Abstract: A wire frame supportive bathing suit bottom, athletic supporter, female undergarment or other garment held to the body by spring pressure.

Abstract: A bathing suit incorporates two life-saving inflatable bladders stored in pockets located in the front of the suit at waist level. When needed, the bladders can be rapidly inflated and deployed to a collarlike configuration which will keep the wearer's head above water.

Abstract: A swimsuit especially adapted for use by elderly and physically challenged women includes a one-piece body having an upper wraparound portion and a lower trunk portion. The upper portion includes first and second panels or flaps that overlap one another and include free ends that are secured to the body by readily securable and releasable fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A disposable swimsuit includes a lower piece having a front covering piece and a back covering piece to define two leg openings at two outer edges of the lower piece and a waist opening at two upper edges of the front and back covering pieces. The disposable swimsuit is made of swimwear garment including an outer stretchable layer and a lining layer overlappedly attached to the outer stretchable layer in an edge to edge manner, wherein the outer stretchable layer is made of water resistant material having air ventilating ability and flexibility, wherein the lining layer is made of non-irritant and air ventilating material.

Abstract: A band for use for breast stabilization from lateral gravitational shifting is disclosed. The band comprises a strip to encircle the body, a first section comprising a semi-cylindrical component of a sponge-like material at one end and a nap material patch on its outer surface with a cylindrical side placed over the sternum, and a second section fro connecting an end of the body strip to encircle a user's body. The band comprises at least one fenestration to enable breast exposure.

Abstract: A neoprene fly closure which provides for minimization of bulk through the fly area of a pair of board shorts, which further provides for a more comfortable pair of shorts when worn surfing. The use of a neoprene gore eliminates bulky seams in the fly area, allowing a user to pull shorts on and off and also providing for a privacy shield should the fly area become open.

Abstract: A bikini assembly includes a bikini top having a first panel and a second panel. A first strap and a second strap are each elongated and each has a first end and a second end. The first strap extends through the first panel. The second strap extends through the second panel. The first and second straps are looped together such that the first panel is attached to the second panel. The first and second straps form arm openings. A bikini bottom includes a third panel having a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A third strap is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The third strap extends into the front and back edges so that leg openings are formed between the third strap and each of the first and second side edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sport clothing product with cups excellent in a shaping (bust uplifting) function, in which the stability of bust does not deteriorate even upon vigorous arm movements. A cup suspending cord (5R) of a right cup portion (2R) extends in the upper left direction, and a cup suspending cord (5L) of a left cup portion (2L) extends in the upper right direction, so that they are attached to a neck hole hem part (16), whereas respective extensions of the cup suspending cords (5L, 5R) intersect each other above the neck hole hem part (16). Movements of cup portions caused by vigorous arm movements accompanying exercises are greatly alleviated, whereby actions of cup suspending members at the time of raising arms function so as to lift up the cup portions in so-called “centering” directions.

Abstract: The present invention is a variety of wearing apparel which employs two-dimensional patterns of optical illusions in three-dimensional applications in or upon the material of said wearing apparel. The applications of said patterns in the design of the apparel are for the purposes of a) novelty, b) highlighting body areas for attention and/or c) creating bodily appearance modification based on the natural properties of the optical illusion pattern itself.

Abstract: An integrated garment including an outer layer for covering a woman's breasts, the outer laying including a top end, a bottom end and side seams and an inner layer having a perimeter and a substantial support structure extending from a front of the garment to a back of the garment in at least a bust region of the garment. The inner layer includes at least two different stitch patterns each having a respective yarn and is substantially attached along at least a portion of the perimeter to the outer garment.

Abstract: A swimwear garment having a material which is permeable to liquid but substantially impermeable to bowel movement material. In one embodiment, the garment can comprise a stand-alone disposable pant liner in the form of a swimpant with waist elastics and leg elastics. In other embodiments, a mesh liner can be a layer within a disposable swimpant. The mesh liner can be attached to the disposable swimpant around the perimeter of the composite structure, or in swimpants containing containment flaps, to the containment flaps. The mesh liner can, optionally, further include elastic strands attached under the mesh liner to provide further lift and hold the mesh liner close to the body of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for improved stabilization of multiple layers of flexible foam material in personal flotation devices. The present invention includes front and back covered segments incorporating multiple layers of buoyant material connected together by fabric inserted into one or more slits formed through the layers. The ends of the fabric are preferably sewn together. In an alternative embodiment, the connected multiple layers of buoyant material are secured within the covered segments by affixing them within the covered segments. The present invention provides improved stabilization of multiple layers of flexible foam material when used in personal flotation devices to reduce curling and fanning issues and avoid bulk and weight while providing a cosmetically appealing flotation device.

