Breast support garment with engineered support structure

Abstract

Examples of breast support garments with engineered support structures are described. In one embodiment, a breast support garment includes a front portion covering a portion of a chest region of a wearer and extending from a first side to a second side. The front portion has an inner face and an outer face. The engineered support structure is formed from a matrix pattern of adhesive dots disposed on an inner face. An engineered support structure includes a first zone having a first support level defined by a first adhesive dot density or a first adhesive dot size, and at least one second zone having a second support level defined by a second adhesive dot density or a second adhesive dot size, wherein the first support level is different from the second support level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This embodiment relates to clothing, and more particularly to breast support clothing having an engineered support structure. Background Art

[0002] Conventional breast support clothing, such as sports bras, can provide an adequate amount of support and movement management for a given activity, but are typically bulky and overly constrictive.

[0003] There is a need in the art for a lightweight athletic garment that still provides good support for the wearer during physical activity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a breast support garment having an engineered support structure. The breast support garment includes a front portion configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's chest region and extending from a first side of the front portion to a second side of the front portion. The front portion has an inner surface of the front portion and an outer surface of the front portion. The breast support garment further includes an engineered support structure formed by a matrix pattern of adhesive dots disposed on the front portion. The engineered support structure includes at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the at least one first zone has a first support level defined by a first adhesive dot density or a first adhesive dot size in the matrix pattern of adhesive dots, and the at least one second zone has a second support level defined by a second adhesive dot density or a second adhesive dot size in the matrix pattern of adhesive dots. The first support level is different from the second support level.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of forming a breast support garment having an engineered support structure. The method includes providing a front portion of the breast support garment configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's chest region. The front portion has an inner surface of the front portion and an outer surface of the front portion. The method further includes depositing a plurality of adhesive dots onto the front portion according to a matrix pattern of adhesive dots to form the engineered support structure. The engineered support structure includes at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the at least one first zone has a first support level defined by a first adhesive dot density or a first adhesive dot size in the matrix pattern of adhesive dots, and the at least one second zone has a second support level defined by a second adhesive dot density or a second adhesive dot size in the matrix pattern of adhesive dots. The first support level is different from the second support level.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an engineered support structure for a breast support garment. The engineered support structure includes a plurality of adhesive dots deposited onto a front portion of the breast support garment according to an adhesive dot matrix pattern. The adhesive dot matrix pattern provides at least one first zone and at least one second zone to the engineered support structure, wherein the at least one first zone has a first support level defined by a first adhesive dot density or a first adhesive dot size in the adhesive dot matrix pattern, and the at least one second zone has a second support level defined by a second adhesive dot density or a second adhesive dot size in the adhesive dot matrix pattern. The first support level is different from the second support level.

[0007] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this specification and this summary, are within the scope of the present disclosure, and are protected by the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. Throughout the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to indicate corresponding relationships between the elements being referenced. The drawings are provided to illustrate exemplary embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The dimensions and relative positions of the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes and dimensions of various elements, as well as the angles, are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve the readability of the drawing.

[0009] Figure 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a breast support garment;

[0010] Figure 2 is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a breast support garment;

[0011] Figure 3 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a breast support garment;

[0012] Figure 4 is a representative view of an exemplary embodiment of a process of applying an adhesive dot matrix pattern to a portion of a breast support garment;

[0013] Figure 5 is a representative view of an exemplary embodiment of a first adhesive dot matrix pattern for providing support to a breast support garment;

[0014] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of a first adhesive dot matrix pattern for providing support to a breast support garment;

[0015] Figure 7 is Figure 6 An enlarged view of a cup region of an exemplary embodiment of a first adhesive dot matrix pattern for providing support to a breast support garment;

[0016] Figure 8A A representative cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an outer layer and an inner layer joined by an adhesive dot matrix pattern;

[0017] Figure 8B A representative cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an outer layer and an inner layer joined by an adhesive dot matrix pattern;

[0018] Figure 8C A representative cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of an outer layer and an inner layer joined by an adhesive dot matrix pattern;

[0019] Figure 9 A schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a second adhesive dot matrix pattern for providing support to a breast support garment;

[0020] Figure 10 A schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a third adhesive dot matrix pattern for providing support to a breast support garment;

[0021] Figure 11 A schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern for providing support to a breast support garment;

[0022] Figure 12 A schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fifth adhesive dot matrix pattern for providing support to a breast support garment;

[0023] Figure 13 A front view of an alternative embodiment of a breast support garment;

[0024] Figure 14 A rear view of an alternative embodiment of a breast support garment;

[0025] Figure 15 A schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a sixth adhesive dot matrix pattern for providing support to a breast support garment;

[0026] Figure 16 A schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a first adhesive dot matrix pattern for providing support to a rear portion of a breast support garment;

[0027] Figure 17 A schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a seventh adhesive dot matrix pattern for providing support to a breast support garment; and

[0028] Figure 18 A schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a second adhesive dot matrix pattern for providing support to the rear portion of a breast support garment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Described herein is a breast support garment having an engineered support structure. The technology of the present embodiment provides a garment that distributes pressure in a manner comfortable to the wearer while effectively managing and reducing the movement and acceleration of the wearer's breast tissue. In some aspects, the breast support garment of the present embodiment provides an engineered support structure having different support zones throughout the garment area to allow support of breast tissue and management of breast movement.

[0030] In the following description, details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present application. In some instances, certain structures, techniques, and methods are not described or shown in detail so as not to obscure the present application. In the context of the present disclosure, various terms are used in accordance with their ordinary meaning as understood.

[0031] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to the garment or clothing article, as well as to the individual components of the clothing article or garment. Directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "outer", and "inner" are used in the following description for the sole purpose of providing relative reference and are not intended to impose any limitations on how any article or garment is positioned during use or how it is mounted in a component or how it relates to the environment. When used in conjunction with the term "comprising" herein, the use of the word "a" or "an" can mean "one", but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more", "at least one", and "one or more than one". Any element expressed in the singular form also encompasses its plural form. Any element expressed in the plural form also encompasses its singular form. The term "plurality" as used herein means more than one, such as two or more, three or more, four or more, etc.

[0032] Embodiments of a breast support garment having an engineered support structure are provided in accordance with the techniques described herein. Figures 1 to 12 An embodiment of a breast support garment having a closure system is shown. Figures 13 to 18 An embodiment of an integrated breast support garment is shown. It should be understood that other embodiments of a breast support garment including the engineered support structure described herein can be provided.

[0033] Now referring to Figure 1, showing a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the breast support garment 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the breast support garment 100 may include a front portion 102 for covering at least a portion of the wearer's chest area. In some embodiments, the front portion 102 extends between a first side 104 and a second side 106 of the breast support garment 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the front portion 102 of the breast support garment 100 includes an outer front portion 108 that forms an outer surface of the breast support garment 100 that extends away from the wearer's chest area.

[0034] In this embodiment, the breast support garment 100 includes a pair of shoulder straps that include a first strap 110 and a second strap 112. The first strap 110 and the second strap 112 are configured to extend over the shoulders of the wearer of the breast support garment 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the front portion 102 of the breast support garment 100 extends from a top edge 114 to a bottom edge 116. The top edge 114 may form a neckline that extends above the wearer's breasts, and the bottom edge 116 may form an under band that extends below the wearer's breasts. Additionally, in some embodiments, the front portion 102 of the breast support garment 100 may further include a pair of breast cups, including a first breast cup 118 and a second breast cup 120, that are configured to receive the wearer's breasts. In one embodiment, the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 on the front portion 102 of the breast support garment 100 may be molded into the material forming the front portion 102.

[0035] Now referring to Figure 2 , showing a rear view of the breast support garment 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the breast support garment 100 may include a rear portion 200 for covering at least a portion of the wearer's back area. The rear portion 200 of the breast support garment 100 engages and attaches to the front portion 102 along each of the first side 104 and the second side 106. In the exemplary embodiment, the rear portion 200 may be formed by a pair of back strap segments that extend from each side of the breast support garment 100 and join together to wrap around the wearer's back area.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, a breast support garment (including breast support garment 100) may be provided with a strap that includes an optional closure system. However, it should be understood that any type of strap configuration and / or form of closure system may be used with a breast support garment according to the techniques described herein. In this embodiment, the rear portion 200 of breast support garment 100 includes a first strap segment 202 extending from a first side 104 of breast support garment 100, and a second strap segment 204 extending from a second side 106 of breast support garment 100. In some embodiments, breast support garment 100 may include a closure system 206. In this embodiment, breast support garment 100 includes a closure system 206 that allows opposite ends of the first strap segment 202 and the second strap segment 204 of the rear portion 200 to engage together to close or fasten around the wearer's back region, thereby holding breast support garment 100 on the wearer.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first strap segment 202 of breast support garment 100 includes a first end 208, and the second strap segment 204 of breast support garment 100 includes a second end 210. The closure system 206 allows the first end 208 of the first strap segment 202 to releasably engage or attach to the second end 210 of the second strap segment 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the closure system 206 includes fastening mechanisms on each of the first end 208 and the second end 210 that allow the first strap segment 202 to releasably engage or attach to the second strap segment 204. In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism may be one or more hooks on one of the first end 208 or the second end 210 that engage and / or mate with one or more corresponding receiving loops or eyes on the other of the second end 210 or the first end 208. In other embodiments, other types or forms of fastening mechanisms may be provided as part of the closure system 206 to releasably engage or attach the first end 208 of the first strap segment 202 to the second end 210 of the second strap segment 204.

