WO2021195552A1

WO2021195552A1 - Sports bra with integrated storage

Info

Publication number: WO2021195552A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/024464
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason Hamilton ISRAEL; Niloufar Mozafari
Original assignee: The North Face Apparel Corp.
Priority date: 2020-03-27
Filing date: 2021-03-26
Publication date: 2021-09-30

Abstract

Articles, such as sports bras, and methods of making the same are described. An article may comprise a front panel, a rear panel coupled to the front panel to define a neck hole and two arm holes, and a pass-through storage component coupled to the rear panel, the pass-through storage component comprising a main body and at least two openings that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings and to be disposed between the main body and a portion of the rear panel, wherein one or more of the main body and the rear panel is configured to secure the object between the main body and a portion of the rear panel.

Description

SPORTS BRA WITH INTEGRATED STORAGE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article that is created to provide support for women, for example, during various activities. More particularly, a sports bra is constructed in such a manner as to provide comfort and support for the breasts and back of the wearer, while providing storage for objects.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the state of the art, various sports bras have been proposed to provide support for a wearer. Certain prior art sports bras include pockets. As an example, Chinese patent application number CN209660473 describes a sports bra with a rear pocket for holding a cell phone. U.S.

Pat. No. 7,753,759 describes an article of apparent is disclosed comprising a pocket for concealing objects proximate to a breast. U.S. Pat. No. 7,867,058 describes sports bra having an integral pouch having a single top opening disposed within the cleavage portion. U.S. Pat. No. 7,364,491 describes a combination sports bra and secure pocket garment has a front mounted three section pocket with a single zipper closure. U.S. Pat. No. 6626733 describes a sports bra including a pocket for a water bottle, the pocket having an open mouth, closed sides, and a bottom. U.S. Pat. No. 9,661,879 describes a cell phone compartment provided in a molded cup of a bra. U.S. Pat. No. 9,060,550 describes a sports bra containing concealed pockets for storing and protecting smart phones, identification cards, credit cards, and other objects.

[0003] In many instances, the sports bras of the prior art may include a conventional pocket having a single opening and closed on three sides. Such pockets may be suitable for holding objects such as water bottles or cell phones, which need to be secured in a particular manner. Conventional pockets may not be suitable for all applications. As such, improvements in sports bras and other articles of clothing are needed.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates to articles of clothing such as bras, and in particular sports bras. [0005] A sports bra may comprise: a front panel comprising a bust panel, a first shoulder strap, and a second shoulder strap, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are spaced from each other and extend from the bust panel to define at least a portion of a neck hole configured to receive a neck of a wearer; a rear panel having a center back portion coupled to first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap in a Y-shaped, racerback configuration, the rear panel extending about the sides of a torso of a wearer toward the front panel; and a pass-through storage component coupled to the rear panel, the pass-through storage component comprising a main body and at least two opposing openings that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings and to be disposed between the main body and a portion of the rear panel, wherein an elasticity and stretch recovery of one or more of the main body and the rear panel is configured to secure the object between the main body and a portion of the rear panel.

[0006] An article may comprise: a front panel; a rear panel coupled to the front panel to define a neck hole and two arm holes; and a pass-through storage component coupled to the rear panel, the pass-through storage component comprising a main body and at least two openings that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings and to be disposed between the main body and a portion of the rear panel, wherein one or more of the main body and the rear panel is configured to secure the object between the main body and a portion of the rear panel.

[0007] An article comprising: a front panel; a rear panel coupled to the front panel to define a neck hole and two arm holes; a pocket disposed adjacent the rear panel, the pocket defining a cavity; and a pass-through storage component coupled to a surface in the cavity of the pocket, the pass-through storage component capable of being stored in the pocket and removed for use, the pass-through storage component comprising a main body and at least two openings that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings and to be disposed between the main body and a portion of the rear panel, wherein one or more of the main body and the rear panel is configured to secure the object between the main body and a portion of the rear panel.

[0008] There has thus been outlined, certain embodiments of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order to facilitate a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals. These drawings should not be construed as limiting the invention and intended only to be illustrative. [0010] FIG. l is a rear view of an example article in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear view of an example article in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear view of an example article in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a rear view of an example article in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear view of an example article in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a rear view of an example article in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] An article of clothing such as a bra (e.g., sports bra, everyday bra) is described.

