Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the abdominal suspension for pregnant women, as well as the related structural-type protector for supporting a pregnant abdomen through an abdominal suspensor having several composite and variously backed straps enveloping the bottom area of the lumbar spine extending topwise of the iliac crestae to continue with a continuous tensional union into a top dorsal bodice (15), loosely enveloping the shoulders to protect the spine (17) supporting the weight of the abdomen, burdened by the pregnancy, onto the shoulder girdle with the entailed relieving of the vertebrae (17) and of the related intervertebral disks, in particular bringing the abdomen upwards to push it back in order to activate the backing of the body barycentre allowed by the significant reduction of the gravitational load onto the abdomen itself. Said backing off reduces a hyperlordosis, as well as the tilt of the lumbosacral angle, with a substantial reduction of the stress of the sacroiliac joints.

Abstract: In order to reduce discomfort induced by menstruation, a panty girdle or the like type of foundation garment is provided with an extensible bladder or a non-extensible element which is arranged to apply pressure to one or both of the sacral or parasacral areas of a female body. In the case of the extensible bladder, the pressure can be varied through the manual manipulation of a squeeze pump that may be built into the waistband of the garment. The garment is additionally provided with an elastic foundation panel that is shaped and designed to reduce bloating and create a trimmer appearance.

Abstract: A maternity brace for providing support to the vulval and abdominal regions of a pregnant woman. The maternity brace has a central vulval panel and a pair of front and rear straps attached thereto. A body-encircling adjusting belt is in communication with the front and rear straps. An abdominal panel positioned between the two front straps applies a supporting force to the abdomen. A back panel along the back of the adjusting belt imparts stability to the lower back. The front and rear straps may be nonlinear to add comfort and support. Wearing the maternity brace improves the overall well-being of an expectant mother and helps to prevent varicose veins, stretch marks, back pain, cystocele, rectocele, hemorrhoids, increased wear on knee and hip joints, reduced blood circulation, and overall fatigue.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment has an integrated belly protector and pants. The belly protector has a front body and a rear body joined together to form a tubular configuration having upper and lower openings. A first elastic member is secured along the upper opening. Second and third elastic members are secured to the front body between the first elastic member and the lower opening so as to extend with a transversely symmetric arrangement and to curve convexly toward the upper and lower openings, respectively. The pants have a front body and a rear body joined together to define a waist-opening and a pair of leg-openings. The waist-opening of the pants is seamlessly connected to the lower opening of the belly protector, and a fourth elastic member is secured along the waist opening.

Abstract: A girdle includes: a main body including a press portion with a zipper extending to a crotch portion from a belt on an upper part of a front of the main body, a portion sewn on a back of the main body, a right and left femoral part, a left-engaging member disposed on a left side of the press portion, and a right-engaging member disposed on a right side of the press portion; a left band attached between a left end portion of the main body and a tip end of which a left engaging member is attached; a right band attached between a right end portion of the main body and a tip end of which a right engaging member is attached; the left band ascending toward the left, and the right band ascending toward the right.

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 thereover 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.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a lumbago treating girdle comprising: a girdle main body including an inverse-triangular press portion provided with a zipper extending in a vertical direction to a crotch portion from a belt disposed on an upper part of a front surface of the girdle main body, a portion sewn in the vertical direction on a back surface, a right femoral part, a left femoral part, a left engaging member on the left side of the press portion and a right engaging member on the right side of the press portion; a left stretch band which is attached to a middle of a left end portion of the girdle main body, and to a tip end of which a left engaging member with an engaging piece attached to one surface thereof is attached; and a right stretch band which is attached to a middle of a right end portion of the girdle main body, and to a tip end of which a right engaging member with an engaging piece attached to one surface thereof is attached, the left stretch band being attached to t

Abstract: In order to reduce discomfort induced by menstruation, a panty girdle or the like type of foundation garment is provided with an extensible bladder or a non-extensible element which is arranged to apply pressure to one or both of the sacral or parasacral areas of a female body. In the case of the extensible bladder, the pressure can be varied through the manual manipulation of a squeeze pump that may be built into the waistband of the garment. The garment is additionally provided with an elastic foundation panel that is shaped and designed to reduce bloating and create a trimmer appearance.

