Patent Description:
Traditional bras, including sport bras, utilize different materials and constructions to provide a particular level of support to the wearer. Some bras providing higher support are desired for activities involving greater movement, such as high-intensity exercise. Other bras providing lower levels of support may be more comfortable and therefore preferred for activities involving less movement. Wearers typically have separate bras for high support and lower support and may change bras between different types of activities based on the level of support needed. Additionally, while some traditional bras have sliders to adjust the length of the shoulder straps, the use of sliders typically adjusts the fit of the bra only in one direction (e.g., the vertical direction). As such, traditional bras do not offer a mechanism to effectively vary the level of support within the bra for different activities.

<CIT> describes high impact and high support bras.

<CIT> describes a knit bra and a method of manufacture thereof.

Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings figures, wherein:.

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms "step" and/or "block" might be used herein to identify different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

Bras that are worn during athletic activities, such as sports bras, are typically aimed to provide a particular level of support. For example, some bras offer a high level of support for the wearer's breasts and are generally desired for activities involving a lot of movement or impact such as high-intensity exercises. Other types of bras that offer lower levels of support can be more comfortable during activities involving less impact, such as yoga or Pilates. However, traditional bras typically do not offer both levels of support, and a person may need to switch bras between different types of activities if different levels of support are desired. Certain types of workouts involve both high-intensity and lower-intensity workouts such that it may be desirable to adjust the level of support without needing different bras. Additionally, as athleisure wear and sports bras are commonly worn for nonathletic, everyday activities, someone wearing a low-support bra for comfort while running errands may wish to easily transition into a high-support bra for a workout without changing. While some existing bras for athletic activities include slides (also referred to as sliders) to adjust the length of the shoulder straps, this type of adjustment is only in one direction and does not change the support around a wearer's breasts. Additionally, the slides may often be located on the back portion of the shoulder straps, preventing a wearer from easily adjusting the straps while the bra is worn.

At a high level, aspects herein are directed to a braided textile component for a bra. The braided textile component includes base strands of a first material forming a breast-covering portion and a lacing that includes one or more strands of a second material. The lacing is integrally braided with a portion of the braided textile component such that a first segment of the lacing extends in a first direction away from a medial perimeter of the breast-covering portion and a second segment extends in a second direction towards the medial perimeter. The first material of the base strands has a first property that is different than a second property of the second material of the lacing. For example, the second material of the lacing may have a higher denier than the first material forming the base strands. Additionally or alternatively, the second material of the lacing may have a higher tenacity than the first material forming the base strands.

The lacing may include an unintegrated segment that floats over at least a portion of the base strands of the braided textile component. This unintegrated segment may be positioned in an upper region of the breast-covering portion, which may form part of a shoulder strap. The unintegrated segment of the lacing may be at least about two inches in length such that a wearer of a bra with the braided textile component may grasp the unintegrated segment with their fingers to pull on the lacing.

In example aspects, the lacing is a lateral lacing that extends from a lower perimeter of the breast-covering portion, along a lateral region of the breast-covering portion, and to an upper region of the breast-covering portion. The braided textile component may also include a medial lacing formed of one or more strands of the second material integrally braided with a second portion of the braided textile component along a medial region of the breast-covering portion. The medial lacing may include a first segment extending in a third direction towards the medial perimeter of the breast-covering portion and a second segment extending in a fourth direction away from the medial perimeter. The medial lacing may also include an unintegrated segment that is joined with the unintegrated segment of the lateral lacing. In this way, a single unintegrated segment having strands from both the medial lacing and the lateral lacing may be grasped at once.

Further aspects include a bra that includes a braided textile component forming a first breast-covering portion and a second breast-covering portion. Each of the breast-covering portions may have a similar construction as the braided textile component described above. That is, each breast-covering portion is braided together with base strands of a first material and include a lacing integrated into the braided textile component and including one or more strands of a second material. The first material has a first property that is different than a second property of the second material. In some aspects, the first and second breast-covering portions are braided separately and affixed together within a central region of the bra.

In example aspects, the lacings of the bra's braided textile component include a first lateral lacing and a second lateral lacing. The first lateral lacing extends from a lower perimeter of the first breast-covering portion, along a lateral region of the first breast-covering portion, and to an upper region of the first breast-covering portion. More specifically, the first lateral lacing may include a first integrated segment that extends in a first direction away from the central region between the first and second breast-covering portions and a second integrated segment that extends in a second direction towards the central region. Similarly, the second lateral lacing extends from a lower perimeter of the second breast-covering portion, along a lateral region of the second breast-covering portion, and to an upper region of the second breast-covering portion. Further, the second lateral lacing may include a first integrated segment that extends in a third direction away from the central region and a second integrated segment that extends in a fourth direction towards the central region. In example aspects, the first and fourth directions are generally parallel, while the second and third directions are generally parallel. Each of the first and second lateral lacings may also include an unintegrated segment in which the lateral lacing floats over part of the braided textile component in an upper region of the respective breast-covering portion. The upper region may form a shoulder portion of the bra.

Some aspects of the bra also include a first medial lacing and a second medial lacing made of one or more strands of the second material. The first medial lacing may be integrated into the braided textile component such that it extends from the lower perimeter of the first breast-covering portion, along a medial region of the first breast-covering portion, and towards the upper region of the first breast-covering portion. Similarly, the second medial lacing may be integrated into the braided textile component such that it extends from the lower perimeter of the second breast-covering portion, along a medial region of the second breast-covering portion, and towards the upper region of the second breast-covering portion.

