Class Definition for Class 450 - FOUNDATION GARMENTS

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CLASS 450,	FOUNDATION GARMENTS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class includes devices which are specifically designed to fit the human body to protect, compress, support, restrain or alter the configuration of the body torso or a portion thereof, e.g., the female mammae, or those portions of the body lying below the mammae and extending along a line below the abdomen portion of the body to the region of the thighs.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 1]

BREAST OR CHEST, E.G., BRASSIERES:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter in the form of skeletal frameworks, or made of sheetlike materials, designed to be applied to the upper part of the torso, functioning to protect and support that part of the body or to contact the breasts of the human body to support or restrain or to temporarily alter the configuration thereof or to supply an apparent configuration which may differ from the natural configuration.

(1) Note. Because of their structural similarity, garments commonly known as "halters" have been included in this and appropriate indented subclasses when the halter is constructed (a) to closely contact or embrace the body in the area immediately above and below the breasts, or (b) to provide breast-receiving pockets either for each individually or a single pocket for both breasts.

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7+,	for body supporters of the foundation garment type.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 2]

With shoulder or back brace:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the breast supporter includes shoulder extensions in the form of tensioning straps or panels disclosed for drawing the shoulders back.

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2,	Apparel, subclasses 44 and 45 for shoulder braces, per se.
602,	Surgery: Splint, Brace, or Bandage, subclass 19 for orthopedic device for correcting deformities and other abnormalities of the body.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 3]

With midriff covering extension terminating adjacent waistline, e.g., "longline":

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter comprising a bodice or panel extending from above the breasts of the wearer to the waistline to confine the figure at and adjacent the waistline.

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7,	for brassieres combined with subjacent body supporters, e.g., foundation garments.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 4]

With additional means interiorly attached to extension to support the diaphragm area:

This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter wherein the panel is provided with a band or belt member to confine and lightly support the fleshy part of the body above the waistline.

(1) Note. The diaphragm region as referred to in the art, signifies the area above the waist and extending to approximately the chest.

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10,	for foundation garments designed to support the diaphragm area.

5	Midriff extension includes overlapping relative movable parts:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter wherein the portion of the brassiere which extends below the breast cups is provided with overlying, self-regulatable bands or panels which permit adjustability over the diaphragm area.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 6]

With means to attach extension to subjacent body-supporter or garment, e.g., hold-downs:

This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter provided with separable fasteners designed to function as supporters for neither garments or corsets and as hold-down means to prevent the long-line brassiere "riding up" on the body of the wearer.

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26,	for combination body supporters (foundation garments) provided with means to support hosiery or other apparel-type garments.
106,	and 112+, for corsets and girdles provided with means to anchor the supporter on the body.
110,	for corsets and girdles provided with means to support hosiery or to engage apparel-type garments such as skirts.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 7]

Combined with subjacent body supporters, e.g., foundation garment:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the breast supporter is connected with a neither bandage device functioning to support or mold the flesh of the lower torso.

(1) Note. These are commonly known as "foundation garments" and in common parlance the parts thereof are termed "brassiere" and "corset" or "girdle" for the upper and lower parts, respectively.

(2) Note. Where the disclosure indicates that the neither device closely embraces or sheathes the torso, such as in a "skin-tight" bathing suit or in sheath-type underwear, the device will not be considered to be a support for this group unless the disclosure is clear that there is definite supporting or compressing function.

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30,	for brassieres combined with nonsupporting garments such as slips and waists.

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2,	Apparel, appropriate subclasses for sheath-type bathing suits and underwear, and see (2) Note, above.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 8]

Including plural superimposed supporting panels or bands:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein, at some body area, there are at least two distinct layers each of which exerts a supporting or molding or compressing force on the body and wherein the layers are free to move relative to each other in directions normal to the planes thereof except at marginal or isolated points where they may be secured together for convenience in handling or donning.

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122,	for supporters for the lower torso having similar features.
153,	for lower torso supporters having liners, covers or shields which have no supporting function.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 9]

With separable closure for each layer:

This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter wherein each layer is circumferentially discontinuous and is provided with a separable closure.