Abstract: In order to reduce discomfort induced by menstruation, a panty girdle or the like type of foundation garment is provided with an extensible bladder or a non-extensible element which is arranged to apply pressure to one or both of the sacral or parasacral areas of a female body. In the case of the extensible bladder, the pressure can be varied through the manual manipulation of a squeeze pump that may be built into the waistband of the garment. The garment is additionally provided with an elastic foundation panel that is shaped and designed to reduce bloating and create a trimmer appearance.

Abstract: In the providing of abdominal support to a pregnant mother-to-be in the latter months of gestation in which her protruding semi-spherical abdominal shape is used to advantage to hold in place criss-crossing straps which supply the support, wherein the upper ends of the straps are attached to a closed loop elastic band which is positioned above, and therefore is prevented from slipping out of position, by the protruding semi-spherical abdominal shape.

Abstract: In order to reduce discomfort induced by menstruation, a panty girdle or the like type of foundation garment is provided with a distensible bladder which is arranged to apply pressure to one or both of the sacral or parasacral areas of a female body. The pressure can be varied through the manual manipulation of a squeeze pump that may be built into the waistband of the garment. The garment is additionally provided with an elastic foundation panel that is shaped and designed to reduce bloating and create a trimmer appearance.

Abstract: A garment accessory is provided by this invention which is typically built into the torso or waist area of an outer garment worn by a person. The accessory has a back panel attached at each side to a side panel. The side panel provides vertical stability and integrity for the accessory and garment. Attached to each side panel is at least one front panel. The two front panels cross each other and are removeably attached near the opposite side panel to provide uplifting and constraining forces for the torso of the wearer. The front panels comprise at least one band of elastic material removeably secured to the side panels at particular locations to provide the desired lift and constraining configuration.

Abstract: The front weight support system/garment/bra supports front weight substantially on a wearer's upper back, above the shoulder blades and below the cervical vertebrae of the neck. Weight is supported underneath by the front enclosure 3a which is extended to the wearer's shoulder-tops by opposite side front straps 3a and 11a , which secure to opposite side edges of the yoke 2a. The yoke restrains the front weight rearwardly and upwardly against the wearer's upper back. The downward end of the yoke is leveraged down by spine strap 7a, vertically adjustably secured to the rear of circumferential body band 9a by single adjuster 10a. The enclosure is secured to the front of the body band to keep the enclosure from moving forward off the weight. The yoke is positioned off the back of the wearer's neck by its shape, rigidity, and/or with an attached spine strap. Laterally rigid rod 88a in yoke can hold the front straps laterally apart and off the sides of the wearer's neck.

Abstract: The invention regards stockings or tights which are kept in place by a system resting on the hips and, therefore, do not oblige the wearer to suffer either pressure round the waist, caused by common elastic bands, nor a tight clasping around the thigh. The system resting on the hips (6, 7) allows an equal distribution of the force necessary to keep the stockings in place, which can therefore be worn for a long time since the wearer does not feel any discomfort on the abdomen or the thighs.

Abstract: A panty girdle comprises an upper panty portion and lower thigh covering portions. An elastic belt is wholly or partially sewn to the inner circumferential surface of the panty portion of the panty girdle and extends downwards towards the middle of front panels of the panty girdle. When one wears the panty girdle, one's Iliums are tightened by connecting the ends of the belt to achieve pelvis correction.

Abstract: A device for providing natal support and alleviating pain in a pregnant woman includes a support member, an apron, and a strap, with the strap removably attached to the apron. The strap may be removed after installation and adjustment of the natal support on the pregnant woman. The natal support alleviates pain by providing support to the lower abdomen and distributing the weight of the fetus and enlarged uterus over a large portion of the lower back. Additionally, the strap facilitates installation and proper positioning of the natal support on the human body by holding the apron in place on the back while it is being adjusted.

