Abstract: Braces having elastic portions that can be made effectively inelastic, based on a level of comfort or support desired by a user, via an inelastic tightening mechanism are disclosed. Some contemplated braces have lumbar supports that are at made at least in part of an elastic material, and inelastic tightening systems that extend across the elastic material and can decrease the effective elasticity of the elastic material to provide greater support.

Abstract: A loss prevention mechanism may be attached to an article of clothing to prevent the removal of the article and/or at least one covering worn by the child. The covering(s) may be any number of type of covering including socks, shoes, gloves, mittens, hats, and the like. The coupling mechanism is easy to operate yet requires a combination of skills not often exhibited by young children. Further, the components are all interconnected thereby preventing separation of and choking on any of the components.

Abstract: A garter adapted to be supported on an arm or leg of an individual includes an elastic support base, a pouch in which an auxiliary item, such as a flask, can be removably positioned, and a pair of flexible support straps supported at an upper end to the elastic support base and at a lower end to the pouch. The connection of the pouch to the elastic support base with the support straps permits articles of varying configurations to be positioned within the pouch without compromising the grip that the elastic support base has on the individual's limb.

Abstract: The invention is an exercise garment having an integrally formed support bra. The exercise garment includes an upper bra portion for providing support to the user. Connected to the upper portion is a lower, stretchable fabric portion for covering the torso of the user. The upper and lower portions are joined at an elastic support member disposed below the breasts of the user. The upper and lower portions of the garment cooperate with each other so that each portion maintains its position on a user during vigorous exercise or dance.

Abstract: A hockey garter belt includes an elongate body encircling member formed from three sections connected end-to-end in which the intermediate section is elasticized so that the belt may be stretched in a body encirling direction. The opposite ends of the belt may be fastened by cooperation of a looped fabric at one end of the belt with hook members fastened to the other end of the belt. A plurality of garter straps are attached to the belt at selected locations to reinforce the belt.