[0017] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate examples articles such as sports bras. As shown, the articles may comprise a front panel, a rear panel coupled to the front panel to define a neck hole and two arm holes, and a pass-through storage component coupled to the rear panel, the pass-through storage component comprising a main body and at least two openings that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings and to be disposed between the main body and a portion of the rear panel. One or more of the main body and the rear panel may be configured to secure the object between the main body and a portion of the rear panel. As an illustrative example, the pass-through storage component may provide easy access and removal for objects such as outerwear, jackets, shells, rain gear, trekking poles (e.g., collapsible trekking poles), and the like. As a further example, a wearer of the article may be hiking or running and may desire, at times, to store a layer of clothing or gear. The pass-through storage of the present disclosure allows for easy insert and storage of items while moving. Alternatively or additionally, the pass through storage of the present disclosure may minimize contact between the skin of wearer and the stored object, by providing a barrier at the point or points where the object is secured between the rear panel and the main body of the pass-through storage component. Alternatively or additionally, the stored item(s) are positioned such that the stored item does not adversely affecting the motion of the wearer.

[0018] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an example article 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The example article is shown having the same general construction, but with varying storage components. It should be understood that various articles such as sports bras may be configured with the storage components of the present disclosure and the applications of the storage components are not limited to the racerback style sports bra shown in the example figures.

[0019] The article 100 may comprise a bra, such as a sports bra. The article 100 may comprise a front panel 102. The front panel 102 may comprise a bust panel 107. The bust panel 107 may not comprise (e.g., exclude) a supplemental elastic circumferential band, such as the conventional circumferential bands known in the art. The front panel 102 may comprise a first shoulder strap 106a and a second shoulder strap 106b. Each of the shoulder straps 106 may comprise a collection of straps or may be a single unitary strap. The first shoulder strap 106a and the second shoulder strap 106b may be spaced from each other. The first shoulder strap 106a and the second shoulder strap 106b may extend from the bust panel 107 to define at least a portion of a neck hole 114 configured to receive a neck of a wearer. The article 100 may comprise a bottom edge 116, such as a peripheral edge disposed opposite the neck hole 114.

[0020] Although construction of the article 100 may vary, as an illustrative example, the article may comprise one or more cups coupled to a front yoke. One or more of the cups may be formed from a shaped foam material and may define an interior layer adjacent at least a portion of the bust panel 107. The material forming the cups may have an inherent elasticity and/or may be supplemented with one or more elastic elements such as elastic bands. As an example, elastic bands may be disposed at or near a peripheral edge of the cups, such as along the bottom edge 116 or arm holes 118. Various materials may be selected for wicking, moisture management, cooling, and absorbency, for example.

[0021] The article 100 may comprise a rear panel 104. The article 100 may comprise one or more arm holes, such as a first arm hole 118a and a second arm hole 118b. The rear panel 104 may be coupled to the front panel 102 and may define one or more of the neck hole 114 or the arm holes 118. The rear panel 104 may have a center back portion 120 coupled to first shoulder strap 106a and the second shoulder strap 106b in a Y-shaped, racerback configuration. The rear panel 104 may extend about the sides of a torso of a wearer toward the front panel 104. While aspects of the article 100 are described as separate components, in some embodiments, an article according to the present disclosure may be substantially or fully seamless, except where one or more panels or layers are attached to, or overlaid over, one or more other layers. That is, at least the above described components may be formed as a single, seamless garment using seamless knit technology or other such seamless garment forming.

[0022] In some embodiments, the rear panel 104 or a region of the rear panel may be water proof or water resistant, or comprise at least one waterproof or water resistant material layer or region. The waterproof material may comprise a material treated with a durable water-repellant (DWR) finish. The DWR finish may cause the material to repel water, such as by causing the water to bead up and roll of a surface of the material. Waterproofing may be based on a water column test that measures water permeability under pressure. The water column test may comprise placing a one-inch diameter column of water over the material for a time period of twenty-four hours. Waterproofness may describe the height of a column that may be filled before water permeates the material within the time period. Waterproofness may be determined using a standardized test, such as AATCC 127, AATCC 35, AATCC 22, or ISO 811. The material may comprise a super waterproof material having a water column test rating of greater than 20,000 mm/24 hours. The material may comprise a very waterproof material having a water column test rating of greater than 15,000 mm/24 hours and up to 20,000 mm/24 hours.

