Post-treatment bra

Abstract

The invention provides a post-treatment bra comprising a front panel and a back panel, wherein, the front panel and back panel are joined together to form a continuous structure for encircling a user's torso, the front panel including two bra cups and a bridge portion therebetween, at least one of the bra cups including an outer fabric layer (108) and an inner fabric layer (107), the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer being attached to each other to form a cavity (114) for retaining a breast prosthesis (500) between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer, the bra cup having lateral edges and an opening to the cavity, the opening extending from a first point on a first lateral edge (109) of the bra cup to a second point on a second lateral edge (110) of the bra cup.

Description

[0001] POST-TREATMENT BRA

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention provides an inner garment, more particularly, a post-treatment bra.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

[0006] Conventionally, pockets are present in the bras / brassieres to hold external breast prostheses, which are usually used by patients following a breast cancer surgery or a prophylactic breast cancer surgery, such as a mastectomy, a lumpectomy, or a breast reconstruction surgery. Such conventional bras / brassieres may not be durable after repeated use (i.e., inserting and removing of the breast prosthesis from the pocket) and may even cause wear and tear of the breast prosthesis. In addition, such conventional bras / brassieres may cause inconvenience to the user when inserting or removing the breast prosthesis if the bra / brassiere is already worn by the user or even cause discomfort due to friction between the bra / brassiere and the user’s skin near the surgical site and / or swollen or sensitive axillary lymph nodes from the surgery.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for alternative and / or improved post-treatment bras / brassieres.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] Aspects and embodiments of the current invention will now be described by reference to the following numbered clauses.

[0010] 1 . A post-treatment bra comprising a front panel and a back panel, wherein: the front panel and back panel are joined together to form a continuous structure for encircling a user’s torso, the front panel including two bra cups and a bridge portion therebetween, at least one of the bra cups including an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer, the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer being attached to each other to form a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer, the bra cup having lateral edges and an opening to the cavity, the opening extending from a first point on a first lateral edge of the bra cup to a second point on a second lateral edge of the bra cup.

[0011] 2. The post-treatment bra of clause 1 , wherein the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer each have a lower edge, a first upper edge, a second upper edge, an inner edge joined to the bridge portion and an outer edge joined to the back panel, the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer being attached to each other along their respective edges, thereby forming the cavity.

[0012] 3. The post-treatment bra of clause 2, wherein the lower edges together form a bottom lateral edge of the bra cup, the first upper edges together form a top lateral edge of the bra cup, the second upper edges together form a side lateral edge of the bra cup, the inner edges together form an inner lateral edge of the bra cup and the outer edges together form an outer lateral edge of the bra cup.

[0013] 4. The post-treatment bra of clause 2 or clause 3, wherein the outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer are releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges and the inner edges, thereby forming the opening to the cavity from a first point on the top lateral edge to a second point on the inner lateral edge when detached.

[0014] 5. The post-treatment bra of clause 2 or clause 3, wherein the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges and the second upper edges, thereby forming the opening to the cavity from a first point on the top lateral edge to a second point on the side lateral edge when detached.

[0015] 6. The post-treatment bra of clause 2 or clause 3, wherein the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges and the lower edges, thereby forming the opening to the cavity from a first point on the top lateral edge to a second point on the bottom lateral edge when detached.

[0016] 7. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 4 to 6, wherein the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other by a releasable attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, a zip fastener, press studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®), and a nursing clip or clasp. 8. The post-treatment bra of clause 1 , wherein the inner fabric layer comprises the opening to the cavity.

[0017] 9. The post-treatment bra of clause 8, wherein the inner fabric layer comprises two inner fabric segments, the inner fabric segments each have a free edge, the free edges overlapping each other, thereby forming the opening to the cavity when the free edges are separated from each other.

[0018] 10. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 2 to 7, inner fabric layer comprises a second opening to a second cavity for retaining a filling (a foam or a pad etc.), wherein the second cavity is enclosed by the inner fabric layer and a partition layer disposed between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer, optionally wherein, the second cavity is divided into sub-cavities by one or more inner partitions.

[0019] 11 . The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bra cup includes a cup structure configured to conform to a convex surface of a breast prosthesis.

[0020] 12. The post-treatment bra of clause 1 1 , wherein the cup structure is formed by a knit pattern and / or by moulding of the outer fabric layer, optionally wherein the cup structure comprises regions having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses to each other.

[0021] 13. The post-treatment bra of clause 11 or clause 12, wherein the cup structure is a moulded polymer cup (e.g. a moulded polyurethane cup) or a moulded fabric cup (e.g. spacer fabric), wherein the cup structure is disposed between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer, optionally wherein the cup structure is attached to the outer fabric layer.

[0022] 14. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner fabric layer comprises a surface having a three-dimensional shape configured to conform to a user’s chest following a breast cancer surgery or a prophylactic breast cancer surgery, the three-dimensional shape formed by a knit pattern and / or by moulding of the inner fabric layer, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer comprises regions having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses to each other. 15. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the opening to the cavity is configured such that the breast prosthesis can undergo multiple cycles of being inserted into the cavity and removed from the cavity without delaminating and / or rupturing the breast prosthesis.

[0023] 16. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the front panel comprises an underband that extends along the bottom lateral edge of the bra cup.

[0024] 17. The post-treatment bra of clause 16, wherein the underband is formed from a fabric comprising a set of yarns having elastic properties, for example, a set of yarns comprising elastane.

[0025] 18. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the front panel comprises two side portions, one side portion extending outwardly from an edge of one bra cup, the other side portion extending outwardly from the corresponding edge of the other bra cup, and wherein each side portion is attached to the back panel.

[0026] 19. The post-treatment bra of clause 18, wherein each side portion is configured such that when a user wears the post-treatment bra, the side portions and back panel are not attached to each other at a position that aligns with an underarm surgical site of the user.

[0027] 20. The post-treatment bra of clause 18 or clause 19, wherein each side portion is attached to the back panel by bonding (e.g. adhesive or ultrasonic bonding) and / or stitching.

[0028] 21. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the inner fabric layer and back panel together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

[0029] 22. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the outer fabric layer and back panel together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the outer fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

[0030] 23. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the inner fabric layer, outer fabric layer, and back panel together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer, outer fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

[0031] 24. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the front panel is formed from two portions each including one of the bra cups, the two portions releasable attached to each other by the bridge, the bridge comprising a releasable attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, zip fastener, press studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, and hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®).

[0032] 25. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the back panel comprises two portions releasably attached to each other, for example releasably attached to each other by a releasable attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, zip fastener, press-studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, and hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®).

[0033] 26. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses comprising at least two shoulder straps extending between the front panel and the back panel, wherein each of the at least two shoulder straps include a first end attached to the inner fabric layer and / or outer fabric layer of the front panel and a second end attached to the back panel.

[0034] 27. The post-treatment bra of clause 26, wherein the shoulder straps are attached to the front panel and the back panel by bonding (e.g. adhesive or ultrasonic bonding) and / or stitching, or wherein the inner fabric layer, back panel and shoulder straps are a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

[0035] 28. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner fabric layer, bridge portion, and / or back panel comprise a set of cooling yarns that induce a cooling sensation on the skin of a user when the user wears the post-treatment bra.

[0036] 29. The post-treatment bra of clause 28, wherein the cooling yarns are selected from one or more of a nylon yarn, a polyethylene yarn, a polyester yarn, and combinations thereof.