A method of manufacturing includes braiding a first braided textile component forming a first breast-covering portion and a second braided textile component forming a second breast-covering portion. The method also includes integrally braiding a first lacing within the first braided textile component and a second lacing within the second braided textile component. As previously described, the textile components may be formed with base strands of a first material having a first property, and the lacings may include strands of a second material having a second property that is different than the first property. In some aspects, the first braided textile component and the second braided textile component are braided separately and affixed together at least along their respective medial perimeters. Further aspects of the method include floating an unintegrated segment of the first lacing over at least part of the first braided textile component in the upper region of the first breast-covering portion and floating an unintegrated segment of the second lacing over at least part of the second braided textile component in an upper region of the second breast-covering portion.

In example aspects, the first and second lacings are each a lateral lacing extending from a lower perimeter, along a lateral region, and to an upper region of the respective breast-covering portion. Some aspects of the method of manufacturing the bra also include integrally braiding a first medial lacing with the first braided textile component and a second medial lacing with the second braided textile component. Each medial lacing may extend from the lower perimeter, along a medial region, and to the upper region of the respective breast-covering portion.

As used herein, the term "bra" encompasses any structure configured to be worn around a wearer's torso and at least partially cover the wearer's breasts. Although aspects herein are discussed with respect to a bra, it is understood that the disclosed technology is not limited to a bra and may be applied to any upper-torso garment used to support breast tissue, such as camisoles, swimwear, tank tops, or other garments with built-in breast support. The term "breast-covering portion" means the portion of the bra that substantially covers a wearer's breast. Thus, as used herein the first breast-covering portion is configured to substantially cover a wearer's left breast, and the second breast-covering portion is configured to substantially cover a wearer's right breast.

Positional terms used when describing the bra, such as front, sides, back, superior, inferior, top, bottom, upper, lower, lateral, medial, right, left, inner-facing, and outer-facing and the like, are used with respect to the bra being worn as intended with the wearer standing upright such that the lower portion of the bra extends around the wearer's torso and the upper portion of the bra is positioned generally over the wear's chest. Additionally, the front portion of the bra is configured to at least partially cover the wearer's breasts while the back portion is configured to at least partially cover the wearer's back. Shoulder straps are configured to extend over the wearer's shoulders from the front portion to the back portion and at least partly define openings through which the wearer's arms extend and an opening through which the wearer's head and neck extend. It should be understood, however, that use of positional terms do not depend on the actual presence of a human being for interpretative purposes.

The term "braided textile component," as used herein, refers to a textile created by braiding. Braiding is a process of interlacing or interweaving three or more strands of yarns and/or filaments diagonally to a product axis. The product axis is the axis along which the product is generally braided. For example, a product axis for a braided bra may extend generally from a neck opening to a torso opening. Interlacing diagonally means that the strands make an angle (referred to as a braiding angle) with the product axis, which can be between <NUM>° and <NUM>° but is usually in the range of <NUM>° and <NUM>°. Some aspects of the braided textile component also include one or more longitudinal strands that extend parallel with the product axis, such as is performed with triaxial braiding. The braided textile component may be formed from linear braided products (ropes), hollow tubular braided shells, or solid braided structures (one, two, or three-dimensional textiles) with constant or variable cross-sections, and of closed or open appearance.

As described further herein, braiding offers advantages over other processes, such as knitting or weaving. For example, braiding reduces frictional forces applied to the yarns used in the creation of the braided textile component. Braiding also has the ability to use high denier yarns (e.g., yarns from about 800D to about 20000D, from about 1000D to about 10000D, from about 1000D to about 5000D, and the like) as well as the ability to combine different types of yarns with non-yarn materials, such as, for example, rubber strands, ropes, metals, and the like. Additionally, the resulting braided structure (e.g., a braided textile component) may have a greater ability to conform to various shapes compared to conventional woven materials while also having a greater ability to lock in a particular shape and efficiently distribute forces compared to conventional knit materials.

The term "integrally braided," as used herein, may mean a braided textile having at least one common strand interlaced or interwoven to form the braided structure in multiple areas of the textile. In this way, areas that are integrally braided together have a seamless transition.

Additionally, there are various numerical measurements provided herein. Unless indicated otherwise, the term "about" or "substantially" with respect to a measurement means within ± <NUM>% of the indicated value. Further, unless indicated otherwise, all measurements provided herein are with respect to the bra being in a resting state (i.e., a non-stretched) at standard ambient temperature and pressure (<NUM> and <NUM> kPa).

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> depict various views of example bra <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the example bra <NUM> being worn. <FIG> and <FIG> depict a front right perspective view and a front left perspective view, respectively, and <FIG> depicts a back view of the bra <NUM>. As illustrated, the bra <NUM> includes a front portion <NUM> that typically covers at least a portion of the wearer's chest when the bra <NUM> is in an as-worn configuration and a back portion <NUM> that typically covers at least a portion of the wearer's back when the bra <NUM> is in the as-worn configuration. The bra <NUM> may also include a pair of shoulder straps <NUM> and <NUM>, each extending between the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM>. The front portion <NUM> generally extends from a first armhole edge <NUM> to a second armhole edge <NUM> (as seen in <FIG>), from a first front lateral edge <NUM> to a second front lateral edge <NUM> (as seen in <FIG>), and from a neckline edge <NUM> to a bottom edge <NUM>. The shoulder straps <NUM> and <NUM> extend from the upper part of the front portion <NUM>, and an optional underband <NUM> forms a lower area of the front portion <NUM>.

