Abstract: The present invention is to provide an improved resilient bra cup structure with adjustable stiffness or softness, wherein the bra cup structure having at least four layers comprising a layer of stiff knitted fabric, a layer of meshed gel, a layer of resilient staple fiber, and a layer of soft knitted fabric. The layer of meshed gel is subjected to a heating process for thermally bonded between the layer of stiff knitted fabric and the layer of resilient staple fiber. Furthermore, the thermally-bonded sandwiched fabric is bonded to the layer of soft knitted fabric for forming a compound fabric to make a bra cup.

Abstract: A breast cup construction of a cup shape to be incorporated as part of a brassiere, the breast cup construction comprising a molded to a cup shape laminated core assembly comprising a ply of foam material and a ply of fabric material disposed to the convex side of the foam material. An exterior ply is overlying and to the concave and convex sides of at least part of the laminated core assembly. The exterior ply is folded at and to define at least part of the neckline perimeter of the cup shape.

Abstract: A molded bra of a layered assembly of a plurality of plies of flexible moldable material. The layered assembly generally defines two molded breast cups a bridge intermediate of the two breast cups and a chest band from which each of the molded breast cups are disposed. The assembly includes an outward ply of a fabric material presenting a first outermost surface of the bra to the convex side of the breast cups of the bra, and an inward ply disposed to the opposite side of the assembly where the first outermost ply is presented and presenting a second outermost surface of the bra to the concave side of the breast cups of the bra. The layered assembly includes at least the inward and the outward ply at the entire perimeter about the bra regions and wherein the outward ply has been folded at the perimeter to provide a hem affixed to the inward ply.

Abstract: A moulded brassiere having a core of a first molded foam and a laminated second foam layer. An intermediate bridge between the cups with a flexible non-stretch bridge between the cups. Outer fabric layers extend beyond the core and defining straps.

Abstract: A breast cup for a brassiere including a flexible molded core panel trimmed to a breast cup form having a neckline perimeter and a front panel affixed to the core with a least part of the perimeter of the front panel extending beyond the neckline perimeter of the molded core, the extended portion defining a strip, a method and the product comprises folding the strip and then affixing the strip with the flexible molded core panel. Alternatively, the same product and method may be done with a back panel in order to give a selected neckline appearance. A brassiere having the molded core, the front panel or perhaps the rear panel, and the folded over strip.

Abstract: A cup structure for bras includes an inner layer, a middle layer and an outer layer, wherein the middle layer is sandwiched between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer and the outer layer are connected with each other by heat-pressing or gluing so as to form non-seam cups.

Abstract: A method of incorporating a fastener with a molded brassiere of a seamless construction and that includes an exterior panel of moldable material and an interior panel of moldable material that is contiguous with the exterior more panel and has been laminated therewith except at at least a non-laminated region where the fastener is to be located, and wherein the fastener includes a connector supported by a flexible mounting panel, the method comprising creating an opening through one of the exterior panel and the interior panel at the non-laminated region and at a location thereof through which at least part of the connector is to extend, locating the flexible mounting panel intermediate of the exterior panel and the interior panel at the non-laminated region in a manner to allow the at least part of the connector to extend through the opening, affixing at least one of the exterior panel and the interior panel to the flexible mounting panel.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a bra pad having a rigid foam that is thickest at the bottom of the pad for hidden support and a stretchable softer foam for comfort and universal fit throughout the entire pad. The method includes pre-laminating rigid and stretchable foam sheets with fabric and shaving the foam sheets. The rigid foam sheet is shaved so that it has a V-shaped recess and a gradually sloped interface between the V-shaped recess and remainder of the sheet. The stretchable foam sheet is shaved so that it has a pair of elevated areas. Then, the top surfaces of the shaved foam sheets are affixed together to form a pre-form assembly and the pre-form assembly is molded under heat. The pair of pads are then trimmed out.