[0038] In some embodiments, the rear portion 200 of the breast support garment 100 may include a plurality of straps that are attached or joined at one end to the shoulder straps of the front portion 102 and at the opposite end to a first strap segment 202 and a second strap segment 204 of the rear portion 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear portion 200 of the breast support garment 100 includes a first pair of straps that includes a first strap 212 and a second strap 214, the first strap 212 and the second strap 214 being connected at one end to the first shoulder strap 110 and extending in a diagonal direction to connect to the second strap segment 204 on the opposite side of the first shoulder strap 110. The rear portion 200 of the breast support garment 100 further includes a second pair of straps that includes a third strap 216 and a fourth strap 218, the third strap 216 and the fourth strap 218 being connected at one end to the second shoulder strap 112 and extending in a diagonal direction to connect to the first strap segment 202 on the opposite side of the second shoulder strap 112. With this arrangement, on the back region of the wearer of the breast support garment 100, the first pair of straps (e.g., the first strap 212 and the second strap 214) cross above and / or below the second pair of straps (e.g., the third strap 216 and the fourth strap 218).

[0039] Now referring to Figure 3 , an exploded view of the breast support garment 100 is shown. In some embodiments, the breast support garment 100 may include a plurality of layers, including an outer layer 300 and an inner layer 302 configured to face the chest region of the wearer of the breast support garment 100. Each layer of the breast support garment 100 may be made of a separate fabric or textile. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric or textile forming the outer layer 300 and / or the inner layer 302 may have four-way stretch ability, moisture-wicking properties, and quick-drying properties. In one embodiment, the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 may be made of a knitted textile. In some cases, the fabric or textile of the outer layer 300 may be different from the inner layer 302. For example, the outer layer 300 may be made of a knitted textile having a greater amount or percentage of stretchable fibers or yarns (e.g., elastane fibers or similar fibers / yarns) than the inner layer 302. In other cases, the fabric or textile of the outer layer 300 may be the same as the inner layer 302. In other cases, the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 may be made of any type or kind of fabric or textile, including combinations of textiles and / or fabrics.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer layer 300 of the front portion 102 of the breast support garment 100 includes an inner surface 304 of the front portion that faces the wearer's chest region and is opposite to the outer surface 108 of the front portion. That is, when the inner layer 302 and the outer layer 300 are joined together to form the breast support garment 100, the inner surface 304 of the front portion of the outer layer 300 faces the first surface 306 of the inner layer 302. The inner layer 302 further includes a second surface 308 opposite to the first surface 306, and when the breast support garment 100 is worn, the second surface 308 faces the wearer's chest region.

[0041] In some embodiments, the inner layer 302 further includes a pair of strap segments that extend from each lateral side of the breast support garment 100 and are joined together to wrap around the wearer's back region. As Figure 3 shown, the inner layer 302 includes a first strap portion 310 extending from one side of the inner layer 302 and a second strap portion 312 extending from the opposite side of the inner layer 302. In an exemplary embodiment, the first strap segment 310 of the inner layer 302 is configured to be aligned with and attached to the first strap segment 202 of the outer layer 300, and the second strap segment 312 of the inner layer 302 is configured to be aligned with and attached to the second strap segment 204 of the outer layer 300. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inner layer 302 may further include a pair of shoulder straps, including a first shoulder strap 314 and a second shoulder strap 316, the first shoulder strap 314 being configured to be aligned with and attached to the first shoulder strap 110 of the outer layer 300, and the second shoulder strap 316 being configured to be aligned with and attached to the second shoulder strap 112 of the outer layer 300.

[0042] In some embodiments, the breast support garment 100 may further include at least one cushioning structure located between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302. In an exemplary embodiment, the breast support garment 100 includes a cushioning structure 320 that extends at least along the bottom edge 116. In this embodiment, the cushioning structure 320 extends along the bottom edge 116 and includes a first cushioning portion 322 that extends between a first end 324 on one side and a second end 326 on the opposite side, below the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 on the bottom edge 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cushioning portion 322 of the cushioning structure 320 is shaped to follow or correspond to the lower contour of each breast of the wearer of the breast support garment.

[0043] In some embodiments, the cushioning structure 320 may further include additional cushioning portions that are shaped to follow the outer lateral contours of each breast of the wearer of the breast support garment 100. In this embodiment, the cushioning structure 320 includes a first lateral cushioning portion 328 on one side that extends upward from the first cushioning portion 322 and follows the lateral contour of the first breast cup 118. The cushioning structure 320 further includes a second lateral cushioning portion 330 on the opposite side of the first lateral cushioning portion 328 that extends upward from the first cushioning portion 322 and follows the lateral contour of the second breast cup 120.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the cushioning structure 320 including the first cushioning portion 322, the first lateral cushioning portion 328, and the second lateral cushioning portion 330 may be made of a compressible material that is configured to provide cushioning to the wearer of the breast support garment 100. In some embodiments, the cushioning structure 320 may also function as a support structure and / or a shaping structure that can provide support to manage breast tissue acceleration during wearer movement. In one embodiment, the compressible material may be a foam, including but not limited to a shape memory polymer foam or similar materials. In some embodiments, the cushioning structure 320 may include a first strap cushioning structure 323 located between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 at the first strap 110, and a second strap cushioning structure 325 located between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 at the second strap 112 to provide cushioning and comfort to the wearer.

[0045] According to the technology of this embodiment, a support garment including the breast support garment 100 may be provided with an engineered support structure that allows the garment to have regions of varying support (i.e., stretch resistance) in different regions of the garment. In some embodiments, the engineered support structure may be formed by selectively applying adhesive drops or dots in different patterns between the layers of the garment to create varying support zones. When the layers of the garment are joined, the adhesive pattern allows the garment to stretch to different degrees or amounts depending on the separation distance between the adhesive drops or dots forming each zone. With this arrangement, a garment with an engineered support structure can be formed that provides varying support zones for breast tissue and manages breast movement.

[0046] Now refer to Figure 4, shows a process 400 for forming an engineered support structure on a breast support garment 100. In some embodiments, the process 400 can be implemented using a glue or adhesive deposition printer that allows individual drops or dots of glue or adhesive to be directly deposited onto the surface of a fabric, such as the breast support garment 100, in a predetermined pattern. In this embodiment, the process 400 is implemented by an adhesive deposition printer 402 that includes a nozzle 404 that deposits drops or dots 406 of glue or adhesive at specific locations on the inner surface 304 of the front portion of the outer layer 300. In some implementations, the drops or dots 406 can be deposited on the inner layer 302, for example, on the first surface 306 of the inner layer 302. In yet another implementation, the drops or dots 406 can be deposited on both the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302. In an exemplary embodiment, each drop or dot 406 of glue or adhesive can have a predetermined volume. For example, the drops or dots 406 of glue or adhesive can have a volume of about 0.5 cubic millimeters. In other embodiments, the volume of each drop or dot can vary. Additionally, in some embodiments, the size or volume of each drop or dot 406 of glue or adhesive can vary as described below to change or modify the support level of the area of the garment where the adhesive points are applied.

[0047] As Figure 4 shown, the printer 402 deposits a plurality of adhesive points 408 in a specific pattern on the front portion 102 in the area that travels along the contour of the first cup 118. Each of the plurality of adhesive points 408 is spaced apart by a separation distance that can vary in different areas of the breast support garment 100 to provide an engineered support structure for areas with varying support levels (i.e., different levels of tensile resistance). The process 400 can continue by using the printer 402 to cover all, substantially all, or most of the front portion 102 with adhesive points at varying separation distances to form an engineered support structure with different support zones. In some implementations, the plurality of adhesive points 408 can be printed or deposited on both the inner surface 304 of the outer layer 300 and the first surface 306 of the inner layer 302 such that the printing on each layer can be mirror-symmetric (i.e., reflective) in some areas, or can be offset on the two layers to provide zones with varying support levels.

[0048] In one implementation of the process 400, once the process 400 has been completed (e.g., the printer 402 has deposited a plurality of adhesive points 408 according to a predetermined dot matrix pattern), the first surface 306 of the inner layer 302 can be Figure 3is aligned with the inner surface 304 of the front portion of the outer layer 300 and joins the opposing surfaces (e.g., 304, 306) together to join the outer layer 300 of the breast support garment 100 to the inner layer 302, thereby joining the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 to form the breast support garment 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, an optional cushioning structure (e.g., Figure 3 the cushioning structure 320 shown) may be sandwiched or placed between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302.

[0049] Adhesive dots (e.g., multiple adhesive dots 408) arranged in a dot matrix pattern join the two layers (e.g., the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302) together at positions corresponding to the pattern of adhesive drops or dots to form an engineered support structure between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302. At the locations where the adhesive is present, the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 are joined to each other, and the relative movement of the layers at that location is restricted, thereby limiting stretching. Additionally, the adhesive can also limit stretching by locking the fibers in the fabric to which it is applied. By changing the separation distance between the discrete drops or dots of the adhesive that join the two layers, the amount or degree of tensile resistance can be correspondingly changed. That is, in regions where the separation distance between the adhesive drops or dots is smaller (i.e., the adhesive drops or dots are spaced closer), the tensile resistance will be greater in these regions (i.e., less stretching is allowed) to provide a greater amount of support. Conversely, in regions where the separation distance between the adhesive drops or dots is larger (i.e., the adhesive drops or dots are spaced farther apart), the tensile resistance will be smaller in these regions (i.e., more stretching is allowed) to provide a smaller amount of support.

[0050] Additionally, in some embodiments, the amount or degree of tensile resistance can also be changed by varying the size or volume of the adhesive dots that form the dot matrix pattern of the adhesive. For example, by using adhesive dots of a first size that are larger than a second size, the larger-sized adhesive dots join more material of the opposing layers together, thereby allowing less stretching in the regions where the adhesive dot size is large than in the regions where the adhesive dot size is small. In other embodiments, the engineered support structure can utilize changes in the separation distance and the adhesive dot size to vary the support level (e.g., tensile resistance) in different regions of the breast support garment 100.

