Abstrict The front portion of a sports bra has a lining and a decorative
cloth. A flat pocket lays over the opposite side of the lining as
the decorative cloth. A cloth cover lays over the pocket. The bottom
of the pocket is seamed to the bottom of the cover without stitching
the lining or the decorative cloth and the sides of the cover are
seamed to the lining without stitching the pocket or the decorative
cloth so that the pocket floats in relation to the lining and decorative
cover. The lining and cover are of universally stretchable absorbent
material and the decorative cloth is of universally stretchable
wicking material. The stretch affords the desired support from the
bra, the absorbency collects the wearer's perspiration and the wicking
draws the absorbed moisture to the outside for evaporation. The
floating pocket provides a comfortable pouch for concealing articles
within the bra.
Claims What is claimed is:
1. A method of making a front portion of a sports bra comprising
the steps of: cutting a lining to a contour of a pair of bra cups
symmetrically spaced from a cleavage axis; cutting an outer decorative
cloth to the contour of the lining; laying the lining face-to-face
over the decorative cloth; laying an elastic band over a portion
of the lining along the cleavage axis of the bra and on the opposite
side from the decorative cloth; stretching the elastic band, lining
and decorative cloth simultaneously in the direction of the cleavage
axis; seaming the stretched band, lining and decorative cloth together;
releasing the seamed band, lining and decorative cloth to gather;
folding a piece of material end-to-end with the ends overlapping
on an axis parallel to the folds; seaming the ends of the waterproof
material together to form a flat sleeve having side edges at the
folds; folding the bottom of the sleeve over itself to form a flat
pocket with an open top; laying the seamed surface of the pocket
over the lining with the seam parallel to and centered on the elastic
band; laying a cover of absorbent material over the unseamed surface
of the pocket, the cover extending beyond the side edges and bottom
of the pocket; seaming the bottom of the pocket to the bottom of
the cover without stitching the lining and the decorative cloth;
and seaming the sides of the cover to the lining without stitching
the pocket and the decorative cloth.
2. A method of making a sports bra comprising the steps of: cutting
a lining to a contour of a pair of bra cups symmetrically spaced
from a cleavage axis with front straps extending upwardly from each
of the cups; cutting an outer decorative cloth to the contour of
the lining; laying the lining face-to-face over the decorative;
laying an elastic band over a portion of the lining along the cleavage
axis of the bra and on the opposite side from the decorative cloth;
stretching the elastic band, lining and decorative cloth simultaneously
in the direction of the cleavage axis; seaming the stretched band,
lining and decorative cloth together; releasing the seamed band,
lining and decorative cloth to gather; folding a piece of material
end-to-end with the ends overlapping on an axis parallel to the
folds; seaming the ends of the folded material together to form
a flat sleeve having side edges at the folds; folding the bottom
of the sleeve over itself to form a flat pocket with an open top;
laying the seamed surface of the pocket over the lining with the
seam parallel to and centered on the elastic band; laying a cover
of absorbent material over the unseamed surface of the pocket, the
cover extending beyond the side edges and bottom of the pocket;
seaming the bottom of the pocket to the bottom of the cover without
stitching the lining and the decorative cloth; seaming the sides
of the cover to the lining without stitching the pocket and the
decorative cloth; cutting a lining to a contour of a back panel
with back straps extending upwardly therefrom; cutting an outer
decorative cloth to the contour of the back lining; laying the back
lining face-to-face over the back decorative; seaming the front
lining, front decorative cloth, back lining and back decorative
cloth at their side edges and front and back strap ends into a single
garment; and seaming bands of elastic in folded-over bottom, neckline
and shoulder edges of the garment with the decorative cloths to
the outside of the folds and with the top edge of the seamed wall
of the pocket in the neckline seam.
3. A front portion of a sports bra comprising: a lining having
a pair of bra cups symmetrically spaced from a cleavage axis; a
decorative cloth matching a contour of said lining, said lining
laying face-to-face over said decorative cloth; a flat, open-topped
pocket laying over an opposite side of said lining as said decorative
cloth with a vertical centerline of said pocket parallel to and
said pocket covering said cleavage axis; a cloth cover laying over
said pocket, said cover extending beyond side edges and a bottom
of said pocket; said bottom of said pocket being seamed to a bottom
of said cover without stitching said lining and said decorative
cloth; and said sides of said cover being seamed to said lining
without stitching said pocket and said decorative cloth.
4. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 3 said lining
being of universally stretchable absorbent material.
5. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 3 the decorative
cloth being of universally stretchable wicking material.
6. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 3 said cover
being of universally stretchable absorbent material.
7. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 3 further
comprising an elastic band stitched while under tension to a portion
of said lining and said decorative cloth along said cleavage axis
on an opposite side from said decorative cloth and gathering said
lining and said decorative cloth simultaneously in the direction
of said cleavage axis.
8. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 3 said pocket
comprising a piece of cloth folded end-to-end and seamed on an axis
centered between said folds and folded at its bottom over itself
to form a flat pocket having an open top.
9. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 8 said pocket
being of waterproof material.
10. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 8 said
seamed axis being aligned with said cleavage axis.
11. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 3 said
lining and said decorative cloth having front straps extending upwardly
from each of said cups.
12. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 3 further
comprising a lining face-to-face with a decorative cloth to form
a back panel, said front lining, front decorative cloth, back panel
lining and back panel decorative cloth being seamed at their side
edges into a single garment.
13. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 12 said
back lining being of universally stretchable absorbent material.
14. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 12 said
back decorative cloth being of universally stretchable wicking material.
15. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 12 further
comprising bands of elastic seamed in folded-over top and bottom
edges of said garment with said decorative cloths to an outside
of said folds and with a top edge of a wall of said pocket not adjacent
said cover stitched into said top seam.
16. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 12 said
front lining and said front decorative cloth having front straps
extending upwardly from each of said cups and said back lining and
said back decorative cloth having back straps extending upwardly
to said front straps with corresponding ends of said front and back
straps being seamed together.
17. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 16 further
comprising bands of elastic seamed in folded-over bottom, neckline
and shoulder edges of said garment with said decorative cloths to
the outside of said folds and with a top edge of a wall of said
pocket not adjacent said cover stitched into said neckline seam.
18. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 3 a top
of a wall of said pocket adjacent said pocket cover being seamed
over a top of said pocket cover.
19. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 3 further
comprising: a segment of hook material stitched along an upper inside
edge of a wall of said pocket adjacent said cover; and a mating
segment of loop material stitched along an upper inside edge of
a wall of said pocket not adjacent said cover.
20. A front portion of a sports bra according to claim 3 sides
of said cover being seamed to said lining by flat seaming with thread
size of one of TEX 24 and TEX 27.
21. A front portion of a sports bra comprising: a lining having
a pair of bra cups symmetrically spaced from a cleavage axis; an
outer decorative cloth matching a contour of said lining, said lining
laying face-to-face over said decorative cloth; an elastic band
stitched while under tension to a portion of said lining and said
decorative cloth along said cleavage axis on an opposite side from
said decorative cloth and gathering said lining and said decorative
cloth simultaneously in the direction of said cleavage axis; a piece
of material folded end-to-end and seamed on an axis parallel to
said folds and folded at its bottom over itself to form a flat pocket
having an open top, said seamed surface of said pocket laying over
said lining with said seam parallel to and centered on said elastic
band; and a cover of absorbent material laid over an unseamed surface
of said pocket, said cover extending beyond side edges and a bottom
of said pocket, and said bottom of said pocket being seamed to said
bottom of said cover without stitching said lining and said decorative
cloth and said sides of said cover being seamed to said lining without
stitching said pocket and said decorative cloth.
