Article Of Apparel With Stretch-Resistant Matrix

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a multi-layered design for an article of apparel such as swimwear. In particular, at least one layer may include a stretch resistant matrix made of a thermoplastic polymer, a silicone or other similar material to provide additional support and modesty to certain areas of the apparel, such as the bust area. Further, a method of manufacturing the article of apparel is also disclosed. According to aspects described herein, the layers may be integrated using techniques to increase the overall integrity of the apparel.

Description

BACKGROUND

Many articles of apparel incorporate features that enhance the functionality of the apparel. Swimwear, for instance, may incorporate features to increase water resistance or enhance certain aspects of the fit of the apparel.

SUMMARY

According to aspects set forth herein, an article of clothing having a stretch-resistant matrix is disclosed. In particular, a thin layer of a thermoplastic polymer, silicone or other similar material may be applied to the bust area of a swimsuit, bra or other type of garment to provide support and modesty.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an article of apparel for supporting the bust area of a wearer. The article may have a first bust area piece that includes a first layer and a second layer formed from textile elements. In addition, a perimeter region of the first layer may be secured to a perimeter region of the second layer. The article may also include a recovery layer formed from a polymer film and the recovery layer may be located between and secured to at least one of the first layer and the second layer. Further, the recovery layer may define a plurality of apertures.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an article of apparel comprising a first layer panel and a second layer panel formed from textile elements. The article may also include a recovery layer panel located between the first layer panel and the second layer panel. The recovery layer panel may be bonded to at least one of the first layer panel and the second layer panel. Further, the recovery layer panel may include a thin polymer film that defines a plurality of apertures.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an article of apparel for supporting the bust area of a wearer. The method includes providing a first textile panel, wherein a first side of the first textile panel includes a polymer material applied adjacent to edges of the first side of the first textile panel, and wherein the polymer material is configured to be activated by heat. The method further includes providing a second textile panel. The second textile panel includes a thin polymer layer formed on a first side of the second textile panel, and the polymer layer further defines a plurality of apertures. Additionally, the method includes orienting the first side of the first textile panel towards the first side of the second textile panel and folding the edges of the first textile panel over the edges of the second textile panel. Finally, the method includes applying heat to the polymer material along the edges of the first textile panel to activate the polymer material.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an upper torso wearing an article of clothing disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the article of clothing;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a portion of the article of clothing with a layer peeled back;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the article of clothing taken across line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view of a portion of the article of clothing taken across line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a side of a layer of the article of clothing, according to a first configuration;

FIG. 7 is another elevational view of a side of the layer of the article of clothing;

FIGS. 8A-8D are elevational views of a side of an layer of the article of clothing, according to additional configurations; and

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a portion of the article of clothing with a layer peeled back according to an additional configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure sets forth an article of apparel comprising multiple layers. In particular, in at least one configuration, an article for covering the bust area of a wearer such as a swimsuit, bra, athletic gear or other type of garment is disclosed. According to aspects described herein, at least one layer of the article may include a stretch-resistant matrix or recovery layer to provide additional support and modesty. The recovery layer may comprise thin layer of a film made from a thermoplastic polymer, silicone or other similar material, and may be applied to an inner layer of the article to enhance the support and modesty of the article. Additionally, according to aspects set forth herein, a method of manufacturing an article comprising multiple layers is disclosed.

