Push-up nursing/traditional bikini with convertible tankini wrap

Abstract

Women's swimwear that may include a push-up nursing bikini top, a traditional push-up bikini top, and a convertible wrap. The tops are constructed the same but with different connection elements. The nursing bikini top aids breastfeeding by providing flaps that form a bra cup that can be unclipped from the fastening element, and folded down with one hand, exposing the nipple. An inner frame, connected to adjustable neck straps and chest bands, support the breast while nursing is facilitated. The inner frame also provides breast enhancement. A multi-use convertible wrap having an adjustable draw string channeled at the top of the wrap converts a bikini top into a tank swimsuit top, by connecting under the bikini top, by way of tying; as a skirt, by tying around the wearer's waist; or as a nursing cover by tying around the back of the wearer's neck.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/083,204, filed on 22 Nov. 2014.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to women's swimwear. In particular, this invention relates to bikini tops that offer breast enhancement, and nursing accessibility to facilitate the process of breastfeeding, while providing the mother with maximum comfort and support for her breasts. The invention also relates to convertible swimwear offering a convertible wrap, that can convert the bikini into a “tankini” (bikini with an attachment offering greater coverage), or can be utilized as a skirt or nursing cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, swimwear does not offer all the following options in one swimsuit: nursing ability, push-up by way of inner frame, adjustable straps on all parts of the suit to adjust to weight gain/loss, and a convertible wrap option that converts any bikini into a tankini by attaching under the bikini top. The convertible tankini wrap also acting as a skirt or a nursing cover, for discreet breastfeeding.

Traditional bikini tops have two cups to hold the breasts, neck strings or straps connect to each of the cups, and a band or string encircling the torso under the breasts. Some offer enhancement by way of push-up padding. Push up padding is not desirable because it does not add additional support to the breast to maximize enhancement, but instead simply adds material to create the illusion of breast enhancement. The lack of additional support is problematic for all women, but especially for women with larger, heavier breasts.

Traditional swim tops also fail to meet the specific needs of nursing mothers, whose milk-filled breasts may be heavier and difficult to manipulate for breastfeeding. For this purpose, nursing swimwear was created to permit comfortable breastfeeding without removal of the top. Typically, breastfeeding may be accomplished by opening specialized cups that expose the nipple. Some cups include flaps of fabric over the cup that can be unclipped and pulled down to expose the breast. Other cups are made of stretchable fabric that can be pulled up from the torso band to expose the breast/nipple for breastfeeding. Nursing swimwear is typically offered as a tankini; a two-piece bathing suit consisting of a tank top and a bikini bottom, or one-piece swimsuit that tend to be outdated, ill-fitting and do not offer the support, comfort and appropriate breast enhancement.

Convertible tankinis or convertible clothing systems have offered mid-section coverage, but is fastened by buttons/clasps, which are time consuming and have limited functionality. Convertible tankinis are limited to converting a swimsuit top into a second two-piece swimsuit. It has not been offered for multiple uses, such as mid-section coverage, either full coverage by tying around the back of upper torso or partial coverage by tying around the front of upper-torso, creating a peek-a-boo effect; as a skirt, by tying around the waist; as a nursing cover, by tying around the back of the neck, for those breastfeeding mothers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a solution to the disadvantages mentioned above in the prior art. Nursing swimwear does not offer an adjustable nursing bikini top, with breast enhancement. The nursing bikini top offers nursing ability with one-handed nursing clips that allow the cup and outer frame to easily drop and provides an inner frame to continue support for the breast, along with chest bands and neck straps that hold the breast securely, to easily and discreetly breastfeed baby. The chest bands (under both cups) provide support to the breast while breastfeeding. The inner frame offers maximum enhancement. The bikini top is completely adjustable; with adjustable straps around the wearer's neck and back, allowing adjustments for weight gain and loss and to increase or decrease the amount of cleavage. An adjustable string in between the two cups also controls the amount of cleavage.

Traditional swim tops do not offer an inner frame that provides more support for breasts and maximum enhancement. By pushing the outer side of the breasts inward and upward, the inner frame creates cleavage, not only for smaller breasts but helps lift, support and enhance larger, heavier breasts. The non-nursing (traditional) bikini top, is designed the same as the nursing tops, but with rings, instead of detachable clips to hold the inner and outer frames together, while providing additional support.

