Abstract:
A mastectomy bra is constructed with a built-in prosthetic device and includes at least one bra outer portion within which a breast-shaped prosthetic device of varying weight and composition is permanently adjusted. The single bra cup includes an outer fabric layer fully enclosing and supporting the prosthetic device, and the outer fabric layer includes a breast contoured portion and a body facing portion. The prosthetic device is formed in a natural shape of a woman&#39;s breast. The device is also constructed of a non-permeable, soft flexible outer shell layer within which is disposed the fluid-like material. An optional valve may be included for adding or removing fluid material from the bra cup for aesthetic adjustment of its size.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to mastectomy bras. More particularly, the invention relates to fashionable garments, including bras, dresses, bathing suits, nightgowns, etc., which include one or more built-in and non-removable prosthetic devices forming a bra cup in various shapes and sizes, complementing the size and shapes of a mastectomy patient&#39;s surgical area, and/or remaining breast portions. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Various breast prosthesis are known for use by mastectomy patients. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,639 discloses an external breast prosthesis comprising a thin plastic shell of elastomeric material. The external breast prosthesis is contoured to conform to the configuration of the breast of a mastectomy patient and includes a rear peripheral edge for attachment by adhesive to the chest wall of the patient. Adhesive attached mastectomy devices are known to cause irritation to the surgical area of the woman&#39;s body to which it is applied. Also known is an artificial breast form, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,635, including contoured, molded breast shape layers that can be sculptured by a user to create a cosmetically acceptable appearance, i.e., fit. Use of such form, however, limits the type of garment which may be worn therewith. Further known is U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,606, which discloses a breast prosthesis comprising an underwire adapted to retain the breast prosthesis, which prosthesis may be removably attached to an unmodified bra. There are particular problems known to those skilled in the art associated with the use of bra-removable mastectomy problems. 
     Also known are garments constructed for use by mastectomy patients. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,621, discloses an artificial breast or mastectomy prosthesis and nightgown incorporating same. The prosthesis is constructed as a lightweight substantially breast shaped pad having hook-type fastening means at a plurality of locations about the pad which are fastenable to mating pile attachments means on the inside of a bosom area of a nightgown and readily removable therefrom. As does the &#39;621 patented prosthesis, the &#39;621 patented prosthetic device is constructed to be removed from the garment for storage and maintenance. 
     Also known is U.S. Pat. No. 4,187,855 which discloses a garment for use after breast surgery. The garment may be described as a prosthesis or bra-type garment for use after breast surgery. The garment includes enlarged arm openings and an elongated bodice portion to fit beyond the wearer&#39;s waist and assist in holding the garment in place. The breast substitute is provided in a form of a swimsuit insert, conventional padded bra of other similar device filled with a conventional padding material and attached to the garment. 
     Also known is U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,278 which discloses an adjustable inner breast cup insert assembly for a women&#39;s swimsuit or garment such as a leotard, dancewear, etc. The inner breast cup insert assembly comprises two breast cups connected at midsection, where each contains a vertical and side extension with fastening material such as hooks or loop-type fasteners. The fastening material of the inner breast cup assembly is connected to the fastening material of the swimsuit of garment and provides a proper fit, choice of size, proper support, comfort, shape and desired look for a particular wearer. 
     Also known is U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,144, which discloses a mastectomy garment including an underbra, a prosthetic breast pad and an outer bra. The underbra has a supporting cup for a normal breast and a substantially flat band portion to fit to the chest of the removed breast, enabling a firm, flat-fitting garment over the remaining chest surface of the removed breast. The prosthesis or false breast is removably adhered to the outer surface of the flat binding portion. 
     Because of the mental and physical shock associated with breast cancer and mastectomy procedures, it is usually a trying experience for the recovering woman to feel comfortable in prosthetic type bras and clothing available on the market today, some of which are described above. More particularly, prosthetic bras and garments for mastectomy patients available in today&#39;s market are limited and rarely provide a women in need of same with the comfort and confidence needed or desired for social interaction when dressed for the world. For that matter, most prosthesis are pre-molded, mass produced for the standard figure, not machine washable, uncomfortable, expensive and most of all, less than esthetically pleasing. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Hence, it is an object of this invention to provide a line of fashionable garments for use by mastectomy patients which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide varied designs of articles of clothing, or lines of clothing which include a specialized bra cup including functioning portions which provide a mastectomy patient wearer with smooth and natural looking body line, and such that her prosthetic chest portion built into the garment has the apparent ability to flow with the other natural portions of her bosom. 
