Underwear Patents (Class 2/78.1)
  • Patent number: 11357265
    Abstract: Some shapewear and other similar undergarments are equipped with an open gusset, which provides an opening at the crotch region to allow the wearer to use the restroom without removing any garments. A typical double gusset construction requires two hands to pull apart both layers in order to use the restroom, which can make using the restroom more difficult for the wearer. The stretchable gusset disclosed herein addresses the limitations of existing gusset constructions. The gusset panel is fixedly or seamlessly attached to the front body panel and fixedly or seamlessly attached to the back body panel. An access space is formed by leaving at least a portion of a lateral gusset panel edge unattached to any other portion of the garment. The access space can be widened with one hand due to the highly stretchable characteristics of the gusset panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Spanx, LLC
    Inventors: Wendy Hanson Allen, Deneb Torano, Sylma Colon-Otten
  • Patent number: 10448683
    Abstract: A garment that includes a bottom portion having first and second leg openings, a front part and a back part, first and second shoulder straps that each have a front portion extending upwardly from the front part and a back portion extending upwardly from the back part. The first and second shoulder straps each include a shoulder portion that connects the front portion to the back portion. The back portion of the first shoulder strap includes an upper section and a lower section and the lower section is wider than the upper section. The back portion of the second shoulder strap includes an upper section and a lower section and the lower section is wider than the upper section. At least a portion of the lower section of the first shoulder strap overlaps at least a portion of the lower section of the second shoulder strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: DASHAMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Lori Hoverter, Melodie Miller, Keegan Rehfeldt
  • Patent number: 9402425
    Abstract: A nursing garment configured to be worn by a wearer having a breast includes an interior layer, an intermediate layer, and an exterior layer. The interior layer is positioned immediately adjacent the wearer during use of the nursing garment and defines soft cups for supporting the breasts. Each of the soft cups defines an opening therethrough providing access to a different one of the breasts. The intermediate layer defines padded cups, is coupled to the interior layer, and is positioned immediately adjacent the interior layer. The padded cups overlie the soft cups of the interior layer covering the openings of the interior layer. The exterior layer extends over the intermediate layer opposite the interior layer substantially covering the intermediate layer. To permit nursing, the intermediate layer and the exterior layer collectively fold down away from the interior layer permitting access to the breasts via the openings in the interior layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele M. Cortese, Emily Weich
  • Patent number: 8388989
    Abstract: Articles of clothing treated with bacteria adapted to metabolize a component selected from the group consisting of ammonia, ammonium salts, or urea into any of nitric oxide, nitric oxide precursors, and combinations thereof are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Nitrocell BioSciences LLC
    Inventor: David R. Whitlock
  • Publication number: 20130047311
    Abstract: Provided herein is a garment configured for use following upper body surgery, the garment comprising a front comprising at least one of a fixed volume of material in the breast area and a fastener configured to receive an accessory module; a back; a neckline configured to withstand gaping; and a front and back expandable element below the breast area. Also provided are an accessory module and a garment and module system for use following surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Cynthia Morency
  • Patent number: 8058343
    Abstract: Novel aqueous polyurethane dispersions and adhesive films formed therefrom are provided. The aqueous polyurethane dispersions are provided in solvent-free systems of a prepolymer comprising at least one polyether or polyester polyol, a mixture of MDI isomers, and a diol. The adhesive films from such dispersions can be heat-activated for bonding, lamination, and adhesion of textile fabrics, including stretch fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Invista North America S.àr.l.
