Top with three-dimensional knit structure

Abstract

To provide an arbitrary garment configured so as to cover an upper torso of a wearer.SOLUTION: The upper torso garment comprises a chest-covering portion having a knitted fabric region which includes a plurality of courses that fully span over a dome-shaped portion. The knitted fabric region includes a plurality of partial-length courses that partially span over the dome-shaped portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Upper-torso garments typically include various portions configured to cover the upper-torso region of a wearer. For example, upper-torso garments often include a chest-covering portion and a back-covering portion. In addition, upper-torso garments may include various textiles and material types, sometimes selected based on various properties. An example of one type of textile that may have various properties and that may be used to construct at least a portion of an upper-torso garment is a knit textile. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0002] The subject matter of the present disclosure is described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of an upper vest according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the garment shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the garment shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a front portion of an upper vest, illustrating exemplary locations of partial-knit courses, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 13A-13C show schematic diagrams of the front portion of another upper vest according to an alternative aspect of the present disclosure, illustrating example locations of partial knit courses. [Figure 6] 13 shows a schematic diagram of a front portion of another upper vest according to another aspect of the present disclosure, illustrating exemplary locations of partial knit courses. [Figure 7] 13 shows a schematic diagram of a front portion of another upper vest according to another aspect of the present disclosure, illustrating exemplary locations of partial knit courses. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary knit according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 shows knit-program notations corresponding to the knit schematic of FIG. 8. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a knit showing interlocking cross overs of the front course and back course according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a knit showing interlocking crossovers of front and back courses according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 illustrates a knit program notation according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of a portion of the schematic diagram of FIG. [Figure 12A] 13A-13C are schematic diagrams of additional knits illustrating alternative knit structures according to other aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] 13A-13C are schematic diagrams of additional knits illustrating alternative knit structures according to other aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12C] 13A-13C are schematic diagrams of additional knits illustrating alternative knit structures according to other aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12D] 13A-13C are schematic diagrams of additional knits illustrating alternative knit structures according to other aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary knit showing a tubular-jacquard knit structure with an interlocking tuck binder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a knit program notation corresponding to the knit schematic diagram of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a knitted schematic diagram showing an interlocking tuck binder in combination with front course and back course interlocking crossovers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates a knit program notation according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0003] The subject matter is described with detail and specificity throughout this disclosure to meet statutory requirements. However, the aspects described in this disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and the description itself is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter may be implemented in other ways, including different elements or combinations of elements that are equivalent to those described in this disclosure. In other words, the intended scope of the claims and other subject matter described herein includes equivalent features, aspects, materials, methods of construction, and other aspects that are not expressly described or shown in this application in the interest of brevity, but would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to be within the scope thereof in light of the full disclosure provided herein. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are useful and may be used without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and within the scope of the claims.

[0004] At a high level, the present disclosure describes an upper vest having various elements that contribute to the operation of the product both independently and in combination with one another. In one embodiment, the upper vest includes a three-dimensional knit (3D knit) dome portion configured to cover different regions of the wearer's body. For example, the 3D knit dome portion may be configured to cover the breast region, shoulder region, or other torso region. The 3D knit dome portion may include various knit structures, and in one example, the 3D knit dome portion includes partial-knit rows. Other elements may also affect the properties of the garment. Such other elements are described in more detail elsewhere in this disclosure, but include, but are not limited to, yarn composition and size, additional knit structures, and stitch sizes. For example, in one embodiment, the 3D knit dome portion (including the partial-knit rows) is constructed with a tubular jacquard knit structure. These and other aspects are described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0005] 1-3, an exemplary upper-torso 10 is shown, and in this description, "upper-torso" refers to any garment configured to cover the upper-torso of a wearer. The upper-torso 10 shown is a bra, and the style of bra shown is sometimes referred to as a sports bra, athletic bra, or other similar designations. Additionally, in other aspects of the present disclosure, the upper-torso may include a variety of other types of garments for men or women, including strapless bras, camisoles, base-layer shirts, singlets, racing suits, and the like.

[0006] When describing various aspects of the upper vest 10, relative terms may be used to aid in understanding relative positions. For example, the upper vest 10 may be divided into a left side 12 and a right side 14. Additionally, the upper vest 10 may include a rear portion 16 that typically covers at least a portion of the wearer's back when the upper vest 10 is in an in-use state, and a front portion 18 that typically covers at least a portion of the wearer's chest when the upper vest 10 is in an in-use state.

[0007] Additionally, the upper vest 10 includes various portions that may also be referenced when describing aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the upper vest 10 includes shoulder straps 20 and 22, as well as armholes 24 and 26, and a neckline 28 that generally forms a perimeter around the neck-receiving opening. Additionally, the upper vest 10 includes a breast-covering portion 30 on the left side 12 and a breast-covering portion 32 on the right side 14, with a central bridge 34 disposed between the breast-covering portions 30 and 32. The upper vest 10 also includes a series of encapsulation regions 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E, and 35F that form a perimeter around at least a portion of the breast-covering portions 30 and 32.

[0008] Additionally, the top vest 10 includes an upper-chest portion 39, a left underarm portion 36, a right underarm portion 38, a left wing 40, and a right wing 42. The rear portion 16 includes a racerback style rear panel having a main trunk 44 with rear straps 46 and 48. The trunk 44 and rear straps 46 and 48 generally form a "T" or "Y" shape, with the straps 46, 48 connecting with the shoulder straps 20, 22. A chest band 50 extends circumferentially under the breast covering portions 30, 32 and the wings 40, 42 to completely encircle the circumference of the rear portion 16. The chest band 50 is illustrated without any clasps or other releasable connectors, although these may be included in alternative embodiments. These relative areas and components are not necessarily intended to distinguish precise regions of the top vest 10, and are provided for purposes of illustration and explanation. However, the upper body garment 10 may include structural elements, such as seams or transition zones, that provide a logical division or segmentation.

[0009] The upper vest 10 may include other parts, regions, and portions not necessarily shown in FIGS. 1-3, such as a cradle region, an underwire, and the like. Additionally, as noted above, the bra-style upper vest 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is merely illustrative of a type of upper vest, and in other aspects of the present disclosure, the upper vest may have sleeves, an abdominal covering portion, a waist covering portion, integrated shorts or pants (e.g., a unitard with or without sleeves and of various leg lengths), and the like. Furthermore, in other aspects of the present disclosure, the upper vest may not include all of the parts and regions illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. For example, the upper vest may have different encapsulation regions (or no encapsulation regions), different sized center bridges, different back configurations (e.g., crisscross, tank style, and the like), and the like.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the upper vest 10 includes a knit textile region, and as used herein, "knit textile region" generally refers to at least a portion of the upper vest 10 that is comprised of one or more yarn strands that are interlooped with one another. For example, in FIG. 1, an exemplary knit textile region 52 is identified, and further details of the knit textile region 52 are further shown in enlarged view 54. Enlarged view 54 shows an exemplary knit structure 56. As shown by the partially exploded view 58, the knit structure 56 includes courses of interlooped front stitches 60 and courses of interlooped back stitches 62.

