Abstract: A garment comprising an outer layer on the exterior of a front part of the garment, a lining on the interior of the garment and an internal structure located between the outer layer and the lining. The internal structure comprises of a chest piece which extends from a shoulder part of the garment across a chest part of the garment without extending through to a lapel part of the garment and also a fusible material fused to the outer layer wherein the fusible material is located only partially across the outer layer.

Abstract: A continuous stream of elements or parts of garments is formed by providing a continuous first substrate and optionally a continuous fusible substrate; positioning the continuous fusible substrate on the continuous first substrate to form a combination; fusing the combination to form a first fused combination; folding the first fused combination to form a folded fused combination; and then pressing the folded fused combination to form the continuous stream, wherein the continuous stream includes multiple individual elements or parts. The elements or parts may be collar stands or waistbands.

Abstract: An extendable collar stay that is substantially flat and adjustable to different lengths depending on the size and shape of the collar with which it is used. The extendable collar stay comprises an elongated body that is configured to fit into a collar pocket, with extensions at either end that can be extended to different lengths.

Abstract: A shirt-collar stabilizer may include a collar stand surround, a first collar insert rotatably coupled to a first end of the collar stand surround, and a second collar insert rotatably coupled to a second end of the collar stand surround.

Abstract: A method of forming a mold for use with a baseball or softball glove comprising covering a substantial portion of the inner surface of the glove with a thin sheet of flexible material, applying a forming material to the flexible material such that the flexible material generally conforms to the shape of the inner surface of the glove, removing the hardened forming material from the glove, and removing the flexible material from the glove. The hardened forming material can be a mold for the glove, or can be used as a form to manufacture glove molds. The glove mold can be placed in the glove when it is not in use and secured in position by a strap or other suitable mechanism.

Abstract: This lumbar support belt (1) may be fitted around the lower part of a patient's trunk; it comprises a strip (2) of elastic textile material provided at each end with means for attaching the strip to itself and at least two posterior boning elements made of an elastic material (5a, 5b) positioned one on each side of the transverse mid-plane (A) of the strip; the belt may be positioned on the patient in such a way that the ends of the strip fasten together over the abdominal region of the patient and the posterior boning elements (5a, 5b) press against the lumbar region of the patient; in addition, the posterior boning elements (5a, 5b) are arranged in a V-shape in such a way that the posterior boning elements (5a, 5b) converge towards the lumbo-sacral region of the patient.

Abstract: An internal garment stay to detachably attach to a garment in the collar, or placket region. The garment may or may not need modification. Preferably, the garment is an off-the-shelf garment requiring no additional modification to receive these stays. The stays can have various configurations to facilitate insertion and usage, such has having appendages, curvatures, cut-outs, catches. Further, the internal stays can work with external stays such that external stays are visible from the outside so as to show a message, a slogan, a style, a logo (e.g., a sports team logo).

Abstract: A system and method for an improved appearance of a pair of pants. The system includes a pair of pants having one or more rear pant pockets, and one or more pant inserts configured to be inserted into and engage respective one or more rear pant pockets during an operational use thereof such that the one or more pant inserts straighten or take out the creases in the general area of the respective one or more rear pant pockets to improve the general appearance of the pair of pants when worn by a user. The one or more pant inserts include a wearable fabric layer, a first fusible or bonding product layer, a stiff utility material layer, and a second fusible or bonding product layer bonded together.

Abstract: There is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a collar stud assembly comprising a spherical magnet and an outer assembly. The outer assembly includes a frame which houses a magnet. The magnet of the frame and the spherical magnet are of opposite polarities and hold an inner collar and an outer collar of shirt between them when engaged. The outer assembly further includes an indent which holds the spherical magnet in a fixed position relative to the outer assembly.

Abstract: A collar support for supporting a shirt collar or the like that includes a flexible body carrying pressure sensitive adhesive bodies for adhesive coupling to a garment, wherein a planar surface surrounds each pressure sensitive adhesive body to minimize or eliminate accidental adhesion to the garment that may interfere with proper installation of the collar support to the garment.

Abstract: A venting apparatus with a no-catch mechanism and a method of manufacture of the apparatus are described. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a fastening device, a venting mechanism wherein the venting mechanism further comprises an opening, a mesh arrangement, and a no-catch mechanism.

Abstract: An extendable collar stay that is substantially flat and adjustable to different lengths depending on the size and shape of the collar with which it is used. The extendable collar stay comprises an elongated body that is configured to fit into a collar pocket, with extensions at either end that can be extended to different lengths.