Abstract: An anti-wrinkle device is a light-weight, rigid, hollow member ergonomically contoured to fit comfortably in the area between the breasts of a human female. The hollow member is designed to prevent wrinkles from occurring in the cleavage area when women are lying on their shoulders and/or sides while sleeping. The member is covered with a soft, removable washable fabric. A sleeveless top can be worn to hold the member in place.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bra pad having a thicker summit area, as well as the pad itself, includes holding a sheet of resilient and formable material of uniform thickness, such as thermoplastic foam, and forming the sheet to have a graduated thicker summit area corresponding to each summit of a bra or bra-like garment for including the pad, and a surrounding thinner area. Each pad thus has a thicker summit area for extending over the summits of the breasts.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bra pad having a thicker summit area, as well as the pad itself, includes holding a sheet of resilient and formable material of uniform thickness, such as thermoplastic foam, and forming the sheet to have a graduated thicker summit area corresponding to each summit of a bra or bra-like garment for including the pad, and a surrounding thinner area. Each pad thus has a thicker summit area for extending over the summits of the breasts.

Abstract: A shaped support for a body-shaping garment, including a foundation garment, such as a brassiere or girdle, is formed from a single or from multiple layers of a plastic material having certain flex modulus and perpendicular and in-plane apparent stiffnesses, such as a polyester film with a thickness in the range of from 15 to 35 mil. The shaped support is incorporated into the structure of the body-shaping garment, preferably by adhering the support directly to the fabric comprising the body-shaping garment using a film or hot melt adhesive. The shaped support preferably has an asymmetric shape and readily conforms to various body curvatures for increased wearing comfort, but has sufficient stiffness to provide desired lifting or holding support.

Abstract: A push-up bra for wear by a user, having a pair of breasts. The push-up bra includes a pair of cups each having a periphery. A flange extends outwardly from a portion of the periphery of each cup. The flange has a first surface, a side tab, and an upper tab. The first surface of the flange has an adhesive lining for easily attaching around the breasts of the user. A clasp is attached to a portion of the flange between each breast and holds the cups securely in position against the breasts. The side tabs and upper tabs are pulled taughtly to lift the breasts and enhance cleavage.

Abstract: The invention provides an areola pad for use during breast feeding. The invention is used to treat sore and painful nipples caused by breast feeding and to enable uninterrupted nursing. The invention includes a flexible element composed of one or more bio-compatible polymers, where the element is breathable, and allows contact between the mother and the infant. The flexible element further includes a centrally-located opening for receiving a nipple of any size, where the nipple extends through the opening and is uncovered.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a breast cup for a brassiere by taking a sheet of moldable material and adhering a plurality of pellets against a major surface of the sheet of moldable material. A molding to a breast cup form of the sheet of moldable material occurs prior, during or subsequent to the application of pellets in a manner such that the pellets are or becomes located in a desired location on the convex side major surface of the then molded sheet of molded material.

Abstract: A natural shape enhancing brassiere comprising a pair of idealized-shaped breast cups centrally joined and supported on a woman's upper chest by use of a surrounding band and, optionally, shoulder straps. Each idealized-shaped breast cup is in the form of a multi-layer construction comprising an intermediate foam layer configured with an idealized upper breast slant and an idealized lower breast convex curve, an outer shell layer composed from a material capable of conforming to the intermediate foam layer and an inner lining layer.

Abstract: A breast cup of a cup shape for a or as part of a brassiere comprising a first molded panel of a multi-ply material and at least one other molded panel of a multi-ply material. The panels define a cup shape and are engaged to an adjacent panel in a tessellated manner by stitching along abutting edges of the panels. Each panel has a convex side ply of a fabric material of a different color to the panel(s) to which it is engaged.

Abstract: There is provided a brassiere that includes a body having a pair of breast cups, a rigid frame positioned adjacent to the side and bottom perimeters of the breast cups to act as a stabilizer for the breast cups, and a pair of back panels, each connected to an outer edge of the frame. Preferably, the frame supporting the breast cups is made of a rigid polyester material. The brassiere may further include a pair of shoulder straps.

Abstract: Feminine undergarments, particularly brassieres and other body shaping garments that are fabricated using a multi-layered fabric laminate that is formed by gluing multiple fabric layers together, preferably to permit body shaping garments to be substantially fabricated from a single main piece of material or blank cut from the multi-layered fabric laminate and which has finished edges which do not require separate binding or narrow edge finishing, together with a method of making such garments, both on an individual, batch basis, as well as an automated process for making the fabric laminate and multiple garments on a continuous basis, are disclosed. Multi-layer composite fabric laminate materials wherein different portions of at least one fabric layer thereof are made of different fabrics, and a method for making them, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method of making a breast cup for a garment on a breast cup defining component of moldable material, applying a flexible covering panel of at least part of a breast cup to the convex side of the component, applying a flexible decorative panel to the concave side of the component, and removing a region of the panel assembly to expose the decorative panel to the convex end.

