Nursing reminder accessory and brassiere

Abstract

An apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing is disclosed. Some embodiments include a flexible element attached to the brassiere at a first end and coupled at a second end to either of two portions of the brassiere, with the coupled portion reminding the woman to use a particular breast. In other embodiments, attachment of the flexible element to a portion can restrict access to the non-preferred breast. In other embodiments, an indicator attached to the brassiere can be placed in at least two states, each indicating a preference for a particular breast. In other embodiments, an alternating release switch on the brassiere automatically releases a coupling element of a breast cup associated with a preferred breast.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuing application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/788,163, filed Feb. 16, 2001, entitled “Nursing Reminder Accessory and Brassiere,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention is directed to nursing accessories and more particularly to apparatuses for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Nursing mothers are typically advised by their physicians to alternate the use of their breasts from one nursing session to another. That is, the physician advises that if a mother's baby has nursed from, for example, her right breast during a nursing session, she should have the baby nurse from her left breast during the next nursing session. This pattern allows the milk supply in the most recently used breast to be replenished and allows the breast's nipple area to recuperate from the recent nursing activity.

[0004] Frequent nursing sessions and myriad activities between nursing sessions routinely cause many nursing mothers to forget which breast was most recently used for nursing, or which breast should next be used for nursing, according to the physician's recommendation. Therefore, there is a need for a nursing accessory that assists nursing mothers in remembering which breast is preferred for nursing for the next nursing session.

[0005] Even nursing mothers who have strong memories may occasionally be mistakenly sure that they have correctly remembered which breast is preferred for nursing, but may use the non-preferred breast anyway. Therefore, there is a need to restrict nursing mothers from using the non-preferred breast for the next nursing session.

[0006] Nursing brassieres are known in the art to provide full support for a nursing mother's breasts while offering temporary access to the nipple areas of the breasts for nursing sessions. That is, the nursing brassieres are configured to provide full support for both breasts while the mother is not nursing the baby, but allow the mother to, for example, access her right breast during a nursing session, while still providing full support for her left breast, and vice versa.

[0007] Unfortunately, while providing such functionality, none of the presently available nursing brassieres assist the mother in remembering which breast was most recently used for nursing, or which breast should next be used for nursing, according to the physician's recommendation. Therefore, there is a need for a nursing brassiere that assists a nursing mother in remembering which breast is preferred for nursing for the next nursing session.

[0008] In addition, mothers that use nursing brassieres may attempt to use the non-preferred breast for the next nursing session without realizing that the breast is not preferred. Therefore, there is a need to restrict nursing mothers who wear nursing brassieres from using the non-preferred breast for the next nursing session.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention addresses the shortcomings discussed above and other limitations of the prior art by providing an apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing.

[0010] In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a flexible element that has a first end attached to the brassiere and a second end that can be coupled to either a first portion of the brassiere or a second portion of the brassiere. The first portion is associated with one of the woman's breasts and the second portion is associated with the other breast.

[0011] In one aspect, the second end includes a sleeve that can be opened and closed about either portion. The first portion includes a first fastener that must be released before the first breast can be accessed for nursing. The second portion includes a second fastener that must be released before the second breast can be accessed for nursing. When the second end is coupled to the first fastener access to the first fastener for release is restricted. When the second end is coupled to the second fastener access to the second fastener for release is restricted. Preferably, the second end includes a sleeve that can be opened and closed about either fastener, such that when the sleeve is closed about the first fastener the first fastener cannot be accessed for release, and when the sleeve is closed about the second fastener the second fastener cannot be accessed for release.

[0012] In another embodiment, the first portion includes a first mating element integrated with the brassiere, the second portion includes a second mating element integrated with the brassiere, and the second end includes a coupling element that can be mated with either mating element.

[0013] In one aspect, the coupling element has a protrusion and each mating element has a recess for receiving the protrusion and biasing the protrusion therein. The brassiere includes a first fastener that must be released before the first breast can be accessed for nursing, and a second fastener that must be released before the second breast can be accessed for nursing. When the coupling element is mated with the first mating element access to the first fastener for release is restricted. When the coupling element is mated with the second mating element access to the second fastener for release is restricted. Preferably, the first portion is adjacent the first fastener and the second portion is adjacent the second fastener, such that when the coupling element is mated with the first mating element the first fastener is covered by the coupling element and when the coupling element is mated with the second mating element the second fastener is covered by the coupling element.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the apparatus includes an indicator that can be placed in at least two states. A first state indicates a nursing preference for the first breast and a second state indicates a nursing preference for the second breast.

[0015] In one aspect, the indicator is attached to or integrated with the brassiere and the indicator can be rotated with respect to the brassiere to place the indicator in any of the states. In another aspect, when the indicator is in the first state, a portion of the indicator points toward the first breast, and when the indicator is in the second state, the portion of the indicator points toward the second breast. Preferably, the indicator is attached to or integrated with a central portion of the brassiere, the central portion includes a socket, and the indicator includes a protrusion that can rotate within the socket.

[0016] In still another embodiment, the apparatus includes a switch. The apparatus can be part of a nursing brassiere adapted to be worn on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods. The nursing brassiere comprises a pair of breast cups secured to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts. At least a portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast can be accessed for nursing. At least a portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast can be accessed for nursing. An activation of the switch permits the portion of the first breast cup to be moved and prevents the portion of the second breast cup from being moved. A subsequent activation of the switch permits the portion of the second breast cup to be moved and prevents the portion of the first breast cup from being moved.

[0017] In one aspect, the apparatus includes an alternating release switch at a central portion of the brassiere; a first coupling element, on the portion of the first breast cup, that can be received by the switch; and a second coupling element, on the portion of the second breast cup, that can be received by the switch. When the first coupling element is received by the switch the first coupling element is secured in the switch and access to the first breast for nursing is restricted. When the second coupling element is received by the switch the second element is secured in the switch and access to the second breast for nursing is restricted. An activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch releases only one of the coupling elements from the switch. After the switch releases the one coupling element from the switch, the switch is set to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch.

[0018] An embodiment of the alternating release switch includes a switch assembly and first and second coupling elements, each of the coupling elements being receivable in the switch assembly and being biased toward ejectment from the switch assembly and having a catchable formation. In this embodiment, an activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch assembly releases only one of the coupling elements from the switch assembly, prevents another activation of the switch until the one coupling element is subsequently received in the switch assembly, and sets the switch to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch.

[0019] Also in this embodiment, the switch assembly comprises an actuatable button, a movable shuttle having first and second engageable formations and first and second engaging surfaces, and at least one catch element having first and second engageable surfaces and first and second catching surfaces.

[0020] Further in this embodiment, the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the first catching surface and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the second catching surface, actuation of the button engages the button with the first engageable formation of the shuttle to move the shuttle until the first engaging surface of the shuttle engages the first engageable surface of the catch element until the first catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the first coupling element to allow the first coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the second engageable formation in a position in which it can be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated.

[0021] In one aspect of this embodiment, the actuatable button is biased toward a non-actuated state and comprises first and second engageable surfaces, and the switch assembly further comprises an interlock element having first and second springed ends and first and second engaging surfaces.

[0022] Also in this aspect, the button, the shuttle, the catch element, the coupling elements and the interlock are positioned and movable relative to one another such that the first springed end biases the first coupling element toward ejectment from the switch assembly and biases the second engaging surface toward an interference position with the second engageable surface that prevents the button from returning to the non-actuated state; and such that the second springed end biases the second coupling element toward ejectment from the switch assembly and biases the first engaging surface toward an interference position with the first engageable surface that prevents the button from returning to the non-actuated state.

[0023] The positioning and movable relation in this aspect are also such that when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly against the biasing force of the springed ends of the interlock element by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the first catching surface and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the second catching surface, the bias of the second engaging surface toward an interference position with the second engageable surface (that prevents the button from returning to the non-actuated state) negates and is negated by the bias of the first engaging surface toward an interference position with the first engageable surface (that prevents the button from returning to the non-actuated state), allowing the button to travel freely.

[0024] The positioning and movable relation in this aspect are also such that when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly against the biasing force of the springed ends of the interlock element by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the first catching surface and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the second catching surface, actuation of the button subjects the second engageable surface to interference from the second engaging surface as the first coupling element is ejected from the switch assembly, the interference preventing the button from returning to the non-actuated state.

[0025] The positioning and movable relation in this aspect are also such that when the first coupling element is subsequently injected into the switch assembly against the first springed end, the second engaging surface is moved out of the interference position with the second engageable surface to allow the button to return to the non-actuated state.

[0026] In another aspect of this embodiment of the alternating release switch, each of the first and second engageable formations of the shuttle has a notch and a sloped surface leading to the notch, and the actuatable button has a flexible extension that has a straight resting shape.