     And in accordance with the principles of the invention, a line of fashionable garments is provided which comprise a natural-looking and shaped prosthetic breast device permanently inserted in the garment to replace one or both breasts removed, with or without post surgery reconstruction. The garments include various shaped and sized breast cups comprising prosthesis which are permanently affixed to the garment to enable the wearer to merely dress with the garment without having to go through a process of inserting a prosthesis, affixing the prosthesis, adjusting the prosthesis, etc., normally associated with conventional prosthetic devices and garments therefor. 
     The bra cups, and garments comprising same, preferably comprise low maintenance outer materials, e.g., cotton, and the prosthetic device itself constructed with a semipermeable enclosure material which is not effected by conventional environmental conditions, i.e., cleaning with laundry detergents. 
     Applicant&#39;s invention uses combinations of particular features including a permanently adjusted liquid or filler based prosthetic bra cup, the bra cup constructed to be manufactured in garments which may be worn, washed and stored, as would be a conventional non-prosthetic bra. Prices for garments manufactured in accordance with the principles of this invention, e.g., bras, bathing suits, may fluctuate in accordance with the diversity of the line of garments, and quantity. Because of its built-in placement within the garment in which it is disposed, the bra cup portion of the garment will not cause irritation, shifting or uncomfortability. All of the inventive garments are meant to be manufactured in many styles and cup sizes to provide the woman in need with a variety of fashionable items suiting her taste in clothes. 
     The bra portion of any of the particular garments envisioned by the inventive concept disclosed herein includes one or both cups filled and permanently filled with a liquid or semi-liquid material, e.g., water, gel, silicone, a mixture of same, a mixture of water, silicone or gel with an additional structural matrix (in the case of larger breast sizes) and permanently sealed in an outer shell. The back of the outer shell may be encased in a comfortable fabric and disposed against the chest without adhesive or fasteners. The garments include, but are not limited to night gowns, bathing suits, evening wear, sweater, athletic wear, bras, etc., the bras including various styles such as underwire, bond style, strapless bras, brazalettes, bustiers, one piece undergarments, etc. meant to be constructed 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the system, apparatus and method of this invention are described in detail herein with reference to the following drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a bra cup which may be comprise a portion of garments of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a bra constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a bra constructed for use with full-bodied women in accordance with the principles of this invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a regular underwire bra constructed with the a back hooking mechanism in accordance with the principles of this invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a regular underwire bra constructed with a front hooking mechanism in accordance with the principles of this invention; 
     FIGS. 6A,  6 B and  6 C are schematic representations of a strapless, long-lined bra with boning, a strapped linguine bra and a strapless bra, respectively, each constructed for use with full-bodied women in accordance with the principles of this invention; 
     FIG. 7A is a schematic representation of a coscelette constructed for use with full-bodied women in accordance with the principles of this invention; 
     FIG. 7B is a schematic representation of a one piece brasellette, with short leg garters, constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention; 
     FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic representations of a long-line briefer, garter type bra with adjustable straps, and short-leg long-line briefer, without garters and including a cotton-lined panty panel, respectively, each constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
     FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic representations of a regular bra, with band bottom and adjustable straps, and a long-line, front hook bra with adjustable straps, respectively, each constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic representations of a strapless, short leg briefer bra, including a cotton-lined panty portion, and a long-line briefer pantyleg with lined panty panel and front cut fabric opening in the panty panel, respectively, each constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
     FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic representations of a baby doll spaghetti strap bra insert, and long night gown bra insert, respectively, each constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
     FIGS. 12A,  12 B and  12 C, respectively, are schematic representation of a two-piece bathing suit, a full swimsuit, and back inner bra and hook portion of the FIG. 12B front portion, each constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of an athletic bra constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a bra cup constructed in a distinct form from the embodiment of the bra cup depicted in FIG. 1 herein; 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a bra cup constructed in a distinct form from the embodiment of the bra cup depicted in FIG. 1 herein; and 
     FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of dancewear constructed in accordance with a bra cup of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Although the subject invention has been described above, and will be described in detail below with respect to preferred embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains that changes and modifications may be made to the inventive bra cup and garments comprising same without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject invention, limited only as interpreted by the scope of the appended claims. 