[0051] Now referring to Figure 5 , an exemplary embodiment of a first adhesive dot matrix pattern 500 for forming an engineered support structure for the breast support garment 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the adhesive dot matrix pattern 500 includes four horizontal adhesive dot densities (e.g., associated with varying separation distances and / or adhesive dot sizes) arranged in different regions of the breast support garment 100 to provide zones with different support levels. As Figure 5As shown, the adhesive dot matrix pattern 500 includes a first adhesive dot density 502 that is associated with a minimum adhesive dot density having a maximum separation distance and / or a minimum adhesive dot size to provide a minimum support level. That is, the first adhesive dot density 502 bonds the opposing layers (e.g., Figure 3 the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 shown), such that the region of the breast support garment 100 having the first adhesive dot density 502 provides a minimum amount of tensile resistance.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first adhesive dot density 502 can be used in at least the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120, the regions along the perimeter of the outer layer 300, including the regions adjacent to the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 along the bottom edge 116, the regions at the ends of the first strap segment 202 and the second strap segment 204, the regions near the tops of the first strap 110 and the second strap 112, and the regions adjacent to the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 along the top edge 114.

[0053] The adhesive dot matrix pattern 500 also includes a second adhesive dot density 504 that is associated with a low adhesive dot density having a separation distance less than the separation distance of the first adhesive dot density 502 (and / or an adhesive dot size greater than the adhesive dot size of the first adhesive dot density 502), and provides a support level greater than the support level provided by the first adhesive dot density 502. That is, the second adhesive dot density 504 bonds the opposing layers (e.g., Figure 3 the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 shown), such that the region of the breast support garment 100 having the second adhesive dot density 504 provides an amount or degree of tensile resistance greater than the amount or degree of tensile resistance provided by the first adhesive dot density 502.

[0054] In this embodiment, the second adhesive dot density 504 can be used at least in the regions surrounding the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 and surrounding the first adhesive dot density 502. The second adhesive dot density 504 can also be used at least in the regions of the first strap segment 202 and the second strap segment 204 that are inward from the ends where the first adhesive dot density 502 is located.

[0055] The adhesive dot matrix pattern 500 further includes a third adhesive dot density 506 associated with a medium adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is less than the separation distances of the second adhesive dot density 504 and the first adhesive dot density 502 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots is larger than the adhesive dot sizes of the second adhesive dot density 504 and the first adhesive dot density 502), and the provided support level is greater than the support levels provided by the second adhesive dot density 504 and the first adhesive dot density 502. That is to say, the third adhesive dot density 506 bonds the opposing layers (e.g., Figure 3 the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 as shown), such that the amount or degree of tensile resistance provided by the region of the breast support garment 100 having the third adhesive dot density 506 is greater than the amount or degree of tensile resistance provided by the second adhesive dot density 504 and the first adhesive dot density 502.

[0056] In this embodiment, the third adhesive dot density 506 can be used at least in the region around the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 and surrounding the regions of the second adhesive dot density 504 and the first adhesive dot density 502. The third adhesive dot density 506 can also be used at least in the regions of the first strap segment 202 and the second strap segment 204 inward from the positions where the second adhesive dot density 504 is located.

[0057] In this embodiment, the adhesive dot matrix pattern 500 further includes a fourth adhesive dot density 508 associated with a high adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is less than the separation distances of the third adhesive dot density 506, the second adhesive dot density 504, and the first adhesive dot density 502 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots is larger than the adhesive dot sizes of the third adhesive dot density 506, the second adhesive dot density 504, and the first adhesive dot density 502), and the provided support level is greater than the support levels provided by the third adhesive dot density 506, the second adhesive dot density 504, and the first adhesive dot density 502. That is to say, the fourth adhesive dot density 508 bonds the opposing layers (e.g., Figure 3 the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 as shown), such that the amount or degree of tensile resistance provided by the region of the breast support garment 100 having the fourth adhesive dot density 508 is greater than the amount or degree of tensile resistance provided by the third adhesive dot density 506, the second adhesive dot density 504, and the first adhesive dot density 502.

[0058] In this embodiment, the fourth adhesive dot density 508 can be used at least in the area around the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 and surrounding the third adhesive dot density 506, the second adhesive dot density 504, and the first adhesive dot density 502, such that the fourth adhesive dot density 508 is positioned along the root of the breast tissue of each breast of the wearer. The fourth adhesive dot density 508 can also be used at least in the area of the first strap segment 202 and the second strap segment 204 that is inward from the location where the third adhesive dot density 506 is located. Additionally, the fourth adhesive dot density 508 can be used in the area along the perimeter of the outer layer 300, including the area along the bottom edge 116 adjacent to the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120, the area near the top of the first shoulder strap 110 and the second shoulder strap 112, and the area along the top edge 114 adjacent to the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120. With this arrangement, the adhesive dot matrix pattern 500 forms an engineered support structure between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 of the breast support garment 100.

[0059] Now referring to Figure 6 , an enlarged view of the adhesive dot matrix pattern is shown. In this embodiment, the adhesive dot matrix pattern 500 provides an engineered support structure having a progressive support profile 600 that spans each breast cup (e.g., the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120), which follows the contour of each breast cup to directly support the breast tissue around the root of each breast. In an exemplary embodiment, the support level of the progressive support profile 600 decreases as it extends into the area of the breast support garment 100 that covers the wearer's breasts, such that the density of the adhesive dots in the adhesive dot matrix pattern 500 gradually decreases from the area around the root of each breast toward the area of the garment that covers the wearer's breasts.

[0060] For example, as Figure 6As shown, the adhesive dot matrix pattern 500 has a progressive support profile 600 spanning the second breast cup 120. The progressive support profile 600 includes a first zone 602 having a fourth adhesive dot density 508, a second zone 604 having a third adhesive dot density 506, a third zone 606 having a second adhesive dot density 504, and a fourth zone 608 having a first adhesive dot density 502. The fourth adhesive dot density 508 has a first support level, the third adhesive dot density 506 has a second support level, the second adhesive dot density 504 has a third support level, and the first adhesive dot density 502 has a fourth support level. As the progressive support profile 600 moves inward from the outer edge of the second breast cup 120 toward the central portion of the second breast cup 120, the corresponding support level of each zone decreases. That is, the first support level of the first zone 602 (associated with the fourth adhesive dot density 508) is greater than the second support level of the second zone 604 (associated with the third adhesive dot density 506). The second support level of the second zone 604 is greater than the third support level of the third zone 606 (associated with the second adhesive dot density 504), and the third support level of the third zone 606 is greater than the fourth support level of the fourth zone 608 (associated with the first adhesive dot density 502). With this arrangement, the support level of the progressive support profile 600 decreases as it extends into the area of the breast support garment 100 that covers the wearer's breast, such that the density of the adhesive dots in the adhesive dot matrix pattern 500 gradually decreases from the area around the root of each breast toward the area of the breast support garment 100 that covers the wearer's breast.

[0061] Figure 7 A close-up view of the second breast cup 120 of the breast support garment 100 is shown, which shows the varying separation distances between adjacent adhesive dots in each area associated with different adhesive dot densities of the adhesive dot matrix pattern 500. In this embodiment, the adjacent adhesive dots of the first adhesive dot density 502 are separated by a first separation distance D1. For example, as Figure 7 shown, a first adhesive dot 700 and a second adhesive dot 702 in the zone having the first adhesive dot density 502 are spaced apart by the first separation distance D1. The adjacent adhesive dots of the second adhesive dot density 504 are separated by a second separation distance D2, which is less than the first separation distance D1. For example, as Figure 7 shown, a third adhesive dot 704 and a fourth adhesive dot 706 in the zone having the second adhesive dot density 504 are spaced apart by the second separation distance D2. The adjacent adhesive dots of the third adhesive dot density 506 are separated by a third separation distance D3, which is less than the first separation distance D1 and the second separation distance D2. For example, as Figure 7As shown, the fifth adhesive dot 708 and the sixth adhesive dot 710 in the region having the third adhesive dot density 506 are spaced apart from each other by a third separation distance D3.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation distance between adjacent adhesive dots in each region decreases outwardly from the central portion of the second breast cup 120 such that the first separation distance D1 is greater than the second separation distance D2 and the third separation distance D3, and the second separation distance D2 is greater than the third separation distance D3. In one embodiment, the first separation distance D1 is about 6 millimeters (mm), the second separation distance D2 is about 3 mm, and the third separation distance D3 is about 2 mm. In other embodiments, the specific separation distances may vary. The same variation in the separation distance between adjacent adhesive dots may also be applied in different directions. For example, the same effect can be achieved by varying the separation distance between adjacent adhesive dots in the direction of travel along a curve in different regions (e.g., adjacent adhesive dots along each curve have the same separation distance in the region having the first adhesive dot density 502, and in the region having the second adhesive dot density 504, are further separated from adjacent adhesive dots having the same separation distance in an adjacent region). Figure 7 Adhesive dots distributed by linear printing or deposition along a curve are shown, however, those skilled in the art will understand that without departing from the scope of protection, the placement of the adhesive dots can be random, and the level of support provided in each region will be defined by the size and / or density of the adhesive dots in that region.

[0063] Additionally, in some embodiments, a region having a fourth adhesive dot density 508 around the second cup 120 may surround regions having the first adhesive dot density 502, the second adhesive dot density 504, and the third adhesive dot density 506 around the second cup 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the separation distance between the adhesive dots in the region having the fourth adhesive dot density 508 may be less than each of the first separation distance D1, the second separation distance D2, and the third separation distance D3. For example, in Figure 7 the embodiment shown, the separation distance between the adhesive dots in the region having the fourth adhesive dot density 508 may be about 1 mm.