22. A sports bra comprising: a lining having a pair of bra cups
symmetrically spaced from a cleavage axis with front straps extending
upwardly from each of said cups; an outer decorative cloth matching
a contour of said lining, said lining laying face-to-face over said
decorative cloth; an elastic band stitched while under tension to
a portion of said lining and said decorative cloth along said cleavage
axis on an opposite side from said decorative cloth and gathering
said lining and said decorative cloth simultaneously in the direction
of said cleavage axis; a piece of material folded end-to-end and
seamed on an axis parallel to said folds and folded at its bottom
over itself to form a flat pocket having an open top, said seamed
surface of said pocket laying over said lining with said seam parallel
to and centered on said elastic band; a cover of absorbent material
laid over an unseamed surface of said pocket, said cover extending
beyond said side edges and a bottom of said pocket, said bottom
of said pocket being seamed to said bottom of said cover without
stitching said lining and said decorative cloth and said sides of
said cover being seamed to said lining without stitching said pocket
and said decorative cloth; a back lining having a panel with straps
extending upwardly therefrom; an outer decorative back cloth matching
a contour of said back lining, said back lining laying face-to-face
over said back decorative cloth; said front lining, front decorative
cloth, back lining and back decorative cloth being seamed at side
edges thereof and at ends of said front and back straps into a single
garment; and bands of elastic seamed in folded-over bottom, neckline
and shoulder edges of said garment with said decorative cloths to
an outside of said folds and with a top edge of a seamed wall of
said pocket in said neckline seam.
23. A method of making a front portion of a sports bra comprising
the steps of: cutting a lining to a contour of a pair of bra cups
symmetrically spaced from a cleavage axis; cutting a decorative
cloth to the contour of the lining; laying the lining face-to-face
over the decorative cloth; laying a flat, open-topped pocket over
the opposite side of the lining as the decorative cloth with the
vertical centerline of the pocket parallel to and the pocket covering
the cleavage axis; laying a cloth cover over the pocket, the cover
extending beyond the side edges and bottom of the pocket; seaming
the bottom of the pocket to the bottom of the cover without stitching
the lining and the decorative cloth; and seaming the sides of the
cover to the lining without stitching the pocket and the decorative
cloth.
24. A method according to claim 23 the lining being of universally
stretchable absorbent material.
25. A method according to claim 23 the decorative cloth being
of universally stretchable wicking material.
26. A method according to claim 23 the cover being of universally
stretchable absorbent material.
27. A method according to claim 23 further comprising, prior to
said step of laying the pocket over the lining, the steps of: laying
an elastic band over a portion of the lining along the cleavage
axis of the bra and on the opposite side from the decorative cloth;
stretching the elastic band, lining and decorative cloth simultaneously
in the direction of the cleavage axis; seaming the stretched band,
lining and decorative cloth together; and releasing the seamed band,
lining and decorative cloth to gather.
28. A method according to claim 23 further comprising, prior to
said step of laying the pocket over the lining, the steps of: folding
a piece of cloth end-to-end with the ends overlapping on an axis
centered between the folds; seaming the ends of the folded cloth
together to form a flat sleeve having side edges at the folds; and
folding the bottom of the sleeve over itself to form a flat pocket
with an open top.
29. A method according to claim 28 the pocket being of waterproof
material.
30. A method according to claim 28 said step of laying the pocket
over the lining further comprising the substep of aligning the sleeve
seam with the cleavage axis.
31. A method according to claim 23 the lining and the decorative
cloth having front straps extending upwardly from each of the cups.
32. A method according to claim 23 further comprising the steps
of: cutting a lining to a contour of a back panel; cutting a decorative
cloth to the contour of the back lining; laying the back lining
face-to-face over the back decorative cloth; and seaming the front
lining, front decorative cloth, back lining and back decorative
cloth at their side edges into a single garment.
33. A method according to claim 32 the back lining being of universally
stretchable absorbent material.
34. A method according to claim 32 the back decorative cloth being
of universally stretchable wicking material.
35. A method according to claim 32 further comprising the step
of seaming bands of elastic in folded-over top and bottom edges
of the garment with the decorative cloths to the outside of the
folds and with the top edge of the wall of the pocket not adjacent
the cover stitched into the top seam.
36. A method according to claim 32 the front lining and the front
decorative cloth having front straps extending upwardly from each
of the cups and the back lining and the back decorative cloth having
back straps extending upwardly to the front straps, said step of
seaming the front lining, front decorative cloth, back lining and
back decorative cloth into a single garment further comprising the
step of seaming the corresponding ends of the front and back straps
together.
37. A method according to claim 36 further comprising the step
of seaming bands of elastic in folded-over bottom, neckline and
shoulder edges of the garment with the decorative cloths to the
outside of the folds and with the top edge of the wall of the pocket
not adjacent the cover stitched into the neckline seam.