The back portion <NUM> extends from shoulder straps <NUM> and <NUM> joining the back portion <NUM> to the front portion <NUM>. The back portion <NUM> generally extends from a first armhole edge <NUM> to a second armhole edge <NUM>, from a first back lateral edge <NUM> to a second back lateral edge <NUM>. In example aspects, the first back lateral edge <NUM> and the second back lateral edge <NUM> may each comprise a seamed edge where the back portion <NUM> is joined to the front portion <NUM> along the first front lateral edge <NUM> and the second front lateral edge <NUM>. Alternatively, the first back lateral edge <NUM> and the second back lateral edge <NUM> may comprise a hypothetical boundary demarcating the limits of the back portion <NUM>, while the first front lateral edge <NUM> and the second front lateral edge <NUM> may comprise a hypothetical boundary demarcating the limits of the front portion <NUM>. In some aspects, the back portion <NUM> may include one or more closure mechanisms, such as one or more hook and eye structures, that releasably couple two sections of the back portion <NUM>. The configuration in <FIG> is illustrative only and the back portion may have other configurations known within the field.

At least a portion of the front portion <NUM> of the bra <NUM> is formed of a braided textile component <NUM> that includes a first breast-covering portion <NUM> and a second breast-covering portion <NUM>. The braided textile component <NUM> is made of base strands such that each of the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and the second breast-covering portion <NUM> are made of base strands (e.g., base strands <NUM> and <NUM>). The base strands are braided together such that each base strand extends diagonally from a product axis. The braid structure of the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM> may have a greater ability to conform to various shapes, such as a wearer's breasts, while also having sufficient strength to lock in place and efficiently distribute forces, providing advantages over some knit and woven materials.

For simplicity, <FIG>, <FIG> as well as other figures herein schematically depict the braided structure as lines, and it should be understood that each line depicted within the braided textile component <NUM> represents a braided strand as defined above. Also for simplicity, the braided structure is depicted in these figures in only part of the front portion <NUM>, but it is contemplated that the braided structure of the braided textile component <NUM> may form all or substantially all of an outer-facing surface of the front portion <NUM>. Further, the braided textile component <NUM> may have different braid densities. For example, central regions of the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM> may have a lower braid densities such that the spacing between the strands is greater than areas with higher braid densities. Higher braid densities may be in areas of the front portion <NUM> shaded white in <FIG> and <FIG>, such as the shoulder straps <NUM> and <NUM>, a perimeter of the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM>, a central region <NUM>, and the underband <NUM>.

As portions of the braided structure may be more open, some aspects of the front portion <NUM> of the bra <NUM> also optionally include a lining layer <NUM> forming an inner-facing surface of the front portion <NUM> as visible in <FIG>. The lining layer <NUM> may be a knitted or woven textile and may provide modesty to the wearer. The lining layer <NUM> may extend from the first armhole edge <NUM> to the second armhole edge <NUM>, from the first front lateral edge <NUM> to the second front lateral edge <NUM>, and from the neckline edge <NUM> to the bottom edge <NUM>. In some aspects, the lining layer <NUM> is attached to the braided textile component <NUM> along their respective edges. In some aspects, the lining layer <NUM> is positioned underneath at least part of the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and at least part of the second breast-covering portion <NUM> of the braided textile component <NUM>, but the lining layer <NUM> may have a smaller surface area than the braided textile component <NUM> such that there may be one or more portions of the braided textile component <NUM> that are not adjacent the lining layer <NUM>. In some aspects, the lining layer <NUM> may only be present at areas of the braided textile component <NUM> having lower braid densities such as, for example, in the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

The central region <NUM> of the braided textile component <NUM> separates the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and the second breast-covering portion <NUM>. The first breast-covering portion <NUM> may extend from the central region <NUM> to the first front lateral edge <NUM>, and the second breast-covering portion <NUM> may extend from the central region <NUM> to the second front lateral edge <NUM>. The central region <NUM> may define a medial perimeter <NUM> of the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and a medial perimeter <NUM> of the second breast-covering portion <NUM>. In example aspects, the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and the second breast-covering portion <NUM> are braided separately and affixed together in the central region <NUM>. For example, the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and the second breast-covering portion <NUM> may be permanently affixed together via stitching or bonding in the central region <NUM>. In this way, the central region <NUM> may comprise a seam. In some aspects, the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be releasably coupled in the central region <NUM> via one or more buttons, pairs of hooks and eye, hooks and loops, and the like. In alternative aspects, the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be integrally braided such that central region <NUM> may be seamless.

The braided textile component <NUM> further includes lacings integrated into the braided structure. For example, the first breast-covering portion <NUM> includes a first lateral lacing <NUM> and the second breast-covering portion <NUM> includes a second lateral lacing <NUM>. The lacings are made of a different material than the base strands. For example, the base strands are made of a first material with a first property while the first lateral lacing <NUM> and the second lateral lacing <NUM> are both made of a second material with a different property. In some aspects, the second material of the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> has a higher denier than the first material of the base strands. For example, the second material may comprise strands of a denier within a range from about 800D to about 20000D, from about 1000D to about 10000D, and from about 1000D to about 5000D, while the first material may comprise strands of a denier less than about 800D. Additionally or alternatively, the second material may have a higher tenacity than the first material of the base strands. For example, the second material may include carbon fiber yarns, aramid fiber yarns, liquid crystal polymer yarns, high strength nylon yarns, and the like. In example aspects, the first material of the base strands is a nylon having a lower denier and/or tenacity than the second material. In other aspects, the first material is a polyester having a lower denier and/or tenacity than the second material. In some aspects, the first material of the base strands includes nylon and elastane or polyester and elastane. In some examples, the first material and the second material may differ in other properties, such as elasticity or color.

