Abstract: A strapless and backless bra is provided that can be worn with backless or revealing clothing. The bra includes a first and a second cup each having: 1) an open top end; 2) a closed bottom end; 3) an outer side and an inner side each having substantially parallel upper portions; and 4) a tab, positioned proximate the outer side of the cup. The upper portions of the inner sides of each cup are directly connected/joined together. In addition, the bra may include a rigid underwire/supporter and a rigid reinforcement member for enhancing the appearance of a user's breasts while providing uniform lift and support.

Abstract: A support garment for a disabled woman. The garment includes a main body formed by shoulder supports, a torso encircling band, and a pair of breast cups interspaced between and connecting the shoulder supports and the torso encircling band. A pair of arced casings affixed to the body each pass from one shoulder support over one breast cup, between both breast cups, and then terminating with an exit under the other breast cup. A pair of transfer casings are affixed to the torso encircling band each located under one breast cup and below the arced casings. Buckles are affixed to the torso encircling band between the transfer casings. The torso encircling band includes two stays each generally located between a transfer casing and the exit of an arced casing. Attached to each stay is a guide.

Abstract: An abrasive slurry contains an alumina grain, an inorganic salt, a water-soluble chelating agent, an abrasive oil and a hardly water-soluble chelate aluminum salt or chelate nickel salt. The alumina grain has an average particle diameter of from 0.05 to 1 &mgr;m in an amount of from 0.1 to 10% by weight. The inorganic salt is selected from the group consisting of water-soluble inorganic aluminum salt and nickel salt in an amount of from 0.1 to 3% by weight. The content of the water-soluble chelating agent is from 0.1 to 3% by weight. The content of the abrasive oil is from 0.1 to 10% by weight. The content of the hardly water-soluble chelate aluminum salt or chelate nickel salt is not more than 0.1% by weight. The abrasive slurry is used for abrading an insulation layer of a semiconductor integrated circuit and a magnetic thin film head while they are produced.

Abstract: A reusable backless, strapless, one-piece bra. The bra comprises an underwire, a light-weight aluminum layer and a rubber foam layer, the light weight aluminum layer being positioned between foam rubber layers. The aluminum enables the bra to be molded to fit the contours of each person. The foam is bonded to the skin with double-sided, disposable dermal adhesive tape. The tape is applied horizontally across the bottom of the bra and attached to the rib cage just beneath the breast. A pad may be provided on an inner surface of the bra to give the appearance of enhanced breast size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaping insert (1) for garments for supporting a woman's bust. The aim of the invention is to provide as much bend resistance as possible in the plane stressed by the insert and as much flexibility as possible in relation to bending stresses perpendicular thereto. At the same time, the insert should be as economical as possible to produce. To this end, the insert is configured with at least two insert elements (2, 3) which are arranged essentially one behind the other in the direction perpendicular to the plane which is stressed by the insert. The two insert elements are curved essentially identically either side of the bottom of the insert.

Abstract: A flexible bra-cup support for brassieres of the underwire type is formed by a length of generally helical coil spring for flexible support and improved control of flexibility in comparison with rigid or semi-rigid supports. The helix is preferably formed from a plastic material such as nylon or polyethylene. The support is held in a conventional sleeve disposed along the undercup portions of the bra. The support may have a circular cross-section or may be made in an elliptical or other shape to control its flexibility as a function of bending direction. The helical support may have a core extending along its axis. The core may be a resilient rubber or plastic material, or an axial core wire surrounded by a resilient sheath. The pitch of the helix may be uniform, but optionally varies along the length of the support to vary the spring's rigidity with position along the undercup line.

Abstract: A lightweight, substantially unpadded, comfortable, push-in underwire bra has, when worn by a female wearer, a front including a pair of cups. Each cup defines upper inner and outer portions, lower inner and outer portions, a top and a bottom, and is configured and dimensioned to hold substantially one breast of a female wearer. Each cup defines an underwire-receiving channel extending downwardly from the cup upper outer portion and then inwardly across the cup bottom to the cup lower inner portion where the channel terminates. A single underwire-free channel extension connects the channels of the cups only at the lower inner portions thereof, the cups being connected at the front only by the channel extension, thereby to provide a deeply plunging cleavage and enable substantial independent motion of the cups relative to one another. For each cup, a thin, arcuate underwire is disposed in the channel and biases the cup upper outer portion inwardly.

Abstract: The manufacturing and wearing benefits of a brassiere having an underwire embodied in each brassiere cup which has a small radius curvature so that it seats within a cooperating infra mammary fold, and provides uplifting support during wearing of the brassiere.

Abstract: A brassiere underwire is formed with a sewing flange only along the outer side thereof and extending from locations spaced from the tips continuously around the outer side of the underwire bight. At a central zone flexibility can be increased by providing holes in the sewing flange and/or by making the sewing flange narrower. The underwire is stitched through the sewing flange in forming the brassiere.

