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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 7+ for body supporters of the foundation garment type.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclass 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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
7 for brassieres combined with subjacent body supporters, e.g., foundation garments.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10 for foundation garments designed to support the diaphragm area.

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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
30 for brassieres combined with nonsupporting garments such as slips and waists.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, appropriate subclasses for sheath-type bathing suits and underwear, and see (2) Note, above.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
127 for similar subject matter in supports for the lower torso only.

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.

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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
134 136 and 137, for corsets having means permitting girthwise adjustment.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
5 for "long-line" type brassiere where the midriff covering portion may comprise crossed elastic bands or webs.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
75 for brassieres having similar structure.
131 for corsets or girdles having similar structure.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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.

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".

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
103 104 and 105, for "panty girdles".

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
121 and 122, for similar features in the corset-type supporter not combined with a brassiere.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 134+ for girdles having "let-outs".

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclass 76 for adjustable or elastic garment sections.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 134+ for this feature in the corset-type supporter not combined with a brassiere.

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

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.

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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 for brassieres provided with means for fastening to a subjacent supporter.

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

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
26 for foundation garments having hose supporters.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclass 306 for garter belts, and subclasses 303 and 335 for hose supporters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
16 for a subjacent supporter unattached to the brassiere at the back thereof.

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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
31 for breast supporters complete in themselves and arranged within the bodice portion of an apparel-type garment.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37 for brassieres having absorbent pads.
38 for front opening brassieres wherein there is complete separation of the brassiere portions.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
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.

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.

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

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

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.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
66, Textiles: Knitting, subclass 169 for articles and products involving significant steps of knitting.
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, subclass 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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
143 for body supporters having stays or strips.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
90 for spirally stitched cups.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
43 for breast cup-forms comprising strips or strands interlaced to form a mesh-type fabric.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
49 for stays detachably mounted in brassieres.

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.

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

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
51 for annular-type stiffening members individual to one breast cup.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
46 for stays with a bridging member wherein that member is separable.
47 for stays that encircle the breast cup.

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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
48 for joined or united stays having an H- or X-shaped junction.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
47 for annular rings which are joined together.

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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 39+ for molded plastic brassiere cups.
subclasses 41+ for breast cups reinforced by strips, stays or strands.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37 for brassieres having absorptive pads which usually are readily removable.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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.

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.

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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37 54, 55, and 56, for pads having means to maintain them on the human body.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
623, Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members) Parts Thereof, or Aids and Accessories Therefor, subclasses 7+ for artificial breasts.

Separable at front center:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the front portion of the brassiere is provided with fastening means so that the brassiere may be opened at the front rather than the back thereof.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
46 for brassieres wherein each breasts cup is provided with are inforcing element which carries one-half of a readily detachable interengaging or coupling means for joining the cup members.
85 for brassieres having extended-length body-embracing bands designed to wraparound the back of the wearer to be tied in front.

With cup supplementing uplift straps or slings diagonally crossings at front center:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter having a pair of tensionable straps or the like associated with the breast cups and arranged so that each strap extends from adjacent the inner lower portion of one breast cup diagonally upward to adjacent the upper portion of the other breast cup.
(1) Note. Included are brassieres embodying means whereby each of the wearer's breasts is individually supported and lifted.
(2) Note. The brassieres of this subclass are usually designed to achieve a definite separation between the breasts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 45+ especially subclass 48, for breast separators of the stay or stiffener type.
60 for sling members disposed within the breast cup.
61 for a pouch-forming member within the cup and see (1) Note to the definition of that subclass.
62 for a body-embracing hammock like member.

With floatingly attached cup-supplementing breast supporting strip or panel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein each breast cup is provided at the inside thereof with an internal breast-engaging strap or sheet having marginal or end portions thereof attached to the cup to arrange the strap or sheet in a chordal manner with respect to the curved interior surface of the cup.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
59 for floatingly attached cup-supplementing straps which cross diagonally between the cups.

Forming breast receiving pouch with cup bottom:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter wherein the inner strip or panel is disposed along the bottom of the cup and is unattached along its upper edge to form, thereby, a pocket to receive a portion of the breast.
(1) Note. Disclosures for this subclass found in patents classifiable in subclass 59 above have been cross-referenced here; search in subclass 59 should not be necessary.