The convertible wrap is a tankini wrap/skirt with a draw cord at the top of the skirt that allows the user to tie it either in the front of the body or the back, under the chest bands of the bikini top (either the nursing or traditional bikini tops as described above). The tankini wrap converts any bikini into a tankini with one simple tie, there are no time consuming buttons or clasps. It can be used as a skirt by, instead, tying around the waist or as a nursing cover, by tying around the back of the neck, for discreet breastfeeding.

Adjustable straps are provided on both the tops and the convertible wrap, to adjust to the ever-evolving pregnant body, or weight gain/loss.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent after reading the following detailed description and referencing the drawings. Many variations of the present invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art in light of the following detailed description. All such obvious variations are within the intended scope of the appended claims that follow this detailed description.

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the push up nursing breast support or bikini top

FIG. 2 is the back view of the garment piece of FIG. 1 in the shape of a bikini top

FIG. 3 is the frontal view of the nursing breast support or bikini top while cup is being dropped down to facilitate nursing

FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the push up breast support for the non-nursing, traditional bikini top

FIG. 5 is the back view of the garment piece of FIG. 4 in the shape of a bikini top

FIG. 6 is the frontal view of the convertible wrap or skirt

FIG. 7 illustrates the convertible wrap being used as a partial coverage tankini by wrapping around and connecting at the front of the upper torso, under the breast support top

FIG. 8 illustrates the convertible wrap being used as a full mid-section coverage tankini by wrapping around the back of the torso, under the back of the breast support top

FIG. 9 illustrates the convertible wrap being used as a nursing cover by way of tying around the back of the wearer's neck FIG. 10 illustrates the convertible wrap being used as a skirt by tying around the waist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3, illustrate various views of the embodiment of the push up nursing breast support by way of nursing clips/fasteners (1A & 1B) that may be of any type. This includes, but is not limited to, clasp elements, clamp elements, snap closures, buttons, hooks, loops, hook and loop, hook and eye, VELCRO™ hook and loop fastener strips, ribbon ties or adhesive tape fasteners and/or other suitable fastener that fastens and unfastens the bra cup from the neck/shoulder strap to facilitate nursing. The bottom side of the neck straps, made of fabric, stretchable fabric or elastic (2A, 2B), is coupled to the top portion of the nursing clips, by way of stitching. Coupling methods include, but are not limited to sewing, gluing, tacking and/or any other suitable coupling method. The bottom portion of the nursing clips is coupled to the top of the inner frame (6A, 6B), made of lightweight nylon or polyester and LYCRA™ spandex or other suitable material. The part of the nursing clip that fastens and unfastens is coupled to the top of the bra cup or flap (5A, 5B), also made of lightweight nylon or polyester and LYCRA™ spandex or other suitable material. Once the user unfastens the nursing clips (1A, 1B), the bra cup (5A, 5B) drops down exposing the breast. The inner frame (6A, 6B) and the chest bands (7A, 7B), along with the neck straps (2A, 2B) hold the breast securely in place, while the bra cup is dropped. FIG. 3 illustrates the drop down of bra cup (5A) when nursing is being facilitated. The bottom of the inner frame (6A, 6B) is coupled to the top of the back part of the chest band (7A, 7B). Chest bands (7A, 7B) may be made of the same fabric as the garment with elastic band or of a different suitable supportive material and/or fabric. The inner frame (6A, 6B) holds and grabs the outer sides of the breasts and pushes them in and up, creating cleavage. The adjustable spaghetti string (3) may be replaced by an equivalent adjustable mechanism including, but is not limited to, a string, strand, band, strap, cord, rope, twist, twine, clip elements, clasp elements, clamp elements, snap closure, buttons, hooks, loops, hook and loop, hook and eye, VELCRO™ hook and loop fastener strips, ribbon ties or adhesive tape fasteners and/or other suitable connection element, coupled to the inner sides of the chest bands (7A, 7B) can be tightened or loosened to increase or decrease cleavage enhancement. Neck straps (2A, 2B) can also be tightened or loosened to increase or decrease cleavage enhancement. Neck straps (2A, 2B) and back straps (4A, 4B) include, but are not limited to strings, sashes, strands, bands, straps, cords, ropes, twists, twines and/or any other suitable enclosing material or fabric, can be connected, and tightened or loosened and adjust to weight gain or loss. Connection of the neck straps (2A, 2B) and back straps (4A, 4B) include, but are not limited to tying, clip elements, clasp elements, clamp elements, snap closure, buttons, hooks, loops, hook and loop, hook and eye, VELCRO™ hook and loop fastener strips, or adhesive tape fasteners and/or other suitable connection elements. The inner side of the back straps (4A, 4B) is coupled to the outer side of the chest bands (7A, 7B). The bottom of the bra cup (5A, 5B) is coupled to the top frontal part of the chest band (7A, 7B).

