Nursing Brassiere

A nursing brassier with at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup, in order to allow nursing and comfort to the nursing mother.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

4,423,734 September, 1982 Schawel 4,633,876 November, 1984 Scullin 4,911,677 January, 1989 White 5,094,647 March, 1991 Courtney 5,697,830 August, 1996 White 6,319,092 September, 2000 Leyhe and Warner 6,361,398 February, 2001 Knapp 8,147,291 April, 2009 Kirtz 8,118,638 September, 2009 Forbes 2012122,040 May, 2008 Grayson 2012893,911 September, 2010 Drew

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the provision of breast support to a nursing mother, while at the same time allowing the mother comfortable easy access to her breasts so that she may feed her infant, and subsequently re-covering herself.

2. Background of the Invention

This nursing brassier was developed to aid a mother who is breastfeeding her infant by providing support to her breasts while not breastfeeding her infant, allowing the mother to easily expose her breast with one hand, to allow breastfeeding while providing comfort to the mother even though she is still wearing her brassier, and then allowing easy re-attachment of the breast cup with one hand, while she is still holding the infant. Several attempts have been made to develop a nursing brassier but they still do not provide maximum exposure of the breast while still allowing easy, one-handed exposing and covering.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,423,734, Schawel discloses a nursing brassiere that has an integral device to indicate which breast should be used when starting a breast feeding of an infant but which does not disclose a nursing brassiere with one affixed point for each breast cup and at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup to facilitate nursing.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,633,876, Scullin discloses a brassiere for use in nursing and maternity, as well as for use as a prosthetic device. Such use requires cups which can be opened and closed easily without having to unfasten the brassiere from the wearer, but does not disclose a nursing brassiere with one affixed point for each breast cup and at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup to facilitate nursing.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,677, White discloses a nursing brassiere having a frontal section comprised of partially overlapping frontal portions each adapted to cover one side of a wearer's chest area, but does not disclose a nursing brassiere with one affixed point for each breast cup and at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup to facilitate nursing.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,647, Courtney discloses a nursing brassiere that includes a cup which fits over a breast of the user, the cup includes a flap for selectively concealing or exposing the breast, but does not disclose a nursing brassiere with one affixed point for each breast cup and at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup to facilitate nursing.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,830, White discloses a nursing brassiere with overlapping frontal portions that provides added support and yet can be easily pulled aside to provide nursing access, but does not disclose a nursing brassiere with one affixed point for each breast cup and at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup to facilitate nursing.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,092, Leyhe and Warner disclose a nursing brassiere that allows the mother to change out only a wet section of the brassiere without having to remove clothing and replace the entire brassiere, but does not disclose a nursing brassiere with one affixed point for each breast cup and at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup to facilitate nursing, nor does U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,092 disclose a nursing brassier where the purpose of being able to fully remove the breast cup is to allow the mother the option during nursing to decide which portions of the breast cup to release and re-attach, for comfort to the mother and ease of access for the child.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,398, Knapp discloses a brassiere or garment with dual exterior brassiere cup covers released and re-fastened beneath the underarms and configured to function at least in part in the manner of a brassiere and usable by a nursing mother for improved ease of nursing an infant child, but does not disclose a nursing brassiere with one affixed point for each breast cup and at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup to facilitate nursing.

In U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,291, Hirtz discloses a convertible nursing brassiere having brassiere support cups releasable from straps to provide access and further including underlying support panels connected to the encircling strap or under wire support and remaining connected to the straps to provide continued support during nursing. The release is located either under the arm or at the connection with the shoulder strap. However, U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,291 does not disclose a nursing brassiere with one affixed point for each breast cup and at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup to facilitate nursing.

In U.S. Pat. No. 8,118,638, Forbes discloses a nursing brassiere having a primary band assembly for securing said nursing brassiere to a user's upper chest and a separate secondary band that allows slidable movement of each of the breast cups for uncovering a breast during a nursing application, but does not disclose a nursing brassiere with one affixed point for each breast cup and at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup to facilitate nursing.

In U.S. Patent Appl. 2012122,040, Grayson discloses a nursing brassiere providing nipple protection against discomfort associated with breast-feeding having two identical cups, each having a centered aperture to expose a woman's nipple and interchangeable pad and shield attached via snaps to cover the aperture and a flap to cover the pad or shield. The pad is flexible and absorbent to prevent leaking, while the shield has a nipple with a drinking opening to allow an infant to breast feed. The shield also has a plastic ring seal to prevent leaking onto a woman's skin or clothes during breast feeding. However, 2012122,040 does not disclose a nursing brassiere with one affixed point for each breast cup and at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup to facilitate nursing.