Abstract: A post-pregnancy compression garment that provides abdominal support to facilitate a faster return to the individual's pre-pregnancy figure. The garment consists of a tubular body encompassing an anatomical region from the thighs to beneath the chest. Compression material or strips are constructed from an elastic memory fabric positioned so as to cause compression to the abdomen area. Maximum compression may be provided to the waist section with the remaining portion of the garment providing support with minimum compression.

Abstract: A Buttocks Support Device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a support device that comprises an abdominal ring and a pair of thigh rings. Each thigh ring comprises a buttock section and a solar plexus section, the buttock section being configured to lift and restrain the wearer's buttock. The preferred device includes a sleeve thereover for permitting the "rings" to be tightened without pulling on the wearer's skin. It is a further aspect that the device anchor at either the waist or the hips, depending upon the wishes of the wearer. Still further, the thigh rings include adjustment means for adjusting the length of the thigh rings. Furthermore, the preferred abdominal ring includes means for attaching and detaching the device from around the wearer's waist.

Abstract: A support apparatus having a main panel constructed of substantially elastic material and dimensioned to be positionable about a portion of the body of a person in supporting relation thereto, such as the protruding region of the abdomen of a pregnant woman; and fasteners operable releasibly to secure the main panel in the supporting relation to provide such support.

Abstract: A garment for giving front abdominal support during the advanced stages of pregnancy includes a sheet of flexible sheet material having first opposing side edges, the first opposing side edges having opposing leg opening forming notches, defining on one side of the opposing notches a garment front panel and on the other side of the opposing notches a garment rear panel, and defining between the opposing notches a panel interconnection section; the front panel having a support section including support material for supporting the wearer abdominal area; the first opposing side edges including a releasible fastener for interconnecting and for disconnecting the garment front panel and garment rear panel. The garment additionally includes an abdomen support strap extending laterally across and secured to the front panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment which provides abdominal support, especially for pregnant women. The garment includes a panty and support straps. there are two support straps fastened to the front of the panty and from there they pass each over the shoulder of a wearer, they crisscross in the back, they each pass over the hip of a wearer and then the supporting straps are overlappingly and adjustably fastened to each other below the abdomen. This arrangement transfers the weight of the abdomen to the shoulders of the wearer and prevents the person from assuming a slouching posture. The supporting straps are knitted from elastic yarns and the knitted loops face forward, that is, away from the person. These knitted loops form one part of hook and loop fasteners. Other lateral straps each are fastened to the front of the supporting straps, they each pass through loops at a side waistline of the panty and then are fastened on the back of the supporting straps.

Abstract: A pregnant woman's exercise garment has an integrated support structure for supporting the athletic mother-to-be safely and comfortably and for alleviating the discomfort associated with the physiological changes encountered during pregnancy. The garment includes uterine support panels that cradle the abdominal wall for alleviating downward pressure. The garment also has lower back support panels to protect the sacral and lower lumbar vertebrae of the spine, and inner thigh panels designed to ease the sometimes debilitating sciatica and groin pain. These pieces can be inserted separately or in combination in other athletic wear (i.e. running shorts, swim wear, tennis apparel, etc.) designed specifically for the athletic expectant mother. The garment may also be worn as an undergarment lending support to women whose work requires movement and/or standing for extended periods of time.

Abstract: An undergarment is disclosed having a front fabric panel and a back fabric panel fixed together to form an undergarment having a hollow tubular shape. The undergarment is open at a top end to define an open waist opening and open at a bottom end to define an open hip opening. The front fabric panel has a width longer than a width of the back fabric panel. An elastic waist band having a width of at least one and one-half inches is disposed around the circumference of the waist opening. The elastic waist band has an elasticity effective to constrain and shape the waistline of a wearer. A pair of elastic leg straps are disposed at the hip opening. Each elastic leg strap has a first end fixed to the front fabric panel and a second end fixed to the back fabric panel.

Abstract: A lumbosacral support belt, a series of lumbosacral support belts, and a method of fitting lumbosacral support belts which are manufactured with specific relationships of certain dimensions so that a minimum inventory of belts fits a large percentage of the wearer population. In particular the hip to waist differential and the total waist measurement determine the height of the belt, the dimensions of the back panel and the length of the adjustable support straps.