    Inventors: Hong Liu, Carmen A Covelli, Douglas K Farmer
  • Publication number: 20110154553
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention is a flame resistant, durable, pill resistant undergarment. The undergarments are formed of a first knitted portion. The first knit portion is a well knit structure formed from air-jet spun yarns formed from an intimate blend of about 72 percent to about 80 percent modacrylic fibers and about 20 percent to about 28 percent cotton fibers. The linear density of the air-jet yarns are between about 30/1 cc and about 36/1 cc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Longworth Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Marie Thompson
  • Patent number: 7895676
    Abstract: The invention relates to men's underwear that provides options with respect to waist size and pouch size. The pouch size may vary in order to accommodate males of varying genital sizes. For a given waist size there may be at least two pouch sizes, wherein each pouch size is different from the other. The present invention provides multiple options for pouch size within each waist size. Therefore, rather than being limited to selecting from waist size only, providers and/or user may also select from varying pouch sizes. This effectively increases the number of undergarment options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Skiviez, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Clark
  • Publication number: 20100005560
    Abstract: A pantyhose undergarment is provided that has relatively sheer upper arm and body portions, the upper arm portions end as cap sleeves with knitted-in welts just above the mid upper arm area and being comprised of a sweat absorbent material in the under arm area starting at the mid upper arm and terminating down the side of the wearer's body, just adjacent to the top of the breasts and the body portion being comprised of a sheer form fitting front and back torso portion, the part of the front and back torso portion beginning just above the breast area being comprised of a sheer portion and the part beginning just below the breast area covering the stomach and abs, being comprised of a sheer reinforced control top portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Susan Albizre
  • Patent number: 7591811
    Abstract: A diaper with legs is a lower torso garment worn by a user to retain excreted waste matter. The diaper may have fasteners to close the waist and legs, or may be of the pull-on type. The diaper includes a flat sheet wrapped around the torso with legs extending from the sides of the sheet. A front waist arch and a rear waist arch are disposed at an upper portion of the edges of the sheet. The arches extend the height of the diaper in front and back. An elastic material is disposed at the waist arches, at the junction between the legs and the central portion of the diaper, and at the end of the legs. The elastic material disposed at the end of the legs and at the junction between the legs and the central portion provides double leak protection at the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Lisa Diane Crislip Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20090158491
    Abstract: A suit for cycling, having a top part suitable for performing the function of underwear, and a bottom part suitable for performing the functionality of cycling tights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: ASSOS of Switzerland S.A.
    Inventor: Roger Maier
  • Publication number: 20090106874
    Abstract: A pair of underwear for use by a male includes a fabric fashioned to form a boxer-brief type undergarment, the fabric having a bilateral symmetry and including a front panel. A rear panel is formed within the fabric and positioned immediately behind the front panel to form an internal pocket. A slit-shaped portal is formed within the rear panel for providing access to the internal pocket for depositing a scrotum and genitalia of the male. Finally, an external pouch extending outward from the front panel is provided as a depository for the genitalia of the male. The boxer-brief type undergarment minimizes perspiration and irritation, absorbs accidental leakage of fluid body waste, and eliminates exposure to the fluid body waste and stains on the body of the male. A thin layer of absorbent material can be included to minimize the effects of accidental leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Jacob Shlush
  • Publication number: 20090083894
    Abstract: A composite garment particularly suited for exercise includes an inner garment connected at the waistband with an outer garment. The inner element includes a torso element made of a body control material such as Lycra® to provide full body control circumferentially about a wearer and a finishing element made of a lacy material and terminating with a scalloped edge to prevent the formation of a panty line under the outer garment. The outer garment is also made of a stretchable fabric that contours the body and is comfortable to wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Nancy CAUSEY-GABBE
  • Patent number: 7434273
    Abstract: A male undergarment having a scrotum receiving cradle with an internal opening defined therein, in which the penis extends through resting in a penis enclosure. The outer penis enclosure connected to the crotch section of the tubular body portion, thereby forming a pocket with the front area of the tubular body portion. Said penis enclosure is canopied by fabric allowing the penis to be concealed no matter what state, additionally, allowing comfortable, access for left or right handed users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Nimbus Impression, Inc.
