Pads, Per Se. Patents (Class 450/57)
  • Patent number: 8562388
    Abstract: The present document describes a prosthesis for a mastectomy bra comprising: a lower portion comprising a manually malleable material having a first density; and an upper portion comprising a manually malleable material having a second density smaller than the first density, the lower portion being substantially located below the upper portion thereby insuring stability of the prosthesis when in use. There is also described a bra for receiving the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: La Vie en Rose
    Inventors: John Izzo, Sarah Giroux, Christine Harding
  • Publication number: 20130237124
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a brassiere formed out of a transparent material that can provide a desired level of support and comfort while being worn with a bathing suit or any other desired article of clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Kimberly HALL
  • Patent number: 8506348
    Abstract: A brassiere is provided having a pair of breast-receiving cups, each cup comprising at least one fabric layer molded to at least one foam layer, and an inner breast-receiving side and a lower periphery and an upper periphery. A first shaped pocket is formed on the breast-receiving side having a slit formed therein. A first shaped cushion conforming substantially to the shape of the pocket is removably insertable into the pocket to provide breast enhancement to a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Xiao Qing Hu
  • Patent number: 8506349
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a breast covering garment apparatus comprising a breast cup comprising (i) an inner shell having a concave shape selected from a number of available cup sizes and (ii) an outer shell having a convex shape selected from a number of available breast cup sizes. The inner shell of the breast cup and the outer shell of the breast cup may be shaped from a solid piece of flexible material. The inner shell of the breast cup may be smaller than the outer shell of the breast cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Mary C. Sobah-Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 8480452
    Abstract: A seamless athletic bra includes different regions with different levels of support. The bra is formed from layers of material adhered together. Altering the types of materials comprising the layers in a region changes the level of support in that region as compared with other regions of the bra. A first region having the lowest level of support is found in a back panel and in the molded cups. A second region having a medium level of support is found in the front portion of the strap. A third region having a high level of support is found in a framework that follows the contours of the molded cups and in a back portion of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Reinisch, Susan L. Sokolowski
  • Patent number: 8465341
    Abstract: A bra for compression stabilizing the breast mass against motion relative to the torso includes a closed cell foam layer having a front, back, sides, and shoulder straps in a pattern to approximately match the contours of a female user's torso. A first fabric layer adjacent to the inner surface of the cell foam layer adjacent to the user's skin, substantially matching the pattern of the closed cell foam fabric layer, provides moisture wicking and comfort. A portion of the closed cell foam fabric layer extends below the breast line and encircles the torso to add motion stabilizing support to the breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Mary Helen Shashy
  • Publication number: 20130143469
    Abstract: A brassiere comprising two cups, each one shaped like a shell containing inside a detachable padding. The outer shell is pre-shaped, that is without seams, made of natural or synthetic tissue and has no inserts made of metallic material in order not to exert any compression onto the mammary region. The inner shell is made of breathable and extensible elastic fibres, to allow supporting the healthy breast and keeping in seat the dressing without constricting. The cup shape is so as to be similar to that of a usual brassiere wholly containing the mamma, so as not to reveal the presence of dressing or shape or volume asymmetries even under light dresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA "LA SAPIENZA"
    Inventor: Francesca Romana Grippaudo
  • Publication number: 20130109276
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bra for female breast support and formation that is particularly suited to provide the wearer a choice of support and shaping parameters. The bra comprises a pair of interconnected breast receiving cups, a conventional back strap and optional shoulder straps. A pair of skin griping pads are sized and positioned to fit within the respective cups in a position to embrace the under and lateral side of the respective breast and include a selectively adjustable link interconnecting the support pads across and under the medial portion of the bra. By shortening the link the support pads are caused to move laterally, drawing the breasts together. In a second embodiment the support pads may also be adjusted up and down by shortening or lengthening secondary shoulder straps that are attached to the upper portion of the respective pads and are positioned underneath the conventional bra shoulder straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph S. Sporn
  • Patent number: 8419502