[0027] Also in this aspect, the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the first catching surface and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the second catching surface, actuation of the button brings the flexible extension to bear against the slope of the first engageable formation, causing the flexible extension to bend against the slope and seat in the notch of the first engageable formation, causing the shuttle to move toward the first engaging surface of the shuttle as the extension is pressed into the notch until the first engaging surface of the shuttle engages the first engageable surface of the catch element until the first catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the first coupling element to allow the first coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the second engageable formation in a position in which the slope and notch of the second engageable formation can be engaged by the flexible extension when the button is next actuated.

[0028] The positioning and movable relation in this aspect are also such that retraction of the button removes the flexible extension from engagement with the first engageable formation and allows the flexible extension to return to the straight resting state.

[0029] In yet another aspect of this embodiment of the alternating release switch, the catch element comprises first and second pivotable catches, the first pivotable catch having the first engageable surface and the first catching surface, the second pivotable catch having the second engageable surface and the second catching surface.

[0030] In still another aspect of this embodiment of the alternating release switch, the switch mechanism further comprises a release indicator that can be read to determine which coupling element will be released when the button is next actuated.

[0031] In still another aspect of this embodiment of the alternating release switch, the switch mechanism further comprises an override switch that is usable to selectively mandate which of the first and second engageable formations will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated.

[0032] In another embodiment of the alternating release switch, the catch element comprises a wire spring having the first and second engageable surfaces and the first and second catching surfaces.

[0033] Yet another embodiment of the alternating release switch includes a switch assembly and first and second coupling elements, each of the coupling elements being receivable in the switch assembly and being biased toward ejectment from the switch assembly and having a catchable formation. In this embodiment, an activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch assembly releases only one of the coupling elements from the switch assembly, and after the one coupling element is released from the switch assembly, the switch is set to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch.

[0034] Also in this embodiment, the switch assembly comprises an actuatable button; a rotatable wheel having a plurality of evenly radially spaced button receiving protrusions on one side and a plurality of evenly radially spaced catch rod pushing protrusions on the other side, the ratio of the number of button receiving protrusions relative to the number of catch rod pushing protrusions being two to one; first and second pivotable catch rods, each having a catch end; and first and second coupling elements, each having a catch formation.

[0035] Further in this embodiment, the button, the wheel, the catch rods, and the coupling elements being positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the catch end of the first catch rod and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the catch end of the second catch rod, actuation of the button engages the button with a first of the button receiving protrusions to rotate the wheel to cause a first of the catch rod pushing protrusions to push the first catch rod to disengage the catch end of the first catch rod from the catch formation of the first coupling element to allow the first coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the rotation of the wheel placing a second button receiving protrusion in position to be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, placing a second catch rod pushing protrusion in position to push the second catch rod when the button is next actuated, and placing no catch rod pushing protrusion in position to push the first catch rod when the button is next actuated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a nursing brassiere.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a nursing brassiere similar to the brassiere of FIG. 1, but including an embodiment of the invention, having a flexible element with a sleeve.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a nursing brassiere similar to the brassiere of FIG. 1, but including another embodiment of the invention, having a flexible element with a medallion.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a nursing brassiere similar to the brassiere of FIG. 1, but including yet another embodiment of the invention, having a heart-shaped indicator.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a nursing brassiere similar to the brassiere of FIG. 1, but including yet another embodiment of the invention, having an alternating release switch.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates an external perspective view of an embodiment of an alternating release switch.

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates an internal front view of the alternating release switch of FIG. 6, without a manual override switch, with the switch mechanism in a transition state.

[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates an internal front view of the alternating release switch of FIG. 6, with the manual override switch.

[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of an alternating release switch with a wire spring as a catch element, with both coupling elements locked in the switch assembly and the switch mechanism set to release one of the coupling elements when the button is depressed.

[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates the alternating release switch of FIG. 9 after the one coupling element has been released.

[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of yet another embodiment of an alternating release switch, with the switch mechanism set to release one of the coupling elements when the button is depressed.

[0047] FIG. 12 illustrates a back view of the alternating release switch of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a nursing brassiere that will be discussed as one example of a brassiere that can be used with the invention. The brassiere is adapted to be worn on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods. The nursing brassiere 20 includes a pair of breast cups 22a, 22b connected to a band 24 and straps 26a, 26b so that the brassiere 20 can be secured to the upper body of a woman (not shown) such that each breast cup 22a, 22b accommodates one of her breasts. Each of the breast cups 22a, 22b has an inner support panel 28a, 28b that supports the breast while providing an opening 30a, 30b for access to the nipple area during a nursing period. Each of the breast cups 22a, 22b further includes an outer flap 32a, 32b that can cover the opening 30a, 30b or expose the opening 30a, 30b as needed. In order to use one of her breasts for nursing while wearing the brassiere 20, the woman must open one of the outer flaps 32a, 32b to expose one of the openings 30a, 30b. To hold the outer flaps 32a, 32b closed when the breasts are not being used, the brassiere 20 further includes fasteners 34a, 34b, one on each strap 26a, 26b. Each fastener 34a, 34b includes a latch on the strap 26a, 26b and a hook on the outer flap 32a, 32b. To open the outer flap 32a, 32b, the woman releases the hook from the latch and folds the outer flap 32a, 32b over. The “left” breast cup 22b is shown with the outer flap 32b closed. The “right” breast cup 22a is shown with the outer flap 32a open and folded over.

[0049] It should be understood that many types of brassieres exist, and that use of the invention is not limited to use with the illustrated brassiere. It will be clear from a reading of the following descriptions that the invention can be adapted for use with any brassiere, whether or not the brassiere is specifically manufactured for nursing. For example, some brassieres have more, fewer, or no straps; some brassieres have more, fewer, or no bands; some brassieres have additional panels or features; and some brassieres have different mechanisms for providing access to the breast for nursing. Some embodiments of the invention can be used regardless of the features and components of the brassiere. Of course, the embodiments of the invention that relate to preventing use of the mechanism for providing access to the breast for nursing necessarily require the brassiere to have such a mechanism.

[0050] In an embodiment, the invention is directed to an apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing. FIG. 2 illustrates this embodiment by presenting a brassiere 40. The brassiere 40 is similar to the brassiere 20 of FIG. 1, however, it further includes the apparatus. The apparatus includes a flexible element 42 shown as, for example, a ribbon 42. The ribbon 42 has a first end 44 that is attached the brassiere 40. The ribbon 42 also has a second end 46 that can be coupled to either a first portion 34a of the brassiere 40 or a second portion 34b of the brassiere 40. The flexibility of the ribbon 42 facilitates easy movement of the second end 46 from the first portion 34a to the second portion 34b and vice versa The attachment of the first end 44 to the brassiere 40 prevents the second end 46 from being dropped or lost between transfers.

[0051] The first portion 34a is shown as, for example, a first fastener 34a. The second portion 34b is shown as, for example, a second fastener 34b. The first portion 34a is associated with one of the woman's breasts (referred to herein, for convenience, as her first breast or right breast) (not shown). While many types of associations between the first portion 34a and the first breast can be established, the association in this embodiment is defined inasmuch as the first fastener 34a must be released before the first breast can be accessed for nursing. Similarly, the second portion 34b is associated with the woman's other breast (referred to herein, for convenience, as her second breast or left breast) (not shown). While many types of associations between the second portion 34b and the second breast can be established, the association in this embodiment is defined inasmuch as the second fastener 34b must be released before the second breast can be accessed for nursing. Other associations can include the portion 34a, 34b being in proximity to the associated breast cup 22a, 22b, or being color- or design-coordinated or otherwise coordinated with the associated breast cup 22a, 22b. Other associations can include the portion 34a, 34b being on the brassiere 40 at a location that is labeled, designed or understood to reflect the desired association. Other associations may be established by the portion 34a, 34b being functional or configured in such a way that it can be used to reflect the desired association.

[0052] With regard to the coupling of the second end 46 to the first portion 34a or the second portion 34b, in this embodiment, the second end 46 of the ribbon 42 comprises a sleeve 47 that can be opened and closed about either portion 34a, 34b. To enable this functionality, the sleeve 47 includes, for example, a Velcro™ mechanism defined by a loop patch on one end of the sleeve 47 and a hook patch on the other end of the sleeve 47 so that when the ends are brought together they are secured thereby. A force applied to pull the ends apart releases the hooks from the loops and the ends can be separated. In this manner, the sleeve 47 can be opened and closed about the first fastener 34a or the second fastener 34b. This functionality not only serves to remind the woman which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing, but also ensures that the woman will be restricted from using the most recently used breast for the next nursing session.

[0053] For example, the woman may use the first breast for nursing, and then close the sleeve 47 about the first fastener 34a. At the next nursing time, because the sleeve 47 is closed about the first fastener 34a, the association between the first fastener 34a and the first breast reminds the woman that the first breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the second breast should next be used for nursing. In addition, for example, because the closure of the sleeve 47 about the first fastener 34a restricts access to the first fastener 34a for release, and the first fastener 34a must be released before the first breast can be accessed for nursing, the woman cannot access the first breast for nursing until she opens the sleeve 47. This enhances the reminder and physically prevents the woman from using the first breast for nursing until she makes an active choice to open the sleeve 47. Preferably, closure of the sleeve 47 about the first fastener 34a prevents access to the first fastener 34a for release.