38. A method according to claim 23 further comprising the step
seaming the top of the wall of the pocket adjacent the pocket cover
over the top of the pocket cover.
39. A method according to claim 23 further comprising the steps
of: stitching a segment of hook material along the upper inside
edge of the wall of the pocket adjacent the cover; and stitching
a mating segment of loop material along the upper inside edge of
the wall of the pocket not adjacent the cover.
40. A method according to claim 23 said step of seaming the sides
of the cover to the lining being accomplished by flat seaming with
thread size of one of TEX 24 and TEX 27.
Description BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to clothing and more particularly
concerns women's undergarments.
The inclusion in the structure of a bra of concealed pouches for
storing various types of articles has long been known. Bras with
externally attached storage cases are generally conspicuous and
disruptive of the figure line. Bras with compartments accessible
from the inside are more aesthetically appealing but are less comfortable
and accessible. Zippered compartments inside the bra improve aesthetics
and accessibility but, because of inelasticity, render the bra uncomfortable
and not well suited to its purpose.
In my U.S. Pat. No. 6176761 many of these problems were partly,
if not completely, resolved. Some problems, however, remain. Perspiration
readily passes through fabric holes caused by stitching and also
migrates in absorbent materials. Thus, although a pouch may be made
of waterproof material, moisture can still find a path to its concealed
contents. On the other hand, while pockets made of waterproof material
help to protect their contents from moisture, waterproof material
has minimal, if any, stretchability. This diminishes the benefits
of support and comfort afforded by the stretchable qualities of
the bra lining and decorative layers. Furthermore, combinations
of absorbent stretchable linings and layers with non-stretching
waterproof pockets require stitching, seaming and hemming, all of
which draw attention to, rather than conceal, the pouch and its
contents. All of these problems are exacerbated by the very nature
of a sports bra which provides support by means of snug elasticity.
The resulting tension in the bra tends to accentuate every deviation
from a smooth surface, to enlarge every stitch hole and to accelerate
migration of moisture.
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a sports
bra which has a pocket of waterproof material which floats within
its stretchable structure so as to enhance support and comfort.
Another object of this invention is to provide a sports bra which
has a waterproof pocket seamed to the bra only at the neckline so
that the pocket is otherwise free to move independently of the bra.
A further object of this invention is to provide a sports bra which
helps to disguise the presence of a storage pouch and its contents.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a sports bra
which uses decorative gathering of material to hide the contours
of seams and hems and concealed articles. It is also an object of
this invention to provide a sports bra which avoids layering of
seams which would increase the detectability of the storage pouch
in the bra. Still another object of this invention is to provide
a sports bra which has a storage pouch formed by folding so as to
avoid detectable side seams. An additional object of this invention
is to provide a sports bra which has a storage pouch separated from
the wearer by a moisture absorbing cover. Another object of this
invention is to provide a sports bra with an interior cover for
a concealed pouch which is flat seamed to the bra lining to reduce
the likelihood of detectability. A further object of this invention
is to provide a sports bra which has a storage pouch of waterproof
material with its smooth surface between its stitched surface and
the wearer so as to reduce the likelihood of moisture penetrating
the pouch. Yet another object of this invention is to provide a
sports bra which has a storage pouch of waterproof material which
overlaps its absorbent liner so as to reduce the possibility of
perspiration migrating in the liner to the pouch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, a sports bra is provided in which
a front portion of the bra has a lining with a pair of bra cups
symmetrically spaced from a cleavage axis and a decorative cloth
matched to the contour of the lining. The lining lays face-to-face
over the decorative cloth. A flat, open-topped pocket lays over
the opposite side of the lining as the decorative cloth. The vertical
centerline of the pocket is parallel to and the pocket covers the
cleavage axis. A cloth cover lays over the pocket and extends beyond
the side edges and bottom of the pocket. The bottom of the pocket
is seamed to the bottom of the cover without stitching the lining
and the decorative cloth and the sides of the cover are seamed to
the lining without stitching the pocket and the decorative cloth
so that the pocket can float in relation to the lining and decorative
cover. Most preferably, the sides of the cover are seamed to the
lining by flat seaming with TEX 24 or TEX 27 thread. This size thread
is strong enough to withstand pulling on the pocket during use yet
thin enough to be not easily observed. Preferably, the lining is
of universally stretchable absorbent material, the decorative cloth
is of universally stretchable wicking material and the cover is
of universally stretchable absorbent material. The stretch affords
the desired support from the bra, the absorbency collects the wearer's
perspiration and the wicking draws the absorbed moisture to the
outside for evaporation. The floating chamber of the pocket provides
a comfortable pouch for concealing various articles within the bra.