Abstract: A multi-tool collar stay is disclosed. The collar stay may be a non-bendable single piece that includes a first end, a middle section, and a second end. This single piece is shaped to substantially fit within a collar stay pocket, where the first end is tapered to be proximate to a collar tip, and a first tool may be located in the vicinity of the first end. The second end is proximate to a collar stay pocket entrance, and a second tool may be located in the vicinity of the second end. The non-bendable single piece collar stay comprises at least one of: titanium, brass, stainless steel, sterling silver, reinforced polymer, and/or a combination thereof. Examples of the first and second tool include: a bottle opener, a cutting blade, a flat head screw driver, a flat Phillips screw driver, a full Phillips screw driver, a nail file, and a ruler.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a garment having a pair of cup sections with a wire member partially encircling each cup region is described herein. In some embodiments, the garment can include a wire member that can be positioned along a partial section of the lower edge of each cup section. Various embodiments of the garment can provide support and containment for breasts of a wearer of the garment.

Abstract: A garment stiffener packaging arrangement, assembly, and associated methods provide a user with ready access to adhesively attachable garment stiffener structure for rendering an otherwise flexible or flaccid target garment portion substantially stiff or planar. The garment stiffener assembly central to the invention comprises a garment stiffener structure, adhesive material permanently applied thereto, and an optional backing material. The stiffener structure is formed from a substantially planar, semi-rigid material. The stiffener structure may be rolled so as to enable the users to unroll stiffener segments as may be required, and detach portions of the stiffener structure from the stiffener roll for affixation to targeted garment portions.

Abstract: A garment stiffener packaging arrangement, assembly, and associated methods provide a user with ready access to at least one adhesively attachable garment stiffener structure for rendering an otherwise flexible or flaccid target garment portion substantially stiff or planar. The garment stiffener assembly central to the invention comprises a garment stiffener structure, adhesive material permanently applied thereto, and a backing material. The stiffener structure is formed from a substantially planar, semi-rigid material into a quadrilateral shape, and the backing material is formed from a substantially planar, flexible material comprising a V-shape. The stiffener structures are removably and adhesively attached to the backing material thereby linking the garment stiffener structures into at least one V-shaped packaging arrangement. Each V-shaped packaging arrangement is foldable for collapsing the stiffener structures into a series of non-adhesively stacked and interconnected stiffener structures.

Abstract: A collar forming device which is configured to at least maintain shape and add structure to a collar in an article of clothing comprising: flexible material which is worn at least inside and around the collar of an article of clothing.

Abstract: A clip that fastens the cuffs of apparel, such as pants, shirts, and skirts, without doing damage to the apparel fabric. This is accomplished primarily by means of a crimp located at the clip's base, configured to keep the clip's outer and inner edges close together but not in contact at the clip's base. The crimp, a feature lacking in previously patented pants cuff clips, is found in most of the embodiments of the present invention. Other features designed to hold apparel fabric in place are included in other embodiments, to include a rubber coating placed on the surface of the clip, a rubber stopper placed on the tip of the clip's inner edge, a hinge placed at the junction of the crimp and the inner edge, a pin and clasp to hold the apparel material, and magnets that clasp the apparel material.

Abstract: A placket straightener device for minimizing buckling, gapping, or puckering of the overlapping placket panels on the ends of a shirt, such as a woman's blouse, when the fasteners, such as snap buttons or buttons with buttonholes, are fastened together. The device may be placed inside of the placket panel(s) or the device may be placed between two overlapping placket panels between the closed fasteners. The placket straightener device maintains a predetermined distance between the closed fasteners of the shirt thereby reducing buckling, gapping and puckering.

Abstract: A garment system having a torso-covering garment with at least one internal sleeve for receiving a body positioner therein, and a body positioner removably insertable in the sleeve. The garment also has a retention member for releasably retaining the body positioner within the internal sleeve. When a person wearing the garment is in a supine position, the body positioner will position the person's upper torso in a predetermined orientation. The garment system may be used to prevent positional plagiocephaly in infants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a braided strip, which comprising: a main body, two reducing ends and two expanded ends; two reducing ends are covered separately onto the first and second ends of the main body; the present invention is technically characterized by that, two expanded ends are protruded slightly from the front end of two reducing end for protection purpose, thus avoiding any hurt against hands, feet or clothes or shoes with improved applicability.

