Patent Application
20220338561
The present invention relates generally to a clothing article or undergarment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a brassiere that is designed as a universal brassiere that can be worn pre-breast surgery and post-breast surgery. The brassiere is further designed as a universal bra for any woman going through breast cancer treatments. The brassiere features removable mastectomy inserts that can be removed for wearing the brassiere as a pre-surgical undergarment. Additionally, the brassiere can be worn as a traditional brassiere post-surgery with mastectomy cups removably-attached. The brassiere includes laced insets at the shoulder straps and includes a ‘royal’ emblem, or other identifier, on the straps. The mastectomy cups and bra pockets of the brassiere can include positive messages printed on them to inspire and motivate the wearer and help in the healing process. 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.
By way of background, the traditional brassiere is made with the assumption that the person wearing the brassiere has breasts. However, there are millions of people who have undergone a mastectomy operation in which all or part of one or both breasts is removed. A mastectomy is a surgical procedure for removal of a portion of or the entire breast, usually to remove cancerous tissue. The operation takes from two to three hours and three to five weeks are needed for full recovery for a patient. Restoring the pre-surgery appearance is essential for such people for their emotional and physical well-being. However, most breast cancer survivors are unable to afford reconstructive surgery including a breast implant(s).
Heretofore known available medical bras that are donned by the patients after breast cancer surgery, and mastectomy procedures/treatments, are generally of incorrect size, undesired style, uninspiring and boring. These medical bras do not look like normal, standard, or pre-surgery bras and can irritate the chest wall of the wearer. Further, the bras cannot be customized to motivate a wearer to wear the bra.
Standard or typical bras are inefficient in providing the necessary physical and emotional support to the wearer. Further, standard bras are not prescribed to be worn by patients post-operative or post-treatment. Such bras are not configured to provide extra support and comfort to the delicate areas following surgery or radiation therapy. A comfortable bra is required by people that can act as a post-surgery bra providing the same appearance as the pre-surgery bra.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved mastectomy bra that can be customized. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved mastectomy bra that can be inspiring and motivating for a wearer. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved mastectomy bra that can be used by any patient after breast surgery procedures and treatments. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved mastectomy bra that is comfortable to wear and can allow prosthetic(s) to be used along with the bra. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved mastectomy bra that can be used by wearers who have not undergone a breast surgery. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved mastectomy bra that offers a comfortable and universal bra for any woman going through breast cancer treatments.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a mastectomy brassiere garment. The brassiere garment is designed to include removable mastectomy inserts with printed positive messages to inspire and motivate the wearer of the garment. The garment features a pair of removable mastectomy inserts, a back panel having a clasp for securing the garment to the back of the wearer, wherein the back panel extends from the mastectomy cups, a pair of shoulder straps, the shoulder straps extend from the cups to the back panel, each shoulder strap includes a decorative emblem and polyester strips with lace insets, each mastectomy cup includes a bra pocket with magnetic fasteners for easy assembly and removal of the bra, and the inner surface of the cups can include inspirational and motivational messages for inspiring and motivating the wearer of the garment.
In this manner, the post-breast surgery brassiere garment of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with an improved bra for breast cancer patients, cancer surgery patients and mastectomy patients that features mastectomy cups with positive messages printed on them to motivate, inspire, and improve the attitude of the wearer of the garment, which helps aid in the healing process. The look of the garment can be customized and the cups can be removed, such that the garment can be worn by women not undergoing breast surgery, mastectomy and/or treatment.
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 post-surgical brassiere garment. The post-surgical brassiere garment is designed to include mastectomy cups with printed positive messages to inspire and motivate the wearer of the garment. The garment further comprises a pair of outer cups, a pair of removable mastectomy inserts, a back panel having a clasp for securing the garment to the back of the wearer, wherein the back panel extends from the outer cups, a pair of shoulder straps, the shoulder straps extend from the outer cups to the back panel, and wherein each shoulder strap can include a decorative emblem and polyester strips with lace insets. Each mastectomy cup is secured inside a bra pocket wherein each outer cup includes a bra pocket. The bra pocket can include magnetic fasteners for easy assembly and removal, and the inner surface of the mastectomy cups and the bra pockets includes inspirational and motivational messages for inspiring and motivating the wearer of the garment.
In yet another embodiment, the inspirational and motivational messages are removably-secured to the cups.
In yet another embodiment, the inspirational and motivational messages are secured to the bra pockets and the bra pockets are configured to receive and store prosthetics and mastectomy cups.
In yet another embodiment, the decorative emblems on each of the shoulder straps can be the same or can be different.
In yet another embodiment, the decorative emblem(s) may be in a variety of colors and fonts.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a mastectomy brassiere to be worn after breast cancer surgery or treatments is disclosed. The brassiere comprises: a pair of breast cups and a pair of shoulder straps; each breast cup includes an outer seam, an inner seam and a lower edge; a back panel extending from the outer seam of each cup for securing the brassiere garment; a pocket disposed on an inner surface of each breast cup; the pocket comprising a textile cover with magnetic strips for easy assembly and removal of the pocket from the brassiere, wherein the textile cover receives a prosthetic cup; and, the magnetic strips are attached to the respective lower edges of the breast cups. The inner surfaces of the prosthetic cups and pockets include an inspirational and motivational message.
In yet another embodiment, the inspirational and motivational messages can include the following (or similar) message: “You are Loved”.
In yet another embodiment, the breast cups are removable cups and can be removed to enable all women to wear the bra.
