.Clause 16. The upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first dual-layer knit zone and the second dual-layer knit zone are positioned adjacent in the upper-torso garment and wherein the first dual-layer knit zone is integrally knit with the second dual-layer knit zone in the upper-torso garment.Clause 17. A method of knitting an upper-torso garment comprising:forming a first set of consecutive front-side stitches at a first quantity of front-bed needles, which includes a first end front-bed needle, a second end front-bed needle, and a first plurality of front-bed needles between the first end front-bed needle and the second end front-bed needle;forming a first set of consecutive back-side stitches at a first quantity of back-bed needles, which includes a first end back-bed needle, a second end back-bed needle, and a first plurality of back-bed needles between the first end back-bed needle and the second end back-bed needle;forming a first course of tuck binder stitches that cross back and forth between the first set of consecutive front-side stitches and the first set of consecutive back-side stitches by moving a carriage in a first direction towards the first end front-bed needle and the first end back-bed needle;forming a second course of tuck binder stitches by changing a direction of the carriage before the carriage reaches the first end front-bed needle and the first end back-bed needle and by moving the carriage in a second direction towards the second end front-bed needle and the second end back-bed needle; andforming a third course of tuck binder stitches by changing the direction of the carriage before the carriage reaches the second end front-bed needle and the second end back-bed needle and by moving the carriage in the first direction.Clause 18. The method of knitting an upper-torso garment of clause 17, further comprising:forming a second set of consecutive front-side stitches at a second quantity of front-bed needles, which includes a third end front-bed needle, a fourth end front-bed needle, and a second plurality of front-bed needles between the third end front-bed needle and the fourth end front-bed needle;forming a second set of consecutive back-side stitches at a second quantity of back-bed needles, which includes a third end back-bed needle, a fourth end back-bed needle, and a second plurality of back-bed needles between the third end back-bed needle and the fourth end back-bed needle; andforming a fourth course of tuck binder stitches that cross back and forth between the second set of consecutive front-side stitches and the second set of consecutive back-side stitches by moving the carriage in the first direction, which is towards the third end front-bed needle and the third end back-bed needle.Clause 19. The method of knitting an upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first course of tuck binder stitches is offset from the second course of tuck binder stitches and is further offset from the third course of tuck binder stitches in a first portion of the first quantity of front-bed needles and the first quantity of back-bed needles to form a first knit zone in the upper-torso garment, and wherein the first course of tuck binder stitches, the second course of tuck binder stitches, and the third course of tuck binder stitches overlap in a second portion of the first quantity of front-bed needles and the first quantity of back-bed needles that is different than the first portion to form a second knit zone in the upper-torso garment.Clause 20. The method of knitting an upper-torso garment of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first knit zone comprises a breast-covering portion of the upper-torso garment, and wherein the second knit zone comprises an underarm portion of the upper-torso garment, an encapsulation portion forming a perimeter around at least part of the breast-covering portion, or a combination thereof.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this subject matter is adapted to attain ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages, which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible variations and alternatives may be made of the subject matter without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.