Abstract: A flotation swimsuit is provided for providing strategically distributed buoyancy to a wearer. The flotation swimsuit includes a form-fitting torso covering which includes a retaining pocket for enclosing a unitary flotation element. The unitary flotation element includes a backsheet formed from a layer of buoyant material having a thickness within a first predetermined range for providing general buoyancy to a wearer and having an inner surface for presentation toward the wearer and an outer surface for presentation away from the wearer. The unitary flotation element also includes a plurality of enhanced buoyancy regions integrally carried by the backsheet for providing enhanced buoyancy to specific areas of the wearer's body. Each of the enhanced buoyancy regions is formed form a buoyant material having a thickness substantially greater than that of the backsheet and each enhanced buoyancy region extends outwardly from the outer surface of the backsheet.

Abstract: A child's flotation swim garment which includes integral flotation panels. The panels include elongate indentations for facilitating movement and comfort for wearers, and overlying garment fabric is made to conform to the indentations of the flotation panels and present an outwardly visible indication of the contours of the underlying flotation panels.

Abstract: A device and methods for converting and decorating clothing are disclosed. The device includes a center connection part, and a plurality of extensions, each with one end connected to the center connection part and with another end connected to an attachment structure. The method includes attaching one or more first extensions of the device to one or more first locations of a clothing and attaching one or more second extensions to one or more second locations of the clothing to convert the clothing from one style to another style, or to decorate the clothing. Also disclosed is a multifunctional jewelry piece which can be used to convert a style of clothing, to provide ornamentation to clothing, and to provide ornamentation to a person's body.

Abstract: An article of clothing including extensions for insertion into a body cavity permit swimsuits, undergarments, and several other types of clothing to be secured in place with a minimum of fabric, as described. The articles are made dimensionally stable to maintain their position and orientation relative to the wearer's body.

Abstract: An absorbent swimwear garment having an antimicrobial agent based on hydantoin chemistry for the purpose of eliminating or reducing the level of bacteria in swim water. During initial product use, the absorbent swimwear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, similar to ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, particularly chlorinated or brominated water, the antimicrobial agent is stabilized and is thereby able to eliminate E. coli and other fecal bacteria from the swim water.

Abstract: A child's flotation swim garment which includes integral flotation panels. The panels include elongate indentations for facilitating movement and comfort for wearers, and overlying garment fabric is made to conform to the indentations of the flotation panels and present an outwardly visible indication of the contours of the underlying flotation panels.

Abstract: A reversible thong-type undergarment which includes a single unseamed cloth having opposed first and second panels secured thereto wherein each of the panels may have different color combinations and/or designs. The thong-type undergarment may be easily secured to the body of the person without having to tie strings together or engage in other such activities.

Abstract: The summerwear garment convertible into a pouch has an upper torso garment and a lower torso garment. The lower torso garment has two-pockets. The upper torso garment is folded and placed into one of the two pockets for storage. The two pockets each have an open top side and three edges that are fixed to the side of the lower torso garment. Each pocket has corresponding zipper stringers bordering the three fixed side edges. When the zipper halves are mated, the three edges join together to form a pouch, the lower torso garment being folded between the pockets. The lower torso garment may be shorts or a mini-skirt, and the upper torso garment may be a cropped tank top or a halter top.

Abstract: A series of embodiments of articles of apparel formed of a relatively wide gauge net or mesh material, provide increased air circulation adjacent the body of the wearer. The present apparel may be constructed as outerwear or as underwear, as desired. Additional panels of more finely woven, opaque fabric may be installed in critical areas, to provide additional support and/or to serve as modesty panels where such apparel is configured as outerwear. Alternatively, the present apparel may be provided with a removable or permanently installed thin but opaque fabric liner, in any of its embodiments. The present apparel is well suited for wear as underwear and sleep wear in very warm and humid climates, allowing perspiration to evaporate much more readily from the wearer. The installation of modesty panels or liners with the present apparel, allows the apparel to be used as outerwear, including swimwear, athletic or dance attire, etc.

