Patent Application
20230067373
The present invention relates generally to the field of bras. More specifically, the present invention relates to a post-mastectomy with reconstruction bra device primarily comprised of at least one cup or forward projecting material and a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, and at least one rear strap. In a differing embodiment, the body is further comprised of at least one shoulder strap. The cup of the device simulates the shape and size of a natural breast. The cup can be adhered to the breast of a user and then further secured to the breast by placing the body of the device over the cup when the body is worn as a bra. In one embodiment, the body is comprised of a convex area that further receives the cup. In differing embodiments, the device may have one or two cups to accommodate users who have had a single or a double mastectomy. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
Women with breast cancer may have to undergo a single or double mastectomy, with or without reconstruction. After a mastectomy with reconstruction, a woman may have great difficulty in finding a bra that fits properly. There is typically a lack of projection with reconstruction and the surgical process can produce poor symmetry or shape. In addition, a woman may have further difficulty in finding a bra that offers enough forward projection to make their breast or breasts appear “normal” looking (i.e., looking like a natural breast that has not undergone a mastectomy). If said bra cannot be found, women may avoid wearing certain clothing due to feeling embarrassed of their breast or breasts, which can further lead to feelings of disappointment and low self-esteem.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved bra. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a mastectomy bra device that properly fits a user who has had a single or double mastectomy. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a mastectomy bra device that gives the appearance of a natural breast shape when worn by a user who has had a single or double mastectomy.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a mastectomy bra device. The device is primarily comprised of at least one cup and a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, and at least one rear strap. In a differing embodiment, the body is further comprised of at least one shoulder strap. The cup of the device simulates the shape and size of a natural breast and can be adhered to the breast of a user and then further secured to the breast by placing the body of the device over the cup when the body is worn as a bra. In one embodiment, the body is comprised of a convex area that further receives the cup. In differing embodiments, the device may have one or two cups to accommodate users who have had a single or a double mastectomy.
In this manner, the mastectomy bra device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides an improved bra. In doing so, the device properly fits a user who has had a single or double mastectomy and also gives the appearance of a natural breast shape when worn by said user. As a result, the device provides improvements over the limitations of existing bras known in the art.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a mastectomy bra device. The device is primarily comprised of at least one cup and a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface, and at least one rear strap. In a differing embodiment, the body is further comprised of at least one shoulder strap. The body may be manufactured from any fabric material known in the art that may further be moisture-wicking, scented, lotion-infused, etc. The body can also be any color known in the art and may be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. In addition, the body may have a plurality of indica such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, numbers, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. The body is also preferably shaped like any shape or style of bra or other similar breast supporting garment of the like.
In one embodiment, the body has at least one rear strap that is worn around the back of a user. In this manner, the device has no shoulder straps and thus has the appearance of a strapless bra. However, in a differing embodiment the device is comprised of at least one rear strap and at least one shoulder strap such that the device can be worn like a traditional bra with preferably two shoulder straps and one rear strap. Further, the rear strap and/or shoulder strap may be fixedly or removably attached to the front surface of the body via at least one fastener. Each strap may further have at least one fastener that allows the straps to adjust such that they become longer or shorter in length.
The device is further comprised of at least one cup that is preferably generally round and has a convex top surface that resembles the shape of a natural breast. In differing embodiments, the bottom surface of the cup may be flat or concave/convex. In a further embodiment, the bottom surface is comprised of a skin-safe adhesive with a peelable cover, such that the bottom surface can be secured to the breast of the user. The cup may be manufactured from a foam material that may be rigid or pliable. In a pliable embodiment, the bottom surface can contour to the unique shape of the breast area of the user. In a further embodiment, the bottom surface may be pliable and the top surface may be rigid. The cup may be any color and may be any size to replicate any breast size and/or shape.
To use the device, a user first adheres at least one cup to at least one breast or breast area. Then, the body of the device can be worn around the torso of the user and over the cup, such that the rear surface of the body slightly compresses the cup against the breast of the user and secures the cup to the torso of the user such that it will not shift in position during use. In one embodiment, the body of the device is unstructured (i.e., non-rigid). However, in another embodiment, the body may have at least one rigid or semi-rigid, padded, convex area that protrudes outward from the front surface which receives the cup via an opening in the rear surface of the body. In this manner, the cup is further secured to the torso of the user and will not shift in position while being worn.