[0037] 30. The post-treatment bra of clause 29, wherein:

[0038] (a) each cooling yarn further comprises an inorganic additive material selected from an oxide, silicate, sulfate or mixtures thereof; and / or (b) each cooling yarn is formed from two or more threads that are constructed to remove water / sweat from the skin and then release it slowly from the core of the fabric by evaporation.

[0039] 31 . The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner fabric layer and / or back panel comprise a fabric that has been treated to introduce or enhance its liquid wicking properties.

[0040] 32. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner fabric layer and / or back panel comprise a polymer film laminate layer that incorporates a phase change material; or the fabric comprises microcapsules of a phase change material.

[0041] 33. The post-treatment bra of clause 32, wherein the phase change material is selected from one or more of hydrated inorganic salts, linear crystalline alkyl hydrocarbons, linear long- chain hydrocarbons having formula CnH2n+2 where n is an integer from 13 to 18, polyethylene glycol, fatty esters, fatty acids, long alkyl side chain polymers, the solid state series of pentaerythritol, pentaglycerine, neopentyl glycol, quaternary ammonium clathrates and semiclathrates, salt hydrides.

[0042] 34. The post-treatment bra of clause 33, wherein the phase change of the phase change material occurs at a temperature of from about 29 °C to about 39 °C, such as from about 29 °C to about 38 °C, such as from 30 °C to 35 °C.

[0043] 35. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 32 to 34, wherein the microcapsules or polymer film further comprises a conduction-enhancing filler material selected from one or more of a metal, a carbon fiber, and a carbon nanotube.

[0044] 36. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses containing a breast prosthesis within the cavity.

[0045] 37. The post-treatment bra of clause 36, wherein the breast prosthesis is formed from one or more selected from a group consisting of silicone, a foam material (e.g., a polyurethane foam), a fiberfill material (e.g., a polyester fiberfill) and cotton.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a front panel of a post-treatment bra according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a back panel of the post-treatment bra according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 depict a front view of a bra cup with a breast prothesis enclosed in the cavity of the bra cup according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a bra cup with a breast prothesis partially exposed in the cavity of the bra cup according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of an alternative bra cup with a second opening to a second cavity according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a front panel of a post-treatment bra according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 8 depicts a back view of the front panel of the post-treatment bra according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 9 depicts a front view of a back panel of the post-treatment bra according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of a front panel of a post-treatment bra according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 1 1 depicts a back view of the front panel of the post-treatment bra according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 12 depicts a front view of a back panel of the post-treatment bra according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 13 depicts a back view of the front panel of the post-treatment bra according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] DESCRIPTION As noted below, the current invention relates to a post-treatment bra that includes a bra cup comprising a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis. The post-treatment bra may be worn by a patient following a breast cancer surgery or a prophylactic breast cancer surgery, such as a mastectomy, a lumpectomy, or a breast reconstruction surgery. Thus, the post-treatment bra of the present invention may be a post breast cancer treatment bra.

[0059] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a post-treatment bra comprising a front panel and a back panel, wherein: the front panel and back panel are joined together to form a continuous structure for encircling a user’s torso, the front panel including two bra cups and a bridge portion therebetween, at least one of the bra cups including an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer, the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer being attached to each other to form a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer, the bra cup having lateral edges and an opening to the cavity, the opening extending from a first point on one lateral edge of the bra cup to a second point on another lateral edge of the bra cup.

[0060] In embodiments herein, the word “comprising” may be interpreted as requiring the features mentioned, but not limiting the presence of other features. Alternatively, the word “comprising” may also relate to the situation where only the components / features listed are intended to be present (e.g. the word “comprising” may be replaced by the phrases “consists of” or “consists essentially of”). It is explicitly contemplated that both the broader and narrower interpretations can be applied to all aspects and embodiments of the present invention. In other words, the word “comprising” and synonyms thereof may be replaced by the phrase “consisting of” or the phrase “consists essentially of’ or synonyms thereof and vice versa.

[0061] The term “bra” refers to an article of clothing configured to be worn on at least the upper portion of a wearer's torso. The bra may be configured for use post-treatment, and in particular, postmastectomy. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “bra” and “brassiere” may be used interchangeably herein. The term “bra cup” refers a component of the bra for supporting a breast. The post-treatment bra includes a cavity formed between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer of the bra cup. The cavity is configured to retain a breast prosthesis. The construction of the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer allow the breast prosthesis to remain inside the cavity with minimum movement / rotation whilst the bra is being worn by a user. In certain examples, the bra of the present invention comprises one bra cup as defined in the present invention, and one bra cup typically used in a conventional bra (i.e. a bra cup that does not comprise a cavity formed between an inner and outer fabric layer). In certain other examples, both of the bra cups of the bra of the present invention are according to the bra cup as defined in the present invention.

[0062] As used herein, the term “front panel” refers to a portion of the bra configured to be worn on an anterior side of a wearer (e.g., the chest of a wearer). The term “back panel” refers to a portion of the bra configured to be worn on a posterior side of a wearer (e.g., the back of a wearer). It should be understood that “front” and “back” as used herein are not particularly limiting.

[0063] As used herein, the term “inner fabric layer” refers to the fabric layer that is in contact with the skin of the user when worn while the “outer fabric layer” refers to the fabric layer that is facing away from the skin of the user when worn. The outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer are attached to each other to form a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer.

[0064] The term "fabric" when used herein includes woven fabrics, knit fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, multilayer fabrics, and the like. The front panel and back panel of the bra may each be formed from any suitable fabric. In certain example, the two bra cups (including the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer), the bridge, and optionally the straps and / or side portions, are each formed from a fabric.

[0065] As explained and exemplified by the embodiments below, the bra cup comprises lateral edges and an opening to the cavity. As used herein, the term “lateral edge” refers to a side or edge of the bra cup. The opening to the cavity extends from a first point on one lateral edge of the bra cup to a second point on another lateral edge of the bra cup. For example, the opening may extend from a first point on a first lateral edge to a second point on a second lateral edge that is adjacent to the first lateral edge. In another example, the opening may extend from a first point on a first lateral edge to a second point on a second lateral edge that is opposing of the first lateral edge. In this example, the opening may extend more than two lateral edges, including a third lateral edge between the first and second lateral edges.

[0066] The opening for access to the cavity is suitably sized to enable repeated cycles of inserting and removing a breast prosthesis from the cavity without permanently deforming or damaging the breast prosthesis. For example, the opening for access to the cavity may be suitably sized to enable repeated cycles of inserting and removing a breast prosthesis from the cavity without deforming the breast prosthesis such that it is unusable or loses its desired shape and / or volume. For example, the opening for access to the cavity may be suitably sized to enable repeated cycles of inserting and removing a breast prosthesis from the cavity without causing delamination and / or rupturing of the breast prosthesis.

[0067] As exemplified by the embodiments below, the opening may be provided along a lateral edge of the bra cup or the opening may be provided in the inner fabric layer. In either case, the opening extends across at least two lateral edges from a first point on a first lateral edge to a second point on a second lateral edge.

[0068] In cases where the opening is provided along the lateral edge of the bra cup, the outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer of the bra cup each have a lower edge, a first upper edge, a second upper edge, an inner edge joined to the bridge portion and an outer edge joined to the back panel, the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer being attached to each other along their respective edges, thereby forming the cavity.

[0069] When used herein, the term “attached” is to be considered to include both “fixedly attached” and “releasably attached”. In the present disclosure, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer are attached to each other (both fixedly at one or more parts of the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer and releasably at remaining parts of the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer) to define a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer. The portions of the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer that are releasably attached provide an opening to the cavity when the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are detached from each other.

