GB2503703A - Breast management devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A breast management device 10 comprises a support 12 including a one piece flexible support frame a, which in an initial condition is substantially planar and has a width greater than its thickness, comprising a body part d and a leg part c extending from each end of the body part, the support frame being arranged so that in a fitted condition it deforms to fit around the chest wall of a user with the body part extending under the breasts of the user and each leg part extending upwardly around the outside of a respective one of the breasts of the user. The device preferably includes a pair of breast support members f extending between an upper end region of one of the leg parts and a central region of the body part. The device may include a resiliently deformable strap arrangement 14 that may include a pair of back bands b, each defining a cut out e. Also disclosed is an item of clothing including the device of the invention and method of managing breasts using the device.

Description

TITLE: BREAST MANAGEMENT DEVICE The present invention relates to bras and breast management devices. 5.

BACKGROUND:

Many women are facing a physiological condition defining their proportion and shape by an ever expanding bust line. Put simply, there is a general increase in the size of breasts among the female population. The associated problems of breast management play an increasing role especially in the criterion of comfort, control, and support. This aspect also loans itself to expectant, nursing and breast feeding mothers whose increase in size is due to hormones in their maternal phase.

Conventionally, breast management devices such as bras have included cups and underwires. Underwires are thin curved wires usually made of spring steel, which provide a degree of discrete, unobtrusive resilient stiffness and support. Usually, one underwire is used to support and stiffen each cup under a respective breast. However, controlling an ever increasing mass on the move means conventional bras are not adequately designed to deal with the phenomenon of generally increasing breast size. Also, the level of discomfort that underwires produce is commonplace. Bra manufacturers in common find this hard to address because (a) no real alternative to the conventional under wired bra exists and (b) lingerie markets are dictated by fashion and image.

Due to this observable fact; a conventional bra will take more of the strain in the straps as a greater mass is suspended over the chest, pulling a directional force over the shoulders. This isn't normally a problem for a smaller breasted woman, but for a well-endowed women the straps can exert significant pressure and leave furrows in the shoulders. This is particularly more so when thin or spaghetti straps are incorporated into the more fashionable and contemporary styled bras, while padded straps may provide a temporary fix but only serve to mask the problem. These straps lie over the brachial plexus and trapezius muscle trapping nerves that underlie these muscles, and as these nerves run down the arm they can result in numbness in the little fingers. Other complaints of neck, shoulder, back and headaches can be attributed to musculoskeletal fatigue and occur as a result of the shoulder straps digging in to the muscle.

When worn, a bra generates compressive forces that serve to clamp the bra around the body. The cups are made in designated sizes, which are a measurement of bust protrusion from the chest wall and not an indication of total breast volume. This factor is an inherent fault, as the cups exert constant pressure and compress the breast back onto the chest wall. The boundary where this occurs is called the infra-mammary fold.

It's not unusual for women who wear the larger cup sizes to have breast compaction where skin on skin contact in the infra-mammary fold can mean that in heat and humidity, problems with perspiration may lead to skin rashes, fungal and abscesses becoming an issue, but with such a mass constrained by the cups and under constant movement and pressure brings in to question others factors about the health of the breasts.

Since by nature breasts are not static but dynamic, some freedom of movement is necessary. Unfortunately, conventional bras impose too much cup compression which serve more as a restrictive device and so breast management is compromised. It is the infra-mammary region that is neglected by the cups in conventional bras.

In small busted women that do not have sufficient breast mass to allow the breast to compress and fold over onto the chest wall and cause skin on skin contact; it would be more appropriate in this instance to call this region an infra-mammary crease.

As underwires have to contend with a mass that gains momentum, physically the underwire becomes challenged with each incremental cup size increase. Controlling breast mass produces stresses on the underwire which are found to be mainly tensile and torsional. If the underwire is subject to significant loading over a period of time then the resistance to it being twisted and stretched will mean the underwire distorting or worse breaking.

Much of the discomfort of breast pain experienced here is associated with the underwire trying to control a gyrating mass, as revealed the cup of the bra can only manage a partial load, and this load physically overwhelms the bio-mechanics of the bras construction, with the added discomfort of the underwires intruding onto soft tissue. It can be appreciated why lingerie and foundation makers are keen to overcome this obstacle.