Supplementary means includes body-girdling straps:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter wherein each inner strap or panel has an elongated strip attached thereto and these collectively are of sufficient length to encompass the body.

Attaching means includes adjustment feature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter wherein the means connecting the floating portions to the brassiere can be manipulated so that (a) the unattached portion can be shortened or lengthened, narrowed or widened, or (b) the point of connection to brassiere can be varied.
(1) Note. Elastic portions are not considered to constitute "adjustment" features. Brassieres as used above includes shoulder straps and body-girdling straps or bands.

Straps narrow bands only, i.e., skeletal type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the breast supporting or contacting parts are composed of narrow elongated tapelike structure and wherein there is no sheetlike material covering or forming a pocket for the breast.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 41+ especially subclasses 42, 47 and 51 for stays or wires which serve to outline the breast.

Elastically expansible cup or cup rim:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the cup is in a contracted condition when not applied to the body but when it is applied the structure of cup is such as to permit the size of the cup to enlarge and to elastically resiliently tend to return to its contracted condition.

All-elastic cup:
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Subject matter wherein the breast contacting sections or cups have resiliently elastic characteristics so as to adapt the brassiere to breasts of varying sizes.

Expansible cup rim, e.g., elastic shirring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Subject matter wherein the cup material is in elastically extensible or gathered or puckered at the rim and an elastic means is associated with the rim to permit the cup to enlarge and to cause the cup to tend to return to a smaller size.
(1) Note. Elastic tapes or panels connected to the cup rim
from outside the cup area are not here included unless the cup itself is so constructed so to enlarge if the elastic is stretched.

With means to vary size of breast cups:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the breast-contacting cups are so constructed that the enclosed volume or peripheral extent of the rims can be enlarged or decreased.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass are brassieres having means adapted to increase or decrease the size of the breast cups.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
66 for cups which are wholly elastic.

By vertical gathering of material between the cups:
This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter wherein the portion connecting the two cups is provided with means to contract the portion in a direction approximately normal to the line connecting the centers of the cups.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
67 for cups which are provided with elastic shirring in their rims to permit variations in the size of the cup.

Cups joined to common subjacent elastic strip or panel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the cups are secured at their lower edges to an elastic body-contacting band or sheet.
(1) Note. "Common" includes two or more pieces if united one to another so as to present an integral strip or panel to which both cups are attached.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 for "long-line" type brassieres.

With variable length connector between cups:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the breast cups are jointed together by means which permits the spacing between the cups to be changed or altered.
(1) Note. In some cases, the spacing is changed by the pivotal movement permitted by the combination of an extensible and an in extensible connector vertically spaced from each other, see, e.g., subclass 73, hereunder for structures including one connector which is elastic and the other which is inelastic.

Elastic connector:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Subject matter wherein the connection comprises a resiliently elastic material.

With additional nonelastic connector means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Subject matter including a nonstretchable or nonresiliently extensible connecting member or portion.

Including plural elastic panels or inserts with diversely oriented directions of elasticity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. 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.

Including elastic portions with variable modulus of elasticity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. 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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
20 for similar subject matter in a foundation garment.

Including elastic portion with stretch inhibitor or limiter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. 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.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
21 for similar subject matter in a foundation garment.

With girthwise inelastic size adjustment additional to separable closure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the brassiere is provided with a separable closure to facilitate donning and there is additionally a nonstretchable portion which may be changed or altered in girthwise dimensions.

With means to gather peripheral edge, e.g., drawstring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter provided with means to contract the lineal dimension of an edge portion of the brassiere.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
67 for elastic shirring of the cup rim.
69 for means to gather the material between the cups for the purpose of adjusting the size of the cups.

Body band has overlapping separately secured ends:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the closure of an openable brassiere includes portions of the body-encircling band or other segments which are long enough girthwise to lap one over the other as the brassiere is donned, both free ends of the closure being constructed or adapted to be secured in body-embracing relation.
(1) Note. The usual end-to-end joining of the body bands may include some overlapping portions but where no effort is made to secure both ends of such lapped portions the construction will not be considered classifiable in this subclass.