[0011] Although knitted fabric region 52 is identified in FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes to facilitate depiction and description of the knitted structure, in other aspects of the disclosure, upper vest 10 includes one or more other knitted fabric regions that are larger than region 52 and / or are disposed in other regions and portions of upper vest 10. For example, at least a portion of the front portion of upper vest 10 may include one or more knitted structures including chest band 50, breast covering portions 30 and 32, central bridge 34, encapsulation bands 35A-35F, underarm portions 36 and 38, wings 40 and 42, straps 20 and 22, and any combination thereof. These portions of upper vest 10 may be knitted together as a continuous knit panel or may be separate knitted panels that are joined together to form the upper vest.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 each include knitted fabric regions 66 and 68. The breast-covering portions 30 and 32 include various features that allow them to be identified. For example, the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 are generally located above the chest band 50 and below the straps 20 and 22. Additionally, the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 are generally located at the front of the upper vest 10, between the underarm portions 36 and 38, and between the wings 40 and 42. Furthermore, as suggested by FIGS. 1-3, the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 may be separated by a central bridge 34 and bounded on one or more sides by encapsulation regions 35A-35F. Also, in some other embodiments, the central bridge 34 may be omitted such that the breast-covering regions 30 and 32 form a single breast-covering portion that extends forward from the left wing and underarm portion to the right wing and underarm portion. Similarly, the thickness of encapsulation regions 35AS-35F may be reduced, or in other aspects of the disclosure, the encapsulation regions may be omitted.

[0013] As shown by the side views of Figures 2 and 3, the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 include a convex outer surface 70 and therefore a concave inner surface that is not visible from the perspectives shown in Figures 1-3. The breast-covering portions 30 and 32 may cover, and in some cases may contact, the wearer's chest area when the top vest 10 is in an in-use state, such as when worn by a human or mannequin. Additionally, the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 may provide compressive support to the wearer's respective breast tissue. The size and shape of the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 shown in Figures 1-3 are illustrative of one embodiment of the subject matter described herein, and in other embodiments, the size and shape may vary.

[0014] The breast cover portions 30 and 32 having the convex outer surface 70 are dome-shaped and may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the dome-shaped breast cover portions include a plurality of partial-length courses that add material (i.e., knit stitches) at different locations throughout the breast cover portions to establish knitted fabric regions to create the dome shape.

[0015] 1-3, each of the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 extends from a medial perimeter edge 72 and 74 to a lateral perimeter edge 76A / B and 78A / B, and from an inferior perimeter edge 80 and 82 to a superior perimeter edge 84 and 86. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the medial perimeter edges 72 and 74 are directly adjacent to the central bridge 34, and the lateral perimeter edges are bordered by the encapsulation regions 35A, 35B, 35E and 35F. Additionally, the inferior perimeter edges 80 and 82 are bordered by the chest band 50, and the superior perimeter edges are bordered by and directly adjacent to the encapsulation regions. Additionally, each of the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 includes a vertical midline 88 (see, e.g., FIG. 2) that divides the breast-covering portion evenly into left and right sides. Each breast-covering portion 30 and 32 also includes a horizontal midline 90 (see, eg, FIG. 2) that evenly divides the breast-covering portion into an upper half and a lower half.

[0016] The knitted textile panel constituting the breast-covering portion includes a plurality of knit courses that span the dome-shaped portion from a central bridge to an outer periphery. Moreover, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the knitted textile panel also includes a plurality of partial-length courses that are shorter than the plurality of knit courses and are intermittently disposed between the plurality of knit courses. The partial-length courses add material in the form of knit stitches to build a 3D knitted dome structure. In other words, when the portion of the upper vest that bounds the breast-covering portion is disposed in the XY plane, the partial-length courses form the dome-shaped portion in the Z direction. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the partial-length courses are distributed unevenly within the breast-covering portion. That is, the partial-length courses are distributed unevenly between the upper and lower halves, between the right and left halves, or a combination thereof.

[0017] 4-7, each of which illustrates a portion of an upper vest with some details removed or simplified, and each of which illustrates how partial length courses may be distributed and arranged in breast-covering portions 30 and 32 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Although each of the upper vests is shown flat (compared to the views of FIGS. 1-3), it will be understood that when the upper vests are configured consistent with FIGS. 4-7, the breast-covering portions are not flat (as shown in FIGS. 4-7) but instead include 3D knitted dome-shaped portions.

[0018] In each of the upper vests of Figures 4-7, the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 include inner perimeters 72 and 74, outer perimeters 76A / B and 78A / B, lower perimeters 80 and 82, and upper perimeters 84 and 86. As previously described, the inner perimeters 72 and 74 are directly adjacent to the central bridge 34, and the outer perimeters are bordered by the encapsulation areas 35A, 35B, 35E, and 35F. Additionally, the lower perimeters 80 and 82 are bordered by the chest band 50, and the upper perimeters 84 and 86 are bordered by and directly adjacent to the encapsulation areas 35D and 35C. Additionally, as previously described, each breast-covering portion 30 and 32 includes a longitudinal midline 88A and 88B that divides the breast-covering portion evenly into an inner portion and an outer portion. Each breast-covering portion 30 and 32 also includes a horizontal midline 90A and 90B that divides the breast-covering portion evenly into upper and lower halves.

[0019] 4-7, each breast-covering portion 30 and 32 is constructed from a knitted fabric panel that includes a plurality of courses that fully span the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 from the inner periphery 72, 74 to the outer periphery 76A / B and 78A / B. For purposes of illustration, the plurality of courses that fully span the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 are indicated by dotted shaded zones 91A-91C, and the courses that span the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 are not shown beyond the periphery, although it is understood that these courses may extend to other portions of the upper vest (e.g., to the encapsulation area, wings, underarm portions, etc.). Many of the elements included in each of the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 are mirror images of one another, so that in some instances, it is understood that a description of a feature in one of the breast-covering portions also applies to the other breast-covering portion.

[0020] In addition, each of Figures 4-7 shows a different arrangement of partial length courses, each of which will result in a dome-shaped portion having a different 3D geometric shape based on the location of the partial length courses in the breast-covering portion 30 and 32. For example, Figure 4 shows a plurality of partial length courses 92A-92F that partially span the breast-covering portion 32. The partial length courses 92A-92F are intermittently positioned between the plurality of courses 91A-91C. Furthermore, a greater amount of partial length courses are distributed in the upper half compared to the lower half, which can increase the volume of the dome-shaped portion in the upper half of the breast-covering portion 32. Furthermore, a greater portion of the partial length courses are distributed in the inner portion of the breast-covering portion 32.

[0021] Additionally, partial length courses 92A-92F include a first partial length course 92A having a first length, a second partial length course 92B having a second length shorter than the first length, and a third partial length course 92C having a third length shorter than the second length. Because the second course 92B is disposed between the first course 92A and the third course 92C, courses 92A-92C gradually decrease in size (from a maximum to a minimum) and the resulting dome-shaped portion can include a more rounded lower periphery.

[0022] The breast-covering portion 32 may include multiple subsets of partial-length courses whose lengths gradually decrease from the longest to the shortest. For example, courses 92A-92C represent a first subset of courses whose lengths gradually decrease (as described above). Additionally, the breast-covering portion 32 includes another subset of partial-length courses 92D-92F whose lengths also gradually decrease from the longest to the shortest. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the subset of courses 92D-92F at least partially overlaps with the first subset of courses 92A-92C. In other words, at least one of the courses from 92D-92F is disposed between at least two of the courses included in the first subset 92A-92C. The at least partially overlapping subset of partial-length courses helps to form the breast-covering portion in a stepped manner in the Z direction, resulting in a convex outer surface.

