US20160106159A1

US20160106159A1 - Adaptable nursing bra

Info

Publication number: US20160106159A1
Application number: US14/518,924
Authority: US
Inventors: Kayin Yau; Joanie Y. Yau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-20
Filing date: 2014-10-20
Publication date: 2016-04-21

Abstract

An adaptable nursing bra includes a nursing bra frame; further including a right support member; a left support member; a right cup; and a left cup; such that the right and left support members provide support around outer peripheries of the mammaries of a female user wearing the nursing bra frame, and the user can remove the right and left cups partially or fully in order to breastfeed a child. Additionally, a cup can further include a cup frame, a cup ring and a cup cap. Further included is a funnel with an attached tube, which can protrude through a central aperture of a cup, such that the funnel can be placed on top of a mammary and the tube can be connected to a breast pump machine for hands-free use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

N/A

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of nursing bras, and more particularly to novel devices and methods for adaptable and flexible nursing bras with removable bra cup components and attachable parts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nursing bras are well known specially designed brassieres that include design that allow easy opening of the brassiere in order to breast-feed a child. Generally nursing bras are designed to allow a mother to easily hold and breastfeed her infant baby, while providing a reasonable level of privacy.
However, current nursing bras can be difficult to fit correctly, and they often provide an inadequate level of support of the mammaries when not used for breastfeeding.
Additionally, current nursing bras do not work well in conjunction with breast pumps for extracting milk. They generally are impractical for this purpose, and may not offer a reasonable level of privacy, and will generally require the mother to hold the breast pump attaching mechanisms during use.
As such, considering the foregoing, it may be appreciated that there continues to be a need for novel and improved devices and methods for the design and use of nursing bras.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in aspects of this invention, enhancements are provided to the existing model of nursing bras.
In an aspect an adaptable nursing bra can include:

- a) a nursing bra frame; further comprising:
  - i. a right support member; and
  - ii. a left support member;
- b) a right cup; which attaches to the right support member; with a right cup fastening mechanism;
- c) A left cup; which attaches to the left support member; with a left cup fastening mechanism;
- such that the support members provide strips of support around mammaries of a female user wearing the nursing bra frame, such that the support members leave open apertures, through which the mammaries can protrude, such that the mammaries are covered and protected by the cups, which can be removed partially or fully in order to breastfeed a child.

In a related aspect, the cup fastening mechanism can include hook and loop fasteners, snap on buttons, pressure sensitive adhesive pads, snap hook and eye fasteners, clasps, and combinations thereof.
In another related aspect, the cup fastening mechanism can further include a top mounted snap hook and eye fastening mechanism for securing a top of a cup to the nursing bra frame.
In yet a related aspect, the nursing bra frame can be made from cotton or a cotton blend.
In a related aspect, the cups can be molded from polyurethane foam.
In a related aspect, a cup can further include a cup frame, a cup ring and a cup cap.
In a related aspect, an adaptable nursing bra can further include a funnel with an attached tube, which can protrude through a central aperture of a cup, such that the funnel can be placed on top of a mammary and the tube can be connected to a breast pump machine for hands-free use.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a left and right cup of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a nursing bra with a right cup removed, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a clasping mechanism of nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a nursing bra with a protective cloth attached, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view a left and right cup of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a center-cut cross-sectional view of a part of a cup of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a rear view of a left and right cup of a nursing bra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a funnel with an attached tube, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing the invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in a novel and non-obvious combination of elements and process steps. So as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art, certain conventional elements and steps have been presented with lesser detail, while the drawings and specification describe in greater detail other elements and steps pertinent to understanding the invention.
The following embodiments are not intended to define limits as to the structure or method of the invention, but only to provide exemplary constructions. The embodiments are permissive rather than mandatory and illustrative rather than exhaustive.
In the following, we describe the structure of an embodiment of an adaptable nursing bra 100 with reference to FIG. 1, in such manner that like reference numerals refer to like components throughout; a convention that we shall employ for the remainder of this specification.
In an embodiment an adaptable nursing bra 100 can comprise:

- a) A nursing bra frame 110; further comprising
  - i. A right support member 114, which encircles
    - a right aperture 134 of the nursing bra frame 110; and
  - ii. A left support member 112; which encircles
    - a left aperture 132 of the nursing bra frame 110;
  - wherein the right and left support members are configured to provide an area of support around an outer periphery of respectively the right and left mammaries of a female person wearing the nursing bra frame 110, such that a central part of the right and left mammary can protrude through respectively the right and left apertures 134 132;
- b) A right cup 124, which attaches to a right side of the nursing bra frame 110, with a cup fastening mechanism 160, such that the right cup 124 covers and supports the right mammary; and
- c) A left cup 122; which attaches to a left side of the nursing bra frame 110; with a cup fastening mechanism 160, such that the left cup 122 covers and supports the left mammary;
- wherein a user can remove the right and left cups 124 122 partially or fully in order to breastfeed a child. In addition, the user can change a wet cup 124 122 without having to remove the clothing and replace the clean cup.