    Abstract: A bra or other garment pad for breast support has a top fabric layer, a top polyurethane foam layer adhered to the top fabric layer and a nipple concealing disk of shaved polyurethane foam adhered to or formed as part of the top foam layer. The disk is at a nipple covering location of an outer perimeter of the pad and is substantially circular, and is spaced inwardly on all sides from the outer perimeter of the pad. The disk has a graduated thickness at a minimum at the disk perimeter and increasing to a maximum at its center. A substantially 100% spandex fabric layer is adhered to the inner surface of the top foam layer and disk and a bottom polyurethane foam layer is adhered to an inner surface of the spandex layer with a fabric lining layer adhered to the bottom foam layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Victoria's Secret Stores Brand Management, Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventor: Zhen Qiang Liu
  • Publication number: 20130084776
    Abstract: A brassiere strap system is provided. The bra includes a left breast cup and a right breast cup. Next, a left side strap is provided that includes at least two intertwined strips next to the left breast cup and a right side strap including at least two intertwined strips next to the right breast cup. The left side strap is coupled between a left breast cup connection on a left side of the left breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable left side connections. The right side strap is coupled between a right breast cup connection on the right breast cup and one of a plurality of adjustable right side connections. The left strap and the right strap include a backing surface and a decorative strap surface on top of each other, where the backing surface is made of a durable and contouring material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Sandra Walsh
  • Patent number: 8277276
    Abstract: A brassiere cup, and brassiere formed therewith, is provided for enhancing the shape of a wearer's breast. The brassiere cup comprises an outer fabric layer having a lower peripheral portion, and an inner liner fabric layer having a lower peripheral portion. A breast enhancement insert having upper and lower peripheral portions and inner and outer surfaces is attached along the lower peripheral portions of the outer fabric layer and the inner liner layer, the upper peripheral portion and the inner and outer surfaces of the insert being substantially unattached. The breast enhancement insert comprises a padding material encapsulated within a fabric cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Sandra A. Waitz, Anthony J. Nuzzo
  • Patent number: 8216021
    Abstract: Kidney-shaped push up insert including first lobe and second lobe is provided. Notch is formed in top side between first lobe and second lobe. Insert has depression formed adjacent top side extending towards notch. Second main surface opposes first main surface. Second main surface is substantially smooth arcuate-shaped surface. First lobe has narrower width between top side and bottom side than second lobe, and second lobe is thicker between first main surface and second main surface than first lobe. Ratio of maximum thickness between first main surface and second main surface to maximum length between opposing ends of first lobe and second lobe is less than about 9 and/or ratio of depth of notch from a straight line connecting first lobe and second lobe along top side of insert to width of insert from top side to bottom side at depth of notch is less than about 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Debra MacKinnon
  • Patent number: 8216023
    Abstract: A brassiere for minimizing the effects of wrinkling having two cups for the wearer's breasts and a central space therebetween, having a pouch wovenly positioned in the central space, the pouch having a suspension-styled stitching assembly for articulating the cups and hence the women's breasts in a structural and weight supported manner such that when the wearer is in a supine position the breasts are disinclined to sag; an aperture for receiving one or more articles; and a rear aperture such that the rear aperture leaves skin in the décolletage open for contact with one or more articles. The articles are selected from the group consisting of wickable stuffing material, foam material, memory-styled foam material, medicant, transdermal patch, and squeezable tubular assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Helene Donnelly, Eric Koenig, Mitchell A. Stein
  • Publication number: 20120149278
    Abstract: A bra or other garment pad for breast support has a top fabric layer, a top polyurethane foam layer adhered to the top fabric layer and a nipple concealing disk of shaved polyurethane foam adhered to or formed as part of the top foam layer. The disk is at a nipple covering location of an outer perimeter of the pad and is substantially circular, and is spaced inwardly on all sides from the outer perimeter of the pad. The disk has a graduated thickness at a minimum at the disk perimeter and increasing to a maximum at its center. A substantially 100% spandex fabric layer is adhered to the inner surface of the top foam layer and disk and a bottom polyurethane foam layer is adhered to an inner surface of the spandex layer with a fabric lining layer adhered to the bottom foam layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Zhen Qiang Liu
  • Publication number: 20120115396