Further problems of underwires are that they can pop out of the channelling, dig in to the surrounding tissue, also; as they lie over the ribs they are a cause of wearer's fatigue. Moreover, due to the women's physiological make up, conventional bras cannot anticipate changes in breast volume during pregnancy, fluctuations in breast size even during the course of the month can mean a half to one cup size increase, and since most women continue to wear the same size bra during the month extra restriction will be placed on the breasts. Conventional bras offer no ability to counter or compensate for this and serve only to compound the problem.

Strapless bras provide the wearer with apparel for more revealing attire. However, not having the support from the shoulder straps, the underwires are configured to encircle more of the breasts, relying more on the sprung action and adding more to the nature of discomfort.

Dispensing with the traditional arrangements has been very elusive for manufacturers because the underwire which is really a very simple mechanism, affords qualities of durability; is light weight and cost effective while providing the effect of up lift and control.

Maternity/nursing bras are traditionally soft by nature, and as such primarily intended for comfort. The problems of maternity bras are that the nursing mother has to manipulate the breast out of and back into the cups.

This is not only inconvenient but can be undignified.

Maternity/nursing bras are generally are of a soft construction, and as such primarily intended for comfort when breastfeeding. However, after nursing; most women discontinue wearing them because they inherently lack the features and looks of an underwired bra.

Prior art reveals configurations exploiting slings or breast bands in various manifestations to manipulate the breasts.

A recent development relating to wire free bras is given in the document, EP2309883, Improvements in or relating to clothing', which discloses a bra or bikini top where a sling or strap encircles the lower portion of the breast, this being an elasticized section which is attached to the top of the inner part of cups and at the centre of the bra. The objective is to provide a bra with cleavage with subsequent up lift.

The principle bio mechanical method of operation in the above is illustrated by suspending the breasts on an elastomeric sling using the nature of the fabric to resolve lift via the shoulder straps. This feature will work efficiently for small breasted woman only, as the fabric has to be pulled taut in operation it acts as restraining device by applying a tensional pull across the breasts, whilst the fabric applies a compressive force acting on and around the under cup region of the breast. However, when displacing a greater breast mass, absorbing energy from breast movement means that proportionately the slings have to generate more pull and transfer the lines of tension into the shoulder straps.

This means of triangulation of forces is employed to create cleavage only but does not inherently redirect the forces involved for mass transference.

Support would be an issue for larger breasted woman because of how the lines of force are generated and dissipated through the fabric and being an elastic medium direct transmission of tensional pull into the back bands becomes difficult to achieve. Cosmetically the bra can be defined as a form of breast enhancement because it produces uplift with cleavage; however, supporting a greater breast mass means more pull on the shoulder straps.

Another document relating to a similar effect is the Wire Free Brassiere, US Pat No: 210/0267313. Again the focus is on slings that are configured encircling part of the breasts to provide a deeply plunging cleavage. Breast enhancement in this way of a wire free bra is directed at aesthetic means, and not a structure for weight redistribution.

Examining the role of conventional bras and that of most of the prior art reveals anything that is hard or semi-rigid that is under some form of tension or compression and lies next to soft body tissue in and around the breast region will sooner or later encumber the wearer with discomfort and pain.

Experimentation has verified that comfort can only be equated on the grounds that the bra is constructed and fashioned in such a way that dispenses with such known methods.

Prior art in the field of soft bras is well known, and attempts to control breast mass by means of transference of weight has inherent difficulties due to limiting factors of how a soft fabric can apply tensional pull in one plane and redirect the lines of force to distribute the weight at an oblique angle to itself onto another plane without relying on a rigid mechanical aid have been difficult to achieve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a breast management device, defined aslo the device including a support, the support including a one piece flexible support frame, which in an initial condition is substantially planar, having a width greater than its thickness, the support frame comprising a body part and a pair of leg parts, one leg part extending from each end of the body part, the support frame being arranged so that in a fitted condition, the support frame deforms to fit around the chest wall of a user, the body part extending under the breasts of a user and each leg part extending upwardly around the outside of a respective one of the user's breasts.

