Abstract: A user selectable interchangeable bra system enables user to customize the selection, style, construction, and usage of a bra both through component purchase and interchangeable fit. An infinite number of different size, color and fits are possible, as well as underwire interchangeableness. The center connector can be selected to provide for user selectable cup separation. Buckle type shoulder strap fittings can be provided with a tiny loop to support body jewelry, and because the shoulder straps are reversible, the body jewelry can be worn on the front or back upper chest, especially where the jewelry can appear to come from underneath the dress to give an appearance of a much more extensive jewelry extent.

Abstract: A soft, protective breast support worn by pregnant, postpartum and nursing mothers when showering to support engorged breasts, function as a warm compress to soothe breasts and ease engorgement, and to shield the breasts, nipples and areolas from direct contact with harsh shower sprays, drying soap and other chemical residues found in toiletries that can damage sensitive nipple and areola skin, while leaving the wearer's hands free. The breast support is a two-sided, rectangular fabric panel made of soft, lightweight, elastic and absorbent material. The wearer snuggly wraps the fabric panel lengthwise around her bustline and back, so that the width of the panel covers the breasts, and attaches the opposing ends of the panel along the front mid-line of her chest using a hook and loop closure mechanism.

Abstract: A garment is provided that has a support region and a foam pad at the region. The foam pads has at least one auxetic foam layer. A garment is also provided that includes at least one auxetic foam layer.

Abstract: A breast restraint apparatus encircling an upper torso during vigorous activities such as jogging is made up of a flexible, stretchable and compressible elongated panel having a porous neoprene inner layer bonded to a synthetic fiber layer on one or both sides thereby forming a multi-layer integral assembly. A hook type fastener material layer is joined to the panel at one end and a loop type fastener material layer is bonded to the opposing end of the panel. The two ends of the panel are formed as semicircles and may be joined for encircling the torso of an exerciser.

Abstract: A brassiere is made by attaching prefabricated wings provided with back closures to front parts of the brassiere. The wings are laminated with at least two layers of fabric and may have cushion layers between the fabric layers, without stitched seams.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a strap portion, a first cup, and a second cup. The first cup may be connected to the strap portion and may be selected from a number of available sizes. The second cup may be connected to the strap portion and selected from a number of available sizes. The first cup and the second cup are different sizes.

Abstract: A device that can be worn under clothing preferably near the nape of the neck to hold the rear shoulder straps of a bra together a determined distance after the wearer establishes a desired degree of cleavage by first lifting upward on the front bra straps. The device can be rubber, plastic, cloth or other flexible material and can be adjustable to different sizes. The device can include two opposing clips that engage the bra straps holding them together to maintain the desired degree of cleavage. The device can be supplied in one or two pieces and be adjustable.

Abstract: A garment having an integral backless, strapless bra, and a method of using the garment. The garment includes a chest portion facing towards a user's breasts and a pair of bra cups adjoined to an inside surface of the chest portion. Each bra cup includes an interior surface facing towards a user's breast and an exterior surface facing opposite the interior surface, wherein the interior surface includes a pressure sensitive adhesive layer for adjoining the bra cups to the user's breast. The garment also includes a connector adapted to draw the bra cups together, wherein the connector is positioned between the bra cups. A method of using the garment provides for customizable positioning of the bra cups and optional degrees of breast cleavage and push-up enhancement.

Abstract: An improved construction for a brassiere, wherein the brassiere is equipped with both back and front fasteners, and a multi-layered lining inside the cups to provide structure and support. The back and front fasteners enable the wearer to put the brassiere on with ease. The multi-layered lining, which absorbs body heat to mold to the shape of the breast accommodates the slight differences in size and shape in the breasts.

Abstract: A bra and a system have bays and a truss for supporting breasts of a user wearing the bra. The bra has a first bay and/or a second bay for receiving the breasts of the user wearing the bra. The bra has a first cup, a second cup and/or the truss for supporting and/or for enclosing the breasts of the user. The truss connects a rear end of the first portion to a rear end of the second portion. Liners are connected to an interior surface of the first portion and/or an interior surface of the second portion. The liners and the interior surface of the first portion and/or the interior surface of the second portion define the first bay and/or the second bay of the bra. The liners are made from a material which prevents irritation and/or rashing of the breasts of the user. The truss reduces stress of, strain of and/or pain in shoulders, a neck and/or a back of the user from the weight of the breasts of the user. The bays, the truss and/or the cups of the bra minimize unwanted movements of the breast of the user.

