BRASSIERES

Abstract

A brassiere includes two cups, a bridge that connects the two cups, and a wing attached to a side of each of the cups, where at least one of the cups comprises an outer layer including a first material defining an outer contour, an outer perimeter, an outer depth, and an outer volume; and an inner layer including a second material defining an inner contour, an inner perimeter, inner depth, and an inner volume, wherein the second material is flexible and stretchable, where the inner layer is attached to the outer layer by the inner perimeter, the inner depth is smaller than the outer depth, and wherein the inner volume is less than outer volume.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to brassieres for persons having undergone breast reconstruction surgery. In particular, the present disclosure relates to brassieres for women having undergone mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction with implants. The present disclosure further relates to brassieres for persons having other breast abnormalities.

BACKGROUND

Women with breast implants, and particularly women who have undergone a mastectomy and breast reconstruction, can have difficulty finding brassieres that fit their breasts. Breast reconstruction can be performed using artificial implants having a silicone shell filled with silicone gel or a saline solution. The implant is usually placed underneath the chest muscle.

Due to the artificial implant and its placement under the muscle, a reconstructed breast is typically not the same shape as a natural (non-reconstructed) breast. A natural breast is soft and malleable, and under gravity forms a “teardrop” shape with a tip in the front. A reconstructed breast, on the other hand, primarily maintains its shape and lacks the tip that forms in the front of the natural breast. A reconstructed breast also does not fill the space of a typical conically or spherically shaped brassiere, but instead leaves a void space in the cup. Therefore, women who have reconstructed breasts can find it difficult to find brassieres with a good fit. Further, wearing a brassiere constructed for natural breasts can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing because of the void space that can become indented, or may feel cold in cold weather. Women with reconstructed breasts may also have scars or scar tissue on or around the breasts (e.g., on the sides) that they wish to cover with a brassiere.

Thus, there is a need to provide brassieres that can fit a subject having an altered breast.

SUMMARY

A brassiere is provided that includes two cups, a bridge that connects the two cups, and a wing attached to a side of each of the cups, where at least one of the cups comprises an outer layer comprising a first material defining an outer contour, an outer perimeter, an outer depth, and an outer volume; and an inner layer comprising a second material defining an inner contour, an inner perimeter, inner depth, and an inner volume, where the second material is flexible and stretchable, where the inner layer is attached to the outer layer by the inner perimeter, the inner depth is smaller than the outer depth, and where the inner volume is less than outer volume.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a front view of a brassiere according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B shows a back view of the brassiere of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of an outer layer of a cup of the brassiere of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic depiction of an inner layer of a cup of the brassiere of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 is a schematic depiction of a side wing of the brassiere of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross sectional view of a cup of the brassiere of FIG. 1A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to brassieres for persons having an altered breast such as persons who have undergone breast reconstruction surgery. In particular, the present disclosure relates to brassieres for women having undergone mastectomy and/or subsequent breast reconstruction with implants. A reconstructed breast is shaped differently from a natural breast, and a brassiere designed for natural breasts may not fit well. The present disclosure provides for brassieres constructed to fit reconstructed breasts and/or to fit on a person who has had a breast removed completely or in part and has not had reconstructive surgery.

Brassiere

A brassiere generally comprises two cups to accommodate the breasts of the user, and a bridge that connects the two cups in the center front. The cups may offer full or partial coverage of the user's breasts. The brassiere also includes a side wing on each side of the two cups so that when the brassiere is worn, the side wings wrap around the torso of the user and connect in the back. The side wings may have a closure mechanism, such as a hook and loop closure, a clasp, a snap closure, a Velcro® closure, or any other suitable closure. In preferred embodiments the closure mechanism is adjustable. The brassiere may also include shoulder straps that at one end connect to one of the two cups and at the other end connect to one of the side wings in the back. The shoulder straps may be adjustable and may include a mechanism for disconnecting and optionally repositioning the shoulder straps.

In the brassiere 1, as shown in FIG. 1A of the present disclosure, one or both of the cups 10 are constructed to accommodate an altered breast, wherein the altered breast includes a reconstructed breast, or a breast that has been completely or partially removed, and a breast that has a smaller size or different shape than that of the other breast. Preferably, when a user with the altered breast is wearing the brassiere 1, the skin of the altered breast is in contact with an inner layer 120 of the brassiere cup. The brassiere 1 may also be able to accommodate a normal breast, so that the brassiere 1 can be worn by women who have one normal breast and one altered breast without changes to the brassiere 1. According to some embodiments, the outward appearance of the brassiere 1 may be that of a brassiere 1 covering normal breasts.