    Abstract: A garment pad kit for coupling a garment pad (20A, 20B, 120A, or 120B) to a garment (11 or 102) is provided. The garment pad kit includes a garment pad (20A, 20B, 120A, or 120B) having a body portion (23 and 123) having an adhering surface (19, 21, 119, and 121) disposed on the body portion. The garment pad kit further includes an adhesive (33, 34, 133, or 134) for coupling the adhering surface to a garment (11 or 102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Paige Fortner
  • Publication number: 20120108143
    Abstract: The push-up adhesive bra includes a pair of bra cups each comprising a generally concave inside surface opposite a generally convex outside surface. Each cup defines an eye-shaped perimeter including a generally curved top and bottom edge meeting at an inner and outer peak. An adhesive is disposed along a portion of the inside surface for removably adhering the bra to a pair of woman's breasts when worn. A two-piece connector is individually fixed to each cup and engagedly connects the pair of cups and is configured such that the connector is disposed substantially at or below a bottom breast line when worn. A shelf-like padding is disposed within each cup adjacent to the bottom edge generally disposed below the woman's breasts. The top edge of each cup comprises a plurality of strap engagement receiving slots where a strap can be selectively attached at any one of the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Juliana Lutzi Sherwood
  • Patent number: 8167678
    Abstract: A bra cup that supports and augments different areas of the breast. The bra cup includes different sections having different combinations of multilayer fabric and foam materials to create a round, smooth, silhouette underneath the clothing of the wearer without sacrificing the comfort of the wearer or the accuracy of the fit. The bra cup includes two or more discrete sections that are attached together and then covered on an outward facing surface with a continuous foam and fabric layer that provides a smooth outer surface. The first section includes a stabilizer material that creates a sling-like mechanism that causes the first section to cradle the breasts of a wearer, while pushing the breasts simultaneously upwards towards the neckline and inwards towards the other breast. The second section includes an area of increased thickness in a location corresponding to the superior lateral quadrant of the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Maidenform, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Castellano
  • Patent number: 8162718
    Abstract: A bra pad includes a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, a silicone gel layer and a cloth layer. The silicone gel layer is formed in a concave shape. On the edge of the silicone gel layers is attached to TPU films and the cloth layers. The silicone gel layers is semi-secured on the edge of the cloth layers to form the bar pad structure. Between the silicone gel layer and the TPU film, there is formed a first space and between the silicone gel layer and the cloth layer, there is formed a second space. The present bra pad employs the silicone gel material layer to enhance the softness and comfort. With the first and second space between the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, the silicone gel layer, and the cloth layer, the bra pad has effective breathing capability and heat-dissipating capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Hui-Mei Chen
  • Patent number: 8133091
    Abstract: A bra comprising two bra cups is defined. Each bra cup preferably comprises an outermost fabric layer and an innermost fabric layer and at least one intermediate layer intermediate of the outermost fabric layer and the innermost layer. The outermost fabric layer at at least part of at least one of the neckline edge region and underarm edge region of each cup is folded over the intermediate layer and secured at the inner side of the breast cup, preferably joined to the innermost layer through ultrasonic welding. The folded-over portion of the outermost layer is contiguous with and does not overlap the innermost layer. The intermediate layer extends beyond the innermost layer at the neckline edge region and the underarm edge region so that a reduction in thickness is defined at the neckline edge region and the underarm edge region. A method of making the same is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Regina Miracle International Limited
    Inventor: Zhen Qiang Liu
  • Patent number: 8128456
    Abstract: The invention includes a molded breast cup comprising an outer panel which includes an outer fabric layer and an inner panel including an inner fabric layer to be worn against a wearer's skin. A middle layer is disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel. The middle layer comprises fill being sufficiently thick such that the outer panel corresponds to a breast cup size which is more than one breast cup size and preferably two breast cup sizes above the breast cup size which corresponds to the inner panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Regina Miracle International Limited
    Inventor: Zhen Qiang Liu
  • Publication number: 20120045966
    Abstract: There is provided a breast cup assembly for a bra. An outer panel has an outer fabric layer attached to a first foam layer. An inner panel has an inner fabric layer attached to a second foam layer. A pad is located between the inner panel and the outer panel. The inner panel has a surface area the majority of which is overlaid with the pad, and the outer panel and the inner panel are attached to each other about a periphery of each panel to retain the pad in its location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Wen Bo ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8113910