Abstract: This invention is a two-piece full body weighted swimsuit to be used solely for competitive swimmers as a tool for training. The weighted swimsuit is equipped with permanent and removable weights encased in pockets. These pockets are distributed evenly throughout the suit to allow full range of motion. The weighted swimsuit will create more resistance and drag, therefore, making the swimming experience more difficult. Swimming with the extra weight can increase endurance and body mass. Physically the swimmers feel lighter after using the weighted swimsuit. A combination zipper-Velcro closes the torso portion of the suit to a tight fit and the extra option of only using the Velcro enclosure to provide a quick release mechanism. An elastic fiber band at the waist of the lower body portion of the suit will provide support coupled with an internal draw cord to tighten the suit and keep it in place.

Abstract: Swimwear as an information device is provided wherein by prominently displaying international signal flags on said swimwear, a wearer can convey messages to others as prescribed by the International Code of Signals.

Abstract: An activewear garment includes a removable bra portion, so that the amount and size of bra support can be easily adapted to the wearer. The activewear garment includes a back band which, when coupled to the bottom band of the bra portion, forms a continuous band around the chest of the wearer. The back band and the bottom band are formed of material having substantially the same elasticity. When the bra portion is fastened in the garment, an integral bra is formed wherein the back band of the garment also serves as the back band of the integral bra.

Abstract: An absorbent swimwear garment having a biocidal agent and/or a filtration agent attached to the garment for the purpose of killing or immobilizing microorganisms. During initial product use, the absorbent swim-wear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, just like ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, such as pool or lake water, the biocidal agent and/or filtration agent act to kill or immobilize any microorganisms deposited in the swim water from the urine and bowel movements contained in the garment. In one embodiment, a waist dam is formed in the garment around a wearer's waist, thereby providing a filtration barrier between the entrance and departure of swim water into and out of the garment.

Abstract: The clothing of the invention is held together at a single point of closure, at a single main point of closure, or at several points of closure by a locking device or devices in such a way that unlocking the locking device(s) renders the garment removable from the wearer's body.

Abstract: A swimsuit converter is provided for converting the bottom rear panel of a swimsuit to a shape with more body exposures. The swimsuit converter includes a center connection part, and a plurality of extensions, each with one end connected to the center connection part and with another end connected to an attachment structure. When in use, a swimsuit wearer attaches two extensions through the attachment structures to two sides of a bottom rear panel of a swimsuit and attaches one or more extensions to one or more locations around the waist portion of the swimsuit. The swimsuit converter holds the swimsuit rear panel together, and converts a conventional or bikini style swimsuit to a thong style, which is particularly suitable for sun bathing and sun tanning.

Abstract: A swimsuit undergarment for lifting the buttocks and thighs of a user to provide a slimmer appearance. The swimsuit includes a body member comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the body member is designed for being positioned on an upper torso of the user. The lower portion is designed for being positioned on a lower torso of the user when the upper portion is positioned on the upper torso of the user. A panel member is adjustably coupled to an interior surface of the lower portion of the body member whereby the panel member is positioned between the lower portion of the body member and the lower torso of the user. The panel member is designed for raising the buttocks and thighs of the user to provide a slimmer appearance when the user is wearing the body member.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an articulated joint for a pressure vessel, especially a pressure suit, by separately forming a structural fabric and a gas barrier layer into a series of alternating peaks and valleys. The structural fabric can be formed into the three dimensional shape by patterning or heat shrinkage. The resulting articulated joint, pressure vessels and pressurized suits are also described.

Abstract: An open-sided thong-type brief garment having a resilient wire frame including an anterior frame portion and a posterior frame portion which curve inwardly towards one another in a spring-biased arrangement. The anterior frame portion configured in a symmetrical U-shape and is adapted to curve around the genital region of the wearer in tensioned engagement. The anterior frame portion has an arcuate base and two upwardly extending stems terminating in closed loops. The posterior frame portion is attached to the arcuate base and is configured to curve upwardly between the buttocks of the wearer. The posterior frame portion terminates in a closed loop adapted for tensioned engagement with the sacrum of the wearer. The garment includes a fabric covering on the frame which includes a substantially triangular-shaped front fabric panel which spans the anterior frame portion to conceal the groin area of the wearer.

Abstract: An improved brassiere of the type having a pair of cups, torso bands, and shoulder strap, and apparatus for connecting the pair of shoulder straps. The improvement includes the apparatus including a strip of fabric loops extending along free upper edges of the pair of torso bands and free upper edges of the pair of cups, a pair of fabric loops that are overlying aligned with each other, and are disposed in a space between the pair of cups at free upper edges of the pair of cups, an upper strip of material that is preferably silicon and overlies the strip of fabric loops and the pair of fabric loops for preventing discomfort to a wearer and keeping the brassiere in place, and a lower strip of material that is preferably silicon and overlies free lower edges of the pair of torso bands for further keeping the brassiere in place.