[0023] 5, another upper vest is shown having a plurality of partial-length courses 94A-94F that extend partially into the breast-covering portion 32. The partial-length courses 94A-94F are intermittently disposed between the plurality of courses (indicated by dotted shading). In addition, a greater amount of partial-length courses are distributed in the lower half compared to the upper half, which can increase the volume of the dome-shaped portion of the lower half of the breast-covering portion 32. In addition, similar to FIG. 4, the partial-length courses 94A-94F include a subset of courses that overlap each other.

[0024] 6, another upper vest is shown having a plurality of partial-length courses 96A-96F that extend partially into the breast-covering portion 32. The partial-length courses 96A-96F are intermittently disposed between the plurality of courses (indicated by dotted shading). In addition, a greater portion of the partial-length courses are distributed in the outer portion of the breast-covering portion compared to the inner portion, thereby increasing the volume of the dome-shaped portion of the outer portion.

[0025] 7, another upper vest is shown having a plurality of partial-length courses 98A-98F that extend partially into the breast-covering portion 32. The partial-length courses 98A-98F are intermittently disposed between the plurality of courses (indicated by dotted shading). In addition, a greater amount of the partial-length courses are distributed in the upper half of the breast-covering portion compared to the lower half, which can increase the volume of the dome-shaped portion of the upper half.

[0026] In FIG. 7, the breast covering portion is wider than in FIG. 4-6, and therefore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a larger size upper vest can be constructed using a larger distribution of partial length courses in the upper half. For example, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper vest having a size larger than 32C (US size) may include a larger distribution of partial length courses in the upper half of the breast covering portion. Further, in FIG. 7, the shoulder straps each include a midline reference plane 99A and 99B that bisects the respective shoulder strap. In one embodiment of the present invention, the midline reference plane intersects with a plurality of partial length courses 98A-98F. By aligning the midline reference plane with the partial length courses, the shoulder straps are aligned with the knitted fabric panel in which the breast tissue is encased. In a further embodiment, the midline reference plane is aligned with the intersection of the vertical midline 88A, 88B and the horizontal midline 90A, 90B.

[0027] The knitted textile panels that make up the breast cover portions 30 and 32 may include various types of knit constructions, and in one aspect of the present disclosure, the knitted textile regions 66 and 68 include a tubular jacquard knit construction. That is, both the partial length courses and the full length courses may include a tubular jacquard knit construction, and for illustrative purposes, various tubular jacquard knit constructions are described in connection with FIGS. 8-16. For example, the tubular jacquard knit constructions (and corresponding descriptions) of FIGS. 8-16 disclose tubular jacquard knit constructions with various densities of interlock crossovers (e.g., yarn strand shifts), as well as tubular jacquard knit constructions with interlock tuck binders. Each of these knit constructions can be constructed in the full length and partial length courses described in connection with FIGS. 4-7 to form the dome-shaped breast cover portions. Additionally, other knit constructions that may not have the same stretch dynamics as the tubular jacquard knit constructions may also be constructed in the full length and partial length courses. Such other knit constructions include, but are not limited to, double jersey knits or single knits (eg, jersey, rib, interlock, etc.).

[0028] Referring to FIG. 8, a schematic diagram illustrating some features of an exemplary tubular jacquard knit structure 110 is shown. The tubular jacquard knit structure 110 includes a plurality of front stitch courses 112 and a plurality of back stitch courses 114, each of which is composed of a first yarn strand 116 and a second yarn strand 118. FIG. 8 further illustrates that one of the front stitch courses 120 is intermittently interlocked with one of the back stitch courses 122 by the first yarn strand 116 extending from the front stitch course 120 to the back stitch course 122. Additionally, the second yarn strand 118 extends from the back stitch course 122 to the front stitch course 120 at a location corresponding to the first yarn strand 116 extending into the back stitch course 122.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, this configuration in which a first yarn strand 116 extends from a front stitch course 120 to a back stitch course 122 and a second yarn strand 118 extends from a back stitch course 122 to a front stitch course 120 is referred to as an "interlocking crossover" identified by reference numeral 124. Another interlocking crossover 126 is illustrated in FIG. 8 in which a first yarn strand 116 extends from a back stitch course 122 to a front stitch course 120 and a second yarn strand 118 extends from a front stitch course 120 to a back stitch course 122.

[0030] According to aspects of the present disclosure, interlocking crossovers divide a front stitch course into multiple subsets or sub-quantities of front stitches. For example, interlocking crossovers 124 and 126 divide front stitch course 120 into a first quantity of front stitches 128, a second quantity of front stitches 130, and a third quantity of front stitches 132. Similarly, backstitch course 122 is divided into a first quantity of backstitches 134, a second quantity of backstitches 136, and a third quantity of backstitches 138.

[0031] In FIG. 8, the first thread strand 116 is shown to have a different appearance than the second thread strand 118. For example, the first thread strand 116 may be a different color than the second thread strand 118. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the difference in appearance between the two thread strands 116 and 118 results in a striping pattern when the first and second thread strands intermittently switch back and forth between the front course and the back course, such as the example striping patterns in the breast cover portion 30, the underarm portions 36 and 38, and the wings 40 and 42 of FIGS. 1-3. The upper vest 10 of FIGS. 1-3 is merely illustrative of one striping pattern that may be achieved, and in other embodiments, the upper vest 10 may have a different pattern. Additionally, the first and second thread strands may have the same or similar appearance, such that no visual striping pattern is created by switching the first and second thread strands back and forth between the front course and the back course.

[0032] 9, an exemplary knit diagram 210 corresponding to the tubular jacquard knit structure 110 of FIG. 8 is illustrated. The knit diagram 210 includes a number of columns and rows. Each column represents a needle position and each row represents a yarn strand. The rows alternate between the first and second yarn strands used to form the tubular jacquard knit. Within each column, a stitch type is specified along with an indication of whether the stitch is on the front bed or the back bed. The stitch designation under "Yarn" is on the front bed and the stitch designation above "Yarn" is on the back bed. For example, row 212C shows the stitch type and stitch location of the first yarn strand 216 at ten needle positions A-J. Stitch designation 213 designates a stitch on the front bed and stitch designation 215 designates a stitch on the back bed. Thus, line segment 220 corresponds to a transfer from the front bed to the back bed.

[0033] Continuing with FIG. 9, rows 212A-C each define a knit structure for a first yarn strand 216, and alternating rows 214A-C define a knit structure for a second yarn strand 218. Rows 212A and 212B define ten stitches with the first yarn strand 216 on the front side of the knit structure, and rows 214A and 214B define ten stitches with the second yarn strand 218 on the back side of the knit structure. These rows 212A, 212B, 214A, and 214B correspond to the first two front stitch courses and the first two back stitch courses of FIG.

[0034] As previously described, row 212C illustrates stitches for first yarn strand 216, which corresponds to first yarn strand 116 of FIG. 8. Thus, row 212C sequentially specifies 3 stitches at the front, a move to the back (i.e., line segment 220), 5 stitches at the back, a move to the front (i.e., line segment 224), and 2 stitches at the front. Row 214C illustrates stitches for second yarn strand 218, which corresponds to second yarn strand 118 of FIG. 8, such that row 214C sequentially specifies 3 stitches at the back, a move to the front (i.e., line segment 222), 5 stitches at the front, a move to the back (i.e., line segment 226), and 2 stitches at the back. When executed, the moves specified by 220 and 222 are converted into interlock crossover 124, and the moves specified by 224 and 226 are converted into interlock crossover 126. Thus, the stitch combination defined by row 212C and row 214C is converted into front stitch course 120 of FIG. 8 and back stitch course 122 of FIG.

