NURSING UNDERGARMENT

A nursing undergarment having an inner breast cup that is attached, to an undergarment structure along a lower cup portion and releasably attachable to the undergarment structure along an upper cup portion, combined, with an outer cover having an upper cover portion attached to the upper cup portion and releasably fastenable to the undergarment structure along a lower cover portion. The attached upper cup and cover top portions may be released from the undergarment structure to allow insertion of a breast pump flange through an opening in the inner breast cup, and the lower cover portion may be released from the undergarment structure to allow the flange to protrude outward. During nursing, the upper cup and cover top portions are fastened to the undergarment structure and the lower cover portion is released and raised to provide access to the nipple through the opening.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/433,220 filed Jan. 15, 2011 for the same inventor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to undergarments for nursing mothers, and more particularly relates to a nursing bra.

BACKGROUND

The present inventor is a nurse who provides care to breastfeeding mothers. The present inventor has identified a long-felt need for a nursing bra that allows complete support from the entire structure of the bra while nursing. The present inventor has further identified a long-felt need for a nursing bra that decreases back pain while nursing due to structural support of the bra. The present inventor has further identified a long-felt need for a nursing bra that allows easy and quick nursing access. The present inventor has further identified a long-felt need for a nursing bra that provides hands-free pumping ability without the need to change bras. The present inventor has further identified a long-felt need for a nursing bra that provides top and bottom closures providing women with options. The present inventor has further identified a long-felt need for a nursing bra that allows for and encourages good posture while nursing. The present inventor has further identified a long-felt need for a nursing bra that allows better positioning of the baby due to support of the bra and improved posture of the mother. The present inventor has farther identified a long-felt need for a nursing bra that enhances the ability to nurse with the baby in a in a sling or other type of carrier device. The present inventor has further identified a long-felt need for a nursing bra that provides the ability to nurse with only one hand or no hands.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a nursing bra that allows complete support from entire structure of bra while nursing. In addition, it is desirable to provide a nursing bra that decreases back pain while nursing due to structural support of the bra. In addition, it is desirable to provide nursing bra that allows easy and quick nursing access. In addition, it is desirable to provide a nursing bra that provides hands free pumping ability without the need to change bras. In addition, it is desirable to provide a nursing bra that provides top and bottom closures providing women with options. In addition, it is desirable to provide a nursing bra that allows for and encourages good posture while nursing. In addition, it is desirable to provide a nursing bra that allows for better positioning of baby due to maximum support of bra and improved posture of mother. In addition, it is desirable to provide a nursing bra that enhances the ability to nurse the baby in a sling or other type of carrier device. In addition, it is desirable to provide a nursing bra that provides the ability to nurse with only one hand or no hands. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An apparatus is provided for assisting in nursing human babies. The apparatus comprises a bra structure having an inner cup and an outer cover, wherein the inner cup has an opening for nursing and pumping and the outer cover covers the opening and the inner cup. The inner cup and the outer cover are together releasably fastened to the bra structure proximate the top of the inner cup and the outer cover is releasably fastened to the inner cup proximate the bottom of the inner cover seam. The opening is preferably a vertical button-hole type opening.