[0064] With this arrangement, the region of the breast support garment 100 having an adhesive dot density with a larger separation distance between the adhesive dots provides a lower amount or degree of resistance to stretching (e.g., allows more stretching), which is lower than the larger amount or degree of resistance to stretching provided by the region of the breast support garment 100 having an adhesive dot density with a smaller separation distance between the adhesive dots (e.g., allows less stretching). That is, as Figure 7As shown, the region of the second cup 120 having the first adhesive dot density 502 associated with the first separation distance D1 provides less support and allows for greater stretch compared to the regions of the second cup 120 having the second adhesive dot density 504 associated with the second separation distance D2 and the third adhesive dot density 506 associated with the third separation distance D3. The region of the second cup 120 having the second adhesive dot density 502 associated with the second separation distance D2 provides more support and allows for less stretch compared to the region of the second cup 120 having the first adhesive dot density 502; however, it provides less support and allows for more stretch compared to the region of the second cup 120 having the third adhesive dot density 506 associated with the third separation distance D3. With this arrangement, regions of the breast support garment 100 can be provided with an engineered support structure having a varying level of support determined by a specific matrix pattern of adhesive dots applied between the layers (e.g., outer layer 300 and inner layer 302) of the breast support garment 100.

[0065] In some embodiments, the adhesive dots of the matrix pattern of adhesive dots forming the engineered support structure of the breast support garment 100 can penetrate or permeate into the fabric or textile of the opposing layers forming the breast support garment 100 in different amounts or degrees. Figures 8A to 8C Different embodiments of the outer and inner layers joined by the matrix pattern of adhesive dots are shown. Now refer Figure 8A , the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 of the breast support garment 100 are shown joined or bonded together using a plurality of adhesive dots 800 arranged as a matrix pattern of adhesive dots having the first adhesive dot density 502, the second adhesive dot density 504, and the third adhesive dot density 506 as described above. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer layer 300 includes an outer surface 108 of the front portion and an inner surface 304 of the front portion, the outer surface 108 of the front portion forming the outer surface of the breast support garment 100, and the inner surface 304 of the front portion facing away from the outer surface 108 of the front portion towards the wearer's chest region. The inner layer 302 includes a first surface 306 and a second surface 308, the first surface 306 facing the inner surface 304 of the front portion of the outer layer 300, and the second surface 308 facing away from the first surface 306 and facing the wearer's chest region when the breast support garment 100 is worn.

[0066] As Figure 8AAs shown, a plurality of adhesive points 800 are bonded or attached to the opposing faces of the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302. In this embodiment, the plurality of adhesive points 800 are directly bonded to the inner face 304 of the front portion of the outer layer 300 and the first face 306 of the inner layer 302. That is, the plurality of adhesive points 800 do not penetrate or infiltrate into the fabric or textile forming the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 beyond the surfaces of the inner face 304 of the front portion and / or the first face 306. With this arrangement, the plurality of adhesive points 800 form an engineered support structure between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 of the breast support garment 100.

[0067] Now referring to Figure 8B , in some embodiments, the adhesive or glue used to form the engineered support structure may partially infiltrate or penetrate into the fabric or textile forming the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302. As Figure 8B shown, the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 of the breast support garment 100 are shown joined or bonded together using a plurality of adhesive points 810 arranged in an adhesive point matrix pattern having a first adhesive point density 502, a second adhesive point density 504, and a third adhesive point density 506 as described above. In this embodiment, the plurality of adhesive points 810 infiltrate or penetrate beyond the opposing faces of the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 and into the fabric or textile forming each layer. For example, as Figure 8B shown, the plurality of adhesive points 810 extend beyond the inner face 304 of the front portion of the outer layer 300 into a portion of the outer layer 300 and extend beyond the first face 306 of the inner layer 302 into a portion of the inner layer 302. That is, in contrast to the plurality of adhesive points 800 shown in Figure 8A , the plurality of adhesive points 810 do penetrate or infiltrate into the fabric or textile forming the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 beyond the surfaces of the inner face 304 of the front portion and / or the first face 306. With this arrangement, the plurality of adhesive points 810 form an engineered support structure between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 of the breast support garment 100.

[0068] In some embodiments, the adhesive points of the adhesive point matrix pattern forming the engineered support structure may have a three-dimensional configuration such that the thickness of the adhesive points is substantially similar to the thickness associated with the fabric or textile forming the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302. For example, Figure 8A the plurality of adhesive points 800 shown in Figure 8BThe embodiments of the plurality of adhesive points 810 shown each have a substantial thickness between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302. In other embodiments, the adhesive points forming the matrix pattern of the engineered support structure may have a two-dimensional configuration such that the adhesive points are in the form of a thin layer that is significantly less than the thickness associated with the fabric or textile forming the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302.

[0069] Now referring to Figure 8C , in some embodiments, the adhesive or glue used to form the engineered support structure may be a thin layer between the fabric or textile forming the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302. As Figure 8C shown, the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 of the breast support garment 100 are shown joined or bonded together using a plurality of adhesive points 820 that are arranged as a matrix pattern of adhesive points having a first adhesive point density 502, a second adhesive point density 504, and a third adhesive point density 506 as described above. In this embodiment, the plurality of adhesive points 820 are arranged in a thin layer between the opposing faces of the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302. For example, as Figure 8C shown, the plurality of adhesive points 820 are arranged in a thin layer on the inner face 304 of the front portion of the outer layer 300 and the first face 306 of the inner layer 302 such that the inner face 304 of the front portion and the first face 306 are adjacent to or in contact with each other. That is, in contrast to the plurality of adhesive points 800 shown in Figure 8A and having a thickness that provides a space or gap between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 and the plurality of adhesive points 820 shown in Figure 8B , the plurality of adhesive points 820 allow the surfaces of the inner face 304 of the front portion and / or the first face 306 to be adjacent to or in contact with each other. With this arrangement, the plurality of adhesive points 820 form an engineered support structure between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 of the breast support garment 100.

[0070] In some embodiments, different engineered support structures can be provided by using different matrix patterns of adhesive points applied between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302, thereby providing zones of varying support levels to the breast support garment 100. Figures 9 to 12 Some alternative embodiments of the matrix pattern of adhesive points are shown that provide zones of varying support levels to regions of the breast support garment 100. Other matrix patterns of adhesive points can also be provided in accordance with the techniques described herein.

[0071] Now referring to Figure 9, showing an exemplary embodiment of a second adhesive dot matrix pattern 900 for forming an engineered support structure for a breast support garment 100. In this embodiment, the second adhesive dot matrix pattern 900 includes four levels of adhesive dot density (e.g., associated with varying separation distances and / or adhesive dot sizes) arranged in different regions of the breast support garment 100 to provide zones with different support levels. As Figure 9 shown, the second adhesive dot matrix pattern 900 includes a first adhesive dot density 902 associated with a low adhesive dot density, which has a large separation distance and / or a small adhesive dot size to provide a low support level. In this embodiment, the first adhesive dot density 902 can be used at least in the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120, and in regions spaced from and following the contour of the top edge 114.

[0072] The second adhesive dot matrix pattern 900 further includes a second adhesive dot density 904 associated with a medium adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is less than that of the first adhesive dot density 902 (and / or its adhesive dot size is greater than that of the first adhesive dot density 902), and the support level provided is greater than that provided by the first adhesive dot density 902. In this embodiment, the second adhesive dot density 904 can be used at least in the regions surrounding the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 and enclosing the region of the first adhesive dot density 902. The second adhesive dot density 904 can also be used in regions adjacent to and extending along the contour of the top edge 114, and at regions along the sides of the breast support garment 100.

[0073] The second adhesive dot matrix pattern 900 further includes a third adhesive dot density 906 associated with a high adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is less than the separation distances of the second adhesive dot density 904 and the first adhesive dot density 902 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots is greater than the sizes of the adhesive dots of the second adhesive dot density 904 and the first adhesive dot density 902), and the provided support level is greater than the support levels provided by the second adhesive dot density 904 and the first adhesive dot density 902. In this embodiment, the third adhesive dot density 906 can be used at least in the area around the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120, and encloses the areas of the second adhesive dot density 904 and the first adhesive dot density 902. The third adhesive dot density 906 can also be used at least in the area along the bottom edge 116 adjacent to the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120, and in the area spaced from the top edge 114 and inward from the areas of the second adhesive dot density 904 and the first adhesive dot density 902.

[0074] In this embodiment, the second adhesive dot matrix pattern 900 further includes a fourth adhesive dot density 908 associated with a minimum adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is greater than the separation distances of the third adhesive dot density 906, the second adhesive dot density 904, and the first adhesive dot density 902 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots is less than the sizes of the adhesive dots of the third adhesive dot density 906, the second adhesive dot density 904, and the first adhesive dot density 902), and the provided support level is less than the support levels provided by the third adhesive dot density 906, the second adhesive dot density 904, and the first adhesive dot density 902.

[0075] In this embodiment, the fourth adhesive dot density 908 can be used at least in the area along the bottom edge 116 and in the middle of the breast support garment 100 between the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120, and in the area along the sides of the breast support garment 100. With this arrangement, the second adhesive dot matrix pattern 900 forms an engineered support structure between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 of the breast support garment 100.