Abstract: A hybrid brassiere is provided. The brassiere has a brassiere body having a pair of side wings/back panels made of circular knit fabric and an integrally knitted band. The brassiere also has a pair of breast cups made from one or more fabrics, namely woven, non-woven, warp knitted, and weft knitted fabrics, and an attachment for connecting the pair of breast cups to the brassiere body.

Abstract: A brassiere includes cups formed of thin plastics material in which each cup is formed with an inner layer and an outer layer that each extend over the surface area of the cup and are joined together around at least substantially the whole periphery of the cup. An elongate strengthener extends across a lower edge of the cup, and an uplifting pad is entrapped between the inner and outer layers. The layers are joined together without stitching adjacent the periphery of the cup to hold the strengthener in position.

Abstract: A moulded brassiere having a core of a first molded foam and a laminated second foam layer. An intermediate bridge between the cups with a flexible non-stretch bridge between the cups. Outer fabric layers extend beyond the core and defining straps.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave proof cup structure for bra includes a first layer, a second layer and an intermediate layer joined to the first and the second layers. The intermediate layer contains metallic fiber so as to screen the electromagnetic wave and the contact area between the breast and the bra cup can be reduced effectively to decrease the hurt resulting from electromagnetic wave. The intermediate layer includes a first sheet piece and a second sheet piece and the two sheet pieces are attached to two lateral sides of the bra cup respectively in a way of extending upward so that the breast can be held upward and centrally disposed in the bra cup.

Abstract: A brassiere cup has two fabric layers, a layer of soft material between the two fabric layers, a foam cup-bottom support made of a material harder than the soft material layer and situated between the two fabric layers adjacent the soft material layer. The brassiere is made, in part, by taking a first pre-laminated sheet of a first fabric layer and a first foam layer and forming a flute in the first foam layer, placing the foam cup-bottom support in the flute, and taking a second pre-laminated sheet of a second fabric layer and a second foam layer and moulding the second foam layer against the first foam layer, encasing the foam cup-bottom support between the first and second fabric layers.

Abstract: An elastic support top 1 is provided having fasteners 4, 5 for attaching to a breast shield 10 for protecting from blows to the breast area. Thus, an improved protective breast shield 10 is provided having an elastic support top 1 attached to the breast shield whereby the support top fits to a body.

Abstract: In a brassiere, a breast cup of a molded single or multi-ply cup shaped panel having a perimeter which includes an edge which when the breast cup forms part of a brassiere, is a free perimeter edge, the free perimeter edge has piping engaged thereto.

Abstract: A breast cup of a cup shape for a or as part of a brassiere comprising a first molded panel of a multiply material and at least one other molded panel of a multiply material. The panels define a cup shape and are engaged to an adjacent panel in a tessellated manner by stitching along abutting edges of the panels. Each panel has a convex side ply of a fabric material of a different color to the panel(s) to which it is engaged.

Abstract: A brassiere comprising a bra core which includes two breast cups of a cup shape to each support a breast of a person. Each breast cup is engaged to a chest band wherein the chest band is able to extend about the chest of a person and has distal end fastening clips. A layer of fabric is adhered to each side of the bra core, the layer being of a continuous sheet, formed to the contour the bra core.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breast cover insert comprising a truncated conical frame (1), which is provided as a double wall (1, 6) while forming a closed space (7), whereby at least the inner wall (6) can be elastically deformed, and the space (7) contains a preferably elastically deformable medium.

Abstract: An activity bra comprising a shield that is inserted into a harness having pockets that receive the shield. The harness has an adjustment device that allows the shield to be pulled against the breasts to compress the breasts of the wearer. A process for producing a suitable shield is described.

