Patent Description:
Traditional bras, including sports bras, typically offer varying levels of support through different fabric pieces stitched together. This type of construction creates multiple seam lines that may cause wearer discomfort and increase costs and time in the production process. Additionally, traditional bras are manufactured in one knitting direction, which reduces the ability to create different structures in an efficient manner.

<CIT> describes an upper torso garment with varied tuck binder knit structure.

<CIT> describes a one-time forming seamless double-layer sports bra with different functions inside and outside.

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 defined in the appended set of claims. The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. 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 sport bras, generally need to provide greater support in some regions and greater stretch in other regions to sufficiently support the wearer's breasts while allowing some mobility and flexibility, particularly when the wearer dons and doffs the bra. Traditional bras typically offer varying levels of support through different fabric pieces stitched together. This type of construction creates multiple seam lines that may cause wearer discomfort and increase the cost and time in the production process. Additionally, traditional bras are conventionally manufactured by knitting in one direction, even when pieces are knitted separately, such that knit courses in the bra generally extend in a common direction. Utilizing the same knitting direction for the entire bra reduces the ability to efficiently integrally knit different types of structures of the bra.

At a high level, aspects herein are directed to a bra that includes at least a double-knit front portion. The double-knit front portion has a first breast-contacting region and a Y-shaped region, which has an upper right portion, an upper left portion, and a lower central portion. Both the Y-shaped region and first breast-contacting region have front courses, back courses, and intermediate courses extending at least partially between the front and back courses The double-knit front portion forming the Y-shaped region and the first breast-contacting region include a plurality of front courses formed by a first yarn, a plurality of back courses formed by a second yarn, and a plurality of intermediate courses formed by a third yarn interlooping with the plurality of front courses and the plurality of back courses. In example aspects, the first yarn, the second yarn, and the third yarn are each a polyester material. Additionally, the front courses form a front layer of the double-knit front portion, and the back courses form a back layer of the double-knit front portion. One or more of the intermediate courses each has one or more float stitches and one or more tuck stitches in which the third yarn forms a loop within the front layer or back layer. In example aspects, the float stitches formed by the third yarn are positioned entirely between the front layer and the back layer.

The ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the one or more intermediate courses may vary across regions within the double-knit front portion. According to the invention, the ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the Y-shaped region is greater than the ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the first breast-contacting region. Varying the ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches between the Y-shaped region and first breast-contacting region may provide different functional and visual properties to those regions within the double-knit front portion. In example aspects, varying the ratios may vary the degrees of stretch resistance within the regions and/or may provide a visual indicator of regions with different properties. For example, in example aspects, the third yarn forming the intermediate courses is a different color than the first yarn forming the front courses and the second yarn forming the back courses such that a greater ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches reduces the appearance of the third yarn color within the Y-shaped region relative to the first breast-contacting region, thereby providing a visual indicator of the Y-shaped region and the first breast-contacting region. Further, in some aspects, the Y-shaped region may have a greater modulus of elasticity than the first breast-contacting region at least partly due to a greater ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches. Additionally or alternatively, a higher modulus of elasticity of the Y-shaped region may be at least partly due to a shorter knit stitch length (e.g., due to increased yarn tension during knitting) compared to the first breast-contacting region.

The double-knit front portion may also include a second breast-contacting region that is separated from the first breast-contacting region by at least part of the lower central portion of the Y-shaped region. The one or more intermediate courses may also have a lower ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the second breast-contacting region relative to the Y-shaped region. The ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the second breast-contacting region may be the same or substantially the same as the ratio within the first breast-contacting region.

Further, in some aspects, the double-knit front portion includes a first wing region and a second wing region positioned laterally to the respective breast-contacting region. For example, the first wing region may be separated from at least the lower central portion of the Y-shaped region by the first breast-contacting region, while the second wing region may be separated from at least the lower central portion of the Y-shaped region by the second breast-contacting region. The one or more intermediate courses may also have a greater ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the first wing region relative to the first breast-contacting region and a greater ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the second wing region relative to the second breast-contacting region. In example aspects, the ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches is the same or substantially the same within the first wing region and the second wing region. Additionally, the ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the first and second wing regions may be the same or substantially the same as the ratio within the Y-shaped region.

The present disclosure also includes a method of manufacturing a knit bra with different ratios of float stitches to tuck stitches according to claim <NUM>. The method includes knitting a double-knit front portion of the bra. The double-knit front portion includes a first breast-contacting region and a Y-shaped region having an upper right portion, an upper left portion, and a lower central portion. Knitting the front portion of the bra includes knitting a plurality of front courses with a first yarn, knitting a plurality of back courses with a second yarn, and knitting a plurality of intermediate courses with a third yarn interlooping with the plurality of front courses and the plurality of back courses. One or more intermediate courses of the plurality of intermediate courses is knitted with one or more tuck stitches and one or more float stitches. As such, the one or more intermediate courses has a first ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the Y-shaped region and a second ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the first breast-contacting region, where the first ratio is greater than the second ratio.

A method of manufacturing according to claim <NUM> may further include kitting a second breast-contacting region, a first wing region, and a second wing region. As previously described, some aspects include the second breast-contacting region having a lesser ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches than the Y-shaped region and, in some aspects, the first wing region and the second wing region.

The method of manufacturing may further include knitting a back portion, which may be a double-knit material comprising a second plurality of front courses and a second plurality of back courses. The back portion may also be knitted to include a second plurality of intermediate courses intermittently interlooped with the second plurality of front courses and the second plurality of back courses, where one or more intermediate courses in the back portion may include one or more tuck stitches and one or more float stitches.

Additional aspects not part of the claimed invention include a bra in which the front portion and the back portion are knitted in different knitting directions. For example, aspects may include a bra having a knit front portion with courses extending along a first direction and a knit back portion with courses extending along a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. In example aspects, the front portion of the bra has courses extending horizontally when in an as-worn configuration, and the back portion has courses extending vertically when in an as-worn configuration. Utilizing the first direction for the front portion of the bra may aid in providing sufficient support in the vertical direction while allowing for sufficient stretch in the horizontal direction to aid in mobility and donning and doffing the bra. Utilizing the second direction for the back portion may allow strap portions separated by large openings to be knitted efficiently with less instances of binding off the yarn. Additionally, knitting the back portion so that the courses extend in the second direction reduces the need for multiple yarn carriers when switching yarns for the strap portions.

Some further aspects not part of the claimed invention include a method of manufacturing a bra with different knit directions. The method may include knitting a front portion of the bra by forming a first plurality of courses extending along a first direction and knitting a back portion of the bra by forming a second plurality of courses extending along a second direction. The front portion and the back portion may be joined such that, when joined, the first direction of the first plurality of courses is orthogonal to the second direction of the second plurality of courses.

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 region" means the portion of the bra that substantially covers a wearer's breast. Thus, as used herein the first breast-covering region is configured to substantially cover a wearer's right breast, and the second breast-covering region is configured to substantially cover a wearer's left breast. The term "wing region" as used herein is that portion of the bra that extends between the front portion and the back portion of the bra along the side torso areas of a wearer when the bra is worn. Thus, as used herein, the first wing region is configured to be positioned adjacent to a wearer's right side below the wearer's right axilla, and the second wing region is configured to be positioned adjacent to a wearer's left side below the wearer's left axilla.