It is preferred that an elastic band be stitched while under tension
to the portion of the lining and decorative cloth extending along
the cleavage axis and on the opposite side of the lining from the
decorative cloth. The band gathers the lining and decorative cloth
simultaneously in the direction of the cleavage axis to disguise
the pocket and its contents. Preferably, the pocket is a piece of
cloth folded end-to-end and seamed on an axis centered between its
folds and folded at its bottom over itself. The seamed axis is aligned
with the cleavage axis in the bra. Since the sides of the pocket
have no seams, and since its only seam is aligned with the material
gathered on the cleavage axis, the pocket is more easily concealed.
The flat pocket has an open top and a segment of hook material stitched
along the upper inside edge of the wall of the pocket adjacent the
cover is matable with a mating segment of loop material stitched
along the upper inside edge of the wall of the pocket not adjacent
the cover to close the pocket. The pocket is preferably made of
waterproof material to protect its contents from moisture. The top
of the wall of the pocket adjacent the pocket cover may be seamed
over the top of the pocket cover to prevent migration of moisture
from the cover into the pocket.
Another lining face-to-face with a decorative cloth forms the back
panel of the bra. The front lining, front decorative cloth, back
panel lining and back panel decorative cloth are all seamed to each
other at their side edges to form a single garment. The front lining
and front decorative cloth may include front straps extending upwardly
from each of the cups and the back lining and back decorative cloth
may include back straps extending upwardly to the front straps with
corresponding ends of the front and back straps seamed together.
In the unstrapped embodiment of the sports bra, bands of elastic
are seamed in folded-over-top and bottom edges of the garment with
the decorative cloths to the outside of the folds and with the top
edge of the wall of the pocket not adjacent the cover stitched into
the top seam. In the strapped embodiment of the sports bra, the
bands of elastic are seamed in folded-over bottom, neckline and
shoulder edges of the garment with the decorative cloths to the
outside of the folds and with the top edge of the wall of the pocket
not adjacent the cover stitched into the neckline seam. Preferably,
the back lining is of universally stretchable absorbent material
and the back decorative cloth is of universally stretchable wicking
material for the reasons hereinbefore noted.
In making the sports bra, the lining is cut to the contour of a
pair of bra cups symmetrically spaced from a cleavage axis and a
decorative cloth is cut to the contour of the lining. The lining
is laid face-to-face over the decorative cloth. The flat, open-topped
pocket is laid over the opposite side of the lining as the decorative
cloth with the vertical centerline of the pocket parallel to and
the pocket covering the cleavage axis. A cloth cover is laid over
the pocket, the cover extending beyond the side edges and bottom
of the pocket. The bottom of the pocket is seamed to the bottom
of the cover without stitching the lining and the decorative cloth
and the sides of the cover are seamed to the lining without stitching
the pocket and the decorative cloth, preferably by flat seaming
with the TEX 24 or TEX 27 thread. Preferably, the top of the wall
of the pocket adjacent the pocket cover is seamed over the top of
the pocket cover and the hook and loop material is stitched to opposite
inside walls of the pocket.
If the gathered front is desired, the elastic band is laid over
the portion of the lining along the cleavage axis of the bra and
on the opposite side from the decorative cloth. The elastic band,
lining and decorative cloth are stretched simultaneously in the
direction of the cleavage axis. The stretched band, lining and decorative
cloth are seamed together and then released to gather. This is done
prior to laying the pocket over the lining. If the preferred embodiment
of the pocket is to be used, the pocket is formed prior to laying
the pocket over the lining by folding a piece of cloth end-to-end
with the ends overlapping on an axis centered between the folds,
seaming the ends of the folded cloth together to form a flat sleeve
having side edges at the folds and folding the bottom of the sleeve
over itself to form a flat pocket with an open top. Most preferably,
when laying the pocket over the lining, the sleeve seam is aligned
with the cleavage axis.