[0054] Similarly, for example, after the woman uses the second breast for nursing, she may close the sleeve 47 about the second fastener 34b. At the next nursing time, because the sleeve 47 is closed about the second fastener 34b, the association between the second fastener 34b and the second breast reminds the woman that the second breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the first breast should next be used for nursing. In addition, for example, because the closure of the sleeve 47 about the second fastener 34b restricts access to the second fastener for release, and the second fastener 34b must be released before the second breast can be accessed for nursing, the woman cannot access the second breast for nursing until she opens the sleeve 47. This enhances the reminder and physically prevents the woman from using the second breast for nursing until she makes an active choice to open the sleeve 47. Preferably, closure of the sleeve 47 about the second fastener 34b prevents access to the second fastener 34b for release.

[0055] Of course, if the woman so chooses, she can use the sleeve 47 for indications opposite those described above, such that closure about the first fastener 34a reminds her that the second breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the first breast should next be used for nursing, and that closure about the second fastener 34b reminds her that the first breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the second breast should next be used for nursing. However, the added function of restricting access to the fasteners for release is not present when the invention is so used.

[0056] In another embodiment, the invention is again directed to an apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing. FIG. 3 illustrates this embodiment of the invention by presenting a brassiere 50. The brassiere 50 is similar to the brassiere 40 of FIG. 2, however, the first portion 34a of the brassiere 50 is not a first fastener, but rather is a first mating element 34a that is integrated with the brassiere 50. Similarly, the second portion 34b of the brassiere 50 is not a second fastener, but rather is a second mating element 34b that is integrated with the brassiere 50. Each mating element 34a, 34b shown here for example is a recessed portion 34a, 34b of a snap closure. The recessed portion 34a, 34b can be integrated with the brassiere 50 using, for example, an adhesive.

[0057] Another difference between the brassiere 40 of FIG. 2 and the brassiere 50 of FIG. 3 is that regarding the latter, the second end 46 of the ribbon 42, rather than having a sleeve 47, has a coupling element 48 that can be mated with either mating element 34a, 34b. The coupling element 48 shown here for example is a medallion that includes a protruding portion of a snap closure (hidden in FIG. 3). When the protruding portion is secured in either recessed portion 34a, 34b, it is biased therein. The protruding portion can be released from the recessed portion 34a, 34b when a force overcoming the bias is applied to pull the protruding portion from the recessed portion 34a, 34b. In this manner, the coupling element 48 can be mated to either the first mating element 34a or the second mating element 34b. The flexibility of the ribbon 42 makes it easy to move the coupling element 48 from the first mating element 34a to the second mating element 34b and vice versa. The attachment of the first end 44 to the brassiere 50 prevents the coupling element 48 from being dropped or lost between transfers.

[0058] The first portion 34a is associated with one of the woman's breasts (referred to herein, for convenience, as her first breast or right breast) (not shown). While many types of associations between the first portion 34a and the first breast can be established, the association in this embodiment is defined inasmuch as the first mating element 34a is integrated with the “right” breast cup 22a that accommodates the first breast. Similarly, the second portion 34b is associated with the woman's other breast (referred to herein, for convenience, as her second breast or left breast) (not shown). While many types of associations between the second portion 34b and the second breast can be established, the association in this embodiment is defined inasmuch as the second mating element 34b is integrated with the “left” breast cup 22b that accommodates the second breast. Other associations can include the portion 34a, 34b being in proximity to the associated breast cup 22a, 22b, or being color- or design-coordinated or otherwise coordinated with the associated breast cup 22a, 22b. Other associations can include the portion 34a, 34b being on the brassiere 50 at a location that is labeled, designed or understood to reflect the desired association. Other associations may be established by the portion 34a, 34b being functional or configured in such a way that it can be used to reflect the desired association.

[0059] The brassiere 50 also includes first and second fasteners 35a, 35b. Similar to the fasteners 34a, 34b of the brassiere 40 in FIG. 2, the first fastener 35a must be released before the first breast can be accessed for nursing, and the second fastener 35b must be released before the second breast can be accessed for nursing. The first mating element 34a is proximal to the first fastener 35a such that when the coupling element 48 is mated with the first mating element 34a, the medallion covers the first fastener 35a. Similarly, the second mating element 34b is proximal to the second fastener 35b such that when the coupling element 48 is mated with the second mating element 34b, the medallion covers the second fastener 34b. This functionality not only serves to remind the woman which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing, but also ensures that the woman will be restricted from using the most recently used breast again for the next nursing session.

[0060] For example, the woman may use the first breast for nursing, and then mate the coupling element 48 with the first mating element 34a. At the next nursing time, because the coupling element 48 is mated with the first mating element 34a, the association between the first mating element 34a and the first breast reminds the woman that the first breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the second breast should next be used for nursing. In addition, for example, because the mating of the coupling element 48 with the first mating element 34a causes the medallion to cover the first fastener 35a and thereby restricts access to the first fastener 35a for release, and the first fastener 35a must be released before the first breast can be accessed for nursing, the woman cannot access the first breast for nursing until she removes the coupling element 48. This enhances the reminder and restricts the woman from accessing the first breast for nursing until she makes an active choice to remove the coupling element 48. Preferably, mating of the coupling element 48 with the first mating element 34a prevents access to the first fastener 35a for release.

[0061] Similarly, for example, after the woman uses the second breast for nursing, she may mate the coupling element 48 with the second mating element 34b. At the next nursing time, because the coupling element 48 is mated with the second mating element 34b, the association between the second mating element 34b and the second breast reminds the woman that the second breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the first breast should next be used for nursing. In addition, for example, because the mating of the coupling element 48 with the second mating element 34b causes the medallion to cover the second fastener 35b and thereby restricts access to the second fastener 35b for release, and the second fastener 35b must be released before the second breast can be accessed for nursing, the woman cannot access the second breast for nursing until she removes the coupling element 48. This enhances the reminder and physically restricts the woman from using the second breast for nursing until she makes an active choice to remove the coupling element 48. Preferably, mating of the coupling element 48 with the second mating element 34b prevents access to the second fastener 35b for release.

[0062] Of course, if the woman so chooses, she can use the coupling element 48 for indications opposite those described above, such that mating with the first mating element 34a reminds her that the second breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the first breast should next be used for nursing, and that mating with the second mating element 34b reminds her that the first breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the second breast should next be used for nursing. However, the added function of restricting access to the fasteners for release is not present when the invention is so used.

[0063] In yet another embodiment, the invention is again directed to an apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing. FIG. 4 illustrates this embodiment by presenting a brassiere 60 that is similar to the brassiere 20 of FIG. 1, but which includes the apparatus. The apparatus of the invention in this embodiment includes an indicator 62 that can be placed in at least two states. A first state indicates a nursing preference for one of the woman's breasts (referred to herein, for convenience, as her first breast or right breast) (not shown), and a second state indicates a nursing preference for the woman's other breast (referred to herein, for convenience, as her second breast or left breast) (not shown). The indicator 62 shown, for example, is a heart-shaped medallion 62 that includes a perimeter having a point 64. In order to prevent the woman from dropping or losing the indicator 62, the indicator 62 can be attached to or integrated with the brassiere 60. In this embodiment, the indicator 62 is attached to the brassiere 60. It should be noted that the indicator 62 need not be attached to the brassiere 60, and depending on the type of indicator 62 used, attachment to the brassiere 60 may or may not be required.

[0064] While many mechanisms can be used to place the indicator 62 in any of the states, depending on the type of indicator 62 used, the indicator 62 in this embodiment is attached to the brassiere 60 in such a way that it can be rotated with respect to the brassiere 60. This can be accomplished, for example, in that the portion of the brassiere 60 where the indicator 62 is attached includes a socket (hidden in FIG. 4), and the indicator 62 includes a protrusion (hidden in FIG. 4) that can rotate within the socket once it is secured in the socket. Rotation of the indicator 62 places the indicator 62 in any of the states.

[0065] Depending on the type of indicator 62 used and the construction of the brassiere 60, many types of states can be used to assist the woman in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing. Colors, designs, configurations, shapes, locations, labels, numerals, letters, symbols, lights or other indicating mechanisms can be used, and the invention is not limited for use with a specific type of indicator or indicator state. However, any indicator or indicator state used must be able to convey to the user of the apparatus which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing. The ability of the indicator or indicator state to convey the information can be created or supplemented by inherent indications to the user, obvious indications to the user, instructions to the user, or suggestions to the user, or may simply be based on the understanding of the user according to indication rules established by the user or another party.

[0066] In this embodiment, the indicator 62 is attached to a central portion of the brassiere 60 and rotation of the indicator 62 directs the point 64 of the medallion 62 in the direction of one of the woman's breasts. Therefore, for example, when the indicator 62 is in the first state, the point 64 points toward the first breast, and when the indicator 62 is in the second state, the point 64 points toward the second breast. This functionality serves to remind the woman which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing.