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the various views of the non-nursing embodiment, showing push up breast support and enhancement by way of the inner frame (6A, 6B), made of lightweight nylon or polyester and LYCRA™ spandex or other suitable material, and rings (10A, 10B). The overall design shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is the same as FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the nursing clips are replaced by a different connection element (10A, 10B) that is not detachable. The connection element includes, but is not limited to stitching, rings, loops, buckles, chains, links, square, rectangular, triangular shaped elements and/or any other suitable connection element. The top portion of the rings (10A, 10B), are coupled to the bottom of the neck straps (2A, 2B). The bottom portion of the rings are coupled to the top, back part of the inner frames (6A, 6B) and the top of the bra cups (5A, 5B), not allowing any drop down of the bra cup (5A, 5B), also made of lightweight nylon or polyester and LYCRA™ spandex or other suitable material. The inner frame (6A, 6B) holds the outer sides of the breasts and pushes them in and up, creating cleavage. The adjustable spaghetti string (3), includes, but is not limited to a string, strand, band, strap, cord, rope, twist, twine, clip elements, clasp elements, clamp elements, snap closure, buttons, hooks, loops, hook and loop, hook and eye, VELCRO™ hook and loop fastener strips, ribbon ties or adhesive tape fasteners and/or other suitable connection element, coupled to the inner sides of the chest bands (7A, 7B), can be tightened or loosened to increase or decrease cleavage. Neck straps (2A, 2B) can be tightened or loosened to increase and decrease cleavage. Neck straps (2A, 2B) and back straps (4A, 4B) include, but are not limited to strings, sashes, strands, bands, straps, cords, ropes, twists, twines and/or any other enclosing material or fabric, can be connected, and tightened or loosened and adjust to weight gain or loss. Connection of the straps include, but are not limited to tying, clip elements, clasp elements, clamp elements, snap closure, buttons, hooks, loops, hook and loop, hook and eye, VELCRO™ hook and loop fastener strips, or adhesive tape fasteners and/or other suitable connection elements. The inner side of back straps (4A, 4B) is coupled to the outer side of the chest bands (7A, 7B). Chest bands (7A, 7B) may be made of the same fabric as the garment with elastic band or of a different suitable material and/or fabric. The bottom of the bra cup (5A, 5B) is coupled to the top frontal part of the chest band (7A, 7B).

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate the various views and uses of the embodiment of the convertible wrap as a tankini, skirt or nursing cover. The convertible wrap may be made of the same fabric as the bikini top or of a different stretchable or non-stretchable fabric or material. The convertible wrap/skirt portion (30) has a draw cord (20), which can include, but is not limited to a string, sash, strand, band, strap, cord, rope, twist, twine and/or any other suitable enclosing material, tunneled in at the top of the skirt (30). Connection of the draw cord include, but are not limited to tying, clip elements, clasp elements, clamp elements, snap closure, buttons, hooks, loops, hook and loop, hook and eye, VELCRO hook and loop fastener strips, or adhesive tape fasteners and/or other suitable connection element. FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the convertible wrap, shown in a tankini configuration. FIG. 7 illustrates a partial mid-section coverage tankini by wrapping the convertible wrap (30) around the mid-section of the body, starting at the middle of the back, under the back straps (4A, 4B) and connecting the draw cord (20) under the chest bands (7A, 7B), creating a peek-a-boo effect. FIG. 8 illustrates a full mid-section coverage tankini by wrapping the convertible wrap (30) around the mid-section of the body, starting under the chest bands (7A, 7B) and connecting the draw cord (20), at the middle of the back, under the back straps (4A, 4B). FIG. 9 illustrates the convertible wrap shown in a nursing cover configuration by tying the draw cord (20) around the back of the neck, allowing the convertible wrap/skirt (30) to offer full coverage around the breast area, to facilitate discreet nursing. FIG. 10 illustrates the convertible wrap shown in a skirt configuration by wrapping the convertible wrap (30) and connecting the draw cord (20) anywhere around the waist.

