Movements of the breast wearing a brassiere were monitored after removing the brassiere cup without deflecting its breast-supporting function. Breast vibration, clothing pressure and movements of the ankle joint were simultaneously measured while running. Frequency analysis of the parameters revealed that the maximum spectrum of breast vibration and that of foot movements appeared at the same frequency. Clothing pressure was high at the under-cup part of the brassiere at rest because this part supported the nearly total weight of the breast. Clothing pressure changed markedly while running because of the influence of breast vibration. Analysis of time-dependent changes in data showed a strong negative correlation between vertical vibration of the breast and clothing pressure at the under-cup part.

View full abstract

We have developed a flexible-fit mattress to achieve the improvement of turning over in bed and the weight reduction by utilizing the elastomer blocks. The shape and characteristics of the elastomer blocks are optimally designed to support human body by the flexible plane. Since the flexible mattress can adjust to the 3-dimensional motion of the human body，we improved not only the basic mattress performance of turning over in bed but also the pressure distribution. In addition, we realized the mattress weight equivalent to the conventional spring mattress.

View full abstract