Graduated cup and method of making same

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to brassieres and methods of making same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a circular knit bra having breast cups with varying degrees of stretch for providing desired, selective support to the wearer's breast.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#The foregoing and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings.

#FIG. 1 is a top view of a brassiere of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a side view of the brassiere of FIG. 1;

#Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIG. 1, there is illustrated a bra or brassiere according to the present invention generally represented by reference numeral 100. Brassiere 100 is preferably formed from a single layer of fabric. However, brassiere 100 may have two or more layers. Also, the breast cup of brassiere 100 may be formed of two or more layers as shown in FIG. 3.

#According to the present invention, a bra blank is formed on a circular knitting machine preferably having a computerized electronic needle and yarn feed selection system. The knit construction of the body of the brassiere 100 may be formed using one or any combination of conventional knit stitches. Such stitches include, but are not limited to, plain, tuck or float stitches.

#The outline of brassiere 100 is cut from the bra blank using a sewing machine that simultaneously cuts away and finishes the periphery of brassiere 100 to provide a pair of breast cups 5, a center gore or panel 20 positioned between the breast cups, and a pair of side panels or portions 10. Each side panel 10 is adjacent to a different breast cup and is adapted to be connected to the other side panel.