BREASTFEEDING HAT

Abstract

A breastfeeding device for use by a woman while breastfeeding a child is provided The breastfeeding device includes a head-receiving portion sized and shaped to receive the head of a child, and a brim portion extending radially outwardly from the head-receiving portion. The brim portion is sized and shaped to substantially cover a woman's breast when the head-receiving portion is received on the head of a child breastfeeding.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/947,296 filed on Jun. 29, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding is important for mothers and their children. It nourishes the children, both physically and emotionally, it helps empower the woman, and it helps develop the mother-child bond. However, many mothers shy away from breastfeeding in public because of exposure of the breast. There have been solutions to this problem, including shirts with access folds for the breasts, and blankets to cover the mother's breasts and the child. While these solutions provide some privacy in public for mother and child, they have several drawbacks.

The shirts with access folds do not completely cover the mother's breast while the child is feeding. Moreover, bunched fabric may block or limit access to the mother's breast. The blanket, while capable of covering the mother's breast, is flimsy and awkward to maneuver. Mothers using blankets often have a difficult time holding and nursing the child while keeping the blanket securely positioned.

What is needed is a breastfeeding device that remains securely positioned during feeding, that allows the child full access to the mother's breast, and that offers adequate coverage to ensure the mother's privacy.

SUMMARY

A breastfeeding device for use by a woman while breastfeeding a child is provided the breastfeeding device includes a head-receiving portion sized and shaped to receive the head of a child, and a brim portion extending radially outwardly from the head-receiving portion. The brim portion is sized and shaped to substantially cover a woman's breast when the head-receiving portion is received on the head of a child breastfeeding.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a breastfeeding device formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a environmental view of a breastfeeding device of FIG. 1, wherein the breastfeeding device is being used to cover a portion of a woman's body while breastfeeding a child; and

FIG. 3 is a side-perspective of a carrying case adapted to receive the breastfeeding device of FIG. 1 therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A breastfeeding device or hat 100 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is best seen by referring to FIG. 1. The breastfeeding hat 100 is suitable for use by a woman while breastfeeding a child. Although the breastfeeding hat 100 may be any suitable shape and design to adequately cover a woman's body while breastfeeding, an exemplary embodiment of the breastfeeding hat 100 will be hereinafter described.

The breastfeeding hat 100 preferably includes a head-receiving portion 110 and a brim portion 120 extending radially outwardly from the head-receiving portion 110. The head-receiving portion 110 may be any suitable shape and design, but it preferably includes a cylindrically-shaped side portion 112 extending upwardly from the brim portion 120 to define upper and lower openings (not shown) and upper and lower circumferential edges 114 and 116. A top portion 118 is secured to the upper circumferential edge 114 of the side portion 112 to substantially enclose the upper opening of the head-receiving portion 110. The side portion 112 and the top portion 118 may be secured together in any suitable fashion, such as by sewing. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the side portion 112 and the top portion 118 may be one continuous piece of material.

The head-receiving portion 110 is preferably made from environmentally friendly, natural fibers such as cotton, bamboo, or the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or any combination having a natural elasticity that allows the head-receiving portion 110 to adequately stretch and comfortably fit on the head of a child will also work. Moreover, the head-receiving portion may be made of varying layers of material and fabric or material assembled through known techniques, such as sewing or the like.

The head-receiving portion 110 is suitably sized to comfortably and snugly fit on the head of the child. By way of example only, the top portion 118 may have a diameter of about four to five inches, the lower circumferential edge 116 may define an opening that is about six to eight inches in diameter, and the side portion 112 may range from about 2.5 to 3.25 inches in height. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the head-receiving portion 110 may be any suitable size to comfortable and securely fit on the head of a child.

