Including Plural Elastic Panels Or Inserts With Diversely Oriented Directions Of Elasticity Patents (Class 450/74)
  • Patent number: 11730209
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a bra adapted for athletic use, of the type comprising a first cup and a second cup, each of them bounded laterally by an outer edge and by an inner edge, and outfitted with a support structure and a base structure. Each cup is outfitted with a support structure connected to a base structure, the support structure comprising at least a first support strap of overall cradle shape which is elastically deformable and which extends at least from the outer edge to the inner edge of the respective cup to support the breasts of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: CHAMPION EUROPE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Ragheb Blibech
  • Patent number: 11641888
    Abstract: A method and sensor for testing and evaluating a sports bra for a level of support provided by the sports bra includes selecting a sports bra and removably attaching one sensor to the wearer of the sports bra. The wearer of the sports bra completes an exercise regimen corresponding to a support level indicated for the sports bra and the vertical, lateral and backward/forward movement of a bust supported by or within the sports bra is measured with the single sensor. A largest change in movement in each of the vertical, lateral and backward/forward directions is calculated to determine the level of support actually provided by the sports bra for accurate labeling of the support level of the sports bra for accurately informing consumer purchasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajneet Kaur Chahal, Gina Marie Cortese
  • Patent number: 11627764
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an upper body shaper garment for women. The garment contours the breasts and other aspects of the chest area into a fashionable form by delivering distinct amount of compression force at select areas of the garment. In various embodiments, the shaper garment includes a support area covering the breasts and a shaping area including one or more compression zones for moving the support area to enhance the appearance of the wearer. The shaper garment may be knitted from one continuous piece of fabric with the compression areas knitted directly into the base layer. The shaper garment may also include one or more transition zones between the areas and/or zones of the garment to smoothly transition between different areas and/or zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: MINDD, INC.
    Inventor: Helena Kaylin
  • Patent number: 11617398
    Abstract: A brassiere having a cup section with first and second cups, first and second control panels, a bottom band, a back panel assembly, and first and second strips, wherein the brassiere is made of a knitted stretch fabric that shapes and smoothes the back and underarms of a user. The first and second control panels support flesh under the arms of the user, eliminating overhang of the flesh. The back panel assembly has a high back design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventors: Jose Adelfo Castiblanco, Jose Luis Castiblanco
  • Patent number: 11229243
    Abstract: A therapeutic bra structure includes a bra body having a bra layered member and a side bra layered member on both sides of the bra layered member separately, a fastener assembly or adhesive assembly combined with a distal edge of the side bra layered member and an elastic adjusting assembly having two elastic adjusting layers. Each elastic adjusting layer has an elastic and permeable layered member, and the two elastic adjusting layers are fixed to an inner side of the bra layered member, and an end adhesive assembly is provided at an outer edge of the elastic adjusting layers for the purpose of combining and positioning. This structure allows users to adjust the elasticity and has the effects of healing the wound stably, facilitating the use and installation of a drainage tube or an artificial blood vessel, and ensuring the safety of wearing bra after breast surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: I MOSA CORP.
    Inventor: Yen-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 10786016
    Abstract: Undergarments that that are uniquely constructed to absorb fluids, such as those associated with sweat and lactation, in either prescribed areas of the undergarment or throughout the totality thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Proof Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jodi Caden
  • Patent number: 10568365
    Abstract: A woman's undergarment includes a pair of cups, a center cover piece, a front panel, a stretchable tape, a back panel, and shoulder straps. One embodiment of the undergarment prevents cups from slipping upward and allows a wearer's breasts to be pushed toward the sternum and then lifted so as to create natural and beautiful cleavage lines in the decollate area without deforming the breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GOLD FLAG LTD.
