GB2357698A

GB2357698A - Breast pad

Info

Publication number: GB2357698A
Application number: GB9930824A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shery D Leeder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-12-30
Filing date: 1999-12-30
Publication date: 2001-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 2019-12-30
Also published as: GB9930824D0; CA2327399A1; GB2357698B

Abstract

A breast pad for absorbing fluid near a nipple is disclosed. The breast pad has an outer layer (10) made from a substantially circular piece of absorbent material with a stitched radial tapering fold such as a dart (112) which is deformable to a substantially concave or conical shape to substantially cover the nipple. The breast pad also has an intermediate layer (20) of absorbing material having a shape which assists the intermediate layer to conform to an inside surface of the substantially concave shape of the outer layer. The intermediate layer is attached to the outer layer in a radial position corresponding to the stitched tapering fold such that the intermediate layer substantially covers the stitched tapering fold. In this way, the intermediate layer provides additional absorbent material near the nipple, and, prevents direct contact of the stitched tapering fold with the nipple. The breast pad may also comprise an inner layer made of a hydrophilic material which dries substantially faster than the intermediate layer and draws fluid away from the nipple and towards the intermediate layer and the outer layer. To assist in orienting the intermediate layer near the bottom of the nipple, the intermediate layer may have a perceptively different colour than the outer layer.

Description

2357698 BREAST PAD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to breast pads for absorbing fluid near the nipple of a breast. More particularly, this invention relates to breast pads which have a generally concave or conical shape to substantially cover a nipple.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of breast pads have been used in the past to absorb fluid discharged from the nipple. In order to properly absorb the fluid near the nipple, it is generally necessary for the breast pad to have a substantially concave shape in order to fit comfortably and seamlessly around the nipple. Otherwise, if the breast pad does not have a concave shape, when the breast pad is placed over the nipple, the breast pad will create folds. The folds may irritate the nipple and may be visible through the bra and clothing of the wearer.

The prior art breast pads having a concave shape have been made in substantially two manners. The first manner is by heat treating the breast pad to create the appropriate concave shape or design. However, only certain types of material can be heattreated so as to maintain the shape after the treatment. Furthermore, the types of materials which can be heat-treated tend not to be as absorbent as other types of material which cannot be heat-treated. In particular, terrycloth and other substantially cotton-based materials, whi-,,'n are very absorbent, cannot be heat-treated well.

The second manner for creating a breast pad having a concave shape is by sewing a "dart" into a substantially round material. The word "dart" used in this context refers to a stitched tapering fold in a garment. When a dart is sewed in a substantially circular material from --.he radius to t'.,ie circumference of the circular material, the breast pad will then obtain a concave or conJLcal shape.

It is apparent that a dart can be used to create a brea,<5t pad having a concave or conical shape regardless of the material used for the breast pad, and even if the breast pad is made frc)m absorbent material. However, sewing a dart in a circular materic---! will result in a breast pad having a seam along the dart. Th-s seam in the breast pad may irritate the sensitive skin around the nipple. Furthermore, the stitching on the seam may act as a channel through which fluid may flow. Accordingly, while conical breast pads can be made from absorbent mate:-ial by use of a dart, these breast pads suffer from the disadvantage that the seam from the dart may rub against the nipple and irritate the nipple, and may be visible through the bra and clothing of the wearer.

A further disadvantage of the prior art breast pads is that they can retain moisture near the nipple fcr extended periods of time. In other words, while the breast pad may work well to absorb fluid near the nipple, the fact that the moist breast pad continues to be in contact with the nipple may irritate the skin around the nipple.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a breast pad which has a concave shape made from absorbent materials which cannot necessarily be heat-treated, and yet does not expose the nipple to a seam caused by a dart. Furthermore, there is a need in the art for a breast pad which can keep the nipple substantially dry while still drawing fluid away from the nipple and absorbing fluid discharged from the nipple.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Also, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved type of breast pad made of an absorbent material with a dart, but preventing direct contact of the nipple with the dart. Also, it is an object of this invention to provide a breast pad which, while being absorbent, does not expose the nipple to moisture for an extended period of time.

Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention resides in a breast pad for absorbing fluid near a nipple, said breast pad comprising: an outer layer having a fastened tapering fold causing the outer layer to be deformable to a concave shape which substantially covers the nipple; an intermediate layer of absorbent material having a shape which assists the intermediate layer to conform to an inside surface of the concave shape of the outer layer; wherein the intermediate layer is attached to the outer layer such that the intermediate layer substantially covers the fastened tapering fold.

- 4 In a further as)ect, the present invention resides in a breast pad having an inner layer separating the intermediate layer from the n.-'--ople, and wherein the inner layer dries substantially faster tnan the outer layer.. To accomplish this, the inner layer comprises a material which --'-s hydrophilic and may be made from a tetra channel fibre.

Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that the breast pad has a concave shape and is made from an absorbent material, such as terrycloth, however the seam from the dart is not in direct contact with the nipple. Ir. this way, the nippLe is protected from the dart by the intermediate layer.

Furthermore, the intermediate layer has a shape which conforms to the inner surface of the outer layer when the outer layer has a conical shape. In this way, not only does he intermediate layer protect the nipple against the seam of the dart, the intermedial-,e layer will not itself create folds, which folds may irritate the nipple and may be visible through the bra and clothing of the wearer.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the intermediate layer and the outer layer can both absorb fluid.::n other words, the breast pad will have an intermediate layer, which may be made of an absorbent material, as well as an outer layer which may also be made of an absorbent material.

Preferably, the intermediate layer will absorb most of t17,e moisture so that no leakage occurs through the outer layer to the clothing. To further assist in having the intermediate layer absorb fluid, it is preferred that the intermediate layer be oriented such that it is at the lower end of the breast pad when the breast pad is next to the nipple. In this way, most fluid will flow by gravity to the intermediate layer. To facilitate orienting the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer is preferably of a different colour than the outer layer so that it can be easily oriented at the bottom of the nipple.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the breast pad may comprise an inner layer made from a hydrophilic material which draws fluid away from the nipple and towards the intermediate layer. In this way, the inner layer performs the dual function of drawing fluid away from the nipple, thereby keeping the nipple dry, and, drawing fluid towards the intermediate layer, thereby preventing leakage from the breast pad.

A further advantage is that, unlike other types of breast pads, the breast pad according to the present invention can be reusable. This is the case at least because the breast pad may be made from absorbent material, such as terrycloth, which can be washed and reused. In this way, the breast pad according to the present invention is substantially economical as it can be reused, and, it is environmentally friendly as compared to breast pads which are disposable.

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and drawings which illustrate the invention and preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention:

Figure 1 shows a top view of the outer layer of the breast pad according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a --op view of the intermediate layer of the breast pad according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a toe view of the inner layer of the breEst pad according to one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 shows a top view of an assembled breast 7-ad according to one embodiment of the present JLnvention showing the inner layer, the intermediate layer and the outer layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMS0DIMENTS

Figure 1 shows the outer layer -LO according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the outer layer 10 is preferably formed of a material which is preferably absorbent and initially has a substantially circular shape. Preferably, the diameter d of the outer layer 10 will 'pe between four and six inches (100 and 150 millimetres), and mc:e preferably five inches (125 millimetres) The radius r will therefore be between two and three inches (SO and 75 millimetre9) and more preferably two and a half inches (37.5 millimetres).

As also shown in Figure 1, a dart 12 is made in the outer layer 10. The dart 12 is created by removing a sector of the outer layer 10 and then fastening, such as by stitching the sector to form a stitched tapering fold (shown in Figure 4 by reference numeral 112). In the embodiment where the outer layE,,r is circular, the stitched tapering fold will extend along the radius r. Preferably, the sector will extend along the circumference for a distance h of preferably one half inch (12.5 millimetres) to one and a half inches (37.5 millimetres) and more preferably one inch (25 millimetres).

