US20120225608A1 - Breast band - Google Patents
Breast band Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120225608A1 US20120225608A1 US13/411,312 US201213411312A US2012225608A1 US 20120225608 A1 US20120225608 A1 US 20120225608A1 US 201213411312 A US201213411312 A US 201213411312A US 2012225608 A1 US2012225608 A1 US 2012225608A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- band
- axilla
- breast
- accommodating
- overwrap
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41C—CORSETS; BRASSIERES
- A41C3/00—Brassieres
- A41C3/005—Brassieres specially adapted for specific purposes
- A41C3/0064—Brassieres specially adapted for specific purposes for medical use or surgery
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/14—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads specially adapted for the breast or abdomen
- A61F13/141—Milk breast pads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/14—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads specially adapted for the breast or abdomen
- A61F13/143—Thorax bandages or bandaging garments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
- A61F5/03—Corsets or bandages for abdomen, teat or breast support, with or without pads
Abstract
A breast band includes a resilient, elastic band that, in some embodiments, is covered by a soft, moisture absorbent fabric, and also includes an adjustable closure as well as two axilla-accommodating regions or two nascent axilla-accommodating regions.
Description
- This case claims priority of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/448,272 filed Mar. 2, 2011, which is incorporated by reference herein.
- The present invention relates to an article for use after breast augmentation surgery and breast reconstruction surgery in which expanders and/or implants are used.
- After breast augmentation or reconstruction (using expanders and implants), it usually necessary to exert, for a period of a few weeks, downward pressure on the breast implant to stabilize it, keep the implant in its correct position, and prevent it from rising to settle in an unnaturally high position. To accomplish this, physicians will typically recommend that the patient wear a breast band or binder that ensures that the implants settle in the infra-mammary crease in a natural position.
-
FIG. 1 depictsbreast band 100, which is typical of a breast band in the prior art. This known breast band includesband 102,overwrap 104, andadjustable closure 106.Band 102 is usually formed from a resilient, elastic material such. The band is typically a few inches in height. The height H ofband 100, which is measured betweenupper edge 108 andlower edge 110 of theband 102, is constant. It is to be understood that the terms “upper” and “lower,” when used to reference a particular “edge” of the band, refer to the respective locations of the edges when the band is being worn by a patient. - Manufacturers of breast bands understand that the bands will be worn for relatively long periods of time (weeks). As a consequence, the bands often include
overwrap 104, which is a soft, moisture-absorbent material that overliesband 102 and is intended to contact the skin of a wearer. The overwrap offers a measure of comfort to the wearer.Adjustable closure 106 enables the band to opened, as is required to place the band around the wearer's upper chest (or remove it), and to be closed so that the band remains on the wearer. The adjustable nature of the closure accommodates different body sizes, etc. - Notwithstanding manufacturers' efforts, patients routinely complain that the bands are uncomfortable. Typical complaints are that the band is too tight, tends to crease or fold over, irritates the skin and surgical incisions, and cuts into the axilla (armpit).
- The present invention provides a breast band that avoids some of the shortcomings of the prior art. In particular, by virtue of its construction, the breast band will not crease or fold over nor will it cut into the axilla.
- In the illustrative embodiment, the breast band comprises an elastic material, covered with a soft, moisture-absorbent material and having a hook-and-loop type (Velcro®) closure. Furthermore, breast bands in accordance with the present teachings are configured to provide two axilla-accommodating regions.
- The axilla-accommodating regions provide a reduced height relative to the rest of the breast band. In some embodiments, the breast band, as manufactured, provides two, reduced-height, axilla-accommodating regions. In particular, the upper edge of the breast band (when in use) in the axilla-accommodating regions is “lower” than the upper edge of the rest of the breast band, as if a portion of the band were “cut-out” or removed. As such, the height of the band is less in the axilla-accommodating regions than the rest of the band. The axilla-accommodating regions are located on opposed portions of the breast band (when the two ends of the band are brought together).
- In some other embodiments, rather than being manufactured with reduced-height axilla-accommodating regions, the breast band is physically adapted to enable a purchaser/therapist/wearer to remove portions of the breast band to create the axilla-accommodating regions.
- When the band is worn, the axilla-accommodating regions are positioned beneath each axilla to accommodate motion of the upper arms. This prevents the irritation that would otherwise occur. In addition, the relatively lower upper edge of the band in the axilla-accommodating regions substantially reduces the likelihood that the breast band will crease or fold over in use, as would otherwise occur due to the movement of the upper arm. Such creasing and folding is uncomfortable for the wearer, results in unflattering lines/bulges under the user's outerwear, and can be a further source of irritation.