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127,	for similar subject matter in supports for the lower torso only.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 10]

Each layer separately encircles body:

This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter wherein each layer is a complete unit which substantially separately girdles the body.

(1) Note. The two layers may be attached to a common point such as the back seam or back closure edges. In many instances each layer may be worn independently of the other.

11	Including apparel-type garment:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter having, in addition to the breast and lower torso support, a body covering of the type recognized in Class 2, Apparel.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 12]

Vertically slidable overlapped portions between breast and torso support:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter having a telescoping or interfitting connection between the breast and torso supporters, usually to provide freedom of movement in bending the body at the waist area.

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15,	and 16, for devices of this nature where there is freedom for movement or bending at the waistline but where there are no overlapping portions.
120,	for similar construction in a supporter for the lower torso.

13	With elastically extensible connector:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 12. Subject matter wherein a resiliently extensible member is floatingly attached between the brassiere and the subjacent supporter at the area of overlap to control the relative movement of the two parts.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 14]

Detachably secured to subjacent supporter by separable fastener:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein the brassiere element of the combination is integrally united with the corset element by means of cooperating disconnectible fastening means.

(1) Note. Included in the subclass are foundation garments in which the brassiere portion is readily removable from the corset portion so as to facilitate laundering or for interchanging the brassiere or corset with another supporter or an apparel-type garment.

15	Subjacent supporter unattached at front:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein the brassiere and corset parts are disposed in spaced relation in front and interconnected at the back of the foundation garment.

16	Subjacent supporter unattached at back:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein the brassiere and corset portions are independent of each other at the back and disposed in spaced relation, and are interconnected at the front of the supporter.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 17]

Front center separable closure for both breast and torso support:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein the brassiere and corset are provided with closure means which permit opening both parts along a front central vertical line.

(1) Note. This foundation garment is referred to in the art as the "coat-type" foundation.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 18]

With size adjustment for both, e.g., maternity type:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter which extensible portions or releasable means are provided to permit girth or length adjustment in each part.

(1) Note. These are usually disclosed as providing for adjustments in body contour occurring during pregnancy.

(2) Note. The adjusting means may be common to both parts or may be separate; in the latter case both must be claimed.

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134,	136 and 137, for corsets having means permitting girthwise adjustment.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 19]

Including plural elastic panels or inserts with diversely oriented lines or elasticity:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter made up of a multiplicity of distinct pieces having some degree of elasticity and wherein the permissive direction of stretch of at least two pieces is in some angular relation other than parallel.

(1) Note. This includes the combination of a one-way and a two-way stretch piece of elastic material because the second-named piece will have a direction of permissive stretch not parallel to the of the first-named piece.

(2) Note. Straps and narrow bands attached at their ends only and used for tension members have generally been excluded from this subclass.

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5,	for "long-line" type brassiere where the midriff covering portion may comprise crossed elastic bands or webs.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 20]

Including elastic portions with varying modulus of elasticity:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter in which the stretch modulus of elasticity of elastic portions of the supporter differs comparatively from one area to another or from one direction to another.

(1) Note. The entire combination supporter may be elastic.

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75,	for brassieres having similar structure.
131,	for corsets or girdles having similar structure.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 21]

Including elastic portion with stretch inhibitor or limiter:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter comprising a distinct piece of, or entirely constructed of, elastic material and wherein there is provided means acting to restrain, check, or set bounds for the stretching of the material.

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75,	for brassieres having elastic panels of variable modulus of elasticity.
76,	for brassieres having elastic portions provided with stretch inhibiting means.
115,	for corsets having elastic portions provided with stretch inhibiting means.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 22]

Subjacent supporter includes crotch member:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein the subjacent supporter is provided with a closure flap joining the front and rear panels at the lower edges thereby forming a bifurcated member or "panty".

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103,	104 and 105, for "panty girdles".

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 23]

Wraparound overlapped type torso support:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter in which oppositely extending portions of a panel section are adapted to be wrapped about the torso in overlapping relation.

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121,	and 122, for similar features in the corset-type supporter not combined with a brassiere.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 24]

Including panels having pleats or folds to permit size increase:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein a series of pleats or folds is formed in the panels whereby girthwise or circumferential dimension of the supporter as well as the shape may be adjusted or altered.

(1) Note. Included in this subclass are devices fashioned of overlapped sections or folds of elastic material formed to permit expansion or contraction.

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134+,

for girdles having "let-outs".

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2,	Apparel, subclass 76 for adjustable or elastic garment sections.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 25]

Stepwise girth adjustment:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein a series of coacting fastening elements are spaced at fixed intervals on portions of the device for selectively changeable relative engagement whereby the length of the supporter circumferentially of the wearer"s torso may be varied.

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134+,

for this feature in the corset-type supporter not combined with a brassiere.

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2,	Apparel, subclass 237 for adjustable waistbands.
24,	Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., subclasses 580+ for separable fasteners of the step adjustment type.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 26]

With separable fastener or connector for apparel-type garment:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter provided with suspenders by which hosiery or other garments may be supported.

(1) Note. Included in this subclass are shoulder straps equipped with pendant means for supporting a garment.

27	Low cut at back:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein the bodice portion is provided with a cutout or open gap centrally of the top edge of the back for exposing the back of the wearer.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 28]

With separable fastener or connector for apparel-type garment:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter in which the breast supporter is provided with a separable fastener or pendant strap means, the strap including a tab or fastener means, for attaching the breast supporter to a subjacent apparel-type garment.

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14,	for brassieres provided with means for fastening to a subjacent supporter.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 29]

For hosiery:

This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter disclosed or designed for supporting a stocking.

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26,	for foundation garments having hose supporters.

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2,	Apparel, subclass 306 for garter belts, and subclasses 303 and 335 for hose supporters.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 30]

Combined with apparel-type garment:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter having a garment of the type recognized in Class 2, Apparel, such as a skirt, bathing garment or panties, conjoined therewith to form a unitary garment.

(1) Note. A waist-encircling band or belt is not considered to be a "garment" for the purpose of this and the indented subclasses.

(2) Note. Brassieres combined with corsets are in subclass 7.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 31]

Breast supporting member within other garment:

This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein the breast supporter is built in or concealed within the garment and secured thereto to form a unitary garment.

(1) Note. This art includes the "built-in-up-lift" as referred to in industry.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 32]

Removable breast supporter:

This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter in which the brassiere is detachably secured to the outer garment.

(1) Note. Each garment may be worn independently or worn with another garment.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 33]

Subjacent garment attached at front only:

This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter in which the brassiere and a nether garment are independent of each other at the back and disposed in spaced relation, and are interconnected at the front of the garment.

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16,	for a subjacent supporter unattached to the brassiere at the back thereof.

34	With means providing girthwise elastically for brassiere:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter in which the bodice portion is fashioned of material having elastic properties or has elastic strips, bands or panels which provide a torso fitting garment which automatically accommodates itself to the body contour.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 35]

Portion of garment covers elastic connector at back:

This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Subject matter wherein the brassiere includes tensioning straps or bands disposed at the back of the wearer and the garment includes a portion or panel at the back disposed in overlying relation to the straps or bands.

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31,	for breast supporters complete in themselves and arranged within the bodice portion of an apparel-type garment.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 36]

Closable aperture permits access to breast, i.e., nursing type:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the cup area has an orifice or slit which is closed or covered by separable or removable means to expose the breast and wherein the brassiere as a whole remains attached to or supported on the body while the breast is exposed.

(1) Note. Device under this subclass are usually worn for a period before and/or after childbirth such as during puerperium and/or during the nursing period.

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37,	for brassieres having absorbent pads.
38,	for front opening brassieres wherein there is complete separation of the brassiere portions.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 37]

With lacteal fluid receptor or shield:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter provided with absorptive or receptacle-type structures to receive and hold lacteal fluid; also, including sheetlike structure impermeable to liquids to prevent or minimize the transfer of lacteal fluid to other garments worn over or outside of the brassiere.

(1) Note. The claimed structure must be specifically disclosed as being waterproof or absorbent for shielding against or receiving the lacteal fluid; and see search notes below.

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39,	for rigid or resiliently elastic preshaped cup structures which may be made of material impermeable to liquids, but wherein there is no disclosed function of shielding.

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128,	Surgery, subclass 890 for devices covering or shielding the nipples against chafing, including nursing devices permitting the flow of lacteal fluid therethrough, wherein there is no claimed structure disclosed for breast supporting, restraining or molding.
604,	Surgery, subclasses 358+ for absorbent pads and materials useful as lacteal receptors.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 38]

With inflatable or liquid-containing chambers:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including a hollow body constructed to retain a fluid.

(1) Note. There may be access means permitting ingress or egress of the fluid or body may be sealed so as to contain a predetermined quantity of fluid.

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223,	Apparel Apparatus, subclass 67 for inflatable garment forms.
441,	Boats, Buoys, and Aquatic Devices, subclasses 88+ for body supporting inflatable water wings and for garments having inflatable portions therein.
446,	Amusement Devices: Toys, subclass 87 for toys which are inflatable.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 39]

Molded preshaped shell-like cup, e.g., plastic latex:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter provided with cups of thin substantially uniform thickness wherein the cup has been shaped by casting or plastically working a material which is self-shape-retaining subsequent to such shaping.

(1) Note. A thickened portion serving to represent the areola of a breast or serving merely as a reinforcing device are included here within the concept of uniform thickness.

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42,	and 44, for preshaped cups including stays, strips or strands.
53,	for preshaped cups contacting only the lower half of the breast.
55+,	for molded pads designed to add volume to the breast, and see (1) Note above.

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264,	Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, appropriate subclasses for molding or shaping processes within the class definition.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 40]

Strand-type fabric with thermoplastic fibers or filaments:

This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter including filaments or fibers, including yarns comprising discontinuous fibers, formed from a thermoplastic material.

(1) Note. Included in this subclass are breast cups molded from compound strands of thermoplastic and nonthermoplastic material made by intertwining or spinning the two components.

(2) Note. Included in this subclass are cups formed from the vinyl resins, nylon, cellulose acetate in the thermoplastic state, and the like.

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66,	Textiles: Knitting, subclass 169 for articles and products involving significant steps of knitting.
156,	Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, subclasses 62.2+ for processes of laminating which includes the step of forming at least one lamina by bulk deposition and uniting of discrete fibers or other discrete particulate material.
264,	Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, subclasses 109+ for processes under the class definition for formation of articles by uniting randomly associated particles.
442,	Fabric (Woven, Knitted, or Nonwoven Textile or Cloth, etc.), subclasses 409+ for autogenously bonded fabric.
604,	Surgery, subclasses 370+ for absorbent pads made of thermoplastic materials.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 41]

With stiffening strips, strands, or stays, e.g., wired:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter in which slender elongated elements which are inflexible or resiliently elastic are incorporated.

(1) Note. Stays or wire frames, per se, are included in this and indented subclasses.

(2) Note. Included in this and indented subclasses are brassieres reinforced by the use of stays, strips or filamentary strands united to form a stiffener strip.

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143,	for body supporters having stays or strips.

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140,	Wireworking, subclass 91 for making crimped or bent wire stays employed as stiffeners in garments.
148,	Metal Treatment, for specially treated metals, including of wire springs.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 42]

Cup form includes spirally arranged strip:

This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein the breast cup comprises a stiffening strip arranged in approximately a helispherical form.

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90,	for spirally stitched cups.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 43]

Woven or braided strand-type fabric, e.g., wire gauze:

This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Devices wherein the strips or strands are interlaced to form a mesh-type fabric.

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40,	where the fabric included a thermoplastic strand.
44,	for devices wherein individual strips or strands are arranged to be in contact any one with any other one to form a skeletonized structure.

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428,

Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses for a stock material product in the form of a single or plural layer web or sheet, and particularly subclasses 175+ , 190, 193, 196+, and 225+ for such a product embodying mechanically interganged strands or strandportions (e.g., woven knitted) strands.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 44]

Cup form includes latticework of strips:

This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein the breast cup comprises a skeletonized structure made by arranging the strips or strands to be in contact any one with any other one.

