Woven bra with integrated ties

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to a woven textile component for a bra. The woven textile component includes a base strand of a first material forming a breast-covering portion and a strap including one or more strands of a second material having a property different from the first property. The strap is integrally woven within a portion of the woven textile component. A first section of the strap may extend in a first direction away from an inner periphery of the breast-covering portion, and a second section may extend in a second direction toward the inner periphery. The strap may extend along an outer region of the breast-covering portion, and the woven textile component may include a second strap extending along the inner region. The woven textile may also include a second breast-covering portion with the base strand and an integrated strap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects herein are directed to a bra with a knitted component having integrated ties and a method of making a knitted component with integrated ties for a bra. Background Art

[0002] Traditional bras, including sports bras, utilize different materials and constructions to provide a specific level of support to the wearer. Activities involving greater movement require some bras that provide higher support, such as high-intensity exercise. Other bras that provide 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 low support, and can switch bras between different types of activities based on the level of support required. Additionally, while some traditional bras have sliders to adjust the length of the shoulder straps, the use of the sliders can typically only adjust the fit of the bra in one direction (e.g., vertically). Therefore, traditional bras do not provide a mechanism to effectively change the level of support within the bra for different activities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Examples of various aspects of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] Figure 1 depicts a left front perspective view of an example knitted bra with outer side ties being worn in accordance with aspects herein;

[0005] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The following are some of the aspects of this article: Figure 1 A front perspective view of a bra;

[0006] Figure 3 The following are some of the aspects of this article: Figure 1 Rear view of the bra;

[0007] Figure 4 The following are some of the aspects of this article: Figure 1 A close-up view of a portion of the breast-covering portion of a bra;

[0008] Figure 5 An alternative configuration according to various aspects of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 A close-up view of a portion of the breast-covering portion of a bra;

[0009] Figure 6 An alternative configuration according to various aspects of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 A close-up view of a portion of the breast-covering portion of a bra;

[0010] Fig. 7A and Figure 7Bdepicts a front perspective view of a knitted bra with outer and inner ties according to aspects herein; and

[0011] Figure 8 A flow chart is depicted of an example method of making a knitted bra with integrated ties according to aspects herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The subject matter of the present invention is specifically described herein to meet statutory requirements. However, this description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Instead, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter may also be embodied in other ways in conjunction with other current or future technologies to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the steps described in this document. In addition, although the terms "step" and / or "box" may be used herein to identify different elements of the method employed, unless and in addition to the order of the individual steps being explicitly stated, these terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between the various steps disclosed herein.

[0013] Bras worn during physical activities, such as sports bras, are generally intended to provide a specific level of support. For example, some bras provide a high level of support for the wearer's breasts and are generally intended for activities involving a lot of movement or impact, such as high-intensity exercise. Other types of bras that provide a lower level of support may be more comfortable during activities involving less impact, such as yoga or Pilates. However, traditional bras do not generally provide two levels of support, and if different levels of support are desired, people may need to switch bras between different types of activities. Some types of training involve high-intensity and lower-intensity training, so that it is desirable to adjust the level of support without the need for different bras. Additionally, since athleisure wear and sports bras are generally worn for non-athletic daily activities, people who wear low-support bras while running may wish to easily switch to high-support bras for training without changing them for comfort. Although some existing bras for athletic activities include sliders (also called 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 the wearer's breasts. Additionally, the sliders may typically be located on the rear portion of the shoulder straps, preventing the wearer from easily adjusting the straps while wearing the bra.

[0014] At a high level, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a knitted textile component for a bra. The knitted textile component includes a base strand of a first material forming a breast-covering portion and a strap including one or more strands of a second material. The strap is integrally knitted with a portion of the knitted textile component such that a first segment of the strap extends away from an inner periphery of the breast-covering portion in a first direction and a second segment extends toward the inner periphery in a second direction. The first material of the base strand has a first property that is different from a second property of a second material of the strap. For example, the second material of the strap can have a higher denier than the first material forming the base strand. Additionally or alternatively, the second material of the strap can have a higher tenacity than the first material forming the base strand.

[0015] The strap may include a non-integrated segment that floats on at least a portion of the base strands of the knitted textile component. The non-integrated segment may be located in an upper region of the breast-covering portion, which may form a portion of the shoulder strap. The non-integrated segment of the strap may be at least about two inches in length, so that a wearer of the bra with the knitted textile component can grasp the non-integrated segment with their fingers to tighten the strap.

[0016] In an exemplary aspect, the strap is an outer strap extending from a lower periphery of the breast-covering portion along an outer region of the breast-covering portion and extending to an upper region of the breast-covering portion. The knitted textile component may also include an inner strap formed from one or more strands of the second material, the inner strap being integrally woven with the second portion of the knitted textile component along an inner region of the breast-covering portion. The inner strap may include a first segment extending in a third direction toward the inner periphery of the breast-covering portion and a second segment extending away from the inner periphery in a fourth direction. The inner strap may also include an unintegrated segment coupled to an unintegrated segment of the outer strap. In this manner, a single unintegrated segment having strands from the inner strap and the outer strap may be grasped simultaneously.

[0017] A further aspect includes a bra that includes a woven textile component that forms a first breast-covering portion and a second breast-covering portion. Each breast-covering portion can have a similar construction as the woven textile component described above. That is, each breast-covering portion is woven together with a base strand of a first material and includes a lace integrated into the woven textile component, and the lace includes one or more strands of a second material. The first material has a first property that is different from a second property of the second material. In some aspects, the first breast-covering portion and the second breast-covering portion are woven separately and secured together in a central region of the bra.

[0018] In an exemplary aspect, the straps of the knitted textile component of the bra include a first outer strap and a second outer strap. The first outer strap extends from the lower periphery of the first breast covering portion along the outer region of the first breast covering portion and extends to the upper region of the first breast covering portion. More specifically, the first outer strap may include a first integrated segment extending away from the central region between the first breast covering portion and the second breast covering portion in a first direction and a second integrated segment extending toward the central region in a second direction. Similarly, the second outer strap extends from the lower periphery of the second breast covering portion along the outer region of the second breast covering portion and extends to the upper region of the second breast covering portion. In addition, the second outer strap may include a first integrated segment extending away from the central region in a third direction and a second integrated segment extending toward the central region in a fourth direction. In an exemplary aspect, the first and fourth directions are substantially parallel, and the second and third directions are substantially parallel. Each of the first and second outer straps may also include an unintegrated segment, wherein the outer strap floats on a portion of the knitted textile component in the upper region of the corresponding breast covering portion. The upper region may form a shoulder portion of the bra.

[0019] Some aspects of the bra also include a first inner strap and a second inner strap made from one or more strands of the second material. The first inner strap can be integrated into the knitted textile component such that it extends from a lower periphery of the first breast-covering portion, along an inner region of the first breast-covering portion, and toward an upper region of the first breast-covering portion. Similarly, the second inner strap can be integrated into the knitted textile component such that it extends from a lower periphery of the second breast-covering portion, along an inner region of the second breast-covering portion, and toward an upper region of the second breast-covering portion.

