HK1259765B - Engineered bra - Google Patents

Description

Engineered bra

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to engineered bras.

Background of the Invention

A bra may contain different functional areas that are achieved by integrating various discrete materials with various manufacturing techniques to achieve each of the different functional areas. For example, separate parts of a bra may be cut separately from different material sources to ultimately be sewn and/or bonded together to form the bra.

Summary of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to an engineered brassiere, comprising:

a first knit region exhibiting a first modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along a first direction and a second modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along a second direction, the first knit region comprising a first plurality of warp knit yarns forming a pair of engineered bra straps;

a second knit region exhibiting a third modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the first direction and a fourth modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the second direction, the second knit region being adjacent to the first knit region and comprising a second plurality of warp knit yarns forming an engineered bra cup, wherein yarns of the second plurality of warp knit yarns are interlocked with yarns of the first plurality of warp knit yarns; and

a third knit region exhibiting a fifth modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the first direction and a sixth modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the second direction, the third knit region being adjacent to the second knit region and comprising a third plurality of warp knit yarns and at least one spacer yarn, the third plurality of warp knit yarns and the at least one spacer yarn forming an engineered bra cuff, wherein yarns of the third plurality of warp knit yarns are interlocked with yarns of the second plurality of warp knit yarns.

In one embodiment, each of said engineered bra straps, said engineered bra cups, and said engineered bra cuffs corresponds to a specific support function when said engineered bra is in the wear configuration.

In one embodiment, the first direction corresponds to a fabric length of the engineered material from which the engineered brassiere was removed.

In one embodiment, the second direction corresponds to the fabric width of the engineered material from which the engineered brassiere was removed.

In one embodiment, the first direction corresponds to the fabric width of the engineered material from which the engineered brassiere was removed.

In one embodiment, the second direction corresponds to a fabric length of the engineered material from which the engineered brassiere was removed.

In one embodiment, the first plurality of warp knit yarns, the second plurality of warp knit yarns, and the third plurality of warp knit yarns comprise spandex yarns warp knitted in a chain stitch configuration within each knit region.

In one embodiment, the first elastic modulus is within a first range along the first direction, and the second elastic modulus is within a second range along the second direction.

In one embodiment, the first elastic modulus includes a locking characteristic along the first direction relative to a non-locking characteristic of the second elastic modulus along the second direction.

In one embodiment, relative to the non-locking property of the second elastic modulus along the second direction, the fifth elastic modulus includes a locking property along the first direction and the sixth elastic modulus includes a locking property along the second direction.

In one embodiment, the fifth elastic modulus is within a third range along the first direction, and the sixth elastic modulus is within a fourth range along the second direction.

In one embodiment, the third elastic modulus is between the fifth range along the first direction and the fourth elastic modulus is between the sixth range along the second direction, and further, wherein the third elastic modulus includes a non-locking characteristic along the first direction and the fourth elastic modulus includes a non-locking characteristic along the second direction.

The present disclosure also relates to an engineered brassiere, comprising:

a knitted strap region comprising a pair of bra straps having a strap width and a strap length, wherein the knitted strap region comprises a plurality of strap region yarns knitted in a first direction with a strap non-locking gauge and in a second direction with a strap locking gauge, the strap width having a modulus of elasticity greater than the modulus of elasticity of the strap length;

a knitted cup region comprising a plurality of cup region yarns knitted in a first direction with a cup unlocking gauge and in a second direction with a cup unlocking gauge, wherein yarns of the plurality of strip region yarns interlock with yarns of the plurality of cup region yarns; and

a knitted chest cuff region comprising a plurality of chest cuff region yarns knitted in a first direction with a chest cuff lock gauge and in a second direction with a chest cuff lock gauge, wherein yarns of the plurality of chest cuff region yarns interlock with yarns of the plurality of cup region yarns, and further wherein the plurality of chest cuff region yarns comprises a spacer hard yarn that minimizes elongation within the knitted chest cuff region relative to the knitted cup region,

wherein each of the plurality of strip area yarns, the plurality of cup area yarns, and the plurality of chest cuff area yarns comprises a face yarn having a first denier per filament (DPF) rate and a back yarn having a second DPF rate lower than the first DPF rate, wherein the face yarn comprises a 1×1 inlay yarn structure, the back yarn comprises a 1×3 inlay yarn structure, and the spandex yarn is knitted in a chain stitch configuration within each knitting area.

In one embodiment, each of the strap region yarn, the cup region yarn, and the chest cuff region yarn includes one or more engineered features that modify the elastic modulus value of the corresponding support region.

In one embodiment, the knitted cup region is adapted to be positioned over the breast cup area of the wearer when the engineered brassiere is in the wear configuration.

The present disclosure also relates to an engineered brassiere, comprising:

a stripe region having a plurality of stripe region yarns warp knitted in the engineered brassiere to provide a first tensile modulus in a first direction and a second tensile modulus in a second direction, the plurality of stripe region yarns comprising a front yarn component and a back yarn component;

a cup region having a plurality of cup region yarns that are warp knitted in the engineered brassiere to provide a third tensile modulus in the first direction and a fourth tensile modulus in the second direction, the plurality of cup region yarns comprising a front yarn composition of 1×1 inlays and a back yarn composition of 1×3 inlays;

a chest cuff region having a plurality of chest cuff region yarns warp knitted in the engineered bra to provide a fifth tensile modulus in the first direction and a sixth tensile modulus in the second direction, the plurality of chest cuff region yarns comprising a front yarn composition of 1×1 inlays, a back yarn composition of 1×3 inlays, and a backing hard yarn, wherein the strap region yarns are interlocked with the cup region yarns, and the cup region yarns are interlocked with the chest cuff region yarns.

In one embodiment, the front yarn composition includes polyester yarn having a first DPF, wherein the back yarn composition includes polyester yarn having a second DPF smaller than the first DPF, such that moisture is transferred from the back side of the bra toward the front side of the bra.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of strap region yarns, the plurality of cup region yarns, and the plurality of chest cuff region yarns comprises spandex yarn in a chain stitch configuration throughout the engineered brassiere.

In one embodiment, at least one of the third tensile modulus and the fourth tensile modulus is within a predetermined range to accommodate molding of at least a portion of the breast cup region.

In one embodiment, the at least one unitary structure of at least one support zone is adapted to lie over a specific portion of a wearer when the engineered brassiere is in the wear configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of various aspects are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary engineered knit bra material having pre-configured locking and stretch zones according to aspects herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the engineered knit bra material of FIG. 1 with additional covering features according to aspects herein;

FIG3 illustrates a cut-out bra front of the engineered knit bra of FIG2 according to aspects herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary bra rear portion configured to couple to the bra front portion of FIG. 3 , according to aspects herein;

FIG5 illustrates an assembled engineered knit brassiere having pre-configured locking and stretch zones and additional coverage features according to aspects herein;

FIG6 illustrates a top view of an exemplary engineered knit bra material according to aspects herein, the assembled engineered knit bra material having pre-configured lock and stretch zones and additional unitary knit construction;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of an assembled engineered knit brassiere having pre-configured locking and stretch zones and additional unitary knit construction according to aspects herein;

FIG8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the assembled engineered knit brassiere of FIG7 according to aspects herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the assembled engineered knit bra of FIG. 7 , according to aspects herein;

FIG10 is a top view of an exemplary engineered woven bra material having pre-configured locking and stretch zones according to aspects herein;

FIG. 11 illustrates a front perspective view of an assembled engineered knit brassiere having pre-configured locking and stretch zones according to aspects herein;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the assembled engineered knit brassiere of FIG. 11 , according to aspects herein;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the assembled engineered knit brassiere of FIG. 11 , according to aspects herein;

FIG14 is a top view of an exemplary engineered woven bra material having pre-configured locking and stretch zones according to aspects herein;

FIG15 is a front view of an exemplary engineered woven brassiere having pre-configured lock and stretch zones, support channels, and cup pockets integrated into the woven material according to aspects herein;

FIG16 is a cross-sectional view of the engineered knit brassiere of FIG15 in a first position including support channels and cup pocket features according to aspects herein;

17A is a cross-sectional view of the engineered knit brassiere of FIG. 15 in a second position, including support channels, cup pockets, and ventilation features, according to aspects herein;

FIG17B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the engineered knitted brassiere of FIG17A depicting ventilation features according to aspects herein;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of an assembled engineered knit brassiere having the brassiere front structure of FIG. 15 , according to aspects herein;

FIG19 is a top view illustrating an exemplary engineered knit bra material having pre-configured locking and stretch zones according to aspects herein;

FIG. 20 illustrates a cut-out bra front of the engineered knit bra material of FIG. 19 , according to aspects herein;

FIG. 21 illustrates a front perspective view of an assembled engineered knit brassiere having pre-configured locking and stretch zones according to aspects herein;

22 illustrates a top view of an exemplary engineered knit bra material having pre-configured locking and stretch zones corresponding to exemplary testing zones according to aspects herein; and

23 is a chart depicting one example fiber composition and stitch configuration for an engineered knit brassiere according to aspects herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The subject matter of various aspects is described in detail to meet statutory requirements, but the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that the subject matter of the present disclosure may also be implemented in other ways, in conjunction with other existing or future technologies, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the steps described in this document. Although the terms "step" and/or "box" may be used to refer to different elements of the method used, these terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between the multiple steps unless and except when the order of the individual steps is explicitly stated.

The present disclosure generally relates to engineered brassieres. Engineered brassieres can have pre-configured locking zones and stretch zones, wherein the amount of locking or stretching associated with each zone depends on engineered knitting and/or weaving features, such as specific stitches or construction techniques that modify the stretch properties of each zone. For example, aspects of this article relate to engineered brassieres that are formed by an integral sheet of knitted or woven material and have pre-configured locking zones and stretch zones with different stretch properties. Multiple locking zones and stretch zones can be formed in the integral sheet and adjacently spaced across the integral sheet. According to some aspects, the engineered brassiere is cut (e.g., stamped, taken out, separated and/or removed) from the integral sheet so that different regions of the engineered brassiere are formed by different regions of the integral sheet. For example, it can be expected that the bust and rear regions of the engineered brassiere provide compression on the wearer while allowing stretching when the engineered brassiere is in a wearing configuration, and therefore can be cut from the stretch zones of the integral sheet. It may not be desirable for the chest cuff and shoulder strap areas of an engineered bra to have as much stretch as the chest and back areas, and therefore can be cut from the locking zone of a unitary piece. Forming an engineered bra from a unitary piece of knitted or woven material can reduce the number of joins or stitching points and material waste. In some aspects, an engineered bra has two seams along its sides, while still providing a locking zone and a stretch zone in different areas, as provided in more detail below.

By adjusting one or more knitting or woven structures, stitch patterns, weaving techniques and/or yarn selections throughout the manufacture of the engineered knitted or woven bra front, different stretch properties in zones can be achieved, with adjacent zones having at least one common feature (i.e., at least one "integral" element between different zones with different locking/stretch properties). For example, locking zone A can include a specific knitting stitch and yarn selection, and upon transitioning to adjacent stretch zone B, the specific knitting stitch can continue while the selected yarn is changed to a stretch yarn. In this example, a seamless material structure is maintained wherein adjacent knitted zones have different locking properties and at least one common feature (i.e., a specific knitting stitch). In another example, locking zone A can include a specific locking stitch construction that transitions to a different stretch stitch construction in stretch zone B while maintaining at least one common yarn between adjacent zones. In yet another example, the common feature between adjacent zones can be one or more of a consistent warp knitted yarn and a consistent weft knitted yarn extending across adjacent zones. As used herein, "common features" refer to consistent elements used across a knitted or woven material, including at least a portion of at least two distinct regions, as illustrated by the examples above.

In another aspect, the different stretch properties of a zone can be achieved by changing the knitted or woven structure in the zone, such as being configured to provide a locked knitted structure or woven structure in a knitted or woven material. For example, the knitted structure can be changed in the zone to achieve the different stretch properties between zones. In addition, the different stretch properties of a zone can be achieved by changing the yarn type in the zone and/or between zones, such as alternating between yarns at specific positions based on the elastic modulus of these yarns. "Yarn type" refers to the material composition, number of strands (e.g., two-strand yarn), material formation (e.g., plying, twisting) and/or gauge (e.g., denier, tex, diameter, etc.) of a specific yarn, such as fine-gauge polyester yarn or large-gauge nylon yarn. In one example, the yarn type in a specific bra zone can correspond to a specific function in the bra structure, such as a specific yarn type knitted or woven in at least a portion of stretch zone B, to provide a specific support level, material feel and/or appearance in the cup area of the bra. In some aspects, the yarn types used in stretch zone B can include lightweight, high-stretch, elastic yarns, or a combination of yarns that provide a resulting material property with zoned stretch characteristics. Similarly, different yarn types can be engineered in different bra regions and corresponding to specific functions of different bra structures, such as a specific yarn type knitted or woven within at least a portion of locking zone A. In some aspects, the yarn types used in locking zone A can include heavyweight, low-stretch, non-elastic yarns (i.e., "hard" yarns), or a combination of yarns that provide a resulting material property with zoned locking characteristics.

