Mastectomy Brassiere

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved brassiere for wearers pre-surgical and post- surgical mastectomy. The brassiere is designed as a universal bra for any woman going through breast cancer treatments. More specifically, the brassiere features removable mastectomy inserts that can be removed for wearing the brassiere as a pre-surgery or traditional brassiere, and can be worn post-surgery with the mastectomy cups removably-attached. The brassiere includes laced insets at shoulder straps and includes ‘royal’ emblem(s) sewn or detachably-attached on the straps. The brassiere includes bra pockets with magnetic strips that can attach to the brassiere underwire without contacting the skin of the wearer. The mastectomy inserts of the brassiere include positive messages printed on them to inspire and motivate the wearer and help in the healing process.

Claims

1. A mastectomy brassiere for a breast surgery patient, the mastectomy brassiere comprising: a brassiere having a pair of outer cups; wherein each said pair of outer cups is sized and configured for securing a breast or a removable prosthetic therein; wherein said removable prosthetic includes a message imprinted thereon; wherein at least one of said pair of outer cups at least partially encapsulates a wearer's breast; wherein at least one of said pair of outer cups comprises a first magnetic bra pocket to receive a first removable prosthetic; wherein said brassiere further comprises a bridge positioned between said pair of outer cups; and further wherein said pair of outer cups include a first height and said bridge includes a second height, and said first height is greater than said second height.

2. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 1, wherein at least another of said pair of outer cups includes a second magnetic bra pocket to receive a second removable prosthetic.

3. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 2, wherein said first removable prosthetic and said second removable prosthetic are of the same size.

4. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 2, wherein said first removable prosthetic and said second removable prosthetic are of different sizes.

5. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 2, wherein said pair of outer cups comprise a right cup having a right front panel, a right inner surface, a right outer seam, a right inner seam and a right underwire edge.

6. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 5, wherein said pair of outer cups comprise a left cup having a left front panel, a left inner surface, a left outer seam, a left inner seam and a left underwire edge.

7. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 4, wherein said first magnetic bra pocket comprises a textile cover having a magnetic strip for attachment to said right underwire edge.

8. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 7, wherein said second magnetic bra pocket comprises a textile cover having a magnetic strip for attachment to said left underwire edge.

9. A mastectomy brassiere for a breast surgery patient, the mastectomy brassiere comprising: a brassiere including a pair of outer cups; wherein each of said pair of outer cups is sized and configured to secure a breast or a removable prosthetic therein; wherein said removable prosthetic includes a message imprinted thereon; wherein at least one of said pair of outer cups at least partially encapsulates a wearer's breast; wherein at least one of said pair of outer cups comprises a first magnetic bra pocket to receive a first removable prosthetic; wherein at least another of said pair of outer cups comprises a second magnetic bra pocket to receive a second removable prosthetic; and a bridge positioned between and connected to said pair of outer cups.

10. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 9, wherein said outer cups include a first height and said bridge includes a second height, and further wherein said first height is greater than said second height.

11. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 9, wherein said first removable prosthetic and said second removable prosthetic are of the same size.

12. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 9, wherein said first removable prosthetic and said second removable prosthetic are of different sizes.

13. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 9, wherein said pair of outer cups comprise a right cup having a right front panel, a right inner surface, a right outer seam, a right inner seam and a right underwire edge.

14. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 9, wherein said pair of outer cups comprise a left cup having a left front panel, a left inner surface, a left outer seam, a left inner seam and a left underwire edge.

15. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 13, wherein said first magnetic bra pocket comprises a textile cover having a magnetic strip for attachment to said right underwire edge.

16. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 15, wherein said second magnetic bra pocket comprises a textile cover having a magnetic strip for attachment to said left underwire edge.

17. A mastectomy brassiere comprising: a first outer cup comprising a first magnetic bra pocket to receive a first removable prosthetic, wherein said first outer cup further comprises a right cup having a right front panel, a right inner surface, a right outer seam, a right inner seam and a right underwire edge; a second outer cup comprising a second magnetic bra pocket to receive a second removable prosthetic, wherein said second outer cup further comprises a left cup having a left front panel, a left inner surface, a left outer seam, a left inner seam and a left underwire edge; a first textile cover having a magnetic strip for attachment to said right underwire edge; and a second textile cover having a magnetic strip for attachment to said left underwire edge.

18. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 17, wherein at least one of said first outer cup and said second outer cup at least partially encapsulates a wearer's breast.

19. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 17, wherein said first removable prosthetic and said second removable prosthetic are of the same size.

