Patent Publication Number: US-7591706-B2

Title: Reversible sport bra

Description:
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/901,231 filed Jul. 29, 2004. The entire disclosure of the prior application Ser. No. 10/901,231 is considered part of the disclosure of the accompanying continuation application and is hereby incorporated by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   This invention relates to athletic clothing and, more particularly, to a sports top or bra for women that enhances posture by allowing a personal custom fit and provides breast support. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Women&#39;s athletics have become increasingly popular, causing the industry to produce apparel to meet the needs of female athletes. It is known to provide a sports bra with a customized personal fit that enhances posture and increases breast support for women engaging in athletic activities. However, the prior art has suffered from not sufficiently advancing women&#39;s apparel to provide a sports bra that is both fashionable and functional. 
   Attempts have been made in the past few years to provide a sports bra that is revisable with substantial support. However, no one has created a bra with two attractive, yet different silhouettes that when put together actually add twice the support as a regular reversible bra; while using two different fabrics with different textures and colors. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   An aspect of the present invention is to provide custom comfort and added support to the wearer. A further aspect is to provide unique visual properties that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. In particular, an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the present invention provides a support garment or support bra including a first front section that is visible when the support garment is in a first position. The first front section includes at least two overlapping panels that create additional support and a crisscross section. A second front section is provided that is visible when the support garment is turned inside out. The second front section includes a single panel that covers the two overlapping panels. The first front section forms a first silhouette and the second front section forms a second silhouette, such that the first silhouette is visually and physically different than the second silhouette, in regard to fabrics, textures and colors. 
   It is also contemplated that the overlapping panels respectively include edges that intersect each other in a crisscross manner such that when the support garment is turned inside out, the second front section becomes an outwardly facing panel and the intersected edges of the overlapping panels are not visible from a front of the support garment. 
   In accordance with a further illustrative embodiment of the invention, a sports bra is provided that includes a front section and a back section. The front section has an outer panel, a middle panel and an inner panel, wherein the outer panel overlaps at least a portion of the inner panel. The middle panel also overlaps at least a portion of the inner panel and the outer panel may overlap at least a portion of the middle panel. The outer panel and inner panel form a pocket, and the middle panel and inner panel form another pocket. 
   The inner panel may include a material different from the outer panel and the middle panel. As an example, the inner panel may be a mesh-like material that enhances breath ability including nylon and the outer panel and middle panel may include polyester. It is further contemplated that the inner panel includes two layers fastened to each other around an outer periphery, thereof, by a binding and the back section includes two layers fastened to each other around an outer periphery thereof by a binding. Also, in an embodiment where the back section of the garment includes two layers, one layer may be a mesh-like material including nylon, while the other layer may be polyester. 
   The outer panel is provided with an edge that overlaps an edge of the middle panel in a crisscross manner such that when the support garment is turned inside out, the inner panel becomes an outwardly facing panel and an intersection of the edges is not visible from a front of the support garment. When the support garment is turned inside out, the rear panel may completely cover the outer and middle panels. 
   The crisscross feature adds more support to the chest area. The benefits from added support, custom fit and a flattering configuration are provided by the two silhouettes of the bra. Also, sides of the bra may be clean finished to eliminate any possible chafing. In an embodiment, there are no exposed seams as everything is covered with binding or encased between a middle section of the bra. 
   Even further, a support garment according to the present invention preferably includes a keyhole in the back section. A rim may also be provided that extends around a bottom periphery of the support garment, such that the keyhole extends from a top portion of the rim at a central portion of the back section. In an exemplary embodiment, an area immediately around the hole is the same color as other portions of the back section when the support garment is in a non-reversed position and, when the support garment is in a reversed position, an area immediately around the hole is a different color than other portions of the back section. A double sided branded “manhattan fold” label adds brand identity to both sides. 
   Also contemplated is a structure where the outer panel and middle panel overlap the inner panel such that a triangular portion of the inner panel is visible from a front of the support garment. The triangular portion may be a different color than the outer panel and inner panel. Further, the triangular portion can have a layer of material that is different than a material of both the outer panel and middle panel. The inner panel adds modesty for the wearer when performing sports such as cycling where the wearer is bending over. 