-
FIG. 1 depictsbreast band 100 in the prior art. -
FIG. 2 depictsbreast band 200 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 3A-3C depict a partial view ofbreast band 200 depicting various contours for an axilla-accommodating region. -
FIG. 4A depictsbreast band 400 in accordance with the present invention including nascent axilla-accommodating regions. -
FIG. 4B depictsbreast band 400 in accordance with the present invention including nascent axilla-accommodating regions and seams. -
FIG. 5 depictsbreast band 400 ofFIG. 4B , wherein the axilla-accommodating regions are formed by removing first portions of the breast band. -
FIG. 6 depictsbreast band 400 ofFIG. 4B , wherein the axilla-accommodating regions are formed by removing second portions of the breast band. -
FIG. 2 depictsbreast band 200 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.Breast band 200 comprisesband 202,optional overwrap 204,adjustable closure 206, and axilla-accommodating regions -
Band 202 is typically formed from a resilient, elastic material, such as Gore elastic. The height, H, ofband 202, as measured betweenupper edge 208 andlower edge 210 is typically in a range of about 5 to 7.5 centimeters (2 to 3 inches), other than at axilla-accommodating regions 212.Optional overwrap 204 is a soft, moisture-absorbent material that overliesband 202 and is intended to contact the skin of a wearer. Theoverwrap 204 is usually a material such as chamois cotton cloth or looped fabric (e.g., terrycloth, etc.). In some embodiments,band 202 is formed from a material that has a suitably soft exterior surface such thatoverwrap 204 is omitted. -
Adjustable closure 206 enables the band to opened, as is required to place the band around the wearer's upper chest (or remove it therefrom), and to be closed so that the band remains on the wearer. The adjustable nature of the closure accommodates different body sizes, etc. In some embodiments, the adjustable closure comprises two strips of hook-and-loop fastener (i.e., Velcro®), one disposed on each end ofband 202. Other adjustable closure mechanisms can suitably be used as long as they are not a source of discomfort to the wearer. - Axilla-
accommodating regions 212 comprise reduced-height portions 214 ofband 202. The orientation ofbreast band 200, as depicted inFIG. 2 , is the orientation in which the band is fitted to a wearer; that is,edge 208 is superior (higher) andedge 210 is inferior (lower). Thus, in the axilla-accommodating regions,upper edge 208 “dips” such that height HR between the upper edge ofband 202 in the axilla-accommodating region andlower edge 210 ofband 202 is reduced relative to the height H of the balance ofband 202.Upper edge 208 ofband 202 in axilla-accommodating regions 212 is at least about 1.25 centimeters (0.5 inches) “lower” than the upper edge ofband 202 at other locations, and more preferably at least 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) “lower.” - Length L of axilla-accommodating
regions 212 is sufficient to span the axilla regions of a wearer. Typically, the length L of the axilla-accommodating regions will be at least about 10 centimeters (4 inches) and typically in a range of about 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches). - Axilla-accommodating
regions 212 can have any of a number of “profiles,” a few of which are depicted inFIGS. 3A to 3C . As depicted inFIG. 3A , in some embodiments,upper edge 208 of the band in axilla-accommodatingregions 212 is contoured such that, in profile, it drops along a smooth curve inregions 316 near each end ofregion 212 and flattens inregion 318 such that it is parallel tolower edge 210. -
FIG. 3B depicts an embodiment whereinupper edge 208 of the band in axilla-accommodatingregions 212 is contoured such that, in profile, it drops at an angle, but linearly, inregions 316 near each end ofregion 212 and flattens inregion 318 such that it is parallel tolower edge 210. -
FIG. 3C depicts an embodiment whereinupper edge 208 of the band in axilla-accommodatingregions 212 has a substantially arcuate profile. Other profiles for axilla-accommodatingregions 212, as will occur to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure, may suitably be employed. -
FIG. 4A depictsbreast band 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Likebreast band 200,breast band 400 includesband 402,optional overwrap 404, andadjustable closure 406. - Unlike
breast band 200, which includes “preformed” axilla-accommodatingregions 212,breast band 400 includes nascent axilla-accommodatingregions breast band 400 is configured so that portions of the band can be removed to form axilla-accommodating regions. But the axilla-accommodating regions do not exist until portions ofband 402 are removed by a purchaser, patient, therapist, etc. - In the embodiment shown, each nascent axilla-accommodating region 420 comprises “fissures” 424 and 428. In preferred embodiments, fissures 424 and 428 are regions at which a portion of
band 402 is readily separated from the remainder of the band. For example,fissure 424 can be rouletting, perforations, or the like that enableportion 422 ofband 402 to be removed. Likewise,fissure 428 can be rouletting, perforations, etc., that enableband portions band 402 to be removed. In some less preferred embodiments, rather than including a fissure, a “cut” line can be indicated, wherein a pair of scissors, etc., is used to cut the band to create the axilla-accommodating regions. - Although
