WO2015074660A1

WO2015074660A1 - A postoperative bra

Info

Publication number: WO2015074660A1
Application number: PCT/DK2013/050391
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dean GROBLER
Original assignee: Carriwell ApS
Priority date: 2013-11-20
Filing date: 2013-11-20
Publication date: 2015-05-28

Abstract

Disclosed is a postoperative bra (1) comprising,a front portion (2) including a first cup (3) and a second cup (4),wherein at least one of the cups (3, 4) comprises an area having a double layer material forming a pocket (21) suitable for holding a prosthetic device(22). The postoperative bra (1) further comprises a back portion (5), wherein the front portion (2) and the back portion (5) are connected at the sides (6) of the postoperative bra (1)and wherein the front portion (2) comprises a flexible tube (11, 12) including filler (13) in the form of a liquid or a semi-liquid. The tube (11, 12) extends along at least a part of the underside edge (14) of one of the first cup (3) and the second cup (4).

Description

A POSTOPERATIVE BRA

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a postoperative bra comprising a front portion including a first cup and a second cup.

Background of the invention

After a woman has undergone breast surgery such as mastectomy, cosmetic breast surgery, breast augmentation, breast reduction or other invasive surgical procedures in or on the breasts the operated breast or breasts are obviously sore and particularly the wound and the tissue than has been damaged by the surgery will be very sore and sensitive to pressure.

From US 2013/0017760 Al it is therefore known to provide postoperative support to the breast or breasts by means of a t-shirt like garment that provide some support to the healthy breast while leaving the operated or removed breast area exposed. However, this garment does not enable use of a prosthesis and given the lose structure and design it does not enables proper support to either the healthy or the operated breast.

From WO 2008/017707 Al it is therefore known to provide a postoperative bra by means of an elastically support bra structure supported by elastic self-adherent material that can be arranged and adapted to the specific use. However, this bra is complicated and time consuming to put on and once in place it cannot be removed e.g. during inspection or bath without having to do the difficult application process again.

From US 2013/0143469 Al it is therefore known to provide a more or less ordinary bra with pockets on the cups for accommodating padding e.g. arranged to make the bra-covered breasts look normal after e.g. mastectomy. To not exert any compression onto the mammary region the bra is formed without wire support. However, to provide sufficient support this bra has to fit the user perfectly to not exert unwanted pressure on the wearer and at the same time fix the location of the padding sufficiently.

An object of the invention is therefore to provide for a comfortable postoperative bra which is easy to use.

The invention

The invention provides for a postoperative bra comprising a front portion including a first cup and a second cup, wherein at least one of the cups comprises an area having a double layer material forming a pocket suitable for holding a prosthetic device. The postoperative bra further comprises a back portion, wherein the front portion and the back portion are connected at the sides of the postoperative bra. The front portion comprises a flexible tube including filler in the form of a liquid or a semi-liquid, wherein the tube extends along at least a part of the underside edge of one of the first cup and the second cup.

Providing a postoperative bra with flexible tubes - containing a liquid or a semi- liquid - along at least a part of the under edge of the cups will make the bra more dimensionally stable - specifically and only where dimensional stability is needed - and at the same time provide support to the wearer, hereby ensuring that the bra substantially maintains its shape and position while the bra is worn. Furthermore, the flexible tube will ensure that prosthesis placed in the cup will stay in its place while maintaining a natural look so it substantially is not possible for an outsider to tell that the wearer has asymmetric breasts.

Even further, the flexible property of the flexible tubes also ensures that the tubes substantially does not apply pressure to the sore and tender breast tissue, hereby increasing the comfort of the wearer while at the same time providing desired support.

And providing at least one of the cups of a postoperative bra with a pocket is first of all advantageous in that it hereby is possible to easily provide the bra with a prosthetic device that will follow the bra when this is removed and which easily can be exchanged and fitted to the specific use or wearer. Furthermore, the pocket can also or instead be used for holding a dressing, a padding or similar at least at some point of the healing process.

By the term "flexible tube" is to be understood any kind of pipe, duct, channel, hose or similar elongated container means which are flexible and bendable so that they are capable of following the sometimes complex contour of the female anatomy and in particular the shape around the edge of a female breast.