Abstract: A garment such as a shirt, blouse, jersey, vest or jacket, having a plurality of fastening points for attachment of a shirt stay, shirt holder or other retaining harness therethrough. The fastening points ensure that the garment remains tucked in to promote a uniform, neat appearance. Also disclosed is a method of retaining a garment in proper orientation on a wearer by providing a plurality of fastening points in the garment, at least some of which are preferably in pairs, such that each fastening point within a pair can be aligned with the other of the pair, and the pair can cooperatively receive a fastening mechanism therethrough to anchor the garment in place. The fastening points are positioned so that when one or more shirt stays, holders, harnesses or the like are properly engaged in the fastening points, a desired appearance of the garment being worn is created and maintained.

Abstract: A garment, such as a woman's slip, that includes a skirt portion weighted so as to induce tension into the garment when worn by a wearer standing erect. The skirt portion is weighted by securing one or more concentrated tensioning weights to the skirt portion proximate its bottom. The tension induced into the garment by the concentrated tensioning weight(s) inhibits the garment from riding-up on the wearer. The amount of weight provided by the concentrated tensioning weights and the location of the tensioning weights on the skirt can be carefully selected to minimize swinging, for example, while walking and climbing stairs.

Abstract: An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-à-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic (fixing) insert made of a carrier based on knit fabric, wherein the knit fabric is produced from at least two warp thread systems, with at least one of said warp thread systems being inserted in the knit fabric as a partial weft and comprising staple fiber yarns. One side of the knit fabric is provided with an adhesive layer. The resulting insert exhibits very high elasticity in the longitudinal, transversal and diagonal directions and is particularly cost-effective to produce. Furthermore, it is characterized by a very soft, textile feel and a good appearance.

Abstract: A decorative element for the human body in the form of a breast clasp which can be worn on the person. One breast clasp can be worn in the crease beneath a female breast and is held in place by means of a clamping and adhesive effect. The breast clasp is designed as a curved element and performs a shaping or supporting function, or both, for the female breast.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a T-shaped stiffening device to prevent a trouser leg from becoming entangled between the foot and a shoe, particularly and open-back shoe, of a wearer. Accordingly, the device includes a stiffening device having a central stiffening member arranged between two opposing layers, one layer having an exterior face having an adhesive. One method of use includes locating an interior portion of a trouser leg, preferably near the hem-line, where stiffening is desired and arranging the device vertically starting at the hem-line at a rear portion of the interior portion of the trouser leg. Finally, adhering the device to the interior portion of the trouser leg using an adhesive provided on the device.

Abstract: A pre-assembled anti-creep waist-clothing stay device including a patch having front and back surfaces and sized for application to a crotch-adjacent inner-seam area of the waist-clothing and a stay strip affixed to the back surface of the patch, the stay strip being positioned and sized such that the patch extends beyond edges of the stay strip. In key embodiments, the patch includes a heat-activated adhesive such that, when the patch is applied to the waist-clothing with iron-on heat and pressure, the patch adheres at its back surface to the waist-clothing, thereby securing the stay strip in position to prevent the waist-clothing from riding up and bunching in the crotch area.

Abstract: A collar stay device includes a stay body having a tapered first end and an expandable second end. The stay body includes first and second legs, which are integrally formed at the tapered first end and diverge toward the expandable second end. At least one of the legs includes a plurality of protrusions on an outer surface of a free end thereof. When the collar stay device is inserted into a prefabricated pocket in the collar of a shirt, the expandable second end of the stay body is contracted to place tension on the pocket and prevent movement of the collar stay device in the pocket.

Abstract: A visor guard and brace adapted to shape and protect the visor of a baseball cap is provided. The brace is preferably comprises a rigid “U” shaped plate slid over the edge of the visor. The brace releasably attaches and constrains the surface of the visor and forces the visor to conform to one particular, user selectable shape. The brace remains attached to the visor as the cap is worn by the user to permanently guard against grime, dirt, tears, or fraying. The plate itself provides a long lasting improved esthetic appearance with or on the visor of the cap with or without additional ornamentation attached to the brace.

Abstract: An armature for a brassiere for a woman have a chest area. A breast projecting from the breast area and a transition area transitioning between the chest area and proximal, intermediate, and distal portions of the breast. The transition area defines a continuous contour. The armature includes an underwire having a distal portion configured to be positioned adjacent the distal portion of the breast, a proximal portion configured to be positioned adjacent the proximal portion of the breast, and an intermediate portion configured to be positioned adjacent the intermediate portion of the breast. The underwire has an unsprung state configured to match the contour of the transition area.

Abstract: Garments having one or more laser-cured polymeric regions, methods of making, and laser-cured polymers are provided. The polymeric regions can have cure levels that differ from one another. Further, the polymeric regions can have a variable cure level within the individual region.

