UPPER BODY GARMENT WITH SIDE PANELS

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional patent app. no. 63/700,305, filed Sep. 27, 2024 and titled “BRA INCLUDING SLING PORTIONS,” the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in the entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects herein relate to a bra comprising sling portions configured to cradle the breasts of a wearer and a method of manufacturing the bra comprising sling portions.

BACKGROUND

Traditional bras, including sport bras, utilize different materials and constructions to provide a particular level of uniform compression to the chest of the wearer. Some bras providing higher compression and support are desired to uniformly restrict movement of the breasts of the wearer, however, these bras fail to prevent increased breast movement observed during an extended course of a particular activity, such as running.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of an example bra being worn in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of the example bra of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of an example middle layer of a bra in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of an example middle layer of a bra in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of another example middle layer of a bra in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of another example middle layer of a bra in accordance with aspects herein; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method of manufacturing the bra of FIGS. 1A-1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

Bras that are worn during athletic activities, such as sports bras, are typically aimed to provide a particular level of uniform support and/or compression. For example, some sports bras offer a high level of compression of the wearer's breasts such that movement is reduced during activity. However, traditional bras typically focus on uniform compression of the entire chest area rather than providing increased support at various portions of the wearer's breasts. It has been discovered that over a course of a prolonged physical activity (e.g., a run), a wearer's breast tissue undergoes density changes such that, as the activity proceeds, breast movement (e.g., oscillation of the wearer's breasts) increases. Even where a wearer switches to a subsequent bra (e.g., having increased compression, having increased support), the breast tissue density changes remain and increased breast movement is observed when the activity is resumed.

Further, traditional bras that restrict movement of the entire breasts of the wearer fail to reduce breast movement over such longer periods of activity, resulting in perceived wearer discomfort. For example, traditional bras seek to uniformly minimize breast movement during activity (e.g., via compression), which may cause pressure and discomfort in the chest, restriction of breathing, skin irritation, and the like, while failing to prevent increased breast movement as the activity proceeds in time. Further, traditional bras often utilize thick compression material, which increases the overall weight of the article and may impact performance during activity.

In contrast to traditional bras, the present disclosure provides various aspects to reduce the increased breast movement (e.g., breast oscillation) observed over the course of an activity such that breast movement is overall reduced over the course of the activity (e.g., running). By selectively and/or additionally supporting the wearer's breasts from underneath (e.g., inferior support) and/or from the side (e.g., lateral support) (in contrast to uniform compression and/or support), breast movement (e.g., oscillation of the wearer's breasts) is reduced throughout the course of the activity, providing a unique solution to a novel problem.

At a high level, aspects herein are directed to an upper body garment, such as a bra, having at least three layers. In aspects, the bra has an exterior, outer-facing layer that is visible from a viewpoint facing a wearer of the bra when the bra is in an as-worn configuration (e.g., when the bra is donned by the wearer). In aspects, the bra has an interior, inner-facing layer that may contact the skin of the wearer in the as-worn configuration. In aspects, positioned between the exterior layer and the interior layer is a middle layer of the bra. In aspects, the middle layer may comprise one or more mesh materials, providing both lightweight construction and flexible support rather than excessive compression. The middle layer may have various configurations and may be configured to support a lateral and/or inferior portion of the breasts of the wearer in the as-worn configuration.

In example aspects, the middle layer may include a first sling portion configured to cradle a first breast of the wearer and a second sling portion configured to cradle a second breast of a wearer in the as-worn configuration, and together the first and second sling portions may be considered a main body portion. In some aspects, the first sling panel may overlap with the second sling panel at one or more locations of the bra. In aspects, the middle layer may additionally include a first side panel extending from a position at or adjacent to a first underarm edge to a position at or adjacent to a band edge and/or a bottom edge and a second side panel extending from a position at or adjacent to a second underarm edge to a position at or adjacent the band edge and/or a position at or adjacent the bottom edge. In aspects, the first side panel and the first sling portion may overlap at a first side of the bra and the second side panel and the second sling panel may overlap at a second side of the bra. In aspects, a substantial majority of the first side panel and at least a portion of the first sling portion overlap, and a substantial majority of the second side panel and at least a portion of the second sling panel overlap. In such aspects, the first and second side panels may provide additional lateral and/or inferior support to the wearer's breasts in the as-worn configuration when in the overlapping configuration, as overlapping materials assist in supporting and distributing weight across the bra, particularly in the lateral and/or inferior areas of the wearer's breasts. In aspects, a back panel may extend between the first sling portion and/or the first side panel to the second sling portion and/or the second side panel.

In example aspects, the middle layer includes a main body portion that may comprise a first sling portion configured to cradle an inferior portion of the first breast of the wearer in the as-worn configuration, and a second sling portion configured to cradle an inferior portion of the second breast of the wearer in the as-worn configuration. In aspects, each of the first sling portion and the second sling portion extend from each shoulder strap, such as from shoulder edges. In aspects, the first sling portion and the second sling portion may overlap at one or more regions of the middle layer. In aspects, the first sling portion and the second sling portion may each be secured to each other, one or more vertical underarm edges, one or more underarm edges, the band, and/or the bottom edge. In aspects, the main body portion cradles each breast of the wearer in the as-worn configuration.

A method of manufacturing the bra may include forming an exterior layer and forming an interior layer. The method may further include forming a middle layer comprising a first sling portion and a second sling portion. In aspects, the first sling portion and the second sling portion may be formed separately and positioned to overlap at one or more regions of the middle layer. In example aspects, the method may further include forming side panels and securing the side panels to the middle layer (e.g., overlapping with the sling portions). In other aspects, the method may include affixing the middle layer to one or more of the exterior layer and/or the interior layer.

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

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

Additionally, there are various numerical measurements provided herein. Unless indicated otherwise, the term “about” or “substantially” with respect to a measurement means within ±10% of the indicated value. Further, unless indicated otherwise, all measurements provided herein are with respect to the bra being in a resting state (i.e., a non-stretched) at standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15 K and 100 kPa).

FIGS. 1A-1B depicts an example bra 100 being worn. As illustrated, the bra 100 includes a front portion 102 that typically covers at least a portion of the wearer's chest when the bra 100 is in an as-worn configuration and a back portion 104 that typically covers at least a portion of the wearer's back when the bra 100 is in the as-worn configuration. The bra 100 may comprise a first side 107 and a second side 109 generally opposite the first side 107. The bra 100 may also include a first shoulder strap 112 and a second shoulder strap 114, each extending between the front portion 102 and the back portion 104. In aspects, the shoulder straps 112 and 114 may extend from the first shoulder edge 103 and the second shoulder edge 105. In aspects, the shoulder straps 112, 113 may be edgeless (e.g., preventing shoulder discomfort of the wearer).

The front portion 102 may generally extend around a front side (as shown in FIG. 1A) such as from a first underarm edge 116 (e.g., an anterior portion of the first underarm edge 116) to a second underarm edge 118 (e.g., an anterior portion of the second underarm edge 118), from a first vertical underarm edge 106 to a second vertical underarm edge 108 (as seen in FIG. 1B), and from a neckline edge 117, and/or a first shoulder edge 103 and a second shoulder edge 105 to a bottom edge 119. In aspects, the front portion 102 is a hypothetical boundary representing generally the front side of the bra 100, and may not be associated with any edges excluding a plurality of terminal edges of the bra 100 (e.g., the neckline edge 117; the underarm edges 116, 118; the bottom edge 119). An optional band 110 forms a lower area of the front portion 102. In aspects, the band 110 may comprise a band edge 120 (e.g., an upper edge distinct from the bottom edge 119 of the bra 100). In example aspects, the band edge 120 may comprise a seamed edge, and may be considered a band seam. In aspects, the bra 100 does not include the band 110 and instead the front portion 102 terminates at the bottom edge 119. As used herein, the term “lower edge” refers to the band edge 120, where present, or the bottom edge 119 where the band 110 is not present.