Also, by the term "semi-liquid' is to be understood any kind of liquid having properties, especially flow properties, intermediate between those of a solid and a liquid. In an aspect of the invention, said front portion and said back portion are formed substantially from the same fabric blank.

Forming the front portion and the back portion from the same fabric blank is advantageous in that it provides for a more simple and inexpensive manufacturing process.

In an aspect of the invention, said postoperative bra is produced from a piece of circularly knitted fabric. Forming the postoperative bra from a piece of circularly knitted fabric is advantageous in that it enables a simple and inexpensive manufacturing process and it enables that the bra may be formed without bra locking means at the back. Forming the postoperative bra substantially from one fabric blank, produces what is in the industry referred to as a "seamless bra". The term seamless does typically not mean that the finished and ready-to-wear postoperative bra is completely without seems - although sometimes they are. The term means that the fabric blank a seamless bra is made from, is knitted seamlessly - normally on a circular knitting machine but it could also be done on a flat-knitting machine - so that a bra can be sewn from a blank with a limited number of seams, and from a limited number of parts and still comprise the necessary 3D-shapes, required to support both a healthy breast and a breast that has undergone surgery. So generally it is not the make-up process that is seamless in that bras often will require some seams or other connections/edge-finishing like welding, trims etc.

Reducing the number of seems in the bra is particularly advantageous in relation with postoperative bras in that seams can rub against or irritate the sore breast tissue and in that the seams can locally make the bra less flexible and/or elastically hereby potentially increase the discomfort of the wearer.

In an aspect of the invention, said postoperative bra is produced from a 3D-shaped fabric blank. It is advantageous to make a postoperative bra from a 3D-shaped fabric blank in that it enables the bra can be given the desired three dimensional (3D) shape during the knitting process hereby further reducing the number of seams of the bra.

In an aspect of the invention, said flexible tube is arranged in a transition zone between said cup and the adjoining material. Placing the tubes along the edge of the cup in the transition zone between the cup and the adjoining front portion material is advantageous in that the tube hereby will provide better support to both a healthy breast and a breast that has undergone surgery and in case of mastectomy or similar surgery the postoperative bra will at the same time be able to keep a prosthesis in the right place.

In an aspect of the invention, said flexible tube extends substantially the entire length of said transition zone between said cup and the adjoining material.

Making the tubes extend substantially the entire length of the edge between the cup and the rest of the front portion is advantageous in that the tube will hereby provide better support and ensure that the cup fits better all the way along the edge. In an aspect of the invention, said filler is semi-liquid silicone.

Using a silicone gel as filler in the flexible tube is advantageous in that silicone is a poor heat conductor making it feel temperature neutral and thereby comfortable next to the skin of the wearer. Furthermore, a silicone gel has a viscosity that ensures that the tube does not become either too hard or too flexible.

Furthermore, silicone is non-toxic, durable, stable and chemically inactive substance ensuring no harm to the wearer if the tube should leak. In an aspect of the invention, said flexible tube is substantially completely filled with said liquid or said semi-liquid.

If the tube is at least partly filled with air the tube can be locally compressed and thereby locally buckled hereby increasing the risk of the tube pressing or rubbing against the skin of the wearer and thereby produce discomfort. In an aspect of the invention, said flexible tube is formed in a non-elastic material.

If the tube is formed in a non-elastic material the tube will ensure that the shape of the cup is maintained along the edge of the cup even if the cup or the bra is stressed or even deformed by swelling of the breast tissue, dressing, prosthesis fitting less well or other. This is particularly important with so-called seamless bras which are usually made from a more elastic fabric to ensure a snug fit even if it is not made to the exact shape of the wearer because otherwise the postoperative bra will not provide the necessary support.

In an aspect of the invention, said flexible tube is made from plastic.

A tube can relatively easy be formed in a complex shape when it is made from plastic and since plastic is a flexible, tight and relatively inexpensive material it is particularly suited for making flexible tubes for postoperative bras.

In an aspect of the invention, said flexible tube is connected to said front portion by means of stitching.