In example aspects, the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> within the braided textile component <NUM> are intended to adjust support to lateral aspects of a wearer's breast when the bra <NUM> is worn. As such, the first lateral lacing <NUM> may extend along a lateral region <NUM> of the first breast-covering portion <NUM>, and the second lateral lacing <NUM> may extend along a lateral region <NUM> of the second breast-covering portion <NUM>. Further, the first lateral lacing <NUM> may extend from a lower region <NUM> to an upper region <NUM> of the first breast-covering portion <NUM>, and the second lateral lacing <NUM> may extend from a lower region <NUM> to an upper region <NUM> of the second breast-covering portion <NUM>. In this way, each of the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may extend the entity of or a substantial part of the length of the respective breast-covering portion. In some aspects, the lower regions <NUM> and <NUM> are lower perimeters of the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, which may be adjacent the underband <NUM>. Further, some aspects of the upper regions <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to cover the top of a wearer's breasts when the bra <NUM> is worn. In some aspects, the upper regions <NUM> and <NUM> include the regions configured to cover a wearer from the top of the breasts to the shoulders when the bra <NUM> is worn. In this way, the upper region <NUM> of the first breast-covering portion <NUM> may form a first shoulder portion corresponding to at least part of the shoulder strap <NUM>, and the upper region <NUM> of the second breast-covering portion <NUM> may form a second shoulder portion corresponding to at least part of the shoulder strap <NUM>.

In example aspects, the first lateral lacing <NUM> and the second lateral lacing <NUM> each contour around a wearer's breast when the bra <NUM> is worn by extending in different directions. For example, the first lateral lacing <NUM> includes a first segment <NUM> that extends upward from the lower region <NUM> and a second segment <NUM> that extends from the first segment <NUM> towards the upper region <NUM>. The first segment <NUM> extends upward from the lower region <NUM> in a first direction away from the central region <NUM>, and the second segment <NUM> extends from the first segment <NUM> in a second direction towards the central region <NUM>. The angle between the first direction and the second direction may be with a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, and from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees.

The second lateral lacing <NUM> may have a construction that mirrors the first lateral lacing <NUM>. For example, the second lateral lacing <NUM> may include a first segment <NUM> that extends upward from the lower region <NUM> of the second breast-covering portion <NUM> and a second segment <NUM> that extends from the first segment <NUM> towards the upper region <NUM>. The first segment <NUM> extends upward from the lower region <NUM> in a third direction away from the central region <NUM>, and the second segment <NUM> extends from the first segment <NUM> in a fourth direction towards the central region <NUM>. The angle between the third direction and the fourth direction may be with a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, and from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees.

The first, second, third, and fourth directions may all be diagonal to a product axis of the braided textile component <NUM>. In some aspects, the first direction of the first segment <NUM> of the first lateral lacing <NUM> is parallel to the fourth direction of the second segment <NUM> of the second lateral lacing <NUM>, and the second direction of the second segment <NUM> of the first lateral lacing <NUM> is parallel to the third direction of the first segment <NUM> of the second lateral lacing <NUM>.

At least part of each of the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may be integrated into the respective breast-covering portion via braiding. For example, the first segment <NUM> and the second segment <NUM> of the first lateral lacing <NUM> may be integrally braided with base strands of the first breast-covering portion <NUM>, and the first segment <NUM> and the second segment <NUM> of the second lateral lacing <NUM> may be integrally braided with base strands of the second breast-covering portion <NUM>. As such, the first segments <NUM> and <NUM> and the second segments <NUM> and <NUM> are also referred to herein as integrated segments. The first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may be intertwined with the base strands in a similar manner as the base strands are intertwined together. In this way, the first segment <NUM> and the second segment <NUM> may each run parallel to base strands forming the first breast-covering portion <NUM>, and the first segment <NUM> and the second segment <NUM> may each run parallel to base strands forming the second breast-covering portion <NUM>. In this way, tension applied to the lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may be effectively distributed to other portions of the respective first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM> via the braided structure.

In example aspects, the first lateral lacing <NUM> and the second lateral lacing <NUM> each comprise multiple strands. The first lateral lacing <NUM>, for instance, includes three strands 160A, 160B, and 160C, and the second lateral lacing <NUM> includes three strands 170A, 170B, and 170C. It is contemplated that the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may have more or less strands. The strands 160A, 160B, and 160C may be generally parallel to each other in the first and second segments <NUM> and <NUM>, and the strands 170A, 170B, and 170C may be generally parallel to each other in the first and second segments <NUM> and <NUM>. Further, in some aspects, the strands in each of the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by base strands extending parallel to the lateral lacing. In one example, one base strand (e.g., the base strand <NUM> in <FIG>) is positioned between and running parallel to strands 170A and 170B, and one base strand (e.g., the base strands <NUM> in <FIG>) is positioned between and running parallel to strands 170B and 170C. Base strands may similarly space apart the strands 160A-C of the first lateral lacing <NUM>. By spacing apart the strands of the lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM>, tension forces may be distributed through a wider area of the respective first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