The back portion 104 may generally extend from shoulder straps 112, 114 (e.g., at the shoulder edges 103, 105) joining the back portion 104 to the front portion 102. The back portion 104 may generally extend around the back of the wearer in the as-worn configuration, such as from the first underarm edge 116 (e.g., a posterior portion of the first underarm edge 116) to the second underarm edge 118 (e.g., a posterior portion of the second underarm edge 118), from the first vertical underarm edge 106 to the second vertical underarm edge 108, and from the neckline edge 117 to the bottom edge 119 of the bra 100 (as seen in FIG. 1B). The back portion 104 may extend to the band edge 120 and/or the bottom edge 119. In aspects, the back portion 104 is a hypothetical boundary representing a back side of the bra 100, and may not be associated with any edges excluding a plurality of terminal edges of the bra 100 (e.g., the neckline edge 117; the underarm edges 116, 118; the bottom edge 119). In some aspects, the back portion 104 may include one or more closure mechanisms, such as one or more hook and eye structures, that releasably couple two sections of the back portion 104.

In example aspects, the first underarm edge 116 and the second underarm edge 118 may each comprise an attachment point (e.g., a region of bonding, a seam). In aspects, the first underarm edge 116 may be considered a first underarm seam and the second underarm edge 118 may be considered a second underarm seam. In aspects, the underarm edges 116, 118 may each include an anterior portion (e.g., a portion of each of the underarm edges 116, 118 of the front portion 102) and a posterior portion (e.g., a portion of each the underarm edges 116, 118 of the back portion 104). The underarm edges 116, 118 may be configured to create arm holes through which the wearer may extend their arms.

In example aspects, the first shoulder edge 103 and the second shoulder edge 105 may each comprise an attachment point (e.g., a region of bonding, a seam). In aspects, the first shoulder edge 103 may be considered a first shoulder seam and the second shoulder edge 105 may be considered a second shoulder seam. In aspects, the location of the first shoulder edge 103 and/or the second shoulder edge 105 may vary (e.g., at and/or adjacent to superior regions of the breasts of the wearer, at and/or adjacent to the shoulder blades of the wearer, substantially equidistant of the length of the shoulder straps 112, 114). Further, for example, a distance between each of the shoulder edges 103, 105 and the bottom edge 119 may be larger relative to the front portion 102 or the back portion 104. Alternatively, the first shoulder edge 103 and the second shoulder edge 105 may comprise a hypothetical boundary demarcating the limits of the front portion 102 and the back portion 104 (e.g., the shoulder edges 103, 105 are not visual edges).

In example aspects, the first vertical underarm edge 106 and the second vertical underarm edge 108 may each comprise an attachment point (e.g., a region of bonding, a seam) where the back portion 104 is joined to the front portion 102. In aspects, the first vertical underarm edge 106 may be considered a first side seam and the second vertical underarm edge 108 may be considered a second side seam. While shown in FIG. 1A as substantially equidistant from each other on each of the first side 107 and the second side 109 of the bra 100, the location of the vertical underarm edges 106, 108 may vary. For example, a distance between each of the vertical underarm edges 106, 108 relative to the front side 102 may vary (e.g., 30% to 50% of a length of the bottom edge 119, 30% to 70% of a length of the bottom edge 119, 50% to 70% of a length of the bottom edge 119). Further, while the vertical underarm edges 106, 108 are shown as substantially vertical in FIG. 1A-1B, the vertical underarm edges 106, 108 may be angled (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees relative to the band 110). Alternatively, the first vertical underarm edge 106 and the second vertical underarm edge 108 may comprise a hypothetical boundary demarcating the limits of the front portion 102 and the back portion 104 (e.g., the vertical underarm edges 106, 108 are not visual edges).

The bra 100 may comprise one or more layers in one or more areas of the bra 100, such as an exterior layer 130, a middle layer 140, and an interior layer 150. In aspects, the bra 100 includes molded cups (e.g., positioned between or formed within the middle layer 140 and/or the interior layer 150, positioned between or formed within the middle layer 140 and/or the exterior layer 130). In aspects, one or more of the layers 130, 140, 150 may comprise any one or more of the features described with respect to the bra 100. For example, the layers 130, 140, and/or 150 may each be edgeless and/or they may each comprise one or more edges, which may be joined at one or more attachment points, as described generally with respect to the bra 100. In some aspects, the layers 130, 140, 150 are at least partially laminated together such that the layers 130, 140, 150 are bonded and/or fused together at one or more locations of the bra 100 using heat, pressure, adhesives, or a combination of these. In other aspects, the layers 130, 140, 150 are coupled together via stitching and/or sewing (e.g., creating seams that couple each layer together, interweaving yarns of each layer into the yarns of other layers via tuck stitches), via adhesives in one or more locations of the bra 100, and the like. In some aspects, a combination of lamination, bonding, welding, sewing, stitching, and/or the like is used to couple one or more layers 130, 140, 150 together. Further, any one or more of lamination, bonding, welding, sewing, stitching, and/or the like, including any combination thereof, may be used to couple one or more components of a layer, such as the middle layer 140, as is described herein. As will be described with respect to FIG. 4, the one or more layers 130, 140, 150 may be joined together at one or more locations of the bra 100.

The exterior layer 130 (e.g., an outer-facing layer) may form the outer-most layer of the bra 100 such that the exterior layer 130 is visible to a person facing a wearer of the bra 100 when in the as-worn configuration. For example, FIG. 1 displays the exterior layer 130, while the other layers may not be visible in this view. In aspects, the exterior layer 130 is formed of one or more suitable yarns, such as nylon, elastane, cotton, polyester, rayon, modal, microfiber, and the like, including blends thereof. In aspects, the exterior layer 130 may comprise one or more panels, such as a front panel (e.g., corresponding to the front portion 102) and/or a back panel (e.g., corresponding to the back portion 104), which may be secured together using one or more techniques described herein (e.g., sewing, stitching, bonding, welding, adhesives). In aspects, the exterior layer 130 is present in both the front portion 102 and the back portion 104, however, in other aspects, the exterior layer 130 may be present in only the front portion 102 or only the back portion 104. In aspects, the exterior layer 130 may have a one-piece configuration such that the exterior layer 130 is seamless.

In example aspects, the exterior layer 130 may be formed with and/or affixed with reflective materials at one or more locations of the exterior layer 130. The exterior layer 130 may be at least partially formed with a reflective yarn in one or more locations of the exterior layer 130 to provide reflectivity, such as to provide visibility to the wearer during an outdoor activity (e.g., the wearer is running in the early morning where light is limited). In aspects, the exterior layer 130 may be affixed with one or more reflective materials (e.g., reflective patches, reflective appliques, reflective strips) at the one or more locations of the exterior layer 130. For example, the exterior layer 130 may have reflective material 170 in a central region of the front portion 102, and the exterior layer 130 may have reflective material 172 in a central region of the back portion 104. In aspects, the reflective materials are positioned on the bra 100 to form a pattern.

The exterior layer 130 may include one or more apertures at the one or more locations such that the middle layer 140 and/or the interior layer 150 may be exposed through the one or more apertures. In aspects, the exterior layer 130 may have a first color and the middle layer 140 and/or the interior layer 150 may have a different color than the exterior layer 130 such that the different color is exposed through the one or more apertures, providing a unique and contrasting visual appearance. In another example, the middle layer 140 and/or the interior layer 150 at least partially include the one or more reflective materials, and in aspects, the one or more reflective materials may be revealed through the one or more apertures in the exterior layer 130. The one or more locations may include between each breast of the wearer in the as-worn configuration (e.g., on the front portion 102), at a plurality of terminal edges of the exterior layer 130, at the back portion 104 (e.g., between the shoulder blades of the wearer in the as-worn configuration), at one or more sides of the bra 100 (e.g., the first side 107, the second side 109), and/or a combination of these. In aspects, the one or more apertures are positioned on the bra 100 to form a pattern.

An interior layer 150 (e.g., an inner-facing layer) may form the inner-most layer of the bra 100 such that the interior layer 150 is in contact with the wearer's skin in an as-worn configuration. In aspects, the interior layer 150 is formed of one or more suitable yarns, such as the one or more yarns described with respect to the exterior layer 130. In some aspects, the yarns forming the interior layer 150 are the same as the yarns forming the exterior layer 130 (e.g., the interior layer 150 and the exterior layer 130 are formed of the same material), and in other aspects, the yarns forming the interior layer 150 are different from the yarns forming the exterior layer 130. For example, the yarns forming the interior layer 150 may be soft and breathable, such as cotton, modal, rayon, microfiber, and the like, to enhance wearer comfort, while the exterior layer 130 may be formed of more durable or functional yarns like nylon, polyester, elastane, and the like. In aspects, the interior layer 150 may comprise one or more panels, such as a front panel (e.g., corresponding to the front portion 102) and/or a back panel (e.g., corresponding to the back portion 104), which may be joined via sewing, stitching, welding, bonding, and the like, as described herein. In aspects, the interior layer 150 may be in both the front portion 102 and the back portion 104, however, in other aspects, the interior layer 150 may be present in only the front portion and/or only the back portion 104. In aspects, the interior layer 150 may have a one-piece configuration such that the interior layer 150 is seamless. Advantageously, having the interior layer 150 be a one-piece configuration may avoid uncomfortable pressure points where panels overlap (e.g., at a seam).

