Lactation Aid and Soothing Garment

Abstract

A lactation aid and soothing garment suspends thermal management pads near the surface of a patient's breasts by means of an adjustable-length neck band passing behind the patient's neck. The thermal management pads contain a heat-absorbing material that can be heated or cooled, for example in a microwave oven or a refrigerator, to apply heat or cold therapy to the breasts. Some embodiments comprise separable nipple soothers that can be heated or cooled to a different temperature so that the nipples can receive different temperature therapy than the bulk of the breast. Some embodiments facilitate the use of a mechanical breast pump while the thermal therapy is underway. Features of an embodiment allow a patient to wear the garment in a variety of ways in addition to around the neck (e.g., around the waist).

Description

CONTINUITY AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This is a United States national-phase patent application filed under 35 U.S.C. §371, claiming priority to PCT patent application PCT/IB2013/061299 filed 23 Dec. 2013 and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/732,399 filed 1 Jan. 2013. For U.S. purposes, this application is a continuation-in-part of the latter application.

FIELD

The invention relates to functional garments and clothing-like accessories. More specifically, the invention relates to garments for providing localized heating and/or cooling to relieve discomfort associated with lactation, breast feeding of infants, breast cancer treatments, breast surgery and certain physical injuries and ailments.

BACKGROUND

While specifically addressing the complications that can arise during breast feeding, it should be noted that most women find the vast majority of their nursing experiences to be some of their most intimate and beautiful times with their children. Many mothers experience difficulties with lactation. Within 72 hours of giving birth (or throughout a woman's nursing duration), often women experience engorgement of their breasts as their breasts start producing more milk to meet the needs of a nursing infant. More blood flows to the breasts and some of the surrounding tissue can swell, eliciting swollen, tender, throbbing breasts. Fortunately, engorgement may pass quickly (24 to 48 hours if nursing regularly) for most women. Unfortunately, when engorgement does not resolve, it can lead to more serious and painful complications of breastfeeding. This can result in problems not only for the mother but for the feeding infant as well.

Clogged ducts are the enemy of a nursing mother. Milk does not flow freely with clogged ducts, which can result in the feeding infant's nutritional demands not being met. Sometimes a milk duct leading from the milk-making cells through an area of the breast and nipple get plugged (blocked), resulting in a tender lump beneath the areola, and potentially a wedge-shaped area of redness extending from the lump back towards the wall of the chest. While the initial discomfort of a clogged duct may come and go, if left untreated clogged ducts may become infected resulting in mastitis or diminished milk supply.

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue. In addition to breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness of the breast, mastitis also includes flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, chills, and exhaustion. Recommended treatments of engorgement, clogged ducts, and mastitis include the application of heat or cold therapy as well as the continued expression of milk from the breast(s), either by nursing or pumping. By reducing the speed of impulses conducted by nerve fibers pain sensations are reduced by cold. Additionally, cold causes constriction of the blood vessels and veins thereby reducing swelling. While it is not well known how the administration of heat reduces pain, it is well known that heat therapy produces a “relaxing and soothing” feeling to the patient as well as opening blood vessels, increasing blood flow, and helping to increase milk flow. When a nursing mother is able to relax, the oxytocin hormone is released, which stimulates milk expulsion while stimulating prolactin, which helps in the production of milk.

New breast feeding mothers are prone to neck tension and discomfort from looking down at their babies and breasts while nursing. This posture creates neck, head and shoulder tension, which can restrict blood-flow in the neck area, which in turn may restrict blood flow to the breast area resulting in possible restricted milk production and restricted milk expulsion. While often painful, emptying the milk from the affected breast frequently is important to recovering from the aforementioned conditions. In particular, pumping via an automated breast pump can be beneficial due the fact that the pumping speed and suction can be increased/decreased accordingly.

In order to provide some relief, individual cold packs and warm compresses are utilized. However, this approach is cumbersome and inefficient, requiring a “spare hand” to hold the pack or compress in place, that a nursing mother simply does not have. When treating for clogged milk ducts, in addition to heat and suction, massaging the affected area becomes impossible. A mother simply cannot apply a compress, pump (or nurse), massage and care for her infant simultaneously with just two hands. Existing products require a mother to stuff thermal packs inside her bra with direct contact with the skin, which can be uncomfortable, unsightly and can possibly burn the skin.

Beyond nursing mothers, this invention is also well suited for women who experience breast discomfort from breast cancer treatments and any type of breast related surgery, hot flashes and even PMS. Nursing women and non-nursing women who suffer from Raynaud's Disease can also benefit greatly from this invention in that it aids in blood circulation to affected areas. Inflammation from treatments and surgery can be treated with cold breast therapy, and the combination of warm and cold therapy helps circulate good blood to the affected area resulting in faster recovery times.

