Abstract: A shirt incorporating a padded torso section formed with padding sewn onto an interior layer of an encompassing shell which in turn is sewn onto the exterior layer of the shell. Additional stitching passing through the padding and the interior and exterior layers of the shell can form a pleasing geometric pattern. The padded torso section provides comfort to the caregiver and to the infant resting on the torso of the caregiver. The padding can be secured to the interior shell member in a detachable manner to permit the removal of the padding from the upper torso section of the shirt. The shirt can be constructed as a nursing shirt, utilizing various forms of fasteners, and having an overlapping cover secured to the torso section to be used as a privacy cover.

Abstract: A nursing brassiere for lactating women that allows hands-free use of breast pumps. The nursing brassiere further has heating coils integrated within the fabric of the nursing brassiere wherein the heating coils are configured to apply therapeutic heat to one or both breasts while simultaneously using one or two breast pumps.

Abstract: A nursing garment system having a body with a front and rear region, wherein the front region of the body includes a first securement member. The nursing garment further includes a first strap having a first and second end affixed to the body, and a second securement member disposed between the first and second end of the first strap. The nursing garment can also include a second strap having a first end secured to the front region of the body, a third securement member secured to the second end of the second strap, and a breast pad having a fourth securement member. Here, the third securement member of the second strap can be secured to the fourth securement member of the breast pad, and the second securement member of the first strap can be secured to the first securement member of the body.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an absorbent component (100) for use in a garment. The absorbent component (100) comprises: a first layer composite (120) comprising a first foam layer (122) and a first liquid impermeable layer (124); an absorbent layer composite (140) bonded to the first liquid impermeable layer (124) for absorbing bodily fluids; and a second liquid impermeable layer (164) bonded to the absorbent layer composite (140) and first layer composite (120) to contain the bodily fluids absorbed by the absorbent layer composite (140), wherein the second liquid impermeable layer (164) forms an opening (166) for receiving the bodily fluids to the absorbent layer composite (140); and wherein the first foam layer (122) is moulded to shape the absorbent component (100).

Abstract: A brassiere comprising a front panel comprising a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side, a first bra cup and a second bra cup, the top of the front panel coupled to a first strap and a second strap, wherein one of the first side and the second side of the front panel is a shorter side, a back panel coupled to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap and at least one reopenable and reclosable lateral side closure formed by coupling a first end region of the at least one short side to a second end region of the at least one back pane at a side of the wearer, the at least one second end region of the at least one back panel comprising at least one handle region.

Abstract: Super absorbent material used for drying that integrates super absorbent non-woven fibrous mats with other material, as for example wicking material, are described. The fibrous mats consist of polymeric material embedded with particles of super absorbent polymer. The wicking material may be lightweight knitted fabric that actively absorbs and wicks liquid across the fabric surface. The materials are fabricated as single layer or multiple layers and demonstrate a variety of form factors suitable to the intended use. The super absorbent materials may incorporate additional functionalities, such as antifungal or antibacterial, for biomedical uses.

Abstract: An adaptable protective garment is configured to be donned by a user to cover and identify a sensitive portion of the user. The adaptable protective garment broadly includes an outer garment layer, an inner garment layer, and exposed indicia. The outer garment layer covers the sensitive portion when the garment is donned. At least one of the garment layers defines an interior pocket that is covered by the outer garment layer when the garment is donned so as to be hidden from view. The exposed indicia is secured to the exterior surface of the outer garment layer and is viewable when the garment is donned. The exposed indicia is located adjacent the interior pocket to visibly identify the location of the interior pocket along the exterior surface.

Abstract: A breastfeeding nipple shield includes an extended molded adhesive flap surface and an adhesive strip on the extended molded surface attached to the rim of the areola shield portion to attach the breastfeeding nipple shield to the nursing mother's breast and retain portion in place. The adhesive flap may be elongated to distribute the load and prevent painful pulling on the breast. A molded feeding tube channel may allow a separate feeding tube to be unobtrusively inserted into the nipple opening. The feeding tube channel may be flanked by adhesive segments to secure the feeding tube in place.