Abstract: Lumbar protector with underpants incorporated, including a pair of underpants; and a closed band sewn to an upper part of the pair of underpants and having a band height such that the band covers at least lumbar vertebrae of a user, the band being produced in natural textile fibers with a significant caloric effect and at least ten per cent selected from the group consisting of elastomeric polyurethane, rubber and similar fibers, and the lumbar protector has either natural colors of the fiber, or colors from treatment with natural dyes.

Abstract: A garment accessory is provided by this invention which is typically built into the torso or waist area of an outer garment worn by a person. The accessory has a back panel attached at each side to a side panel. The side panel provides vertical stability and integrity for the accessory and garment. Attached to each side panel is at least one front panel. The two front panels cross each other and are removeably attached near the opposite side panel to provide uplifting and constraining forces for the torso of the wearer. The front panels comprise at least one band of elastic material removeably secured to the side panels at particular locations to provide the desired lift and constraining configuration.

Abstract: A disposable belly protector of the present invention includes a front body and a rear body secured together along transversely opposite side edges thereof so as to form a tubular configuration and a pair of first elastic members secured along upper and lower openings of the tubular configuration and a pair of second elastic members secured to at least the front body between the first elastic members so as to extend between the transversely opposite side edges of the front body with a transversely symmetric arrangement which is only curved convexly toward the upper and lower openings, respectively. In another aspect of the present invention, a disposable diaper of pants type is seamlessly connected to the belly protector.

Abstract: In the case of the panty girdle having a panty part (1) and an abdominal part (2), the panty part (1) and the abdominal part (2) are connected to one another via a tunnel in which a supporting strap (6) is arranged.

Abstract: The invention is an undergarment to be worn by a person on their lower torso area. The undergarment includes an opening having a support for each buttock of the wearer. The support is adapted to support the buttock of the wearer in an upraised position.

Abstract: An undergarment apparatus (20) and method for reducing menstrual cramping includes an elastic panel (30) mounted to at least one of a front portion (24) and a rear portion (25) of an underpant brief (21) in a manner exerting inward pressure across a lower torso region (31) of an individual wearer (23). At least one movable pressure bearing insert (32) is formed for positioning between the elastic panel (30) and the lower torso region (31) at a plurality of positions along the elastic panel (30). The elastic panel (30) cooperates with an apex portion (33) or small area side of the pressure bearing insert (32) to exert substantial localized point pressure on a relatively small area of the torso region (31) for mitigation of menstrual cramping.

Abstract: A prenatal cradle (10) or undergarment for use by obese individuals and pregnant women for supporting a baby, surrounding amniotic fluid, and associated matter in a pregnant woman's uterus (12) by redistributing around the hips, torso and lower back downward and forward pressures exerted by the baby without inward movement towards the neck. The prenatal cradle (10) relieves strain on the woman's lower back (22), abdomen (24), and groin area (26). The prenatal cradle (10) includes an adjustable womb band (28) for supporting the uterus (12), and a pair of torso bands (36, 38) for redistributing the uterine weight across the torso. Connecting the womb band (28) to the pair of torso bands (36, 38) is a pair of associated side members (76, 78) which distribute the uterine weight around the trunk of the woman, separating the torso bands (36, 38) and exposing the abdomen (24) to relieve groin pressure without imposing constricting inward pressure on the uterus (12).

Abstract: 05643184A back support for engaging the lower back region of a user, including a pair of inelastic straps and/or a combination of inelastic and elastic straps structured to engage the knees and the feet of a user. When the user is in a seated position and requires additional back support, the straps are connected to the feet and knees to exert a force on the back support for supporting the user's lower back.

