Abstract: A sock having an elastic band is disclosed in which the band encircles an intermediate zone of the sock between the heel zone and toe zone. The band has a first edge near the heel zone and a second edge near the toe zone. The perimeter of the first edge of the band is greater than the perimeter of the second edge thereof to provide an inward taper for the band from the first edge to the second edge. The first edge of the band is attached to the intermediate zone of the sock and the second edge thereof is unattached. Further, the perimeter of the second edge of the band is substantially less than the perimeter of the intermediate zone of the sock. The arrangement is such that insertion of a wearer's foot in the sock will cause the elastic band to expand and provide support to the arch of the foot.

Abstract: A surgical brassier is disclosed having a first pocket with an opening for receiving a front breast prosthesis and a second pocket with an opening for receiving a side prosthesis. The second pocket is disposed in overlapping relation to the first pocket such that any tab on the front prosthesis in the first pocket which extends out of the first pocket opening will be covered by the second pocket to prevent contact of the prosthesis tab with the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: An enhanced motor vehicle warning system provides flashing lights in response to the sounding of the horn. The driver can either enable or disable the system. When the system is enabled and the horn is sounded, latching and time delay relays close to provide power to various lamps and in particular to the high beam lamps and back-up lamps. This power, through the latching relay, is provided through a flasher so that these lamps provide a visible flashing light signal in synchronism with the flasher for the predetermined time period set by the time delay relay. Parking lamps may also be energized, if they are off. But preferably not through the flasher.

Abstract: A protective device for the hand is disclosed in the form of an elastic band having a palm portion adapted to be fitted around and cover a portion of the palm of a wearer's hand. An elastic index portion extends upwardly from the palm portion and is adapted to be fitted around and cover a portion of the wearer's index finger. A resilient pad is affixed to the palm portion and extends into the index portion sufficiently to cover the knuckle of the wearer's index finger when the device is worn. The configuration is such that the pad serves to absorb impact forces and redistribute them over a greater area of the wearer's hand when the device is worn to reduce tissue trauma.

Abstract: A breast enhancement brassiere is disclosed wherein each of the breast cups is constructed having an inner pocket which receives a padding material and an outer pocket which receives a removable elastomeric member. A support wire extends along the lower curved edge of each cup. The upper edge of each cup defines a relatively unconstrained open zone. The configuration is such that the brassiere, when worn, exerts forces on the wearer's breats lifting the breasts both upwardly and inwardly toward each other in the direction of the open zone for breast enhancement.

Abstract: A support band is disclosed having elastic portions and hook and loop fastener portions for encircling a portion of a wearer's body. One hook segment is positioned adjacent to the terminating end of the band and another hook segment is positioned intermediate between the starting and terminating ends of the band. One portion of the loops is positioned adjacent the starting end of the band and another portion of the loops is positioned intermediate between the starting and terminating ends of the band. The band forms a tubular support device encircling the body portion wherein the intermediate hook segment engages the starting end portion of the loops after the initial wrap of the band to form an anchor point, and the terminating end hook segment engages an intermediate portion of the loops upon final wrapping of the band, said wrappings being made with the band under tension.

Abstract: A brassiere is disclosed having a size and configuration adjustment mechanism which includes a separable fastener having first and second linear elements. The first element is attached to the vertical centerline of the brassiere. The second element has a fixed end and a free end, with the fixed end attached to the brassiere at a position along the centerline of the garment. The second element of the fastener is connectable at selected locations along the first element of the fastener to affect the vertical height of the centerline of the brassiere, whereby the selective positioning of the second element along the first element reduces the cup size in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pants-like garment having a stretchable construction. The garment includes a waistband configured to encircle the waist of a wearer and a covering portion configured to encircle the trunk of the wearer. The covering portion has a front section connected, adjacent its top edge, to the waistband and a rear section connected to the front section. A strip of two-way stretchable material having an elasticity in a pair of directions, perpendicular to the waistband and parallel to the waistband, connects the top edge of the rear section of the garment covering portion to the waistband. When the wearer bends over or twists his or her trunk, the strip of elastic material stretches to prevent deformation of the waistband and prevent exposure of the buttocks of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breast form that is adapted to be located within a pocket formed by a cover flap connected to the cup of a brassiere. In a preferred embodiment the breast form includes a body member having an outer protruding surface that terminates in a base edge that is configured to fit against the juncture of the cup and the cover flap. The body member has a chamber that is spaced from the base edge. A weighted member, located within this chamber, is thus also spaced from the base edge to produce a moment in the brassiere cup that is resolved as a tensile force in a strap of the brassiere. The wearer experiences this tensile force as that produced by a breast form, located within the cup of the brassiere, that weighs more than the combined weight of the body member and the weighted member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brassiere strap having an elastic band attached to an elongate laminate band. The laminate band consists of a foam laminae between fabric inner and outer laminaes. The laminate band and the elastic band combination provides sufficient rigidity to prevent substantial bowing of the brassiere strap in response to longitudinal stresses of the strap and also provides sufficient flexiblity to permit the strap to conform to the configuration of the shoulder of a wearer. The combination of the laminate band and the elastic band form the shoulder portion of the brassiere strap to prevent irritation and indentation marks of the shoulder of a wearer.