[0070] The term "fixedly attached" as used herein refers to elements that are connected or coupled by stitching, bonding, fastening, adhering etc. Many methods for attaching elements together are known in the art, and include, for example, adhesive bonding (e.g. laminate bonding), pressure bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical fastening, and the like. The means by which the elements are attached is preferably heat stable up to at least 190 °C, which may enable the bra to be washed and dried multiple times.

[0071] The term "releasably attached" as used herein refers to separate elements of the bra which may be engaged with and disengaged from one another in the course of normal use. Elements may be releasably attached to each other using various releasable attachment mechanisms known in the art, for example, buttons and buttonholes, zip fastener, press studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®), and a nursing clip or clasp.

[0072] In certain examples, the lower edges may together form a bottom lateral edge of the bra, the first upper edges may together form a top lateral edge of the bra, and the second upper edges may together form a side lateral edge of the bra, the inner edges may together form an inner lateral edge of the bra cup and the outer edges may together form an outer lateral edge of the bra cup. The bottom lateral edge may form an underbust line of the bra, the top lateral edge may form a neckline of the bra, the side lateral edge may form an underarm line of the bra, the inner lateral edge may be joined to the bridge portion and the outer lateral edge may be joined to the back panel.

[0073] In an exemplified embodiment (see FIG 7 to 12), the outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer may be releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges and the inner edges, thereby providing an opening to the cavity from a first point on the top lateral edge to a second point on the inner lateral edge.

[0074] In a second exemplified embodiment (see FIG. 1 to 5), the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer may be releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges and the second upper edges, thereby forming the opening to the cavity from a first point on the top lateral edge to a second point on the side lateral edge when detached.

[0075] In a third exemplified embodiment, the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer may be releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges and the lower edges, thereby forming the opening to the cavity from a first point on the top lateral edge to a second point on the bottom lateral edge when detached.

[0076] In cases where the opening is provided along the lateral edge of the bra cup, the inner fabric layer may comprise a second opening to a second cavity, wherein the second cavity may be enclosed by the inner fabric layer and a partition layer disposed between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer (see FIG. 6). The second cavity may be divided into sub-cavities by one or more inner partitions.

[0077] In certain examples, the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer may be releasably attached to each other by a releasable attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, a zip fastener, press studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®), and a nursing clip or clasp In cases where the opening is provided in the inner fabric layer, the inner fabric layer may comprise two inner fabric segments (see FIG. 13), the inner fabric segments each have a free edge, the free edges overlapping each other, thereby forming the opening to the cavity when the free edges are separated from each.

[0078] In certain examples, the bra cup may include a cup structure. The cup structure may be configured to conform to a convex surface of a breast prosthesis or a healthy breast (in a scenario where the patient undergoes a surgery for one breast instead of both breasts), and may be formed by a knit pattern and / or by moulding of the outer fabric layer, optionally wherein the cup structure comprises regions having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses. That is to say that the cup structure may be an integral part of the outer fabric layer of the bra cup. In an alternative example, the cup structure may be a moulded polymer cup (for example, a moulded polyurethane cup) or a moulded fabric cup (e.g., spacer fabric). For example, the bra cup may comprise an outer fabric layer, inner fabric layer and a moulded polymer cup or moulded fabric cup disposed between the two fabric layers.

[0079] In certain examples, the inner fabric layer comprises a surface having a three-dimensional shape configured to conform to a user’s chest following a breast cancer surgery or a prophylactic breast cancer surgery, and may be formed by a knit pattern and / or by moulding of the inner fabric layer, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer comprises regions having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses to each other.

[0080] Suitable methods for forming a cup structure in the outer fabric layer and a suitable three- dimensional shape in the inner fabric layer include those known in the art, for example as disclosed by WO 2022 / 086439 and WO 2022086438, which are each incorporated herein by reference. Regions of the fabric layers having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses may be formed, for example, by varying thicknesses of the fabric layer and / or varying compression of the fabric layer during moulding. The thicknesses of the fabric may be varied, for example, by varying the density of tuck stitches, the thickness of the yarns (e.g. spacer yams), and / or the knit structure of the fabric. Examples of how regions of the fabric layers having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses may be formed are provided, for example, by WO 2022 / 086441 , which is disclosed herein by reference.

[0081] As mentioned above, the opening to the cavity may be configured such that the breast prosthesis can undergo multiple cycles of being inserted into the cavity and removed from the cavity without delaminating and / or rupturing the breast prosthesis. To this end, the opening of the cavity may extend from a first point on one lateral edge of the bra cup to a second point on another lateral edge of the bra cup. For example, the opening may extend from a first point on a first lateral edge to a second point on a second lateral edge that is adjacent to the first lateral edge. In another example, the opening may extend from a first point on a first lateral edge to a second point on a second lateral edge that is opposing of the first lateral edge. In this example, the opening may extend more than two lateral edges, including the lateral edge between the first and second lateral edges and thus, the opening is wider for inserting and removing the breast prosthesis more easily.

[0082] In certain examples, the front panel may comprise an underband that extends along the bottom lateral edge of the bra cup. Advantageously, the underband provides support by carrying the weight of the breast / breast prosthesis when the post-treatment bra is worn by the user. In certain examples, the underband may be formed from a fabric comprising a set of yams having elastic properties, for example, a set of yarns comprising elastane.

[0083] In certain examples, the bra of the present invention comprises a front panel with two side portions, one side portion extending outwardly from an edge of one bra cup, the other side portion extending outwardly from the corresponding edge of the other bra cup. Each side portion may be configured such that when a user wears the bra, the side portions and back panel do not include a point of attachment to each other that aligns with an underarm surgical site of the user. For example, each side portion may have a length that allows the side panel to extend past a user’s underarm region when the bra is worn, thereby positioning the point of attachment with the back panel away from a surgical site in the underarm region of the user. This can increase comfort for a user that has undergone a surgical procedure in the underarm region, such as surgical procedure on their axillary lymph nodes and / or has swollen or sensitive axillary lymph nodes in the underarm region. This is because the points of attachment between the side portions and the back panel do not align with the underarm surgical site, thus reducing friction between the bra and the user’s skin near the surgical site and / or swollen or sensitive axillary lymph nodes. Each side portion may be attached to the back panel by bonding (e.g. adhesive or ultrasonic bonding) and / or stitching.

[0084] In certain examples, the inner fabric layer and back panel may together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting. In an alternative example, wherein the outer fabric layer and back panel may together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the outer fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting. In yet another alternative example, wherein the inner fabric layer, outer fabric layer, and back panel together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer, outer fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

[0085] As used herein, the term “unitary structure” refers to a structure that is made as a single unit, for example, by seamless knitting such that there are no distinct boundaries between the portions of bra (e.g., front panel and back panel) as compared to a structure that is made as separate portions and joining them together, for example, by sewing, adhesive or bonding.

[0086] A releasable attachment may be disposed on the front panel and / or the back panel for the user to put on or remove the post-treatment bra. In some examples, the front panel may be formed from two portions each including one of the bra cups, the two portions releasable attached to each other by the bridge, the bridge comprising a releasable attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, zip fastener, press studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, and hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®). In the same or different example, the back panel may comprise two portions releasably attached to each other, for example releasably attached to each other by a releasable attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, zip fastener, press-studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, and hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®). Having the releasable attachment on the front panel provides the user more ease and convenience when putting on or remove the post-treatment bra especially if the user suffers from restricted hand, arm, shoulder movement post-surgery.