Resilient body-clasping band:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including a resilient self-supporting band or frame member conforming to the body of the wearer and embracing a sufficient portion of the body to support the device thereon.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass are snap-on frame members for garments.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclass 52 for aprons having supports.

With adhesive means or vacuum cup to secure to body:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter having properties of adherence to the skin thus holding the brassiere in position on the body of the wearer.
(1) Note. The adherence is ensured, for instance, by the use of pressure sensitive adhesive or by means of suction cups thus making the brassiere self-sustaining.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 40.1 for a plural layer web or sheet in which one of the layers must be removed to expose an adhesive, and subclasses 343+ for a plural layer web or sheet in which the outermost layer
is an adhesive, and subclasses 355+ for the adhesive composition.

Body-embracing band includes detachable connector unit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter having a body-girdling band in which a separable insert is connected so as to be readily detached from the remainder of the band.
(1) Note. These units or extensions are intended to provide selective diverse lengths to adapt the brassiere for different body girth dimensions.

Body-embracing band means includes vertically spaced portions:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein there are means to girdle the body connected to the brassiere for supporting it on the body, and the means comprises at some point girthwise of the body separate band portions which are arranged one above the other.

One portion is narrow waist-encircling band:
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Subject matter wherein one of the separate band portions is a vertically thin or narrow band which girdles the body approximately at the waistline, there being vertically extending ties connecting this band to the brassiere.

Extended length wraparound body bands:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter having body-encircling straps of sufficient length to wraparound one side to the back of the wearer and extend around the other side to the front where the ends of the straps are tied or otherwise fastened together.
(1) Note. These straps are so arranged as to make for convenience in donning.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
58 for brassieres having a front center closure means.

Shoulder strap arrangements and connecting features:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the claim is directed to systems for providing over-the-shoulder bands and to the means for attaching the bands to the breast-supporting portions and/or body-encircling bands of the device.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclass 323 for shoulder straps, per se.

Connected by floating extension at or below horizontal mid-cup region:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter wherein the front end of the strap is attached to the brassiere in the zone lying below a line through the center (nipple area) of the cups, the upper portions of the strap in that vicinity being unattached to the brassiere.

Detachable, e.g., convertible to strapless:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter wherein the attachment between the strap and the brassiere is readily separable at both ends of the strap.
(1) Note. These arrangements usually provide a convertible feature whereby the brassiere may be worn as a so-called strapless supporter.

With compartment for carrying articles, e.g., coin pocket:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein there is provided a receptacle or enclosure other than and in addition to the breast cup adapted for receiving
and retaining material therein.
(1) Note. These pockets are sometimes intended to carry sachets, hearing-aid components, coins, etc.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37 and 54, for brassieres having pockets to receive and hold pads for the purposes there set forth.
49 for brassieres having a wire-like stiffener separable retained in tunnels of the fabric.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclasses 247+ for pockets for apparel-type garments and subclass 94 for hunter's coats and other special-article carrying coats.
224, Package and Article Carriers, subclasses 101+ for carriers formed as articles of clothing or directly or indirectly attached to or supported from the body.

With reinforcing stitching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein lines of nonseaming or nonsegment-edge-joining stitching are incorporated in the cup or strap structure for strengthening said structures or to inhibit distortion of the cups.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
42 for brassiere cups reinforced by spirally arranged stiffener strips or stays.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclass 275 for seam structure specially adapted for garments.
112, Sewing, subclasses 400+ for sewn stock material or a sewn article not specifically provided for in any other class.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses 102+ for a single or plural layer stock material product including stitching and discrete fastener, coating or bond.

Reversible:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter having a finished appearance on the inside and outside thereof so that the same may be worn with either surface exposed.
(1) Note. This subclass includes brassieres fashioned of two layers of fabric of different colors and secured together along their outer edges to form a unitary structure adapted to be worn with either face presented to the front.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclasses 46+ for garment protectors, e.g., aprons, and subclass 105 for waists, e.g., halter type.