Abstract: A thermal device having a waterproof pouch including a first member having a first perimeter and an first waterproof outer surface, and, a second member having a second perimeter and a waterproof second outer surface, wherein the first and second members are partially joined about the first and second perimeter, respectively, and a cavity is formed between the first and second members, a removable insert arranged to be disposed within the cavity, wherein the insert comprises thermal material capable of being heated or cooled, and, a barrier member having an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the barrier member is releasably secured to the first outer surface of the first member via at least one attachment means.

Abstract: A pad for a brassiere includes: a pair of pad members having punched portions passing through inner and outer sides of the pair of pad members; an inner cover member provided on one surface that is in contact with a body in the pad member; and an outer cover member provided on the other surface of the pad member. The brassiere discharges sweat through the punched portions in a pad member for a ventilation function, may be quickly dried and absorb moisture when a wearer sweats, may correct a shape of the breast of a woman so as to feel aesthetic beauty by using a thickness reinforced pad shaped in a circle or a banana, and may decrease press applied to a nipple of a body by increasing a density of the punched portions in a region corresponding to the nipple to improve wearing sensation.

Abstract: A bra with breast region has a strap extending over a shoulder to the breast region. An outer layer of the bra is fixedly attached to the breast region, but removably attached to the strap. A removable pillow is within this outer layer. The fixedly attached portion of the outer layer attached to the breast region extends from the breast region up to a pocket housed within the outer layer, the pocket, in turn, being adapted to house the pillow. Then upward, the outer layer is free from attachment to the inner layer, though it is removably attached to the strap at a top side.

Abstract: Different molding materials and methods are provided for producing a sport bra having moisture-transporting molded bra cups. The different molding materials comprise foams having different average cell sizes, fibers having different average deniers per filament, injection-molding materials having different degrees of hydrophilicity, and different hydrophilic treatments. The molding materials are arranged to create a hydrophilic gradient from a skin surface of the wearer of the sport bra to the exterior of the sport bra.

Abstract: A perspiration concealing brassiere having a brassiere-shaped body with a left side and a right side, and a left sleeve and a right sleeve both coupled to the brassiere-shaped body, the left and right sleeves each defining an arm placement zone, extending outwardly away from at least one of the left and right sides of the brassiere-shaped body, and having a fluid inhibiting layup spanning an inferior portion of the sleeve, the fluid inhibiting layup including an outer layer, a mid-layer located between the outer layer and an inner layer and being of a material that is operable to absorb and retain fluid, the inner layer being located beyond the mid-layer and being of a material different from the mid-layer.

Abstract: The liner has a first sheet of fluid pervious non-woven material having a first edge and a second edge. A second sheet of fluid pervious non-woven material having a first edge and a second edge is positioned in adjacent relationship to the first sheet. The first edge of the second sheet is joined to the first edge of the first sheet and the second edge of the second sheet is joined to the second edge of the first sheet. A breathable compartment is formed between the first and second sheets. A layer of super absorbent gel material and cotton fluff is positioned in the compartment. The absorbent gel material is disposed in the compartment to absorb fluids while the liner is breathable and comfortable for the user.

Abstract: A method is provided for shaping breast tissue via a liquid adhesive that may be applied to an article of clothing and/or a portion of a breast of a user. The liquid adhesive can be applied to a breast or clothing of a user. The breast may then be positioned within the clothing to maintain the desired appearance. A liquid adhesive is further provided that includes a mixture of a polymer and a solvent, where the mixture has a pH ranging from about 6 to about 8 and where the solvent comprises denatured alcohol and water and where the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: a methacrylate copolymer; a polyquaternium cationic polymer, a poly(acrylic acid) polymer; an acrylate copolymer; and combinations of two or more of the foregoing.

Abstract: A disposable bra liner has one embodiment with three layers which before use are flat, and in use become cup-shaped. The first layer is an outermost layer, the second layer is a middle layer, and the third layer is an innermost layer. The outermost layer and the innermost layer are disk-shaped. The middle layer has a central body portion and a plurality of arms extending outwardly in a generally spiral pattern. Regions of the first and third layers located between the spiral arms, when in use, become folded so as to allow contouring of the liner to the body of the user. In another embodiment, a further layer has a shape similar to that of the innermost layer, and is disposed between the outermost layer and the third layer to provide structural support.