Positional terms used when describing the bra, such as front, sides, back, superior, inferior, top, bottom, upper, lower, lateral, 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. Additionally, shoulder straps are configured to extend over the wearer's shoulder 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 "course," as used herein, refers to a predominantly horizontal row of knit loops (in an upright textile as knit) that are produced by adjacent needles during the same knitting cycle. The knit course may comprise one or more stitch types such as a knit stitch, a held stitch, a float stitch, a tuck stitch, a transfer stitch, a rib stitch, and the like as these terms are known in the art of knitting. The term "knit stitch" as used herein refers to the basic stitch type where the yarn is cleared from the needle after pulling a loop of the yarn from the back to the front of the textile through a previous stitch. The term "wale," as used herein, is a predominantly vertical column of intermeshed or interlooped knit loops, generally produced by the same needle at successive (but not necessarily all) courses or knitting cycles. The terms "horizontal" and "vertical" as used herein are relative to an upright textile as knit in which the heads of knit loops face toward the top of the textile and the course knit first is oriented toward the bottom of the textile.

As used herein, the term "double-knit textile" means a textile knit on a machine with two sets of needles in two needle beds or cylinders. Aspects herein contemplate the machine comprising a weft knit (flat knit) machine. The term "bed" is typically used when describing flat knit machines. To describe a double-knit textile in a different way, the term double-knit textile means a textile having front courses formed on one needle bed and back courses formed on a second needle bed. The front courses of a double-knit textile are courses of interlooped stitches forming a front layer of the textile, and the back courses are courses of interlooped stitches forming a back layer of the textile such that the front layer and the back layer of the textile may be formed at substantially the same time. As used herein, the term "front layer" refers to a textile layer that is configured to face externally when the garment incorporating the textile, such as the bra, is worn, and the term "back layer" refers to a textile layer that is configured to be positioned adjacent a skin surface of the wearer when the garment is worn.

The term "integrally knit," as used herein, may mean a knit textile having a yarn from one or more knitted courses in a first area being interlooped with one or more knitted courses of another area. The interlooping may be through a simple knit stitch, a tuck stitch, a held stitch, a float or miss stitch, and the like. In this way, areas that are integrally knit together have a seamless transition.

The term "knitting direction," as used herein, refers to the direction on a knit garment, such as a bra, in which courses are sequentially knitted when the garment is in an as-worn configuration. For instance, where courses forming the top of an integrally knit garment panel are knit prior to courses forming the bottom the garment panel, the knitting direction may be considered either top to bottom or, more generally, vertical; whereas, when courses forming a right side of an integrally knit garment panel are knit prior to courses forming the left side, the knitting direction may be considered either right to left or, more generally, horizontal.

The term "tuck stitch", as used herein, refers to a loop made by a yarn forming an intermediate course. A tuck stitch is formed when a needle, either on the front needle bed or back needle bed, that is already holding a loop receives a further loop from an intermediate course. As such, the loop forming the tuck stitch coincides with another loop formed either by a front yarn on the front needle bed or a back yarn on the back needle bed.

The term "float stitch", as used herein, refers to a portion of a yarn formed when a yarn is not looped around or "misses" one or more needles during knitting. A float stitch, as referred to herein, may be a portion of a yarn that forms an intermediate course, where that portion is floated between front and back layers of a double-knit textile.

The term "ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches", as used herein, refers to a quantity of stitch positions forming float stitches to a quantity of stitch positions forming tuck stitches within a designated area (e.g., a <NUM> x <NUM> square). Generally, each tuck stitch is formed at one stitch position such that the quantity of tuck stitch positions is equal to the quantity of tuck stitches. One float stitch may extend across one or more than one stitch position. For example, a two-needle float stitch is a float stitch formed by missing two consecutive needles and, therefore, expands two float stitch positions. As an example, an area with two two-needle float stitches and four tuck stitches has a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>.

The term "knit stitch length," as used herein, refers to the length of a portion of a yarn strand in a single knitted loop. Knit stitch length may be decreased by an increase in tension during knitting.

The term "mesh," as used herein, refers to a textile material with a plurality of closely-spaced openings. The mesh material may be knitted (warp knitted or weft knitted) or woven. In example aspects, the term mesh refers to a loosely woven or knit material such that the openings are integrally knit or woven into the material. In other aspects, the openings may be formed in a post-knitting or post-weaving step using, for example, laser cutting, water jet cutting, die cutting, and the like after the textile is woven or knitted.

The term "rib," as used herein, refers to a knitted ridge structure that extends in the wale direction and is created by an alternating pattern of knit stitches and purl stitches.

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> depict a front perspective view, a front view, and a back view, respectively, of an example bra <NUM>. 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>, 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>, from a first front lateral edge <NUM> to a second front lateral edge <NUM>, and from a neckline edge <NUM> to a bottom chestband edge <NUM>. The shoulder straps <NUM> extend from the upper part of the front portion <NUM>. A front chestband region <NUM> defined by a top chestband edge <NUM> and the bottom chestband edge <NUM> forms a lower area of the front portion <NUM> such that the bottom chestband edge <NUM> forms an inferior margin of the front portion <NUM>.

The back portion <NUM> extends from shoulder straps <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>, and from a neckline edge <NUM> to a bottom chestband 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>. A back chestband region <NUM> defined by a top chestband edge <NUM> and a bottom chestband edge <NUM> forms a lower area of the back portion <NUM> such that bottom chestband edge <NUM> forms an inferior margin of the back portion <NUM>.

The bra <NUM> may also include one or more mechanisms for adjusting the fit of the bra <NUM> on a wearer. For example, the shoulder straps <NUM> may each include a strap adjustment mechanism, such as a slider. Additionally, the back chestband region <NUM> may include a closure mechanism <NUM>, such as one or more hook and eye structures, that releasably couple two sections of the back chestband region <NUM>.

In example aspects, each of the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> of the bra <NUM> generally comprises a double-knit textile structure with front courses forming a front layer and back courses forming a back layer. The front layer may be an outer-facing layer of the bra <NUM>, while the back layer may be an inner-facing layer of the bra <NUM>. Further, each of the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> may include regions with different knit structures to provide zonal properties. Additionally, the regions within the front portion <NUM> disclosed herein may be integrally knit, and the regions within the back portion <NUM> disclosed herein may be integrally knit. The double-knit textile structure of the front portion <NUM> includes one or more intermediate courses generally positioned between the front and back courses and that include a stitch sequence of a combination of interlocking tuck stitches and float stitches, where the relative amounts of tuck stitches and float stitches varies across different regions of the front portion <NUM>.