The material may comprise a waterproof material having a water column test rating of greater than 10,000 mm/24 hours and up to 15,000 mm/24 hours. The material may comprise a somewhat waterproof material having a water column test rating of greater than 5,000 mm/24 hours and up to 10,000 mm/24 hours. The material may comprise a water resistant material having a water column test rating of around 5,000 mm/24 hours.

[0023] The article 100 may comprise overlays formed from various materials including a mesh material. The overlays may be formed form the same material as an interior surface of the article. For example, the overlays may be configured to overlay at least a portion of one or more side seams. Various components of the article may comprise one or more layers of material. Various components of the article may comprise a liner, such as a mesh liner. The mesh liner may be configured to abut a wearer.

[0024] The article 100 may be manufactured in a variety of sizes.

[0025] The article 100 may comprise a pass-through storage component. The storage component may be coupled to the rear panel. The storage component may comprise a main body and at least two opposing openings that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings and to be secured adjacent the main body.

[0026] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate various examples of a pass-through storage component 122, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a pass-through storage component 122. The storage component 122 may comprise a main body 124 and at least two opposing openings 126 that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings 126 and to be secured adjacent the main body 124. As shown, the main body 124 comprises a strip of material that is coupled to an exterior surface of the rear panel 104. As such, the two opposing openings 126 allow passage of objects along a horizontal axis. Other configurations may be used. As an illustrate example, a jacket is shown secured between the main body 124 and the rear panel 104.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a pass-through storage component 222. The storage component 222 may comprise a main body 224 and at least two opposing openings 226 that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings 226 and to be secured adjacent the main body 224. The main body 224 of the pass-through storage component 222 may be secured adjacent an exterior surface of the rear panel 104 (e.g., a surface not adjacent a wearer’s skin). As shown, the main body 224 comprises a layer of material that is coupled to an interior surface of the rear panel 104 between the rear panel 104 and the wearer. As such, the two opposing openings 226 allow passage of objects along a horizontal axis. In such a configuration, a barrier may be formed at the point, points or region where the object is secured adjacent the exterior surface of the rear panel 104, thereby minimizing contact between the skin of wearer and the stored object. Such a barrier may reduce or eliminate the stored object from becoming wet (e.g., from sweat) when stored, particularly in the region where the object is secured between the rear panel exterior surface and the pass-through storage component interior surface. Other configurations may be used. As an illustrate example, a jacket is shown secured between the main body 224 and the rear panel 104.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a pass-through storage component 322. The storage component 322 may comprise a main body 324 and at least two opposing openings 326 that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings 326 and to be secured adjacent the main body 324. The main body 324 of the pass-through storage component 322 may be secured adjacent an exterior surface of the rear panel 104 (e.g., a surface not adjacent a wearer’s skin). As shown, the main body 324 comprises at least a portion of an elastic band disposed about the rear panel 104. The openings 326 may be formed using a knit technique such as a jacquard technique to skip one or more stitches thereby defining a loop in the stitched material. As such, the two opposing openings 326 allow passage of objects along a vertical axis. In such a configuration, a barrier may be formed at the point, points or region where the object is secured adjacent the exterior surface of the rear panel 104, thereby minimizing contact between the skin of wearer and the stored object. Such a barrier may reduce or eliminate the stored object from becoming wet (e.g., from sweat) when stored, particularly in the region where the object is secured between the rear panel exterior surface and the pass-through storage component interior surface. Other configurations may be used. As an illustrate example, a jacket is shown secured between the main body 324 and the rear panel 104.