The invention provides a nursing undergarment including: an undergarment structure; an inner breast cup including a first fabric web having an upper cup portion and a lower cup portion and farther including: the lower cup portion attached to the undergarment structure; and the upper cup portion releasably fastenable to the undergarment structure; and an outer cover including a second fabric web having an upper cover portion and a lower cover portion, the outer cover further including: the upper cover portion attached to the upper cup portion and releasably fastenable to the undergarment structure; and the lower cover portion releasably fastenable to the lower cup portion. The nursing undergarment, including an opening in the first fabric web sized to accommodate a flange of a breast pump. The nursing undergarment, where: the lower cup portion includes a lower cup perimeter seam; the upper cup portion includes an upper cup perimeter seam; the lower cover portion includes a lower cover perimeter seam; and the upper cover portion includes an upper cover perimeter seam. The nursing undergarment, including first and second transverse cover seams separating the lower cover perimeter seam from the upper cover perimeter seam, The nursing undergarment, including first and second transverse cup seams separating the lower cup perimeter seam from the upper cup perimeter seam. The nursing undergarment, where the first and second transverse cup seams are attached to the undergarment structure. The nursing undergarment, where the first and second transverse cover seams are attached to the first and second transverse cup seams. The nursing undergarment, where the upper cover perimeter seam includes the upper cover perimeter seam releasably fastenable to a shoulder strap of the undergarment structure. The nursing undergarment, where the lower cover perimeter seam is releasably fastenable to the lower cup perimeter seam via first and second fastener portions located at a bottom of the lower cover perimeter seam and the lower cup perimeter seam, respectively. The nursing undergarment, where the lower cover perimeter seam is releasably fastenable to the lower cup perimeter seam via first and second fastener portions located, on a side of the lower cover perimeter seam and the lower cup perimeter seam, respectively. The nursing undergarment, where the upper cover perimeter seam and the upper cup perimeter seam are constructed as one seam.

The invention further provides a nursing undergarment including: an undergarment structure; an inner breast cup including a first fabric web having an upper cup perimeter seam and a lower cup perimeter seam and further including: the lower cup perimeter seam attached to the undergarment structure; the upper cup perimeter seam releasably fastenable to the undergarment structure; and an opening in the web sized to accommodate a flange of a breast pump; an outer cover including a second, fabric web having an upper cover perimeter seam and a lower cover perimeter seam, the outer cover further including: the upper cover perimeter seam attached to the upper cup perimeter seam and releasably fastenable to the undergarment structure; and the lower cover perimeter seam releasably fastenable to the lower cup perimeter seam; first and second transverse cover seams separating the lower cover perimeter seam from the upper cover perimeter seam; first and second transverse cup seams separating the lower cup perimeter seam from the upper cup perimeter seam; and where: the first and second transverse cup seams are attached to the undergarment structure; and the first and second transverse cover seams are attached to the first and second transverse cup seams. The nursing undergarment, where the upper cover perimeter seam includes the upper cover perimeter seam releasably fastenable to a shoulder strap of the undergarment structure. The nursing undergarment, where the lower cover perimeter seam is releasably fastenable to the lower cup perimeter seam via first and second fastener portions located at a bottom of the lower cover perimeter seam and the lower cup perimeter seam, respectively. The nursing undergarment, where the lower cover perimeter seam is releasably fastenable to the lower cup perimeter seam via first and second fastener portions located on a side of the lower cover perimeter seam and the lower cup perimeter seam, respectively. The nursing undergarment, where the opening includes a vertical slit positioned on the cup to admit a nipple of a breast.

The invention also provides a nursing undergarment including: an undergarment structure; an inner breast cup including a first fabric web having an upper cup portion and a lower cup portion and farther including: the lower cup portion attached to the undergarment structure; and the upper cup portion releasably fastenable to the undergarment structure; an outer cover including a second fabric web having an upper cover portion and a lower cover portion, the outer cover farther including: the upper cover portion attached to the upper portion of the inner breast cup and releasably fastenable to the undergarment structure; and the lower cover portion releasably fastenable to the lower cup portion; and an opening in the first fabric web sized to accommodate a flange of a breast pump. The nursing undergarment, where: the lower cup portion includes a lower cup perimeter seam; the upper cup portion includes an upper cup perimeter seam; the lower cover portion includes a lower cover perimeter seam; the upper cover portion includes an upper cover perimeter seam; and including: first and second transverse cover seams separating the lower cover perimeter seam from the upper cover perimeter seam; first and second transverse cup seams separating the lower cup perimeter seam from the upper cup perimeter seam; where: the first and second transverse cup seams are attached to the undergarment structure; and the first and second transverse cover seams are attached to the first and second transverse cup seams. The nursing undergarment, where the upper cover perimeter seam includes the upper cover perimeter seam releasably fastenable to a shoulder strap of the undergarment structure. The nursing undergarment, where the lower cover perimeter seam is releasably fastenable to the lower cup perimeter seam via first and second fastener portions located at a bottom of the lower cover perimeter seam and the lower cup perimeter seam, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and