    Abstract: A garment pad kit for coupling a garment pad (20A, 20B, 120A, or 120B) to a garment (11 or 102) is provided. The garment pad kit includes a garment pad (20A, 20B, 120A, or 120B) having a body portion (23 and 123) having an adhering surface (19, 21, 119, and 121) disposed on the body portion. The garment pad kit further includes an adhesive (33, 34, 133, or 134) for coupling the adhering surface to a garment (11 or 102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Paige Fortner
  • Patent number: 8105129
    Abstract: An inflating and deflating device for connecting to an inner face of a pad includes a top cover having a first domed portion, an air intake and an air exit aperture; a bottom base connected to a lower side of the top cover; a bottom sealing cap; a deflating button located on the top cover to openably seal the air exit aperture; and a first and a second air locker unit. The bottom base has a second domed portion, which and the first domed portion together define a substantially spherical pump body, and is provided with an air intake and exit aperture. The first and second air locker units respectively openably close the air intake and the air intake and exit aperture. The inflating and deflating device has short airflow path and is airtight, and can be used to both inflate and deflate the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Ying-Tze Chen
  • Publication number: 20110269375
    Abstract: A wide chest band extends horizontally outward from each cup of a bra. The connecting end of each of the single chest bands splits into multiple connecting fingers to adjustably connect with mating multiple connecting fingers extending from the connecting end of the other single breast band. Each of the pairs of mating fingers has adjustable connectors so that each of the pairs of mating fingers is adjusted independently to allow the bra to attach firmly and comfortably around a tapered torso of a wearer taking into account the varying girth at different heights on the tapered body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Kelly Fisher-Pacheco
  • Patent number: 8047891
    Abstract: A brassiere for women who need or desire breast enhancement manufactured with internal air bags or the like which can provide apparent enhancement without the need for surgery, or for use after surgical loss of breast tissue. The brassiere can be used either by women who have had surgical removal of a breast or by women who desire breast enlargement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Nikita Albritton
  • Patent number: 8047892
    Abstract: An undergarment for wearing about the torso of a woman. The undergarment includes a central spacer of elongate form which is sized to reside between the breasts and keep them spaced from each other, particularly when the woman is lying down. A lower band girds the torso of the woman and supports a lower end of the central spacer. Shoulder straps extend from the upper end of the central spacer which are of adjustable length to help keep the central spacer firmly in position against the skin of the woman between the breasts. A central pad can also be provided, such as by being removably attachable, over a cleavage area between and above the breasts to press directly against the skin to prevent wrinkle formation and to eliminate wrinkles from the chest of the woman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Darlene S. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 8038660
    Abstract: A reusable, washable breast shield for use by lactating women. The shield may include an inner layer and an outer layer. The shield may be placed against the breast of the user and may be held in place with an article of clothing or may be used without supporting clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: MMK Group, LLC
    Inventors: Tina Bruce, Charles Pawloski
  • Patent number: 8029332
    Abstract: A reusable adhesive bra, comprising: a fabric bra having a pair of bra cups, each of the bra cups having a forwardly facing surface and a rearwardly facing surface; a pair of bra forms adapted to be matingly received in the pair of bra cups, each of the bra forms having a forwardly facing surface and rearwardly facing surface; each of the bra form forwardly facing surfaces adapted to be removably fastened to a respective one of the bra cup rearwardly facing surfaces of the fabric bra; each of the bra forms having a substantially centrally disposed hole therethrough; each of the bra form rearwardly facing surfaces having a reusable adhesive coating adapted to be removably fastened to a respective one of a user's breasts and having the substantially centrally disposed hole surrounding a respective one of the user's nipples, when the reusable adhesive bra is worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ce Soir Lingerie Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kathleen Nadsady, Ann Deal
  • Publication number: 20110237157
    Abstract: A brassiere is shown and described. The brassiere has a first helical region and a second helical region joined at the front and the back of the brassiere, each of the first and the second helical regions including an inner cup and an outer cup. The surface area of each inner cup is substantially smaller than the surface area of its respective outer cup. At least one of the inner cups may include a breast-shape conformer to conform in appearance to a breast. A reinforcing element attached along the lower portions of each of the inner cups and the outer cups define an adjustable inner cup volume independent of the inner cup base diameter. In use, the inner cup is held against a wearer when the brassiere is in an adjusted position regardless of a movement of its respective outer cup to maintain breast coverage by its respective inner cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Hester B. Scott, Andrea Scott
  • Patent number: 8007343
    Abstract: A bust support device utilizing a pillow member having a top, a bottom, and a pair of curving side portions to permit the pillow to be placed in the cleavage area of the bust. The side portions adjoining the bottom of the pillow underlie the breasts. The pillow may be supported to a garment worn by the user, or directly to the torso of the user by a pair of straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Irena Komsky
  • Patent number: 7988526
    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 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Leslie Gransberry
  • Patent number: 7976357
    Abstract: A bra saver device made for underwire and non-underwire bras to provide protection to the wearer from sudden exposure to underwires and to provide comfort between the wearer of a bra from friction caused by movement of a bra during normal use. The present invention easily attaches to the edge of a bra by opening the clip to the present invention and placing it over the bra where ever an underwire has become exposed and then closing the clip to securely attach the present invention to a bra. The present invention can also be attached to any section of the bra at the edge along the bra at the top or the bottom, front or back where the wearer of the bra experiences discomfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Beverly A Riley
  • Publication number: 20110153016
    Abstract: The present document describes a prosthesis for a mastectomy bra comprising: a lower portion comprising a manually malleable material having a first density; and an upper portion comprising a manually malleable material having a second density smaller than the first density, the lower portion being substantially located below the upper portion thereby insuring stability of the prosthesis when in use. There is also described a bra for receiving the prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: LA VIE EN ROSE
    Inventors: John Izzo, Sarah Giroux, Christine Harding
  • Patent number: 7959488
    Abstract: A brassiere pad assembly is provided for use in a brassiere for delivering optimal support, aesthetic enhancement and health benefits including a first panel comprised of a flexible material having a plurality of perforations and a bottom edge. A second panel is provided having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the second panel having at least a bottom edge affixed to at least the bottom edge of the first panel. A third panel is provided comprising a membrane defining a cavity having at least one attachment means formed therein, the third panel being placed between the first and second panels and having at least a bottom edge affixed to the second panel. An insertable element may be provided configured to be receivable and securable within the cavity of the third panel for imparting skin therapeutic benefits to a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Tania Alessandra Talamo
  • Publication number: 20110111675
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a breast covering garment apparatus comprising a breast cup comprising (i) an inner shell having a concave shape selected from a number of available cup sizes and (ii) an outer shell having a convex shape selected from a number of available breast cup sizes. The inner shell of the breast cup and the outer shell of the breast cup may be shaped from a solid piece of flexible material. The inner shell of the breast cup may be smaller than the outer shell of the breast cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Mary C. Sobah-Wilhelm
  • Publication number: 20110111674
    Abstract: A bra cup is manufactured by an injection molding process. By injecting a liquid material into a mold and allowing the liquid material to cure into a desired bra cup shape, a wider variety of bra cups shapes may be manufactured. Additionally, the bra cup manufactured according to the injection molding process may not have the tendency to expand nor shrink, because the liquid material is cured directly into a solid state having the desired shape. Such an injection molding process may greatly increase the type of shapes that can be manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Antonio De Micco Padula
  • Publication number: 20110104984
    Abstract: The brassiere and insert of the present invention provides for a brassiere comprising a right and left cup, a right and left torso band and a right and left shoulder strap. Disposed within each cup is a first attachment means. One or more inserts are provided, each insert including an insert body and a second attachment means that is complementary of the first attachment means that is disposed within the bra. The insert body further comprises a top portion and a bottom portion wherein the cross-sectional profile of the insert body is such that the bottom portion is thicker than the top portion, which profile allows for more elevation of the user's breast at the lower cup portion and less elevation above the lower cup portion, the user's cleavage between the breasts being enhanced when the brassiere and insert are worn by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Jean M. Thaves
  • Patent number: 7922560