For example, example aspects of the front portion <NUM> may include a first breast-contacting region <NUM> configured to substantially cover a right breast of a wearer and a second breast-contacting region <NUM> configured to substantially cover a left breast of a wearer when the bra <NUM> is in an as-worn configuration. A Y-shaped region <NUM> of the front portion <NUM> may be located between the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM>. The Y-shaped region <NUM> includes an upper right portion <NUM>, an upper left portion <NUM>, and a lower central portion <NUM>. A right edge <NUM> extends between the upper right portion <NUM> and the lower central portion <NUM>, and a left edge <NUM> extends between the upper left portion <NUM> and the lower central portion <NUM>. As shown, the right edge <NUM> and the left edge <NUM> converge toward each other as they extend toward the lower central portion <NUM>. The Y-shaped region <NUM> may also include an upper edge <NUM> that extends between the upper right portion <NUM> and the upper left portion <NUM>. In example aspects, the upper edge <NUM> may be positioned a distance below the neckline edge <NUM> as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>. For instance, the front portion <NUM> may include a neckline region <NUM> that separates the upper edge <NUM> of the Y-shaped region from the neckline edge <NUM>. Alternatively, the upper edge <NUM> of the Y-shaped region may form the neckline edge <NUM>.

The upper right portion <NUM> of the Y-shaped region <NUM> is positioned generally above the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and may extend into the right shoulder strap <NUM>. The upper left portion <NUM> of the Y-shaped region <NUM> is positioned generally above the second breast-contacting region <NUM> and may extend into the left shoulder strap <NUM>. The lower central portion <NUM> of the Y-shaped region <NUM> is located in a medial area of the front portion <NUM> such that it is positioned between the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM>. In example aspects, the lower central portion <NUM> extends down to the top chestband edge <NUM> of a front chestband region <NUM>.

The front portion <NUM> of the bra <NUM> may further include a first wing region <NUM> configured to cover a right rib area of a wearer and a second wing region <NUM> configured to cover a left rib area of a wear when the bra <NUM> is in an as-worn configuration. The first wing region <NUM> is positioned laterally relative to the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and is separated from the lower central portion <NUM> of the Y-shaped region <NUM> by the first breast-contacting region <NUM>. The second wing region <NUM> is positioned laterally relative to the second breast-contacting region <NUM> and is separated from the lower central portion <NUM> of the Y-shaped region <NUM> by the second breast-contacting region <NUM>.

In example aspects, the Y-shaped region <NUM> has different stretch properties than the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM>. For instance, the Y-shaped region <NUM> may have a higher modulus of elasticity than the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM>. Due to its relatively higher modulus of elasticity, the Y-shaped region <NUM> may be able to provide support and control to a wearer's breasts. For example, the upper right portion <NUM> and the upper left portion <NUM> may help to limit upward movement of a wearer's breasts during movement such as during exercise. The lower central portion <NUM> of the Y-shaped region <NUM> may act as an anchor to stabilize the upper right portion <NUM> and the upper left portion <NUM>. Additionally, in example aspects, the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM> may also have a greater modulus of elasticity or a greater degree of stretch resistance relative to the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM>. The increased support provided by the greater modulus of elasticity of the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM> may limit outward or lateral movement of the wearer's breasts.

The greater moduli of elasticity of the Y-shaped region <NUM>, the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM> may at least partly be due to greater tension applied to yarns during knitting of those regions, which results in shorter knit stitch lengths. In example aspects, for instance, the front courses and the back courses have shorter knit stitch length within the Y-shaped region <NUM>, the first wing region <NUM>, and the second wing region <NUM> compared to the front courses and the back courses within the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM>. In some aspects, the intermediate courses between the front courses and the back courses also have a shorter knit stitch length within the Y-shaped region <NUM>, the first wing region <NUM>, and the second wing region <NUM>. In example aspects, the knit stitch length within the first wing region <NUM> is the same or substantially the same as the knit stitch length within the second wing region <NUM>. In some aspects, the knit stitch length within the Y-shaped region <NUM> is also the same or substantially the same as the knit stitch lengths within the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region. In other aspects, the knit stitch length within the Y-shaped region <NUM> is different than the knit stitch length within the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM>.

The regions within the front portion <NUM> also varies in the ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the intermediate courses. The intermediate courses within the front portion <NUM> have a greater ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the Y-shaped region <NUM> and, in some aspects, within the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM> relative to the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM>. Example stitch sequences of float stitches and tuck stitches that may be used in the Y-shaped region, the first breast-contacting region <NUM>, the second breast-contacting region <NUM>, the first wing region <NUM>, and the second wing region <NUM> are described further in connection to <FIG>.

A float stitch generally reduces stretch such that a region with a greater ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches may have a greater modulus of elasticity compared to regions with lower ratios. Further, different ratios of float stitches to tuck stitches may visually distinguish different integrally knit regions within the bra <NUM>. For example, as described further with respect to <FIG>, tuck stitches within the intermediate course help to bind together a front layer and a back layer of a double-knit textile structure, where float stitches within the intermediate course may space apart the front layer and the back layer, thereby adding some dimension where the float stitches are present. Additionally, the yarn strand forming the intermediate courses is only visible to an outer-facing or inner-facing surface of the bra <NUM> at locations where the intermediate course forms a tuck stitch with the front course or back course respectively. In example aspects, the yarn strand forming the intermediate course is not visible when the yarn strand forms a float stitch that is positioned between the front courses and the back courses. Thus, in example aspects where the yarn strand forming the intermediate course has a different color than the yarn strand forming the front courses and back courses, varying the number of float stitches relative to the number of tuck stitches may also provide a visual distinction of different regions within the bra <NUM>.

In addition to a stitch sequence with float stitches and tuck stitches as described above, the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM> may also include one or more additional knit structures to provide additional support. For example, in some aspects, the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM> may also include integrally knit rib structures. In one example, the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM> each have a plurality of rib structures formed by a knit rib sequence, such as a 1x1 rib sequence. Rib structures generally provider greater elasticity in the course direction and decrease the tendency of a knit material to unravel or curl. As such, having rib stitches within the first wing region <NUM> and second wing region <NUM> may improve the fit of the bra <NUM> around the sides of a wearer's rib cage.

The first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM> may also include a mesh structure to increase breathability. In example aspects, the mesh structure includes openings that are created by transferring a knit loop onto another needle, such as an adjacent needle, during knitting. These integrally knit mesh openings permit air flow into the interior of the bra <NUM> to help cool off a wearer and allow for moisture and heat to escape out of the interior of the bra <NUM>.

Additionally, as previously described, the double-knit front portion <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> includes the front chestband region <NUM> forming a lower area of the front portion <NUM>. In example aspects, the front chestband region <NUM> includes a right-side section <NUM> and a left-side section <NUM> that each have a plurality of rib structures, such as 1x1 rib structures. Similarly, the back chestband region <NUM> that forms a lower area of the back portion <NUM> of the bra <NUM> may also include a plurality of rib structures, such as 1x1 rib structures. The rib structures within the front chestband region <NUM> and the back chestband region <NUM> provide stability and a greater course-wise stretch, which can make the bra <NUM> easier for the wearer to don and doff.

The front chestband region <NUM> may also include a central section <NUM> that separates the right-side section <NUM> and the left-side section <NUM>. The central section <NUM> of the front chestband region <NUM> may include a mesh structure created by transfer stitches that is similar to the mesh structure described with respect to the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM>. The mesh structure within the front chestband region <NUM> may increase breathability within the central section <NUM> of the front chestband region <NUM>, which is an area in which moisture is often trapped.