[0020] A manufacturing method includes knitting a first knitted textile component that forms a first breast-covering portion and a second knitted textile component that forms a second breast-covering portion. The method also includes integrally knitting a first strap within the first knitted textile component and integrally knitting a second strap within the second knitted textile component. As previously described, the textile component may be formed from a base strand of a first material having a first property, and the strap may include a strand of a second material having a second property different from the first property. In some aspects, the first knitted textile component and the second knitted textile component are separately knitted and secured together at least along their respective medial perimeters. Other aspects of the method include floating a non-integrated segment of the first strap over at least a portion of the first knitted textile component in an upper region of the first breast-covering portion, and floating a non-integrated segment of the second strap over at least a portion of the second knitted textile component in an upper region of the second breast-covering portion.

[0021] In an exemplary aspect, the first strap and the second strap are each an outer strap extending from a lower periphery of the respective breast-covering portion along the outer region and extending to the upper region. Some aspects of the method of manufacturing a bra also include integrally knitting a first inner strap with the first knitted textile component and integrally knitting a second inner strap with the second knitted textile component. Each inner strap can extend from a lower periphery of the respective breast-covering portion along the inner region and extending to the upper region.

[0022] As used herein, the term "bra" encompasses any structure that is configured to be worn about the torso of a wearer and at least partially covers the wearer's breasts. Although aspects of this document are discussed with respect to bras, it should be understood that the disclosed technology is not limited to bras and can be applied to any upper torso garment used to support breast tissue, such as a camisole, a swimsuit, a tank top, or other garment with built-in breast support. The term "breast-covering portion" means the portion of a bra that substantially covers the wearer's breasts. Thus, as used herein, a first breast-covering portion is configured to substantially cover the wearer's left breast, and a second breast-covering portion is configured to substantially cover the wearer's right breast.

[0023] Positional terms used in describing a bra, such as front, side, back, above, below, top, bottom, up, down, outside, inside, right, left, facing inward, and facing outward, are used relative to the bra being worn as intended, with the wearer standing upright so 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 wearer's chest. Additionally, the front portion of the bra is configured to at least partially cover the wearer's breasts, and the back portion is configured to at least partially cover the wearer's back. The shoulder straps are configured to extend from the front portion to the back portion over the wearer's shoulders and at least partially define an opening through which the wearer's arms extend and an opening through which the wearer's head and neck extend. However, it should be understood that for purposes of explanation, the use of positional terms does not depend on the actual presence of a person.

[0024] As used herein, the term "woven textile component" refers to a textile produced by weaving. Weaving is the process of interlacing or interweaving three or more strands of yarn and / or filaments diagonally with the product axis. The product axis is the axis along which the product is usually woven. For example, the product axis for a woven bra can usually extend from a neck opening to a torso opening. Diagonal interlacing means that the strands are at an angle (called the weaving angle) to the product axis, which can be between 1 and 89, but is typically in the range of 30 to 80. Some aspects of a woven textile component also include one or more longitudinal strands extending parallel to the product axis, such as with triaxial weaving. A woven textile component can be formed by a linear woven product (rope), a hollow tubular woven shell, or a solid woven structure (one-dimensional, two-dimensional or three-dimensional textile) with a constant or variable cross-section and a closed or open appearance.

[0025] As further described herein, braiding provides advantages over other processes, such as knitting or weaving. For example, braiding reduces the friction force applied to the yarn for forming the braided textile component. Braiding also has the ability to use high denier yarn (for example, from about 800D to about 20000D, from about 1000D to about 10000D, from about 1000D to about 5000D etc.) and the ability of combining different types of yarn with non-yarn materials, such as, for example, rubber strands, ropes, metals, etc. Additionally, the resulting braided structure (for example, braided textile component) can have a larger ability to adapt to various shapes compared with conventional woven materials, while also having a larger ability to lock specific shapes and effectively distribute power compared with conventional knitted materials.

[0026] As used herein, the term "integrally woven" may refer to a woven textile having at least one common strand that is interlaced or interwoven to form a woven structure in multiple areas of the textile. In this way, the areas that are integrally woven together have seamless transitions.

[0027] Additionally, various numerical measurements are provided herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "about" or "substantially" with respect to a measurement means within ±10% of the indicated value. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, all measurements provided herein are with respect to a bra in a static state (i.e., unstretched) at standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15K and 100kPa).

[0028] Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 Various views of an example bra 100 are depicted. Figure 1 Example bra 100 is depicted being worn. Figure 2A and Figure 2B depicts a right front perspective view and a left front perspective view, respectively, and Figure 3A rear view of the bra 100 is depicted. As shown, the bra 100 includes a front portion 102 that generally covers at least a portion of the wearer's chest when the bra 100 is in a wearing configuration and a rear portion 104 that generally covers at least a portion of the wearer's back when the bra 100 is in a wearing configuration. The bra 100 may also include a pair of shoulder straps 112 and 114, each shoulder strap extending between the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104. The front portion 102 generally extends from a first armhole edge 116 to a second armhole edge 118 (eg, Figure 3 ), extending from the first front outer edge 106 to the second front outer edge 108 (as shown in Figure 3 102 ), and extends from the neckline edge 117 to the bottom edge 119. The shoulder straps 112 and 114 extend from the upper portion of the front portion 102, and the optional underband 110 forms the lower region of the front portion 102.

[0029] The rear portion 104 extends from shoulder straps 112 and 114 that couple the rear portion 104 to the front portion 102. The rear portion 104 generally extends from the first armhole edge 316 to the second armhole edge 318 and from the first rear lateral edge 306 to the second rear lateral edge 308. In exemplary aspects, the first rear lateral edge 306 and the second rear lateral edge 308 can each include a seam edge, wherein the rear portion 104 is coupled to the front portion 102 along the first front lateral edge 106 and the second front lateral edge 108. Alternatively, the first rear lateral edge 306 and the second rear lateral edge 308 can include an imaginary border that delimits the rear portion 104, and the first front lateral edge 106 and the second front lateral edge 108 can include an imaginary border that delimits the front portion 102. In some aspects, the rear portion 104 can include one or more closure mechanisms, such as one or more hook and eye structures, that releasably couple two sections of the rear portion 104. Figure 3 The configuration in is merely illustrative, and the rear portion may have other configurations known in the art.

[0030] At least a portion of the front portion 102 of the bra 100 is formed by a knitted textile component 130, which includes a first breast-covering portion 140 and a second breast-covering portion 150. The knitted textile component 130 is made of base strands, such that each of the first breast-covering portion 140 and the second breast-covering portion 150 is made of a base strand (e.g., base strands 134 and 136). The base strands are knitted together such that each base strand extends diagonally from the product axis. The knitted structure of the first breast-covering portion 140 and the second breast-covering portion 150 can have a greater ability to conform to a variety of shapes, such as the wearer's breasts, while also having sufficient strength to lock in place and effectively distribute forces, providing advantages over some knitted and woven materials.

[0031] To keep it simple, Figure 1 , FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B 102 and other figures herein schematically depict the woven structure as lines, and it should be understood that each line depicted within woven textile component 130 represents a woven strand as defined above. Also for simplicity, the woven structure is depicted in only a portion of front portion 102 in these figures, but it is contemplated that the woven structure of woven textile component 130 may form all or substantially all of the outward-facing surface of front portion 102. Furthermore, woven textile component 130 may have different weave densities. For example, a central region of first breast-covering portion 140 and second breast-covering portion 150 may have a lower weave density such that the spacing between strands is greater than in regions having a higher weave density. A higher weave density may be provided in the middle of the first breast-covering portion 140 and the second breast-covering portion 150. Figure 1 and areas of the front portion 102 shaded white in FIG. 2 , such as the shoulder straps 112 and 114 , the periphery of the first breast-covering portion 140 and the second breast-covering portion 150 , the central region 132 , and the lower band 110 .