Abstract: A reusable, washable breast shield for use by lactating women. The shield may include an inner layer and an outer layer. The shield may be placed against the breast of the user and may be held in place with an article of clothing or may be used without supporting clothing.

Abstract: A nursing bra with a replaceable cup unit and a support garment is shown and described. The support garment includes an anterior exposure section that leaves the area between the nipples substantially fully exposed when the support garment is donned without the replaceable cup unit. When the replaceable cup unit is attached to the support garment, and the nursing bra is donned by a wearer, the area between the nipples is substantially fully exposed to the cup unit. In certain examples, the breasts are substantially fully exposed to the cup unit. In certain other examples, the replaceable cup unit includes two cups comprised of a cup material and an attachment feature formed from an attachment feature fabric. The replaceable cup unit's cups are fixedly attached to a cup holder, which comprises a fabric that includes attachment features formed from an attachment feature fabric.

Abstract: A bra cup shaped breast cushion comprises a first impermeable membrane layer (1), a hygroscopic material layer (2), a nonwoven fabric layer (3) and a second impermeable membrane layer (4). The first impermeable membrane layer (1) adheres to the nonwoven fabric layer (3) to form a cavity. At least one set of elastic components (5) are placed at the adhering part between the first impermeable membrane layer (1) and the nonwoven fabric layer (3). The hygroscopic material layer (2) is located in the cavity. There is at least one notch (6) on the edge of the hygroscopic material layer (2). The second impermeable membrane layer (4) adheres to the nonwoven fabric layer (3) to form a pocket shape. The hygroscopic material layer (2) with the notch (6) is more easily formed into the shape of a bra cup under the tension force of the elastic components (5), so as to make the breast cushion fit the breast.

Abstract: A breastshield is provided that may be adhesively secured to a mother's breast for use in a breastpumping system. The adhesive is sufficiently strong so as to independently support the breastshield in position throughout a breast pumping session, including supporting the milk container, thereby enabling the mother to participate in other activities during the pumping session. The adhesive is advantageously of a type that is readily removed from the breast with the breastshield, and most preferably without leaving any significant residue.

Abstract: A nipple shield includes a base portion having a cutout for allowing a nose of the baby to contact the mother's breast during breastfeeding and a nipple portion that extends outward from the base portion. The nipple portion includes a sidewall and a generally flat end wall that has a plurality of openings therein. The nipple portion is configured for receiving the nipple therein and to be placed in the baby's mouth during breastfeeding.

Abstract: A foldable one-piece insert (i.e., bra liner) worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the bra cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the bra cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments. A braless liner may also be used without a bra. The braless liner may be fastened to the female torso at the rear of the female torso with attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: This invention concerns an adhesive nursing pad particularly useful for absorbing body fluids. The adhesive nursing pad comprises of a high absorption inner body, and outer layer with an adhesive circumference that attaches directly to the woman's breast for securely maintaining the nursing pad's position without slippage upon leakage of fluids from the breast of nursing or pregnant women, also containing a velcro strap, and adhesive flap on opposite ends of the adhesive nursing pad to give added support as a brassiere.

Abstract: A pad for relieving breast engorgement includes a material comprising absorbent fibers and an acidic agent. The pad is configured to insert within the cup of a bra. A bra pad has a layer of absorbent fiber material with a front surface and a back surface. A liquid barrier layer has a first side interfacing the back surface of the absorbent fiber material and an opposing second side. An acidic agent is disposed within the absorbent fiber material. A method of relieving breast engorgement includes providing an absorbent pad including absorbent fibers and an acidic agent shaped to insert within a cup of a bra and disposing the pad between the cup of the bra and an engorged breast to be relieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for concealing a bodily protrusion such as a human nipple comprising a foam pad for placing against the protrusion and a rubber pad for placing against a garment interior like the inside of a brassiere cup wherein the foam pad and the rubber pad are attached together.

