Abstract: A bandage for orthopaedic use comprises an elastic, flexible, relatively stiff supporting means (16) made in the shape of a body part to be supported. The supporting means is made of a cross-linked polythene material. In the method for fabricating such a bandage, the polythene material is heated to a predetermined moulding temperature, at which the material has a consistency suitable for moulding, supporting means with the desired shape then being made from the material.

Abstract: The brassiere has a bendable support member disposed therein and a stiffer shock-absorbing resilient member attached to the support member and the brassiere. A woman's breast bends the support member outwardly along the bendable line to a first position and the shock-absorbing resilient member is extended from a rest position to a first extended position and a lower end of the brassiere is pressed against the body. The breast then applies a load on the support member and to bend the support member further outwardly from the first position to a second position and the resilient member is extended from the first extended position to a second extended position. The member and the support member provide a pulling force that is greater than the load of the breast an d the support member is then bent inwardly past the first position and the resilient member is retracted.