Patent Publication Number: US-2021169153-A1

Title: Athletic bra

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/944,459, filed Dec. 6, 2019 and entitled “Athletic Bra”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an article of apparel for a torso and, in particular, to an athletic bra. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Brassieres or bras are worn by many women to support their breasts and to facilitate a desirable shape and appearance. During athletic activities such as running, excessive breast motion can lead to discomfort and even potential damage to breast anatomy. Accordingly, bras are made with a variety of constructions to provide different amounts of support to different areas of the breasts. Conventional athletic bras provide support by restricting motion via compression or encapsulation. Compression bras apply uniform pressure to flatten the breasts against the chest. Encapsulation bras have a cup for each breast, usually with an underwire, that separates the breasts and holds them in place. These approaches, while generally effective, are focused on limiting all movement. As a result, conventional bras may cause discomfort via the increased pressure applied by the garment or by the underwire pressing into the wearer. It would be desirable to provide an athletic bra capable of providing fit and motion control without one or more of the above noted drawbacks. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In example embodiments, an article of apparel such as an athletic bra comprises a single or unitary support panel of molded material defining a first panel side, a second panel side, and a perimetral edge. The panel includes a first cup and a second cup, the first cup forming a first cup convex section at the first side and a first cup concave section at the second side, and the second cup forming a second cup convex section at the first side and a second cup concave section at the second side. A groove is formed into the second panel side and extends continuously along the second panel side from the first cup concave section to the second cup concave section, where the groove defines a flexure zone for the athletic bra. 
     In further example embodiments, an athletic bra includes a monolithic or unitary panel or pad spanning both breasts. The panel includes a topography configured to direct motion of the breasts during athletic activities such as running. The topography includes an ordered arrangement of valleys and ridges. The valleys define flexure lines that encourage motion (e.g., flexure and/or stretch of the pad), while the ridges resist motion. The valleys and ridges may be organized within the panel to direct and/or control breast motion. 
     The above and still further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a front view of an athletic bra including a support panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a left-side view of the athletic bra shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is a rear view of the athletic bra shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1D  is a right-side view of the athletic bra shown in  FIG. 1A   
         FIG. 2A  is a photographic image of a front side of a bra support panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a photographic image of a rear or user-facing side of the bra support panel shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 3A  is an illustrative view in plan of a front side of a bra support panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, showing protrusions or ridges, depressions or grooves and apertures arranged in a predetermined pattern. 
         FIG. 3B  is an illustrative view in plan of a rear side of a bra support panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, showing protrusions or ridges, depressions or grooves and apertures arranged in a predetermined pattern. 
         FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C  are illustrations of a rear side of a bra support panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention (where  FIG. 4A  provides a view in plan of the rear side, while  FIGS. 4B and 4C  provide opposing perspective views of the rear side), showing protrusions or ridges, depressions or grooves and apertures arranged in a predetermined pattern. 
         FIG. 5A  shows the support panel of  FIG. 2A  further including an outer textile layer. 
         FIG. 5B  is the support panel of  FIG. 2B  further including an outer textile layer. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying figures which show, by way of illustration, embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Aspects of the disclosure are disclosed in the accompanying description. Alternate embodiments of the present disclosure and their equivalents may be devised without parting from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. It should be noted that any discussion herein regarding “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an exemplary embodiment”, and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and that such particular feature, structure, or characteristic may not necessarily be included in every embodiment. In addition, references to the foregoing do not necessarily comprise a reference to the same embodiment. Finally, irrespective of whether it is explicitly described, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate that each of the particular features, structures, or characteristics of the given embodiments may be utilized in connection or combination with those of any other embodiment discussed herein. 
     Various operations may be described as multiple discrete actions or operations in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the claimed subject matter. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations may not be performed in the order of presentation. Operations described may be performed in a different order than the described embodiment. Various additional operations may be performed and/or described operations may be omitted in additional embodiments. 
     For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C). 