    Inventor: Akiyo Hirakubo
  • Patent number: 9049890
    Abstract: A sports brassiere designed for reducing tan lines is disclosed. The sports brassiere includes an exterior front panel comprising a micromesh fabric substantially transparent to ultraviolet light, wherein the exterior front panel is shaped to include two shoulder straps and two side seams, and an interior front panel including an opaque, moisture-wicking fabric having a height limited to covering breasts, wherein the interior front panel is coupled to an interior face of the exterior front panel via stitching running along a top edge of the interior front panel. The sports brassiere further includes an exterior rear panel of micromesh fabric coupled to the exterior front panel via a set of seams located at the shoulder straps and side seams and an elastic band coupled to a bottom edge of the exterior front and rear panels, and a bottom edge of the interior front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventors: Reilly Stratton Starr, Katherine Sue Nicklos
  • Publication number: 20140242876
    Abstract: A clothing end part structure (10) of the present invention has block-like second regions (11) that expand or contract at a second elongation in a length direction of an end part, and block-like first regions (12) that expand or contract at a first elongation that is lower than the second elongation, in the length direction of the end part. The second regions and the first regions are disposed alternately in the length direction of the end part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WACOAL CORP.
    Inventor: Yuka Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20140230119
    Abstract: A breast support device designed to provide the wearer with a high degree of control and support of breast tissue while minimizing the pain and discomfort associated with conventional breast control garments, that can be worn on its own or integrated into garments where breast support is desirable. The breast support device achieves these objectives through the innovative combination of various non-stretch and stretch fabrics, as well as through the use on one or more darts of varying length sewn into the non-stretch fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Lynx Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Cynthia A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8702469
    Abstract: A moisture management fabric using denier differential to facilitate the movement of sweat away from the wearer's body is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment constructed from an exemplary moisture management fabric is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment is a moisture transporting sport bra. A denier differential is employed to provide superior moisture transporting and evaporation of perspiration from a wearer during exertion. The denier differential relies upon a facing layer and a back layer with substantially different yarn thickness and fabric porosity to achieve fluid transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Rebecca P. Hurd, Susan L. Sokolowski
  • Patent number: 8647168
    Abstract: A garment for providing body shaping. In one embodiment, a slip-shaped body garment uses support bands to provide support in various areas of the body while maintaining an overall smooth and desirable body shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Kiana Anvaripour
  • Patent number: 8523631
    Abstract: A bra to be worn during vigorous physical activity includes a stretch front panel and a stretch back panel. The back panel forms a back portion of a left and right shoulder strap. Non-stretch fabric connects the front panel and the back panel and forms the front portion of the left and right shoulder straps. The bra also includes a rib band configured to encircle a wearer's torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Cynthia A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8257138
    Abstract: A bra to be worn during vigorous physical activity. It provides the wearer with a high level of breast tissue support without undue restriction of breathing or shoulder movement, while providing means for ventilation and moisture management. The bra is underwire-free, and designed to be worn as outerwear. The bra achieves these objectives through the innovative combination of various non-stretch and stretch fabrics. The non-stretch portions of the garment provide a high level of compression and stability to the breast tissue, while the multiple regions of stretch fabric minimize breathing and shoulder restrictions and provide ventilation. Non-stretch wicking fabric is used to form the majority of the body of the bra, and is used to pull the breast tissue in and hold it firmly to the chest. This non-stretch fabric is connected to panels of stretch wicking fabric located in the front and back of the body of the bra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Cynthia A Smith
  • Patent number: 8235764
    Abstract: A body-shaping garment and fabric is provided. The garment includes an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer is placed in an angular orientation relative to the outer fabric layer. Further, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer have sufficiently isotropic hysteresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: INVISTA North America S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Joyce I. Baran, Petros Dafniotis, Douglas K. Farmer
  • Patent number: 8221188
    Abstract: There is provided an improved brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups having adjacent but spaced apart inner edges; a front connector between the breast cups; and a back wing or pair of back wings extending from an outer edge of one of the two breast cups to an outer edge of the other of the two breast cups for securing the brassiere to a torso of a wearer; wherein each back wing comprises an elastane strap provided within a tube of elastic fabric. Also provided is an improved back wing for use on a brassiere and a method of making an improved back wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Regina Miracle International Limited
