GB2445725A

GB2445725A - Nursing bra with pocket and breast pad

Info

Publication number: GB2445725A
Application number: GB0701034A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Angela Fubara
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-01-19
Filing date: 2007-01-19
Publication date: 2008-07-23
Also published as: IES20080033A2; GB0701034D0

Abstract

This invention relates to a bra 2 comprising a cup and breast pad holding means 16, 18. The breast pad holding means may comprise a pocket or means to attach the pad to the cup. The cup may have a partially removable front section. Also disclosed is a breast pad with permeable and non-permeable layers.

Description

Brassiere Assembly This invention relates to a brassiere assembly for

accommodating at least one breast pad. More particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to a nursing brassiere assembly for securely accommodating at least one breast pad.

Breast pads are known in the art which are circular in shape and composed of an absorbent material with their surface covered in a permeable and absorbent cover layer. In use, the breast pad is inserted in a conventional brassiere between the breast and the brassiere. The breast pad is held in place by compression between the breast and the brassiere.

Nursing brassieres are also known in the art which have a removable front section which is held in place by a clasp in use. The removable front section can be unclasped to expose the user's nipple for breastfeeding.

Breast pads can be inserted at an interior surface of the nursing brassiere between the breast and the removable front section.

While a woman is breastfeeding an infant or young child, the breast pad is placed over the nipple to absorb fluid from the nipple between breast feeding sessions. However, the breast pad can move about and may be displaced from its position over the nipple. The breast pad may even fall out. This may result in leakages of fluid from the nipple onto the brassiere and clothing of the user. These leakages may cause discomfort and skin irritation to the user.

When fluid from the nipple is absorbed by the breast pad it may become saturated and cause moisture to leak out of the permeable cover layer.

This fluid can spread to the skin surrounding the nipple, the user's brassiere and clothing causing irritation and nuisance to the user.

In addition circular breast pads are sometimes perceptible from beneath a brassiere or the user's clothing due to their thickness and shape (which does not correspond to that of the brassiere) which can be unsightly.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a brassiere assembly comprising: a brassiere comprising a cup; and breast pad holding means located at the brassiere and arranged to hold at least one breast pad at the brassiere.

It will be appreciated that the terms "holding means" and "hold" are intended to relate to various means of fastening, enclosing, supporting and attaching of the breast pad at the brassiere.

Preferably, the breast pad holding means comprises a pocket for receiving the at least one breast pad. Preferably, the breast pad holding means is at least partially defined by the cup. Preferably, the pocket is located at the cup. Preferably, the pocket is circular in shape. Preferably, the centre of the pocket is aligned with the centre of the cup.

The pocket may be adapted such that the breast pad can be easily inserted into the pocket and held therein. The pocket may accommodate most conventional breast pads which are, for example, circular in shape.

This enables the nipple to rest against the centre of the breast pad, in use.

The breast pads cover an area extending radially from the nipple to effectively absorb any fluid from the nipple. Therefore a circular pocket can be provided to hold the breast pad securely in place in an optimal position with the centre of the breast pad and nipple aligned.

Preferably, the pocket comprises a first opening to enable the pocket to receive the at least one breast pad. Preferably, the first opening is accessible from the front of the cup. Such a first opening makes the pocket easily accessible for inserting or removing breast pads.

Preferably, the pocket further comprises an aperture to enable a portion of the at least one breast pad facing inward of the cup to be exposed and contact the nipple, in use. Preferably, the aperture is circular in shape.

The aperture enables the nipple to rest directly against the breast pad in use.

Preferably, the pocket comprises a reticular material.

Preferably, the pocket comprises a non permeable material.

In addition, the aperture can be suitable sized such that a portion of the areola and/or breast can rest against the pocket so that, if the breast pad is saturated, any fluid seeping from the breast pad can be held in the pocket. Thus the areola and breast can be protected from contact with this fluid. This reduces skin irritation caused by contact with such fluid and the resulting discomfort, for example from an itching sensation caused by the fluid. In particular, if the breast pad pocket is made from a non-permeable material the fluid may not seep from the pocket.

Preferably, the pocket can accommodate at least two breast pads. In such case, the user can store additional breast pads for usage and simply remove the breast pads as they are used. When the breast pad resting against the nipple is used it is removed without the need to retrieve and insert a new breast pad since one of the other breast pads replace it. This is economical as it saves time for the user. In addition, this is a hygienic way of replacing breast pads since the user's hands do not come into contact with the breast pads following insertion. Only the used breast pads are handled to remove them from the brassiere assembly.

Preferably, the cup comprises an at least partially removable front section.

Preferably, the cup comprises a second opening, the removable front section being removed by opening the second opening and restored by closing the front opening, in use.