SUMMARY

At the heart of the present invention is a soothing garment and hands-free lactation aid that allows for the application of heat and cold therapy to both breasts and the neck (as well as to other body parts). Embodiments are adjustable, can be worn over clothing, and many versions are modular, allowing portions of the embodiment to be used separately or in flexible combinations such as attached to clothing. Some embodiments are washable, and some employ natural, non-toxic thermal media that retain heat and cold for reasonably long periods of time. In one variation, the therapeutic garment supports a mechanical breast pump, allowing the user to simultaneously pump while applying warm or cold therapy to her breasts, while having free hands to massage her breasts if she is attempting to loosen a clogged milk duct.

In addition to applying soothing comfort to the breast and neck, the present invention comprises features that allow it to be worn around the waist to help ease discomfort from the pelvic and lower back areas with the application of heat and cold therapy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean “at least one.”

FIG. 1 shows a female figure wearing a typical embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows several components that may be present in an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a simple embodiment.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show front and ¾ rear views of a patient wearing an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows an alternate position where an embodiment can be secured.

FIG. 6 shows another alternate position where an embodiment can be worn.

FIGS. 7a and 7b show front and ¾ rear views of an embodiment in another wearing position.

FIG. 8 shows a thermal management pad of an embodiment sized for a patient with smaller breasts.

FIG. 9 shows a thermal management pad of an embodiment sized for a patient with larger breasts.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of a thermal management pad suited for a larger-breasted patient.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section of a thermal management pad that may be used in the neck band portion of an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a neck-band thermal management pad.

FIG. 13 shows how a thermal management pad may be inserted and secured in a neck band.

FIG. 14 shows some details of a multi-part thermal management pad.

FIG. 15 shows how a thermal management pad and cover may be adjustably secured to a neck band.

FIG. 16 shows an arrangement of neck band and thermal management pad cover to reduce the number of exposed edges and cloth flaps.

FIGS. 17-19 show front, side and rear views of a thermal insert according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 20-22 show front, side and rear views of another thermal insert according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show details of a nipple soother that may be used with many of the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show the relationship between a thermal insert or thermal management pad and a nipple soother used therewith.

FIGS. 27-33 show a variety of ways that an individual component of an embodiment may be secured to a garment and used separately.

FIGS. 34 and 35 show details of parts or accessories of an embodiment that allow a portion of the embodiment to be secured to a garment and used separately.

FIG. 36 shows the accessories of FIGS. 34 and 35 as applied to secure a portion of the embodiment to a garment.

FIG. 37 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 38 shows how an embodiment that accommodates a mechanical breast pump can be worn by a patient.

FIG. 39 shows an accessory that may be preferred by some patients.

FIG. 40 shows how an individual portion of a breast-pump-facilitating embodiment may be secured to a garment and used separately.

FIGS. 41 and 42 show front and side views of an embodiment that accommodates a breast pump.

FIGS. 43-47 show a variety of length-adjustment mechanisms that may be used on a reduced-cost embodiment.

FIGS. 48-50 show variously sized, non-adjustable embodiments in several different shapes.

FIGS. 51-56 show a number of thermal management pad sizes, shapes, and attachment mechanisms.

FIG. 57 shows another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 58 shows a low-cost embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 59 and 60 show details of one thermal management pad and strap similar to the low-cost embodiment of FIG. 58.

FIG. 61 shows thermal management pad quilting in a low-cost embodiment.

FIG. 62 shows how a low-cost embodiment may nevertheless be used with a nipple soother.

FIG. 63 shows an embodiment that may be suitable for use in a clinical setting.

FIGS. 64 and 65 show an embodiment that uses an alternate length-adjustment mechanism, where the length has been adjusted to two different lengths.

FIG. 66 shows another embodiment with an alternate length adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 67 shows an embodiment which is adjusted via a crossover or pass-through pocket.

FIG. 68 shows a patient wearing the crossover embodiment of FIG. 67.

FIGS. 69-71 show embodiments with several alternate temperature adjusting (heating or cooling) subsystems.

FIG. 72 is a front view of an embodiment similar to that in FIG. 57. The thermal management pads are shown adjusted to different lengths.

FIG. 73 is a rear ¾ view of a patient wearing an embodiment like that in FIGS. 57 and 72.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a general perspective view of a female patient (dashed lines) wearing a typical embodiment of the invention 100. This Figure shows many (but not all) features of an embodiment: there are two thermal management pads (110, 120) joined together by a flexible, elongated neck band 130 which passes behind the patient's neck. In this embodiment, each thermal management pad 110, 120 is secured to a lateral end of the neck band 130 by means of buttons 140, 150. The neck band 130 comprises a plurality of button-holes 160, 170, so that the distance between the thermal management pads in the long direction of the neck band may be adjusted. It should be noted that the method of attaching the thermal management pad may employ other attachment methods, such as (without limitation) buttons, snaps, ties, hooks, clips, quick-release fasteners, zippers or magnets. Typically, a patient would adjust the length of the garment so that each thermal management pad hangs at about the level of the patient's breasts. In this embodiment, a small strap 180 is used to hold the two thermal management pads relatively close to one another, so that the pads do not slide laterally off to the sides of the patient's breasts.