In addition, the overall elastic modulus of a knitted or woven material can be altered by a specific knitting stitch or weaving technique that minimizes the elongation of the material fibers in one or more directions (i.e., widthwise, lengthwise, or both). The term "elongation" is used to refer to a yarn being stretched from a first length to a second length greater than the first length along the central longitudinal axis of the yarn. For example, a locking yarn can be defined as a maximum amount of elongation that is limited, such as a locking yarn with an elongation of less than 20%. In another example, a stretch yarn can be defined as stretching within the range of maximum elongation, such as a stretch yarn with a maximum elongation between 50% and 70%. In one aspect, a stretch yarn can be characterized as having a maximum elongation of less than 60%. In another aspect, the different tensile properties of multiple zones within an engineered bra can correspond to separate yarn arrangements, one-piece knitted or woven structures, and/or other one-piece knitted or woven aspects for generating locking in at least one zone and generating stretch properties in adjacent zones.

According to some aspects, engineered knitted or woven brassieres can be generally characterized as comprising at least one locking zone, and this locking zone is adjacent to at least one stretch zone engineered into the material, and wherein adjacent zone comprises at least one common feature in seamless configuration.In one aspect, this engineered brassiere comprises the locking zone in the strip area and the chest cuff area of the brassiere, and the variable stretch zone in the cup area between the strip area and the chest cuff area.The amount of locking in the strip area and/or the chest cuff area can be regulated for desired brassiere configuration using knitted or woven structure (such as the specific stitch pattern or weaving technology used in the locking zone).In addition, the amount of locking can be limited to single or multiple directions, such as the longitudinal locking in the strip area of the brassiere, and both longitudinal locking and lateral locking in the chest cuff area, as discussed in more detail below.

In some aspects, specific yarns inserted into the locking zones can be knitted or woven to provide specific properties (e.g., lateral locking) that have a stabilizing effect of minimizing the resulting stretch within the bra and resisting elongation of the locking zone portion of the bra. In other aspects, the amount of stretch within the stretch zones of the bra can correspond to the engineered features of each zone, such as engineered features engineered using specific knitting or weaving techniques, integrating specific yarn compositions, and/or including specific support structures or functional features knitted or woven into the material of the bra. For example, the engineered features of the stretch zone can include stretch knit stitches used within at least a portion of the stretch zone, while the engineered features of the locking zone can include locking knit stitches used within at least a portion of the locking zone. As used herein, "engineered features" can include any yarn-related, knit-related, or weaving-related aspects used to manufacture engineered bra materials. Thus, an example of a change between engineered features within an engineered bra material is a change between stretch stitches and locking stitches. In another example, the engineered features can be associated with a change in yarn tension between the stretch zone and the locking zone of the bra material. In another aspect, the stitch construction within at least a portion of a knit row can provide a specific stitch spacing, stitch length, length of yarn based on the stitch construction, and/or yarn tension that engineers at least one feature of at least one stretch zone or lock zone within a bra.

In some aspects, the engineered features of an engineered brassiere can include one or more variations in a knitted or woven construction. For example, the engineered features of a knitted brassiere can include short floats, long floats, pillar stitches, chain stitches, variable tension between adjacent stitches, variable tension between adjacent knitting rows, weaving in additional yarns, knitting speed increases, knitting speed decreases, or a combination of the like. In this way, the engineered features of an engineered brassiere can include "locking stitches," which are characterized by, for example, short floats, or additional/alternative engineered locking features that limit the stretching of an engineered material. In another example, "stretch stitches" can be characterized as additional/alternative engineered stretch features that include long floats, or allow the stretching of an engineered material. In other aspects, locking stitches, stretch stitches, yarn tension, yarn length, stitch spacing, stitch-to-needle ratio, yarn overlap, skip stitches, or additional construction techniques or material effects can be adjusted throughout the knitting of the engineered material.

In another example, the amount of stretch within the stretch zone of the bra can be controlled by including specific integral structures at specific locations within the stretch zone. Examples of integral structures integrally knitted or woven into the engineered bra material include integral channel structures (e.g., underwire channels), integral pocket structures, integral adjustment features, integral strap components, integral graphic structures (e.g., yarn changes), or other integral textile elements incorporated into the engineered material and having an impact on the tensile modulus of at least a portion of the engineered bra. Such integral structures can include jacquard structures knitted or woven into the engineered material, such as jacquard knit structures that insert additional or alternative yarns into different locations to form a graphic, thereby affecting the material tensile modulus. For example, as discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG7 , a jacquard structure can be used to insert different yarns into different locations to form graphic elements within the bra, such as graphic elements oriented around the cup and strap zones, which affect the overall modulus within each zone. In some aspects, the amount of stretch and corresponding compression/support within a portion of the stretch zone of a bra can be varied using integral structures, such as based on changes in the stretch of the channel structure for receiving the underwire and/or the cup pockets for receiving the liner.

Such inserted yarns or unitary structures can be applied across an entire row of knit or braid, or, in other aspects, can be incorporated into specific portions of a single row or multiple discrete portions, which can be referred to as a "zoned" arrangement of the unitary structure. In this way, varying yarn compositions and engineered support/functional features can be dynamically altered across the rows of warp knit or braid in the transverse direction and in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction along the width of the knit or braid material. For example, longitudinal yarn changes in the warp direction can provide zonal zoning changes along the y-axis of the engineered material, while at the same time, lateral changes in the knit or braid structure can provide additional zoning changes in locking or stretching features along the x-axis within the bra material. In this way, the unitary structure can be positioned at pre-configured locations relative to corresponding support zones (e.g., at specific locations within the weft and warp directions of the engineered material).

In another aspect, a method of manufacturing an engineered knitted or woven bra can use a specific yarn type across the entire length or width of the engineered bra material (based on the knitting or weaving technique used) such that the yarn selection corresponds to a series of knitted or woven rows in the locking zone or a series of knitted or woven rows in the stretch zone (i.e., a band of yarn composition in the longitudinal or transverse direction). In addition to the zonal yarn composition, zonal changes in the unitary knitted or woven structure may change the zoned stretch and/or zoned locking properties within each locking zone and each stretch zone. For example, as derived from the yarn properties (i.e., the "engineered property" is the stretch yarn selection), a stretch zone having a stretch yarn carried across the entire width of the engineered material can have specific stretch properties across the width of the stretch zone while having specific stretch properties in the zoned locations associated with the unitary structure. In other words, while the engineered stretch yarn can continue across the stretch zone, the additional properties provided by the unitary knitted or woven structure may affect a portion of the bra in a specific stretch zone. In yet another example, the engineered locking yarn used to create locking in a particular locking zone (i.e., the "engineered features" of the locking yarn selection) when carried across the entire locking zone can further provide additional locking characteristics corresponding to the specific integral knitted or woven structure affecting a portion of the locking zone.

Thus, one or more zoned stretch properties corresponding to an engineered yarn type and/or unitary structure arrangement can correspond to a specific function in a specific portion of a bra (e.g., a stretch zone within a bra cup area can include enhanced stretch based on a unitary structure knitted or woven at a specific location), while maintaining a common stretch yarn composition across the width of the bra (i.e., even though a portion of the stretch zone can include a unitary structure). For example, the same yarn can be knitted or woven throughout the entire locking zone, with a change in stitch construction or weaving technique that changes the locking properties of a portion of that specific zone. Similarly, the same yarn can be knitted or woven throughout the entire stretch zone, with a change in stitch construction or weaving technique that changes the stretch properties of a portion of that specific zone. As used herein, a zoned or organic arrangement of a unitary structure refers to a unitary structure knitted or woven in a specific portion of an engineered material, such as a zoned unitary structure that provides a specific function at a specific location without spanning the entire width of the knitted or woven material.

Aspects of this paper may further relate to a method for manufacturing an engineered knitted or woven brassiere. The method may include, for example, knitting an engineered knitted brassiere material having an integral knitted structure and engineered features for providing a target locking zone with desired support and function over the entire engineered knitted brassiere. In a further aspect, the method may include weaving an engineered woven brassiere material having an integral knitted structure and engineered features for providing a target locking zone with desired support and function over the entire engineered knitted brassiere. The method may also include cutting an engineered brassiere from a knitted or woven material so that the chest cuff and shoulder strap areas are cut from the locking zone and the bust and rear areas are cut from the stretch zone. In one aspect, the method may include cutting an engineered brassiere from a knitted or woven material in a transverse or longitudinal orientation. Thus, depending on the type of knitting machine or braiding machine used to produce the engineered knitted or woven material, the locking zone and the stretch zone can be knitted or woven with yarns carried in a specific direction (e.g., according to the specifications/capacity of the knitting machine or braiding machine). For example, in a warp knitting machine, a zoned yarn configuration in the warp knitting direction can provide locked-in and stretched zones carried across the length or width of an engineered knitted bra and can correspond to specific yarns used at specific locations by the warp knitting machine. In one example, as shown in FIG1 , an engineered bra pattern can be cut from an engineered material with a cross-grain orientation such that the zoned orientation of the warp knitted yarns forms lateral zones of locked-in and stretched properties along the bulk of the engineered bra front. In another example, an engineered bra pattern can be cut along the grain of the material with the warp knitted yarns oriented to form vertical zones perpendicular to the bra straps.

The method may also include joining the lower side edges of the front and back of the engineered brassiere at a left seam and at a right seam. Additional steps may include finishing or molding the brassiere, such as applying a covering feature or heat treating at least a portion of the stretched cup area, as provided in more detail below. As used herein, a "covering" feature refers to a feature that is placed on the surface of the material comprising the engineered brassiere and attached to the engineered brassiere by a processing process.

Thus, one aspect relates to an engineered brassiere comprising a plurality of engineered support zones, wherein each of the plurality of support zones has an elastic modulus value within a predetermined range, and wherein each of the plurality of support zones includes one or more engineered features that modify the elastic modulus value of at least a portion of the corresponding support zone. In one example, the predetermined range for the elastic modulus value can include an elastic modulus between 3 Newtons (N) and 10 Newtons, while in another example, the predetermined range of elastic modulus can be between 5 Newtons and 8 Newtons. Additionally, in an exemplary aspect, the engineered brassiere includes a common yarn comprising one or more of a consistent warp knitted yarn and/or a consistent weft knitted yarn extending across the plurality of support zones, such that at least one of the one or more engineered features of a first support zone comprises the same common yarn as at least one of the one or more engineered features of a second support zone adjacent to the first support zone.

In another aspect, an engineered brassiere comprises a first support zone having a first elastic modulus value within a predetermined range, the first support zone being located at a lower front portion of the brassiere (e.g., a lower and front position of the brassiere when in a wearing configuration). The engineered brassiere also comprises a second support zone having a second elastic modulus value within a predetermined range, the second support zone being located at a middle front portion of the brassiere and adjacent to the first support zone. In another aspect, the engineered brassiere comprises a third support zone having a third elastic modulus value within a predetermined range, the third support zone being located at an upper front portion of the brassiere (e.g., an upper and front position of the brassiere when in a wearing configuration) and adjacent to the second support zone, wherein each of the first support zone, the second support zone, and the third support zone comprises one or more engineered features that modify the elastic modulus value of the corresponding support zone, and further, wherein a common yarn extends across the first support zone, the second support zone, and the third support zone.

According to another aspect, the engineered brassiere includes a first support zone having a first elastic modulus value within a predetermined range, and a second support zone oriented adjacent to the first support zone, the second support zone having a second elastic modulus value within a predetermined range, wherein the second elastic modulus value is greater than the first elastic modulus value. The engineered brassiere also includes a third support zone oriented adjacent to the second support zone, the third support zone having a third elastic modulus value within the predetermined range. In examples, the third elastic modulus value is the same as the first elastic modulus value, wherein the elastic moduli of the first, second, and third support zones correspond to the engineered knit features or engineered woven features of the respective first, second, and third support zones.

In some aspects, an engineered brassiere includes a first knit region exhibiting a first modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along a first direction and a second modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along a second direction, wherein the first knit region includes a first plurality of warp knit yarns forming a pair of engineered brassiere straps. The engineered brassiere also includes a second knit region exhibiting a third modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the first direction and a fourth modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the second direction, wherein the second knit region is adjacent to the first knit region and includes a second plurality of warp knit yarns forming cups of the engineered brassiere, wherein the second plurality of yarns is interlocked with the first plurality of yarns. Additionally, the engineered brassiere includes a third knit region exhibiting a fifth modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the first direction and a sixth modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the second direction, wherein the third knit region is adjacent to the second knit region and includes a third plurality of warp knit yarns and at least one inlaid yarn, the third plurality of warp knit yarns and the at least one inlaid yarn forming an engineered brassiere cuff, wherein the third plurality of yarns are interlocked with the second plurality of yarns.

