GB2520235A

GB2520235A - A nursing bra

Info

Publication number: GB2520235A
Application number: GB1315585.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Boshra Benhamama
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-31
Filing date: 2013-08-31
Publication date: 2015-05-20
Also published as: GB201315585D0

Abstract

A nursing bra 1 for wearing by breastfeeding mothers comprising a pair of breast cups (2, fig 1) to support the breasts of the wearer that are connected together, a chest band 3 extending from the outer side of each cup and wrapping around the torso of the wearer, and at least one of the cups having an internal pocket 4 to receive a breast pad (5, fig 4). The pocket 4 holds the breast pad in position to absorb leaking breast milk, and has an opening (6, fig 3) that may be covered by a flap in use. Preferably at least one of the cups or at least a portion of one of the cups (2, fig 1) can be partly removed to allow an infant access to the breast of the wearer.

Description

A nursing bra

Field of the Invention

The present inVention relates to a nursing bra. More particularly, the invention relates to a nursing bra that holds removable breast pads securely in position.

Backarouncl Mothers who have recently given birth and whg are breastfeediflg may experience breast milk leakage when not feeding. One common way tcY deal with this is for the mother to insert breast pads into their bra to absorb leaking milk between feedings.

Breast pads are usually pads of cotton or a similar absorbent material which are shaped and sized to sit in each cup of a bra between the inner surface of the bra and the front of the breast, to cover the nipple and absorb leaking milk. A user wifl remove and replace these as necessary. For example, these will be inserted before a user goes to bed and will be removed and replaced as necessary e.g. when a user wakes up and has finished feeding or nursing an infant. One problem with the type of separate and disposable nursing pads which are currently readily available is that these can move around in the bra and slip Out of position. They rTtay therefore not be in the correct position to absorb leaking milk when required, and this can cause staining of clothes and discomfort, social and otherwise.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem Or similar, including the following: US7448936 describes and shows a nursing bra assembly for securing pads in a nursing bra to inhibit the pads inadvertently falling put. The bra has a pair of cups.

Each of the pups has a feeding aperture extending therethrough and at least one nipple of the associated one of the breasts is accessible through the cup to be suckled by an infant. Each of the cups of the bra has one of a pair of covers pivotally coupled thereto. Each of the covers is selectively pivoted over the feeding aperture In the associated one of the cups. Each of the covers has one of a pair of pockets coupled thereto. The pockets are positioned over and adjacent to the feeding aperture of the cups when the covers are positioned over the feeding aperture.

1JS20090286452 describes and shows a nursing brassiere providing nipple protection against discomfort associated with breast-feeding having two identical cups, each having a centred aperture to expose a woman's nipple and interchangeable pad and shield attached via snaps to cover the aperture and a flap to cover the pad or shield. the pad is flexible and absorbent to prevent leaking, while the shield has a nipple with a drinking openipg to allow an infant to breast feed.

The shield also has a plastic ring seal to prevent leaking onto a woman's skin or dotes durIng breast feeding.

W0201033314 shows and describes a pad for relieving breast engorgement formed from a material compilsing absorbent fibres and lemon juice. The pad is configured to insert within the cup of a bra. The bra pad has a layer of absorbent fibre material with a front surface and a back surface. A liquid barrier layer has a first side interfacing the back surface of the absorbent fibre material and an opposing second side. Lemon juice is disposed within the absorbent fibre material. A method of relieving breast engorgement includes providing an absorbent pad including absorbent fibres and lemon juice shaped to insert within a cup of a bra and disposing the pad between the cup of the bra and an engorged breast to be relieved.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consIst In a nursing bra, coprislng: a pair of breast cups, shaped and sized to hold a pair of female breasts, the cups connected together across the centre front of the cups; a chest band adapted to extend from the outeç side of each cup and wrap around the torso of a user in use to hold the bra in position; at least one of the cups having an internal pocket at the front of the cup, the pocket shaped and sized to receive a breast pad and to hold this in position at the centre front of the cup.

Using a pocket to hold a breast pad in position is advantageous as the breast pad will remain in position to absorb leakage, and will be much less prone to moving, folding or other action which may reduce functionality.

Preferably the potket is shaped and connected to the cup so as to conform closely with the inside surface of the cup-This helps to ensure that a pad held in the pocket will be held firmly in position, including pads that may be smaller than the maximum width of the pocket.

Preferably the pocket is sized and shaped to substantially fully enclose a pad held in the pocket. Substantially fully enclosing the pad helps to ensure it will remain in the required position.

Preferably the perimeter of the pocket is connected to the cup except for an opening through which the pad can be inserted or removed, the opening narrower than the width of the pocket. This ensures that a full size pad (one that substantially fills the pocket) will remain in position in the pocket and cannot easily slip out of the opening Preferably the opening forms less than a third of the perimeter of the pocket This.

allows pads up to the maximum width of the pocket to be used, and also smaller paS to be used.

Preferably at least that part of the pocket which forms the opening Is elasticised.

This allows a user to extend the width of the gap and therefore insert path more easily.