[0032] Because portions of the knitted structure may be more open, some aspects of the front portion 102 of the bra 100 may also optionally include a lining layer 302 forming an inner-facing surface of the front portion 102, such as Figure 310. Lining layer 302 may be a knitted or woven textile and may provide a modesty effect for the wearer. Lining layer 302 may extend from first armhole edge 116 to second armhole edge 118, from first front outer side edge 106 to second front outer side edge 108, and from neckline edge 117 to bottom edge 119. In some aspects, lining layer 302 is attached to knitted textile component 130 along their respective edges. In some aspects, lining layer 302 is located below at least a portion of first breast-covering portion 140 and at least a portion of second breast-covering portion 150 of knitted textile component 130, but lining layer 302 may have a smaller surface area than knitted textile component 130, so that there may be one or more portions of knitted textile component 130 that are not adjacent to lining layer 302. In some aspects, lining layer 302 may only be present in areas of knitted textile component 130 with a lower knit density, such as, for example, in first breast-covering portion 140 and second breast-covering portion 150.

[0033] Central region 132 of knitted textile component 130 separates first breast-covering portion 140 and second breast-covering portion 150. First breast-covering portion 140 may extend from central region 132 to first front lateral edge 106, and second breast-covering portion 150 may extend from central region 132 to second front lateral edge 108. Central region 132 may define inner periphery 148 of first breast-covering portion 140 and inner periphery 158 of second breast-covering portion 150. In example aspects, first breast-covering portion 140 and second breast-covering portion 150 are knitted separately and secured together in central region 132. For example, first breast-covering portion 140 and second breast-covering portion 150 may be permanently secured together in central region 132 via stitching or bonding. As such, central region 132 may include a seam. In some aspects, first breast-covering portion 140 and second breast-covering portion 150 may be releasably coupled in central region 132 via one or more buttons, pairs of hooks and eyes, hooks and loops, and the like. In alternative aspects, the first breast-covering portion 140 and the second breast-covering portion 150 may be integrally woven such that the central region 132 may be seamless.

[0034] Knitted textile component 130 also includes ties integrated into the knitted structure. For example, first breast-covering portion 140 includes first outer lace 160, and second breast-covering portion 150 includes second outer lace 170. The lace is made of a different material than the base strand. For example, the base strand is made of a first material having a first property, while first outer lace 160 and second outer lace 170 are both made of a second material having a different property. In some aspects, the second material of first outer lace 160 and second outer lace 170 has a higher denier than the first material of the base strand. For example, the second material may include strands having a denier in a range from about 800D to about 20,000D, from about 1,000D to about 10,000D, and from about 1,000D to about 5,000D, while the first material may include strands having a denier less than about 800D. Additionally or alternatively, the second material may have a higher tenacity than the first material of the base strand. For example, the second material may include carbon fiber yarn, aramid fiber yarn, liquid crystal polymer yarn, high strength nylon yarn, etc. In example aspects, the first material of the base strand is nylon with a lower denier and / or toughness than the second material. In other aspects, the first material is polyester with a lower denier and / or toughness than the second material. In some aspects, the first material of the base strand includes nylon and elastic fiber or polyester and elastic fiber. In some instances, the first material and the second material can differ in other properties, such as elasticity or color.

[0035] In an exemplary aspect, first outer strap 160 and second outer strap 170 within knitted textile component 130 are intended to adjust support for the outer side of a wearer's breasts when bra 100 is worn. Thus, first outer strap 160 can extend along outer region 144 of first breast-covering portion 140, and second outer strap 170 can extend along outer region 154 of second breast-covering portion 150. Furthermore, first outer strap 160 can extend from lower region 142 of first breast-covering portion 140 to upper region 146, and second outer strap 170 can extend from lower region 152 of second breast-covering portion 150 to upper region 156. As such, each of first outer strap 160 and second outer strap 170 can extend the entirety or a majority of the length of the respective breast-covering portion. In some aspects, lower regions 142 and 152 are lower perimeters of first breast-covering portion 140 and second breast-covering portion 150, respectively, which can be adjacent to lower band 110. In addition, some aspects of upper regions 146 and 156 are configured to cover the top of the wearer's breasts when bra 100 is worn. In some aspects, upper regions 146 and 156 include regions configured to cover the wearer from the top of the breasts to the shoulders when bra 100 is worn. Thus, upper region 146 of first breast-covering portion 140 can form a first shoulder portion corresponding to at least a portion of shoulder strap 112, and upper region 156 of second breast-covering portion 150 can form a second shoulder portion corresponding to at least a portion of shoulder strap 114.

[0036] In exemplary aspects, when the bra 100 is worn by extending in different directions, the first outer strap 160 and the second outer strap 170 are both formed around the breasts of the wearer. For example, the first outer strap 160 includes a first section 162 extending upward from the lower region 142 and a second section 164 extending from the first section 162 toward the upper region 146. The first section 162 extends upward from the lower region 142 in a first direction away from the central region 132, and the second section 164 extends from the first section 162 in a second direction toward the central region 132. The angle between the first direction and the second direction can be in the range of from about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, from about 75 degrees to about 115 degrees, and from about 90 degrees to about 110 degrees.

[0037] The second outer side strap 170 may have a mirrored configuration of the first outer side strap 160. For example, the second outer side strap 170 may include a first segment 172 extending upward from the lower region 152 of the second breast-covering portion 150 and a second segment 174 extending from the first segment 172 toward the upper region 156. The first segment 172 extends upward from the lower region 152 in a third direction away from the central region 132, and the second segment 174 extends from the first segment 172 in a fourth direction toward the central region 132. The angle between the third direction and the fourth direction may be in a range from about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, from about 75 degrees to about 115 degrees, and from about 90 degrees to about 110 degrees.

[0038] The first, second, third, and fourth directions can all be diagonal to the product axis of knitted textile component 130. In some aspects, the first direction of first segment 162 of first lateral tether 160 is parallel to the fourth direction of second segment 174 of second lateral tether 170, and the second direction of second segment 164 of first lateral tether 160 is parallel to the third direction of first segment 172 of second lateral tether 170.

[0039] At least a portion of each of the first outer lace 160 and the second outer lace 170 can be integrated into the respective breast covering portion via weaving. For example, the first segment 162 and the second segment 164 of the first outer lace 160 can be integrally woven with the base strands of the first breast covering portion 140, and the first segment 172 and the second segment 174 of the second outer lace 170 can be integrally woven with the base strands of the second breast covering portion 150. Therefore, the first segments 162 and 172 and the second segments 164 and 174 are also referred to herein as integrated segments. The first outer lace 160 and the second outer lace 170 can be intertwined with the base strands in a manner similar to the way the base strands are intertwined. In this way, the first segment 162 and the second segment 164 can each be parallel to the base strands forming the first breast covering portion 140, and the first segment 172 and the second segment 174 can each be parallel to the base strands forming the second breast covering portion 150. In this way, the tension applied to the outer tethers 160 and 170 can be effectively distributed to other portions of the corresponding first breast-covering portion 140 and second breast-covering portion 150 via the knitted structure.