Possibly, in the fitted condition, the support frame is located at least partially in or under an infra mammary region defined between each breast and the chest wall of the user.

Possibly, the support includes a pair of breast support members.

Each breast support member may extend between an upper end region of one of the leg parts and a central region of the body part, and may, in the fitted condition, support a respective one of the user's breasts.

Possibly, in the fitted condition, each breast support member is located at least partially in or under an infra mammary region defined between each breast and the chest wall of the user.

Possibly, in the fitted condition, each breast support member is arranged to provide an uplift force to support the respective breast without substantially compressing the breast against the chest wall.

Possibly, the support includes a resiliently deformable strap arrangement, which may extend between respective ends of the support frame, and in the fitted condition may extend around the user's back, and may extend laterally beneath the user's arms. Possibly, in the fitted condition, the strap arrangement applies a tensile force to the respective ends of the support frame.

The support may include a plurality of strap fixtures for connecting the strap arrangement to the support frame, and may include a pair of discrete, spaced apart strap fixtures located at each end of the support frame.

Each of the strap fixtures may transmit a part of the tensile force to the support frame. Possibly, each pair of strap fixtures includes a leg strap fixture, located in an end region of one of the leg parts. Possibly, each pair of strap fixtures includes a body strap fixture, located in a lower region of one of the leg parts and/or in one end region of the body part.

Possibly, the strap arrangement includes a pair of back bands, each of which defines a cut out, so that on each side of the support frame, one part of the respective back band is affixed by the leg strap fixture and another part of the respective back band is affixed by the body strap fixture.

Possibly, the support includes a plurality of breast support member fixtures which connect the breast support members to the support frame.

Possibly, each breast support member is connected to the support frame by a pair of discrete spaced breast support member fixtures. Possibly, the breast support member fixtures are located substantially at or towards the ends of the breast support members. Possibly, one breast support member fixture is located at the in use upper end of each breast support member to connect the upper end of the breast support member to the end region of the leg part.

Possibly, one breast support member fixture is located at the in use lower end of each breast support member to connect the lower end of the breast support member to the central region of the body part.

Possibly, in the fitted condition, a part of the tensile force exerted by the strap arrangement is transmitted by the leg strap fixtures and the upper breast support member fixtures to the breast support members to provide the uplift force.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an item of clothing such as a bra, corset, camisole, swimsuit, bikini or the like, the item including a breast management device, the device including a support, the support including a one piece flexible support frame, which in an initial condition is substantially planar, having a width greater than its thickness, the support frame comprising a body part and a pair of leg parts, one leg part extending from each end of the body part, the support frame being arranged so that in a fitted condition, the support frame deforms to fit around the chest wall of a user, the body part extending under the breasts of a user and each leg part extending upwardly around the outside of a respective one of the user's breasts.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of managing breasts, the method including providing a breast management device, the device including a support, the support including a one piece flexible support frame, which in an initial condition is substantially planar, having a width greater than its thickness, the support frame comprising a body part and a pair of leg parts, one leg part extending from each end of the body part, the support frame being arranged so that in a fitted condition, the support frame deforms to fit around the chest wall of a user, the body part extending under the breasts of a user and each leg part extending upwardly around the outside of a respective one of the user's breasts.

Possibly, the breast management device herein also defined as a bra includes any of the features described in any of the preceding statements.

Possibly, the method includes any of the steps described in any of the

preceding statements.

DESCRIPTION:

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a breast management device; Fig. la is a schematic front view of a support frame of the breast management device; Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of a bra in use; Figs. 3i -3W are further schematic side views of the bra in use; Fig 4 is a schematic front view of the bra in use; Fig 5 is another schematic front view of the bra in use; Fig 6 is a schematic view from above of part of the breast management device; Fig. 7 is a schematic front view of another part of the breast management device; and Fig. 8 is a schematic front view of another breast management device.

