Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for applying a thermoplastic adhesive to a portion of a garment in a predetermined pattern. The portion of the garment is initially loaded onto a conveyor device through a loading fixture and a powdered adhesive is screen printed onto said portion in a predetermined pattern. The adhesive is cured in a drying oven and permitted to cool. A cover panel is then placed over the adhesive and the cover panel is fused to that portion of the garment at elevated temperature and pressure. The resultant garment, preferably a woman's undergarment, possesses the combination of unique control, support, shape and aesthetic characteristics.

Abstract: A moldable, fabric is provided which is adapted to be used in conjunction as a molded, brassiere cup. The fabric is warp knitted on a two bar warp knitting machine and includes front and back guide bar yarns which are knitted in opposite directions relative to each other in at least a two course knitting operation. At least one of the yarns is a monofilament yarn. The front guide bar yarn is a multifilament yarn and the back guide bar yarn is a monofilament yarn with the back guide bar yarn having a knit stitch configuration of 2/0-1/3 and the front guide bar yarn having a knit stitch configuration of 3/4-1/0.

Abstract: There is provided a brassiere frame which includes a pair of breast cups each having a upper portion and a lower portion, a pair of dorsal panels each adjacent a different one of the pair of breast cups with each dorsal panel having a side segment adjacent the breast cup and a back segment adjacent the side segment but opposite the breast cup, and a pair of shoulder straps each strap connected to a different one pair of breast cups and respective dorsal panel. The brassiere frame also includes a body band adjacent the lower edge of the frame and connected to the pair of breast cups and the pair of dorsal panels, and a horizontally stretchable, triangular member positioned between the lower portion and a part of the upper portions of the breast cups for connecting together the breast cups and also connected to the body band.

Abstract: A plastic support which has a substantially U-shape configuration and has a base portion and a pair of end portions with the base portion and the end portions having a different cross-sectional configuration. The plastic support also has a pair of regions positioned between the base portion and a different one of the pair of end portions, and in a preferred embodiment the pair of regions is a pair of intermediate portions each having a cross-sectional configuration different than that of the base portion and the pair of end portions. The plastic support is, preferably, made of a mixture of reinforced acetal rein and nonreinforced acetal resin, and exhibits unexpected "creep" properties such that the end portions thereof are closer together after machine laundering at a normal cycle than their initial condition.

Abstract: A voided polypropylene film tampon wrap having end seals which are formed by mechanical crimping and a process for sealing the ends of the voided polypropylene film tampon wrap by mechanical crimping. A notch is formed adjacent to each end seal but remote from the enclosed tampon. Each end seal is formed by a pair of horizontal teeth wheels each having a pitch of 50 teeth per inch. One of the pair of wheels is heated to a temperature of 125.degree..+-.15.degree., and force is applied to at least one wheel to seal that end of the wrap by the pair of wheels.

Abstract: There is provided a brassiere frame for use in conjunction with breastcup supports. The brassiere frame includes a front portion, a pair of side panels made of a substantially elastic material, and a pair of breast cups each adjacent the front portion and a different one of the pair of side panels. Each breast cup has an almost perfect U shape configuration and each side panel has a particular pitch so that the brassiere frame provides that breast supporting forces are directed at the base of the breast cups thereby anchoring the brassiere frame and the remaining component forces are transmitted substantially in only one direction.

Abstract: Method for increasing the absorbency of cellulosic fibers by a high temperature wet treatment comprising heating the fibers in a water bath at temperatures within the range of about 95.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. for periods ranging from about one to sixty minutes. Absorbency of the treated fibers is thus increased by more than 2% of the corresponding untreated fibers as measured by the Syngyna Test Method. By employing such materials in catamenial tampons, sanitary napkins or the like, the amount of absorbent material may be decreased by 10% or more relative to the corresponding, untreated absorbent material, without adversely affecting the absorbent characteristics thereof.

Abstract: A plastic support which has a substantially U-shape configuration and has a base portion and a pair of end portions with the base portion and the end portions having a different cross-sectional configuration. The plastic support also has a pair of regions positioned between the base portion and a different one of the pair of end portions, and in a preferred embodiment the pair of regions is a pair of intermediate portions each having a cross-sectional configuration different than that of the base portion and the pair of end portions. The plastic support is, preferably, made of a mixture of reinforced acetal resin and nonreinforced acetal resin, and exhibits unexpected "creep" properties such that the end portions thereof are closer together after machine laundering at a normal cycle than their initial condition.

Abstract: A molded brassiere formed of a thin fabric includes a nipple patch or cover smoothly adhered to an apex portion of each breast cup to impart a pleasing and modest appearance. The nipple patch is sized, shaped and of an opacity to comfortably cover the nipples and surrounding areola. Further, the nipple patch is sufficiently rigid to depress the nipples, which might otherwise protrude through the thin cup fabric and, thereby, provide a smooth contour along the natural arc line of the bust.The method of making the breast cup of the brassiere is easily and simply accomplished by juxaposedly positioning a coated patch fabric onto a central portion of the flat cup fabric and simultaneously adhering and molding the fabrics at preselected temperatures to form an unitary, three dimensional breast cup including the nipple patch.

Abstract: A method of preparing a spun yarn for use in a fine gauge wrap knitting machine having the following steps: (a) spinning polyester stable fibers having a denier of less than 2 and having a staple length in a range of about 1.5 to about 2.0 inches, (b) twisting the yarn in a range of 24 to 36 twists per inch, (c) waxing and steaming the yarn, and (d) warping the yarn in an environment having a humidity in a range of 65% to 70% and having a temperature in a range of 70.degree. to 72.degree. Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A tampon applicator includes a tubular barrel adapted to house a tampon therein and accommodate a slidable, tubular plunger which is adapted to push the tampon within the barrel out of the forward end of the barrel into a vagina. The barrel includes a rear portion having two diametrically opposed, substantially flattened surfaces with gripping ribs thereon and an angled transitional shoulder which has a reduced diameter relative to the front portion of the barrel. The flattened surface and the angled shoulder form a thumb and finger hold which enables a user to securely and comfortably maneuver and position the applicator and tampon therein.

Abstract: An adjustable brassiere is provided which includes two independent breast retaining cups, each of said cups having at least one adjusting band attached thereto. Fastening means are provided which are attached to at least one end of each of the adjusting bands. A body encircling band is attached to the breast retaining cups along the bottom edges thereof and it includes adjustable back closure means, which are adapted to permit the back width of the brassiere to be adjusted to accommodate different wearers. Securing means are provided at multiple positions along said body encircling band. Each of the fastening means is adapted to engage the securing means at at least one of the multiple positions. The volume of each of the breast retaining cups and the amount of breast separation and garment coverage is determined by the position at which the fastening means engages the securing means.