Claims

1. Women's swimwear comprising:

a push up nursing bikini top including;

a pair of neck straps having a first end and second end,

a pair of fastening elements having an outer portion and inner portion,

a pair of chest bands, having a top portion, a bottom portion, an inner side and an outer side, a first bra cup having a top portion and bottom portion, wherein the top portion of said first cup is connected to the outer portion of said first fastening element, the bottom portion of said first cup is coupled to the front top portion of said first chest band, the first fastening element of said first cup being detachably connected to the first end of said first neck strap, the first end of said first neck strap being fixedly connected to the inner portion of said first fastening element;

the first cup being movable to a position in which pulling said first cup down exposes the first inner frame, the top portion of said first inner frame being fixedly connected to the inner portion of said first fastening element, the bottom portion of said first inner frame being coupled to the back top portion of said first chest band;

a first back strap having a first end and second end, wherein the first end of said first back strap is connected to the outer side of said first chest band;

a second bra cup having a top portion and bottom portion, wherein the top portion of said second cup is connected to the outer portion of said second fastening element, the bottom portion of said second cup coupled to the front top portion of said second chest band, the second fastening element of said second cup being detachably connected to the first end of said second neck strap, the first end of said second neck strap being fixedly connected to the inner portion of said second fastening element;

the second cup being movable to a position, in which pulling said second cup down exposes the second inner frame, the top portion of said second inner frame being fixedly connected to the inner portion of said second fastening element, the bottom portion of said second inner frame being coupled to the back top portion of said second chest band;

a second back strap having a first end and second end, wherein the first end of the said second back strap is connected to the outer side of said second chest band;

an adjustable connection element coupled to the inner sides of both said chest bands.

2. The women's swimwear of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second bra cups is unfastened from at least one of the first and second neck straps, opening the bra cup, in order to facilitate nursing.

3. The women's swimwear of claim 1, wherein the inner frame pushes onto the outer side of wearer's breasts lifting the breasts both inwardly and upwardly toward each other, increasing cleavage and supporting them while bra cup is opened to facilitate nursing.

4. The women's swimwear of claim 1, wherein the first and second bra cups are connected via said adjustable connection element, allowing wearer to control amount of cleavage.

5. The women's swimwear of claim 1, wherein the second ends of both said neck straps and both said back straps are adjustably joined, conforming to more body types and adjusting to weight gain or weight loss, the second ends of both said neck straps also allowing wearer to control amount of cleavage.

6. Women's swimwear comprising:

a push up bikini top including;

a pair of neck straps having a first end and second end;

a pair of connection elements, coupling the top portion of said bra cups to the top portion of said inner frames and the first end of said neck straps,

a pair of chest bands having a top portion, a bottom portion, an inner side and an outer side, a pair of bra cups having a top portion and bottom portion, wherein the top portion of said bra cups are fixedly connected to the bottom part of said connection elements, the bottom portion of said bra cups coupled to the front top portion of said chest bands, the top of said bra cups being fixedly connected to the first end of said neck straps, said neck straps being coupled to the top portion of said connection elements;

the top portion of said inner frames being fixedly connected to the bottom portion of said connection elements, the bottom portion of said inner frames being coupled to the back top portion of said chest bands;

a pair of back straps having a first end and second end, wherein the first end of said back straps are connected to the outer side of said chest bands;

an adjustable connection element coupled to the inner sides of both said chest bands.

7. The women's swimwear of claim 6, wherein the inner frame pushes onto the outer side of wearer's breasts lifting the breasts both inwardly and upwardly toward each other, increasing cleavage and supporting them.

8. The women's swimwear of claim 6, wherein the inner sides of said bra cups is adjustably connected, allowing wearer to control amount of cleavage.

9. The women's swimwear of claim 6, wherein the second ends of both said neck straps and both said back straps are adjustably joined, conforming to more body types and adjusting to weight gain or weight loss, the second ends of both said neck straps also allowing wearer to control amount of cleavage.

10. Women's swimwear according to claim 1 or 6 comprising:

a convertible wrap including a piece of fabric that is wrapped around the body, adjustably connected at the top of said convertible wrap.

11. The women's swimwear of claim 10, wherein said convertible wrap is a tank swim top by connecting at the middle of the wearer's upper torso, under said chest bands to provide partial mid-section coverage.

12. The women's swimwear of claim 10, wherein said convertible wrap is a tank swim top by connecting around the wearer's back, under the connection of said back straps, to provide full mid-section coverage.

13. The women's swimwear of claim 10, wherein said convertible wrap is facilitated as a nursing cover by connecting around the back of the wearer's neck.

14. The women's swimwear of claim 10, wherein said convertible wrap is facilitated as a skirt by connecting around the wearer's waist.