[0076] As Figure 9As shown, the second adhesive dot matrix pattern 900 has a progressive support profile 910 that spans the second breast cup 120. The progressive support profile 910 includes a first zone 912 having a third adhesive dot density 906, a second zone 914 having a second adhesive dot density 904, and a third zone 916 having a first adhesive dot density 902. The third adhesive dot density 906 has a first support level, the second adhesive dot density 904 has a second support level, and the first adhesive dot density 902 has a third support level. As the progressive support profile 910 moves inward from the outer edge of the second breast cup 120 toward the central portion of the second breast cup 120, the corresponding support level of each zone decreases. That is, the first support level of the first zone 912 (associated with the third adhesive dot density 906) is greater than the second support level of the second zone 914 (associated with the second adhesive dot density 904), and the second support level of the second zone 914 is greater than the third support level of the third zone 916 (associated with the first adhesive dot density 902). With this arrangement, the support level of the progressive support profile 910 decreases as it extends into the area of the breast support garment 100 that covers the wearer's breast, such that the density of the adhesive dots in the second adhesive dot matrix pattern 900 gradually decreases from the area around the root of each breast toward the area of the breast support garment 100 that covers the wearer's breast.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation distance between the adhesive dots of each zone 912, 914, 916 decreases outward from the central portion of the second breast cup 120 through each zone. In one embodiment, the separation distance between the adhesive dots in the third zone 916 is about 3 mm, the separation distance between the adhesive dots in the second zone 914 is about 2 mm, and the separation distance between the adhesive dots in the first zone 912 is about 1 mm. Additionally, in this embodiment, the separation distance between the adhesive dots associated with the fourth adhesive dot density 908 is about 4 mm. In other embodiments, the specific separation distances may vary.

[0078] Now referring to Figure 10 , an exemplary embodiment of a third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000 for forming an engineered support structure for the breast support garment 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000 includes five levels of adhesive dot density (e.g., associated with varying separation distances and / or adhesive dot sizes) arranged in different regions of the breast support garment 100 to provide zones with different support levels. As Figure 10As shown, the third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000 includes a first adhesive dot density 1002 associated with a low adhesive dot density, which has a large separation distance and / or a small adhesive dot size to provide a low support level. In this embodiment, the first adhesive dot density 1002 can be used at least in the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120.

[0079] The third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000 further includes a second adhesive dot density 1004 associated with a medium adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is less than that of the first adhesive dot density 1002 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots is larger than that of the first adhesive dot density 1002), and the support level provided is greater than that provided by the first adhesive dot density 1002. In this embodiment, the second adhesive dot density 1004 can be used at least in the area surrounding the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 and surrounding the area of the first adhesive dot density 1002. The second adhesive dot density 1004 can also be used in the area extending along the contour of the top edge 114 and in the area along the side of the breast support garment 100.

[0080] The third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000 further includes a third adhesive dot density 1006 associated with the highest adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is less than those of the second adhesive dot density 1004 and the first adhesive dot density 1002 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots is larger than those of the second adhesive dot density 1004 and the first adhesive dot density 1002), and the support level provided is greater than those provided by the second adhesive dot density 1004 and the first adhesive dot density 1002. In this embodiment, the third adhesive dot density 1006 can be used in most of the breast support garment 100, including the area surrounding the second adhesive dot density 1004 and the first adhesive dot density 1002.

[0081] In this embodiment, the third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000 further includes a fourth adhesive dot density 1008 associated with a high adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is greater than that of the third adhesive dot density 1006, but the separation distance of which is less than those of the second adhesive dot density 1004 and the first adhesive dot density 1002, and the support level provided is less than that provided by the third adhesive dot density 1006, but greater than those provided by the second adhesive dot density 1004 and the first adhesive dot density 1002.

[0082] In this embodiment, the fourth adhesive dot density 1008 can be used at least in the regions along the sides of the breast support garment 100. Additionally, in this embodiment, the third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000 further includes a fifth adhesive dot density 1010 that is associated with a medium adhesive dot density, the medium adhesive dot density having a separation distance greater than the separation distances of the third adhesive dot density 1006, the second adhesive dot density 1004, and the fourth adhesive dot density 1008, but less than the separation distance of the first adhesive dot density 1002, and providing a support level less than the support levels provided by the third adhesive dot density 1006, the second adhesive dot density 1004, and the fourth adhesive dot density 1008, but greater than the support level provided by the first adhesive dot density 1002. With this arrangement, the third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000 forms an engineered support structure between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 of the breast support garment 100.

[0083] As Figure 10 shown, the third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000 has a progressive support profile 1012 that spans the second breast cup 120, the progressive support profile 1012 including a first region 1014 having the second adhesive dot density 1004 and a second region 1016 having the first adhesive dot density 1002, the second adhesive dot density 1004 having a first support level and the first adhesive dot density 1002 having a second support level. As the progressive support profile 1012 moves inward from the outer edge of the second breast cup 120 toward the central portion of the second breast cup 120, the corresponding support level of each region decreases. That is, the first support level of the first region 1014 (associated with the second adhesive dot density 1004) is greater than the second support level of the second region 1016 (associated with the first adhesive dot density 1002). With this arrangement, the support level of the progressive support profile 1012 decreases as it extends into the region of the breast support garment 100 that covers the wearer's breast, such that the density of the adhesive dots in the third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000 gradually decreases from the region around the root of each breast toward the region of the breast support garment 100 that covers the wearer's breast.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in each of the zones 1014, 1016 decreases outwardly from the central portion of the second breast cup 120 through each zone. In one embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the second zone 1016 is about 5 mm, and the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the first zone 1014 is about 2 mm. Additionally, in this embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots associated with the third adhesive dot density 1006 is about 0.5 mm, the separation distance of the adhesive dots associated with the fourth adhesive dot density 1008 is about 1 mm, and the separation distance of the adhesive dots associated with the fifth adhesive dot density 1010 is about 3 mm. In other embodiments, the specific separation distances may vary.

[0085] Figure 11 is an exemplary embodiment of a fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1100 for an engineered support structure for forming a breast support garment 100. In this embodiment, the fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1100 has five levels of adhesive dot density (e.g., associated with varying separation distances and / or adhesive dot sizes) disposed in different regions of the breast support garment 100 to provide zones with different support levels having an arrangement substantially similar to that of the third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000, where different separation distances are used for the various adhesive dot densities.

[0086] As Figure 11 shown, the fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1100 includes a first adhesive dot density 1102 associated with a low adhesive dot density having a large separation distance and / or a small adhesive dot size to provide a low support level. In this embodiment, the first adhesive dot density 1102 may be used at least in the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120. The fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1100 also includes a second adhesive dot density 1104 associated with a medium adhesive dot density having a separation distance less than that of the first adhesive dot density 1102 (and / or an adhesive dot size greater than that of the first adhesive dot density 1102), providing a support level greater than that provided by the first adhesive dot density 1102. In this embodiment, the second adhesive dot density 1104 may be used at least in the regions surrounding the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 and surrounding the region of the first adhesive dot density 1102. The second adhesive dot density 1104 may also be used in the regions extending along the contour of the top edge 114 and in the regions along the sides of the breast support garment 100.

[0087] The fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1100 further includes a third adhesive dot density 1106 associated with the highest adhesive dot density, the separation distance of the highest adhesive dot density being less than the separation distances of the second adhesive dot density 1104 and the first adhesive dot density 1102 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots being greater than the sizes of the adhesive dots of the second adhesive dot density 1104 and the first adhesive dot density 1102), and the provided support level being greater than the support levels provided by the second adhesive dot density 1104 and the first adhesive dot density 1102. In this embodiment, the third adhesive dot density 1106 can be used in the vast majority of the breast support garment 100, including the regions surrounding the second adhesive dot density 1104 and the first adhesive dot density 1102.

[0088] In this embodiment, the fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1100 further includes a fourth adhesive dot density 1108 associated with a high adhesive dot density, the separation distance of the high adhesive dot density being greater than the separation distance of the third adhesive dot density 1106 but less than the separation distances of the second adhesive dot density 1104 and the first adhesive dot density 1102, and the provided support level being less than the support level provided by the third adhesive dot density 1106 but greater than the support levels provided by the second adhesive dot density 1104 and the first adhesive dot density 1102.

[0089] In this embodiment, the fourth adhesive dot density 1108 can be used at least in the regions along the sides of the breast support garment 100. Additionally, in this embodiment, the fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1100 further includes a fifth adhesive dot density 1110 associated with a medium adhesive dot density, the separation distance of the medium adhesive dot density being greater than the separation distances of the third adhesive dot density 1106, the second adhesive dot density 1104, and the fourth adhesive dot density 1108 but less than the separation distance of the first adhesive dot density 1102, and the provided support level being less than the support levels provided by the third adhesive dot density 1106, the second adhesive dot density 1104, and the fourth adhesive dot density 1108 but greater than the support level provided by the first adhesive dot density 1102. With this arrangement, the fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1100 forms an engineered support structure between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 of the breast support garment 100.

[0090] As Figure 11As shown, the fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1100 has a progressive support profile 1112 that spans the second cup 120. The progressive support profile 1112 includes a first zone 1114 having a second adhesive dot density 1104 and a second zone 1116 having a first adhesive dot density 1102. The second adhesive dot density 1104 has a first support level, and the first adhesive dot density 1102 has a second support level. As the progressive support profile 1112 moves inward from the outer edge of the second breast cup 120 toward the central portion of the second breast cup 120, the corresponding support level of each zone decreases. That is, the first support level of the first zone 1114 (associated with the second adhesive dot density 1104) is greater than the second support level of the second zone 1116 (associated with the first adhesive dot density 1102). With this arrangement, the support level of the progressive support profile 1112 decreases as it extends into the area of the breast support garment 100 that covers the wearer's breast, such that the density of the adhesive dots in the fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1100 gradually decreases from the area around the root of each breast toward the area of the breast support garment 100 that covers the wearer's breast.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in each zone 1114, 1116 decreases outward from the central portion of the second breast cup 120 through each zone. In one embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the second zone 1116 is about 6 mm, and the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the first zone 1114 is about 3 mm. Additionally, in this embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots associated with the third adhesive dot density 1106 is about 1 mm, the separation distance of the adhesive dots associated with the fourth adhesive dot density 1108 is about 2 mm, and the separation distance of the adhesive dots associated with the fifth adhesive dot density 1110 is about 4 mm. In other embodiments, the specific separation distances may vary.

