Abstract: An athletic bra includes a support panel shaped to include first and second cups. Grooves are formed into the panel to provide areas of increase flexure and/or stretch. A textile layer can be secured to the support panel.

Abstract: A bra liner for nursing mothers to be placed inside the front cup area of a bra or top. In some embodiments, the pad is made from a bonded fabric, made up of 3 layers fused together with a melt-bond process. The bonded fabric combines absorbency, waterproofing, and leak protection into one material that is antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly. The shape of an example bra liner is a horizontal figure eight with contoured cups and a narrow center connection. The cups have a single dart from the lower outside edge to the apex with zig-zag topstitching. The outside edge is clean finished with a thin, woven bias-cut binding set onto the fabric with a single row of stitching to prevent the fabric edges from unraveling while lying flat against the body.

Abstract: Garments configured to enable hands-free breast pumping using a breast pump and to enable direct nursing, include brassiere cups having a plurality of at least partially overlapping material components. Each component may define a free edge along a portion of its periphery and may be seamless interior of its periphery. The funnel of a breast pump may be received under and behind free edges of the components, and the free edges may provide support to the funnel while the breast pump is used for milk expression. One of the components also provides a side support during direct nursing.

Abstract: A breastfeeding garment and method of use is provided. The breastfeeding garment includes a first front flap and a second front flap positioned over the breasts of a user, and a back panel, all of which are joined at two side seams. The first and second front flaps may be moved away from each other vertically to form an aperture through the breastfeeding garment. The first and second front flaps are composed of an elastic material, so a breastfeeding funnel may be placed onto the breast of a user through the aperture and then induced to remain in contact with the breast through the elastic force generated by the breastfeeding garment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit, or a counter-force suspension cable adjustment system. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. This differential pressure body suit provides a portable and convenient system for, e.g., rehabilitating a skeletal joint injury or training the mammal for injury prevention or athletic performance or fat burning.

Abstract: A brassiere cup having a 3D cup shaped member including at least one layer of first and/or second material located on the convex side of the 3D cup shaped member, and at least one layer of first and/or second material located on the concave side of the 3D cup shaped member. The 3D cup shaped member is shaped according to a desired size and/or shape. The at least one layer of first material or second material is joined onto the 3D cup shaped member by sewing, fusing, fastening, adhering and/or molding.

Abstract: A pad body including grooves and apertures on at least one side. At least some of the apertures are located at intersections of grooves. The grooves are in a pattern of a plurality of rows and columns. A brassiere pad includes the pad body. A brassiere pad comprises the pad body placed between an upper layer and a lower layer. The upper layer and the lower layer are mode of a thin permeable material or include a plurality of apertures. The upper layer and/or lower layer include(s) grooves on at least one side of the layer.

Abstract: A bra includes a pair of bra cups, each bra cup in the pair having an inner edge and an outer edge, the inner edges configured to be coupled to one another. The bra includes a pair of bra wings, each bra wing in the pair having a first end and a second end, each first end being coupled to an outer edge of each bra cup, respectively, and the second ends configured to be coupled to one another. At least one of the pair of bra cups and the pair of bra wings comprises a layer of fabric having intrinsically sticky fibers. The layer of fabric having intrinsically sticky fibers comprises an inner layer of the pair of bra cups and/or the pair of bra wings and contacts a wearer's skin while the bra is being worn, causing the bra to cling to the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A garment comprising a less-stretchable component formed at various locations on and as a portion of the garment; wherein the less-stretchable component has less elasticity than that of part of the garment.

Abstract: A breast cup for a brassiere, a brassiere, and a method of making the breast cup. The breast cup includes a molded body having an inner surface, an outer surface and an apex. A layer of flock is adhered to the molded body at a location corresponding with the apex in order to provide increased modesty for the breast cup.

