Abstract: There is provided an improved brassiere comprising a pair of breast cups having adjacent but spaced apart inner edges; a front connector between the breast cups; and a back wing or pair of back wings extending from an outer edge of one of the two breast cups to an outer edge of the other of the two breast cups for securing the brassiere to a torso of a wearer; wherein each back wing comprises an elastane strap provided within a tube of elastic fabric. Also provided is an improved back wing for use on a brassiere and a method of making an improved back wing.

Abstract: A brassiere has two cups of fabric connected to each other and two side bands, which extend from the cups and are suitable for connecting to each other. Reinforcing portion has at least one layer of chemical material suitable for being applied along at least an edge portion of the cups and for forming an integral part of the fabric. The material has a polyurethane mix or a silicone mix. The layer is applied at least along a side portion of the edge of each cup which faces towards the respective band and extends with no break in continuity at least as far as the point of connection to a shoulder strap, wrapping around the respective cup at the side. Moreover, the layer is applied at least along a lower portion of the edge of each cup, wrapping around the respective cup at the bottom and at the side.

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 wearers 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.

Abstract: A method is provided for molding a breast-receiving cup for a garment, comprising laminating a support fabric to a lofted material to form a lofted assembly, positioning the lofted assembly in a molding apparatus having a first mold with a projecting element and a second mold having a recessed element, and closing together the first mold and the second mold while maintaining a uniform preset gap between the projecting element and the recessed element to form a molded lofted assembly in the shape of a breast-receiving cup.

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.

Abstract: An upper support garment having a back portion comprising an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and an adhesive applied between the inner and outer fabric layers to connect together the inner and outer fabric layers. The inner fabric layer has a pair of cutouts therethrough and the adhesive layer has an identical pair of cutouts. The pair of cutouts of the inner fabric layer are positioned to correspond to the back muscles of a wearer.

Abstract: A brassiere having flexibility, durability, and improved comfort for the wearer is provided. The side panel of the bra comprises a folded fabric and two elastic bands. The folded fabric has two opposing longitudinal edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge. Each of the two elastic bands is positioned in the interior of the folded fabric along a respective longitudinal edge, which also includes notches for orienting the bands. The folded fabric is sewn together at each of the top and bottom edges such that the two elastic bands are held in place. One of the longitudinal edges may be formed by sewing the folded fabric together to form a seam using a pull-out stitch. Each of the two elastic bands may include either of a woven elastic band or a knitted elastic band.

Abstract: A method for making a garment having a lofted assembly having an outer support layer and garment so produced are provided. The method includes the steps of positioning a support fabric on a lofted material; sewing 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 after pressure and/or heat are applied.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for making a length of woven fabric comprising an elastomeric weft yarn. The lengths of fabric obtained are particularly useful as shoulder straps for garments such as bras. Preferred embodiments relate to tapered fabric which is useful as a component of articles of clothing, especially a bra wing.

Abstract: A method of forming an undergarment is provided. The method includes inserting an adhesive layer between a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer to form a fabric sub-assembly, the sub-assembly having a periphery that is larger than an outer periphery of the undergarment; causing the adhesive layer to form a laminate from the sub-assembly; and removing a trim from the laminate at the outer periphery to form a finished edge of the undergarment, wherein the first and second fabric layers comprise at least one cotton material.