In all embodiments, the thermal management pads contain a material having an effective thermal mass that is capable of absorbing and re-radiating heat over a period of time. In use, the heat-absorbing material is either heated (e.g., in a microwave oven) or cooled (e.g., in a refrigerator or freezer) and then the heated or cooled pads are secured over the patient's breasts to apply hot or cold therapy. Suitable heat-absorbing materials include natural grains or substances such as rice, corn (maize), wheat, flax or rye; other natural materials such as buckwheat hulls, walnut shells, cherry pits, apricot pits, clay, sand or water; beads or granules of an inorganic material such ceramic beads, metal or stones (gravel); synthetic materials such as polymer pellets, sodium acetate gel or non-migrating gel; or materials that undergo air activated-exothermic oxidation, exothermic crystallization or endothermic reaction. Non-toxic materials are preferred, as are materials that are inert and relatively unsusceptible to damage by heat, moisture and mechanical agitation. Materials that can be heated by exposure to microwaves in a microwave oven perform well. In a preferred natural-grain embodiment, rice is used. In a preferred inorganic-material embodiment, ceramic beads or thermal beads are used. Many of these materials may be reheated and reused many times. However, single-use heating or cooling packets may also be used. Selection among these and other suitable materials is within the capabilities of one of ordinary skill in the relevant arts.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment similar to the one in FIG. 1, in which several portions of the garment have been disassembled to show internal structures. In this Figure, the neck band 230 and thermal management pads 210, 220 can be seen as relatively thin, two-sided structures. The two different surfaces (233 and 236 of the neck band 230; and 215 and 225 of the thermal management pads 210, 220) may be finished with different materials, such as a cooling fabric 215 that feels cool against a patient's skin and facilitates the absorption of body heat into the thermal insert 240 for cold therapy; and a warming fabric 225 that feels warm against a patient's skin and facilitates the radiation of heat from a heated thermal insert 250 into the patient's breasts for heat therapy. Typically, the invention would be worn cool-fabric side toward the body for cool therapy and warm-fabric side toward the body for heat therapy. Thus, having warm and cool sides distinguished by color, fabric, texture and/or pattern is preferred. (Note that thermal management pads 210 and 220 comprise covers and separate thermal inserts.) The outer edges of the pad covers may be finished with a robust binding material 218 to prevent wear and damage to the edges of the fabrics on the inner and outer faces of the pads. The binding material also permits less-expensive manufacturing practices. (The same binding technique may also be used to finish the edges of the thermal inserts 240, 250 and 270.)

In this embodiment, the neck band and thermal pad portions are configured as covers for removable thermal inserts 240, 250 and 270. The removable thermal inserts contain the heat-absorbing material, and may be placed in the microwave or freezer separately from the neck band and pad covers.

This Figure shows that each pad cover (“breast cozy”) has an opening 260 through which a thermal insert 240, 250 can be inserted and removed. The neck band 230 also has an opening 235 through which another thermal insert 270 can be inserted and removed. The breast cozy openings are closed by buttons 280, which also serve to secure the thermal management pad structure at an adjustable position along the length of the neck band 230.

The thermal inserts contain effective quantities of heat-absorbing materials such as grain, rice, metal shot, thermal beads, water, thermal gel, or similar substances. The pads may be quilted as shown at 245, 255 to help prevent the heat-absorbing materials from settling at one side of the insert and improve uniformity of heat/cold distribution.

A button 290 and button-hole 295 near edges of the thermal management pads serve as an attachment mechanism to hold the two thermal management pads relatively close to one another and prevent them from sliding laterally off a patient's breasts and allow for alternative wearing positions, such as around the waist.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of an embodiment, with the thermal management pads 310 and 320 located at opposite ends of the neck band 330. The neck band may be mostly straight and rectangular, or may have an enlarged portion near its midpoint, as shown here. The enlarged portion may contain heat-absorbing material, or may have a pocket to contain a removable thermal insert containing the heat absorbing material (as shown in FIG. 2).

FIGS. 4a and 4b show front ¼ and back ¾ views, respectively, of a patient wearing an embodiment of the invention. Note at 495 that the thermal management pads are slightly overlapping: they are being held together by a button/button-hole attachment mechanism that prevents the pads from sliding to the sides and off the patient's breasts.

FIG. 5 shows how one thermal management pad 510 can be moved and placed on the patient's shoulder to permit access to a breast for feeding an infant or for pumping (the neck band 530 wraps around the patient's neck).

FIG. 6 shows another position in which an embodiment may be worn. This position facilitates the application of heat or cold therapy to one breast, including the side thereof and also the patient's back. This position is especially effective for relieving pain from deeply clogged milk ducts. At 695, the inter-pad attachment mechanism can be seen to hold the pads together at the patient's side.

