Abstract: A cradle that includes a maternity band, a support structure attached to the maternity band, and one or more straps attached the support structure, wherein the one or more straps include at least one top strap and at least one bottom strap. The method for using the cradle includes disposing a cradle over a midsection of a person, positioning the at least one top strap below the midsection, securing the at least one top strap to a first connection on the maternity band, positioning the at least one bottom strap above the midsection, and securing the at least one bottom strap to a second connection on the maternity band.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wetsuit that provides support for the lumbosacral region of the wearer. The wetsuit has at least one layer of foam rubber or other wetsuit material with a lumbar portion disposed in the lumbosacral region of the wearer. In certain embodiments, the wetsuit has at least one tensioning mechanism that allows the wearer to selectively change a level of support provided by the lumbar portion to the lumbosacral region of the wearer.

Abstract: A support assembly (100) for supporting a transverse incision site (420) of a user (101) includes an assembly body (106) and a first assembly arm (102). The assembly body (106) is configured to encircle an abdomen (107) of the user (101). The assembly body (106) includes a pelvic support layer (214) that is configured to provide a transverse supportive force to the transverse incision site (420) of the user (101). The first assembly arm (102) is coupled to the pelvic support layer (214). The first assembly arm (102) is configured to adjust the transverse supportive force relative to the user (101). The first assembly arm (102) has a first arm end (403) that is detachably fastenable to the assembly body (106). The first arm end (403) includes a first arm fastener (304) that detachably fastens the first assembly arm (102).

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems of reducing, treating, and/or preventing back pain in an individual, such as a pregnant or post-partum individual, that include changing the center of gravity of the individual by the methods set forth herein. In particular, the methods herein include shifting the center of gravity in the individual to a desired center of gravity. The methods include applying modifiable lifting forces to a lower abdomen of the individual using a pully system, under the belly of the individual toward the desired center of gravity; and applying one or more vector forces from an anterior side of the individual toward the desired center of gravity. Also provided are methods that include applying a lumbar support, as described herein to an individual. Also provided herein are adjustable, modular lumbar support devices that may be used to provide lumbar and/or belly support for individuals having belly weight to achieve the present methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are garments for lifting and concealing loose and/or saggy skin and methods for using the same. In one aspect, the garment includes at least one garment support portion configured to lift and hold a wearer's loose skin, the garment support portion comprising a plurality of support panels, each support panel having an interior surface and exterior surface, a first edge and second edge, the plurality of support panels being configured to adjustably secure the garment support portion to a portion of a wearer's body. Also disclosed herein are methods for using the disclosed garments.

Abstract: A vest-type maternity belt according to the present invention includes: a maternity belt body provided in the shape of a vest; size adjusting VELCRO members configured such that female VELCRO members and a male VELCRO member are fixedly disposed on both sides of the front part of the maternity belt body and a fastening function is provided; hook fastener members configured such that hooks and loops are fixedly and oppositely disposed on both sides of the lower end portion of the front part of the maternity belt body and the abdominal load of the pregnant woman can be borne; and spine correction elastic bands formed as elastic members contained in the back part of the maternity belt body, and configured to support and correct the spine of the pregnant woman.

Abstract: A maternity garment, which provides mild support to shape a woman's body and to act as a suspender for bottoms such as pants, shorts, or skirts that may be ill fitting due to body changes as a result of pregnancy, wherein the preferred garment has at least one shoulder strap, a belly panel, a hip band, two side panels, and a back panel, and is made of high performance fabric with varying degrees of compression.

Abstract: An adjustable brace includes a first portion for supporting one surface of a patient and a plurality of adjustable portions that allow the internal cross section of the brace to be adjusted. When a limb is injured, a patient may have a swollen limb and the adjustable brace can be set to a large cross section. As the limb heals, the swelling decreases and the limb cross section also decreases due to atrophy. The adjustable couplings are adjusted to reduce the cross section to properly fit the limb of the patient and provide proper protection and support during the healing process.