According to an embodiment such as in FIG. 1A, one or more of the cups 10 of the brassiere 1 comprises an outer layer 110 made of a first material 111, and an inner layer 120 made of a second material 121. The materials may be the same or different. In some embodiments, the first material 111 is any suitable material typically used to manufacture brassiere cups 10, such as polyester, nylon, cotton, silk, rayon, viscose, etc., or a combination thereof, and may be optionally lined or reinforced with another layer of material, including a padded layer of polyurethane or polyester. The outer layer 110 may be constructed so that it is capable of generally holding its shape. In embodiments as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the outer layer 110 defines an outer perimeter P110, an outer depth D110, and an outer volume V110 of the cup. The outer volume V110 may be selected from typical brassiere cup volumes, e.g., about 240 cm³, 310 cm³, 390 cm³, 480 cm³, 590 cm³, 710 cm³, 850 cm³, 1000 cm³, 1180 cm³, 1370 cm³, or 1580 cm³.

Preferably, when a user is wearing the brassiere 1, the skin of the user comes in contact with the inner layer 120. The inner layer 120 comprises a second material defining an inner contour, an inner perimeter P120, inner depth D120, and an inner volume V120, wherein the second material is flexible and/or stretchable. In embodiments, the inner layer 120 is attached to an outer layer 110 by the inner perimeter P120, the inner depth D120 is smaller than the outer depth D110; and wherein the inner volume V120 is less than outer volume V110. In embodiments, no void space remains between the skin of the altered breast and the inner layer 120.

In embodiments as exemplified in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner layer 120 defines an inner perimeter P120, and inner depth D120, and an inner volume V120. At least one or more of the dimensions (inner perimeter P120, inner depth D120, or inner volume V120) is smaller than the respective dimensions of the outer layer 110. In some embodiments all of the dimensions (inner perimeter P120, inner depth D120, or inner volume V120) of the inner layer 120 are smaller than the respective dimensions of the outer layer 110.

In embodiments, the inner volume is at least 5, 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, or 70% less than the outer volume V110. When the brassiere is worn by a user, the second material 121 of the inner layer 120 stretches, and the difference between the inner volume V120 and the outer volume V110 becomes smaller. For example, the inner volume V120 may be about 60-90%, or about 65-75% less than the outer volume V110 when the brassiere is not worn (i.e., when the second material 121 is at rest), and about 0-30%, 2-25%, or about 5-20% less when the brassiere is worn (i.e., the second material 121 is stretched).

In embodiments, the inner depth D120 is at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70% less than the outer depth D110. When the brassiere is worn by a user, the second material 121 of the inner layer 120 stretches, and the difference between the inner depth D120 and the outer depth D110 becomes smaller. For example, the inner depth D120 may be about 30-80%, or about 40-65% less than the outer depth D110 when the brassiere is not worn (i.e., when the second material 121 is at rest), and about 2-30%, or about 5-15% less when the brassiere is worn (i.e., the second material 121 is stretched).

The inner layer 120 is attached to the outer layer 110 by the perimeter of the inner layer 120. The inner layer 120 may be attached to the outer layer 110 by its entire perimeter, or by the perimeter along at least the sides and the bottom of the inner layer 120. The inner layer 120 may be attached to the outer layer 110 by stitching, gluing, heat melting, or any other suitable method. In embodiments, the inner perimeter P120 may be the same as the outer perimeter P120, or may be smaller than the outer perimeter P110 by about 1 to 20%, or about 2 to 10%.

In embodiments, as exemplified in FIG. 5, a void space 140 may be present between the outer layer 110 and the inner layer 120. The material of the inner layer 120 is flexible and stretchable so that it can conform to the shape of the breast(s) of the user, whether the breast has the shape or size of a natural (“normal”) breast, a reconstructed breast, or otherwise an abnormal shape. For example, the inner layer 120 may be capable of conforming to the shape of an implant breast, such as an implant placed under the chest muscle, or a breast with all or part of breast tissue removed.