[0040] In exemplary aspects, the first lateral tether 160 and the second lateral tether 170 each include a plurality of strands. For example, the first lateral tether 160 includes three strands 160A, 160B, and 160C, and the second lateral tether 170 includes three strands 170A, 170B, and 170C. It is contemplated that the first lateral tether 160 and the second lateral tether 170 may have more or fewer strands. The strands 160A, 160B, and 160C may be substantially parallel to one another in the first section 162 and the second section 164, and the strands 170A, 170B, and 170C may be substantially parallel to one another in the first section 172 and the second section 174. Furthermore, in some aspects, the strands in each of the first lateral tether 160 and the second lateral tether 170 may be spaced apart from one another by base strands extending parallel to the lateral tethers. In one example, a base strand (e.g., Figure 2B 134) is located between and parallel to strands 170A and 170B, and one of the basic strands (e.g., Figure 2B The base strands 136 in the first and second breast-covering portions 140 and 150 are located between and parallel to the strands 170B and 170C. The base strands can be similarly spaced apart from the strands 160A-160C of the first outer tether 160. By spacing apart the strands of the outer tethers 160 and 170, tension can be distributed through wider areas of the respective first and second breast-covering portions 140, 150.

[0041] In addition to the integrated segments, first outer strap 160 and second outer strap 170 may each include a non-integrated segment within the upper region of the corresponding breast-covering portion. First outer strap 160 includes non-integrated segment 166 in upper region 146 of first breast-covering portion 140, and second outer strap 170 includes non-integrated segment 176 in upper region 156 of second breast-covering portion 150. Non-integrated segments 166 and 176 float or overlie a portion of knitted textile component 130 within upper regions 146 and 156, respectively. Non-integrated segments 166 and 176 may be used as pulls for the wearer to adjust the fit of first breast-covering portion 140 and second breast-covering portion 150. Therefore, non-integrated segments 166 and 176 have sufficient length to allow the wearer's fingers to grasp each non-integrated segment 166 and 176. In exemplary aspects, each non-integrated segment 166 and 176 has a length of at least five centimeters. For example, the length of each non-integrated segment 166 and 176 may range from about 30 cm to about 5 cm, from about 25 cm to about 8 cm, or from about 20 cm to about 10 cm.

[0042] In exemplary aspects, each non-integrated segment 166 and 176 extends generally vertically within the shoulder straps 112 and 114, respectively, of the bra 100. Additionally, at least one end of each non-integrated segment 166 and 176 is adjacent to the integrated portion of the corresponding first outer strap 160 and the second outer strap 170, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and 6 The opposite end of the non-integrated segment can be secured to bra 100. For example, when the first end of non-integrated segment 166 is adjacent to the integrated segment, the second opposite end of non-integrated segment 166 can be secured to knitted textile component 130 of first breast-covering portion 140 via at least one of knitting, stitching, a loop structure, etc. Non-integrated segment 176 can be similarly secured to knitted textile component 130 of second breast-covering portion 150.

[0043] As described above, the first outer strap 160 and the second outer strap 170 can be used to adjust the fit of the first breast covering portion 140 and the second breast covering portion 150 on the wearer, respectively. When the wearer pulls the non-integrated section (e.g., the non-integrated section 166) upward, the integrated sections of the corresponding straps (e.g., the first section 162 and the second section 164 of the first outer strap 160) will pull the knitted structure upward and inward to increase the amount of support. The fastening mechanism (e.g., the slider 180) can be used to fix the non-integrated sections 166 and 176 in a shortened state after the wearer pulls the non-integrated sections 166 and 176 upward. To reduce the amount of support, the non-integrated sections 166 and 176 can be extended by manipulating the fastening mechanism. Because the non-integrated sections 166 and 176 are located on the front portion 102 of the bra 100, the wearer can easily access the non-integrated sections 166 and 176 to change the level of support without removing the bra 100.

[0044] In general, the amount of local tension that can be applied via the first outer lace 160 and the second outer lace 170 can depend on the material of the first outer lace 160 and the second outer lace 170 and how the first outer lace 160 and the second outer lace 170 are integrated with the base strands of the first breast-covering portion 140 and the second breast-covering portion 150, respectively. For example, outer laces made of materials with higher denier and / or less elasticity can create more tension on the outer sides of the first breast-covering portion 140 and the second breast-covering portion 150, rather than distributing the tension when they are pulled. Additionally, the less integrated the first outer lace 160 and the second outer lace 170 are with the base strands, the greater the local tension when the first outer lace 160 and the second outer lace 170 are pulled. More specifically, the transition of the first outer lace 160 and the second outer lace 170 from an integrated to a non-integrated position and the manner in which the strands of the first outer lace 160 and the second outer lace 170 are twisted with the base strands can affect the amount of tension.

[0045] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 A close-up view of the first breast-covering portion 140 is provided and depicts different configurations for integrating the first lateral strap 160 within the upper region 146 of the first breast-covering portion 140 . Figures 4 to 6 Any of the configurations may be implemented in bra 100, and the particular configuration may affect the location of tension when non-integrated segment 166 is pulled upward. Figures 4 to 6 While depicted as a first outer side strap 160 within a first breast-covering portion 140 , it should be understood that the features described herein may be applied to a second outer side strap 170 within a second breast-covering portion 150 .

[0046] like Figures 4 to 6 As illustrated, the first outer tether 160 includes three strands 160A, 160B, and 160C, each strand including two yarns or filaments twisted together with a base strand such as base strand 138, which base strand 138 may also each include two yarns or filaments twisted together. It is contemplated that in other aspects, each of the strands 160A-160C and / or base strands may have a different number of yarns or filaments twisted together. Within at least the second integrated segment 164 of the first outer tether 160, the strands 160A-160C may be spaced apart from each other by parallel base strands. The strands 160A-160C may be similarly spaced apart within the first integrated segment 162, as Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the non-integrated segment 166 , all of the yarns or filaments forming the strands 160A to 160C may be twisted together so that there is a single strand forming the non-integrated segment 166 .

[0047] Figure 4 The non-integrated segment 166 and the top portion of the second integrated segment 164 are depicted. Additionally, the first lateral tether 160 includes a third integrated segment 168 extending between the second integrated segment 164 and the non-integrated segment 166. The third integrated segment 168 can extend vertically in a similar direction as the non-integrated segment 166. Thus, although the first integrated segment 162 (eg, Figure 2A The first integrated segment 162 and the second integrated segment 164 together form a boundary along the outer side of the wearer's breast, and the third integrated segment 168 connects this boundary to the non-integrated segment 166, so that pulling the non-integrated segment 166 can adjust the support of the first integrated segment 162 and the second integrated segment 164 along the wearer's breast.

[0048] In one or more of the integrated sections, each strand 160A-160C of the first outer tether 160 is interwoven with the base strands, with each strand 160A-160C crossing within the knitted structure of the first breast-covering portion 140. More specifically, the two yarns or filaments of each strand 160A-160C are woven together 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 together with the two yarns or filaments of the strands 160A-160C. For example, when strand 160A of first outer lace 160 and base strand 138 intersect each other, the first yarn or filament of strand 160A extends above the first yarn or filament of base strand 138 and below the second yarn or filament of base strand 138, while the second yarn or filament of strand 160A extends below the first yarn or filament of base strand 138 and above the second yarn or filament of base strand 138. With this configuration, the two yarns or filaments of each strand 160A to 160C are separated by the base strand, such as base strand 138, that each strand 160A to 160C crosses. For example, first integrated segment 162 and second integrated segment 164 can be integrated in this manner. Additionally, as Figure 4 As described, some aspects of bra 100 include a similarly integrated third integrated segment 168 such that each strand 160A-160C is interwoven with the base strands within the third integrated segment 168. Integrating the third integrated segment 168 in this manner results in less local tension because the forces generated when the wearer pulls on the adjacent non-integrated segment 166 are distributed among more of the base strands.