Abstract: A collapsible swimsuit includes a loop for supporting the suit on the human body. The swimsuit also includes a pair of fastening devices which, when disengaged, make it possible to fold the body of the swimsuit and store it compactly into a pouch on the swimsuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a racing swimsuit and provides a racing swimsuit capable of reducing surface friction resistance and frictional resistance of turbulence in water. The present invention can reduce the surface frictional resistance in water by the provision of a water repellent region on the surface of a swimsuit as well as makes it possible to reduce the frictional resistance of turbulence occurred on the surface of the swimsuit of a racer by the formation of a plurality of fine grooves parallel to a body lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A full-cut swimsuit of the shorts-type, particularly of the type having a waistband and legs, and in which at least one rear elastic zone is arranged in correspondence with the user's buttocks.

Abstract: A swimsuit garment (10, 42, 58, 74) is constructed of a single piece of knit material characterized by having high stretchability so as to fit a wide range of wearer sizes and yet remaining comfortable. In manufacture, the swimsuit is cut from a material blank and is seamless with the cut edge remaining free from hemming or other finishing.

Abstract: A device and methods for converting and decorating clothing are disclosed. The device includes a center connection part, and a plurality of extensions, each with one end connected to the center connection part and with another end connected to an attachment structure. The method includes attaching one or more first extensions of the device to one or more first locations of a clothing and attaching one or more second extensions to one or more second locations of the clothing to convert the clothing from one style to another style, or to decorate the clothing. Also disclosed is a multifunctional jewelry piece which can be used to convert a style of clothing, to provide ornamentation to clothing, and to provide ornamentation to a person's body.

Abstract: A suit garment that is typically manufactured smaller than the correct size for its intended wearer is made from stretchable material so that the suit fits snugly on the wearer. The suit is constructed from a plurality of panels woven from synthetic or naturally occurring fibers joined to one another along their respective edges, usually along seams that are effectively sealed so that the resulting suit covers the entire body of the wearer, excepting extremities, and extends across the various joints of the wearer that would commonly be expected to flex during diving. The garment is additionally provided with at least one panel in the region of one or more joints of the wearer of the same woven material as the remaining materials. However, the panel that is cut from the material on the bias as opposed to parallel to the warp or weft of the weave of that material. In this manner, an exceedingly elastic suit, at least in the region of the joints of the when the suit is correctly worn, is achieved.

Abstract: A loose-fitting bathing suit includes legs that resist riding up on a wearer and yet is comfortable to wear. The bathing suit eliminates the wide, trapezoidally-shaped stays worn on the front of the bathing suit to offer a more natural feel of the bathing suit, and its attendant comfort, while still resisting the problem of riding up. The suit preferably includes a long thin pocket on either side of the suit, and each such pocket retains a long, thin flexibly rigid stay to comfortably hold the bottom of the suit legs down along the thighs of the wearer. Alternatively, the suit may omit the stay in the side pockets, and instead include either of hem stays or inseam stays, or include all of such stays.

Abstract: A swimwear garment having a material which is permeable to liquid but substantially impermeable to bowel movement material. In one embodiment, the garment can comprise a stand-alone disposable pant liner in the form of a swimpant with waist elastics and leg elastics. In other embodiments, a mesh liner can be a layer within a disposable swimpant. The mesh liner can be attached to the disposable swimpant around the perimeter of the composite structure, or in swimpants containing containment flaps, to the containment flaps. The mesh liner can, optionally, further include elastic strands attached under the mesh liner to provide further lift and hold the mesh liner close to the body of the wearer.

Abstract: A disposable, one-piece swimsuit for girls includes a bodice attached to a chassis. The bodice is designed to provide upper torso coverage while the chassis can include absorbent and containment features. The upper torso coverage contributes to social decency and also protects the wearer's skin against excessive exposure to the sun. The absorbent and containment features can either be integrated within the chassis or can be in the form of a separate, pant-like, absorbent garment covered by the chassis.

Abstract: A wrapped absorbent structure that includes two or more absorbent materials to maximize the absorbent functionality of the structure without sacrificing integrity. The structure includes an absorbent core surrounded by an absorbent wrap. The absorbent core is primarily intended to provide absorbent capacity while the absorbent wrap is used to maintain wetness integrity, although the absorbent wrap also provides a considerable amount of absorbent capacity. The absorbent structure is particularly suitable for use in absorbent swimwear.