Abstract: A dorso-abdominal support belt constituted by unitary assembly having a crotch piece, and organized to exert permanent compression on the zone concerned of the body. According to the invention, the unitary assembly comprises two complementary portions connected together by an associated seam, said portions comprising an enveloping front-and-back main portion made of a first elastic textile material selected to exert controlled support, and an abdominal portion made of a second elastic textile material which is substantially more stretchable than said first material, such that said abdominal portion allows freer swelling of the abdomen, and wherein a peripheral band is associated with the unitary assembly, being connected to said assembly via seams that are disposed so that the peripheral band can exert additional support in the super-pubic and/or pre-umbilical zone.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an abdominal support for the extended abdomen of a person who is pregnant or has a large abdomen due to obesity.

Abstract: A torso-shape controlling, lower back supporting garment comprising a garment having control fabric panel portions adapted to extend in waist shape controlling relation to torso front, back and sides; the control fabric panel portions include zones positioned to provide rigidity at the torso front and back and to yieldably resiliently stretch generally horizontally at the torso sides, whereby support is provided at the lower back, and an hourglass torso shape at the waist is produced. Convexly curved stays are located to transfer tensioning loading to at least two of the generally rigid zones of the panel portions.

Abstract: A garment (10) provides comforting support to the abdomen when in a reclining position, particularly adapted for wear by pregnant women, however may also be worn by other individuals in need of abdominal support as described. The garment (10) includes a non-padded, expandable front panel (12) attached to two side panels (14,16) constructed of layered padding (34,36,38,40,42) encased in soft material (30,32). The side panels (14,16) extend into back flaps (18,20) that secure the garment (10) at the back of the wearer. The back flaps (18,20) include adjustable fastening means (44,46,48). The layered padding (34,36,38,40,42) in the side panels (14,16) provides more cushioning support toward the front or anterior part of the abdomen. In one embodiment, the front panel (12) is expandable and gently gathered at the top and bottom (22,24) of the front panel (12) to allow automatic adjustment to increases in abdominal girth and changes in body contour.

Abstract: A support stay for use with an article to be worn by a person has two durometers of hardness. The support stay includes a base member having a first hardness, the first hardness sufficient to provide a required rigidity for support. A gripping member is operatively connected to the base member and has attachment areas which extend beyond the ends of the base member. The gripping member has a second hardness which is softer than the first hardness. The gripping member, when attached to the inner surface of the article by attachment areas, provides a non-slip surface against the person wearing the article to keep the article in position.

Abstract: A support stay for use with an article to be worn by a person has two durometers of hardness. The support stay includes a base member having a first hardness, the first hardness sufficient to provide a required rigidity for support. A gripping member is operatively connected to the base member. The gripping member has a second hardness which is softer than the first hardness. The gripping member, when attached to the inner surface of the article, provides a non-slip surface against the person wearing the article to keep the article in position.

Abstract: An abdominal support belt of the type which includes an elongated flat waist band adapted to encircle the waist of a user and one or more supplemental elastic (resilient) strap or straps having unattached ends adapted to be grasped and drawn toward the anterior midline of the user's abdomen and releasible secured to the waist band when the belt is secured about the waist of the user for enhancing the support provided by the belt, and including one or more devices for limiting the extent of return of the strap or straps when the unattached end thereof is released from the waist band and the strap or straps is permitted to return toward its relaxed state. The belt further includes improved wear resistance and shape retention properties, particularly associated with the opposite ends of the waist band.

Abstract: A back support (110 & 210) for providing abdominal and lumbosacral support having a waistband (111 & 211) comprising a front panel (112 & 212) and a second panel (113 & 213). An elastic band (150 & 151) is operatively connected to the waistband (111 & 211). In one embodiment, the front panel (210) forms a cup to lift and support the fat tissue of an obese wearer.

Abstract: A maternity support undergarment integrating a support panel with a pantie for supporting the abdominal area of a pregnant women. The support panel is adjustable for allowing proper support to be imparted to a women's abdominal area throughout the duration of her pregnancy.