[0049] In addition, due to the presence of the third integrated section 168, the point where the first outer strap 160 transitions from integrated to unintegrated (which may be referred to herein as a transition point 182) is located within the first breast covering portion 140 so that it is configured to be located above the top of the wearer's breast when the bra 100 is worn. In exemplary aspects, the transition point 182 is configured to be located at or adjacent to the wearer's clavicle when the bra 100 is worn. In other aspects, the transition point 182 may be on the wearer's shoulder when the bra 100 is worn. The transition point 182 is positioned higher or further away from the wearer's breast, which may result in less local tension when the wearer pulls the unintegrated section 166 because more force is distributed between more base strands.

[0050] Figure 5 The configuration depicted in also includes a first lateral tether 160 having a third integrated segment 168 extending between the second integrated segment 164 and the non-integrated segment 166. Figure 4 The features described, including the location of the transition point 182, apply to Figure 5The first outer tether 160 in the braided structure is similar to the first outer tether 160 in the braided structure, except that the third integrated segment 168 is integrated with the base strands of the braided structure. In the third integrated segment 168, the two yarns or filaments of each strand 160A to 160C remain twisted together, rather than being separated as they pass through the base strands. When each strand 160A to 160C intersects with a base strand (e.g., base strand 138), the two yarns or filaments extend between the two or more yarns of the base strand. In this way, when the unintegrated segment 166 of the first outer tether 160 is pulled, each strand 160A to 160C within the third integrated segment 168 can slide between the yarns or filaments of the base strands, rather than pulling the base strands. As a result, the braided structure is more easily integrated with the first outer tether 160 than with the first outer tether 160. Figure 4 Compared to the depicted configuration, Figure 5 The configuration depicted in can create more localized tension around the lateral aspects of the wearer's breasts because the pulling force is not distributed among many base strands.

[0051] Figure 6 An alternative configuration of the first lateral tether 160 is depicted in which the non-integrated segment 166 is located directly adjacent to the second integrated segment 164, so that there is no third integrated segment. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In contrast, the transition point 182 where the first outer strap 160 changes from being integrated to being non-integrated is located lower within the upper region 146 of the first breast-covering portion 140. Figure 6 In one embodiment, for example, transition point 182 can be located at the top of a wearer's breast when bra 100 is worn. In other example aspects, transition point 182 can be positioned above the top of a wearer's breast, but closer to the breast than the wearer's clavicle. Due to this lower position, there are fewer integration points between first outer strap 160 and base strands. Thus, when the wearer pulls on non-integrated segment 166, the lower position of transition point 182 can result in more localized tension around the outer side of the wearer's breast.

[0052] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B 700 are depicted in right front and left front perspective views, respectively. Bra 700 includes a front portion 702 and a back portion 704, wherein the front portion 702 generally covers at least a portion of the wearer's chest when the bra 700 is in a wearing configuration, and the back portion 704 generally covers at least a portion of the wearer's back when the bra 700 is in a wearing configuration. Bra 700 may also include a pair of shoulder straps 712 and 714, each shoulder strap extending between the front portion 702 and the back portion 704. The back portion 704 may have the same features as the back portion 104 of the bra 100. Additionally, the front portion 702 may be substantially the same as the front portion 102 of the bra 100, except for the addition of an inner side strap as described herein. Therefore, the above reference Figures 1 to 6Features described for bra 100 may be applied to bra 700 unless otherwise indicated.

[0053] At least a portion of the front portion 702 of the bra 700 is formed by a knitted textile component 730, which is made of a base strand. The knitted textile component 730 forms a first breast-covering portion 740 and a second breast-covering portion 750. The knitted textile component 730 of the bra 700 also includes a first outer strap 760, which is integrated into the base strand of the first breast-covering portion 740 via knitting, and a second outer strap 770, which is integrated into the base strand of the second breast-covering portion 750 via knitting. Additionally, the knitted textile component 730 includes a first inner strap 780, which is integrated into the base strand of the first breast-covering portion 740 via knitting, and a second inner strap 790, which is integrated into the base strand of the second breast-covering portion 750 via knitting. First and second lateral laces 760, 770 and first and second medial laces 780, 790 may be made of materials having different properties, such as a higher denier or tenacity than the material of the base strands.

[0054] As described for bra 100, first outer strap 760 and second outer strap 770 each extend from a lower region (e.g., lower regions 742 and 752) along an outer region (e.g., outer regions 744 and 754) to an upper region (e.g., upper regions 746 and 756) of the respective breast covering portions. Similarly, first inner strap 780 extends from lower region 742 of first breast covering portion 740 along inner region 748 and to upper region 746, and second inner strap 790 extends from lower region 752 of second breast covering portion 750 along inner region 758 and to upper region 756. In some aspects, lower regions 742 and 752 are lower peripheries of first breast covering portion 740 and second breast covering portion 750, respectively, which may be adjacent to optional underband 710. In addition, some aspects of upper regions 746 and 756 are configured to cover the tops of the wearer's breasts when bra 700 is worn. In some aspects, upper regions 746 and 756 include regions configured to cover the wearer from the top of the wearer's breasts to the wearer's shoulders when bra 700 is worn. Thus, upper region 746 can form a first shoulder portion corresponding to at least a portion of shoulder strap 712, and upper region 756 can form a second shoulder portion corresponding to at least a portion of shoulder strap 714.

[0055] The first outer strap 760 and the second outer strap 770 each include a first integrated segment (e.g., segments 762 and 772) and a second integrated segment (e.g., segments 764 and 774) that are integrally woven with the base strands of the corresponding breast-covering portion. The first inner strap 780 and the second inner strap 790 also each include a first integrated segment (e.g., segments 782 and 792) and a second integrated segment (e.g., segments 784 and 794) that are integrally woven with the base strands of the corresponding breast-covering portion. The first outer strap 760 is coupled to the first inner strap 780 to form a first non-integrated strap segment 766, and the second outer strap 770 is coupled to the second inner strap 790 to form a second non-integrated strap segment 776.

[0056] The first non-integrated strap segment 766 and the second non-integrated strap segment 776 are configured to function as pulls for the wearer to adjust the support level within the first breast-covering portion 740 and the second breast-covering portion 750, respectively, as previously described with respect to the bra 100. Thus, the first non-integrated strap segment 766 and the second non-integrated strap segment 776 can each have a length sufficient to be grasped by the wearer's fingers, as described with respect to the bra 100. By pulling, the length of the first non-integrated strap segment 766 and the second non-integrated strap segment 776 can be shortened, and the length can be maintained by securing the first non-integrated strap segment 766 and the second non-integrated strap segment 776 with a fastening mechanism, such as the slider 716. Because the first inner strap 780 and the second inner strap 790 form part of the first non-integrated strap segment 766 and the second non-integrated strap segment 776, the first non-integrated strap segment 766 and the second non-integrated strap segment 776 can be formed from more yarns or filaments than the non-integrated segments 166 and 176 of the bra 100, but other features of the non-integrated segments 166 and 176 can be applied to the first non-integrated strap segment 766 and the second non-integrated strap segment 776.