Apparel Configuration

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the upper torso of an individual 10 wearing an article 100 which exemplifies aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 2 is an elevational view of article 100 depicted on its own. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, article 100 may be swimwear, such as a bikini top. In other cases, aspects described herein may be incorporated into other types of swimwear or articles of clothing, such as a one-piece swimsuit, a bra, a tank top, athletic gear or other article configured to cover and support the bust area of a wearer. In still other cases, aspects described herein may be applied to articles of clothing that are configured to cover and support other areas of a wearer, such as the buttocks or abdomen areas. While the basic tenets of the present disclosure may be applied to a variety of types of apparel, the following description will be discussed in relation to the configuration of article 100 depicted in the figures, i.e. a swimwear top such as a bikini. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate the breadth of how the present disclosure may be applied.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to at least one configuration article 100 may include a pair of bust area pieces 110 that are joined together by bottom strap 140 and cinched around a wearer's neck by a pair of top straps 130. The pair of bust area pieces 110 may correspond with the bust area of a wearer and cover at least a portion of the wearer's bust when worn. Bust area pieces 110 may be formed from one or more layers joined together to provide enhanced support and modesty to a wearer. In some cases, bust area pieces 110 may be formed from a plurality of layers joined together along the edge areas. In at least one case, bust area pieces 110 may be constructed from at least three different layers. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, in the configuration depicted in the figures, each of bust area pieces 110 may be comprised of a first layer 200, a second layer 300 and a recovery layer 400 situated between first layer 200 and second layer 300. As discussed in more detail below, in at least one configuration, first layer 200 may be joined to second layer 300 at a pair of side seams 230 and a bottom seam 240, thereby enclosing recovery layer 400 between first layer 200 and second layer 300.

Bust area pieces 110 may have a size and shape that at least partially cover the bust area of the wearer. For example, according to the embodiment depicted in the figures, bust area pieces 110 may each be substantially triangular-shaped. In particular, each bust area piece may have two vertical edges 112 that come together at a top corner 113, connecting to a top strap, e.g. straps 130. The two vertical edges 112 further meet a bottom edge 114 at a pair of bottom corners 115. As will be discussed in more detail below, bust area pieces 110 may further create a cavity along bottom edge 114 to encase bottom strap 140.

Article 100 may include a first layer 200 that may comprise the outward-facing layer of bust area piece 110. Further, first layer 200 may have a first side 210, which faces outward, and a second side 220, which faces towards both second layer 300 and recovery layer 400. First layer 200 may serve as an additional layer of article 100, and may also impart aesthetic quality to article 100 such as specific fabric designs or colors.

As discussed above in relation to bust area pieces 110, first layer 200 may be configured in a variety of shapes to impart support to the bust area or other area of the wearer. For example, in some cases, an outer layer may have outer edge areas that correspond only with the bust area of a wearer. In other cases, however, the outer layer may correspond to a larger area than the bust area of the wearer—such as when incorporated into a one-piece swimsuit—while still imparting the added support to specific areas of the garment, such as the bust area of the wearer. As depicted in the figures, first layer 200 may have a substantially triangular shape with two side edge areas 202 and a bottom edge area 204. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, in at least one configuration, first layer 200 of bust area pieces 110 may be large enough to cover the bust area of the wearer.

First layer 200 may also serve to create edge seams and secure the other layers of article 100, i.e., second layer 300 and recovery layer 400, together. According to the configuration depicted in the figures, and referring to FIGS. 3-5 in particular, side edge areas 202 and bottom edge area 204 may be folded over second layer 300 and recovery layer 400 to create side seams 230 and bottom seam 240, respectively. As discussed in more detail below in reference to the manufacturing process, side seams 230 and bottom seam 240 may secure the layers of bust areas pieces 110 together. In addition, side seams 230 and bottom seam 240 may secure straps 130 and strap 140, respectively, to article 100.

Article 100 may also include second layer 300 that may comprise the inward-facing layer of bust area piece 110. Second layer 300 may have a first side 310 which faces inward, interfacing with the wearer, and a second side 320, facing towards first layer 200 and interfacing with recovery layer 400. As discussed in more detail below, second layer 300 not only serves as an additional layer of article 100, but also may serve as a base surface for recovery layer 400.

Similar to first layer 200, second layer 300 may be configured in a variety of shapes to impart support to the bust area or other area of the wearer. In some cases, second layer 300 may exhibit a shape approximately the same as first layer 200. In at least one configuration, second layer 300 may have a substantially triangular shape, somewhat smaller than that of first layer 200, such that side edge areas 202 and bottom edge area 204 may be folded over second layer 300 as seen in FIGS. 3-5 and discussed in more detail below.

