ATHLETIC BRA

An athletic bra comprising an outer shell and an inner layer is provided. The outer shell is configured to lay distal from a wearer when the athletic bra is worn, and the outer shell includes a fabric comprising polyamide and spandex. The inner layer is configured to lay more proximal to the wearer than the outer shell when the athletic bra is worn.

Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to an athletic bra constructed to provide support for high impact performance.

2. Description of the Background

Many conventional athletic bras, or sports bras, generally comprise a material that covers and supports a wearer's breasts during, for example, athletic activities. In particular, athletic bras are generally configured to support the breasts to help protect breast tissue from damage and/or stretching during motion. High impact athletic bras are often used for high impact or high intensity activities, such as those that may result in excessive bouncing, potentially resulting in subsequent damage and/or stretching of breast tissue and/or pain. Such issues can be exacerbated for subjects with larger breasts.

In order to provide suitable support, high impact sports bra in the market usually include an underwire made of metal or hard plastic to support the breasts, inflexible or rigid molded cups to encapsulate and hold the breasts in place, thus helping restrict movement, and/or compression to press the breasts toward the body and further restrict movement. However, current high impact bras are often not comfortable and/or are not constructed with a focus on reducing breast momentum.

Therefore, athletic bras for high impact performance having features capable of reducing breast momentum without sacrificing comfort may be desired.

SUMMARY

An athletic bra, as described herein, may have various configurations. In some embodiments, an athletic bra is provided comprising a front panel, a rear panel, a first strap and a second strap connecting the front panel to the rear panel, and an underband coupled to the front panel and the rear panel. The front panel, the rear panel, the first strap, the second strap, and the underband comprise an outer shell, and the outer shell includes a fabric comprising polyamide and spandex. The athletic bra also includes a first cup and a second cup positioned within the front panel, where the first cup and the second cup each comprise a first layer and a second layer coupled together by an adhesive.

In some embodiments, the first layer is a foam material and the second layer is a double knit fabric. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the adhesive is polyurethane hot melt. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises between about 60-65% polyamide and between about 35-40% spandex. In further embodiments, the fabric comprises 63% polyamide and 37% spandex.

In some embodiments, the front panel, the rear panel, the first strap, the second strap, and the underband comprise the outer shell and an inner layer, and the first cup and the second cup are coupled to one of the outer shell and the inner layer. Furthermore, the first cup and the second cup may each be configured to extend upward from the underband toward a neck opening defined by the front panel. Additionally, in some embodiments, the outer shell and the inner layer are coupled together to form a seamless edge.

In some embodiments, the front panel is sized to fully cover breasts of a wearer. In further embodiments, the front panel defines a central axis, and a total height of the front panel and the underband along the central axis of about 18 centimeters. In some embodiments, the underband includes a height of about 3.8 centimeters. In some embodiments, the first strap and the second strap each includes a uniform width along its length, wherein the width is about 3.5 centimeters. In other embodiments, the first strap and the second strap each includes a varying width along its length. In some embodiments, the first strap and the second strap each include an adjustable length. In some embodiments, the underband includes an adjustable circumference.

Some embodiments provide an athletic bra comprising an outer shell, an inner layer, a first cup, and a second cup. The outer shell is configured to lay distal from a wearer when the athletic bra is worn, and the inner layer is configured to lay more proximal to the wearer than the outer shell when the athletic bra is worn. At least one of the outer shell and the inner layer includes a fabric comprising polyamide and spandex. The first cup and the second cup are positioned between the outer shell and the inner layer, and each comprise a first layer and a second layer coupled together by an adhesive.

In some embodiments, the first layer is a foam material and the second layer is a double knit fabric. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the adhesive is polyurethane hot melt. In some embodiments, the fabric comprises between about 60-65% polyamide and between about 35-40% spandex. In further embodiments, the fabric comprises 63% polyamide and 37% spandex.

In some embodiments, the outer shell and the inner layer are coupled together to form a front panel, a rear panel, a first strap and a second strap connecting the front panel to the rear panel, and an underband coupled to the front panel and the rear panel. In some embodiments, the front panel, the rear panel, the first strap, and the second strap comprise an outer edge that defines a neck opening, and the outer shell and the inner layer are bonded together at the outer edge.