In some aspects, another engineered brassiere includes a knitted strap region comprising a pair of bra straps having a strap width and a strap length, wherein the strap region comprises a plurality of strap region yarns knitted in a first direction with a strap non-locking gauge and in a second direction with a strap locking gauge, the strap width having an elastic modulus greater than the elastic modulus of the strap length. The engineered brassiere also includes a knitted cup region comprising a plurality of cup region yarns knitted in the first direction with a cup non-locking gauge and a plurality of cup region yarns knitted in the second direction with a cup non-locking gauge, wherein yarns in the plurality of strap region yarns interlock with yarns in the plurality of cup region yarns. Additionally, the engineered brassiere includes a knitted chest cuff region comprising a plurality of chest cuff region yarns knitted in a first direction with a chest cuff lock gauge and in a second direction with a chest cuff lock gauge, wherein yarns in the plurality of chest cuff region yarns are interlocked with yarns in the plurality of cup region yarns, and further wherein the plurality of chest cuff region yarns include a padding hard yarn that minimizes elongation in the chest cuff region relative to the cup region, wherein each of the plurality of strap region yarns, the plurality of cup region yarns, and the plurality of chest cuff yarns includes a face yarn having a first denier per filament (DPF) ratio and a back yarn having a second DPF ratio lower than the first DPF ratio, wherein the face yarn includes a 1×1 inlay yarn construction, the back yarn includes a 1×3 inlay yarn construction, and the spandex yarn is knitted in a chain stitch configuration in each knitted region.

Thus, the present disclosure contemplates various engineered bra configurations having locking zones and/or stretch zones relative to each other, and in some cases, with directions of different locking and/or stretch properties based on the knitted construction of the engineered bra. The variations within each stretch zone can be adjusted by various techniques such as material selection, manufacturing process (e.g., knitting features, weaving features, padding features), construction technology (e.g., knitting stitch selection/position, padding yarn insertion points), etc. The accompanying drawings and related discussions provide additional details about the various engineered bra configurations contemplated herein. Additionally, although illustrated as providing locking zones and/or stretch zones that span the width of the material in a band-like configuration, it is contemplated that an engineered bra may include additional or alternative zoning arrangements of locking zones and/or stretch zones.

Thus, in one aspect, an engineered brassiere comprises: a first knit region exhibiting a first modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along a first direction and a second modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along a second direction, the first knit region comprising a first plurality of warp knit yarns forming a pair of engineered brassiere straps; a second knit region exhibiting a third modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the first direction and a fourth modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the second direction, the second knit region being adjacent to the first knit region and comprising a second plurality of warp knit yarns forming an engineered brassiere cup, wherein the second plurality of yarns is interlocked with the first plurality of yarns; and a third knit region exhibiting a fifth modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the first direction and a sixth modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the second direction, the third knit region being adjacent to the second knit region and comprising a third plurality of warp knit yarns and at least one spacer yarn, the third plurality of warp knit yarns and the at least one spacer yarn forming an engineered brassiere cuff, wherein the third plurality of yarns is interlocked with the second plurality of yarns.

In another aspect, an engineered brassiere comprises: a knitted strap region comprising a pair of bra straps having a strap width and a strap length, wherein the strap region comprises a plurality of strap region yarns knitted in a first direction with a strap non-locking gauge and in a second direction with a strap locking gauge, the strap width having a modulus of elasticity greater than the modulus of elasticity of the strap length; a knitted cup region comprising a plurality of cup region yarns knitted in a first direction with a cup non-locking gauge and in a second direction with a cup non-locking gauge, wherein yarns in the plurality of strap region yarns interlock with yarns in the plurality of cup region yarns; and a knitted chest cuff region comprising a plurality of strap region yarns knitted in a first direction with a strap non-locking gauge and in a second direction with a cup non-locking gauge. A plurality of chest cuff region yarns knitted with a chest cuff locking gauge in an upward direction and knitted with a chest cuff locking gauge in a second direction, wherein yarns in the plurality of chest cuff region yarns interlock with yarns in the plurality of cup region yarns, and further wherein the plurality of chest cuff region yarns include a padding hard yarn that minimizes elongation in the chest cuff region relative to the cup region, wherein each of the plurality of strap region yarns, the plurality of cup region yarns, and the plurality of chest cuff yarns includes a face yarn having a first denier per filament (DPF) ratio and a back yarn having a second DPF ratio lower than the first DPF ratio, wherein the face yarn includes a 1×1 inlay structure and the back yarn includes a 1×3 inlay structure, and a spandex yarn is knitted in a chain stitch configuration in each knit region.

In another example, an engineered brassiere includes a band region having a plurality of band region yarns that are warp knitted in the engineered brassiere to provide a first tensile modulus in a first direction and a second tensile modulus in a second direction, the plurality of band region yarns comprising a front yarn component and a back yarn component; and a cup region having a plurality of cup region yarns that are warp knitted in the engineered brassiere to provide a third tensile modulus in the first direction and a fourth tensile modulus in the second direction. a chest cuff region having a plurality of chest cuff region yarns that are warp knitted in an engineered bra to provide a fifth tensile modulus in a first direction and a sixth tensile modulus in a second direction, the plurality of chest cuff region yarns comprising a front yarn composition of 1×1 inlays, a back yarn composition of 1×3 inlays, and laid-in hard yarns, wherein the strap region yarns are interlocked with the cup region yarns, and the cup region yarns are interlocked with the chest cuff region yarns.

Referring first to the exemplary top view of FIG. 1 , an engineered knit bra 10 can be cut from material 12 that includes multiple pre-configured locking and stretch zones that vary the stretch properties across the entire material 12. For example, material 12 can include one or more locking zones and one or more stretch zones. It is contemplated that different locking properties may exist between multiple locking zones. It is also contemplated that different stretch properties may exist between multiple stretch zones. Therefore, herein, different property zones may be referred to by letter designations, while different physical zones may be referred to by numerical designations. For example, a conventional bra may include two (or more) locking zones (e.g., first zone 14 and third zone 18), each of which has different locking properties (e.g., A and C, respectively). Similarly, a stretch zone (e.g., second zone 16) may have a stretch property (e.g., B). Thus, in exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that multiple zones may share common properties. Additionally or alternatively, a common zone may have multiple properties.

In the example of FIG. 1 , the engineered knit bra 10 can be cut from the material 12 such that a first portion of the engineered knit bra 10 is cut from the first region 14, a second portion of the engineered knit bra 10 is cut from the second region 16, and a third portion of the engineered knit bra 10 is cut from the third region 18. Thus, the exemplary bra of FIG. 1 is cut across the grain of the material, with the width of the bra (from the left wing to the right wing) being along the y-axis and the bra length/height (from the bra cuff to the bra strap) being oriented along the x-axis. With the engineered knit bra 10 oriented within the material 12, in one aspect, the locking and stretching zones of the bra correspond to the warp knitting direction along the y-axis. In another example, the engineered knit bra 10 can be oriented within the material 12 along the weft knitting direction (i.e., with the width of the bra along the x-axis) to provide locking and stretching zones corresponding to the weft knitting direction along the x-axis.

In the example of FIG. 1 , the engineered material 12 includes a first zone 14 having a locking property A derived from the knit structure, knit tension, and/or yarn type; a second zone 16 (adjacent to the first zone 14) having a stretch property B derived from the knit structure, knit tension, and/or yarn type; and a third zone 18 (adjacent to the second zone 16) having a locking property C derived from the knit structure, knit tension, and/or yarn type. For convenience, these properties may be referred to as zones hereinafter. Locking zone A may include the same or similar properties (i.e., knit structure, knit tension, and/or yarn type) as those associated with locking zone C, while in other aspects, locking zone A and locking zone C may include different properties. For example, the first zone 14 may include a specific knit structure, knit tension, and/or yarn type that minimizes elongation in the longitudinal direction along the y-axis relative to locking zone A (providing locking). Additionally, the third zone 18 may include a specific knit structure, knit tension, and/or yarn type that minimizes elongation in the transverse direction along the x-axis and in the longitudinal direction relative to locking zone C (providing locking). In one example, at least a portion of the first zone 14 has a locking zone A characteristic that can include a two-ply yarn that requires more force to stretch the yarn than a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) yarn in an adjacent second zone 16 having a stretch zone B characteristic.

FIG1 illustrates a material 12 having shading within each of first, second, and third zones 14, 16, and 18. The shading is intended solely to contrast the varying stretch or locking properties within the material 12 and between adjacent zones and does not indicate a particular configuration or appearance of such zones. Rather, along a boundary 20 between the first and second zones 14, 16, one or more knit characteristics within the material 12 may vary to create a difference in stretch properties between the adjacent zones, such as low/no stretch yarns associated with at least a portion of the first zone 14 above the boundary 20 and stretch knit yarns associated with at least a portion of the second zone 16 below the boundary 20. In one example, a particular knit stitch configuration within the first zone 14 (i.e., having one or more Locking Zone A characteristics) that provides locking in the longitudinal direction (e.g., along the y-axis) may be adjacent to a different knit stitch configuration within the second zone 16 that provides four-way stretch (i.e., Stretch Zone B characteristics, providing stretch along both the x-axis and the y-axis). Additionally, in some aspects, particular knit stitch configurations can provide locking within third region 18 in both the longitudinal and transverse directions (ie, along both the y-axis and the x-axis).

Similar to the boundary between first zone 14 and second zone 16, boundary 22 between second zone 16 and third zone 18 can indicate a change in one or more knit characteristics within material 12 along boundary 22 to produce varying stretch properties, such as a stretch knit stitch associated with at least a portion of second zone 16 and a particular locking knit stitch configuration with locking in both the longitudinal and transverse directions within third zone 18. While described in this example with respect to knit stitch configurations, additional aspects of material 12 can include varying stretch properties between adjacent zones, corresponding to varying one or more knit structures, one or more knit tensions, and/or one or more yarn types within at least a portion of each zone. For example, a first yarn tension can be applied by the knitting machine within first zone 14, while a second yarn tension can be applied by the knitting machine within second zone 16. As used herein, yarn "tension" refers to the amount of force applied to a yarn in a direction opposite to the direction of knitting during the knitting operation.

As depicted in the example of FIG. 1 , first zone 14 may include a Locking Zone A characteristic that is the same as or different from the Locking Zone C characteristic of third zone 18. In other words, first zone 14 may be characterized as providing locking, as defined by a specific engineered Locking Zone A characteristic, while third zone 18 may be characterized as providing locking associated with the engineered Locking Zone C characteristic. In some aspects, at least a portion of first zone 14 may include a Locking Zone A that is implemented using the same or similar yarn composition as at least a portion of third zone 18 having the Locking Zone C characteristic, such as different yarn tensions applied to the same yarn type knitted into at least a portion of first zone 14 and third zone 18. In some aspects, with different engineered characteristics within each Locking Zone, the amount of low stretch, no stretch, and/or minimal elongation within at least a portion of each Locking Zone corresponds to a specific bra structure, such as a bra strap or bra cuff. In another aspect, the stitch structure and construction techniques of the Locking Zones A and C within material 12 may correspond to transverse (x-axis) and longitudinal (y-axis) locking orientations. For example, the Locking Zone A characteristics of the first region 14 may include a specific stitch structure, yarn type, and/or machine knit construction technique to provide longitudinal locking associated with the strap area 26. Similarly, the Locking Zone C characteristics of the third region 18 may be characterized as including a specific stitch structure, yarn type, and/or machine knit construction technique to provide both transverse and longitudinal locking associated with the cuff area 30. In another aspect, the Locking Zones A and C may include longitudinal and transverse locking relative to the y-axis and x-axis to vary the degree of stretch depending on the respective knit structure, tension, and/or yarn type of each region.

In one aspect, an engineered bra front 24 can be constructed within material 12, in this example, with multiple patterned portions oriented according to one or more Lock Zones A and C, and Stretch Zones B. In the example of FIG. 1 , the strap region 26 can be positioned within the first region 14 (having specific Lock Zone A characteristics), the bust region 28 can be positioned within the second region 16 (having specific Stretch Zone B characteristics), and the cuff region 30 can be positioned within the third region 18 (having specific Lock Zone C characteristics). Thus, the first region 14 can be knitted to include one or more specific yarns, stitches, integral structures, varying tensions, and/or combinations thereof to provide Lock Zone A at locations corresponding to the strap region 26. Similarly, the second region 16 can be knitted to include one or more specific yarns, stitches, integral structures, varying tensions, and/or combinations thereof to provide Stretch Zone B at locations corresponding to the bust region 28. Finally, the third zone 18 can be knitted to include one or more specific yarns, stitches, unitary structures, varying tensions, or combinations thereof to provide a lockdown zone C at a location corresponding to the cuff area 30. In one aspect, the strap area 26 within the first zone 14 can include at least a portion of the neckline of the engineered bra front 24, such as along the upper portion of the upper edge of the bust area 28. For example, as shown in FIG1 , the lockdown zone A can extend along the straps of the bra front 24 and into the central portion of the bra adjacent the stretch zone B. Such additional lockdown in the areas around the wearer's neckline edge and upper bust can provide additional support to the wearer, such as by resisting bouncing of the wearer's breasts in an upward direction. Thus, while the Lockdown Zone A features associated with the first zone 14 may correspond to a "strap area" within the bra front 24, in some aspects, the Lockdown Zone A features extend beyond the strap length along the x-axis and toward the cup to provide additional locked-in support (e.g., to increase compression of the breast tissue and resist bounce) before transitioning to the Stretch Zone B features of the second zone 16.