Abstract: A brassiere incorporating at least one gel pack positioned to provide thermal therapy to a breast. Located within the breast cup construction are one or more cells of thermal gel packs designed to dispense thermal therapy to the breast, preferably cold therapy. The gel sac or sacs form an integral part of the garment sandwiched between layers of material forming the interior and exterior of the garment. The respective breast cup gel sac can be formed to partially or fully encompass the breast or segmented into a plurality of segregated sacs having padding positioned therebetween forming gel sac support. The garment closure means is easily moved between a worn engaged state and disengaged state for removal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable bra having first and second bra cups; one or more adjustable back bands connected to the respective bra cups; first and second detachable shoulder straps connected at one end to the respective bra cups and connected at the other end to the adjustable back band or bands; a removable or non-removable underwire in each bra cup that is shorter in length than standard underwire; and a plurality of shoulder strap fastener receiving elements incorporated along an entire length of the back band or bands, wherein the shoulder strap fastener receiving elements are adapted to receive and attach the first and second shoulder straps anywhere along the entire length of the back band or bands, including to both single and double layer back bands to enable a wearer to adjust the fit and comfort of the bra to a wearer's breast size and dimension.

Abstract: An adhesive strapless brassiere used for giving lift to a user's breast has two adhesive breast covers, a connector and a backing layer. Each adhesive breast cover is formed from a thin, pliable sheet and has a main, oblong first portion for covering a breast, and a vertical wing extending upwardly from the outside top edge. The adhesive breast covers are directly attached to a user's body by the adhesive. The connector is mounted between the two adhesive breast covers, and the backing layer is used to attach the adhesive breast covers before use. The adhesive strapless brassiere has a small volume and breathes, so a user will feel comfortable when wearing the brassiere. Furthermore, the adhesive strapless brassiere may be discarded after use.

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 bra includes a first portion having a cup of a first size and a back panel attached to the cup of the first size and a second portion that is separable from the first portion, the second portion having a cup of a second size and a back panel attached to the cup of the second size. The second portion is connectable with the first portion by the connection of the cup of the first size with the cup of the second size and by the connection of the two back panels. In another aspect, a cup for a bra has an inner layer and an outer layer connected to the inner layer to define a pocket therebetween in which a pad can be received, the outer layer being fabricated from an elastic material.

Abstract: A brassiere fastener system having a cushion structure is provided. Preferably, the cushion structure is a pouch with at least one cushion insert therein.

Abstract: A breast support apparatus for use in supporting and positioning surgically augmented breasts and methods of use have been developed. The breast support apparatus is worn around the circumference of the torso under augmented breasts of a user to give support to and properly position the augmented breasts in such a way so as to make the augmented breasts appear more natural, while maintaining the appearance that no bra support is being worn.

Abstract: A foundation garment enhances cleavage by positioning and supporting the breasts in a more inward position. The foundation garment permits a woman to selectively adjust and control the amount of inward movement of the breasts as desired.

Abstract: An improved backless, strapless bra comprising a pair of bra cups having an interior surface facing towards a user's skin that comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed thereon for adjoining the bra cups to the user's skin. The bra cups are permanently or removably adjoined by a connector that is positioned between inner side portions of the bra cups. The connector can have a variety of configurations that enable the user to attach the bra cups. The connector allows the user to create a desired amount of breast cleavage and breast push-up enhancement. The bra can also be used with a pull-up device that attaches to the top portion of the bra cups and allows the user to lift the bra cups and the user's breasts to provide additional breast push-up enhancement.

Abstract: A brassiere for use by women having asymmetrical breasts which are not comfortably or properly received in and/or supported by the symmetrical breast cups as provided in the usual brassiere. The brassiere comprises a garment having a unitary body section which encircles the midriff of a woman with asymmetrical breasts, a closure for adjusting the body section of the brassiere to fit the midriff of the woman, and a pair of asymmetrical breast cups carried by the body section, the body section positioning the cups to comfortably and properly receive and support the woman's asymmetrical breasts. The brassiere may be turned inside-out to reverse orientation of the cups.