In some aspects, the double-knit front portion <NUM> of the bra <NUM> also includes the neckline region <NUM> that has a knitted mesh structure with mesh openings created by transfer stitches. As depicted in <FIG>, the neckline region <NUM> is positioned above the lower central portion <NUM> of the Y-shaped region <NUM> and is positioned between at least part of the upper right portion <NUM> and the upper left portion <NUM> of the Y-shaped region <NUM>. The integrally knit mesh openings may increase breathability to an upper central region of the wearer's chest, which tends to be a high heat producing region.

Referring to the back view of <FIG>, example aspects of the back portion <NUM> may include additional integrally knit regions with different knit structures. For example, in addition to the back chestband region <NUM>, the back portion <NUM> may include an upper back region <NUM> that forms an upper area of the back portion <NUM>, including a posterior portion of the shoulder straps <NUM>. Additionally, the back portion may include a central back region <NUM> that is configured to extend from the upper back region <NUM> to the top chestband edge <NUM> of the back chestband region <NUM>.

In some aspects, the upper back region <NUM> has a greater modulus of elasticity relative to other regions within the back portion <NUM> due, at least in part, to greater tension during knitting, which results in shorter knit stitch lengths in the upper back region <NUM>. In example aspects, for instance, at least the front courses and back courses within the upper back region <NUM> have a shorter knit stitch length relative to the respective front courses and back courses within the central back region <NUM>. In some aspects, the knit stitch length within the upper back region <NUM> is the same or substantially the same as the knit stitch length within the Y-shaped region <NUM> of the front portion <NUM> of the bra <NUM>. The shorter knit stitch lengths provide greater support to the upper back region <NUM>, which may include at least part of the shoulder straps <NUM>. In this way, the upper back region <NUM> may help to limit movement of the straps and, consequently, the wearer's breasts when the bra <NUM> is worn.

In example aspects, the central back region <NUM> of the back portion <NUM> includes an integrally knit mesh structure to provide breathability. The mesh structure of the central back region <NUM> may include openings that are created by transferring a knit loop onto another needle, such as an adjacent needle, during knitting. These integrally knit mesh openings permit air flow into the interior of the bra <NUM> at the wearer's back, which is a high heat-producing area. This increased airflow helps cool off a wearer and allows for moisture and heat to escape out of the interior of the bra <NUM>.

To further promote ventilation, aspects of the central back region <NUM> may include larger openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that define outer edges of strap portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In some aspects, the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> extend upward from the top chestband edge <NUM> of the back chestband region <NUM>. Further, the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may have a length that extends from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the height of the central back region <NUM>, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the height of the central back region <NUM>, or from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% of the height of the central back region <NUM>. These openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may also allow for a greater range of movement when the wearer is wearing the bra <NUM> while providing ventilation.

In some aspects, the back portion <NUM> of the bra <NUM> also includes a first back wing region <NUM> configured to cover a back right rib area of a wearer and a second back wing region <NUM> configured to cover a back left rib area of a wear when the bra <NUM> is in an as-worn configuration. The first back wing region <NUM> and the second back wing region <NUM> may each be positioned adjacent to and separated by the central back region <NUM>. When the back portion <NUM> is joined with the front portion <NUM>, the first back wing region <NUM> may be joined with the first wing region <NUM> on the front portion <NUM> to form a single wing region on the right side, while the second back wing region <NUM> may be joined with the second wing region <NUM> on the front portion <NUM> to form a single wing region on the left side. For example, a left-side view of the bra <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>, where the second wing region <NUM> of the front portion <NUM> is joined with the second back wing region <NUM> of the back portion <NUM>. The second front and back wing regions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, may be joined by stitching or bonding to form a seam line <NUM>. A right-side view of the bra <NUM> would be a mirror image of the left-side view. In example aspects, the first back wing region <NUM> and the second back wing region <NUM> have the same knit structure as described for the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM> on the front portion <NUM>.

As previously mentioned, in example aspects, the double-knit textile structure of the back portion <NUM> includes intermediate courses generally positioned between the front and back courses and that include a stitch sequence of either tuck stitches or a combination of tuck stitches and float stitches. The stitch sequence(s) of the intermediate courses of the back portion <NUM> may include any of the stitch sequences discussed with respect to the front portion <NUM>, including sequences described below in connection to <FIG>. Additionally, the stitch sequence of intermediate courses within the double-knit textile structure of the back portion <NUM> may vary across at least some of the different regions of the back portion <NUM>. In some aspects, the stitch sequences vary within single region of the back portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the back portion <NUM> may have a uniform stitch sequence within the intermediate courses across different regions.

Turning to <FIG>, example stitch sequences of float and tuck stitches that may be utilized within one or more regions of the bra <NUM> are provided. <FIG>, for instance, depicts a knit schematic with an example knit structure <NUM> that may be utilized within one or more regions of the bra <NUM>. Specifically, the knit structure <NUM> is a double-knit textile structure that includes an intermediate course having tuck stitches and float stitches. The knit structure <NUM> of <FIG> may be utilized within the Y-shaped region <NUM>. Additionally, in some aspects, the knit structure <NUM> may also be utilized within the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM>.

The knit structure <NUM> includes a plurality of front courses <NUM> constructed from a first yarn strand <NUM> and a plurality of back courses <NUM> constructed from a second yarn strand <NUM>. The front courses <NUM> form a front layer <NUM> of the knit structure <NUM>, and the back courses <NUM> form a back layer <NUM> of the knit structure <NUM>. In some aspects, when the knit structure <NUM> is integrated into a garment, such as the bra <NUM>, the front layer <NUM> may be an outer-facing layer, and the back layer <NUM> may be an inner-facing layer. In some aspects not shown, the front courses <NUM> intermittently interlock with the back courses <NUM> within the knit structure <NUM> by the first yarn strand <NUM> extending from a front course to a back course at the same stitch position that the second yarn strand <NUM> extends the back course to the front course. This switch of the first yarn strand <NUM> and the second yarn strand <NUM> between the front courses <NUM> and the back courses <NUM> is referred to as an interlocking cross over, which is described in greater detail in <CIT>.

Additionally, the knit structure <NUM> includes intermediate courses formed by a third yarn strand <NUM> extending between the front courses <NUM> and the back courses <NUM>. Within each intermediate course, the third yarn strand <NUM> interloops with a front course and a corresponding back course. For example, the third yarn strand <NUM> interloops with the front course 502A and the back course 504A to form an intermediate course 506A. To avoid overcrowding the illustrative knit structure <NUM> in <FIG>, other intermediate courses are not depicted (e.g., in the course formed by the front course 502B and the back course 504B), but it should be understood that the knit structure <NUM> may include successive intermediate courses, such as the intermediate course 506A between the front course 502A and the back course 504A (depicted) and a second intermediate course between the front course 502B and the back course 504B (not depicted).

The intermediate course 506A includes a combination of tuck stitches and float stitches. A tuck stitch is formed when the third yarn strand <NUM> interloops with either a front course (e.g., front course 502A) or a back course (e.g., back course 504A). For example, the intermediate course 506A includes tuck stitches 522A, which includes interlooping with every other front stitch in the front course 502A and every other back stitch in the back course 504A to form a total of four tuck stitches. The third yarn strand <NUM> alternates between interlooping with the front course 502A and the back course 504A, and the tuck stitches 522A may be referred to herein as interlocking tuck stitches as the tuck stitches 522A function to bind the front course 502A and the corresponding back course 504A.

