Abstract: An underwire for a brassiere comprises an elongate, substantially u-shaped body having a chest-engaging portion and a breast-engaging portion. The underwire is constructed from a unitary piece of plastic material. The chest-engaging portion and the breast-engaging portion are connected together along their lengths in a dogleg-shaped configuration, with, in an embodiment, an angle of between 110° and 140° with respect to each other. The breast-engaging portion has a shorter length dimension than the chest-engaging portion and thereby leaves a substantially flat chest-engaging portion at each end of the elongate body. In embodiments, these flat ends of the chest-engaging portion are rounded or thinned compared to the remainder of the chest-engaging portion. The configuration provides good support to the wearer's breast, increases comfort, and is less likely to injure than other configurations.

Abstract: A removable underwire attachment that is externally inserted over a cup of a brassiere is provided. The underwire attachment may include a U-shape wire that includes a first curved portion configured with a first end seamlessly coupled to a second curved portion configured with a second end. The first end and the second end may be inserted along a bottom portion of a cup of the brassiere to removably fasten the attachment to the brassiere for additional support and shape.

Abstract: An article of clothing, such as a post-surgical support brassiere, may include a cup, a band configured to secure the cup to the body of a wearer of the article of clothing, and a rigid arcuate element having a lateral end and a central end and coupled to the cup so as to support the cup. The rigid arcuate element may be disposed under the cup so as to be adjustable relative to the cup, wherein the lateral end of the rigid arcuate element is adjustable so as to alter the tension applied to the body by the central end.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a garment having a cup portion with two cups, a body portion integrated with the cup portion, and a band are disposed on the garment such that is extends beneath the cup portions. The band is either on the body portion or adjacent the body portion. The garment also has support structures with a configuration, each following proximately a contour of the lower part of its respective cup, wherein a portion of the support structure is formed on and fixed to the band and a portion of the support structure extends on the body of the garment and is attached thereto. As such the support structure configuration is approximately arcuate. The garment also has additional control regions. The control is provided by fabric or materials that have less stretch than the body fabric from which the body of the garment is made.

Abstract: A repair device that repairs a brassiere or similar garment with an underwire that has poked through its fabric casing. The repair device accommodates various thicknesses and shapes of underwire tips and is installed inside an underwire's fabric casing. This invention also includes a single use installation apparatus that enables and facilitates the installation of the repair device by reducing friction between the repair device and the inner surfaces of an underwire's fabric casing.

Abstract: An article of clothing, such as a post-surgical support brassiere, may include a cup, a band configured to secure the cup to the body of a wearer of the article of clothing, and a rigid arcuate element having a lateral end and a central end and coupled to the cup so as to support the cup. The rigid arcuate element may be disposed under the cup so as to be adjustable relative to the cup, wherein the lateral end of the rigid arcuate element is adjustable so as to alter the tension applied to the body by the central end.

Abstract: A support structure of a bra cup contains: a bra cup body and an underwire channel. The bra cup body includes a concave face and a convex face, and the concave face has an imaginary point defined on a central position thereof. The underwire channel is hollow and is in an arcuate strap shape, and the underwire channel is mounted on a peripheral side of a bottom of the bra cup body. The underwire channel includes an external layer, an internal layer, and a hollow portion. The hollow portion has an opening arranged on one end thereof and configured to accommodate an underwire. The underwire channel further includes a flexible mesh sheet arranged on one surface thereof facing the bra cup body. The flexible mesh sheet has a reinforcement section extending outwardly from the underwire channel to the imaginary point of the concave face of the bra cup body.

Abstract: A support component for attachment to a lower edge of a bra, having a generally U-shaped molded body defined in an x-direction, a y-direction perpendicular to the x-direction, and a z-direction perpendicular to both the x-direction and the y-direction, the body being bisected in part by an x-y plane, a lower curved portion of the body extending generally in the x-direction within the x-y plane, a first upper side portion of the body extending from a first end of the lower curved portion in both the y-direction and the z-direction and fully crossing to a first side of the x-y plane, and a second upper side portion of the body extending from a second, opposite end of the lower curved portion in both the y-direction and the z-direction and fully crossing to a second, opposite side of the x-y plane.

Abstract: A magnetic bra hanger is provided. The bra hanger is configured to magnetically receive an underwire of a bra to attach the bra to the hanger. The bra hanger may be configured to hang a single bra, or a plurality of bras.