Article 100 may further include provisions to secure portions of the article, i.e. bust area pieces 110, to a wearer. In at least one configuration as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, top straps 130 and bottom strap 140 may be attached to article 100 to secure bust area pieces 110 to individual 10, and to provide tension across bust area pieces 110 as discussed more fully below. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, top straps 130 may be secured to bust area pieces 110 at top corners 113. In some cases, top straps 130 may be secured at top corners 113 and incorporated into the top portion of side seams 230. Top straps 130 may then be tied or cinched around a wearer's neck. Bottom strap 140 may be used to secure the bottom portions of bust area pieces 110. In particular, referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, bust area pieces 110 may form a cavity 160 along bottom edge areas 204 for receiving bottom strap 140. Thus, when placed in cavities 160 along bottom edge areas 204, bottom straps 140 can serve to secure bust area pieces 110 to individual 10 around the wearer's torso as well as to create lateral tension across bust area pieces, as detailed below.

First layer 200, second layer 300 and straps 130 and 140 may be constructed of many materials known in the art of apparel, and more specifically, in the art of swimwear apparel. In some cases, all or some portions of article 100 may be formed from synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or elastane fibers. In other cases, article 100 may be formed from a blend of synthetic and natural fibers. In at least one case, article 100 may be formed from a nylon knit blended with elastane fibers to impart stretch and recovery. For example, to provide stretch and recovery, elastane fibers, available from E.I. duPont de Nemours Company under the LYCRA trademark, may be incorporated into a knit fabric. In addition to or as a substitution for the nylon and elastane fibers, other fibers such as rayon, acrylic, and micro-fibers may be utilized. The characteristics of the material selected for article 100 depend primarily upon the materials that form the various filaments and fibers of the yarns. Elastane provides stretch and recovery. Rayon provides high luster and moisture absorption. Nylon is a durable and abrasion-resistant material with high strength, and polyester is a hydrophobic material that also provides relatively high durability. As discussed in more detail below, materials may be selected for first layer 200, second layer 300 and straps 150 to enhance the stretch and recovery properties associated with recovery layer 400. Accordingly, the materials comprising the fibers may be selected to impart a variety of physical properties to article 100, in addition to functional aspects provided by the structure and engagement of recovery layer 400. Further, while categories of materials are disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the breadth of suitable materials that may be used for article 100, including high-performance fabrics created specifically for swimwear applications.

Article 100 may also include provisions to add both support and modesty to the bust or other area of a wearer. In particular, an additional layer made of a stretch resistant material may be incorporated into an article as disclosed herein to add support and stretch-resistance in an area where tension may be applied—such as a bust area—as well as to make the article less obtrusive when worn. In some cases, the layer may comprise a material having a high degree of stretch-resistance and recovery that may be bonded to an outer layer or to an inner layer. In other cases, the additional layer may be bonded to multiple layers, such as to both an outer layer and an inner layer. In still other cases, the additional layer may be incorporated into the article separately from an outer layer or an inner layer. In at least one configuration, referring to FIGS. 3-7, a thin layer of a thermoplastic polymer may be applied to the second side 320 of second layer 300 in a matrix-like pattern to create recovery layer 400.

FIG. 6 depicts the second side 320 of second layer 300 with a recovery layer 400 applied thereon, according to at least one embodiment described herein. Recovery layer 400 may be formed from a thin stretch-resistant material that may be bonded to second side 320 with heat, an adhesive, or other known means, as discussed in more detail below. Further, recovery layer 400 may be formed in a pattern selected to maximize the support given across the garment. As depicted in the figures, recovery layer 400 may be formed in a patterned or matrix-like structure. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3-7, for example, recovery layer 400 forms a matrix-like structure having a plurality of apertures 406. In particular, recovery layer 400 may consist of a first set of lines 402 and a second set of lines 404 that cross each other and create openings or apertures 406. Specifically, first set of lines 402 may start at a first lower corner 111 of article 100 and angle or curve upwards to the opposite edge of article 100, i.e. vertical edge 114. Similarly, second set of lines 404 may start at a second lower corner 115 and angle or curve upwards to the opposite edge of article 100, i.e. vertical edge 112. Together, lines 402 and lines 404 may form a matrix-like structure and create a plurality of openings 406. As discussed in more detail below, the pattern created by lines 402 and lines 404 may serve to counteract stress applied by forces created when article 100 is secured to the wearer's body.

