Compression Garment

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of undergarments for women, and more particularly to a wrap for lactation suppression, for use by a non nursing mother during the postpartum period to reduce the accumulation of breast milk and associated pain, as well as for mastectomy and Lymphedema patients, and those who have undergone breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction surgeries. The present invention, described and claimed in detail below, can be used with or without a user's own support garment such as a bra or sports bra. It is comprised of a larger interior component with velcro for attachment, and an out elastic strap component for securing a good tight fit and adjustability.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/478,889 filed 25 Apr. 2011 entitled Compression garment, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and claims any and all benefits to which it is entitled thereby.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The female mammary glands produce milk in the time following childbirth as a natural feeding method for the newborn infant. Milk is produced and stored in the mother's breasts from the time of delivery until several days after the cessation of breast feeding by the baby. For various reasons, some women choose not to breast feed their newborns, but to feed by means of a bottle containing commercially available baby formulas. Irrespective of the decision to bottle feed, the new mother's body produces and stores milk in anticipation the newborn baby's needs. When the milk is not removed from the breasts by a nursing infant, the breasts become engorged and painful.

In the past, a hormonal drugs were prescribed to inhibit the production of milk in the breasts of the non nursing mother, correcting the problem in a relatively short time. However, side effects make this practice potentially dangerous. The selected replacement for hormonal drugs has been the application of cold packs directly to the breasts, while physically constricting the breasts. The cold discourages milk production, and the constriction, or binding of the breasts, prevents significant milk storage. This treatment has been accomplished by placing a cold medium, such as a flexible ice replacement pack, into the bra of the non nursing mother. Alternately, chilled cabbage or similar leaves are used. This has obvious drawbacks and can cause significant discomfort. Lactation suppression refers to the act of suppressing lactation in new mothers by chemical or other means. After birth some women may desire to stop the production of breast milk, for example when the mother wishes to bottle feed from birth onwards, or in the case when the infant dies or is surrendered at birth. Compression is a way of carrying out lactation suppression.

The present invention relates to the field of undergarments for women, and more particularly to a wrap for lactation suppression, for use by a non nursing mother during the postpartum period to reduce the accumulation of breast milk and associated pain, as well as for mastectomy and Lymphedema patients, as well as breast augmentation, reconstruction, reduction surgeries. The present invention, described and claimed in detail below, can be used with or without a user's own support garment such as a bra or sports bra.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to support garments and compression garments for lactation suppression and support in a variety conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the layout of the compression wrap, inside view.

FIG. 2 shows the layout of the compression wrap, outside view.

FIG. 3 shows the compression wrap as fitted across the thorax.

FIG. 4 shows the compression wrap laid out flat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a compression garment designed for the breasts to aid in, lactation suppression (women who elect not to breastfeed, or are weaning off to dry up lactation), mastectomy and Lymphedema patients, breast augmentation, reconstruction, or reduction, and any situation whereby compression is desirable, beneficial or required for health and medical reasons.

The compression garment is comprised at least of the following elements: an interior component, an attached elastic strap, three velcro strips located at different points as shown in the figures.

FIG. 1 shows the layout of the compression garment, the inside that rests on the interior side or against the body of the user. Two underarm cutouts are shown which are aligned below the arms in the underarm area of the user. The dotted line labeled centerback is where the garment is aligned along the back of a user approximately in line with the spine. The area labeled velcro shows where, when wrapped around the thorax area, the opposite side of the interior component is secured in place by attachment to the velcro portion. In one embodiment the velcro strip is 4 inches in width.

FIG. 2 shows the outside layout of the compression garment, the opposite side of the side that comes into contact with the body as described in FIG. 1. The general area labeled “elastic” refers to an elastic strap (4 inches wide in one embodiment) that wraps around the outside of the interior component, has two velcro portions at both ends as labeled to facilitate attachment to the interior component material when wrapped around the chest/thorax area of the user. In one embodiment the velcro strips at each end of the elastic strip is 2 inches in width.

FIG. 3 shows the garment as secured on the body of the user. A shows the elastic strap wrapped around the interior component and secured by it's velcro portions. B and C show each opposite end of the interior component wrapped around and coming together underneath the outer elastic strap. D is refers to the body of the user.