   The invention also preferably includes a set of straps that connect the front section to the back section. The set of straps respectively include a first wall and second wall fastened to each other at an outer periphery binding, thereof so that the first wall and second wall are free to separate from each other, except at the area where they are fastened to each other. This, importantly, enables the wearer to customize her fit. Also, a first wall of one strap extends from the outer panel, and the first wall of the other strap extends from the middle panel. The second wall of both straps extends from the inner panel. It is also contemplated that the first and second walls are anchored at a seam on the respective straps and a back portion of the straps extending from the seam to the back section of the support garment includes only one wall. In one embodiment, the back portion of the straps includes two layers of material that are attached to each other around an outer periphery thereof to form the one wall. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Aspects of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail non-limiting embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of an embodiment of the support garment of the present invention in a first position; 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the support garment in  FIG. 1 , showing a displacement of the straps; 
       FIG. 2A  is a sectional view of  FIG. 2 , showing exemplary portions of the bra having a two-layer construction; 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of the portion of the straps in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a back view of the support garment of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the support garment of  FIG. 1  in an inside-out position; and 
       FIG. 6  is a back view of the support garment of  FIG. 1  in the inside-out position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS 
   The following description of illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the invention discloses specific configurations and components. However, the embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and, thus, the specific features described below are merely used to more easily describe such embodiments and to provide an overall understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below. Furthermore, the descriptions of various configurations, components, processes and operations of the embodiments that are known to one skilled in the art are omitted for the sake of clarity and brevity. 
   A sports bra  10  according to the present invention provides a combination of functionality and styling to meet the needs of today&#39;s female athletes. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bra  10  is an upper torso breast support garment that has a front section  12  including a front outer panel  14 , a front middle panel  16  and a front inner panel  18 . It will be appreciated that the term “panel” may include a single layer of material or multiple layers that are attached to each other at peripheral edges. 
   The front section  12  is visible when the bra is worn in a non-reversed position to form a first silhouette, as represented in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The inner panel  18  may act to cover a female&#39;s cleavage and be considered a “modesty panel.” The front outer panel  14  overlies a portion of the inner panel  18  to provide a first pocket  20 . Similarly, the middle panel  16  overlies the inner panel  18  so as to provide a second pocket  22 . A portion of the front outer panel  14  also overlies a portion of the middle panel  16  to provide a third pocket  23 . The first, second and third pockets  20 ,  22  and  23  may act as compression pockets or storage areas for holding items, such as money, keys, identification, etc. 
   The first and second pockets  20 ,  22  are respectively bordered at side portions by outer reinforced edges  24 ,  26  to enclose peripheral portions of the pockets  20 ,  22 . The outer edge  24  of the first pocket  20  is coupled together with the outer panel  14  and the inner panel  18 . The outer edge  26  of the second pocket  22  is coupled together with the middle panel  16  and the inner panel  18 . The compression in the pocket area offers a “no bounce/no move” feature to the pocket that allows it not to have a closure such as Velcro, snap, zipper, etc. The stretch allows for different size items to fit in the bra. 
   The outer panel  14  and middle panel  16  overlay each other such that an inner edge  32  of the outer panel  14  intersects or overlaps an inner edge  34  of the middle panel  16  to form a crisscross pattern. Only a portion of the edge  34  of the middle panel  16  is visible when viewed from the front in the non-reversed position, while the remaining edge portion  34 ′ is disposed beneath the outer panel  14 . The edge portion  34 ′ is not connected to the back of the front outer panel  14 . This permits the front outer panel  14 , the middle panel  16  and the inner panel  18  to be moveable relative to one another. The crisscross configuration also permits a portion  36  of the inner panel  18  to be visible in an area above the intersected portions of the outer panel  14  and middle panel  16 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the visible portion  36  of the inner panel  18  may have a triangular-like shape, which adds greatly to the compression and hold for the chest area, and is bordered by the edge  32  of the outer panel  14  and the edge  34  of the middle panel  16 , along with an upper edge  38  of the inner panel  18 . The positioning of the middle panel  16  on the right and the outer panel  14  on the left, when viewed from the front, is given merely as an example. It will be appreciated that the outer panel may be positioned on the right, while the middle panel is on the left. 
   The edges of the outer, middle and inner panels may be reinforced with a seam or stitching as is known in the art. The stitching provides strength and support to the bra, while being non-abrasive to a user&#39;s skin. The use of fluff thread adds to a non-abrasive feel. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the inner panel  18  may have a two-layer construction including, for example, a first layer  18 ′ of nylon mesh and a second layer  18 ″ of nylon mesh. The first and second layers  18 ′,  18 ″ may be separable and only attached to each other at edges thereof. 