Abstract: This invention relates to support garments which provide a support function through the utilization of a dried polyurethane coating placed on certain areas of the target fabric surface. Such a coating produces a reduction in the elongation characteristics of the target fabric thereby exhibiting a manner of providing support to the target fabric which is comfortable to the wearer and inexpensive to produce. The inventive garments may be utilized as sports brassieres, swimwear, “control-top” underwear, girdles, athletic supporters, medical braces, and the like.

Abstract: The use of a left and right-turning folding tool in the sewing of underwires providing support for a brassiere left and right cup, in which the starting end of the underwires are alternately sewn starting in the middle of the brassiere, i.e. at the location of the user's cleavage, so that by visual observation, the underwire starting ends are sewn at the same height to contribute to a neat appearance in this critical observed location of the brassiere.

Abstract: A flexible bra-cup support for brassieres of the underwire type is formed by a length of generally helical coil spring for flexible support and improved control of flexibility in comparison with rigid or semi-rigid supports. The helix is preferably formed from a plastic material such as nylon or polyethylene. The support is held in a conventional sleeve disposed along the undercup portions of the bra. The support may have a circular cross-section or may be made in an elliptical or other shape to control its flexibility as a function of bending direction. The helical support may have a core extending along its axis. The core may be a resilient rubber or plastic material, or an axial core wire surrounded by a resilient sheath. The pitch of the helix may be uniform, but optionally varies along the length of the support to vary the spring's rigidity with position along the undercup line.

Abstract: A garment adapted to support a female chest includes a pair of frontal cup portions of flexible material adapted to cover the chest area of a wearer, each of the cup portions having a perimeter. A multifilament twisted and drawn or swaged cable support element is attached to a portion of the perimeter to provide support for each cup in a manner which is comfortable to the wearer. The multifilament twisted and drawn or swaged cable support element is preferably comprised of a plurality of nickel-titanium wires or a plurality of stainless steel wires, which were formed by first twisting multiple filaments together and then drawing the twisted filaments through multiple dies and/or swaging to form a cable. The multifilament twisted and drawn or swaged cable provides superior support and comfort.

Abstract: A brassiere of the underwire type has a "U" shaped stitched sheath beneath each cup of an open "U" configuration and into which a "C" shaped underwire with inwardly bent ends is inserted so that, in spite of the fact that the respective underwire assumes a "U" configuration of the sheath, the springy ends of the underwire tend to produce a roundness illusion of the cup. The wire has a circular cross section with a diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 mm and is composed of polyamide so as to be flexible in all directions and has flanges at its ends through one of which the wire is stitched to retain it in the respective sheath.

Abstract: A framework is disclosed for the rigidification of a part of a garment, which may typically be the curved underwire support of a brassiere. The framework is formed of a molded plastic, which may be thermoplastic or thermosetting and includes short rigidified fibers embedded therein. The fibers are oriented along curvatures which are parallel to the curvature of the framework. The fibers which can be glass, carbon or aromatic polyamides, are preferably a polyamide in which one aromatic group is substituted for an aliphatic group in an aliphatic chain, or a combination of these materials.

Abstract: An underwire for an underwire brassier has a metal wire bow provided at one end with a stitching flange and preferably formed at the other end with an elastomeric tip. A double-cup frame for the underwire brassiere has an inverted U-shaped bridge piece whose shanks receive the ends of plastic coated underwires. The shanks are connected unitarily by a bight which is flattened and can be grooved to increase flexibility. Upon twisting of the bight, the two underwires can be superposed, thereby increasing the flexibility of the frame and a brassiere in which the frame is incorporated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable underwire support bra especially suited for larger breasted women. The bra is designed to allow a wearer to create their own most comfortable fit by independently adjusting inner and outer cup support straps. The bra is also designed with a centerpiece in which to embed the underwire to prevent the underwire from slipping or from poking through the fabric causing discomfort to the wearer and/or fabric wear.

Abstract: A brassiere (1) with two bust cups (6) and two side parts (2) connected to the latter has along the lower edges (5) of the cups (6) a respective pocket for replaceably accommodating a U-shaped support underwire. These pockets have at their ends situated in the front middle zone (3) of the brassiere (1) openings for the insertion or removal of the underwires. A retaining element (11) is provided between the cups (6) in the vicinity of these openings in the front middle zone (3) of the brassiere (1), with which retaining element (11) the ends of the underwires associated therewith and projecting from the pockets can be brought into a releasable operative connection.

Abstract: A brassiere of the underwire type has a "U" shaped stitched sheath beneath each cup of an open "U" configuration and into which a "C" shaped underwire with inwardly bent ends is inserted so that, in spite of the fact that the respective underwire assumes a "U" configuration of the sheath, the springy ends of the underwire tend to produce a roundness illusion of the cup. The wire has a circular cross section with a diameter of 1.5 to 2.5 mm and is composed of polyamide so as to be flexible in all directions and has flanges at its ends through one of which the wire is stitched to retain it in the respective sheath.