Recovery layer 400 may be constructed from a variety of materials having a stretch-resistant nature with high recovery properties when stress is applied. For instance, recovery layer 400 may be constructed of a thermoplastic polymer film, a silicone film, an elastic polyurethane film or other similar material that may have elastic properties and also exhibit high resistance to permanent stretch as well as superior recovery. In at least one embodiment, recovery layer 400 may be comprised of a thermoplastic polymer material, such as Sewfree® by Bemis Associates, Inc. Such a material may be applied to a surface, such as second side 320 of second layer 300 with heat, creating a bond across the fabric layer. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that a variety of materials exhibiting similar stretch-resistance and recovery may be used to create recovery layer 400.

Recovery layer 400 may be applied to second layer 300 using a variety of techniques. In some cases, a polymer material element or elements may be laid upon the surface of a textile layer and then heated to bond the element to the textile. In other cases, melted or uncured polymer material may be extruded onto the surface of a textile layer in the desired pattern. In still other cases, screen-printing may be used to apply the recovery layer. In at least one configuration, strips of polymer material, such as first set of lines 402 and second set of lines 404 of recovery layer 400 may be laid upon second layer 300 and then heated to induce bonding.

FIG. 7 depicts the second side 320 of second layer 300 and recovery layer 400 with vertical forces 410 and lateral forces 420 being applied. Vertical forces 410 and lateral forces 420 are similar to the forces that might be applied by top straps 130 and bottom strap 140, respectively, when article 100 is being worn by individual 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, vertical forces 410 simulate the forces applied to article 100 when top straps 130 are tied around a wearer's neck. Similarly, lateral forces 420 simulate the forces applied to article 100 when bottom strap 140 is tied around a wearer's torso. As depicted in FIG. 7, during a period of stress applied by vertical forces 410 and lateral forces 420, recovery layer 400, having stretch-resistant and superior recovery properties, may apply opposite vertical forces 412 and opposite lateral forces 422. The opposite forces may serve to create a tight feel across bust area pieces 110, creating additional support and modesty in the bust area of a wearer. Further, first set of lines 402 and second set of lines 404, configured along the axes of forces 410 and forces 420, specifically serve to counteract the tension that is applied when article 100 is worn.

As would be readily understood by those skilled in the art, when the principles described herein are incorporated into garments with alternate configurations, such as into other types of swimwear, undergarments, athletic gear or any other type of garment contemplated by a skilled artisan, the forces that are applied to the article may be applied in a variety of different directions. A skilled artisan, however, will recognize that the configuration of the recovery layer may be altered to counteract the forces that are applied to provide support, as set forth herein. For example, the size and shape of the recovery layer may be altered to fit the article. Further, the pattern of the film comprising the recovery layer may be altered to maximize stretch-resistant properties for the article.

Manufacturing Process

As described above, articles disclosed herein may contain a plurality of layers that may be joined together to create additional support and a less obtrusive look. As would be understood by a skilled artisan, a variety of techniques may be used to join the various layers and parts of a garment, such as article 100. For example, the layers of article 100 may be joined by stitching, by adhesive, by a thermoplastic polymer film or other type of film that may be activated by a heat element, such as an iron or heat press, or by other methods contemplated in the art. In some cases, articles described herein may be manufactured in ways that can both enhance the stretch resistant properties of the article and also unify structural aspects of the multiple layers.

