GB2558664A

GB2558664A - A Post-surgery Bra

Info

Publication number: GB2558664A
Application number: GB1700745.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexandra Ives-Keeler Jasmine
Original assignee: Bustia Ltd
Current assignee: Bustia Ltd
Priority date: 2017-01-17
Filing date: 2017-01-17
Publication date: 2018-07-18
Also published as: GB201700745D0

Abstract

A bra comprising two cups 13, 14, a band 15, and a number of shoulder straps 20, 21, where one or more of the cups or band are comprised of a plurality of separable textile modules. Preferably the band is connected to a bottom edge of both cups and extends laterally around the users chest, and is formed of at least two releasably fastened sections 11, 12. Further preferably the band is formed of four sections and has fastenings at the front 17, rear, and at either side of the users chest. Further preferably each cup is located on a discrete band section and is detachable therefrom. Preferably the bra comprises a bib 22 fastenable to a top edge of each cup and extends towards the users collar to a collar strap 23 attached to a top edge of said bib and extending around the users neck. The bib provides a barrier between the users skin and their clothing to prevent irritation and provides a modesty panel to draw attention away from the breasts.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Bustia Limited

Grove Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3RL, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

CN 204812077 U US 20160302492 A1 US 20150313291 A1 US 20100297913 A1 (58) Field of Search:

CN 002712100 Y US 20160151211 A1 US 20140295735 A1 US 20040058618 A1 (72) Inventor(s):

Jasmine Alexandra Ives-Keeler

INT CLA41C Other: WPI, EPODOC (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

ip21 Ltd

Central Formalities Department, Lakeside 300, Old Chapel Way, Broadland Business Park, NORWICH, Norfolk, NR7 0WG, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A Post-surgery Bra Abstract Title: Modular post-surgery bra (57) A bra comprising two cups 13, 14, a band 15, and a number of shoulder straps 20, 21, where one or more of the cups or band are comprised of a plurality of separable textile modules. Preferably the band is connected to a bottom edge of both cups and extends laterally around the user’s chest, and is formed of at least two releasably fastened sections 11, 12. Further preferably the band is formed of four sections and has fastenings at the front 17, rear, and at either side of the user’s chest. Further preferably each cup is located on a discrete band section and is detachable therefrom. Preferably the bra comprises a bib 22 fastenable to a top edge of each cup and extends towards the user’s collar to a collar strap 23 attached to a top edge of said bib and extending around the user’s neck. The bib provides a barrier between the user’s skin and their clothing to prevent irritation and provides a modesty panel to draw attention away from the breasts.

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Figure 1

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Figure 2

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Figure 3

- 1 A Post-Surgery Bra

Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to lingerie, and more particularly to a bra for women who have undergone or who are expecting to undergo surgery, such as single or double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery or breast augmentation.

Background to the Invention

The closest prior art known to the Applicant are post-surgery bras, such as bras configured for use after a mastectomy, aimed at improving the user's comfort and minimising the risk of trauma to healing or scar issue. Typically, these known post-surgery bras comprise a single piece of fabric which is shaped and sized to improve comfort and reduce the risk of trauma to healing or scar tissue. Some post-surgery bras incorporate a fastening at the front of the bra rather than at the rear of the bra, and may also be provided with padded portions, prostheses or pockets for inserts to optionally add body to the cups of the bra.

An additional objective of these bras is to cover healing or scar tissue from view so that a user feels confident and comfortable. Such bras are also typically designed to provide comfort when exercising.

However, these known post-surgery bras suffer from a number of disadvantages and users often still struggle to wear them comfortably, particularly when putting on and taking off a bra, most typically in the weeks following surgery. There is also a need to address difficulties experienced when dressing and undressing where arm movement is limited, for example after lymph node surgery. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a bra which is more comfortable to put on, wear and take off, and which still minimises the risk of irritation or trauma to healing or scarred tissue.

Also, a major operation such as a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, or breast augmentation results in a woman having a breast size and/or shape which is quite different from other women who have also undergone similar operations, and which is, in any event, quite different to those which fit standard bras. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a bra which is more suitable in this aspect.

Given the incredible sensitivity and the invasive nature of an operation such as a mastectomy, reconstructive breast surgery or breast augmentation, it is imperative that women are provided with suitable clothing so as not to exacerbate the difficulties faced in recovery of such a major operation.