Although depicted in the example of FIG. 1 as including a first zone 14, a second zone 16, and a third zone 18, in further aspects, a fewer or greater number of zones having one or more of the exemplary properties A, B, and/or C can be oriented within the material 12 to provide a corresponding engineered bra front 24. For example, the engineered bra front can include a first zone 14 having a Locking Zone A property along the upper strap area, and a second zone 16 having a Stretch Zone B property extending to the bottom edge of the bra front 24. In this manner, according to one aspect, an additional zoned structure having stabilizing/locking aspects can be separately attached to the material 12 of the bra front 24, which can include the first zone 14 and the second zone 16. Furthermore, the size, orientation, location, and/or sequence of the plurality of Locking Zones A and C, and the Stretch Zones B, can also vary between different aspects, such as between different pattern arrangements of the engineered bra front 24 within the material 12.

Turning next to FIG2 , according to one aspect, a top view of an engineered knit bra 32 includes a material 34 having additional covering (or integrally formed) features. Referring to the exemplary engineered bra front 24, the strap area 26 includes a strap pattern 36, the bust area 28 includes a bust pattern 38, a midline pattern 40, and a wing pattern 42, and the cuff area 30 includes a cuff pattern 44. In one aspect, the symmetrical orientation of the exemplary pattern features on the bra front 24 can correspond to a vertical midline axis and correspond to multiple areas of the bra, such as the cup, strap, or cuff areas. In another aspect, the pattern features of the bra front 24 can be decorative elements knitted integrally with the material 34, covering treatments applied to the surface of the material 34, or an engineered knit structure having both visual impact and structural support for stabilizing the structure of the knitted bra 32. For example, in some aspects, the strap area 26 includes a strap pattern 36 within the first zone 14, wherein the strap pattern 36 extends along the upper portion of the neckline of the engineered brassiere 32. In one aspect, the strap pattern 36 is a covering treatment applied to the material 34, which may affect the elastic modulus associated with the Locking Zone A characteristic. Thus, based on the amount of compression provided by at least a portion of the strap pattern 36 adjacent to the second zone 16, the strap pattern 36 can provide additional compression and/or prevent upward movement of the wearer's breast tissue. For example, in some aspects, the strap pattern 36 extends beyond the strap length along the x-axis and extends toward the cup to provide additional locking support (e.g., adding downward force or compression to the breast tissue and resisting bounce) before transitioning into the Stretch Zone B characteristic of the second zone 16.

The material 34 may comprise a knitting pattern and/or surface covering features, which provide additional functional benefits in the overall knitting structure of the engineered knitted brassiere 32, and which may also correspond to the specific engineered knitted structure in the specific brassiere region. For example, about the chest region 28, the chest pattern 38 may provide moderation and/or increase compression to minimize the upward bounce of the wearer's breast tissue, and the centerline pattern 40 may provide separation and/or support, and the wing pattern 42 may provide lifting and/or stability in the chest region 28 and around the wearer's breast. In this way, the exemplary pattern features that may be knitted integrally and/or applied as a covering provide function in the material corresponding to the specific pattern piece of a brassiere (such as the chest region 28 with a chest pattern 38 positioned near the middle region of the cup), and may be lower density than other pattern areas. In one example, the covering features may comprise a thermal bonding surface treatment applied to at least a portion of the brassiere material, such as a synthetic covering that reduces stretching by limiting the movement of stitches in the knitted material. Thus, in exemplary aspects, in addition to the minimum stretch or stabilization already provided by the knit construction, yarn type, and knit tension used in the cuff area 30, a covering may be applied to the surface of the cuff area 30 to minimize stretching and/or stabilize the knit stitches.

During the knitting of the material 34 in FIG. 2 and the application of various styling features to the corresponding strap areas 26, bust area 28, and cuff area 30, the material 34 can be knitted in the direction of the y-axis along the working edge 46 and away from the leading edge 48. In one aspect, changes to the stitch type, yarn type, integral structure/feature, or other engineered aspects of the material 34 along the working edge 46 can be applied horizontally along the x-axis relative to the zonal locking zones A and C and the stretch zones B. Thus, in one aspect, the resulting engineered bra front 24 can include horizontally oriented zones of locking and stretch zones that seamlessly transition within the material 34 and can be modified based on the desired level of support for a particular bra type.

For example, the bra front 24 can be removed from the material 34, as shown in FIG3 , wherein the cut-out bra 52 has a neckline edge 54, an underarm edge 56, a strap edge 58, a cuff edge 60, and a wing edge 62. In addition, according to various aspects, the cut-out bra 52 retains the engineered locking zones A and C, as well as the stretch zones B, for assembly into a wear configuration. Thus, the engineered bra front 24 can include locking zones and stretch zones oriented in multiple directions, providing a seamless transition between zones of the bra for ease of wear and varying support and stretch.

4 and includes a back material 66 having a left upper edge 68, a right upper edge 70, a left underarm edge 72, a right underarm edge 74, a left lower edge 76, a right lower edge 78, and a bottom edge 80. The back material 66 can include any material configured to be coupled to the bra front 24 at one or more abutment features, such as a strap edge 58 that mates with the left upper edge 68 and the right upper edge 70, and a wing edge 62 that mates with the left lower edge 76 and the right lower edge 78. In one aspect, a surface 82 of the back material 66 includes a mesh structure, such as a breathable mesh material having perforations that allow air transmission. In further aspects, the back material 66 can include any material properties configured to support one or more features of the corresponding bra front 24, such as an additional locking zone C along the bottom edge of the bra back 64, or a four-way stretch feature within the stretch zone B in the central portion of the bra back 64. Alternatively, the independent and/or complementary stretch properties of the material 66 can provide a bra back 64 that is optimized for ease of donning and application, independent of corresponding locking and stretch zones on the opposing bra front.

When positioned within the assembled engineered knit bra 84 of FIG. 5 , the plurality of lock zones A and C and stretch zones B can correspond to at least the pre-configured lock zones and stretch zones of the bra front 24. When additional molding is applied to the assembled engineered knit bra 84, a molded bust 86 corresponding to one or more characteristics within stretch zone B can include a molded right cup 88 and a molded left cup 90. In one example, various patterns and/or covering features, such as those described with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 3 , can correspond to specific engineered knit structures for molding within specific regions. Thus, the molded bust 86 can include the bust pattern 38, the centerline pattern 40, and the wing pattern 42 from FIG. 2 , characterized in that, once oriented relative to the molded right cup 88 and the molded left cup 90, a visual indication of the engineered knit region within the bust region 28 and the corresponding support elements integrated within the overall structure is provided.

Turning next to Figure 6, a top view of an exemplary engineered knit bra 92, according to aspects of the present invention, includes a knit material 94 having pre-configured locking and stretch zones and an additional integral knit structure. The knit material 94 includes a knit structure that provides a locking zone A and a locking zone C adjacent to the stretch zone B. In the example of Figure 6, the bra front 96 can be oriented along the vertical axis y and the horizontal axis x of the knit material 94 so that the strap area 98 includes a knit structure of the first locking zone A. In addition, the bust area 100 adjacent to the strap area 98 can include a knit structure of the stretch zone B while continuing the integral knit structure between areas of the bra front 96. For example, the engineered knit bra 92 can include a stable, locked strap structure in the strap area 98 that is adjacent to and interconnected with a stretchable, removable/shape-ready structure in the bust area 100. In one aspect, the strap region 98 and the bust region 100 can include at least one common characteristic between the two regions, such as a common yarn, a common knit stitch, and/or a common tension, while one or more of the characteristics vary between the regions to vary the amount of locking in. In other words, according to one aspect, based on the pattern arrangement within the knit material 94, the two bra regions can be seamlessly joined and knitted in a unitary construction, wherein the functional properties of each region are determined by the stitch type, yarn type, yarn tension, and/or knit structure (i.e., locking and stretch properties).

The exemplary knit structure of the engineered knit bra 92 also includes a cuff area 102 adjacent to the bust area 100 and corresponding to the second locking zone C. As such, the overall knit structure can continue between the bust area 100 and the cuff area 102, with stretchable, movable/shaped structures in the bust area 100 adjacent to and interconnected with stable, locking cuff features in the cuff area 102. In further aspects, the bust area 100 and the cuff area 102 can include at least one common characteristic between the two areas, with a seamless connection between such areas and engineered functionality of each area based on stitch type, yarn type, yarn tension, and/or knit structure (i.e., locking and stretch characteristics) and according to pattern placement within the knit material 94.

While Lock Zones A and C, as well as Stretch Zone B, provide support, compression, structure, and/or shape to the bra, additional properties can be knitted into the engineered material 94 to enhance one or more functions of the bra front 96. In the example of FIG6 , the bra front 96 can include a strap region 104, a first unitary structure 106, a second unitary structure 108, a third unitary structure 110, a fourth unitary structure 112, and/or a fifth unitary structure 114. Each of the exemplary unitary structures depicted herein can be oriented along a specific portion of the bra front 96 relative to at least a portion of the strap region 98, the bust region 100, and the cuff region 102. For example, the first unitary structure 106 can include a specific stitch type at the upper bust stitch area within the stretch zone B, such as a knit structure that forms a transition between Lock Zone A in the strap region 98 and a boundary starting at the stretch zone B. In another aspect, stretch zone B may include a second unitary structure 108 having a specific stitch type around the cup area, a third unitary structure 110 at the bra body area, and a fourth unitary structure 112 having a specific stitch type at the wing area. Exemplary unitary structures within stretch zone B may include a variety of different stitch types, quantities, orientations, densities, or other engineered properties to provide specific functions within the bra front 96 knitted within the engineered knit material 94, such as additional support, structure, shaping, compression, or fit properties. During knitting, such engineered properties can be produced using specialized knitting machines that offer a variety of machine knitting construction technologies, such as warp knitting construction, circular knitting construction, and flat knitting construction. In this way, the orientation of the bra pattern within the knitted material can vary depending on the knitting machine used and the variety of knitting construction technologies available for each technology. Additionally, the locking zone C of the cuff region 102 may also include one or more integral structures, such as the fifth integral structure 114, and have similar various functions within the bra structure by virtue of various stitch types, numbers, orientations, densities, or other engineered characteristics within the material 94.

The one-piece knitted structure and/or the style of the engineered knitted brassiere 92 can be produced, for example, by changing one or more sizes of a single or multiple knitted stitches. For example, the stitch type, length and/or spacing of the one-piece knitted structure corresponding to a specific projection or depression can be included in the brassiere 92 and change one or more characteristics of the knitted material. In one aspect, the change in stitch length can provide the tensile properties of the variation, such as providing a shorter stitch length for less stretching, and providing a longer stitch length for greater stretching to the overall material. Such one-piece knitted structure can be used to modify the elastic modulus or the compression force associated with multiple regions and/or districts of the brassiere 92. In addition, the orientation and/or direction of such one-piece knitted structure, or the style of the arrangement in the brassiere region or district of variation, can further modify the direction of the compression force applied by the brassiere, the support level maintained in the brassiere region, and the support alignment in the specific brassiere region and the locking/stretching zone.

According to one aspect, once assembled, as shown in FIG. 7 , an engineered knit bra 116 can include a bra back portion 64 coupled to a bra front portion 96 having pre-configured lock zones A and C and stretch zones B reinforced by additional integral knit structure. The bra front portion 96 can also include molded left and right cup features 120 and 118 within the bust region 100, oriented in stretch zone B to receive heat treatment, compression, or other post-processing treatments. In some aspects, one or more integral knit structures within various zones of the engineered knit bra 116 can include a jacquard structure that inserts different yarns in different locations to create a pattern within the lock zones A and C and stretch zone B. In one aspect, the zoned location of the jacquard structure, such as the left and right cup features 120 and 118 within stretch zone B, can alter the elastic modulus within stretch zone B. For example, one or more jacquard structures within stretch zone B can increase the elastic modulus within at least a portion of stretch zone B, while in another example, one or more jacquard structures within stretch zone B can reduce the elastic modulus within at least a portion of stretch zone B. From a rear view of Figure 8, an engineered knit bra 116 is shown having a bra front panel 122 that can include the same or different properties on the inner and outer surfaces. For example, the bra front panel 122 can present a different feel (e.g., a fabric feel corresponding to a specific coefficient of friction) on the inner surface than on the outer front region D and the outer wing regions E. In one aspect, the outer fabric feel, such as the specific orientation of the raised integral structure and/or the engineered stitch structure, can vary within the front region D according to a specific location or function, while the bra front panel 122 includes engineered knit features that provide a different (e.g., smoother) surface on the inner surface. In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 9 , an assembled engineered knit bra 116 can include a bra front panel 122 opposed to a bra interior panel 124 and having at least one pocket 126 between each panel for providing fit, support, enhanced material feel, and/or an interior cavity for inserting a bra cup liner.