FIG. 4 the garment laid out, with the interior component behind and the elastic strap with velcro portions at ti's tips attached in front.

In one embodiment, the compression wrap is made of a white 2.7 oz per square yard loop fabric adhesive laminated to blue white polyester (polyurethane) foam in a 0.110 thickness adhesive laminated to 100% white cotton flannel 3.35 ounces per square yard.

The materials used can interchanged with the standard materials used in the art. Materials used in medical support devices and undergarments would all be seen by a person of ordinary skill in the art as appropriate for manufacturing the support garment. Commons materials include but are not limited to cotton, polyester, silk, flannel, linen, flax, wool, ramie, silk Denim Down for down-filled materials, fur leather, nylon polyesters, spandex, cupro, hemp, flannel, jute, lyocell, PVC-Polyvinyl chloride, rayon, recycled or recovered cotton, recycled PET, tyvek, and other natural fibers.

In certain embodiments the compression garment is made of an absorptive material to control occasional leakage. The dimensions may vary to fit a number of body types and sizes. Sizes can range from 30-49 inches around, but can be smaller or larger depending on the needs of the user/patient. Children may require even smaller sizes. Compression garments and the manner in which they function to provide comfort and lactation suppression are well known in the art and are included herein.

Further embodiments: Lactation Suppression—Whether weaning off, or choosing not to breast feed at all, mothers have limited options to help them through this uncomfortable time. Medicines that were given to stop lactation are no longer FDA approved, and therefore, no longer being used.

Teso Tops is a breast compression wrap designed to cover the entire breast area, helping to eliminate engorging lactating breasts.

Teso Tops wraps are made from a blend of 33.3% polyurethane, 33.3% polyester, and 33.3% cotton flannel. These wraps are extremely soft and light, making them very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. A front Velcro closure along with wide elastic side straps allow for adjustable compression levels.

Tips:

• • Make wrap snug, but not so tight, making it uncomfortable.
  • Use the elastic straps to your benefit by placing them where needed. If engorging starts higher for you, place the top strap higher.
  • Keep breasts snug and dry. Shower carefully for the first few weeks, avoiding water to the breasts. Any stimulation to the breasts will start the lactation process again.
  • A sports bra may be worn underneath the Teso Tops wrap and/or disposable nursing pads placed over the breasts to keep the Teso Tops wrap clean.
  • A second Teso Tops wrap is recommended to use while the other is being cleaned.
  • Teso Tops wraps are designed to be worn 24 hrs a day until lactation has completely stopped.

Care Instructions:

• • Machine wash cold, tumble dry low and remove promptly.
  • Teso Tops wraps may also be removed from washer and placed flat to dry. This process will keep elastic in tact.

Mastectomy and Lymphedema Patients—Many physicians suggest compression to patients that have just received a mastectomy, or to patients suffering with Lymphedema. Teso Tops compression wraps keep compression comfortable. The wrap is soft and light, making it easy to wear for long periods of time. Compression levels are completely adjustable with a front Velcro closure and two wide elastic side closures, allowing to keep one side more compressed then the other. These wraps are soft and light, making them very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. A front velcro closure, along with wide elastic side straps, allow for all compression levels.

Breast Augmentation, Reconstruction, and Reduction—Many physicians recommend different levels of compression according to the procedure that was performed. Teso Tops Compression wraps are ideal for each procedure. These wraps are soft and light, making them very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. A front velcro closure, along with wide elastic side straps, allow for all compression levels.

Claims

1. A compression garment comprising:

a) an interior component made of sufficiently inelastic material

b) an elastic strap

c) three velcro strips located at the ends of the elastic strap and at one end of the inelastic component

2. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein the inelastic component is made of a white 2.7 oz per square yard loop fabric adhesive laminated to blue white polyester (polyurethane) foam in a 0.110 thickness adhesive laminated to 100% white cotton flannel 3.35 ounces per square yard.

3. The garment of claim 1 wherein the garment is used to suppress lactation.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is used by mastectomy or lymphedema patients.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is used by either breast augmentation, breast reconstruction, or breast reduction patients.