It is the aim of the current invention to alleviate at least these issues and provide an improved post-surgery bra.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a bra comprising two cups and a band; and a number of shoulder straps; wherein said cups and band are comprised of a plurality of separable textile modules.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because the plurality of textile modules of the cups and band of the bra simplifies dressing and undressing for a user, because separate modules can be comfortably brought close to the body before adjacent modules are attached together. Where arm movement is limited after surgery, the configuration of the bra takes away the need to reach to fasten the bra, and instead the modules are straightforwardly joined and separated before and after use. Because a user will struggle less when dressing and undressing, there is therefore a reduced risk that healing or scarred tissue will be irritated, e.g. by rubbing, as the bra is put on and taken off. Providing a bra comprising a plurality of separable textile modules also improves the customisability of the bra, because interchangeable modules can be selected to optimise wearability and comfort.

In a subsidiary aspect, said band is suitable for attaching the bra to a user's body; the band being connected to a bottom edge of both cups and extending laterally around a user's chest; wherein the band is comprised of two or more separable sections, each section being fastenable to an adjacent section. Providing a band comprised of two or more separable sections further improves the ease with which the bra can be put on and taken off by a user. Separate sections of the band can be brought into close proximity with one another and straightforwardly fastened around the user's chest. This configuration is also particularly advantageous because band sections can be straightforwardly interchanged to improve the comfort of the bra and suitability to an individual user.

In a subsidiary aspect, said sections are reversibly connectable to one another by two or more fastenings, at least a first fastening located at the rear of the bra and a second fastening located at the front of the bra. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the bra can be straightforwardly fastened at the front and rear of the bra. This configuration minimises the awkward movement required by a user to dress because the multiple sections and fastenings allow a user to attach the bra in the most comfortable way for them.

In a subsidiary aspect, said sections are reversibly connectable to one another by two or more fastenings, at least a first and second fastenings located, in use, one either side of the user's chest. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the discrete sections of the band can be straightforwardly connected and disconnected at the user's side.

In a subsidiary aspect, the band is comprised of four sections and four fastenings for reversibly connecting adjacent band sections to one another; wherein two of said fastenings are located, in use, one either side of the user's chest. Less reach is required to fasten the fastenings on either side of the user's chest. This configuration further improves the ease with which the bra is put on and taken off. This configuration is also advantageous because the various sections can be interchanged to further improve the individual fit of the bra.

In a subsidiary aspect, the two cups are located on discrete band sections. Locating the two cups on separate band sections allows two cups, which may be a different size, to be used together on the same bra by interchanging sections of the bra. This configuration also makes easier the process of putting on and taking off the bra.

In a subsidiary aspect, each said cup is detachable from the discrete band section to which it is attached. This configuration is particularly advantageous because each of the cups can be interchanged, if required. Also, the sections of the band and the cups can be attached in a preferred order. For example, the cups can be attached once the sections of the band have been brought together and fastened to one another around the user's chest when dressing, and removed prior to removing the band when undressing.

In a subsidiary aspect, the bra further comprises one or more straps which extend over the shoulder of a user between one of the cups and the band; wherein the or each strap is separable from the bra. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the strap(s) can be used, or not used, dependent on what is most comfortable for the user. Also, the straps can be interchanged, as well as the band sections and cups, to provide the most comfortable fit for the user.

In a subsidiary aspect, the bra further comprises a bib which is fastenable to a top edge of each cup and which extends, in use, towards the user's collar. The bib further minimises the risk of irritation to healing or scarred tissue because it provides a barrier between the user's skin and the clothes she wants to wear over the bra. The bib also provides a screen so that attention, which may affect the confidence of the wearer, is not drawn to healing or scarred tissue underneath the bra.

In a subsidiary aspect, the bra further comprises a collar strap which is attached to a top edge of said bib and extends around the user's neck in use. The collar strap improves the secure fit of the bra and ensures that the bib is suitably positioned over the skin in a comfortable manner. The collar strap may also hold some of the weight of the user's breasts to further improve comfort.

In a subsidiary aspect, each cup incorporates one or more cushioned portions. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the breast tissue can be cushioned to further improve comfort and the overall fit of the bra. The cushioned portions may also add body to a wearer's breasts to improve confidence or achieve a particular look.

In a subsidiary aspect, each cup incorporates one or more supporting seams. Supporting seams further improve the shape and comfort of the bra without the need for underwiring.