Figs. 1 to 7 show a breast management device 10, the device 10 including a support 12, the support 12 including a one piece flexible support frame (a). In an initial condition, the frame (a) is substantially planar, having a width greater than its thickness. The support frame (a) comprises a body part (d) and a pair of leg parts (c), one leg part (c) extending from each end of the body part (d). The support frame (a) is arranged so that in a fitted condition, the support frame (a) deforms to fit around the chest wall of a user, the body part (d) extending under the breasts of a user and each leg part (c) extending upwardly around the outside of a respective one of the user's breasts.

In use in the fitted condition, the support frame (a) lies substantially flat against the user's chest wall. The relatively wide, thin frame (a) spreads loads evenly so that in use the breast management device 10 does not dig in to the user's skin.

In possible embodiments of the present invention, the breast management device 10 could comprise an item of clothing such as a bra, corset, camisole, swimsuit, bikini or the like. In the example shown in Figs 1- 7, the breast management device 10 comprises a bra.

The support frame (a) is formed of a non-stretchable but flexible material.

The support 12 includes a pair of breast support members (f). Each breast support member (f) extends between an upper end region of one of the leg parts (c) and a central region of the body part (d), and in the fitted condition, supports a respective one of the user's breasts.

In the fitted condition, each breast support member (f) is located at least partially in or under an infra mammary region defined between each breast and the chest wall of the user.

In the fitted condition, each breast support member (f) is arranged to provide an uplift force indicated by arrow T in Fig 2 to support the respective breast without substantially compressing the breast against the chest wall.

The support 12 includes a resiliently deformable strap arrangement 14, which extends between respective ends of the support frame (a) and in the fitted condition extends around the user's back, laterally beneath the user's arms. In the fitted condition, the strap arrangement 14 applies a tensile force indicated in Fig 1 by arrows S to the respective ends of the support frame (a).

The support 12 includes a plurality of strap fixtures 16 for connecting the strap arrangement 14 to the support frame (a), and includes a pair of discrete, spaced apart strap fixtures 1 6A, 1 6B located at each end of the support frame (a).

Each of the strap fixtures 16A, 16B transmits a part of the tensile force S to the support frame (a). Each pair of strap fixtures 1 6A, 1 6B includes a leg strap fixture 16A, located in the end region of one of the leg parts (c), and a body strap fixture 16B, located in a lower region of one of the leg parts (c) and/or in one end region of the body part (d).

The strap arrangement 14 includes a pair of back bands (b), each of which defines a cut out (e), so that on each side of the support frame (a), one pad of the respective back band (b) is affixed by the leg strap fixture 16A and another part of the respective back band is affixed by the body strap fixture 1 6B.

The back bands (b) could be fastened behind the user's back by a suitable fastening means (not shown).

The support 12 includes a plurality of breast support member fixtures 18 which connect the breast support members (f) to the support frame (a).

Each breast support member (f) is connected to the support frame (a) by a pair of discrete spaced breast support member fixtures 18. The breast support member fixtures 18 are located substantially at or towards the ends of the breast support members (f). One breast support member fixture 18A is located at the in use upper end of each breast support member (f) to connect the upper end of the breast support member (f) to the end region of the leg part (c). One breast support member fixture 1 8B is located at the in use lower end of each breast support member (f) to connect the lower end of the breast support member (f) to the central region of the body part (d).

In the fitted condition, a part of the tensile force S exerted by the strap arrangement 14 is transmitted by the leg strap fixtures 16A and the upper breast support member fixtures iSA to the breast support members (f) to provide the uplift force T. The weight of the breasts rests on the breast support members (f) which provide the uplift force T that is applied in and around the infra mammary region allowing the breasts to be manipulated according to the total mass, and not its partial load as would be the case in a conventional bra. This action lifts and separates the breast from the chest wall interface, the infra-mammary breast support members (f) are anatomically structured to dynamically respond to the aspect of upper torso movement; this facet also endows the bra the ability to dampen breast movement irrespective to their attitude with regard to upper torso movement.

With reference to the drawings: Fig 1 determination of pulling or tensile forces can be found by trigonometric functions, resolving the forces can be calculated by finding the magnitude of the components of the vectors and is given in general as, C = Fcose Although in practice because a complex and multi dimensional vector analysis of the pulling forces is required, vector diagrams and turning moments would have to be based on relative variables such as the weight of the breasts, back band length and dispersion width spread across the leg parts (c) of the support frame (a). Because of the symmetry of the bra and for purpose of illustration, only one side of the support frame (a) is considered.

