Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to adaptive support garments including adaptive support structures, lacing systems, and an adaptive engine are discussed. In an example, an adaptive support garment includes a support structure, a plurality of lace guides, a lace cable, and an adaptive engine. The support structure is configured to wrap around a portion of anatomy of a wearer and apply a compression on the portion of anatomy. The plurality of lace guides are disposed on the support structure. The lace cable extends through the lace guides to form a lacing pattern over a lacing region of the support structure. The adaptive engine is coupled to the support structure and engages with the lace cable. The adaptive engine is also configured to increase or decrease tension on the lace cable to increase or decrease compression of the support structure on the portion of anatomy, respectively.

Abstract: A bodice system includes a combination of stretch and non-stretch fabrics and/or textiles that are shaped, arranged, layered, and connected from front to back, to provide lift, shape, and support to a wearer's breasts in a comfortable garment. The bodice system includes an under-bust cradle, an elastic support band around the wearer's torso, three-piece left and right breast cups, a curved sling within each of the breast cups, left and right shoulder straps, and a flexible back aligning member integrally formed with each of the shoulder straps. The elastic support band is coupled to the under-bust cradle along the anterior portion of the bodice system, and to the back aligning member along the posterior portion of the bodice system. The interconnectedness of the components of the bodice system enable front-to-back lift, shape, and support for the wearer's breasts, even breasts that are D-cup and larger in size or volume.

Abstract: A clothing article having a cup part includes a main body cloth front part 11, a main body cloth rear part 12, and a main body cloth shoulder strap 14 that are formed only of an elastic material. The main body cloth shoulder strap 14 is continuously formed with the main body cloth front part 11 and the main body cloth rear part 12. The main body cloth shoulder strap 14 is larger in width and less prone to stretch at a main body cloth shoulder strap top portion 14a than at a main body cloth front part joint portion 15 and at a main body cloth rear part joint portion 16. The main body cloth front part 11 is less prone to stretch at its bust part, and the main body cloth rear part 12 is less prone to stretch at its center zone. The main body cloth rear part joint portion 16 is placed more inward than the main body cloth shoulder strap top portion 14a and the main body cloth front part joint portion 15.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adjustable breast support garment that can adjust the size and the amount of breast support to preferred fit and sensation (more supported or less) from a single point using a single tensioning system that is easy reachable by the wearer. The adjustable breast support garment of the invention is configured to adjust the tension over the shoulders, around the chest, and in some implementations around the under-arm openings and neckline from a single point using a system of channels integrated into the garment. Elastic straps, webbings, shock cords or any combination thereof can be inserted and run through the system of channels in order to provide a tension change when pulled from a single point.

Abstract: Described herein is a breast support garment and methods of use thereof. The garment can be used by a wearer with a small band size and a fuller bust and may be worn during leisure or sleep. The garment contains a sleep stay attached to an inside surface of the front section of the garment (e.g., within each cup) that can be stretched to enwrap the inner curve of a wearer's breast, thereby providing stabilization, physical separation, and/or vertical and/or horizontal support for the wearer's breast (e.g., to counter the pull of gravity on the breasts when a wearer is reclining or sleeping, e.g., side-sleeping, and/or to reduce the movement of the breasts when a wearer is changing positions or carrying out daily activities (e.g., walking)).

Abstract: An article may include a base layer, which may be knitted, along with a first strand embroidered with the base layer at a first embroidered area. The first strand may include an elasticity that is less than an elasticity of the base layer, and the first strand may include a plurality of first lengths that extend in a first direction such that the first embroidered area of the article includes a first elasticity along the first direction. The first embroidered area of the article may include a second elasticity in a second direction, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and where the second elasticity is greater than the first elasticity.

Abstract: A woman's undergarment with cup sections includes a pair of left and right brassiere cups, cup cover pieces, straps, back pieces, a support panel, and lift-up pieces. A lower edge of each of the brassiere cups is sewn to a lower edge of the lift-up piece. A side edge and an upper edge of the brassiere cup are detached from the cup cover piece. The lift-up piece is disposed between the brassiere cup and the cup cover piece. The brassiere cup has an opening in a corner region including an upper end of the brassiere cup. An insertion portion of the lift-up piece is disposed to pass through the opening.