Connecting the flexible tube to the bra by means of stitching is advantageous in that stitching is a proven method of attachment within the bra manufacturing industry and in that stitching will ensure a solid and durable hold of the tube substantially without reducing its flexibility.

In an aspect of the invention, said back portion is divided by bra locking means.

Particularly in relation with postoperative bras it is advantageous that the bra can easily be put on and taken off and it is therefore advantageous to provide a postoperative bra with bra locking means at the back which enables that the bra can be opened at the back and easily be put on or taken off.

By the term "bra locking means" is to be understood any kind of hook-and-loop fastener, hook and eye closure, buttons or any other kind of locks suitable for ensuring that a postoperative bra can be opened and closed by a user.

In an aspect of the invention, said front portion is divided by bra locking means. Particularly in relation with postoperative bras it is advantageous that the bra can easily be put on and taken off. And since the breast tissue typically is sore after the surgery it can be difficult to reach around to the back to open and close the bra. It is therefore advantageous to provide a postoperative bra with bra locking means at the front which enables that the bra more easily can be opened and closed and easily be put on or taken off.

In an aspect of the invention, the viscous property of said filler is temperature dependent. Making the viscous property of the filler temperature dependent is advantageous in that the flexibility if the filled tube hereby will adjust to the surrounding temperature i.e. it could become softer during wear close to the skin and slightly more rigid away from the skin hereby increasing the support offered by the tube without increasing the risk of discomfort.

In an aspect of the invention, flexible tube further comprises a solid element such as a metal wire or a plastic strip.

Providing the flexible tubes with a metal wire or a plastic strip is advantageous in that the wire or strip can help maintaining the shape of the flexible tubes and in than the strips or wires can be used to adjust the rigidity of the flexible tubes e.g. to provide better support.

In an aspect of the invention, said pocket comprises a pocket opening arranged substantially at the opposite side of said cup in relation to said underside edge.

Placing the pocket opening substantially opposite the flexible tube on the cup is advantageous in that it hereby is placed substantially at the top of the cup - during normal wear of the bra - hereby reducing the risk of a prosthesis falling out. Furthermore, this location also makes the pocket more accessible.

In an aspect of the invention, said pocket comprises closing means for closing a pocket opening. Providing the pocket with closing means is advantageous in that it hereby is possible to reduce the risk of the content of the pocket falling out or being displaced.

In an aspect of the invention, substantially the entire front portion is formed by a double layer material.

Forming the entire front portion from a double layer material is advantageous in that it hereby easily is possible to form the pocket between the two layers of material.

In an aspect of the invention, substantially the entire front portion, said back portion and said sides are formed by a double layer material.

Forming the entire postoperative bra or at least substantially the entire postoperative bra from a double layer material is advantageous in that this will ensure a simple manufacturing process. In an aspect of the invention, said postoperative bra further comprises a first shoulder strap extending from said back portion to said first cup and a second shoulder strap extending from said back portion to said second cup. Providing the postoperative bra with shoulder straps is advantageous in that this will help in maintaining the bra in place.

In an aspect of the invention, substantially the entire first shoulder strap and the entire second shoulder strap are formed by a double layer material.

Hereby is achieved an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

In an aspect of the invention, said postoperative bra further comprises cushioning means arranged between said flexible tube and the wearer of said bra.

Providing cushioning means on the bra between the flexible tube and the wearer is advantageous in that it reduces the risk of the flexible tube causing discomfort to the wearer of the postoperative bra. In an aspect of the invention, said front portion comprises a first flexible tube and a second flexible tube each including filler in the form of a liquid or a semi-liquid, wherein said first tube extends along at least a part of the underside edge of said first cup and wherein said second tube extends along at least a part of the underside edge of said second cup.

Providing both cups with a flexible tube is advantageous in that it hereby is possible to provide support to both breasts no matter if only one or both breasts have undergone surgery. In an aspect of the invention, said front portion comprises one or more tunnels in which said flexible tube arranged.

Hereby is achieved an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

In an aspect of the invention, said postoperative bra further comprises a prosthetic device arranged in said pocket.

Arranging a prosthetic device in a pocket of the postoperative bra is advantageous in that the it hereby is possible to make it look like the wearer still have two complete breasts or e.g. compensate for any asymmetry.