[0092] In contrast to the engineered support structure of the third adhesive dot matrix pattern 1000, the engineered support structure of the fourth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1100 will provide an overall lower amount of support for the breast support garment 100 over all areas of the breast support garment 100 while maintaining an overall similar support profile (e.g., the regions relative to the adhesive dot densities remain the same while the actual values of the separation distances associated with those densities change) due to the larger separation distances associated with each of the adhesive dot densities. With this arrangement, breast support garments with similar support profiles but varying support levels can be provided by using similar adhesive dot matrix patterns but with different separation distances for each adhesive dot density.

[0093] Now referring to Figure 12, an exemplary embodiment of a fifth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1200 for forming an engineered support structure for a breast support garment 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the fifth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1200 includes four levels of adhesive dot density (e.g., associated with varying separation distances and / or adhesive dot sizes) arranged in different regions of the breast support garment 100 to provide zones with different support levels. As Figure 12 shown, the fifth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1200 includes a first adhesive dot density 1202 associated with a low adhesive dot density having a large separation distance and / or a small adhesive dot size to provide a low support level. In this embodiment, the first adhesive dot density 1202 can be used at least in the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120, and in regions spaced along and following the contour of the top edge 114.

[0094] In this embodiment, the central portions of the first cup 118 and the second cup 120 having the first adhesive dot density 1202 further include a layer 1204 of sprayed adhesive or glue deposited above and / or below the adhesive dots of the first adhesive dot density 1202. This additional layer 1204 of sprayed adhesive or glue deposited on the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 of the breast support garment 100 can help to bond or join the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 in a manner that prevents or resists wrinkling or bunching in this region. In some embodiments, the layer 1204 of sprayed adhesive or glue can be optional.

[0095] The fifth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1200 further includes a second adhesive dot density 1206 associated with a medium adhesive dot density having a separation distance less than that of the first adhesive dot density 1202 (and / or an adhesive dot size greater than that of the first adhesive dot density 1202), providing a support level greater than that provided by the first adhesive dot density 1202. In this embodiment, the second adhesive dot density 1206 can be used at least in the regions surrounding the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 and enclosing the region of the first adhesive dot density 1202. The second adhesive dot density 1206 can also be used in regions adjacent to and extending along the contour of the top edge 114, and at regions along the sides of the breast support garment 100.

[0096] The fifth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1200 further includes a third adhesive dot density 1208 associated with a high adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is less than the separation distances of the second adhesive dot density 1206 and the first adhesive dot density 1202 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots is greater than the sizes of the adhesive dots of the second adhesive dot density 1206 and the first adhesive dot density 1202), and the provided support level is greater than the support levels provided by the second adhesive dot density 1206 and the first adhesive dot density 1202. In this embodiment, the third adhesive dot density 1208 can be used at least in the regions around the central portions of the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120 and surrounding the regions of the second adhesive dot density 1206 and the first adhesive dot density 1202. The third adhesive dot density 1208 can also be used at least in the regions along the bottom edge 116 adjacent to the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120, and in the regions spaced inward from the second adhesive dot density 1206 and the first adhesive dot density 1202 and spaced from the top edge 114.

[0097] In this embodiment, the fifth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1200 further includes a fourth adhesive dot density 1210 associated with a low adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is greater than the separation distances of the third adhesive dot density 1208 and the second adhesive dot density 1206 but less than the separation distance of the first adhesive dot density 1202, and the provided support level is less than the support levels provided by the third adhesive dot density 1208 and the second adhesive dot density 1206 but greater than the support level provided by the first adhesive dot density 1202.

[0098] In this embodiment, the fourth adhesive dot density 1210 can be used at least in the regions along the bottom edge 116 and in the middle of the breast support garment 100 between the first breast cup 118 and the second breast cup 120, and in the regions along the sides of the breast support garment 100. With this arrangement, the fifth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1200 forms an engineered support structure between the outer layer 300 and the inner layer 302 of the breast support garment 100.

[0099] As Figure 12As shown, the fifth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1200 has a progressive support profile 1212 spanning the second cup 120. The progressive support profile 1212 includes a first zone 1214 having a third adhesive dot density 1208, a second zone 1216 having a second adhesive dot density 1206, and a third zone 1218 having a first adhesive dot density 1202. The third adhesive dot density 1208 has a first support level, the second adhesive dot density 1206 has a second support level, and the first adhesive dot density 1202 has a third support level. As the progressive support profile 1212 moves inward from the outer edge of the second breast cup 120 toward the central portion of the second breast cup 120, the corresponding support level of each zone decreases. That is, the first support level of the first zone 1214 (associated with the third adhesive dot density 1208) is greater than the second support level of the second zone 1216 (associated with the second adhesive dot density 1206), and the second support level of the second zone 1216 is greater than the third support level of the third zone 1218 (associated with the first adhesive dot density 1202). With this arrangement, the support level of the progressive support profile 1212 decreases as it extends into the area of the breast support garment 100 that covers the wearer's breast, such that the density of the adhesive dots in the fifth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1200 gradually decreases from the area around the root of each breast toward the area of the breast support garment 100 that covers the wearer's breast.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in each of the zones 1214, 1216, 1218 decreases outward from the central portion of the second breast cup 120 through each zone. In one embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the third zone 1218 is about 6 mm, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the second zone 1216 is about 2 mm, and the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the first zone 1214 is about 1 mm. Additionally, in this embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots associated with the fourth adhesive dot density 1210 is about 4 mm. In other embodiments, the specific separation distances may vary.

[0101] In some embodiments, the breast support garment may be provided as an integral support garment. Figure 13 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the integral breast support garment 1300. In this embodiment, the integral breast support garment 1300 may be a pullover style, with a front portion 1302 configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer's chest area and integrally joined to a rear portion 1400 (shown in Figure 14 ). In contrast to the previous embodiments of the breast support garment 100, this embodiment of the integral breast support garment 1300 does not include a closure system. Instead, the front portion 1302 is substantially continuous with the rear portion 1400 to form the integral breast support garment 1300.

[0102] In some embodiments, the front portion 1302 extends between a first side 1304 and a second side 1306 of the breast support garment 1300. In an exemplary embodiment, the front portion 1302 of the breast support garment 1300 includes an outer front portion 1308 that forms an outer surface of the breast support garment 1300 that extends away from the wearer's chest region. In this embodiment, the breast support garment 1300 includes a pair of shoulder straps that include a first strap 1310 and a second strap 1312. The first strap 1310 and the second strap 1312 are configured to extend over the shoulders of the wearer of the breast support garment 1300.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, the front portion 1302 of the breast support garment 1300 extends from a top edge 1314 to a bottom edge 1316. The top edge 1314 may form a neckline that extends above the wearer's breasts, and the bottom edge 1316 may form a lower band that extends below the wearer's breasts and continues to the rear portion 1400 to encircle the lower torso of the wearer. Additionally, in some embodiments, the front portion 1302 of the breast support garment 1300 may further include a pair of breast cups that include a first breast cup 1318 and a second breast cup 1320, which are configured to receive the wearer's breasts. In one embodiment, the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320 on the front portion 1302 of the breast support garment 1300 may be molded into the material forming the front portion 1302. In some embodiments, the front portion 1302 includes an outer layer and an opposing inner layer in substantially the same manner as the breast support garment 100 described above.

[0104] Now referring Figure 14 , a rear view of the one-piece breast support garment 1300 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the breast support garment 1300 may include a rear portion 1400 for covering at least a portion of the wearer's back region. The rear portion 1400 of the breast support garment 1300 engages and is attached to the front portion 1302 along each of the first side 1304 and the second side 1306. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear portion 1400 may be formed by a central section 1402 that extends from the first strap 1310 and the second strap 1312 on each side of the breast support garment 1300 and engages with a first side back section 1404 and a second side back section 1406 to cover the wearer's back region. In some embodiments, the rear portion 1400 includes an outer layer and an opposing inner layer in substantially the same manner as the breast support garment 100 described above.

[0105] In some embodiments, the one-piece breast support garment 1300 may optionally include one or more cushioning structures, e.g., substantially similar to the cushioning structures 320, 323, 325 described above and Figure 3 shown, and the one or more cushioning structures are disposed between the layers forming the one-piece breast support garment 1300. It should be understood that Figures 13 to 14 the pullover one-piece breast support garment 1300 shown in is exemplary, and other forms or styles of one-piece breast support garments may be provided.

[0106] According to the techniques of the exemplary embodiments described herein, the one-piece breast support garment 1300 may be provided with an engineered support structure that allows the garment to have varying support (i.e., stretch resistance) zones in different regions of the garment. In some embodiments, in a manner similar to that described above for process 400 for a breast support garment 100, an engineered support structure may be provided in the front portion 1302, the rear portion 1400, and / or both the front portion 1302 and the rear portion 1400 of the one-piece breast support garment 1300 by applying an adhesive dot matrix pattern to the layers of each of the front portion 1302 and / or the rear portion 1400.

[0107] Now referring to Figure 15 , an exemplary embodiment of a sixth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1500 for forming an engineered support structure for a breast support garment 1300 is shown. In this embodiment, the sixth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1500 includes four levels of adhesive dot density (e.g., associated with varying separation distances and / or adhesive dot sizes) arranged in different regions of the breast support garment 100 to provide zones with different support levels. As Figure 15 shown, the sixth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1500 includes a first adhesive dot density 1502 associated with a low adhesive dot density having a large separation distance and / or a small adhesive dot size to provide a low support level. In this embodiment, the first adhesive dot density 1502 may be used at least in the central portions of the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320, and in regions spaced from and following the contour of the top edge 1314.