Abstract: Feminine undergarments, particularly brassieres and other body shaping garments that are fabricated using a multi-layered fabric laminate that is formed by gluing multiple fabric layers together, preferably to permit body shaping garments to be substantially fabricated from a single main piece of material or blank cut from the multi-layered fabric laminate and which has finished edges which do not require separate binding or narrow edge finishing, together with a method of making such garments, both on an individual, batch basis, as well as an automated process for making the fabric laminate and multiple garments on a continuous basis, are disclosed. Multi-layer composite fabric laminate materials wherein different portions of at least one fabric layer thereof are made of different fabrics, and a method for making them, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nursing garment and method manufacture thereof includes, detachable portions of nursing clips to connect a built-in bra to shoulder straps, wherein the built-in bra is detachable from either one of the shoulder straps in preparation for nursing and is without openings for nursing. In further embodiments: the shoulder straps include sling supports behind the built-in bra; a garment bottom portion either unlined or lined with a stretchable lining; a knitted bottom portion joined at a junction with a knitted outer bodice and its knitted inner panel; and another embodiment includes, first clasps and second clasps of hermaphroditic mating construction, wherein the second clasps on the shoulder straps connect with either of the first clasps on the outer bodice, or alternatively, connect with each other.

Abstract: A breast cup for a bra that has an outermost layer and an innermost layer and at least one intermediate panel that is captured between the innermost layer and the outermost layer. At least part of an edge of the intermediate panel is positioned at a location that is non-contiguous the perimeter of the cup. This defines within the cup perimeter at least two zones of different cross sectional composition that may offer a different hand feel of different parts of the cup.

Abstract: A circular knit garment blank is provided. The blank has an internal dimension defined by a series of courses, a length defined by a series of wales, and a first cut line. The length is sufficient to encircle a torso of a wearer. The first cut line is defined in the blank for severing the series of courses along the length.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bra that is preferably formed of seamless construction and that includes structural components that allow for accommodating changes and variations in bust size. In particular, the inventive bra can be used during times of maternity when breast volume is known to increase over a short time. The bra comprises expansible cups with interchangeable, formed support and shape elements that can be placed into pockets formed in the expansible cups. In certain embodiments, the invention also provides a bra for use when breast feeding, the bra comprising a drop-down panel.

Abstract: An open front undergarment having a form that allows the back of the garment to be closed and the front of the garment to be completely open and free from clasps, fabric or fasteners in the front between the cups. The open front undergarment includes a brassiere having an underwire and an overwire to form a frame, a rear band, a pair of cups extending from opposite ends of the rear band a cover material and a slip-resistant band. The underwire runs through the lower perimeter of a lower portion of the brassiere and the overwire runs through the upper perimeter. The underwire and overwire can be formed of a metal or a metal coated with plastic. The frame can also be formed of a single ductile member. The brassiere also includes a flexure region at the rear band to allow for flexure of the back and torso of the wearer.

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.

Abstract: A brassiere cup assembly defining two breast cups, a bridge between the two breast cups, and for each of the two breast cups a flange extending from at least part of a lower peripheral edge of the breast cup. The brassiere cup assembly comprises at least two plies of material which are laminated to each other and molded to define the shape of the two breast cups, and a non-metallic resiliently bendable under breast support strip laminated with and interposed between two of the at least two plies of material at or adjacent the lower peripheral edge of one or both of the two breast cups.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a brassiere strap clip (20) having three first fingers (31, 32, 33) joined at a first base (21) and all pointing in a first direction, three second fingers (41, 42, 43) joined at a second base (22) and pointing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a pair of joining members (23, 24) extending between the first and second bases (21, 22) with each joining member (23, 24) being positioned between a corresponding pair of the first and second fingers (31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43). Furthermore, a method of modifying the rest position of shoulder straps (6, 7) of a brassiere (2) is disclosed whereby the method includes the step of applying an inwardly directed force to each shoulder strap (6, 7) substantially mid way between the shoulder and the point of rear attachment (9) of each strap (6, 7) to the brassiere back strap (4).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a wearer-friendly hook and eye closure for garments such as brassieres. In order to provide comfort, the eye closure component of the hook and eye closure includes, as part of its structure, a laminated foam or rubber-type padding. This foam or rubber could also be used without lamination. The foam or rubber-type base provides a cushion shielding the wearer from the feeling of the metal hardware. The foam edges also provide soft edges on the eye tape for extra comfort to the wearer. In addition, the backing material of this laminated foam eye tape is printable, so that label instructions can be printed on to it, and the brassiere can be designed tag-free for additional comfort. This hook and eye tape is also dyeable, so it can be offered in any desired color.