The intermediate course 506A further includes float stitches in which the third yarn strand <NUM> is floated between the front course 502A and the back course 504A. Specifically, after the four tuck stitches 522A, intermediate course 506A includes a float stitch 524A that spans two stitch positions (e.g., floats between two stitches in the front course 502A and two stitches in the back course 504A). Because a float stitch is created by missing one or more needles during knitting, float stitch 524A may be referred to as a two-needle float stitch or a two-needle miss stitch. Whereas the interlocking tuck stitches 522A of the third yarn strand <NUM> keeps the front layer <NUM> and the back layer <NUM> bound together, the float stitch 524A partially separates the front layer <NUM> and the back layer <NUM>. Additionally, the float stitch 524A may increase the modulus of elasticity of the knit structure <NUM>.

In example aspects, the knit structure <NUM> may follow a repeated sequence of tuck stitches and float stitches along one or more intermediate courses. For example, the intermediate course 506A includes the first set of four tuck stitches 522A and the first two-needle float stitch 524A. This sequence may repeat such that, immediately after the first two-needle float stitch 524A, the intermediate course 506A includes a second set of four tuck stitches 522B and a second two-needle float stitch 524B, and this pattern may repeat an additional number of times.

As mentioned, additional courses within the knit structure <NUM> may include the third yarn strand <NUM> forming tuck stitches or a combination of tuck stitches and float stitches. In example aspects, the sequence of subsequent intermediate courses may be the same as intermediate course 506A. Alternatively, the sequence may be different such that there may be a different number of tuck stitches, a different number of float stitches, a different number of stitch positions within the float stitches, different stitch positions for the tuck stitches, or different stitch positions for the float stitches. Additionally, in example aspects, adjacent intermediate courses may alternate whether a sequence of tuck stitches starts on the front bed or the back bed such that a front tuck stitch in one intermediate course is in the same stitch position as a back tuck stitch in an adjacent intermediate course.

Referring to the third yarn strand <NUM>, the knit structure <NUM> has a ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches of <NUM>:<NUM> (e.g., <NUM> total float stitches and <NUM> total tuck stitches). In determining this ratio, the float stitches may be the number of stitch positions over which the third yarn strand <NUM> is floated. In other words, while there are two float stitches (e.g., 524A and 524B in <FIG>), each float stitch is a two-needle float stitch in that each extends over two stitch positions. As discussed further with respect to <FIG>, different ratios of float stitches to tuck stitches may be utilized within other regions of a bra, such as bra <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example knit diagram <NUM> is depicted corresponding with the knit structure <NUM> of <FIG>. The knit diagram <NUM> may represent knit structures within one or more regions of the bra <NUM> of <FIG>, such as the Y-shaped region <NUM> and, in some aspects, the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM>.

The knit diagram <NUM> designates a stitch type for rows 602A, 604A, 606A, 602B, 604B, and 606B at <NUM> stitch positions (which may also be referred to as stitch locations) represented by columns A-L. Each of rows 602A and 602B prescribe knit structures for a first yarn strand <NUM>, and each of rows 604A and 604B prescribe knit structures for a second yarn strand <NUM>. Additionally, each of rows 606A and 606B prescribe knit structures for a third yarn strand <NUM>. Within each row, the stitch type is designated with an indication of whether the stitch is on the front bed or the back bed. A stitch notation beneath the yarn strand is on the front bed, and a stitch notation above the yarn strand is on the back bed. As such, rows 602A and 602B indicate that the first yarn strand <NUM> is on the front bed for stitch positions A-L, and rows 604A and 604B indicate that the second yarn strand <NUM> is on the back bed for stitch positions A-L. As such, rows 602A and 602B may correspond to front courses, such as the front courses <NUM> in <FIG>, while rows 604A and 604B may correspond to back courses, such as the back courses <NUM> in <FIG>. Rows 606A and 606B indicate that the third yarn strand <NUM> alternates tuck stitches on the front bed and the back bed for a set of stitch positions and then floats between the front bed and the back bed for a set of stitch positions. As such, rows 606A and 606B may correspond to intermediate courses similar to the intermediate course 506A in <FIG>. In example aspects, rows 602A, 604A, and 606A would be knit substantially at the same time, and rows 602B, 604B, and 606B would be knit substantially at the same time.

Row 606A of the knit diagram <NUM> includes a first set of four tuck stitches 622A (corresponding to stitch positions A-D), a first two-needle float stitch 624A (corresponding to stitch positions E-F), a second set of four tuck stitches 622B (corresponding to stitch positions G-J), and a second two-needle float stitch 624B (corresponding to stitch positions K-L). In this way, the third yarn strand <NUM> follows the same sequence in row 606A as the third yarn strand <NUM> in the intermediate course 506A in <FIG>. Similarly, this sequence results a <NUM>:<NUM> ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches.

The third yarn strand <NUM> generally follows the same sequence in row 606B as in row 606A. However, the tuck stitches in row 606B are formed on the opposite bed as the tuck stitches in the corresponding stitch positions within row 606A. For example, similar to row 606A, row 606B includes a set of four tuck stitches corresponding to stitch positions A-D, but row 606B has back tuck stitches corresponding to stitch positions A and C while row 606A has front tuck stitches corresponding to stitch positions A and C.

<FIG> depicts an alternative example knit diagram <NUM> that may correspond with the knit structure <NUM> of <FIG>. The knit diagram <NUM> may represent knit structures within one or more regions of the bra <NUM> of <FIG>, such as the Y-shaped region <NUM> and, in some aspects, the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM>.

Similar to the knit diagram <NUM> of <FIG>, the knit diagram <NUM> designates a stitch type for rows 702A, 704A, 706A, 702B, 704B, and 706B at <NUM> stitch positions represented by columns A-L. Each of rows 702A and 702B prescribe knit structures for a first yarn strand <NUM>, and each of rows 704A and 704B prescribe knit structures for a second yarn strand <NUM>. Additionally, each of rows 706A and 706B prescribe knit structures for a third yarn strand <NUM>. Rows 702A and 702B indicate that the first yarn strand <NUM> is on the front bed for stitch positions A-L, and rows 704A and 704B indicate that the second yarn strand <NUM> is on the back bed for stitch positions A-L. As such, rows 702A and 702B may correspond to front courses, such as the front courses <NUM> in <FIG>, while rows 704A and 704B may correspond to back courses, such as the back courses <NUM> in <FIG>. Rows 706A and 706B indicate that the third yarn strand <NUM> alternates tuck stitches between the front and back beds for a set of stitch positions and then floats between the front bed and the back bed for a set of stitch positions. As such, rows 706A and 706B may correspond to intermediate courses similar to the intermediate course 506A in <FIG>. In example aspects, rows 702A, 704A, and 706A would be knit substantially at the same time, and rows 702B, 704B, and 706B would be knit substantially at the same time.