Abstract: A backless bra in a halter form comprises a pair of breast engaging cup panels formed of a circular, flattened elastic, preferably nylon knit material. The L-shaped cup panels can be secured to a waistband and can also be provided with rearwardly and side engaging side panel pieces. When the breasts are placed within the cup panels, the weight of the same causes the knit nylon to become rigid and support the breasts from below in a sling like manner. In the halter embodiment of the invention, a view from the rear, has only the back of the neck engaging segments of the straps and the rear of the waist band visible. Preferably, the primary component of the bra is elastic, tubular knit nylon, formed from conventional circular nylon knitting machines.

Abstract: A dual function, convertible bra garment includes a construction facilitating user-controllable conversion between a nursing bra configuration, readily usable during a conventional infant or young toddler nursing process, and a breast engorgement-inhibiting configuration. During use as a nursing bra, the garment is maintained in a first configuration, or state, providing direct access by a nursing child to a mother's nipple. Following a relatively simple highly-controllable conversion procedure, the nursing configuration is efficiently and effectively converted, generally based upon a combined elastic band strap-based system, for applying a user-selected uniform breast pressure, coupled with a user—controlled cooling component, and absorbing component, for indirectly communicating cooling to the wearer's breasts or discharge absorption pad, thereby effecting complete conversion of the bra from a nursing configuration to a breast milk engorgement inhibiting configuration.

Abstract: A backless bra in a halter form comprises a pair of breast engaging cup panels formed of a circular, flattened elastic, preferably nylon knit material. The L-shaped cup panels can be secured to a waistband and can also be provided with rearwardly and side engaging side panel pieces. When the breasts are placed within the cup panels, the weight of the same causes the knit nylon to become rigid and support the breasts from below in a sling like manner. In the halter embodiment of the invention, a view from the rear, has only the back of the neck engaging segments of the straps and the rear of the waist band visible. Preferably, the primary component of the bra is elastic, tubular knit nylon, formed from conventional circular nylon knitting machines.

Abstract: Breast-supportive garments comprise a left cup structure, a right cup structure, a first supportive panel, and a second supportive panel. The right cup structure is operatively coupled to the left cup structure. The first supportive panel extends from left of the left cup structure to right of the right cup structure, extending at least partially below the left cup structure and at least partially below the right cup structure. The second supportive panel extends from right of the right cup structure to left of the left cup structure, extending at least partially below the right cup structure and at least partially below the left cup structure. One of the first supportive panel and the second supportive panel extends substantially in front of the other of the first supportive panel and the second supportive panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modulating chest support structure for dispersing and supporting a shifting load wherein said support structure includes a lateral torso restraint band having a pair of ends each presenting a breast interface pair each of which is spaced by a pivotal support member and a hyperbolic multi-support shoulder structure associated with each breast interface pair and including at least one interior support member, one central support member and one outer support member, each of which is spaced from said central support member along a lateral axis.

Abstract: A support device for providing external support for a patient's chest and breast after the patient has undergone a surgical procedure in the thoracic region. The support device includes a chest band and first and second elongate under-bust/shoulder bands. Each of the under-bust/shoulder bands includes an under-bust portion and a shoulder strap portion. The support device includes first and second connectors attached to the shoulder strap portions of the second and first elongate bands, respectively. A lower portion of a first breast encapsulating unit is attached to the under-bust portion of the first under-bust/shoulder band and an upper portion is attached to the first connector. A lower portion of a second breast encapsulating unit is attached to the under-bust portion of the second under-bust/shoulder band and an upper portion is attached to the second connector.

Abstract: A bra structure is provided which substantially balances the tensions in the straps to relieve discomfort for the wearer.

Abstract: A breast-supportive and breast-positioning brassiere designed to be used postoperatively by patients including obese patients and fuller-sized women who have undergone cardiothoracic surgery that requires a mid-sternal incision (sternotomy). The brassiere is also for other interventions in the thoracic region, when a comfortable and efficient individual positioning and support of the breast(s) would be desirable; an example being to prevent symmastia after breast augmentation surgery. The brassiere prevents gravitation of the breast tissue to the lateral sides, keeps the breast tissue away from the mid center, and supports the weight of the breasts. The brassiere is designed to promote less pain, less wound complications, esthetically improved wound healing, less heat generation, improved wound inspection and access for wound care, while maintaining support and dignity.