Abstract: An undergarment with a front and rear panel and a crotch panel joining them, wherein the panels are so shaped that at the waistband, at the side of the wearer's body, the front and rear panels are spaced apart. A flexible strap attached to the top edge of each side of the rear panel extends to the front panel. Respective fastening devices on the end of the strap and on the front panel at the waistband enable separable attachment to complete the undergarment. The fastening devices are selected from a group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, belt and buckle fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, clasp fasteners, bow and tie fasteners and slide fasteners.

Abstract: This invention relates to a full body swimsuit for enhancing a swimmer's performance in the water. Swimming performance is enhanced by optimizing swimming efficiency, which include influencing the swimmer's physiological responses, improving the accuracy of the swimmer's movements, and optimizing the direction of the resultant propellant forces by modifying the propellant areas.

Abstract: A bikini-style swimsuit having a diamond-shaped cloth pubic panel 10, and a spreader 22 which communicates with restraining pockets 20. The spreader extends the left and right extremities of the panel 10, tensing the cloth in the horizontal axis. A waistband 12 and a crotch panel 16 of typical bikini construction tense panel 10 in opposing directions in the vertical axis. An unexpected synergy of forces compels the entire periphery of the diamond-shaped panel 10 to be pulled into contact with the body of the wearer in an attractive and modest fashion.

Abstract: The invention is based on the common top of a two-piece swim- or sport suit which is usually held to the body of the wearer by a neck strap and a back strap. In order to offer more hold and therefore additional security, especially when the wearer is performing sporting activities, the invention features an additional strap system which effects that the tensile forces coming from the front of the garment are shifted to the back strap. Because of the additional distribution of the forces affecting the straps, especially when the body of the wearer is moving, increased comfort is gained as the straps do not cut into the wearer so much and the top is held to the body more tightly. Apart from that, the invention solves another problem of everyday life by including a little container is integrated in the described strap system. In the container, little items like keys, credit card or money can be carried.

Abstract: This invention relates to a full body swimsuit for enhancing a swimmer's performance in the water. Swimming performance is enhanced by optimizing swimming efficiency, which include influencing the swimmer's physiological responses, improving the accuracy of the swimmer's movements, and optimizing the direction of the resultant propellant forces by modifying the propellant areas.

Abstract: The invention provides clothing wherein the hip hemline is prevented from rising during bending and stretching. When standing, loose wrinkles and bagginess in the buttock lower portion is not produced. Lower end portions of right and left edges of a front body, wherein leg openings are bilaterally formed, intersect with hip hemline lower end portions. Lower end portions of right and left edges downwardly extend from vertical intermediate positions in an outward convex curved line (16a). Portions (16b) of curves (16a) lower than a vertical intermediate position are linear or curved shape. A back body has lower portions (19a) of right and left edges that extend spreadingly downward from a vertical intermediate position. Seamlines between right and left edges of the front body and corresponding edges of the back body elongate from back waist portions to the hip hemlines with an outward detouring around the top of the buttock.

Abstract: A close-fitting garment, especially a swimsuit, has panels of elastic stretch fabric joined at seams and shaped to conform with muscle groups of the body, in particular in the abdominal region and at the glutel region.

Abstract: A low-temperature thermal insulation garment is proposed for low-energy requirement, self-sustaining body temperature maintenance. The proposed garment uses the body's expired respiratory gases and natural thermal production capabilities to insulate and maintain a comfortable skin temperature. The garment provides a constant re-supply of heated air with each exhaled breath. The garment has a mouthpiece with a check-valve that shunts exhaled air into a network of channels and bladders that cover the entire body. The garment also consists of a heat reflective lining to reduce radiant heat loss and a neoprene outer layer providing conductive insulation, durability, and waterproofing. Inhaled air is heated prior to entering the mouthpiece due to heat exchange with warmer areas of the garment. This allows residual heat from the exhalant to be transferred to incoming air. The garment can be fitted with artificial air supply, worn as is, or under a pressurized suit.

Abstract: Low density semifinished product for manufacturing buoyant products, comprising a plurality of layers of closed-cell expanded material, having a specific gravity lower than that of water, the said layers being flexible and elastic and being joined together by quilting spaced so as to define between them pockets of air, characterised in that the said quilting is preferably distributed in closed patterns.