[0087] In certain examples, the bra comprises at least two shoulder straps extending between the front panel and the back panel, wherein each of the at least two shoulder straps include a first end attached to the inner fabric layer and / or outer fabric layer of the front panel and a second end attached to the back panel. The shoulder straps may be attached to the front and back panels by any suitable means, for example, the shoulder straps may be directly attached to the front panel and the back panel by bonding (e.g. adhesive or ultrasonic bonding) or stitching, or indirectly via a ring, hook or buckle. The shoulder straps may be attached to the front and back panels using a combination of attachment means for example, one end may be attached to the front panel by bonding or stitching, and the other end may be attached to the back panel indirectly via a ring, hook or buckle. Alternatively, the inner fabric layer, back panel and shoulder straps may be a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting. The shoulder straps may also be adjustable, for example, a ring and a slider may be positioned on each strap and thereby provide an ability to lengthen and shorten each strap for a particular fit. In certain embodiments, the inner fabric layer, bridge portion, and / or back panel may comprise a set of cooling yarns that induce a cooling sensation on the skin of a user when the user wears the post-treatment bra. Advantageously, this alleviates flushes that may be experienced by a patient during and / or post treatment cycle.

[0088] When used herein, a “cooling yarn” refers to a yarn that provides a passive cooling effect on the skin surface. For example, a cooling yarn may induce a cooling effect of from 0.4SC to 3.0BC to the body of user when worn. For example, the cooling effect may be from 0.5eC to 2.5eC, such as from 1 .0eC to 2.0SC to the body of user when worn. Cooling yarns that may be mentioned herein may include one or more of the group consisting of a nylon yarn, a polyethylene yarn, a polyester yarn, and blend thereof that have been shaped appropriately or may refer to a combination of materials that have been constructed in a particular manner to include a cooling effect (e.g. two threads that are constructed to form a yarn that removes water / sweat from the skin and then release it slowly from the core of the fabric by evaporation). Suitable specific cooling yarns that may be mentioned herein include Nilit™ breeze, SportingTex™ cooling textile, Sorbtek™, Coolcore™, and Coolskin™.

[0089] Nilit™ Breeze is a polyamide yarn (e.g. Nylon 66) available from Nilit Ltd of Israel that contains an inorganic additive (e.g. an oxide, a silicate, a sulfate or mixtures thereof, such as TiO2) in an amount of between 0.3 wt% and 3.0 wt% and is characterised by a low crimp modulus and a flat cross section. The crimp modulus may be from 1 to 4 (or between 1 and 4) and the cross-section may have an aspect ratio of from 3:7 to 6:7 (or between 3:7 and 6:7). More details on Nilit™ Breeze and its variants, which may also be used in the current invention, are provided in US patent publication No. US 2015 / 0013047, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0090] Coolskin™ and Coldskin™ are microfiber-based materials available from Garmatex Technologies, Inc., Canada. Sorbtek™ is a polyester based material available from Unifi, USA. SportingTex™ cooling textile is a fabric comprising a mineral incorporated within the fabric and is available from Sun Dream Enterprise Co. Ltd., Taiwan.

[0091] Coolcore™ is a fabric that has been peached on both the front and back sides of the fabric and may be formed from a yarn blend of polyester and nylon (e.g. from 65% to 85% polyester and from 35% to 15% nylon), with the warp yarns having a thickness of from 50 to 100 denier and the weft yarn having a thickness of from 125 to 175 denier and a fiber count ranging from 50 to 175. More details on Coolcore™ and its variants, which may also be used in the current invention, are provided in US patent Nos. US 8,440,1 19 and US 9,121 ,642, which are incorporated herein by reference. Coolcore™ may be obtained from Coolcore, New Hampshire, USA.

[0092] Other materials that may be suitable for use as the cooling yam includes a fabric or yarn that has been treated so that it has a polymeric membrane attached to the substrate yarn or fabric, which membrane contains active particles. For example, the polymeric membrane may be a polyurethane and the active particles may be activated carbon particles. More details on this material and its variants, which may also be used in the current invention, are provided in US patent No. US 8,945,287, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, in preferred embodiments mentioned herein, the cooling yam does not include a membrane.

[0093] For the avoidance of doubt, when used herein, “cooling yarn” is not intended to relate to materials such as superabsorbent polymers, whether as yarn material themselves or used as an additive material on the surface or core of a yarn.

[0094] The cooling yarn may be present in an amount of from 50% to 100% of the resulting fabric. For example, the cooling yarn may compose from 75% to 100% of the fabric. Particular cooling yams that may be mentioned in embodiments of the invention herein is Nilit™ Breeze and a yam or fabric that has been coated with a polymeric membrane that incorporates active particles (e.g. polyurethane and activated carbon particles).

[0095] In certain examples, each cooling yarn may further comprise an inorganic additive material selected from an oxide, silicate, sulfate or mixtures thereof and / or each cooling yarn is formed from two or more threads that are constructed to remove water / sweat from the skin and then release it slowly from the core of the fabric by evaporation.

[0096] In certain examples, the inner fabric layer and / or back panel may comprise a fabric that has been treated to introduce or enhance its liquid wicking properties. When used herein, “quickdry wicking fabric” refers to a fabric that removes water / sweat from the skin and enables rapid evaporation from the fabric thereafter. More specifically, “wicking” refers to absorbing effect of a fabric by capillary action, which can be measured using AATCC 197 (Option B; vertical wicking of textiles). In the current invention the quick drying wicking fabric should have a wicking rate that is greater than 3 mm per minute in a width direction of the fabric and from 7 mm to greater than 20 mm (e.g. from 7 mm to 20 mm, such as from 10 mm to 15 mm) per minute in a lengthwise direction of the fabric. The quick drying wicking fabric should have a drying rate of from 0.5 ml / h to 5 ml / h as measured using AATC 201 ; Drying rate - Heated plate method.

[0097] The quick-dry wicking fabrics used herein may be a fabric that has inherent wicking properties (i.e. quick-drying wicking properties) or a fabric that has been treated to introduce or enhance said properties. It will be appreciated that any suitable fabric may be treated with a quickdrying wicking treatment to provide a suitable quick-drying wicking fabric. Such materials may include materials comprising the cooling yarns above, which may not otherwise provide a sufficient wicking effect. Suitable quick-drying wicking treatments that may be used to provide the quick-drying wicking fabrics used in embodiments herein include Hydro SHF™, Hydro PAG™ and Hydro PESG™ from Heiq AG, Switzerland, and Transdry™ from Cotton Incorporated, USA, which materials may be used individually or in any combination. Hydro PAG™ is intended to treat nylon fabrics, Hydro PESG™ is intended to treat polyester fabrics, and Hydro SHF™ may be used to treat nylon fabrics and / or polyester fabrics. Transdry™ is intended to treat cotton fabrics. Alternatively, Transdry™ may be provided as a treated cotton fabric from Transdry, in which case the treated cotton may be used as a separate component for quick-dry wicking only. It is also contemplated that the aforementioned treatments (or combinations thereof) may be applied to different fabric materials than just those it is intended to treat, provided that the resulting treated fabric is a quick-drying wicking fabric as defined herein.

[0098] As will be appreciated, when a cooling yarn fabric is treated with one of the quick-drying wicking treatments described above, it will incorporate both the desired wicking and quickdrying wicking properties in a single material.

[0099] In certain examples, the inner fabric layer and / or back panel may comprise a polymer film laminate layer that incorporates a phase change material; or the fabric may comprise microcapsules of a phase change material. When used herein a “phase change material” refers to a material that changes from one phase to another (e.g. between solid and liquid) at a temperature of from 29.5eC to 39.0SC. Other suitable temperature ranges for the phase change transition to occur may be from 29.5SC to 38.0SC, such as from 30.0SC to 35.0SC. It is believed that a phase change within the temperature ranges provided above may not only help to reduce the duration of the hot flash by helping to remove heat quickly from the body, but also help to reduce or manage shivering after the hot flash has passed. This latter functionality is due to the ability of the phase change material to radiate at least some of the heat stored by the phase change back towards the body, which may also result in the phase change material returning to its original phase (e.g. returning to a solid phase from a liquid phase).