Abstract: A prosthetic brassiere with first and second brassiere cups for retaining a prosthetic breast relative to the first cup, the second cup, or both cups. At least one back strap can traverse from outboard sides of the brassiere cups to form a body-encircling portion by use of a front-closure or rear-closure fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement can have first and second jaw panels, a tongue panel, and hook and loop material for selectively retaining the first and second jaw panels relative to the tongue panel. The brassiere can have removable shoulder straps enabling conversion between strapped and strapless configurations. The shoulder straps can be coupled to the brassiere cups by retaining flaps that can be tucked into open inner volumes in the brassiere cups when the brassiere is in a strapless configuration. A privacy panel can be fixedly or removably retained relative to the brassiere cups traversing between upper portions thereof.

Abstract: An interface jig for removably securing a portable auger to a vehicle includes a carriage guide assembly, a sliding carriage assembly and a receiver assembly. The carriage guide assembly includes a vertical support having an upper portion and a bottom portion. A hitch adapter is affixed to the bottom portion to secure the carriage guide assembly to a vehicle hitch. The sliding carriage assembly includes a horizontal member having a first end opposite a second end. The first end is affixed to a vertical member that slides along the vertical support between the upper portion and the lower portion of the carriage guide. The receiver assembly is attached to the second end of the sliding carriage assembly.

Abstract: A bra with closure element, comprising two cups that are connected to back portions of the bra and a front or rear bra closure element, the closure element having a closure of the magnetic type.

Abstract: A front closure for a brassiere which is invisible in the connected state of the front flaps of the brassiere has two closure halves each with a semielliptical plate and one with an annular formation and the other with a lug snap fitted into the annular formation. Outwardly of the annular formation and the lug, the plates form sewing flanges which can be stitched through to attach fastener halves to the brassiere halves, e.g. with a zigzag stitching.

Abstract: An improved backless, strapless bra comprising a pair of bra cups having an interior surface facing towards a user's skin that comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed thereon for adjoining the bra cups to the user's skin. The bra cups are permanently or removably adjoined by a connector that is positioned between inner side portions of the bra cups. The connector can have a variety of configurations that enable the user to attach the bra cups. The connector allows the user to create a desired amount of breast cleavage and breast push-up enhancement. The bra can also be used with a pull-up device that attaches to the top portion of the bra cups and allows the user to lift the bra cups and the user's breasts to provide additional breast push-up enhancement.

Abstract: An attachable breast form enhancement system comprising a pair of breast forms adjoined by a connector. The breast forms have an interior surface with a pressure sensitive adhesive layer that adjoins to the user's breasts. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer can be a permanently grown pressure sensitive adhesive that has an adhesion force to the breast forms that is greater than a cohesion force to the user's breasts. The connector adjoins the separated breast forms by attaching to the inner sides of the breast forms and pulling the user's breasts together. The connector can be either permanently or removably attached to the breast forms. Several different configurations of breast forms and connectors are available to achieve the benefits of the present breast form system. The improved breast form system allows a user to eliminate use of traditional bras by simply adhering the pair of breast forms to the user's breasts/skin, and then adjoining the breast forms with the connector.

Abstract: An improvement for a typical brassiere, halter or bra garment comprises a pair of wide, unidirectional elastic, plush pile, fabric breast bands each affixed to a lateral side section of the garment on opposite sides of the person's thoracic torso. Hook fastener material is secured transversely across to the exterior surface at the distal of one breast band, and transversely across to the interior surface at the distal end of the other breast band for allowing a wearer, alternatively, (i) to secure the breast bands together in an overlapping fashion across her front torso over the upper (pole) portion of her breasts for restraining upward movement of breast mass and any associated implants, or (ii) to secure the breast bands together in an overlapping fashion across her back torso when such upward restraint is not desired.

Abstract: A strapless, backless bra is provided, including two cups and a connector. The connector has a female part affixed to one cup and a male part affixed to the second cup. Each cup has an upper rim, a first and second end, and a lower peripheral area extending below the upper rim from the first end to the second end. The female and male parts of the connector are located at the first end of the first and second cups, respectively, such that when connected, the bra cups may swivel relative to the connector to conform to the shape of the user. The bra cups further include inside and outside surfaces. Dermal adhesive tape may be disposed on the inside surface of each cup, in the peripheral area thereof, for attachment of the cups to the user.

Abstract: A brassiere designed to accommodate women who have breasts of different sizes. The brassiere comprises a left half including a left cup adapted to receive a user's breast, a front left closure, and a rear left closure. The brassiere further includes a right half including a right cup adapted to receive a user's breast, a front right closure, and a rear right closure. The left cup has a different size than the right cup, the front left closure is detachably connected to the front right closure, and the rear left closure is detachably connected to the rear right closure. In this manner, the brassiere is dimensioned to properly fit a user having breasts of different sizes.