   A rim or bust band  40  extends around a bottom periphery  42  of the bra. The rim  40  is formed of an encased elastic material that provides a snug fit with the user&#39;s upper body. When worn, the rim  40  is positioned beneath the breast area and helps maintain the position of the bra. The rim  40  also provides a common meeting point where bottom portions of the outer panel  14 , middle panel  16  and inner panel  18  are stitched together. 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the bra  10  is provided with a left front strap  44  and a right front strap  46 . The terms “left” and “right” are used herein to describe sides viewed when facing the view shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The left and right front straps  44 ,  46  respectively encircle shoulder portions of a user to provide left and right arm holes  48 ,  50 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , in an exemplary embodiment, the left and right front straps  44 ,  46  are each formed with first walls  52 ,  52 ′ and second walls  54 ,  54 ′, that are connected along an outer side of the straps  44 ,  46 .  FIG. 3  is provided to illustrate a close-up view of the first wall  52 ′ and second wall  54 ′ of the right strap  46 . The first wall  52 ′ of the right front strap  46  extends from the middle panel  16 , and the first wall  52  of the left front strap  44  extends from the outer panel  14 . It will be appreciated that the right front strap  46  may extend from the outer panel  14 , and the left front strap  44  from the middle panel  16  depending on the sides of the bra on which these panels are positioned. The second walls  54 ,  54 ′ of the front straps  44 ,  46  extend from the inner panel  18 . 
   The straps respectively have an outer side  56 ,  56 ′ bordered with an edge  58 ,  58 ′. The edges  58 ,  58 ′ provide stable/minimal stretch support and strength to the bra  10 , as well as connecting together the first walls  52 ,  52 ′ and second walls  54 ,  54 ′ around the edges of the arm holes  48 ,  50  of the bra. This configuration allows a separation between the first walls  52 ,  52 ′ and the second walls  54 ,  54 ′ from a shoulder area to a chest area, so as to provide a custom fit and adjustability. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the outer edges  24 ,  26  of the first and second pockets  20 ,  22  follow the outer contour of the bra  10  to merge with edges  58 ,  58 ′ of the straps  44 ,  46 . 
   An inner edge  60  of the first wall  52  of the left front strap  44  is an extension of the inner edge  32  of the outer panel  14 . An inner edge  62  of the first wall  52 ′ of the right front strap  46  is an extension of the inner edge  34  of the middle panel  16 . Inner edges  59 ,  59 ′ of the second walls  54 ,  54 ′ follow a curved path so as to join together and form a border of a neck hole  64 . 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the outer panel  14  and middle panel  16 , along with the first walls  52 ,  52 ′ of the left and right straps  44 ,  46 , may be made of a polyester fabric with moisture-wicking properties, such as HEATGEAR provided by Under Armour. For example, the fabric may comprise 6 oz/yd 2  micro-denier polyester/elastane warp knit tricot fabric that will wick moisture from the body and include a 76% 40 denier dull polyester and 24% 55 denier spandex knit. The high spandex content allows for the stretch and support needed in a sports bra fabric. The fabric may be a tricot construction at a 60″ width. The mean warp stretch may be 187% at 10 lbs of load, and the mean width stretch may be 90% at 10 lbs of load. An example of the mean stitch count is 16 stitches per inch for flat seams at sides and tops of the straps; and 16-18 stitches per inch for remaining areas. This fabric also may have a wicking finish applied to it. Although this material is given as an example, it will be appreciated that other materials known in the art can be used. 
   In further accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the inner panel  18  may be made of a brushed mesh material, which is a beneficial feature for providing ventilation and support. In particular, the brushed mesh may be a supportive, yet breathable 6 oz/yd 2  nylon/elastane circular knit mesh. This fabric may also be treated with a wicking finish in order to wick moisture from the body. The combination of nylon and polyester allows for a push/pull technology that will keep the athlete supported and dry. More specifically, the nylon mesh may be 92% 2-ply 70 denier  68  filament micro-denier nylon and 8% spandex. The mesh construction may be knit on a 28 gauge machine and finished at 60″ width. The mean length stretch of the product may be 105%, and the mean width stretch may be 170%, at 10 lbs of load. The fabric stitch count in an illustrative embodiment is 61 courses per inch and 40 wales per inch. Although this material is given as an example, it will be appreciated that other materials known in the art can be used. 