Abstract: A garment configured to be worn by a wearer having two breasts may include a set of two support structures and a housing. The support structures may be positioned within the housing such that each support structure corresponds to a position between a center and a bottom of one of the wearer's breasts when the garment is worn by the wearer. Each support structure may be configured to reposition a portion of a volume of the wearer's respective breast and support a portion of a weight of the wearer's respective breast when worn by the wearer. Optionally, the garment may include a set of flexible structures positioned within the housing such that each flexible structure is coincident with one of the support structures of the set of two support structures. The housing may wrap around the wearer's chest, thereby enabling the wearer to wear the garment.

Abstract: A cup-possessing garment 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a pair of cup sections 12 for covering respective breasts and a pair of gathering sections 20 provided so as to cover at least a part of a front face of each cup section 12 in order to gather the pair of cup sections toward the front center, and each of the pair of gathering sections 20 is composed of a first portion 22 attached to a side portion of the cup section 12, and a second portion 24 formed with higher elasticity than the first portion 22 and formed in such a manner that ends of the second portions on the front center side join together in order to connect the first portions 22 to each other on the front center side.

Abstract: An improvement for an adjustable breast positioning system for a breast received within a breast cup of a woman's garment, and related methods.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a strapless bra for suspending the breasts. The strapless bra comprises a pair of inner cups for supporting each breast at the bottom, a pair of outer cups for supporting the pair of inner cups, two straps for lifting and suspending the breasts, a hinge for holding the straps up and suspending the breasts, a weight transfer device for redirecting a downward pressure to a horizontal pressure and a hinge connected to the weight transfer device for keeping the breasts suspended up and a band for wrapping the strapless bra around the women body. A fastening system is adopted in the band for attaching both the ends of the band securely. The straps are pulled out from the pair of inner cups and pulled down for lifting the pair of inner cups and suspending the breasts.

Abstract: A bra with an adjustable and distributed support mechanism is disclosed. One aspect of certain embodiments includes support lifters that are adjustable using a tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a garment with cup sections, which prevents the occurrence of slippage due to an action of a wearer or the like and thus can maintain the wearer's bust silhouette fine without any effort of correcting the slippage when it is worn. The garment with cup sections according to the present invention includes: a pair of cup sections (101) and a back cloth(s) (103). The back cloth (103) is arranged on the lateral sides of the cup sections (101). Each of the cup sections (101) includes a stretchable member(s) (101a) and a linear or strip-shaped interlining member(s) (105). At least one end of the interlining member (105) is on a verge's line-corresponding portion in the cup section (101), and the stretchable member (101a) is arranged in a region between the interlining member (105) and the lower edge of the cup section (101).

Abstract: A brassiere garment and associated method for dressing is provided contemplating a strap that is operably trained around a user's back and sides, a cup attached at each end of the strap, and an adjustable attachment feature connecting the cups together.

Abstract: A breast-supportive and breast-positioning brassiere designed to be used postoperatively by patients including obese patients and fuller-sized women who have undergone cardiothoracic surgery that requires a mid-sternal incision (sternotomy). The brassiere is also for other interventions in the thoracic region, when a comfortable and efficient individual positioning and support of the breast(s) would be desirable; an example being to prevent symmastia after breast augmentation surgery. The brassiere prevents gravitation of the breast tissue to the lateral sides, keeps the breast tissue away from the mid center, and supports the weight of the breasts. The brassiere is designed to promote less pain, less wound complications, esthetically improved wound healing, less heat generation, improved wound inspection and access for wound care, while maintaining support and dignity.

Abstract: An adjustable support brassiere comprises traditional bra elements—a bra band with closure; breast cups; and respective shoulder straps. Adjustability may comprise inner support cups having opposite ends being selectively attached on each breast cup, and a respective support strap being secured to each inner support cup, with a distal end of the support strap secured to an adjustment clip, which may releasably secure a portion of the shoulder strap. Adjustably securing different portions of the shoulder strap causes lifting and reconfiguring of the inner support cup to produce a desired amount of substantially vertical lifting to the woman's breast(s) in one embodiment, which is generally healthier for breast tissue than the typical inward displacement. Adjustments may be made by a woman throughout the day to alter her appearance as desired. Alternative embodiments permit lifting as well as inward/outward displacement, and may therefore serve as a minimizer.

Abstract: A bra structure is provided which substantially balances the tensions in the straps to relieve discomfort for the wearer.