[0100] Suitable phase change material fabrics may be a fabric that comprises a polymer film laminate layer that incorporates a phase change material; and / or may comprise microcapsules comprising a phase change material. Suitable phase change materials that may be mentioned herein include, but are not limited to linear crystalline alkyl hydrocarbons, fatty esters, long alkyl side chain polymers, the solid state series of pentaerythritol, pentaglycerine, neopentyl glycol, quaternary ammonium clathrates and semi-clathrates, salt hydrides or, more particularly, hydrated inorganic salts, linear long-chain hydrocarbons having formula CnH2n+2, where n is from 13 to 18, polyethylene glycol, and fatty acids, and combinations thereof. More details on suitable phase change materials, which may also be used in the current invention, are provided in US patent publication Nos. US 2007 / 0193278 and US 2012 / 0015155, which are incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, the microcapsules or polymer film may further comprise a conduction-enhancing filler material selected from one or more of a metal, a carbon fiber, and a carbon nanotube.

[0101] Further examples of phase change materials include a variety of organic and inorganic substances, such as but are not limited to, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, arenes, hydrated salts (e.g., calcium chloride hexahydrate, calcium bromide hexahydrate, magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, lithium nitrate trihydrate, potassium fluoride tetrahydrate, ammonium alum, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, sodium carbonate decahydrate, disodium phosphate dodecahydrate, sodium sulfate decahydrate, and sodium acetate trihydrate), waxes, oils, water, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, dibasic acids, dibasic esters, 1 -halides, primary alcohols, clathrates, semi-clathrates, gas clathrates, anhydrides (e.g., stearic anhydride), ethylene carbonate, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., 2,2-dimethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, 2-hydroxymethyl-2- methyl-1 ,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, dip entaerythritol, pentaglycerine, tetramethylol ethane, neopentyl glycol, tetramethylol propane, 2-amino-2-methyl-1 ,3- propanediol, monoaminopentaerythritol, diaminopentaerythritol, and tris(hydroxymethyl)acetic acid), polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol, polypropylene malonate, polyneopentyl glycol sebacate, polypentane glutarate, polyvinyl myristate, polyvinyl stearate, polyvinyl laurate, polyhexadecyl methacrylate, polyoctadecyl methacrylate, polyesters produced by polycondensation of glycols (or their derivatives) with diacids (or their derivatives), and copolymers, such as polyacrylate or poly(meth)acrylate with alkyl hydrocarbon side chain or with polyethylene glycol side chain and copolymers including polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene, polypropylene glycol, or polytetramethylene glycol), metals, and mixtures thereof. More details on these examples of phase change materials, which may also be used in the current invention, are provided in US patent publication No. US 2008 / 0233368, which is incorporated herein by reference. It will be appreciated that preferred PCMs are those that have a phase change transition temperature within the temperature ranges described above.

[0102] A phase change material fabric is used in embodiments of the invention. Particular phase change materials that may be mentioned herein include HeiQ Smart Temp™, Outlast™, Schoeller™, Croda™ and combinations thereof. As will be appreciated, these materials are coatings that may be applied onto a pre-existing fabric, as discussed in more detail below.

[0103] The phase change material may be hydrofunctional polymeric coating such as Smart Temp™. Smart Temp™ may be applied to a fabric substrate and may be obtained from HeiQ, Switzerland. Outlast™ or Themocules™ are a fabric material that consists of microparticles having a shell surrounding a phase change material and coatings for fabrics and fabrics may be obtained from Outlast Europe GmbH, Germany. Schoeller™ phase change materials are similar to Outlast materials in that they appear to consist of microparticles having a shell surrounding a phase change material, fabrics or coating materials may be obtained from Schoeller Textile AG, Switzerland. Croda™ phase change materials may be obtained from Croda International, UK.

[0104] The phase change materials mentioned herein therefore can be incorporated either as part of as fully-formed fibre or by the coating of a fabric. A coating may be incorporated either directly on the surface of a substrate material or may be used in conjunction with the substrate material, for example, by being entrained, immersed or otherwise contained within the substrate. In general, the coating can be either on the surface or within the interstices of the substrate. The substrate may be formed of any suitable material, such as a fibrous material or a polymer. Thus, for example, the substrate can be a natural or synthetic fibre (e.g., a fibre formed of polyester, polyamide, polyacrylic, polylactic acid, polyolefin, polyurethane, natural or regenerated cellulose, silk, wool or the like), a natural or synthetic filament, a yarn formed of natural or synthetic fibres, or a fabric formed of natural or synthetic fibres (e.g., a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, or a non-woven fabric).

[0105] It will be appreciated that any of the fabric mentioned herein may also contain anti-odour agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-wrinkling agents, anti-piling agents and combinations thereof. Anti-microbials that may be mentioned herein include arsenic compounds, sulfur, copper compounds, isothiazolins phthalamides, carbamates, silver base inorganic agents, silver zinc zeolites, silver copper zeolites, silver zeolites, metal oxides, and silicates. Other additives that may be included are colorants, pigments, dyes, fluorescent whitening agents or optical brighteners (e.g., bis-benzoxazoles, phenylcoumarins, and bis-(styryl)biphenyls), and so forth. These agents / additives may be dispersed uniformly, or non-uniformly, within the coating. Typically, the one or more additives will be selected to be sufficiently non-reactive with the temperature regulating effects described above, so that a desired temperature range is maintained.

[0106] In certain embodiments, the post-treatment bra may contain a breast prosthesis within the cavity. Any suitable breast prosthesis may be used. In certain embodiments, the breast prosthesis may be formed from one or more selected from a group consisting of silicone, a foam material (e.g., a polyurethane foam), a fiberfill material (e.g., a polyester fiberfill) and cotton.

[0107] With reference to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 depict a first embodiment of the posttreatment bra (100). The post-treatment bra (100) comprises a front panel (120), a back panel (122), two bra cups (124 and 126) and a bridge portion (102) therebetween. In this embodiment, the right bra cup (124) comprises a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis. In another embodiment, it may be the left bra cup (126) that comprise the cavity for retaining the breast prosthesis. In yet another embodiment, it may be both bra cups (124 and 126) that comprise the cavity for retaining a breast prothesis each.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 1 , the post-treatment bra (100) includes an underband (103) at the underbust portion of the post-treatment bra (100) for supporting a healthy breast (e.g., for the left bra cup 126) or a breast prothesis (e.g., for the right bra cup 124). The post-treatment bra (100) also includes a fastener (105) on the front panel (120) for separating the left bra cup (126) from the right bra cup (124) when the user puts on or removes the post-treatment bra (100). Having the releasable attachment on the front panel provides the user more ease and convenience when putting on or removing the post-treatment bra especially if the user suffers from restricted hand, arm, shoulder movement post-surgery. The post-treatment bra (100) also includes shoulder straps (128 and 130) for providing additional support by distributing the weight of the breast / breast prosthesis on the shoulders of the user. In this embodiment, the right shoulder strap (128) includes a releasable attachment (104) in the form of a nursing clip which provides means of accessing the cavity to insert or remove the breast prosthesis (as explained later). As shown in FIG. 2, the post-treatment bra (100) includes a second fastener (105) on the back panel (122) for versatility and ease / convenience for the user. In addition, the post-treatment bra (100) includes side portions (132 and 134), each attaching the front panel (120) to the back panel (122). In this embodiment, the front panel (120) (comprising the inner fabric layer (107), the outer fabric layer (108) and bridge (102)), the back panel (122), underband (103), side portions (132 and 134) and shoulder straps (128 and 130) are attached together by bonding and / or stitching.