Abstract: A shapewear or activewear garment that includes stays carried by the back fabric panel of the garment. In this regard, the stays act as anchors to keep the garment in place. Further, the stays provide tension that pulls the front fabric panel of the garment such that the front panel shapes and smoothes the wearer's midsection and or provides support and also provides resistance to shift when the garment is worn such that the garment does not ride up or down on the wearer.

Abstract: A method for forming a double-sided loop strap includes: receiving a continuous longitudinal strip of loop material including a strip-form base bearing a field of upstanding loops on a fastening side of the strip bounded by opposite longitudinal edges, folding each of the longitudinal edges away from the fastening side, such that the base overlaps itself, and securing the folded edges in place by permanently bonding together overlapped areas of the base to form the double-sided loop strap.

Abstract: A back support system has a belt portion that is configured to provide back and abdominal support encircling a wearer's waist, a compression pants portion and a hot or cold pack providing therapy to a wearer's lumbosacral region. The belt portion has left and right portions and a rear portion that extends upwardly from a cutout of the rear portion of the compression pants and it is attached fixedly to it. The rear portion of the belt portion has a pack support structure for receiving a hot or cold pack so as to maintain hot or cold therapy on the wearer's back. A front core support structure provides abdominal support that in combination with the back support supports the entire core of the wearer's body. The garment can be changed to an immobilizing brace device by inserting optional rigid inserts.

Abstract: In at least one aspect, there is provided a system for generating force about one or more joints including a soft exosuit having a plurality of anchor elements and at least one connection element disposed between the plurality of anchor elements. The system also includes at least one sensor to determine a force the at least one connection element or at least one of the plurality of anchor elements and to output signals relating to the force, at least one actuator configured to change a tension in the soft exosuit and at least one controller configured to receive the signals output from the at least one sensor and actuate the at least one actuator responsive to the received signals.

Abstract: A maternity garment, which provides mild support to shape a woman's body and to act as a suspender for bottoms such as pants, shorts, or skirts that may be ill fitting due to body changes as a result of pregnancy, wherein the preferred garment has at least one shoulder strap, a belly panel, a hip band, two side panels, and a back panel, and is made of high performance fabric with varying degrees of compression.

Abstract: An under belly support belt including a lumbar support portion joined to an under belly support portion, in which the lower edge of the under belly support mid the lower edge of the lumbar support are joined at an angle. When worn, the bottom edge of lumbar portion terminates at each end above the iliac crests of the pelvic girdle, where it merges with the under belly support, allowing the under belly support to descend generally in If out of the pelvic girdle and under the belly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crossover maternity panel that may be attached to any lower garment worn throughout pregnancy and post-partum body changes. The crossover maternity panel may be a belly panel comprised of a single piece of fabric or multiple pieces connected with seams, and wrap around from the front to the back of the wearer. The portions may overlap in the back of the wearer as they decrease in height to create a crossover triangular section that provides support to the lumbar region of the wearer. The crossover maternity panel may be attached to any lower garment such as a pant, short, skirt, skort, or the like. The flexible and stretchable material of the crossover maternity panel allows the wearer to have support for the enlarged belly, support for increased pressure and laxity on the wearer's sacroiliac joints and lower back, as well as comfort and mobility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crossover maternity panel that may be attached to any lower garment worn throughout pregnancy and post-partum body changes. The crossover maternity panel may be a belly panel comprised of a single piece of fabric or multiple pieces connected with seams, and wrap around from the front to the back of the wearer. The portions may overlap in the back of the wearer as they decrease in height to create a crossover triangular section that provides support to the lumbar region of the wearer. The crossover maternity panel may be attached to any lower garment such as a pant, short, skirt, skort, or the like. The flexible and stretchable material of the crossover maternity panel allows the wearer to have support for the enlarged belly, support for increased pressure and laxity on the wearer's sacroiliac joints and lower back, as well as comfort and mobility.