In addition to the integrated segments, the first lateral lacing <NUM> and the second lateral lacing <NUM> may each include an unintegrated segment within the upper region of the respective breast-covering portion. The first lateral lacing <NUM> includes an unintegrated segment <NUM> in the upper region <NUM> of the first breast-covering portion <NUM>, and the second lateral lacing <NUM> includes an unintegrated segment <NUM> in the upper region <NUM> of the second breast-covering portion <NUM>. The unintegrated segments <NUM> and <NUM> float over or overlay a portion of the braided textile component <NUM> within the upper regions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The unintegrated segments <NUM> and <NUM> may be utilized as a pull for a wearer to adjust the fit of the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Therefore, the unintegrated segments <NUM> and <NUM> have a sufficient length to permit a wearer's fingers to grasp each unintegrated segment <NUM> and <NUM>. In example aspects, each unintegrated segment <NUM> and <NUM> has a length of at least five centimeters. For example, the length of each unintegrated segment <NUM> and <NUM> may be within a range from about <NUM> centimeters inches to about <NUM> centimeters, from about <NUM> centimeters inches to about <NUM> centimeters inches, or from about <NUM> centimeters to about <NUM> centimeters.

In example aspects, each unintegrated segment <NUM> and <NUM> generally extends vertically within shoulder straps <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, of the bra <NUM>. Additionally, at least one end of each unintegrated segment <NUM> and <NUM> is adjacent to an integrated portion of the respective first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> as explained further with respect to <FIG>. An opposite end of the unintegrated segments may be secured to the bra <NUM>. For example, while a first end of the unintegrated segment <NUM> is adjacent an integrated segment, a second opposing end of the unintegrated segment <NUM> may be secured to the braided textile component <NUM> of the first breast-covering portion <NUM> via at least one of braiding, stitching, a ring structure, and the like. The unintegrated segment <NUM> may similarly be secured to the braided textile component <NUM> of the second breast-covering portion <NUM>.

As described, the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may be used to adjust the fit of the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and the second breast-covering portion <NUM>, respectively, on the wearer. As a wearer pulls up on the unintegrated segment (e.g., unintegrated segment <NUM>), the integrated segments of the corresponding lacing (e.g., first and second segments <NUM> and <NUM> of the first lateral lacing <NUM>) will pull the braided structure upwards and inwards to increase the amount of support. Fastening mechanism (e.g., a slider <NUM>) may be used to secure the unintegrated segments <NUM> and <NUM> in a shortened state after a wearer pulls up on the unintegrated segments <NUM> and <NUM>. To reduce the amount of support, the unintegrated segments <NUM> and <NUM> may be lengthened through manipulation of the fastening mechanism. Because the unintegrated segments <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned on the front portion <NUM> of the bra <NUM>, a wearer may easily access the unintegrated segments <NUM> and <NUM> to change the level of support without needing to remove the bra <NUM>.

Generally, the amount of localized tension that can be exerted via the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may depend on the material of the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> and on how the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> are integrated with the base strands of the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. For example, lateral lacings made of a material with higher denier and/or less elasticity may create more tension on the lateral aspects of the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM>, rather than distributing the tension, when they are pulled. Additionally, the less integrated the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> are with the base strands, the more the tension is localized when the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> are pulled. More particularly, the position at which first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> transition from integrated to unintegrated and the manner in which the strands of the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> are twisted with the base strands may both affect the amount of tension.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> provide close-up views of the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and depict different configurations for integrating the first lateral lacing <NUM> within the upper region <NUM> of the first breast-covering portion <NUM>. Any of the configurations in <FIG> may be implemented in the bra <NUM>, and the particular configuration may impact the localization of the tension forces when the unintegrated segment <NUM> is pulled upward. Although <FIG> depict the first lateral lacing <NUM> within the first breast-covering portion <NUM>, it should be understood that the features described herein are applicable to the second lateral lacing <NUM> within the second breast-covering portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first lateral lacing <NUM> includes three strands 160A, 160B, and 160C that each include two yarns or filaments twisted together with base strands, such as base strand <NUM>, which may also each include two yarns or filaments twisted together. It is contemplated that, in other aspects, each of the strands 160A-C and/or the base strands may have a different number of yarns or filaments twisted together. Within at least the second integrated segment <NUM> of the first lateral lacing <NUM>, the strands 160A-C may be spaced apart from each other by a parallel base strand. The strands 160A-C may be similarly spaced apart within the first integrated segment <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In the unintegrated segment <NUM>, all yarns or filaments forming the strands 160A-C may be intertwined together so that there is a single strand forming the unintegrated segment of <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the unintegrated segment <NUM> and a top portion of the second integrated segment <NUM>. Additionally, the first lateral lacing <NUM> includes a third integrated segment <NUM> that extends between the second integrated segment <NUM> and the unintegrated segment <NUM>. The third integrated segment <NUM> may extend vertically in a similar direction as the unintegrated segment <NUM>. In this way, while the first integrated segment <NUM> (as seen in <FIG>) and the second integrated segment <NUM> collectively form a boundary along a lateral aspect of the wearer's breast, the third integrated segment <NUM> connects such boundary to the unintegrated segment <NUM> so that the pull of the unintegrated segment <NUM> can adjust the support of the first and second integrated segments <NUM> and <NUM> along the wearer's breast.