Abstract: A torso support for pregnant women includes abdominal, breast and back support panels and laterally extending upper and lower elastic strips. The upper strip extending along a junction of the lower edge of the breast support panel and the upper edge of the abdominal support panel, and the lower elastic strip extending around a bottom edge of the abdominal support panel adjacent a waist opening of the torso support, are stretchable in only a lateral direction. A pair of shoulder straps extending from an upper portion of the breast support panel to a central upper region on a back of the torso support define neck and shoulder openings. The back support panel has a hexagonal configuration and tapers in width from a widest upper portion to a narrower lower portion. Side edges of the back support panel extend in conformance with arcuate peripheral edge portions of the shoulder openings. Ends of the upper strip are secured to central regions of lateral edges of the back support panel.

Abstract: A maternity garment which provides extra support during bodily activity, comprises an upper body section connected to a lower body section and a continuous elastomeric band extending around the lower body section. The band is connected to the garment by a hinge member attached along one edge of the band and to the garment. Thus, the band can be moved from a relatively low position on the garment and the wearer to a relatively high position in order to provide a range of support to accommodate different wearer sizes and wearer activities.

Abstract: A support undergarment for use in supporting the body of a woman during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy is disclosed. The undergarment comprises an elongated back panel that extends substantially from the shoulders to the waist of the wearer for supporting the back of the wearer. A first pair of torso encircling straps extends from the opposite sides of an intermediate portion of the back panel. Each torso strap includes a brassiere support cup with a releasable fastener between the cups. A second pair of adjustable straps extends from the opposite sides of the upper portion of the back panel over the shoulders of the wearer. Each shoulder strap connects to one of the first straps adjacent its associated brassiere cup. A third pair of adjustable straps extends from the opposite sides of the lower portion of the back panel and adjustably connect with an abdominal support sling which encircles and supports the lower abdomen of the wearer.

Abstract: A prenatal cradle (10) for supporting a baby, surrounding amniotic fluid, and associated matter in a pregnant woman's uterus (12) by redistributing around the hips (14, 16), torso and lower back (22) downward and forward pressures exerted by the baby and relieving strain on the woman's lower back (22), abdomen (24), and groin area (26). The prenatal cradle (10) includes an adjustable womb band (28) for supporting the uterus (12), and a pair of torso bands (36, 38) for redistributing the uterine weight across the torso. Connecting the womb band (28) to the pair of torso bands (36, 38) is a pair of associated side members (76, 78) which distribute the uterine weight around the trunk of the woman, separating the torso bands (36, 38) and exposing the abdomen (24) to relieve groin pressure without imposing constricting inward pressure on the uterus (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a maternity undergarment having a brassiere and a rectangular abdominal support section. The above combination further includes a means to detachably connect the brassiere section to abdominal section, and the connecting means includes four adjustable strap members connected to and extending from the corners of the abdominal section and the bottom front and near edges of the brassiere section.

Abstract: A garment for supporting the abdomen of a wearer is disclosed. The garment comprises a panty and two support straps which attach to the center front edge of the panty, over the shoulders, across the lower back in a criss-cross fashion, over the hips and under the abdomen. The garment may also include lateral straps to direct the support straps outward from the neck of the wearer, and a reinforcing strap to add extra support to the adbomen. The garment lifts the abdomen, transferring weight of the abdomen to the shoulders by way of the wearer's back. The garment decreses lordosis and improves posture.

Abstract: An exercise garment especially adapted for use by expectant mothers consists of an abdominal and breast support band that surrounds and supports the uterine area and includes breast support cups. The abdominal and breast support band is of double thickness elastic material and is affixed to a pair of elastic tights. It also includes shoulder straps that cross in the back and are fixed to the breast support cups on the side in the vicinity of the waistline. Also included is a sternum band.

Abstract: A garment for wear to provide both lower back and abdominal support and particularly adapted for wear by a pregnant woman. The garment is a panty having a body with a velcro tab sewn to the rear portion above the buttocks for removably affixing a first continuous belt thereto to encircle the wearer around the lower portion of the abdomen and above the buttocks of the wearer. The first belt includes a fastening means providing adjustment of tension and to accommodate growth. The first belt includes a complimentary velcro tab affixed centrally thereof for attaching the first belt includes a complimentary velcro tab affixed centrally thereof for attaching the first belt to the panty. A second belt is secured permanently to the first belt and includes distal portion adapted for attachment to the first belt to provide lower back support.