Methods of making or assembling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including claims directed to manipulative steps of providing segments and assembling and securing together, or of manufacturing the finished product.
(1) Note. Because all article patents must disclose the method of making, the search for a method of making any particular type of brassiere should include the pertinent article subclasses above. No article-claiming patents have been cross-referenced, nor should be, into this subclass unless there is present at least one claim to the method.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclass 243.1 for processes applicable to garments in general.
33, Geometrical Instruments, subclass 12 for dressmakers' patterns.
112, Sewing, for a subclass 475.01 for a process of sewing in general.

Materials:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter fashioned of single or multiple ply fabric involving particular properties or the combination of materials.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass for example are
brassieres involving use of deposited latex, foam rubber, elastic webbing, synthetic fibers; and those fabricated from paper and known in the trade as disposable brassieres.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
39 for molded breast cups.
43 for breast cups fabricated of interlaced or interwoven strands, i.e., wire mesh.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclass 243.1 for structure and methods applicable to garments in general or to diverse types of garments.
66, Textiles: Knitting, subclasses 169+ for knotted fabrics and articles.
87, Textiles: Braiding, Netting, and Lace Making, subclass 2 for fabric which is extensible either longitudinally or transversely, or both.
139, Textiles: Weaving, subclasses 383+ for woven fabrics.
245, Wire Fabrics and Structure, appropriate subclasses for wire fabrics.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, appropriate subclasses, for processes within the class definition, for molding or shaping of plastic materials.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses 98+ for a structurally defined single or plural layer stock material product not specially provided for in any other class, subclasses 221+ for a single or plural layer web or sheet having a structurally defined element or component and subclasses 411.1+ for a nonstructural plural layer web or sheet in which the composition of at least one layer is defined.

FOR LOWER TORSO INCLUDING THIGHS, E.G., CORSET, GIRDLES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter functioning to support or compress the human body portions lying generally below the breast and extending downward to about the line below the thighs.
(1) Note. These devices are characterized in large part in the commercial world as corsets, girdles, abdominal supporters, and waist cinches.

Combined with apparel type garment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include additional structure forming a body-covering of the types recognized in Class 2, Apparel.

With shoulder or upper back brace:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include means, usually in the nature of straps or bands, functioning to apply force to the shoulders or to the upper back to support the back or shoulders.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
113 for supporters for the lower torso provided with over-the-shoulder straps disclosed for preventing vertical motion of the supporter on the body; that is, for supporting the body supporter against gravity or to counteract the downward pull of stocking supporters.

Comprising sheet rubber or deposited rubber or latex:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein a substantial portion of the supporter consists of sheetlike rubber or similar resiliently elastic material.
(1) Note. This subclass is characterized by the resilient material being of nonstrand type; the supporter may be formed as by dipping or depositing rubber latex or it may be made from material in flat sheet form.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 116+ for supporters made in their entirety or resiliently elastic strand-type fabrics.

With means bridging or filling out hollows in the body:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein a portion of the supporter is designed and constructed to extend across a depression on the body of the wearer or is supplied with a nonpressure type of pad which acts as a filler to fill out a depression.

With individual buttock-receiving concavities:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include buttock-enveloping pockets formed and shaped to receive and mold or support each buttock in a separate pocket.
(1) Note. These supporters are intended to accentuate the individual buttocks in contrast with other supporters which are designed to envelope and compress or flatten the buttocks together.

With crotch or leg straps or leg-encircling parts:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include means such as a strap, band or piece of fabric so arranged with respect to the supporter as to pass between the legs of the wearer.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
95 for supporters combined with loose-fitting body-coverings such as trousers, underpants and skirts.

Upper-leg-encircling compressor, e.g., thigh reducers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the strap, band fabric piece girdles the upper leg and is provided with means to constrict the girth so as to compress or firmly support the fleshly parts of the upper leg or thigh.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
106 for leg-encircling straps which function only as hold-downs or anchoring means to prevent the supporter "riding up" on the body of the wearer; in general, these straps are characterized by their strandlike or ropelike
form, also by the lack of means to tension the strap around the leg for the purpose of compressing or supporting the flesh.