FIG. 1 is a front elevation diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary left front portion of the exemplary nursing undergarment showing an exemplary inner cup, according to a preferred, embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front elevation diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary outer cover of the exemplary nursing undergarment, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a rear elevation diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary outer cover of the exemplary nursing undergarment, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary left front portion of the exemplary nursing undergarment showing an exemplary outer cover as a transparency over an exemplary inner cup, according to a preferred, embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary front portion of the exemplary nursing undergarment showing exemplary outer covers as transparencies over exemplary inner cups, according to a preferred, embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a left-front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary left front portion of the exemplary nursing undergarment showing an exemplary outer cover in an unfastened and raised position with a breast pump flange installed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a right-front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary left front portion of the exemplary nursing undergarment showing an exemplary outer cover in an unfastened and raised position with a breast pump flange installed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top-front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary left front portion of the exemplary nursing undergarment showing an exemplary outer cover and inner cup in an unfastened and lowered position with a breast pump flange installed, according to a preferred, embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a right-front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary left front portion of the exemplary nursing undergarment showing an exemplary outer cover and inner cup in an unfastened and lowered position with a breast pump flange installed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary left front portion of the

exemplary nursing undergarment showing an exemplary outer cover and inner cup in a fastened and raised position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary left front portion of the

exemplary nursing undergarment showing an exemplary outer cover and inner cup, both unfastened from the bra structure at the top, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary left front portion of the

exemplary nursing undergarment showing an exemplary outer cover and inner cup, both fastened to the bra structure at the top and with the outer cup unfastened from the bottom and raised, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background., brief summary or the following detailed description.

In the following specification and claims, language of relative position refers to a position on the nursing undergarment as worn by an upright wearer, with “inner” referring to items closer to the wearer's skin and “outer” referring to items away from the wearer's skin. Likewise, “upper” refers to positions vertically higher than “lower” positions. “Left” and “right” are from the wearer's perspective. The terms “bra” and “undergarment” are used, interchangeably herein for purposes of illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a bra, but the invention is not limited to bras.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary partial left front portion 100 of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 (see FIG. 4) showing an exemplary inner cup 160, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bra structure 150 includes shoulder strap 122, side panels 112 (see FIG. 4), bottom hem 114, center seam 118, and middle panel 121, as well as a back strap 504 (see FIG. 5) that extends from the side panels 112 and couples to the shoulder straps 122 behind the wearer in a conventional manner. Bra structure 150 is preferably made of fabric and elastic.

Inner cup 160 includes upper cup perimeter seam 104 and lower cup perimeter seam 102, together with breast cup 106, which is surrounded by upper cup perimeter seam 104 and lower cup perimeter seam 102. In a particular embodiment, lower cup perimeter seam 102 may at least partially replace bottom hem 114. Lower cup perimeter seam 102 is fastened to middle panel 121 of bra structure 150 as shown. Breast cup 106 is preferably a soft fabric web sized, and shaped according to industry standards for bra cups. Breast cup 106 includes opening 108 having a perimeter 110. as shown. Opening 108 is preferably a vertical slit or button-hole opening 108 sized to accommodate a flange 502 (See FIG. 5) of a breast pump. Perimeter 110 has a small hem (not shown) to prevent unraveling. Preferably, a soft thread is used to form the hem on the perimeter 110.