In some embodiments the second material 121 used to construct the inner layer 120 comprises spandex (also known as elastane), nylon, Tactel, polyester, acrylic, cotton, viscose, rayon, or any other suitable material or a combination thereof. The material can be prepared with a flexible weave or knit structure. Exemplary knit fabrics include single jersey, double jersey, and interlock jersey.

The inner layer 120 is positioned inside the outer volume V110 of the outer layer 110. The inner volume V120 may be about 95%, about 90%, about 85%, about 80%, about 75%, about 70%, about 65%, about 60%, about 55%, about 50% or less of the outer volume V110. The perimeter of the inner layer 120 defines a shape (i.e., the inner shape) that can be different from or be matched to the shape of the outer layer 110. The inner layer 120 may have a teardrop shape, an ovoid shape, a round shape, or may have an asymmetrical shape as shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 3.

The cups 10 may optionally be supported by an underwire 50. Such underwire 50 can be attached to the cups 10 in a separate channel sewn to the outer or inner layer 120 or between the outer and inner layers 110, 120.

In embodiments as exemplified in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4, the side wings 30 are constructed to hold the brassiere 1 in place by wrapping around the user's torso and connecting at the back side. The side wings 30 may include a closure mechanism 31, such as a typical hook and loop closure, a clasp, a snap closure, a Velcro® closure, or any other suitable closure. Alternatively the brassiere 1 can have a front closure, in which case the side wings 30 can be constructed from one piece extending from one side to the other, and extending around the back of the torso when worn by a user.

In some embodiments, the side wings 30 are constructed to cover any scars and scar tissue that may be the result of mastectomy surgery or reconstruction surgery. Mastectomy patients often have scars and/or scar tissue on the sides of the chest next to the breast area, and may wish to cover up the scars and/or scar tissue with the brassiere 1. The side wings 30 can be wider than the sides on typical brassieres. The side wings 30 may have a minimum width in the underarm area 33 of about 1.5 inches, about 2.0 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 2.75 inches, about 3.0 inches, about 3.25 inches, about 3.5 inches, about 3.75 inches, about 4.0 inches, about 4.5 inches, or about 5.0 inches. In some embodiments, the side wings 30 have a minimum width of between 1.5 and 3 inches. The underarm area 33 is understood to mean a length of the side wing that extends from the brassiere cup 10, when worn, backward to about ⅓-½ of the length of the side wing. The side wing may be tapered so that the ends of the side wings 30 at the back are narrower than the underarm area 33.

The shoulder straps 40 may be sewn onto or removably coupled with the upper edges of the cups 10 at one end and with the side wings 30 at the other end. The length of the shoulder straps 40 may be adjustable using loops, clasps, or other suitable mechanism. The straps may be about 0.25 to about 1.5 inches, or about 0.5 to about 1.0 inches wide.

When the brassiere 1 is worn by a user, the user's breast(s) or skin may fill out and stretch the material of the inner layer 120 so that the contour of the inner layer 120 adjusts to the shape of the breast. In embodiments, the second material 121 comprises a material that is capable of conforming to the shape of the user's breast. For example, the second material 121 is capable of conforming to the shape of an altered breast (e.g., a reconstructed breast with an implant, or a breast after lumpectomy without reconstruction) or an otherwise atypical breast that may be smaller, larger, or have a different shape than a normal breast. The second material 121 may be capable of conforming to the shape of a breast that is rounder or flatter than a normal breast without the typical tear drop shape and tip, or has an irregular shape due to, for example, lumpectomy, other surgery, or a hereditary condition. The second material 121 is also capable of conforming to the shape of a normal breast. The second material 121 may further be capable of lying flat against the skin of a user having undergone a total mastectomy (i.e., no breast). In embodiments, the material of the inner layer 120 is in contact with the user's skin so that no significant void spaces are left between the material and the skin. A void space 140 may be present between the inner layer 120 and the outer layer 110 of the cups 10 when the brassiere is worn by a user.

The brassiere 1 is constructed to give the appearance of two naturally shaped breast that are of equal size, while providing a skin contacting layer (i.e., the inner layer 120) that is capable of accommodating users with one or more irregularly shaped breasts, altered breasts, or breasts of different sizes.