With detachably connected crotch piece:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein a piece of fabric is attached to the supporter in such manner as to extend from the central front lower portion thereof between the legs of the wearer to the central rear lower portion and wherein at least the front or the back attaching means is of the separable fastener type.

Completely removable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter wherein both front- and rear-attaching means are separable fastener type whereby the fabric piece may be removed as a unit.

Including crotch piece, e.g., panty girdle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein a piece of fabric is attached to the supporter in such manner as to extend between the legs of the wearer the points of attachment being generally at the lower portion of the supporter and at the central part at front and rear thereof.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
106 for devices having a leg-engaging anchor which is distinguished from the leg pieces by reason the anchors being mere bands or straps whereas the leg pieces enclose and cover the upper part of the leg.

With opening therethrough, e.g., overlapped panel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter wherein the crotch portion is provided with a slit or opening therethrough.
(1) Note. Generally the slit or opening is so arranged as to be closable, for example, by providing overlapping parts or by the use of separable closures such as slide fasteners.

Leg anchors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein a strap or strand-like member passes between the legs of the wearer and functions to prevent the supporter "riding up" on the body of the wearer.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
101 for upper-leg-encircling compressors and see the search note thereto for the line with this subclass.

Comprising latticework of narrow strips or bands, e.g., skeletal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein the entire body portion thereof, except for the closure means, is composed of narrow strips or strand-like elements assembled in a crossed relationship so as to form a network.
(1) Note. These structures are to be distinguished from strand-like fabrics in that this subclass is intended to take those structures where the strips or strands are, in effect, recognized as individual or discrete elements in making up the supporter, whereas in a woven or knitted fabric the individual strands lose their identity and are not recited as elements of the structure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
108 for supporters which include an insert-type panel or restricted area having perforations or composed of latticework to provide means for contacting the body of the wearer with air for ventilation.
155 for special materials which include mesh-type fabrics.

With apertured insert-type panel for ventilation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein a section thereof is provided with openings or apparatus for the purpose of permitting air to contact the body when the supporter is worn on the body.
(1) Note. This subclass does not take a supporter made entirely of open mesh or open weave fabric, rather this subclass is limited to structure of a portion only.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
107 for supporters made up by the use of narrow strips or bands into a skeletal framework, and see (1) Note above.
155 for special and significant materials, such as mesh-type stranded fabrics.

With stiffener for upper margin, terminating substantially above lower margin, e.g., waistline antiroll:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter having means functioning to render the portion of the device adjacent the upper edge nonflaccid and wherein the means is of shorter vertical extent than the supporter at the place of stiffening.
(1) Note. These devices are usually stays located at the upper margin of the supporter, acting to prevent or inhibit the upper margin from rolling downward due to bending of the body or to the presence of bulges of fatty tissue in the diaphragm area.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 143+ for stiffening means generally.

With means to supportingly engage apparel-type garment, e.g., skirt supporters:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include separable fasteners, tabs, straps, hooks and other devices designed to be engaged with a garment of the type recognized in Class 2, Apparel, for the purpose of supporting the garment in relation to the body.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
26 for brassieres having means to support apparel-type garment.

Hosiery supporter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Subject matter wherein the engaging means is of the pendant type designed to be engaged with hosiery or other leg coverings.

With means to resist vertical motion on body, e.g., friction grips:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein the supporter is provided with means functioning to inhibit movement, or "riding up", of the supporter with respect to the body when the supporter is worn on the body.
(1) Note. This includes high-friction linings such as rubber or latex, and includes vacuum cups or adhesive means having the defined function.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
6 for "longline" brassieres having tabs or separable fasteners or the like to secure to a subjacent garment or supporter to prevent "riding up" of the brassiere.
106 for straps, bands or the like engaging around the leg at the thighs to prohibit "riding up".

Over-shoulder straps:
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter wherein the inhibiting means takes the form of elongated elements such as ribbons which pass over the shoulder of the wearer when the supporter is worn on the body.