The back panel is formed by cutting a lining to the contour of
the back panel and cutting a decorative cloth to the contour of
the back lining. The back lining is laid face-to-face over the back
decorative cloth. The front lining, front decorative cloth, back
lining and back decorative cloth are all seamed to each other at
their side edges into a single garment. The bands of elastic are
then seamed in folded-over top and bottom or bottom, neckline and
shoulder edges of the garment with the decorative cloths to the
outside of the folds and with the top edge of the wall of the pocket
not adjacent the cover stitched into the top seam.
This method allows the sports bra to be uniformly made with consistent,
neat hems, seams and gathers while providing an attractive, sturdy,
reliable source of support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent
upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference
to the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a rear elevation view of the front of the sports bra
before seaming and elasticizing;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2--2 of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the
sports bra partially assembled with its cleavage material ungathered;
FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of the sports
bra of FIG. 4 with its cleavage material gathered;
FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the
floating pocket of the sports bra in a laid-out condition;
FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the floating pocket of FIG.
6 in its folded condition;
FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the front and back portions
of the sports bra seamed together;
FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view of the sports bra of FIG. 8 after
the edges have been elasticized;
FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of a completed preferred embodiment
of the sports bra with parts broken away;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11--11 of
FIG. 10; and
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12--12 of
FIG. 10.
While the invention will be described in connection with a preferred
embodiment and method, it will be understood that it is not intended
to limit the invention to that embodiment and method. On the contrary,
it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents
as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Turning first to FIGS. 1-3 a front portion of a sports bra has
a lining 11 cut to a contour of a pair of bra cups 13 and 15 symmetrically
spaced from a cleavage axis 17. A decorative cloth 19 is cut to
the contour of the lining 11. The lining 11 is laid face-to-face
over the decorative cloth 19. A flat, open-topped pocket 21 is laid
over the opposite side of the lining 11 as the decorative cloth
19. The vertical center line 23 of the pocket 21 is, as shown, aligned
in a vertical plane with the cleavage axis 17. The pocket 21 overlays
or covers the cleavage axis 17. A cloth cover 25 is laid over the
pocket 21 with the cover 25 extending beyond the side edges 27 and
29 and the bottom 31 of the pocket 21. The bottom 31 of the pocket
21 is seamed 33 to the bottom 35 of the cover without allowing the
stitching of the seam 33 to secure the lining 11 or the decorative
cloth 19 to the bottom 31 of the pocket 21 or the bottom 35 of the
cover 25. The sides 37 and 39 of the cover 25 are seamed 41 and
43 to the lining 11 without stitching the pocket 21 or the decorative
cloth 19 to the cover 25. Since the sides 27 and 29 of the pocket
21 are not secured to any part of the bra and since the bottom 31
of the pocket 21 is secured only to the bottom 35 of the cover 25
the pocket 21 is free to float in relation to the lining 11 and
decorative cloth 19 of the bra. It is preferred that the lining
11 be of universally stretchable absorbent material such as CoolMax.RTM.
by DuPont, the decorative cloth 19 be of universally stretchable
wicking material such as Tactel.RTM. with Lycra.RTM. by DuPont and
that the cover 25 be of universally stretchable absorbent material
such as CoolMax.RTM. by DuPont. Thus, the lining 11 can collect
perspiration from the body of the wearer and the decorative layer
19 can wick the collected moisture to the outer surface for evaporation.
Similarly, the absorbent cover 25 can collect perspiration from
the wearer while the waterproof pocket 21 generally protects the
contents of the pouch from moisture.
Looking at FIGS. 4 and 5 the portion of the lining 11 and decorative
cloth 19 in the area of the cleavage axis 17 can be gathered to
further disguise the presence of the pocket 21 and its contents.
An elastic band 45 is laid over the portion of the lining 11 along
the cleavage axis 17 and on the opposite side of the lining 11 from
the decorative cloth 19. As shown in FIG. 4 the elastic band 45
the lining 11 and the decorative cloth 19 are simultaneously stretched
in the direction of the cleavage axis 17 and seamed 47 to secure
the band 45 the lining 11 and the decorative cloth 19 together.