Other aspects of the athletic bra described herein, including features and advantages thereof, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects of the athletic bras are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of an athletic bra. Although embodiments are disclosed with reference to an athletic bra for high impact activities, such as running, intensive training, elliptical, dancing, mounting biking, jumping, etc., concepts associated with the embodiments of the athletic bra may be applied to a wide range of bra and bra styles, including mid-intensity activities such as cycling and skiing, low-intensity activities such as walking, yoga, and strength training, or loungewear, for example. Accordingly, concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products.

The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for athletic bras or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to a range of values ±5% of the numeric value that the term precedes.

The present disclosure is directed to an athletic bra and/or specific components of the athletic bra. For example,FIGS. 1 and 2depict an athletic bra10according to some embodiments. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the athletic bra10can include one or more features that, alone or in combination, minimizes breast movement and momentum during high intensity movements, such as running, jumping, dancing, elliptical, mountain biking, or other high intensity training.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, generally, the athletic bra10can include a front12(shown inFIG. 1), a rear14(shown inFIG. 2), a top16, a bottom18, a first side20, and a second side22. When worn, the front12can coincide with a wearer's front torso24, the rear14can coincide with the wearer's rear torso26, the top16can coincide with the wearer's chest28, back30, and shoulders32, and the bottom18can coincide with the wearer's mid-torso34, such as the rib cage below the breasts36, the first side20can coincide with a first lateral side of the wearer, such as the wearer's left side, and the second side can coincide with a second, opposite lateral side of the wearer, such as wearer's right side. However, in some embodiments, the first side20and the second side22may instead coincide with the wearer's right side and left side, respectively.

Still referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the athletic bra10can include a front panel38(shown inFIG. 1), two straps40,42, a rear panel44(shown inFIG. 2), two cups46(shown inFIG. 2), and an underband48. The front panel38is configured to overlay a portion of the front torso24of the wearer, covering the breasts36and a portion of the chest28. The rear panel44is configured to overlay a portion of the rear torso26of the wearer, and may be coupled to the front panel38directly and via the straps40,42and the underband48. For example, the straps40,42may be coupled to the front panel38and extend over the shoulders32of the wearer to the rear panel44, thus connecting the front panel38to the rear panel44. The underband48is configured to extend around the wearer's mid-torso34, underneath the breasts36, and be coupled to bottom portions of the front panel38and the rear panel44. Additionally, in some embodiments, the front panel38and the rear panel44may comprise one contiguous piece, or may be separate pieces coupled. e.g., stitched or bonded, together along the first and second sides20,22, or may be a composition of multiple layers, some being continuous and some being coupled together. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the front panel38and the rear panel44may be indirectly coupled together via separate side panels (not shown) that are configured to overlay portions of the side torso of the wearer, e.g., under the armpits50. Additionally, in some embodiments, the front panel38and/or the rear panel44, and/or the straps40,42may comprise one contiguous piece, or may be separate pieces coupled, e.g., stitched or bonded, together, or may be a composition of multiple layers, some being continuous and some being coupled together.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the athletic bra10can comprise one or more layers, including at least an outer shell52. The outer shell52may be a layer of fabric most distal from the wearer when the athletic bra10is worn. Further, in some embodiments, the athletic bra10can comprise the outer shell52and an inner layer, such as an inner shell54(shown inFIG. 2) configured to be the most proximate layer to the wearer, e.g., contacting the wearer, when the athletic bra10is worn. In other words, when the athletic bra10is worn, the outer shell52is configured to face away from the wearer and the inner shell54is configured to face toward the wearer. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the athletic bra10can comprise the outer shell52and multiple inner layers, such as the inner shell54and one or more mid-layers (not shown) located between the outer shell52and the inner shell54. As such, in some embodiments, the outer shell52and the inner shell54may be collectively considered an “outer shell” as these layers make up the outer layers of the athletic bra10, in contrast to the inner layers therebetween.