In yet another embodiment, the breast cups can be made from a combination of polyester and a spandex cotton blend for comfort and compression.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a brassiere intended to be universally worn as both a pre-breast surgery and post-breast surgery garment is disclosed. The brassiere includes a pair of removable mastectomy inserts with positive messages printed on the brassiere, such that the written messages are visible to the wearer when the brassiere is worn or removed. The brassiere can be worn as a pre-surgery garment by removing the removable cups and can be worn as a post-surgery garment by using the removable mastectomy inserts. The bra also includes a bra pocket that can be used for receiving a prosthetic or an additional cup for supporting the breast(s) of a wearer.
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 include 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 mastectomy bra that can be customized. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved mastectomy bra that can be inspiring and motivating for a wearer. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved mastectomy bra that can be used by any patient after breast surgery procedures and treatments. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved mastectomy bra that is comfortable to wear and can allow prosthetic(s) to be used along with the bra. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved mastectomy bra that can be used by wearers who have not undergone a breast procedure and/or mastectomy. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved mastectomy bra that offers a comfortable and universal bra for any woman going through breast cancer treatments.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, includes a novel mastectomy brassiere designed to be worn after breast cancer surgery or breast cancer treatments. The brassiere comprises a pair of breast cups and a pair of shoulder straps; each breast cup includes an outer seam, an inner seam and a lower underwire edge; a back panel extending from the outer seam of each cup for securing the brassiere garment; a pocket disposed on an inner surface of each breast cup; the pocket comprising a textile cover with magnetic strips for easy assembly and removal of the pocket from the brassiere; and wherein the textile cover receives a mastectomy cup and the magnetic strips can be attached to the respective lower edges of the breast cups. The inner surfaces of the mastectomy cups can include an inspirational and motivational message.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The right outer cup 102 and the left outer cup 104 can be connected to each other through the bridge 106. The bridge 106 can be positioned between the cups 102,104 and preferably includes a lower height, or lower profile, than the cups 102,104. The right cup 102 includes a front panel 108, an inner surface 110, an outer seam 1020, an inner seam 1022 and an underwire edge 112. A right flap 120 is attached to the outer seam 1020 of the right cup 102 and is attached to the rear band (shown in FIG.2) for securing the brassiere 100. Similarly, the left cup 104 includes a front panel 114, an inner surface 116, an outer seam 1040, an inner seam 1042 and an underwire edge 118. When the garment 100 is worn by a wearer, the front panels or outer surfaces 108,114 are visually exposed, and the rear panels or inner surfaces 110,116 are positioned towards the breasts of the wearer to support the breasts.
For securing the brassiere 100 over the shoulders of a wearer, the brassiere includes a right shoulder strap 124 that extends from the right cup 102 to the back panel. The right shoulder strap 124 supports the proper positioning of the bra 100 on the wearer. The right shoulder strap 124 includes a plurality of lined strips 128 having lace insets and includes a right ‘ROYAL’, or other predetermined emblem 126 positioned above the lined strips 128. Similarly, the brassiere includes a left shoulder strap 130 that extends from the left cup 104 to the back panel. The left shoulder strap 130 also supports proper positioning of the bra 100 on the wearer. The left shoulder strap 130 includes a plurality of lined strips 134 having lace insets and includes a left ‘ROYAL’, or other predetermined emblem 132 positioned above the lined strips 134. The right ‘ROYAL’ emblem 126 and the left ‘ROYAL’ emblem 132 can be the same in size, design and color, and alternatively can be different in size, design and color. The ‘ROYAL’ emblems 126,132 are detachable or can be integrated in other embodiments and are provided to motivate and increase the self-esteem of the wearer. The bra cups 102,104 can be chosen on the basis of the wearer's breast size, thus giving the maximum support and containment of the zones of the breasts subjected to the surgical intervention.
One purpose of the shoulder straps 124,130 is to provide additional support for the cups 102,104. Also, the invention is not limited as to any of the conventional types of shoulder straps 124,130. In one potential embodiment, the shoulder strap 124,130 can be padded to provide comfort to the wearer of the brassiere 100.
The messages 206,216 can be the same or can be different and can be permanent or removable. Further, the messages 206,216 can also customize the look of the brassiere garment 100 and can be customized as per the preferences of the wearer. The back panel 202 includes a clasp 204 for securing the brassiere 100 around the back of the wearer.
The pockets 210,212 can be used for receiving prosthetics and mastectomy cups that can be useful for wearers having breast surgeries and mastectomy surgeries. The pockets 210,212 can be used for receiving additional cups for providing shape to the wearer's breast and body.
It should be appreciated that the presence of a decorative emblem and lace insets of the other embodiments are present in the brassiere 500 and are not shown and described for brevity purposes. The brassiere of various embodiments of the present invention can be worn while resting, relaxing or sleeping. Further, the brassiere is concealable under night clothes or leisure clothes as it blends or integrates with the body in an unbroken look. The brassiere material can be one or more of an elastic or stretch fabric that can be a mono-elastic or bi-elastic material. In one embodiment, the emblem can be comprised of a metal or plastic having a relatively soft backing. However, the same should not be construed as a limitation, and the emblem can be comprised of any material that suits user need and/or preference.
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 brassiere garment”, “post-surgery brassiere”, “universal brassiere”, “leash”, and “brassiere” are interchangeable and refer to the mastectomy brassiere garment 100,500 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the mastectomy brassiere garment 100,500 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the mastectomy brassiere garment 100,500 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the mastectomy brassiere garment 100,500 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the mastectomy brassiere garment 100,500 are important design parameters for user convenience, the mastectomy brassiere garment 100,500 may be of any size 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. 63/178,218, which was filed on Apr. 22, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63178218 | Apr 2021 | US |