Abstract: A bra cup molded by thermoforming comprises a layer of thermoformable polyurethane foam as well as an inner fabric and an outer fabric bonded to the foam layer. The outer fabric is composed of a three-dimensional knitted fabric comprising a first face and a second face separated from one another by a thickness of the three-dimensional knitted fabric that is greater than 1 mm. The method for manufacturing the cup comprises a molding step, and in a bonding step preceding the cup molding step, said first face and the foam layer are bonded together.

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: There is provided a method of attaching a fastening means pad to a sidewing for a brassiere. The method comprises attaching the fastening means pad to a first sidewing piece, aligning a second sidewing piece with the first sidewing piece such that a portion of the second sidewing piece covers the operative face of the fastening means pad, joining the second sidewing piece to the fastening means pad along at least a portion of the perimeter of the fastening means pad, whilst leaving a section of the perimeter of the fastening means pad unjoined and inverting the joined fastening means pad and second sidewing piece through the unjoined section such that the operative face of the fastening means pad is exposed. There is also provided a sidewing with an attached fastening means pad and a brassiere comprising at least one sidewing with an attached fastening means pad in accordance with the present invention.

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. There is also provided a cushioned casing for an underwire of a brassiere comprising a cushioning material and a structure for enclosing an underwire and the cushioning material. The structure comprises an inner sleeve and an outer fabric layer. The inner sleeve comprises a longitudinal body having a channel for receiving an underwire.

Abstract: A bra with embroidered support regions that provide support without compression is provided. The embroidered support regions are constructed by stitching a configurable thread pattern on a middle layer of a bra cup. The configurable thread pattern includes a plurality of top threads and a plurality of bobbin threads that are arranged to provide support in needed areas.

Abstract: The present invention includes a garment, such as a bra or a shaper, having regions of differential elasticity. For example, a bra includes: two cups located at a front side of the bra; and a backwing comprising a plurality of regions having differential elasticity. Optionally, the plurality of regions comprise at least five areas which comprise: a central area having reduced elasticity; a right-side area having increased elasticity; a left side area having increased elasticity; a first intermediary area, located between the central area and the right-side area, wherein the first intermediary area has intermediate elasticity; and a second intermediary area, located between the central area and the left-side area, wherein the second intermediary area has intermediate elasticity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a breast form includes forming an underwire subassembly by placing a housing strip disposed on a support wire, positioning the underwire subassembly on a bag filled with a liquid silicone composition, and permanently affixing the underwire subassembly to the bag.

Abstract: A brassiere pad (100) is disclosed which includes an outer layer (102) and an inner layer (104) fixedly engaged with each other. The outer layer and the inner layer are separate from each other at or along at least one peripheral portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bra part which includes a first garment portion having a female fastening member, and a second garment portion having a male fastening member. The female fastening member and the male fastening member are releasably engageable with each other to connect the first garment portion and the second garment portion, so that when the female fastening member and the male fastening member are engaged with each other, the female fastening member and the male fastening member are substantially fully encased within the part.

Abstract: A breast support garment is configured with adjustable straps, cups, and/or other components in order to facilitate modification of the appearance of the bust. Modifying the length of certain straps causes the cups to move upwards/downwards and/or inwards/outwards with respect to the center of the breast support garment. Shoulder straps or other portions of the breast support garment may pass through guide loops and/or couple to the breast cups or garment shell to permit adjustment. The location of each breast cup may be independently adjusted.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a breast cup of a brassiere may include the steps of providing a pad including a first edge portion and a second edge portion, providing a fabric cover including a third edge portion and a fourth edge portion, superimposing the first and third edge portions, connecting the superimposed first and third edge portions together, superimposing the second and fourth edge portions, connecting the superimposed second and fourth edge portions together, ultrasonically cutting and fusing the connected first and third edge portions to form a first line of fusion joining the pad and the fabric cover, ultrasonically cutting and fusing the connected second and fourth edge portions to form a second line of fusion joining the pad and the fabric cover, and turning the joined pad and fabric cover inside out along the first and second lines of fusion to form seamless edges.