The removable front section may enable the user to expose the nipple for breast feeding, in use.

Preferably, at least one of the first opening and the second opening is arranged at least partially along an arc.

The first and second opening may not fully extend along an arcuate path so that the pocket cannot be removed from the brassiere assembly when they are fully open. The circular shape of the first opening may correspond to the shape of the breast pads to enable them to be easily inserted into the pocket. The circular shape of the second opening may correspond to the shape of each of the cups.

Preferably, at least one of the first opening and the second opening is a closable opening.

Preferably, the holding means comprises any one or combination of the following: a zip, a hidden zip, Velcro, a hook, a clip, a frame or a button.

The pockets can be securely fastened closed and quickly and easily opened by zips, Velcro strips, hooks or buttons. In addition, hidden zips can be concealed so that the zip is not visible or protruding through the outer layer of clothing.

Preferably, the first opening is arranged along an inner circular path and the second opening is arranged along an outer circular path.

Alternatively or additionally, the breast pad holding means comprises a first holding means at the brassiere and a second holding means at the at least one breast pad, wherein the first and second holding means are releasably engageable to hold the at least one breast pad at the brassiere.

The holding of the breast pad at the brassiere prevents the breast pad from moving from side to side and/or falling down when the brassiere is in use or storage. For example, the breast pads are securable in place so that they do not displace from the nipple, in use. This prevents discomfort which could be caused by a loose breast pad. This also prevents leakages of fluid from nipple onto clothes which can occur if the breast pad falls away from the nipple, for example.

Preferably, the first holding means is fixed to an inner surface of the cup and the second holding means is fixed to an outer surface of the at least one breast pad.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second holding means comprises a socket and the other of the first and second holding means comprises a complimentary protrusion capable of being accommodated in the socket and secured therein.

Preferably, the first and second holding means are engageable by means of a snap fit mechanism. Alternatively, the first and second holding means are engageable by means of a friction fit mechanism.

Preferably, the first holding means comprises at least one holding mechanism spaced at intervals along the periphery of the inner surface of each cup and the second attachment means comprises at least one corresponding holding mechanism spaced at intervals along the periphery of the breast pad.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a breast pad comprising: an absorbent portion; and a non permeable cover layer arranged to partially cover the absorbent portion.

The non permeable cover layer is hygienic as it can hold fluid absorbed in the absorbent portion adjacent the cover layer to prevent this fluid from seeping onto the brassiere or outer clothing of the user.

Preferably, the non permeable cover layer is partially covered in another material.

The non permeable cover layer may be hidden beneath another material which, for example, matches the material of the brassiere or a material which is more suitable for placing against the user's skin, for example due to its soft texture.

Preferably, the at least one breast pad is triangular in shape.

The perimeter of a triangular shaped breast pad may correspond closely to the shape of the inner surface of the cup of the brassiere so that the perimeters of the brassiere and breast pad are closely aligned, in use.

This means that the perimeter of the breast pad may be less perceptible or imperceptible from beneath the user's brassiere or outer clothing.

Alternatively, the at least one breast pad is substantially circular in shape.

Preferably, the non-permeable cover layer is arranged to extend beyond the perimeter of the breast pad to form a border along the perimeter of the breast pad. Preferably, the cover layer wraps around at least a potion of the perimeter of the breast pad to define a well member.

Some of the fluid absorbed in the absorbent portion of the breast pad may seep toward the base of the breast pad under gravity or to the edges of the breast pad. This fluid may collect adjacent the non-permeable cover layer or in the well member since it is contained by the non-permeable materials. This prevents the fluid seeping onto clothing or the users skin.

Hence this also prevents discomfort and skin irritation caused by leaking fluid.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a nursing brassiere according to a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of the nursing brassiere of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of a first embodiment of a breast pad according to a second aspect of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side perspective view of the breast pad of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a partial cross sectional view of the nursing brassiere of Figures 1 and 2 having the breast pad of Figures 3 and 4 inserted therein; Figure 6 is a rear view of a second embodiment of a nursing brassiere according to a first aspect of the present invention and breast pads; and Figure 7 is a front view of the breast pads of Figure 6.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a first aspect of the invention which is a nursing brassiere 2 comprising two cups 4, 6, two shoulder straps 8, 10, a band 12, a triangular portion 14 and two breast pad pockets 16, 18.

The cups 4, 6 which each define a substantially spherical plane are attached at their mutually adjacent edges by the triangular portion 14. An outer edge of each cup 4, 6 is attached to the band 12. The shoulder straps 8, 10 are fixed to the top of each of the cups 4, 6. Each of the cups 4, 6 have breast pad holding means in the form of a breast pad pocket 16, 18 attached to an inner surface of the cup.

