Abstract: The present invention relates to a bathing suit/swimsuit type garment with an integrated shaping-girdle configured to apply pressure to users' tissue or skin. Likewise, the girdle integrated in the bathing suit of the present invention can come into contact with water (such as swimming pools, sea, lagoons, etc.), without compromising its shape, integrity, and/or compression capacity, moreover the girdle of the present invention is discreetly and integrally incorporated into a one-piece swimsuit/bathing suit design with snaps.

Abstract: An exercise body shaping garment suitable for gymnastics or other active use in general includes a top region and at least a plurality of compressive layers in a multi-layer compression abdominal region below the breasts. For a man or woman, a tee shirt is provided. For women, the outer or under wear garment has an opening in the crotch area and a pair of arm coverings which cover at least an over the shoulder clavicle area of the wearer, with optional spaghetti straps, tank tops, and sleeves short sleeves, half sleeves or full sleeves. For both a man or a woman, the abdominal compression area includes an inner skin contact first compressive porous layer capable of emitting body sweat therethrough and a second stronger compressive layer mesh layer and at least one sweat porous first compressive layer.

Abstract: A backless support bra for supporting a wearer's breasts utilizing cups and various straps particularly configured to provide an unobstructed view of the wearer's back, thus enabling the wearer to wear backless type garments over the inventive backless support bra. Some of the described versions of the backless support bra further support the wearer's breasts in a manner that provides an unobstructed view of the wearer's center chest area, thus enabling the wearer the wear a garment that has a low cut or plunging neckline.

Abstract: A weight lifter's shirt includes a fabric body covering including an exercise device incorporated into the shirt. The exercise device includes an elastic chest spanning member and a pair of elastic sleeves or cuffs. In a bench press lift, lowering of a weighted bar stretches the elastic member thereby storing energy in the elastic member and assisting the lifter to raise the weighted bar.

Abstract: An arm and chest exerciser includes elastic cuffs into which a user places the upper arms. An elastic chest band connects the cuffs. Moving the user's arms backwardly stretches the chest band and exercises muscles of the arms, chest and shoulder. A gripping handle connects to the chest band adjacent to a midpoint allowing the user or spotter to pull down on the chest band and appropriately position it on the user's chest.

Abstract: The under garment consists of a front panel having an outer side and an inner side. Two shoulder areas are formed at top portions of the front panel and the back panel. A breast receiving unit is provided associated with the inner area of the front panel and is formed with first and second breast receiving pockets. A front area of each receiving pocket is formed by a respective part of the inner face of the front panel and a rear area of each said breast receiving pocket is formed by an independent rear panel. In use, the independent rear panels of each breast receiving pocket are positioned between the skin of the breast and the skin of the user's torso.

Abstract: A brassiere that can be worn during a mammogram is devoid of metal and has stretch cups. The brassiere permits a woman to remain at least partially clothed above the waist during a mammogram. In various embodiments, the brassiere includes one or more additional features, in any combination, including a compression band, wide shoulder straps, a bra band, and releasable breast cups. Some of the additional features are expected to reduce the pain experienced by some patients undergoing a mammography.

Abstract: The claimed invention is directed to brassieres that offer extra support for large women. The brassieres include an inner bra band and an outer bra band.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A compression bra for addressing and/or correcting synmastia complications in reconstructive breast surgeries has: (i) a wide, cotton-lined, unidirectional elastic, torso band adjustably encircling a woman's thoracic torso immediately below the inframammary skinfold; (ii) a trapezoidal shaped, sternum compression panel secured at its base to the upper edge of torso band below the inframammary skinfold and at the top by a pair of adjustable over-the-shoulder straps for elastically compressing sternum tissues while restraining, shaping and separating the inside conically rising, side portions of a woman's breasts; (iii) a pair of breast support cups/flaps also fastened to the upper edge of the torso band each similarly secured at the top by an adjustable over-the-shoulder support strap; and (iv) elastic side panels fastened to the breast cup/flaps and the upper edge of the torso band for anchoring the respective shoulder straps of the sternum compression panel and breast cups/flaps supporting, restraining and s

Abstract: A maternity garment, which provides mild support to shape a woman's body and to act as a suspender for bottoms such as pants, shorts, or skirts that may be ill fitting due to body changes as a result of pregnancy, wherein the preferred garment has at least one shoulder strap, a belly panel, a hip band, two side panels, and a back panel, and is made of high performance fabric with varying degrees of compression.

Abstract: A method of providing compressive force to a person. In one embodiment, a first level of compression is applied adjacent the axillae of the person, a second level of compression is applied to a side torso region of the person, and a third level of compression is applied to a chest region of the person. The second level of compression is greater than the first level of compression and the third level of compression is greater than the fourth level of compression. The compression may be applied using a compression garment having one or more layers of compression fabric. The garment may be configured using specific compression fabric to provide the desired levels of compression to various regions of the torso of a person.

Abstract: An uplift and coverage bra includes a pair of breast cups having at least one layer of a first predetermined material formed as such breast cups. A mechanism is connected to at least one of an outside edge generally adjacent to a lower portion of each of such breast cups and an inside edge generally adjacent to the lower portion of each of such breast cups, for at least partially encircling a user's torso. Such mechanism has an upper edge and a lower edge and at least a rear portion. A joining mechanism is connected to at least one of such mechanism for at least partially encircling such user's torso at a predetermined location thereon and the inside edges adjacent to the lower portion of such breast cups, for joining at least one of such breast cups and such mechanism for at least partially encircling such user's torso.

Abstract: A garment (1) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering (10) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps (22, 24), front and back panels of compression fabric (12, 14, 16, 18), a non-rolling rib band (72), axilla gussets (82, 84), and both front closure (40) and back closure (50). The garment may also include one or more princess seams (102, 104, 102?, 104?) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves (132, 134) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.

