Pain reducing brassiere

Abstract

A brassiere designed to alleviate pain and discomfort of the breast area that frequently occurs subsequent to lactation and nursing of a child. The brasserie includes a pair of cup members having an inner an outer layer. Disposed between the inner layer and outer layer of each cup member is a receiving slot. The receiving slot is configured to receive a pain relieving device that is generally annular in shape. The pain relieving device further includes an aperture concentrically mounted thereon for receiving therein the nipple area of a user's breast. The brassiere further includes a support band and shoulder straps.

Description

PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119(e) & 37 C.F.R. §1.78

This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior U.S. provisional patent application entitled: Soothing breast, Application No.: 60/628,025, filed Nov. 15, 2004, in the names of Ana M. Nunez and Pedro Nunez JR., which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to women's undergarments, more specifically but not by way of limitation to a brassiere designed to provide comfort for breasts that are sore, such as occurs when nursing or after surgery.

BACKGROUND

Over the last two decades, the number of women who engage in nursing a newborn after giving birth has dramatically increased. Data has increasingly demonstrated the health benefits of natural breast milk from a mother nursing her child as opposed to formula bottle feeding. Typically new mothers will nurse their infants for a period of up to the first 6 months of newborn's life.

A significant problem exists for women that choose to breast-feed their newborn. As newborns require to be fed every 3-4 hours, this consistent nursing can be the cause of severe discomfort for the nursing mother. The hours per day of nursing the newborn create a substantial discomfort of the mother's breast. The mother's breast and nipples often become swollen and very sore which results in an uncomfortable nursing experience. This condition can be extremely painful for the mother.

Another problem exists with newborn mothers who choose not to nurse their child or are unable to nurse their child or use a breast pump within the regularly scheduled feeding intervals. A mother's breast will become engorged with milk, either because of her inability to feed the child at the regularly scheduled interval or during the first few weeks after birth. During this time period, the breasts are very sore and sensitive creating an extremely uncomfortable and painful situation for the new mother. Typically, a mother will use cool materials such as ice to temporarily alleviate the painful situation. This is usually accomplished by the mother wrapping a towel with ice around the breast. In order to do this, the mother must remain in a private area and be temporarily confined to a chair or bed. As the mother is responsible for the care of a newborn, this time period creates a significant inconvenience for the new mother, as the demands of caring for a newborn require a significant amount of time.

Accordingly, there is a need for a brassiere that can be worn by women that contains a method of alleviating temporary pain and discomfort of a woman's breast, caused by but not limited to, nursing a newborn.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a brassiere, which can have inserted into it, a gel pack capable of maintaining a temperature dissimilar to that of its surroundings that substantially surrounds the breast cup in order to alleviate pain caused by nursing a newborn.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a brassiere that can receive a gel pack capable of maintaining a temperature dissimilar to that of its surroundings that is substantially annular in shape and can be releasably secured to the inside of the brassiere.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a brassiere that has an alternative embodiment of the gel pack that comprises two essentially equal crescent shaped hemispheres that are removably secured inside the brassiere.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a brassiere that is comfortable to wear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with a first alternative of a pain relieving device; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein like elements are designated with identical numbers, and in particular to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a brassiere 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

The brassiere 100 comprises of two cup members 10 configured in a substantially dome shaped, each being configured to accommodate a women's breast therein. The cup members 10 are constructed of multiple layers having an outer layer 17 and an inner layer 19. The outer layer 17 and inner layer 19 are manufactured from soft, pliable material such as but not limited to cotton, lycra, or polyester blends. The cup members 10 are constructed in standard conventional cup sizes of A, B, C, and D. Those skilled in the art will recognize that standard measurements for a size 34 “maiden form” brassiere the width of a cup A is six inches, the width of a cup B is seven inches, the width of a cup C is 8 inches and the width of a cup D is 9 inches. The cup member 10 consists of an upper portion 15 and lower portion 20. The upper portion 15 is tapered in shape. Contiguous with the upper portion 15 and integrally formed therewith is the first end 23 of the shoulder strap 25. The shoulder strap 25 is constructed of a soft, pliable and elastic material and is designed to support the cup member 10 in a generally upward direction. The shoulder strap 25 has a second end 24 that terminates at the support band 30 and is secured via a loop 27 to the support band 30.