Abstract: A clothing support system is provided, which includes a clothing support article for providing support to a portion of a user's body. The clothing support article has front and rear panels of a substantially non-elastic fabric, for the support of a portion of the user's body. The front and rear panels are attached together by first and second side panels, which include a fabric of two-way elasticity which is stretchable between the front and rear panels. The clothing support system may further include a tension strap having a central support portion and two ends which are attachable to the front panel, to thereby provide enhanced support to a user's body. A method for providing support to a user's body is also provided, wherein tension is applied to the tension strap of the clothing support system.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a garment is provided having specific supportive panels for providing adequate back and belly support; in a preferred embodiment the garment is an exercise garment. The supportive panels of the garment are made of composites of expandable materials giving structural support to the garment such that the wearer's back is stabilized and the belly is supported to prevent drastic pitch, roll or yaw movements during exercise. The expandable materials are designed to yield such that excessive pressure against the belly is not caused as such pressure, found in garments of the prior art, can inflict pain to the musculature and skin surface of the wearer. The expandable materials provide support and allow for the natural growth of the body during pregnancy, providing a desirable combination of a supportive exercise garment that can be used throughout the gestation period.

Abstract: Supportive garments, particularly maternity and post-maternity garments, are provided for support and promoting good posture of a wearer. The garment covers a wearer's torso and at least an upper portion of a wearer's thighs and includes a non-stretchable posterior panel positioned to extend transversely at least over an inter scapular upper back region of a wearer and longitudinally to a wearer's waistline, and connecting across a stretchable body portion that covers a lower torso and extends along a wearer's posterior sides to a shoulder region. An embodiment suitable as a maternity garment includes an abdominal portion having a more stretchable material than surrounding areas, whereas an abdominal portion in another embodiment suitable for post-maternity or slimming supportive wear is more compressive and incorporates cellulite-reducing fibers. A shoulder support portion extends laterally and upwardly from a lower portion of the posterior panel to the shoulder region.

Abstract: A compression garment has panels of elasticized fabric joined by seams of flat lock stitching to define, when worn, specific areas of compression, areas of compression being the perineum, caesarian wound area and rectus abdominus muscles or the perineum and the pelvic joints.

Abstract: Garments to support a distended abdomen are described herein. For example the garment comprises an abdominal panel displaced beneath and in a position to support a distended abdomen, said panel being formed from an anisotropic elastomeric fabric that stretches in a latitudinal direction; side panels secured to a side of said abdominal panel, each side panel extending upwards and to a rear of said abdominal panel and being formed from an isotropic elastomeric fabric having a modulus of elasticity at least 1.5 times greater than said abdominal panel; and a back panel positioned over a lumbar region attached to said side panel.

Abstract: A maternity undergarment is provided which may include an upper and a lower portion. The lower portion may be worn, or may be extendable, between the legs of the user. The upper portion may be composed a front and a rear segment, claspable or connectable at the user's sides so that the user would not need to bend over in order to put on the undergarment. At least some of the upper portion may be manufactured to be resilient and extendable around either the lower portion of the woman's stomach, her back, or both in order to offer additional support.

Abstract: A clothing support system is provided, which includes a clothing support article for providing support to a portion of a user's body. The clothing support article has front and rear panels of a substantially non-elastic fabric, for the support of a portion of the user's body. The front and rear panels are attached together by first and second side panels, which include a fabric of two-way elasticity which is stretchable between the front and rear panels. The clothing support system may further include a tension strap having a central support portion and two ends which are attachable to the front panel, to thereby provide enhanced support to a user's body. A method for providing support to a user's body is also provided, wherein tension is applied to the tension strap of the clothing support system.

Abstract: A single piece garment for those having a distended abdomen, said garment extending upwards from the groin to beneath the breasts. The garment comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer has several elastomeric fabrics having differing modulus of elasticity. A section beneath the abdomen is formed from an anisotropic elastomeric fabric with a low modulus of elasticity that supports a distended abdomen. Side panels extending upwards from the abdomen across the hips to the lumbar region are made from an isotropic elastomeric fabric having a moderate modulus of elasticity. These connect to a rear panel across the lumbar of an anisotropic elastomeric fabric having a moderate modulus of elasticity. The directionality of the anisotropic elastomeric fabrics is from the abdomen across the hips to the lumbar region.

Abstract: A band (1) comprising, on its inner surface, an irregular array of tacky areas or protrusions (6) that dissipate foci of stress in the skin (of the abdominal wall or other body areas). Wearing such a band around the abdomen is intended to help prevent the occurrence of stretch marks.