In U.S. Patent App. 2012893,911, Drew discloses a brassiere comprising breast supporting cups with a frontal opening to expose the breast, the breast-supporting cup comprising a panel/flap that covers the opening and a part of which is releasably attachable to the shoulder strap of the brassiere. The clasp on the shoulder strap is movable up and down the shoulder strap to a selected position and having a clamping part so that it may be clamped at the selected position, thereby providing adjustment of the breast-supporting cup. However, 2012893,911 does not disclose a nursing brassiere with one affixed point for each breast cup and at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup to facilitate nursing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A nursing brassier with at least 2 locations for each breast cup where attachment mechanisms are used to facilitate the detachment and re-attachment of the breast cup, to facilitate nursing and comfort to the nursing mother.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a display of the framework of the nursing brassier, including the parts and connection points;

FIG. 1B is a display of the left breast cup;

FIG. 1C is a display of the right breast cup;

FIG. 2 is a display of the first embodiment of the nursing brassier where the left and right breast cups are affixed to the center front part and attachment mechanisms hold the left and right breast cups in place at the right and left wings and right and left apexes respective to the left and right portions of the nursing brassier;

FIG. 3 is a display of the second embodiment of the nursing brassier where the left and right breast cups are affixed to the apexes of each left and right portion of the nursing brassier and attachment mechanisms hold the left and right breast cups in place at the right and left wings and right and left center front part; and

FIG. 4 is a display of the third embodiment of the nursing brassier where the left and right breast cups are affixed to the left and right wings of each left and right portion of the nursing brassier and attachment mechanisms hold the left and right breast cups in place at the right and left apexes and left and right center front part.

FIG. 5 is a display of the fourth embodiment of the nursing brassier where the left and right breast cups are held in place by attachment mechanisms at the right and left apexes, left and right wings, and left and right center front part.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A nursing brassiere to help facilitate the breastfeeding of an infant composed of: a left portion 1 and a right portion 2 as well as a back portion. The left portion is comprised of a left strap 3, a left apex 4, a right neckline part 5, a left exterior part 6, a lower left part 7, a left wing 8, and a left breast cup 9. The right portion is comprised of right strap 10, a right apex 11, a left neckline part 12, a right exterior part 13, a lower right part 14, a right wing 15, and a right breast cup 16. The left portion and right portion are joined together by the center part 17. In the left portion, the left strap is affixed to the top of the left apex 18. The opposite end of the right neckline part is affixed to the left side of the center part 19. The opposite end of the left exterior part is affixed to the left wing 20. The left end of the left lower part is affixed to the left wing 21. This is the basic framework of the left portion, which may be reinforced with materials to add additional structure and support to the nursing brassiere.

In the right portion, the right strap is affixed to the top of the right apex. The opposite end of the left neckline part is affixed to the right side of the center part 23. The opposite end of the right exterior part is affixed to the right wing 24. The right end of the right lower part is affixed to the right wing 25. This is the basic framework of the right portion, which may be reinforced with materials to add additional structure and support to the nursing brassiere.

The left portion has a left breast cup 9, which is capable of supporting a breast. The left breast cup may be affixed to the basic framework of the left portion at one location and attached thereto at a minimum of 2 other locations such that the additional 2 or more locations are attached by means of attaching mechanisms that are detachable and re-attachable. The right portion has a right breast cup 16, which is capable of supporting a breast. The right breast cup may be affixed to the basic framework of the right portion at one location and attached thereto at a minimum of 2 other locations such that the additional 2 or more locations are attached by means of attaching mechanisms that are detachable and re-attachable. The left breast cup and right breast cup may be reinforced with materials to add additional structure and support to the nursing brassiere.

In one embodiment of the nursing brassiere, the left breast cup is affixed to the basic framework of the left portion at the left side of the center front part 26, while attachment mechanisms are used to attach the left breast cup at the left apex 27 and left wing 28. The right breast cup is then affixed to the basic framework of the right portion at the right side of the center front part 29, while attachment mechanisms are used to attach the right breast cup at the right apex 30 and right wing 31.

In a second embodiment of the nursing brassiere, the left breast cup is affixed to the basic framework of the left portion at the left apex 32, while attachment mechanisms are used to attach the left breast cup at the left side of the center front part 33 and left wing 34. The right breast cup is then affixed to the basic framework of the right portion at the right apex 35, while attachment mechanisms are used to attach the right breast cup at the right side of the center front part 36 and right wing 37.