The breast pad pockets 16, 18 are circular, It will be appreciated that the breast pad pockets 16, 18 can be any other shape which provides edge support to a breast pad to prevent the pad from moving in any direction in the spherical plane of the cup 4, 6. For instance, a suitably sized triangular pocket provides the minimum of three equispaced edge supports to achieve this. The respective centres of the breast pad pockets 16, 18 are aligned with centres of the respective cups 4, 6. The breast pad pockets 16, 18 each have a circular aperture 20, 22 at the back of the breast pad pocket 16, 18.

An outer surface of the cup 4, 6 has an inner opening 24, 26 for accessing the breast pad pocket 16, 18 and an outer opening 28, 30 for enabling a portion of the front of the cup 4, 6 to be opened out.

The inner opening 24, 26 is closable by a zip 32, 34 along a semi circular path on each cup 4, 6. It will be appreciated that a hidden zip or any other suitable fastening, attachment, adhesive or closure means can be used in place of the zip 32, 34.

The outer opening 28, 30 is closable by a zip 36, 38 along a circular path on each cup 4, 6. The respective ends of the zip 36, 38 terminate close to the bottom of the cup 4, 6. In this embodiment, the respective ends of the zip 36, 38 do not join one another so that the zip 36, 38 cannot be removed from the nursing brassiere 2. It will be appreciated that the zip 36, 38 could be made to be removable. It will also be appreciated that a hidden zip or any other suitable fastening, attachment, adhesive or closure means can be used in place of the zip 36, 38.

Figures 3 and 4 show a second aspect of the invention which is a breast pad 40 being circular in shape and gradually decreasing in thickness as it tapers radially outward toward its peripheral edge. The breast pad 40 comprises an absorbent portion 42 and a cover layer 44. The absorbent portion 42 is made at least partially of an absorbent material. The cover layer 44 of the breast pad 40 can comprise spandex, cotton, a reticular material or any other suitable material which affords the requisite properties. For example, the cover layer 44 can be the same fabric as the brassiere 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2, such as cotton.

It will be appreciated that a portion of the cover layer 44 of the breast pad can be made of a non absorbent or water resistant material. This portion of the cover layer 44 can extend around the edges of the outer periphery of the breast pad 40 to form a well member along the outer periphery. The well member may be substantially v-shaped in cross section. Some of fluid absorbed in the breast pad 40 may disperse to the outer periphery of the breast pad 40. The fluid may accumulate adjacent the well member formed by the cover layer 44.

The cover layer 44 is not wholly made of a non absorbent material so that bodily fluids, such as milk from the nipple, can be absorbed by the breast pad 40. The breast pad 40 has a cover aperture 46 where the areola and nipple can be pressed directly against absorbent portion 32 of the breast pad 40, when in use. This cover aperture 46 is circular in shape and can be about an inch in diameter.

In use, the nursing brassiere 2 is fitted to the user. The inner openings 24, 26 can be unzipped to insert or remove the breast pad 40 from the breast pad pocket 16, 18. Figure 5 shows the nursing brassiere 2 with the breast pad 40 inserted therein. The inner opening 24, 26 does not remove completely from the nursing brassiere 2.

The breast pad pocket 16, 18 can hold at least one breast pad 40. It will be appreciated that the breast pad pocket 16, 18 can hold a number of breast pads 40. The number of breast pads 40 which can be held in the breast pad pocket 16, 18 is determined by the relative sizes of the breast pad 40 and the pockets 16, 18. Generally such pockets 16, 18 will be capable of receiving one, two or three breast pads 40.

The breast pad pockets 16, 18 can also be provided with a non permeable membrane on an inner surface 48 of the pockets 16, 18 which are adjacent the breast pad 40, in use. Alternatively, it wilt be appreciated that the pockets 16, 18 can be composed entirely of non permeable materials.

The outer opening 28, 30 can be unzipped to expose the nipple and areola to enable breastfeeding. The inner opening 24, 26 remains closed to ensure that the bread pads 40 do not fall out during breast feeding.

Figure 6 shows a rear view of a second embodiment of a first aspect of the invention which is nursing brassiere 102 which has two cups 104, 106, two shoulder straps 108, 110, a band 112 and a triangular portion 114. The nursing brassiere 102 is assembled in substantially the same manner as the brassiere shown in Figures 1 and 2. The nursing brassiere 102 has two breast pads 122 attached to an inner side of each cup 104, 106.

Figure 7 shows the triangular breast pad 122 detached from the nursing brassiere 102. It will be appreciated that the breast pad 122 can be circular or any other suitable shape.