     A line of fashionable garments is provided which comprises a natural-looking and naturally shaped prosthetic bra cup or breast device, fixedly disposed within each garment. The bra cup is, constructed in accordance with the inventive concept taught herein. Inclusion of a bra cup as shown herein renders the garment constructed therewith capable of replacing the aesthetic presence and function of one or both breasts, some time after their required removal by surgery (with or without post surgery reconstruction). The garments are constructed to be “wash and wear.” In particular, the garments contemplated by the present invention include a front portion  12  composed of any fabric known to those skilled in the art which could render the herein described construction possible. For example, various textured and colored cottons, laces, satins, etc. Of course, though particular fabrics may require particular type garment protection. The filler may be added to reduce the amount of fluid necessary for the prosthetic device. For example, larger cup bra&#39;s such as C, D, E, F may require a lesser ratio of fluid-like material to filler. A fabric backing  22 , e.g., cotton, is permanently affixed to a back portion of seal  18  to complete the bra cup  10 . For that matter, the purpose of the fabric backing is for breathability in the portion contacting the user&#39;s chest, minimizing any discomfort during extended wear periods. Front and back portions may be composite parts or formed as one piece. In its composite form, the front and back may meet at or proximate strap  24  at upper portion of the prosthetic device ( 18  and  20 ), and the proximate bottom band  26 . Preferably, the strap  24  is connected to bra cup  10  via connector  28 . 
     The shape of prosthetic device (i.e., lining  18  and fluid-like material  20 ) and fiber filling  16  may be varied in accordance with the shape of the woman choosing to wear a garment within which the bra cup  10  is incorporated. While the prosthetic device is flexible and therefore may not maintain its breast-like shape when not being worn in whatever garment it is incorporated (e.g., bra, formal wear, dance wear, bathing suit, nightgown, etc.), when worn and pressed against the users chest, it naturally takes the breast-like form. The ratio of fiber filler  16  to fluid-like material  20  may be used to vary the shape and substance of the complete bra cup  10 . For example, the ratio may be varied based upon the extent of the surgical procedure, that is, the surgical breast area to which the fabric backing  22  will come into contact during use. This is required where those utilizing the bra cup  10  may have had a reconstructive surgery, or partial mastectomy, and is able to provide for a significant tissue volume at and around the surgical area. Where adjustments to the size of the cup which stand outside those standards or specifications which could define a standard, a special embodiment may include a valve  15  (shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 14 and 15, but not explicitly shown in FIG. 1) for adding to or removing from the volume of inner material  20 . 
     The form of the embodiment of bra cup  10  of FIG. 1 may be varied by excluding a fiber portion  16  with larger prosthetic device (material  20  enclosed with  18 ). That is, portion  20  becomes a fiber material  20 ′. Fiber material  20 ′ may be varied to include a fluid like material throughout a fiber matrix. Where having an adjustably bra cup size would be useful, a form which includes a valve  28 . The valve is included to add and remove fluid- and/or gas-like material from the mass of material  20 . This provides a means for adjusting the prosthetic device weight, size, shape, firmness, texture etc. The liner  18  must be made of a non-permeable material to prevent, detergents, food materials, etc. from passing into the prosthetic device while wearing a garment fitted with same. The fluid-like material may be varied in volume at manufacture (and in some models, adjustable) to vary the weight and firmness of the device for a wearer physical characteristics. 
     The bra cup  10  of FIG. 1 may be constructed for use in “regular bras”, or any other line of garments such as mentioned broadly above. Of course, bra cup  10  may be fitted for single, double, or partial mastectomy survivors. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a bra  40  constructed in accordance with the principles of the bra cup  10  set forth above with respect to FIG.  1 . Bra  40  includes bra cup  10  connected by hooks  28  to strap  24  and wraparound support material  42 . A regular (Non-mastectomy) cup  52  is also shown, this bra designed for use by a woman who had her left breast removed or partially removed. Bra  40  closes in the back with clasp  48  and hook section  50 . The wrapping or holding ability of the bra  40  determines both its comfortability to the wearer, and its aesthetic and ability to flow with the other natural portions of the body. 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a bra  41  constructed for use with full-bodied women in accordance with the principles of this invention. The bra  41  includes a bra cup  10  as described above, bra backing  42 ′, which may be “boned” or underwire supported, comprises an upper back portion  25  closing with detachable portions  49 ,  51 . 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a regular underwire bra  40 ′ constructed with the a back hooking mechanism (not shown in the figure) and a bra cup  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a regular underwire bra  40 ″ constructed with the a front hooking mechanism  70  and a bra cup  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. 