Each layer, i.e., the outer shell52, the inner shell54, and any mid-layers, can comprise the same fabric type, or varying fabric types. For example, in some embodiments, one or more layers can have different properties from other layers. Additionally, the front panel38, the underband48, and/or other components can include additional components coupled to or arranged between one of the layers. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, the cups46can be coupled to the inner shell54, or an innermost layer, of the front panel38, or coupled in between layers of the front panel38. In some embodiments, the cups46can be coupled to the inner shell54, and/or a mid-layer, and/or the outer shell52of the front panel38. Generally, each cup46can be positioned along the front panel38over a nipple area56(shown inFIG. 2) and its periphery. As further described below, in some embodiments, each cup46can extend upward from the underband48. Additionally, in some embodiments, the underband48can incorporate one or more elastic bands therein (not shown) so that the underband48compresses around the mid-torso34to help secure the athletic bra10in place and support the breasts36.

Referring still toFIGS. 1 and 2, the front panel38, the rear panel44, the straps40,42, and the underband48can be formed together to define a neck opening58at the top16, a first arm opening60along the first side20, a second arm opening62along the second side22, a torso opening64at the bottom18, and, optionally, a rear opening66(shown inFIG. 2) at the rear14between the rear panel44and the underband48. The relative arrangement and size of these components can define different styles and support types of the athletic bra10.

For example, as noted above and referring toFIG. 1, generally, the front panel38can extend upward from the underband48to the neck opening58to cover the breasts36and chest28of the wearer. The front panel38can extend a minimal height H1at its center (aligned with a central axis68) that defines a coverage type of the athletic bra10. More specifically, in some applications, a height H1that is well below armpit level and/or does not fully cover the breasts36when worn may be considered a low-coverage or low-cut athletic bra. A height H1that is generally aligned with or rises above the armpits50and fully covers the breasts36when worn may be considered a full-coverage or high-cut athletic bra. And a height H1higher than a low-cut, but still not fully covering the breasts36when worn may be considered a mid-cut athletic bra. A full-coverage athletic bra10can provide more support than a low-coverage or mid-cut athletic bra as fuller coverage of the breasts can reduce movement and, as a result, restrict bounce.

Referring toFIG. 2, generally, the rear panel44can extend upward from the underband48to the neck opening58. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, the rear panel44forms a “T-shape” before joining the straps40,42to define a racer-back style athletic bra10. In such a style, the rear panel44and the straps40,42generally do not cover the wearer's shoulder blades. In some embodiments, the rear panel44may instead from a generally rectangular shape, in which the straps40,42extend downward and cross over each other before joining the rear panel44, thus defining a crisscross style athletic bra. In yet other embodiments, the rear panel44may form the generally rectangular shape, in which the straps40,42extend straight downward from the shoulders32to join the rear panel44, thus defining a tank-top style athletic bra. In yet other embodiments, the athletic bra10may not include a rear panel and the straps40,42can extend down (in a crisscross style or tank-top style) to join the underband48. Additionally, the rear panel44, in a T-shape or rectangular shape, can include a constant bottom section that is coupled to the underband48, or can include an interrupted bottom section coupled to the underband48, as shown inFIG. 2. The interrupted bottom section can, with the underband48, define the rear opening66, as shown inFIG. 2.

Referring still toFIG. 2, generally, the underband48can extend circumferentially around the wearer's torso34and be coupled to the front panel38and the rear panel44. As noted above, in some embodiments, the underband48can further incorporate one or more elastic bands extending therethrough, or include fabrics with sufficiently elasticity, to help tension the underband48around the wearer's torso34. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the underband48may continuously extend an entire circumference of the athletic bra10. As a result, in such embodiments, the underband48can have a constant or non-adjustable circumference. However, in other embodiments, the underband48may discontinuously extend the entire circumference. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 2, rear ends70,72of the underband48can be coupled together by, for example, a hook and eye closure (not shown). For example, a first rear end70of the underband48can include one hook or a set of hooks, while a second rear end72of the underband48can include one eye or a set of eyes configured to receive the hooks. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the underband48can have an adjustable circumference by incorporating a plurality of eyes (or sets of eyes) at different locations distanced from an edge of the rear end72, thus providing different locations to receive the hooks. In this manner, the underband48may be adjustable in that a wearer can further tighten the underband48around their torso34by adjusting the hook and eye closure.