FIG. 7a shows how the thermal pad attachment mechanism (a button and button-hole 795 in this embodiment, see detail 710) may be used to secure the embodiment around a patient's waist, for applying heat or cold to the patient's pelvic area for after pains, pelvic cramps and/or endometriosis discomfort. Inset 710 shows the reverse side of the structure; note that the pad attachment mechanism 795 hold the pads together so that the same sides (warm or cool) face in the same direction. FIG. 7b is a rear ¾ view of the same patient, showing that the “neck” band 730 (used here as a “body” band) traverses the small of the patient's back; if the embodiment comprises a thermal management pad in the neck band, it can apply heat or cold to the patient's lower back for relieving back tension or epidural discomfort.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show that the thermal management pads may be of varying sizes (810, 910), to suit varying patient breast sizes. Larger thermal management pads (910, for larger breasts) may be constructed with a slightly contoured profile (shown in FIG. 10 as section A-A) to conform better to the larger breast. The contour may be formed, for example, by sewing darts 913, 916, 919 radially in a roughly-circular pad and/or pad-cover.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a thermal management pad 1100 suitable for use in a pocket of a neck band. In the plan view of the same pad, FIG. 12, one can see that the pad 1200 is quilted (stitch lines 1210) to help maintain a uniform distribution of heat-absorbing material over the entire pad. Elastic loops 1250 are shown at each end of 1200 to prevent sliding within the neck band. FIG. 13 shows that the thermal management pad 1300 may be inserted through an opening 1310 of the neck band 1330 and secured in place by means of (internal) buttons 1340 and loops 1350 at either end of the pad.

FIG. 14 shows details of a thermal pad cover (breast cozy) 1410 and a removable thermal insert 1440 that can be inserted therein. The thermal insert includes a strap 1450, whose function will be described later. The breast cozy is a two-surfaced pocket structure with an opening 1460 through which the thermal insert 1440 can be inserted. The opening may be closed by buttons 1470 and button-holes 1480. A strip of hook-and-loop fabric 1490 inside the cozy 1410 may help suspend thermal insert 1440 within the cover, without slumping to the bottom. In this figure, a button-hole 1495 comprises half of the mechanism for securing this thermal pad cover to another thermal pad cover which will be positioned at the other end of the neck band.

FIG. 15 shows that the buttons 1580 and button-holes 1590 that close the opening of a breast cozy also serve to secure the breast cozy 1510 to neck band 1530. Since the neck band 1530 has a plurality of button-holes 1535 positioned at varying distances along its length, the position of the breast cozy 1510 and its enclosed thermal insert (not shown) may be adjusted to suit the position of the patient's breasts. Note that buttons 1580 will pass through the neck band button holes 1535, and then through the corresponding breast cozy button-holes 1590. The free end of the neck band may be tucked into the breast cozy pocket, as shown in FIG. 16.

FIGS. 17-19 show front, side and rear views, respectively, of a thermal insert of an embodiment (1740). The pad may have quilting (e.g., stitching 1750 forming closed compartments with central circular stitch 1760; or partial barriers 1770) to control the movement of heat-absorbing material within the pad. One surface of the pad 1780 may be covered with a different material than the other surface of the pad 1980. The center of at least one side of the pad may comprise a segment of loop fabric 1910, whose purpose will be discussed later. These views show a strap 1720 and snap 1925, which may be used to secure the pad to a patient's bra strap or tank top so that the pad can be used alone, without the neck strap or other pad. A button-hole-like feature 1930 may be provided so that the pad can be hung from a hook of a nursing bra, as detailed below.

The thermal management pad shown in FIGS. 17-19 is suitable for smaller breasts, and so its profile is relatively flat (FIG. 18). Of course, the pad is made of supple material, so that it can conform to moderate curvatures of the patient's body. It should be noted that the method of attaching the thermal management pad may employ other attachment methods, such as (without limitation) buttons, snaps, ties, hooks, clips, quick-release fasteners, zippers or magnets.

In contrast, FIGS. 20-22 show a thermal insert suitable for use by a larger-breasted patient. This pad has many of the same features as the pad discussed with reference to FIGS. 17-19, but in addition to the quilting 2060 and 2070, darts or puckers 2076, 2077, 2078, may be provided so that the pad can conform more closely with a larger, more pronounced breast. To reduce pad weight and improve heat distribution, certain quilted compartments 2080 may be empty (i.e., not filled with heat-absorbing material). FIG. 22 shows a section of loop fabric 2210 which could mate with a corresponding section of hook fabric as shown in, for example, FIG. 14 at 1490.

Turning next to FIGS. 23 and 24, those figures show a disc-shaped nipple soother 2300. The nipple soother has a smooth surface 2310, opposite a disc of hook fabric 2420 which allows the nipple soother to be secured to a center area of a thermal insert such as those discussed with reference to FIGS. 17-22. The nipple soother may also contain heat-absorbing material, which may be heated or cooled separately from the main thermal management pad. Thus, the combination of thermal management pad and nipple soother may be used to apply different temperatures to different areas of a patient's breast.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show how a nipple soother 2300 may be secured to the loop fabric 1910 of a thermal insert 1740. In the profile view of FIG. 26, note that the nipple soother 2300 is approximately coplanar with the rest of the thermal management pad. The surface on which the nipple soother is located would be placed in contact with the patient's breast (either directly or over the patient's clothing).

