With Means To Separably Retain Breast-form-supplementing Pads Patents (Class 450/54)
  • Patent number: 7905763
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Girlease, LLC
    Inventor: Nanette Frank
  • Patent number: 7871305
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a range of push up bras. The range comprises different bra cup sizes, and offers a different amount of padding for different cup sizes in the same range. The different padding provided facilitates a better tailoring of the bra to the body type of the wearer. The padding occupies a decreasing area of the cup as the cup size increases. The centre of the padding is also gradually lowered with increasing cup size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Pleasure State Pty., Limited
    Inventor: Kay Cohen
  • Patent number: 7815487
    Abstract: A pad for a brassiere has a first layer; a second layer; and an intermediate layer between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer, the second layer and the intermediate layer are connected at predetermined locations to form a first plurality of depressions on the first layer and a second plurality of depressions on the second layer. The brassiere has a pair of back panels, a pair of shoulder straps, and a pair of breast receiving cups. Each of the pair of breast receiving cups has a first layer; a second layer; and an intermediate layer between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer, the second layer and the intermediate layer are connected to form a first plurality of depressions on said first layer and a second plurality of depressions on said second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprise, LLC
    Inventor: Roger D. Warren
  • Patent number: 7815488
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Leslie A. Gransberry
  • Publication number: 20100210178
    Abstract: An adjustable backless, strapless bra comprises a pair of bra cups and a connector, wherein a fixing plate is disposed along a lower edge of each bra cup and a plurality of engagement holes are formed in the plate, and the connector has at least one engagement protrusion formed at each end for detachably connecting to the engagement holes, such that the connector adjoins the bra cups by each engagement protrusion being connected with the engagement holes of the bra cups separately to adjustably modify positions of the bras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Jasper Chang
  • Patent number: 7753759
    Abstract: An article of apparent is disclosed comprising a pocket for concealing objects proximate to a breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventors: Tammy Pintor, Robert J. Pintor
  • Patent number: 7739753
    Abstract: An elastic support top 1 is provided having fasteners 4, 5 for attaching to a breast shield 10 for protecting from blows to the breast area. Thus, an improved protective breast shield 10 is provided having an elastic support top 1 attached to the breast shield whereby the support top fits to a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Susan Charlotte Jankowski
  • Patent number: 7731564
    Abstract: Disclosed is a use of a memory foam insert in bras, camisoles, shorts, and briefs. The memory foam insert is designed to limit and prevent the bouncing motion through the breast and gluteal area during rigorous athletic activity. The invention conforms and molds itself to the individual's shape and figure, thereby allowing for a comfortable and secure fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: El L. Sanders
  • Patent number: 7727048
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Leslie Gransberry
  • Patent number: 7666059
    Abstract: A method for molding a lofted assembly having a lofted material and a laminated nylon support material the garment produced are provided. The method includes the steps of positioning a support fabric on a lofted material; laminating the support fabric to the lofted material to form a lofted assembly; positioning the lofted assembly in a molding apparatus having at least a first mold and a second mold, closing together the first mold and the second mold thereby sandwiching the lofted assembly therebetween and while maintaining a uniform preset gap between said first mold and the second mold so that the inherent loft characteristics of the lofted assembly are substantially preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Gloria Falla, Roger D. Warren, Thomas S. Wood
  • Patent number: 7618304
    Abstract: A bra pad is combined selectively from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films, silicone gel material or silicone gel material layers, lightweight material layers and cloth layers. The TPU films are configured for containing the silicone gel material to make the silicone gel material layer form a concave cup. A space defined in the concave cup is configured for combining the lightweight material layer. The lightweight material layer has an opposite side surface attaching to the cloth layer to form the bra pad. The present bra pad employs the silicone gel material layer to make it have excellent tactility and comfortable, and employs the lightweight material layer to decrease the weight. Furthermore, the cloth layer is configured for increase the breathe capability and the heat-dissipating capability to make the users more comfortable and no burthen when being carried for a long time or in sports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Hui-Mei Chen