Abstract: An adjustable support brassiere comprises traditional bra elements—a bra band with closure; breast cups; and respective shoulder straps. Adjustability may comprise inner support cups having opposite ends being selectively attached on each breast cup, and a respective support strap being secured to each inner support cup, with a distal end of the support strap secured to an adjustment clip, which may releasably secure a portion of the shoulder strap. Adjustably securing different portions of the shoulder strap causes lifting and reconfiguring of the inner support cup to produce a desired amount of substantially vertical lifting to the woman's breast(s) in one embodiment, which is generally healthier for breast tissue than the typical inward displacement. Adjustments may be made by a woman throughout the day to alter her appearance as desired. Alternative embodiments permit lifting as well as inward/outward displacement, and may therefore serve as a minimizer.

Abstract: There is provided a cushioned casing for an underwire of a brassiere. The cushioned casing comprises a cushioning material and a structure for enclosing an underwire and the cushioning material. The structure comprises a body having a channel for receiving an underwire and a wing member integral with and extending from the body. The cushioning material is positioned on the outside of the body, and the wing member is folded around the cushioning member to capture the cushioning material between the body and the wing member. A method of manufacturing the cushioned casing is also provided.

Abstract: A garment configured to be worn by a wearer having two breasts may include a set of two support structures and a housing. The support structures may be positioned within the housing such that each support structure corresponds to a position between a center and a bottom of one of the wearer's breasts when the garment is worn by the wearer. Each support structure may be configured to reposition a portion of a volume of the wearer's respective breast and support a portion of a weight of the wearer's respective breast when worn by the wearer. Optionally, the garment may include a set of flexible structures positioned within the housing such that each flexible structure is coincident with one of the support structures of the set of two support structures. The housing may wrap around the wearer's chest, thereby enabling the wearer to wear the garment.

Abstract: A support structure for placement in a lower periphery of a breast cup for a brassiere, the support structure including a support component shaped to follow the curve of at least the underside of a wearer's breast, the support component including a first region formed by a first polymer material and a second region formed by a second polymer material, wherein the first polymer material is harder than the second polymer.

Abstract: An improved encasement for underwires for use in brassieres that allow for more efficient sewing, better durability, and improved wearer comfort is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the fit of a bra includes a bra having cups, a bridge therebetween, and an underwire channel sewn beneath each cup. The underwire residing in each channel is bendable along at least one axis, can be lengthened, and is capable of retaining its adjusted shape after being adjusted.

Abstract: Brassiere cups, each comprising an inner layer attached to an outer layer. The inner layer comprises an inner foam material that is substantially laminated to an inner fabric lining. The outer layer comprises an outer foam material that is substantially laminated to an outer fabric lining. Each brassiere cup further includes an underwire assembly having an arcuate wire coupled to a plurality of gel pads. The underwire assembly is housed between the inner foam material and the outer foam material at or adjacent to a lower peripheral area of each brassiere cup. Preferably, each of the gel pads is coupled to respective ends of the arcuate portion.

Abstract: A reversible bra comprising a pair of cups supporting a user's breasts, where the pair of cups include a first side and a second side; a back strap attached to the pair of cups, where the back strap wraps around the torso of the user; a pair of straps resting over the user's shoulders, where the pair of straps attach to the pair of cups in the front and to the back strap in the back; and a reversible front clasp attached between the pair of cups, where the reversible front clasp enables the user to choose between displaying the first side of the pair of cups and the second side of the pair of cups. The pair of straps may be detachable to allow the user to select between wearing the straps normally, in a criss-cross or even strapless.

Abstract: A support device and method of installation is disclosed to help prevent the protrusion of a relatively rigid support structure end portion from garments such as bras, corsets, swimsuits, and other articles of clothing. The support device includes a base, a surrounding sidewall extending from the base with the surrounding sidewall terminating in an opening. The base and surrounding sidewall define an interior being operational to loosely receive the end portion of the support structure associated with the garment such as a bra underwire. The support device also includes a flange extending from the surrounding sidewall which is positioned to be oppositely disposed of the interior, wherein the flange is adapted to attach to the garment.

Abstract: An arched bra wire is formed by bending a steel wire, the whole bra wire is in the shape of an arc, the bra wire comprises a first part facing towards the middle part of the bra and a second part deviating from the middle part of the bra, the first part and the second part are inclined plane sections, an arc-shaped section is arranged between the first part and the second part, and the improvement is that at least part of the arc-shaped section is arched to the outer side of the bra for being in the shape of the arc. The arc-shaped arching of the bra wire aims at matching with the breastbone shape of the human body and the bra part supported by the bra wire is also in the shape of the arc.