Rows 706A and 706B include the same <NUM>:<NUM> ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches as rows 606A and 606B in <FIG>. Additionally, similar to rows 606A and 606B, rows 706A and 706B follow a stitch sequence of four tuck stitches (e.g., <NUM> and <NUM>) and a two-needle float stitch (e.g., <NUM> and <NUM>). However, unlike the knit diagram <NUM> of <FIG>, these stitch positions of these structures are different in rows 706A and 706B. For instance, row 706A includes the set of four tuck stitches <NUM> in stitch positions B-E and the two-needle float stitch <NUM> in stitch positions F and G, whereas row 706B includes the set of four tuck stitches <NUM> in stitch positions A-D and the two-needle float stitch <NUM> in stitch positions E and F. In this way, the tuck-float stitch sequence of adjacent intermediate rows 706A and 706B are offset by one stitch position. In other example aspects, the tuck-float sequence of adj acent intermediate rows 706A and 706B may be offset by a greater number of stitch positions. For example, in some aspects, the offset of the stitch sequence in adjacent courses is between <NUM> and <NUM> stitch positions, between <NUM> and <NUM> stitch positions, or between <NUM> and <NUM> stitch positions.

Turning to <FIG>, a knit schematic is depicted and illustrates an example knit structure <NUM> that may be utilized within one or more regions of the bra <NUM>. Specifically, the knit structure <NUM> is a double-knit textile structure that includes an intermediate course having tuck stitches and float stitches. The knit structure <NUM> of <FIG> may be utilized within, for example, the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM> of bra <NUM>.

The knit structure <NUM> may be similar to the knit structure <NUM> of <FIG> in that the knit structure <NUM> may include a plurality of front courses <NUM> constructed from a first yarn strand <NUM> and a plurality of back courses <NUM> constructed from a second yarn strand <NUM>. The front courses <NUM> form a front layer <NUM> of the knit structure <NUM>, and the back courses <NUM> form a back layer <NUM> of the knit structure <NUM>. In example aspects, when the knit structure <NUM> is integrated into a garment, such as the bra <NUM>, the front layer <NUM> is an outer-facing layer and the back layer <NUM> is an inner-facing layer. In some example aspects, the front courses <NUM> may intermittently interlock with the back courses <NUM> within the knit structure <NUM> through interlocking cross overs as described with respect to knit structure <NUM> of <FIG>.

Additionally, the knit structure <NUM> may include one or more intermediate courses in which a third yarn strand <NUM> extends between a front course and a corresponding back course. For example, the third yarn strand <NUM> interloops with the front course 802A and the back course 804A to form an intermediate course 806A. To avoid overcrowding the illustrative knit structure <NUM> in <FIG>, other intermediate courses are not depicted, but it should be understood that knit structure <NUM> may include additional intermediate courses, including an intermediate course between front course 802B and back course 804B for example.

Similar to the knit structure <NUM>, intermediate courses of the knit structure <NUM> may include a combination of tuck stitches and float stitches. For example, the intermediate course 806A includes tuck stitches <NUM>, which includes interlooping with every other front stitch in the front course 802A and every other back stitch in the back course 804A to form a total of eight tuck stitches. The third yarn strand <NUM> alternates between interlooping with the front course 802A and the back course 804A, and the tuck stitches <NUM> may be referred to herein as interlocking tuck stitches as the tuck stitches function to bind the front course 802A and the corresponding back course 804A.

The intermediate course 806A further includes float stitches in which the third yarn strand <NUM> is floated between the front course 802A and the back course 804A. Specifically, after the eight tuck stitches <NUM>, the intermediate course 806A includes float stitch <NUM> that spans two stitch positions (e.g., floats between two stitches in the front course 802A and two stitches in the back course 804A). While the interlocking tuck stitches <NUM> of the third yarn strand <NUM> keep the front layer <NUM> and the back layer <NUM> bound together, the float stitch <NUM> may at least partially separate the front layer <NUM> and the back layer <NUM>. Additionally, the float stitch <NUM> may increase the modulus of elasticity of the knit structure <NUM> relative to a knit structure without a float stitch.

In example aspects, intermediate courses within knit structure <NUM> may follow a repeated sequence of tuck stitches and float stitches. For example, the intermediate course 806A includes a first set of eight tuck stitches <NUM> and a first two-needle float stitch <NUM>. This sequence may repeated such that immediately after the first two-needle float stitch <NUM>, the intermediate course 806A may include a second set of eight tuck stitches, which may be followed by a second two-needle float stitch and so on beyond the limits of the depiction in <FIG>. This sequence may be repeated across the same stitch positions within other intermediate courses. Alternatively, the sequence may be different such that there may be a different number of tuck stitches, a different number of float stitches, a different number of stitch positions over which the float stitches extend, different stitch positions for the tuck stitches, or different stitch positions for the float stitches. Additionally, in example aspects, adjacent intermediate courses may alternate whether a sequence of tuck stitches starts on the front bed or the back bed such that a front tuck stitch in one intermediate course is in the same stitch position as a back tuck stitch in an adjacent intermediate course.

Just as the intermediate course 806A has a different stitch sequence than the intermediate course 506A in <FIG>, the knit structure <NUM> has a different ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches than the knit structure <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the knit structure <NUM> has a <NUM>:<NUM> ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches, which is a smaller ratio than the <NUM>:<NUM> ratio depicted in the knit structure <NUM>.

In example aspects, a smaller ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the knit structure <NUM> results in a lower modulus of elasticity compared to the knit structure <NUM>. As such, the Y-shaped region <NUM> and, in some aspects, the first wing region <NUM> and the second wing region <NUM> of <FIG> may provide a greater degree of support through the knit structure <NUM> compared to the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM> with the knit structure <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, the different ratios of float stitches to tuck stitches within the knit structure <NUM> and the knit structure <NUM> may visually distinguish different functional regions within a bra, such as bra <NUM>. For example, as previously stated, interlocking tuck stitches within the intermediate course help to bind together a front layer and a back layer, where float stitches within the intermediate course may partially space apart the front layer and the back layer, thereby adding some dimension where the float stitches are present. Regions with higher ratios of float stitches to tuck stitches, such as the Y-shaped region <NUM>, the first wing region <NUM>, and the second wing region <NUM>, may have more dimensionality (i.e., a greater thickness) than regions with a lower ratio, such as the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM>.

Additionally, in some aspects, a different yarn color for the third yarn strand forming intermediate courses provides a visual distinction of zones with different ratios of float stitches to tuck stitches. For example, the third yarn strand may be a different color than the first yarn strand and the second yarn strand. In some aspects, each yarn strand is a different color. Where the third yarn strand forms interlocking tuck stitches with the front courses and the back courses, the color of the third yarn strand may be visible from the front layer and the back layer, respectively, and where the third yarn strand floats between the front courses and the back courses, the color of the third yarn strand may be absent from the front layer and the back layer. In this way, areas with a greater ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches, such as the Y-shaped region <NUM>, the first wing region <NUM>, and the second wing region <NUM>, may have a lower density of the color of the third yarn strand than regions with a lower ratio, such as the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example knit diagram <NUM> is depicted corresponding with the knit structure <NUM> of <FIG>. The knit diagram <NUM> may represent knit structures within one or more regions of the bra <NUM> of <FIG>, such as the first breast-contacting region <NUM> and the second breast-contacting region <NUM>.