[0067] For example, the woman may use the first breast for nursing, and then rotate the indicator 62 so that the point 64 points toward the first breast. At the next nursing session, because the point 64 points toward the first breast, the woman is reminded that the first breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the second breast should next be used for nursing. Similarly, for example, after the woman uses the second breast for nursing, she may rotate the indicator 62 so that the point 64 points toward the second breast. At the next nursing session, because the point 64 points toward the second breast, the woman is reminded that the second breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the first breast should next be used for nursing.

[0068] Of course, if the woman so chooses, she can use the indicator 62 for other indication states, such as directing the point 64 upward to indicate that the first breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the second breast should next be used for nursing, and directing the point 64 downward to indicate that the second breast was most recently used for nursing, or that the first breast should next be used for nursing.

[0069] In still another embodiment, the invention is again directed to an apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing. FIG. 5 illustrates this embodiment by presenting a brassiere 70 that is similar to the brassiere 20 of FIG. 1, but which includes the apparatus. Before one of the woman's breasts (referred to herein, for convenience, as her first breast or right breast) (not shown) can be accessed for nursing, at least a portion 32a of the first breast cup 22a must be moved. Similarly, before the other of the woman's breasts (referred to herein, for convenience, as her second breast or right breast) (not shown) can be accessed for nursing, at least a portion 32b of the second breast cup 22b must be moved before. The apparatus of the invention in this embodiment includes a switch 71. An activation of the switch 71 permits the portion 32a of the first breast cup 22a to be moved and prevents the portion 32b of the second breast cup 22b from being moved. A subsequent activation of the switch 71 permits the portion 32b of the second breast cup 22b to be moved and prevents the portion 32a of the first breast cup 22a from being moved.

[0070] Depending on the type of switch 71 used and the construction of the brassiere 70, many switch mechanisms can be used to achieve the described functionality to assist the woman in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing. The invention is not limited to the specific switch described below, and can encompass both mechanical and electrical switches, and even electro-mechanical switches.

[0071] In this embodiment, the switch 71 includes an alternating release switch 71 at a central portion of the brassiere 70; a first coupling element 34a, on the portion 32a of the first breast cup 22a, that can be received by the switch 71; and a second coupling element 34b, on the portion 32b of the second breast cup 22b, that can be received by the switch 71. The first coupling element 34a is illustrated here, for example, as a plastic loop 34a. The second coupling element 34b is illustrated here, for example, also as a plastic loop 34b. When the first coupling element 34a is received by the switch 71, the first coupling element 34a is secured in the switch 71 and access to the first breast for nursing is restricted. When the second coupling element 34b is received by the switch 71 the second element is secured in the switch 71 and access to the second breast for nursing is restricted. The securing of the coupling elements 34a, 34b in the switch 71 can be accomplished by the use of, for example, spring-loaded elements 72a, 72b in the switch 71 that pass through the loops 34a, 34b.

[0072] An activation of the switch 71 when both of the coupling elements 34a, 34b are secured in the switch 71 releases only one of the coupling elements 34a, 34b from the switch 71. After the switch 71 releases the one coupling element from the switch 71, the switch 71 is set to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch 71.

[0073] The setting of the switch 71 can take place as a result of, for example, the subsequent receipt of the one coupling element (the one that was released) by the switch 71. This subsequent receipt sets the switch 71 to release only the other coupling element as a result of the subsequent activation of the switch 71. In this regard, the switch 71 can include a first mating element 72a for alternately securing and releasing the first coupling element 34a; a second mating element 72b for alternately securing and releasing the second coupling element 34b; and a toggle 74 that alternates between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the toggle 74 prevents the first mating element 72a from releasing the first coupling element 34a when the switch 71 is activated, and primes the second mating element 72b to release the second coupling element 34b when the switch 71 is activated. In the second state, the toggle 74 prevents the second mating element 72b from releasing the second coupling element 34b when the switch 71 is activated, and primes the first mating element 72a to release the first coupling element 34a when the switch 71 is activated. Further in this regard, the switch 71 can also include a switch button 73 that when activated causes, according to the toggle 74, a primed mating element (72a or 72b, whichever is primed by the toggle 74 at that moment) to release its associated coupling element. Subsequent receipt of the released coupling element by its associated mating element alternates the toggle.

[0074] For example, the woman may desire to enter into a nursing session, and fail to remember which breast was most recently used for nursing. Because the toggle 74 has previously been placed in one of the states (e.g., the second state), the toggle has primed the mating element (e.g., 72a) associated with the preferred breast (e.g., the first breast), to release the coupling element (e.g., 34a) associated with the preferred breast, the woman can simply activate the switch button 73 to cause the mating element 72a to release its associated coupling element 34a to expose the first breast for nursing. In this manner, the preferred breast is presented without the need for the woman to have remembered which breast is preferred. After the nursing session, the woman returns the coupling element 34a to the mating element 72a. This action alternates the toggle 74 to the first state, so that when the woman enters the next nursing session, she can simply activate the switch button 73 to cause the mating element 72b to release its associated coupling element 34b to expose the second breast for nursing. Again, the preferred breast is presented without the need for the woman to have remembered which breast is preferred.

[0075] The setting of the switch 71 can alternatively take place as a result of, for example, the activation of the switch 71. More specifically, the setting of the switch 71 takes place immediately after the respective coupling element is released by the mating element. In this regard, the switch 71 can include all of the elements 72a, 72b, 34a, 34b and 73 described above. However, the toggle 74 is alternated when the switch button 73 is activated, rather than the subsequent receipt of the released coupling element by its associated mating element.

[0076] For example, the woman may desire to enter into a nursing session, and fail to remember which breast was most recently used for nursing. Because the toggle 74 has previously been placed in one of the states (e.g., the second state), the toggle has primed the mating element (e.g., 72a) associated with the preferred breast (e.g., the first breast), to release the coupling element (e.g., 34a) associated with the preferred breast, the woman can simply activate the switch button 73 to cause the mating element 72a to release its associated coupling element 34a to expose the first breast for nursing. In this manner, the preferred breast is presented without the need for the woman to have remembered which breast is preferred. Here, the activation of the switch button 73 also alternates the toggle 74 to the first state. After the nursing session, the woman returns the coupling element 34a to the mating element 72a. Because the toggle 74 has already been set, when the woman enters the next nursing session, she can simply activate the switch button 73 to cause the mating element 72b to release its associated coupling element 34b to expose the second breast for nursing.

[0077] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an embodiment of an alternating release switch 71′ of the present invention. Still other release switch variations are envisioned, including electronic or electriacally actuated or controlled means. In any even, materials (such as plastics, including nylon or corrosion resistant metals, including stainless steel) and constructional details are preferably provided to allow for washing the garment and/or switch without damage thereto.

[0078] With respect to the switch shown in FIGS. 6-8, it includes an actuatable button 80 having engageable surfaces 81, 82 and a central flexible extension 83, a movable shuttle 84 having engageable formations 85, 86 (each having a slope 102, 103 and a notch 104, 105) and engaging surfaces 87, 88, two pivotable catches 89, 90 each having an engageable surface 106, 107 and a catching surface 108, 109, a spring 91 biasing the catches 89, 90 toward respective engaged positions, a movable interlock 92 having engaging surfaces 93, 94 and opposing springed ends 95, 96, and coupling elements 97, 98 having catchable formations 99, 100. When the alternating release switch is used with a nursing brassiere, each of the couple elements is attached to a respective brassiere nursing flap that must be removed before the breast covered by the nursing flap can be accessed for nursing. An activation of the alternating release switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch assembly releases only one of the coupling elements from the switch assembly (thus allowing the woman to access the breast formerly covered by the nursing flap secured by the one coupling element), prevents another activation of the switch until the one coupling element is subsequently received in the switch assembly (i.e., the woman closes the flap and locks the one coupling element back into the switch assembly), and sets the alternating release switch to release only the other coupling element (thus allowing the woman to access the other breast, formerly covered by the nursing flap secured by the other coupling element) as a result of the subsequent activation of the switch.

[0079] FIG. 6 shows an external perspective view of this embodiment of the alternating release switch. FIG. 7 shows an internal front view of this embodiment of the alternating release switch without a release indicator or a manual override switch (both discussed below), with the switch mechanism in a transition state that will be described below. FIG. 8 shows an internal front view of this embodiment of the alternating release switch, with a release indicator that also functions as a manual override switch.

[0080] Operation of the switch mechanism will be described beginning with the mechanism in a state in which both coupling elements 97, 98 are locked in the switch assembly (both brassiere nursing flaps are closed), and the switch mechanism is set to release coupling element 97 when the button 80 is depressed. This initial state is not illustrated by any of FIGS. 6-8. Each coupling element 97, 98 is locked in the switch assembly in this state of the mechanism because although the springed ends 95, 96 serve to bias the coupling elements 97, 98 out of the switch assembly, the catchable formations 99, 100 of the coupling elements 97, 98 are caught by the catching surfaces 108, 109 of the pivotable catches 89, 90. This catching is best illustrated by FIG. 7, which shows coupling element 97 locked in the switch assembly. While FIG. 7 shows the mechanism at a transition point described in greater detail below, in the initial state assumed in this paragraph, coupling element 98 would also be locked in the switch assembly in similar fashion to coupling element 97. While FIGS. 9-10 (discussed below) illustrate another embodiment of the alternating release switch, the mechanisms of the two embodiments are similar enough that FIG. 9 is useful for understanding the initial state discussed here.