Abstract: A molded and seamless brassiere includes interior and exterior brassiere panels, each of at least one ply of a moldable material. At least one of the plies of the exterior panel is contiguous with at least one of the plies of the interior panel. The panels are affixed together with a clasp adhered between the interior and exterior panels, for capturing the clasp intermediate of said interior and exterior brassiere panels. The clasp is affixed to and at least in part projects from one of the interior or exterior brassiere panels, and one of the brassiere panels includes an aperture for that part of said clasp that projects from said interior and exterior brassiere panels to extend through. The clasp may be a hook and an eye. The interior and exterior brassiere panels may be affixed together around a perimeter of the interior panel.

Abstract: A method for making a garment having a lofted assembly having an inner laminated support fabric and an outer panel and 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. Then the outer panel is stitched to an outer side of said lofted assembly.

Abstract: An article of apparent is disclosed comprising a pocket for concealing objects proximate to a breast.

Abstract: A brassiere includes an article of underwear, two bra cups, and a cup edging enhancement substantially attaching the bra cups to the underwear. Each bra cup includes an outer layer and an inner lining overlapped thereto that a lining brim of the inner lining is misaligned with a layer brim of the outer layer to form a seaming portion at the inner lining. The seaming portion of each of the bra cups is overlappedly attached on the respective edge portion of the underwear while the layer brim of the outer layer is alignedly affixed to the respective bordering edge of the underwear in an edge-to-edge manner for substantially reducing a thickness of a seam between the bra cup and the underwear so as to avoid the visibility of the contour of the seam of the brassiere especially when the brassiere is worn underneath the clingy clothes.

Abstract: Garment supporting apparatus for using with a breast-covering garment, comprising a flexible strap and a decorative attachment member.

Abstract: A treatment brassiere includes a breasts-supporting garment and a treatment layer. The breast-supporting garment includes at least a breast support having an inner surface and a securing device for securing the breast support on a user that the inner surface of the breast support is contacting with the breast surface of the user. The treatment layer, which is made of a non-absorptive material with respect to a breast treatment, is fittingly provided on the inner surface of the breast support, wherein the treatment layer form as a treatment barrier between the breast surface of the user and the inner surface of the breasts-supporting garment for substantially keeping the breast treatment on the breast surface.

Abstract: A bra includes a pair of foam cups, and outer and inner layers each having two cup-shaped portions and rear pieces; each of the outer and the inner layers includes a piece of elastic cloth, and a thin foam layer joined to the elastic cloth by hot pressing; the pair of foam cups include two foam layers joined by hot pressing, and each has a steel ring wrapped between the foam layers; a bra main body is made by positioning the outer layer, the pair of foam cups, and the inner layer one over another in sequence, and hot pressing with a mold to join the outer layer, the pair of foam cups, and the inner layer together; after the last hot pressing step, a circumferential edge of the bra main body is cut to a desired shape.

Abstract: Provided is a latex bra cup and a fabrication method thereof. The bra cup includes: an anti-tensile material having a bra cup shape and durable against a tensile strength; and a latex layer applied on the anti-tensile material. The fabrication method includes steps of: disposing an anti-tensile member between an upper mold having a concave shape in an upper portion of the bra cup and a lower mold having a convex shape in a lower portion of the bra cup; forming a bra shaped space by closely contacting the upper mold and the lower mold; injecting latex into the bra shaped space; and separating the fixed bra cup from the molds. Accordingly, a bra cup is soft in touch, formed of an environmentally friendly material, and has durability.

Abstract: A reversible bra that includes two breast cups. Each breast cup includes a first side outermost layer and a second side outermost layer. Between the two outermost layers there is captured an underwire assembly that extends along or adjacent at least part of the lower peripheral region of the breast cup. The breast cup includes an elongate zone of reduced thickness that extends along or adjacent at least part of the underwire assembly.