Referring again toFIGS. 1 and 2, each strap40,42can extend from the front panel38along the front12, to the rear panel44along the rear14. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the straps40,42can have a generally uniform or constant width W1along their full length. However, in other embodiments, the straps40,42may have a varying width W1along their lengths. Additionally, in some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the straps40,42can have a constant length L1. However, in other embodiments, the straps40,42can have a variable or adjustable length L1, for example, by incorporating adjustment slides (not shown).

As noted above, the athletic bra10of some embodiments can incorporate one or more features that, alone or in combination, improve support of the wearer's breasts36during use, for example, in high intensity or high impact activities. The features may enhance support by reducing breast movement and momentum during activities. Reduction in breast movement can be quantitatively analyzed by monitoring nipple movement during activity, for example, as vertical displacement (or y-axis displacement) from original nipple position to clavicle in a percentage, where original nipple position is designated as 100% (considered two-dimensional displacement metrics or “2D metrics”). Reduction in breast movement can further be quantitatively analyzed by monitoring nipple movement during activity, for example, as “lateral displacement” or a sum of displacements, e.g., along x, y, and z axes, between original nipple position and clavicle (considered three-dimensional displacement metrics or “3D metrics”). The features of some embodiments are discussed below with respect to these quantitative assessments.

Referring toFIG. 2, in some embodiments, each cup46can be “built in” to the front panel38, e.g., directly coupled to the inner shell54or to a mid-layer of the front panel38. For example, a built-in cup46of some embodiments may be in contrast to removable cups that can be inserted and removed in between layers or permanent “floating” cups that are not directly coupled to a particular layer but, rather, are positioned between layers yet still movable. As shown inFIG. 2, each cup46can extend upward from the underband48to a location adjacent but spaced apart from the neck opening58, with a curved or semi-circular top end74, in order to separately encapsulate a respective breast36. Each cup46can further extend from a location adjacent the central axis68along the front panel38to a location adjacent the respective side20,22. For example, an outer perimeter76of the cup46can extend from the underband48adjacent the central axis68generally vertically upward, then start to curve until reaching the curved top end74, then generally follow a curve of the side opening60,62, before extending straight vertically downward back to the underband48adjacent the respective side20,22.

Still referring toFIG. 2, each cup46can include two layers of fabric configured to directly overlay the nipple area56and its periphery, such as a first layer and a second layer. In some embodiments, the first layer can be a foam material and the second layer can be a double knit fabric. In other embodiments, the first layer can be a double knit fabric and the second layer can be a foam material. For example, the foam material can be a polyurethane foam material. As another example, the foam material can be a combination of spacer foam (such as spacer foam comprised of polyester and elastane) and a double knit fabric (such as knit fabric comprised of polyester and elastane, or spandex). As a specific example, the foam material can be a combination of spacer foam, comprised of 46% 75 denier (“D”) polyester, 44% 60D polyester, and 10% 40D elastane, and double knit fabric, comprised of 85% polyester and 16% spandex. Furthermore, the first layer and the second layer can be coupled or fixed together with a medium in a specific pattern. For example, in some embodiments, the first layer and the second layer can be coupled together using an adhesive such as polyurethane hot melt (“PUR”), also called reactive hot melt, reactive polyurethane, polyurethane reactive, or RPU adhesive). In contrast to inflexible molded cups that encapsulate the breasts36, the present cup materials (comprising foam and double knit fabric) can provide a soft, flexible mold cup.

The construction of the cup46and pattern of the coupling can help absorb the energy of breast bounces and reduce momentum during activity. For example, referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, a study was conducted of a wearer (size 34D) wearing the athletic bra10with the cup46described above, i.e., with the two-layer, foam and double knit fabric composition coupled together with PUR, and an existing athletic bra providing a control cup, while running at 7 kilometers per hour (km/hr) and 10 km/hr.FIG. 3Aillustrates resulting 2D metrics measured from the cup46described above (line80) and the control cup (line82). As shown inFIG. 3A, the wearer experienced a 115.5% displacement and a 118.3% displacement with the cup46described above when running at 7 km/hr and 10 km/hr, respectively, and the wearer experienced a 116% displacement and a 123.6% displacement with the control cup when running at 7 km/hr and 10 km/hr.