A middle layer 140 may be positioned between the exterior layer 130 and the interior layer 150. In aspects, the middle layer 140 may be at least partially formed of one or more mesh materials. Advantageously, the use of one or more mesh materials in the middle layer 140 may increase tensile strength of the bra 100 such that the breasts of the wearer are adequately supported while reducing the overall weight of the article. Further, the use of the mesh material may provide additional breathability and flexibility as compared to a solid material forming the middle layer 140 (e.g., causing excessive compression and discomfort). The one or more mesh materials may be formed of various yarns, such as polyester, nylon, cotton, elastane, and the like, as well as blends thereof. In aspects, the yarns forming the middle layer 140 may be made of a material having one or more different properties than the yarns forming the exterior layer 130 and/or the interior layer 150 (e.g., denier, tenacity, color, reflectivity). For example, the middle layer 140 may comprise yarns having higher denier than the yarns forming the exterior layer 130 and/or the interior layer 150.

The middle layer 140 may take various forms (as seen in FIGS. 2-3). In example aspects, such as those shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the middle layer 140 comprises both a front portion and a back portion (e.g., corresponding to the front portion 102 and the back portion 104 of the assembled bra 100) such that the middle layer 140 extends substantially throughout (e.g., 90% to 100% of the area of the exterior layer 130 or the interior layer 150) the entire bra 100 when positioned between the interior layer 150 and the exterior layer 130. In other aspects, such as those shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B, the middle layer 140 may comprise only a front portion such that the middle layer 140 does not include a back portion and/or does not extend into the back portion 104 of the bra 100. In aspects, the middle layer 140 may be present in only the front portion 102. In such aspects, the middle layer 140 may be positioned between the exterior layer 130 and the interior layer 150 at the front portion 102 (e.g., to span between the band edge 120 and/or the bottom edge 119 and the shoulder edges 103, 105). While FIGS. 2A and 3A illustrate a back portion, and while FIGS. 2B and 3B do not illustrate a back portion, it is expressly contemplated that any of the middle layers 240A, 240B, 340AA, 340AB of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B may or may not include a back portion. In aspects, the middle layer 140 may comprise one or more intermediate layers (e.g., main body portion, sling portions, side panels), which may be coupled via sewing (e.g., tuck stitches), stitching (e.g., seams), bonding, adhesives, lamination, welding, and the like to each other and/or to other layers. In some aspects, the intermediate layers are coupled together when the layers 130, 140, and, 150 are coupled to one or more of each other and/or in one or more of the same locations of the bra 100.

Now referring to FIG. 2A, an example middle layer 240A is illustrated. The middle layer 240A may be positioned between and/or secured to an interior layer (e.g., the interior layer 150) and/or an exterior layer (e.g., the exterior layer 130) when the middle layer 240A is incorporated into an assembled bra (e.g., the bra 100). The middle layer 240A may generally comprise a front portion 202 (e.g., the front portion 102) and, in some aspects, a back portion 204 (e.g., the back portion 104). The middle layer 240A may include a first shoulder strap 212 (e.g., the first shoulder strap 112) and a second shoulder strap 214 (e.g., the second shoulder strap 114). While the middle layer 240A is illustrated with shoulder straps 212, 214, the middle layer 240A may not include shoulder straps 212, 214, and instead, the middle layer 240A can be joined to shoulder straps formed by the exterior layer (e.g., the exterior layer 130) and/or the interior layer (e.g., the interior layer 150). In aspects, the shoulder straps 212, 214, each extend to the front portion 202 and the back portion 204 via a first shoulder edge 203 (e.g., the first shoulder edge 103) and a second shoulder edge 205 (e.g., the second shoulder edge 105). Further structural and functional details of the middle layer 240A may be the same as described for the middle layer 140 unless otherwise indicated and need not be repeated here.

In aspects, the middle layer 240A may include an optional band 210 (e.g., the optional band 110), which may be formed when the middle layer 240A is constructed or when the bra is assembled (e.g., the bra 100). For example, the middle layer 240A may not include the optional band 210 until the middle layer 240A is secured to the interior layer and/or the exterior layer during assembly of the bra. In such aspects, the middle layer 240A may include a band edge 220. In aspects, the middle layer 240A does not include the optional band 210 (and does not include the band edge 220) and may instead have only a bottom edge 219 (e.g., the bottom edge 119).

The middle layer 240A includes a first sling portion 222 and a second sling portion 224, which together may be considered a main body portion. In aspects, each of the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 may be generally positioned in the front portion 202 of the middle layer 240A. In aspects, the first sling portion 222 is configured to cradle a first breast of a wearer in an as-worn configuration (e.g., when the bra is donned by the wearer), and the second sling portion 224 is configured to cradle a second breast of the wearer in the as-worn configuration. The first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 may cradle and provide support to a lateral and/or inferior portion (e.g., lower portion, side portion, or both) of each of the first breast and the second breast of the wearer in the as-worn configuration.

The first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 may be positioned along or adjacent to the lower edge, the band edge 220 and/or the bottom edge 219, of the middle layer 240A. In aspects, a centermost point 280 of the first sling portion 222 and a centermost point 282 of the second sling portion 224 may have a distance spanning between them on the front portion 202. For example, the distance between the centermost point 280 and the centermost point 282 is 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% a circumference of the band 210 and/or the bottom edge 219 (e.g., where the middle layer 240A includes the back portion 204). In another example, the distance between the centermost point 280 and the centermost point 282 is 20%, 25%, 30%, or 35% of a length of the band 210 and/or the bottom edge 219 (e.g., where the middle portion does not include the back portion 204).

Each of the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 may be coupled to the band edge 220 and/or form the bottom edge 219 of the middle layer 240A. In aspects, a lower edge of the first sling portion 222 and a lower edge of the second sling portion 224 may each span 50% to 70% of a length of the band 210 and/or the bottom edge 219 in the front portion 202. For example, where the bottom edges of the sling portions 222, 224 span greater than 50% of the length of the band 210 and/or the bottom edge 219 of the middle layer 240A, the sling portions 222, 224 may overlap at one or more areas adjacent to the bottom edge 219 of the middle layer 240A. In aspects, in overlapping the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224, additional support may be provided to one or more areas of the wearer's breasts in the as-worn configuration.

In aspects, the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 overlap at a lower central portion adjacent to the bottom edge 219 and/or the band edge 220 of the middle layer 240A to form an overlapping region 232 (as shown in dotted lines). The first sling portion 222 may overlap the second sling portion 224 (as shown in FIG. 2), or the second sling portion 224 may overlap the first sling portion 222. In aspects, a lower edge of the overlapping region 232 (e.g., adjacent to the band edge 120 and/or the bottom edge 119) spans approximately 10% to 20% of a circumference of the bottom edge 119 and/or 5% to 10% of a length of the bottom edge 119 of the front portion 202 (e.g., the middle layer 240A does not include the back portion 204). In example aspects, the overlapping region 232 may comprise one or more attachment points (e.g., seams, joined areas via adhesives) between the first sling portion 222, the second sling portion 224, and/or the optional band 210 (and/or the bottom edge 219). In aspects, by overlapping the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 at the lower central portion (e.g., the overlapping area 232), additional support may be provided to lateral and/or inferior portions of the wearer's breasts. For example, the overlapping area 232 may distribute weight from the lateral and/or inferior portions of the wearer's breasts such that additional support is provided in these areas.

In aspects, a lateral edge of the first sling portion 222 and a lateral edge of the second sling portion 224 correspond to a first vertical underarm edge 206 (e.g., the first vertical underarm edge 106) and a second vertical underarm edge 208 (e.g., the second vertical underarm edge 108). In aspects, an upper edge of the first sling portion 222 and an upper edge of the second sling portion 224 at least partially corresponds to a first underarm edge 216 (e.g., the first underarm edge 116) and a second underarm edge 218 (e.g., the second underarm edge 118). In aspects, the length of the upper edge oft each of the sling portions 222, 224 are about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, or 35% of a circumference of each the underarm edges 216, 218.