First and second transverse cup seams 124 and 126 define a boundary between the lower cup perimeter seam 102, which is preferably sewn along its length to the middle panel 121 of the bra structure 150, and the upper cup perimeter seam 104, which is not sewn along its length to the bra structure 150. In an alternate embodiment, lower cup portion 130 of inner cup 160 is attached to the middle panel 121 of bra structure 150 by attaching the breast cup 106 to the bra structure 150. First and second transverse cup seams 124 and 126 also define a boundary between the upper cup portion 128 of inner cup 160 and the lower cup portion 130 of inner cup 160. First and second transverse cup seams 124 and 126 define pivot lines for rotating, or anchors for lowering, the upper cup portion 128 of inner cup 160 downward. Inner cup 160 gives the nursing mother the advantage of privacy, as her breast remains almost entirely covered during nursing and is supported by the sewn-in lower cup portion 130 of the breast cup 106.

Lower cup perimeter seam 102 supports a first portion of a first releasable fastener 116 (see also 216 in FIG. 2B), illustrated in this exemplary embodiment as a snap. While the first fastener portion 116 is illustrated at the bottom of the inner cup 160, the invention is not so limited. In a particular embodiment, first fastener 116, 216 may be located toward the side, more proximate the wearer's arm. Shoulder strap 122 supports a first portion 119 of a second releasable fastener 119, 120, and 132 illustrated in the present exemplary embodiment as hook base 119 from which hook 120 extends. The top of inner cup 160 supports a second portion 132 of the second releasable fastener 119, 120, 132, illustrated in the present embodiment as a rigid loop 132. Rigid loop 132 is secured to inner cup 160 by securer 134, which may be attached, or created by sewing. In a particular embodiment, rigid loop 132 may be attached to outer cover 200 (see FIG. 2A), preferably at the upper cover perimeter seam 204, and the upper cup perimeter seam 104 and upper cover perimeter seam 204 may be sewn together.

FIG. 2A is a front elevation diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary outer cover 200 of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 (see FIG. 4). according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Outer cover 200 includes upper cover perimeter seam 204 and lower cover perimeter seam 202, as well as covering 230 which upper cover perimeter seam 204 and lower cover perimeter seam 202 surround. Covering 230 is preferably a soft fabric web and is sized and shaped to cover inner cup 160.

First and second transverse cover seams 224 and 226 separate upper cover perimeter seam 204 and lower cover perimeter seam 202. First and second transverse cover seams 224 and 226 also define a boundary between upper cover portion 210 and lower cover portion 212. First and second transverse cover seams 224 and 226 preferably align and attach to first and second transverse cup seams 124 and 126, respectively, during construction of the nursing undergarment 400. Above first and second transverse cover seams 224 and 226, upper cover perimeter seam 204 is preferably attached, to upper cup perimeter seam 104, preferably by sewing. Below first and second transverse cover seams 224 and 226, lower cover perimeter seam 202 and lower cup perimeter seam 102 are attached only by first releasable fastener 116, 216. Attachment of first fastener second portion 216 to lower cover perimeter seam 202 may include noticeable stitching 215 on the front of lower cover perimeter seam 202. Rigid loop 132 is illustrated as attached to the top of outer cover 200. In various alternate embodiments, more than one first fastener 116, 216 may be used, and the position or positions may be varied.

In an alternate embodiment, and upper cover portion 210 may be attached, to upper cup portion 128 via connection of the covering 230 to the breast cup 106.

FIG. 2B is a rear elevation diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary outer cover 200 of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 (see FIG. 4), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A second portion 216 of first fastener 116, 216 is attached to the rear side of lower cover perimeter seam 202, illustrated here as a snap. In a particular embodiment, first fastener 116, 216 may be positioned differently on the lower cover perimeter seam 202 and transverse cup and cover seams 124, 126, 224, and 226 may be in a position rotated, from that shown. In another alternate embodiment, the first fastener 116, 216 may be located on the bra structure 150.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a fall left front portion 300 including exemplary partial left front portion 100 of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 (see FIG. 4) showing an exemplary outer cover 200 as a transparency over an exemplary inner cup 160, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary full left front portion 300 includes partial left front portion 100 with outer cover 200 installed thereon. Outer cover 200 is preferably not actually transparent, but is so illustrated to show the relationship between outer cover 200 and inner cup 160. First and second, transverse cover seams 224 and 226 are preferably aligned to and attached to first and second transverse cup seams 124 and 126, respectively. Securer 134 is shown securing rigid loop 132 to both outer cover 200 and inner cup 160 together, which is preferred. In alternate embodiments, rigid loop 132 may be secured directly to either outer cover 200 or inner cup 160, as the upper cup portion 128 of inner cup 160 is attached, near or on its perimeter, to upper cover portion 210 of outer cover 200.