Furthermore,FIG. 3Billustrates resulting 3D metrics measured from the cup46described above (line84) and the control cup (line86). As shown inFIG. 3B, the wearer experienced a 13.07 millimeter (mm) displacement and a 16.46 mm displacement with the cup46described above when running at 7 km/hr and 10 km/hr, respectively, and the wearer experienced a 13.93 mm displacement and a 20.44 mm displacement with the control cup when running at 7 km/hr and 10 km/hr. In particular, specific 3D metrics show that the cup46described above can reduce breast displacement while the wearer runs at 10 km/hr by 5% in the vertical (y-axis or up-and-down) direction and by 19% in the lateral (x-axis or side-to-side) direction. As shown in the results ofFIGS. 3A and 3B, the construction of the cup46and pattern of the coupling of the athletic bra10, according to some embodiments, can reduce breast movement during activity compared to other cups.

Referring back toFIGS. 1 and 2, as noted above, the athletic bra10can comprise one or more layers, including at least an outer shell52. In some embodiments, the outer shell52can comprise a fabric made of a combination of polyamide and spandex, such as between about 60-65% polyamide and between about 35-40% spandex. In some embodiments, the outer shell52can be made of a fabric comprising 63% polyamide and 37% spandex, with a weight of about 345 grams per square meter (g/m2). This combination, with a suitable percentage of spandex, provides sufficient support and comfort. It should be noted that spandex may also be referred to as elastane, elastic synthetic fiber, polyether-polyurea copolymer, etc. In some embodiments, the spandex may be Lycra®.

Furthermore, this combination of polyamide and spandex of some embodiments provides a soft, comfortable four-way stretch. For example,FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate a comparison of vertical grain elongation and modulus at 7.5 pound-force (lbf) and horizontal grain elongation and modulus at 7.5 lbf, respectively, between the present shell fabric described above (63% polyamide and 37% spandex) and three other types of fabric (“fabric A,” “fabric B,” and “fabric C”). Fabric A was comprised of 76% polyester and 24% spandex, weighing 290 g/m2, Fabric B was comprised of 77% polyester and 23% spandex, weighing 250 g/m2, and Fabric C was comprised of 75% polyester and 25% spandex, weighing 225 g/m2. As shown inFIG. 4A, the present fabric (represented at line88) illustrated a higher vertical grain modulus than fabrics B and C (line90and92, respectively) from 20%-80% elongation, and a higher vertical grain modulus than fabric A (line94) from 20%-60%. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 4B, the present fabric (represented at line96) illustrated a higher horizontal grain modulus than all of fabrics A, B, and C (line98,100, and102, respectively) from 20%-80% elongation.

The higher modulus of the present outer shell fabric can provide better support to reduce breast bouncing during activity. For example, referring toFIGS. 5A and 5B, a study was conducted of a wearer (size 34D) wearing the athletic bra10with the outer shell fabric described above (63% polyamide and 37% spandex), an athletic bra comprising fabric A, an athletic bra comprising fabric B, an athletic bra comprising fabric C, and an existing athletic bra providing a control fabric, while running at 7 km/hr and 10 km/hr.FIG. 5Aillustrates resulting 2D metrics measured from the bras having the present outer shell fabric (line104), fabric A (line106), fabric B (line108), fabric C (line110), and the control fabric (line112). As shown inFIG. 5A, at 7 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 115.5% displacement with the present shell fabric described above, a 118.6% displacement with fabric A, a 119.00% displacement with fabric B, a 119.2% displacement with fabric C, and a 123.2% displacement with the control fabric. At 10 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 118.3% displacement with the present shell fabric, a 123.2% displacement with fabric A, a 127.6% displacement with fabric B, a 125% displacement with fabric C, and a 132.2% displacement with the control fabric.