The shape and/or configuration of each of the first sling portion 222 and/or the second sling portion 224 may vary. While a first neckline edge 234 of the first sling portion 222 and a second neckline edge 236 of the second sling portion 224 are shown as substantially linear, the first neckline edge 234 and/or the second neckline edge 236 may have additional curvature (e.g., negative, positive) than shown. In aspects, the neckline edges 234, 236 may each have a curvature in proportion with a length of each bottom edges of each sling portion 222, 224 (e.g., the curvature is an eighth of, a quarter of, a third of, a half of, the length of the bottom edge of the sling portion). For example, the neckline edges 234, 236 may each have a negative curvature of a quarter of the length of each bottom edge of each sling portion 222, 224.

In example aspects, the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 may be separate panels. For example, the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 may be joined to form the middle layer 240A at the overlapping region 232 and/or via a back panel 260 spanning the back portion 204 (as seen in FIG. 2). In aspects (e.g., where the middle layer 240A includes the back portion 204), each of the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 are coupled to the back panel 260 at a first vertical underarm edge 206 (e.g., the first vertical underarm edge 106) and a second vertical underarm edge 208 (e.g., the second vertical underarm edge 108). In such aspects, the vertical underarm edges 206, 208 may be positioned at any one or more locations described with respect to the vertical underarm edges 106, 108. In other example aspects, the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 may have a one-piece configuration, and the first sling portion 222 may extend around to form the back portion 204 of the middle layer 240A and extend around to the front portion 202 to form the second sling portion 224.

The middle layer 240A may include a first side panel 226 and a second side panel 228. The first side panel 226 of FIG. 2A is shown in an assembled configuration of the middle layer 240A, and the dotted lines represent overlapping regions of the first side panel 226 and the first sling portion 222. The second side panel 228 of FIG. 2A is shown in an unassembled configuration of the middle layer 240A, and the dashed lines represent an example placement of the second side panel 228 on the middle layer 240A during assembly of the middle layer 240A.

The first side panel 226 may generally be positioned at a first side 207 (e.g., the first side 107) of the middle layer 240A and the second side panel 228 may generally be positioned at a second side 209 (e.g., the second side 109) of the middle layer 240A. In aspects, the side panels 226, 228 may be contiguous with the sling portions 222, 224, such that they share at least one common edge. For example, the first side panel 226 may share a single edge with the first sling portion 222 at the first vertical underarm edge 206, and the second side panel 228 may share a single edge with the second sling portion 224 at the second vertical underarm edge 208. Additionally, the first sling portion 222 and the first side panel 226 may at least partially share two or more (e.g., three) common edges, and the second sling portion 224 and the second side panel 228 may at least partially share two or more (e.g., three) common edges. For example, the side panels 226, 228 may each at least partially share a lower edge with each of the sling portions 222, 224 at the band 210 (e.g., at a band edge 220) and/or at the bottom edge 219. As used herein, “sharing” edges includes configurations in which an edge of a first component (e.g., the first side panel 226, the second side panel 228) is either directly aligned with and/or overlapping an edge of a second component (e.g., the first sling portion 222, the second sling portion 224), or is positioned adjacent to the edge such that the edges are within a threshold distance (e.g., within 10 millimeters, within 5 millimeters) of each other. In aspects (as seen in FIG. 2), a substantial majority of the surface area (e.g., 90% to 100% of each area) of the side panels 226, 228 and at least a portion of the surface areas of each of the sling portions 222, 224 overlap. In other aspects, at least 10%, 25%, 50%, or 75%, such as up to 100% of the surface areas of each of the side panels 226, 228 overlap with at least a portion of each of the sling portions 222, 224.

In some aspects (as shown in FIG. 2A), the first vertical underarm edge 206 of the first sling portion 222 is shared with (e.g., aligned with or within a threshold distance of) a lateral edge 238 of the first side panel 226, and the second vertical underarm edge 208 of the second sling portion 224 is shared with a lateral edge 239 of the second side panel 228. In other aspects, the lateral edge 238 of the first side panel 226 and/or the lateral edge 239 of the second side panel 228 extend beyond the first vertical underarm edge 206 and/or the second vertical underarm edge 208 such that the first side panel 226 and/or the second side panel 228 extend into the back portion 204 of the middle layer 240A. In aspects, the first side panel 226 and the second side panel 228 have a one-piece configuration such that and the first side panel 226 may extend around to form the back portion 204 of the middle layer 240A and extend around to the front portion 202 to form the second side panel 228 (e.g., the first side panel 226 and the second side panel 228 do not include lateral edges 238, 239).

A medial edge 242 of the first side panel 226 may be positioned at the first side 207 of the middle layer 240A and a medial edge 244 of the second side panel 228 may be positioned at the second side 109 of the middle layer 240A. In aspects, the medial edge 242 of the first side panel 226 and the medial edge 244 of the second side panel 228 may be positioned only at an inferior and/or lateral portion of each of the first breast and the second breast of the wearer in the as-worn configuration (e.g., when the bra is donned by the wearer). In such aspects, the side panels 226, 228 may provide additional inferior and/or lateral support to reduce breast movement over time during an activity without increasing the compression in a central region of the breasts of the wearer.

In aspects, the medial edge 242 of the first side panel 226 and/or the medial edge 244 of the second side panel 228 may have additional curvature (e.g., negative curvature) such that one or more of the side panels 226, 228 cover additional inferior portions of one or more of the first breast and the second breast of the wearer in the as-worn configuration. For example, the medial edge 242 of the first side panel 226 and/or the medial edge 244 of the second side panel 228 may extend to be adjacent to (e.g., within a threshold distance of), overlap with, and/or touch the overlapping region 232. In aspects, the medial edges 242, 244 may have the same or substantially similar curvature as the neckline edges 234, 236 of the sling portions 222, 224 (e.g., the medial edges 242, 244 are substantially parallel to neckline edges 234, 236). In aspects, the medial edges 242, 244 have a negative curvature of an eighth of, a quarter of, a third of, or a half of a length of the band 210 and/or the bottom edge 219 in the front portion 102.

In aspects, an upper edge 246 of the first side panel 226 may be shared with (e.g., aligned with or within a threshold distance of) at least a portion of a first underarm edge 216 (e.g., the first underarm edge 116), and an upper edge 248 of the second side panel 228 may be shared with at least a portion of a second underarm edge 218 (e.g., the second underarm edge 118). In aspects, the upper edges 246, 248 may each share an edge with at least a portion of the underarm edges 216, 218, such that the upper edges 246 are aligned with or adjacent to the portion of each of the underarm edges 216, 218. In such aspects, each of the portions of the underarm edges 216, 218 shared with each of the upper edges 246, 248 may comprise a length that is 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, 30%, or 35% of a circumference of each of the underarm edges 216, 218. In aspects, the upper edge 246 of the first side panel 226 and the upper edge 248 of the second side panel 228 are the same edge (e.g., the first side panel 226 extends around the back portion 204 to form the second side panel 228).

In aspects, a lower edge 250 of the first side panel 226 may be shared with (e.g., aligned with or adjacent to) at least a portion of the lower edge of the main body portion (e.g., the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224), shown as the band edge 220 in FIG. 2A, but in other configurations may be the bottom edge 219 of the middle layer 240A (e.g., where the band edge 220 is not present). A lower edge 252 of the second side panel 228 may be shared with at least a portion of the lower edge of the main body portion, the band edge 220 or the bottom edge 219 of the middle layer 240A. In aspects, the lower edges 250, 252 of the side panels 226, 228 may each at least partially share edges at least the portion the lower edge (e.g., band edge 220 or the bottom edge 219), such that the lower edges 250, 252 of the side panels 226, 228 are adjacent to or aligned with the portions of the lower edge (e.g., band edge 220 and/or the bottom edge 219) of the main body portion. In such aspects, each of the portions of the lower edge of the main body portion (e.g., the band edge 220 or the bottom edge 219) shared with each of the lower edges 250, 252 of the side panels 226, 228 may comprise a length that is 5%, 10%, 15%, or 25% of a circumference of the band 210 and/or the bottom edge 219. In another example, each of the portions of the lower edge (e.g., the band edge 220 or the bottom edge 219) of the main body portion shared with each of the lower edges 250, 252 of the side panels 226, 228 may comprise a length that is about 10%, about 15%, about 25%, such as about 35% of a length of the band 210 and/or the bottom edge 219 in the front portion 202 (e.g., where the middle layer 240A does not include the back portion 204). In aspects, the lower edge of the main body portion may share one or more seams with the lower edges 250, 252 of the side panels 226, 228. In aspects, the lower edge 250 of the first side panel 226 and the lower edge 252 of the second side panel 228 are the same edge (e.g., the first side panel 226 extends around the back portion 204 to form the second side panel 228).