In an aspect of the invention, said at least the cups of said postoperative bra are formed by an elastic fabric.

Forming the cups in an elastic material is advantageous in that the bra hereby will fit a wider range of breasts sizes and in that it enables the bra better can be adapted to a specific prosthetic device. Advantageously substantially the entire pocket is made from an elastic fabric.

Figures

The invention will be described in the following with reference to the figures in which fig. 1. illustrates a postoperative bra according to the present invention, as seen from the front, fig. 2 illustrates the postoperative bra shown in fig. 1, as seen from the top, illustrates a cross section through a postoperative bra comprising a flexible tube on the inside surface, as seen from the side, illustrates a cross section through a postoperative bra comprising a flexible tube on the outside surface, as seen from the side, illustrates a cross section through a double layer postoperative bra forming a pocket holding a prosthetic device, as seen from the side, and illustrates a cross section through a postoperative bra having an attached pocket holding a prosthetic device, as seen from the side.

Detailed description

Fig. 1 illustrates a postoperative bra 1 according to the present invention, as seen from the front.

In this embodiment of the invention the postoperative bra 1 is provided with a first flexible tube 11 extending along the underside edge 14 of a first cup 3 and a second flexible tube 12 extending along the underside edge 14 of a second cup 4. In this embodiment both tubes 11, 12 are arranged in the transition zone 15 between the cups 3, 4 and the adjoining material 16 of the front portion 2 of the bra. However, in another embodiment of the invention one or both tubes 11, 12 could be attached next to this transition zone 15 i.e. a bit further away from the cups 3, 4.

In this embodiment of the invention the flexible tubes 11, 12 are extending substantially the entire length of the transition zones 15 but in another embodiment one or both flexible tubes 11, 12 could be formed shorter i.e. they could e.g. only extend under the cup 3, 4 and up along one side.

In this embodiment of the invention the flexible tubes 11, 12 are each formed as one continuous tube 11, 12 but in another embodiment each of the tubes 11, 12 could be formed as several tube parts arranged end to end or even spaced apart e.g. to only provide support at particularly loaded areas.

In this embodiment of the invention only one tube 11, 12 is provided at each cup 3, 4 but in another embodiment of the invention each cup 3, 4 could be supported by two, three, four or more individual tubes 11, 12 e.g. having different shapes and/or sizes, to increase or reduce the support and/or the flexibility locally at some areas along the rim of the cups 3, 4. In this embodiment both cups 3, 4 are provided with flexible tubes 11, 12 and the cups 3, 4 are substantially symmetrical around a vertical centerline. But in another embodiment only one of the cups 3, 4 would be provided with a flexible tube 11, 12 and/or the cups 3, 4 could be formed asymmetrically. Fig. 2 illustrates the postoperative bra 1 shown in fig. 1, as seen from the top.

In this embodiment of the invention the postoperative bra 1 comprises a front portion 2 on which the first cup 3 and the second cup 4 are arranged. The front portion 2 is connected to a back portion 5 through the sides 6 of the bra 1 and in this embodiment of the invention the postoperative bra 1 is formed seamlessly in that the front portion 2 - including the cups 3, 4 - are formed integrally with the sides 6 and the back portion from the same piece of circularly knitted fabric.

The three dimensional shape of the bra 1 is provided during the knitting process and by forming the bra 1 in a stretchable material it is ensured, that the bra 1 is inherently adaptable to individual shapes, forms and to some degree also sizes of the torso, a prosthetic device 22 and breasts of a wearer. However, this adaptable quality also reduces the support provided by the postoperative bra 1 and it increases the risk of the bra 1 getting out of place during normal wear and in particular increases the risk of the prosthetic device 22 getting displaced - thus causing discomfort or prolonging the healing process. It is therefore particularly advantageous to provide a seamless postoperative bra 1 with flexible tubes as illustrated on the other figures.