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a pass-through storage component 422. The storage component 422 may comprise a main body 424 and at least two opposing openings 426 that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings 426 and to be secured adjacent the main body 424. The main body 424 of the pass-through storage component 422 may be secured adjacent an exterior surface of the rear panel 104 (e.g., a surface not adjacent a wearer’s skin). As shown, the main body 424 comprises a sleeve having a generally tubular shape defining a cavity therein. The main body 424 maybe be coupled to or partially defined by a surface of the rear panel 104. As shown, the main body 424 comprises a layer of material coupled to an exterior surface of the rear panel 104 to define the sleeve. As shown, the two opposing openings 226 allow passage of objects along a horizontal axis. In such a configuration, a barrier may be formed at the point, points or region where the object is secured adjacent the exterior surface of the rear panel 104, thereby minimizing contact between the skin of wearer and the stored object. Such a barrier may reduce or eliminate the stored object from becoming wet (e.g., from sweat) when stored, particularly in the region where the object is secured between the rear panel exterior surface and the pass-through storage component interior surface. Other configurations may be used. As an illustrate example, a jacket is shown secured between the main body 224 and the rear panel 104.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a pass-through storage component 522. The storage component 522 may comprise a main body 524 and at least two opposing openings 526 that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings 526 and to be secured adjacent the main body 524. As shown, the main body 524 comprises a cinching cord coupled to an exterior surface of the rear panel 104. At least two opposing openings 226 allow passage of objects along a one or more axis. A wearer may cause the cord to cinch, pulling the secured object closer to the rear panel 104. In such a configuration, a barrier may be formed at the point, points or region where the object is secured adjacent the exterior surface of the rear panel 104, thereby minimizing contact between the skin of wearer and the stored object. Such a barrier may reduce or eliminate the stored object from becoming wet (e.g., from sweat) when stored, particularly in the region where the object is secured between the rear panel exterior surface and the cinching cord. Other configurations may be used. As an illustrate example, a jacket is shown secured between the main body 524 and the rear panel 104.

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a pass-through storage component 622. The storage component 622 may comprise a main body 624 and at least two opposing openings 626 that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings 626 and to be secured adjacent the main body 624. The main body 624 of the pass-through storage component 622 may be secured adjacent an exterior surface of the rear panel 104 (e.g., a surface not adjacent a wearer’s skin). The main body 624 may have a tubular shape. A pocket 628 may be disposed adjacent the rear panel 104. The pocket 628 may define a cavity. The pass-through storage component 622 may be coupled to a surface in the cavity of the pocket 628. The pass-through storage component 622 may be capable of being stored in the pocket 628 and removed for use. In such a configuration, a barrier may be formed at the point, points or region where the object is secured adjacent the exterior surface of the rear panel 104, thereby minimizing contact between the skin of wearer and the stored object. Such a barrier may reduce or eliminate the stored object from becoming wet (e.g., from sweat) when stored, particularly in the region where the object is secured in the pocket 628.

[0033] In accordance with the present disclosure, the main body (124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624) of the pass-through storage may be coupled to the rear panel using a bar tack, bonding, or other coupling mechanism. The main body may be perforated. The main body of the pass-through storage may be coupled to the rear panel along at least one seam of the rear panel. The main body of the pass-through storage may be coupled to the rear panel along at least two seams of the rear panel. The main body of the pass-through storage may be finished within at least one seam of the rear panel. The main body of the pass-through storage is finished within at least two opposing seams of the rear panel. The main body of the pass-through storage may be formed from the same material as the rear panel. The main body of the pass-through storage may be formed from a different material from the rear panel. The main body of the pass-through storage may have a stretch property that is greater than a stretch property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D6614. The main body of the pass-through storage may have a stretch property that is less than a stretch property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D6614. The main body of the pass-through storage may have a recovery property that is greater than a recovery property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D2594. The main body of the pass-through storage may have a recovery property that is less than a recovery property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D2594. The main body of the pass-through storage has a tensile strength of greater than 90% as measured using ASTM D5034.

[0034] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments or embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0035] Reference in this application to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one or more embodiments,” “aspects,” or the like means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of, for example, the phrases “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by the other. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not by other embodiments.

[0036] The following exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices and schematic configurations to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed, that the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] In various aspects, the present disclosure may pertain to one or more of the following examples.