[0108] In this embodiment, the central portions of the first cup 1318 and the second cup 1320 having the first adhesive dot density 1502 further include a layer 1504 of sprayed adhesive or glue that is deposited above and / or below the adhesive dots of the first adhesive dot density 1502. This additional layer 1504 of sprayed adhesive or glue deposited onto the central portions of the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320 of the breast support garment 1300 can help to bond or join the outer and inner layers in a manner that prevents or resists wrinkling or bunching in this area. In some embodiments, the layer 1504 of sprayed adhesive or glue can be optional.

[0109] The sixth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1500 further includes a second adhesive dot density 1506 associated with a medium adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is less than the separation distance of the first adhesive dot density 1502 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots is greater than the size of the adhesive dots of the first adhesive dot density 1502), and the level of support provided is greater than the level of support provided by the first adhesive dot density 1502. In this embodiment, the second adhesive dot density 1506 can be used at least in the area surrounding the central portions of the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320 and enclosing the area of the first adhesive dot density 1502. The second adhesive dot density 1506 can also be used in the area adjacent to and extending along the contour of the top edge 1314, and in the area along the sides of the breast support garment 1300.

[0110] The sixth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1500 further includes a third adhesive dot density 1508 associated with a high adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is less than the separation distances of the second adhesive dot density 1506 and the first adhesive dot density 1502 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots is greater than the sizes of the adhesive dots of the second adhesive dot density 1506 and the first adhesive dot density 1502), and the level of support provided is greater than the levels of support provided by the second adhesive dot density 1506 and the first adhesive dot density 1502. In this embodiment, the third adhesive dot density 1508 can be used at least in the area surrounding the central portions of the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320 and enclosing the areas of the second adhesive dot density 1506 and the first adhesive dot density 1502. The third adhesive dot density 1508 can also be used at least in the area along the bottom edge 1316 adjacent to the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320, and in the area spaced inward from the areas of the second adhesive dot density 1506 and the first adhesive dot density 1502 and spaced from the top edge 1314.

[0111] In this embodiment, the sixth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1500 further includes a fourth adhesive dot density 1510 associated with a low adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is greater than the separation distances of the third adhesive dot density 1508 and the second adhesive dot density 1506, but less than the separation distance of the first adhesive dot density 1502, and the provided support level is less than the support levels provided by the third adhesive dot density 1508 and the second adhesive dot density 1506, but greater than the support level provided by the first adhesive dot density 1502.

[0112] In this embodiment, the fourth adhesive dot density 1510 can be used at least for the area along the bottom edge 1316 and in the middle of the breast support garment 1300 between the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320, as well as for the area along the sides of the breast support garment 1300. With this arrangement, the sixth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1500 forms an engineered support structure between the outer and inner layers of the breast support garment 1300.

[0113] As Figure 15 shown, the sixth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1500 has a progressive support profile 1512 spanning the second cup 1320, which progressive support profile 1512 includes a first zone 1514 having the third adhesive dot density 1508, a second zone 1516 having the second adhesive dot density 1506, and a third zone 1518 having the first adhesive dot density 1502. The third adhesive dot density 1508 has a first support level, the second adhesive dot density 1506 has a second support level, and the first adhesive dot density 1502 has a third support level. As the progressive support profile 1512 moves inward from the outer edge of the second breast cup 1320 towards the central portion of the second breast cup 1320, the corresponding support level of each zone decreases. That is, the first support level of the first zone 1514 (associated with the third adhesive dot density 1508) is greater than the second support level of the second zone 1516 (associated with the second adhesive dot density 1506), and the second support level of the second zone 1516 is greater than the third support level of the third zone 1518 (associated with the first adhesive dot density 1502). With this arrangement, the support level of the progressive support profile 1512 decreases as it extends into the area of the breast support garment 1300 that covers the wearer's breast, such that the density of the adhesive dots in the sixth adhesive dot matrix pattern 1500 gradually decreases from the area around the root of each breast towards the area of the breast support garment 1300 that covers the wearer's breast.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in each of the zones 1514, 1516, 1518 decreases outwardly from the central portion of the second breast cup 1320 through each zone. In one embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the third zone 1518 is about 6 mm, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the second zone 1516 is about 2 mm, and the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the first zone 1514 is about 1 mm. Additionally, in this embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots associated with the fourth adhesive dot density 1510 is about 4 mm. In other embodiments, the specific separation distances may vary.

[0115] Now referring to Figure 16 , an exemplary embodiment of a first back adhesive dot matrix pattern 1600 for forming an engineered support structure to provide support to the rear portion 1400 of the breast support garment 1300 is shown. In this embodiment, the first back adhesive dot matrix pattern 1600 includes at least three zones having different levels of adhesive dot density (e.g., associated with varying separation distances and / or adhesive dot sizes) to provide zones of different support levels to the rear portion 1400 of the breast support garment 1300. As Figure 16 shown, the first back adhesive dot matrix pattern 1600 includes a first adhesive dot density 1602 associated with a low adhesive dot density that has a large separation distance and / or a small adhesive dot size to provide a low support level. In this embodiment, the first adhesive dot density 1602 can be used at least in the central portion along the bottom edge 1316, in regions spaced from and following the contour of the top edge 1314, and in regions on each of the first side 1304 and the second side 1306.

[0116] The first back adhesive dot matrix pattern 1600 further includes a second adhesive dot density 1604 associated with a medium adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is less than the separation distance of the first adhesive dot density 1602 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots is greater than the size of the adhesive dots of the first adhesive dot density 1602), and the support level provided is greater than the support level provided by the first adhesive dot density 1602. In this embodiment, the second adhesive dot density 1604 can be used at least in regions surrounding the perimeter of the rear portion 1400, including regions following the top edge 1314, following opposite sides of the central section 1402, and surrounding a cutout adjacent the bottom edge 1316.

[0117] The first back adhesive dot matrix pattern 1600 further includes a third adhesive dot density 1606 associated with a high adhesive dot density, the separation distance of which is less than the separation distances of the second adhesive dot density 1604 and the first adhesive dot density 1602 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots is greater than the size of the adhesive dots of the second adhesive dot density 1604 and the first adhesive dot density 1602), and the provided support level is greater than the support levels provided by the second adhesive dot density 1604 and the first adhesive dot density 1602. In this embodiment, the third adhesive dot density 1606 can be used at least in the central section 1402 and in the regions extending upward toward the first strap 1310 and the second strap 1312 and downward toward the bottom edge 1316. With this arrangement, the first back adhesive dot matrix pattern 1600 forms an engineered support structure that provides support to the rear portion 1400 of the breast support garment 1300.

[0118] Now referring Figure 17 , an exemplary embodiment of a seventh adhesive dot matrix pattern 1700 for forming an engineered support structure of a breast support garment 1300 is shown. In this embodiment, the seventh adhesive dot matrix pattern 1700 includes four levels of adhesive dot density (e.g., associated with varying separation distances and / or adhesive dot sizes) arranged in different regions of the breast support garment 100 to provide zones with different support levels. As Figure 17 shown, the seventh adhesive dot matrix pattern 1700 includes a first adhesive dot density 1702 associated with a low adhesive dot density, which has a large separation distance and / or a small adhesive dot size to provide a low support level. In this embodiment, the first adhesive dot density 1702 can be used at least in the central portions of the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320, and in the regions spaced apart from and following the contour of the top edge 1314.

[0119] In this embodiment, the central portions of the first cup 1318 and the second cup 1320 having the first adhesive dot density 1702 further include a layer 1704 of sprayed adhesive or glue, which is deposited above and / or below the adhesive dots of the first adhesive dot density 1702. This additional layer 1704 of sprayed adhesive or glue deposited on the central portions of the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320 of the breast support garment 1300 can help to bond or join the outer and inner layers in a manner that prevents or resists wrinkling or bunching in this region. In some embodiments, the layer 1704 of sprayed adhesive or glue can be optional.

[0120] The seventh adhesive dot matrix pattern 1700 further includes a second adhesive dot density 1706 associated with a medium adhesive dot density, the separation distance of the medium adhesive dot density being less than the separation distance of the first adhesive dot density 1702 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots being greater than the size of the adhesive dots of the first adhesive dot density 1702), and the provided support level being greater than the support level provided by the first adhesive dot density 1702. In this embodiment, the second adhesive dot density 1706 can be used at least in the regions around the central portions of the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320, and enclose the regions of the first adhesive dot density 1702. The second adhesive dot density 1706 can also be used in the regions along and adjacent to the contour of the top edge 1314 and extending along the contour of the top edge 1314, and in the regions along the sides of the breast support garment 1300.

[0121] The seventh adhesive dot matrix pattern 1700 further includes a third adhesive dot density 1708 associated with a high adhesive dot density, the separation distance of the high adhesive dot density being less than the separation distances of the second adhesive dot density 1706 and the first adhesive dot density 1702 (and / or the size of its adhesive dots being greater than the sizes of the adhesive dots of the second adhesive dot density 1706 and the first adhesive dot density 1702), and the provided support level being greater than the support levels provided by the second adhesive dot density 1706 and the first adhesive dot density 1702. In this embodiment, the third adhesive dot density 1708 can be used at least in the regions around the central portions of the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320, and enclose the regions of the second adhesive dot density 1706 and the first adhesive dot density 1702. The third adhesive dot density 1708 can also be used at least in the regions along the bottom edge 1316 adjacent to the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320, and in the regions spaced from the top edge 1314 and inward from the regions of the second adhesive dot density 1706 and the first adhesive dot density 1702.