Abstract: A support member for a lower edge region of a bra cup is disclosed that has an elongate portion that is curved. The curvature varies in three dimensions as it extends between medial and lateral ends of the support member, and the curvature may reduce towards the lateral end. A bra cup comprising the support member is also disclosed that has a lower edge that follows the curvature of the support member. The bra cup can be formed by embedding the support member between two padded portions and fusing the support member in place.

Abstract: A body shaper can include a torso portion, first and second leg portions extending from the torso portion, a crotch portion disposed at an end of the torso portion between the first and second leg portions. The crotch portion comprises an opening, a first crotch portion extension and a second crotch portion extension, the first and second crotch portions being movable between a first configuration, in which the first and second crotch portion extensions are joined to cover the opening and a second configuration in which the first and second crotch portion extensions are separated to expose the opening. The body shaper further includes a first gap disposed between the first leg portion and the first crotch side and a second gap disposed between the second leg portion and the second crotch side, the second gap having a length extending from the first crotch end to the second crotch end and a width extending from the second crotch side to the second leg portion.

Abstract: A molded pad for a brassiere cup contains shaved polyurethane foam inserts interleaved between thin upper and lower polyurethane foam layers. Three shaved inserts can be used for positioning in the neckline, underarm and center front regions of the pad, with each insert providing a different level of firmness and elongation to the pad. The pad can be made by positioning the shaved inserts in between thin upper and lower polyurethane layers and molding the composite under heat and pressure to form a laminate having a bra cup shape.

Abstract: There is provided a breast cup for a brassiere comprising an outer layer and an inner layer attached to the outer layer. The breast cup also comprises first and second opposing pieces of fabric positioned between the inner and outer layers, wherein the first and second opposing pieces of fabric are preferably affixed to the inner and outer layers respectively. At least a portion of the first opposing piece of fabric is movable relative to at least a portion of the second opposing piece of fabric. A method of manufacturing the breast cup is also provided.

Abstract: A breast support device designed to provide the wearer with a high degree of control and support of breast tissue while minimizing the pain and discomfort associated with conventional breast control garments, that can be worn on its own or integrated into garments where breast support is desirable. The breast support device achieves these objectives through the innovative combination of various non-stretch and stretch fabrics, as well as through the use on one or more darts of varying length sewn into the non-stretch fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are encased underwire assemblies and methods of manufacturing such assemblies for attachment to an article of clothing. An encased underwire assembly may comprise an underwire having an inner radius, an outer radius, a first end and a second end, and a fabric enclosure having a first fastened side adjacent the inner radius, a first sealed end adjacent the first end, and a second sealed end adjacent the second end of the underwire. In a method of manufacturing such assembly, a fabric enclosure may be created by bringing together opposite side edges of a fabric layer and fastening the opposite side edges to one another, inserting an underwire into a first open end of the fabric enclosure until a first end and a second end of the underwire are housed within the fabric enclosure, and sealing the first open end and a second open end of the fabric enclosure.

Abstract: A brassiere system is configured to cover human cleavage. The brassiere system includes a bra detachably coupled to a camisole panel. The bra further comprises a left bra cup and a right bra cup connected with a bra back strap. A left bra cup connector is connected to the left bra cup. A right bra cup connector is connected to the right bra cup. A left camisole panel garment cup connector is attached to the camisole panel. A right camisole panel garment cup connector is attached to the camisole panel. The left bra cup connector and the right bra cup connector are configured to connect to the left camisole panel garment cup connector and the right camisole panel garment cup connector to hold the camisole panel across the left bra cup and the right bra cup.

Abstract: A bra cup or breast form including an interior surface facing toward a user's breast and having at least one thin ridge of pressure sensitive adhesive, for securing the bra cup or breast form to the user's breast, and at least one ventilation pathway on the interior surface. The bra cup or breast form may be used in a backless, strapless bra or breast form system.