The breast pad 122 is attached to the nursing brassiere 102 by engaging first holding means on the brassiere 102 and second holding means on the breast pad 122 to form a snap fit fastening mechanism. This holds the breast pad 122 in place at the nursing brassiere 102.

The first holding means has three fastening sockets 116, 118, 120 fixed on the brassiere 102. The second holding means has three corresponding fastening protrusions 124, 126, 128 located close to the outer periphery of the breast pad 122 at each corner of the breast pad 122.

The breast pad 122 can be detached from the nursing brassiere 102 by disengaging the fastening sockets 116, 118, 120 from the fastening protrusions 124, 126, 128.

It will be appreciated that the breast pad 122 can comprise additional holding means on the other surface of the breast pad 122 for attaching another breast pad (not shown). A number of breast pads can be stacked on top of one another with only one of the breast pads directly attached to the nursing brassiere 102. The breast pad closest the nursing brassiere 102 is generally the only breast pad directly attached to the nursing brassiere 102.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art once given this disclosure that various modifications, changes, improvements and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A brassiere assembly comprising: a brassiere comprising a

cup; and breast pad holding means located at the brassiere and arranged to hold at least one breast pad at the brassiere.
2. A brassiere assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the breast pad holding means is at least partially defined by the cup.
3. A brassiere assembly as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2, wherein the breast pad holding means comprises a pocket for receiving the at least one breast pad.
4. A brassiere assembly as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the pocket is located at the cup.
5. A brassiere assembly as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the pocket is circular in shape.
6. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the centre of the pocket is aligned with the centre of the cup.
7. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the pocket comprises a first opening to enable the pocket to receive the at least one breast pad.
8. A brassiere assembly as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the first opening is accessible from the front of the cup.
9. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 8, wherein the pocket further comprises an aperture to enable a portion of the at least one breast pad facing inward of the cup to be exposed and contact the nipple, in use.
10. A brassiere assembly as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the aperture is circular in shape.
11. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 10, wherein the pocket comprises a reticular material.
12. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 11, wherein the pocket comprises a non permeable material.
13. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 12, wherein the pocket can accommodate at least two breast pads.
14. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims I to 13, wherein the cup comprises an at least partially removable front section.
15. A brassiere assembly as claimed in Claim 14 when dependent on Claim 7, wherein the cup comprises a second opening, the removable front section being removed by opening the second opening and restored by closing the front opening, in use.
16. A brassiere assembly as claimed in Claim 15, wherein at least one of the first opening and the second opening is arranged at least partially along an arc.
17. A brassiere assembly as claimed in Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein at least one of the first opening and the second opening is a closable opening.
18. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims I to 17, wherein the holding means comprises any one or combination of the following: a zip, a hidden zip, Velcro, a hook, a clip, a frame or a button.
19. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims 15 to 18, when dependent on Claim 7, wherein the first opening is arranged along an inner circular path and the second opening is arranged along an outer circular path.
20. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 19, wherein the breast pad holding means comprises a first holding means at the brassiere and a second holding means at the at least one breast pad, wherein the first and second holding means are releasably engageable to hold the at least one breast pad at the brassiere.
21. A brassiere assembly as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the first holding means is fixed to an inner surface of the cup and the second holding means is fixed to an outer surface of the at least one breast pad.
22. A brassiere assembly as claimed in Claim 20 or Claim 21, wherein at least one of the first and second holding means comprises a socket and the other of the first and second holding means comprises a complimentary protrusion capable of being accommodated in the socket and secured therein.
23. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 22, wherein the first and second holding means are engageable by means of a snap fit mechanism.
24. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 22, wherein the first and second holding means are engageable by means of a friction fit mechanism.
25. A brassiere assembly as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 24, wherein the first holding means comprises at least one holding mechanism spaced at intervals along the periphery of the inner surface of each cup and the second attachment means comprises at least one corresponding holding mechanism spaced at intervals along the periphery of the breast pad.
26. A breast pad comprising: an absorbent portion; and a non permeable cover layer arranged to partially cover the absorbent portion.
27. A breast pad as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the non permeable cover layer is partially covered in another material.
28. A breast pad as claimed in Claim 26 or Claim 27, wherein the at least one breast pad is triangular in shape.
29. A breast pad as claimed in Claim 26 or Claim 27, wherein the at least one breast pad is substantially circutar in shape.
30. A breast pad as claimed in any of Claims 26 to 29, wherein the non-permeable cover layer is arranged to extend beyond the perimeter of the breast pad to form a border along the perimeter of the breast pad.
31. A breast pad as claimed in any of Claims 26 to 30, wherein the cover layer wraps around at least a portion of the perimeter of the breast pad to define a well member.
32. A brassiere assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
33. A breast pad substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.