  • Publication number: 20090149114
    Abstract: A cosmetic appliance and method of use for temporarily lifting, gathering human skin of the breast or smoothing the human breast and skin of the breast, and which is not readily apparent once applied, formed in predetermined shapes from thin, generally translucent flexible sheeting or tape and or of a silicone gel formed into the shape of cup, to one side of which a reusable adhesive has been applied and covered with a peel-away layer for temporarily lifting, gathering, covering or smoothing the skin of the breast, nipple and areola areas, and which is not readily apparent once applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: DENISE HORTON, Andrea Niemiec-Perrigo
  • Patent number: 7527543
    Abstract: A high elastic fiber cup includes an inner layer, an outer layer and a pad. The inner and outer layers include wrapping clothes having high elastic fiber bodies attached on the inner surfaces thereof and cut into combed fiber sheets, respectively, or include a double-side multispandex or a three-layer of elastic fiber knitting cloth. The pad is made of a high elastic fiber body which is cut into a three-dimensional block and is attached to and between the inner and outer layers by using gel. An excellent elasticity and air permeability is obtained for recovering its initial shape quickly after being pressed and achieving a comfortable satisfaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Pinheh Mas Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan-Shang Chang
  • Patent number: 7455567
    Abstract: A garment is provided that has a support region and a foam pad at the region. The foam pads has at least one auxetic foam layer. A garment is also provided that includes at least one auxetic foam layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hanesbrands Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Bentham, Andrew Alderson, Kim Leslie Alderson
  • Patent number: 7448936
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Louise Kemp-Dorsey
  • Patent number: 7445541
    Abstract: This invention is directed to patients who need vertical support in the cleavage area due to symmastia repair or reconstruction of the chest cleavage for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The support garment is designed not to support the breast or nipple area of the chest. The Y support which fits the patient close to the neck and between the breasts is attached to a full back panel using self adjusting velcro closures. This unique design creates a force much like a bow to provide constant pressure from front to back on the cleavage area only to allow scar tissue to form during the healing process. The cross link high density foam insert maintains even pressure during healing and does not lose its resiliency or permit permanent deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Judy Patterson
  • Patent number: 7413495
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a strap portion, a first cup, and a second cup. The first cup may be connected to the strap portion and may be selected from a number of available sizes. The second cup may be connected to the strap portion and selected from a number of available sizes. The first cup and the second cup are different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Mary C. Sobah-Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7407429
    Abstract: A garment having an integral backless, strapless bra, and a method of using the garment. The garment includes a chest portion facing towards a user's breasts and a pair of bra cups adjoined to an inside surface of the chest portion. Each bra cup includes an interior surface facing towards a user's breast and an exterior surface facing opposite the interior surface, wherein the interior surface includes a pressure sensitive adhesive layer for adjoining the bra cups to the user's breast. The garment also includes a connector adapted to draw the bra cups together, wherein the connector is positioned between the bra cups. A method of using the garment provides for customizable positioning of the bra cups and optional degrees of breast cleavage and push-up enhancement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: David E. Chen
  • Patent number: 7396272
    Abstract: A transitional feminine styled garment for use by mastectomy patients immediately following surgery, the garment being sleeveless and having wireless and non-binding pockets for soft molded cups. The garment has inside drainage pockets for drainage receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Kim Newlen
  • Patent number: 7377833