The knit diagram <NUM> designates a stitch type for rows 902A, 904A, 906A, 902B, 904B, and 906B at <NUM> stitch positions represented by columns A-T. Each of rows 902A and 902B prescribe knit structures for a first yarn strand <NUM>, and each of rows 904A and 904B prescribe knit structures for a second yarn strand <NUM>. Additionally, each of rows 906A and 906B prescribe knit structures for a third yarn strand <NUM>. Rows 902A and 902B indicate that the first yarn strand <NUM> is on the front bed for stitch positions A-T, and rows 904A and 904B indicate that the second yarn strand <NUM> is on the back bed for stitch positions A-T. As such, rows 902A and 902B may correspond to front courses, such as front courses <NUM> in <FIG>, while rows 904A and 904B may correspond to back courses, such as back courses <NUM> in <FIG>. Rows 906A and 906B indicate that the third yarn strand <NUM> alternates tuck stitches between the front bed and the back bed for a set of stitch positions and then floats between the front bed and the back bed for a set of stitch positions. As such, rows 906A and 906B may correspond to intermediate courses similar to the intermediate course 806A in <FIG>. In example aspects, rows 902A, 904A, and 906A would be knit substantially at the same time, and rows 902B, 904B, and 906B would be knit substantially at the same time.

Row 906A of the knit diagram <NUM> includes a first set of eight tuck stitches <NUM> and a first two-needle float stitch <NUM>, and row 906B includes a first set of eight tuck stitches <NUM> and a first two-needle float stitch <NUM>. This sequence repeats at least one more time in both row 906A and row 906B. As such, the third yarn strand <NUM> follows the same sequence as the third yarn strand <NUM> in <FIG>. Similarly, this sequence may result in a <NUM>:<NUM> ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches. Additionally, similar to the knit diagram <NUM> of <FIG>, the interlocking tuck stitches in rows 906A and 906B (which correspond to adjacent intermediate courses) may be formed on opposite beds in corresponding stitch positions. Further, in some aspects, the position of the stitch sequence in rows 906A and 906B may be offset in a similar manner as described with respect to knit diagram <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts a flow diagram of an example method <NUM> of manufacturing a bra, such as the bra <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes knitting a front portion of the bra, such as the front portion <NUM>. In example aspects, the front portion of the bra is formed by a weft-knitting process. The front portion includes a first breast-contacting region, such as first breast-contacting region <NUM>, and a Y-shaped region, such as the Y-shaped region <NUM>. The Y-shaped region may have an upper right portion, an upper left portion, and a lower central portion. Knitting the front portion includes, at step <NUM>, knitting a plurality of front courses with a first yarn on a front bed, and at step <NUM>, knitting plurality of back courses with a second yarn on a back bed.

At step <NUM>, a plurality of intermediate courses is knitted with a third yarn interlooping with the plurality of front courses and the plurality of back courses. One or more intermediate courses of the plurality of intermediate courses are knitted with one or more tuck stitches on either the front bed or the back bed and one or more float stitches arranged between the front courses and the back courses. The tuck stitches within an intermediate course may alternate between the front bed and the back bed. The intermediate courses have a greater ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the Y-shaped region than in the first breast-contacting region. The or more intermediate courses has a first ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the Y-shaped region and a second ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the first breast-contacting region, where the first ratio is greater than the second ratio.

In example aspects, the front portion of the bra further includes a second breast-contacting region, such as second breast-contacting region <NUM>, that is separated from the first breast-contacting region by the Y-shaped region. As such, when forming the one or more intermediate courses within the front portion, the intermediate courses has a third ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the second breast-contacting region where the third ratio is less than the first ratio of the Y-shaped region. In some aspects, the third ratio within the second breast-contacting region is the same or substantially the same as the second ratio within the first breast-contacting region.

In some aspects, the front portion further includes a first wing region, such as first wing region <NUM>, positioned adjacent the first breast-contacting region and a second wing region, such as second wing region <NUM>, positioned adjacent the second breast-contacting region. The one or more intermediate courses may have a fourth ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the first wing region and a fifth ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the second wing region. The fourth ratio and the fifth ratio within the first wing region and the second wing region, respectively, are greater than the second ratio and the third ratio of the first breast-contacting region and the second breast-contacting region, respectively.

Some aspects of method <NUM> further includes knitting a back portion of the bra, such as the back portion <NUM>. The back portion may be knitted in a weft-knitting process. Further, in some aspects, the back portion is knitted by knitting a plurality of a plurality of front courses with a first yarn on a front bed and knitting plurality of back courses with a second yarn on a back bed. Further, in some aspects, knitting the back portion includes knitting a plurality of intermediate courses with a third yarn interlooping with the plurality of front courses and the plurality of back courses within the back portion. In some aspects, one or more intermediate courses of the plurality of intermediate courses include one or more tuck stitches on either the front bed or the back bed and one or more float stitches arranged between the front courses and the back courses.

Method <NUM> may further include affixing the front portion and the back portion. Affixing the front portion to the back portion may include affixing a first front lateral edge (e.g., <NUM>) to a first back lateral edge (e.g., <NUM>) and affixing a second front lateral edge (e.g., <NUM>) to a second back lateral edge (<NUM>). Affixing the front portion and the back portion may further include affixing a first front strap portion to a first back strap portion and affixing a second front strap portion to a second back strap portion to create a neck hole for the bra. It is contemplated that method <NUM> may include affixing technologies such as stitching, bonding, welding, and the like.

In accordance with example aspects of this disclosure, a bra, such as the bra <NUM>, is knitted such that the front portion and the back portion are knitted in different directions. In example aspects, both the front portion and the back portion are knitted in a weft-knitting process forming a plurality of loops arranged in courses and wales. Further, the knitting direction of the front portion may be orthogonal to the knitting direction of the back portion such that, when the front portion and the back portion are joined, courses within the front portion extend in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the courses within the back portion.

Additionally, aspects of method <NUM> may further include knitting the front portion and the back portion to create flat knit edges that are free from surrounding material when the front portion and the back portion are knitted. In this way, the edges of the front portion and the back portion may be finished (e.g. without fraying or unraveling) without additional post-knitting finishing processes.

For example, <FIG> depict the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM>, respectively. The front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> may have the same characteristics described with respect to <FIG>. The front portion <NUM> may include a first front strap portion 192A having a front strap superior edge 196A and a second front strap portion 192B having a front strap superior edge 196B. The front portion <NUM> may also include the neckline edge <NUM> between the front strap superior edges 196A and 196B. In example aspects, the front portion <NUM> extends from the front strap superior edges 196A and 196B and the neckline edge <NUM> to the bottom chestband edge <NUM> that forms a lower margin of the front portion <NUM>. Additionally, the front portion <NUM> may extend from the first front lateral edge <NUM> to the second front lateral edge <NUM>.

Similarly, the back portion <NUM> may include a first back strap portion 194A having a back strap superior edge 198A and a second back strap portion 194B having a back strap superior edge 198B. Additionally, the back portion <NUM> may also include the neckline edge <NUM> between the back strap superior edges 198A and 198B. In example aspects, the back portion <NUM> extends from the back strap superior edges 198A and 198A and the neckline edge <NUM> to the bottom chestband edge <NUM> that forms a lower margin of the back portion <NUM>. Additionally, the back portion <NUM> may extend from the first back lateral edge <NUM> to the second back lateral edge <NUM>.