   As will be appreciated, the elements that make up the front silhouette, shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , may be provided with various color schemes. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer  14  and middle  16  panels, along with the first walls  52 ,  52 ′ of the straps, are the same color, while the portion of the inner panel  18  that is visible between the outer panel  14  and middle panel  16  is a different color. An inside portion  76  may also be a different color than the outer panel  14 , middle panel  16  and inner panel  18 . The edges of the panels visible in the front silhouette may also be the same color as the front and middle panels. 
     FIG. 4  shows a back section  66  of the bra  10  in a non-reversed state. The back section  66  of the bra includes a left back strap  68  and a right back strap  70  that respectfully extend from the left front strap  44  and the right front strap  46 . In the back view, the left and right designations will be used to correspond to those used in the front views. The left and right back straps  68 ,  70  converge in a center of the bra to form a main rear panel  72 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , the main rear panel  72  may have a two-layer construction including the aforementioned polyester fabric on the outside  74  and the nylon mesh on the inside  76 . The two layers may be separable and only attached to each other at edges thereof. 
   With continued attention to  FIG. 4 , the main rear panel  72  is bound on its sides by the arm-holes  48 ,  50  and is bound at an upper area by the neck hole  64 . Edges  78 ,  80  of the respective arm-holes  48 ,  50  extend around an outer periphery thereof so as to continue to the front section  12  of the bra  10  and merge with the outer peripheral edges of the straps  54 ,  54 ′, which then merge with outer edges  24 ,  26  of the first and second pockets  20 ,  22 . In a lower center section of the bra  10 , shown in  FIG. 4 , there is provided a keyhole  82  that extends through the main rear panel  72  and is bounded by a reinforced edge  84 . The rim  40  continues around the back of the bra and provides a boundary for the keyhole  42 . 
   The left and right front straps  44 ,  46  are respectively connected to the corresponding left and right rear straps  68 ,  70  at seams  86 ,  86 ′ to form a junction therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the left and right rear straps  68 ,  70  have a one-wall construction in contrast to the first wall  52 ,  52 ′ and second wall  54 ,  54 ′ construction of the front straps  44 ,  46 . It will be appreciated that the use of the term “wall” herein may include a single layer of material or multiple layers that are attached to each other at peripheral edges. 
   A lower part of the back section  66  of the bra  10  is connected to the front portion  12  at seams  88 ,  88 ′. One seam  88  serves as a junction between the main rear panel  72 , inner panel  18  and outer panel  14 , while the other seam  88 ′ may serve as a junction between the main rear panel  72 , inner panel  18  and middle panel  16 . The main rear panel  72  is also bound at a bottom portion by the rim  40 . The rim or bust band  40  may include a strip of a specific-stretch elastic material that is connected at both ends to form a loop. This connection may be in the form of a seam or may be made by a manhattan fold or tab  90  that is sewn to the strip to bridge together the respective ends in an area of the keyhole  82 . As an example, the tab  90  may fold over the respective ends of the rim  40  and be stitched in place. The tab  90  may also serve as a location to display a dual logo or name and be wide enough for ideal support while not too wide to constrict breathing. A logo can be placed on both sides of the tab or manhattan fold  90 . The tab  90  wraps around the rim  40  to stabilize the fabrics on both sides of the rim  40  and is stitched to the rim  40  on sides of the tab  90 . The tab  90  also includes a portion which is tucked under itself to conceal an end thereof. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the back section  66  of the bra  10  has a uniform color. However, it is contemplated that elements such as the main rear panel  72 , or edges thereof, in addition to the reinforced edge  84  of the keyhole  82  and rim  40 , may have varying colors to further distinguish the bra&#39;s look. As will be appreciated, various color schemes may be used to change the appearance of the bra. 
   Turning to  FIG. 5 , the bra  10  is shown in a reversed or inverted state relative to the state shown in  FIG. 1  with a front section  92  of the bra  10  forming a second silhouette. With the first silhouette shown in  FIG. 1  along with the second silhouette shown in  FIG. 5 , a user has the luxury of owning one bra that provides two different looks. As an example, such a feature is useful for providing different styles and for distinguishing between members of two teams. All of the players on a field could be wearing a sports bra in accordance with the present invention with the players on one team wearing the bra in a manner showing one silhouette and the players on the other team wearing the bra in a manner showing the other silhouette. The distinction between the two teams could be further enhanced by the use of different color schemes for the different silhouettes of the sports bra in accordance with the invention. 