Abstract: The absorbent pad for an underwire brassiere includes a sealed cover layer having opposed first and second surfaces and defining an open interior region therein. The first surface is porous, allowing for passage of perspiration into the open interior region. An absorbent layer is positioned within the open interior region of the sealed cover layer, and the absorbent layer is formed from a hydrophilic material. An adhesive layer is formed on the second surface of the sealed cover layer, so that the adhesive layer releasably adheres the absorbent pad to a lower edge of one cup of the underwire brassiere. The absorbent pad is dimensioned and configured to completely cover an underwire of the cup so that the absorbent pad absorbs perspiration of the wearer and provides protective padding over the underwire.

Abstract: A brassiere cup and pad structure is revealed. The brassiere cup and pad structure consists of two outer linings made from polypropylene and an inner padding made from the same material-polypropylene. By the polypropylene with low melting point, the dye degradation on the outer lining caused by high temperature during foaming processes can be avoided. Thus the amount of defective products in which the outer lining have spots resulted from degraded dyes is reduced. Moreover, the shortcoming of general inner padding made from foam that is easy to turn yellow over time is improved effectively.

Abstract: A reusable, washable breast shield for use by lactating women. The shield may include an inner layer and an outer layer. The shield may be placed against the breast of the user and may be held in place with an article of clothing or may be used without supporting clothing.

Abstract: A nursing pad has a first folding portion, which serves as a folding axis that allows the nursing pad to be folded therealong, provided such that it passes near an apex of the nursing pad, and extends up to the perimeter thereof. Furthermore, the nursing pad includes a fastening element, which allows the nursing pad to be fastened to the wearer's clothing, provided to a portion other than the first folding portion and the linear portion orthogonal to the first folding portion.

Abstract: A pad for a brassiere having a foam layer; a liner layer and a shaped cover positioned between the foam layer and the liner layer is provided. The shaped cover is positioned between the foam layer and the liner layer to provide enhanced coverage to the brassiere. A brassiere having a pair of breast-receiving cups is provided. Each of the pair of breast-receiving cups has a pad having a foam layer, a liner layer, and a shaped cover positioned between the foam layer and the liner layer. The shaped cover is positioned between the foam layer and the said liner layer to provide enhanced coverage to the brassiere.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable nursing pad having a layered structure of a liquid-permeable sheet, an absorbent body, and a liquid-impermeable sheet. The liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet are adhered to each other. This prevents the liquid-permeable sheet from becoming detached from the absorbent body, and provides a nursing pad having an improved capacity to maintain its three-dimensional shape. A pair of pad pieces 2 and 3, each of which has a layered structure of a liquid permeable sheet piece, an absorber, and a liquid-impermeable sheet piece, is joined so as to form a nursing pad 1 having an approximately conical shape. With the nursing pad 1, a connection portion 4 where pad pieces are joined forms a ridge which serves as the center line of the nursing pad 1. The nursing pad 1 can be folded along the ridge.

Abstract: A garment configured to be worn by a person at the breast fold line, namely where a crease is formed in between the breast under breast area and the chest surface. The garment preferably includes: a body including a flexible sheet of material with an arcuate member having an upwardly curved shape and configured for placement under the breast fold line sized and shaped to extend under a substantial portion of the breast fold line. A first tab is connected to the first arcuate member and extends away from the first arcuate member's top edge. The first tab is connected to the first arcuate member over a distance less than the width of the first tab. The first tab is foldable away form the first arcuate member and connected to the first arcuate member along the top edge close to the first fold line when the garment is worn.

Abstract: A brassiere cup, and brassiere formed therefrom, is provided, having an outer layer, an inner layer, a moldable foam layer positioned between the outer layer and the inner layer, and a concealing layer positioned between the inner layer and the moldable foam layer. The outer layer, inner layer, moldable foam layer, and concealing layer are molded to form a cup having an apex, with the concealing layer disposed over the apex. When molded, a raised embossed area is formed on the inner surface of the inner layer over the concealing layer.

Abstract: A cosmetic appliance and method of use for temporarily lifting, supporting or smoothing the skin of selected areas of a user's body, including the eyebrows, eyelids, throat, neck, breasts and other areas, and which is not readily apparent once applied, formed in predetermined shapes from thin, generally translucent flexible sheeting to one side of which adhesive has been applied and covered with a peel-away layer.