In a first mode of operation, first releasable fastener 116, 216 may be released and the outer cover 200 may be easily pulled up, rotating about, or anchored by, the transverse cup and cover seams 124, 126, 224, and 226, exposing opening 108, through which the nipple of the wearer's breast may protrude for nursing. In a second mode of operation, second releasable fastener 119,120,132 may be released to open the inner cup 160 by rotating or pulling down the upper cover portion 210 and attached upper cup portion 128 about the transverse cup and cover seams 124, 126, 224, and 226, to enable insertion, from the inside, of the flange 502 (see FIG. 5) of a breast pump, or for other purposes. The stitching 215 for first fastener second portion 216 may be visible on the exterior of outer cover 200, as shown.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary front portion of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 showing exemplary outer covers 200 as transparencies over exemplary inner cups 160, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Full left and right front portions 300, 402 of the nursing undergarment 400 are joined at center seam 118. Full right front portion 402 is preferably a mirror image of full left front portion 300. In an alternate embodiment, the nursing undergarment 400 may be made without a center seam 118 by making middle panels 121 of full left and right front portions 300 and 402 of one continuous piece. The exact shape illustrated is not a limitation of the invention, as various styles, within the functional scope, are included.

FIG. 5 is a left-front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment 500 of an exemplary full left front portion 300 of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 showing an exemplary outer cover 200 in an unfastened and raised position with a breast pump flange 502 installed., according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. First fastener 116, 216 is shown released, and outer cover 200, fixed at first and second transverse cover seams 224 and 226, has been pulled, up over opening 108. A portion of a flange 502 of a breast pump is shown protruding through opening 108. Back strap 504 is shown folded behind, the full left front portion 300. Opening 108 is preferably sized to accommodate all sizes of commercially available breast pump flanges 502. In a particular embodiment, lower cup perimeter seam 102 may be mechanically reinforced.

FIG. 6 is a right-front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment 500 of exemplary fall left front portion 300 of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 showing an exemplary outer cover 200 in an unfastened and raised, position with a breast pump flange 502 installed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In a particular embodiment, lower cup perimeter seam 102 may extend below bottom hem 114. In a particular operational mode, breast pump flanges 502 may be installed in both full left and right front portions 300, 402 concurrently. Likewise, twins may be breast fed concurrently in a particular operational mode.

FIG. 7 is a top-front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment 500 of the exemplary full left front portion 300 of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 showing an exemplary outer cover 200 and inner cup 160 together in an unfastened and lowered position with a breast pump flange 502 installed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A second portion of a flange 502 of a breast pump is shown inside inner cup 160. Second fastener 119, 120, and 132 is shown unfastened from bra shoulder strap 122 in order to receive breast pump flange 502 to be inserted through opening 108. Preferably, first fastener 116, 216 is released for this operation, to allow the breast pump flange 502 to protrude outwardly, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a right-front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment 500 of the exemplary full left front portion 300 of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 showing an exemplary outer cover 200 and inner cup 160 in an unfastened and lowered, position with a breast pump flange 502 installed, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A second portion of a flange 502 of a breast pump is shown inside inner cup 160. Securer 134 is illustrated as a portion of fabric threaded through a lower opening of rigid loop 132 and sewn to the upper cup perimeter seam 104. In a particular embodiment, upper cup perimeter seam 104 and upper cover perimeter seam 204 may be constructed as one seam.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary full left front portion 300 of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 (see FIG. 4) showing an exemplary outer cover 200 and inner cup 160 in a fastened and raised position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. First fastener 116, 216 is fastened and second fastener 119, 120, 132 is also fastened. This is the normal non-nursing configuration for the nursing undergarment 400.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary lull left front portion 300 of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 showing an exemplary outer cover 200 and inner cup 160, both unfastened from the bra structure 150 at the top, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. First fastener 116, 216 is fastened and second fastener 119, 120, 132 is unfastened. This is a first step in the operational mode for inserting a flange 502 of a breast pump or for other purposes. The second step is to unfasten first fastener 116, 216 to allow the breast pump flange 502 to protrude outward as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The third step is to insert the flange 502 through opening 108. The fourth step is to fasten second fastener 119, 120, 132.