Embodiments

FIGS. 1A-5 represent exemplary embodiments of the brassiere 1 as disclosed herein. FIGS. 1A and 1B show a front view and a back view of an exemplary embodiment of the brassiere 1. The brassiere 1 comprises two cups 10 that are connected by a bridge 20 at the front, with side wings 30 extending from the sides of the cups 10. The side wings 30 are constructed to wrap around the user's torso and connect in the back when the brassiere is worn. In the exemplary embodiment, the side wings 30 include a hook-and-loop closure mechanism 31. Shoulder straps 40 connect the cups 10 (e.g., the top edges of the cups) to the side wings 30.

One or both of the cups can include an outer and inner layer as described herein. Each of the cups 10 comprises an outer layer 110 made of a first material 111 defining an outer contour, and an inner layer 120 made of a second material 121 defining an inner contour. As can be seen in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the outer layer 110 has an outer depth D110, outer perimeter P110, and outer volume V110, and the inner layer 120 has an inner depth D120, inner perimeter P120, and inner volume V120. In the exemplary embodiment, the outer depth D110, outer perimeter P110, and outer volume V110 are greater than the corresponding inner depth D120, inner perimeter P120, and inner volume V120 of the inner layer 120. The inner layer 120 is attached to the outer layer 110 by the perimeter P120 of the inner layer 120, and a void space 140 remains between the outer layer 110 and the inner layer 120 as shown in FIG. 5.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, other embodiments may exist. While the specification includes a detailed description, the invention's scope is indicated by the following claims. The specific features described above are disclosed as illustrative aspects and embodiments of the invention. Various other aspects, embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention or the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A brassiere comprising: two cups, a bridge that connects the two cups, and a wing attached to a side of each of the cups, wherein:at least one of the cups comprises:an outer layer comprising a first material defining an outer contour, an outer perimeter, an outer depth, and an outer volume; andan inner layer comprising a second material defining an inner contour, an inner perimeter, an inner depth, and an inner volume, wherein the second material is flexible and stretchable,wherein the inner layer is attached to the outer layer by the inner perimeter, the inner depth is smaller than the outer depth, and wherein the inner volume is less than outer volume.

2. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the second material is capable of maintaining the outer contour shape.

3. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the second material comprises spandex, nylon, Tactel, polyester, acrylic, cotton, viscose, rayon, and combinations thereof.

4. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the second material comprises a knitted fabric.

5. The brassiere of claim 4, wherein the second material comprises single jersey, double jersey, or interlock jersey.

6. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner contour shape is a teardrop shape.

7. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner contour shape is an ovoid shape.

8. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner contour shape is round.

9. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner contour shape and the outer contour shape are the same.

10. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the outer layer forms an outer cup and the inner layer forms an inner cup, and wherein the outer cup is shaped to give an appearance of a natural breast and the inner cup is constructed to conform to an implant breast.

11. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner volume is about 75% or less of the outer volume.

12. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner volume is about 70% or less of the outer volume.

13. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner volume is about 65% or less of the outer volume.

14. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner volume is about 60% or less of the outer volume.

15. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner volume is smaller than the outer volume by about 10% or greater.

16. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the inner volume is at least 25% smaller than the outer volume when the inner volume is at rest, and wherein the inner volume is 0 to 20% smaller than the outer volume when the brassiere is worn by a user.

17. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the second material comprises a material that is capable of conforming to a shape of a user's breast.

18. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the second material comprises a material that is capable of conforming to a shape of a breast implant used in breast reconstruction.

19. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the second material comprises a material that is capable of conforming to a shape of a breast implant placed under chest muscle.

20. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein the outer cup is sized according to standard brassiere sizing.

21. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein each wing has a minimum width of between 1.5 and 3 inches.

22. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein each wing is constructed to cover mastectomy scars.

23. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein each of the wings has an underarm width that is greater than the width at the end of the swing.

24. The brassiere of claim 1, wherein each wing comprises a closure mechanism.

25. A brassiere cup comprising: (a) an outer layer comprising a first material defining an outer contour, an outer perimeter, an outer depth, and an outer volume; and(b) an inner layer comprising a second material defining an inner contour, an inner perimeter, inner depth, and an inner volume, wherein the second material is flexible and stretchable;wherein the inner layer is attached to the outer layer by the inner perimeter, the inner depth is smaller than the outer depth, and wherein the inner volume is less than outer volume.