In this embodiment of the invention the postoperative bra 1 is provided with a first shoulder strap 7 extending from the back portion 5 to the first cup 3 across a first shoulder (not shown) of a wearer and a second shoulder strap 8 extending from the back portion 5 to the second cup 4 across a second shoulder (not shown) of a wearer. In this embodiment the shoulder straps 7, 8 are formed integrally with the rest of the bra 1 i.e. if the front portion 2 and the back portion 5 are double layer the shoulder straps 7, 8 are also double layer and if the front and back portions 2, 5 are single layer fabric the shoulder straps 7, 8 are also double layer. However, it is also possible that the shoulder straps 7, 8 could be single layer while at least parts of the front portion 2 and the back portion 5 are double layer. And in another embodiment the straps 7, 8 could be made from a dedicated elastic or none-elastic strap material and then attached at both the front and the back portion 2, 5 of the bra 1.

In this embodiment of the invention the back portion 5 is provided with bra locking means 17 enabling that the postoperative bra 1 can be put on and taken of. However, in another embodiment of the invention the bra locking means 17 could be placed in one or both sides 6 of the bra 1 or particularly in the front portion 2 of the bra 1 or any combinations thereof.

In this embodiment bra locking means 17 is a 2-part hook/eye device but in another embodiment the bra locking means 17 could comprise a hook-and-loop fastener, a hook and eye closure, buttons, zippers or any combination thereof. Fig. 3 illustrates a cross section through a postoperative bra 2 comprising a flexible tube 11 on the inside surface, as seen from the side. In this embodiment the postoperative bra 1 is formed seamlessly in that the cup 3 and the adjoining material 16 is formed from the same elastic fabric blank which has been knitted with a 3D shape. However, to improve the fit of particularly the cup 3 and to increase the support, the postoperative bra 1 has in this embodiment been provided with a flexible tube 11 running in the transition zone 15 between the cup 3 and the adjoining material 16 of the front portion 2 of the postoperative bra 1.

In this embodiment of the invention the flexible tube 11 is formed as a bulge extending from a substantially flat base part 19. The flexible tube 11 is in this embodiment permanently connected at the transition zone 15 by means of stitching through the sides of the base part 19 extending beyond the bulge. However in another embodiment of the invention the flexible tubes 11, 12 could be permanently connected to the bra 1 by means of welding, by means of adhesive, by means of stapling or by other permanent attachment means or the flexible tubes 11, 12 could be removably incorporated in the bra 1 e.g. by insertion in a tunnel or a duct formed integrally with the bra 1 or in a tunnel attached to the bra 1.

In this embodiment of the invention the tube 11 is substantially completely filled with silicone gel but in another embodiment the filler 13 could be water, petroleum jelly, grease or another durable and non-toxic liquid or semi-liquid suitable for use as a filler 13 in a flexible tube 11, 12 for a postoperative bra 1.

In this embodiment of the invention the tube 11 is made from a relatively thin plastic film ensuring that the filler 13 does not leak while at the same time ensuring the tube 11 is appropriately flexible. However, in another embodiment the tube 11 could be made from an injection moulded plastic, plastic coated textile or another material which is flexible and will ensure that the filler 13 does not leak.

In this embodiment of the invention the flexible tube 11 is attached to the inside surface of the bra 1, e.g. to provide a desirable outer design of the bra 1 but as shown in fig. 4 the tube 11 could also be attached to the outside surface of the bra 1 e.g. for the bra fabric to cushion the tube 11 slightly on the inside against the wearers skin.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross section through a postoperative bra 1 comprising a flexible tube 11 on the outside surface, as seen from the side.

In this embodiment the tube 11 is formed as a cylinder attached to cushioning means 18 arranged between the tube 11 and the wearer to reduce the risk of the tube 11 adding to much pressure to the sensible breast tissue locally. The cushioning means 18 are in this embodiment attached to the bra 1 by means of adhesive.

In this embodiment the cross section of the tube 11 is formed substantially circular but in another embodiment the cross section could be oval, square, polygonal or another more or less complex shape.

In this embodiment of the invention the cross section of the tube 11 is substantially uniform throughout the entire extent of the tube 11 but in another embodiment the cross section could vary in size and/or shape e.g. to locally provide more support. In this embodiment of the invention the flexible tube 11 only comprises a filler 13 in the form of a liquid or a semi-liquid but in another embodiment of the invention the flexible tube 11 could also comprise more solid elements such as a wire e.g. in the form of one or more coils or springs or the solid element could be in the form of a strip or a stick. Such a solid element could be made from metal such as aluminum, steel, titanium or stainless steel or it could be made of some sort of solid plastic material.