[0038] Example 1: A sports bra comprising: a front panel comprising a bust panel, a first shoulder strap, and a second shoulder strap, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are spaced from each other and extend from the bust panel to define at least a portion of a neck hole configured to receive a neck of a wearer; a rear panel having a center back portion coupled to first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap in a Y-shaped, racerback configuration, the rear panel extending about the sides of a torso of a wearer toward the front panel; and a pass-through storage component coupled to the rear panel, the pass-through storage component comprising a main body and at least two opposing openings that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings and to be disposed between the main body and a portion of the rear panel, wherein an elasticity and stretch recovery of one or more of the main body and the rear panel is configured to secure the object between the main body and a portion of the rear panel.

[0039] Example 2: The sports bra of Example 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a strip of material coupled to an exterior surface of the rear panel.

[0040] Example 3: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-2, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a strip of material coupled to an interior surface of the rear panel. [0041] Example 4: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a sleeve coupled to an exterior surface of the rear panel.

[0042] Example 5: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a sleeve.

[0043] Example 6: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises cinching cord.

[0044] Example 7: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel such that the two opposing openings are disposed to allow passage therethrough along a horizontal axis.

[0045] Example 8: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel such that the two opposing openings are disposed to allow passage therethrough along a vertical axis.

[0046] Example 9: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel using a bar tack.

[0047] Example 10: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-9, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is bonded to the rear panel.

[0048] Example 11 : The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel along at least one seam of the rear panel.

[0049] Example 12: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-11, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel along at least two seams of the rear panel.

[0050] Example 13: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-12, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is finished within at least one seam of the rear panel. [0051] Example 14: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-13, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is finished within at least two opposing seams of the rear panel.

[0052] Example 15: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-14, wherein at least one of the two opposing openings is creating using a knit processing whereby one or more stitches are skipped. [0053] Example 16: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-15, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is formed from the same material as the rear panel.

[0054] Example 17: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-16, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is formed from a different material from the rear panel.

[0055] Example 18: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-17, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a stretch property that is greater than a stretch property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D6614.

[0056] Example 19: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-18, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a stretch property that is less than a stretch property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D6614.

[0057] Example 20: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-19, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a recovery property that is greater than a recovery property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D2594.

[0058] Example 21 : The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-20, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a recovery property that is less than a recovery property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D2594.

[0059] Example 22: The sports bra of any one of Examples 1-21, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a tensile strength of greater than 90% as measured using ASTM D5034. [0060] Example 23 : An article comprising: a front panel; a rear panel coupled to the front panel to define a neck hole and two arm holes; and a pass-through storage component coupled to the rear panel, the pass-through storage component comprising a main body and at least two openings that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings and to be disposed between the main body and a portion of the rear panel, wherein one or more of the main body and the rear panel is configured to secure the object between the main body and a portion of the rear panel. [0061] Example 24: The article of Example 23, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a strip of material coupled to an exterior surface of the rear panel.

[0062] Example 25: The article of any one of Examples 23-24, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a strip of material coupled to an interior surface of the rear panel. [0063] Example 26: The article of any one of Examples 23-25, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a sleeve coupled to an exterior surface of the rear panel.

[0064] Example 27: The article of any one of Examples 23-26, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a sleeve.

[0065] Example 28: The article of any one of Examples 23-27, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises cinching cord.

[0066] Example 29: The article of any one of Examples 23-28, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel such that the two opposing openings are disposed to allow passage therethrough along a horizontal axis.

[0067] Example 30: The article of any one of Examples 23-29, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel such that the two opposing openings are disposed to allow passage therethrough along a vertical axis.

[0068] Example 31: The article of any one of Examples 23-30, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel using a bar tack.

[0069] Example 32: The article of any one of Examples 23-31, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is bonded to the rear panel.

[0070] Example 33: The article of any one of Examples 23-32, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel along at least one seam of the rear panel.

[0071] Example 34: The article of any one of Examples 23-33, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel along at least two seams of the rear panel.

[0072] Example 35: The article of any one of Examples 23-34, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is finished within at least one seam of the rear panel.

[0073] Example 36: The article of any one of Examples 23-35, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is finished within at least two opposing seams of the rear panel.

[0074] Example 37: The article of any one of Examples 23-36, wherein at least one of the two opposing openings is creating using a knit processing whereby one or more stitches are skipped. [0075] Example 38: The article of any one of Examples 23-37, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is formed from the same material as the rear panel.