[0057] The first outer strap 760 and the second outer strap 770 can each form a border along the outer area of ​​the corresponding breast covering portion to support the outer aspect of the wearer's breast, and the first inner strap 780 and the second inner strap 790 can each form a border along the inner area of ​​the corresponding first breast covering portion 740 and the second breast covering portion 750 to support the inner aspect of the wearer's breast. To be formed around the shape of the wearer's breast, the segments of the straps 760, 770, 780 and 790 can extend in different directions. Similar to the bra 100, the first integrated segment 762 of the first outer strap 760 extends upward from the lower region 742 in a first direction away from the central region 732 between the first breast covering portion 740 and the second breast covering portion 750, and the second segment 764 extends from the first segment 762 in a second direction toward the central region 732. The first integrated section 782 of the first inner side lace 780 extends upward from the lower area 742 in the third direction toward the central area 732, and the second section 784 extends from the first section 782 in the fourth direction away from the central area 732. The first integrated section 772 of the second outer side lace 770 extends upward from the lower area 752 in the third direction away from the central area 732, and the second section 774 extends from the first section 772 in the fourth direction toward the central area 732. The first integrated section 772 of the second inner side lace 790 extends upward from the lower area 742 in the first direction toward the central area 732, and the second section 794 extends from the first section 792 in the second direction away from the central area 732. The first and third directions can be substantially parallel, and the second and fourth directions can be substantially parallel. Additionally, the first, second, third, and fourth directions can be diagonal to the product axis of the woven textile component 730.

[0058] In example aspects, laces 760, 770, 780, and 790 each include a plurality of strands. In some aspects, each lateral lace 760 and 770 includes three strands that extend approximately parallel to each other through at least a portion of the corresponding lateral lace, and each medial lace 780 and 790 includes two strands that extend approximately parallel to each other through at least a portion of the corresponding medial lace. It is contemplated that more or fewer strands may be used for lateral laces and / or medial laces. Similarly, it is contemplated that in some aspects, the number of strands forming lateral laces 760 and 770 may be the same as the number of strands forming medial laces 780 and 790. For example, each of laces 760, 770, 780, or 790 may be formed by three strands, or each of laces 760, 770, 780, or 790 may be formed by two strands. Additionally, in some aspects, the strands in at least some of the laces 760, 770, 780, and 790 can be spaced apart from one another by base strands that extend parallel to the laces. In one example, a base strand is located between and parallel to each outer strand. For example, base strand 734 is located between and parallel to strands 770A and 770B of second outer lace 770, and base strand 736 is located between and parallel to strands 770B and 770C. Base strands can similarly space apart the strands of first outer lace 760. As shown in FIG. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As depicted, the strands forming the medial laces 780 and 790 can be closer together so that they are not spaced apart by parallel base strands. In alternative aspects, the strands of the medial laces 780 and 790 are spaced apart by about the same distance as the strands in the lateral laces 760 and 770.

[0059] Different configurations may be used within the upper portions of the first breast covering portion 740 and the second breast covering portion 750, which may affect how the laces 760, 770, 780, and 790 position tension when the first non-integrated lace segment 766 and the second non-integrated lace segment 776 are pulled. Figures 4 to 6 In some aspects, first lateral tether 760 and first medial tether 780 can each include a third integrated segment (e.g., segments 768 and 788) extending between second integrated segment 764 and first non-integrated tether segment 766 of the respective tether, and second lateral tether 770 and second medial tether 790 can each include a third integrated segment (e.g., segments 778 and 798) extending between second integrated segment and non-integrated tether segment 776 of the respective tether. Third integrated segments 768, 778, 788, 798 can be similar to those described above. Figure 4 or Figure 5In addition, the transition points between the integrated and non-integrated segments within each first breast covering portion 740 and the second breast covering portion 750 (e.g., transition point 718) can be as described with respect to Figure 4 and Figure 5 or Figure 6 Generally, the more integrated the first lateral tether 760 and the second lateral tether 770 and the first medial tether 780 and the second medial tether 790 are with the base strands, the less local tension will be applied to the lateral and medial aspects of the wearer's breasts when the first non-integrated tether segment 766 and the second non-integrated tether segment 776 are pulled because the tension may be distributed among more of the base strands.

[0060] Go to Figure 8 , a flow chart depicting an example method 800 for manufacturing a bra with one or more integrated straps, such as bra 100 or bra 700, is provided. At step 810, a first knitted textile component and a second knitted textile component are knitted with base strands and form first and second breast-covering portions, such as first and second breast-covering portions 140 and 150 or first and second breast-covering portions 740 and 750. The first and second knitted textile components may be collectively described herein as knitted textile component 130 or knitted textile component 730. The base strands include a first material having a first property.

[0061] At step 820, a first strap is integrally knitted with the first knitted textile component such that a first segment of the first strap extends in a first direction away from the inner periphery of the first breast-covering portion, and a second segment of the first strap extends in a second direction toward the inner periphery. At step 830, a second strap is integrally knitted with the second knitted textile component such that a first segment of the second strap extends in a third direction away from the inner periphery of the second breast-covering portion, and a second segment of the second strap extends in a fourth direction toward the inner periphery. The first strap and the second strap include one or more strands of a second material having a second property different from the first property. For example, the second material may have a greater denier and / or tenacity than the first material.

[0062] The first strap may have the features described with respect to the first outer strap 160 or 760, and the second strap may have the features described with respect to the second outer strap 170 or 770. Thus, the first strap may extend from the lower periphery of the first breast covering portion along the outer region of the first breast covering portion and to the upper region of the first breast covering portion. Similarly, the second strap may extend from the lower periphery of the second breast covering portion along the outer region of the second breast covering portion and to the upper region of the second breast covering portion. In some aspects, the first direction and the second direction form an angle from about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, and the third direction and the fourth direction also form an angle from about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees.

[0063] In some aspects, each strap includes a portion that is integrally woven with the woven textile component and a non-integrated portion so that it can be grasped by the wearer's fingers and used as a pull to adjust the support of the bra. For example, method 800 may include weaving a first segment and a second segment of a first strap with a first breast-covering portion, and floating the non-integrated segment of the first strap over at least a portion of the first woven textile component in an upper region of the first breast-covering portion. Method 800 may similarly include weaving a first segment and a second segment of a second strap integrally with a second breast-covering portion, and floating the non-integrated segment of the second strap over at least a portion of the second woven textile component in an upper region of the second breast-covering portion. In some aspects, each strap includes a third integrated segment that can slide between two yarns or filaments of intersecting base strands, as described with respect to Figure 5 described, or may be interwoven with the yarns or filaments of the intersecting elementary strands, as described with respect to Figure 4 as described.

[0064] Some aspects of 800 also include an integrally woven medial lace within the first and second woven textile components. The medial lace may have a Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Features of the first inner strap 780 and the second inner strap 790 described. Thus, the first inner strap can be integrally knitted with the first knitted textile component such that the first inner strap extends from the lower periphery of the first breast-covering portion, along the inner region of the first breast-covering portion, and to the upper region of the first breast-covering portion. The second inner strap can be integrally knitted with the second knitted textile component such that the second inner strap extends from the lower periphery of the second breast-covering portion, along the inner region of the second breast-covering portion, and to the upper region of the second breast-covering portion. Each inner strap can include one or more strands (e.g., two strands) of a second material having a second property.