In a subsidiary aspect, the shape of the bra is retained solely via the rigidity of the fabric from which it is comprised. In other words, the bra is devoid of any underwiring and the shape of the bra is retained by the fabric only. Underwiring can often be a source of irritation. It is particularly important to reduce the risk of irritation where a user has sensitive skin, so this configuration achieves this.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a partially exploded front view of a bra of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a front view of a bra of one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a rear view of a bra of an embodiment of the invention.

The illustrated embodiments are currently the best ways known to the Applicant of realising the invention. But they are not the only ones: the skilled addressee of this specification may well be able to devise others without the need for inventive thought within the Summary of the Invention outlined above.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

An improved bra suitable for post-surgery use is shown in Figure 1 and is referenced generally as 10. The bra 10 is configured to simplify dressing and undressing for a wearer who has undergone surgery such as a single/double mastectomy, reconstructive breast surgery or breast augmentation, and to improve comfort during use. The bra is also intended to reduce the risk that healing or scarred tissue will be irritated as the bra is put on, used or taken off.

The bra 10 comprises a band 15 and cups 13, 14 which are comprised of plurality of separable textile modules, such as 11 and 12. In other words, the bra is comprised of more than one discrete textile section, and the separate sections are joined together, in use, to attach the bra to a wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the bra 10 comprises two cups 13,

14 and a band 15 for attaching the bra 10 to a user's body. One or more shoulder straps may also be provided, which extend over a wearer's shoulder between at least one of the cups and the band 15.

In this preferred embodiment the band 15 is connected to the cups 13, 14 at a bottom edge of each cup, and the band 15 extends around a user's chest. The band 15 is comprised of at least two separable sections, such as 11, 12. Each of the sections 11, 12 is fastenable to an adjacent section. The modular configuration of the bra 10 allows different sections to be attached to one another to customise the fit of the bra for a particular wearer.

In another embodiment, the band 15 comprises two or more fastenings, at least a first fastening 16 located at the rear of the bra 10 and a second fastening 17 located at the front of the bra 10 (see Figure 3). Preferably, the second fastening 17, located at the front of the bra 10, is located between the two cups 13, 14.

In an alternative embodiment, the band 15 comprises two or more fastenings with at least first and second fastenings being located one of each side of the wearer's chest, in use.

In a further preferred embodiment, the band 15 is comprised of four sections and the bra

10 comprises fastenings between each section of the band 15. In one embodiment, the four fastenings are located: one 16 at the rear of the bra 10, one 17 at the front of the bra 10, one on the left side of the bra 10 (not shown); and one on the right side of the bra 10 (not shown).

The modular arrangement of the band 15 minimises the amount of arm movement required from a wearer to put on and take off the bra, because the bra can be opened at the most convenient position for a particular wearer where movement is most comfortable. For example, the bra 10 can be opened at the front via the front fastening 17 to minimise arm movement, or at either or both sides of the bra at the side fastenings if skin underneath the front of the bra 10 is too sensitive to open the front fastening 17.

The fastenings of the band 15 are, in a preferred embodiment, comprised of hook and eye fastenings. However, in alternative embodiments, the fastenings may comprise any other fastening known to the skilled person, including zips, buttons, press-studs, slider fastenings, fabric hook and loop such as Velcro® or a combination thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the two cups 13, 14 are located on discrete band sections. For example, in Figure 1, cup 13 is located on band section 11 and cup 14 is located on band section 12. Providing the cups 13, 14 on discrete band sections allows differently sized cups to be interchanged to customise the fit of the bra 10 for a particular wearer.

In a further preferred embodiment, the cups 13, 14 are detachable from their respective band sections 11, 12 to further improve the customisability of the bra 10. Preferably, each cup is attached to its respective band section via a zip fastening, and more preferably a slim zip fastening. However, in alternative embodiments, the fastenings may comprise any other fastening known to the skilled person, including zips, buttons, press-studs, slider fastenings, fabric hook and loop such as Velcro® or a combination thereof.

Each of the cups 13, 14 may, in one embodiment, comprise one or more cushioned portions, such as prostheses, such as 25 and 26, to further improve the fit and comfort of the bra 10. The cushioned portions 25, 26 may also function to augment the size and shape of the wearer's breasts.

As stated above, the bra 10 may comprise a number of adjustable (or non-adjustable) shoulder straps. In one embodiment, shoulder straps 20, 21 are provided which are separable from the rest of the bra 10 so that they too can be interchanged or omitted altogether depending on the preferred fit and look the wearer would like to achieve. In a preferred embodiment, each shoulder strap 20, 21 is attached to a top edge or top corner of a cup 13,14 at one end and to the band 15 at the other end. Preferably, slider fastenings, and more preferably swan slider fastenings, are provided to attach each end of the straps to the cups 13, 14 and band 15. A number of alternative fastening means may be provided instead, which are known to the skilled addressee.