In at least one configuration, the layers of article 100 may be joined at the edges with a material similar to the material comprising recovery layer 400. In particular, seams may be created by applying a bonding film, such as a thermoplastic polymer film, silicone or other similar material as described above, to bind the edges of first layer 200, second layer 300 and recovery layer 400. FIG. 3 depicts article 100 with second layer 300 peeled back so that side edge areas 202 of first layer 200 are visible. Referring to FIG. 3, recovery layer 400 has already been applied to a second side of second layer 300 according to techniques set forth above, Further, as may be seen in FIG. 3, side edge areas 202 of first layer 200 include a bonding strip 232 on the second side 220 of first layer 200. Bottom edge area 204 may also include a bonding strip 242 on the first side 210 of first layer 200 (depicted in FIG. 5, as discussed below). FIGS. 4 and 5 further depict cross-sections of article 100, showing certain seams, i.e. side seams 230 and bottom seam 240, as described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-section of article 100 taken across line 4-4 in FIG. 3. As depicted in FIG. 4, first layer 200, second layer 300 and recovery layer 400 may be joined at side seams 230. According to at least one technique, side seams 230 may be formed by applying a heat-activated bonding strip 232 along the side edge areas 202 of the second side 220 of first layer 200. As first layer 200 may be configured to be slightly larger than second layer 300, side edge areas 202 of first layer 200 may be folded over second layer 300 as depicted in FIG. 4. After side edge areas 202 of first layer 200 are wrapped around second layer 300, heat or other means for activating bonding strip 232 may be applied to create seam 230. In some cases, recovery layer 400 may overlap with bonding strip 232, creating additional integrity across the layers of article 100.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section of article 100 taken across line 5-5 in FIG. 3. As depicted in FIG. 5, first layer 200, second layer 300 and recovery layer 400 are joined at side seams 230 and bottom seam 240. Further, bottom seam 240 creates an open channel 160 for receiving bottom strap 140 to secure bust area pieces 110 around a wearer's torso. According to at least one technique, bottom seam 20 may be formed by applying a second strip of a heat-activated bonding strip 242 along the bottom edge area 204 of the first side 210 of first layer 200. As first layer 200 may be configured to be slightly larger than second layer 300, bottom edge area 204 of first layer 200 may be folded over second layer 300 as depicted in FIG. 5, and wrapped to form open channel 160. After bottom edge area 204 of first layer 200 is wrapped around second layer 300, heat or other means for activating bonding strip 232 may be applied to create seam 240 and open channel 160.

Seams 230 and seam 240 may also be formed by other methods that would be known and contemplated by a skilled artisan. For example, as set forth above, side seams 230 and bottom seam 240 may be formed by stitching or other known methods. Further, instead of applying separate strips of bonding material, i.e., bonding strip 232 and bonding strip 242, recovery layer 400 may also be used as the bonding medium for binding side seams 230 and bottom seam 240. In particular, side seams 230 and bottom seam 240 may be created at the same time recovery layer 400 is applied to second layer 300. In this alternate configuration, edges of second layer 300 may be folded over the edges of first layer 200 to create side and bottom seams.

Alternate Configurations

The above discussion has focused on the configuration and manufacturing techniques according to one of many embodiments contemplated herein. As previously set forth, it will be understood that techniques described herein may be incorporated into a variety of types of garments, and still fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the multi-layered configuration described herein may be incorporated into a variety of types of swimwear, undergarments and athletic gear to add support, modesty and to unify the integrity of the garment. In addition, a recovery layer as described herein may be configured in a variety of different patterns and still provide the functional attributes previously described. In at least one alternative configuration, for example, the recovery layer may be configured in an alternative pattern than is described for the embodiment of recovery layer 400. In yet another embodiment, additional layers may be incorporated into the garment. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the variations that may be made to embodiments described herein, including the even further alternative embodiments discussed below.

FIGS. 8A-8D depict alternative configurations for a recovery layer matrix as set forth herein. Specifically, as depicted, second layer 300 may incorporate a variety of alternatively configured recovery layers, e.g. recovery layer 500, recovery layer 600, recovery layer 700 and recovery layer 800, shown in FIGS. 8A-8D. As set forth above, a recovery layer may provide additional support, modesty and integrity to a garment in an area where such additional support or modesty may be necessary. The alternative configurations set forth in FIGS. 8A-8D may provide similar functionality as recovery layer 400.

FIG. 8A depicts the underside 520 of a layer 500 with a recovery layer 600 applied thereon, according to an additional embodiment described herein. Layer 500 may be similar to second layer 300, set forth above. Further, recovery layer 600 may be formed from a thin stretch-resistant material that may be bonded to underside 520 of layer 500 with heat or by using other known means, as discussed above with respect to recovery layer 400. Recovery layer 600 may be formed in a pattern selected to maximize the support given across the garment. In particular, as depicted in FIG. 8A, recovery layer 600 may be formed in a patterned or matrix-like structure having a plurality of marquise-shaped apertures 506. Referring to FIG. 8A, marquise-shaped apertures 606 may be patterned on recovery layer 600 such that a first set of horizontal sections 602 are formed and a second set of vertical sections 604 are formed between the marquise-shaped apertures 506. Additionally, marquise-shaped apertures 606 may be smaller in a central portion of recovery layer 600 and become progressively larger towards a first vertical edge 512 and a second vertical edge 514 of layer 500. The smaller marquise-shaped apertures 606 in the central portion of recovery layer 600 may provide even more stretch resistance, imparting more modesty properties in the central portion of the garment. Recovery layer 600 and layer 500 may be incorporated into a garment such as article 100 set forth above.