Abstract: A protective padding system is provided in which a padding member has one or more cavities formed therein. The padding member preferentially flexes at the cavities. An insert is adapted to selectively engage and fit into the cavity. When engaged, the insert reinforces the padding member at the cavity, and thus reduces or eliminates the flexibility of the padding member at that location. By selectively engaging or disengaging an insert, a user may customize the flexibility characteristics of the padding member in a reversible manner.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pant stabilizer which provides stability, rigidity, and weight to the cuff of a pant and a method of using the pant stabilizer. The pant stabilizer may include a malleable boning device formed of tubular stays or a malleable strip. The pant stabilizer may be fastened to a pant cuff in any suitable manner such as, for example, an adhesive, one or more clips, a zipper, one or more snaps, a hook and loop fastener (e.g. Velcro), one or more larger hooks, or one or more buttons and button holes. The pant stabilizer may be torn or cut by the user in a suitable length and then fastened to an interior portion of a pant cuff. Alternatively, a pant may be manufactured with a pant stabilizer fastened to an interior portion of the pant cuff.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pant stabilizer which provides stability, rigidity, and weight to the cuff of a pant and a method of using the pant stabilizer. The pant stabilizer may include a malleable boning device formed of tubular stays or a malleable strip. The pant stabilizer may be fastened to a pant cuff in any suitable manner such as, for example, an adhesive, one or more clips, a zipper, one or more snaps, a hook and loop fastener (e.g. Velcro), one or more larger hooks, or one or more buttons and button holes. The pant stabilizer may be torn or cut by the user in a suitable length and then fastened to an interior portion of a pant cuff. Alternatively, a pant may be manufactured with a pant stabilizer fastened to an interior portion of the pant cuff.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a support device for holding a thong in place within a wearer's outer garments, e.g. a skirt, pair of jeans, shorts, capris, or any other variation of pants and/or shorts, such that the thong can remain hidden as an undergarment rather than being visible from the wearer's outer garments. The present invention is configured to support all types of thongs, including but not limited to, a T-String, G-String or a Regular Thong, and further comprises of securing means for holding the thong in a desired position for a prescribed time. The securing means may comprise of hooks that are strategically spaced apart to exert a downward pulling force on the rear straps of the thong for maximum effectiveness in resisting the upward opposing force of the rear thong straps when the present invention is being worn.

Abstract: A device for shaping and contouring a fabric or the like in sewing and handicraft projects. In one configuration, the device includes a strip of solid and ductile metal that is configured to be directly adhered to a fabric surface. At lease one layer of acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive is formed on a bonding of the metal. The shaping device can be bent into various contours and is strong enough to cause material such as tapestry or balsa wood to assume the contours of the shaping device.

Abstract: A flexible mesh of interwoven metal rings for production of protective clothing is provided with one or more recesses in which an oblong stiffening element is arranged, which latter consists of a metal strap made from a spring material and is provided with holes at least along its edge, which holes are engaged by rings of the mesh that are located along the edge of the at least one recess.

Abstract: A bra support cup is made using two layers of foam. The outer layer has grooves along its inner surface. These are used to hold plastic ribs. The inner layer is bonded to the inner surface of the outer layer to hold the plastic ribs in place.

Abstract: A bra includes two cups, and two bands, which are connected to respective ones of the cups at front ends thereof; each band has two supporting ribs thereon, which are used for helping keep the band smooth; furthermore, each band has a sustaining rib arranged between the two supporting ribs; when the bra is worn on a woman's body with the bands being stretched, passed across the woman's back, and joined together at rear ends, the sustaining ribs will prevent tensional force in the bands from causing deformation of the supporting ribs such that the bra bands will touch the wearer's body closely.

Abstract: An underwire including an arcuate member for use with supporting garments, such as brassieres, has one or more zones of increased lateral flexibility along the longitudinal axis of the arcuate member in order to provide greater comfort to the individual wearer, without substantially affecting the arcuate rigidity that provides support. The increased flexibility is provided to the zones of increased flexibility by reducing the cross-sectional area of one or more end portions by tapering one or more sides, by sequentially and progressively stamping increasing numbers of incremental portions of the end portion in a stamping apparatus, to taper one or two opposed surfaces of the arcuate member. Alternatively a single step stamping method can be utilized to provide the flexible end portion.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a first fabric layer has gelatinous strips, thereby separating the first fabric layer into sections. A second fabric layer is positioned upon the first fabric layer, and an underwire is positioned on the second fabric layer opposite the first fabric layer. The first fabric layer is then folded onto itself to enclose the second fabric layer and the underwire. In a second embodiment, a third, or intermediate, fabric layer is positioned between the first and second fabric layers. In a third embodiment, an underwire is surrounded by a first, non-woven fabric layer. A second, rigid-type fabric having a bladder with a gelatinous material is positioned on the first fabric. The first fabric is wrapped around the underwire, and the bladder is positioned against the body of the wearer.