Furthermore,FIG. 5Billustrates resulting 3D metrics measured from the bras having the present outer shell fabric (line114), fabric A (line116), fabric B (line118), fabric C (line120), and the control fabric (line122). As shown inFIG. 5B, at 7 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 13.07 mm displacement with the present shell fabric described above, a 15.83 mm displacement with fabric A, a 17.23 mm displacement with fabric B, a 17.19 mm displacement with fabric C, and a 20.67 mm displacement with the control fabric. At 10 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 16.46 mm displacement with the present shell fabric, a 20.23 mm displacement with fabric A, a 24.48 mm displacement with fabric B, a 22.62 mm displacement with fabric C, and a 26.54 mm displacement with the control fabric. As shown in the results ofFIGS. 5A and 5B, the composition of the outer shell fabric, according to some embodiments, can reduce breast movement, i.e., reduce lateral and vertical displacement, during activity compared to other fabrics. In light of these results, the outer shell fabric of some embodiments can be suitable for high-impact activities. Furthermore, in some applications, fabric A may also be suitable for high-impact activities, though it exhibits larger lateral and vertical breast displacement than the present shell fabric.

Referring back toFIG. 1, in some embodiments, the height H1of the front panel38(shown inFIG. 1) can coincide with a full-coverage configuration. For example, in some embodiments, for a size small, the “total height” of the athletic bra10, including the height H1of the front panel38plus a height H2of the underband48(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2), measured along the central axis68, can be at least about 18 centimeters (cm) to provide full-coverage for high impact activities. In contrast, a size small mid-impact activity athletic bra can include a total height of at least about 15 cm. Generally, different-size athletic bras10, e.g., small, medium, large, extra-large, etc., can include at least a different height H1so that the total height provides full-coverage for different-sized breasts. As noted above, a full-coverage athletic bra10can provide more support than a mid- or low-coverage athletic bra as fuller coverage of the breasts can reduce movement and, as a result, restrict bounce.

By way of example, referring toFIGS. 6A and 6B, a study was conducted of a wearer (size 34D) wearing the athletic bra10of some embodiments with a front panel38having a height of 18 cm, the athletic bra with a front panel having a height of 16 cm, and an existing athletic bra providing a control bra, while running at 7 km/hr and 10 km/hr.FIG. 6Aillustrates resulting 2D metrics measured from the bras having a height H1of 18 cm (line124), height H1of 16 cm (line126), and the control bra (line128). As shown inFIG. 6A, at 7 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 115.5% displacement with the 18-cm front panel bra, a 114.2% displacement with the 16-cm front panel bra, and a 123.2% displacement with the control bra. At 10 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 118.3% displacement with the 18-cm front panel bra, a 123% displacement with the 16-cm front panel bra, and a 132.2% displacement with the control bra.

Furthermore,FIG. 6Billustrates resulting 3D metrics measured from the bras having a height H1of 18 cm (line130), height H1of 16 cm (line132), and the control bra (line134). As shown inFIG. 6B, at 7 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 13.07 mm displacement with the 18-cm front panel bra, a 12.81 mm displacement with the 16-cm front panel bra, and a 20.67 mm displacement with the control bra. At 10 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 16.46 mm displacement with the 18-cm front panel bra, a 20 mm displacement with the 16-cm front panel bra, and a 26.54 mm displacement with the control bra. As shown in the results ofFIGS. 6A and 6B, while the present bra with full coverage is similar to an equivalent mid-coverage bra for certain activities, the present bra with full coverage provides significantly more breast control, i.e., reducing lateral and vertical displacement, during higher intensity activities.

Referring back toFIG. 1, as noted above, the athletic bra10can comprise multiple layers of fabric, including at least the outer shell52. Further, the layers can be coupled together along one or more edges. In some embodiments, the layers of the athletic bra10can be bonded together at an outer edge136(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) defining the neck opening58, an outer edge138(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) defining the first arm opening60, an outer edge140(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) defining the second arm opening62, and/or an outer edge142(shown inFIG. 2) defining the rear opening66. In some embodiments, an entire outer edge136,138,140,142of each opening58,60,62,66is bonded. In other embodiments, a portion of the outer edge136,138,140,142of each opening58,60,62,66is bonded. These bonded, or seamless, edges136,138,140, and/or142can provide necessary strength to hold the layers together while also adding less bulk and providing smooth edges to minimize chafing during movement, for example, as opposed to edges formed by cutting and sewing together layers. That is, a cut-and-sewn edge may comprise one layer folding over the other layers, or a further, separate layer folded over the outer edge of all existing layers, i.e., extending outside the outer shell52and inside the inner shell54, thus adding one or two further layers at the outer edge, and the folded over portion is sewn to couple together the layers. While bonded edges can provide less bulk (due to less layers) and minimize chaffing compared to cut-and-sewn edges, bonded edges can also provide enhanced strength, for example, at least along the neck opening58, to help limit breast movement.