[0122] In this embodiment, the seventh adhesive dot matrix pattern 1700 further includes a fourth adhesive dot density 1710 associated with a low adhesive dot density, the separation distance of the low adhesive dot density being greater than the separation distances of the third adhesive dot density 1708 and the second adhesive dot density 1706, but less than the separation distance of the first adhesive dot density 1702, and the provided support level being less than the support levels provided by the third adhesive dot density 1708 and the second adhesive dot density 1706, but greater than the support level provided by the first adhesive dot density 1702.

[0123] In this embodiment, the fourth adhesive dot density 1710 can be used at least in the area along the bottom edge 1316 and in the middle of the breast support garment 1300 between the first breast cup 1318 and the second breast cup 1320, as well as in the area along the sides of the breast support garment 1300. With this arrangement, the seventh adhesive dot matrix pattern 1700 forms an engineered support structure between the outer and inner layers of the breast support garment 1300.

[0124] As Figure 17 shown, the seventh adhesive dot matrix pattern 1700 has a progressive support profile 1712 that spans the second cup 1320. The progressive support profile 1712 includes a first region 1714 having a third adhesive dot density 1708, a second region 1716 having a second adhesive dot density 1706, and a third region 1718 having a first adhesive dot density 1702. The third adhesive dot density 1708 has a first support level, the second adhesive dot density 1706 has a second support level, and the first adhesive dot density 1702 has a third support level. As the progressive support profile 1712 moves inward from the outer edge of the second breast cup 1320 toward the central portion of the second breast cup 1320, the corresponding support level of each region decreases. That is, the first support level of the first region 1714 (associated with the third adhesive dot density 1708) is greater than the second support level of the second region 1716 (associated with the second adhesive dot density 1706), and the second support level of the second region 1716 is greater than the third support level of the third region 1718 (associated with the first adhesive dot density 1702). With this arrangement, the support level of the progressive support profile 1712 decreases as it extends into the area of the breast support garment 1300 that covers the wearer's breast, such that the density of the adhesive dots in the seventh adhesive dot matrix pattern 1700 gradually decreases from the area around the root of each breast toward the area of the breast support garment 1300 that covers the wearer's breast.

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in each of the regions 1714, 1716, 1718 decreases outward from the central portion of the second breast cup 1320 through each region. In one embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the third region 1718 is about 6 mm, the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the second region 1716 is about 1 mm, and the separation distance of the adhesive dots in the first region 1714 is about 0.5 mm. Additionally, in this embodiment, the separation distance of the adhesive dots associated with the fourth adhesive dot density 1710 is about 4 mm. In other embodiments, the specific separation distances may vary.

[0126] Now refer Figure 18, an exemplary embodiment of a second back adhesive dot matrix pattern 1800 for forming an engineered support structure to provide support to the rear portion 1400 of the breast support garment 1300 is shown. In this embodiment, the second back adhesive dot matrix pattern 1800 includes at least two regions having different levels of adhesive dot density (e.g., associated with varying separation distances and / or adhesive dot sizes) to provide zones with different support levels for the rear portion 1400 of the breast support garment 1300. As Figure 18 shown, the second back adhesive dot matrix pattern 1800 includes a first adhesive dot density 1802 associated with a low adhesive dot density having a large separation distance and / or a small adhesive dot size to provide a low support level. In this embodiment, the first adhesive dot density 1802 can be used at least in the regions around the perimeter of the rear portion 1400, including the regions that travel along the top edge 1314, along the opposite sides of the central section 1402, and that surround the cutout adjacent to the bottom edge 1316.

[0127] The second back adhesive dot matrix pattern 1800 further includes a second adhesive dot density 1804 associated with a high adhesive dot density having a separation distance less than the separation distance of the first adhesive dot density 1802 (and / or having an adhesive dot size greater than the adhesive dot size of the first adhesive dot density 1802), and the support level provided is greater than the support level provided by the first adhesive dot density 1802. In this embodiment, the second adhesive dot density 1804 can be used at least in the regions including the central section 1402 and the regions that extend upwardly towards the first strap 1310 and the second strap 1312 and downwardly towards the bottom edge 1316. With this arrangement, the second back adhesive dot matrix pattern 1800 is formed as an engineered support structure to provide support to the rear portion 1400 of the breast support garment 1300.

[0128] This embodiment has been described herein with reference to breast support garments 100, 1300 having two layers, wherein the engineered support structure is formed by an adhesive dot matrix pattern disposed between the two layers. In other embodiments, a breast support garment having only a single layer can be provided, wherein the engineered support structure formed by the adhesive dot matrix pattern is directly applied to the inner surface of the single layer. For example, the adhesive dots forming the adhesive dot matrix pattern can include rubber or silicone materials such that the adhesive dot matrix pattern can engage or interact with the skin of the wearer to provide an engineered support structure for the single layer breast support garment.

[0129] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary rather than restrictive, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that there can be more embodiments and implementations within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited except as by the appended claims and their equivalents. Moreover, various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A breast support garment having an engineered support structure, the breast support garment comprising: A front portion configured to cover at least a portion of a wearer's chest region and extending from a first side of the front portion to a second side of the front portion, the front portion having an inner surface of the front portion and an outer surface of the front portion; And An engineered support structure including an adhesive dot matrix pattern disposed on the front portion, wherein the engineered support structure includes at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the at least one first zone has a first support level defined by a first adhesive dot density or a first adhesive dot size in the adhesive dot matrix pattern, and the at least one second zone has a second support level defined by a second adhesive dot density or a second adhesive dot size in the adhesive dot matrix pattern, and the first support level is different from the second support level.

2. The breast support garment according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the front portion is molded to form two breast cups.

3. The breast support garment according to claim 2, wherein, The first support level is greater than the second support level; Wherein the at least one first zone follows the contour of each breast cup to directly support breast tissue around the root of each breast.

4. The breast support garment according to claim 3, wherein, The first zone and the second zone include a progressive support contour; and Wherein the support level of the progressive support contour decreases as it extends into the region of the breast support garment that covers the wearer's breasts, such that the density of the adhesive dots in the adhesive dot matrix pattern gradually decreases from the region around the root of each breast toward the region of the breast support garment that covers the wearer's breasts.

5. The breast support garment according to claim 1, wherein, The front portion further includes an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer facing the wearer's chest, and the engineered support structure is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer.

6. The breast support garment according to claim 5, wherein, At least one of the outer layer or the inner layer is molded to form two breast cups, the first support level is greater than the second support level, and the at least one first zone follows the contour of each breast cup to directly support breast tissue around the root of each breast.

7. The breast support garment according to claim 1, wherein, The engineered support structure includes at least one third zone having a third support level defined by a third adhesive dot density or a third adhesive dot size in the adhesive dot matrix pattern.

8. The breast support garment according to claim 1, wherein, The front portion further includes at least one cushioning structure including a shape memory polymer foam.

9. The breast support garment according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one cushioning structure extends between the first side and the second side of the front portion below the breast cups of the breast support garment; And Wherein the at least one cushioning structure is shaped to follow the lower contour of each breast.

10. The breast support garment according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one cushioning structure further includes at least one additional cushioning portion shaped to follow the outer contour of each breast.

11. A method of forming a breast support garment having an engineered support structure, comprising: A front portion for the breast support garment that covers at least a portion of a wearer's chest region, the front portion having an inner front surface and an outer front surface; and Depositing a plurality of adhesive dots onto the front portion according to an adhesive dot matrix pattern to form the engineered support structure; wherein the engineered support structure includes at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the at least one first zone has a first support level defined by a first adhesive dot density or a first adhesive dot size in the adhesive dot matrix pattern, and the at least one second zone has a second support level defined by a second adhesive dot density or a second adhesive dot size in the adhesive dot matrix pattern, and the first support level is different from the second support level.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The front portion includes an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer including the inner front surface and the outer front surface of the front portion, and the method further includes: Joining the inner layer to the outer layer, wherein the adhesive dot matrix pattern binds the inner layer and the outer layer together.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: Placing at least one cushioning structure between the inner layer and the outer layer.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Molding at least a portion of the front portion to form two breast cups.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The first support level is greater than the second support level; and wherein the at least one first zone follows the contour of each breast cup to directly support breast tissue around the base of each breast.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The first zone and the second zone include a progressive support profile; and wherein the support level of the progressive support profile decreases as it extends into the area covering the wearer's breast, such that the density of the adhesive dots in the adhesive dot matrix pattern gradually decreases from the area around the base of each breast towards the area of the breast support garment that covers the wearer's breast.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein The engineered support structure includes at least one third zone having a third support level defined by a third adhesive dot density or a third adhesive dot size in the adhesive dot matrix pattern.

18. An engineered support structure for a breast support garment, comprising: A plurality of adhesive dots deposited onto a front portion of the breast support garment according to an adhesive dot matrix pattern; wherein the adhesive dot matrix pattern provides the engineered support structure with at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the at least one first zone has a first support level defined by a first adhesive dot density or a first adhesive dot size in the adhesive dot matrix pattern, and the at least one second zone has a second support level defined by a second adhesive dot density or a second adhesive dot size in the adhesive dot matrix pattern, and the first support level is different from the second support level.

19. The engineered support structure according to claim 18, wherein, The breast support garment includes two breast cups; Wherein, the first support level is greater than the second support level; and wherein, the at least one first zone follows the contour of each breast cup to directly support breast tissue around the root of each breast.

20. The engineered support structure according to claim 19, wherein, The first zone and the second zone include a progressive support contour; and wherein, the support level of the progressive support contour decreases as it extends into the area of the breast support garment that covers the wearer's breast, such that the density of the adhesive dots in the adhesive dot matrix pattern gradually decreases from the area around the root of each breast towards the area of the breast support garment that covers the wearer's breast.

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