[0109] FIG. 3 depicts the right bra cup (124) of the first embodiment of the post-treatment bra (100). The right bra cup (124) comprises an outer fabric layer (108) and an inner fabric layer (107), the outer fabric layer (108) and the inner fabric layer (107) being attached to each other to form a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 4, the inner and outer fabric layer (107, 108) each have five edges - a first upper edge (109), a second upper edge (1 10), a lower edge (11 1), an inner edge (1 12) that is joined to the bridge portion (102) and an outer edge (113) that is joined to the back panel (122). The lower edges (1 1 1 ) together form a bottom lateral edge of the bra cup, the first upper edges (109) together form a top lateral edge of the bra cup, and the second upper edges (110) together form a side lateral edge of the bra cup, the inner edges (112) together form an inner lateral edge of the bra cup and the outer edges (113) together form an outer lateral edge of the bra cup.

[0111] In this embodiment of the post-treatment bra (100), a portion of the first upper edges (109) and the second upper edges (110) are releasably attached to each other by the releasable attachment (104) in the form of a nursing clip while the remaining portions, together with the lower edges (1 11 ), the inner edges (1 12) and the outer edges (113) of the outer fabric layer (108) and the inner fabric layer (107) are fixedly attached to each other.

[0112] FIG. 5 depicts the right cup (124) when the releasable attachment (104) (in the form of a nursing clip) is detached - the first upper edges (109) and second upper edges (110) of the inner fabric layer (107) and the outer fabric layer (108) can be separated from each other to provide an opening to insert the breast prosthesis (500) into the cavity (114). As shown in FIG. 5, the opening extends from a first point on the upper lateral edge of the bra cup to a second point on the side lateral edge of the bra cup.

[0113] FIG. 6 depicts an alternative construction of the right bra cup according to the first embodiment of the post-treatment bra. In this alternative bra cup (124a), the inner fabric layer (107) comprises a second opening (116) to a second cavity for retaining a filling (a foam or a pad etc.). The second cavity is enclosed by the inner fabric layer (107) and a partition layer disposed between the inner fabric layer (107) and the outer fabric layer (108). The second cavity is divided into sub-cavities by two inner partitions (115).

[0114] FIG. 7 to 9 depict a second embodiment of the post-treatment bra (200). The post-treatment bra (200) comprises a front panel (220), a back panel (222) and two bra cups (224 and 226) and a bridge portion (202) therebetween. In this embodiment, both bra cups (224 and 226) comprise the cavity for retaining a breast prothesis each. The post-treatment bra (200) includes an underband (203) at the underbust portion of the post-treatment bra (200) for supporting the breast protheses in the right bra cup (224) and left bra cup (226). The posttreatment bra (200) also includes a fastener (205) on the back panel (222) and shoulder straps (228 and 230). In this embodiment, the front panel (220) (comprising the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer and bridge (202)), back panel (222) and underband (203) together form a unitary structure formed by, for example, seamless knitting.

[0115] The bra cups (224 and 226) of the present embodiment of the post-treatment bra (200) comprises an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer, the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer being attached to each other to form a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer. Unlike the previous embodiment, the bra cups (224 and 226) each include a cup structure configured to conform to a convex surface of a breast prosthesis (see FIG. 7). To this end, the cup structure may be formed by a knit pattern and / or by moulding of the outer fabric layer, such that the cup structure comprises regions having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses to each other (216).

[0116] As shown in FIG. 8, the inner and outer fabric layer of the bra cups (224 and 226) each have five edges - a first upper edge (209), a second upper edge (210), a lower edge (21 1 ), an inner edge (212) and an outer edge (213). The lower edges (21 1) together form a bottom lateral edge of the bra cup, the first upper edges (209) together form a top lateral edge of the bra cup, and the second upper edges (210) together form a side lateral edge of the bra cup, the inner edges (212) together form an inner lateral edge of the bra cup and the outer edges (213) together form an outer lateral edge of the bra cup.

[0117] In this embodiment of the post-treatment bra (200), a portion of the first upper edges (209) and the inner edges (212) of the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other by a releasable attachment (204) in the form of a hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®) while the remaining portions, together with the lower edges (21 1 ), the second upper edges (210) and the outer edges (213) of the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer are fixedly attached to each other. When the releasable attachment (204) is detached, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer are separated from each other to provide an opening to insert the breast prosthesis into the cavity. As such, the opening in this embodiment extends from a point on the top lateral edge to another point on the inner lateral edge of the bra cup.

[0118] FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 depict a third embodiment of the post-treatment bra (300). The present embodiment is similar to the second embodiment except that the fastener (305) is disposed on the front panel (320). The post-treatment bra (300) includes a front panel (320), a back panel (322) and two bra cups (324 and 326) and a bridge portion (302) therebetween. In this embodiment, both bra cups (324 and 326) comprise a cavity for retaining a breast prothesis each. The post-treatment bra (300) also includes an underband (303), a fastener (305) on the front panel (320) and shoulder straps (328 and 330). In this embodiment, the front panel (320) (comprising the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer and bridge (302)), back panel (322) and underband (303) together form a unitary structure formed by, for example, seamless knitting.

[0119] The bra cups (324 and 326) of the present embodiment of the post-treatment bra (300) comprises an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer, the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer being attached to each other to form a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer. Similar to the second embodiment, the bra cups (324 and 326) each include a cup structure configured to conform to a convex surface of a breast prosthesis (see FIG. 10). To this end, the cup structure may be formed by a knit pattern and / or by moulding of the outer fabric layer, such that the cup structure comprises regions having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses to each other (316).

[0120] Similar to second embodiment, the inner and outer fabric layer of the bra cups (324 and 326) each have five edges - a first upper edge (309), a second upper edge (310), a lower edge (311 ), an inner edge (312) and an outer edge (313). The lower edges (31 1 ) together form a bottom lateral edge of the bra cup, the first upper edges (309) together form a top lateral edge of the bra cup, and the second upper edges (310) together form a side lateral edge of the bra cup, the inner edges (312) together form an inner lateral edge of the bra cup and the outer edges (313) together form an outer lateral edge of the bra cup. In this embodiment of the posttreatment bra (300), a portion of the first upper edges (309) and the inner edges (312) of the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other by a releasable attachment (304) in the form of a hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®) while the remaining portions, together with the lower edges (311 ), the second upper edges (310) and the outer edges (313) of the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer are fixedly attached to each other. When the releasable attachment (304) is detached, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer are separated from each other to provide an opening to insert the breast prosthesis into the cavity. As such, the opening in this embodiment extends from a point on the top lateral edge to another point on the inner lateral edge of the bra cup.

[0121] FIG. 13 depict a fourth embodiment of the post-treatment bra (400). In the present embodiment, both bra cups (424 and 426) include a cavity for retaining a breast prothesis each. The bra cups (424 and 426) also include an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer, the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer being attached to each other to form a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer. Unlike the previous embodiments, the inner fabric layer comprises the opening to the cavity. To achieve this, the inner fabric layer includes two inner fabric segments (430, 432), the inner fabric segments each have a free edge (434), the free edges overlapping each other, thereby forming the opening to the cavity when the free edges are separated from each.

[0122] Various aspects of the present reusable article may also be understood from the following clauses:

[0123] 1 . A post-treatment bra comprising a front panel and a back panel, wherein: the front panel and back panel are joined together to form a continuous structure for encircling a user’s torso, the front panel including two bra cups and a bridge portion therebetween, at least one of the bra cups including an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer, the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer each having a lower edge, a first upper edge, and a second upper edge, the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer being attached to each other along their respective lower edges, first upper edges, and second upper edges, thereby forming a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis, wherein the lower edges together form a bottom cup line of the bra cup, the first upper edges together form a top cup line of the bra cup, and the second upper edges together form a side cup line of the bra cup, the outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer being releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges, thereby providing an opening to the cavity when detached; or the inner fabric layer having an opening that provides access to the cavity. 2. The post-treatment bra of clause 1 , wherein the bra cup includes a cup structure configured to conform to a convex surface of a breast prosthesis.

[0124] 3. The post-treatment bra of clause 2, wherein the cup structure is formed by a knit pattern and / or by moulding of the outer fabric layer, optionally wherein the cup structure comprises regions having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses to each other.

[0125] 4. The post-treatment bra of clause 2, wherein the cup structure is a moulded polymer cup (e.g. a moulded polyurethane cup) or a moulded fabric cup, wherein the cup structure is disposed between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer, optionally wherein the cup structure is attached to the outer fabric layer.

[0126] 5. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner fabric layer comprises a surface having a three-dimensional shape configured to conform to a user’s chest following a breast cancer surgery or a prophylactic breast cancer surgery, the three-dimensional shape formed by a knit pattern and / or by moulding of the inner fabric layer, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer comprises regions having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses to each other.

[0127] 6. The post-treatment bra of any preceding clause, wherein the opening to the cavity is configured such that the breast prosthesis can undergo multiple cycles of being inserted into the cavity and removed from the cavity without delaminating and / or rupturing the breast prosthesis.

[0128] 7. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first upper edge of one of the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer includes a section attached to the bridge.

[0129] 8. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges and at least a portion of the second upper edges, thereby providing an opening to the cavity when detached.

[0130] 9. The post-treatment bra of clause 7, wherein the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges, thereby providing an opening to the cavity when detached, and wherein said portion of the first upper edges includes the section attached to the bridge.

[0131] 10. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges and at least a portion of the lower edges, thereby providing an opening to the cavity when detached.

[0132] 11 . The post-treatment bra of any preceding clause, wherein the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other by a releasable attachment mechanisms selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, a zip fastener, press studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®), and a nursing clip or clasp.

[0133] 12. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the inner fabric layer comprises two inner fabric segments, the inner fabric segments each have a free edge, the free edges overlapping each other, thereby sealing the cavity when the free edges are in contact with each other and providing an opening to the cavity when the free edges are separated from each other.

[0134] 13. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the front panel comprises an underband that extends along the bottom cup line formed by the lower edges of the bra cup.

[0135] 14. The post-treatment bra of clause 13, wherein the underband is formed from a fabric comprising a set of yarns having elastic properties, for example, a set of yarns comprising elastane.

[0136] 15. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the front panel comprises two side portions, one side portion extending outwardly from an edge of one bra cup, the other side portion extending outwardly from the corresponding edge of the other bra cup, and wherein each side portion is attached to the back panel.

[0137] 16. The post-treatment bra of clause 15, wherein each side portion is configured such that when a user wears the post-treatment bra, the side portions and back panel are not attached to each other at a position that aligns with an underarm surgical site of the user. 17. The post-treatment bra of clause 15 or clause 16, wherein each side portion is attached to the back panel by bonding (e.g. adhesive or ultrasonic bonding) and / or stitching.

[0138] 18. The post-treatment bra of any one of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the inner fabric layer and back panel together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

[0139] 19. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the outer fabric layer and back panel together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the outer fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

[0140] 20. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the inner fabric layer, outer fabric layer, and back panel together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer, outer fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

[0141] 21 . The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the front panel is formed from two portions each including one of the bra cups, the two portions releasable attached to each other by the bridge, the bridge comprising a releasable attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, zip fastener, press studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, and hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®).

[0142] 22. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the back panel comprises two portions releasably attached to each other, for example releasably attached to each other by a releasable attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, zip fastener, press-studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, and hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®).

[0143] 23. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses comprising at least two shoulder straps extending between the front panel and the back panel, wherein each of the at least two shoulder straps includes a first end attached to the inner fabric layer and / or outer fabric layer of the front panel and a second end attached to the back panel. 24. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clause, wherein the shoulder straps are attached to the front panel and the back panel by bonding (e.g. adhesive or ultrasonic bonding) and / or stitching, or wherein the inner fabric layer, back panel and shoulder straps are a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

[0144] 25. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner fabric layer, bridge portion, and / or back panel comprise a set of cooling yarns that induce a cooling sensation on the skin of a user when the user wears the post-treatment bra.

[0145] 26. The post-treatment bra of clause 25, wherein the cooling yarns are selected from one or more of a nylon yarn, a polyethylene yarn, a polyester yarn, and combinations thereof.

[0146] 27. The post-treatment bra of clauses 26, wherein:

[0147] (a) each cooling yarn further comprises an inorganic additive material selected from an oxide, silicate, sulfate or mixtures thereof; and / or

[0148] (b) each cooling yarn is formed from two or more threads that are constructed to remove water / sweat from the skin and then release it slowly from the core of the fabric by evaporation.

[0149] 28. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 25 to 27, wherein the cooling yarn is selected from one or more of the group consisting of Nilit™ breeze, SportingTex™ cooling textile, Sorbtek™, Coolcore™, and Coolskin™.

[0150] 29. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner fabric layer and / or back panel comprise a fabric that has been treated to introduce or enhance its liquid wicking properties.

[0151] 30. The post-treatment bra of clause 29, wherein the fabric has been treated with one or more of the group selected from Hydro PAG™, Hydro PESG™, Hydro SHF™, and TransDRY™.

[0152] 31 . The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the inner fabric layer and / or back panel comprise a polymer film laminate layer that incorporates a phase change material; or the fabric comprises microcapsules of a phase change material. 32. The post-treatment bra of clause 31 , wherein the phase change material is selected from one or more of hydrated inorganic salts, linear crystalline alkyl hydrocarbons, linear long- chain hydrocarbons having formula CnH2n+2 where n is an integer from 13 to 18, polyethylene glycol, fatty esters, fatty acids, long alkyl side chain polymers, the solid state series of pentaerythritol, pentaglycerine, neopentyl glycol, quaternary ammonium clathrates and semiclathrates, salt hydrides.

[0153] 33. The post-treatment bra of clause 32, wherein the phase change of the phase change material occurs at a temperature of from about 29 °C to about 39 °C, such as from about 29 °C to about 38 °C, such as from 30 °C to 35 °C.

[0154] 34. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 31 to 33, wherein the microcapsules or polymer film further comprises a conduction-enhancing filler material selected from one or more of a metal, a carbon fiber, and a carbon nanotube.

[0155] 35. The post-treatment bra of any one of clauses 31 to 34, wherein the phase change material fabric is selected from one or more of the group consisting of HeiQ Smart Temp™, Outlast™, Schoeller™, and Croda™.

[0156] 36. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding clauses containing a breast prosthesis within the cavity.