    Abstract: A brassiere cup has inner and outer geometrically similar cup parts fitting in each other and having confronting inner faces and outer faces directed away from each other. The inner faces are formed with aligned and confronting grooves holding a pair of hard plastic wires imbedded in a flexible plastic body completely surrounding and bonded to the wires and formed with a flexible lip. The lip extends from the grooves between the inner faces. Bonds between the inner faces and the flexible plastic body unitarily secure the cup parts together and to the flexible plastic body in which the wires are imbedded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Fildan Accessories Corporation
    Inventors: Karl Wanzenboeck, Gerhard Fildan
  • Publication number: 20080090491
    Abstract: A molded brassiere comprising or including, a breast cup region defined at least by (i) an interior panel that includes a foam ply (herein after “interior foam ply”) and (ii) an exterior panel that includes a foam ply (herein after “exterior foam ply”), said interior and exterior panels being laminated with each other defining a breast cup region that includes two breast cups and an intermediate bridge region extending there between, wherein the interior and exterior panels are laminated with each other save at least at a region where, for each breast cup, a pocket is defined between the interior and exterior panels, the pocket being located extending from the lower perimeter region of the breast cup towards the neckline of the breast cup, the interior panel at said pocket having lower curvature than said exterior panel so that said pocket provides an air gap between said interior and exterior panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Zhen Qiang Liu
  • Patent number: 7335086
    Abstract: A brassiere having no shoulder straps and no back strap is disclosed. The brassiere comprises a pair of connected breast cups. The brassiere further comprises a pair of side panels comprised of a substantially inelastic fabric, wherein each side panel is coupled to a lateral side of a breast cup. The brassiere further comprises an adhesive disposed on a proximal side of each breast cup and side panel for adhering the brassiere to a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Hylton Karon
  • Publication number: 20080003922
    Abstract: An exercise brassiere provides sufficient support to allow a wearer to participate in active exercise or sporting events, yet is constructed to improve the esthetic appearance of the wearer's breasts. Support structure located between fabric layers firmly restricts undesirable movement of the wearer's breasts during exercise or sports activities that could otherwise cause damage to the breast tissue. The support structure also is made to enhance the figure of the wearer so as to improve the overall appearance of the wearer's bust line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Miyuki Hori
  • Patent number: 7311583
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a breast-covering garment pad having a thicker summit area, as well as the pad itself, includes holding a sheet of resilient and formable material of uniform thickness, such as thermoplastic foam, and forming the sheet to have a graduated thicker summit area corresponding to each breast summit of the pad or a garment including the pad, and a surrounding thinner area. Each pad thus has a thicker summit area for extending over the nipples the breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Victoria's Secret Stores Brand Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Jagaric, Nathalie Martinet, Judith Grigor, Bull Lau
  • Patent number: 7309275
    Abstract: A brassiere incorporating at least one gel pack positioned to provide thermal therapy to a breast. Located within the breast cup construction are one or more cells of thermal gel packs designed to dispense thermal therapy to the breast, preferably cold therapy. The gel sac or sacs form an integral part of the garment sandwiched between layers of material forming the interior and exterior of the garment. The respective breast cup gel sac can be formed to partially or fully encompass the breast or segmented into a plurality of segregated sacs having padding positioned therebetween forming gel sac support. The garment closure means is easily moved between a worn engaged state and disengaged state for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: James Morales
  • Patent number: 7300330
    Abstract: Protection disks for breastfeeding mothers, applicable to a mother's breasts ready to give milk, for protecting them and absorbing the flow of milk which comes out spontaneously therefrom, which comprise two kinds of disk clearly differentiated from each other, of which the disks of the first (2) kind having an appreciably different configuration from those of the second (2?) and/or are provided with at least one differentiating tactile and/or optical marking (1), in high relief or in low relief, enabling them to be differentiated from other disks of the second kind, intended for applying to the other breast, which are devoid of said marking or having another different marking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Obee Innova S.L.