Abstract: A foldable one-piece insert worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the bra cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the bra cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments.

Abstract: A foldable one-piece insert worn between the bra and the body having irritation reducing and/or absorbent material portions which line the bra cup and that lie under the supported breast, and portions which extends toward the torso rear under the bra side straps and a portion extending below the bra line along the torso. The invention further includes a material tab disposed between the material portions lining the bra cups, which can optionally be worn up to bridge the area between the bra cups for added protection, comfort and absorption of perspiration, or be folded down and out of sight when worn with lower cut neckline outer garments.

Abstract: A breast receiving cup (1) of multi-layered construction is provided that includes a structural layer (2, 10) for operatively maintaining, or assisting in the maintenance of, the basic shape of the cup, and wherein there is laminated to the structural layer a substantially waterproof membrane (3) that operatively serves to retain moisture on the inside thereof and allow transfer of moisture through the membrane and evaporation thereof on the outside of the membrane. The membrane is preferably an imperforate monolithic membrane that is selected to provide a transfer mechanism for moisture that includes the steps of absorption of moisture on one side of the membrane where there is a higher humidity, diffusion through the membrane, and desorption of moisture on the other side of the membrane where there is a lower humidity. The structural layer is preferably a heat formed moulded foam layer.

Abstract: A pad for a brassiere having a foam layer; a liner layer and a shaped cover positioned between the foam layer and the liner layer is provided. The shaped cover is positioned between the foam layer and the liner layer to provide enhanced coverage to the brassiere. A brassiere having a pair of breast-receiving cups is provided. Each of the pair of breast-receiving cups has a pad having a foam layer, a liner layer, and a shaped cover positioned between the foam layer and the liner layer. The shaped cover is positioned between the foam layer and the said liner layer to provide enhanced coverage to the brassiere.

Abstract: A system for cooling the skin of a human or animal user includes thermally conductive elements (120) with fluid-wicking surfaces (124), ways to flexibly interconnect the elements, methods for storing a cooling fluid and distributing it to elements (120), and ways to maintain elements (120) in contact with a user's skin. When at least portions of the elements (120) are in contact with a user's skin and at least portions of the element surfaces are wet with fluid, the evaporation of fluid from the surfaces transports heat from the user's skin into the surrounding air, thereby cooling the user. More powerful embodiments further include an air space (165) parallel and adjacent to the user's skin into which elements (120) penetrate, and a fan for moving air through the air space (165), thereby speeding the evaporation of fluid from the surfaces of the elements (120).

Abstract: A pad for relieving breast engorgement includes a material comprising absorbent fibers and an acidic agent. The pad is configured to insert within the cup of a bra. A bra pad has a layer of absorbent fiber material with a front surface and a back surface. A liquid barrier layer has a first side interfacing the back surface of the absorbent fiber material and an opposing second side. An acidic agent is disposed within the absorbent fiber material. A method of relieving breast engorgement includes providing an absorbent pad including absorbent fibers and an acidic agent shaped to insert within a cup of a bra and disposing the pad between the cup of the bra and an engorged breast to be relieved.

Abstract: A nursing cup is provided with a cup-shaped base and a removable cap that define an open cavity between the two structures. An opening is formed through the cap to permit the passage of a nipple therethrough. Indicia is associated with the base and cap that may be selectively manipulated in a manner that indicates whether the container was used with a right breast or a left breast. One embodiment provides an external reservoir for the collection of breast milk. Another embodiment positions the opening in the cap between the peripheral edge and center portions of the cap in order to maximize volume within the device.

Abstract: A tape used to reduce the degree of breast ptosis of a human breast, wherein the tape can be attached to the bottom portion of a breast, placed over the nipple and areola, and then lifted and attached to the top portion of the breast.