     FIG. 6A shows a strapless, long-lined bra  50 , with boning  52 , waistband portion  54  and bra cup  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. 
     FIG. 6B shows an adjustable strap long line bra  50  (without boning), with elastic side panels  52 , elastic waistband portion  54  and bra cup  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. 
     FIG. 6C shows a strapless bra  56  with waistband portion  54  and bra cup  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. This (and for that matter any bra or bra cup set forth herein) may be constructed with or without underwire. 
     FIG. 7A is a schematic representation of a brasellette with boning or underwire  60  constructed for use with the bra cup  10  constructed in accordance with the principles comprising bra cups  10  and  10 ′ described above. 
     FIG. 7B is a schematic representation of a one piece briefer  70 , with short leg garters  62 , and a bra cup portion  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. 
     FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic representations of a long-line briefer  90  and garter type bra  80  with adjustable straps  26 ′ and garters  62 ; and short-leg long-line briefer  90  ( without garters) and including a cotton-lined panty panel  92 , respectively, each also including a bra cup  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. 
     FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic representations of a regular bra  100 , with band bottom  54  and adjustable straps  26 ′; and a long-line, front hook bra  110  with adjustable straps  26  and front hook  114 , respectively, each including at least one bra cup  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic representations of a strapless, short leg briefer bra  120 , including a cotton-lined panty portion  122 ; and a long-line briefer pantyleg bra  130  with lined panty panel  132  and front cut fabric opening  134  in the panty panel, respectively, each including bra cups  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention 
     FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic representations of a baby doll spaghetti strap bra insert  140 , and long night gown bra insert  150 , respectively, each including a bra cup  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention 
     FIGS.  12 A 1  and  12 A 2  comprise a schematic representation of a two-piece bathing suit  160 , comprising top and bottom portions  162 ,  164 . FIG. 12B represents a full swimsuit  170 , and back inner bra (FIG. 12C) and hook portion  174 . FIG. 13 is a sports bra  180 . Each of the garments of FIGS. 12A-12C, and the sports bra of FIG. 13 includes bra cups  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
     Each of the bra cups, or clothing apparel same disclosed herein, may be constructed with regular adjustable straps or stretch straps. Wider, padded straps should be made available for larger cup sizes. 
     FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a bra cup  10 ′ constructed in a form which is unique from the form of the embodiment of the bra cup depicted in FIG. 1 herein. That is, bra cup  10 ′ comprising a prosthetic device portion  21  for insertion into garments which allow use of a full prosthetic device. The portion  21  comprises a fluid-like filler material  20 , typically a liquid, gas, gel, etc. The bra cup may be attached via connector  28  to an upper strap  24  and to a lower strap or waist band  26 . Moreover, in a variation of the FIG. 14 embodiment, a valve  15  may be included for use under conditions in which fluid material  20  may be required to be added or removed from the bra cup in order to adjust the aesthetic size and shape of same. For certain cup sizes, it may be effective to include a matrix of some type of honeycomb-like material within the fluid-filled portion  20  in order to manufacture the cup with less fluid, thereby lowering its weight while maintaining its flexible breast-like shape, in any of bra cups  10 .  10 ′,  10 ″, and other variations thereof. Moreover, the matrix or honeycomb-like filler should preferably perform a baffle-like function to avoid undamped fluid movement within filled portions  20 , rendering the prosthetic device more like a natural breast. 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a bra cup  10 ″ constructed in a form which is unique from the form of the embodiment of the bra cups depicted in FIGS. 1 and 14 herein. That is, bra cup  10 ″ comprises a prosthetic device portion  23  for insertion into garments which allow use of a full prosthetic device. The portion  21  comprises a filler material  16 , typically any useable filler material known to those skilled in the art, e.g., cotton fiber, acrylic fiber, etc. The bra cup may be attached via connector  28  to an upper strap  24  and to a lower strap or waist band  26 . 
     FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a dancewear garment  190  which includes a bra cup  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     While the several embodiments depicted in the drawing figures and described hereinabove clearly describe the inventive concept of the present invention, they are set forth for exemplary purposes only. One skilled in the art will understand that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims set forth below.