A connection member 29 is intermediate each cup member 10. The connection member 29 functions to provide the proper spacing of each cup member 10 when the brassiere 100 is worn by the user. The support band 30 has a first end, which is secured by conventional mechanical methods such as but not limited to stitching on the lateral portion 33 of each cup member 10. The support band 25 extends outward from each cup member 10 opposite the connection member 29 and terminates at the second ends of the support band 25, ends 31 and 32. Ends 31, 32 may be joined together with any suitable attachment mechanism 40. The support band 30 functions to releasably secure the brassiere 100 to the upper torso of the user. The attachment mechanism 40 is constructed of a conventional hook and loop fastener. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous different attachment mechanisms 40 could be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the attachment mechanism 40 described herein. More specifically but not by way of limitation, the attachment mechanism 40 could be snaps or Velcro™. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that while the illustrated embodiment depicts a rear-closure for the support band that a frontal-closure could be employed. The support band 30 is secured to the cup member 10 by conventional mechanical methods such as but not limited to stitching. The support band 30 is manufactured from conventional soft and elastic materials known in the art.

Disposed in the upper portion 15 of each cup member 10 is a receiving slot 45. The receiving slot 45 is integrally formed with the inner layer 19 of the cup member 10 and has an opening 47 designed to accommodate the pain relieving device 55. The pain relieving device 55 is annular in shape having an aperture 60 concentrically located thereon. The aperture 60 is of sufficient size to accommodate a standard nipple area of a woman's breast therein. The opening 60 prevents additional pressure being applied to the woman's nipple area, as this area is particularly sensitive during the nursing period. The pain relieving device 55 consists of an outer layer 57 that is constructed of a durable pliable material such as rubber or plastic. The outer layer 57 is manufactured to prevent the material disposed within the pain relieving device 55 from propagating into the cup member 10 when in use. The pain relieving device 55 has substantially disposed therein a temperature controlling substance such as thermal gel. The thermal gel allows the pain relieving device 55 to be heated or cooled and subsequently maintains a temperature dissimilar to that of its surroundings for an extended period of time. Subsequent to altering the ambient temperature of the pain relieving device 55 to a desired temperature, the pain relieving device 55 is inserted into the opening 47 of the receiving slot 45 of each cup member 10. Subsequent to insertion thereof, the pain relieving device 55 is adjacent to the woman's breast area disposed within the cup member 10 intermediate the inner layer 19 and the outer layer 17. The pain relieving device 55 is designed to provide heating or cooling of the breast area disposed within the cup member 10 in order to alleviate pain and discomfort caused from nursing a newborn. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the pain reliving device 55 could be used to alleviate pain caused from numerous other issues in place of nursing. More specifically but not by way of limitation, the pain relieving device 55 could be used to alleviate pain and discomfort of a woman's breast area due to recent surgical procedure or infectious disease that has caused the breast to become swollen and painful.

It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that numerous materials could be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the thermal gel disposed within the pain relieving device 55 to achieve the desired functionality as described herein. It is also further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the pain relieving device 55 could be numerous different shapes in place of and/or in conjunction with the shape described herein and achieve the desired functionality.

Now referring in particular to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a pain relieving device 200 of the present invention. The pain relieving device 200 is comprised of two arcuate shaped inserts 210. The lower insert 215 and upper insert 220 each have an outer layer 225 that is manufactured from a durable, pliable material such as rubber or plastic. Each insert 210 of the pain relieving device has substantially disposed therein a temperature controlling substance such as but not limited to thermal gel. The outer layer 225 of each insert 210 is non-porous in order to prevent the material disposed within the insert 210 from propagating into the cup member 10. Each insert 210 is designed to have its ambient temperature altered either positively or negatively and maintain a temperature dissimilar to that of their surroundings for an extended period of time.

Proximate to the upper portion 15 each cup member 10 has an upper receiving slot 85 integrally formed with the inner layer 19 facilitating the placement of the pain relieving device 200 to be interposed the outer layer 17 and inner layer 19 of the cup member 10. Each cup member 10 further includes a lower receiving slot 90 proximate to the lower portion 20 of the cup member 10 that is integrally formed within the inner layer 19. The upper receiving slot 85 and the lower receiving slot 90 are of sufficient size to accommodate therein the upper insert 220 and lower insert 215 respectively.

The upper receiving slot 85 and the lower receiving slot 90 are integrated into the inner layer 19 of the cup member 10 so that subsequent to insertion the hemispheres 210 will be interposed the inner layer 19 and outer layer 17 of the cup member and be removably secured adjacent to the breast area of a woman disposed within the cup member 10 in order to alleviate the pain and discomfort. The inserts 210 are intermediate the inner layer 19 and outer layer 17 subsequent insertions into the upper receiving slot 85 and lower receiving slot 90.

Although the cup member 10 is illustrated in the drawing submitted herewith as having a receiving slot 45 to accommodate the pain relieving device 55, it is contemplated within the scope of the current invention that the cup member 10 could have a plurality of receiving slots to accommodate pain relieving devices of numerous shapes. More specifically but not by way of limitation, the cup member 10 could have integrated in a circular pattern up to 4 or 6 receiving slots 45 designed to accommodate a pain relieving device 55 therein. It is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention, that the brassiere 100 could be manufactured in a plurality of colors. More specifically but not by way of limitation tan, black or white.

Now referring in particular to FIG. 1, a description of the operation of the present invention is as follows. The user places the pain relieving device 55 in a household freezer or microwave depending on whether or not the user wishes to apply heat or cold to relieve the discomfort of their breast area. Subsequent to altering the temperature of the pain relieving device 55, the user inserts the pain relieving device 55 into the receiving slot 45 whereby the pain relieving device is intermediate the inner layer 19 and outer layer 17 of the cup member 10. The user then puts the brassiere 100 on her in the usual manner as with a conventional brassiere. The user's breast area disposed within the cup member 10 are now adjacent to the pain relieving device intermediate the inner layer 19 and outer layer 17 of the cup member 10. The pain relieving device 55 radiates its temperature to the adjacent breast area in order to alleviate the pain and discomfort of the breast. The process is repeated as necessary.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A brassiere designed to alleviate breast pain and discomfort comprising:

a first and a second cup member, each of said cup members having an outer layer, an inner layer, said cup members for providing support of a body part disposed therein;

a pain relieving device;

said first cup including at least one receiving slot, said receiving slot being configured interposed said outer layer and said inner layer, said receiving slot configured to receive said pain relieving device; and

a support band, said support band attached to each of said first and second cup members, said support band for releasably securing said brassier to the upper torso of the user.

2. The brassiere as recited in claim 1, wherein said support band includes an attachment mechanism, said attachment mechanism for releasably securing said support band to the upper torso of the user.

3. The brassiere as recited in claim 2, and further including at least one shoulder strap, said shoulder, said shoulder strap for engaging the shoulder area of the user.

4. The brassiere as recited in claim 3, wherein said pain relieving device being generally annular in shape, said pain relieving device being of size to be positioned through said receiving slot and disposed intermediate said inner layer and said outer layer of said cup member.

5. The brassiere as recited in claim 4, wherein said pain relieving device has substantially disposed therein a material for maintaining a temperature for a select period of time.

6. The brassiere as recited in claim 5, wherein said pain relieving device includes an aperture, said aperture configured for receiving the nipple area of a the user when said aperture is disposed within said cup member.

7. A brassiere designed to alleviate breast pain and discomfort, comprising:

a first and a second cup member, each of said cup members having an upper and lower portion and an inner layer and outer layer, each of said first and second cup members configured to receive a breast of the user;

a support band having a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to said first cup member and said second end being attached to said second cup member, said support band configured to releasably secure said brassiere to the user;

at least one shoulder strap, said shoulder straps having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said upper portion of said cup member, said second end connected to said support band, said shoulder strap for engaging the shoulder area of the user; and

a plurality of pain relieving devices, said plurality of pain relieving devices configured for insertion between said outer layer and said inner layer in at least one of said first and second cup members; said plurality of pain relieving devices operable to maintain a temperature dissimilar to that of its surroundings for a select period of time, said plurality of pain relieving device for alleviating discomfort and pain of the breast disposed within said at least one of said first and second cup members.

8. The brassiere as recited in claim 7, wherein said plurality of pain relieving devices are arcuate in shape, said pain relieving devices being removably secured in said upper portion and said lower portion of said cup member.

9. The brassiere as recited in claim 9, wherein said first cup member includes a plurality of receiving slots, with a first of said plurality of receiving slots positioned on said upper portion of said first cup and a second of said plurality of receiving slots positioned on said lower portion of said first cup, each of said plurality of receiving slots configured to at least one of said plurality of said pain relieving devices.

10. The brassiere as recited in claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of pain relieving devices includes thermal gel.

11. The brassiere as recited in claim 10, wherein said support bands include an attachment mechanism for releasably securing said brassiere to the user.

12. The brassiere as recited in claim 11, wherein each of said first and second cup members is manufactured from at least one of cotton, lycra, and polyester blends.

13. The brassiere as recited in claim 12, wherein said brassiere is manufactured in at least one of black, tan or white colors.

14. A brassiere designed to alleviate breast pain and discomfort resulting from nursing a newborn comprising:

a pair of cup members, said cup members having an upper and lower portion, said cup member further including an inner layer and outer layer, said cup members having a connection member therebetween, said cup members for providing support of a woman's breast disposed therein;

a support band, said support band having a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to the lateral portion of each of said cup member opposite said connection member, said support band extending away from each of said cup member, said support band for engaging the upper torso of a woman;

a pair of shoulder straps, said shoulder straps having a first end and a second end, said first end integrally formed with said upper portion of said cup member and extending outward therefrom, said second end terminating with a loop secured to said support band, said shoulder strap for engaging the shoulder area of a woman;

an attachment mechanism, said attachment mechanism secured to said second ends of said support bands, said attachment mechanism being configured to releasably secure said brassiere to the upper torso of the user;

a pair of pain relieving devices, said pain relieving device interposed between said outer layer and said inner layer of said cup member, said pain relieving device being configured to maintain a temperature dissimilar to that of its surroundings, said pain relieving device for alleviating discomfort and pain of the adjacent breast disposed within said cup member.

15. The brassiere as recited in claim 14, wherein said pain relieving devices further include an aperture, said aperture concentrically disposed on said pain relieving device, said aperture being configured to receive a nipple area therein.

16. The brassiere as recited in claim 15, and further including two receiving slots disposed on said upper portion of said cup member, said receiving slots being of sufficient size to allow said pain relieving device to be journaled through.

17. The brassiere as recited in claim 16, wherein said pain relieving devices are annular in shape, said pain relieving device being configured to be removable from said cup members.

18. The brassiere as recited in claim 17, wherein said pain relieving device has thermal gel substantially disposed therein.

19. The brassiere as recited in claim 18, wherein said brassiere is manufactured from a group of material consisting of cotton, lycra or polyester blends.

20. The brassiere as recited in claim 19, wherein said pain relieving devices are manufactured from a durable, pliable material.