[0035] As discussed with respect to Figure 8, interlocking crossovers separate a course into subsets of stitches. For example, in Figure 9, movements 220, 222, 224, and 226 separate an interlocked course into a first amount of front stitches 228, a second amount of front stitches 230, a third amount of front stitches 232, a first amount of back stitches 234, a second amount of back stitches 236, and a third amount of back stitches 238.

[0036] To further illustrate the exemplary tubular jacquard knit structure 310, FIG. 10A includes another schematic diagram of a front stitch course 312 and a back stitch course 314, which provide an alternative visual representation of the front stitch course 120 and the back stitch course 122 shown in FIG. 8. The front stitch course 312 and the back stitch course 314 are formed from a first yarn strand 316 and a second yarn strand 318, and the front stitch course 312 is intermittently interlocked with the back stitch course 314 to form an interlock course 320. The interlock course 320 includes an interlock crossover 324 of the yarn strands 316 and 318 that corresponds to the interlock crossover 124 (FIG. 8) and another interlock crossover 326 that corresponds to the interlock crossover 126 (FIG. 8).

[0037] 10A further illustratively illustrates that interlock crossovers 324 and 326 divide the interlock course into a first amount of front stitches 328, a second amount of front stitches 330, a third amount of front stitches 332, a first amount of back stitches 334, a second amount of back stitches 336, and a third amount of back stitches 338. Within interlock course 320, the combination of interlock crossovers 324 and 326, the second amount of front stitches 330, and the second amount of back stitches 336 substantially delimits a space 340 between the two courses 312 and 314.

[0038] 10B, knit structure 310 behaves in a variety of ways when subjected to a force. For example, when a force is applied in a direction that crosses interlocking courses 320 (e.g., 342A, 342B, or 342C), knit structure 310 stretches in a direction that is aligned with interlocking courses 320 (e.g., 344A and 344B). Additionally, when the force is removed, knit structure 310 returns to its resting state. In one aspect of the disclosure, interlocking crossovers 324 and 326 contribute to this characteristic of knit structure 310 by mechanically changing first yarn strand 316 and second yarn strand 318 from a more bent or curved first state (e.g., FIG. 10A) to a straighter second state (e.g., FIG. 10B). In this sense, interlocking crossovers 324 and 326 function similarly to expansion joints between subsets of stitches.

[0039] When the knitted textile region having the knit structure 310 is constructed into the upper vest 10, forces may be applied to the knitted structure in a variety of situations. For example, when the upper vest is worn and a part of the wearer (e.g., breast tissue) presses against the knitted textile region, a force may be applied in a direction transverse to the interlock courses 320. In this manner, the knitted textile region mechanically stretches or elongates to fit the wearer and provide a compressive force against the wearer.

[0040] In one aspect of the disclosure, the density of interlock crossovers included within a knitted textile region (e.g., the number of interlock crossovers within a given knitted region) is selected to achieve an amount of mechanical stretch or elongation, as well as a compressive force on the wearer's tissue (e.g., breast tissue). That is, when a first interlock course including more interlock crossovers in a given number of stitches is subjected to the same force as a second interlock course including fewer interlock crossovers in the given number of stitches, the first interlock course can stretch more than the second interlock course. Thus, the second interlock course can provide more compression than the first interlock course under the same conditions (e.g., garment size and wearer dimensions), and the first interlock course will stretch more mechanically than the second interlock course. Applying these principles, one aspect of the disclosure includes an upper vest including one or more tubular jacquard knit structures that provide respective amounts of stretch based at least in part on the density of the interlock crossovers.

[0041] 11A, a knit diagram 710 shows a plurality of first strand rows 712A-712G representing stitches formed with a first yarn strand 716 and a plurality of second strand rows 714A-714G defining stitches formed with a second yarn strand 718. In addition, the knit diagram 710 includes a plurality of contiguously arranged needle positions (A-AA). When executed, a corresponding first strand row (e.g., 712A) and a corresponding second strand row (e.g., 714A) are transformed into a front stitch course and a back stitch course that include a density of interlocking crossovers. FIG. 11B includes an expanded view of a portion of the knit diagram 710, including the first strand rows 712A-712B, the second strand rows 714A-714B, and a subset of the needle positions H-Y.

[0042] A first strand stitch, specified in the first strand row 712A, intermittently interlocks with a second strand stitch, specified in the second strand row 714A, to form an interlock course 720A. In addition, the interlock course 720A includes an intra-course knit sequence that repeats along the interlock course 720A. The repeating intra-course knit sequence is outlined by box 722A (FIG. 11A), and repeat instances of the intra-course knit sequence are outlined by boxes 722B and 722C. FIG. 11B also illustrates a repeating intra-course knit sequence, outlined by boxes 722B and 722C. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the structure of the intra-course knit sequence, as well as the repeat instances, contribute to the density of interlock crossovers within the interlock course.

[0043] 11B, the intra-course knit sequence (identified by box 722B) includes a first amount of front stitches 724 formed by a first yarn strand 716 and a first amount of back stitches 726 formed by a second yarn strand 718. Further, between needle positions M and N, the first yarn strand 716 moves from the front bed to the back bed and the second yarn strand 718 moves from the back bed to the front bed. The first yarn strand 716 then forms a second amount of back stitches 728 and the second yarn strand 718 forms a second amount of front stitches 730. The first yarn strand 716 and the second yarn strand 718 then cross back over between needle positions P and Q after the second amount of front stitches 730 and the second amount of back stitches 728. Then, after crossing back over between needle positions P and Q, the intra-course knit sequence repeats at least once within the interlock course.

[0044] In the exemplary knit diagram, the amount of front stitches in the in-course knit sequence is eight (e.g., front stitches provided by needles I through P) and the amount of back stitches in the in-course knit sequence is eight. In addition, there is a single interlock crossover between these eight front stitches and eight back stitches before a second interlock crossover that begins a repeat instance of the in-course knit sequence. The in-course knit sequence shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B is merely illustrative of one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a knitted fabric region formed according to a structure defined by knit diagram 710 includes an amount of stretch and compression properties due at least in part to a repeat pattern of eight front stitches, eight back stitches, and interlock crossovers between the eight front and back stitches. Also, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, each respective in-course knit sequence includes an amount of front stitches of at least four and no more than twelve and an amount of back stitches of at least four and no more than twelve. The amount of front stitches and back stitches within a repeating sequence may be selected and adjusted based at least in part on the amount of compression to be provided by the knitted fabric area that will contain the repeating sequence.

[0045] 11A and 11B, knit program 710 shows a representation of a plurality of interlock courses 720A, 720B, and 720C, each of which includes its own respective intracourse knit sequence (e.g., 722A, 722D, and 722E) that repeats along the respective interlock course. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first amount of front stitches, the first amount of back stitches, the second amount of front stitches, and the second amount of back stitches are all consistent among each of the respective intracourse knit sequences. For example, interlock course 720A includes an intracourse knit sequence 722A having five front stitches in a first amount of front stitches 724, five back stitches in a first amount of back stitches 726, three front stitches in a second amount of front stitches 730, and three back stitches in a second amount of back stitches 728. In a consistent manner, another interlocking course 720B includes an intra-course knit sequence (identified by box 722D) having five front stitches in a first amount of front stitches 736, five back stitches in a first amount of backstitches 738, three front stitches in a second amount of front stitches 740, and three back stitches in a second amount of backstitches 742.

[0046] Various arrangements can be implemented in knit structures where each intra-course knit sequence (e.g., the sequence in box 722A and the sequence in box 722D), each of which is located within a respective interlock course, includes an equal number of stitches in each of the front and back stitch subsets. For example, in Figures 11A and 11B, the interlock crossovers of interlock courses 720A and 720B are located between the same pair of needle positions M and N in adjacent interlock courses. In addition, in all of intra-course knit sequences 722A, 722D, and 722E, the total number of front stitches and the total number of back stitches in a given intra-course knit sequence (i.e., 8 front stitches and 8 back stitches) are divided to create subsets with different amounts of stitches in the subsets (i.e., 5 stitches in one of the front stitch subsets and 3 front stitches in the other front stitch subset).

[0047] 12A, an alternative embodiment is shown in which a tubular jacquard knit structure includes a first interlock course 820A interloopedly coupled to a second interlock course 820B. The interlock courses are interloopedly coupled by interlooping the front stitch course and interlooping the back stitch course. The first and second interlock courses 820A and 820B include respective intracourse knit sequences 822A and 822B that repeat in the respective interlock courses. Similar to the knit diagrams of FIGS. 11A and 11B, a first amount of front stitches 824A and 824B, a first amount of back stitches 826A and 826B, a second amount of front stitches 828A and 828B, and a second amount of back stitches 830A and 830B are all consistent between each of the respective intracourse knit sequences. Also, in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, crossovers 832 (which will form an interlock crossover) in first interlock course 820A are located at a different needle position than crossovers 834 in second interlock course 820B. Although the interlock crossovers are located between different pairs of adjacent needle positions, interlock courses 820A and 820B contain the same density of interlock crossovers between a given number of repeating intracourse knit sequences, and therefore interlock courses 820A and 820B have similar elongation and compression properties when forming part of a knitted fabric region. For example, between the 16 needle positions comprising two sets of repeating intracourse knit sequences, both interlock courses 820A and 820B contain three interlock crossovers.

[0048] 12B, another embodiment is shown in which a tubular jacquard knit structure includes a first interlock course 840A interloopedly joined to a second interlock course 840B, the first and second interlock courses including respective in-course knit sequences 842A and 842B that repeat in each interlock course. The knit diagram of FIG. 12B is similar to the knit diagram of FIG. 11B because the total amount of stitches in each in-course knit sequence is the same (i.e., eight front stitches and eight back stitches). However, the knit diagram of FIG. 12B differs from the knit diagrams of FIG. 11B and FIG. 12A because the subsets of front stitches and back stitches are divided differently in each of the in-course knit sequences 842A and 842B. For example, a first amount of front stitches 844A in in-course knit sequence 842A is different from a first amount of front stitches 844B in in-course knit sequence 842B. Although the subsets of front and back stitches are divided differently between interlock courses 840A and 840B, interlock courses 840A and 840B include the same density of interlock crossovers within a given number of repeating intracourse knit sequences. For example, interlock courses 840A and 840B both include three interlock crossovers within two repeating instances of their respective intracourse knit sequences, which is consistent with the knit diagrams of Figures 11B and 12A. In this manner, interlock courses 720A, 820A, and 840A can have similar stretch and compression properties when forming a knitted fabric region.

[0049] 12C, another embodiment is shown in which a tubular jacquard knit structure includes a first interlock course 850A interloopedly joined to a second interlock course 850B, the first and second interlock courses including respective intra-course knit sequences 852A and 852B that repeat in each interlock course. The knit diagram of FIG. 12C is similar to the knit diagrams of FIG. 11B, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B in that the total amount of stitches in each intra-course knit sequence is the same (i.e., eight front stitches and eight back stitches). However, the knit diagram of FIG. 12C differs because in each intra-course knit sequence, the first yarn strand comprises the same number of front stitches and back stitches (i.e., four) as the second yarn strand (i.e., four). As previously shown, comparing the interlock course of Figure 12C to the interlock courses of Figures 11B, 12A and 12B, the total amount of stitches in each respective intracourse knit sequence is the same (i.e., 8 front stitches and 8 back stitches) and the number of interlock crossovers is the same, so the interlock courses contain the same density of interlock crossovers in the repeat instances of the intracourse knit sequence for a given number of times. Thus, the interlock courses 720A, 820A, 840A and 850A can have similar stretch and compression properties when forming a knitted fabric region.

[0050] Figure 12D shows a knit diagram similar to Figure 12C, where in each intra-course knit sequence 862A and 862B, the first yarn strand comprises the same number of front stitches and back stitches (i.e., four) as the second yarn strand (i.e., four). However, in contrast to knit sequences 852A and 852B of Figure 12C, intra-course knit sequences 862A and 862B include respective interlocking crossovers between different pairs of adjacent needles. However, for the same reasons as described with respect to Figure 12A, the elongation and compression properties may be similar because the density of the interlocking crossovers is similar.

[0051] The various in-course knit sequences illustrated in and described with respect to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12A-12D include eight front stitches and eight back stitches, and a single interlock crossover between the eight front and back stitches. In addition, the interlock crossovers are placed immediately before the in-course knit sequence and immediately after the in-course knit sequence. In this sense, the in-course knit sequence is bookended by the interlock crossovers. The example of eight front and back stitches is illustrative of one embodiment of the present disclosure, and in other embodiments, the in-course knit sequence in knitted fabric regions 66 and 68 includes an amount of four or more front stitches and twelve or less. In these other embodiments, the principles described with respect to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12A-12D apply equally, such that the interlock crossovers of the single in-course knit sequence may be placed between different adjacent needle pairs to divide the front and back stitches into different sized subsets. For example, a within-course knit sequence having 12 front stitches and 12 back stitches may be divided into 2 groups of 6, 1 group of 5 and 1 group of 7, 1 group of 4 and 1 group of 8, etc. Additionally, interlock crossovers may be placed between the same adjacent needle pairs from one interlock course to the next, or may be placed between different adjacent needle pairs from one interlock course to the next.

[0052] The various knit structures defined in Figures 11A-12D include a density of interlock crossovers within a given amount of stitches (e.g., a given set of needle positions). For example, each knit structure in Figures 11B-12D includes two front stitch courses, each having a front stitch amount of 13 between needle positions H and T, and two back stitch courses, each having a back stitch amount of 13 between needle positions H and T. Further, combining the amount of back stitches with the amount of front stitches results in a stitch amount of 26. Thus, a ratio can describe the amount of interlock crossovers relative to the number of stitches in a given knitted fabric area. For example, in each of the knit sequences described by the knit diagrams in Figures 11B-12D, which include two courses with 13 needle positions, the ratio of interlock crossovers to amount of stitches is 3:13. Thus, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the ratio of interlock crossovers to amount of stitches can be used to evaluate and adjust the amount of stretch in a knitted fabric zone.

[0053] As noted above, Figures 11B-12D are merely examples of several different in-course knit sequences having amounts of 8 front stitches and 8 back stitches, and in other examples, the in-course knit sequences may include 4 to 12 stitches. Applying the same rationale for characterizing knitted textile regions by the ratio of interlock crossovers to stitches, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ratio is in the range of about 1:4 to about 1:13.

[0054] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, other properties of the knitted fabric regions (e.g., 66 and 68) in addition to the tubular jacquard knit construction contribute in part to the amount of stretch and compression provided by the knitted fabric regions. For example, in one aspect, both the front and back yarn strands include a non-elastic yarn type (sometimes also referred to as non-stretch yarn) that includes an amount of elasticity that provides less than 200% maximum stretch under load before returning to a non-stretched state when the load is removed. In a further aspect, the first and second yarn strands of the non-elastic yarn type provide less than 100% maximum stretch. Examples of non-elastic yarn types include nylon and polyester. In one aspect of the present disclosure, both the first and second yarn strands include two edges of nylon 2 / 78D / 68 (i.e., a two-ply yarn with each ply being 68 filaments and 78 decitex). In contrast, elastic yarn types provide a maximum stretch under load of over 200%, with some elastic yarns providing a maximum stretch of about 400%, before returning to an unstretched state when the load is removed. Examples of elastic yarns include spandex, elastane, lycra®, and the like.

[0055] When the first and second yarn strands comprise a non-elastic yarn type, the amount of stretch in the knitted textile panel can be achieved by the mechanical stretch provided by the interlock crossovers. Without this aspect of the disclosure where a non-elastic yarn type is used, other solutions may include a more elastic yarn type to achieve the amount of stretch.

[0056] According to another aspect of the invention, the stitch length can contribute to the amount of stretch provided by the knitted textile region in addition to the stretch properties provided by the tubular jacquard knit construction. For example, the stitch length of the front and back stitches of the knitted textile region can range from about 3.00 mm to about 3.30 mm. Also, in one aspect of the invention, the stitch length is 3.15 mm. These stitch lengths are merely illustrative of one aspect of the disclosure, and smaller or larger stitch lengths may be used in other aspects.

[0057] Additional knit structures may be integrally knitted into the knitted textile panels and the tubular jacquard knit structure. For example, as described in connection with Figures 4-7, a combination of partial length courses comprised of tubular jacquard knit structures may be intermittently configured between the knitted textile panels to provide a three-dimensional shape. In another example, referring to Figure 13, a tubular jacquard knit structure 910 is shown having a plurality of front stitch courses and a plurality of back stitch courses. In addition, the front stitch courses 912A and 912B are intermittently interlocked with the back stitch courses 914A and 914B, similar to the tubular jacquard knit structure described in connection with Figures 8-12D. In this manner, the front stitch course 912A and the back stitch course 914A form an interlocking course. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, each interlock course further includes a course of interlock tuck stitches that further bind the respective front stitch course 912A to the respective back stitch course 914B by interlooping with every other front stitch and every other back stitch. As shown in FIG. 13, the third yarn strand 916 forms a tuck stitch 918 in the back stitch course 914A and then moves to the front stitch course 912A to form another tuck stitch 920. Additionally, the third yarn strand 916 undulates back and forth between the front stitch course 912A and the back stitch course 914A to form a tuck stitch in every other front stitch and every other back stitch. To avoid overcrowding in FIG. 13 , a course of interlocking tuck stitch is not shown within the course formed by, for example, front stitch course 912B and back stitch course 914B, although in other aspects of the disclosure, another course of interlocking tuck stitch may bind front stitch course 912B with back stitch course 914B.Additionally, another course of interlock tuck stitch may be offset from the course of interlock tuck stitch that binds the front stitch course 912A with the back stitch course 914B.

[0058] 14, knit diagram 1010 shows knit notations that, when executed, result in a knit structure similar to tubular jacquard knit structure 910 of FIG. 13. For example, knit diagram 1010 shows row 1012 defining a knit structure for third yarn strand 1014. As described with respect to FIG. 13, this row shows that the third yarn strand 1014 forms a tuck stitch 1016 on the backside, and then the third yarn strand 1014 moves 1018 to the frontside. The third yarn strand 1014 then forms a tuck stitch 1020 on the frontside, and moves 1022 to the backside. This pattern repeats as the third yarn strand 1014 moves back and forth between the frontside and backside while sewing tucks in every other front stitch and every other backstitch.

[0059] FIG. 15 provides another example schematic diagram of a tubular jacquard knit structure 1110. The tubular jacquard knit structure 1110 corresponds to the front stitch course 912A and the back stitch course 914A of FIG. 13 and includes a first yarn strand 1112, a second yarn strand 1114, and a third yarn strand 1116. The first yarn strand 1112 and the second yarn strand 1114 are knitted to form a structure similar to the knit structure 310 of FIG. 10, including a front stitch course 1118 and a back stitch course 1120 that interlock intermittently to form an interlock course. In addition, the third yarn strand 1116 binds the front stitch course 1118 and the back stitch course 1120 by forming a series of interlocking tuck stitches in every other front stitch and every other back stitch.

[0060] To further illustrate how courses of interlock tuck stitches can be configured into a knit textile panel, another knit diagram 1210 is shown in FIG. 16. The knit diagram 1210 is similar in some respects to the knit diagram 710 of FIG. 11A. For example, the knit diagram 1210 shows a series of first yarn rows 1212A-1212E showing stitch types and positions for a first yarn strand 1216 and a series of second yarn rows 1214A-1214E showing stitch types and positions for a second yarn strand 1218. In addition, similar to FIG. 11A, the first yarn strand 1216 and the second yarn strand 1218 configure a similar interlock course with a repeating within-course knit sequence having eight front stitches, eight back stitches, and a single interlock crossover between the eight front stitches and the back stitches. In addition, the knit diagram 1210 further shows a series of third yarn rows 1220A-1220E. The third yarn rows 1220A-1220E define interlock tuck stitches that alternate from the front bed to the back bed within each course and are comprised of every other front stitch and every other back stitch. Additionally, knit diagram 1210 shows that successive courses of interlock tuck stitches (e.g., 1220A and 1220B) are offset from one another such that a skipped needle in course 1220A that does not include a tuck stitch will include a tuck stitch in the immediately succeeding course 1220B.

[0061] Knit diagram 1210 of FIG. 16 is an example of one knit structure including an interlock tuck binder. In other aspects of the present disclosure, each of the various knit structures shown in FIGS. 12A-12D may be supplemented to include offset courses of interlock tuck stitches. Additionally, each of the additional possible knit combinations described with respect to FIGS. 11A-12D may also include offset courses of interlock tuck stitches, including within-course knit sequences having at least four front and back stitches and no more than twelve front and back stitches. In further aspects, the tubular jacquard knit structure with an interlock tuck binder may include smaller or larger subsets of front and back stitches, as described elsewhere in the present disclosure.

[0062] In further embodiments, the third yarn strand used to construct the interlock tuck stitch includes similar properties as the first and second yarn strands. For example, the third yarn strand includes a non-elastic yarn type (sometimes also referred to as a non-stretching yarn) that includes an amount of elasticity that provides less than 200% maximum stretch under load before returning to a non-stretched state when the load is removed. In further embodiments, the first and second yarn strands of the non-elastic yarn type provide less than 100% maximum stretch. Examples of non-elastic yarn types include nylon and polyester. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third yarn strand includes both ends of nylon 2 / 78D / 68 (i.e., two plies with each ply being 78 decitex with 68 filaments). Additionally, the tuck stitch includes dimensions that promote a tightly knit panel, and in one embodiment, the tuck stitch includes a stitch length ranging from about 2.6 mm to about 3.00 mm.

[0063] The interlock tuck binder adds various properties to the knitted textile region having the tubular jacquard knit structure described in this disclosure. For example, the interlock tuck binder holds the front and back stitch courses together resulting in a flatter knitted textile panel that is made wider or pushed open. Additionally, the binder helps facilitate making the knitted textile panel tighter. The properties imparted by the interlock tuck stitch course are achieved by the small spacing of the tuck stitches as well as the yarn composition (e.g., non-stretching) and size. The interlock tuck stitch course differs from some other types of additional knit structures that may be added to the knitted structure such as spacer knit structures, which often space the tuck stitches further apart, utilize wider needle bed spacing, and integrate larger yarns.