FIG. 27 shows how an individual thermal management pad 2700 may be worn by securing a strap 2720 around the shoulder strap 2730 of a tank top, camisole or bra (not shown). This arrangement illustrates why the straps identified as, e.g., 1720 in FIGS. 17-22, are only fixed to the pad at one end, and use a snap, button or hook-and-loop fastener to secure the other end: the partially-free strap permits the pad to be secured easily to a shoulder strap of a garment or a bra strap without removing the garment or bra.

FIG. 28 shows that an individual thermal management pad 2800 may be worn over a tee-shirt 2810 or similar garment by sliding a bra strap 2820 enough to expose it through the neck opening of the garment, and then securing the pad to the bra strap as explained above.

An inexpensive embodiment (FIG. 29) may use simple tie strings 2910, 2920 instead of a strap with snaps, buttons or hook-and-loop fabric. This Figure also introduces another feature that may be present in some embodiments: the thermal management pad may have a central opening 2930 (i.e., it may be an annulus or donut-shape containing heat-absorbing material).

FIG. 30 shows another way that an individual thermal management pad 3000 may be secured in place to a patient's garment: here, the strap 3010 of a snap-style nursing bra or camisole 3020 can be disconnected and the strap passed through the button-hole-like feature 3030 (similar to 1930 in FIGS. 17-22). Once the strap is re-connected, the thermal management pad 3000 will hang in the correct position at the top edge of the bra or camisole.

FIG. 31 shows another possible attachment: with a nursing bra 3110 having a hook 3120 holding a panel over the breast, button-hole 3130 may be hung from the same hook (with the bra panel open or closed, as the patient prefers).

FIGS. 32 and 33 show two further alternate embodiments: in FIG. 32, a quick-release buckle 3210 is used to hang thermal management pad 3200 from a camisole shoulder strap 3220. Note also that the thermal management pad may take a shape other than roughly circular. Here, it is hexagonal. However, quilting is still preferred to help prevent settling of the heat-absorbing material.

In FIG. 33, a flexible, open plastic hook 3310 is used to hang the thermal management pad 3300 from the camisole shoulder strap 3320.

FIG. 36 shows yet another single-thermal-pad attachment arrangement. Here, a breast cozy 3600 comprising buttons 3610 for closing the opening may be used with a short, elongated strap 3410 having button holes 3400 at either end (FIG. 34). The strap is attached to the buttons of the breast cozy, FIG. 35, and passed around the camisole shoulder strap to suspend the breast cozy and its enclosed thermal insert.

FIGS. 37-42 show embodiments incorporating an important variation of the basic invention discussed heretofore. Beginning with FIG. 37, note that it shows a plan view of an embodiment similar to the one depicted in FIG. 3. However, in FIG. 37, the thermal management pads 3710 and 3720 have a more complex shape: they are partial annuli, having an outer radius 3730, an inner radius 3740, and an expandable gap 3750. The expandable gap is bridged by an elastic member 3760 which pulls the ends of the annulus back together after they are stretched apart. Note also that the partially-annular thermal management pads have loops at several locations 3770, 3775. The purpose of those loops will be discussed presently. Other portions of this embodiment are similar to earlier ones: the neck strap 3780 is the same, with multiple button holes to permit adjustment of the distance 3790 between the thermal management pads in the direction of the neck strap.

Turning next to FIG. 38, the embodiment is shown on a female patient. Like other forms, this one is adjusted so that the thermal management pads 3810, 3820 hang at about the level of the patient's breasts, and in particular, so that the inner diameters of the partial annuli 3815, 3825 are near the patient's nipples. A belt 3840 may be connected from one loop 3870, around the patient's back and to another loop, so that the thermal management pads are held more securely against the patient's breasts.

This Figure shows the purpose of the annular thermal management pad shape as well: a breast pump 3890 may be positioned with its funnel inserted through an annulus inner diameter, so that the pump may be operated while the thermal pads are in contact with the breasts. I.e., the expandable gap of an annulus is opened and the funnel portion of breast pump 3890 is inserted therethrough. Then, the expandable gap is allowed to close, so that the neck of the funnel is held in position, but the cone or mouth of the funnel cannot be pulled back out easily.)

This embodiment improves patient comfort during breast pumping by offering thermal therapy, relieves the patient of having to hold the breast pump in position by hand, and allows the patient to massage her breast while expressing milk. The embodiment may comprise a privacy shield or gown 3930, as shown in FIG. 39. The gown may attach over the thermal management pads 3920 by the same buttons that hold the thermal management pads to the neck strap (which are the same buttons that close the breast cozy pockets), or to any other button hole or other attachment mechanism along the neck band.

FIG. 40 shows how the thermal management pad of an annular-opening embodiment may be used separately from the neck strap and another thermal pad. Like the earlier embodiments, the thermal pad 4000 comprises features such as a strap 4020 and/or a button-hole 4030 that facilitate the attachment of the pad to a patient's nursing garment, in a position suitable for operating a breast pump 4090.

FIGS. 41 and 42 show details of the annular-opening style of thermal management pad. Like the solid (non-annular) embodiments, quilting may be used to prevent the heat-absorbing material from shifting or settling. FIG. 41 clearly shows the elastic band 4160 that closes the expandable gap. In place of the elastic band, an alternate closure such as a button, snap, tie string or segment of hook-and-loop fabric, may be used to close the gap.

