GB2234155A

GB2234155A - Two-part bodice for nursing mothers

Info

Publication number: GB2234155A
Application number: GB8917397A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Judith May Howells
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-07-29
Filing date: 1989-07-29
Publication date: 1991-01-30
Also published as: GB8917397D0

Abstract

A bodice comprising two layers 11, 13, an underlayer 11 cut to leave access to the breasts when worn, and a top layer which, when worn, conceals the breasts and which has a vent 14 enabling the portions (shaded) of the top layer to the side of said vent to be lifted to give access to the breasts. The two layers are united by stitching indicated at 12. <IMAGE>

Description

TWO-PART BODICE The invention relates to bodices.

The term "bodices is definitive only insofar as it restricts the scope of the invention to a garment which covers or partly covers the above-waist region of the wearer's body. A bodice embodying the invention could theoretically be designed for and worn by men and not just women. And whilst the invention is illustrated, and will be described, with reference to a nursing bodice, it is not restricted in its broadest aspect to bodices which function as nursing garments.

The essential feature is that the bodice comprises two layers, an underlayer cut to leave access to the breasts when worn, and a top layer which, when worn, conceals the breasts and which has a vent enabling the portions of the top layer to the side of said vent to be lifted to give access to the breasts.

The invention is particularly, though not exclusively, applicable to a bodice which functions as a nursing garment and one such is illustrated in the single sheet of the accompanying drawings. An underlayer 11, shaped as shown, is stitched along lines 12 inside the front region of a top layer 13.

A vent 14 runs centrally from the waist of the bodice-shaped top layer 13 up as far as the horizontal line of stitching 12 illustrated.

The under layer 11 is not stitched to the top layer 13 at any point other than the lines of stitching 12. The portions of the top layer 13 to each side of the vent 14 (which are very generally triangular, and are hatched, in the drawing) can therefore be raised as the vent is opened, allowing for example, a baby to be breast-fed without embarrassment because the subsequently-lowered hatched portion of the bodice 13 and the in-situ layer 11 will, between them, continue to conceal the mother's body.

The "flap" hatched regions each side of the vent could, in the example just given, wholly or partly cover the baby's face and contribute to its sense of security as it continues to feed.

It is within the scope of the invention for the two layers, under layer and over layer, of the bodice not to be attached to one another. Although designed to be used in conjunction, they would be put on and taken off as separate garments.

In such an embodiment, the under layer 11 might form part of an under dress or under slip or it might be designed as a band-style garment encircling the wearer' 5 body without forming part of any other garment. In any of these embodiments, i.e. where not attached to the upper bodice layer, it may be suitably elasticated.

A bodice embodying the invention could form part of a dress, a swimsuit, a slip or a nightdress or it could - as illustrated - be designed essentially as a bolero-style top.

The materials, the shaping, the decoration and the lining (if any) of the bodice can be chosen to suit differing circumstances or taste. Shirts and blouses could be so constructed.

Breast pockets in the bodice could define the necessary vent or vents.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A bodice comprising two layers, an underlayer cut to leave access to the breasts when worn, and a top layer which, when worn, conceals the breasts and which has a vent enabling the portions of the top layer to the side of said vent to be lifted to give access to the breasts.

2. A bodice according to Claim 1 in which the underlayer is attached to the top layer.

3. A bodice according to Claim 1 in which the underlayer and the top layer are not attached to one another.

4. A bodice according to any of the preceding Claims in which the bodice is incorporated into the construction of a shirt or blouse.

5. A bodice according to Claim 4 in which the vent is defined by a breast pocket.

6. A bodice substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.