Abstract: An encased wire for a garment includes a wire with first and second ends and a casing surrounding the wire. The casing includes a first fabric ribbon woven from a polyamide that resists penetration by at least one of the ends of the wire. The casing has a first edge, a second edge, and a first, stitched seam disposed adjacent to the first edge to close the casing, thereby containing the wire. The casing may be a single layer construction or a multi-layer construction. Selected regions of the casing resist penetration by the wire. Other selected regions provide increased comfort to the wearer. A sewing machine and a method of manufacture of the casing also are provided.

Abstract: A cushioning underwire assembly has a compartment and a supporting assembly. The compartment has two opposite fabrics mounted attached together to form a compartmenting cavity. The supporting assembly is inserted in the fabrics of the compartmenting cavity and has a wire, two cushion sleeves and a resilient pad. The cushion sleeves are mounted on ends of the wire to prevent the wire from inadvertently penetrating through the compartment. The resilient pad covers one surface of the wire to make a wearer feel comfortable.

Abstract: An adjustable support brassiere comprises traditional bra elements—a bra band with closure; breast cups; and respective shoulder straps. Adjustability may comprise inner support cups having opposite ends being selectively attached on each breast cup, and a respective support strap being secured to each inner support cup, with a distal end of the support strap secured to an adjustment clip, which may releasably secure a portion of the shoulder strap. Adjustably securing different portions of the shoulder strap causes lifting and reconfiguring of the inner support cup to produce a desired amount of substantially vertical lifting to the woman's breast(s) in one embodiment, which is generally healthier for breast tissue than the typical inward displacement. Adjustments may be made by a woman throughout the day to alter her appearance as desired. Alternative embodiments permit lifting as well as inward/outward displacement, and may therefore serve as a minimizer.

Abstract: In the field of textile bonding arrangements there is a need to join a textile item to another item while maintaining the inherent flexibility of each item. A textile attachment formation (10; 50) comprises a textile structure (12) formed by a series of interlocking loops (14) of a first thread (16). The textile structure (12) further includes an elongate bonding element (20) which lies adjacent to the first thread (16). The position of the bonding element (20) about the perimeter (22) of the first thread (16) varies along the length of the first thread (16).

Abstract: The utility model relates to the field of women's underwear. The technical problem solved by the utility model is to provide a comfortable arc-shaped underwire with simple structure. The arc-shaped underwire, which is embedded in the lower edge of a bra cup for supporting, the underwire is arc-shaped as a whole and is provided with an inner and outer end that respectively faces and deviates from the middle part of the bra, characterized in that at least one end of the outer and inner end deflects in a direction deviating from the body. This structure is different from the traditional one extending upwards which means the end of the underwire maintains a certain gap with the body to ensure that it would not press the users. The structure is comfortable to use.

Abstract: A supporting wire (10) for a breast covering garment (20), comprising: a first section (8); and a second section (9) pivotally connected to the first section (8) at a distal end (11) of the first and second sections (8, 9) such that the wire (10) is movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position by pivoting the first section (8) relative to the second section (9); wherein the first and second sections (8, 9) each have a cut-out portion (14) located at the distal end (11); a first tab (16) projecting in a perpendicular direction from the first section (8) to be received in the cut-out portion (14) of the second section (9); and a second tab (16) projecting in a perpendicular direction from the second section (9) to be received in the cut-out portion (14) of the first section (8).

Abstract: A brassiere wire molded in one-piece from a plastic material and including a U-shaped body with first and second arms connected by a central body region. The first and second arms include respective terminal ends of the U-shaped body and lie in a common plane with the central body region. The resiliency and rigidity characteristics of the plastic material permit the U-shaped body to distort out of the common plane and cause the central region to torsionally twist about its longitudinal axis when the terminal ends of the arms are flexed toward one another in opposed directions within the common plane. One arm includes a longitudinally extending flexure region spaced in-board from the terminal end of that arm and maintaining axial rigidity along the length of the U-shaped body while enabling an end of that arm to more readily flex in a direction perpendicular to the common plane.

Abstract: A non-customized standard array of brassieres generated from a grading array including a number of differently-sized bands that each defines an arc. The grading array defines a constant angular band end location across a plurality of band lengths, defines a constant angular cup location for different-sized cups on a single band length as well as for the same or different-sized cups across a plurality of band lengths, and defines a variable bridge distance that varies based on cup size. The non-customized, standard array of brassieres is identifiable by a standard brassiere measuring system where the volume identifier of the cup represents a consistent volume regardless of the band length for which the cup is associated. Further, the standard brassiere measuring system is based on direct body measurements representative of breast volume and underbust circumference.