     The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , athletic bra  10  includes a body  100  and a pair of shoulder straps  105  extending from a front portion  110  to a rear portion  115 . The front portion  110  is configured to generally span the front of the wearer&#39;s torso, while the rear portion  115  is configured to generally span the rear of the wearer&#39;s torso. A first wing  120  is configured to span the side of the wearer (under the arm), extending from the front portion  110  to the rear portion  115 . Similarly, a second wing  125  extends from the front portion  110  to the rear portion  115 . The first wing  120  cooperates with the body portion to define a first arm line  130 , while the second wing  125  cooperates with the body portion to define a second arm line  135 . The wings transition to a back panel  137  that spans the back of the wearer. The body  100  defines an upper edge or neckline  140  along each of the front portion  110  and back panel  137 . 
     A bottom or under band  145  extends along the bottom edge of the body  100  and is configured to encircle the torso of the wearer. The front portion  110  further includes a cradle  150  extending continuously from the first wing  120  to the second wing  125 . Above the cradle  150  is a cup area  155  that continuously spans the front portion  110  and, as such, is configured to span the breasts of the wearer. The cup area  155  defines a first or left cup section  156 , bridge section  157  and a second or right cup section  158 , with the bridge section separating the first cup section from the second cup section. The cup area  155  includes an enclosed pocket or chamber defined by an outer textile layer  160  (e.g., a knit fabric) and an inner textile layer  165  (e.g., a knit mesh fabric). 
     The pocket is sufficiently dimensioned to snugly receive and retain a pad or support panel  170  configured to support the breasts. In the embodiments illustrated, the panel  170  is a monolithic or unitary (i.e., one piece or single piece) structure configured to span the cup area  155 , defining a first or front side  205  and a second or rear side  210  (the rear side faces the wearer). The panel  170  possesses a three-dimensional shape, including a perimeter or perimetral edge defining a bottom edge  215 A, first  215 B and second  215 C lateral or side edges in communication with the lateral ends of the bottom edge, first arm hole edge  215 D and second arm hole edge  215 E, and a neckline edge  215 F. The neckline edge  215 F and the first arm hole edge  215 D form an upward extending first or left tab  220 A, while the neckline edge  215 F and the second arm hole edge  215 E form an upward extending right or second tab  220 B. 
     The support panel  170  further includes a first or left cup  225  separated from a second or right cup  230  by a central gore or bridge  232 . Each of the left cup  225  and right cup  230  possesses a generally convex shape along the front (outward-facing) side  205  and a complimentary or inverse, generally concave shape along the rear (wearer-facing) side  210 . The left  225  and right  230  cups of the support panel  170  are further suitably dimensioned and oriented along the support panel such that, when the support panel is secured within the pocket defined by the outer textile layer  160  and the inner textile layer  165  of the body  100 , the left and right cups are suitably oriented with the respective left and right breasts of the wearer. 
     The support panel  170  may be formed of a compression material such as a thermoplastic elastomer or other polymer foam (e.g., an open cell polymer foam). Polymer foams include polyurethane foam, polyolefin foam, and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, as well as an EVA foam blended with one or more of an EVA modifier, a polyolefin block copolymer, and a triblock copolymer, and a polyether block amide. In an embodiment, the foam is polyurethane foam. 
     The support panel  170  may be formed via compression molding or injection molding. In compression molding, a cured blank of foam is placed into a mold, where it is shaped under heat and pressure to take the form of the mold. In injection molding, uncured foam is injected into a mold cavity, where it expands and cures into the shape provided by the mold. For example, a mold including a convex mold portion and a concave mold portion that, when closed, cooperate to define cavity that corresponds to the shape of the one-piece support panel  170 . The mold portions may further include protrusions or recesses organized in a predetermined pattern configured to form recesses and protrusions, respectively, in the support panel (discussed in greater detail, below). Liquid foam material is injected into the cavity, where the foam expands and cures. 
     The dimensions of the support panel  170  may be any suitable for its described purpose. By way of example, the thickness of the support panel  170  may be approximately 4 mm to 8 mm, e.g., about 6 mm. 
     The front side  205  and/or the rear side  210  of the panel  170  may further include a topology configured to permit and/or resist movement (e.g., expansion) within the panel and/or guide flexure of the panel. Specifically, each side  205 ,  210  of the support panel  170  includes one or more elongated depressions, recesses or grooves formed into the panel surface, as well as non-recessed areas or ridges between the grooves. Additionally, the surface of the support panel  170  may further include raised areas or protrusions extending from the surface of a non-recessed area. With this configuration (discussed in greater detail, below), the support panel  170  includes discrete areas of thickness, with grooves providing a first panel thickness, the non-recessed areas providing a second panel thickness that is greater than the first panel thickness, and the protrusions providing a third panel thickness greater then each of the first and second panel thicknesses. 