FIG. 8B depicts the underside 720 of a layer 700 with a recovery layer 800 applied thereon, according to yet another embodiment described herein. Layer 700 may be similar to second layer 300, set forth above. Further, recovery layer 800 may also be formed from a thin stretch-resistant material that may be bonded to underside 720 with heat or by using other known means, as discussed above with respect to recovery layer 400. As depicted, recovery layer 800 may be formed in a pattern selected to maximize the support given across the garment. As depicted in FIG. 8B, recovery layer 800 may be formed in a patterned or matrix-like structure having a plurality of diamond-shaped apertures 806. In particular, recovery layer 800 may consist of a first set of lines 802 that run parallel to a first vertical edge 712 of layer 700 and a second set of lines 804 that cross first set of lines 802 and run parallel to a second vertical edge 714. Together, lines 802 and lines 804 may form a matrix-like structure and create a plurality of diamond-shaped openings 806. The generally symmetric pattern created by recovery layer 800 may serve to counteract stress across the entire garment when an article having recovery layer 800 is secured to the wearer's body. Recovery layer 800 and layer 700 may be incorporated into a garment such as article 100 set forth above.

FIG. 8C depicts the underside 920 of a layer 900 with a recovery layer 1000 applied thereon, according to still another embodiment described herein. Layer 900 may be similar to second layer 300, set forth above. Further, recovery layer 1000 may be formed from a thin stretch-resistant material that may be bonded to underside 920 of layer 900 with heat or by using other known means, as discussed above with respect to recovery layer 400. Recovery layer 1000 may be formed in a pattern selected to maximize the support given across the garment. In particular, as depicted in FIG. 8C, recovery layer 1000 may be formed in a patterned or matrix-like structure having a plurality of circular apertures 1006 evenly distributed across recovery layer 1000. Further, referring to FIG. 8C, circular apertures apertures 1006 may be patterned on recovery layer 1000 such that a first set of horizontal sections 1008, a first set of vertical sections 1002 and a second set of vertical sections 1004 are formed between the circular apertures 1006. Additionally, first set of vertical sections 102 may be approximately parallel to a first vertical edge 912 of layer 900, second set of vertical sections 104 may be approximately parallel to a second vertical edge 914 of layer 900, and the first set of horizontal sections 1008 may be approximately parallel to bottom edge 916 of layer 900. The even distribution of circular apertures 1006 recovery layer 1000 may provide even distribution of the stretch resistant properties across the entire area of the garment. Recovery layer 1000 and layer 900 may be incorporated into a garment such as article 100 set forth above.

FIG. 8D depicts the underside 1120 of a layer 1100 with a recovery layer 1200 applied thereon, according to yet another embodiment described herein. Layer 1100 may be similar to second layer 300, set forth above. Recovery layer 1200 may also be formed from a thin stretch-resistant material that may be bonded to underside 1120 with heat or by using other known means, as discussed above with respect to recovery layer 400. As depicted, recovery layer 1200 may also be formed in a pattern selected to maximize the support given across the garment. As depicted in FIG. 8D, recovery layer 1200 may be formed in a patterned or matrix-like structure having a plurality of triangular-shaped apertures 1206. In particular, recovery layer 1200 may consist of a first set of segments 1202 that run approximately parallel to a first vertical edge 1112 of layer 1100, a second set of segments 1204 that intersect first set of segments 1202 and run approximately parallel to a second vertical edge 1114 of layer 1100 and a third set of segments 1208 that intersect both first set of segments 1202 and second set of segments 1204 and run approximately parallel to a bottom edge 1116 of layer 1100. Together, first set of segments 1202, second set of segments 1204 and third set of segments 1208 may form a matrix-like structure and create a plurality of triangular-shaped openings 1206. The generally symmetric pattern created by recovery layer 1200 may serve to counteract stress across the entire garment when an article having a recovery layer 1200 is secured to the wearer's body. Recovery layer 1200 and layer 1100 may be incorporated into a garment such as article 100 set forth above.