Abstract: The bra with hot/cold inserts is a therapeutic device in the form of a vest-like elastic garment adapted to be worn on the human upper torso. The device includes front panels having pockets therein for retaining gel packs. The device is effective in providing warm or cold therapy to the chest and rib areas. The garment can be used by humans of both genders.

Abstract: The breast shield is concave in shape, preferably molded of a soft flexible material with a central opaque portion and edges which can easily expand and contract to facilitate conforming the shield to the breast of the wearer. The central portion of the shield is opaque and relatively thicker than the outer periphery of the shield . It covers the nipple and the aureola of the breast to prevent it from being seen through the sheer material of brassieres and outer clothing. Preferably, the shield has generally radially-extending gaps in the outer periphery so as to make the shield conform easily to the shape of the wearer, and to be less visible and more comfortable to the wearer. A centrally located pad is provided, in one embodiment, to enhance the comfort of the wearer. A pair of the shields are fitting into a bra and worn by a person for modesty purposes. A kit is provided which includes a plurality of shields and replacement pads and/or adhesive to use the shields without a bra.

Abstract: A tape-like connecting device adapted to firmly connect a plurality of parts of a textile product in a detachable manner, and a women's clothing product with cups using the same are provided. Both left and right cup portions are connected to each other by the tape-like connecting device. The tape-like connecting device has tape members and a connector, while the base portions of the connector are formed with depressions. The front end portions of the tape members are sewn to the center front cloths and the front end portions of the under tape by way of the depression to each other. Further, the base end portions of the tape members are sewn to cup wire portions, whereby the tape-like connecting device fulfills a main role of connecting both cup portions to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing animal carcasses are described. The method for processing the animal carcass includes electrically stimulating a target region of the animal carcass. By focusing or concentrating electrical stimulation on the middle muscle portion of an animal carcass, the middle muscle portion of the animal carcass can be tenderized without substantially interfering with the cooling rate of the muscles provided in the anterior and posterior portions. The apparatus includes an electrical stimulation frame that includes a plurality of electrical stimulation probes, an upper ground, and a lower ground, which are constructed and arranged for focusing or concentrating electrical stimulation on the middle muscles of an animal carcass.

Abstract: A brassiere pad includes a pad body having a preset shape and many air holes communicating with an upper and a lower surface, and a piece of surface cloth adhered to the upper and the lower surface, permitting a brassiere with the pad having a very airy condition to wear comfortably.

Abstract: An improved pad for brassieres includes a pad that is formed from foamed resin and that is provided with a plurality of slit members.

Abstract: A reversible press button closure for shoulder straps of brassieres or back band connectors has soft attachment pieces secured to the garment and connected by pins and lugs with male and female ring members which are molded from a harder plastic and define the press button assembly. The male and female members match in appearance when they are interconnected so that the connector has the same appearance from both sides.

Abstract: A reversible press button closure for shoulder straps of brassieres or back band connectors has hard attachment pieces secured to the garment and connected by pins and lugs with male and female ring members which are molded from a softer plastic and define the press button assembly. The male and female members match in appearance when they are interconnected so that the connector has the same appearance from both sides.

Abstract: A two-step garment closure, especially for front closing brassieres, has a spherically shaped front portion which is depressible to allow the closure to extend from its contracted position into an extended position. When a button-shaped formation on the rear of the slider is actuated from the back of the closure, the slide can separate from the body of the closure. Alternatively the actuator can be pivoted so that the entire operation can be effected from the front. The closure can thus extend from its contracted into an extended position when the actuator is pivotally swung in one sense and the slide can be fully withdrawn from the body when the actuator is depressed in the opposite sense by the wearer also from the front.

Abstract: A hands free pumping and nursing brassiere that operates similar to a regular nursing bra, yet differs in that it has a detachable hands free pumping panel positioned behind the nursing cup. To nurse, a woman detaches the nursing cup with the pumping panel attached thereto. To perform hand free pumping, the nursing cup is detached from the pumping panel, a breast shield is inserted from the back of the pumping panel through an opening in the pumping panel, so that it can be attached to the pump. The pumping panel is then reattached to the brassiere allowing the woman to pump her breast milk in a hands free manner.