Abstract: An adjustable breast positioning system for a breast received within a breast cup of a woman's garment comprising a platform situated within a lower region of the breast cup; a shaping member at least partially overlaying the platform wherein the platform and shaping member are open to the top portion of the breast cup; and a connector having one end coupled to the platform and another end connected to an anchor moveably mounted to the garment for adjusting the platform for reducing the available volume for the breast within the breast cup and for concomitantly pushing the shaping member upward and inward for displacing the breast upward, forward, and inward toward the center of the wearer's chest while simultaneously increasing the volume of the breast outside the top portion of the breast cup for providing an improved visual presentation of the breast.

Abstract: A breast support system for a recumbent female human includes medial and lateral support padding for each breast.

Abstract: Clothing having cups in which a front center supporting part is provided at a portion where front sides of left and right cups covering left and right breasts respectively which are disposed nearer to a front center in a left-to-right direction than top portions of the left and right cups are continuous with each other, with a front central position interposed between the front sides of the left and right cups. Upper and lower portions of the front center supporting part are spread in a left-to-right direction with the upper and lower portions thereof extended to upper and lower sides of the left and right cups respectively surrounding each of the top portions to such an extent that the upper portion is located at a position where the upper portion and a strap are continuous with each other.

Abstract: A seamless athletic bra includes different regions with different levels of support. The bra is formed from layers of material adhered together. Altering the types of materials comprising the layers in a region changes the level of support in that region as compared with other regions of the bra. A first region having the lowest level of support is found in a back panel and in the molded cups. A second region having a medium level of support is found in the front portion of the strap. A third region having a high level of support is found in a framework that follows the contours of the molded cups and in a back portion of the strap.

Abstract: A breast garment for stabilizing breast implants includes a body surrounding the wearer's mid to upper torso, left and right built-in implant stabilizers positioned at the front of the body for applying medium to firm downward and lateral pressure on a wearer's breasts, and an adjustable front closure provided at the front edges of the body for making the body tighter or loose for adjusting the amount of downward and lateral pressure. The implant stabilizers have top, bottom, front, and back edges, with a cut-out in the front edge shaped to permit the areole and surrounding area of the breast to protrude therethrough. The body and the implant stabilizers are made of a stretch compressive fabric.

Abstract: The present Invention provides a breast support apparatus. The apparatus further comprises at least one layered front portion constructed to form two breast cups. Each breast cup is configured and dimensioned to hold a female breast. Attached to each breast cup is a support member made of a strong flexible rigid material that is configured and dimensioned to accommodate at least the lower section of each breast cup. The back portion includes an inner layer made of a foam material that molds to the shape of the body during movement. At least one cooperating fastening members is attached to the internal peripheral edge proximately near the mid-section of each breast cup such that when the cooperating fastening members are secured the support member uplifts each breast.

Abstract: A device for placement between a human's breasts for reducing and preventing skin wrinkling in the chest region of a user and a method of supporting the upper positioned breast of a side laying human to reduce and prevent skin wrinkling in the chest region.

Abstract: An athletic bra having a unitary, contiguous framework made of engineered laminated material and molded cups provides lightweight, breathable support and motion control. The framework comprises stretch, non-stretch and reinforcement zones in different areas of the bra and includes an integrated chest band, shoulder straps and a front exoskeleton onto which the molded cups are attached. The exoskeleton comprises an adjustable compression strap extending across the front and downward to a front central point of the chest band. The compression band provides adjustable compression and support and full separation of the breasts. The molded cups and exoskeleton achieve both encapsulation of each breast and compression of the breasts for motion control. The adjustment areas of the compression strap, the shoulder straps, and the back closure area provided with a robust hook which is selectively received into a series of adjustment slots or aligned perforations.

Abstract: A bra with two breast cups, joined together at a mid region. A chest strap extends from each breast cup, to encompass the chest of the wearer. The chest straps are engaged to each breast cup at least two locations, a first location being above a second location. Each breast cup has a panel with a perimeter defining a neckline and a support line. The support line is of a continuously curved nature between its upper terminus where a shoulder support strap is located, and its inner terminus where the cups are joined. The breast cups each include a longitudinally extending line of inelasticity extending between the first location and the mid region.