In one or more of the integrated segments, each strand 160A-C of the first lateral lacing <NUM> is interwoven with base strands that each strand 160A-C crosses within the braided structure of the first breast-covering portion <NUM>. More specifically, the two yarns or filaments of each strand 160A-C are woven with the two yarns or filaments of each intersecting base strand, while the two yarns or filaments of the intersecting base strands are similarly woven with the two yarns or filaments of the strands 160A-C. For instance, as the strand 160A of the first lateral lacing <NUM> and the base strand <NUM> intersect each other, a first yarn or filament of strand 160A extends over a first yarn or filament of the base strand <NUM> and under a second yarn or filament of base strand <NUM>, while the second yarn or filament of the strand 160A extends under the first yarn or filament of the base strand <NUM> and over the second yarn or filament of the base strand <NUM>. With this configuration, the two yarns or filaments of each strand 160A-C are separated by the base strand, such as the base strand <NUM>, that each strand 160A-C crosses. The first integrated segment <NUM> and the second integrated segment <NUM>, for example, may be integrated in this manner. Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, some aspects of bra <NUM> include the third integrated segment <NUM> similarly integrated so that each strand 160A-C is interwoven with the base strands within the third integrated segment <NUM>. Integrating the third integrated segment <NUM> in this manner results in a less localized tension force because the force created when a wearer pulls on the adjacent unintegrated segment <NUM> is distributed among more base strands.

Further, due to the presence of the third integrated segment <NUM>, the point at which the first lateral lacing <NUM> transitions from integrated to unintegrated, which may be referred to herein as transition point <NUM>, is positioned within the first breast-covering portion <NUM> such that it is configured to be above the top of the wearer's breast when the bra <NUM> is worn. In example aspects, the transition point <NUM> is configured to be positioned at or adjacent to the wearer's clavicle when the bra <NUM> is worn. In other aspects, the transition point <NUM> may be on the wearer's shoulder when the bra <NUM> is worn. The transition point <NUM> being positioned higher or further away from the wearer's breasts may result in less localized tension when the wearer pulls on unintegrated segment <NUM> because more force is distributed among more base strands.

The configuration depicted in <FIG> also includes the first lateral lacing <NUM> having the third integrated segment <NUM> extending between the second integrated segment <NUM> and the unintegrated segment <NUM>. The features described with respect to <FIG>, including the position of the transition point <NUM>, apply to the first lateral lacing <NUM> in <FIG> except the manner in which the third integrated segment <NUM> is integrated with the base strands of the braided structure. In the third integrated segment <NUM>, the two yarns or filaments of each strand 160A-C remain twisted together, rather than becoming separated, when they cross the base strands. When each strand 160A-C intersects with a base strand (e.g., the base strand <NUM>), the two yarns or filaments extend between the two or more yarns of the base strand. In this way, when the unintegrated segment <NUM> of the first lateral lacing <NUM> is pulled, each strand 160A-C within the third integrated segment <NUM> may slide between the yarns or filaments of the base strands, rather than pulling on the base strands. As a result, the configuration depicted in <FIG> may create more localized tension around lateral aspects of the wearer's breasts than the configuration depicted in <FIG> because the force of the pull is not distributed among as many base strands.

<FIG> depicts an alternative configuration of the first lateral lacing <NUM> in which the unintegrated segment <NUM> is positioned directly adjacent the second integrated segment <NUM> so that there is not a third integrated segment. As a result, the transition point <NUM> at which the first lateral lacing <NUM> changes from integrated to unintegrated is positioned lower within the upper region <NUM> of the first breast-covering portion <NUM> compared to <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, for example, the transition point <NUM> may be positioned at the top of the wearer's breasts when bra <NUM> is worn. In other example aspects, the transition point <NUM> may be positioned above the top of the wearer's breast but closer to the breast than the wearer's clavicle. Due to this lower position, there are less integration points between the first lateral lacing <NUM> and the base strands. Therefore, the lower position of the transition point <NUM> may result in more localized tension around lateral aspects of the wearer's breasts when a wearer pulls on the unintegrated segment <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict a front right perspective view and a front left perspective view, respectively, of an example bra <NUM>. Bra <NUM> includes a front portion <NUM> that typically covers at least a portion of the wearer's chest when the bra <NUM> is in an as-worn configuration and a back portion <NUM> that typically covers at least a portion of the wearer's back when the bra <NUM> is in the as-worn configuration. The bra <NUM> may also include a pair of shoulder straps <NUM> and <NUM>, each extending between the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM>. The back portion <NUM> may have the same characteristics as the back portion <NUM> of bra <NUM>. Additionally, the front portion <NUM> may be substantially the same as the front portion <NUM> of bra <NUM> except with the addition of medial lacings as described herein. As such, the features of the bra <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG> may apply to the bra <NUM> unless otherwise indicated.

At least part of the front portion <NUM> of the bra <NUM> is formed of a braided textile component <NUM> made of base strands. The braided textile component <NUM> forms a first breast-covering portion <NUM> and a second breast-covering portion <NUM>. The braided textile component <NUM> of the bra <NUM> further includes a first lateral lacing <NUM> integrated, via braiding, into base strands of the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and a second lateral lacing <NUM> integrated, via braiding, into base strands of the second breast-covering portion <NUM>. Additionally, the braided textile component <NUM> includes a first medial lacing <NUM> integrated, via braiding, into base strands of the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and a second medial lacing <NUM> integrated, via braiding, into base strands of the second breast-covering portion <NUM>. The first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> and the first and second medial lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may be made of a material having a different property, such as higher denier or tenacity, than the material of the base strands.