In aspects, to increase the lateral support and/or inferior support provided by the side panels, a centermost point 284 of the lower edge 250 is laterally offset from the centermost point 280 of the first sling portion 222, and a centermost point 286 of the lower edge 252 is laterally offset from the centermost point 282 of the second sling portion 224. In aspects, a distance between each of the centermost points 280, 282 and each of the centermost points 284, 284 on the front portion 202 is 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, or 50% of a circumference of the band 210 and/or the bottom edge 219. In another example, the distance between each of the centermost points 280, 282 and each of the centermost points 284, 284 on the front portion 202 is 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 25% of a length of the band 210 and/or the bottom edge 219 (e.g., where the middle layer 240A does not include the back portion 204). In other aspects, the centermost points 284, 286 of the side panels 226, 228 are aligned with the centermost points 280, 282 of the sling portions 222, 224.

In some aspects (as seen in FIG. 2A), the first side panel 226 and the first sling portion 222 at least partially overlap at the first side 207 of the middle layer 240A to form an overlapping region 254, and the second side panel 228 and the second sling portion 224 at least partially overlap at the second side 209 of the middle layer 240A to form an overlapping region 256. The overlapping regions 254 and 256 provide additional lateral support and/or inferior support to the wearer when an upper body garment (e.g., bra 100) is donned. While each of the side panels 226, 228 are shown placed on top of each sling portion 222, 224, it is expressly contemplated that the first side panel 226 and/or the second side panel 228 may each be positioned behind each of the first sling portion 222 and/or the second sling portion 224. In aspects, each of the overlapping regions 254, 256 may include 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of the surface areas of the side panels 226, 228. In aspects, each of the overlapping regions 254, 256 may include 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, or 30% of the surface areas of the sling portions 222, 224. In some aspects, the overlapping region 254 and the overlapping region 256 are the same (e.g., the first side panel 226 extends around the back portion 204 to form the second side panel 228 and the first sling portion 222 extends around the back portion 204 to form the second sling portion 224). In aspects, any of the overlapping regions may comprise one or more attachment points between the sling portions 222, 224 and/or the side panels 226, 228. In aspects, the side panels 226, 228 are attached to the sling portions 222, 224 to form overlapping regions 254, 256 using any one or more mechanisms described herein.

Now referring to FIG. 2B, an example middle layer 240B is illustrated. The middle layer 240B may include any one or more aspects described with respect to FIG. 2A and the middle layer 240A, and the differences between the middle layers 240A and 240B will be apparent to one of skill in the art in view of the following discussion. The features shared between the middle layer 240A of FIG. 2A and the middle layer 240B of FIG. 2B are evident and will not be repeated here, while distinctions will be emphasized accordingly. Further, the middle layer 240B may include any one or more aspects described with respect to the middle layer 140 described with respect to FIG. 1.

As is shown in FIG. 2B, the middle layer 240B is illustrated with a front portion 202 but not a back portion (e.g., the back portion 204 of FIG. 2A); however, in aspects, the middle layer 240B includes a back portion similarly to the middle layer 240A FIG. 2A. The middle layer 240B may be positioned between an interior layer (e.g., the interior layer 130) and an exterior layer (e.g., the exterior layer 150), as is described herein. The middle layer 240B may be attached to the interior layer and/or the exterior layer in various ways, as is described above with respect to the middle layer 240A.

The middle layer 240B may include shoulder straps 212, 214. While the shoulder straps 212, 214 of the middle layer 240B are shown as extending only in the front portion 202, it is contemplated that the shoulder straps 212, 214 may extend to the back portion (e.g., the back portion 204 described with respect to FIG. 2A), such as where the middle layer 240B includes a back portion. The middle layer 240B is shown as lacking a band (e.g., the optional band 110 of FIG. 1, the optional band 210 of FIG. 2A), and in some aspects, the middle layer 240B includes a band. Further, it is expressly contemplated that while a particular middle layer described herein (e.g., the middle layers 240A, 240B of FIGS. 2A-2B, the middle layers 340AA, 340AB of FIGS. 3A-3B) is showing as lacking a band, the final bra (e.g., the bra 100) may include a band distinct from the respective middle layer.

The middle layer 240B includes a main body portion 221. In aspects, the main body portion 221 is a single intermediate layer at least partially forming the middle layer 240B, and in other aspects, the main body portion 221 may comprise one or more intermediate layers or panels forming a portion of the middle layer 240B. The main body portion 221 is configured to at least partially cover the breasts of the wearer and provide lateral, medial, superior, and/or inferior support to the breasts of the wearer in the as-worn configuration. In contrast to the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 in FIG. 2A, the main body portion 221 of FIG. 2B is illustrated as a one-piece component in FIG. 2B; however, the first sling portion 222 and the second sling portion 224 may have a one-piece configuration and the main body portion 221 may have a multi-layered configuration (e.g., comprising two or more joined panels or pieces).

The main body portion 221 (e.g., a lower edge of the main body portion 221) may be positioned at, along, or adjacent the bottom edge 219 such as to form the bottom edge 219 of the middle layer 240B, as is shown in FIG. 2B. In other aspects, the main body portion 221 may be positioned adjacent the band edge, where present. The main body portion 221 may extend throughout the bounds of the middle layer 240B, such as between the first and second vertical underarm edges 206, 208 (e.g., the first and second vertical underarm edges 106,108 of FIG. 1) and between the first and second underarm edges 216, 218. The main body portion 221 may extend between the neckline edge 117 and the bottom edge 219. In aspects, the main body portion 221 extends into the shoulder straps 212, 214. Thus, in aspects, such as those shown in FIG. 2B, the main body portion 221 may be positioned throughout the entire front portion 202 of the middle layer 240B.

While the neckline edge 217 of the middle layer 240B is shown as a scooped neckline in FIG. 2B, it is expressly contemplated that the neckline edge 217 may take other forms, such as a V-shape neckline (e.g., such as that created by the first and second sling panels 222, 224 of FIG. 2A), square neckline, sweetheart neckline, jewel neckline, and the like. Thus, while a particular shape of the main body portion 221 is shown, other shapes or configurations are contemplated.

The main body portion 221 may comprise a first lateral portion 258 and a second lateral portion 260, which is separated by a central region 262 of the main body portion 221. The first lateral portion 258 is positioned on the first side 207 of the middle layer 240B and the second lateral portion 260 is positioned on the second side 209 of the middle layer 240B, with the central portion 262 spanning between them. The lateral portions 258, 260 of the main body portion 221 extend between the neckline edge 217 and the lower edge, the bottom edge 219 in FIG. 2B (though in some aspects, the lower edge is the band edge, where present).

At least partially overlapping the main body portion 221 is the first side panel 226 and the second side panel 228. Similar to the middle layer 240A, the first side panel 226 is shown in an assembled configuration of the middle layer 240A and the second side panel is shown in an unassembled configuration, the dashed lines representing an example placement of the second side panel 228 on the middle layer 240B during assembly.

The first side panel 226 is generally positioned within the first lateral portion 258 of the main body portion 221 and the second side panel 228 is positioned within the second lateral portion 260 of the main body portion 221 to provide additional inferior and/or lateral support to the wearer's breasts. Each of the side panels 226, 228 may have an upper longitudinal end region positioned adjacent the neckline edge 217 and a lower longitudinal end region positioned adjacent the lower edge (e.g., the band edge or the bottom edge 219). The upper longitudinal end region may generally span between upper medial edges 268, 270, upper edges 264, 266, at least a portion of underarm edges 216, 218, and at least an upper portion of the medial edges 242, 244. The lower longitudinal end region generally spans between a lower portion of medial edges 242, 244, to the lower edges 250, 252, and the lateral edges 238, 239.