Essentially a single force S applied by the back band (b) is divided at (1). This entails a pulling force that is applied to the top part of the leg (c) and a pulling force applied to the centralised body part (d) of the support frame (a). The component forces at (2) and (3) can be resolved by the above formula. A proportional greater force at (2) will be applied to counteract the applied force on the infra support member (f) as the breast bears down. At the centre of the body part (d) a pulling force (4) is equalized (applied from the opposite side) with zero resultant force stabilizing the infra breast support member (f). The top part of the leg (c) experiences a partial turning moment at (2a). The infra breast support member (f) fixtures 18A permit a partial suspension of the breast at (3a). These applied forces are directed by the geometrically shaped cut outs (e) in the bands (b).

As each infra mammary support member (f) spans its respective fixtures 1 8A, 1 8B on the support frame (a), the forces exerted by the weight of the breasts are balanced by the uplift forces I provided by the breast support members (f). The back bands (b) simultaneously exert a lateral tensile pull from each end of the support frame (a) and since according to the 3rd Newtonian law of motion, every force has an equal but opposite reaction, the centre of the body part (d) will experience a state of equilibrium as stated, stability is assured at this point. As the breast mass exerts a down ward force on the infra breast support member (f), compressive forces are transmitted into the leg parts (c) and ultimately dissipated into the back bands (b) and the general fabric of the support frame (a). Because of the torsional stress that will be generated at the top of leg (c) the effect of cantilever action is experienced.

In FIG la, shows an aspect of an embodiment of the invention, the application of tensional forces is applied from the back bands onto the leg parts (c) and exerts a shear force at support frame radius hinges (i) permitting the leg parts (c) to anatomically curve around the torso. This feature prevents the body part (d) from buckling under load as it laterally spans the chest region. An elastomeric covering that encapsulates the support frame (a) ensures the leg parts (c) return to a closed position when not worn.

Figs 2 to 5 show a bra including a breast management device 10. The bra includes a pair of cups (g), each of which is supported by a respective one of the breast support members (f). In use, the weight of the breasts exerts a downward force on the breast support members (f) which are contained in the cups (g). This force is countered by the tension of applied forces from the back bands (b). Equilibrium is established at breast support member leg fixture 18A. As the breasts undergo being partially suspended, they experience the uplift force T due to restraining forces imposed by the support frame (a) and by cantilever action indicated by arrow J, the breast support member leg fixture 18A directing and transferring a tensional pull through an oblique angle via the back bands (b).

It should be noted that various embodiments of the invention can be envisioned manifesting different effects, for instance if the desired function of the bra is such that it needs to account for monthly fluctuations, and or freedom for the breast itself, then the bra can be constructed so that the infra breast support members have an breast support member leg fixture 18A whose fixing length can be adjusted to vary the degree of cup independence.

As in this case, a pulling force applied by the back bands will be focused at essentially four points on the support frame (a); these pulling forces will be directed laterally across the body part (d) and upper section of the leg parts (c). Determination of the bras response is then decided by the affixture length of the breast support members (f) and the cups (g).

FIG 3i illustrates a side view of how breast bounce mitigation is achieved. The breast cup (g) and breast support members (f) have an increased length of breast support member leg fixture 18A. The tensional pull from the back bands (b) will have more dispersed lines of force, across the support frame (a) so that the magnitude of these forces will be evenly spread out distributing the load. This effect can be increased by affixing both cup and infra support member completely to the support frame (a) so that no gap or vent exists between the two.

In Newton's 2nd law of motion the resultant kinetic energy expressed through rebounding breast bounce as the breast hits the chest wall requires an external force of similar magnitude to be applied to keep them in place, this effect is obviously more pronounced when exercising is intensified.

Since each breast support member leg fixture 18A has an increased interface length between (x) and (y) each recoil of breast bounce subsequently undergoes a release of kinetic energy and dissipating the energy by absorbing the shock via the infra breast support members (f) and into the support frame (a). Since breast bounce involves both velocity and acceleration of a mass, calculations are applicable to Newton's 2nd law.