With stiff or nonflaccid body-supporting plate or panel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include or comprise a relatively thin and nearly flat
piece or sheet of nonflaccid material.
(1) Note. The piece of material may be perforate, as woven wire, and in itself may represent the element which supports the flesh, that is, in may be worn in direct contact therewith. Usually, the piece of material is attached to straps or bands which encircle the body to permit the piece to be drawn snugly there against for support purposes.

With elastic portions having means to limit or control stretching thereof:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include a resiliently stretchable panel or band and an overlying nonstretchable panel or band so connected or attached to the first panel or band as to inhibit or modify the stretching action.
(1) Note. The inhibiting or modifying must be expressly taught in order to be classified here. Superimposed panels or bands one at least of which is elastic will, to some extent, have a controlling or modifying action where one of the panels or bands is inelastic; these are not placed here in the absence of the teaching above required.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
123 for superimposed layers one of which may be elastic but wherein there is no teaching of control or limit or stretching, and see (1) Note above.

Elastic in entirety (may include nonelastic closures or girth adjusters):
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter constructed wholly of material possessing the characteristic or readily recovering size and shape after stretching or similar deformation.
(1) Note. The supporter may include closures or adjusting means of nonelastic material.

Edge joined multipanel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 116. Subject matter
made up of a plurality of segments connected together at the marginal portions thereof.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 122+ for supporters made up of plural pieces superimposed one on another.

With nonparallel lines or elasticity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Subject matter wherein the segments are made up of strand-type elastic fabric and the segments are so oriented relative one to the other that the strand courses in one segment are nonparallel to those in the other segment.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
19 for combined brassiere and corset (foundation garment) having similar structure.
124 and 130, for similar structure.

Belt-operated lacing for closures or adjusters:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter having a lacing-operated closure or adjuster wherein plural strands comprising the lacing are brought together and secured to a common member which member is adapted to be tensioned to transmit a pull simultaneously to each of the several lacing strands.

Vertically slidable overlapped portions, e.g., "telescoping":
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein portions of the supporter are arranged in shingled or overlapped relation and are permitted to move relation to each other, in a vertical direction.
(1) Note. These telescoping connections are usually arranged in the back or the front of the supporter to permit bending of the body without unduly confining it in the vertical
direction.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12 for similar connections arranged between a brassiere and a subjacent girdle.

One portion laced through aperture in another portion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein the supporter is constructed with an orifice, slit or the like in one part thereof and some other part of the supporter is led through the opening.
(1) Note. This subclass is not intended to take lacing-type or belt and bucket-type tensioning or closure means.

With superimposed supporting panels or bands:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter having at least two distinct superimposed layers each of which exerts a supporting or compressing force on the same area of the body at the point of overlay 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 the supporter.
(1) Note. This intended to exclude a laminated fabric unless the two layers are free from each other as set forth above.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4 and 5, for "long-line" brassieres having superimposed supporting layers.
subclasses 8+ for similar structure in a supporter of the combined brassiere and corset (foundation garment) type.
subclasses 12+ and 120, for supporters having vertically-slideable overlapped portions.
151 for bands or tapes which are secured to a panel member to merely reinforce the panel.
153 for covers or liners for supporters, the cover or liner having no supporting function.

At least one layer includes elastic feature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Subject matter wherein one or more of the superimposed layers includes or consists of material having resiliently elastic properties.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
115 for elastic panels or bands having a stretch-controlling panel or band over-lying, and see (1) Note to the definition of that subclass.

Superimposed elastic layers having nonparallel lines or elasticity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter wherein an inner and an outer layer are made up of strand-type elastic fabric and the layers are so oriented relative one to the other that the strand courses in one layer are nonparallel to those in the other layer.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
97 for sheet rubber or deposited latex supporters.

Layers are readily separable (detachable) one from another:
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Subject matter wherein one of the supporting bands or panels is attached to the other by readily separable fasteners so that they may be disassembled one from the other.

With selectively different assembled positions:
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Subject matter wherein the layers may be reassembled in any one of several positional relationships.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
140 for panels which are edgewise associated and separably joined with means permitting them to be reassembled in any one of several positional relationships.

Each layer circumferentially separable, with closure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Subject matter wherein each supporting layer is circumferentially discontinuous and is provided with a separable fastener to secure together the two ends respectively of each layer.
(1) Note. The separable fastener must be other than the means that attaches one layer to the other.

Each layer substantially separately encircles body:
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Subject matter wherein each of the supporting layers is sufficiently long in a girthwise direction to embrace the body, thus constituting in effect two separable supporters.
(1) Note. The two layers may be secured together at a common point, such as a back seam.

Having pretensioning means bridging girthwise closure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter having a slit or cleft, the edges of which are separable girthwise and are provided with separable fastening means, and having also a separately tensionable device extending across the slit or cleft functioning as a preliminary closure to relieve the separable closure of most of the strain while it is being closed.
(1) Note. The separately tensionable device may itself have separable fastener.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
127 for supporters having superimposed layers each of which acts to support or compress the body and each of which has a girthwise closure.
142 for closures having an interiorly disposed shield to prevent injury or chafing of the body by the closure.

Elastic portions have nonparallel lines of elasticity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include segments or panels of strand-type elastic fabric and the segments are so oriented relative one to another that the strand courses in one segment or panel are nonparallel to those in another.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
97 for supporters made up of homogenous elastic material such as sheet rubber or deposited rubber latex.
118 for similar arrangements in supporters constructed of elastic materials throughout.

Elastic bands or panels with varying modulus of elasticity or with stretch limiter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter in which the stretch modulus of elasticity of one area differs from that of another area.

With elastic band, panel, or portion, e.g., gussets:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include some area or segment which is made of elastic material.
(1) Note. This subclass group is the residual repository for supporters under subclass 94 which include an elastic feature not specifically provided for above.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
123 for supporters having superimposed layers, at least one having an elastic feature such as a band or panel of elastic material.
130 for supporters having elastic strips, bands or panels wherein the lines of elastic stretch of at least two pieces are nonparallel.

Detachably secured to garment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Subject matter wherein the elastic segment is readily removable from the corset.

Girth adjustment by predetermined increments:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein the circumferential measurement may be altered in previously established units of length.
(1) Note. Characteristically, these units of length are established by rip-out seams in pleats or by inserting, removing or exchanging pieces forming a part of the circumference.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
94 for "fitters garments".

With insertable or removable girth-changing units:
This subclass is indented under subclass 134. Subject matter wherein a discrete portion of the supporter is readily detachable or may be readily added so that the body-encircling dimension of the device may be decreased or increased in incremental units.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
82 for similar constructions used in body- embracing bands for brassieres.
125 for superimposed separately-tensionable supporters where one of the devices is readily detachable from the other.
133 for readily-detachable elastic segments such as gores, panels, etc.

Having girth adjuster and separate nonadjustable separable fastener for closure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter including means to shorten or lengthen the body-girdling dimension and including in addition a separable fastener which functions to join together edges of the supporter which define a closure, the joiner of these edges being such as to preclude a girthwise change in dimension.
(1) Note. Included, for example, are corsets having a slide fastener closure and a lacing-type girth adjustment.

With plural separately acting girth dimension adjusters:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include more than one individually operable device functioning to shorten or lengthen the body-girdling dimension of the supporter.
(1) Note. These devices may be arranged to act in serial or cumulative effect circumferentially, or to act in different zones vertically or the supporter as at the waistline and at the fleshly part of the thighs.

Vertically spaced:
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Subject matter wherein the devices are arranged to act in different vertical zones of the supporter.

With stays at closure edges having nonflaccid interengaging fastening means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which have two edges abutting to form a closure and wherein there are rigid stays or busks at each edge and these are separably fastened together by rigid means such as hooks on one and pins or eyes on the other.

Plural disconnectable panels with selectively different
assembled positions:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter constructed of a multiplicity of sheetlike parts or panels which are separable one from another at their edge portions and which can be reassociated in predetermined different or diverse relationships.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
126 for superimposed supporters wherein the supporting layers may be disassociated and reassembled in any one of several positional relationships.