Abstract: An adjustable protective maternity belt includes a protective belt, a waist protection board and at least one adjustment belt. The protective belt has two fastening straps. The adjustment belts are connected with the fastening straps. The waist protection board is connected with the fastening strap of the protective belt and also with the adjustment belts which are respectively positioned on the lower and upper belly of the pregnant woman.

Abstract: A maternity garment, which provides mild support to shape a woman's body and to act as a suspender for bottoms such as pants, shorts, or skirts that may be ill fitting due to body changes as a result of pregnancy, wherein the preferred garment has at least one shoulder strap, a belly panel, a hip band, two side panels, and a back panel, and is made of high performance fabric with varying degrees of compression.

Abstract: A faux-shirt girdle for use to shape and support the abdomen of a user while also serving to substantially cover a user's midriff and lower back regions is discloses. The girdle comprises a girdle portion and a shirt portion coupled to the bottom of the girdle portion. The girdle portion is configured to provide support to the user's abdomen region. The shirt portion is configured to cover the user's midriff, and to reduce migration of the lower portion of the girdle portion toward the user's chest line. The shirt portion attached to the bottom of the girdle portion and an elastic or resilient band attached to the top of the girdle portion both work to reduce migration or bunching of the girdle portion around the middle of the torso. The shirt portions can be made of any fabric and can be tucked into, or worn over, a user's other external clothing layer.

Abstract: Garments to support a distended abdomen are described herein. For example the garment comprises an abdominal panel displaced beneath and in a position to support a distended abdomen, said panel being formed from an anisotropic elastomeric fabric that stretches in a latitudinal direction; side panels secured to a side of said abdominal panel, each side panel extending upwards and to a rear of said abdominal panel and being formed from an isotropic elastomeric fabric having a modulus of elasticity at least 1.5 times greater than said abdominal panel; and a back panel positioned over a lumbar region attached to said side panel.

Abstract: A maternity body support worn for correcting a woman's posture that includes an expandable body shell with a lower torso section, an upper torso section, a back section, and an abdominal opening. Mounted on the body shell is a pair of lower anchors located on opposite sides of the body, a pair of upper anchors located near the upper lateral region of the chest, a pair of elastic first support straps, and a pair of elastic second support straps. The first support straps attach to the lower anchors and then extend upward and around the back and coupled to the opposite shoulder complexes. The second support straps extend between the lower and upper anchors on each side of the body. The body shell, the two pairs of anchors and the two pairs of straps support the body and simultaneously rotate the opposite pelvis backwards and move the opposite shoulder complexes towards the mid-line.

Abstract: A single piece garment for those having a distended abdomen, said garment extending upwards from the groin to beneath the breasts. The garment comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer has several elastomeric fabrics having differing modulus of elasticity. A section beneath the abdomen is formed from an anisotropic elastomeric fabric with a low modulus of elasticity that supports a distended abdomen. Side panels extending upwards from the abdomen across the hips to the lumbar region are made from an isotropic elastomeric fabric having a moderate modulus of elasticity. These connect to a rear panel across the lumbar of an anisotropic elastomeric fabric having a moderate modulus of elasticity. The directionality of the anisotropic elastomeric fabrics is from the abdomen across the hips to the lumbar region.

Abstract: A support system includes: an abdominal band for supporting weight of an abdomen of a user, the abdominal band adapted for encircling a lower portion of the abdomen and resting on hips and lower back of the user; a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap adapted for passing over a respective shoulder of the user and fastening with the abdominal band over an anterior of the user and over a posterior of the user; and a pair of groin bands, each groin band adapted for passing under a crotch of the user and fastening with the abdominal band over an anterior of the user and over a posterior of the user. A method of use and another method for fabrication are provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a modified woman's undergarment that includes a peri-pubic light compression panel allowing for compression at the incision site and a treatment dressing means for exposing the wound to a medicament. The combination of light compression and treatment with applicable medicament functions to minimize the formation of scars following cesarean section incisions performed in the lower transverse uterine or peri-pubic area. Considering the long phase of wound healing, this design flexibility allows for the use of the garment under a variety of street clothes. Unlike a girdle or abdominal support device, the crux of the invention does not require heavy or high abdominal support, although for those applications requiring girdle-type support, the invention could also be fabricated in a style that allows abdominal support along with the focused incision peri-pubic compression and incision care.