FIGS. 43-47 show several lower-cost embodiments, where only one of the two thermal management pads is position-adjustable. In FIG. 43, the right pad 4310 is adjusted by buttons and button-holes, as in previously-discussed embodiments. In FIG. 44, adjustment is accomplished by mating snaps 4450. FIG. 45 shows an embodiment that uses tie strings 4550 through button holes 4560. FIG. 46 uses hook-and-loop fabric sections 4650. FIG. 47 uses a shortening belt 4750, with a hook-and-loop securing section 4760.

Embodiments may also be made in fixed sizes, and in various shapes, as shown in FIGS. 48-50. These embodiments may be directly filled with heat-absorbing material, or may comprise a cover into which one or more thermal pads may be inserted. Although not shown in these Figures, quilting would probably be used to prevent undesired shifting and settling of the heat-absorbing material.

FIGS. 51-56 show a number of additional variations, including differently-shaped thermal management pads (circular 5110, oval 5210, hexagonal 5310, square 5410 or teardrop-shaped 5610); and different length-adjustment mechanisms (multiple buttons 5150, snaps 5250, ties 5350, hook-and-loop 5450, or single buttons 5550). A hook-and-loop securing embodiment like the one shown in FIG. 55 may permit additional thermal management pads 5530 to be positioned along the neck band, allowing heat or cold therapy to be applied to a body part across which the band travels. (Typically, the neck band passes behind the neck, but recall that FIGS. 6, 7a and 7b show alternate wearing positions that place the neck band against the shoulder or the small of the back.)

FIG. 57 shows a more-structured embodiment, where a cape-like portion 5730 covers more of the neck and shoulders, while still performing the thermal management pad suspension duties of the previously-depicted embodiments. The ends of this embodiment, 5710 and 5720, are the thermal management breast pads. Cape-like portion 5730 is quilted and contains heat-absorbing material.

FIG. 58 shows another low-cost embodiment. Here, two similar or identical thermal management pads 5810, 5820 are provided with a cloth strap (refer to element 5930 or 6030 in FIG. 59 or 60). The bulbous end of the embodiment contains heat-absorbing material, while the cloth straps may be tied together (5850) to form an adjustable-length embodiment. FIGS. 59 and 60 show how this embodiment may be formed as a pocket to contain a thermal management pad as earlier described: either a partially annular one 5910 with expanding gap (FIG. 59) to accommodate a breast pump, or a standard non-opening one (FIG. 60, 6010). Note that the inserted thermal management pads may comprise some or all of the various features discussed with reference, particularly, to FIGS. 14-26 (including, in particular, the nipple soother 6040). At FIG. 59, 5912, note that the elastic at the expandable-gap may be disconnected at one side to facilitate inserting the thermal insert into a breast cozy.

FIGS. 61 and 62 show a low-cost embodiment like 58-60, where the heat-absorbing material is contained directly in a quilted sheath, rather than a thermal insert to be placed in a pocket. Cloth straps can be tied together to adjust length. The embodiment may have a cool side and a warm side, as previously discussed.

FIG. 63 shows an embodiment that is suitable for use in a hospital or clinic setting: the thermal management pads 6310, 6320 may be made of (or covered with) a medical grade antimicrobial material that is compatible with industrial cleaning and sterilization practices. The embodiment uses a length of webbing 6330 for a neck strap, and the length of the garment can be adjusted by a buckle mechanism 6340. At 6350, one can see a snap on a webbing tab; the two tabs can be snapped together to hold the thermal management pads in position over the patient's breasts.

This embodiment introduces another inventive feature that may be present on any version of the invention. Here, a graduated indicator 6351 is disposed on one of the thermal management pads. The indicator shows the temperature of the pad, as suggested by inset 6360. A variety of indicators may be used: for example, a direct-reading temperature scale, or a temperature sensitive material over the thermal management pad, which changes color according to the temperature of the pad. This feature may provide warning of an overheated thermal management pad, to help prevent patient injury.

FIGS. 64 and 65 show another alternate embodiment where length adjustment is accomplished by using an internal elastic cord 6450 that pulls thermal management pads 6410, 6420 up (FIG. 64) or allows them to hang further down (FIG. 65). A cord stopper 6460 secures the cord at the desired position, leaving the thermal management pads hanging at a suitable length.

FIG. 66 shows how an elastic band (or tie) 6650 may be used to hold the thermal management pad ends 6610, 6620 at a shorter or longer distance 6680 apart. Other mechanical fastening mechanisms may be used to hold the pads at a desired location.

FIG. 67 shows yet another alternate embodiment, where a quilted, basically rectangular garment 6700 comprises a through pocket 6750. One end of the garment 6710 is passed through the pocket, forming a crossover, so that one end of the garment 6710 is positioned over one breast and the other end 6720 is positioned over the other breast (FIG. 68).