Similar to the middle layer 240A, the side panels 226, 228 may share (e.g., adjacent to or aligned with) at least one common edge with the main body portion 221, such as two or more edges. For example, in FIG. 2B, the main body portion 221 and the first side panel 226 share edges at the underarm edge 216 and the first vertical underarm edge 206 and at least partially share edges at the neckline edge 217 and the lower edge, the bottom edge 219, of the middle layer 240B. In aspects, the first side panel 226 and the second side panel 228 extend from a position adjacent to or aligned with the neckline edge 217 at the shoulder straps 212, 214 to a position adjacent to or aligned with the lower edge, the bottom edge 219 in FIG. 2B.

The first side panel 226 overlaps the main body portion 221 at the first side 207 of the middle layer 240B and the second side panel 228 overlaps the main body portion 221 on the second side 209 of the middle layer 240B, as described with respect to FIG. 2A, to form an overlapping region 254 on the first side 207 of the middle layer 240B and an overlapping region 256 on the second side 209 of the middle layer 240B, represented by dotted lines on each side 207, 209 of the middle layer 240B. The overlapping regions 254, 256 may correspond to the first lateral portion 258 and the second lateral portion 260 of the main body portion 221. These overlapping regions 254, 256 provide increased lateral and inferior support to the breasts of the wearer in the as-worn configuration, as is described herein. Unlike the overlapping regions 254, 256 in FIG. 2A, the overlapping regions 254, 256 in FIG. 2B extend up and into the shoulder straps 212, 214 and to the neckline edge 217.

In aspects, each of the overlapping regions 254, 256 may include about 50% to about 100% of the surface area of the side panels 226, 228, such as about 75%, about 80%, about 95%, such as up to about 100% of the surface area of the side panels 226, 228. In aspects, the overlapping regions 254, 256 include about 10% to about 75% of the surface area of the main body portion 221, such as about 30%, about 40%, or about 50% of the surface area of the main body portion 221.

In aspects, the medial edge 242 of the first side panel 226 and/or the medial edge 244 of the second side panel 228 may have curvature similar to that shown in FIG. 2B, however, in other aspects, the curvature of the medial edges 242, 244 of the side panels 226, 228 is reduced or more exaggerated, as is described with respect to FIG. 2A. The medial edges 242, 244 of the side panels 226, 228 may be separated by the central region 262, which comprises about 80% of the surface area of the main body portion 221, such as about 75% of the surface area, about 50% of the surface area, such as down to about 30% of the surface area of the main body portion 221.

In some aspects, as is shown in FIG. 2B, the first vertical underarm edge 206 of the main body portion 221 is shared with (e.g., aligned with or adjacent to) the lateral edge 238 of the first side panel 226 and the second vertical underarm edge 208 of the main body portion 221 is shared with the lateral edge 239 of the second side panel 228.

In some aspects, an upper lateral edge 246 of the first side panel 226 may be shared with (e.g., aligned with or adjacent to) at least a portion of the first underarm edge 216 of the main body portion 221, and an upper lateral edge 248 of the second side panel may be shared with at least a portion of the second underarm edge 218 of the main body portion 221.

In some aspects, an upper edge 264 of the first side panel 226 may be shared with the shoulder edge 203 of the main body portion 221 (e.g., which may extend into the back portion, where present), and an upper edge 266 of the second side panel 228 may be shared with the shoulder edge 205 of the main body portion 221. While the shoulder edges 203, 205 are illustrated as mid-way between the front portion 202 and a back portion, if it were present, it is contemplated that the upper edges 264, 266 of the side panels 226, 228 may terminate at any one or more positions in the shoulder straps 212, 214.

In some aspects, an upper medial edge 268 of the first side panel 226 may be shared with (e.g., aligned with or adjacent to) a first lateral portion of the neckline edge 217, and an upper medial edge 270 of the second side panel 228 may be shared with a second lateral portion of the neckline edge 217. In aspects, the upper medial edges 268, 270 each span about 35%, such as about 30%, or about 25%, or about 20%, of the length of the neckline edge 217 (in the front portion 202).

In some aspects, the lower edge 250 of the first side panel 226 may be shared with (e.g., aligned with or adjacent to) a first lateral portion of the lower edge of the main body portion 221, the bottom edge 219 in FIG. 2B (though in other configurations, the lower edge may be the band edge, where present), and the lower edge 252 of the second side panel 228 may be shared with a second lateral portion of the lower edge of the main body portion 221. In aspects, the lower edges 250, 252 of the side panels 226, 228 each span about 30%, such as about 30%, or about 25%, of the length of the bottom edge 219 of the main body portion 221.

Now referring to FIG. 3A, another example middle layer 340A is illustrated. The middle layer 340A may be positioned between an interior layer (e.g., the interior layer 150) and an exterior layer (e.g., the exterior layer 130) when the middle layer 340A is incorporated into an assembled bra (e.g., the bra 100). While the middle layer 340A is illustrated with shoulder straps 312, 314, the middle layer 340A may not include shoulder straps 312, 314, and instead, the middle layer 340A is joined to shoulder straps 312, 314 formed by the exterior layer (e.g., the exterior layer 130) and/or the interior layer (e.g., the interior layer 150). Further, while the middle layer 340A illustrates a back portion 304, the middle layer 340A may not include the back portion 304. Instead, in such aspects, the back portion of the assembled bra (e.g., the back portion 104 of the bra 100) may be formed solely by the exterior layer (e.g., the exterior layer 130) and/or the interior layer (e.g., the interior layer 150). Further structural and functional details of the middle layer 340A may be the same as described for the middle layer 140 and need not be repeated here.

The middle layer 340A includes a first sling portion 322 and a second sling portion 324, each of which may be generally be positioned in a front portion 302 of the middle layer 340A (e.g., the front portion 102 of the bra 100, the front portion 202 of the middle layers 240A, 240B). In aspects, the middle layer 340A may include an optional band 310 (e.g., the optional band 110, the optional band 210), which may be formed when the middle layer 340A is constructed or when the bra is assembled (e.g., the bra 100). For example, the middle layer 340A may not include the optional band 310 until the middle layer 340A is secured to the interior layer and/or the exterior layer during assembly of the bra. In aspects, the middle layer 340A does not include the optional band 310 and may instead have only a bottom edge 319 (e.g., the bottom edge 119, the bottom edge 219).

In aspects, the first sling portion 322 is configured to cradle a lateral and inferior portion of a first breast of a wearer in an as-worn configuration (e.g., when the bra is donned by the wearer), and the second sling portion 324 is configured to cradle a lateral and inferior portion of a second breast of the wearer in the as-worn configuration. The first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324 may cradle and provide support to a lateral and inferior portion (e.g., lower side portions) of each of the first breast and the second breast of the wearer in the as-worn configuration. By the sling portions 322, 324 cradling the wearer's breasts from the side and from below, breast movement (e.g., oscillation) is reduced during a prolonged activity (e.g., a run). The first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324 may form an arrangement such that a central portion of each of the first and second breasts of the wearer are not covered by the middle layer 340A in the as-worn configuration, while the inferior, lateral, and/or medial portions of each of the first and the second breasts are covered by the first and second sling portions 322, 324 in the as-worn configuration. Advantageously, the central portion of each breast of the wearer may be less restrained and/or less compressed as compared to the inferior, lateral, and/or medial portions of each breast, providing support without excess compression. This configuration also reduces the amount of material needed to form the middle layer 340A, reducing the thermal barrier created by the upper body garment and reducing the cost of producing the same.

In aspects, the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324 may take the form of strips of material (e.g., a mesh material) that each extend from both of a first shoulder strap 312 and a second shoulder strap 314 (e.g., from a first shoulder edge 303 and a second shoulder edge 305). The shape and/or width of each of the first sling portion 322 and/or the second sling portion 324 may vary. In aspects, the width of each of the first sling portion 322 and/or the second sling portion 324 may vary in various areas of the sling portions 322, 324. For example, a lateral and/or inferior breast portion of each of the sling portions 322, 324 may have a larger width than other areas (e.g., to provide additional cradling and/or support of lateral and/or inferior portions of the first and the second breast of the wearer in the as-worn configuration). For example, sling portions 322, 324 may be 10%, 20%, or 30% wider where positioned at the lateral and/or inferior breast portion of the wearer than other areas of the sling portions 322, 324.