Abstract: A reversible bra that includes two breast cups. Each breast cup includes a first side outermost layer and a second side outermost layer. Between the two outermost layers there is captured an underwire assembly that extends along or adjacent at least part of the lower peripheral region of the breast cup. The breast cup includes an elongate zone of reduced thickness that extends along or adjacent at least part of the underwire assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an undergarment having a brassier region, a middle section having a corset and reclosable opening, and a bottom section with crotch and buttocks regions. The undergarment has a reclosable opening down the portion of the midline of the undergarment, beginning at the brassier portion and extending to a portion of the middle section.

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.

Abstract: A brassiere which comprises two molded and seamless breast cups and at least one chest band to hold the bra to a user of the brassiere, wherein the chest band includes as least one panel of material which is affixed to one or both of the breast cups and the panel of material does not extend across any part of the molded and seamless breast cups.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a three-dimension bra cup support structure comprising at least two fabric layers, at least two nonwoven layers and at least one foam layer. The layers are sandwiched with gel and thermal-pressing to constitute the support structure. The bra cup support structure is flexible and subsidiary closed to the lower periphery of the breast to provide a comfort support structure to users.

Abstract: An upper support garment having a back portion comprising an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and an adhesive applied between the inner and outer fabric layers to connect together the inner and outer fabric layers. The inner fabric layer has a pair of cutouts therethrough and the adhesive layer has an identical pair of cutouts. The pair of cutouts of the inner fabric layer are positioned to correspond to the back muscles of a wearer.

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.

Abstract: An injection molded component for incorporation with other components to form a padded brassiere. The component comprises an injection molded material unitarily defining two breast cups and a bridge connecting the two breast cups. At each breast cup the molded material varies in thickness to define a pad-like formation for the brassiere.

Abstract: A seamless brassiere includes an outer brassiere covering layer and an inner brassiere covering layer that are respectively cut from a single-piece cloth member each having two cup portions corresponding to the breasts of a female and two back bands at two sides, a stuffing padding layer, which is sealed between the outer brassiere covering layer and the inner brassiere covering layer and having a front covering, a back covering, a breathing fiber layer sandwiched between the front covering and the back covering, and a curved, W-shaped supporting member set between the front covering and the breathing fiber layer and extending along a lower part of the border of the two cup portions of the stuffing padding layer and covering an area of the stuffing padding layer between the two cup portions of the stuffing padding layer; and a back closure for joining the back straps formed of the back bands of the outer brassiere covering layer and the inner brassiere covering layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wireless support system for a brassiere. The wireless support system comprises at least one centerfront support and two sideback supports which are composed of a material such as a polyester film. The two sideback supports may be attached to the centerfront support via a stabilizing ribbon or stitches. The brassiere of the present invention has the advantage of providing comfortable support that is form fitting.

Abstract: A brassiere or breast shaping garment has a pair of breast-receiving cups, each of which is formed with an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer is placed in an angular orientation relative to the outer fabric layer. Further, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer have sufficiently isotropic hysteresis.

Abstract: A brassiere for supporting a wearer's breasts has breast cups with each of the breast cups connected to a central panel therebetween. The brassiere has a pair of side panels. Each side panel is connected to a different one of the pair of breast cups. The breast cups have a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer and a third fabric layer that is between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. The third fabric layer provides breathability and support to the wearer's breasts.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an improved resilient bra cup structure with adjustable stiffness or softness, wherein the bra cup structure having at least four layers comprising a layer of stiff knitted fabric, a layer of meshed gel, a layer of resilient staple fiber, and a layer of soft knitted fabric. The layer of meshed gel is subjected to a heating process for thermally bonded between the layer of stiff knitted fabric and the layer of resilient staple fiber. Furthermore, the thermally-bonded sandwiched fabric is bonded to the layer of soft knitted fabric for forming a compound fabric to make a bra cup.