FIG. 9 depicts yet another embodiment of a bust area piece 110 of article 100 as set forth above. FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 3 in that it depicts bust area piece 110 with second layer 300 peeled back so that side edge areas 202 of first layer 200 are visible. According the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, bust area piece 110 may include an additional layer, such as padding layer 1300. Padding layer 1300 may be incorporated for a variety of reasons. For example, padding layer 1300 may provide extra modesty. Padding layer 1300 may also include water resistant properties. As depicted, padding layer 1300 may be placed between second layer 300/recovery layer 400 and first layer 200. In other cases, padding layer may be placed between second layer 300 and recovery layer 400. In still additional cases, padding layer 1300 may be removable from bust area piece 110 so that a wearer can choose when padding layer 1300 will be used.

While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. An article of apparel for supporting a bust area of a wearer, the article of apparel comprising a first bust area piece that includes:

a first layer and a second layer formed from textile elements, a perimeter region of the first layer being secured to a perimeter region of the second layer; and

a recovery layer formed from a polymer film, the recovery layer being located between and secured to at least one of the first layer and the second layer, and the recovery layer defining a plurality of apertures.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the recovery layer is secured to the second layer.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the recovery layer is bonded to the second layer.

4. The article of claim 1, the first bust area piece being substantially triangular-shaped and defining a bottom edge, a first vertical edge, and a second vertical edge, wherein:

the bottom edge and the first vertical edge define a first corner;

the bottom edge and the second vertical edge define a second corner; and

the first vertical edge and the second vertical edge define a top corner opposite the bottom edge; and wherein the recovery layer includes a first set of polymer film lines extending from the first corner to the second vertical edge, a second set of polymer film lines extending from the second corner to the first vertical edge, the first set of polymer film lines crossing the second set of polymer film lines.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein the first set of polymer film lines comprises five lines and the second set of polymer film lines comprises five lines.

6. The article of claim 4, wherein the plurality of apertures are formed by the crossing of the first set of polymer film lines and the second set of polymer film lines.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein the article of apparel comprises a second bust area piece joined with the first bust area piece with a strap.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures are marquise-shaped apertures.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures are diamond-shaped apertures.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures are circular-shaped apertures.

11. The article of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures are triangular-shaped apertures.

12. The article of claim 1, further comprising a padding layer located between the first layer and the second layer.

13. An article of apparel comprising:

a first layer panel and a second layer panel formed from textile elements; and

a recovery layer panel located between the first layer panel and the second layer panel, the recovery layer panel being bonded to at least one of the first layer panel and the second layer panel, and the recovery layer panel including a thin polymer film that defines a plurality of apertures.

14. The article of claim 13, wherein the recovery layer panel is comprised of a plurality of polymer film strips that cross each other and define the plurality of apertures.

15. The article of claim 13, wherein the recovery layer panel is bonded on a first side of the second layer panel.

16. The article of claim 15, wherein the recovery layer covers substantially all of the first side of the second layer panel.

17. The article of claim 13, wherein the article of apparel is sized to support a bust area of a wearer.

18. The article of claim 15, wherein a periphery of the first layer panel and a periphery of the second layer panel are joined together.

19. A method for manufacturing an article of apparel for supporting the bust area of a wearer, the method comprising:

providing a first textile panel, wherein a first side of the first textile panel includes a polymer material applied adjacent to edges of the first side of the first textile panel, and wherein the polymer material is configured to be activated by heat;

providing a second textile panel, the second textile panel having a thin polymer layer formed on a first side of the second textile panel, wherein the polymer layer defines a plurality of apertures;

orienting the first side of the first textile panel towards the first side of the second textile panel;

folding the edges of the first textile panel over the edges of the second textile panel; and

applying heat to the polymer material along the edges of the first textile panel to activate the polymer material.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of providing the second textile panel further comprises:

applying strips of a thin polymer material on the first side of the second textile panel; and

applying heat to the thin polymer material to induce bonding of the thin polymer material to the second textile panel.