Abstract: A cushion tip for a brassiere frame is molded in-situ about an end of the brassiere frame that has been reduced in transverse cross-section at its end, whereby the cushion tip provides a continuation of the outer surfaces of the brassiere frame in at least the dimension of the thickness of the frame, and also, optionally, in the direction of the width of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an active-wear garment which comfortably provides support to the chest and back areas of the physically-active wearer, while wicking away moisture from the skin of the wearer. The active-wear garment of the present invention provides support such that the breasts of the wearer are comfortably supported and effectively immobilized when worn during physical activity of the wearer.

Abstract: A cushion tip for a brassiere frame is molded in-situ about an end of the brassiere frame that has been reduced in transverse cross-section at its end, whereby the cushion tip provides a continuation of the outer surfaces of the brassiere frame in at least the dimension of the thickness of the frame, and also, optionally, in the direction of the width of the frame.

Abstract: A post surgical brassiere characterized by a torso encircling support band modified to gently secure the brassiere to the torso with minimal discomfort. At least three vertical bones are integrated into the band at strategic locations about its circumference to divide the band into four separate regions. Two such regions lay situate around the back and sides of the wearer while the remaining two regions overly the wearer's front midriff area. Each region is elasticized, but with varying degrees of stretch ability. As the two opposite ends of the brassiere's adjustment straps are drawn together for fastening, the resulting stretch of the support band will occur predominantly in the back and side regions where tension against the wearer will be greatest, leaving the two frontal regions relatively loose fitting.

Abstract: A brassiere has a pair of fabric brassiere cups each provided with respective underwire cups extending through a fabric channel beneath the respective cup. The two cups are interconnected at the front of the brassiere by a decorative link composed of a molded synthetic resin and having a pair of sewing flanges each stitched through to the fabric of the cup. The underwires terminate at the respective sewing flanges.

Abstract: Protective tips for brassiere wires including a brasserie with a pair of cups. An elongated wire extends along a bottom periphery of each cup. A pair of T-shaped tips are each integrally positioned on an associated wire. Preferably, the wires and T-shaped member is lined with a material in a group which includes TEFLON.

Abstract: A wire reinforcement for women's garments designed to support the breasts exhibits an axial cross section with a long axis and a short axis perpendicular to the long axis. The long axis has a length, and the short axis has a center thickness which is smaller than half of the length. Along the long axis, the cross section has a left end with a left thickness and a right end with a right thickness. Both the left thickness and the right thickness are substantially greater than the center thickness. Such a wire reinforcement is very rigid in the direction of the long axis and is flexible in the other directions and in relation to torsional stresses.

Abstract: A first brassiere underwire stay (110) is integrally incorporated into a brassiere (16) which comprises a brassiere left cup (16L) and a brassiere right cup (16R). The first brassiere underwire stay (110) is composed of a first left U-shaped wire (112L) integrally incorporated into an underside of the brassiere left cup (16L). The first left U-shaped wire (112L) comprises a first left distal kidney shaped end piece (114LA) which is securely attached at a left distal end of the first left U-shaped wire (112L). A first left center kidney shaped end piece (114LC) is securely attached at a right distal end of the first left U-shaped wire (112L). A first right U-shaped wire (112R) is integrally incorporated into an underside of the brassiere right cup (16R). The first right U-shaped wire (112R) is composed of a first right distal kidney shaped end piece (114RA) securely attached at a right distal end of the first right U-shaped wire (112R).

Abstract: A garment for post-convalescent wear as a brassiere or bikini top by women who have undergone removal of a breast. The garment includes an uncupped panel which overlies the area of the chest wall from which the breast has been removed as well as an adjoining cup for receiving and supporting the remaining breast.

Abstract: A nursing brassiere that provides added support and yet can be easily manipulated to provide nursing access is disclosed The brassiere has overlapping frontal portions each with a cup-like configuration for covering the wearer's breasts. The frontal portions are attached to a lower elastic or elastic type cut and sewn portion below the breasts which includes a wrap-around band. Along a lower outer border of each cup-like frontal portion is a relatively short arcuate wire member that provides breast support under normal wear conditions. When nursing takes place, a frontal portion is easily pulled aside to displace the supporting wire and expose the breast for the necessary nursing access.

Abstract: A brassiere in which each cup (1,2), connected to both an elastic band (4) and a respective shoulder strap (7,8), consists, in its lower and lateral parts, of a continuous band (3,3') made of low-stretch fabric.