     With this configuration, areas of differing modulus or flexure zones are formed that relate to the thickness of the panel at the location. Specifically, recessed areas possess greater stretch properties than normal, non-recessed areas. Similarly, protruding areas possess less stretch than normal, non-protruding areas. The dimensions of the recesses and protrusions may be any suitable for their described purpose (e.g., to generate a desired amount of directional support for the wearer&#39;s breasts). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 3A , the front side  205  of the support panel  170  may include a plurality of grooves  240  arranged in a predetermined pattern to provide a predetermined fit and/or support level to the wearer. As shown, the pattern along the panel front side  205  includes arcuate or straight grooves  240  disposed about a centerline C that form a network or matrix of grooves extending upward along each of the left cup  225  and/or the right cup  230 . The grooves  240  may intersect to define non-recessed or elevated areas  245  (also called islands). The elevated areas  245 , whose boundaries are based upon the intersections of the grooves  240 , may possess a generally polygonal shape (such as a triangular shape). In an embodiment, the groove/island pattern on the left cup  225  is a mirror image of the groove on the right cup  230 ; moreover, the density of the grooves  240  and/or islands  245  may be ordered in a gradient pattern, with the density of grooves and/or polygons (e.g., density per square inch) increasing along each cup from the centerline C of the support panel  170  toward the lateral side edges  215 B,  215 C. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2B and 3B , as well as  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C , the rear side  210  of the support panel  170  also includes a plurality of arcuate grooves  250  arranged in a predetermined patterned to provide desired contouring (fit) and/or support characteristics. As shown, the plurality of grooves  250  includes one or more grooves or recesses extending continuously from the left cup  225 , across the panel centerline C and to the right cup  230 . As shown, the rear side  210  includes an array of curved or arcuate grooves arranged in a predetermined pattern configured to encapsulate the breasts while permitting degrees of motion during active use. Specifically, the rear side  210  includes a first arcuate groove  250 A, a second arcuate groove  250 B, a third arcuate groove  250 C, a fourth arcuate groove  250 D, and a fifth arcuate groove  250 E. The first through fourth arcuate grooves  250 A- 250 D begin at first groove end  252  within the first or left cup  225 , curve within the left cup, travel across the panel centerline C and into the second or right cup  230 , curve within the right cup  230 , and terminate at groove end second  254  therein. The fifth arcuate groove  250 E, in contrast, may remain within the first or left cup  225 . As such, a groove  250  may include multiple curved sections that alter the direction of the groove toward, e.g., the centerline C and/or the perimetral edges  215 C,  215 C of the support panel  170 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, none of the grooves  250  overlaps or intersects each other (or is interconnected). Instead, some of the grooves  250  are nested within other grooves at their arcuate or curving sections along the left cup  225  and the right cup  230 . As such, each groove forms a complete or substantially complete lemniscate with figure-eight or ∞-shaped curves. In particular, each groove  250 A,  250 B,  250 C,  250 D has a shape that substantially forms but does not complete the shape of an infinity symbol or pattern (∞) with the arcuate portions of each of these grooves located at the left  225  and right  230  cup areas, where the groove includes an arcuate or curved section at each of the left and right cup areas. 
     The arcuate portions of the grooves  250 A- 250 E are arranged such that they are consecutively nested within each other at each cup in the following manner. At the right cup  230 , the consecutive nested arrangement of the arcuate or curved sections for the grooves from outermost to innermost groove (where the arcuate portion of the innermost groove is located at or very near a central location of the right cup) is as follows: Groove  250 A (outermost groove), groove  250 B, groove  250 C, and groove  250 D (innermost groove). At the left cup  225 , the consecutive nested arrangement of the arcuate or curved sections for the grooves from outermost to innermost groove (where the arcuate portion of the innermost groove is located at or very near a central location of the left cup) is as follows: Groove  250 D (outermost groove), groove  250 C, groove  250 B, groove  250 A and groove  250 E (innermost groove). Thus, the consecutive nested arrangement for grooves  250 A,  250 B,  250 C,  250 D differs and is the exact opposite in relation to the left cup  225  and the right cup  230 . 