Abstract: This patent describes a composite garment made of (1) a dress having a top edge and a fastenable opening; and (2) a liner comprising a bodice support and a slip, the bodice support having a top edge and bottom edge, the bodice support having a fastenable opening coexistent with the fastenable opening of the dress, the bodice support having a plurality of stays extending from substantially the top edge of the bodice support to the bottom edge of the bodice support, wherein the plurality of stays are placed in close proximity to each other, the slip attached to the bottom edge of the bodice support, wherein the top edge of the dress is attached to the top edge of the bodice support. A bodice support of a composite garment is also described in this patent. A method to manufacture the composite garment is also described in this patent.

Abstract: A bra sheath comprising a sheath-body and a plurality of lugs attached to the inner surface of an elongated liner. The sheath-body and liner define a tunnel for an underwire. A softness layer is disposed adjacent the liner outer surface. The bra sheath is formed by folding the liner and softness layer along the medial line to form a longitudinally extending internal cavity. The liner and sheath-body are comprised of woven fabrics including interlocking warp and weft threads. At least some of the threads are comprised of heat fusible materials that are melted during processing to bond the woven fabric of the liner and sheath-body.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a first fabric layer has gelatinous strips, thereby separating the first fabric layer into sections. A second fabric layer is positioned upon the first fabric layer, and an underwire is positioned on the second fabric layer opposite the first fabric layer. The first fabric layer is then folded onto itself to enclose the second fabric layer and the underwire. In a second embodiment, a third, or intermediate, fabric layer is positioned between the first and second fabric layers. In a third embodiment, an underwire is surrounded by a first, non-woven fabric layer. A second, rigid-type fabric having a bladder with a gelatinous material is positioned on the first fabric. The first fabric is wrapped around the underwire, and the bladder is positioned against the body of the wearer.

Abstract: A waistband stay for clothing inserts removably into the waistband of a pair of trousers, a dress or skirt, a pair of shorts, etc., and stiffens the waistband thereacross. This serves to prevent circumferential gathering, wrinkling, and the like of the waistband along the front and sides thereof due to compression of the fabric across the stomach or midriff of a person as the person sits, stoops, or otherwise bends forward at the waist. The present waistband stay is preferably formed of an elongate, narrow, thin piece of semi-flexible plastic which provides sufficient stiffness across its width to preclude folding of the waistband when installed therein. The use of the present waistband stay ensures that the waistband of the garment will remain unwrinkled and will provide a smooth and finished appearance for the article of clothing and for the wearer throughout the day.

Abstract: A device for supporting a garment having a slip-resistant material impregnated into a support material, wherein selective placement of the device onto a garment increases the friction between garment and the wearer's skin without deforming the contact surface, thus helping to prevent the garment from sliding relative to the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A strap attachment system having a stiffened flexible strap with a first end anchored to a pouch and a free end configured for positioning around a belt and releasable attachment to the pouch, such as with hook-and-loop fasteners. The stiffened flexible strap is formed from webbing that has the hook portion of the hook-and-loop fastening system attached thereto, preferably by stitching. A stiffener having a shaped end is positioned between the hook portion and the webbing to provide some rigidity to the webbing. The stiffened flexible strap is more easily threaded around a belt to form a connecting loop.

Abstract: A flexible and protective support stay is disclosed. The support stay has insert tabs with rounded edges at both ends to reduce snags when inserting the stay into a garment. The flexibility of the stay is provided by a sinuous member that is independently flexible in two directions. This design enables the stay to flex and move with the wearer of the garment. Because the stay is made as an integrally formed plastic article, the probability that the device will shear and expose the wearer to sharp edges is significantly reduced.

Abstract: An underwire for an underwire brassier has a metal wire bow provided at one end with a stitching flange and preferably formed at the other end with an elastomeric tip. A double-cup frame for the underwire brassiere has an inverted U-shaped bridge piece whose shanks receive the ends of plastic coated underwires. The shanks are connected unitarily by a bight which is flattened and can be grooved to increase flexibility. Upon twisting of the bight, the two underwires can be superposed, thereby increasing the flexibility of the frame and a brassiere in which the frame is incorporated.