    Inventor: Zhen Qiang Liu
  • Publication number: 20120040588
    Abstract: An encapsulation and compression sports bra (1) with cups (7) formed of elastic material to elevate and compress breasts (8) of a wearer (2) to restrict anatomical breast support structures reaching their end of range during downward breast trajectory to thereby reduce exercise induced breast discomfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
    Inventors: Julie Robyn Steele, Deirdre Elizabeth Mcghee
  • Patent number: 8066546
    Abstract: A brassiere is provided with a front piece forming the breast cups and with two side pieces extending around the upper body of an individual, the first ends of which are fastened to the front piece and the second ends of which can be connected in the back area of the wearer. Each side pieces has a support piece forming an outline of the side pieces with an upper edge and a lower edge. On the outside of the side pieces an outer textile blank is provided, which is connected with the supporting element in the area of the upper edge and the lower edge. The outer textile blank is folded over twice with its edge, over the upper edge and the lower edge, wherein the first fold, travels directly along the upper or lower edge and the second fold travels between the support piece and the first fold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Triumph Intertrade AG
    Inventor: Elisabeth Simpson
  • Patent number: 8038506
    Abstract: A brassiere having flexibility, durability, and improved comfort for the wearer is provided. The side panel of the bra comprises a folded fabric and two elastic bands. The folded fabric has two opposing longitudinal edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge. Each of the two elastic bands is positioned in the interior of the folded fabric along a respective longitudinal edge, which also includes notches for orienting the bands. The folded fabric is sewn together at each of the top and bottom edges such that the two elastic bands are held in place. One of the longitudinal edges may be formed by sewing the folded fabric together to form a seam using a pull-out stitch. Each of the two elastic bands may include either of a woven elastic band or a knitted elastic band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Warnaco U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Allen, Patricia E. McLaurin
  • Patent number: 7867057
    Abstract: A bra includes first and second cups for contacting and supporting the breasts of a wearer of the bra, each cup having an inner side, located at a position between the breasts, and an outer side, located at an outer portion of each breast; and at least one bra wing extending from the outer side of each of the first and second cups. The at least one bra wing includes a spacer material having a modulus in at least one direction at 20% stretch and 10 lbs. load of between 1.8 and 3.0 lbs. of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Maidenform, Inc.
    Inventors: Manette Scheininger, Steven Castellano, Dean Gilliand
  • Patent number: 7867056
    Abstract: A bra includes first and second cups for contacting and supporting the breasts of a wearer of the bra, each cup having an inner side, located at a position between the breasts, and an outer side, located at an outer portion of each breast; and at least one bra wing extending from the outer side of each of the first and second cups. The at least one bra wing includes a spacer material having a modulus in at least one direction at 20% stretch and 10 lbs. load of between 1.27 and 2.13 lbs. of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Maidenform, Inc.
    Inventors: Manette Mallon Scheininger, Steven Castellano, Dean Gilliand
  • Patent number: 7753757
    Abstract: Upper underwear includes: right and left cups for accommodating respective breasts therein; a coupling member coupling the cups to each other, and a belt joined to the cups, wherein: the belt has belt side portions to be positioned on side parts of a body when the underwear is put on the body, and a belt back portion to be positioned on a back part of the body when the underwear is put on the body; and the belt is formed such that when the upper underwear is put on the body, a lower edge of said belt back portion is positioned above a lower end level of said cups, whereby a sensation of pressure imparted to the body by the upper underwear can be relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Indy & Associate
    Inventor: Yumi Shinomiya
  • Patent number: 7695344
    Abstract: A brassiere has a pair of breast receiving cups and a first back panel connected to one of the pair of breast receiving cups and a second back panel connected to the other of the pair of breast receiving cups. The first back panel and the second back panel each have a band affixed thereto that is capable of modifying a property of the panel. The bands limit the elongation of each of the pair of back panels during wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Nuzzo, Margaret B. Shultz
  • Patent number: 7588479
    Abstract: A brassiere having a front opening and a dynamic adjustable back section and a first side panel and a second side panel is provided. The brassiere also has a pair of breast receiving cups and a connector between the breast receiving cups for selectively opening and selectively closing the brassiere. The dynamic adjustable back section elongates from a first length to a second length to automatically adjust a size of the brassiere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Gloria Falla
  • Patent number: 7300331
    Abstract: A brassiere or breast shaping garment has a pair of breast-receiving cups, each of which is formed with an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer is placed in an angular orientation relative to the outer fabric layer. Further, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer have sufficiently isotropic hysteresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Invista North America S.AR.L.