[0064] The previous discussion portion of this disclosure relating to Figures 4-16 describes various tubular jacquard knit structures that may comprise the knitted textile regions 66 and 68 illustrated in Figures 1-3. As previously described, these tubular jacquard knit structures provide an amount of stretch to the knitted textile regions 66 and 68 based at least in part on the density of the interlock crossovers, yarn composition, yarn size, stitch length, or any combination thereof. Thus, in one aspect of the disclosure, the amount of stretch translates to a modulus of elasticity that provides an amount of support and compression to the underlying tissue (e.g., breast tissue). The modulus of elasticity may be determined in a variety of ways, and in one aspect, using the test method specified by ASTM D 4964-96. Thus, the size of the knitted textile regions 66 and 68 may be configured to include some or all of the breast-covering portions 30 and 32, and the size may be determined in a variety of ways, some of which relate to the size of the upper vest, breast-covering portion, or combinations thereof.

[0065] One embodiment of the present disclosure includes an upper vest having a size and dimensions. For example, the upper vest can be a bra having a chest band size of 30 inches or more and 42 inches or less and a cup size ranging from A to E. In addition, the bra may have sizing such as S, M, L, XL (x-large), etc. The breast-covering portions 30 and 32 may also have various sizes. For example, at the bottom perimeter edge of the breast-covering portions 30 and 32, when the bottom perimeter edge meets the chest band 50, the bottom perimeter edge of one of the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 may have a length ranging from about 3 inches to about 5 inches. In another embodiment, the bottom perimeter edge of each of the breast-covering portions may have a number of stitches ranging from about 90 stitches to about 120 stitches. For example, the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 of FIG. 1-FIG. 3 each include about 104 stitches along the bottom perimeter edge that meets the chest band 50. Additionally, the medial perimeter edge of each of the breast covering portions 30 and 32 that interfaces with the central bridge 34 can include a length ranging from about 3.5 inches to about 5.5 inches. In another embodiment, the medial perimeter edge of each of the breast covering portions 30 and 32 can include a number of courses ranging from about 150 to about 240.

[0066] Having described several example sizes and dimensions of the upper vest, another aspect of the disclosure relates to the size of the knitted fabric regions 66 and 68, which include tubular knitted fabric and are disposed within the breast-covering regions 30 and 32. This relative sizing between the knitted fabric panels 66 and 68 and the breast-covering portions 30 and 32 can determine, at least in part, the extent to which the stretch properties provided by the knitted fabric panels are transferred to the breast-covering portions 30 and 32.

[0067] The size of the knitted textile regions 66 and 68 may be determined by various metrics. For example, the knitted textile regions 66 and 68 may include polygonal shapes having measured sides, and in one embodiment, the knitted textile regions 66 and 68 are at least 1″×1″ (1 inch×1 inch) squares. In another embodiment, the knitted textile panels 66 and 68 include sizes corresponding to at least a portion of the dimensions of the breast-covering regions 30 and 32 such that the base perimeter abutting the chest band is in the range of about 3 inches to about 5 inches, and the inner perimeter abutting the inner region is in the range of about 3.5 inches to about 5.5 inches. These dimensions are illustrative of one embodiment of the invention, and in other embodiments, the dimensions of the knitted textile regions may be less than the recited ranges. The dimensions of the knitted textile regions may be greater than the recited ranges.

[0068] In further aspects of the present disclosure, the size of the knitted textile regions 66 and 68 may be based on the number of courses and stitches. For example, in one aspect, the knitted textile regions 66 and 68 include interlock courses in an amount ranging from about 40 courses to about 120 courses, each interlock course including a front stitch course and a back stitch course. In further aspects, such as when the knitted textile panels include a size corresponding to the inner periphery of the breast cover portions 30 and 32, each knitted textile region 66 and 68 includes courses in an amount ranging from about 150 courses to about 240 courses. Additionally, each of these courses in the amount includes a respective intra-course knit sequence that repeats along the interlock course. Based on the size of the intra-course knit sequence (e.g., between 4 and 12 stitches) and based on the number of repeats of the intra-course knit sequence, another dimension of the knitted textile panel can be determined based on the total number of stitches in each course. For example, as previously indicated, the intra-course knit sequence can have a stitch amount of 4 or more and 12 or less, and the sequence can repeat between 5 and 10 times. Using these exemplary numbers, the width of the knitted fabric regions can be between 20 stitches and 120 stitches. In further embodiments, for example, when the knitted fabric panels include a size corresponding to the bottom perimeter of the breast covering portions 30 and 32, each knitted fabric region 66 and 68 can include a stitch amount ranging from about 80 to about 120 stitches.

[0069] As described elsewhere in this disclosure, the number of interlock crossovers within a course or knitted textile panel can be increased to decrease the modulus, and the number of interlock crossovers can be decreased to increase the modulus. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention includes an upper vest including a first knit zone having a first modulus and a second knit zone having a second modulus greater than the first modulus. Further, the first knit zone is comprised of a first tubular jacquard knit structure and the second knit zone is comprised of a second tubular jacquard knit structure. Both the first tubular jacquard knit structure and the second tubular jacquard knit structure include a plurality of front stitch courses interlocked with a plurality of back stitch courses. However, the density of the interlock crossovers in the second tubular jacquard knit structure is lower than the density of the interlock crossovers in the first tubular jacquard knit structure, the lower density increasing the modulus at the expense of less stretch provided by the fewer number of interlock crossovers. This aspect of the disclosure allows different regions of the upper vest to be constructed with different zonal properties based on the same yarn type, the same yarn size, the same stitch construction, and the density of the interlock crossovers.

[0070] An upper vest having one or more of the embodiments described in this disclosure can be constructed in a variety of ways. For example, a flat bed knitting machine having a front needle bed and a back needle bed, such as a commercially available V-bed knitting machine, may be used. Knitting machines having various bed gauges may be used, and in one embodiment, an 18 gauge bed may be used to construct the upper vest. Additionally, various sizes of needles may be used, such as 14 gauge, 16 gauge, 18 gauge, and the like, and in one embodiment, 16 gauge needles are used on an 18 gauge needle bed.

[0071] The entire vest may be knitted as a single integral piece and then joined together at specific locations to create the left, right, front and rear portions. Additionally, certain portions of the vest may be knitted separately from one another and then joined to form the vest. In one embodiment, the front portion with the straps is constructed separately from the rear portion, and then the two portions are joined to form the vest. For example, at least a portion of the front portion may be constructed entirely of inelastic yarns, while elastic yarns may be knitted into the rear portion. The front portion may then be joined to the rear portion. These manufacturing aspects are merely exemplary, and various other techniques may also be utilized.

[0072] Having described the various embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-16, as well as alternative embodiments, several additional embodiments utilizing one or more of the illustrated embodiments or alternative embodiments will now be described. Thus, one further embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an upper vest having a breast-covering portion and a pair of dome-shaped portions located on the breast-covering portion. The pair of dome-shaped portions are separated from one another by a central bridge, and each dome-shaped portion is separable into an upper half and a lower half. Further, each dome-shaped portion includes an inner periphery abutting the central bridge and an outer periphery. The upper vest includes a knitted fabric panel that constitutes each of the dome-shaped portions, the knitted fabric panel including a plurality of courses that fully span the dome-shaped portion from the inner periphery to the outer periphery. Further, the upper vest includes a plurality of partial length courses that partially span the dome-shaped portion, the plurality of partial length courses being intermittently disposed between the plurality of courses, and the plurality of partial length courses being unevenly distributed between the upper half and the lower half.