As described with the bra <NUM>, the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> each extend from a lower region (e.g., lower regions <NUM> and <NUM>), along a lateral region (e.g., lateral regions <NUM> and <NUM>) to an upper region (e.g., upper regions <NUM> and <NUM>) of the respective breast-covering portions. Similarly, the first medial lacing <NUM> extends from the lower region <NUM>, along a medial region <NUM>, and to the upper region <NUM> of the first breast-covering portion <NUM>, and the second medial lacing <NUM> extends from the lower region <NUM>, along a medial region <NUM>, and to the upper region <NUM> of the second breast-covering portion <NUM>. In some aspects, the lower regions <NUM> and <NUM> are lower perimeters of the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, which may be adjacent the optional underband <NUM>. Further, some aspects of the upper regions <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to cover the top of a wearer's breasts when the bra <NUM> is worn. In some aspects, the upper regions <NUM> and <NUM> include the regions configured to cover a wearer from the top of the wearer's breasts to the wearer's shoulders when the bra <NUM> is worn. In this way, the upper region <NUM> may form a first shoulder portion corresponding to at least part of the shoulder strap <NUM>, and the upper region <NUM> may form a second shoulder portion corresponding to at least part of the shoulder strap <NUM>.

The first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> each include a first integrated segment (e.g., segments <NUM> and <NUM>) and a second integrated segment (e.g., segments <NUM> and <NUM>) integrally braided with base strands of the respective breast-covering portion. The first and second medial lacings <NUM> and <NUM> also each include a first integrated segment (e.g., segments <NUM> and <NUM>) and a second integrated segment (e.g., segments <NUM> and <NUM>) integrally braided with base strands of the respective breast-covering portion. The first lateral lacing <NUM> is joined with the first medial lacing <NUM> to form a first unintegrated lacing segment <NUM>, and the second lateral lacing <NUM> is joined with the second medial lacing <NUM> to form a second unintegrated lacing segment <NUM>.

The first and second unintegrated lacing segments <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to be used as a pull by the wearer to adjust the level of support within the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and the second breast-covering portion <NUM>, respectively, as previously described with respect to the bra <NUM>. As such, the first and second unintegrated lacing segments <NUM> and <NUM> may each have a length sufficient to be grasped by the wearer's fingers as described with respect to the bra <NUM>. By pulling, the lengths of the first and second unintegrated lacing segments <NUM> and <NUM> may be shortened, and the lengths may be maintained by securing the first and second unintegrated lacing segments <NUM> and <NUM> with a fastening mechanism, such as a slider <NUM>. Because the first and second medial lacings <NUM> and <NUM> form part of the first and second unintegrated lacing segments <NUM> and <NUM>, the first and second unintegrated lacing segments <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed by more yarns or filaments than the unintegrated segments <NUM> and <NUM> of the bra <NUM>, but other features of the unintegrated segments <NUM> and <NUM> may be applicable to the first and second unintegrated lacing segments <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may each form a boundary along lateral regions of the respective breast-covering portion to support lateral aspects of the wearer's breasts, while the first and second medial lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may each form a boundary along medial regions of the respective first and second breast-covering portion <NUM> and <NUM> to support medial aspects of the wearer's breasts. To contour around the shape of the wearer's breasts, the segments of the lacings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may extend in different directions. Similar to the bra <NUM>, the first integrated segment <NUM> of the first lateral lacing <NUM> extends upward from the lower region <NUM> in a first direction away from a central region <NUM> between the first breast-covering portion <NUM> and the second breast-covering portion <NUM>, and the second segment <NUM> extends from the first segment <NUM> in a second direction towards the central region <NUM>. The first integrated segment <NUM> of the first medial lacing <NUM> extends upward from the lower region <NUM> in a third direction towards the central region <NUM>, and the second segment <NUM> extends from the first segment <NUM> in a fourth direction away from the central region <NUM>. The first integrated segment <NUM> of the second lateral lacing <NUM> extends upward from the lower region <NUM> in the third direction away from the central region <NUM>, and the second segment <NUM> extends from the first segment <NUM> in the fourth direction towards the central region <NUM>. The first integrated segment <NUM> of the second medial lacing <NUM> extends upward from the lower region <NUM> in the first direction towards the central region <NUM>, and the second segment <NUM> extends from the first segment <NUM> in the second direction away from the central region <NUM>. The first and third directions may be substantially parallel, while the second and fourth directions may be substantially parallel. Additionally, the first, second, third, and fourth directions may be diagonal to a product axis of the braided textile component <NUM>.

In example aspects, the lacings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> each comprise multiple strands. In some aspects, each lateral lacing <NUM> and <NUM> includes three strands that extend generally parallel to each other through at least part of the respective lateral lacing, and each medial lacing <NUM> and <NUM> includes two strands that extend generally parallel to each other through at least part of the respective medial lacing. It is contemplated that more or less strands may be used for the lateral lacings and/or medial lacings. Similarly, it is contemplated that, in some aspects, the number of strands forming the lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may be the same number of strands that form the medial lacings <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, there may be three strands forming each of the lacings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, or there may be two strands forming each of the lacings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. Further, in some aspects, the strands in at least some of the lacings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by base strands extending parallel to the lacing. In one example, one base strand is positioned between and running parallel to each lateral strand. For example, a base strand <NUM> is positioned between and parallel to strands 770A and 770B of the second lateral lacing <NUM>, and a base strand <NUM> is positioned between and parallel to strands 770B and 770C. Base strands may similarly space apart strands of the first lateral lacing <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, strands forming the medial lacings <NUM> and <NUM> may be closer together such that they are not spaced apart by parallel base strands. In alternative aspects, strands of the medial lacings <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced apart about the same distance as strands in the lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM>.