In example aspects, the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324 may be separate panels or strips of material. For example, the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324 may be joined at a back panel 360 spanning a back portion 304 (e.g., the back portion 104, the back portion 204) between a first vertical underarm edge 306 (e.g., the first vertical underarm edge 106, the first vertical underarm edge 206) to a second vertical underarm edge 308 (e.g., the second vertical underarm edge 108, the second vertical underarm edge 208) (as seen in FIG. 3A). In other example aspects, the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324 may have a one-piece configuration, and the sling portions 322, 324 at each of the shoulder straps 312, 314 may extend to the back portion 304 and be secured to a band edge 320 and/or the bottom edge 319, to form two back straps.

In aspects, the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324 overlap at a central portion of the front portion 302 of the middle layer 340A to form an overlapping region 332 (as shown in dashed lines). The first sling portion 322 may overlap the second sling portion 324 at the overlapping region 332 (as shown in FIG. 3A), or the second sling portion 324 may overlap the first sling portion 322 at the overlapping region 332 (i.e., either of the sling portions can be positioned on an outer side of the constructed garment). In aspects, the overlapping region 332 may be secured (e.g., stitching, bonding) along one or more of its edges and/or to other layers (e.g., the exterior layer 130, the interior layer 150). In aspects, the overlapping region 332 is positioned in a lower central portion of the front portion 302 (e.g., adjacent to but not contiguous with the band edge 320 and/or the bottom edge 319).

In aspects, each the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324 overlap at an upper region of the front portion 302 of the first shoulder strap 312 to form overlapping region 344 and of the second shoulder strap 314 to form overlapping region 342. In aspects, one or more edges of each of the overlapping regions 342, 344 may be secured such that the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324 are secured (e.g., stitching, bonding) along one or more of its edges and/or to other layers (e.g., the exterior layer 130, the interior layer 150). Advantageously, it may be beneficial for one or more edges of each of the overlapping regions 332, 342, 344 (e.g., through one or more layers) to be secured to each other such that the wearer can more easily configure the proper orientation of the bra in the as-worn configuration (e.g., the first and second sling portions 322, 324 may be less likely to tangle).

While a first neckline edge 334 (e.g., the neckline edge 234) of the first sling portion 322 and a second neckline edge 336 (e.g., the neckline edge 236) of the second sling portion 324 are shown as having negative curvature, the first neckline edge 334 and/or the second neckline edge 336 may have additional curvature (e.g., negative, positive) and/or may be substantially linear in shape, as described with respect to the neckline edges 234, 236.

As shown in FIG. 3A, at least a portion of a lateral edge of the first sling portion 322 is shared with (e.g., aligned with or adjacent to) the first vertical underarm edge 306 at a first lateral junction 352, and at least a portion of a lateral edge of the second sling portion 324 is shared with the second vertical underarm edge 308 at a second lateral junction 354. In aspects, the first lateral junction 352 is positioned at a first side 307 (e.g., the first side 107, the first side 207) of the middle layer 340A, and the second lateral junction 354 is positioned at a second side 109 (e.g., the second side 109, the second side 209). In aspects, the lateral junctions 352, 354 may share 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of a length of the vertical underarm edges 306, 308. In aspects, the lateral junctions 352, 354 may be at least partially joined to the vertical underarm edges 306, 308 to create armholes through which the wearer may extend their arms. In such aspects, a lateral portion of the first sling portion 322 forms at least a portion of a first underarm edge 316 (e.g., the first underarm edge 116, the first underarm edge 216), and a lateral portion of the second sling portion 324 forms at least a portion of a second underarm edge 318 (e.g., the second underarm edge 118, the second underarm edge 218).

As shown in FIG. 3A, at least a portion of a lower edge of the first sling portion 322 may be shared with (e.g., aligned with or adjacent to) the band edge 320 and/or the bottom edge 319 at a first lower junction 362, and at least a portion of a lower edge of the second sling portion 324 may be shared with the band edge 320 and/or the bottom edge 319 at a second lower junction 364. In aspects, the first lower junction 362 is positioned at the first side 307 of the middle layer 340A, and the second lower junction 364 is positioned at the second side 109. In aspects, the lower junctions 362, 364 may each share 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, 30%, or 50% of a length of the band 310 and/or the bottom edge 319 in the front portion 302.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the sling portions 322, 324 may be distinct from one or more edges of the front portion 302. In aspects, the sling portions 322, 324 do not share any edges (e.g., with the band edge 320 and/or the bottom edge 319) at a first lower lateral corner 374 and/or at a second lower lateral corner 376. In aspects, the sling portions 322, 324 do not share any edges (e.g., with the band edge 320 and/or the bottom edge 319) at a central lower portion of the front portion 302. In aspects, the band edge 320 and/or the bottom edge 319 do not share edges with the sling portions 322, 324 at 70%, 80%, or 90% of a length of the band 310 and/or the bottom edge 319 in the front portion 302.

Now referring to FIG. 3B, another example middle layer 340B is illustrated. The middle layer 340B may include any one or more aspects described with respect to FIG. 3A and the middle layer 340A, and the differences between the middle layers 340A and 340B will be apparent to one of skill in the art in view of the following discussion. The features shared between the middle layer 340A of FIG. 3A and the middle layer 340B of FIG. 3B are evident and may not repeated here. Further, middle layer 340B may include any one or more aspects described with respect to the middle layer 140 described with respect to FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the middle layer 340B is illustrated with a front portion 302 but not a back portion (e.g., the back portion 304 of FIG. 3A); however, in aspects, the middle layer 340B includes a back portion similarly to the middle layer 340A of FIG. 3A. Similar to the middle layers described herein, the middle layer 340B may be positioned between an interior layer (e.g., the interior layer 130) and an exterior layer (e.g., the exterior layer 150). The middle layer 340B is shown within a dotted outline illustrating the shape of a bra (e.g., the bra 100) for reference, which may be defined by the exterior layer and the interior layer in which the middle layer 340B is positioned between.

The middle layer 340B is shown as extending from a position below and adjacent to the shoulder straps 312, 314 of the bra. The middle layer 340B may not extend into the shoulder straps 312, 314, as is shown in FIG. 3B, however, in other aspects, the middle layer 340B may extend up into the shoulder straps.

The middle layer 340B includes the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324, each of which is generally positioned in the front portion 302 of the middle layer 340B. While not shown in FIG. 3B, in some aspects, the middle layer 340B includes a band, which may form a band edge (e.g., the band edge 120 of the band 110, the band 210). The middle layer 340B includes a bottom edge 219, which is defined by lower portions of the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324. In aspects, the bottom edge 219 may form a pair of curved U-like shapes due to the rounded nature of the sling portions 322, 324. The sling portions 322, 324 may cradle the breasts of the wearer in the as-worn configuration to provide lateral, medial, and/or inferior support without excessive compression in central regions of the breasts of the wearer.

The sling portions 322, 324 may take the form of strips of material (e.g., a mesh material) that each extend from a position adjacent to the shoulder straps 312, 314, around a lateral portion, inferior portion, and medial portion of the wearer's breast. Each sling portion 322 has a first end and a second end that are joined such that each sling portion 322, 324 forms a loop around a breast of a wearer. The sling portions 322, 324 may include any one or more features described with respect to FIG. 3A.

In contrast to the middle layer 340A, the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324 do not overlap in a central region of the middle layer 340B. Instead, the middle layer 340B may include a convergence point 366 where a medial edge of the first sling portion 322 may be shared with (e.g., aligned with or adjacent to) a medial edge of the second sling portion 324. The medial edges may include neckline edges 334, 336 and each extend to the convergence point 366 and to the bottom edge 219 of the respective sling portion 322, 324. In some aspects, the convergence point 366 represents a point of attachment between the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324, secured through stitching or bonding, for example.

While not shown, various edges of the first sling portion 322 and the second sling portion 324 may be shared with regions forming the assembled bra, as is described with respect to FIG. 3A. For example, while not shown, the middle layer 340B may include various junctions (e.g., first lateral junction 352, second lateral junction 354, first lower junction 362, second lower junction 364) where the middle layer 340B is attached to the interior layer and/or exterior layer forming the assembled bra. In some aspects, the sling portions 322, 324 do not include junctions.

Now referring to FIG. 4, a flow diagram is provided depicting an example method 400 of manufacturing a bra (e.g., the bra 100), including a middle layer (e.g., the middle layer 140, the middle layers 240A, 240B, the middle layers 340AA, 340AB). At step 410, an exterior layer (e.g., the exterior layer 130) and an interior layer (e.g., the interior layer 150) are formed. In aspects, the exterior layer and the interior layer may have one or more aspects described with respect to the exterior layer 130 and the interior layer 150. For example, reflective materials may form the exterior layer and/or be affixed to the exterior layer. The exterior layer and the interior layer may each be formed by knitting, braiding, and the like.