Although the embodiments described heretofore have accomplished thermal management and the delivery of heating or cooling therapy by heating (or cooling) a heat-absorbing material contained in a thermal management pad, FIGS. 69-70 show that embodiments may use electric power to create temperature differences. Electric power may be provided by batteries (FIG. 69, 6933), or by an external power supply (FIG. 70, 7033), which may or may not be rechargeable. In some embodiments, the heating and/or cooling material may be a liquid urged through tubes 7115 and 7125 in the thermal management pads 7110, 7120 by a pump 7140 (FIG. 71).

FIG. 72 shows a variation of the cape-like embodiment first introduced at FIG. 57. This embodiment comprises thermal management pads 7210, 7220 which may be secured at adjustable positions by buttons and buttonholes, or by any other mechanism discussed in the foregoing. FIG. 73 shows a side view of a patient wearing the embodiment of FIG. 72.

The applications of the present invention have been described largely by reference to specific embodiments and combinations of features. However, those of skill in the art will recognize that beneficial heating or cooling effects can be provided to a patient's breasts (or other areas) by embodiments that combine different selections of the features disclosed herein. For example, one implementation may be two thermal management pads, each such pad constructed of materials having an effective thermal mass and each finished with at least one soft, compliant outer surface; a flexible, elongated neck band configured to join the two thermal management pads together so that one thermal management pad is located near each end of the neck band; and an attachment mechanism to hold the two thermal management pads relatively close to one another, such that the soft, compliant outer surfaces thereof face in one common direction.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein a distance between the thermal management pads is adjustable in a direction parallel to a long axis of the neck band.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein each thermal management pad contains a natural grain.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein each thermal management pad contains granules of an inorganic-material.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein at least one thermal management pad is to be attached to the neck band by mating buttons and button-holes.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein each thermal management pad comprises a thermal management pad cover and a removable thermal management pad insert.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein the flexible, elongated neck band comprises a third thermal management pad.

Another embodiment may comprise two thermal management pads, each pad comprising a fabric container holding an effective quantity of heat-absorbing material; two thermal management pad covers, each cover comprising a fabric container sized to enclose one thermal management pad, each cover having an opening through which the enclosed thermal management pad may be inserted and removed, and each opening secured by a button and a button-hole; an elongated neck band having a plurality of button-holes at each end thereof, a width of said neck band being similar to a width of the thermal management pad cover openings, and said neck band button-holes positioned to accept buttons of a thermal management pad cover button; and one of a strap, a buckle, a button, or a hook-and-loop fastener positioned to secure one side of a first thermal management pad cover to another side of a second thermal management pad cover.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein each thermal management pad is quilted to restrict movement of the effective quantity of heat-absorbing material contained therein.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein each thermal management pad is contoured to conform more closely to a breast shape.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein each thermal management pad comprises a section of a loop side of hook-and-loop fabric, the breast garment further comprising two disc-shaped nipple soothers, each nipple soother containing a quantity of heat absorbing material and each nipple soother secured to a section of a hook side of hook-and-loop fabric, so that each nipple soother may be removably affixed to a corresponding one of the two thermal management pads.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein each thermal management pad comprises a strap that is permanently connected on one end and detachably connected on another end.

Another embodiment may be a breast garment wherein two partially-annular thermal management pads having an outer diameter, an inner diameter and an expandable gap, said inner diameter and expandable gap in an expanded state large enough to accommodate a funnel of a breast pump and said inner diameter and expandable gap in an unexpanded state large enough to accommodate a neck of the funnel of the breast pump but not large enough to accommodate the funnel of the breast pump; a flexible, elongated neck band joining the two partially-annular thermal management pads; a length-adjustment mechanism to alter a distance between the two partially-annular thermal management pads in a long direction of the neck band so that the partially-annular thermal management pads can be positioned on a patient with a first inner diameter of a first of the two partially-annular thermal management pads located near a nipple of a left breast of the patient and a second inner diameter of a second of the two partially-annular thermal management pads located near a nipple of a right breast of the patient, the flexible elongated neck band passing behind a neck of the patient; and a belt to pass around a back of the patient from the first partially-annular thermal management pad to the second partially-annular thermal management pad to hold the partially-annular thermal management pads against the breasts of the patient.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment, further comprising a privacy gown configured to be secured to cover both of the partially-annular thermal management pads.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein each partially-annular thermal management pad comprises a partially-annular thermal management pad insert containing an effective quantity of a heat-absorbing material, said pad insert having quilting to prevent free movement of the heat-absorbing material within the pad insert; and a partially-annular thermal management pad cover to contain the partially-annular thermal management pad insert, said thermal management pad cover having an opening to admit the thermal management pad insert, and said opening to be closed with a button and button-hole closure.