[0081] The actuatable button 80 is biased toward an undepressed position (shown in FIG. 7), preferably by a spring (not shown), in which position the engageable surfaces 81, 82 of the button 80 and the flexible extension 83 of the button 80 are retracted. The button 80 is in this undepressed position in this initial state. When the button 80 is depressed with a force overcoming the bias of the spring, the extension 83 moves toward the shuttle 84. In any given position of the shuttle 84, the shuttle 84 presents either of engageable formation 85 or engageable formation 86 to the extension 83. For example, when the shuttle 85 is positioned to the right (the viewer's right, the wearer's left), engageable formation 85 is presented to the extension 83. This positioning is shown in FIG. 7. When the shuttle 84 is positioned to the left (the viewer's left, the wearer's right), engageable formation 86 is presented to the extension 83. In the initial state it is assumed for purposes of illustration that the extension 83 is presented with engageable formation 85 because the mechanism is set to eject coupling element 97 from the switch assembly when the button 80 is depressed.

[0082] Upon depression of the button 80 when engageable formation 85 is presented to the extension 83, the extension 83 moves toward the shuttle 84 into engageable formation 85. The extension 83 hits slope 102 of formation 85, slides toward notch 104 of formation 85, and finally pushes into notch 104 to move the shuttle 84 to the left. (Movement of the shuttle 84 to the left in this manner moves engageable formation 86 leftward to a position in which it will be presented to the flexible extension 83 of the button 80 after the button 80 is returned to its undepressed state; this sets the switch mechanism to eject coupling element 98 when the button 80 is subsequently depressed, as described in greater detail below.) This causes engaging surface 87 of the shuttle 84 to push engageable surface 106 of pivotable catch 89 out of the way (against the bias of the spring 91), thereby causing pivotable catch 89 to pivot clockwise to remove its catching surface 108 from catchable formation 99 of coupling element 97. Removal of catching surface 108 from catchable formation 99 allows the coupling element 97 to be ejected out of the switch assembly under the expansion force of springed end 95 of the interlock 92. At the same time, the interlock 92 moves to the left under the expansion force of the opposing springed end 96, causing engaging surface 94 of the interlock 92 to move to the left into a position that interferes with engageable surface 82 of the actuatable button 80 and thereby blocks the return of the actuatable button 80 to the undepressed state to which the button 80 is biased. While FIGS. 9-10 (discussed below) illustrate another embodiment of the alternating release switch, the mechanisms of the two embodiments are similar enough that FIG. 10 is useful for understanding what this embodiment looks like at this point in the operation. In this manner, the depression of the button 80 ejects coupling element 97 from the switch assembly, holds the button 80 in its depressed state, and maintains coupling element 98 in the switch assembly (catching surface 109 of the pivotable catch 90 remains seated in catchable formation 100 of coupling element 98 throughout the above described events).

[0083] After coupling element 97 is ejected from the switch assembly, subsequent injection of coupling element 97 into the switch assembly locks coupling element 97 in the switch assembly, returns the actuatable button 80 to its undepressed state, and maintains the setting of the switch mechanism to eject coupling element 98 when the button 80 is subsequently depressed. More specifically, subsequent injection of coupling element 97 into the switch assembly presses coupling element 97 against springed end 95 of the interlock 92 to compress springed end 95 and moves engaging surface 94 of the interlock 92 to the right into a position that does not interfere with engageable surface 82 of the actuatable button 80, thereby allowing the actuatable button 80 to return to the undepressed state to which it is biased. This retracts the extension 83 of the button 80 out of notch 104 and away from slope 102, allowing the shuttle 84 to be moved freely to the right. The rightward movement of the shuttle 84 is achieved inasmuch as injection of coupling element 97 into the switch assembly additionally causes catchable formation 99 of coupling element 97 to be caught by catching surface 108 of catch 89 as catch 89 rotates counterclockwise under the bias of spring 91, to re-secure coupling element 97 in the switch assembly. As catching surface 108 of catch 89 moves into catchable formation 99 of coupling element 97, engageable surface 106 of catch 89 pushes against engaging surface 87 of the shuttle 84 to nudge the shuttle 84 to the right. This rightward movement of the shuttle 84 is not so great as to cause engageable formation 85 to be re-presented to the extension 83, but rather engageable formation 86 remains presented to the extension 83 as discussed parenthetically above. Accordingly, the coupling elements 97, 98 are again locked in the switch assembly, but the mechanism is set to eject coupling element 98 from the switch assembly when the button 80 is depressed again.

[0084] It should be understood that once the button 80 is again depressed, extension 83 will engage notch 105 to move the shuttle 84 to the right, rotating pivotable catch 90 counterclockwise to remove catching surface 109 from catchable formation 100. This will further allow coupling element 98 to be ejected from the switch assembly under the force of springed end 96, and the force of springed end 95 will then move engaging surface 93 of the interlock 92 to interfere with engageable surface 81 of the button 80 to prevent the button's retraction until coupling element 98 is injected back into the switch assembly, returning the button 80 to the undepressed state to which it is biased. The mechanism will remain set to eject coupling element 97 from the switch assembly when the button 80 is subsequently depressed, in the manner described above. It should be understood that FIG. 7 illustrates the state of the switch mechanism in which coupling element 98 is being injected back into the switch assembly, such that button 80 has been returned to the undepressed state, but catchable formation 100 has not yet been caught by catching surface 109 of pivotable catch 90.

[0085] Accordingly, with reference to elements shown on FIG. 5 for example, if the woman last used her left breast for nursing, the switch mechanism would be set to release from the switch assembly coupling element 34a that is securing flap 32a that is covering her right breast (at this point in this example, the preferred breast). Actuation of the button 73 would release coupling element 34a that is providing access to her right breast for nursing, prevent actuation of the button until a subsequent securing of coupling element 34a in the switch assembly, and set the mechanism to release only coupling element 34b as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch. Subsequent securing of coupling element 34a after the nursing would lock coupling element 34a in the switch assembly, undepress the button 73, and maintain the setting of the mechanism so that upon the next depression of the button 73 the mechanism will release from the switch assembly coupling element 34b that is securing flap 32b that is covering her left breast (at this point in this example, the preferred breast). It can be seen that continued operation of the mechanism in the described manner provides for alternating release of the coupling element securing the flap covering the breast that should next be used for nursing.

[0086] Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, this embodiment of the alternating release switch further includes a release indicator that can be read to determine which coupling element will be released when the button is next actuated. The release indicator in this embodiment includes on the shuttle 84 a lateral extension 101 (extending out of the paper in FIGS. 7 and 8), and a rotatable wheel 110 having a bore 112 through which the lateral extension 101 passes. The release indicator in this embodiment further includes a protrusion 111 on the wheel that can be viewed by the woman and that is positioned opposite the bore 112. Movement of the shuttle 84 rightward moves the lateral extension 101 rightward and correspondingly (because the lateral extension 101 engages the wheel 110 at the bore 112) rotates the wheel 110 clockwise and correspondingly moves the protrusion 111 to the left. Movement of the shuttle 84 leftward moves the lateral extension 101 leftward and correspondingly (because the lateral extension 101 engages the wheel 110 at the bore 112) rotates the wheel 110 counterclockwise and correspondingly moves the protrusion 111 to the right. Therefore, when the shuttle 84 is moved leftward by the switch mechanism to release coupling element 97, the protrusion 111 is moved rightward, indicating that coupling element 98 will be released upon the next actuation of the button 80. This indication does not change when coupling element 97 is subsequently received in the switch assembly, because the rightward movement of the shuttle 84 caused thereby is minimal. Similarly, when the shuttle 84 is moved rightward by the switch mechanism to release coupling element 98, the protrusion 111 is moved leftward, indicating that coupling element 97 will be released upon the next actuation of the button 80. This indication does not change when coupling element 98 is subsequently received in the switch assembly, because the leftward movement of the shuttle 84 caused thereby is minimal.

[0087] This embodiment of the alternating release switch further includes a manual override switch that can be used to selectively override the alternating function of the switch and thereby mandate which of the first and second engageable formations will be engaged by the button 80 when the button 80 is next actuated. That is, if for some reason the woman desires to again use the breast she last used for nursing, she can activate the manual override switch to set the switch mechanism to release the coupling element preventing access to that breast instead of releasing the coupling element preventing access to the other breast.