Abstract: An undergarment having a layer that is worn by being placed against a user's skin and has an exposed outer surface. The exposed outer surface has: a) a first area that has a first frictional characteristic; and b) a second area that has a second frictional characteristic. The first area of the exposed outer surface tends to resist sliding movement of an overgarment thereagainst more than the second area. The first area of the exposed outer surface tends to maintain a contacted surface of an overgarment releasably held against sliding movement along the first area of the exposed outer surface while the second area of the exposed outer surface allows a similar contacted surface of an overgarment to slide more readily along the second area of the exposed outer surface so as not to hang up.

Abstract: There is provided an injection molded breast cup core and a breast cup core having a plurality of through holes. There is also provided a breast cup, a bra, or a shapewear comprising such a breast cup core as well as a mold for manufacturing such a breast cup core. A method of injection molding a breast cup core is also provided.

Abstract: A brassiere cup support and method of manufacturing the support and cup therewith. The support comprises a plastic support in the shape of one or more of an underwire, an uplifting panel, a reinforcing pad, a sternum region, or an extended fish bone like pattern capable of providing desired “firmness” or “hardness” along its length and thereby providing desired degrees of support therealong. The plastic support comprises at least one layer of polymer and at least one layer of a second material, wherein the at least one layer of polymer and the at least one layer of the second material are in the form of a sandwich. Preferably, the plastic support comprises at least two layers of polymer and at least one layer of the second material, with an adhesive applied therebetween to secure the layers to one another.

Abstract: The present disclosure is of a support component channel for a bra and methods for producing the support component channel and attaching it to a bra. The support component channel comprises a gel tube, an underwire tunnel casing, and a cover fabric. The gel tube provides cushion between the support component and the wearer's chest, thereby providing comfort despite the geometry and materials of the support component. The gel tube, underwire tunnel casing, and cover fabric can be sewn to one another simultaneously to being attached to the bra, prior to being attached to the bra, or can be attached to the bra in stages, according to different methods of production. The methods allow for both sides of the support component channel to be sewn to the bra simultaneously.

Abstract: There is provided an underwire for a brassiere or a breast cup. In particular, the underwire comprises at least two members movable relative to each other between a first position and a second position. An underwire assembly, a method of manufacturing a brassiere and a mold for manufacturing the underwire are also provided.

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

Abstract: A reversible one-piece support bra device. The support bra device features a front section for covering and supporting a user's breasts. The front section has a first end, a second end, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The first end and second end are for positioning under a user's arms. A back section connected to front section. Together the back second and front section wrap around a portion of a user's torso around the breasts. A strap extends upwardly from the top edge of the front section near the second end. The strap extends to the back section and is for positioning over a user's shoulder.

Abstract: Disclosed are moisturizing fabric materials for use in articles of wear such as bras. The moisturizing fabric materials include a moisturizer comprising plant oil, plant extract, and an emulsifier. The moisturizer is bonded to polymeric fabric material via a bonding agent to provide the moisturizing fabric material. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing an article of wear such as a bra using moisturizing fabric material.

Abstract: According to the improved systems and methods described herein, a patient may be immobilized so that one or both breasts are returned to a known position. Additionally, the improved systems and methods reduce respiratory movement of the breasts. Thus, the immobilization devices and techniques described herein provide accurate and reproducible breast positioning while simultaneously reducing respiratory motion.

Abstract: An article of clothing, such as a lingerie product, can be worn with an existing bra without requiring modification of the existing bra. The article can come in various sizes that will accommodate most women. A large breasted woman can wear a bra that fits her and attach the article around the bra band, creating a seamless look of a one-piece garment. Conversely, a woman with smaller breasts and large hips can wear her own bra with a larger size garment, creating lingerie that fits her various proportions. Currently, there is no product that allows any bra, without modification, to become the foundation for properly fitting lingerie. The present invention can provide lingerie that properly fits women's various body types.

Abstract: Stretch mark prevention undergarments (1) worn around a woman's abdomen, chest, lower torso, legs, buttocks and other areas for reinforcing elastic fibers in the skin and preventing stretch marks. The stretch mark prevention undergarment has an outer layer (2) made of stretchable material and an inner layer (8) of webbed material made of a non-slip material (9). The non-slip material maintains a constant adherent traction with the skin of a wearer, thereby reinforcing elastic fibers of skin. The inner layer is arranged in a webbed “fishnet” or other design to allow a wearer's skin to breath through the outer layer of the stretch mark prevention undergarment. The stretch mark prevention undergarment may be in the form of underwear (14), briefs, underpants, panties, leggings (16), corsets, bras (10) or any combination thereof to help prevent stretch marks on various parts of the body.