In example aspects, the front portion <NUM> is knitted in a direction indicated by the front knitting direction arrow <NUM>, which extends along the height of the front portion <NUM> from the front strap superior edges 196A and 196B to the bottom chestband edge <NUM>. As such, in example aspects, knitting of the front portion <NUM> may begin with knitting the bottom chestband edge <NUM> and end with knitting the front strap superior edges 196A and 196B or vice versa. Further, the knit courses forming the front portion <NUM> may extend as indicated by the front course direction arrow <NUM>, which is across the width of the front portion <NUM>. In order words, the knit courses within the front portion <NUM> may extend in a horizontal direction when a bra, such as the bra <NUM>, having the front portion <NUM> is in an as-worn configuration. Stated differently, the front course direction arrow <NUM> may extend between the first armhole edge <NUM> and the second armhole edge <NUM>.

Additionally, in example aspects, the back portion <NUM> is knitted in a direction indicated by the back knitting direction arrow <NUM>, which extends along the width of the back portion <NUM> from the first back lateral edge <NUM> to the second back lateral edge <NUM>. As such, in example aspects, knitting the back portion <NUM> may begin with knitting the first back lateral edge <NUM> and end with knitting the second back lateral edge <NUM> or vice versa. Further, the knit courses forming the back portion <NUM> may extend as indicated by the back course direction arrow <NUM>, which is across the height of the back portion <NUM>. In order words, the knit courses within the back portion <NUM> may extend in a vertical direction when a bra, such as the bra <NUM>, having the back portion <NUM> is in an as-worn configuration. Stated differently, the back course direction arrow <NUM> may extend between the neckline edge <NUM> and the bottom chestband edge <NUM>. When the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> are joined, the knit courses within the front portion <NUM> extend perpendicular to the knit courses within the back portion <NUM>.

Knitting the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> in different directions may facilitate creating different structures for the front portion <NUM> and the back portion <NUM>. For instance, knitting the front portion <NUM> such that the courses extend horizontally across the width of the front portion <NUM> may provide more stretch in the horizontal direction to provide flexibility when the bra <NUM> is being donned or doffed and more vertical stability to provide support to the wearer's breasts.

Knitting the back portion <NUM> in the opposite direction increases efficiencies when creating openings. For example, as discussed with respect to <FIG>, example aspects of the back portion <NUM> include the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that are generally vertically extending in that the height of each opening is greater than the respective width. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> delineate edges of strap portions as the strap portion <NUM> is formed between the openings <NUM> and <NUM> and the strap portion <NUM> is formed between the openings <NUM> and <NUM>. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (as well as the resulting strap portions <NUM> and <NUM>) are arranged side-by-side along a horizontal midline of the back portion <NUM>. In this way, if the back portion <NUM> were knitted in a vertical direction such as the direction the front portion <NUM> is knit, a single course within the back portion <NUM> may intersect with each of the openings <NUM>, and <NUM>, and <NUM>, which would require multiple instances of binding off within each course forming the strap portions <NUM> and <NUM>. On the other hand, when the back portion <NUM> is knitted in a horizontal direction, as indicated in <FIG>, less binding off is required as courses are formed in a vertical direction that correspond to the generally vertical direction in which the strap portions <NUM> and <NUM> extend.

Further, in some aspects, the strap portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be knit with different yarns than the rest of the back portion <NUM>, and/or the strap portion <NUM> may be knit with different yarns than the strap portion <NUM>. The different yarns may provide different visual properties, such as different colors or different textures, or may provide other structural changes, such as weight, moisture wicking properties, and stretch properties. As such, when the strap portions <NUM> and <NUM> are knitted with different yarns, knitting the back portion <NUM> in a horizontal direction is more efficient than knitting in a vertical direction, which would require multiple knitting machine carriers to change yarns across a course when knitting the strap portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, a flow diagram is provided depicting an example method <NUM> of manufacturing a bra, such as the bra <NUM>, with the front and back portions knitted in different directions. In example aspects, knitting steps within method <NUM> are weft-knitting processes. At step <NUM>, a front portion, such as the front portion <NUM>, of the bra is knitted by forming a first plurality of courses extending along a first direction. At step <NUM>, a back portion, such as the back portion <NUM>, of the bra is knitted by forming a second plurality of courses extending along a second direction. In example aspects, the first direction corresponds to the front knitting direction arrow <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, and the second direction corresponds to the back knitting direction arrow <NUM> in <FIG>.

At step <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes joining the front portion to the back portion. In example aspects, step <NUM> includes affixing the front portion to the back portion by affixing a first front lateral edge (e.g., <NUM>) to a first back lateral edge (e.g., <NUM>) and affixing a second front lateral edge (e.g., <NUM>) to a second back lateral edge (e.g., <NUM>). Step <NUM> may further include affixing the front strap superior edges (e.g., 196A and 196B) of the front strap portions (e.g., 192A and 192B) to back strap superior edges (e.g., 198A and 198B) of the back strap portions (e.g., such as 194A and <NUM>) creating a neck hole for the bra. It is contemplated that method <NUM> may include utilizing means of affixing the front and back portions such as by stitching, bonding, and the like.

When the front portion is joined to the back portion, the first direction of the first plurality of courses of the front portion is orthogonal to the second direction of the second plurality of courses of the back portion. In example aspects, the first direction is horizontal and the second direction is vertical when the bra is in an as-worn configuration.

In example aspects, one or both of the front portion and the back portion are knitted to have a double-knit textile structure with a plurality of front courses formed of a first yarn and a plurality of back courses formed of a second yarn. Further, one or both of the front portion and the back portion include a plurality of intermediate courses formed of a third yarn that interloops with the plurality of front courses and the plurality of back courses. In example aspects, one or more intermediate courses are knitted to have one or more tuck stitches and one or more float stitches. Additionally, when a bra having the front portion joined to the back portion is in an as-worn configuration, float stitches within the intermediate courses in the front portion may extend in a horizontal direction while float stitches within the intermediate courses in the back portion may extend in a vertical direction.

Claim 1:
A bra (<NUM>) comprising: a double-knit front portion (<NUM>) comprising a Y-shaped region (<NUM>) and a first breast-contacting region (<NUM>), the Y-shaped region (<NUM>) having an upper right portion (<NUM>), an upper left portion (<NUM>), and a lower central portion (<NUM>); characterized in that the double-knit front portion (<NUM>) comprises: a plurality of front courses formed by a first yarn; a plurality of back courses formed by a second yarn; and a plurality of intermediate courses formed by a third yarn interlooping with the plurality of front courses and the plurality of back courses, one or more intermediate courses of the plurality of intermediate courses having one or more tuck stitches and one or more float stitches, wherein the one or more intermediate courses of the plurality of intermediate courses each has a first ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the Y-shaped region (<NUM>) and a second ratio of float stitches to tuck stitches within the first breast-contacting region (<NUM>), the first ratio being greater than the second ratio.