     The areas between the grooves  250 A- 250 E along the rear side  210  of the panel  170  define non-recessed areas or elevated areas  255  with surfaces elevated above the groove surface. In the illustrated embodiment, none of the grooves  250 A- 250 E at the rear side  210  of the panel  170  intersects with any other groove. Accordingly, many of the elevated areas  255  defined between grooves  250 A- 250 E also extend continuously between and form arcuate portions at the left  225  and right  230  cup locations of the support panel  170 . Referring the  FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C , the elevated areas  255  include a first elevated area or ridge  350 A, a second elevated area or ridge  350 B and third elevated area or ridge  350 C, each of which is arcuate to define, e.g., an infinity symbol or pattern as each ridge extends between the left  225  and right  230  cups, where the ridge includes a curved or arcuate section at each of the left and right cup areas. Similar to the nested grooves, ridges  350 A,  350 B,  350 C are also nested in relation to each other such that, at the right cup  230 , the consecutive nested arrangement of the arcuate or curved sections for the ridges from outermost to innermost ridge is as follows: Ridge  350 A (outermost ridge), ridge  350 B and ridge  350 C (innermost ridge). At the left cup  225 , the consecutive nested arrangement of the arcuate or curved sections for the ridges from outermost to innermost ridge is as follows: Ridge  350 C (outermost ridge), ridge  350 B and ridge  350 A (innermost ridge). Thus, the consecutive nested arrangement for ridges  350 A,  350 B,  350 C, differs and is the exact opposite in relation to the left cup  225  and the right cup  230 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3B , the second side  210  of the panel includes a plurality of protruding areas or protrusions  260  extending upward from a non-recessed area  250 . 
     The dimensions of the grooves  240 ,  250 , the non-recessed areas  245 ,  255 , and/or protrusions  260  may be any suitable for its described purpose (e.g., to generate a desired amount of contouring and/or support for the wearer&#39;s breasts). By way of example, the non-recessed areas  245 ,  255  may possess a thickness of about 4 mm to 8 mm (e.g., 6 mm), corresponding with general panel thickness. The recessed areas or grooves  240 ,  250  may possess a depth of about 1-4 mm, corresponding to a panel thickness of about 2-5 mm along the grooves. Finally, the protrusions  260  may possess a height of about 3-5 mm, corresponding to a panel thickness of about 9-11 mm. Accordingly, the support panel  170  can vary in thickness along its lengthwise and/or widthwise dimension from about 1 mm to about 11 mm. 
     Additionally, the width (transverse dimension) of an individual recessed area  240 ,  250  or a non-recessed area  245 ,  255  may be any suitable for its described purpose. By way of example, the width of a groove  240 ,  250  is about 1-3 mm, e.g., 1.5 mm. Similarly, the width of an individual protruding area  260  may be any suitable for its described purpose. Similarly, the length of an individual recessed area  240 ,  250 ; non-recessed area;  245 ,  255  and/or protruding area  260  may be any suitable for its described purpose. 
     In addition, the depth of the recess defining the grooves  240  on the front side  205  of the panel  170  may be the same or different in relation to the depth of the recess forming the grooves  250  on the back side  210  of the panel. In an embodiment, the grooves  250  of the rear side  210  are deeper (i.e., have a greater depth dimension) than the grooves  240  on the front side  205 . For example, the grooves  250  on the rear side  210  may be about  3  mm deep, while the grooves on the front side are about 2 mm deep, resulting in a depth ratio of rear side to front side of 3:2 or 1.5:1. Stated another way, the grooves  240  on the front side  205  extend into the support panel  170  at a depth of up to approximately (+/−5%) 30% the height/thickness of the panel. Similarly, the grooves  250  on the rear side  210  extend into the support panel  170  at a depth of up to approximately 50% (+/−5%) the height/thickness of the panel and, in particular, up to about 75%. By controlling the depth of the recess, it is possible to control not only the degree of expansion/stretch along the groove  240 ,  250 , but the amount of flexure that is permitted by the groove. Specifically, deeper recesses or grooves  240 ,  250  permit greater degrees of expansion and greater degrees of flexure. Thus, each groove  240 ,  250  provides a degree of flexure or a flexure zone along the groove as it extends along the side of the panel. This, in turn, permits contouring around each breast, with the panel  170  adapting to each user (i.e., each breast shape). In addition, it is believed that expansion permits movement within defined ranges, permitting the panel to permit motion, but locking out to ensure proper encapsulation. By locking out, the recesses or grooves  240 ,  250  may assist with directing motion within safe patterns and limits. 