    Inventor: Arsenia Estrella Garrido
  • Patent number: 7278899
    Abstract: An adhesive bra element comprising a support member having an outer surface and an inner surface, and comprising at least one of a foam and a gel, an adhesive layer disposed over a substantial area of the inner surface of the support member, wherein the bra element includes a shaped cup portion and an upper extension portion extending from an upper end of the cup portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Brazabra Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore L. Davis
  • Patent number: 7275977
    Abstract: A therapeutic bra (100) for reducing breast tissue inflammation in a woman who has recently undergone breast surgery. The therapeutic bra (100) is made up of a sports bra (110), which comprises a front breast section (120), opposite bra sides (140, 160), first (180) and second (200) shoulder straps, and a rear section (220) located between the first (140) and second (160) opposite bra sides. The front breast section (120) comprises an outer layer (260) made up of hook and loop fastener material (125) such as hooks, loops, alone or in combination, and a therapeutic pouch (115). The therapeutic pouch (115) comprises front (280) and rear (300) sides, an opening (320), and an interior (330) accessible via opening (320). The rear side (300) is at least partly covered with complementary hooks, loops, alone or in combination (310) to reversibly attach to the outer layer (260).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Rhonda Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7252574
    Abstract: An integral thermo-press complex brassiere cup structure. The structure includes an external lining body, an internal lining body, a bag, a bag covering layer coupled on the surface of the bag made of a soft poor thermal conductor, and a material adhering layer disposed at the attaching surface of the internal and external lining bodies. The material adhering layer adheres the surface of the bag covering layer at an appropriate position between the internal and external lining bodies, and places both internal and external lining bodies into a high-temperature thermo-press mold for an integral molding process. The heat produced by the high-temperature mold is conducted through the internal and external lining bodies and delayed or blocked by the bag covering layer as to weaken the heat conducted to the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Chin Tang Chen
  • Patent number: 7244167
    Abstract: A three-dimensional molded breast pad for a brassiere is provided. The molded breast pad has a cup shape with at least one or more first layers of a first material and one or more second layers of a second material. The first and second layers/materials have different loft characteristics associated therewith. These loft characteristics influence, at least in part, the elastomeric properties of the first and second layers/materials. Thus, the molded breast pad is a moldable three-dimensional breast pad cooperative with a brassiere to support, shape and/or smooth the contours of a wearer's breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Gloria Falla
  • Patent number: 7241199
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seamless brassiere. The brassiere has an outer shield with pattern, two breast cups, two back band, an inner lining corresponding to the outer shield, two elastic non-woven inner pads, two steel wires, a fastener, and two shoulder straps. The steel wire is sewn to a bottom edge of the lining pad. With glue smeared onto the outer shield, lining pads, and inner lining, the brassiere can be assembled with fastener set and shoulder straps by heat pressing in the mold, thereby forming the brassiere that is seamless, tight, and ventilative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Huei-Rong Huang
  • Patent number: 7234993
    Abstract: A bra includes two cups and each cup is connected with a side wrap and has a connection portion for connecting a shoulder strap which is connected to the side wrap. Each cup has a protrusion protruding from a top edge thereof so as to cover the nipple of the wearer and at least one concave portion is defined between the protrusion and the connection portion. The concave portion eliminates the stress on the top edge of each cup so as to reduce the pressing force to the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Shian Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 7229335
    Abstract: An adhesive bra element comprising a breathable member to be used as a bra cup and having a plurality of though openings over a predetermined area of the breathable member to provide breathability, wherein the through openings are slit openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Brazabra Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore L. Davis
  • Patent number: 7163433
    Abstract: An adhesive strapless brassiere used for giving lift to a user's breast has two adhesive breast covers, a connector and a backing layer. Each adhesive breast cover is formed from a thin, pliable sheet and has a main, oblong first portion for covering a breast, and a vertical wing extending upwardly from the outside top edge. The adhesive breast covers are directly attached to a user's body by the adhesive. The connector is mounted between the two adhesive breast covers, and the backing layer is used to attach the adhesive breast covers before use. The adhesive strapless brassiere has a small volume and breathes, so a user will feel comfortable when wearing the brassiere. Furthermore, the adhesive strapless brassiere may be discarded after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignees: Bravo Universal Co., Ltd., Ce Soir Lingerie Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Hsien-Wei Chou