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Roxana Avalos-Dessner, Priscilla Acevedo
  • Publication number: 20110076920
    Abstract: Filamentous bodies which are longitudinally extended and other film-like constructions are made by combining liquid siliceous precursors with air and extruding them. Distinct types or grades of fibers, strands, and other film-like constructions are produced which have a multiplicity of useful applications and indications for use owing to their inherent memory, compactability, tensile strength and density. A prosthetic device for a mastectomy bra is constructed with filamentous bodies. It can be sewn permanently into the bra cup. The device can be refilled to counteract volume loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Leidiez, LLC
    Inventor: Donna K. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7887389
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a support pad for an undergarment. The support pad may be formed by placing a layer of support material between an outer layer and an inner layer. Both the outer layer and the inner layer may include a foam portion and a cover lining portion. In one embodiment, an area of the foam in either the outer layer or the inner layer, or both, may have a reduced thickness formed by shaving or compressing. The support pad according to the present invention incorporates support material into the support pad so there is no need for the attachment of elastic to the outside of the pad. As such, the support pad is sleeker and lighter than previous support pads, and does not result in unsightly seams which may be visible through clothing worn over a garment having the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: A & F Trademark, Inc.
    Inventor: Vince Lacambra
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100311307
    Abstract: A breast support system for a recumbent female human includes medial and lateral support padding for each breast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Randal Haworth
  • Publication number: 20100273395
    Abstract: A bra cup includes: an inner cup portion, comprising one or more inner foam layers; and an outer cup portion, attached to the inner cup portion, comprising one or more outer foam layers, the inner cup portion and the outer cup portion together forming the bra cup. The inner foam layers form first and second convex portions with respect to an inner surface of the inner cup portion. The first and second convex portions form, at an intersection therebetween, a channel on the inner surface extending from a lower portion of the cup towards an apex of the bra cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Maidenform, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Castellano
  • Publication number: 20100267313
    Abstract: A lightweight, substantially unpadded, comfortable, push-in, wire-free 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 includes a sling portion that is designed to provide lateral support to the respective breast. In this manner, the sling portions bias the cup upper outer portions inwardly to provide push-in cleavage on the wearer's breasts. Straps are secured to the front for releasably supporting it on a female wearer with the breasts of the female wearer substantially within the cups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: WARNACO U.S. INC.
    Inventors: Donald R. ALLEN, Patricia E. MCLAURIN
  • Publication number: 20100267312
    Abstract: An elastic, air-permeable breast enhancer includes an elastic body having a front, convex face and a rear, concave face spaced from the front, convex face along an axis. The body includes a plurality of air channels each extending from the front, convex face through the rear, concave face along the axis and each having a front opening in the front, convex face and a rear opening in the rear, concave face. Each of at least a portion of the air channels includes at least one enlarged section intermediate the front and rear openings and having a diameter in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis larger than a remaining section of the air channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Tzu-Hsuan Chien
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100240279
    Abstract: This present invention relates to a double-layered cup structure for an adhesively attachable strapless, backless bra comprising an exterior form and an interior pad that are both removable and replaceable
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Shigeki Otsuka
  • Publication number: 20100233936
    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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Leslie Gransberry
  • Publication number: 20100180358
    Abstract: A cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit designed to resemble a conventional swimsuit and consisting of a pair of padded cups (30), shoulder strings (31) and bottom string or strings (32) which are assembled in various manners. Wherein, the padded cups (30) include non-removable push-up pads (10) which have thin outside edges (11) and a thicker padding area (12). The thin outside edges (11) help conceal the presence of the push-up pads in the swimsuit design. The thicker padding area (12) is shaped to contour to the natural form of a woman's breast and to provide lift and cleavage enhancement. The cleavage enhancing push-up swimsuit does not utilize underwire and does not resemble the brassiere style of prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Yulia V. Drummond, Dustin K. Drummond
  • 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