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43,	for breast cup-forms comprising strips or strands interlaced to form a mesh-type fabric.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 45]

Paired strips or stays for cup rims with connecting span:

This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter where there is a stiffener strip or stay located at and arranged to extend along at least a portion of the periphery of each cup, and these two stays are connected by a bridging piece.

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49,	for stays detachably mounted in brassieres.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 46]

With separable joint between paired stays:

This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the two stay members may be readily disconnected or separated one from the other.

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2,	Apparel, subclass 263 for stays having fastening elements in association therewith.
24,	Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., subclasses 572+ for separable fasteners.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 47]

Annular cup-rim-encircling stays:

This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein each stiffening strip or stay encircles the peripheral portion of a breast cup, the annular members so formed being joined by the bridging member.

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51,	for annular-type stiffening members individual to one breast cup.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 48]

Stays with connecting span form U, V, H, or V shape between the breasts:

This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein at least a portion of the stiffening strips or stays are disposed at adjacent inner edges of the breast cups and are joined together by a bridging member to thereby form a horizontally transverse portion and a pair of upwardly extending arms.

(1) Note. Inverted U- or V-shaped junctions may be found in subclasses 45, 46, 49 and 80.

(2) Note. Included in this subclass are bridged stay members designed to separate the breasts of the wearer.

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46,	for stays with a bridging member wherein that member is separable.
47,	for stays that encircle the breast cup.

49	Cup fabric has tunnels separably retaining joined stays:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the cups include circumferential channels or passage-ways having at least one opening to permit the stay to be inserted in or removed from the passageway.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 50]

Plural separate stays diagonally crossing between cups:

This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein stiffening elements are positioned centrally in the front body portion and are arranged to cross over one another at a point along the median line of the body portion.

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48,	for joined or united stays having an H- or X-shaped junction.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 51]

Annular cup-rim encircling stay individual to one cup:

This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein a stiffening stay in the form of a hoop or loop completely encircles the breast cup.

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47,	for annular rings which are joined together.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 52]

Single stay individual to one cup with arcuate portion along bottom rim of cup, e.g., u-shaped:

This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein the lower rim of each breast cup is provided with an arcuate, generally semicircular brace.

(1) Note. Included in this subclass are frame members, per se.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 53]

With stiffened supporting means contacting only lower half of breasts:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter having cup structures (1) of rigid material or (2) including a rigidified or stiffened portion, the stiffened portion being designed to contact the breast only below the nipple.

(1) Note. In (2) above, the brassiere may include a flaccid pocket or cup which covers the entire breast, however, the stiffened portion must contact the breast only below the nipple.

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39+,	for molded plastic brassiere cups.
41+,	for breast cups reinforced by strips, stays or strands.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 54]

With means to separably retain breast-form-supplementing pads:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter provided with means designed to embrace or retain a breast-building pad; separable fasteners are included as retainers where one part of the fasteners is on the brassiere and the complementary part may be on the pad.

(1) Note. Pad-retaining pockets must have an open mouth or be closed by nondestructible-type separable fasteners.

(2) Note. Pads, per se, that is, lacking means to support the device on the body, in which the padding material is removable from a supporting or enclosing holder or envelope are found below in subclass 57.

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37,	for brassieres having absorptive pads which usually are readily removable.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 55]

With cup-supplementing means to add volume to breast, e.g., pads:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the breast cup is provided with supplemental means functioning to increase the apparent size of the breasts or to reshape the breasts or the breast region.

(1) Note. Included are rigid or semirigid preshaped forms such as hollow cones which distend the breast cup to achieve a desired contour.

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38,	for brassieres provided with inflatable chambers.
56,	for pads designed to be worn only in the lower portion of a brassiere cup.
57,	for pads, per se.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 56]

Applied to only lower half of breast:

This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter wherein the supplemental means is formed to fit within the lower half only of a cup to contact the breast only below the nipple.

(1) Note. Pads in this subclass are designed to support the breast as well as augment the appearance thereof.

[List of Patents for class 450 subclass 57]

Pads, per se:

This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter limited to the preshaped filler or cushion for the breast cups.

(1) Note. Pads with supporting features, such as straps or adhesive areas, will be found in appropriate subclasses above.

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37,	54, 55, and 56, for pads having means to maintain them on the human body.

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623,