The modular arrangement of the bra 10, i.e. the interchangeability of each of the components, allows a wearer to customise the fit of the bra depending on what she is wearing and for different activities. For example, alternative levels of support can be provided for daily wear (low support) versus sportswear (high support).

In one embodiment, shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bra 10 further comprises a bib 22 for covering the upper chest of a wearer. The bib 22 may be provided to conceal healing or scar tissue, for example when wearing an item of clothing with a low-cut neckline to disguise scars, and/or to improve the wearer's comfort when clothing is worn over the bra

10. The bib 22 is preferably comprised of a fabric sheet which is fastenable to the top edge of each cup and which, when worn in use, extends towards the wearer's collar. As illustrated in Figure 3, in a preferred embodiment the bib 22 is fastened to the top edge of each cup 13, 14 by a number of small (e.g. 0.5cm diameter) buttons, such as 18 and 19, which are hidden when the bra 10 is worn. In one embodiment, the bib 22 may be permanently fastened (e.g. sewn) to the top edges of cups 13, 14 and, depending on whether a wearer wishes to incorporate the bib 22, the cups 13, 14 can be interchanged for cups which are not formed with the bib 22.

A collar strap 23 is provided in a further preferred embodiment to hold the bib 22 over the upper chest of the wearer. The collar strap 23 is attached to a top edge of the bib 22 and extends, in use, around the wearer's neck. In one alternative embodiment, the collar strap is also attached to the band 15 at the rear of the bra 10. In another alternative embodiment, the two ends of the collar strap 29, 30 are attached to the shoulder straps. A number of hook and eye fastenings 24 are preferably provided at the ends of the collar strap 23 to secure the strap 23 around the wearer's neck or, in the alternative embodiments, to the band 15 and/or shoulder straps 20, 21.

In an embodiment, the bra 10 is devoid of any underwiring. In other words, the shape of the bra 10 is retained solely via the rigidity of the fabric from which it is made. The comfort of the bra 10 is further improved via this configuration. To improve the support provided by the bra 10, particularly when the bra 10 comprises no underwiring, each cup 13, 14 may be provided with one or more supporting seams, such as 27 and 28. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, each cup 13,14 comprises one support seam which extends between an outside edge of the cup towards the front of the bra 10, i.e. towards the fastening located at the front of the bra 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the cut of the bra cups 13, 14 is such to create a ‘plunge’ fit to provide relevant support but in a commercially aesthetic shape.

Claims

Claims

1. A bra comprising two cups and a band; and a number of shoulder straps; wherein one or more of the cups and band are comprised of a plurality of separable textile

5 modules.
2. A bra according to claim 1, wherein said band is suitable for attaching the bra to a user's body; the band being connected to a bottom edge of both cups and extending laterally around a user's chest; wherein the band is comprised of two or

10 more separable sections, each section being fastenable to an adjacent section.
3. A bra according to claim 2, wherein said sections are reversibly connectable to one another by two or more fastenings, at least a first fastening located at the rear of the bra and a second fastening located at the front of the bra.
4. A bra according to claim 2, wherein said sections are reversibly connectable to one another by two or more fastenings, at least a first and second fastenings located, in use, one either side of the user's chest.

20 5. A bra according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the band is comprised of four sections and four fastenings for reversibly connecting adjacent band sections to one another; wherein two of said fastenings are located, in use, one either side of the user's chest.

25 6. A bra according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the two cups are located on discrete band sections.

7. f\ bra according to claim 6, wherein each said cup is detachable from the discrete band section to which it is attached.

8. A bra according to any of claims 2 to 7, further comprising one or more straps which extend over the shoulder of a user between one of the cups and the band; wherein the or each strap is separable from the bra.

9. A bra according to any of claims 2 to 8, further comprising a bib which is fastenable to a top edge of each cup and which extends, in use, towards the user's collar.

10. A bra according to claim 9, further comprising a collar strap which is attached to a
5 top edge of said bib and extends around the user's neck in use.

11. A bra according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein a cup incorporates one or more cushioned portions.
10 12. A bra according to any of claims 2 to 11, wherein a cup incorporates one or more supporting seams.
13. A bra according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of the bra is retained solely via the rigidity of the fabric from which it is comprised.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1700745.1