[0088] The manual override switch in this embodiment includes the lateral extension 101, the rotatable wheel 110 having the bore 112 through which the lateral extension 101 passes, and the protrusion 111 on the wheel 110. Manual rotation of the wheel 110 (preferably by moving the protrusion 111) moves the lateral extension 101 and correspondingly the shuttle 84. For example, if engageable formation 85 is presented to flexible extension 83 of the button 80, rotation of the wheel 110 counterclockwise moves the shuttle 84 to the right, causing engageable formation 86 to instead be presented to the flexible extension 83. Accordingly, the switch mechanism has been moved from a state in which coupling element 97 would be ejected if the button 80 is depressed, to a state in which coupling element 98 would be ejected if the button 80 is depressed. And, for example, if engageable formation 86 is presented to flexible extension 83 of the button 80, rotation of the wheel 110 clockwise moves the shuttle 84 to the left, causing engageable formation 85 to instead be presented to the flexible extension 83. Accordingly, the switch mechanism has been moved from a state in which coupling element 98 would be ejected if the button 80 is depressed, to a state in which coupling element 97 would be ejected if the button 80 is depressed. In each case, movement of the shuttle 84 avoids the extension 83 when the extension 83 is in its retracted state (in this embodiment, the length of the extension 83 is short enough so that there is no interference when the button 80 is in the undepressed state to which it is biased). It should be understood that manual rotation of the wheel 110 also moves the protrusion 111, so that the indication feature of the protrusion 111 remains accurate.

[0089] A release prevention feature can be provided to prevent a switching of the manual override switch from pushing the shuttle 84 so far to the left (or right) that a coupling element is released. In this embodiment, such a prevention feature comprises barriers 114a, 114b interfering with the movement of the protrusion 111 and a diameter of the bore 112 that is larger than the diameter of the lateral extension 101. For example, when the protrusion 111 is moved to rotate the wheel 110 clockwise, the left inner surface of the bore 112 engages the left side of the lateral extension 101 to push the shuttle 84 to the left. Barrier 114a blocks further movement of the protrusion 111 to the left, stopping the shuttle 84 short of the point at which engaging surface 87 would engage engageable surface 107. Similarly, for example, when the protrusion 111 is moved to rotate the wheel 110 counterclockwise, the right inner surface of the bore 112 engages the right side of the lateral extension 101 to push the shuttle 84 to the right. Barrier 114b blocks further movement of the protrusion 111 to the right, stopping the shuttle 84 short of the point at which engaging surface 86 would engage engageable surface 106. The diameter of the bore 112 must be greater than the diameter of the lateral extension 101 by at least an amount that would to still permit the engaging surface 86 or 87 to engage engageable surface 106 or 107, respectively, when the button 80 is depressed to release one of the coupling elements 97 or 98. That is, the diametrical difference must be enough to allow the shuttle 84 to move left (or right) to the point at which engaging surface 86 (or 87) would engage engageable surface 106 (or 107), without the stopping of the protrusion 111 against a barrier 114a (or 114b) (and thus the stopping of the bore 112) interfering with the leftward (or rightward) movement of the lateral extension 101.

[0090] It should be understood that the switch mechanism can be returned to its original state by reverse rotation of the wheel 110. This is useful if the woman changes her mind about using the same breast again. When both coupling elements are locked in the switch assembly, the manual override switch can be used to freely manually set which coupling element will be released upon the next depression of the button 80.

[0091] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of an alternating release switch 71″ of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows this embodiment in an initial state similar to the initial state discussed above with regard to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, with both coupling elements 97, 98 locked in the switch assembly (both brassiere nursing flaps are closed), and the switch mechanism is set to release coupling element 97 when the button 80 is depressed. FIG. 10 shows this embodiment after coupling element 97 has been released. The switch mechanism is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, however, instead of pivotable catches 89, 90, the switch mechanism includes a catch spring 113 having catching ends 114, 115 and engageable surfaces 116, 117. Other structures of this embodiment that are similar to those of the preferred embodiment are labeled with and discussed in reference to like numbers. Also, while FIGS. 6-8 do not show the spring that biases the button 80 into the undepressed state, FIGS. 9-10 do show such a spring 118, which spring 118 could also be suitably used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8 to accomplish the same function. Also, this embodiment of the switch mechanism does not include a release indicator or a manual override switch.

[0092] Operation of this embodiment of the switch mechanism is substantially similar to the operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8 discussed above, the primary differences being that engaging surface 87 of the shuttle 84 pushes engageable surface 116 of the catch spring 113 out of the way (against the bias of the catch spring 113), thereby causing catching end 114 to be removed from catchable formation 99 of coupling elements 97, and that engaging surface 88 of the shuttle 84 pushes engageable surfaces 117 of the catch spring 113 out of the way (against the bias of the catch spring 113), thereby causing catching end 115 to be removed from catchable formation 100 of coupling element 98. Other components of the switch mechanism function similarly to corresponding components in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8.

[0093] FIGS. 11-12 illustrate yet another embodiment of the alternating release switch 71′″ of the present invention. An activation of this embodiment of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch assembly releases only one of the coupling elements from the switch assembly (thus allowing the woman to access the breast formerly covered by the nursing flap secured by the one coupling element), and after the one coupling element is released from the switch assembly (i.e., the woman closes the flap and locks the one coupling element back into the switch assembly), the switch is set to release only the other coupling element (thus allowing the woman to access the other breast, formerly covered by the nursing flap secured by the other coupling element) as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch. FIG. 11 shows a front view of this embodiment, and FIG. 12 shows a back view of this embodiment. The switch mechanism shown includes an actuatable button 120 having an extension 121, a rotatable wheel 122 having a plurality of interference protrusions 123a-f (each preferably a normal surface extending laterally out of the wheel 122) and permissive surfaces 124a-f (each preferably being a sloped surface defining the other side of the interference protrusion; the permissive surfaces are useful for allowing the button 120 to return to an undepressed state behind the next interference protrusion after the wheel 122 has been rotated when the button 120 is depressed, as described below) situated on the front of the wheel 122 and a plurality of release protrusions 125a-c situated on the back of the wheel 122, a pair of pivotable catch rods 126, 127 having catch ends 128, 129, and a pair of coupling elements 130, 131 having catch formations 132, 133. The number of release protrusions is preferably half the number of interference protrusions, for reasons that will be explained below.

[0094] Operation of this embodiment of the switch mechanism will be described beginning with the mechanism in a state in which both coupling elements 130, 131 are locked in the switch assembly (both brassiere nursing flaps are closed), and the switch mechanism is set to release coupling element 130 when the button 120 is depressed. This state is illustrated in FIGS. 11-12. Each coupling element 130, 131 is locked in the switch assembly in this state of the mechanism because the coupling elements 130, 131 are biased to be ejected from the switch assembly unless held therein (preferably they are biased by one or more springs that are not shown), but the catch formations 132, 133 are caught by the catch ends 128, 129 of the pivotable catch rods 126, 127, preventing the coupling elements 130, 131 from being ejected.

[0095] The actuatable button 120 is biased toward an undepressed position (as shown), preferably by a spring (not shown), in which position the extension 121 of the button 120 does not bear on any interference protrusion 123a-f.

[0096] When the button 120 is depressed with a force overcoming the bias of the spring, the extension 121 moves toward the interference protrusion 123a that is in its way. The extension 121 hits the interference protrusion 123a, causing the wheel 122 to rotate (counterclockwise in FIG. 12) and a release protrusion 125a on the back of the wheel 122 to push pivotable catch rod 126 to remove catch end 128 from catch formation 132 of coupling element 130, allowing coupling element 130 to be ejected from the switch assembly under the force of the coupling element's biasing spring (not shown).

[0097] Rotation of the wheel 122 causes interference protrusion 123a to be pushed to the position formerly occupied by interference protrusion 123b, and interference protrusion 123f to be pushed to the position formerly occupied by interference protrusion 123a. The button 120 is permitted to return to its undepressed state because permissive surface 124f does not interfere with the button's return. After the button 120 has been returned to its undepressed state, it is now presented with the next interference protrusion 123f, and will engage interference protrusion 123f on the next depression of the button 120.

[0098] Rotation of the wheel 120 causes release protrusion 125a to push pivotable catch rod 126, as noted above, and brings release protrusion 125a to a position between the positions occupied by release protrusions 125a and 125b on FIG. 12. This also brings release protrusion 125b to a position between the positions occupied by release protrusions 125b and 125c on FIG. 12, in which position the next rotation of the wheel 122 will cause release protrusion 125b to push pivotable catch rod 127. The preferable 2:1 ratio of the number of interference protrusions 123a-f in relation to the number of release protrusions 125a-c therefore enables the alternating release functionality of the switch mechanism.

[0099] Accordingly, the next depression of the button 120 will cause the extension 121 to hit the interference protrusion 123f, causing the wheel 122 to rotate (again counterclockwise in FIG. 12) and release protrusion 125b on the back of the wheel 122 to push pivotable catch rod 127 to remove catch end 129 from catch formation 133 of coupling element 131, allowing coupling element 131 to be ejected from the switch assembly under the force of the coupling element's biasing spring (not shown). It is evident therefore that sequential depressions of the button 120 will alternately release the coupling elements 130, 131. In between button 120 depressions, the woman should re-secure in the switch assembly whichever coupling element has last been ejected from the switch assembly. Catch ends 128, 129 preferably have curved surfaces 134, 135 to facilitate this re-securing, in that when a forward surface 136 of coupling element 130 is brought to bear against curved surface 134 of catch end 128 with a force greater than the biasing force of catch rod 126, catch rod 126 moves out of the way until catch formation 132 reaches catch end 128 and catch end 128 seats in catch formation 132 under the biasing force of the rod's spring, and similarly in that when a forward surface 137 of coupling element 131 is brought to bear against curved surface 135 of catch end 129 with a force greater than the biasing force of catch rod 127, catch rod 127 moves out of the way until catch formation 133 reaches catch end 129 and catch end 129 seats in catch formation 133 under the biasing force of the rod's spring.

[0100] Although the alternating release switch embodiments discussed herein have been described as being in particular orientations with respect to the wearer of the nursing brassiere, and the elements thereof being at particular locations on the switch, it should be understood that the invention encompasses any orientation and any placement. Particularly, although the embodiments discussed herein are illustrated with the alternating release switch having the actuatable button at the top of the switch and/or the release indicator at the bottom of the switch and/or the manual override switch at the bottom of the switch, it will in some applications be advantageous to provide nursing brassieres having an alternating release switch in which the actuatable button is at the bottom of the switch and/or the release indicator is at the top of the switch and/or the manual override switch is at the top of the switch. Such mechanical modifications, and others to suit other placements of the button and/or the indicator and/or the override switch, can be made as appropriate within the scope of this invention.

[0101] In addition, while the invention has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations (including those noted above and still others) and modifications are possible without deviating or departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention that shall be limited solely by the literal or equitable scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. An apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing, the apparatus comprising:

a flexible element that has a first end attached to the brassiere and a second end that is coupleable to either a first portion of the brassiere or a second portion of the brassiere; wherein

the first portion is associated with the first breast; and

the second portion is associated with the second breast.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second end comprises a sleeve that is openable and closeable about either portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the first portion comprises a first fastener that must be released before the first breast is accessible for nursing;

the second portion comprises a second fastener that must be released before the second breast is accessible for nursing;

when the second end is coupled to the first fastener access to the first fastener for release is restricted; and

when the second end is coupled to the second fastener access to the second fastener for release is restricted.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:

the second end comprises a sleeve that is openable and closeable about either fastener;

when the sleeve is closed about the first fastener the first fastener is not accessible for release; and

when the sleeve is closed about the second fastener the second fastener is not accessible for release.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the first portion comprises a first mating element integrated with the brassiere;

the second portion comprises a second mating element integrated with the brassiere; and

the second end comprises a coupling element that can be mated with either mating element.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the coupling element has a protrusion and each mating element has a recess for receiving the protrusion and biasing the protrusion therein.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

the brassiere comprises a first fastener that must be released before the first breast is accessible for nursing,

the brassiere comprises a second fastener that must be released before the second breast is accessible for nursing,

when the coupling element is mated with the first mating element access to the first fastener for release is restricted; and

when the coupling element is mated with the second mating element access to the second fastener for release is restricted.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein:

the first portion is adjacent the first fastener;

the second portion is adjacent the second fastener;

when the coupling element is mated with the first mating element the first fastener is covered by the coupling element; and

when the coupling element is mated with the second mating element the second fastener is covered by the coupling element.

9. An apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing, the apparatus comprising:

an indicator that can be placed in at least two states; wherein:

a first state indicates a nursing preference for the first breast; and

a second state indicates a nursing preference for the second breast.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the indicator is integrated with the brassiere.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the indicator can be rotated with respect to the brassiere to place the indicator in any of the states.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:

when the indicator is in the first state, a portion of the indicator points toward the first breast; and

when the indicator is in the second state, the portion of the indicator points toward the second breast.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein:

the indicator is attached to or integrated with a central portion of the brassiere;

the central portion comprises a socket; and

the indicator comprises a protrusion that is rotatable within the socket.

14. A nursing brassiere adapted to be worn on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the brassiere comprising:

a pair of breast cups adapted to be secured to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts; and

an apparatus that assists the woman in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing; wherein:

at least a portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing; and

at least a portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.

15. The brassiere of claim 14, wherein

the apparatus comprises a switch,

an activation of the switch permits the portion of the first breast cup to be moved and prevents the portion of the second breast cup from being moved, and

a subsequent activation of the switch permits the portion of the second breast cup to be moved and prevents the portion of the first breast cup from being moved.

16. The brassiere of claim 14, wherein the apparatus comprises:

an alternating release switch at a central portion of the brassiere,

a first coupling element, on the portion of the first breast cup, that is receivable by the switch;

a second coupling element, on the portion of the second breast cup, that is receivable by the switch; wherein

when the first coupling element is received by the switch, the first coupling element is secured in the switch and access to the first breast for nursing is restricted;

when the second coupling element is received by the switch, the second element is secured in the switch and access to the second breast for nursing is restricted;

an activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch releases only one of the coupling elements from the switch;

after the switch releases the one coupling element from the switch, the switch is set to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch.

17. The brassiere of claim 16, wherein:

the activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are received in the switch releases only the one coupling element from the switch; and

a subsequent receipt of the one coupling element by the switch sets the switch to release only the other coupling element as a result of the subsequent activation of the switch.

18. The brassiere of claim 17, wherein the alternating release switch comprises:

a first mating element for alternately securing and releasing the first coupling element;

a second mating element for alternately securing and releasing the second coupling element;

a toggle that alternates between a first state and a second state:

in the first state, the toggle prevents the first mating element from releasing the first coupling element when the switch is activated, and primes the second mating element to release the second coupling element when the switch is activated;

in the second state, the toggle prevents the second mating element from releasing the second coupling element when the switch is activated, and primes the first mating element to release the first coupling element when the switch is activated;

a switch button that when activated causes, according to the toggle, a primed mating element to release its associated coupling element; wherein

subsequent receipt of the released coupling element by its associated mating element alternates the toggle.

19. The brassiere of claim 16, wherein the activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are received in the switch releases only the one coupling element from the switch and sets the switch to release only the other coupling element as a result of the subsequent activation of the switch.

20. The brassiere of claim 19, wherein the alternating release switch comprises:

a first mating element for alternately securing and releasing the first coupling element;

a second mating element for alternately securing and releasing the second coupling element;

a toggle that alternates between a first state and a second state:

in the first state, the toggle prevents the first mating element from releasing the first coupling element when the switch is activated, and primes the second mating element to release the second coupling element when the switch is activated;

in the second state, the toggle prevents the second mating element from releasing the second coupling element when the switch is activated, and primes the first mating element to release the first coupling element when the switch is activated;

a switch button that when activated causes, according to the toggle, a primed mating element to release its associated coupling element; wherein

activation of the switch button alternates the toggle.

21. The brassiere of claim 16, wherein the activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch prevents a subsequent activation of the switch until the one coupling element is subsequently received by the switch.

22. The brassiere of claim 21, wherein release of the one coupling element sets the switch to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch, and the subsequent receipt of the one coupling element by the switch maintains the setting of the switch to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch.

23. The brassiere of claim 16,wherein the apparatus further comprises a release indicator that is usable to determine which coupling element will be released when the switch is next activated.

24. The brassiere of claim 16,wherein the apparatus further comprises an override switch that is usable to selectively mandate which coupling element will be released upon a subsequent activation of the switch.

25. An alternating release switch, comprising:

a switch assembly and first and second coupling elements, each of the coupling elements being receivable in the switch assembly and being biased toward ejectment from the switch assembly and having a catchable formation; wherein

an activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch assembly releases only one of the coupling elements from the switch assembly, and sets the switch to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch; and wherein

the switch assembly comprises an actuatable button, a movable shuttle

having first and second engageable formations and first and second engaging surfaces, and at least one catch element having first and second engageable surfaces and first and second catching surfaces; and wherein

the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the first catching surface and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the second catching surface, actuation of the button engages the button with the first engageable formation of the shuttle to move the shuttle until the first engaging surface of the shuttle engages the first engageable surface of the catch element until the first catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the first coupling element to allow the first coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the second engageable formation in a position in which it is engageable by the button when the button is next actuated.

26. The alternating release switch of claim 25, wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that subsequent injection of the first coupling element into the switch assembly causes the catchable formation of the first coupling element to be engaged by the first catching surface of the catch element without displacing the second engageable formation from a position in which it is engageable by the button when the button is next actuated.

27. The alternating release switch of claim 26, wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the button is next actuated, the button engages with the second engageable formation of the shuttle to move the shuttle until the second engaging surface of the shuttle engages the second engageable surface of the catch element until the second catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the second coupling element to allow the second coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the first engageable formation in a position in which it is engageable by the button when the button is next actuated.