At step 420, a middle layer (e.g., the middle layer 140, the middle layers 240A, 240B, the middle layers 340AA, 340AB) is formed and includes a main body portion, which may comprise a first sling portion (e.g., the first sling portion 222, the first sling portion 322) and a second sling portion (e.g., the second sling portion 224, the second sling portion 324). In some aspects, the step 820 further includes forming a first side panel (e.g., the first side panel 226) and a second side panel (e.g., the second side panel 228). The first side panel and the second side panel may be joined to the middle layer (e.g., to the first and second sling portions), as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-2.

At step 430, the middle layer is positioned between the exterior layer and the interior layer. In aspects, the middle layer is secured to the exterior layer and/or the interior layer in one or more locations of the bra. In some aspects, the middle layer is secured to the exterior layer and/or the interior layer at a first shoulder edge (e.g., the first shoulder edges 103, 203, 303), a second shoulder edge (e.g., the second shoulder edges 105, 205, 305), a first underarm edge (e.g., the first underarm edges 116, 216, 316), a second underarm edge (e.g., the second underarm edges 118, 218, 318), a band edge (e.g., the band edges 120, 220, 320), a bottom edge (e.g., the bottom edges 119, 219, 319), at one or more overlapping regions (e.g., the overlapping regions 232, 254, 256, 332, 342, 344), and/or at one or more junctions (e.g., the lateral junctions 352, 354, the lower junctions 362, 364), such as by stitching to form shared seams at the one or more locations of the bra. It is contemplated that the middle layer may be secured by joining means other than stitching (e.g., bonding, welding, fusing, etc.).

The following clauses represent example aspects of concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are illustrative in nature and are not limiting.

Clause 1. A bra comprising: an exterior layer; an interior layer; and a middle layer, the middle layer positioned between the exterior layer and the interior layer, the middle layer comprising: a first sling portion configured to cradle a first breast when the bra is donned by a wearer, a second sling portion configured to cradle a second breast when the bra is donned by the wearer, a first side panel extending from a position adjacent a first underarm edge to a band and sharing an edge with the first sling portion, and a second side panel extending from a position adjacent a second underarm edge to the band and sharing an edge with the second sling portion.

Clause 2. The bra of clause 1, wherein the first side panel and the first sling portion overlap at a first side of the bra, and wherein the second side panel and the second sling portion overlap at a second side of the bra.

Clause 3. The bra of clause 1 or 2, wherein a substantial majority of the first side panel and at least a portion of the first sling portion overlap, and wherein a substantial majority of the second side panel and at least a portion of the second sling portion overlap.

Clause 4. The bra of any of clauses 1 through 3, wherein a centralmost point of where the first side panel attaches to the band is laterally offset from a centralmost point of where the first sling portion attaches to the band, and wherein a centralmost point of where the second side panel attaches to the band is laterally offset from a centralmost point of where the second sling portion attaches to the band.

Clause 5. The bra of any of clauses 1 through 4, wherein the first sling portion and the second sling portion overlap at a lower central portion of the bra adjacent to the band.

Clause 6. The bra of any of clauses 1 through 5, wherein the first side panel is secured to a first underarm seam, a band seam, and a first side seam extending between the first underarm seam and the band seam, and wherein the second side panel is secured to a second underarm seam, the band seam, and a second side seam extending between the second underarm seam and the band seam,

Clause 7. The bra of any of clauses 1 through 6, wherein the middle layer further comprises a back panel extending between the first side panel and the second side panel.

Clause 8. The bra of any of clauses 1 through 7, wherein the first sling portion is secured to a first strap, and wherein the second sling portion is secured to a second strap.

Clause 9. The bra of any of clauses 1 through 8, wherein the first sling portion, the second sling portion, the first side panel, and the second side panel each comprise a mesh material.

Clause 10. The bra of any of clauses 1 through 9, wherein the exterior layer comprises apertures exposing the middle layer.

Clause 11. The bra of any of clauses 1 through 10, wherein the exterior layer at least partially comprises a reflective material.

Clause 12. A bra comprising: an exterior layer; an interior layer; and a middle layer, the middle layer positioned between the exterior layer and the interior layer, the middle layer comprising: a first sling portion extending from a first shoulder strap, extending along a first side of the bra toward a band and configured to cradle an inferior portion of a first breast when the bra is donned by a wearer, wherein the first sling portion extends to a second shoulder strap, and a second sling portion extending from the second shoulder strap, extending along a second side of the bra toward the band and configured to cradle an inferior portion of a second breast when the bra is donned by the wearer, wherein the second sling portion extends to the first shoulder strap.

Clause 13. The bra of clause 12, wherein the first sling portion and the second sling portion overlap at a central portion of the bra.

Clause 14. The bra of clause 12 or 13, wherein the first sling portion is secured to the first side of the bra at a portion of a first side seam, and wherein the second sling portion is secured to the second side of the bra at a portion of a second side seam.

Clause 15. The bra of any of clauses 12 through 14, wherein the first sling portion and the second sling portion are each secured to the band.

Clause 16. The bra of any of clauses 12 through 15, wherein the first sling portion and the second sling portion each comprise a mesh material.

Clause 17. The bra of any of clauses 12 through 16, wherein the first sling portion extends beyond the first side of the bra at a first vertical edge to a back side of the bra and extends to the second side of the bra, and wherein the first sling portion is coextensive with the second sling portion.

Clause 18. A method of manufacturing a bra, the method comprising: forming an exterior layer and an interior layer; forming a middle layer comprising a first sling portion configured to cradle a first breast when the bra is donned by a wearer, a second sling portion configured to cradle a second breast when the bra is donned by the wearer, a first side panel extending from a first underarm portion to a band, wherein the first side panel and the first sling portion overlap at a first side of the bra, and a second side panel extending from a second underarm portion to the band, wherein the second side panel and the second sling portion overlap at a second side of the bra; and positioning the middle layer between the exterior layer and the interior layer.

Clause 19. The method of manufacturing of clause 18, wherein the first sling portion and the second sling portion are formed separately and overlap at a lower central portion adjacent to the band.

Clause 20. The method of manufacturing of clauses 18 or 19, further comprising affixing the middle layer to one or more of the exterior layer and the interior layer.

Clause 21. An upper body garment comprising: an exterior layer; an interior layer; and a middle layer, the middle layer positioned between the exterior layer and the interior layer, the middle layer comprising: a main body portion configured to cradle a first breast and a second breast when the upper body garment is donned by a wearer, wherein the main body portion comprises a first lateral portion on a first side of the main body portion a second lateral portion on a second side of the main body portion, wherein each of the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion extend between a neckline edge and a lower edge; a first side panel positioned in the first lateral portion of the main body portion; and a second side panel positioned in the second lateral portion of the main body portion, wherein each of the first side panel and the second side panel comprise an upper longitudinal end region and a lower longitudinal end region, wherein the upper longitudinal end region is positioned adjacent the neckline edge and wherein the lower longitudinal end region is positioned adjacent the lower edge.

Clause 22. The upper body garment of clause 21, wherein the first side panel and the second side panel are secured to the main body portion.

Clause 23. The upper body garment of clause 21 or 22, wherein the first side panel and the second side panel are secured to the main body portion using lamination and bonding.

Clause 24. The upper body garment of any of clauses 21 through 23, wherein the main body portion comprises a central region extending between the first side panel and the second side panel.

Clause 25. The upper body garment of any of clauses 21 through 24, wherein about 100% of a surface area of each of the side panels overlaps the main body portion.

Clause 26.The upper body garment of any of clauses 21 through 25, wherein the main body portion has a one-piece configuration.

Clause 27. The upper body garment of any of clauses 21 through 26, wherein each of the main body portion, the first side panel, and the second side panel comprise a mesh material.

Clause 28. The upper body garment of any of clauses 21 through 27, wherein cups are molded into the middle layer.

Clause 29. The upper body garment of any of clauses 21 through 28, wherein a first yarn forms the interior layer, a second yarn forms the exterior layer, and wherein the first yarn is different from the second yarn.

Clause 30. The upper body garment of any of clauses 21 through 29, wherein medial edges of each of the first side panel and the second side panel have negative curvature.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.