breast band 400 includes twofissures breast band 400 includes only a single fissure. In some further embodiments,breast band 400 includes more than two fissures. The greater the number of fissures inback band 400, the greater the ability to tailor the axilla-accommodating regions to meet the individual needs of a given patient. - In embodiments in which
breast band 400 comprises multiple layers of material, such as whenoverwrap 404 is present, it is important that when the portions ofband 402 are removed to form the axilla-accommodating regions, the multiple layers remain joined. That is, for example,overwrap 404 must not separate from thematerial comprising band 402 atfissure 424 whenband portion 422 is removed. - As a consequence, in some such embodiments,
band 402 further comprises “seams” 430 and 432, such as depicted in the embodiment ofbreast band 400 that is depicted inFIG. 4B . The seams are a line-of-junction where the layers are joined. The seams can be formed by an ultrasonic weld, any of a variety of heat-joining techniques, stitches, or via any other technique known in the art. - As depicted in
FIG. 4B ,seam 430 is “below”fissure 424 andseam 432 is belowfissure 428. Thus, whenband portion 422 is removed atfissure 424, nearby-seam 430 ensures thatoverwrap 404 does not separate fromband 402. Likewise,seam 432 enablesband portions -
Fissures seams band 402 andoverwrap 404, etc.) joined together. The separation of these functions into distinct features is primarily for pedagogical purposes. -
FIG. 5 depictsbreast band 400 withband portion 422 removed, thereby forming axilla-accommodatingregions band portion 422 is removed atfissure 426,seam 430 remains to ensure thatband 402 andoverwrap 404 do not separate. Also,band portion 426,fissure 428, andseam 432 are intact. -
FIG. 6 depictsbreast band 400 with both ofband portions regions regions only portion 422 was removed. - It is to be understood that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the following claims.
Claims (15)
1. A breast band comprising:
a band, wherein the band comprises a resilient, elastic material;
a closure, wherein the closure enables the band to be opened and closed; and one of:
(a) first and second axilla-accommodating regions, wherein the first and second axilla-accommodating regions have a reduced height relative to the rest of the band; or
(b) first and second nascent axilla-accommodating regions, wherein each nascent axilla-accommodating region comprises a first physical adaptation that facilitates removal of a portion of the band, thereby forming an axilla-accommodating region having a reduced height relative to the rest of the band.
2. The breast band of claim 1 wherein the first physical adaptation is a fissure in each nascent axilla-accommodating region, wherein the fissure facilitates removal of the portion of the band to provide the axilla-accommodating region.
3. The breast band of claim 1 further comprising an overwrap that overlies the band, wherein the overwrap comprises a moisture absorbent material.
4. The breast band of claim 2 and further wherein the nascent axilla-accommodating regions each comprise a seam, wherein, when the breast band is worn, the seam is disposed beneath the fissure, and wherein the seam joins the band and the overwrap so that the overwrap is prevented from disengaging from the band when the portion of the band is removed.
5. A breast band comprising:
a band, wherein the band comprises a resilient, elastic material;
a closure, wherein the closure enables the band to be opened and closed; and
first and second axilla-accommodating regions, wherein the first and second axilla-accommodating regions have a reduced height relative to the rest of the band, and wherein when the breast band is worn, the first and second axilla-accommodating regions are positioned below each axilla of a wearer.
6. The breast band of claim 5 further comprising an overwrap that overlies the band, wherein the overwrap comprises a moisture absorbent material.
7. The breast band of claim 5 wherein each axilla-accommodating region is at least one-half inch lower in height than the rest of the band.
8. The breast band of claim 5 wherein each axilla-accommodating region has a length of at least four inches.
9. A breast band comprising:
a band, wherein the band comprises a resilient, elastic material;
a closure, wherein the closure enables the band to be opened and closed;
first and second nascent axilla-accommodating regions, wherein each nascent axilla-accommodating region comprises a first physical adaptation that facilitates removal of a portion of the band within the nascent axilla-accommodating region, thereby forming an axilla-accommodating region having a reduced height relative to the rest of the band.
10. The breast band of claim 9 wherein the first physical adaptation comprises a fissure, wherein the fissure facilitates removal of the portion of the band to provide the axilla-accommodating region.
11. The breast band of claim 9 wherein the first physical adaptation comprises a cut line, wherein, a user cuts the band along the cut line to remove the portion of the band, thereby forming the axilla-accommodating region.
12. The breast band of claim 10 further comprising an overwrap that overlies the band, wherein the overwrap comprises a moisture absorbent material.