Once the dart 12 is stitched along the tapering fold, the outer layer 10 will have a fastened tapering fold which will be deformable to a substantially concave shape. In particular, in the embodiment as shown in Figure 1 where the outer layer 10 is formed from a substantially circular shape, the outer layer 10 will have a marginally conical shape when the dart 12 is sewed.

In this way, the outer layer 10 will be deformable to a concave or conical shape which will substantially cover the nipple of the breast.

Figure 2 shows an intermediate layer 20 of absorbent material according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the intermediate layer 20 will have a length 1 which preferably is substantially equivalent to the diameter d of the outer layer 10. More preferably, the intermediate layer 20 will have a width w which is approximately equivalent to the radius r of the outer layer 10. However, the intermediate layer 20 will preferably have centre width cw which is less than the outside width w. This is done in part so that the intermediate layer 20 will have a shape 26 which assists the intermediate layer 20 to conform to an inside surface 14 of the substantially concave shape of the outer layer 10.

As also shown in Figure 2, the intermediate layer 20 is preferably formed from a concave edge 22 intersecting a convex edge 24. This is preferable in the embodiment where the outer 8 layer 10 is formed from a circular material so that the intermediate layer 20 will conform to the inside surface 14 of, the conical shape formed by the outer layer 10. In particulard it is preferred that the convex edge 24 closely follow the! circumference 16 of the outer layer 10 when the dart 12 has een fastened, such as by sewing. In other words, when the conc ve shape of the outer layer 10 is substantially conical, it is preferred that the intermediate layer 20 have a substantiaLly, crescent shape 26 to conform to the inside surface 14 of --he conical shape and so that the intermediate layer 20 can be attached along the circumference 16 of the outer layer 10.

Once the tapering fold 112 is fastened, such as by stitching, the outer layer 10 will be deformable to a substantially concave shape which covers the nipple. At tlis time, the intermediate layer 20 can be attached to the ou er layer 10. The intermediate layer 20 is attached to the ou er layer 10 such that the intermediate layer 20 will substantially cover the tapering fold 112. In other words, the centre width cw should be sufficient to substantially cover the fastened or stitched tapering fold caused by sewing or otherwise fastening the dart 12 of the outer layer 10 together. In this way, the intermediate layer 20 will provide absorbent material intermediate the nipple and the outer layer 10 at the location of the stitched tapering fold 112. This will prevent the stitch d tapering fold 112 from directly contacting the nipple. Therefore, the intermediate layer 20 will prevent fluid fr m flowing within channels formed by the stitching of the stitch d. tapering fold 112 and will prevent the stitched tapering fold 1 2 from irritating the nipple.

To ensure that the intermediate layer 20 does not itself fold within the inside surface 14 of the concave shape of the outer layer 10, the intermediate layer 20 preferably has a shape 26 which assists the intermediate layer 20 to conform to the inside surface 14 of the concave shape of the outer layer 10. In this way, the intermediate layer 20 forms a seamless seal of absorbent material against the nipple without any folds to irritate the nipple or act as a channel for fluid. Moreover, the intermediate layer 20 protects the nipple from the stitched tapering fold.

It is understood that the intermediate layer 20 can have any shape which assists the intermediate layer 20 to conform to an inside surface 14 of the substantially concave shape of the outer layer 10. While Figure 2 shows particular dimensions and a crescent shape 26, it is understood that the invention is not restricted to an intermediate layer 20 having this particular shape 26. Rather, the intermediate layer 20 can have any shape 2 which can substantially cover the stitched tapering fold (shown in Figure 4 by reference numeral 112) while conforming to the inside surface 14 of the concave outer layer 10. It is also understood that the shape 26 of the intermediate layer 20 shown in Figure 2 is the preferred shape for an outer layer 10 formed from a circular material and has a concave shape which is marginally conical. However, the intermediate layer 20 may have other shapes 26, including rectangles, triangles, sections of circles, such as sectors and sections of cones. It is also understood that some of these other shapes may be more preferable in different situations, depending on the specific concave shape of the outer layer 10.