10 , a top view of an engineered knit bra 128 can be cut from a knit material 130 that includes a plurality of pre-configured lock and stretch zones that vary stretch properties across the material 130 along the front and back regions of a bra body 132. For example, the bra body 132 can include a first zone 134 corresponding to a rear cuff region having knit lock zone C properties from the knit structure and/or yarn type, adjacent to a second zone 136 corresponding to a mid-back region having knit stretch zone B properties from the knit structure and/or yarn type. For convenience, knit zone properties may be referred to hereinafter as zones.

Additionally, the second portion 136 may be adjacent to a third portion 138 corresponding to a strap area that also has the knitted Locking Zone A characteristic, while a fourth portion 140 corresponding to a bust area that has the knitted Stretch Zone B characteristic is also adjacent to the strap area of the third portion 138. The bra body 132 also includes a fifth portion 142 adjacent to the fourth portion 140, wherein the fifth portion 142 corresponds to a front cuff area that has the third Locking Zone C characteristic resulting from the knit structure and/or yarn type.

During knitting of the material 130, such as along a working edge 148 opposite the front edge 146 in the material assembly direction 150, each portion of the engineered knitted bra 128 can be knitted to include at least one lock zone characteristic or stretch zone characteristic that is carried across multiple zones of the bra body 132. For example, at least one common warp knit yarn can continue from the front edge 146 to the working edge 148, with each portion of the bra body 132 being engineered to provide specific lock zone A and lock zone C and stretch zone B characteristics. The knitted material of the bra body 132 has an outer bra edge 144 within the knitted material 130, the knitted material of the bra body 132 including a seamless transition between adjacent stretch and lock zones, wherein the lock and stretch characteristics (i.e., the pre-configured knit structure and/or yarn type of each zone) are dynamically adjusted to correspond to the strap, bust, cuff, and cup regions of the engineered knitted bra 128.

10 , an exemplary bra body 132 may include a first strap 152, a second strap 154, a pair of rear wing edges 156, a pair of front wing edges 158, a first cup region 160, a second cup region 162, and an aperture 164. As shown in FIG11 , the bra body 132 may be oriented such that an assembled engineered knit bra 166 includes a Lock-Down Zone A feature at the strap areas proximate the wearer's shoulders, a Stretch Zone B feature adjacent the strap areas and around the wearer's bust, and a Lock-Down Zone C feature at the cuff area below the wearer's bust line. Similarly, in Figure 12, the orientation of the locking zones A and C and the stretch zones B relative to the front and back sides of the assembled engineered woven brassiere 166 provides woven support and stability that restricts movement through the locking zones near the straps and chest cuff areas of the brassiere body 132, while also providing woven stretch properties (and as part of the same woven material 130) to allow shaping and/or structuring via the stretch zones near the bust and mid-back areas of the brassiere body 132. Thus, a woven brassiere can be engineered by one or more woven techniques to include additional functional features, such as an integral woven structure that provides locking or stretching to the corresponding locking zones or stretch zones. For example, an additional integral woven structure can provide a woven outer sheet 168 relative to a woven inner sheet 170 that includes an inner pocket 172 for positioning a cup lining or other feature inside the front of the brassiere. Additionally, in one aspect, the assembled engineered woven bra 166 can be woven for assembly with minimal seaming, such as a single seam 174 between the back wing edge 156 and the front wing edge 158 , while still including additional woven layers or integral woven structures, such as an integral pocket 172 .

Although depicted in Figures 10-12 as having a locking zone C proximate the chest cuff area of the assembled engineered knit bra 166, at least a portion of the front cuff area or the back cuff area of the bra can include zoned locking characteristics associated with one or more integral knit structures. For example, along a midline portion of the locking zone C, at least a portion of the bra body 132 can include an integral locking structure that varies the amount of locking along a consistent weft yarn within the locking zone C. In another aspect, the stretch zone B characteristics of the warp and weft yarns knitted throughout can also include zoned stretch properties corresponding to one or more integral knit structures.

In other aspects of the braided bra body 132, additional post-processing of specific portions of the braided material 130 can further construct different features of the assembled bra 166 without having to attach additional pieces (e.g., sewing or adhering additional structural or styling pieces to the existing bra body 132). For example, the first cup region 176 and the second cup region 178 of FIG. 13 can be molded to provide structural support within the stretch zone B without the increased rigidity of the braid characteristics in the adjacent locking zones A and C. The structural support within the bust region of the fourth portion 140 can also include one or more additional or alternative weft yarns inserted into the material 130 to produce a change in the engineered braid structure along the x-axis. Thus, in one aspect, a series of locking zones having a specific braid structure (e.g., "engineered" via yarn type, braiding technique, etc.) can be varied relative to alternating, adjacent stretch zones having a specific braid structure (e.g., "engineered" via different yarn types and/or braiding techniques). In one aspect, the braided locking zone can be engineered to have a specific yarn density, braid structure, and/or variation between yarn compositions, such as hard yarns or stretch yarns.

14 , one such example of a variation zone is depicted in a knitted bra 180, wherein pre-configured locking and stretch zones are oriented along a bra body 182. In this example, the bra body 182 includes a first bra region 184, a second bra region 186, a third bra region 188, and a fourth bra region 190, as well as a front edge 192 opposite a back edge 194, a neckline edge 196, a pair of back wing edges 198, and a pair of front wing edges 200. In this example, the first bra region 184 and the third bra region 188 may include the same or similar stretch properties, such as a reduced amount of engineered stretch (i.e., a locking material that prevents stretch), while the second bra region 186 and the fourth bra region 190 may include the same or similar enhanced stretch features. Alternatively, each functional aspect of the brassiere can include different degrees of engineered properties, such as a front zone F with moldable four-way stretch having heat-sensitive weft-knitted yarns integrated with core moderate weft-knitted yarns, which can be adjacent to a strap zone G with full lockdown provided, for example, by knitting techniques and/or hard yarn insertion. Additionally, an upper back zone H adjacent to strap zone G can include lighter knitted yarns with enhanced breathability and moderate stretch, while the adjacent lower back zone I can be engineered to provide at least partial lockdown via yarn insertion and/or knitting properties.

15 , a front view of an exemplary engineered woven brassiere 202 is provided, according to one aspect, having pre-configured lock and stretch zones, support channels, and cup pockets integrated into the woven material. The brassiere body 204 includes a first strap region 206 adjacent to a first cup 210 having an interior pocket 208, and a first channel 212 along a lower portion of the cup 210, the first channel 212 including an interior cavity 228 for receiving an underwire, cables, and/or other support structure. The brassiere body 204 also includes a second strap region 218 adjacent to a second cup 216 having an interior pocket 208, and a second channel 214 along a lower portion of the cup 216, the second channel 214 including an interior cavity 226 for receiving an underwire, cables, and/or other support structure. The bra body 204 surrounding the first cup 210 and the second cup 216 can include a cuff region 220, a middle region 222, and a wing region 224, as well as one or more engineered knit features, including one or more regions having a lock zone property and/or a stretch zone property. For example, at least a portion of the wing region 224, the middle region 222, and/or the cuff region 220 can include a knit lock zone property (i.e., reduced stretch, stiff yarn, etc.), while the first cup 210 and the second cup 216 can include a knit stretch zone property at pre-configured locations.

As further depicted in cross-sectional view 230 of FIG. 16 , the engineered knit bra 202 can include a single or multiple layers of knit material that provide openings within the engineered bra body 204, such as the internal pockets 208 created between the pocket layer 232 and the first cup 210 and between the pocket layer 234 and the second cup 216. According to one aspect, the bra body 204 outside the first cup 210 and the second cup 216, and between the inner edges of the first channel 212 and the second channel 214, can be characterized as having a single layer. Referring to the view in FIG. 16 , in one aspect, the middle portion of the bra body 204 between the first channel 212 and the second channel 214 includes a unitary knit structure similar to the outer wing region 224. However, as shown in cross-sectional view 236 of FIG. 17A-17B , the middle region 222 can include additional knit structure 238 integral with the surrounding bra body 204, such as a series of perforations 240 that provide ventilation within the knit bra body 204. 17B , the perforations 238 can be any woven or integral structure within the bra body 204 that is configured to provide a specific function within the intermediate region 222 at a preconfigured location. In this way, changes in knitting techniques, yarn types, inserted zoned yarn arrangements, etc. can be used to create additional functional features within the engineered knit bra 202 without requiring further assembly or attachment to the bra body 204.

As shown in the example of Figure 15, the integral knitting of an engineered bra structure that provides cup pockets, channel cavities, ventilation structures, and/or zonal support can be achieved through various aspects of an engineered knit bra 202, engineering desired features for multiple zones within the bra body 204, rather than inserting, sewing, stitching, and/or incorporating functional aspects of a knit bra with both stretch and lock zones. Furthermore, the engineered knit properties of the bra body 204 can correspond to a variety of yarn densities, knit structures, hard yarn arrangements, stretch yarn arrangements, or combinations of such aspects to produce an optimal degree of lock or stretch in multiple zones of the bra.

Finally, referring to FIG18 , a front perspective view of an assembled engineered knit bra 242 includes the bra front structure of the engineered knit bra 202 of FIG15 coupled to a bra back 244 having straps 246 joining the first strap region 206 and the second strap region 218 at respective strap seams 248, according to one aspect. In the wear configuration, the upper end 250 of the bra 242 is positioned opposite the lower end 252. The front of the knitted bra 240 can include molded cup features 254 that further provide structure to the first cup 210 and the second cup 216. The perspective view of FIG18 also depicts the interior pockets 208 formed between the pocket layer 232 and the first cup 210, and between the pocket layer 234 and the second cup 216. In one aspect, based on the top knit open edges along both the first cup 210 and the second cup 216, the interior pocket 208 of the molded cup feature 254 can be used to receive additional lining, shaping, lifting, or modest reinforcement features without having to sew onto the pocket structure or cut into the knit material of the bra body 204.

In another example, various channel structures, pockets/cavities, ventilation features, support structures, locking areas, stretch zones, single-layer features, double-layer features, compression features, mold features, yarn insertion technology, one-piece structures or other multiple available knitting technologies can be used as parts of engineered knitted bras. In addition, at least a portion of such characteristics described with respect to engineered knitted bras can be further utilized within one or more aspects of engineered knitted bras, and vice versa. For example, in the case where the bra material is converted between a single layer and a double layer across the same row of material, it is conceivable that both engineered knitting and engineered knitting embodiments can utilize such technology. Similarly, when producing pocket structures, channel structures, ventilation structures, etc., aspects herein include incorporating each of the structures into an engineered knitted or engineered knitted brassiere garment.

In further aspects of an engineered knit or engineered woven bra, the elastic moduli of multiple support zones can vary depending on the pre-configured arrangement of specific locking zones or stretch zones. For example, a first elastic modulus can be assigned to a first support zone in a pre-configured first position along the bottom edge of the material. Additionally, a second elastic modulus can be assigned to a second support zone in a pre-configured second position adjacent to the first support zone. In some aspects, the bra structure can include specific elastic moduli corresponding to specific support zones, such as an elastic modulus within a predetermined range for the locking zone and an elastic modulus within a predetermined range for the stretch zone. To further modify such elastic properties, the knitted or woven aspects within the zone can include engineered features to modify specific portions of the support zone, such as a bust portion including a chest support engineered feature and a wing portion including a wing support engineered feature. In some aspects, the locking zone of an engineered knit or engineered woven bra can include a stretch of up to 20% from an initial position, while the adjacent stretch zone can be configured to allow stretching greater than 20% relative to at least a portion of the stretch zone. As discussed above, the varying elastic modulus of each zone within a brassiere can be determined by one or more engineering factors, such as yarn selection to identify specific dimensions of stretch yarn to achieve the desired change in modulus.

Thus, in some aspects, the yarn type (woven in or out), knit structure, and knit tension can be adjusted to achieve a desired level of lockdown or stretch in a region of an engineered knit bra. Similarly, the yarn type (in the warp and/or weft directions), yarn density, and knit structure can be adjusted to achieve a desired level of lockdown or stretch in a region of an engineered knit bra.