Abstract: A brassiere having a front fabric portion having front left and right shoulder portions, and front left and right underarm portions. A back fabric portion having a back left and right underarm portions connected to the respective front underarm portions, and an upper edge. A back shoulder fabric portion has a contractive force less than a contractive force of the back fabric portion, having a rear central portion connecting the front left and right shoulder portions, wherein a first width of the rear central portion is less than a width between the front left and front right shoulder portions at a point where the front left and front right shoulder portions contact the shoulders of the wearer, the rear central portion connected to the upper edge of the back fabric portion and the rear central portion having a second width near the upper edge of the back fabric portion wider than the first width.

Abstract: Hands Free Breast Pump Bra comprises a side bra opening with circular opening at the center for easy inserting and securing the suction cup in place while also supporting a woman's breast. A bra comprises cotton, elastic cloth, and nylon with or without underwire. The Hands Free Breast Pump Bra is designed to provide a hands free experience for nursing mothers to perform other tasks while using a breast pump device. This is a special time in a woman's life and it will be important to have a comfortable nursing bra. As a result, there exists a need for a hands free breast pump bra that will make life easier for the nursing mother while expressing milk for her newborn. Furthermore, there exists a need for such bra that is washable, practical, which can be worn outside the home with an areola cup, convenient for pumping when needed.

Abstract: A brassiere for providing breast enhancement. The brassiere includes a pair of spaced apart breast cups, with each of the cups including a support member that follows the curvature of at least the lower portion of the breast, an insert comprised of a front and rear panel forming at least one pocket and secured to the support member, and a band, disposed within the pocket, and secured to the edge of the cup and an end of the support member. The tension applied to the band causes a pulling effect on at least the front panel of the insert and the pulling effect of at least the front panel causes the respective breast to be inwardly drawn towards the connection region when the brassiere is secured to the user's chest.

Abstract: The invention described in the specification relates to an ergonomically designed support garment for use in supporting the breast of a woman. The support garment contains an inverted Y-shaped portion having an apex, a lateral side and a medial side attached to a support means having a bottom portion, a lateral arm and a medial arm for uplifting support of a woman's breast wherein the lateral side of the Y-shaped portion is connected to the lateral arm at an angle ranging from about 120 to about 140 degrees therebetween and the medial side is attached to the medial arm at an angle ranging from about 65 to about 85 degrees therebetween. Because of the design of the Y-shaped portion and the connection angle to the support means, a bra containing Y-shaped portion and support means provides enhanced support of a woman's breast for a variety of activities without the need for wires or stiffeners which are conventionally used to support woman's breast.

Abstract: A bra barrier device (16) comprising a flexible, substantially flat absorptive protective band (18) worn on an abdomen (20) of a woman's body (22). A top edge (24) of the band (18) extends under the breasts (26) and a lower border (28) at the cups (30) of a bra (32), so as to prevent dermal irritation and lesions caused by heat, moisture and chaffing associated with use of the bra (32).

Abstract: A cleavage creating and/or enhancing brassiere which in the preferred embodiment uses a pair of support straps with hook-and-loop-type fasteners to pull the breasts together and create and/or enhance a cleavage line. Each of the support straps has two ends, one end being fixed to a breast pocket and the other being adjustably connected to the opposite breast pocket. The support straps can be configured so that they may be fastened horizontally or in a criss-cross manner. The brassiere may further comprise a pair of breast-lifting and directing pads inserted into a respective breast pocket, or alternatively may be used in lieu of the support straps.

Abstract: A woman's bodysuit for exercising or swimming comprises an outer covering for encasing at least a portion of a woman's torso, including the bust, abdomen, hips and rear regions. The covering extends below the arms and around at least a portion of the back and includes shoulder straps forming openings for the neck and arms. A bra portion is provided beneath the outer covering, the bra portion including a full bra liner covering the breasts and a separate partial bra liner beneath the full liner supporting the undersides and sides of the breasts. The full and partial bra liners are each secured along common edges to the outer covering centrally between the shoulder straps at the neck opening and on either side at the arm openings. An elastic strap is secured along a bottom edge of the bra portion and is secured to the outer covering in the region behind or below the arms. The outer covering, full bra liner and partial bra liner are made of stretchable natural or synthetic fabrics, or blends thereof.

Abstract: A nursing brassiere is disclosed having a frontal section comprised of partially overlapping frontal portions each adapted to cover one side of a wearer's chest area. The frontal portions are connected to a lower band that fits around the wearer and has inner and outer overlapping members which are normally held together but are separable. Each frontal portion is attached to one overlapping band member so that it can be separately displaced by the wearer to facilitate nursing.