Preferably the opening faces the upper, outer part of the cup. This ensures that a pad in the Pocket will not fall out due to gravity in use, and is the optimum location for insertion or removal of the pads.

Preferably the nursing bra further has a flap, attached to the inner surface of the cup so that the flap covers the opening in use. This helps to ensUre that a pad will remain in position and not accidentally fall out of the pocket.

Preferably the flap releasably attaches to the pocket in use to close the opening, the flap folding back from the opening to allow pads to be inserted or removed from the pocket.

Preferably the pocket is substantially circular When viewed from the rear Preferably the bra further has a pair of straps, each of which is connected at one end to a cup and at the other end to the chest band opposite the cup so that in use each of the straps forms a loop that passes over a Users shoulder.

Preferably each of the straps is wide at least where the strep passes over the shoulder of a User.

Preferably at least a portion of at least one of the cups can be at least partly removed from the bra to allow an infant access to the breast of a user.

Preferably at least one of the cups is óonnected tO the strap via a releasable connector that When released allows the cup to be folded downwards away from the SI) breast of a user.

Preferably the chest band is releasably connected at the centre rear by a fastener.

preferably the fastener is a hook and eye fastener.

Preferably the cups are connecMd togethet across the centre front by a releasable fastener.

Aftematively the cups are connected together across the centte front by a gbre.

With respect to the above description then, It is to be realised that the optimum dimensional, relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and Obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those iflu$rated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present Invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur tp those skilled in the art, It is not desired to limit the Invention to the exact construction and Operation shown and described, and accordingly, all Suitable modthcations and equIvalents may be resorted tO, falling within the scope of the Invention as set out In the accompanying claims.

grIef Describtion Of Fioures FigUre 1 shows a front perpectiye view of a nursing bra according to a preferred embodiment of the invention arranged as it would be worn by a user, the bra having cups, a chest band and straps.

2 Figure 2 shown view fromthe rear of the nursing bra ofilgure 1, with a pocket fore pad or similar shown at the front of each of the cups.

Figure 3 shows. detail of the right-hand one of the cups of figure 2, with the pocket shown, and an opening for Inserting and removing pads from th, pocket shown.

Figure 4 shows the left-hand one of the cups of the nursing bra of the preceding figures, the rear of the pocket shown transparent so that detail Of a foldeØ pad in the pocket can be seen, the pad folded for removal through the pocket opening.

Figure 5 shows the left-hand cup of figure 4, the rear of the pocket transparent to see detail of a pad in the pocket unfolded and pressed forward by the pocket against the rear of the qup.

Detailed Descriotion A prefefred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

A nursing bra I has a pair of breast cups 2, shaped and sized to hold a pair of female breaSts. The cups 2 are connected together a ross the centre front of the cups 2 in a manner that will be described in detail below. Achest band 3 extends from the outer side of each cup 2 and wraps around the torso Of a user In use to hold the bra I in, position. The chest band 3 is formed from a pair of arms that releasably ôonnect at the centre rear of a use(s back in use (i.e. wheie a users spine is). A hook and eye connectIon mechanism such as is standard in the industry is preferred as the releasable connector for the chest band. A pair of straps 7 are connected to each of the cups 2 at one end and at the other end to the chest band 3 opposite the cup 2 so that in use each of the straps 7 forms a loop that passes over the users shoulder.

The straps are wider than normal bra straps at least where the strap 7 passes over the shoulder of the user, so that the strap Is less likely to dig into the shoulder of the user and cause discomfort. The cups 2 are relesably connected to the straps 7 at the front end of the strap 7 by a release mechanism 10 such as a hook and eye arrangement or similar, so that the cup can be unfastened from the remainder of the bra 1 and folded outwards and downwards to allow a wearer or user to nurse an infant without removing the bra 1. An arrangement whereby part of the cup 2 around the nipple can be unfastened to ecpose the nipple could also be used as an alternative to this. In the preferred embodiment, the cups 2 are connected at their inner part (across the breastbone of a user) by a gore 9. Alternatively a releasable fastener such as a hook and eye fastener could be used instead of permanent connection by a gore.

At least one and preferably both of the cups 2 have an internal pocket 4 at the front of the cup 2. The pocket 4 is formed from a piece of cloth or fabric, shaped and connected to the cup 2 tq form a pocket, and also so as to conform closely with the inside surface Of the cup 2. The pocket 4 Is sized and shaped to substantially fully enclose a pad 5 held in the pocket 4. From behind the pocket 4 appears substantially circular. In use, a breast pad 5 is held in position In the pocket, at the centre front of the cup 2 one side of the pad in contact with the inner surface of the cup 2, and the other contacting the fabric of the pocket 4. The perimeter of the pocket 4 is connected to the cup 2 by stitching or similar around substantially the whole of the perimeter of the pocket 4, except for an opening 6 through which the pad 5 can be inserted or removed. The opening 6 is narrower than the width of the pocket 4 so that a pad has to be folded or scrunched to be pushed through the opening 6 into the pocket 4, and then flattened out once inside. Flattened as used in this context should be taken to mean substantially conforming to the contours of the inner surface of the cup 2, behind/in the pocket 4.-It is most preferred that the opening 6 is about one-third of the perimeter of the pocket, and is oriented towards the outer upper side of the cup 2. This allows a full-size pad (one that completely fills the pocket 4) to be inserted easily by folding or scrunching, and thefl to be easily flattened for use. This also means that the pad 5 is substantially enclosed by the pocket 4 and is therefore much less likely tO fall out or move around. Smaller pads can also be inserted and these will also be held In position and wilt be less likely to move or shift position due to the pocket 4 being held against or biased towards the cup 2. It is most preferred that at least the opening 6 Is elasticised, so that a user can hook their finger or fingers into the opening 6 to increase the size of the opening 6 for ease of pad positioning or removal.