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary full left front portion 300 of the exemplary nursing undergarment 400 showing an exemplary outer cover 200 and inner cup 160, both fastened to the bra structure 150 at the top and with the outer cup 160 unfastened from the bottom and raised, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. First fastener 116, 216 is unfastened and second fastener 119, 120,132 is fastened. This is the mode for nursing. Opening 108 is not shown in this illustration because opening 108 may be off-center, adaptive to the form of the human breast.

While the illustrated embodiments have been of a nursing bra, the invention is not so limited. Various undergarments, having the inventive features and combinations of inventive features of the present invention, are within the scope of the invention. For example, and without limitation, a nursing camisole, nursing corset, and nursing teddy are within the scope of the present invention.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A nursing undergarment comprising:

a. an undergarment structure;
b. an inner breast cup comprising a first fabric web having an upper cup portion and a lower cup portion and further comprising: i. said lower cup portion attached to said undergarment structure; and ii. said upper cup portion releasably fastenable to said, undergarment structure; and
c. an outer cover comprising a second fabric web having an upper cover portion and a lower cover portion, said outer cover further comprising: i. said upper cover portion attached, to said, upper cup portion and releasably fastenable to said undergarment structure; and ii. said lower cover portion releasably fastenable to said lower cup portion.

2. The nursing undergarment of claim 1, comprising an opening in said first fabric web sized to accommodate a flange of a breast pump.

3. The nursing undergarment of claim 1, wherein:

a. said lower cup portion comprises a lower cup perimeter seam;
b. said upper cup portion comprises an upper cup perimeter seam;
c. said lower cover portion comprises a lower cover perimeter seam; and
d. said upper cover portion comprises an upper cover perimeter seam.

4. The nursing undergarment of claim 3, comprising first and second transverse cover seams separating said lower cover perimeter seam from said upper cover perimeter seam.

5. The nursing undergarment of claim 3, comprising first and second transverse cup seams separating said lower cup perimeter seam from said upper cup perimeter seam.

6. The nursing undergarment of claim 5, wherein said first and second transverse cup seams are attached to said undergarment structure,

7. The nursing undergarment of claim 6, wherein said first and second transverse cover seams are attached to said first and second transverse cup seams,

8. The nursing undergarment of claim 3, wherein said upper cover perimeter seam comprises said upper cover perimeter seam releasably fastenable to a shoulder strap of said undergarment structure.

9. The nursing undergarment of claim 3, wherein said lower cover perimeter seam is releasably fastenable to said lower cup perimeter seam via first and second fastener portions located at a bottom of said lower cover perimeter seam and said lower cup perimeter seam, respectively.

10. The nursing undergarment of claim 3, wherein said lower cover perimeter seam is releasably fastenable to said lower cup perimeter seam via first and second fastener portions located on a side of said, lower cover perimeter seam and said lower cup perimeter seam, respectively.

11. The nursing undergarment of claim 3, wherein said upper cover perimeter seam and said upper cup perimeter seam are constructed as one seam.