     In an embodiment, the thickness of the support panel  170  in the non-recess areas is 6 mm, the thickness of the panel in the recessed areas or grooves  240  is 4 mm, the thickness of the panel in the recessed areas  250  is 3 mm, the and the thickness of the panel in the protruding areas is 10 mm. It should be understood, moreover, that the support panel  170  may include a first pattern of grooves on its front side  205  and a second panel of grooves on its second side  210 , the groove patterns overlapping each other to provide a cumulative recess at the point of overlap. Thus, when the nominal panel thickness is 6 mm, the depth of the first side groove  240  is 2 mm and the depth of the second side groove  250  is 3 mm, the resulting thickness of the panel at the point of overlap is 1 mm. 
     With this configuration, areas of differing modulus or flexure may be formed that relate to the thickness of the panel  170  at a particular location. Specifically, each of the recessed areas or grooves  240 ,  250  define lines of flexure or movement, permitting the panel  170  to readily bend (compared to that of non-recessed areas  245 ,  255  or protrusions  260 ). In addition, the recessed areas or grooves  240 ,  250  may possess greater stretch properties, expanding more easily than the non-recessed areas  245 ,  255 . The deeper the groove (i.e., the thinner the panel is at a particular location), the greater the panel flexes/moves/stretches at that location. Conversely, protruding areas  260  possess less stretch than normal, non-protruding areas. Accordingly, by organizing the grooves along the support panel  170  in a predetermined pattern it is possible to direct the fit and support of the support panel, guiding its contouring along the user, as well as the degree of support generated via limiting stretch and bend. As noted above, one or both sides of the support panel  170  may include groove pattern configured to provide a predetermined fit and/or support to the wearer. 
     Apertures or perforations  265  may extend completely through the panel  170 , extending from the front side  205  to the rear side  210 . The perforations  265  extending through the panel  170  are located at a variety of locations along each side of the panel. Accordingly, some perforations  265  extend through the panel  170  to the rear side  210  at grooves  250 A,  250 B,  250 C and also at ridges  350 A,  350 B,  350 C. The perforations  265  facilitate a flow of air through the panel  170  to provide or enhance a cooling effect for the bra during use. 
     In an embodiment, each side  205 ,  210  of the panel  170  may be covered with a protective textile layer. Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a first or front textile layer  405  is coupled to the panel front side  205  and a second or rear textile layer  410  is coupled to panel rear side  210 . The textile is resilient to permit (and/or to not interfere with) the stretching and flexure of the panel  170 . By way of example, the textile may possess a stretch value of at least 50% or a stretch value of at least 100%. The fabric may further be breathable to permit the flow of air therethrough. In an embodiment, the textile is a resilient fabric such as mesh fabric of synthetic yarns. The textile layers  405 ,  410  can further comprise the outer textile layer  160  and the inner textile layer  165  or, alternatively, comprises separate textile layers. 
     The textile layers  405 ,  410  are generally coextensive with its associated side  205 ,  210 . The textile layers  405 ,  410 , moreover, are secured to the panel (the sides  205 ,  210 ) to permit (not interfere with) the flexure and/or stretching of the panel, particularly along the grooves. As shown the first fabric is coupled (e.g., attached) to the panel first or front side  205  via stitching  415  proximate (along) the perimeter or perimetral edge  420  of the panel. Similarly, the second textile  410  is coupled (e.g., attached) to the second or rear panel side  210  via stitching  425  proximate (along) the perimeter or perimetral edge  420  of the panel. In an embodiment, the stitching  415 ,  425  is located inboard no more than five mm (e.g., 4 mm) from panel outside edge  420 . In a further embodiment, the stitching  415 ,  425  is located no more than 10 mm from the edge  420 . 