Whereas: F=ma FIG 3D illustrates the tensile forces across the infra breast support members and back bands, the geometric cut out (e) is depicted under distortion when breast bounce is moderated upwards on a vertical axis.

FIG 3iii Illustrates the same tensile forces but on a downward vertical axis.

FIG 4 illustrates how on a front view the length of the infra breast support members (f) inside the cups (g) at the breast support member leg fixture iSA effectively increases the dissipation of compressive loading bearing down on the leg parts (c).

Increasing the length of the breast support member leg fixture 18A will produce a multiplicity of vector quantities of applied forces. The direction and magnitude of the forces can be ascertained by adding the resultants of the vector quantities. Distributing the breast mass across the support frame (a) in this fashion affords the qualities of shock absorption or dampening to curtail breast bounce In FIG 5 the lateral placement of the body part (d) which runs through the infra-mammary region of each breast forms a division between the chest wall and underside of the breast. To increase the flexural response, and increase the structural lightness, the support frame (a) could be made with a series of geometric holes or cut-outs (not shown). This feature would also assist in further perspiration control; a support frame (a) covered with an elastomeric fabric that has an affinity for wicking sweat away could also be employed.

In FIG 6, the support frame (a) has placement of the infra breast support members (f) inside the cups (g) and spaced breast support member fixtures 18 so that vents (k) are defined therebetween, which assist air flow.

In FIG 7, a perspective drawing illustrating the support frame (a), the breast support member leg fixture 18A and body fixture 18B, the infra breast support members (f) and the vent (k).

Reference is given to the manner of how this support achieves these objectives. The analogy of the bio mechanical action is reminiscent of the effect of a suspension bridge. A suspension bridge transfers the load of the roadway via the cables and into the towers whereby that force is vertically driven into the towers anchorages. However, in the case of the bra the compressive forces acting on the leg parts (c) are contained within itself and partly diffused into the support frame (a), in effect free floating, in this way it has the facets of a cable stayed bridge, many cable stayed bridges utilize a single tower which rests upon the bridge itself, dissipating the downward compressive force into the bridge. Moreover, if the loading on a suspension bridge became unequal i.e. one of the towers was to collapse it would be a catastrophic failure for the bridge.

The bra 10 will function equally well even if the loading on one of the infra mammary breast support members (f) is unequal, such will be the case as many woman have asymmetrical breasts, also in the case of prosthetics fitted for a woman who has under gone a mastectomy. The Bra distributes the main load of the breasts via the infra mammary members through the support frame (a), the shoulder straps take less weight, as a result the associated problems on the back and shoulders are reduced.

Producing lift will be dependent on the how the partial suspension of the breasts takes place between the two affixtures 18A, 18B. Since the infra-breast support members are not entirely connected to the support frame (a), the cups have a measure of independence and so the bra dynamically responds to the wearer.

Although only shown in graphic abstract in fig 5, the illustrations depicted utilize conventional shoulder and back band arrangements for fastening the support on the wearer. Also, each member can be affixed using traditional methods, such as machine sewing and including ultra-sonic cutting and seam welding.

In FIG 8 an embodiment of a nursing and breast feeding bra 20 is shown, cups (g) employ a releasable fastener (iv) to the upper leg parts (c) of the support frame (a) and affixed on the body part (d) at(v). Because the infra breast support members (f) suspend the breasts, the axis line of the nipple is sufficiently raised to provide an ergonomic and natural feeding angle. Also, it allows the mother to discreetly re-apply the cups over the breast without having to manually manipulate the breast.

As the support frame (a) and infra-mammary support members (f) have to undergo constant tensile, compressive, shear, and torsional stress in an environment that has to withstand constant washing cycles while being resistant to chemical attack form detergents lasting the life of the bra, careful selection of materials capable of performing without due loss needs to be considered. Ideally memory polymers exhibiting these qualities such as polyurethanes and soft body forming polypropylenes are ideal candidates.

Mixed polymers can alter the working characteristics so that high flex but high resistance to pull and stress is incorporated. Soft body forming polypropylenes can be process moulded so that a two shot moulding can incorporate different shore hardness materials such as a harder inner core surrounded by a softer polymer. Such materials have non-stretch high impact resistance coupled with high flexural properties and being a thermoplastic allow for the ease of recycling.