[0157] Although the disclosure herein refers to certain example embodiments, those embodiments are present by way of example and not be way of limitation. The intent of the foregoing detailed description is to be construed to cover all modification, alternatives, and equivalents of the embodiments as may fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A post-treatment bra comprising a front panel and a back panel, wherein: the front panel and back panel are joined together to form a continuous structure for encircling a user’s torso, the front panel including two bra cups and a bridge portion therebetween, at least one of the bra cups including an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer, the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer being attached to each other to form a cavity for retaining a breast prosthesis between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer, the bra cup having lateral edges and an opening to the cavity, the opening extending from a first point on a first lateral edge of the bra cup to a second point on a second lateral edge of the bra cup.

2. The post-treatment bra of claim f , wherein the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer each have a lower edge, a first upper edge, a second upper edge, an inner edge joined to the bridge portion and an outer edge joined to the back panel, the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer being attached to each other along their respective edges, thereby forming the cavity.

3. The post-treatment bra of claim 2, wherein the lower edges together form a bottom lateral edge of the bra cup, the first upper edges together form a top lateral edge of the bra cup, the second upper edges together form a side lateral edge of the bra cup, the inner edges together form an inner lateral edge of the bra cup and the outer edges together form an outer lateral edge of the bra cup.

4. The post-treatment bra of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the outer fabric layer and inner fabric layer are releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges and the inner edges, thereby forming the opening to the cavity from a first point on the top lateral edge to a second point on the inner lateral edge when detached.

5. The post-treatment bra of claim 2 to claim 3, wherein the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upper edges and the second upper edges, thereby forming the opening to the cavity from a first point on the top lateral edge to a second point on the side lateral edge when detached.

6. The post-treatment bra of claim 2 to claim 3, wherein the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other along at least a portion of the first upperedges and the lower edges, thereby forming the opening to the cavity from a first point on the top lateral edge to a second point on the bottom lateral edge when detached.

7. The post-treatment bra of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the inner fabric layer and outer fabric layer are releasably attached to each other by a releasable attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, a zip fastener, press studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®), and a nursing clip or clasp.

8. The post-treatment bra of claim 1 , wherein the inner fabric layer comprises the opening to the cavity.

9. The post-treatment bra of claim 8, wherein the inner fabric layer comprises two inner fabric segments, the inner fabric segments each have a free edge, the free edges overlapping each other, thereby forming the opening to the cavity when the free edges are separated from each other.

10. The post-treatment bra of any one of claims 2 to 7, inner fabric layer comprises a second opening to a second cavity for retaining a filling (a foam or a pad etc.), wherein the second cavity is enclosed by the inner fabric layer and a partition layer disposed between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer, optionally wherein, the second cavity is divided into sub-cavities by one or more inner partitions.

11. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bra cup includes a cup structure configured to conform to a convex surface of a breast prosthesis.

12. The post-treatment bra of claim 11 , wherein the cup structure is formed by a knit pattern and / or by moulding of the outer fabric layer, optionally wherein the cup structure comprises regions having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses to each other.

13. The post-treatment bra of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the cup structure is a moulded polymer cup (e.g. a moulded polyurethane cup) or a moulded fabric cup (e.g. spacer fabric), wherein the cup structure is disposed between the outer fabric layer and the inner fabric layer, optionally wherein the cup structure is attached to the outer fabric layer.

14. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner fabric layer comprises a surface having a three-dimensional shape configured to conform to a user’s chest following a breast cancer surgery or a prophylactic breast cancer surgery, the three-dimensional shape formed by a knit pattern and / or by moulding of the inner fabric layer, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer comprises regions having different thickness, densities and / or stiffnesses to each other.

15. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening to the cavity is configured such that the breast prosthesis can undergo multiple cycles of being inserted into the cavity and removed from the cavity without delaminating and / or rupturing the breast prosthesis.

16. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel comprises an underband that extends along the bottom lateral edge of the bra cup.

17. The post-treatment bra of claim 16, wherein the underband is formed from a fabric comprising a set of yarns having elastic properties, for example, a set of yarns comprising elastane.

18. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel comprises two side portions, one side portion extending outwardly from an edge of one bra cup, the other side portion extending outwardly from the corresponding edge of the other bra cup, and wherein each side portion is attached to the back panel.

19. The post-treatment bra of claim 18, wherein each side portion is configured such that when a user wears the post-treatment bra, the side portions and back panel are not attached to each other at a position that aligns with an underarm surgical site of the user.

20. The post-treatment bra of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein each side portion is attached to the back panel by bonding (e.g. adhesive or ultrasonic bonding) and / or stitching.21 . The post-treatment bra of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the inner fabric layer and back panel together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

22. The post-treatment bra of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the outer fabric layer and back panel together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the outer fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

23. The post-treatment bra of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the inner fabric layer, outer fabric layer, and back panel together form a unitary structure, optionally wherein the inner fabric layer, outer fabric layer, bridge, and back panel together form a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

24. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel is formed from two portions each including one of the bra cups, the two portions releasable attached to each other by the bridge, the bridge comprising a releasable attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, zip fastener, press studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, and hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®).

25. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the back panel comprises two portions releasably attached to each other, for example releasably attached to each other by a releasable attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of buttons and buttonholes, zip fastener, press-studs and sockets, hooks and eyes, and hooks and loops (e.g. Velcro®).

26. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims comprising at least two shoulder straps extending between the front panel and the back panel, wherein each of the at least two shoulder straps include a first end attached to the inner fabric layer and / or outer fabric layer of the front panel and a second end attached to the back panel.

27. The post-treatment bra of claim 26, wherein the shoulder straps are attached to the front panel and the back panel by bonding (e.g. adhesive or ultrasonic bonding) and / or stitching, or wherein the inner fabric layer, back panel and shoulder straps are a unitary structure formed by seamless knitting.

28. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner fabric layer, bridge portion, and / or back panel comprise a set of cooling yarns that induce a cooling sensation on the skin of a user when the user wears the post-treatment bra.

29. The post-treatment bra of claim 28, wherein the cooling yarns are selected from one or more of a nylon yarn, a polyethylene yarn, a polyester yarn, and combinations thereof.

30. The post-treatment bra of claims 29, wherein:(a) each cooling yarn further comprises an inorganic additive material selected from an oxide, silicate, sulfate or mixtures thereof; and / or(b) each cooling yarn is formed from two or more threads that are constructed to remove water / sweat from the skin and then release it slowly from the core of the fabric by evaporation.31 . The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner fabric layer and / or back panel comprise a fabric that has been treated to introduce or enhance its liquid wicking properties.

32. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner fabric layer and / or back panel comprise a polymer film laminate layer that incorporates a phase change material; or the fabric comprises microcapsules of a phase change material.

33. The post-treatment bra of claim 32, wherein the phase change material is selected from one or more of hydrated inorganic salts, linear crystalline alkyl hydrocarbons, linear long- chain hydrocarbons having formula CnH2n+2 where n is an integer from 13 to 18, polyethylene glycol, fatty esters, fatty acids, long alkyl side chain polymers, the solid state series of pentaerythritol, pentaglycerine, neopentyl glycol, quaternary ammonium clathrates and semiclathrates, salt hydrides.

34. The post-treatment bra of claim 33, wherein the phase change of the phase change material occurs at a temperature of from about 29 °C to about 39 °C, such as from about 29 °C to about 38 °C, such as from 30 °C to 35 °C.

35. The post-treatment bra of any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the microcapsules or polymer film further comprises a conduction-enhancing filler material selected from one or more of a metal, a carbon fiber, and a carbon nanotube.

36. The post-treatment bra of any one of the preceding claims containing a breast prosthesis within the cavity.

37. The post-treatment bra of claim 36, wherein the breast prosthesis is formed from one or more selected from a group consisting of silicone, a foam material (e.g., a polyurethane foam), a fiberfill material (e.g., a polyester fiberfill) and cotton.

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