Abstract: An impact resistant woman's brassiere includes two fabric breast cups, each having pockets attached to a plurality of straps to secure the brassiere to a person's torso with a plurality of one or more removable shock absorbing removably insertable pads of high tensile strength polymer material having shape memory along with a plurality of disbursed air-filled bladders. The insert pads include a scattered plurality of vent holes, with fasteners attached to the fabric breast cups in order to anchor the pads within the pockets. Optionally, a pair of underwires are secured onto the lower portion of the breast cup. The material used for the pads is typically urethane. In addition, two or more pads may be inserted into each breast cup to enhance protection and simulate a greater bust size.

Abstract: A soft tissue expander comprises a dome having a layer of memory material which transitions from a first, shallower, malleable configuration to a second, deeper configuration in response to its being heated to its transition temperature which is set at human body surface temperature. The second, deeper configuration is first “set” in the memory of the memory material so that the dome returns to it upon being heated by the body temperature of the patient. The memory material may be any one of the shape memory alloys, or plastic materials. The interior of the dome is adhered to the skin of the soft tissue to be expanded, such as through sticky layer of gel or surface tension provided by a thin layer of fluid. In one embodiment, a bra has a pair of domes for covering a patient's breasts and which applies a tensile force thereon to thereby increase their size.

Abstract: A protective breast shield 1 is provided having an inner and outer layer 4, 2 for protecting from blows to the breast area. The outer layer 2 is made of impact resistant material and the inner layer 4 is made of a soft padding type material. There are also straps 3 attached to the inner layer 4 for attaching the breast shield to a body.

Abstract: A soft tissue expander comprises a frame comprised of inflatable members having in several embodiments a peripheral restrictor to force the frame to expand in only two dimensions. Various embodiments include frames arranged to be comprised of different polygonal shapes, frame members having internal mechanical restrictors, frames comprised of fusiform or cellular construction, and frames contained within two membranes that may also be filled with fluid.

Abstract: A protective breast covering assembly for protecting a breast from the surrounding environment after a surgical procedure or other event. The protective breast covering assembly includes a breast covering assembly, which includes a cup member that includes an opening and a lip extending outwardly from a periphery of the opening of the cup member. An adhesive is coupled to a first face of the lip whereby the lip is designed to be coupled to a portion of skin surrounding a breast such that the cup member covers the breast.

Abstract: A sports bra includes interchangeable breast protectors of varying degrees of protection. A breast protector for a sports bra with walls defining nipple recesses. A breast protector for a sports bra with a soft, flexible foam section and a hard plastic armor layer. A gap between inner and outer layers of the sports bra is sized to permit the insertion and removal of the breast protectors and retention of the breast protectors between the inner and outer layers.

Abstract: A sports brassiere provides impact protection with rigid cups of polyethylene, lined inside (and preferably outside) with closed-cell foam, such as neoprene. The foam reduces injury by absorbing impact energy. The inner layer is compressed over a large area and, therefore, absorbs more energy. The neoprene layers extend beyond the periphery of the rigid cups and are glued to the respective surfaces of the cups within the periphery of the cups and are glued to one another outside the periphery of the cups, using waterproof glue. Two layers of thin nylon are bonded to the neoprene layers. Since the laminate absorbs no water, it is easily dried after washing.

Abstract: A fabric laminate (10) comprises first and second stretch fabrics (11 and 12) having an intermediate adhesive securement layer (13) between them. The adhesive securement layer (13) is in the form of a regularly repeated pattern which comprises an array of aligned adhesive elements (14) arranged in successive generally horizontally and vertically extending rows. The array of adhesive elements (14) is capable of offering resistance to elongation as the laminate (10) is subjected to distortion, with the pattern having a differential elongation characterized as offering different magnitudes of resistance to elongation when the fabric laminate (10) is subjected to distortion in selected different directions.

Abstract: A ladies' undergarment with a molded upper part, in particular a brassiere has two side parts which include cups, are joined together in the front central area between the cups, have a back fastener at the back ends and are provided with shoudler straps. Each side part includes a blank which covers their entire surfaces and is of a textile material which is composed at least in part of thermoplastically fusible fibres. Reinforcement parts are bonded to the blank parts at least along their outer edges. The reinforcement parts are also of a textile material which is composed at least in part of thermoplastically fusible fibres. The side parts are joined together in the front central area by a thermally produced weld. The parts of the back fastener as well as the shoulder straps are indirectly or directly joined to the side parts by thermally produced welds.