Abstract: A nursing brassiere providing nipple protection against discomfort associated with breast-feeding having two identical cups, each having a centered aperture to expose a woman's nipple and interchangeable pad and shield attached via snaps to cover the aperture and a flap to cover the pad or shield. The pad is flexible and absorbent to prevent leaking, while the shield has a nipple with a drinking opening to allow an infant to breast feed. The shield also has a plastic ring seal to prevent leaking onto a woman's skin or clothes during breast feeding.

Abstract: A disposable breast pad containing a multi-functional pressure sensitive adhesive to hold the breast pad and adjoining bra firmly in place without slippage upon leakage of fluids from the breast of nursing or pregnant human females, comprising: a) outer peripheral circumference layer means disposed on a women's breast; b) inner absorbent layer means disposed on an inner section of the outer layer means in contact with the breast to absorb leaking secreted fluids; wherein the inner absorbent layer is a multi-functional pressure sensitive adhesive that is moisture absorbing, and moisture transmitting.

Abstract: A brassiere (1) is provided comprising a torso encircling band (2) adapted to encircle the torso immediately beneath the breasts of a wearer and to which is attached a lower edge of a front panel (4) adapted to operatively extend over a pair of breasts. An upper edge (8) of the front panel terminates in a pair of spaced symmetrically located support zones (9) to each of which is attached a supporting shoulder strap (10) such that the torso encircling band and shoulder straps together operatively support the brassiere on a person wearing same. The front panel is made of a fabric that has limited degree of stretch and semi-permeable characteristics in that it is substantially moisture-proof but permeable to vapours and gasses. The lower edge of the front panel has one or more tucks (6) where it attaches to the torso encircling band on each side of a centre thereof so as to define a breast accommodating and supporting pouch (7) on each side of the centre of the panel.

Abstract: A treatment brassiere includes a breasts-supporting garment and a treatment layer. The breast-supporting garment includes at least a breast support having an inner surface and a securing device for securing the breast support on a user that the inner surface of the breast support is contacting with the breast surface of the user. The treatment layer, which is made of a non-absorptive material with respect to a breast treatment, is fittingly provided on the inner surface of the breast support, wherein the treatment layer form as a treatment barrier between the breast surface of the user and the inner surface of the breasts-supporting garment for substantially keeping the breast treatment on the breast surface.

Abstract: A disposable nursing pad has a layered structure of a liquid-permeable sheet, an absorbent body, and a liquid-impermeable sheet. The liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet are adhered to each other. This prevents the liquid-permeable sheet from becoming detached from the absorbent body, and provides a nursing pad having an improved capacity to maintain its three-dimensional shape. A pair of pad pieces, each of which has a layered structure of a liquid permeable sheet piece, an absorber, and a liquid-impermeable sheet piece, is joined so as to form a nursing pad having an approximately conical shape. With the nursing pad, a connection portion where pad pieces are joined forms a ridge which serves as the center line of the nursing pad. The nursing pad can be folded along the ridge.

Abstract: A nursing bra assembly for securing pads in a nursing bra to inhibit the pads inadvertently falling out includes a bra for covering a pair of breasts and a portion of the torso of a person. The bra includes a pair of cups. Each of the cups has a feeding aperture extending therethrough and at least one nipple of the associated one of the breasts is accessible through the cup to be suckled by an infant. Each of the cups of the bra has one of a pair of covers pivotally coupled thereto. Each of the covers is selectively pivoted over the feeding aperture in the associated one of the cups. Each of the covers has one of a pair of pockets coupled thereto. The pockets are positioned over and adjacent to the feeding aperture of the cups when the covers are positioned over the feeding aperture.

Abstract: A nursing garment in which the front panel is divided into upper and lower sections whereby the upper section is overlaps and is attached to the lower section via a detachable seam extending horizontally across the front of the garment below the breast. Optionally nursing pads are placed into annular pockets.

Abstract: A system to aid in ultrasound scanning of breast tissue includes a fabric covering, which is adapted to hold the breast tissue in place during scanning, an ultrasonic coupling agent applied to one of the covering or the breast tissue, and a lenticular-shaped pad to cover the nipple of the breast tissue. The pad is placed beneath and held in place by the fabric covering, and the covering is capable of absorbing the coupling agent and conducting ultrasonic energy with minimal interference.