In multiple support zones throughout the front of the bra, whether in engineered knitting or engineered weaving, common properties can be integrated into the structure of the entire woven or knitted material, as described above with respect to the overall and/or seamless aspects of the engineered knitted or woven construction. For example, a common yarn, such as a common warp knitted yarn or a common weft knitted yarn, can extend across multiple zones in the engineered bra. Additionally, based on the common properties extending across multiple zones, common integrated features can be carried throughout the knitted or woven bra. For example, a common yarn can include a single weft knitted yarn of a specific material used in multiple zones of the bra, while being used for different one-piece woven or knitted structures in each zone. In another example, the common property can be a consistent warp knitted yarn, wherein the engineered features that vary between zones include a first weft knitted yarn having a first elasticity in a first support zone and a second weft knitted yarn having a second elasticity in a second support zone, providing integrated warp knitted yarn features across multiple zones without the need for joining or stitching.

Other aspects of engineered support areas, such as the locking areas and stretching areas described with reference to exemplary engineered knitting and engineered woven brassieres above, include incorporating into the first support area an engineered feature that is different from the engineered feature of the second area. For example, the first woven area can include a first integrated feature, such as a locking cuff area, and the second woven area can include a second integrated feature, such as a double-layer woven cup area. In another example, the first knitted area can include a specific locking stitch pattern, and the second knitted area can include a specific stretch knitting stitch pattern, thereby changing the engineered feature of each area. In a further aspect, each locking area of an engineered knitted or woven brassiere can be joined to each adjacent stretching area, and similar one-piece structures and/or engineered features can be shared to modify the elastic modulus to a specific range, direct brassiere components (i.e., cup area, strap area, cuff area, wing area and/or back area) for optimal assembly, and unify brassiere garments so that the brassiere or knitted material includes an engineered feature that minimizes any finishing and/or stitching process.

In some aspects, the orientation of the locking zone and the stretch zone can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the structure of the knitted or woven material and the layout of the brassiere pattern features. For example, although the width of the brassiere is shown to be oriented along the width (x-axis) of the knitted or woven material in an upright position, in some aspects, the brassiere can also be oriented along the length (y-axis) of the knitted or woven material. Therefore, the various aspects of the engineered knitted and engineered woven materials described herein can include horizontal or vertical locking zones. Similarly, the pattern position of the brassiere front in the knitted or woven material can further determine the orientation of the locking zone and the stretch zone in the brassiere and relative to a specific brassiere structure (such as cup area and strip area). In addition, according to some aspects, the engineered structure of the knitted or woven material described herein can include additional stabilization treatments that are subsequently added to the fabric. In this way, pattern arrangement and pattern treatment can further affect the orientation and strength of the locking zone and the stretch zone of the engineered brassiere.

In addition, as discussed below with reference to Figures 19 to 23, aspects of engineered bras include producing engineered knitted materials that have an integrated brassiere function throughout the material. For example, an engineered knitted material can be constructed with an integrated brassiere function that is generated within the engineered knitted material during the process of knitting the entire brassiere front. Thus, the various brassiere functions integrated with the engineered knitted material can correspond to the partitioned arrangement and/or partitioned stitch construction of one or more yarns within the engineered knitted material, with the resulting partitioned features corresponding to specific portions of the brassiere front. Each zone can include one or more tensile properties that vary between adjacent zones of the material. Such partitioned features can include elastic moduli in one or more directions that vary between adjacent zones within the engineered brassiere. Therefore, without splicing together multiple different knitted pattern pieces that individually present a specific brassiere function, the integrated partitioned orientation of the yarn and stitch construction across the width of the engineered knitted material (and the length of the resulting engineered brassiere front) can seamlessly provide variable support and optimal construction with minimal stitching along the length of the brassiere body (i.e., the width of the brassiere material).

When one or more engineered knit bra fronts are removed from the engineered knit material, the engineered knit bra retains the zoning characteristics of the engineered knit material, such as being oriented within the bra front, such as a warp knitted engineered knit bra front, providing targeted support to the user when worn. As an example, a specific yarn arrangement and knitting construction within a first zone of warp knitted stitches may be adjacent to a second zone of stitches having a specific yarn arrangement and knitting construction. Although the same or similar yarns may be included in both the first zone and the second zone, one or more aspects of the warp knitting construction may change between the two zones. Alternatively, although the same or similar knitting construction may remain unchanged between the first zone and the second zone, one or more yarns knitted in adjacent zones may be different.

As used below with reference to Figures 19 to 23, specific yarn, yarn selection, yarn arrangement and/or yarn arrangement can be used to refer to the knitting position of the yarn in the engineered knit brassiere, and like this, for referring to the knitting position of the yarn in the engineered knit material that the engineered knit brassiere is taken out from it.The engineered knit yarn can have a specific denier difference, and this denier difference is for the specific function in the support area of (that is, selecting) engineered knit brassiere. Therefore, the yarn with the first denier difference can be selected for knitting in the stripe area, and the yarn with the second denier difference can be selected for knitting in the cup area. In addition, the change of the denier difference between one or more yarns in the engineered brassiere can also change between the yarn in the cup area and the yarn in the chest cuff area. In some aspects, the yarn arrangement in the engineered brassiere can also refer to the knitting position of specific yarn relative to fabric face and fabric back. For example, a planar engineered knit material can include a first side and a second side relative to the first side, such as fabric face and fabric back. The fabric face of an engineered knit material and the fabric face of a corresponding engineered knit bra can refer to the outward-facing yarn arrangement that is exposed when the engineered knit bra is in a worn configuration. Additionally, the fabric back face of an engineered knit material and an engineered knit bra can refer to the inward-facing yarn arrangement that contacts the wearer's upper torso when the engineered knit bra is in a worn configuration. In some cases, various properties of the fabric face and/or fabric back face of an engineered knit material can be referred to as the material's "hand," with both a skin-contacting surface (fabric back face) and a non-contacting surface (fabric front face).

In order to provide transition between adjacent zones in an engineered knitted bra, at least one stitch of each of the adjacent zones can be knitted together, such as in a zone-shaped configuration of a warp knitted structure. In some aspects, based on one or more knitting stitches that are interlocked with one or more adjacent knitting stitches of an adjacent bra zone, a seamless transition is provided between adjacent zones of an engineered knitted bra. For example, at least one stitch of a first engineered knitted zone can be knitted with at least one stitch of a second engineered knitted zone adjacent to the first zone. Additionally, in other aspects, one or more yarns in the first zone can be knitted across two or more adjacent zones, such as a first yarn knitted across both the first zone and the adjacent second zone. Furthermore, although a portion of an engineered knitted material can provide a first brassiere function in a first zone corresponding to a first yarn and a first stitch structure, another portion of the same engineered knitted material can provide a second brassiere function in a second zone (such as a second yarn and a second stitch structure).

The engineered knit material and the resulting engineered knit brassiere can include a fabric face and a fabric back, wherein the different properties of the fabric face and the fabric back correspond to a specific yarn selection, the number and/or orientation of the warp knit strips, the fiber composition of one or more yarns, and/or the arrangement of yarn types within the knit material. Thus, while a first side of the engineered knit brassiere can have a specific feel resulting from yarn selection and/or stitch construction, a second side of the engineered knit brassiere can have a specific feel resulting from yarn selection and/or stitch construction such that the interior surface of the brassiere can be different in construction and composition than the exterior surface of the brassiere. In some cases, when the engineered brassiere is in a wear configuration, the fabric back can be the skin-contacting surface, while the fabric front is configured as an outward-facing surface having different yarns and/or a different construction than the fabric back.

In one example, as shown in FIG19 , an engineered material 300 can include a fabric 302 having a fabric width 304 oriented along a horizontal x-axis and a fabric length 306 oriented along a vertical y-axis. The exemplary engineered material 300 is shown with a first engineered bra front 308 and a second engineered bra front 310 identified as pattern pieces for removal from the fabric 302. Thus, the bra widths of both the first engineered bra front 308 and the second engineered bra front 310 are oriented along the y-axis of the fabric length 306, and the bra lengths of each engineered bra front are oriented along the x-axis of the fabric width 304. In some aspects, the engineered bra front 308 and the engineered bra front 310 are oriented along the fabric width 304 such that each support zone within the engineered bra corresponds to a horizontal zone within the bra front (i.e., within a vertical zone along the fabric length 306).

Continuing with reference to FIG19 , aspects of the engineered knit bra fronts 308, 310 include a zoned construction of a warp-knit engineered fabric 302 from which the engineered knit bras 308 and 310 are derived. Thus, along the fabric width 304 of the fabric 302, the first zone 312, the second zone 314, the third zone 316, the fourth zone 318, and the fifth zone 320 correspond to warp-knitted bands created using variable yarn selection and/or stitch configurations. The knit construction of each of the zones within the warp-knit fabric 302 includes various yarns and warp-knit stitches selected for a specific bra support function, such as a bra strap zone, a bra cup zone, and a bra chest cuff zone. In further aspects, additional and/or alternative functional zones within the bra can be engineered within the knit construction of the engineered material 300 and in accordance with the additional and/or alternative zones within the fabric 302. 19 as having five pre-configured zones (a first zone 312, a second zone 314, a third zone 316, a fourth zone 318, and a fifth zone 320), in further aspects, the engineered material 300 can produce a fabric 302 having a fewer or greater number of zones that provide engineered functionality to a bra. The fabric 302 can also be configured to include a single bra front 308 along the fabric width 304 based on the overall width of the fabric 302. Alternatively, the fabric 302 can include sufficient material to facilitate the construction of more than two bra fronts across the fabric width 304, wherein each bra front has locking zones and stretch zones corresponding to the features of the various engineered zones across the fabric width 304 and along the fabric length 306.

Engineered lockdown within the first region 312 can be provided based on the fiber composition of the yarn and a certain degree of lapping within the corresponding courses and wales of the first region 312. In one aspect, the number of strips used in the warp knit within the first region 312, combined with the lapping configuration within the first region 312 and the fiber composition of the yarns on the three strips used within the first region 312, can be used to produce optimal stretch and lockdown characteristics for a particular bra function within the first region 312.

19 , each zone can be engineered for specific bra support functions within the engineered lock and stretch zones and along specific axes/directions within the engineered material 300. Such yarn selections can include at least one warp knit yarn having a fiber composition within a threshold range from 50 denier/72 filament (50/72) polyester and at least one warp knit yarn having a fiber composition within a threshold range from 30 denier/36 filament polyester. In some aspects, warp knit strips having 50/72 polyester yarn can be oriented to knit the front surface of the fabric, while warp knit strips having 30/36 polyester can be configured to knit the back surface of the fabric. Such a difference between the fabric front and the fabric back can provide a denier differential that enables the engineered material 300 to transfer moisture from the fabric back to the fabric front, and when sewn into a garment (such as a bra) having a front surface of the fabric 302 having a larger/coarser denier (50/72) than the back surface of the fabric 302 having a smaller/finer denier (30/36), the first bra front 308 removed from the fabric 302 along the cut edge 348 can maintain such moisture wicking properties. The warp knitting process itself can provide for specific positioning of the strips of yarn used, so that the flat fabric 302 can include engineered features across multiple zones and textile differences on the front and back surfaces of the fabric 302. In one example of an engineered material 300 having multiple zones within a flat fabric 302, a first zone 312 (the strip zone) and a second zone 314 (the cup zone) include at least three of the yarns: a long fiber yarn (e.g., 50/72 polyester, 1×1 lapping) near the front side of the fabric, a microfiber yarn (e.g., 30/36, 1×3 lapping) near the second side of the fabric opposite the first side, and a spandex yarn knitted with a chain stitch throughout the material (e.g., 70 denier spandex). Additionally, a third zone 316 (the chest cuff) may include at least four of the yarns: a 1×1 long fiber yarn, a 1×3 microfiber yarn, and the chain stitch spandex of the first two zones, with the addition of a padding reinforcement yarn (i.e., a hard yarn such as 30/36 polyester).

The first region 312 is configured to provide an engineered locking material along a first axis 322 and an engineered stretch material along a second axis 324. As such, a portion of the fabric 302 intended to be removed along a cut edge 348 (which will ultimately become part of a strap for a finished bra) includes a first strip 342 and a second strip 344 knitted within the first region 312 and exhibiting engineered material properties corresponding to both the yarn selection and stitch configuration of the first region 312. Based on the one or more warp knit stitches within the first region 312, the first region 312 can exhibit less elongation along the fabric width 304 (i.e., along the length of the first and second bra straps 342, 344) than along the fabric length 306 (i.e., along the width of the first and second bra straps 342, 344). In one aspect, the first region 312 is engineered to provide a warp knit engineered locking material having an elongation of between 15% and 25% along the first axis 322 (i.e., along the fabric width 304). In another aspect, the first region 312 is engineered to provide a warp knit engineered locking material having an elongation of between 19% and 23% along the first axis 322, while in other examples, the amount of elongation along the first axis 322 can be 20% or less.