Abstract: A frame for breast cups of a brassiere is formed in such a manner that it is relatively inflexible in the plane of the frame and relatively flexible in the direction of the thickness of the frame, the frame when viewed in edge view, being in the form of a dihedral, thus causing a bridge between the respective frames to move inwardly towards the sternum of the wearer of the brassiere on the application of a force acting to move free ends of the respective frames away from each other.

Abstract: A flexible support element for fitting within a sleeve formed under and around the lower periphery of a bra cup, the invention replaces conventional bra underwires which lose shape during wear or washing, poke through sleeve material at the ends of the sleeve and cause user discomfort. The support element of the invention takes the form of an arcuate length of polymeric or similar material having a circular cross-sectional shape and which can be formed manually into a supporting shape to fit within the undercup sleeve. The present support element provides comfort to a user and does not poke through the ends of the undercup sleeve.

Abstract: A ratchet spool mechanism including a rear or bottom housing having a central column, and positioned around the central column a belleville-type spring, positioned thereover a rotary spool having affixed therebetween two lengths of twine and positioned over the top portion of the spool a rotary cap having beveled projections which cooperate with correspondingly positioned orifices in the top surface of the rotary spool whereby operation of the belleville spring, the beveled surfaces and the orifices provide for a locking mechanism and one-way rotation to tighten or draw in the twine, and upon pressing the rotary cap downward against the belleville spring, the beveled projections become disengaged from the orifices, and the spool may be rotated in either direction.

Abstract: A method of making a brassiere wire for a particular underwire brassiere cup utilizing a set of brassiere wires having rectilinear markings where excess of the wire can be cut away with rounding of the resulting end portions to form the brassiere wire.

Abstract: An improvement in underwire bra construction wherein the ends of the U-shaped underwire are secured to complementary fastening members affixed to the material of the bra cup and wherein such U-shaped underwire is free to swing up or down relative to said complementary fastening members.

Abstract: A brassiere wire has a body adapted to fit into a channel in a brassiere to extend beneath a breast cup of a brassiere, the brassiere wire having a semicircular body lying in a plane and of flattened cross section, and a rectilinear flexible portion on at least one end of the body, the rectilinear portion being deflectable resiliently out of the plane, the rectilinear portion having two spaced-apart grooves corresponding across the rectilinear portion substantially perpendicular thereto and in each face of such rectilinear portion, thereby reducing the thickness of the wire at the grooves of the rectilinear portion to increase flexibility thereof, the wire being composed of a plastic and having rounded tips.

Abstract: A breast foundation and natural support characterized by its immobility relative to the rib-cage and also by its capacity to permit independent movement of breasts while comfortably supporting same. The support assembly includes inner and outer front panels, the later having seam connection to at least the principal supporting cup and the former bearing an underwire. In a modification for the fuller breast, a double cup is interconnected to the outer front panel. An optional prosthesis pocket is also available, wherein a separate piece of fabric is connected at the top of the foundation in both forms of the invention, the fabric hangs down to form a pocket from above. As the prosthesis in inserted from an open side and held in place by the lower pocket, an upper pocket is thus formed.

Abstract: A monocoque breast supporting frame including a reduced mass arcuate shaped resilient wire and a specifically formulated reinforcing sleeve-like, low friction member totally encasing the wire; said sleeve-like number having a plurality of circumferential radii, thickness, and structural integrity specifically disposed along the arcuate shaped, reduced mass, resilient wire to afford maximum strength and resilience to the frame and maximum comfort to the wearer.

Abstract: A breast enhancement brassiere is disclosed wherein each of the breast cups is constructed having an inner pocket which receives a padding material and an outer pocket which receives a removable elastomeric member. A support wire extends along the lower curved edge of each cup. The upper edge of each cup defines a relatively unconstrained open zone. The configuration is such that the brassiere, when worn, exerts forces on the wearer's breats lifting the breasts both upwardly and inwardly toward each other in the direction of the open zone for breast enhancement.

Abstract: A backless, strapless ladies' body briefer is made practical by providing a lateral, full-length bone at each of the two seams connecting the front and back halves of the garment. The back half has a V-shaped cutout and an elastic band extending along the waistline and attached to the lateral bones. At least one auxiliary bone, spaced from each lateral bone, is attached to the elastic band and extends to the V-shaped cutout. Additional auxiliary bones attached to the elastic band can help keep the V-shaped edges of the garment snugly against the wearer's back.

Abstract: A camisole underwire bra garment (10) including a camisole unit (11) and an underwire bra unit (12) whose upper portions (11') and (12') share the same general contour and configuration, wherein the underwire bra unit (12) is only connected to the camisole unit (11) along their respective upper portions to produce a camisole garment (10) that provides lift and support for a woman's breasts.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved brassiere wire and a method for forming the same wherein the wire, which if formed of a spring steel, is subjected to an annealing treatment along the leg portions of the wire to thereby render the point or a section of the wire softer and more bendable.