    Inventor: Chi Ki Victor Chung
  • Publication number: 20080134406
    Abstract: A health care fitness underwear comprises an underwear body and at least one cushion layer formed on the underwear body. The underwear body is made of a flexible fabric and has a far infrared ray or negative ion element for fitness and health care. The cushion layer is formed corresponding to an area where blood vessels and acupuncture points of the body of a wearer exist, and a far infrared ray structure may be provided to stimulate the wear's body by using the far infrared ray and particularly to further stimulate the wear body's blood vessels and acupuncture points for blood circulation, thereby the effect of health care being achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Su-Huei Shih, Wen-De Lin
  • Patent number: 7354424
    Abstract: The invention provides protective garments that comprise a liquid impermeable garment body having an inner surface with first and second portions, an absorptive device associated with the first portion of the garment body, and fibers affixed to at least a part of the inner surface of the second portion of the garment body. The protective garment may further comprise a connector, and tubing. The tubing can be used for absorbing or draining fluids away from a person's body, or for transmitting fluids to a person's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: TamiCare Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamar Giloh
  • Publication number: 20080052802
    Abstract: An elastic upper-body undergarment that comprises a form-fitting body portion covering a shoulder region to a mid-torso region and two arm regions, and the body portion is made of elastic material, such as hosiery. The arm region has an absorbent material that is made of materials from panty liner and diaper materials to absorb sweat. The undergarment provides sweat protection to allow user for a tight, inconspicuous and comfortable fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Laura Bryan
  • Publication number: 20080034461
    Abstract: A shaping undergarment includes a front panel and a rear panel connected thereto, forming an undergarment having first and second hip regions. A frictional band attached to the undergarment extends along at least a portion of the rear panel between the first and second hip regions. The frictional band may extend substantially continuously between the first and second hip regions, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, may be a single continuous band. When worn, the frictional band frictionally engages the wearer's skin to uplift and extend the wearer's buttocks. The frictional band may be totally or partially obscured from view. The material properties of the frictional band, such as its coefficient of friction with skin and elastic modulus, and its path along the undergarment, may be designed to achieve a particularly aesthetically pleasing result for the wearer of the shaping undergarment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Diana Lynn Gidish
  • Publication number: 20080010716
    Abstract: A garment worn to assist in the relief of discomfort and provide support to a surgical patient is provided. The garment includes a body having a front side and a rear side. The front side has a front surface, a rear surface and a top edge. A pouch is secured to the front surface and is capable of accommodating and securing an ice pack therein. A compartment is secured directly to the rear surface of the front side and is capable of supporting a scrotum of the patient. The compartment is provided a predetermined distance below the top edge of the front side. The compartment has an opening along a top edge to allow entry of the scrotum of the patient therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: BRUCE BROWN, RON ZITTLER
  • Patent number: 7318240
    Abstract: A one piece undergarment for wear on a torso and legs of a body, having at least two elastic straps extending substantially parallel to one another. A plurality of moveable panels extending along the two straps and configured as a plurality of tube portions one above another, each panel having two parallel edges extending horizontally around the body. The moveable panel is secured by at least two moveable seams, each seam creating a channel by encasing the strap from one parallel edge to the other parallel edge of the moveable panel to slide upwardly and downwardly along the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Nicole Rendone
  • Publication number: 20070277284
    Abstract: A male undergarment having a scrotum receiving cradle with an internal opening defined therein, in which the penis extends through resting in a penis enclosure. The outer penis enclosure connected to the crotch section of the tubular body portion, thereby forming a pocket with the front area of the tubular body portion. Said penis enclosure is canopied by fabric allowing the penis to be concealed no matter what state, additionally, allowing comfortable, access for left or right handed users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chi Ki Victor Chung
  • Publication number: 20070277285
    Abstract: A male personal comfort sport and multipurpose underwear/undergarment that includes, as an integral part thereof, a specially configured penis and genital pouch secured to the interior of the undergarment that includes a frontal elastic opening for receiving and comfortably securing a male penis, and coincident slit-like opening on the opposite side of the pouch to allow the penis to be easily and comfortably removed through the front panel of the undergarment. The undergarment significantly reduces the possibility of crushing or otherwise injuring the penis and/or genitalia during any sudden movement of the wearer, such as vigorous exercise occurring during sports activities. The pouch also serves to isolate the genitalia from the thigh area, so that in humid conditions or conditions in which the wearer is perspiring due to physical activity, the penis and genitalia skin do not touch the wearer's thigh region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Eugene S. Gravette, Diana M. Gravette