Figure 3 shows an inner layer 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the inner layer 30 has a diameter dc which closely corresponds to the diameter d of the outer layer 10 after the stitched tapering fold has been made. The inner layer 30 is designed to separate the intermediate layer 20 and the outer layer 10 from the nipple.

The inner layer 30 preferably is formed from a materal which helps to draw fluid away from the nipple and towards the intermediate layer 20 and the outer layer 10. In a preferied embodiment, the inner layer 30 is formed of a hydrophilic material to facilitate drawing fluid away from the nipple and towards the intermediate layer 20. Such hydrophilic materials can include materials which have tetra channel fibres that draw fluid away from the nipple. Preferred examples of hydrophilic materials that have tetra channel fibres include DUPONT COOLMAX (trade mark) performance fabrics.

Preferably, to increase the breathability of the inner layer 30, the inner layer 30 will have a mesh format 32. Preferabl, the openings will be in the range of one half to two millimetres i in diameter. More preferably, the mesh format 32 will have openings of about one millimetre in diameter.

Because of the hydrophilic features of the inner layer 30, the inner layer 30 dries substantially faster than the i intermediate layer 20 or the outer layer 10. In this way, the hydrophilic inner layer maintains the nipple substantially d y and separates it from the moist intermediate layer 20 and out r layer 10.

Figure 4 shows the breast pad 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, the breast pad comprises the outer layer 10 with the stitched tapering fold 112 having been stitched, as shown generally by the dot-dash line marked with reference numeral 112. As also shown in Figure 4, the intermediate layer 20 has been attached to the outer layer 10 such that the intermediate layer 20 substantially covers the stitched tapering fold 112. In this way, the intermediate layer 20 will protect the nipple from the stitched tapering fold 112.

As also shown in Figure 4, the intermediate layer 20 will preferably have the convex edge 24 attached along the circumference 16 of the outer layer 10 to ensure that the intermediate layer 20 is kept in a position which substantially covers the stitched tapering fold 112. Furthermore, the convex edge 24 and the concave edge 22 of the intermediate layer 20 will assist the intermediate layer 20 to conform to the inside surface 18 of the outer layer 10. In this way, the intermediate layer 20 will not itself create folds.

Attached on top of the intermediate layer 20 is the inner layer 30. The inner layer 30 will preferably have meshes 32 as described above. The inner layer 30 will separate the intermediate layer 20 and also a part 19 of the outer layer 10 from the nipple.

Preferably, the intermediate layer 20 is made from an absorbent material such as terrycloth. More preferably, the intermediate layer 20 is made from terrycloth having at least 94% cotton and preferably 100% cotton. Likewise, in order to further increase the absorbency of the breast pad, as well as the 12 capacity for storing moisture, it is preferred that the outer layer 10 also be made from an absorbent material. Preferably, both the outer layer 10 and the intermediate layer 20 are mde from a terrycloth material having at least 94%, and preferahly 1 100%, cotton. More preferably, to ensure that the outer layer 10 has sufficient strength to deform to and maintain the concave shape and has sufficient durability, it is preferred that the outer layer 10 be made from a terrycloth material having at least 18 ounces per linear metre.

It is apparent that gravity will act on any fluid to cause it to flow downwards. Accordingly, it is preferred that the ii breast pad 100 be oriented against the nipple such that the intermediate layer 20 is located at the bottom portion of the nipple. In order to assist in orienting the breast pad 100 in this manner, it is preferred that the intermediate layer 20 have a colour which is perceptively different from the outer layer 10.

In this way, the portion of the breast pad 100 where the intermediate layer 20 is attached will be immediately discernible. Furthermore, if the inner layer 30 has meshes 32, the colour of the intermediate layer 20 and the outer layer 10 will be immediately apparent through the meshes 32 of the inner layer 30.