The embodiments of a postoperative bra 1 disclosed in figs. 3 and 4 are both shown holding a healthy breast and in both cases the cups 3 are formed without a pocket 21 or at least without a pocket 21 arranged in the cross section. I.e. in these

embodiments only the other cup 4 would be provided with a pocket 21 suited for holding a prosthetic device 22. Such a bra design could be advantageous in that the cup 3, 4 holding the healthy breast could be designed for this specific use and the cup 3, 4 holding the operated breast could be designed more specifically for this specific use. However, if the bra 1 was designed like this, a specific bra 1 could only be used if the right breast was operated and another bra 1 could only be used if the left breast was operated. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the two cups 3, 4 would be formed substantially identically (or at least symmetrically around a plane extending down through the middle of the bra 1 between the cups 3, 4) where substantially the only difference would be if the pocket 21 would be holding a prosthetic device 22 or not. I.e. in a preferred embodiment of the invention both cups 3, 4 would be provided with a pocket 21 e.g. as disclosed in figures 5 and 6. Fig. 5 illustrates a cross section through a double layer postoperative bra 1 forming a pocket 21 holding a prosthetic device 22, as seen from the side.

In this embodiment more or less the entire postoperative bra 1 - including the shoulder straps 7, 8 - are formed with a separate inner ply 9 and a separate outer ply 9. However, in another embodiment only the front part 2 of the bra 1 would be double layer or only the front part 2, the back part and the sides 6 would be double layer.

In this embodiment the cup 3 comprises a pocket 21 formed between the two layers 9, 10 of elastic bra material. To limit the extent of the pocket 21 the two layers 9, 10 are attached to each other by means of stitching 23 around the periphery of the cup 3. However, in another embodiment the layer could be connected by means of adhesive means, hook-and-loop arrangements, snap fasteners or other. In this embodiment the pocket 21 is provided with a pocket opening 24 formed in the inner layer 9 through which access to the prosthetic device 22 is provided e.g.

enabling that the prosthetic device 22 can be exchanged. In another embodiment the pocket opening 24 could be formed in the outer layer 10 or the pocket 21 could comprise more than one opening 24 e.g. arranged in the inner layer 9, the outer layer 10 or both.

In this embodiment the opening 24 is arranged at the side of the cup 3 that is opposite the flexible tube 11 i.e. at the part of the cup 3 closest to the head of the wearer but in another embodiment the opening 24 could be arranged in other locations of the pocket 21 e.g. at the side, the front or the bottom.

In this embodiment of the invention the prosthetic device 22 is an external silicone breast prosthesis but in another embodiment the prosthetic device 22 could be a non- silicone breast prosthesis in the form of a light-weight breast form, made of foam or fiberfill. Or the prosthetic device 22 could be a partial breast prosthesis, also called a shaper or shell e.g. made of foam, fiberfill, or silicone.

Fig. 6 illustrates a cross section through a postoperative bra 1 having an attached pocket 21 holding a prosthetic device 22, as seen from the side.

In this embodiment the pocket 21 is attached to the bra 1 by means of stitching 23 around the periphery of the cup 3. However, if the pocket 21 was attached by means of e.g. hook-and-loop arrangements, snap fasteners or similar releasable connection means the pockets specific placement could e.g. be adjusted to the specific use, the size could be adjusted e.g. to the specific prosthetic device 22 or the pocket 21 could for other reasons be removed or exchanged.

In this embodiment the pocket opening 24 is arranged in the outer pocket material and in this embodiment the pocket opening 24 is provided with closing means 20 in the form of a hook-and-loop arrangement. However in another embodiment the closing means 20 could comprise snap fasteners, zippers, buttons or similar releasable closing means. In the embodiments disclosed in figures 5 and 6 the pockets 21 are formed to substantially cover the entire cups 3, 4 but in another embodiment the pocket 21 would only cover a part of the cup 3,4 and/or each cup 3, 4 would comprise more than one pockets 21. The invention has been exemplified above with reference to specific examples of postoperative bras 1, pockets 21, prosthetic devices 22 and other. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular examples described above but may be designed and altered in a multitude of varieties within the scope of the invention as specified in the claims.