Different configurations may be utilized within the upper aspects of the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM>, which may impact how tension is localized by the lacings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> when first and second unintegrated lacing segments <NUM> and <NUM> are pulled. Any of the configurations described with respect to <FIG> may be utilized. In some aspects, the first lateral lacing <NUM> and the first medial lacing <NUM> may each include a third integrated segment (e.g., segments <NUM> and <NUM>) extending between the second integrated segment <NUM> of the respective lacing and the first unintegrated lacing segment <NUM>, and the second lateral lacing <NUM> and the second medial lacing <NUM> may each include a third integrated segment (e.g., segments <NUM> and <NUM>) extending between the second integrated segment of the respective lacing and the unintegrated lacing segment <NUM>. The third integrated segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be integrated with the base strands as described with respect to <FIG> or <FIG>. Further, the transition point (e.g., a transition point <NUM>) between the integrated and unintegrated segments within each first and second breast-covering portion <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned as described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG> or <FIG>. Generally, the more that the first and second lateral lacings <NUM> and <NUM> and the first and second medial lacings <NUM> and <NUM> are integrated with the base strands, the less localized the tension will be to the lateral aspects and medial aspects of the wearer's breasts when the first and second unintegrated lacing segments <NUM> and <NUM> are pulled because the tension may be distributed among more base strands.

Turning to <FIG>, a flow diagram is provided depicting an example method <NUM> of manufacturing a bra, such as the bra <NUM> or the bra <NUM>, with one or more integrated lacings. At step <NUM>, a first braided textile component and a second braided textile component are braided with base strands and form first and second breast-covering portions, such as the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM> or the first and second breast-covering portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The first braided textile component and the second braided textile component may collectively be described herein as braided textile component <NUM> or braided textile component <NUM>. The base strands include a first material having a first property.

At step <NUM>, a first lacing is integrally braided with the first braided textile component such that a first segment of the first lacing extends in a first direction away from a medial perimeter of the first breast-covering portion and a second segment of the first lacing extends in a second direction towards the medial perimeter. At step <NUM>, a second lacing is integrally braided with the second braided textile component such that a first segment of the second lacing extends in a third direction away from a medial perimeter of the second breast-covering portion and a second segment of the second lacing extends in a fourth direction towards the medial perimeter. The first and second lacings include one or more strands of a second material with a second property that is different from the first property. For instance, the second material may have a greater denier and/or tenacity than the first material.

The first lacing may have features described with respect to the first lateral lacing <NUM> or <NUM>, and the second lacing may have features described with respect to the second lateral lacing <NUM> or <NUM>. As such, the first lacing may extend from a lower perimeter of the first breast-covering portion, along a lateral region of the first breast-covering portion, and to an upper region of the first breast-covering portion. Similarly, the second lacing may extend from a lower perimeter of the second breast-covering portion, along a lateral region of the second breast-covering portion, and to an upper region of the second breast-covering portion. In some aspects, the first direction and the second direction form an angle from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, and the third direction and the fourth direction also form an angle from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees.

In some aspects, each lacing includes a portion that is integrally braided with the braided textile component and a portion that is unintegrated such that it may be grasped by a wearer's fingers and used as a pull to adjust the support of the bra. For example, the method <NUM> may include braiding the first segment and the second segment of the first lacing with the first breast-covering portion and floating an unintegrated segment of the first lacing over at least part of the first braided textile component in an upper region of the first breast-covering portion. Method <NUM> may similarly include integrally braiding the first segment and the second segment of the second lacing with the second breast-covering portion and floating an unintegrated segment of the second lacing over at least part of the second braided textile component in an upper region of the second breast-covering portion. In some aspects, each lacing includes a third integrated segment that may be slideable between two yarns or filaments of intersecting base strands as described with respect to <FIG> or may be interwoven with yarn or filaments of intersecting base strands as described with respect to <FIG>.

Some aspects of <NUM> further include integrally braided medial lacings within the first and second braided textile components. The medial lacings may have features of the first and second medial lacings <NUM> and <NUM> described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. As such, a first medial lacing may be integrally braided with the first braided textile component such that the first medial lacing extends from the lower perimeter of the first breast-covering portion, along a medial region of the first breast-covering portion, and to the upper region of the first breast-covering portion. A second medial lacing may be integrally braided with the second braided textile component such that the second medial lacing extends from the lower perimeter of the second breast-covering portion, along a medial region of the second breast-covering portion, and to the upper region of the second breast-covering portion. Each medial lacing may include one or more strands (e.g., two strands) of the second material having the second property.

Some aspects of method <NUM> include forming the first and second braided textile components on a circular braiding machine. The first braided textile component and the second braided textile component may be braided separately in two tubular braided structures. The first and second braided textile components may be removed from their respective tubular braided structures and affixed together. The first and second braided textile components may be affixed along their respective medial regions to form a center region (e.g., center regions <NUM> or <NUM>) of the bra. The two braided textile components may be affixed by stitching, bonding, and the like. Alternatively, the two braided textile components may be braided as a unitary braided structure such that there is a seamless transition between the first and second breast-covering portions.

Claim 1:
A bra (<NUM>) comprising: a braided textile component forming a first breast-covering portion (<NUM>) and a second breast-covering portion, (<NUM>) the first breast-covering portion and the second breast-covering portion each braided together with base strands of a first material having a first property; and a first lateral lacing (<NUM>) and a second lateral lacing (<NUM>) each integrated into the braided textile component and each including one or more strands of a second material having a second property that is different from the first property of the first material, wherein the first lateral lacing extends from a lower perimeter of the first breast-covering portion, along a lateral region of the first breast-covering portion, and to an upper region of the first breast-covering portion, and wherein the second lateral lacing extends from a lower perimeter of the second breast-covering portion, along a lateral region of the second breast-covering portion, and to an upper region of the second breast-covering portion.