  • Patent number: 7144296
    Abstract: A backless, strapless breast form system to be worn in place of a traditional bra having a pair of breast forms. Each breast form includes a volume of silicone gel encased between thermoplastic film material, and a concave interior surface facing towards a user's breast having a pressure sensitive adhesive layer for securing the breast form to the user's breast. There is a connector adapted to adjoin the breast forms together, and the connector is positioned between inner sides of each of the breast forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: David E. Chen, Jasper Chang, Alice Chang
  • Patent number: 7144295
    Abstract: A breast support pad for supporting the upper breast when the wearer of a brassiere is lying on one side, the breast support pad placeable generally inside and against the central portion of the brassiere between the two curved portions and away from the other portions of the brassiere, the breast support pad comprising a body having a front face with a thick vertical section and a back face adapted to conform with the chest of the wearer between the breasts, the back face comprising a concave cavity on each side of a centrally located vertical surface, each concave cavity adapted to conform to and support either breast when the wearer lies on one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Kelly Fisher
  • Patent number: 7118444
    Abstract: A bra includes a first portion having a cup of a first size and a back panel attached to the cup of the first size and a second portion that is separable from the first portion, the second portion having a cup of a second size and a back panel attached to the cup of the second size. The second portion is connectable with the first portion by the connection of the cup of the first size with the cup of the second size and by the connection of the two back panels. In another aspect, a cup for a bra has an inner layer and an outer layer connected to the inner layer to define a pocket therebetween in which a pad can be received, the outer layer being fabricated from an elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Joanna M. Newman
  • Patent number: 7094127
    Abstract: Surprisingly effective additive formulations for the reduction of highly undesirable yellowing or other discoloration of white, uncolored, polyurethane foam articles are provided. White polyurethane foam exhibits a susceptibility to yellowing and discoloration to a great extent, particularly in relatively short periods of time, than other types of polymeric articles. The inventive additives impart excellent low-discoloration properties over appreciable amounts of time of regular exposure to harmful elements, thereby according the pertinent industry a manner of providing white polyurethane foams for longer periods of time. Methods of producing such reliably white-colored polyurethane foams are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Philip Radford, Mark Ragsdale
  • Patent number: 7086925
    Abstract: A brassiere fastener system having a cushion structure is provided. Preferably, the cushion structure is a pouch with at least one cushion insert therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Joanne Kaye, Cataldo E Rossi
  • Patent number: 7081034
    Abstract: A nursing bra comprised of two cups with an outer pocket/flap in each cup for holding a thin circular heating/cooling device in place. This pocket is a full piece of fabric with an opening at the upper center portion of the garment that holds the heating/cooling device in place. The heating/cooling device provides relief from engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis and other general nursing pain. There is also a rear panel comprised of two cups with openings in each cup for nursing a baby. The front and rear panel coexist, forming a supportive and comfortable bra. The removable front, outer panel is connected to the rear panel at the base, which allows for the upper portion of the front panel to be lowered allowing the nipple, and surrounding area of the woman's breast to be exposed for nursing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Nicole Zoellner
  • Patent number: 7059935
    Abstract: An improved support for placement underneath a woman's breast, to comfortably maintain proper positioning of the breast to a nursing baby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Anita Jamshidi
  • Patent number: 7052359
    Abstract: An improved backless, strapless bra comprising a pair of bra cups having an interior surface facing towards a user's skin that comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed thereon for adjoining the bra cups to the user's skin. The bra cups are permanently or removably adjoined by a connector that is positioned between inner side portions of the bra cups. The connector can have a variety of configurations that enable the user to attach the bra cups. The connector allows the user to create a desired amount of breast cleavage and breast push-up enhancement. The bra can also be used with a pull-up device that attaches to the top portion of the bra cups and allows the user to lift the bra cups and the user's breasts to provide additional breast push-up enhancement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: David E. Chen, Jasper Chang, Alice Chang
  • Patent number: 7052360
    Abstract: A molded breast cup for a brassiere includes a molded cup form and laminated structure of a first panel of a flexible foam material and a second panel of flexible material. The first and second panels are substantially coextensive to each other and define a breast cup perimeter shape. The first panel of flexible foam material is of varying thickness, providing a zone of greater thickness at a region or regions away from the perimeter at a general area where the nipple of the wearer of the brassiere will normally be positioned in order to provide greater thickness of material or density of material at such regions to reduce the visibility of the nipple through the brassiere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Victoria's Secret Stores Brand Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Bull Lau