13. The breast band of claim 12 and further wherein the first and second nascent axilla-accommodating regions each comprise a seam, wherein, when the breast band is worn, the seam is disposed beneath the fissure, and wherein the seam joins the band and the overwrap so that the overwrap is prevented from disengaging from the band when the portion of the band is removed.
14. The breast band of claim 9 wherein a portion of the band that extends at least one-half inch below an upper edge of the band is removed from each of the first and second nascent axilla-accommodating regions to form the axilla-accommodating regions.
15. The breast band of claim 9 wherein the first and second nascent axilla-accommodating region each have a length of at least four inches.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/411,312 US20120225608A1 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2012-03-02 | Breast band |
US13/439,021 US10045571B2 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2012-04-04 | Breast band |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161448272P | 2011-03-02 | 2011-03-02 | |
US13/411,312 US20120225608A1 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2012-03-02 | Breast band |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/439,021 Continuation-In-Part US10045571B2 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2012-04-04 | Breast band |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120225608A1 true US20120225608A1 (en) | 2012-09-06 |
Family
ID=46753609
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/411,312 Abandoned US20120225608A1 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2012-03-02 | Breast band |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20120225608A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN112914833A (en) * | 2021-01-13 | 2021-06-08 | 李德祥 | Physiotherapy device for cardiology |
Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2096564A (en) * | 1936-02-01 | 1937-10-19 | William M Scholl | Perforated strapping tape |
US2338535A (en) * | 1942-05-28 | 1944-01-04 | Rubatex Products Inc | Shock absorbing and buoyant vest |
US2412075A (en) * | 1944-07-18 | 1946-12-03 | Boone Harry Cleon | Brace |
US2468841A (en) * | 1947-04-23 | 1949-05-03 | Siegel Sigmund | Chest protector |
US3077196A (en) * | 1961-04-12 | 1963-02-12 | Anthony E Paxton | Brassiere |
US3266069A (en) * | 1964-07-17 | 1966-08-16 | Stearns Mfg Company | Buoyant garment structure |
US3945041A (en) * | 1975-02-28 | 1976-03-23 | Jhoon Goo Rhee | Protective device for a person's rib cage area |
US4508110A (en) * | 1983-09-14 | 1985-04-02 | Modglin Michael D | Body jacket |
USD353202S (en) * | 1991-11-07 | 1994-12-06 | Hong Min S | Abdominal breathing band |
US6155996A (en) * | 1998-06-30 | 2000-12-05 | American Biosystems, Inc. | Disposable pneumatic chest compression vest |
US6475047B2 (en) * | 2000-02-18 | 2002-11-05 | Sam Cynamon | Rescue device |
US20060211334A1 (en) * | 2004-10-27 | 2006-09-21 | Smith Veronica C | Breast sling |
US8550871B1 (en) * | 2010-03-31 | 2013-10-08 | Michele Patrice Baratta | Cutting material into a desired final brassiere shape |
-
2012
- 2012-03-02 US US13/411,312 patent/US20120225608A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2096564A (en) * | 1936-02-01 | 1937-10-19 | William M Scholl | Perforated strapping tape |
US2338535A (en) * | 1942-05-28 | 1944-01-04 | Rubatex Products Inc | Shock absorbing and buoyant vest |
US2412075A (en) * | 1944-07-18 | 1946-12-03 | Boone Harry Cleon | Brace |
US2468841A (en) * | 1947-04-23 | 1949-05-03 | Siegel Sigmund | Chest protector |
US3077196A (en) * | 1961-04-12 | 1963-02-12 | Anthony E Paxton | Brassiere |
US3266069A (en) * | 1964-07-17 | 1966-08-16 | Stearns Mfg Company | Buoyant garment structure |
US3945041A (en) * | 1975-02-28 | 1976-03-23 | Jhoon Goo Rhee | Protective device for a person's rib cage area |
US4508110A (en) * | 1983-09-14 | 1985-04-02 | Modglin Michael D | Body jacket |
USD353202S (en) * | 1991-11-07 | 1994-12-06 | Hong Min S | Abdominal breathing band |
US6155996A (en) * | 1998-06-30 | 2000-12-05 | American Biosystems, Inc. | Disposable pneumatic chest compression vest |
US6475047B2 (en) * | 2000-02-18 | 2002-11-05 | Sam Cynamon | Rescue device |
US20060211334A1 (en) * | 2004-10-27 | 2006-09-21 | Smith Veronica C | Breast sling |
US8550871B1 (en) * | 2010-03-31 | 2013-10-08 | Michele Patrice Baratta | Cutting material into a desired final brassiere shape |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN112914833A (en) * | 2021-01-13 | 2021-06-08 | 李德祥 | Physiotherapy device for cardiology |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |