IES85075Y1 - Brassiere assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT This invention relates to a brassiere assembly comprising a brassiere (2) compiising at least one cup (4,6) and at least one pocket (16,18). The pocket (16,18) is at least partially defined by an inner surface of the cup (4,6) and includes a first opening (24,26) accessible from an outer surface of the at least one cup (4,6) for receipt of at least one breast pad (40). An inner surface of the pocket (l6,18) comprises a plurality of retaining means (1l6,118,120) arranged to be brought into releasable engagement with a plurality of retaining means ( 124,126,128) provided on a first surface of the breast pad (40). The retaining means (116,118,120,124,126,128)functi0n to hold the breast pad (40) in a fixed position relative to the cup (4,6) of the brassiere (2).

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.

Nursing brassieres known in the art have a removable front section which is held in place by a clasp positioned in the region of the brassiere strap.

The removable front section can be unclasped at the strap to expose a user’s nipple for breastfeeding. A breast pad can be placed between the breast and the removable front section. In use, the breast pad is inserted in a conventional brassiere between the breast and the brassiere, with the breast pad being held in place by compression between the breast and the brassiere.

During times when a woman is breastfeeding an infant or young child, the breast pad is placed over the nipple to absorb fluid which is secreted from the nipple between breast feeding sessions. However, the breast pad can move about and may be displaced from its position over the nipple. In some circumstances, the breast pad may even fall out. This may result in leakage of fluid from the nipple onto the brassiere and clothing of the user.

This leakage may cause discomfort, skin irritation and embarrassment to the user.

Conventional breast pads are circular in shape and comprise an absorbent material and a permeable cover layer. When fluid from the nipple is absorbed by the breast pad, the breast pad may become saturated causing moisture to leak out through the permeable cover layer. This fluid s%5©7é can spread to the skin surrounding the nipple, the user's brassiere and clothing causing irritation, nuisance and embarrassment to the user.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a brassiere assembly comprising: a brassiere comprising at least one cup; and at least one pocket at least partially defined by an inner surface of the cup, said pocket comprising a first opening accessible from an outer surface of the cup for receipt of at least one breast pad, wherein an inner surface of the at least one pocket comprises a plurality of retaining means arranged to be brought into releasable engagement with a plurality of retaining means provided on a first surface of the breast pad, said retaining means functioning to hold the breast pad in a fixed position relative to the cup of the brassiere.

As herein defined, the term “retaining means” may further be referred to as a holding mechanism, holding means or the like.

The plurality of retaining means hold the breast pad in a fixed position, such that the breast pad is substantially prevented from moving from side to side. Restricting the movement of the breast pad also prevents the breast pad from falling out of the cup in which it is placed, particularly when the brassiere is in use or storage. The retaining means therefore ensure that, when in use, the breast pad is secured in place so that it is not displaced from the nipple. Securing the breast pad to the cup prevents discomfort to the wearer which could be caused by movement of an unsecured breast pad within a cup of a brassiere. Fixation of the breast pad also prevents leakages of fluid from nipples onto clothes, which can occur if the breast pad becomes removed from the nipple.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the retaining means comprises a socket, with the corresponding retaining means with which said retaining means is brought into releasable engagement comprising a complimentary protrusion capable of being accommodated in the socket and secured therein.

In certain embodiments the retaining means which is provided on the breast pad is different to, but engages with, the retaining means provided about the pocket.

In certain embodiments, the retaining means provided on the breast pad and pocket are engageable with each other, by means of a snap fit mechanism, said mechanism typically allowing the retaining means to be brought into releasable engagement. In certain embodiments, the engagement of the retaining means is by means of a stud mechanism, fastener or the like. In certain embodiments, the retaining means are engageable by means of a friction tit mechanism.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of retaining means are spaced at intervals along the inner surface of the pocket.

In certain embodiments, the pocket is circular or substantially circular in shape. In certain embodiments, the centre of the pocket is aligned, or provided concentrically with the centre of the cup.

The pocket may be adapted such that the breast pad can be easily inserted into the pocket and retained therein. In certain embodiments, the pocket is of suitable dimensions such that it can receive and retain breast pads which are available in the art. In certain embodiments, the pocket may accommodate a breast pad of conventional shape and dimensions which are typically circular in shape. Locating the breast pad in this manner allows the nipple to rest against the centre of the breast pad when the brassiere is being worn by a user. The breast pads cover an area extending radially from the nipple to effectively absorb any fluid leakage from the nipple. Therefore a circular pocket may be provided to hold the breast pad securely in place in an optimal position with the centre of the breast pad and nipple aligned. The first opening makes the pocket easily accessible for inserting or removing breast pads.

In certain embodiments, the pocket further comprises an aperture to enable a portion of the at least one breast pad which is retained within the pocket to be brought into contact with the nipple when in use.

In certain embodiments, the aperture is circular in shape. However, in certain further embodiments, the aperture may be of any suitable shape which allows the surface of the breast pad to be brought into contact with the nipple.

Typically the aperture enables the nipple to rest directly against the breast pad in use. The aperture can be suitably 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.

In certain embodiments, the pocket comprises a reticular material. In certain embodiments, the pocket comprises a non permeable material. in certain embodiments, the pocket can accommodate at least two breast pads. Such an arrangement provides for storage of additional breast pads within the pocket, where said further breast pads can be used once the first breast pad is saturated by simply removing the first breast pad and revealing the underlying second breast pad. In such an embodiment, when the breast pad is provided in an arrangement wherein it rests against the nipple, it can be removed without the need to retrieve and insert a new breast pad since one of the further breast pads simply 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.

In certain embodiments, the pocket can be securely fastened and quickly and easily opened through the use of fastening means selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, zips, VELCRO strips, hooks, buttons, studs or the like. In addition, in certain embodiments, hidden zips can be provided such that the zip is not visible or protruding through the outer layer of clothing. in certain embodiments, the cup includes a second opening for use when nursing, the second opening defining an at least partially removable front section of the cup. The partially removable front section may enable the user to expose the nipple for breast feeding, in use.

In certain embodiments, the first opening extends along an inner circular path of the cup and the second opening extends along an outer circular path of the cup.

In certain embodiments, the first and second openings do not extend in a complete circle. This prevents the pocket and the front section from becoming detached from the brassiere assembly when the first and second openings are in an open position. 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.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a breast pad for use with the brassiere assembly of the first aspect of the present invention comprising a plurality of retaining means provided on an outer surface thereof.

In certain embodiments, the retaining means are provided in an evenly spaced arrangement.

In certain embodiments, the breast pad comprises an absorbent portion and a non permeable cover layer arranged to partially cover the absorbent portion.

In embodiments where a non-permeable cover layer is provided, this 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.

In certain embodiments, 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.

In certain embodiments, 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 may be substantially circular or oval in shape.

In certain embodiments, 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. In certain embodiments, 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 user's 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, wherein the examples are not intended to place limitation on the claims of the invention, said examples being provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a brassiere assembly according to a first aspect of the present invenflon; Figure 2 is a rear view of the brassiere assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of a first embodiment of a breast pad according to 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 brassiere assembly 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 the brassiere assembly 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 inner surface (not shown) of the pocket 16, 18 is provided with a plurality of retaining means which, in use, releasably engage a plurality of corresponding holding mechanisms on a breast pad to hold the breast pad in place.

An outer surface of the cup 4, 6 has a first inner opening 24, 26 for accessing the breast pad pocket 16, 18 and a second outer opening 28, 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 front portion of the cup 4, 6 cannot be completely removed from the nursing brassiere 2. it will be appreciated that the front portion 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. The outer surface of the cover layer 44 is provided with three retaining means 1, 3, 5 arranged to releasably engage corresponding retaining means on the inner surface of the pocket 16, 18, in use.

A portion of the cover layer 44 of the breast pad 40 is 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 2.5 cm 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 will 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 retaining means on the brassiere 102 and second retaining 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 retaining means has three fastening sockets 116, 118, 120 fixed on the brassiere 102. The second retaining 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 (5)

Claims

1. A brassiere assembly comprising: a brassiere 2 comprising at least one cup; and at least one pocket 16, 18 at least partially defined by an inner surface of the cup 4, 6, said pocket comprising a first opening 24, 26 accessible from an outer surface of the cup 4, 6 for receipt of at least one breast pad 40, wherein an inner surface of the pocket 16, 18 comprises a plurality of retaining means 116, 118, 120 arranged to be brought into releasable engagement with a plurality of retaining means 124, 126, 128 provided on a first surface of the breast pad 40, said retaining means 116, 118, 120, 124, 126, 128 functioning to hold the breast pad 40 in a fixed position relative to the cup 4, 6 of the brassiere 2.

2. A brassiere assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of retaining means 116, 118, 120 of the pocket 16, 18 are spaced at intervals along the inner surface of the pocket 16, 18.

3. A brassiere assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the cup 4, 6 includes a second opening 28, 30 for use when nursing, the second opening 28, 30 defining an at least partially removable front section of the cup 4, 6.

4. A breast pad 40 for use with the brassiere assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising a plurality of retaining means 124, 126, 128 on an outer surface thereof.

5. A brassiere assembly or breast pad 40 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.