Lacing-type closure with flaccid lace-receiving eyelet or loop:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter comprising closure means wherein the lace-receiving aperture or loop is made up in the fabric of the supporter or is made up of nonrigid component materials.

Closures or girth adjusters with interiorly disposed chafing shield:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter having a slit or cleft with separable edges and means to bridge the gap to draw the edges together or toward each other (as a closure or girth adjuster, respectively), there begin flaps, panels, bands or the like disposed interiorly of the supporter to prevent or minimize injury or chafing of the body of the wearer.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 122+ especially subclass 127, for supporters with superimposed layers, the outer layer of which may include a closure or girth adjuster.

With stiffening strips or stays:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include slender elongated elements which are inflexible
or laterally resiliently elastic.
(1) Note. In the art these are commonly referred to as stays, bones, busks and stiffeners.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
109 for stays or stiffeners located at the upper edge of a corset to resist downward rolling of the upper margin.
114 for stiff or nonflaccid plates or panels incorporated in or serving as supporting means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
140, Wireworking, subclass 91 making crimped or bent wire stays employed as stiffeners in garments, particularly corset stays.

Including stay-reinforcers at waistline or broken stay shield:
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter wherein there is an additional pad or panellike element which serves to inhibit too-sharp bending of the stays at the waistline or acts as a puncture-proof shield in the event a stay breaks.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
107 for supporters consisting of narrow straps or bands arranged in latticework and which may include or comprise stays.

Movably articulated directly one to another:
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter wherein the individual stays are movably attached one to another without the intervention of the fabric of the supporter.

Readily separable from supporter, e.g., from pockets:
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter having tubelike receptacles within which the stay is
received, the tube being open on at least one end to permit ready removal of the stay.

Having means to interengage with lacing cord:
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter wherein the stay is provided with structural configurations functioning to be engaged with a lacing cord.
(1) Note. Typically, these are apertures or hooks.

With closure means for access opening at lower rear margin of buttock-girdling member:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein the supporter covers the lower portion of the buttocks and has slits, clefts, or the like, to define an access opening and the edges of the opening are provided with separable fastener elements.

With insertable or removable panel unit, e.g., "convertible":
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein a discrete portion of the supporter may be readily attached or detached; usually these are termed "convertible" as from high to low back.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
103 for removable crotch pieces.
133 for detachable elastic panels.
135 for removable girth-dimension-changing units.
140 for plural disconnectable panels with selectively different assembled positions.

With article carrying pockets:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein there is provided a receptacle or enclosure adapted or intended for receiving and retaining articles or materials.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
89 for pockets in brassieres.
146 for pockets for removably holding stays.

Panels reinforced by tapes or bands:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter having a narrow elongated element sewn or otherwise secured to the surface of the supporter for the purpose of strengthening the panels or sheet material composing the supporter.

With loops for donning:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter provided with finger-engaging loops or tabs to facilitate drawing the supporter on or off the body.

Protective covers, liners, or shields:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter provided with exteriorly or interiorly disposed sheets or panels which serve to cover or protect either the body or the supporter and which in themselves perform no supporting or compressing function.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 122+ for superimposed supporting layers.
144 for shields applied generally at the waistline to act as puncture-proof barriers for broken stays.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, subclass 96.1 for bandages having means to
hold A pad or the like to apply pressure to A localized area.

Waistlike type, i.e., limited vertical extent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which by structure and design function to support or compress only that area of the body immediately adjacent to the waistline and above the hips or lilac crest.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclass 11 for baby garments in the form of undershirts having no body supporting or compressing function.

Abdominal uplifting sling type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter which include a bandlike element formed of flaccid material capable of conforming to the contour of the abdomen and extending beneath the abdomen in uplifting engagement therewith.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
113 for similar devices having shoulder straps.
subclasses 122+ for supporters having superimposed panels or bands.

Materials and making, e.g., pattern layouts:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter relating to the materials used in making supporters and to methods of making or laying-out the same as from individual segments.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
602, Surgery: Splint, Brace, or Bandage, subclass 900 for materials and methods for making bandages other than for the lower torso.