[0065] Some aspects of method 800 include forming first and second woven textile components on a circular knitting machine. The first woven textile component and the second woven textile component can be woven into two tubular knitted structures, respectively. The first woven textile component and the second woven textile component can be removed from their respective tubular knitted structures and fixed together. The first woven textile component and the second woven textile component can be fixed along their respective inner regions to form a central region of the bra (e.g., central region 132 or 732). The two woven textile components can be fixed by stitching, bonding, etc. Alternatively, the two woven textile components can be woven into an integral knitted structure so that there is a seamless transition between the first breast covering portion and the second breast covering portion.

[0066] The first woven textile component and the second woven textile component can form a front portion of the bra, and other aspects of method 800 can include forming a rear portion of the bra, such as rear portion 104 or rear portion 704. The rear portion can be formed by braiding, knitting, or weaving, or a combination thereof. Additionally, in some aspects, method 800 includes forming a front lining layer and securing the front lining layer (via sewing, bonding, etc.) to the inwardly facing surfaces of the first breast-covering portion and the second breast-covering portion. In example aspects, the front lining layer is formed by knitting, but it is contemplated that other processes, such as weaving, can be used.

[0067] The following clauses represent example aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any of the following clauses may be combined in a multi-subordinate manner to be dependent on one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that are explicitly subordinate to previous clauses) may be combined while remaining within the scope of the various aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are illustrative in nature and are not restrictive.

[0068] Item 1: A brassiere comprising: a woven textile component forming a first breast-covering portion and a second breast-covering portion, the first breast-covering portion and the second breast-covering portion each being woven together with a base strand of a first material having a first property; and a first outer strap and a second outer strap each being integrated into the woven textile component and each comprising one or more strands of a second material having a second property different from the first property of the first material, wherein the first outer strap extends from a lower periphery of the first breast-covering portion along an outer region of the first breast-covering portion and to an upper region of the first breast-covering portion, and wherein the second outer strap extends from a lower periphery of the second breast-covering portion along an outer region of the second breast-covering portion and to an upper region of the second breast-covering portion.

[0069] Item 2: The bra of Item 1, wherein the first outer strap is integrally woven with the base strands of the first breast-covering portion at least along an outer region of the first breast-covering portion, and wherein the second outer strap is integrally woven with the base strands of the second breast-covering portion at least along an outer region of the second breast-covering portion.

[0070] Clause 3: The bra of any one of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the strands of the first outer strap are interwoven with one or more base strands of the first breast covering portion, and wherein the strands of the second outer strap are interwoven with one or more base strands of the second breast covering portion.

[0071] Item 4: A bra according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first outer strap includes a first non-integrated section so that the first outer strap floats over at least a portion of the woven textile component in an upper area of ​​the first breast-covering portion; and wherein the second outer strap includes a second non-integrated section so that the second outer strap floats over at least a portion of the woven textile component in an upper area of ​​the second breast-covering portion.

[0072] Clause 5: A bra according to any one of clauses 1 to 2, wherein: the first outer strap includes a first integrated section and a second integrated section, the first integrated section extending in a first direction away from a central area between the first breast covering portion and the second breast covering portion, and the second integrated section extending in a second direction toward the central area, and the second outer strap includes a first integrated section and a second integrated section, the first integrated section extending in a third direction away from the central area, and the second integrated section extending in a fourth direction toward the central area.

[0073] Clause 6: The bra of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the first direction and the fourth direction are parallel, and wherein the second direction and the third direction are parallel.

[0074] Clause 7: The bra of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein an upper region of the first breast-covering portion forms a first shoulder portion, and wherein an upper region of the second breast-covering portion forms a second shoulder portion.

[0075] Clause 8: The bra of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the first breast-covering portion and the second breast-covering portion are secured together.

[0076] Item 9: The bra according to any one of items 1 to 8, further comprising a first inner strap and a second inner strap, each of which is integrated into the woven textile component and is made of one or more strands of the second material, wherein: the first inner strap extends from a lower periphery of the first breast-covering portion along an inner region of the first breast-covering portion and toward an upper region of the first breast-covering portion; and the second inner strap extends from a lower periphery of the second breast-covering portion along an inner region of the second breast-covering portion and toward an upper region of the second breast-covering portion.

[0077] Item 10: A woven textile component for a bra, the woven textile component comprising: a base strand of a first material having a first property and forming a breast-covering portion; and a strap comprising one or more strands of a second material integrally woven with a portion of the woven textile component, such that a first segment of the strap extends in a first direction away from an inner periphery of the breast-covering portion and a second segment of the strap extends in a second direction toward the inner periphery, the second material having a second property different from the first property of the first material.

[0078] Clause 11: A knitted textile component for a bra according to Clause 10, wherein the strap includes a non-integrated segment that floats on the knitted textile component at a portion of the upper area of ​​the breast-covering portion.

[0079] Clause 12: A knitted textile component for a bra according to any one of Clauses 10 to 11, a knitted textile component for a bra according to claim 10, wherein the second material has a higher denier than the first material.

[0080] Clause 13: A knitted textile component for a bra according to any one of clauses 10 to 12, wherein the strap is an outer strap extending from a lower periphery of the breast-covering portion along an outer region of the breast-covering portion and extending to an upper region of the breast-covering portion.

[0081] Clause 14: A woven textile component for a bra according to any one of clauses 10 to 13, further comprising an inner strap, the inner strap comprising one or more strands of the second material integrally woven with the second portion of the woven textile component along an inner region of the breast-covering portion, wherein a first section of the inner strap extends in a third direction toward the inner periphery of the breast-covering portion, and wherein a second section of the strap extends in a fourth direction away from the inner periphery.

[0082] Item 15: A method of manufacturing a bra, the method comprising: knitting a first woven textile component and a second woven textile component with base strands of a first material having a first property, the first woven textile component forming a first breast-covering portion, and the second woven textile component forming a second breast-covering portion; knitting a first strap integrally with the first woven textile component such that a first segment of the first strap extends away from an inner periphery of the first breast-covering portion in a first direction, and a second segment of the first strap extends toward the inner periphery in a second direction; knitting a second strap integrally with the second woven textile component such that a first segment of the second strap extends away from an inner periphery of the second breast-covering portion in a third direction, and a second segment of the second strap extends toward the inner periphery in a fourth direction, the first strap and the second strap each comprising one or more strands of a second material having a second property different from the first property of the first material.

[0083] Clause 16: The method of manufacturing of Clause 15, wherein the first knitted textile component and the second knitted textile component are knitted separately and secured together.

[0084] Clause 17: A manufacturing method according to any one of clauses 15 to 16, wherein the first strap is a first outer strap extending from the lower periphery of the first breast-covering part along the outer area of ​​the first breast-covering part and extending to the upper area of ​​the first breast-covering part, and wherein the second strap is a second outer strap extending from the lower periphery of the second breast-covering part along the outer area of ​​the second breast-covering part and extending to the upper area of ​​the second breast-covering part.

[0085] Item 18: The manufacturing method according to any one of Items 15 to 17, further comprising: integrally knitting a first inner strap with the first woven textile component so that the first inner strap extends from a lower periphery of the first breast-covering portion along an inner region of the first breast-covering portion and to an upper region of the first breast-covering portion; and integrally knitting a second inner strap with the second woven textile component so that the second inner strap extends from a lower periphery of the second breast-covering portion along an inner region of the second breast-covering portion and to an upper region of the second breast-covering portion, wherein each of the first inner strap and the second inner strap comprises one or more strands of the second material having the second property.

