Nike patents bra with foam zones compressed for targeted support
Nike describes a bra design featuring a three-layer front panel with a molded foam middle layer. The foam includes specific areas that are compressed to increase density for support, while other areas remain uncompressed for flexibility, along with channels and holes for airflow.
In the filing’s own words
An upper torso garment, such as a bra, includes a front portion made from three layers: an outer mesh layer, a molded foam middle layer, and an inner liner layer. The molded foam has contoured breast covering portions with vertically oriented channels and a series of apertures for breathability. Selected zones of the foam are compressed to increase density and provide targeted support, while other zones remain uncompressed for comfort and flexibility.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An upper torso garment comprising: a front portion comprised of an inner layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer; the middle layer comprised of a foam material having a contoured shape, the middle layer having a first zone having a first material property, the middle layer also having a second zone having a second material property, the first material property being different than the second material property; and the middle layer having an inward facing surface and an outward facing surface, the inner layer joined to the inward facing surface of the middle layer and the outer layer joined to the outward facing surface of the middle layer such that the first zone is in a compressed state.
Facts
- Company
- Nike (NIKE, Inc.)
- Official title
- BRA INCLUDING COMPRESSED SUPPORT ZONES
- Publication number
- US20260324762A1
- Application number
- 19649840
- Filed
- Apr 16, 2026
- Published
- Oct 22, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
A41C 3/0057 Human necessitiesA41C 3/0021 Human necessitiesA41C 3/0085 Human necessitiesMore from Nike in Clothing & sport
- Nike patents clothing that stiffens instantly to protect against impacts Sep 15, 2026
- Nike patents underwear with electric straps that adjust tightness Sep 17, 2026
- Nike patents fabric that tightens when it gets wet Oct 15, 2026
- Nike patents shoe that pumps fluid to heel for cushioning Sep 8, 2026
- Nike patents top with built-in pocket for breast pumps Oct 1, 2026
Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.