After stitching, the seam 47 the band 45 lining 11 and decorative
cloth 19 can be released, as shown in FIG. 5 resulting in the gather
49.
Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7 the manner of making the preferred
embodiment of the pocket 21 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 is explained.
A piece of cloth 51 preferably waterproof, is folded end-to-end
53 to 55 along parallel fold lines 57 and 59 preferably with the
ends 53 and 55 overlapping on an axis 61 centered between the folds
57 and 59. The overlapped ends 53 and 55 are seamed 63 to form a
flat sleeve having side edges at the folds 57 and 59. Alternative
seaming methods can be employed. The bottom 65 of the sleeve is
folded over itself along a bottom fold line 67 to form the flat
pocket 21 with an open top 69. Returning to FIGS. 1-3 the pocket
21 thus formed is sewn in place as hereinbefore described with the
bottom seam 33 closing the bottom 31 of the pocket 21 at the same
time that the bottom 31 of the pocket 21 is fastened to the bottom
35 of the cover 25. If the gather 49 illustrated in FIG. 5 is to
be used in the sports bra, the gather 49 is made before the pocket
21 is installed.
Continuing to examine FIGS. 1-3 it is preferred that the bra have
front straps 71 and 73 extending upwardly from each of the cups
13 and 15. Looking at FIGS. 8 and 9 in the strapped bra embodiment,
a back panel 75 is formed by cutting a back lining 77 to the desired
back contour and cutting a decorative cloth 79 to the same contour
as the back lining 77. The back lining 77 is laid over the back
decorative cloth 79. The front lining 11 the front decorative cloth
19 the back lining 77 and the back decorative cloth 79 are all
seamed at their side edges 81 and 83 into a single garment. Like
the front lining and decorative cloth 11 and 19 the back lining
and decorative cloth 77 and 79 are preferably of universally stretchable
absorbent material and wicking material, respectively. In the strapped
embodiment of the bra, the back lining 77 and back decorative cloth
79 have back straps 85 and 87 which extend upwardly to the front
straps 71 and 73 with seams 89 and 91 connecting the ends of the
corresponding straps 71 and 85 and 73 and 87 into a single garment.
Preferably, the gather 49 if desired, and the pocket 21 and cover
25 will have been secured as hereinbefore described before assembling
the back and front portions of the bra into a single garment. Once
the front and back portions have been assembled together, as shown
in FIG. 9 bands of elastic 93 can be seamed in folded over top
and bottom edges 95 and 97 or, in the strapped embodiment of the
bra, bottom 97 neckline 99 and shoulder 101 edges of the garment
with the decorative cloths 19 and 79 to the outside of the folds.
As is best seen in FIGS. 10-12 in seaming the bands 93 the top
edge 103 of the wall 105 of the pocket 21 which is not adjacent
the cover 25 is stitched into the neckline seam 107. Furthermore,
the top edge 109 of the wall 111 of the pocket 21 which is adjacent
to the pocket cover 25 is seamed 113 over the top 115 of the cover
25. This overlap of the waterproof material prevents moisture from
migrating in the absorbent pocket cover 25 into the interior of
the pocket 21. A segment of hook material 117 stitched 119 along
the upper inside edge of the wall 111 of the pocket 21 adjacent
the cover 25 mates with a segment of looped material 119 stitched
121 along the upper inside edge of the wall 105 of the pocket 21
not adjacent the cover 25 to close the pocket 21. The stretch provided
by the gather 49 helps to absorb the pulling forces applied in opening
the pocket 21.
Preferably, the seams 41 and 43 securing the cover 25 to the lining
11 are flat seams using thread sizes TEX 24 or TEX 27. The use of
TEX 24 or TEX 27 thread has been found to provide the necessary
strength to withstand the rigors of the pulls and stretches associated
with opening and closing the pocket 21 while at the same time being
sufficiently thin as to be difficult to observe. The flat seams
41 and 43 also inhibit unraveling of the cover 25.
Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance
with the invention, a sports bra and method of making the sports
bra that fully satisfy the objects, aims and advantages set forth
above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with
a specific embodiment and method, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art and in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly,
it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variations as fall within the spirit of the appended claims.
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