  • Patent number: 7052358
    Abstract: An undergarment for lactating women includes a front panel extending over a woman's breasts and shoulders and a pair of absorbent pads placed within the front panel and covering the nipples to absorb extraneous discharge. The panels are made of a stretchable, breathable knit fabric. The undergarment includes a back panel attached to the front panel and forming openings for the arms, neck and torso. The absorbent pads, preferably removable, are placed within the front panel of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Christine V. Alessi
  • Patent number: 7048606
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pad for a breast covering garment provides a fabric sheet with an upper neckline, a lower channeling and an underarm and adheres a foam sheet of compressible material to the fabric sheet. A first portion of the pad is adjacent and along the upper neckline containing only fabric of the fabric sheet, and a remaining portion of the pad is between the first portion and the lower channeling containing the compressible material of the foam sheet. The method includes providing the foam sheet to have a thickest end at locations of the underarm and the channeling which are spaced away from the neckline, and the foam sheet becomes gradually thinner toward the neckline to a location that is near to, but still spaced from the neckline where the sheet of foam ends at the first portion of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Victoria's Secret Stores Brand Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathalie Martinet, Judith Grigor
  • Patent number: 7044829
    Abstract: A method is provided for making a bra pad having a rigid foam that is thickest at the bottom of the pad for hidden support and a stretchable softer foam for comfort and universal fit throughout the entire pad. The method includes pre-laminating rigid and stretchable foam sheets with fabric and shaving the foam sheets. The rigid foam sheet is shaved so that it has a V-shaped recess and a gradually sloped interface between the V-shaped recess and remainder of the sheet. The stretchable foam sheet is shaved so that it has a pair of elevated areas. Then, the top surfaces of the shaved foam sheets are affixed together to form a pre-form assembly and the pre-form assembly is molded under heat. The pair of pads are then trimmed out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Victoria's Secret Stores Brand Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Jagaric, Judith Grigor
  • Patent number: 7001239
    Abstract: An anti-wrinkle device is a light-weight, rigid, hollow member ergonomically contoured to fit comfortably in the area between the breasts of a human female. The hollow member is designed to prevent wrinkles from occurring in the cleavage area when women are lying on their shoulders and/or sides while sleeping. The member is covered with a soft, removable washable fabric. A sleeveless top can be worn to hold the member in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Midge Russell
  • Patent number: 6935921
    Abstract: A prosthetic brassiere with first and second brassiere cups for retaining a prosthetic breast relative to the first cup, the second cup, or both cups. At least one back strap can traverse from outboard sides of the brassiere cups to form a body-encircling portion by use of a front-closure or rear-closure fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement can have first and second jaw panels, a tongue panel, and hook and loop material for selectively retaining the first and second jaw panels relative to the tongue panel. The brassiere can have removable shoulder straps enabling conversion between strapped and strapless configurations. The shoulder straps can be coupled to the brassiere cups by retaining flaps that can be tucked into open inner volumes in the brassiere cups when the brassiere is in a strapless configuration. A privacy panel can be fixedly or removably retained relative to the brassiere cups traversing between upper portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventors: Kimberly Eudenbach, Sandra L. Busook
  • Publication number: 20040259467
    Abstract: A postoperative bilateral augmentation mammaplasty brassiere for use by women with augmented breasts is disclosed. The brassiere provides a support cup shaped to mimic a spherically shaped breast implant. The brassiere further provides an underwire within the construction of the brassiere, the underwire having an arcuate portion to mimic the round base of an augmented breast. A connector is provided between two support cups, each with an associated underwire, such that the distance between proximal ends of the underwires is established for the comfort of the wearer and the attractive appearance of the brassiere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: David B. Brothers
  • Patent number: 6824445
    Abstract: A hybrid brassiere is provided. The brassiere has a brassiere body having a pair of side wings/back panels made of circular knit fabric and an integrally knitted band. The brassiere also has a pair of breast cups made from one or more fabrics, namely woven, non-woven, warp knitted, and weft knitted fabrics, and an attachment for connecting the pair of breast cups to the brassiere body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: John Oneyear, Heinz Altmann, Sandra Ann Waitz, Donald Burleson