Accordingly, the mastectomy bra device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved bra. The device further properly fits a user who has had a single or double mastectomy and gives said user the appearance of a natural breast shape. In this manner, the mastectomy bra device overcomes the limitations of existing bras known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved bra. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a mastectomy bra device that properly fits a user who has had a single or double mastectomy. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a mastectomy bra device that gives the appearance of a natural breast shape when worn by a user who has had a single or double mastectomy.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a mastectomy bra device. The device is primarily comprised of at least one cup and a body further comprised of a front surface, a rear surface and at least one rear strap. In a differing embodiment, the body is further comprised of at least one shoulder strap. The body may be manufactured from any fabric material known in the art that may further be moisture-wicking, scented, lotion-infused, etc. The body can also be any color known in the art and may be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque. In addition, the body may have a plurality of indica such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, numbers, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc. The body is also preferably shaped like any shape or style of bra or other similar breast supporting garment of the like.
The body also has at least one rear strap that is worn around the back of a user. In this manner, the device has no shoulder straps and thus has the appearance of a strapless bra. However, in a differing embodiment the device is comprised of at least one rear strap and at least one shoulder strap, such that the device can be worn like a traditional bra with preferably two shoulder straps and one rear strap. Further, the rear strap and/or shoulder strap may be fixedly or removably attached to the front surface of the body via at least one fastener. Each strap may further have at least one fastener that allows the straps to adjust, such that they become longer or shorter in length.
The device also has at least one cup. The cup is preferably generally round and has a convex top surface that resembles the shape of a natural breast. In differing embodiments, the bottom surface of the cup may be flat or concave/convex. In a further embodiment, the bottom surface is comprised of a skin-safe adhesive with a peelable cover such that the bottom surface can be secured to the breast of the user. The cup may be manufactured from a foam material that may be rigid or pliable. In a pliable embodiment, the bottom surface can contour to the unique shape of the breast area of the user. In a further embodiment, the bottom surface may be pliable and the top surface may be rigid. In addition, the cup may be any color and may be any size to replicate any breast size and/or shape.
To use the device, a user first adheres at least one cup to at least one of breast or breast area. Then, the body of the device can be worn around the torso of the user and over the cup, such that the rear surface of the body slightly compresses the cup against the breast of the user and secures the cup to the torso of the user, such that it will not shift in position during use. In one embodiment, the body of the device is unstructured (i.e., non-rigid). However, in another embodiment, the body may have at least one rigid or semi-rigid, padded convex area that protrudes outward from the front surface, which receives the cup via an opening in the rear surface of the body. In this manner, the cup is further secured to the torso of the user and will not shift in position while being worn.
Accordingly, the mastectomy bra device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved bra. The device further properly fits a user who has had a single or double mastectomy and gives said user the appearance of a natural breast shape. In this manner, the mastectomy bra device overcomes the limitations of existing bras known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings,
To use the device 100, a user 10 first adheres at least one cup 170 to at least one of breast 12 and/or the breast area. Then, the body 110 can be worn around the torso 11 of the user 10, such that the rear surface 130 of the body 110 slightly compresses the cup 170 against the breast 12 of the user 10. In this manner, the cup 170 is further secured to the torso 11 of the user 10 and will not shift in position during use. In one embodiment, the body 110 is unstructured (i.e., non-rigid). However, in another embodiment, the body 110 may have at least one rigid or semi-rigid, padded, convex area 121 that protrudes outward from the front surface 120 and receives the cup 170 via an opening 1210 in the rear surface 130 of the body 110. In this manner, the cup 170 is further secured to the torso 11 of the user 10 and will not shift in position while being worn. The opening 1210 and/or the cup 170 may further be comprised of at least one fastener 160 that can be used to further secure the cup 170 within the convex area 121 such as, but not limited to, a strap, a hook and loop fastener, a snap-button, an adhesive, magnet, etc.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “mastectomy bra device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the mastectomy bra device 100 of the present invention.
In different embodiments, the device 100 can be adapted for use with a user 10 who has had a single or double mastectomy. In this regard, the device 100 may have only one cup 170 for a user 10 who has only had a single mastectomy. In this embodiment, the other convex area 121 provides normal bra-like support to the other natural breast 12 of the user 10. The convex area 121 may also be comprised of at least one underwire support 1212.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the mastectomy bra device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the mastectomy bra device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the mastectomy bra device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the mastectomy bra device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the mastectomy bra device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/240,101, which was filed on Sep. 2, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63240101 | Sep 2021 | US |