List

1. Postoperative bra

2. Front portion

3. First cup

4. Second cup

5. Back portion

6. Side of postoperative bra

7. First shoulder strap

8. Second shoulder strap

9. Inner layer

10. Outer layer

11. First flexible tube

12. Second flexible tube

13. Filler

14. Underside edge

15. Transition zone

16. Adjoining material

17. Bra locking means

18. Cushioning means

19. Base part

20. Closing means

21. Pocket

22. Prosthetic device

23. Stitching

24. Pocket opening

Claims

1. A postoperative bra (1) comprising, a front portion (2) including a first cup (3) and a second cup (4), wherein at least one of said cups (3, 4) comprises an area having a double layer material forming a pocket (21) suitable for holding a prosthetic device (22), a back portion (5), wherein said front portion (2) and said back portion (5) are connected at the sides (6) of said postoperative bra (1), wherein said front portion (2) comprises a flexible tube (11, 12) including filler (13) in the form of a liquid or a semi-liquid, wherein said tube (11, 12) extends along at least a part of the underside edge (14) of one of said first cup (3) and said second cup (4).

2. A postoperative bra (1) according to claim 1, wherein said front portion (2) and said back portion (5) are formed substantially from the same fabric blank.

3. A postoperative bra (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said postoperative bra (1) is produced from a piece of circularly knitted fabric.

4. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said postoperative bra (1) is produced from a 3D-shaped fabric blank.

5. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible tube (11, 12) is arranged in a transition zone (15) between said cup (3, 4) and the adjoining material (16).

6. A postoperative bra (1) according to claim 5, wherein said flexible tube (11, 12) extends substantially the entire length of said transition zone (15) between said cup (3, 4) and the adjoining material (16).

7. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said filler (13) is semi-liquid silicone.

8. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible tube (11, 12) is substantially completely filled with said liquid or said semi- liquid.

9. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible tube (11, 12) is formed in a non-elastic material.

10. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible tube (11, 12) is made from plastic.

11. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible tube (11, 12) is connected to said front portion (2) by means of stitching.

12. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said back portion (5) is divided by bra locking means (17).

13. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the claims 1-11, wherein said front portion (2) is divided by bra locking means (17).

14. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the viscous property of said filler (13) is temperature dependent.

15. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein flexible tube (11, 12) further comprises a solid element such as a metal wire or a plastic strip.

16. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pocket (21) comprises a pocket opening (24) arranged substantially at the opposite side of said cup (3, 4) in relation to said underside edge (14).

17. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pocket (21) comprises closing means (20) for closing a pocket opening (24) of said pocket (21).

18. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein substantially the entire front portion (2) is formed by a double layer material (9, 10).

19. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein substantially the entire front portion (2), said back portion (5) and said sides (6) are formed by a double layer material (9, 10).

20. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said postoperative bra (1) further comprises a first shoulder strap (7) extending from said back portion (5) to said first cup (3) and a second shoulder strap (8) extending from said back portion (5) to said second cup (4).

21. A postoperative bra (1) according to claim 20, wherein substantially the entire first shoulder strap (7) and the entire second shoulder strap (8) are formed by a double layer material (9, 10).

22. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said postoperative bra (1) further comprises cushioning means (18) arranged between said flexible tube (11, 12) and the wearer of said bra (1).

23. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said front portion (2) comprises a first flexible tube (11) and a second flexible tube (12) each including filler (13) in the form of a liquid or a semi-liquid, wherein said first tube (11) extends along at least a part of the underside edge (14) of said first cup (3) and wherein said second tube (12) extends along at least a part of the underside edge (14) of said second cup (4).

24. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said front portion (2) comprises one or more tunnels in which said flexible tube (11, 12) arranged.

25. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said postoperative bra (1) further comprises a prosthetic device (22) arranged in said pocket (21).

26. A postoperative bra (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least said cups (3, 4) of said postoperative bra (1) is formed by an elastic fabric.