[0086] Clause 19: The manufacturing method according to any one of clauses 15 to 18, wherein the first direction and the second direction form an angle from about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, and wherein the third direction and the fourth direction form an angle from about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees.

[0087] Item 20: A manufacturing method according to any one of items 15 to 19, wherein integrally knitting the first strap with the first woven textile component includes integrally knitting the first segment and the second segment of the first strap with the first breast-covering portion, and floating the non-integrated segment of the first strap over at least a portion of the first woven textile component in an upper area of ​​the first breast-covering portion; and wherein integrally knitting the second strap into the second woven textile component includes integrally knitting the first segment and the second segment of the second strap with the second breast-covering portion, and floating the non-integrated segment of the second strap over at least a portion of the second woven textile component in an upper area of ​​the second breast-covering portion.

[0088] Various aspects of the present disclosure have been described with illustrative, non-restrictive intent. Without departing from its scope, alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the skilled person may develop alternative means for implementing the above improvements.

[0089] It should be understood that certain features and subcombinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated to be within the scope of the claims.Not all steps listed in the various figures need to be performed in the particular order described.

Claims

1. A bra, comprising: a knitted textile component forming a first breast-covering portion and a second breast-covering portion, the first breast-covering portion and the second breast-covering portion each being knitted together with a base strand of a first material having a first property; and a first outer side strap and a second outer side strap, each of the first outer side strap and the second outer side strap being at least partially interwoven with the base strands of the knitted textile component and each comprising one or more strands of a second material having a second property different from the first property of the first material, wherein the first outer side strap extends from a lower periphery of the first breast-covering portion along an outer side region of the first breast-covering portion and to an upper region of the first breast-covering portion, and wherein the second outer side strap extends from a lower periphery of the second breast-covering portion along an outer side region of the second breast-covering portion and to an upper region of the second breast-covering portion, wherein the first outer side strap comprises a first non-integrated section such that the first outer side strap floats over at least a portion of the knitted textile component in the upper region of the first breast-covering portion; and wherein the second outer side strap comprises a second non-integrated section such that the second outer side strap floats over at least a portion of the knitted textile component in the upper region of the second breast-covering portion.

2. The bra of claim 1 , wherein the first outer side strap is interwoven with one or more of the base strands of the first breast-covering portion at least along an outer side region of the first breast-covering portion, and wherein the second outer side strap is interwoven with one or more of the base strands of the second breast-covering portion at least along an outer side region of the second breast-covering portion.

3. The bra according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The first outer side strap comprises a first integrated section and a second integrated section, the first integrated section is interwoven with the base strands of the first breast-covering portion and extends away from a central area between the first breast-covering portion and the second breast-covering portion in a first direction, the second integrated section is interwoven with the base strands of the first breast-covering portion and extends toward the central area in a second direction, and the second outer side strap comprises a first integrated section and a second integrated section, the first integrated section is interwoven with the base strands of the second breast-covering portion and extends away from the central area in a third direction, the second integrated section is interwoven with the base strands of the second breast-covering portion and extends toward the central area in a fourth direction.

4. The bra of claim 3, wherein the first direction and the fourth direction are parallel, and wherein the second direction and the third direction are parallel.

5. The bra according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein an upper region of the first breast-covering portion forms a first shoulder portion, and wherein an upper region of the second breast-covering portion forms a second shoulder portion.

6. A bra according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first breast-covering portion and the second breast-covering portion are secured together.

7. The bra of any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a first inner strap and a second inner strap, each of the first inner strap and the second inner strap being integrated into the knitted textile component and made from one or more strands of the second material, wherein: The first inner strap extends from a lower periphery of the first breast-covering portion along an inner region of the first breast-covering portion and toward an upper region of the first breast-covering portion; and the second inner strap extends from a lower periphery of the second breast-covering portion along an inner region of the second breast-covering portion and toward an upper region of the second breast-covering portion.

8. A woven textile component for a bra, the woven textile component comprising: a breast-covering portion comprising base strands of a first material having a first property and woven together to form the breast-covering portion; and a strap comprising one or more strands of a second material integrally woven with the base strands of the breast-covering portion, such that a first segment of the strap extends away from an inner periphery of the breast-covering portion in a first direction and a second segment of the strap extends toward the inner periphery in a second direction, the second material having a second property different from the first property of the first material, the strap including an unintegrated segment floating on the knitted textile component at a portion of an upper region of the breast-covering portion.

9. The knitted textile component for a brassiere of claim 8, wherein the second material has a higher denier than the first material.

10. The knitted textile component for a bra according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the strap is an outer strap extending from a lower periphery of the breast-covering portion along an outer region of the breast-covering portion and extending to an upper region of the breast-covering portion.

11. The woven textile component for a bra according to claim 10, further comprising an inner strap comprising one or more strands of the second material integrally woven with the second portion of the breast-covering portion along an inner region of the breast-covering portion, wherein a first section of the inner strap extends in a third direction toward the inner periphery of the breast-covering portion, and wherein a second section of the strap extends in a fourth direction away from the inner periphery.

12. A method of manufacturing a bra, the method comprising: knitting together base strands of a first material having a first property to form a first knitted textile component and a second knitted textile component, the first knitted textile component forming a first breast-covering portion and the second knitted textile component forming a second breast-covering portion; knitting a first strap integrally with the first knitted textile component such that a first segment of the first strap extends away from an inner periphery of the first breast-covering portion in a first direction and a second segment of the first strap extends toward the inner periphery in a second direction, the first strap including an unintegrated segment that floats on the first knitted textile component at a portion of an upper region of the first breast-covering portion; and integrally knitting a second strap with the second knitted textile component such that a first segment of the second strap extends in a third direction away from an inner periphery of the second breast-covering portion and a second segment of the second strap extends in a fourth direction toward the inner periphery, the second strap comprising an unintegrated segment floating on the second knitted textile component at a portion of an upper region of the second breast-covering portion, the first strap and the second strap each comprising one or more strands of a second material having a second property different from the first property of the first material.

13. The method of making a bra according to claim 12, wherein the first knitted textile component and the second knitted textile component are knitted separately and secured together.

14. The method for manufacturing a bra according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the first strap is a first outer strap extending from a lower periphery of the first breast-covering portion along an outer area of ​​the first breast-covering portion and extending to an upper area of ​​the first breast-covering portion, and wherein the second strap is a second outer strap extending from a lower periphery of the second breast-covering portion along an outer area of ​​the second breast-covering portion and extending to an upper area of ​​the second breast-covering portion.

15. The method of manufacturing a bra according to claim 14, further comprising: knitting a first inner strap integrally with the first knitted textile component such that the first inner strap extends from a lower periphery of the first breast-covering portion along an inner region of the first breast-covering portion and to an upper region of the first breast-covering portion; and integrally knitting a second inner strap with the second knitted textile component so that the second inner strap extends from a lower periphery of the second breast-covering portion along an inner region of the second breast-covering portion and to an upper region of the second breast-covering portion, wherein each of the first inner strap and the second inner strap comprises one or more strands of the second material having the second property.

16. The method of manufacturing a bra according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the first direction and the second direction form an angle from 45 degrees to 135 degrees, and wherein the third direction and the fourth direction form an angle from 45 degrees to 135 degrees.

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