In a third embodiment of the nursing brassiere, the left breast cup is affixed to the basic framework of the left portion at the left wing 38, while attachment mechanisms are used to attach the left breast cup at the left side of the center front part 39 and left apex 40. The right breast cup is then affixed to the basic framework of the right portion at the right wing 41, while attachment mechanisms are used to attach the right breast cup at the right side of the center front part 42 and right apex 43.

In a fourth embodiment of the nursing brassiere, the left breast cup is attached to the basic framework with the use of attachment mechanisms at the left wing 44, the left breast cup at the left side of the center front part 45, and left apex 46. The right breast cup is then attached to the basic framework with the use of attachment mechanisms at the right wing 47, the right side of the center front part 48 and right apex 49.

Claims

1. A nursing brassiere to facilitate the breastfeeding of an infant comprising: a left portion and right portion, where the left framework of the left portion is made up of a left strap, a left apex, a right neckline part, left exterior part, a left wing, a left lower part, and the left side of the center front part;

the structure of the left framework includes the left strap, affixed to the upper part of the left apex, the lower part of the left apex affixed to a right neckline part and left exterior part, the opposite end of the left neckline part affixed to the left side of the center front part, the opposite end of the left exterior part affixed to the left wing, the left end of the left lower part affixed to the left wing and the right end of the left lower part affixed to the left side of the center front part;
the right framework of the right portion is made up of a right strap, a right apex, a left neckline part, right exterior part, a right wing, a right lower part, and the right side of the center front part;
the structure of the right framework includes the right strap is affixed to the upper part of the right apex, the lower part of the right apex is affixed to a right neckline part and right exterior part, the opposite end of the right neckline part is affixed to the right side of the center front part, the opposite end of the right exterior part is affixed to the right wing, the right end of the right lower part affixed to the right wing and the left end of the right lower part affixed to the right side of the center front part;
the left framework and right framework are affixed in the front of the brassier at the center front part; and
the left and right upper straps and left and right wings join to form a back portion to make the nursing brassiere suitable for wearing.

2. The nursing brassiere of claim 1 where there is a left breast cup associated with the left framework capable of supporting the left breast where the left breast cup is affixed to the left side of the center front at the lower right portion of the left breast cup, the upper portion of the left breast cup is attached to the left apex by an upper left attaching mechanism such that the upper portion of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the left apex, the lower left portion of the left breast cup is attached to the left wing by a lower left attaching mechanism such that the lower left portion of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the left wing; and

the nursing brassiere of claim 1 where there is a right breast cup associated with the right framework capable of supporting a breast where the right breast cup is affixed to the right side of the center front part at the lower left portion of the right breast cup, the upper portion of the right breast cup is attached to the right apex by an upper right attaching mechanism such that the upper portion of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the right apex, the lower right portion of the right breast cup is attached to the right wing by a lower right attaching mechanism such that the lower right portion of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the right wing.

3. The nursing brassiere of claim 2 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

4. The nursing brassiere of claim 2 where any of the left and right neckline parts, left and right exterior parts, left and right lower parts, and left and right breast cups are comprised of materials that have the purpose of adding additional structure or support to the nursing brassiere.

5. The nursing brassiere of claim 4 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

6. A nursing brassiere according to claim 2 or 4, further comprising one or more additional attaching mechanisms along the lower edge of the left breast cup so that the lower edge of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the lower left part; and

a nursing brassiere according to claim 2 or 4, further comprising one or more additional attaching mechanisms along the lower edge of the right breast cup so that the lower edge of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the lower right part.

7. The nursing brassiere claim 6 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

8. The nursing brassiere of claim 1 where there is a left breast cup associated with the left framework capable of supporting a breast where the left breast cup is affixed to the left apex at the upper portion of the left breast cup, the lower right portion of the left breast cup is attached to the left side of the center front part by a center right attaching mechanism such that the lower right portion of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the center front part, the lower left portion of the left breast cup is attached to the left wing by a lower left attaching mechanism such that the lower left portion of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the left wing; and

the nursing brassiere of claim 1 where there is a right breast cup associated with the right framework capable of supporting a breast where the right breast cup is affixed to the right apex at the upper portion of the right breast cup, the lower left portion of the right breast cup is attached to the right side of the center front by an center left attaching mechanism such that the lower left portion of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the center front, the lower right portion of the right breast cup is attached to the right wing by a lower right attaching mechanism such that the lower right portion of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the right wing.