  • Patent number: 7275265
    Abstract: The garment made of stretchable material is adapted for an upper part of a body. The garment has front and back sections and a hem; a front of the hem is provided with a pair of slits, while a back—with a pair of apertures. A lace for fastening the garment to the upper part of the body is used. This lace has a pair of ends and is adapted to encircle a waist and to interact with the pair of slits and apertures. The first and second ends, after exiting from the pair of slits, are manipulated so as to extend downwardly and brought under the crotch area and then up toward the back of the wearer. There, first and second ends are inserted into the pair of apertures, behind lace, then brought forward, stretched and tied together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: John Grant
  • Patent number: 7240371
    Abstract: Novel aqueous polyurethane dispersions and adhesive films formed therefrom are provided. The aqueous polyurethane dispersions are provided in solvent-free systems of a prepolymer comprising at least one polyether or polyester polyol, a mixture of MDI isomers, and a diol. The adhesive films from such dispersions can be heat-activated for bonding, lamination, and adhesion of textile fabrics, including stretch fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Invista North America S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Hong Liu, Carmen A. Covelli, Douglas K. Farmer
  • Patent number: 7178174
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pair of man's trousers which is adapted for use by preferably sportsmen and by other active persons, comprising a waist portion (2) connected to back and front portions (3, 4), which merged into each other or are interconnected at a crotch (5). The front portion (4) includes a pocket (7) sewn to its inner side and having an upper, inward directed, free edge portion (8), the vertical position of which can be adjusted relatively the waist portion (2), preferably by means of an adjustment member (9) extending from the waist portion (2), preferably with the aid of adjustment means (9) extending from the waist portion (2), for the purpose of adaptation to the location of the genital organs of the user and/or to the type of sport which the wearer is practicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Söderström
  • Patent number: 7131146
    Abstract: A garment including a skirt has at least one ribbon or ring that attaches to the inside surface of the skirt and is appropriately sized and situated to encircle the leg of a person who is wearing the skirt in order to make the garment stay put. The garment may be, for example, a slip, a dress or a coat. The ribbon or ring is attached to the skirt along less than the entire length of the ribbon or ring. The ribbon or ring may be removably attached to the skirt, and may be adjustable for circumferential length and for elevation with respect to the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Linda Chatman
  • Patent number: 6987210
    Abstract: A protective undergarment including an integrally formed undergarment body formed of a liquid impermeable material, and an absorptive pad associated with the integrally formed undergarment body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: TamiCare Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamar Giloh
  • Patent number: 6846217
    Abstract: A women's garment with built-in breast support and no underwire, comprises an exterior fabric layer for covering the torso. A exterior fabric layer has an upper part for at least partly covering the breasts. An interior fabric layer is connected to the upper part of the exterior fabric layer and is sized to extend only over the upper part of the exterior fabric layer on the inner surface thereof cover at least part of the breasts of a woman. A pair of side support panels are connected to the interior fabric layer, each at over one lateral area of the torso, the lateral areas being adjacent respective lateral sides of the breasts and are made of non-stretch material for supporting the breasts. A pair of tapes or other fixing mechanisms are connected to the interior fabric layer and extend along respecting medial edges of the side support panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Lisa Powers Struble, Jami Leigh Anderson, Tiffany Nicole Harris, Christine Marie Kennedy, Joshua Andrew Baumer
  • Patent number: 6817034
    Abstract: A maternity undergarment is preferably a spandex/polyester full body slip that covers, shapes and supports the upper torso and lower torso, to smooth the thigh, back waist and buttocks, slightly support the belly and optionally provide a support bra at the chest. The belly panel is of fabric that is more stretchable than the fabric covering the wearer's torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Daisy LLC
    Inventor: Amy Smilovic
  • Patent number: 6591425
    Abstract: An underarm perspiration collecting shield that is part of the construction of an undergarment. The undergarment, designed primarily but not exclusively for men, is comprised of a front and back torso section, sleeves that cover the upper arms, and a neck opening for the head. The perspiration collecting shield is constructed of three layers. The layer closest to the wearer's underarm is constructed of material consistent with that used to make the undergarment. The middle layer is constructed of absorbent material capable of absorbing a minimum of 2 fluid ozs of perspiration before becoming saturated. The middle layer is permanently bonded to a third layer of pliable waterproof material to prevent moisture from leaking through to the wearer's clothing. These three layers, as one item, are sewn into the underarm area of the garment, extending into the front and torso sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Mary P. Zellers
  • Publication number: 20030101502