[0073] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to an upper vest having a breast-covering portion and a pair of dome-shaped portions disposed within the breast-covering portion. The pair of dome-shaped portions are separated from one another by a central bridge, with each dome-shaped portion divisible into an upper half and a lower half. Each dome-shaped portion further includes an inner periphery abutting the central bridge and an outer periphery. The upper vest includes a knitted fabric panel that defines each of the dome-shaped portions, the knitted fabric panel including a plurality of courses that completely span the dome-shaped portion from the inner periphery to the outer periphery. The upper vest further includes a plurality of partial length courses that partially span the dome-shaped portion. The plurality of partial length courses are intermittently disposed between the plurality of courses, and the plurality of partial length courses include a greater distribution of the partial length courses in the lower half than in the upper half.

[0074] A further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an upper vest having a breast-covering portion and a pair of dome-shaped portions located on the breast-covering portion. The pair of dome-shaped portions are separated from one another by a central bridge, and each dome-shaped portion is separable into an upper half and a lower half. Further, each dome-shaped portion includes an inner periphery abutting the central bridge and an outer periphery. The upper vest includes a knitted fabric panel that defines each of the dome-shaped portions, the knitted fabric panel including a plurality of courses that completely span the dome-shaped portion from the inner periphery to the outer periphery. Further, the upper vest includes a plurality of partial length courses that partially span the dome-shaped portion. The plurality of partial length courses are intermittently disposed between the plurality of courses, and the plurality of partial length courses include a greater distribution of the partial length courses in the upper half than in the lower half.

[0075] From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present subject matter is adapted to attain the ends and objectives set forth above, together with other advantages which are clear and inherent in the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and within the scope of the appended claims. Since many possible variations and alternatives can be made to the subject matter without departing from the scope of the subject matter, it is to be understood that all matters described herein or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. 1. An upper vest having a chest-covering portion, the upper vest comprising: a pair of dome-shaped sections located on the chest-cover portion and separated from one another by a central bridge, each dome-shaped section being separable into an upper half and a lower half and including an inner periphery abutting the central bridge and an outer periphery; a knitted fabric panel defining each of the dome-shaped portions, the knitted fabric panel including a plurality of courses extending completely across the dome-shaped portion from the inner periphery to the outer periphery; a plurality of partial length courses extending partially across and across a longitudinal midline of the dome shaped portion, the plurality of partial length courses being intermittently disposed between the plurality of courses, the plurality of partial length courses being non-uniformly distributed between the upper half and the lower half; Equipped with The knitted textile panel further comprises a tubular jacquard knit construction having a plurality of front stitch courses and a plurality of back stitch courses comprised of a first yarn strand and a second yarn strand, each front stitch course intermittently interlocking with a back stitch course by the first yarn strand and the second yarn strand moving back and forth between the front stitch course and the back stitch course. Top vest.

2. the total stitch volume of partial-length courses is greater in the upper half than in the lower half; The upper vest according to claim 1.

3. the total stitch volume of partial-length courses is greater in the lower half than in the upper half; The upper vest according to claim 1.

4. the plurality of partial length courses include a first partial length course having a first length, a second partial length course having a second length less than the first length, and a third partial length course having a third length less than the second length; The second partial length course is disposed between the first partial length course and the third partial length course, and the third partial length course is disposed closer to a chest band of the upper vest than the second partial length course. The upper vest according to claim 1.

5. the plurality of partial length courses include a first partial length course having a first length, a second partial length course having a second length less than the first length, and a third partial length course having a third length less than the second length; The second partial length course is disposed between the first partial length course and the third partial length course, and the first partial length course is disposed closer to a chest band of the upper vest than the second partial length course. The upper vest according to claim 1.

6. the plurality of partial length courses include a first partial length course having a first length, a second partial length course having a second length less than the first length, and a third partial length course having a third length greater than the second length; the second portion length course is disposed between the first portion length course and the third portion length course. The upper vest according to claim 1.

7. a third yarn strand defines a course of interlocking tuck stitches that interloops with every other front stitch and every other backstitch, thereby binding the front stitch course to the backstitch course; The upper vest according to claim 1.

8. each dome-shaped portion includes an inner half and an outer half, and a total stitch volume within said plurality of partial-length courses is greater in said inner half than in said outer half; The upper vest according to claim 1.

9. 1. An upper vest having a chest-covering portion, the upper vest comprising: a pair of dome-shaped sections located on the chest-cover portion and separated from one another by a central bridge, each dome-shaped section being separable into an upper half and a lower half and including an inner periphery abutting the central bridge and an outer periphery; a knitted fabric panel defining each of the dome-shaped portions, the knitted fabric panel including a plurality of courses extending completely across the dome-shaped portion from the inner periphery to the outer periphery; a plurality of partial length courses extending partially through and across a longitudinal midline of the dome-shaped portion, the plurality of partial length courses being intermittently disposed between the plurality of partial length courses; Equipped with the knitted textile panel comprises a tubular jacquard knit construction having a plurality of front stitch courses and a plurality of back stitch courses comprised of a first yarn strand and a second yarn strand, each front stitch course intermittently interlocking with a back stitch course by the first yarn strand and the second yarn strand moving back and forth between the front stitch course and the back stitch course; Top vest.

10. The upper garment is a bra having a chest band size of 32 inches or less and a cup size of C or less. The upper vest according to claim 9.

11. a third yarn strand defines a course of interlocking tuck stitches that interloops with every other front stitch and every other backstitch, thereby binding the front stitch course to the backstitch course; The upper vest according to claim 9.

12. each dome-shaped portion includes an inner half and an outer half, and a sum of stitch volumes of the plurality of partial-length courses is greater in the inner half than in the outer half; The upper vest according to claim 9.

13. 1. An upper vest having a chest-covering portion, the upper vest comprising: a pair of dome-shaped sections located on the chest-cover portion and separated from one another by a central bridge, each dome-shaped section being separable into an upper half and a lower half and including an inner periphery abutting the central bridge and an outer periphery; a knitted fabric panel defining each of the dome-shaped portions, the knitted fabric panel including a plurality of courses extending completely across the dome-shaped portion from the inner periphery to the outer periphery; a plurality of partial length courses extending partially through and across a longitudinal midline of the dome-shaped portion, the plurality of partial length courses being intermittently disposed between the plurality of partial length courses; Equipped with the knitted textile panel comprises a tubular jacquard knit construction having a plurality of front stitch courses and a plurality of back stitch courses comprised of a first yarn strand and a second yarn strand, each front stitch course interlocking with a back stitch course by the first yarn strand and the second yarn strand moving back and forth between the front stitch course and the back stitch course; a third yarn strand defines a course of interlocking tuck stitches that interloops with every other front stitch and every other backstitch, thereby binding the front stitch course to the backstitch course; Top vest.

14. The upper garment is a bra having a chest band size greater than 32 inches and a cup size greater than C. The upper vest according to claim 13.

15. The vest has a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap including a respective shoulder strap median reference plane, the shoulder strap median reference planes intersecting the plurality of partial length courses. The upper vest according to claim 13.

16. each dome-shaped portion includes an inner half and an outer half, and a sum of stitch volumes of the plurality of partial-length courses is greater in the inner half than in the outer half; The upper vest according to claim 13.

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