9. The nursing brassiere of claim 8 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

10. The nursing brassiere of claim 8 where any of the left and right neckline parts, left and right exterior parts, left and right lower parts, and left and right breast cups are comprised of materials that have the purpose of adding additional structure or support to the nursing brassiere.

11. The nursing brassiere of claim 10 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

12. A nursing brassiere according to claim 8 or 10, further comprising one or more additional attaching mechanisms along the lower edge of the left breast cup so that the lower edge of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the lower left part; and

a nursing brassiere according to claim 8 or 10, further comprising one or more additional attaching mechanisms along the lower edge of the right breast cup so that the lower edge of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the lower right part.

13. The nursing brassiere of claim 12 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

14. The nursing brassiere of claim 1 where there is a left breast cup associated with the left framework capable of supporting a breast where the left breast cup is affixed to the left wing at the lower left portion of the left breast cup, the upper portion of the left breast cup is attached to the left apex by an upper left attaching mechanism such that the upper portion of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the left apex, the lower right portion of the left breast cup is attached to the left side of the center front part by a center right attaching mechanism such that the lower right portion of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the left side of the center front part; and

the nursing brassiere of claim 1 where there is a right breast cup associated with the right framework capable of supporting a breast where the right breast cup is affixed to the right wing at the lower right portion of the right breast cup, the upper portion of the right breast cup is attached to the right apex by an upper right attaching mechanism such that the upper portion of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the right apex, the lower left portion of the right breast cup is attached to the right side of the center front part by a center left attaching mechanism such that the lower left portion of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the center front part.

15. The nursing brassiere of claim 14 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

16. The nursing brassiere of claim 14 where any of the left and right neckline parts, left and right exterior parts, left and right lower parts, and left and right breast cups are comprised of materials that have the purpose of adding additional structure or support to the nursing brassiere.

17. The nursing brassiere of claim 16 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

18. A nursing brassiere according to claim 14 or 16, further comprising one or more additional attaching mechanisms along the lower edge of the left breast cup so that the lower edge of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the lower left part; and

a nursing brassiere according to claim 14 or 16, further comprising one or more additional attaching mechanisms along the lower edge of the right breast cup so that the lower edge of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the lower right part.

19. The nursing brassiere of claim 18 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

20. The nursing brassiere of claim 1 where there is a left breast cup associated with the left framework capable of supporting a breast where the left breast cup is attached to the left apex at the upper portion of the left breast cup by an upper left attaching mechanism such that the lower right portion of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the left apex, the lower right portion of the left breast cup is attached to the left side of the center front part by a center right attaching mechanism such that the lower right portion of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the center front part, and the lower left portion of the left breast cup is attached to the left wing by a lower left attaching mechanism such that the lower left portion of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the left wing; and

the nursing brassiere of claim 1 where there is a right breast cup associated with the right framework capable of supporting a breast where the right breast cup is attached to the right apex at the upper portion of the right breast cup by an upper right attaching mechanism such that the lower left portion of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the right apex, the lower left portion of the right breast cup is attached to the right side of the center front by an center left attaching mechanism such that the lower left portion of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the center front, and the lower right portion of the right breast cup is attached to the right wing by a lower right attaching mechanism such that the lower right portion of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the right wing.

21. The nursing brassiere according to claim 20 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

22. The nursing brassiere of claim 20 where any of the left and right neckline parts, left and right exterior parts, left and right lower parts, and left and right breast cups are comprised of materials that have the purpose of adding additional structure or support to the nursing brassiere.

23. The nursing brassiere according to claim 22 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

24. A nursing brassiere according to claim 20 or 22, further comprising one or more additional attaching mechanisms along the lower edge of the left breast cup so that the lower edge of the left breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the lower left part; and

a nursing brassiere according to claim 20 or 22, further comprising one or more additional attaching mechanisms along the lower edge of the right breast cup so that the lower edge of the right breast cup is detachable and re-attachable to the lower right part.

25. The nursing brassiere of claim 24 where the center front part is made up of two separate pieces, the left center front part and right center front part, which are joined together by a center attaching mechanism such that the left center front part and right center front part are detachable and re-attachable from each other.

Patent History
Publication number: 20140342636
Type: Application
Filed: May 20, 2013
Publication Date: Nov 20, 2014
Inventor: Amy Beth Johnson (Collierville, TN)
Application Number: 13/897,577
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Closable Aperture Permits Access To Breast I.e., Nursing Type (450/36)
International Classification: A41C 3/04 (20060101);