Compared to locking along the first axis 322, the engineered stretch material along the second axis 324 can provide a greater amount of elongation than along the first axis 322. In one example, the elongation along the first axis 322 can include a minimum amount of elongation of 40% or more. In other aspects, the overall performance of the engineered material 300 can require a minimum amount of elongation so that once the first bra front 308 is combined with the bra back, the wearer of the assembled engineered bra can put on and take off the bra without an additional closure mechanism. In some aspects, an engineered material having 40% or more elongation along the second axis 324 provides a threshold amount of movement of the fabric 302 within the first and second straps 342, 344 and across the width of the bra front 308 during both donning/docking attempts and during wear. In this way, the engineered bra front 308 can provide a stabilizing function along the first axis 322 while providing a locking function along the second axis 324. The resulting different locking and stretch properties of the first bra front portion 308 may, over time, affect the wear strength of the garment, the aesthetics of the warp knit fabric front, the ease of handling the overall body of the bra, and/or the elasticity of the material during activity.

In the exemplary top view of FIG19 , a gradient pattern feature 346 corresponds to a common location on both the first strap 342 and the second strap 344. Such a gradient pattern feature 346 can be created using a jacquard knit patterning technique to integrate one or more additional yarns within the first bra front portion 308. In some aspects, while the gradient pattern feature 346 can be warp knitted integrally with the engineered material 300, which has specific locking properties along the first axis 322 and stretch properties along the second axis 324, the gradient pattern feature 346 can affect the percentage of elongation within a threshold range. For example, an increase or decrease in the percentage of elongation associated with the gradient pattern feature 346 can correspond to a threshold amount of change in elongation, maintaining a change in elongation of up to 10%.

Within the engineered material 300 and transitioning along the fabric width 304, a first zone 312 of the fabric 302 transitions to an adjacent second zone 314. In various aspects, the fabric 302 within the second zone 314 includes one or more warp knit stitches coupled to one or more warp knit stitches of the first zone 312. In other words, at least one stitch from the first zone 312 is knitted with at least one stitch from the second zone 314 along the zone boundary 360. Each knit stitch along the zone boundary can include yarn from one or both of the first zone 312 and the second zone 314. Similarly, a grouping of two or more wales within the fabric 302 can include a combination of knit stitches from both the first zone 312 and the second zone 314. By joining stitches from the first zone 213 and the second zone 314, the engineered material 300 maintains multiple engineered knit zone properties while the consistent fabric 302 is knitted with a seamless transition between bra support features. As discussed below with respect to the third zone 316 , the fourth zone 318 , and the fifth zone 320 , the engineered material 300 is created within the seamless fabric 302 along the fabric width 304 and the fabric length 306 , with zonal features of bra support corresponding to specific zones arranged along the fabric width 306 .

The seamless knit structure of fabric 302 includes multiple transitions along fabric width 304 that correspond to transitions in support functionality along the length of the bra. In the example of FIG. 19 , zone boundary 360 is depicted as a representation of a seamless transition between the yarn selection and/or stitch configuration of first zone 312 and the variable yarn selection and/or stitch configuration of second zone 314, and does not represent a material seam or intended cut edge. Similarly, subsequent zone boundaries 362, 380, and 382 represent seamless material transitions across warp knit fabric 302 and have transitions in yarn type and/or stitch configuration that create engineered material 300. Within second zone 314, similar to first zone 312, first engineered bra front 308 includes a cup region of first bra front 308 having an exemplary cut edge 352 that defines the boundary of the intended cut of the engineered bra front when removed from fabric 302. The second zone 314 includes engineered stretch characteristics corresponding to the fiber composition of the yarn/yarn and a certain degree of lapping within the knit courses and wales of the second zone 314. In some aspects, the number of strips used in the warp knitting within the second zone 314, combined with the lapping configuration of the particular yarn within the second zone 314, and the fiber composition of the yarn in the strips used within the second zone 314, can be engineered to provide a threshold level of material elongation (i.e., a threshold level of stretch) within the cup area of the bra front 308. In other words, an optimal level of elongation can be achieved to provide a specific bra function, such as cup area support within the second zone 314.

The stretch/elongation properties within the second zone 314 correspond to one or more yarn selection and/or stitch construction properties within the second zone 314, such as the fiber composition of the one or more yarns warp-knitted to provide the cup region 350. Thus, the second zone 314 can include a long fiber/microfiber/spandex combination similar to that discussed above with respect to the first zone 312. The yarns within the second zone 314 are knitted to provide an engineered stretch portion for the bra cup region, with a threshold amount of stretch along the third axis 326 and the fourth axis 328. In some aspects, the cup region 350 is configured to minimize elongation along the third axis 326 (i.e., along the fabric width 304 and the length of the first bra front portion 308), with such elongation supporting the volume of the wearer's breasts and accommodating the molding of the fabric 302. Thus, while a certain degree of locking is not required, the amount of stretch provided within the second zone 314 can maintain a threshold level of elongation for both bra function/support and material appearance.

The fabric 302 within the second zone 314 includes an unpatterned portion 356 of the fabric 302 without an additional jacquard gradient pattern 354. In some examples, the fabric 302 can be engineered to provide a specific level of stretch based on yarn selection, knit configuration, and/or the presence or absence of jacquard pattern yarns. In some aspects, because the gradient pattern 354 is created by knitting holes in the front yarns to provide a graphic display of the back yarns, the unpatterned portion 356 can provide a higher density area of the fabric 302, while the gradient pattern 354 can provide a lower density area of the fabric 302. Thus, the amount of gradient pattern 354 can affect the elongation of the fabric 302 along one or more of the third axis 326 and the fourth axis 328. In the exemplary first bra front 308, gradient patterns 346 and 354 can be positioned within the fabric 302 of the engineered material 300 relative to the bra symmetry boundary 358 to provide equal changes in elongation, lock, and stretch corresponding to the left side (first strap 342) and right side (second strap 344) of the bra front.

Aspects of the second zone 314 are configured to provide engineered stretch material along the third axis 326 and engineered stretch material along the fourth axis 328. In this manner, a portion of the fabric 302 intended to be removed along the cut edge 350 may ultimately become the cup area of a finished brassiere and be knitted with second zone 314 properties that correspond to both yarn selection and stitch configuration and contribute to a threshold level of elongation so that the engineered material of the cup can be molded. The cup area of the second zone 314 is also knitted to provide an engineered knit construction that supports the wearer.

In one aspect, the second zone 314 is engineered to provide a warp-knit engineered stretch material having 35% to 45% elongation along both the third axis 326 and the fourth axis 328. In another example, the second zone 314 includes 40% elongation in at least a portion of the cup area. The gradient pattern 354 within the second zone 314 can be created using a jacquard knitting technique to vary the position of one or more yarns relative to the symmetry boundary 358. Due to the knitted structure of the engineered material 300, the cup area of the first bra front portion 318 includes an inherent amount of stretch within the fabric 302. Therefore, additional knitting and/or gradient patterning techniques can be included within the second zone 314 to influence the amount of stretch along the fabric width 304 (i.e., along the bra length). Along the zone boundary 362, the engineered material 300 transitions from the second portion of the fabric 302 (the second zone 312) to the fourth second zone 314. As this transition occurs, the amount of gradient pattern 368 increases along the support chest cuff 364.

Within the engineered material 300 and transitioning along the fabric width 304, the second zone 314 of the fabric 302 changes to an adjacent third zone 316. In various aspects, the fabric 302 associated with the third zone 316 includes one or more warp knit stitches (columns of stitches) coupled to one or more warp knit stitches (columns of stitches) of the second zone 314. In other words, at least one stitch from the second zone 314 is knitted with at least one stitch from the third zone 316 along the zone boundary 362. Each knit stitch along the zone boundary 362 can include yarn from one or both of the second zone 314 and the third zone 316. Within a portion of the third zone 316, the chest cuff area 364 of the first bra front portion 308 can include a cutout edge 370 designated for removal of the first bra front portion 308 from the fabric 302. The third zone 316 can generally be referred to as having a locking characteristic along the fifth axis 330 and a locking characteristic along the sixth axis 332, thereby limiting elongation of the yarn in the third zone 316 and within the cuff area 364. In some aspects, the locking characteristic along the first axis 322 can be the same as or similar to the locking characteristic along the fifth axis 330 and the sixth axis 332.

Similar to the exemplary layout of the first and second zones 312, 314, the zonal features of bra support, such as the chest cuff area 364, correspond to the third zone 316 arranged along the fabric width 304. In some aspects, the warp knit configuration within the multiple zones of engineered material 300 includes multiple zones parallel along the y-axis of fabric 302, which allows for variable locking and stretch properties along the orientation of fabric 302 relative to fabric width 304 and fabric length 306. The third zone 316 is configured to provide engineered locking material along both the fifth axis 330 and the sixth axis 332. In this manner, the portion of fabric 302 intended to be removed along the cut edge 370 will ultimately become part of the chest cuff area for a finished bra, exhibiting engineered material properties corresponding to both the yarn selection and stitch configuration of the third zone 316.

In one aspect, the third zone 316 can exhibit a threshold locked elongation along the fabric width 304 (i.e., along the chest cuff height when in the upright orientation) and a threshold locked elongation along the fabric length 306 (i.e., along the chest cuff width when in the upright orientation) based on one or more warp knit stitches within the chest cuff area 364 of the third zone 316. In one aspect, the third zone 316 is engineered to provide a warp knit engineered locking material having an elongation between 15% and 25% along both the fifth axis 330 and the sixth axis 332 (i.e., along the fabric width 304). In another aspect, the third zone 316 is engineered to provide a warp knit engineered locking material having an elongation between 19% and 23% along both the fifth axis 330 and the sixth axis 332, while in other examples, the amount of elongation along the fifth axis and/or the sixth axis 330 can be at or below 20%. In this manner, a maximum elongation threshold can be established along both the fifth axis 330 and the sixth axis 332 to stabilize the chest cuff area 364, prevent movement of the wearer's bra, and maintain the engineered bra material in a desired position on the wearer's body once the first bra front 308 is removed from the fabric 302 and sewn into an assembled bra form.

In the exemplary top view of FIG. 19 , gradient pattern feature 368 corresponds to gradient pattern feature 346 and can be created using a jacquard knit pattern technique to manipulate one or more yarns within first bra front portion 308. In some aspects, gradient pattern feature 368 can affect the percentage of elongation within a threshold range. For example, an increase or decrease in the percentage of elongation associated with gradient pattern feature 368 can correspond to a threshold amount of change in elongation to maintain a change of up to 10% in elongation from an original locked engineered material having an elongation between 10% and 23%. In some aspects, in addition to changes in yarn composition and/or position on the warp knitted bundle, as well as stitch configuration during the knitting process via inlay techniques, the targeted location of the gradient pattern feature can be used to compensate for the variable amount of elongation within first bra front portion 308 and between multiple engineered zones of fabric 302.

With brief reference to the second bra front 310 oriented longitudinally along the fabric width 304 (and the second bra front 310 oriented transversely along the fabric length 306), the mirrored zoned configuration within the fabric 302 is configured to provide an additional engineered bra within the segment of engineered material 300. In some aspects, the left fabric portion 400 and the right fabric portion 398 correspond to the hemmed edges of the warp knit fabric 302, wherein the upper edge 394 is the working edge (i.e., near the warp beam) opposite the lower edge 396 of the knit fabric 302. In addition, similar straps, cups, and chest cuff features are engineered within the fabric 302 to mirror the orientation of the first bra 308, as shown in the example of FIG19. Based on its positioning within the third zone 316, the chest cuff area 366 of the second bra front 310 can include the same engineered locking features as the fabric 302 oriented along the fifth axis 330 and the sixth axis 332.

In one example, third zone 316 is adjacent to fourth zone 318 having the same or similar engineered stretch properties as those described with respect to second zone 314. Thus, cup area 372 of second bra front 310 can include a cutout edge 374, a gradient pattern 376 oriented relative to a line of symmetry 378, and engineered stretch properties along seventh axis 334 and eighth axis 336. Continuing along fabric width 304 and adjacent to fourth zone 318 along zone line 382, fabric 302 can also include fifth zone 320 having the same or similar engineered stretch properties as those described with respect to first zone 312. In one example, the third and fourth straps 386, 388 of the second bra front 310 can include a cutout edge 390 along which each of the straps can be removed from the fabric 302, a gradient pattern 392, engineered locking properties along a ninth axis 338, and engineered stretch properties along a tenth axis 340. Some aspects of the engineered material 300 include a fabric 302 having a fabric width 304 that accommodates a single bra front 308, while in the embodiment of FIG. 19 , the fabric 302 includes a fabric width 304 that facilitates the warp knitting of at least two bra fronts having a configuration similar to that in the example of FIG. 19 .