For instance, the size of the head-receiving portion 110 may be varied to provide breastfeeding hats 100 of different sizes (small, medium, large, etc.) to fit children of different sizes and ages. For example, a small breastfeeding hat 100 may fit children zero to six months in age, and a large breastfeeding hat 100 may fit children six to twelve months in age. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that any nomenclature or sizing descriptions are illustrative and do not in any way limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the brim portion 120 will now be described in detail. Although the brim portion 120 may be any suitable design, the brim portion 120 is preferably defined by a body 126 extending radially outwardly from the head-receiving portion 110. The body 126 of the brim portion 120 is preferably circular in shape and includes a central circular opening (not shown) that defines an inside rim 122 having substantially the same diameter as the lower circumferential edge 116 of the head-receiving portion 110. The brim portion 120 is secured to the head-receiving portion 110 by sewing or otherwise securing the inside rim 122 of the brim portion 120 to the lower circumferential edge 116 of the head receiving portion 110.

The body 126 of the brim portion 120 is of a sufficient diameter to adequately cover a woman's breast when the head-receiving portion 110 is received on the head of a child breastfeeding from that breast. For instance, the body 126 may be about sixteen inches in diameter. The body 126 is also sufficiently rigid such that when the breastfeeding hat 100 is positioned against a woman's body, the brim portion 120 is maintained in a substantially radially extended position to provide maximum coverage of the woman's body, and specifically the woman's breast. In other words, the brim portion 120 maintains sufficient rigidity to support itself on the body of a woman W while a child C is breastfeeding so that it does not fall and expose any part of the woman W or expose the face of the child C, as shown in FIG. 2. Moreover, the body 126 is sufficiently flexible and heavyweight such that it drapes over and substantially conforms to the shape of a woman's body to prevent any gaps from forming therebetween. In this manner, the brim portion 120 may provide sufficient coverage and privacy of the woman's breast when the breastfeeding hat 100 is positioned against the woman's body.

The body 126 is preferably made from a natural fabric such as cotton, bamboo, or the like. However, it should be appreciated that any other suitable material or combination of materials may instead be used. The body 126 of the brim portion 120 may also contain one or more layers of fabric or material assembled together using known techniques, such as sewing, to ensure that the body 126 is sufficiently rigid and heavy. If one or more layers are used, the layers may be secured together with concentric stitching 128.

An outer rim 124 is defined along the outer circumferential edge of the body 126 of the brim portion 120. A seal 125 may be sewn or otherwise secured to the outer rim 124 to secure the outer circumferential edge of the body layers together and to prevent fraying of the outer rim 124 of the body 126. The seal 125 may be a piece of fabric folded over the top and bottom of the outer rim 124 to enclose the outer rim 124 therebetween.

The breastfeeding hat 100 may come in a variety of colors that are especially tailored for each breastfeeding child and for the woman W, depending on personal preferences. For example, if a mother has two or more children that she is breastfeeding at one time, she may have numerous hats, each hat having a unique color corresponding to each child. In the alternative, the breastfeeding hat 100 may be reversible, with each side including a unique color for a different child. For example, one side of the breastfeeding hat 100 may be pink (suitable for a girl), and the other side may be blue (suitable for a boy).

Referring to FIG. 2, each breastfeeding hat 100 may also include a unique phrase and/or image 140 printed on the top portion 118 of the head-receiving portion 110. For example, the top portion 118 of the breastfeeding hat 100 may have bears, bunnies, kitties, bees, birds, or stars that will allow for a more pleasurable and intimate breastfeeding experience for both the woman W and the child C. The breastfeeding hats 100 may further include various images and/or phrases 130 on the seal 125. For example, “YUMMY MUMMY” can be printed on the top side of the seal 125 so as to provide the woman W with lighthearted and endearing phrases while she breastfeeds the child C. Additional phrases, such as “HI, MUMMY”, may also be provided on the underside of the seal 125 to provide a sweet message from the child C to the woman W. The images 140 and phrases 130 may be formed or printed on the breastfeeding hat 100 in any suitable manner.

Referring to FIG. 2, the manner in which the breastfeeding hat 100 is used will now be described. Before or after the woman W begins to breastfeed the child C, the head-receiving portion 110 is fitted onto the head of the child C. The breastfeeding hat 100 may securely sit on the head of the child C in any position that is comfortable for both the child C and the woman W. Thereafter, the position of the brim portion 120 is adjusted as needed to comfortably conceal the breast of the woman W while the child C breastfeeds. As such, the woman W may breastfeed the child C while maintaining her privacy.