Abstract: There is provided an improved brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups; a connector securing together an inner edge of each of the breast cups; a back wing or pair of back wings for securing the brassiere to the torso of a wearer; and an underwire disposed about a lower periphery of each breast cup. A cushioning structure for the underwire comprises an inner sleeve for receiving the underwire, the inner sleeve having two major surfaces and opposed elongate edges; a cushioning material covering at least one of the major surfaces; and a panel of outer fabric having first and second opposed elongate edges; wherein the first and second elongate edges of the panel of outer fabric each fold over an opposed elongate edge of the inner sleeve to substantially cover the cushioning material. A cushioning structure and a method of making the same are also provided.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the fit of a bra includes a bra having cups, a bridge therebetween, and an underwire channel sewn beneath each cup. The underwire residing in each channel is bendable along at least one axis, can be lengthened, and is capable of retaining its adjusted shape after being adjusted.

Abstract: An inlay for reinforcing a bra cup is a pliably resilient plastics material part having the basic shape of a crescent with inner and outer edges that are curved and that have a spacing that increases continuously between a minimum value at one end and a maximum value at an opposite end. A rigidity of the inlay decreases from the outer edge to the inner edge. The inlay is manufactured flat such that a central face running between wide delimiting faces lies in a plane. The inlay is made of a material that is plastically deformable under the action of temperature for form-fitting or material-to-material connection to the textile material layers of the cups.

Abstract: A brassiere cup support in accordance with the present invention supports and squeezes a person's breast comfortably. The brassiere cup support comprises a cover and a curved support. The cover corresponds to a bottom edge of a brassiere cup, is a tube, and comprises a lower lip and an upper lip. The curved support is mounted in the cover.

Abstract: A brassiere wire moulded in one-piece from a plastic material, the wire comprising a generally U-shaped body defining a first arm (14) and a second arm (15) connected by a central body region (16), the first and second arms and central body region generally lying in a common plane, the resiliency and rigidity characteristics of the plastic material and the U-shaped body along its length permitting the body to distort out of said plane and to cause the central region to torsionally twist about its longitudinal axis when the terminal ends of said first and second arms are flexed toward one another in opposed directions within said plane, the second arm being provided with a longitudinally extending flexure region at its end adjacent to the central body region, the flexure region (70) being spaced in-board from the terminal end of the second arm and adapted to maintain axial rigidity along the length of the Ushaped body whilst enabling an end of the second arm to more readily flex in direction perpendicular to s

Abstract: A three-dimensional support frame for the linkage section (also known as “heart”) of bra cups for low-heart underwear is disclosed. The support frame comprises a body having a U-shaped support frame. The body of the support frame is made of a wide flat wire; wire surfaces of two vertical portions of the body of the support frame being correspondingly twisted outwardly at an angle with respect to a vertical axis, forming an anticlockwise angle of 15°-85° with respect to a horizontal plane, and the twists starts at a position of the maximum radius of semicircular lower portion of the U shape. The twisted wire surfaces of the two vertical portions are of an arc-shaped structure which is curved outwardly, an outwardly curved portion with a maximum curvature being offset in a distance of 5 mm-50 mm with respect to midpoint of a bottom portion of the U-shaped support frame.

Abstract: A brassiere cup, and a brassiere incorporating the brassiere cups, are provided. The brassiere cup includes an outer fabric layer, an inner fabric layer, and a first, inner layer of foam material positioned between the outer and inner fabric layers. The cup has a lower periphery, and an embossed breast support is positioned at the lower periphery inside of the cup.

Abstract: In a bra having a pair of cups each with a central area and a lower perimeter area, the improvement of an asymmetric underwire arrangement including one shorter curved underwire extending in the lower perimeter area of one cup, and one longer curved underwire extending in the lower perimeter area of the other cup, the underwires each having inner ends that are adjacent each other at a central location where the pair of cups meet, and outer ends that are spaced away from each other, the inner end of the longer underwire extending further into the central location than that of the shorter underwire for enhancing cleavage for a woman wearing the bra.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a tubular fabric having an attachment flap for attachment to a second fabric, the method comprising providing a support yarn, a first fusible yarn and a second fusible yarn, wherein the yarns are formed into a tubular fabric having an attachment flap and the first fusible yarn is arranged so that, when it is melted and subsequently cooled, it forms a barrier in the tubular fabric to penetration by an underwire and the second fusible yarn is arranged in the attachment flap so that, in use, it can be fused to a second fabric.

Abstract: A brassiere cup, and a brassiere incorporating the brassiere cups, are provided. The brassiere cup includes an outer fabric layer, an inner fabric layer, and a first, inner layer of foam material positioned between the outer and inner fabric layers. The cup has a lower periphery, and an embossed breast support is positioned at the lower periphery inside of the cup.