In the preferred embodiment, the bra 1 also has a flap or similar fastened to the inside of the cup 2 above/to the side of the opening 6, the flap attached and sized so th$ the flap can be folded over the opening 8 to close the opening 6. It Is most preferred that the flap extends slightly over the pocket and can be attached in place by a fastener such as VELCRO (RTM) strips or similar on the flap and the rear face otthepocket4.

The nursing bra 1 as described above is advantageous as the pocket 2 helps to ensure that the breast -will remain in position to absorb leakage, and will be much less prone to moving, folding or other action which may reduce functionality. The pad 5 is substantially billy enclosed to help ensure it will remain in the requIred position, with a full size pad (I.e. the full width of the pocket) fitting through the opening 6 with some manipulation, and smaller pads generally remaining in position due to the close-fitting and contoured nature of the pocket against the rear or Inner surface of the cup 2. Elasticising the opening allows frill size pads to be inserted easily with a minimum of manipulation.

It should be noted that nursing bra as it is used in this specification should not be taken as limiting the bra to one which can be used when nursing. an infant without being removed. The bra may be used by a mother who is nursing or who has recently given birth who may be concerned about leakage at inappropriate times, such as when she has returned to work, or Is out at a social occasion or similar where tfleir infant is not present and does not need to be immediately nursed.

Embodiments of the bra are therefore configurable as a normal bra would be, without the need for a cup to open for nursing. The bra could also be used by women who are not nursing, but who may wish to shield their nipples for medical or other reasons, and who may appreciate a pocket at the front of the cups of their bra for padding via a pad or similar. Nursing bra' a It is used in this specification should not therekre be taken as limIting.

Claims

Claims 1. A nursing bra, comprising: a pair of breast cups, shaped and sized to hold a pair of female breasts, the cups connected together acrqss the centre front of the cups: a chest band adapted to extend from the outer side of each cup and wrap around the torso Of a user in use to hold the bra in position; at least one of the cups having an internal pocket at the front of the cup, the pocket shaped and sized to receive a breast pad and to hold this in position at the centre front of the cup.
2. A nursing bra as claimed in clairh I wherein the pocket Is shaped and connected to the cup so as to conform closely with the inside, surface of the cup. so that aped in the pocket will be held firmly in position.
3. A nursing bra as claimed in clam 1 or claim 2 wherein the pocket is sized and IS shaped to substantially fully enclose a pad held in the pocket.
4. A nursing bra as claimed in any one of claims I to 3 wherein the perimeter of the pocket is connected to the cup except for an opening through which the pad can be inserted or removed, the opening narrower than the width of the pocket.
S. A nursing bra as claimed in claim 4 wherein the opening forms less than, a third of the perimeter of the pocket.
6. A nursing bra as claimed in claim 5 wherein at least that part of the pocket which forms the opening is elasticised.
7. A nursing bra as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the opening faces the upper, outer part of the cup.
8. A nursing bra as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 further having a flap, attached to the inner surface of the cup s that the flap covers the opening in use.
9. A nursing bra as claimed in claim 8 wherein the flap releasably attaches to the pocket in use to close the opening, the flap folding back from the opening to allow pads. to be inserted Or removed from the pocket.
10. A nursing bra as claimed in any one of claims I to 9 wherein the pocket is substantially circular when ylewed from the rear
11. A nursing bra as claimed in any one of claims I to 10 wherein the bra further has a pair of straps, each Of which is connected at one end to a cup and at the other end to the chest band opposite the cup so that in use each of the straps forms a loop that passes over a users shoulder.
12. A nursing bra as claimed in claim 11 wherein the strap is wide at least where the strap passes over the shoulder of a user.
13. A nursing bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein at least a portion of at least one of the cupscan be at least partly removed from the bra to allow an infant access to the breast of a user.
14. A nursing bra as claimed in claim 13 wherein at least one of the cups is connected to the strap via a releasable connector that when released allows the cup to be folded downwards away from the breast of a user.
15. A nursing bra as claimed in any one of claims Ito 14 wherein the chest band is releasably connected at the centre rear by a fastener.
16. A nursing bra as claimed in claim 15 wherein the fastener is a hook and eye fastener.
17. A nursing bra as claimed in any one of claims I to 16 wherein the cups are connected together across the centre front by a releasable fastener.
18. A nursing bra as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the cups are connected together across the centre front by a gore.