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: There is provided a breast cup assembly comprising an outer panel comprising an outer fabric layer, an inner panel comprising an inner fabric layer, an inner flexible film applied over the convex surface of the inner panel, an outer flexible film applied to the inner flexible film such that the inner and outer flexible films are sealed substantially proximal to a periphery of the inner panel forming a cavity between the inner and outer flexible films, and a gel pad positioned in the cavity formed between the inner and outer flexible films. A method of producing such a breast cup assembly is also provided.

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.

Abstract: A woman's bra includes a back strap connected to the side panels of the bra. The back strap is either transparent or nude color or of a flesh color so that it would not be readily visible across the low cut back of a garment. The fastening structure which is used for permitting the garment to be worn by and removed from the woman is at a location other than the central portion of the back strap.

Abstract: X shaped brassiere support and unwired brassiere incorporating such support. The X shaped support has four forks joined at a joint point and is molded in a 3-dimensional configuration conforming to the shape of a brassiere's cups, providing the shaping and uplifting effects for brassieres.

Abstract: A bra to be worn during vigorous physical activity. It provides the wearer with a high level of breast tissue support without undue restriction of breathing or shoulder movement, while providing means for ventilation and moisture management. The bra is underwire-free, and designed to be worn as outerwear. The bra achieves these objectives through the innovative combination of various non-stretch and stretch fabrics. The non-stretch portions of the garment provide a high level of compression and stability to the breast tissue, while the multiple regions of stretch fabric minimise breathing and shoulder restrictions and provide ventilation. Non-stretch wicking fabric is used to form the majority of the body of the bra, and is used to pull the breast tissue in and hold it firmly to the chest. This non-stretch fabric is connected to panels of stretch wicking fabric located in the front and back of the body of the bra.

Abstract: There are provided an adhesive brassiere and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein a molded brassiere cup is manufactured by a computer numerical control (CNC) mold including a barrier hole defining a V-shaped cross section to form a rim around the molded brassiere cup, the molded brassiere cup is finish-cut by a steel cutter on a press, and an adhesive is applied to an inner surface of a molded brassiere cup so that the adhesive brassiere is secured only by the adhesive strength of the adhesive, without any shoulder or back straps, whereby this strapless and backless brassiere has an esthetically excellent appearance and does not cause any skin irritation problems including itching/inflammation/scratching.

Abstract: A brassiere cup underwire and method of manufacturing the underwire and cup therewith. The underwire comprises a plastic strip capable of providing desired “firmness” or “hardness” along its length and thereby providing desired degrees of support therealong. The plastic strip comprises at least one layer of polymer and at least one layer of a second material, wherein the at least one layer of polymer and the at least one layer of the second material are in the form of sandwich. Preferably, the plastic strip comprises at least two layers of polymer and at least one layer of the second material, with an adhesive applied therebetween to secure the layers to one another.

Abstract: An article made of elastic textile material comprising at least one zone intended to be shaped by thermal molding is provided. The at least one zone has at least over one part a support region in which the textile material is coated, prior to thermal molding, with a non-moldable material with shape-memory. The article is, in particular, a brassiere coated with silicone in the zone of the cups of the brassiere.

Abstract: A lightweight enhanced modesty sports bra is provided. The sports bra comprises an interior liner layer having two faces and an exterior shell layer having two faces and a printed obscuration pattern in between the interior liner layer and the exterior shell layer. The interior liner layer and the exterior shell layer with the printed obscuration pattern are assembled in a way that provides modesty and the printed pattern is not visible from the outside. An optional layer called the intermediate liner layer may be placed in between the exterior shell layer and the interior liner layer.