It is understood that while the present invention has been i described and illustrated above with respect to one preferred embodiment having an outer layer 10 formed from a substantialLy circular material and deformable to a marginally conical shape any outer layer 10 having any initial shape that is deformabLe into a concave shape could be used. Furthermore, it Ls understood that the intermediate layer 20 is not restricted __0 i the particular crescent shape illustrated in Figure 2. Rathe:, the intermediate layer 20 can have any shape including triangular, rectangular, square, linear, or a section of a circle or cone, such as a sector, can be used so that the intermediate layer 20 conforms to the inside surface 14 of the concave shape of the outer layer 10.

It is understood that while the disclosurd^ has been described in terms of a stitched tapering fold 112, the invention is not limited to a tapering fold which has been stitched.

Rather, the invention includes all embodiments where the tapering fold has been stitched, glued, stapled or otherwise fastened together.

It will be understood that, although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein.

Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional, electrical or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein.

14

Claims

1. A breast pad for absorbing fluid near a nipple, said brea,,:t pad comprising: an outer layer having a fastened tapering fold causing t-e outer layer to be deformable to a concave shape which substantially covers the nipple; an intermediate layer of absorbent material having a shape which assists the intermediate layer to conform to an inside surface of the concave shape of the outer layer; wherein the intermediate layer is attached to the cute layer such that the intermediate layer substantially covers th fastened tapering fold.

2. The breast pad as defined in claim 1 wherein the concav shape is substantially conical and wherein the shape of th intermediate layer has a convex edge intersecting a concave edg with the convex edge fastened to a circumference of the conica outer layer near the fastened tapering fold.

3. The breast pad as defined in claim 1 wherein the concav shape is substantially conical and wherein the shape of th intermediate layer is substantially crescent shaped.

4. The breast pad as defined in claim 3 wherein the crescent shape of the intermediate layer conforms to the inside surface o the conical shape of the outer layer.

5. The breast pad as defined in claim 4 wherein thE intermediate layer has a first colour and the outer layer has second colour perceptively different from the first colour.

- is -

6. The breast pad as defined in claim 1 further comprising an inner layer separating the intermediate layer from the nipple.

7. The breast pad as defined in claim 6 wherein the inner layer draws fluid away from the nipple and towards the intermediate layer and the outer layer.

8. The breast pad as defined in claim 7 wherein the inner layer dries substantially faster than the intermediate layer and outer layer.

9. The breast pad as defined in claim 6 wherein the inner layer comprises a material having tetra channel fibre to draw fluid away from the nipple.

10. The breast pad as defined in claim 9 wherein the inner layer is made from substantially 100% polyester.

11. The breast pad as defined in claim 6 wherein the inner layer has a mesh format with openings of about 0.5 to 1.5 millimetres in diameter.

12. The breast pad as defined in claim 1 wherein the outer layer is made of an absorbent material.

13. The breast pad as defined in claim 12 wherein the outer layer is formed from an absorbent material having a substantially circular shape with a centre and a circumference and wherein the fastened tapering fold extends from about the centre to the circumference of the material.

16

14. The breast pad as defined in claim 13 wherein the outer layer and the intermediate layer are made of a terryclcth material.

15. The breast pad as defined in claim 14 wherein the terrycleth material consists of at least 94% cotton.

16. The breast pad as defined in claim 15 wherein the terryclo h material of the outer layer is at least 18 ounces per line r i metre.

17. The breast pad as defined in claim 1 wherein the shape of the intermediate layer is selected from the group comprising rectangles, triangles, sections of a circle and sections of a cone.

18. The breast pad as defined in claim 1 wherein the taperirta fold is fastened by stitching.

19. A breast pad for absorbing fluid near a nipple, said breaEt pad comprising:

an outer layer having a stitched tapering fold causing te i outer layer to be deformable to a concave shape which substantially covers the nipple; an intermediate layer of absorbent material; wherein the intermediate layer is attached to the oute layer such that the intermediate layer substantially covers th stitched tapering fold.