   Accordingly, the front section  15  forms a first visual configuration in the first position which outwardly displays the outer panel  14  as visibly overlapping the middle panel  16 , and displays the middle panel  16  as visibly overlapping the inner panel  18  when viewed from a front of the support garment, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The second front section  92  forms a second visual configuration in the second position when the support garment is reversed, such that the one of the two layers of the inner panel  18  which faces outwardly in the second reversed position conceals the middle panel  16  and the outer panel  14  when the bra  10  is viewed from the front. 
   The front section  92  in the reversed state includes a single main front panel  94  that extends across the width of the front section  92  and upward on left and right sides of the main front panel  94  to form the right and left straps  44 ,  46 . The main front panel  94 , shown in  FIG. 5 , is the reverse side of the inner panel  18  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and thus may have the same color and be made of the same material. However, only the main front panel  94  is visible in the reversed state because the inner panel  18  and the middle panel  16  are now on the inside of the bra  10 . Likewise, the left and right straps  44 ,  46  have the same configuration as described in reference to  FIG. 1 , but with the first walls  52 ,  52 ′ now being on an inside, and the second walls  54 ,  54 ′ being on the outside. 
   The first and second pockets  20 ,  22  are accessible when the bra  10  is used in the reversed state and are provided with the added security of front main panel  92 , which further conceals the pockets  20 ,  22 . Also, the rim  40  is shown as being attached to an outer portion of the bra  10 , when the bra  10  is in the non-reversed state. However, it will be appreciated that the rim  40  can also be attached to an outer portion of the bra  10  in the reversed state. 
   The edge of the neck-hole  64  and the edges of arm-holes  48 ,  50  are visible when the bra is used in the reversed state and may be a different color than the main front panel  94  to even further distinguish the second silhouette from the first silhouette. Also, because the inner panel  18  shown in  FIG. 1  and the main front panel  94  shown in  FIG. 5  comprise two layers, it is possible that those two layers may have different colors to even further differentiate the look of the bra when in the reversed and non-reversed states. 
     FIG. 6  represents a rear view of a back section  95  of the bra  10  while in the reversed state. The back section  95  includes a main rear panel  96  that extends upwardly to form the left and right back straps  68 ,  70 , in a manner similar to the main rear panel  72  in the non-reversed state. As noted above, the main rear panel  72  in the non-reversed state may have a two-layer construction including the aforementioned polyester fabric on the outside and the nylon mesh on the inside. Thus, when the bra is in the reversed state, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the nylon mesh forms the main rear panel  96  and is visible on the outside, while the polyester fabric is provided on the inside. 
   The seams  88 ,  88 ′ that couple the back section  66  of the bra to the front section  12  may also be visible when the bra  10  is reversed. Also, the keyhole  82  is shown with a bordered area having a color different from the main portion of the back  96 . Similar to the front section  92  shown in  FIG. 5 , the edges of the neck-hole  64 , keyhole  82  and arm-holes  48 ,  50  may be a different color than the main rear panel  96  to even further distinguish the first silhouette from the second silhouette. Further, the tab  90  is also visible when the bra is in the reversed state. 
   With reference to  FIG. 1 , it will be appreciated that a particularly advantageous feature of the sports bra  10  in accordance with the present invention is the ability of the outer and middle panels  14 ,  16  to move and stretch independently of each other, as well as the inner panel  18 . The ability of these panels to move independently is because, as shown more clearly in  FIG. 2 , the edge  32  of the outer panel  14  is not fixed to the middle panel  16  or the inner panel  18 . Similarly, the edge  34  of the middle panel  16  is not fixed to the outer panel  14  or the inner panel  18 . As a result, when the sports bra  10  is worn by a user, the edge  60 , for example, does not lay directly on top of the edge  59 . Instead, the panels  14 ,  16  and  18  will be stretched when the bra  10  is worn such that the edges  59  and  60  will lay adjacent to each other for a substantial portion of the length, whereby those two edges would rest on top of each other when not in use. The edges  59 ′ and  62  will be positioned in a similar manner. The independent movement of the panels  14 ,  16  and  18  also provides for a generally increased level of comfort for the user. 
   The previous description of the preferred embodiments is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Moreover, various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles and specific examples defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of inventive faculty. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope as defined by the limitations of the claims and equivalents thereof.