Nike patents bra clamps that grip fabric instead of stitching
Nike has filed a patent for a fastener system designed for upper-torso support garments, such as sports bras. Instead of sewing hooks and loops directly onto the fabric, the design uses small metal or plastic plates to clamp the textile from both sides. This allows the hook and receiver to be attached securely without relying solely on traditional stitching at the connection point.
In the filing’s own words
A clamp that can provide, for an associated fastener a robust connection to a textile. For example, the fastener can include a first connector (e.g., hook) for releasably mating with a corresponding second connector (e.g., receiver). In addition, the first connector can include a clamp for providing a fixed connection to a first textile, and the second connector can include a clamp for providing a fixed connection to another textile (e.g., the first and second textiles to be releasably connected to each other via the fastener). In at least some examples, the clamp can include a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate. In addition, a portion of the textile can be secured in a clamping groove between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate. For instance, the clamping plates can be bonded and/or stitched to the textile portion.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An upper-torso support garment comprising: an underband comprising at least part of a back portion of the upper-torso support garment, the underband comprising a first textile portion and a second textile portion; a fastener configured to releasably connect the first textile portion to the second textile portion, the fastener comprising a hook and a receiver; the receiver comprising a first clamp, which comprises a first clamping plate affixed to an outer side of the first textile portion and a second clamping plate affixed to the inner side of the first textile portion, wherein a first clamped portion of the first textile portion is retained between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate; and the hook comprising a second clamp, which comprises a third clamping plate affixed to an outer side of the second textile portion and a fourth clamping plate affixed to the inner side of the second textile portion, wherein a second clamped portion of the second textile portion is retained between the third clamping plate and the fourth clamping plate.
Facts
- Company
- Nike (NIKE, Inc.)
- Official title
- FASTENER CLAMP FOR ATTACHMENT TO TEXTILES
- Publication number
- US20260314712A1
- Application number
- 19718242
- Filed
- Jun 24, 2026
- Published
- Oct 15, 2026
- Inventors
- 3
- Claims
- 18
Classified under
A41C 3/0028 Human necessitiesY10T 24/4081 Emerging technologiesMore from Nike in Clothing & sport
- Nike patents clothing that stiffens instantly to protect against impacts Sep 15, 2026
- Nike patents underwear with electric straps that adjust tightness Sep 17, 2026
- Nike patents fabric that tightens when it gets wet Oct 15, 2026
- Nike patents shoe that pumps fluid to heel for cushioning Sep 8, 2026
- Nike patents top with built-in pocket for breast pumps Oct 1, 2026
Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.