Abstract: A breast cup construction of a cup shape to be incorporated as part of a brassiere, the breast cup construction comprising a molded to a cup shape laminated core assembly comprising a ply of foam material and a ply of fabric material disposed to the convex side of the foam material. An exterior ply is overlying and to the concave and convex sides of at least part of the laminated core assembly. The exterior ply is folded at and to define at least part of the neckline perimeter of the cup shape.

Abstract: A molded bra of a layered assembly of a plurality of plies of flexible moldable material. The layered assembly generally defines two molded breast cups a bridge intermediate of the two breast cups and a chest band from which each of the molded breast cups are disposed. The assembly includes an outward ply of a fabric material presenting a first outermost surface of the bra to the convex side of the breast cups of the bra, and an inward ply disposed to the opposite side of the assembly where the first outermost ply is presented and presenting a second outermost surface of the bra to the concave side of the breast cups of the bra. The layered assembly includes at least the inward and the outward ply at the entire perimeter about the bra regions and wherein the outward ply has been folded at the perimeter to provide a hem affixed to the inward ply.

Abstract: A bra is provided that facilitates a woman's breathing. The bra comprises a lower portion with an inverted V shape that skirts the woman's diaphragm. This lower portion is bordered by an elastic band. This bra is especially suitable as a sports bra.

Abstract: There is provided a circular knit brassiere having a body portion with a pair of breast cups and a pair of side panels. Each side panel is connected to a different breast cup. The brassiere has different degrees of stretchability in each breast cup and side panel as compared to the center region of the brassiere. Tighter stitches with shorter stitch lengths than in the center region are used in the breast cups, thereby providing support for the breasts. Looser stitches, with longer stitch lengths than in the center region, are used in each side to provide improved flexibility and comfort to the wearer.

Abstract: A method of incorporating a fastener with a molded brassiere of a seamless construction and that includes an exterior panel of moldable material and an interior panel of moldable material that is contiguous with the exterior more panel and has been laminated therewith except at at least a non-laminated region where the fastener is to be located, and wherein the fastener includes a connector supported by a flexible mounting panel, the method comprising creating an opening through one of the exterior panel and the interior panel at the non-laminated region and at a location thereof through which at least part of the connector is to extend, locating the flexible mounting panel intermediate of the exterior panel and the interior panel at the non-laminated region in a manner to allow the at least part of the connector to extend through the opening, affixing at least one of the exterior panel and the interior panel to the flexible mounting panel.

Abstract: A shoulder strap pad assembly is provided that includes: a top cover, a bottom cover, and a cushion filler. The bottom cover is laminated to the top cover to form an enclosure in which the cushion filler is secured. The top cover has a top fabric layer, a first adhesive web layer positioned below the top fabric layer and a first base layer positioned below the first adhesive layer on a side opposite that of the top fabric layer. The bottom cover has a second base layer, a second adhesive web layer positioned above the second base layer. The cushion filler has a cushion layer, a third adhesive web layer positioned above the cushion layer, a fourth adhesive web layer positioned below the cushion layer, and a third base layer positioned below the fourth adhesive web layer. In a preferred embodiment, the pad assembly is attached to a piece of fabric to form a channel in which a brassiere shoulder strap is positioned.

Abstract: A circular knit bra is provided. The bra has a torso encircling shape with a torso part having an outer fabric, an inner fabric, and a bra bottom. The outer fabric and the inner fabric each have a lower edge. The outer fabric and the inner fabric form a double layer. An integrally knitted reinforced anchoring chest band at the lower edge of the inner fabric forms a fold line, such that the anchoring chest band is concealed by the outer fabric layer. The bra bottom may have a smooth straight finished edge, a decorative scalloped edge, or a beaded edge mini-turned welt treatment.