28. The alternating release switch of claim 25, wherein an activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch assembly prevents another activation of the switch until the one coupling element is subsequently received in the switch assembly.

29. The alternating release switch of claim 28, wherein the actuatable button is biased toward a non-actuated state and comprises first and second engageable surfaces, and the switch assembly further comprises an interlock element having first and second springed ends and first and second engaging surfaces; and wherein

the button, the shuttle, the catch element, the coupling elements and the interlock are positioned and movable relative to one another such that the first springed end biases the first coupling element toward ejectment from the switch assembly and biases the second engaging surface toward an interference position with the second engageable surface that prevents the button from returning to the non-actuated state; and such that

the second springed end biases the second coupling element toward ejectment from the switch assembly and biases the first engaging surface toward an interference position with the first engageable surface that prevents the button from returning to the non-actuated state; and such that

when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly against the biasing force of the springed ends of the interlock element by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the first catching surface and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the second catching surface, actuation of the button subjects the second engageable surface to interference from the second engaging surface as the first coupling element is ejected from the switch assembly, the interference preventing the button from returning to the non-actuated state; and such that

when the first coupling element is subsequently injected into the switch assembly against the first springed end, the second engaging surface is moved out of the interference position with the second engageable surface to allow the button to return to the non-actuated state.

30. The alternating release switch of claim 29, wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element, the coupling elements and the interlock are positioned and movable relative to one another such that the subsequent injection of the first coupling element into the switch assembly causes the catchable formation of the first coupling element to be engaged by the first catching surface without displacing the second engageable formation from a position in which it is engageable by the button when the button is next actuated.

31. The alternating release switch of claim 30, wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element, the coupling element and the interlock are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the button is next actuated, the button engages with the second engageable formation of the shuttle to move the shuttle until the second engaging surface of the shuttle engages the second engageable surface of the catch element until the second catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the second coupling element to allow the second coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the first engageable formation in a position in which it is engageable by the button when the button is next actuated.

32. The alternating release switch of claim 25, wherein each of the first and second engageable formations has a notch and a sloped surface leading to the notch, and the actuatable button has a flexible extension that has a straight resting shape; and wherein

the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the first catching surface and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the second catching surface, actuation of the button brings the flexible extension to bear against the slope of the first engageable formation, causing the flexible extension to bend against the slope and seat in the notch of the first engageable formation, causing the shuttle to move as the extension is pressed into the notch until the first engaging surface of the shuttle engages the first engageable surface of the catch element until the first catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the first coupling element to allow the first coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the second engageable formation in a position in which the slope and notch of the second engageable formation is engageable by the flexible extension when the button is next actuated; and such that

retraction of the button removes the flexible extension from engagement with the first engageable formation and allows the flexible extension to return to the straight resting state.

33. The alternating release switch of claim 32, wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that subsequent injection of the first coupling element into the switch assembly causes the catchable formation of the first coupling element to be engaged by the first catching surface of the catch element without displacing the second engageable formation from a position in which the slope and notch of the second engageable formation is engageable by the flexible extension when the button is next actuated.

34. The alternating release switch of claim 33, wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the button is next actuated, the flexible extension is brought to bear against the slope of the second engageable formation, causing the flexible extension to bend against the slope and seat in the notch of the second engageable formation, causing the shuttle to move as the extension is pressed into the notch in this manner until the second engaging surface of the shuttle engages the second engageable surface of the catch element until the second catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the second coupling element to allow the second coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the first engageable formation in a position in which the slope and notch of the first engageable formation is engageable by the flexible extension when the button is next actuated.

35. The alternating release switch of claim 25, wherein the catch element comprises first and second pivotable catches, the first pivotable catch having the first engageable surface and the first catching surface, the second pivotable catch having the second engageable surface and the second catching surface.

36. The alternating release switch of claim 25, wherein the catch element comprises a wire spring having the first and second engageable surfaces and the first and second catching surfaces.

37. The alternating release switch of claim 25, wherein the switch mechanism further comprises a release indicator that is usable to determine which coupling element will be released when the button is next actuated.

38. The alternating release switch of claim 37, wherein the release indicator comprises a lateral extension on the shuttle, a rotatable wheel having a non-central axial bore accommodating the lateral extension, and a feature on the wheel, the shuttle and wheel being positioned and movable relative to one another such that rotation of the wheel moves the first engageable formation into a position in which the first engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, and such that reverse rotation of the wheel moves the second engageable formation into a position in which the second engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, the feature being positioned on the wheel such that when the first engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, the feature is associated with the first engageable formation, and such that when the second engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, the feature is associated with the second engageable formation.

39. The alternating release switch of claim 25, wherein the switch mechanism further comprises an override switch that is usable to selectively mandate which of the first and second engageable formations will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated.

40. The alternating release switch of claim 39, wherein the override switch comprises a lateral extension on the shuttle and a rotatable wheel having a non-central axial bore accommodating the lateral extension, the shuttle and wheel being positioned and movable relative to one another such that rotation of the wheel moves the first engageable formation into a position in which the first engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, and such that reverse rotation of the wheel moves the second engageable formation into a position in which the second engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated.

41. The alternating release switch of claim 25, wherein the first coupling element is attached to a portion of a first breast cup of a nursing brassiere and the second coupling element is attached to a portion of a second breast cup of the nursing brassiere, the nursing brassiere being adapted for wearing on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the breast cups being securable to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts, wherein when the breast cups are secured to the upper body of the woman at least the portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing, and at least the portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.

42. The alternating release switch of claim 29, wherein the first coupling element is attached to a portion of a first breast cup of a nursing brassiere and the second coupling element is attached to a portion of a second breast cup of the nursing brassiere, the nursing brassiere being adapted for wearing on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the breast cups being securable to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts, wherein when the breast cups are secured to the upper body of the woman at least the portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing, and at least the portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.

43. The alternating release switch of claim 37, wherein the first coupling element is attached to a portion of a first breast cup of a nursing brassiere and the second coupling element is attached to a portion of a second breast cup of the nursing brassiere, the nursing brassiere being adapted for wearing on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the breast cups being securable to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts, wherein when the breast cups are secured to the upper body of the woman at least the portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing, and at least the portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.

44. The alternating release switch of claim 39, wherein the first coupling element is attached to a portion of a first breast cup of a nursing brassiere and the second coupling element is attached to a portion of a second breast cup of the nursing brassiere, the nursing brassiere being adapted for wearing on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the breast cups being securable to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts, wherein when the breast cups are secured to the upper body of the woman at least the portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing, and at least the portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.

45. An alternating release switch, comprising:

a switch assembly and first and second coupling elements, each of the coupling elements being receivable in the switch assembly and being biased toward ejectment from the switch assembly and having a catchable formation; wherein

an activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch assembly releases only one of the coupling elements from the switch assembly, and after the one coupling element is released from the switch assembly, the switch is set to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch; and wherein

the switch assembly comprises an actuatable button; a rotatable wheel having a plurality of evenly radially spaced button receiving protrusions on one side and a plurality of evenly radially spaced catch rod pushing protrusions on the other side, the ratio of the number of button receiving protrusions relative to the number of catch rod pushing protrusions being two to one; first and second pivotable catch rods, each having a catch end; and first and second coupling elements, each having a catch formation; and wherein

the button, the wheel, the catch rods, and the coupling elements being positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the catch end of the first catch rod and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the catch end of the second catch rod, actuation of the button engages the button with a first of the button receiving protrusions to rotate the wheel to cause a first of the catch rod pushing protrusions to push the first catch rod to disengage the catch end of the first catch rod from the catch formation of the first coupling element to allow the first coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the rotation of the wheel placing a second button receiving protrusion in position to be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, placing a second catch rod pushing protrusion in position to push the second catch rod when the button is next actuated, and placing no catch rod pushing protrusion in position to push the first catch rod when the button is next actuated.

46. The alternating release switch of claim 45, wherein the button, the wheel, the catch rods, and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that subsequent injection of the first coupling element into the switch assembly causes the catchable formation of the first coupling element to be engaged by the catch end of the first catch rod without rotating the wheel.

47. The alternating release switch of claim 46, wherein the button, the wheel, the catch rods, and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the button is next actuated, the button engages with the second button receiving protrusion to rotate the wheel to cause the second catch rod pushing protrusion to push the second catch rod to disengage the catch end of the second catch rod from the catch formation of the second coupling element to allow the second coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the rotation of the wheel placing a third button receiving protrusion in position to be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, placing a third catch rod pushing protrusion in position to push the first catch rod when the button is next actuated, and placing no catch rod pushing protrusion in position to push the second catch rod when the button is next actuated.

48. The alternating release switch of claim 45, wherein the first coupling element is attached to a portion of a first breast cup of a nursing brassiere and the second coupling element is attached to a portion of a second breast cup of the nursing brassiere, the nursing brassiere being adapted for wearing on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the breast cups being securable to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts, wherein when the breast cups are secured to the upper body of the woman at least the portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing, and at least the portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.