20, the cut bra front portion 400 of the engineered knit bra material of FIG19 can include an engineered material 402 having a cut edge 404, an upper knit edge 394, a knit edge 396, a bottom bra edge 398, a first zone 406 adjacent to a second zone 408, and a third zone 410 (adjacent to the second zone 408) spanning a bra front length 428 and a bra front width 426. In this example, a midline convergence point 412 is depicted along the symmetry line 358, with a left chest convergence point 414 opposite a right chest convergence point 416, each of the convergence points corresponding to the orientation of a gradient pattern within a different portion of the bra front portion 400. In some aspects, the multiple gradient patterns of the jacquard knit within the bra front portion 400 can include a dense pattern 418 and a dense pattern 422, which transition to a spaced pattern 420 and a spaced pattern 424 (i.e., less dense). Such variations in the gradient pattern across the warp knit cut-out bra front 400 can enhance or reduce the amount of elongation, the amount of lock-in, the amount of stretch, the color appearance, the yarn clarity, and the like.

21 , an assembled engineered knit bra 430 includes pre-configured locking and stretching zones, such as a first zone 406 (locked along the bra length, stretched along the bra width), a second zone 408 (stretched in both length and width), and a third zone 410 (locked in both length and width). According to aspects of the present invention, the assembled engineered knit bra 430 includes an engineered bra front 432 coupled to a bra back 434 (such as a mesh material 440) coupled at upper seams 436 and 438 to provide a zoned support bra having a first moldable bust zone 442, a second moldable bust zone 444, a neckline edge 446, an armhole edge 448, and side seams 450 and 452. 21 depicts a seamless zoning configuration relative to an engineered bra front 432, providing locked bra straps, expandable cup structures, and locked chest cuff areas along the length of the straps, wherein each of the first zone 406, the second zone 408, and the third zone 410 has an integrally engineered configuration to provide specific bra support functionality without assembling multiple pieces of the engineered bra front 432. As such, aspects of the assembled engineered bra 430 include zoning of specific yarn compositions and stitch configurations within such zones and across the width of the engineered bra front 432 that provide specific support functionality without requiring additional assembly beyond the coupling of the bra back 434.

Referring next to FIG22 , a top view of an exemplary engineered knit bra material 454 having pre-configured locking and stretch zones corresponding to exemplary test zones includes a first test zone 456, a second test zone 458, a third test zone 474, and a fourth test zone 462. Due to the location of the banded zones and the stretch and locking properties, the material 454 of FIG22 corresponds to the engineered material 300 of FIG19 . For example, the first test zone 456 can be used to identify the engineered locking property 466 associated with the engineered material 454 and/or the gradient pattern 464. Based on yarn selection and stitch configuration, the first test zone 456 includes the locking engineered property along the x-axis (fabric width 304), while the second test zone 458 includes the stretch/elongation property along the y-axis (fabric length 306). Additional test zones for the engineered knit bra material 454 may include a third test zone 474 and a fourth test zone 462 corresponding to multi-directional locking in the chest cuff.

In some cases, the first knitted area exhibiting a first elastic modulus within a predetermined range along the first direction 322 may include a first elastic modulus associated with an elongation between 10% and 30%. In other aspects, the first knitted area exhibits an elongation between 15% and 25% along the first direction, and in other aspects, the first knitted area exhibits an elongation between 20% and 25% along the first direction. In other aspects, the first knitted area may also include a second elastic modulus within a predetermined range along the second direction 324, wherein the second elastic modulus is associated with an elongation between 15% and 40%. In some aspects, the first knitted area exhibits an elongation between 20% and 35%, and in other aspects, the first knitted area exhibits an elongation of less than 30% along the second direction.

In further aspects, the second knitted area exhibiting a third elastic modulus within a predetermined range along the first direction 326 can include a second elastic modulus between 15% and 35%. In further aspects, the second knitted area exhibits an elongation between 20% and 30%, while in other aspects, the second knitted area exhibits an elongation between 23% and 27% along the first direction. In other aspects, the second knitted area can also include a fourth elastic modulus within a predetermined range along the second direction 328, wherein the fourth elastic modulus is between 100% and 200% elongation. In some cases, the fourth elastic modulus is an elongation between 125% and 175%, while in other aspects, the elongation within the second knitted area along the second direction is between 140% and 160%.

In some aspects, the third knitted area exhibiting a fifth modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the first direction 330 may include a fifth modulus of elasticity between 10% and 30%. In other aspects, the fifth knitted area exhibits an elongation between 15% and 25% along the first direction, while in other aspects, the third knitted area exhibits an elongation between 20% and 25% along the first direction. Additionally, aspects of the third knitted area include a sixth modulus of elasticity within a predetermined range along the second direction 332, wherein the sixth modulus of elasticity includes an elongation between 20% and 50%. In some aspects, the third knitted area includes an elongation between 30% and 45%, while in other aspects, the percentage elongation is between 30% and 40%.

The aspects of the engineered knit bra discussed with reference to Figures 19 to 22 can be summarized according to one or more construction parameters used to create the engineered material, such as the example of Figure 23 showing an exemplary warp knit layout 476. In this example, the warp knit layout 476 includes multiple bars 478 of yarn 480 having a specific fiber composition 482 that can vary across the multiple bra regions 484 discussed above. For example, the bra straps 486, cups 88, and chest cuffs 490 can include two bars of 50/72 polyester yarn with 1×1 inlays, one bar of 30/36 yarn with 1×3 inlays, and 70-D spandex knitted throughout with a chain stitch. Furthermore, the chest cuff area can use the same 50/72, 30/36, and 70-D yarns, except for the intercalation of 30/36 polyester. As discussed in more detail above, such values for the zoned yarns for the warp knit layout 476 can vary in denier size and yarn count and meet the warp knit layout threshold based on a minimum range of satisfactory engineered characteristics.

As can be seen from the above, the aspects of this invention are well suited to achieving all of the goals and objectives set forth above, as well as other advantages, which are obvious and inherent to the structure. It should be understood that certain features and subcombinations have practical applications and can be adopted without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is encompassed by and within the scope of the claims. Since many possible aspects can be made without departing from the scope of this invention, it should be understood that all content set forth herein or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (20)

1. An engineered bra, comprising: A first knitted area, the first knitted area exhibiting a first elastic modulus within a predetermined range along a first direction and a second elastic modulus within a predetermined range along a second direction, the first knitted area including a first plurality of warp-knitted yarns forming a pair of engineered bra straps; A second knitted area, the second knitted area exhibiting a third elastic modulus within a predetermined range along the first direction and a fourth elastic modulus within a predetermined range along the second direction, the second knitted area adjacent to the first knitted area and including a second plurality of warp-knitted yarns forming an engineered bra cup, wherein the yarns of the second plurality of warp-knitted yarns are interlocked with the yarns of the first plurality of warp-knitted yarns, and wherein the second knitted area includes a patterned portion and a non-patterned portion, the patterned portion including holes knitted in the front yarns to provide a patterned display of the back yarns and to provide an area with a lower density than the non-patterned portion; and A third knitted area, which exhibits a fifth elastic modulus within a predetermined range along the first direction and a sixth elastic modulus within a predetermined range along the second direction, is adjacent to the second knitted area and includes a third plurality of warp-knitted yarns and at least one padding yarn. The third plurality of warp-knitted yarns and the at least one padding yarn form an engineered bra band, wherein the yarns in the third plurality of warp-knitted yarns are interlocked with the yarns in the second plurality of warp-knitted yarns. 2. The engineered bra according to claim 1, wherein, when the engineered bra is in the wearing configuration, each of the engineered bra straps, the engineered bra cups, and the engineered bra bands corresponds to a specific support function. 3. The engineered bra according to claim 1, wherein the first direction corresponds to the fabric length of the engineered material from which the engineered bra is extracted. 4. The engineered bra according to claim 3, wherein the second direction corresponds to the fabric width from which the engineered material of the engineered bra is extracted. 5. The engineered bra according to claim 1, wherein the first direction corresponds to the fabric width from which the engineered material of the engineered bra is extracted. 6. The engineered bra according to claim 5, wherein the second direction corresponds to the fabric length of the engineered material from which the engineered bra is extracted. 7. The engineered bra according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality of warp-knitted yarns, the second plurality of warp-knitted yarns, and the third plurality of warp-knitted yarns comprise spandex yarns warp-knitted in chain stitch configuration within each knitting area. 8. The engineered bra of claim 1, wherein the first elastic modulus is within a first range along the first direction, and the second elastic modulus is within a second range along the second direction. 9. The engineered bra of claim 8, wherein, relative to the non-locking characteristic along the second direction of the second elastic modulus, the first elastic modulus includes a locking characteristic along the first direction. 10. The engineered bra of claim 9, wherein, relative to the non-locking characteristic along the second direction of the second elastic modulus, the fifth elastic modulus includes a locking characteristic along the first direction and the sixth elastic modulus includes a locking characteristic along the second direction. 11. The engineered bra of claim 10, wherein the fifth elastic modulus is within a third range along the first direction, and the sixth elastic modulus is within a fourth range along the second direction. 12. The engineered bra of claim 11, wherein the third elastic modulus is within a fifth range along the first direction, and the fourth elastic modulus is within a sixth range along the second direction, and wherein the third elastic modulus includes a non-locking characteristic along the first direction and the fourth elastic modulus includes a non-locking characteristic along the second direction. 13. An engineered bra, comprising: A knitted strip area, the knitted strip area comprising a pair of bra strips having a strip width and a strip length, wherein the knitted strip area comprises multiple strip area yarns, the multiple strip area yarns being knitted in a first direction in a non-locking manner and in a second direction in a locking manner, the strip width having an elastic modulus greater than the elastic modulus of the strip length; A knitted cup area, comprising multiple cup area yarns, the multiple cup area yarns being knitted in a first direction using a cup-locking method and in a second direction using a cup-locking method, wherein the yarns in the multiple strip area yarns are interlocked with the yarns in the multiple cup area yarns; and A knitted bust band area, comprising multiple bust band area yarns, is knitted in a first direction using a bust band locking method and in a second direction using a bust band locking method, wherein the yarns of the multiple bust band area yarns are interlocked with the yarns of the multiple cup area yarns, and wherein the multiple bust band area yarns include padding stiff yarns that minimize elongation within the knitted bust band area relative to elongation within the knitted cup area. Each of the multiple stripe area yarns, the multiple cup area yarns, and the multiple chest band area yarns includes a face yarn with a first monofilament denier and a back yarn with a second monofilament denier lower than the first monofilament denier. The face yarn includes a 1×1 padding structure, and the back yarn includes a 1×3 padding structure. The knitted cup area includes a patterned portion and a non-patterned portion. The patterned portion has holes knitted into the face yarn of the multiple cup area yarns to provide a graphic display of the back yarn of the multiple cup area yarns and to provide an area with a lower density than the non-patterned portion. Spandex yarn is knitted in a chain stitch configuration within each knitted area. 14. The engineered bra of claim 13, wherein each of the strip area yarn, the cup area yarn, and the chest band area yarn includes one or more engineered features that modify the elastic modulus value of the respective support area. 15. The engineered bra of claim 13, wherein, when the engineered bra is in the wearing configuration, the knitted cup area is adapted to be located above the wearer's breast cup area. 16. An engineered bra, comprising: A strip area having multiple strip area yarns, the multiple strip area yarns being warp-knitted in the engineered bra to provide a first tensile modulus in a first direction and a second tensile modulus in a second direction, the multiple strip area yarns including front yarns and back yarns; The bra cup area has multiple cup area yarns that are warp-knitted in the engineered bra to provide a third tensile modulus in a first direction and a fourth tensile modulus in a second direction. The multiple cup area yarns include a 1×1 padding front yarn and a 1×3 padding back yarn. The bra cup area includes a patterned portion and a non-patterned portion. The patterned portion has holes that are knitted in the front yarn to provide a graphic display of the back yarn and to provide an area with a lower density than the non-patterned portion. The bra includes a chest band area comprising multiple chest band yarns warp-knitted in the engineered bra to provide a fifth tensile modulus in a first direction and a sixth tensile modulus in a second direction. The multiple chest band yarns include a front yarn of 1×1 padding yarn, a back yarn of 1×3 padding yarn, and a lining stiff yarn. The band yarns are interlocked with the cup yarns, and the cup yarns are interlocked with the chest band yarns. 17. The engineered bra of claim 16, wherein the front yarn comprises a polyester yarn having a first monofilament denier, and wherein the rear yarn comprises a polyester yarn having a second monofilament denier smaller than the first monofilament denier, such that moisture is transferred from the rear side of the bra toward the front side of the bra. 18. The engineered bra of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of strip area yarns, the plurality of cup area yarns, and the plurality of chest band area yarns comprises spandex yarns in a chain stitch configuration throughout the engineered bra. 19. The engineered bra of claim 16, wherein at least one of the third tensile modulus and the fourth tensile modulus is within a predetermined range of molding adapted to at least a portion of the cup area. 20. The engineered bra of claim 18, wherein, when the engineered bra is in wear configuration, the cup area is adapted to be located above the breast cup area of the wearer.