20. The mastectomy brassiere of claim 18, wherein said first removable prosthetic and said second removable prosthetic are of different sizes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a mastectomy brassiere garment of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the mastectomy brassiere of FIG. 1 showing the bra pockets in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing magnetic strips of the bra pocket attached to the underwire edge of the right outer cup of the brassiere of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the right outer cup with the bra pocket cover and a removable mastectomy insert for supporting the breast(s) and for an improved appearance of a post-surgical mastectomy patient in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a mastectomy brassiere garment of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a mastectomy brassiere garment 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, however, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The mastectomy brassiere 100 is designed as a modified brassiere for breast cancer patients and mastectomy patients that includes mastectomy cups with positive messages imprinted on the surface. The messages are used to motivate the wearer and to improve a user's attitude and to help aid in the healing process. More specifically, the garment 100 includes two distinct outer cups 102,104 for supporting or receiving the breasts of a wearer. The outer cups 102,104 can support and secure the breasts in place. The two individual outer cups 102,104 can individually encapsulate, or partially encapsulate, the wearer's breasts. The bra cups 102,104 can include magnetic bra pockets to receive removable mastectomy inserts. In one embodiment, each outer cup 102,104 includes a magnetic pocket in which a removable mastectomy insert can be inserted for simulating a real breast and for providing a more natural look to the wearer. The details of the pockets and removable mastectomy inserts are described in FIG. 2.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the mastectomy brassiere 100 of FIG. 1 showing the bra pockets 210,212 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown in FIG. 2, the shoulder straps 124,130 are secured to the back panel 202 for providing support to the brassiere 100. The rear surface 110 of the right outer cup 102 includes a first magnetic bra pocket 210 that forms a textile cover and includes magnetic strips that attach to the underwire 112 of the right outer cup 102 without contacting the skin of the wearer. The first magnetic bra pocket 210 forms a cover 208 of a material such as a fabric wherein the cover 208 includes a positive message 206 for motivating and improving the attitude of the wearer. The first magnetic bra pocket 210 is configured to receive a removable mastectomy insert for providing shape and pre-surgery appearance to the wearer. Similarly, the rear surface 116 of the left outer cup 104 includes a second magnetic bra pocket 212 that forms a textile cover and includes magnetic strips that attach to the underwire 118 of the left outer cup 104 without contacting the skin of the wearer. The second magnetic bra pocket 212 forms a cover 214 of a material such as a fabric wherein the cover 214 includes a positive message 216 for motivating and improving the attitude of the wearer. The second magnetic bra pocket 212 is configured to receive a removable mastectomy insert for providing shape and pre-surgery appearance to the wearer.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing the magnetic strips of the bra pocket 210 attached to the underwire edge 112 of the right outer cup 102 of the brassiere 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As stated earlier, the bra pockets of the brassiere include magnetic strips that can attach to the underwire of the outer cups 102,104 without contacting the skin of the wearer. As shown in the present embodiment, for the right outer cup 102, the bra pocket 210 includes a cover 208 formed by the stitching of the pocket 210 along the outer seam 1020 and inner seam 1022 and the magnetic strips 306 attached to the underwire edge 112 of the cup 102. Through the opening 304 of the first magnetic bra pocket 210, the removable mastectomy insert or prosthetic 302 is inserted into the pocket 210 for supporting the user. The mastectomy insert or prosthetic 302 also includes the positive message 206 for inspiring the wearer. The mastectomy insert or prosthetic 302 can be removed for wearing the brassiere of the present invention by a user who has not gone under breast (i.e. right breast) surgery and treatment.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the right outer cup 102 with the bra pocket cover 208 and a removable mastectomy insert or prosthetic 302 for supporting the breast of a mastectomy user in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The exterior surface 108 and the interior surface 110 of the outer cup 102 can be of polyester and a spandex cotton blend. The bra pocket 210, having the cover 208, is attached to the underwire edge 112 using the magnetic strips as shown in FIG. 3. The removable mastectomy insert or prosthetic 302 can be positioned between the pocket 210 and the interior surface 110.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a mastectomy brassiere garment of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the magnetic pockets are formed between the outer cups and the inner mastectomy cups. As shown, the brassiere 500 includes a first outer cup 502 and a second outer cup 504. A first mastectomy cup 506 is removably-attached to the first outer cup 502 and a second mastectomy cup 508 is removably-attached to the second outer cup 504. The first outer cup 502 and the first mastectomy cup 506 form a first bra pocket 510 that includes magnetic strips attached to the underwire edge 516. The second outer cup 504 and the second mastectomy cup 508 form a second bra pocket 512 that includes magnetic strips attached to the underwire edge 518. The pockets 510,512 can be used for storing additional cups or prosthetics for supporting same for the wearer. The mastectomy cup 506 can include the inspirational message 514 removably-attached to the cup 506.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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

[0044] 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.