[0076] Example 39: The article of any one of Examples 23-38, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is formed from a different material from the rear panel.

[0077] Example 40: The article of any one of Examples 23-39, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a stretch property that is greater than a stretch property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D6614.

[0078] Example 41: The article of any one of Examples 23-40, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a stretch property that is less than a stretch property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D6614.

[0079] Example 42: The article of any one of Examples 23-41, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a recovery property that is greater than a recovery property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D2594.

[0080] Example 43: The article of any one of Examples 23-42, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a recovery property that is less than a recovery property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D2594.

[0081] Example 44: The article of any one of Examples 23-43, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a tensile strength of greater than 90% as measured using ASTM D5034. [0082] Example 45 : An article comprising: a front panel; a rear panel coupled to the front panel to define a neck hole and two arm holes; a pocket disposed adjacent the rear panel, the pocket defining a cavity; and a pass-through storage component coupled to a surface in the cavity of the pocket, the pass-through storage component capable of being stored in the pocket and removed for use, the pass-through storage component comprising a main body having a tubular shape and at least two openings that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings and to be disposed through the main body, wherein one or more of the main body is configured to secure the object therein.

[0083] Example 46: The article of Example 45, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a sleeve. [0084] Example 47: The article of any one of Examples 45-46, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel such that the two opposing openings are disposed to allow passage therethrough along a horizontal axis.

[0085] Example 48: The article of any one of Examples 45-47, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel such that the two opposing openings are disposed to allow passage therethrough along a vertical axis.

[0086] Example 49: The article of any one of Examples 45-48, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is formed from the same material as the rear panel.

[0087] Example 50: The article of any one of Examples 45-49, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is formed from a different material from the rear panel.

[0088] Example 51: The article of any one of Examples 45-50, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a stretch property that is greater than a stretch property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D6614.

[0089] Example 52: The article of any one of Examples 45-51, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a stretch property that is less than a stretch property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D6614.

[0090] Example 53: The article of any one of Examples 45-52, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a recovery property that is greater than a recovery property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D2594.

[0091] Example 54: The article of any one of Examples 45-53, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a recovery property that is less than a recovery property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D2594.

[0092] Example 55: The article of any one of Examples 45-54, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a tensile strength of greater than 90% as measured using ASTM D5034. [0093] While the system and method have been described in terms of what are presently considered to be specific embodiments, the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A sports bra comprising: a front panel comprising a bust panel, a first shoulder strap, and a second shoulder strap, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are spaced from each other and extend from the bust panel to define at least a portion of a neck hole configured to receive a neck of a wearer; a rear panel having a center back portion coupled to first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap in a Y-shaped, racerback configuration, the rear panel extending about the sides of a torso of a wearer toward the front panel; and a pass-through storage component coupled to the rear panel, the pass-through storage component comprising a main body and at least two opposing openings that allow at least a portion of an object to pass through the two opposing openings and to be disposed between the main body and a portion of the rear panel, wherein an elasticity and stretch recovery of one or more of the main body and the rear panel is configured to secure the object between the main body and a portion of the rear panel.

2. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the rear panel and the pass-through storage component are configured to minimize contact between the skin of wearer and the stored object, by providing a barrier at a region of the object where the object is secured between the rear panel and the main body of the pass-through storage component.

3. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a strip of material coupled to an exterior surface of the rear panel.

4. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a strip of material coupled to an interior surface of the rear panel.

5. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage comprises a sleeve coupled to an exterior surface of the rear panel.

6. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel such that the two opposing openings are disposed to allow passage therethrough along a horizontal axis.

7. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel such that the two opposing openings are disposed to allow passage therethrough along a vertical axis.

8. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is bonded to the rear panel.

9. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel along at least one seam of the rear panel.

10. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is coupled to the rear panel along at least two seams of the rear panel.

11. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is finished within at least two opposing seams of the rear panel.

12. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage is formed from a different material from the rear panel.

13. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a stretch property that is greater than a stretch property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D6614.

14. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a stretch property that is less than a stretch property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D6614.

15. The sports bra of claim 1, wherein the main body of the pass-through storage has a recovery property that is greater than a recovery property of the rear panel as measured using ASTM D2594.