For bra prototyping, the support frame (a) was made from a polyurethane monomer measuring a shore hardness of 70 at a thickness of 2mm and laminating with an open cell polyester fabric for comfort and covered with a microfiber elastomeric textile. Infra breast support members were laminated with a composite elastane with a denier of greater than 100.

This provided an effective bra exhibiting the necessary bio-mechanical characteristics to fulfil the design criteria.

In some instances, where the appearance of breast reduction is desirable, then dispensing with the infra-mammary breast support members will produce a Minimizer bra.

Breast bounce can be socially embarrassing for women generally. In the present invention, the infra breast support members provide a shock absorbing method by providing a means to stabilize the kinetic energy that is released by the recoil of the bounce. This can be enhanced further by incorporating peripheral cup bands that can apply tension if required across the breast region.

Conventional bras are fastened to the upper torso whilst pressing and compacting the breast against the rib cage wall. Since breasts by their nature are not static but dynamic this restriction fundamentally works against natural breast movement. The present invention allows the cups and breast support members to be partially independent from the rest of the structure.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the infra mammary breast support members are affixed to the support frame (a) at two secure affixtures (central and vertical). The cups can be fastened to the infra mammary breast support members, or the support frame (a) and or vice versa. Other embodiments could allow the infra mammary support members to be amalgamated with the cups. The back bands apply a tensional force upon the support frame (a), a vector quantity of forces is then applied, pulling both on the central affixture points via the lateral portion of the support frame (a) and on the vertical leg supports. The applied forces used in this manner are primarily responsible for support; also since the breasts have a physical separation point from the rib cage, the bra is allowed to dynamically respond to the wearer.

Advantages of the invention: * High comfort levels: eliminating hard, rigid materials high wearer comfort levels is achieved.

* Superior support: by applying a multiplicity of tensional forces from the back bands across the support frame (a) and infra mammary breast support members, significant stability of the breasts is realized.

* Reduced shoulder strap tension: by redistributing more of the weight across the support, allows less tension applied to the shoulder straps * Uplift: due to the bio mechanical arrangement of support, uplift is a product of the method of support.

* Cleavage: by altering the support frame (a) length and central affixture of the infra mammary breast support members, the cups can be configured to create the desired cleavage. By virtue of the supports design, natural cleavage is offered due to the cups means of affixture.

* Perspiration control: this is mitigated by separating the natural breast boundary and providing a method that allows wicking to take place, also as the cups are partially fastened to the support frame (a), a gap exists to allow air to circulate within the infra mammary region.

* Monthly fluctuation in breast size: the natural monthly swelling of breast tissue is also less hindered, this is because (a) the cups accommodate more volume without the subsequent compaction, and (b) a degree of breast independence is afforded by allowing the cups a measure of freedom in respect to the support frame (a).

* Nursing and breast feeding: this accommodated by releasable cups, breasts are supported on the infra breast support members facilitating ease of mother to baby feeding.

* Minimizer: by dispensing with the infra breast support members and sewing the cups completely to the support frame (a) a "Minimizer" bra is formed.

* Airport Security: eliminating the metal underwire also eliminates the problem of talse alarms by the metal detectors at airport security systems and eliminating an embarrassing situation.

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The breast management device and the components thereof could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any

suitable material.

Any of the features or steps of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the

overall disclosure of this document.

There is thus provided a breast management device which provides an uplift force to support breasts without substantially compressing the breasts against the chest wall. In use, in the fitted condition, the body part of the frame locates in the infra mammary region, providing separation between the breast and the chest wall.