Abstract: A concealing undergarment preserves a user's modesty while allowing the user to wear modern apparel such as low-slung or low-cut pants, jeans, and the like. In general, the concealing undergarment conceals parts of the user's body which may be revealed due to the style or cut of apparel the user is wearing. The concealing undergarment may have the appearance of skin when worn. This allows the user to wear more revealing styles, as intended. The concealing undergarment may conceal the user's midriff and back while preventing rear cleavage from being seen, especially where the user is wearing low-slung pants or jeans. An extension may be provided to present inspirational phrases, positive words, facts, and other information to a user. The extension may be tucked under the user's bra to be close to the user's heart, and be used to hold an upper portion of the concealing undergarment in position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment worn during different stages of pregnancy and different stages of postpartum body changes. A garment upper portion has a belly panel that is expansible to cover and fit over a growing abdomen during different stages of pregnancy, and a garment lower portion having a first torso encircling circumference that recedes downward to make way for expansion of the belly panel. The garment upper portion has a second torso encircling circumference to hold the garment up and in place over the torso.

Abstract: A one piece maternity support for the relief of discomfort associated with the progressive changes in the human body associated with a normal pregnancy. The support has a body encircling upper band for the support of the lower uterine segment and a lower belt having a pair of tensionable arms that connect to the upper band to support the lumbar region and offer counter rotational force for the anteriorly tilted pelvis. The position of the lower arms is optimized to apply a constant pressure to the muscles above the hip joint providing relief from so-called hip pain associated with many pregnancies.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for bandaging an abdominal region of a patient. A method includes providing an abdominal binder and securing the abdominal binder about the abdominal region of a patient. The abdominal binder has an inner layer including an absorbent pad configured to contact and extend about at least a majority of the circumference of the abdominal region of a patient, and configured to absorb post-procedure fluids during use, and an outer layer including an elastic sheet of material for surrounding at least a portion of the inner layer and providing a compressive force to retain at least a majority of the inner layer against the abdominal region of the patient during use. The outer layer is about 70 to 130% of the size of the inner layer when the outer layer is provided in an unbiased state.

Abstract: A one piece maternity support for the relief of discomfort associated with the progressive changes in the human body associated with a normal pregnancy. The support has a body encircling upper band for the support of the lower uterine segment and a lower belt having a pair of tensionable arms that connect to the upper band to support the lumbar region and offer counter rotational force for the anteriorly tilted pelvis. The position of the lower arms is optimized to apply a constant pressure to the muscles above the hip joint providing relief from so-called hip pain associated with many pregnancies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a maternal protector. The maternal protector has at least a flexible protection device and a pocket in a pocket positioning material. The pocket receives a portion of the flexible protection device. The pocket positioning material positions the pocket over a mother to allow the protection device to be positioned over at least a portion of the mother's uterus.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a therapeutic medical garment that supports the abdomen or belly of a pregnant or post-partum woman and of either men or women with distended abdomens. The invention relates to an adjustable-support therapeutic undergarment which lifts the abdomen to prevent irritation of a surgical incision or scar in the lower abdominal or groin region such an incision resulting from a caesarian section or a hernia incision. The invention allows proper healing of the incision, and relieves both stress and strain on the scar and friction from the overhanging abdomen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment worn during different stages of pregnancy and different stages of postpartum body changes. A garment upper portion has a belly panel that is expansible to cover and fit over a growing abdomen during different stages of pregnancy, and a garment lower portion having a first torso encircling circumference that recedes downward to make way for expansion of the belly panel. The garment upper portion has a second torso encircling circumference to hold the garment up and in place over the torso.