    Inventors: Joyce I. Baran, Petros Dafniotis, Douglas K. Farmer
  • Patent number: 6685534
    Abstract: An adjustable circular knit bra is provided. The bra has a pair of breast cups, a central gore disposed between the breast cups, and a pair of side panels. Each side panel is adjacent to a different one of the pair of breast cups. The central gore also has a stabilizing area knitted therein. The breast cups also have a stabilizing area knitted into the bottom edge of each breast cup. The bra preferably also has a pair of adjustable shoulder straps. The bra preferably also has adjustable fasteners at the bra back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: John Mitchell, Sandra Ann Waitz
  • Publication number: 20030186618
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Oneyear, Heinz Altmann, Sandra Ann Waitz, Donald Burleson
  • Publication number: 20030082994
    Abstract: An adjustable circular knit bra is provided. The bra has a pair of breast cups, a central gore disposed between the breast cups, and a pair of side panels. Each side panel is adjacent to a different one of the pair of breast cups. The central gore also has a stabilizing area knitted therein. The breast cups also have a stabilizing area knitted into the bottom edge of each breast cup. The bra preferably also has a pair of adjustable shoulder straps. The bra preferably also has adjustable fasteners at the bra back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: John Mitchell, Sandra Ann Waitz
  • Patent number: 6514120
    Abstract: A brassiere comprises a pair of cups for supporting and shaping the breasts of the wearer. The cups are connected by connecting structure. A side panel is attached to each cup. Each side panel has a surface for contacting the wearer. The side panels are adapted to apply substantially uniform pressure to the wearer across the surface in contact with the wearer for the purpose of increasing comfort and reducing unsightly bulging of tissue of the wearer's sides and back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Hass
  • Patent number: 6238266
    Abstract: This invention relates to support garments which provide a support function through the utilization of a dried polyurethane coating placed on certain areas of the target fabric surface. Such a coating produces a reduction in the elongation characteristics of the target fabric thereby exhibiting a manner of providing support to the target fabric which is comfortable to the wearer and inexpensive to produce. The inventive garments may be utilized as sports brassieres, swimwear, “control-top” underwear, girdles, athletic supporters, medical braces, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Kirkland W. Vogt
  • Patent number: 5823851
    Abstract: A bra sport top provides enhanced posture and increased breast support for women engaging in athletic activities. Over-shoulder harnesses encircle each shoulder and serve to urge them back. Cross braces interconnect the two over-shoulder harnesses in a crosswise manner between the shoulder blades. A support belt traveling through a slip sleeve encircles the wearer's torso below the breast and shoulder blades. Interconnecting the over-shoulder harnesses and the slip sleeve are breast-tensioning panels that compress and restrain the breasts so as to prevent any damage to the breast tissue. The left and right breast-tensioning panels may be interconnected by a detachable coupling means or may be connected by elastic bands or the like. Alternative embodiments allow for different directional support of the underlying breast tissue by the breast-tensioning panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Timothy P. Dicker
  • Patent number: 5820444
    Abstract: A post surgical brassiere characterized by a torso encircling support band modified to gently secure the brassiere to the torso with minimal discomfort. At least three vertical bones are integrated into the band at strategic locations about its circumference to divide the band into four separate regions. Two such regions lay situate around the back and sides of the wearer while the remaining two regions overly the wearer's front midriff area. Each region is elasticized, but with varying degrees of stretch ability. As the two opposite ends of the brassiere's adjustment straps are drawn together for fastening, the resulting stretch of the support band will occur predominantly in the back and side regions where tension against the wearer will be greatest, leaving the two frontal regions relatively loose fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Eleanor F. McGaughey
  • Patent number: 5269720