Abstract: An underwire assembly for use in a brassiere including an elongate support member of three-dimensional elongate form. The supporting member extends in at least two planes for conforming to an inferior profile of the breast of a wearer.

Abstract: A protective device for an end portion of an underwire for a garment including a cushion tip having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion has “an internal cavity extending over a portion of the length of the proximal portion and is dimensioned to receive the end of an underwire of similar cross-section. The distal end of the cushion tip extends from the proximal portion a distance beyond the cavity length and includes at least one portion of relatively reduced bending strength formed by reducing the cross-sectional area by way of a groove or grooves, or the like. The at least one groove provides a flexible region between the proximal and distal portions. The portion of relatively reduced bending strength can be provided by other known means such as molding the protective device with different materials of relatively different strengths.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved safety bra support comprising an arc-shaped steel wire in which the special characteristic is that at least the two ends of the underwire are enclosed with at least one set of thermal contractible cases made of polymeric materials. The thermal contractible case's external end is a soft tube which protrudes out of the end of the arc-shaped underwire, and such a soft tube is bendable and flexible, ensuring the tip of the underwire be placed at the end stitches of the sleeve. Because the above described structure is used, the present disclosure not only can effectively prevent injuries to users caused by the ends of the underwire poking through the sleeve of the bra support, but can also provide a seamless and natural fit, and the utmost comfort to wear.

Abstract: A breast-supporting garment (10) having a pair of centrally joined breast cups (12, 13), each cup having a generally U-shaped underwire (23, 24) extending along a bottom edge and upwardly along inner and outer side edges thereof, each underwire having a substantially straight central section (31, 32), the straight sections being held in abutment to provide enhanced support of the breasts.

Abstract: An underwire for a brassiere disposed at the lower periphery of the breast cup region. The underwire includes a strip having opposite major surfaces extending between its ends. One major surface extends in a longitudinal direction between the ends of the strip, is shaped along the major surface between the ends of the strip so that a first normal at any location on the major surface does not extend parallel to a second normal at a second location on the major surface. The second location is along the longitudinal direction of the strip and spaced along the major surface from the first location. The major surface may be shaped as part of a hypothetical conical surface. The major surface or a central portion thereof is inclined to the vertical. The underwire or the central region thereof is convexly curved on the outside and concavely curved on the inside.

Abstract: A cushioned underwire is cooperative with any of a variety of different brassieres having different width and size. The cushioned underwire is adjustable and positioned in a multi-layered casing, which is connected along a perimeter portion of the brassiere. The casing is connected to one or more layers of material used to form a breast cup portion of the brassiere. At least a portion of the casing is overlapped by a cushion and/or protective barrier. This cushion barrier provides both comfort and feminine allure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a brassiere wire with a plastic protective cap at an end portion of the wire. A liquid primer is coated between the wire and the protective cap, wherein the protective cap is fixed on the wire by high frequency bonding through the liquid primer. Preferably, the wire and protective cap are cooled after high frequency bonding. The brassiere wire is free of a notch or a hole.

Abstract: An underwire for brassieres which is split in the width and the split extends substantially the full length of the underwire to the rounded ends. The split defines two segments, one of which can swing out of the plane of the other to thereby strengthen the underwire while providing a measure of flexibility.

Abstract: An underwire including an arcuate member for use with supporting garments, such as brassieres, has one or more zones of increased lateral flexibility along the longitudinal axis of the arcuate member in order to provide greater comfort to the individual wearer, without substantially affecting the arcuate rigidity that provides support. The increased flexibility is provided to the zones of increased flexibility by reducing the cross-sectional area of one or more end portions by tapering one or more sides, by sequentially and progressively stamping increasing numbers of incremental portions of the end portion in a stamping apparatus, to taper one or two opposed surfaces of the arcuate member. Alternatively a single step stamping method can be utilized to provide the flexible end portion.

Abstract: An underwire for use with supporting garments, such as brassieres, has one or more zones of increased lateral flexibility along the longitudinal axis of the arcuate member in order to provide greater comfort to the individual wearer, without substantially affecting the arcuate rigidity that provides support. The increased flexibility can be provided by reducing the cross-sectional area, by heat treatment, and by providing a hinge.

Abstract: An underwire having a spoon-shaped formation and capable of swiveling with respect to the tail of the underwire is provided in a brassiere-type garment to lie with the spoon along the outer side of the breast and to conform to the junction between the breast and the thorax at the outer side.

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: 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.