Abstract: A breast support device including a soft, natural breast-shape cup portion for receiving a portion of the breast and a flat, peripheral flange portion which may be secured to the body of the wearer immediately beneath the breast by adhesive tape and renewer adhesive to permit the device to be worn repeatedly.

Abstract: A garment made of stretch molded material such as rubber or elastermeric resin, such as a swimsuit, with cutouts (front and/or rear) molded in contouring for figure enhancement and having ultra thin seams or no seams to present a more flattering and sensual appearance when used as an undergarment with form fitting casual wear designed to accentuate body parts.

Abstract: A breast augmentation device made from flexible rubber, having a breast-shaped front part and a hollow, rounded rear part for covering over the breast, wherein the rear part has a plurality of elongated grooves with vent holes and a plurality of elongated ribs, each elongated groove having at least one end perpendicularly connected to the periphery of the orifice of the hollow, rounded rear part, each elongated rib having a center portion and two opposite ends extended from the center portion and perpendicularly connected to the periphery of the orifice, the height of each elongated rib reducing gradually from the respective center portion toward the respective opposite ends.

Abstract: A fabric laminate is disclosed which is formed of stretch fabrics laminated together by an integrally formed adhesive web having differential stretch characteristics. One or both of the stretch fabrics may include elastomeric yarn. The adhesive web is placed within the laminate with its primary elongation direction being in a predetermined direction, in conjunction with the orientation of the primary elongation directions of the fabrics, such that the resultant elongation characteristics of the laminate is combinedly determined by the fabrics and the web as well as the predetermined orientation of their primary elongation directions. The laminate may be used for forming the control panel of women's undergarments, such as the stomach, thigh or rear control support of a panty, or the undercup or side support of a brassiere. The adhesive web which unites the two fabrics forming the laminate is a open net-like film of heat sensitive adhesive which may be formed of a polyamide material.

Abstract: Orthopedic splint materials made with thermoplastic polyester, particularly poly (epsilon-caprolactone) with a molecular weight of over 5,000 and melting between 50.degree. C. and 100.degree. C. have improved properties when subjected to gamma radiation in the range from 0.5 to 30 megarads.

Abstract: A brassiere cup molding method using moldable and non-moldable fabric blanks in which a mold with a cup shape is used to project into a cup shape a fabric blank that is stretchable but absent of plastic moldable content, i.e. non-moldable, while it is in spanning relation across an opening of a fabric blank having a plastic content, i.e. moldable, wherein the moldable blank assumes a molded frusto conical shape about the opening therein which holds the stretch fabric, although not molded, in the cup shape that was imparted to it by the mold by not allowing the stretch fabric to return to its pre-stretched flat condition.

Abstract: A breast enhancement brassiere is disclosed wherein each of the breast cups is constructed having an inner pocket which receives a padding material and an outer pocket which receives a removable elastomeric member. A support wire extends along the lower curved edge of each cup. The upper edge of each cup defines a relatively unconstrained open zone. The configuration is such that the brassiere, when worn, exerts forces on the wearer's breats lifting the breasts both upwardly and inwardly toward each other in the direction of the open zone for breast enhancement.

Abstract: An aerola/nipple surgical wound protector including a sterile pad having an upper surface, a lower non-stick surface and a centrally-located pad opening through it and engaging the upper and lower surfaces. A transparent cone-shaped nipple protector member having an outwardly-disposed flange at its base portion is secured via the flange to the upper pad surface over the pad opening. The nipple protector member has an opening in its base portion, a dome with air holes therethrough at its opposite end, and an interior configured to receive the patient's nipple up through the opening and into the protector member. Four spaced adhesive tape strips extend radially out from the pad for securing the pad and protector member over the patient's nipple.

Abstract: Maternity pads for absorbing excess mother milk spilled out are manufactured in a single assembly line, in which rolls of absorbent materials drawn out forward and stacked one upon another are die-cut into disks, which are then sent forward and placed onto a web of waterproof paper traveling ahead, while being covered by a web of covering material traveling in the same direction. The outside of the disks of absorbent materials are sealed and die-cut to obtain disks with the absorbent materials wrapped up in the waterproof paper and covering material. The disks are then transported to a shaping unit where they are formed into bowl-shaped pads by means of pairs of male and female molds. The finished maternity pads are removed from the line by a discharge means.