     The remainder or a substantial portion (e.g., at least 90% of the surface area) of one of both of the textile layers  405 ,  410  may be left unsecured or uncoupled to the panel side  205 ,  210 . That is, the textile  405 ,  410 , instead of being laminated to the panel via an adhesive (applied, e.g. via spraying), the fabric is tethered to the panel, along its perimeter. With this configuration, the strands of the textile are not adhered to the surface of the panel  170  and, as such, the textile  405 ,  410  is not continuously bonded to the panel. Substantially all of the textile remains unattached, being separable/disconnected from the panel, particularly within the grooved areas. In a further embodiment, one textile layer (e.g., the front textile layer  405 ) is secured via perimeter stitching such that the area spanning the support panel is unbonded/free floating, while the other textile layer (e.g., the rear textile layer  410 ) is continuously bonded to the support panel via adhesive, being laminated thereto. Minimizing bonding of the textile via adhesive across the surface of the panel minimizes interference with movement of the panel such as stretch and/or flexure. 
     While both the first textile  405  and the second textile  410  may be tethered to its associated panel side  205 ,  210  via stitching, it should be understood that one textile may be secured to its corresponding side (e.g., the second textile  410  secured to rear panel side  210 ) utilizing lamination, where an adhesive is applied (e.g., via spraying) along the surface of the panel to bond substantially all of the textile strands to the panel surface. 
     The female breast lies over the pectoralis major muscle and is primarily made of glandular tissue and fat. Within the breast are ligaments that, along with the skin, are believed to provide minimal natural support to the breast. Due to this weak natural support, movement of the upper body causes independent movement of the breast. During exercise, the torso moves in many different directions at different speeds. With limited internal support, breast motion is driven by the motion of the torso. For example, during an activity such as running, it is believed that each breast moves independently in three dimensions (up/down, forward/back, side-to-side). Reducing this movement will reduce breast pain, reduce the risk of long-term breast sag and reduce barriers to physical activity participation for women. 
     Conventional bras, however, generally seek to reduce only the up and down movement. Additionally, conventional bras with a pad for each bra do not encourage guiding breast motion, e.g., permitting limited motion in multiple directions and/or direction that motion along less damaging vectors. The present, monolithic or unitary pad or support panel, while still permitting several degrees of motion, still prevents (reduces) motion of each breast along each axis. In particular, control of breast motion is enhanced at least in part due to the configuration of the bra described herein, including the panel having the textured front and rear sides with the grooves and corresponding ridges in the patterns as described herein to provide flexure areas or zones at and around the cup locations of the bra. 
     The present configuration may further permit each breast to independently move as a discrete mass (conventional bras and cups often treat the breasts as a combined singular mass), providing comfort to the wearer particularly during strenuous or high impact activities such as sports. Since each cup  225 ,  230  is able to conform over each breast, even when the breasts may not be symmetrical, the panel  170  is still able to encapsulate and support, each cup slowing the acceleration of the breast via expansion/contraction along the grooves. Accordingly, the degree of movement from an equilibrium position experience by each breast is reduced, improving comfort and avoiding pain experienced by the wearer. 
     Example Test 
     To collect breast motion data, six motion sensors were applied directly to participants&#39; breast and body and secured with hypoallergenic tape. Two sensors were applied to the breast and four were applied to the front and back of the upper body. Breast and body movement was measured in three dimensions (forwards/backwards, side/side and up/down). Breast and body movement was assessed during treadmill running at 10 km/hr, and relative breast movement was calculated. This process was followed for (1) no bra worn and (2) the bra of the invention, including the grooved panel described above. The percentage of breast movement reduction the bra provide was calculated for each direction (forwards/backwards, side/side and up/down) and for overall breast movement. 
     When comparing the percentage reduction of forwards/backwards breast movement of the sports bras tested, the sports bra as described herein reduced overall breast movement 68%, with forwards/backwards breast movement being reduced by 60%, side/side breast movement being reduced 80%, and up/down breast movement reduced by 68%. 
     As the above test data show, the present invention was effective in not only reducing upward and downward motion, but also side-to-side and backwards motion. While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the depths of the front side grooves  240  may differs from the depth of the rear side grooves  250 . It should be understood, however, that the grooves along the front and rear sides of the panel may be recessed into the panel at the same depth. In addition, the grooves along the front may be recessed deeper than the grooves on the back. In other embodiments, either the groove panel on either the front or rear side may be omitted. Additionally, while the groove patterns may differ, they may also be the same or similar. 
     It is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “medial,” “lateral,” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.