    Abstract: An item of apparel for the visible indication of sexual proclivity, availability, and safety, in which the apparel has an exterior surface and a cavity-forming pouch attached to the exterior surface, which is generally rectilinear and preferable square, having a width greater than or equal to 2½ inches in width. The pouch is comprised of a material, preferably elasticized, like spandex, and potentially of a clear material for rendering visible a removably retained condom. The apparel is an undergarment, shirt or trousers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Tom Hayes
  • Publication number: 20030056275
    Abstract: An undergarment for use by a hockey player comprising a torso portion having a head opening, and arm openings; two pant leg portions extending from the torso portion; and a neck guard assembly comprising an integral neck guard at the head opening, and a releasable attachment means coupled to the neck guard to permit the neck guard to be securely positioned. Each pant leg portion carries at least one sock support. The undergarment further includes a genital protector support, sized, shaped and positioned to support a genital protector. Also included are a pair of sleeves and a sleeve cuff assembly on each of the sleeves. Each sleeve cuff assembly includes a fastening means which is sufficiently adjustable to allow a wrist guard to be selectively positioned on a player's wrist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Jock Plus Hockey Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Regan
  • Patent number: 6430748
    Abstract: An undergarment, either a camisole or full slip, that has excellent wicking properties, fits the body snugly and is cut in such a way as to be unnoticeable beneath sheer outer wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Jeannine W. Burkhart
  • Publication number: 20020069447
    Abstract: An undergarment, either a camisole or full slip, that has excellent wicking properties, fits the body snugly and is cut in such a way as to be unnoticeable beneath sheer outer wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Jeannine W. Burkhart
  • Patent number: 6347407
    Abstract: This invention is an undergarment which helps control underarm perspiration and controls perspiration from soiling clothing and controls wetness from getting onto clothing from perspiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Brenda Diane Dowell
  • Patent number: 6338161
    Abstract: Conforming women under and/or outer garments made with loom fabrics and processed materials. Assembled with seams of hook and loom type adhesive at left and right sides of garment and crotch, and the top end is divided by two straps affixed to garment in the back and attaches to the front with fasteners providing shoulder straps, a head opening and two arm openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Khaleelah Ali Muhammad
  • Patent number: 6298486
    Abstract: An undergarment having body contouring function being made from stretchable material and having stitching or seams located at the front and rear side of the undergarment. The fat of the body of the wearer is pushed toward the breast or hip such that the breast and the hip of the wearer look stiffer and larger. A zipper is provided at one lateral side of the undergarment for easy wearing of the undergarment. The bottom end of the groin is provided with two crotch linings such that when the wearer closes the two legs together, an opening will not occur and when the two legs are separated apart, an opening is formed for enabling the wearer to use toilet facilities easily without having to remove the undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Chueh Huang
  • Patent number: 6282719
    Abstract: This invention is a combination nightgown and bra for women after pregnancy that enables the wearer to conveniently and comfortably nurse her baby by unsecuring a flap on either cup and resecuring upon completion of nursing, without the necessity of dealing with various articles of clothing and putting them on and taking them off. The gown can also be worn during pregnancy for support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Carol Ann Vera, Lori Denise Tucker
  • Patent number: 6206752
    Abstract: Non-woven, non-shiny, and substantially transparent clothing straps and a method for their use with apparel worn under loosely fitting sleeveless outer garments, undergarments used with sheer outer clothing or outer clothing having narrow shoulder straps or cutouts therein which would otherwise readily reveal undergarment straps, and other apparel to give a strapless illusion to it. The straps are made from flexible, resilient, but non-stretchable material and could be permanently attached to a garment or made to be easily and readily detached from it. In the most preferred present invention embodiment the straps would be made from a substantially non-stretchable polyurethane material. Optionally, even though the strap material itself would resist longitudinal folding, a short stretchable extension could be inserted between one end of the strap and the garment to which it is attached to help the strap resist twisting and lay in an essentially flat, more comfortable and discrete position during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: Matthew Jeremy Fagin, Rosanna Fagin
  • Patent number: RE41654
    Abstract: A women's garment with built-in breast support and no underwire, comprises an exterior fabric layer for covering the torso. A exterior fabric layer has an upper part for at least partly covering the breasts. An interior fabric layer is connected to the upper part of the exterior fabric layer and is sized to extend only over the upper part of the exterior fabric layer on the inner surface thereof cover at least part of the breasts of a woman. A pair of side support panels are connected to the interior fabric layer, each at over one lateral area of the torso, the lateral areas being adjacent respective lateral sides of the breasts and are made of non-stretch material for supporting the breasts. A pair of tapes or other fixing mechanisms are connected to the interior fabric layer and extend along respecting medial edges of the side support panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: A & F Trademark, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Powers Struble, Jami Leigh Anderson Rudolph, Tiffany Nicole Harris, Christine Marie Kennedy, Joshua Andrew Baumer