Another embodiment may be a breast garment comprising two similar contoured breast cozies, each containing an effective quantity of a thermal management substance and each sized and shaped to contact a substantial portion of a surface of a left or right breast of a patient; a neck strap to join the two breast cozies; and length adjustment means for altering a distance between the two breast cozies along the neck strap so that each breast cozy hangs near a respective left or right breast when suspended by the neck strap passing behind a neck of the patient.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment, further comprising anti-separation means to prevent the breast cozies from separating and sliding laterally off patient's left and right breasts.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein the length adjustment means comprises a button and a plurality of button-holes.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein the length adjustment means comprises a tie string and a plurality of button-holes.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein the length adjustment means comprises a snap post and a plurality of mating snap sockets.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein the length adjustment means comprises a hook fabric patch and a plurality of mating loop fabric patches.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein each breast cozy comprises a fabric pocket having a heating-application side and an opposite cooling application side; and a thermal insert containing the effective quantity of the thermal management substance, said thermal insert sized to fit in the fabric pocket.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein the thermal management substance is rice.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein the thermal management substance is thermal beads.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein the thermal insert comprises means for securing the thermal insert to one of a bra strap, a tank top strap, or a nursing bra hook.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein the thermal insert comprises a removable nipple soother.

Another embodiment may be the foregoing breast garment wherein the removable nipple soother contains a second thermal management substance, said second thermal management substance to be heated or cooled to a different temperature than the thermal management substance of the thermal insert.

These and other variations, combinations and alternate implementations are understood to be captured according to the following claims.

Claims

1. A therapeutic breast garment comprising:

two thermal management pads, each such pad constructed of materials having an effective thermal mass and each finished with at least one soft, compliant outer surface;

a flexible, elongated neck band configured to join the two thermal management pads together so that one thermal management pad is located near each end of the neck band; and

an attachment mechanism to hold the two thermal management pads relatively close to one another, such that the soft, compliant outer surfaces thereof face in one common direction.

2. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 1 wherein a distance between the thermal management pads is adjustable in a direction parallel to a long axis of the neck band.

3. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 1 wherein each thermal management pad contains a natural grain.

4. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 1 wherein each thermal management pad contains granules of an inorganic-material.

5. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 1 wherein at least one thermal management pad is to be attached to the neck band by mating buttons and button-holes.

6. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 1 wherein each thermal management pad comprises a thermal management pad cover and a removable thermal management pad insert.

7. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 1 wherein the flexible, elongated neck band comprises a third thermal management pad.

8. A therapeutic breast garment comprising:

two thermal management pads, each pad comprising a fabric container holding an effective quantity of heat-absorbing material;

two thermal management pad covers, each cover comprising a fabric container sized to enclose one thermal management pad, each cover having an opening through which the enclosed thermal management pad may be inserted and removed, and each opening secured by a button and a button-hole;

an elongated neck band having a plurality of button-holes at each end thereof, a width of said neck band being similar to a width of the thermal management pad cover openings, and said neck band button-holes positioned to accept buttons of a thermal management pad cover button; and

one of a strap, a buckle, a snap, a button, or a hook-and-loop fastener positioned to secure one side of a first thermal management pad cover to another side of a second thermal management pad cover.

9. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 8 wherein each thermal management pad is quilted to restrict movement of the effective quantity of heat-absorbing material contained therein.

10. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 8 wherein each thermal management pad is contoured to conform more closely to a breast shape.

11. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 8 wherein each thermal management pad comprises a section of a loop side of hook-and-loop fabric, the breast garment further comprising:

two disc-shaped nipple soothers, each nipple soother containing a quantity of heat absorbing material and each nipple soother secured to a section of a hook side of hook-and-loop fabric, so that each nipple soother may be removably affixed to a corresponding one of the two thermal management pads.

12. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 8 wherein each thermal management pad comprises a strap that is permanently connected on one end and detachably connected on another end.

13. A therapeutic breast garment comprising:

two partially-annular thermal management pads having an outer diameter, an inner diameter and an expandable gap, said inner diameter and expandable gap in an expanded state large enough to accommodate a funnel of a breast pump and said inner diameter and expandable gap in an unexpanded state large enough to accommodate a neck of the funnel of the breast pump but not large enough to accommodate the funnel of the breast pump;

a flexible, elongated neck band joining the two partially-annular thermal management pads;

a length-adjustment mechanism to alter a distance between the two partially-annular thermal management pads in a long direction of the neck band so that the partially-annular thermal management pads can be positioned on a patient with a first inner diameter of a first of the two partially-annular thermal management pads located near a nipple of a left breast of the patient and a second inner diameter of a second of the two partially-annular thermal management pads located near a nipple of a right breast of the patient, the flexible elongated neck band passing behind a neck of the patient; and

a belt to pass around a back of the patient from the first partially-annular thermal management pad to the second partially-annular thermal management pad to hold the partially-annular thermal management pads against the breasts of the patient.

14. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 13, further comprising:

a privacy gown configured to be secured to cover both of the partially-annular thermal management pads.

15. The therapeutic breast garment of claim 13 wherein each partially-annular thermal management pad comprises:

a partially-annular thermal management pad insert containing an effective quantity of a heat-absorbing material, said pad insert having quilting to prevent free movement of the heat-absorbing material within the pad insert; and

a partially-annular thermal management pad cover to contain the partially-annular thermal management pad insert, said thermal management pad cover having an opening to admit the thermal management pad insert, and said opening to be closed with a button and button-hole closure.