By way of example, referring toFIGS. 7A and 7B, a study was conducted of a wearer (size 34D) wearing the athletic bra10of some embodiments with a bonded neck opening58, an athletic bra with a cut-and-sewn neck opening using an additional elastic layer, and an existing athletic bra providing a control bra, while running at 7 km/hr and 10 km/hr.FIG. 7Aillustrates resulting 2D metrics measured from the bonded edge bra10(line144), the cut-and-sewn edge bra (line146), and the control bra (line148). As shown inFIG. 7A, at 7 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 115.5% displacement with the bonded edge bra, a 115.4% displacement with the cut-and-sewn edge bra, and a 123.2% displacement with the control bra. At 10 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 118.3% displacement with the bonded edge bra, a 121.4% displacement with the cut-and-sewn edge bra, and a 132.2% displacement with the control bra.

Furthermore,FIG. 7Billustrates resulting 3D metrics measured from the bonded edge bra10(line150), the cut-and-sewn edge bra (line152), and the control bra (line154). As shown inFIG. 7B, at 7 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 13.07 mm displacement with the bonded edge bra, a 14.67 mm displacement with the cut-and-sewn edge bra, and a 20.67 mm displacement with the control bra. At 10 km/hr, the wearer experienced a 16.46 mm displacement with the bonded edge bra, a 19.8 mm displacement with the cut—and-sewn edge bra, and a 26.54 mm displacement with the control bra. As shown in the results ofFIGS. 7A and 7B, while a cut-and-sewn edge neck opening with elastic may have sufficient strength to help limit breast movement, at least at 7 km/hr running, the present bra with a bonded edge neck opening58provides more breast control, i.e., reducing lateral and vertical displacement, at 7 km/hr running and during higher intensity activity such as 10 km/hr running.

As illustrated above, the cup design, shell fabric, coverage type, and/or seam type of the athletic bra10of some embodiments, can positively impact its ability to provide improved breast support for high intensity activities. Notably, such features were shown to improve support without certain uncomfortable additions common to other high-impact athletic bras, such as underwires, rigid cups, or increased compression. However, it should be noted that the athletic bra10may incorporate one or more of these features in some embodiments. Furthermore, additional features may be incorporated into the athletic bra10of some embodiments to further enhance support and improve comfort. For example, in some embodiments, referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the first strap40and the second strap42can each have a width W1configured to support the front panel38and avoid digging into the wearer. In some embodiments, for a 34D size athletic bra10, the width W1of the straps40,42can be about 3.5 cm. In some embodiments, the width W1may be a minimum of 3.5 cm (i.e., 3.5 cm or greater). More generally, in some embodiments, the width W1can range from 2 cm to 5 cm, from 2.5 cm to 4.5 cm, or from 3 cm to 4 cm. As another example, in some embodiments, as noted above, the underband48can include an elastic band. The underband48, or at least the elastic band incorporated into the underband48, can have a height H2(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) configured to support the breasts without digging into the torso34or riding up or down the torso34during high intensity activities. In some embodiments, for a 34D size athletic bra10, the height H2of the underband48can be about 3.8 cm, or about 3.5 cm. In some embodiments, the height H2may be a minimum of 3.5 cm (i.e., 3.5 cm or greater). More generally, in some embodiments, the height H2can range from 2 cm to 5 cm, from 2.5 cm to 4.5 cm, or from 3 cm to 4 cm. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the underband48can include two layers of elastic bands, which can further support the breasts36without decreasing comfort.

Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with different embodiments. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to athletic bras of the type specifically shown. Still further, aspects of the athletic bras of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of bra, apparel, or other athletic equipment.

As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the disclosure has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

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