12. A nursing undergarment comprising:

a. an undergarment structure;
b. an inner breast cup comprising a first fabric web having an upper cup perimeter seam and a lower cup perimeter seam and farther comprising: i. said lower cup perimeter seam attached to said undergarment structure; ii. said upper cup perimeter seam releasably fastenable to said undergarment structure; and iii. an opening in said web sized to accommodate a flange of a breast pump;
c. an outer cover comprising a second fabric web having an upper cover perimeter seam and a lower cover perimeter seam, said outer cover further comprising: i. said upper cover perimeter seam attached to said upper cup perimeter seam and releasably fastenable to said undergarment structure; and ii. said lower cover perimeter seam releasably fastenable to said lower cup perimeter seam;
d. first and second transverse cover seams separating said lower cover perimeter seam from said upper cover perimeter seam;
e. first and second transverse cup seams separating said, lower cup perimeter seam from said upper cup perimeter seam; and
f. wherein: i. said first and second transverse cup seams are attached to said undergarment structure; and ii. said first and second, transverse cover seams are attached to said first and second transverse cup seams.

13. The nursing undergarment of claim 12, wherein said upper cover perimeter seam comprises said upper cover perimeter seam releasably fastenable to a shoulder strap of said undergarment structure.

14. The nursing undergarment of claim 12, wherein said lower cover perimeter seam is releasably fastenable to said lower cup perimeter seam via first and second fastener portions located at a bottom of said lower cover perimeter seam and said lower cup perimeter seam, respectively.

15. The nursing undergarment of claim 12, wherein said lower cover perimeter seam is releasably fastenable to said lower cup perimeter seam via first and second fastener portions located on a side of said lower cover perimeter seam and said lower cup perimeter seam, respectively.

16. The nursing undergarment of claim 12, wherein said opening comprises a vertical slit positioned on said cup to admit a nipple of a breast

17. A nursing undergarment comprising:

a. an undergarment structure;
b. an inner breast cup comprising a first fabric web having an upper cup portion and a lower cup portion and further comprising: i. said lower cup portion attached to said undergarment structure; and ii. said upper cup portion releasably fastenable to said, undergarment structure;
c. an outer cover comprising a second fabric web having an upper cover portion and a lower cover portion, said outer cover further comprising: i. said, upper cover portion attached, to said, upper portion of said inner breast cup and releasably fastenable to said undergarment structure: and ii. said lower cover portion releasably fastenable to said lower cup portion; and
d. an opening in said first fabric web sized to accommodate a flange of a breast pump.

18. The nursing undergarment of claim 17, wherein:

a. said lower cup portion comprises a lower cup perimeter seam;
b. said upper cup portion comprises an upper cup perimeter seam;
c. said lower cover portion comprises a lower cover perimeter seam;
d. said upper cover portion comprises an upper cover perimeter seam; and comprising: i. first and second transverse cover seams separating said lower cover perimeter seam from said upper cover perimeter seam; ii. first and second transverse cup seams separating said lower cup perimeter seam from said upper cup perimeter seam; iii. wherein: 1. said first and second transverse cup seams are attached to said undergarment structure; and 2. said first and second transverse cover seams are attached to said first and second transverse cup seams;

19. The nursing undergarment of claim 18, wherein said upper cover perimeter seam comprises said upper cover perimeter seam releasably fastenable to a shoulder strap of said undergarment structure.

20. The nursing undergarment of claim 18, wherein said lower cover perimeter seam is releasably fastenable to said, lower cup perimeter seam via first and second fastener portions located at a bottom of said lower cover perimeter seam and said lower cup perimeter seam, respectively.

Patent History
Publication number: 20120184179
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 13, 2012
Publication Date: Jul 19, 2012
Inventor: Kathryn Elizabeth Blitz (Chandler, AZ)
Application Number: 13/350,128
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Closable Aperture Permits Access To Breast I.e., Nursing Type (450/36); Breast Or Chest, E.g., Brassieres (450/1)
International Classification: A41C 3/04 (20060101); A41C 3/00 (20060101);