Abstract: A brassiere is dislosed including a pair of shoulder straps. A pair of cup members is located generally below the shoulder straps, each of the cups including an inner contact layer covering the breast of a wearer and a unitary outer compression layer slidably disposed in covering relation to the inner contact layer. The outer compression layer is substantially coextensive with the inner contact layer. An adjustment assembly is disposed between each outer compression layer and its corresponding shoulder strap. A securing assembly is adapted and constructed to adjustably secure the outer compression layer to the shoulder strap. Attachment of the outer compression layers to the shoulder straps lifts and compresses the breasts of the wearer to reduce the potential for inertial movement of the breasts. A method of reducing inertial movement a brassiere wearer's breasts is also disclosed.

Abstract: A concealed front closure brassiere in which the closure has two closure members one of which is formed with the tongue while the other is formed with an eye in which the tongue is engaged with a snap fit. The closure members having sewing flanges which are coplanar and through which the flaps are stitched to the closure member so that their edges abut in the closed state of the closure. When the tongue is locked into the eye, inner surfaces of the eye and the tongue are flush with one another on the common plane of the brassiere.

Abstract: A nursing bra having a support body with a front panel comprised of two cups with a pocket in each cup for holding moisture absorbing panels, and a rear panel comprised of two cups with openings in each cup for nursing a baby. The front and rear panel coexist, forming a supportive and comfortable bra. The front panel is removably connected to the rear panel which allows for a portion of the front panel to be lowered away from the rear panel and accessing the openings which surround a woman's nipple for nursing. The pockets in the front panel hold replaceable, moisture absorbing panels that provide a moisture barrier between the woman's body and any other garment the woman may be wearing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wrap sports bra for supporting breast tissue and back muscles, the bra comprises first and second front panel sections joined to a common back portion, each front panel section being configured to define a seamless cup to support a breast, an elasticized bottom edge located along the bottom of the front panel sections and the back portion and a fastening means allowing for wrap around fastening of each front panel section to the opposite front and side of the front panel section.

Abstract: A nighttime nursing tube bra comprising a front central portion having a first constant width and first and second side portions coupled to the left and right of the front central portion. The top and bottom portions of the front central portion and the first and second side portions have coupled therealong elastomeric band members which resiliently collapse around the wearer's body immediately above and below the breasts of the wearer. The free ends of first and second side portions, preferably, are securable via VELCRO.RTM. to form an tube bra around the chest of a nursing mother. The front central portion includes first and second releasable panels which permits easy access to the wearer's breast. In the preferred embodiment, the tube bra is made of a absorbent material such as terry cloth.

Abstract: Women's clothing has a slidable adjuster A provided between left and right breast cup portions (1, 1'). The adjuster A comprises an outer casing (10) and sliding portions (20). The wearer can change the positions of engagement between first engaging portions (12) provided in the outer casing (10) and second engaging portions (20) provided in the sliding portions (20) by operating the sliding portions (20), so that the distance between the breast cup portions (1, 1') can be adjusted to a desired level either when the clothing is being put on or after the clothing is put on.

Abstract: A breast-supporting band is described to facilitate participation of women in sports with an elastic top edge, an elastic bottom edge, and an elastic middle band wider than the top and bottom edges having two side edges, in which the middle band stretches less than the top and bottom edges. The side edges of the middle band are fastened in front of a woman's chest.

Abstract: A sleeping brassiere is provided having a pair of shoulder supports, the shoulder supports extending to a back support, the back support extending from the back toward the front of the wearer and having a portion encircling the wearer and a pair of cup-shaped breast supports. Each of the breast supports has a generally crescent-shaped portion curving generally around the outside and top of the wearer's breast. The crescent-shaped portion has an upper end adjoining the shoulder supports and a lower end adjoining the portion of said back support encircling the wearer at a position generally between and below the breasts of the wearer when the brassiere is worn.

Abstract: The present invention provides an active-wear garment which comfortably provides support to the chest and back areas of the physically-active wearer, while wicking away moisture from the skin of the wearer. The active-wear garment of the present invention provides support such that the breasts of the wearer are comfortably supported and effectively immobilized when worn during physical activity of the wearer.

Abstract: A garment for use by a patient after surgery for breast removal which alleviates post-operative pain and discomfort and facilitates normal activities during the recovery period. A padded vest-like garment is adapted for applying comforting pressure to the sites of removal of breast and other tissues and for holding pain relieving packages. A detachable arm support provides further comfort in a similar manner.