After the child is finished breastfeeding, a front portion of the brim portion 120 can be folded back and rested at least partially on the head-receiving portion 110 to allow the child C to continue wearing the breastfeeding hat 100 without interfering with the child's vision.

Referring to FIG. 3, the breastfeeding hat 100 is flexible enough to be folded and packaged in a carrying case 300. The carrying case 300 can be made of any type of durable material that is preferably water resistant so as to protect the breastfeeding hat 100 from any type of accidental spills or liquid. The carrying case 300 is also preferably made of a clear material to allow the color, the phrases 130, and/or the images 140 of the breastfeeding hat 100 to be readily visible to the woman W. The carrying case 300 may also contain a small handle 310 for carrying, hanging, and/or storing the breastfeeding hat 100 while it is in the carrying case 300.

While the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A breastfeeding device for use by a woman while breastfeeding a child, the breastfeeding device comprising:

(a) a head-receiving portion sized and shaped to receive the head of a child; and

(b) a brim portion extending radially outwardly from the head-receiving portion, the brim portion sized and shaped to substantially cover a woman's breast when the head-receiving portion is received on the head of a child breastfeeding.

2. The breastfeeding device of claim 1, wherein the brim portion comprises a material that is sufficiently flexible to substantially conform to the shape of a woman's body when it is positioned adjacent thereto.

3. The breastfeeding device of claim 1, wherein the brim portion comprises a material that is sufficiently rigid such that it is maintained in a substantially radially extended position when the brim portion is positioned adjacent to the woman's body.

4. The breastfeeding device of claim 1, wherein the head-receiving portion is comprised of a flexible material such that the head-receiving portion is adapted to snugly fit on the head of a child.

5. The breastfeeding device of claim 1, wherein the head-receiving portion includes a side portion that extends substantially upwardly from an opening in the brim portion and a top portion secured to an upper circumferential edge of the side portion.

6. The breastfeeding device of claim 1, wherein the brim portion further comprises an outer rim.

7. The breastfeeding device of claim 6, further comprising a seal secured on the outer rim.

8. A method of covering a portion of a woman's body while breastfeeding a child, the method comprising:

(a) providing a breastfeeding device, comprising: (i) a head-receiving portion sized and shaped to receive the head of a child; and (ii) a brim portion extending radially outwardly from the head-receiving portion;

(b) securing the head-receiving portion on a child's head; and

(c) positioning the brim portion adjacent to a portion of the woman's body.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the brim portion is sized and shaped to substantially cover a woman's breast when the head-receiving portion is secured on the head of a child breastfeeding.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the brim portion comprises a material that is sufficiently flexible to substantially conform to the shape of a woman's body when it is positioned adjacent thereto.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the brim portion comprises a material that is sufficiently rigid such that it is maintained in a substantially radially extended position when the brim portion is positioned adjacent to the woman's body.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the head-receiving portion is comprised of a flexible material such that the head-receiving portion is adapted to snugly fit on the head of a child.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the head-receiving portion includes a side portion that extends substantially upwardly from an opening in the brim portion and a top portion secured to an upper circumferential edge of the side portion.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the brim portion further comprises an outer rim.

15. The method of claim 8, further comprising a seal secured on the outer rim.

16. A method of covering a woman's breast while breastfeeding a child from that breast, the method comprising:

(a) providing a breastfeeding device, comprising: (i) a head-receiving portion sized and shaped to receive the head of a child; and (ii) a brim portion extending radially outwardly from the head-receiving portion;

(b) securing the head-receiving portion on a child's head;

(c) positioning the child in a breastfeeding position relative to a woman's breast; and

(d) positioning the brim portion adjacent to the woman's body to substantially cover the woman's breast.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the brim portion is sized and shaped to substantially cover a woman's breast when the head-receiving portion is secured on the head of a child breastfeeding.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the brim portion comprises a material that is sufficiently flexible to substantially conform to the shape of a woman's body when it is positioned adjacent thereto.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the brim portion comprises a material that is sufficiently rigid such that it is maintained in a substantially radially extended position when the brim portion is positioned adjacent to the woman's body.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the head-receiving portion is comprised of a flexible material such that the head-receiving portion is adapted to snugly fit on the head of a child.