In related embodiments, the cup fastening mechanism 160 can be snap-on buttons, as shown in FIG. 1, hook and loop fastener, clasps, pressure sensitive adhesive pads, or other conventional mechanisms.
In a further related embodiment, the cups 124 122 can be secured on the top with a snap hook and eye 118 cup fastening mechanism. A close up of the snap hook and eye 118 is shown in FIG. 7.
In a related embodiment, FIG. 2 shows the nursing bra 100, with the cups 124 122 attached to the nursing bra frame 110.
In a related embodiment, FIG. 3 shows an inside view of the cups 122 124, further showing the female sides of a cup fastening mechanism in the form of a snap fastener.
In a related embodiment, FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of the nursing bra 100, in a state where the right cup 124, is partially opened from the top, such that it has been unhinged from the snap hook and eye 118 cup fastening mechanism.
In a related embodiment, FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of the nursing bra 100, in a state where the right cup 124, is partially opened from the bottom, such that it has been unhinged from the lower fastening points 160.
In a related embodiment, FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of the nursing bra 100, in a state where the right cup 124 has been removed.
In a related embodiment, FIG. 8 shows a rear view of the nursing bra 100.
In a related embodiment, FIG. 9 shows a right side view of the nursing bra 100.
In a related embodiment, FIG. 10 shows a front view of the nursing bra 100, further comprising a towel 1002, which is attached to the snap hook and eye 118 cup fastening mechanism. The towel 1002 can be used for user privacy, and to clean up any fluids.
In a related embodiment, FIG. 11 shows a front view of the nursing bra frame 110.
In a related embodiment, the nursing bra frame 110 can be made of cotton or a cotton blend. A cotton blend can for example be 95% cotton with 5% elastane. Elastane is also known under the brand name Spandex™.
In a related embodiment, the right and left cups 124 122 can be molded in a suitable soft and flexible material, such as polyurethane foam.
In related embodiments, the cup fastening mechanism can allow a user to remove or partially remove the cups 124 122 when feeding a baby in public. The cups 124 122 can be opened from the left or right side, or from bottom or top.
In related embodiments, the nursing bra frame 110 can be made in a plurality of chest sizes, such as for chest around from size 30-40 or larger size ranges, in increments of 0.5, 1, or 2 inches.
In related embodiments, the nursing bra frame 110 can be made in a plurality of cup sizes, such as for cup sizes B, C, D, DD, or larger cup size ranges.
In related embodiments, construction of the nursing bra frame 110 can be configured with a wider arm for tighter hold to the cup 124 122.
In a related embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the right and left cup 124 122 can further comprise right and left cup frames 1242 1222, right and left cup rings 1244 1224, and right and left cup caps 1246 1226. FIG. 13 shows a center-cut cross-sectional side view of the left cup 122, showing the cup frame 1222, left cup ring 1224, and left cup cap 1226. This can allow a user to remove a cup cap, to expose a central aperture, through which a nipple of a mammary can protrude. In order to enlarge the central aperture, a cup ring can further be removed.
In related embodiments, the right and left cup rings 1244 1224 can be connected to the cup frames 1242 1222, with frame connection mechanisms, such as snap buttons or hook and loop fastener. Similarly, the right and left cup caps 1246 1226 can be connected to the cup rings 1244 1224, with a ring connection mechanism, such as snap buttons or hook and loop fastener. FIG. 13 shows an embodiment, in a cross-sectional view, wherein the frame connection mechanism 1302 is a hook and loop fastener, and the ring connection mechanism 1304 is a hook and loop fastener The hook and loop fasteners 1302 1304 can each be a plurality of fasteners or one ring shaped fastener.
In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, an adaptable nursing bra 1400 can further include a funnel with an attached tube 1402, can be inserted from an inside of the adaptable nursing bra, such as that an inside of the funnel is placed on top of a mammary and the tube protrudes through a central aperture of a cup of the adaptable nursing bra, whereby a breast pump machine can be connected to the tube 1402 with a hose, whereby a user can use the breast pump machine without a need to hold the funnel or the tube.
In a related example embodiment FIG. 17, shows the funnel 1700 and the inside 1702 of the funnel, with the attached tube. Here, the funnel 1700 is made from a transparent plastic material. In related embodiments, the tube can be made from opaque materials, including rubber and plastics.
In a related embodiment FIG. 15, shows an outer side view of the central cup apertures 1502.
In a related embodiment FIG. 16, shows an inner side view of the central cup apertures 1502.
In related embodiments, a central aperture 1502 can have a diameter in a range of 0.2-2 inches.
The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Many such alternative configurations are readily apparent, and should be considered fully included in this specification and the claims appended hereto. Accordingly, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and thus, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adaptable nursing bra comprising:

a) a nursing bra frame; further comprising:

i. a right support member; and

ii. a left support member;

wherein the right support member is configured to provide a right area of support around an outer periphery of a right mammary of a female user wearing the nursing bra frame, such that the right support member encircles a right aperture, such that an outer part of the right mammary protrudes through the right aperture; and

wherein the left support member is configured to provide a left area of support around an outer periphery of a left mammary of a female user wearing the nursing bra frame, such that the left support member encircles a left aperture, such that an outer part of the left mammary protrudes through the left aperture;

b) a right cup, which attaches to a right side of the nursing bra frame, with a right cup fastening mechanism, such that the right cup covers and supports the right mammary;

c) A left cup, which attaches to the left side of the nursing bra frame, with a left cup fastening mechanism, such that the left cup covers and supports the left mammary;

whereby a user removes a cup partially or fully in order to breastfeed a child.

2. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 1, wherein both the right and left cup fastening mechanism is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, snap on buttons, pressure sensitive adhesive pads, snap hook and eye fasteners, clasps, and combinations thereof.

3. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 1, wherein the cup fastening mechanism further comprises a right and left top mounted snap hook and eye cup fastening mechanism for securing the top of respectively the right and left cups to the nursing bra frame.

4. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 3, further comprising a towel, which is attached to a hook of the snap hook and eye cup fastening mechanism, whereby the towel is used for user privacy and to clean up fluids.

5. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 1, wherein the nursing bra frame is made from a material selected from the group consisting of cotton and a cotton blend.

6. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 5 wherein the cotton blend is 95% cotton and 5% elastane.

7. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 1, wherein the right and left cups are molded from polyurethane foam.

8. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 1, wherein each of the right and left cups further comprise:

a. a cup frame, further comprising a frame aperture;

b. a cup ring, further comprising a ring aperture, such that the cup ring is connected to the cup frame with a frame connection mechanism, such that the cup ring covers part of the frame aperture; and

c. a cup cap, such that the cup cap is connected to the cup ring with a ring connection mechanism, such that the cup cap covers the ring aperture;

whereby a user removes a cup cap, to expose the ring aperture, through which a nipple of the mammary protrudes, and whereby in order to enlarge the ring aperture, the cup ring is further removed.

9. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 8, wherein the frame connection mechanism is a hook and loop fastener, and the ring connection mechanism is a hook and loop fastener.

10. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 1, wherein each of the right and left cups further comprise a central aperture.

11. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 10, further comprising at least one funnel with an attached tube, such that the funnel and the tube is inserted from an inside of the adaptable nursing bra, such that an inside of the funnel is placed on top of a mammary, and the tube protrudes through the central aperture of a cup of the adaptable nursing bra, whereby a breast pump machine is connected to the tube with a hose.

12. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 11, wherein the funnel and the tube is made from a plastic material.

13. The adaptable nursing bra of claim 12, wherein the plastic material is transparent.

14. A bra cup for a nursing bra, comprising:

a. a cup frame, further comprising a frame aperture;

whereby a user removes a cup cap, to expose the ring aperture, through which a nipple of a mammary protrudes, and whereby in order to enlarge the ring aperture, the cup ring is further removed.

15. The bra cup of claim 14, wherein the frame connection mechanism is a hook and loop fastener, and the ring connection mechanism is a hook and loop fastener.

16. A bra cup for a nursing bra, comprising:

a. a central aperture; and

b. a funnel with an attached tube;

such that the funnel and the tube is inserted from an inside of the bra cup, such that an inside of the funnel is placed on top of a mammary, and the tube protrudes through the central aperture of the bra cup, whereby a breast pump machine is connected to the tube with a hose.

17. The bra cup of claim 16, wherein the funnel and the tube is made from a plastic material.

18. The bra cup of claim 17, wherein the plastic material is transparent.