Abstract: A support system includes: an abdominal band for supporting weight of an abdomen of a user, the abdominal band adapted for encircling a lower portion of the abdomen and resting on hips and lower back of the user; a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap adapted for passing over a respective shoulder of the user and fastening with the abdominal band over an anterior of the user and over a posterior of the user; and a pair of groin bands, each groin band adapted for passing under a crotch of the user and fastening with the abdominal band over an anterior of the user and over a posterior of the user. A method of use and another method for fabrication are provided.

Abstract: The invention is a post-operative binder designed primarily for female patients made of relatively elastic and padded material. The present invention is designed to put pressure on the Pfannenstiel incisional area to prevent swelling through the use of a primary fastener and cross straps. Cross straps are fixedly attached to the midline section of the binder and removably attach to the sides of the binder at an angle to apply the appropriate pressure to the incisional area. The invention is designed with pockets to accommodate hold hot or cold packs in the incisional area, pain relief devices, sandbags or other hard or soft support structures to apply additional pressure, or drainage receptacles.

Abstract: A Buttocks Support Device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a support device that comprises an abdominal element and a pair of thigh support elements each of which can be but is not limited to be formed as a ring shaped element. Each thigh support element has a buttock section and a midriff or abdominal section, the buttock section being configured to lift and restrain the wearer's buttock. The preferred device includes a sleeve there over for permitting the “rings” to be tightened without pulling on the wearer's skin. It is a further aspect that the device anchor about the wearer's midriff from below the chest to the widest part of the hips or at either the waist or the hips, depending upon the wishes of the wearer. Still further, the thigh support element include adjustment means for adjusting the length of the thigh rings. Furthermore, the preferred abdominal element includes means for attaching and detaching the device from around the wearer's waist as well as adjustment means.

Abstract: A dorsal bodice and a structured abdominal suspension strap adapted to contain and support the belly, the abdominal suspension strap being adjustably connected to the dorsal bodice by connecting straps and connectors for adjusting the tension of the connecting straps.

Abstract: An abdominal support which includes a pair of shoulder and back straps, each of which passes over one of the wearers shoulders, crosses over the wearer's upper back, and connects to the other shoulder and back strap at the wearer's side; a sling support is secured to each shoulder and back strap at or adjacent the wearers side and a support sling extends from one sling support to the other, passing beneath the wearer's abdomen in use; the sling incorporates length adjusters.

Abstract: Devices are described that reduce pain associated with menstruation and other conditions and that operate by pressing upon the sacral/parasacral regions of a woman's lower back. In preferred embodiments a tensioning apparatus applies pressure onto a generally flat part that distributes force into the sacral and parasacral regions but avoids the lumbar region. The devices may assume a variety of forms such as belts, straps and foundation garments that can exert high pressures and may exceed 100 torr in some cases.

Abstract: An abdominal support (2) which includes a pair of shoulder and back straps (3, 4, 5, 6), each of which passes over one of the wearer's shoulders, crosses over the wearer's upper back, and connects to the other shoulder and back strap at the wearer's side; a sling support (7, 8) is secured to each shoulder and back strap at or adjacent the wearer's side and a support sling (9) extends from one sling support to the other, passing beneath the wearer's abdomen in use; the sling incorporates length adjustment means.

Abstract: A maternity support garment, comprising a carrier configured to extend around the wearer's body, above the level of the wearer's legs; two elongated support bands, one band having a rear portion with operative connection to the rear of the carrier; a right side portion to extend at the right side of the wearer's body; and a frontal portion to extend in supporting relation to the wearer's abdomen, and the other band having a rear portion with operative connection to the rear of the carrier, a left side portion to extend at the left side of the wearer's body, and a frontal portion to extend in supporting relation to the wearer's abdomen, at least one operative connection being adjustable to lengthen or shorten the associated bands, the band frontal portions being adjustably interconnected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment worn during different stages of pregnancy and different stages of postpartum body changes. A garment upper portion has a belly panel that is expansible to cover and fit over a growing abdomen during different stages of pregnancy, and a garment lower portion having a first torso encircling circumference that recedes downward to make way for expansion of the belly panel. The garment upper portion has a second torso encircling circumference to hold the garment up and in place over the torso.