Claims (25)

1. CLAIMS1. A breast management device, the device including a support, the support including a one piece flexible support frame, which in an initial condition is substantially planar, having a width greater than its thickness, the support frame comprising a body part and a pair of leg parts, one leg part extending from each end of the body part, the support frame being arranged so that in a fitted condition, the support frame deforms to fit around the chest wall of a user, the body part extending under the breasts of a user and each leg pad extending upwardly around the outside of a respective one of the user's breasts.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1, in which, in the fitted condition, the support frame is located at least partially in or under an infra mammary region defined between each breast and the chest wall of the user.
3. 3. A device according to claims 1 or 2, in which the support includes a pair of breast support members, each of which extends between an upper end region of one of the leg parts and a central region of the body part, and, in the fitted condition, supports a respective one of the user's breasts.
4. 4. A device according to claim 3, in which, in the fitted condition, each breast support member is located at least partially in or under an infra mammary region defined between each breast and the chest wall of the user.
5. 5. A device according to claims 3 or 4, in which, in the fitted condition, each breast support member is arranged to provide an uplift force to support the respective breast without substantially compressing the breast against the chest wall.
6. 6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the support includes a resiliently deformable strap arrangement, which extends between respective ends of the support frame, and in the fitted condition may extend around the user's back, and may extend laterally beneath the user's arms.
7. 7. A device according to claim 6, in which, in the fitted condition, the strap arrangement applies a tensile force to the respective ends of the support frame.
8. 8. A device according to claims 6 or 7, in which the support includes a plurality of strap fixtures for connecting the strap arrangement to the support frame.
9. 9. A device according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 7, in which each of the strap fixtures transmits a pad of the tensile force to the support frame.
10. 10.A device according to claims 8 or 9, in which the support includes a pair of discrete, spaced apart strap fixtures located at each end of the support frame.
11. 11.A device according to claim 10, in which each pair of strap fixtures includes a leg strap fixture, located in an end region of one of the leg parts.
12. 12.A device according to claims 10 or 11, in which each pair of strap fixtures includes a body strap fixture, located in a lower region of one of the leg parts and/or in one end region of the body pad.
13. 13.A device according to claim 12 when dependent on claim 11, in which the strap arrangement includes a pair of back bands, each of which defines a cut out, so that on each side of the support frame, one part of the respective back band is affixed by the leg strap fixture and another part of the respective back band is affixed by the body strap fixture.
14. 14.A device according to claim 3 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the support includes a plurality of breast support member fixtures which connect the breast support members to the support frame.
15. 15.A device according to claim 14, in which each breast support member is connected to the support frame by a pair of discrete spaced breast support member fixtures.
16. 16.A device according to claims 14 or 15, in which the breast support member fixtures are located substantially at or towards the ends of the breast support members.
17. 17.A device according to claim 16, in which one breast support member fixture is located at the in use upper end of each breast support member to connect the upper end of the breast support member to the end region of the leg part.
18. 18.A device according to claims 16 or 17, in which one breast support member fixture is located at the in use lower end of each breast support member to connect the lower end of the breast support member to the central region of the body part.
19. 19.A device according to claim 17 when dependent on claims 11 and 7, in which, in the fitted condition, a part of the tensile force exerted by the strap arrangement is transmitted by the leg strap fixtures and the upper breast support member fixtures to the breast support members to provide the uplift force.
20. 20.An item of clothing such as a bra, corset, camisole, swimsuit, bikini or the like, the item including a breast management device, the device including a support, the support including a one piece flexible support frame, which in an initial condition is substantially planar, having a width greater than its thickness, the support frame comprising a body part and a pair of leg parts, one leg part extending from each end of the body part, the support frame being arranged so that in a fitted condition, the support frame deforms to fit around the chest wall of a user, the body part extending under the breasts of a user and each leg part extending upwardly around the outside of a respective one of the user's breasts.
21. 21.A method of managing breasts, the method including providing a breast management device, the device including a support, the support including a one piece flexible support frame, which in an initial condition is substantially planar, having a width greater than its thickness, the support frame comprising a body part and a pair of leg parts, one leg pad extending from each end of the body part, the support frame being arranged so that in a fitted condition, the support frame deforms to fit around the chest wall of a user, the body pad extending under the breasts of a user and each leg pad extending upwardly around the outside of a respective one of the user's breasts.
22. 22.An item according to claim 20 or a method according to claim 21, in which the breast management device includes any of the features or steps defined in any of claims ito 19.
23. 23.A breast management device substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
24. 24.An item of clothing substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
25. 25.A method of managing breasts substantially as hereinbefore described and/or with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.