    Abstract: A moisture management brassiere which includes a brassiere body, including a body and back strap. The body and back strap are formed of a stretch fabric having a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact and for wicking moisture away from the skin. A moisture dispersal fabric layer is provided, and is constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defines a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear. The moisture dispersal fabric layer receives moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer. Stretch yarns provide stretch to the back strap. A pair of breast enclosing and supporting cups are attached to the back strap of the brassiere. Each of the cups is constructed of a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventors: Herbert L. Moretz, Daniel L. Brier
  • Patent number: 5211598
    Abstract: An exercise brassiere having an outer layer adapted to fit over the wearer's upper torso and shoulders and a coextensive inner layer adapted to fit over the front portion of the wearer's upper torso and shoulders. The inner layer and the outer layer are constructed of a lightweight, flexible two-way stretch fabric having a stretchability significantly greater in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction to provide adequate and comfortable support to the wearer's breasts. The inner layer has cut into it a pair of apertures sized and positioned to receive the breasts of the wearer the apertures being covered by the outer layer. The apertures also provide support to the wearer's breasts and further provide for a natural, contoured appearance to the wearer's breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Desiree L. Hall
  • Patent number: 5171182
    Abstract: A garment having the combined appearance of a brassiere and a camisole is provided with a camisole top, the brassiere function of the garment being provided by non-stretchable shoulder straps that extend across the interior of the breast cups, and, which are securely connected with the brassiere frames, the shoulder straps extending on a diagonal of the breast cups, portions of the breast cups being reinforced to provide for the support of the weight of the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Wacoalamerica, Inc.
    Inventor: Valerie L. Heinen
  • Patent number: 5167566
    Abstract: A brassiere construction has breast cups provided with a central diagonally extending panel that is stretchable in vertical directions, and which is non-stretchable in horizontal directions, thus to accommodate different volumes of breast tissue falling within a determined range of volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Wacoal America, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosalie M. Novitsky, Harold Stern, Nancy Fishman, Miguel Cintron
  • Patent number: 5045019
    Abstract: A brassiere with underarm comfort feature comprises a pair of cup regions to which underarm regions and back regions are connected. An X-crossing or junction is formed by an undercup band which extends under the cup region, and which crosses a lateral band which extends to the side or over the cup region. Upper and lower elastic bands are mounted on opposite sides of an elastic underarm panel which together form the underarm region. Pivoting of the bands which form the X-junction, about the junction, allow the upper and lower side bands to stretch by different amounts to accommodate different proportions for women so that they can wear the bra confortably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Exquisite Form Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ursula Capasso, Claudette Goff
  • Patent number: 4816005
    Abstract: The sports bra comprises two front panel sections with each front panel section being a mirror image of the other and including a main body portion and an upwardly extending wide strap forming portion and a rear panel section including a body portion and two upwardly extending wide strap forming portions. The body portion of the rear panel section is attached on each side edge thereof to one of the main body portions of one of the front panel sections and the upper ends of each strap forming portion are attached to the upper end of one of the strap forming portions of one of the front panel sections. The rear panel section includes two elastic strap reinforcing bands which extend from the upper end of one of the strap forming portions angularly downwardly to the opposite side edge of the rear panel section to form cross strap members. The sports bra has arm holes and a neck hole which are defined between the areas of joining of the front and rear panel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Renelle Braaten