Abstract: An undergarment or bodysuit which uses a simplex lining between a nylon like material outer layer and a cotton inner layer, the cotton inner layer and the simplex lining forming a laminate. Stabilized tricot may be included as part of the laminate. The use of the simplex layer instead of the foam layer results in a material which provides a similar smoothing effect as foam but which has a lower tendency to crease or ride up when the wearer bends down or bends over. Foam cushions are also provided at strategic places to reduce the pressure caused by flexible wires or bones used to provide additional support to keep the bones from digging into the rib cage and provide more comfort to the bodysuit undergarment.

Abstract: A compression bra for addressing and/or correcting synmastia complications in reconstructive breast surgeries has: (i) a wide, cotton-lined, unidirectional elastic, torso band adjustably encircling a woman's thoracic torso immediately below the inframammary skinfold; (ii) a trapezoidal shaped, sternum compression panel secured at its base to the upper edge of torso band below the inframammary skinfold and at the top by a pair of adjustable over-the-shoulder straps for elastically compressing sternum tissues while restraining, shaping and separating the inside conically rising, side portions of a woman's breasts; (iii) a pair of breast support cups/flaps also fastened to the upper edge of the torso band each similarly secured at the top by an adjustable over-the-shoulder support strap; and (iv) elastic side panels fastened to the breast cup/flaps and the upper edge of the torso band for anchoring the respective shoulder straps of the sternum compression panel and breast cups/flaps supporting, restraining and s

Abstract: A garment (1) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering (10) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps (22, 24), front and back panels of compression fabric (12, 14, 16, 18), a non-rolling rib band (72), axilla gussets (82, 84), and both front closure (40) and back closure (50). The garment may also include one or more princess seams (102, 104, 102?, 104?) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves (132, 134) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.

Abstract: A multi-layer uplift bra which enhances a woman's natural curves while providing adequate support and coverage for the breasts includes a bottom portion capable of encircling the torso of a wearer, a pair of breast cups joined at a center portion, and a pair of straps, each of which being connected at one end to a breast cup and at another end to the bottom portion of the bra. The pair of straps are capable of extending over a pair of shoulders of the wearer. The breast cups include a first layer for lifting the breasts and creating cleavage and a second layer for supporting and holding the breasts in place. A joining means is provided for joining the first and second layers together along the bottom portion of the multi-layer uplift bra.

Abstract: A tool sharpener especially designed for sharpening drill bits is provided. The tool sharpener includes a grinding wheel subassembly, a tool holder subassembly, such as a drill chuck, an infeed stage subassembly, a cross feed stage subassembly, and a processor which is capable of controlling each of the subassemblies, and moving the subassemblies relative to the grinding wheel, in preprogrammed routines, to effect the sharpening of a tool such as a drill bit.

Abstract: A garment (1) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering (10) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps (22, 24), front and back panels of compression fabric (12, 14, 16, 18), a non-rolling rib band (72), axilla gussets (82, 84), and both front closure (40) and back closure(50). The garment may also include one or more princess seams (102, 104, 102?, 104?) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves (132, 134) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.

Abstract: A carrier head has a base, a flexible membrane, and a valve in the carrier head that forms part of a substrate detection system. The valve includes a valve stem that contacts an upper surface of the flexible membrane so that if a substrate is attached to the lower surface of the flexible membrane when the first chamber is evacuated, the valve is actuated to generate a signal to the substrate detection system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brassiere which is especially suited for women nursing their child and where the brassiere is provided in a double layer and without seams and which allows the women easy access to expose one breast at a time by unfastening a clasp device and, subsequently, pull down the outer layer of the brassiere.

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 or body garment with breast separation feature comprises a pair of cup and front-wrap regions. The independent front-wrap sections and cup components are connect approximately near the side or back regions of the brassiere. The independence results in breast separation resulting in reduced perspiration, and additionally provides improved breast support, and increased comfort and freedom of movement.

Abstract: A women's upper-body garment is provided with a front-opening outer garment and a front-opening inner bra having shoulder straps attached to the inside shoulders of the outer garment, and having breast supporting portions with elastic perimeter portions and formed to support the underside of the breasts.

Abstract: A pregnant woman's exercise garment has an integrated support structure for supporting the athletic mother-to-be safely and comfortably and for alleviating the discomfort associated with the physiological changes encountered during pregnancy. The garment includes uterine support panels that cradle the abdominal wall for alleviating downward pressure. The garment also has lower back support panels to protect the sacral and lower lumbar vertebrae of the spine, and inner thigh panels designed to ease the sometimes debilitating sciatica and groin pain. These pieces can be inserted separately or in combination in other athletic wear (i.e. running shorts, swim wear, tennis apparel, etc.) designed specifically for the athletic expectant mother. The garment may also be worn as an undergarment lending support to women whose work requires movement and/or standing for extended periods of time.

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.

Abstract: A supportive brassiere designed for general usage, aerobics or other athletic activities, and/or nursing. The brassiere is designed to provide maximum support of the breasts during activity by holding the breasts separately and snugly while allowing the wearer to move comfortably and breathe freely. It is designed primarily for athletic use among women with moderate-to-large breasts, but it is also suitable for women with smaller breasts. Additionally, because of its adjustable design features, it can function effectively as a nursing brassiere. The invention is designed with an adjustable side closure and strong, individual, under-breast supports. The brassiere includes a pair of soft cups supported from above by adjustable, wide shoulder straps. The pair of soft cups are supported from below by adjustable, soft, inelastic supports, which may be fabric, that allow each cup to be adjusted individually.