Bra and Top Assembly
A bra and top assembly, including a bra, a top with one or more shoulder straps wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps is discontinuous to a front chest portion of the top, each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion, a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration, or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.
The present invention relates to clothing and bras. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for breast feeding clothing and nursing bras. Reference to nursing bras in the specification is by way of example and the invention is not limited to this example.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBreast feeding clothing provides a degree of privacy and discretion to women when they are nursing their baby. Breast feeding clothing often does not provide adequate breast support (especially for the larger breasted woman) and therefore many women need to use a nursing bra underneath the breast feeding clothing in order to provide support and comfort. Breast feeding clothing including nursing bras are often cumbersome to use requiring releasing fasteners and adjusting straps in order to provide the baby with access to the mother's breast. Consequently, there is often a delay in undressing and providing the baby with access to the breast. This delay and cumbersome action causes frustration to both mother and baby and the resultant commotion can attract unwanted attention.
Because many women need to wear a bra to provide adequate breast support and comfort, the straps of a bra would be visible underneath the clothing thereby negatively affecting the aesthetic appeal of the garment. This is particularly relevant when wearing sleeveless clothing with narrow straps. This therefore limits the wearer's choice of fashion styles.
Most breast feeding clothing and nursing bras are not aesthetically pleasing, supportive and comfortable. Breast feeding clothing is designed with functional intent for the sole purpose to enable a mother to breast feed her child in a public area. Because breast feeding clothing including nursing bras are not fashionable or attractive, their use is often discontinued after the mother stops breast feeding the baby. A mother is reluctant to spend a lot of money on breast feeding clothing because they are functionally designed and are generally unattractive. As well the demand for breast feeding clothing is for a short duration while the mother is nursing. Consequently, there is a limited range both in choice and sizes of garments for the nursing mother.
Object of the InventionIt is an object of the present invention to provide an alternate bra and top assembly for breast feeding mothers that is simple to use and overcomes at least in part one or more of the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe current invention was developed from the need to develop a bra and top assembly for a breast feeding woman that was simple and relatively quick to use while providing comfort and support and having aesthetic appeal. Based on these criterion, a bra and top assembly was developed through trial and experimentation that operatively associated a fashionable top with a supporting bra that allowed the tops to be interchangeable using the same bra and bras to be interchangeable using the same top. In developing the interchangeability, a reduced number of nursing bras were needed as different fashion tops could be associated with each one.
In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bra and top assembly, including
a bra;
a top with one or more shoulder straps wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps is discontinuous to a front chest portion of the top, each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion;
a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.
Preferably different tops can be used with the same bra or a single top can be used with different bras.
In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bra and top assembly, including
a bra;
a top with one or more shoulder straps, wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion;
a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.
Preferably different tops can be used with the same bra or a single top can be used with different bras.
Preferably the shoulder straps are fixedly attached to a front chest portion of the top. For example, the shoulder straps are sewn onto or into the front chest portion of the top.
In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bra and top assembly for a breast feeding woman, including
a breast feeding bra having a two part clasp that allows a bra cup portion to detach at or adjacent the bra strap attachment;
a top with one or more shoulder straps wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps is discontinuous to a front chest portion of the top, each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion;
a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra cup portion to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.
Preferably different tops can be used with the same bra or a single top can be used with different bras.
In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bra and top assembly for a breast feeding woman, including
a breast feeding bra having a two part clasp that allows a bra cup portion to detach at or adjacent the bra strap attachment;
a top with one or more shoulder straps wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion;
a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra cup portion to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.
Preferably different tops can be used with the same bra or a single top can be used with different bras.
Preferably the shoulder straps are fixedly attached to a front chest portion of the top. For example, the shoulder straps are sewn onto or into the front chest portion of the top.
The feature of using different tops with different bras provides interchangeability that has a number of advantages including saving money with the need to purchase less garments, purchasing quality garments such as proper fitting bras as they will be worn regularly and extending the usage of the garments beyond limited events such as the breast feeding period.
The clasp of the breast feeding bra can be a standard two part interconnecting clasp. Alternatively, the clasp can be a two part interconnecting clasp that has a hook part with an additional attachment portion. The additional attachment portion is preferably an arm that extends from one end of the hook part to form a narrow recess between the extended arm and remainder of the hook part.
The two part fastener can be any fastener arrangement including hook and eye fastener such as Velcro, a button or toggle on the bra cup and a corresponding slit in the top, two-part press stud arrangement, and a loop or hook fixed to the underside adjacent the top peripheral portion and that can be attached to the bra cup or bra strap. The two part fastener is preferably a complementary press stud that allows the top to move relative to the bra so that the top may fall naturally and the fabric will not appear bunched or wrinkled.
The connector is preferably a device with one or more hooks or retaining portions. The hooks or retaining portions are preferably attached to the loops on the underside of the garment strap and the loop adjacent to the periphery of the top of the chest portion. Alternately the connector can be a two part complementary press stud or a hook and eye loop arrangement such as Velcro, a button or toggle and a corresponding slit, or a hook and loop arrangement. Different types of bras can be used with the top. Where the bra does not have an additional attachment point, the connector associated with the strap portion can be used to attach to the bra at the point of the bra strap fastener.
In one preferred form, the top can be associated with the bra at two points to provide a greater security. In a preferred form, the top can be attached to the bra cup by the two part fastener such as the complementary two part press studs and allow the ring part of the two part interconnecting clasp attached to the bra cup to pass through a loop formed in the top and underside of the front chest portion before reconnecting with the complementary hook part of the clasp.
The term top includes any type of garment with straps worn on the upper body including camisole tops, singlets and tank tops, sleeveless t-shirts, blouses, dresses and swimwear (including 1-piece and 2-piece swimwear).
There is also an option of having a cover being a substantially domed shaped piece of fabric with a plurality of tabs on the sides and a second ring part of a clasp at the top of the dome section of the dome shaped fabric. In use the ring part interconnects to form the bra clasp and the side tabs are tucked around the bra to hold the cover in position. The cover serves as a modesty garment and provides additional privacy and discretion for the mother.
In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a cover for a bra, the cover being a substantially domed shaped piece of fabric with a plurality of tabs on the sides and connection means at the top of the dome section of the dome shaped fabric wherein in use the connection means connects to the bra and the side tabs are tucked underneath a portion of the bra to hold the cover in position.
The cover preferably serves as a modesty garment and provides additional privacy and discretion for the mother.
The connection means is preferably a part of a two part fastener. More preferably the connection means is a second ring part of a clasp. Preferably in use, the second ring part interconnects with a first part of a bra clasp of the bra. Preferably the first part of the bra clasp is a hook part. In another embodiment, the connection means is a hook. Preferably the hook is operatively attachable to a bra strap of the bra.
In another embodiment the connection means is a loop. Preferably in use the loop connects with a bra clasp of the bra. Preferably the loop is a tab of fabric having an aperture.
Preferably the cover includes adjustment means to allow adjustment of the length of the cover. Preferably the cover includes one or more press stud portions that allow adjustment of the length of the cover. Alternatively, the cover may have a draw string arrangement that is adapted to adjust the length of the cover.
In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bra and top assembly as described in this specification, further including a cover as described in this specification.
In another aspect, there is a two part clasp for a bra including
a ring part with an internal aperture; and
a hook part including a hook portion to engage the aperture of the ring part and for an interconnected clasp, said hook part includes an arm extended from one end to form another attachment point.
The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.
In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:
With reference to
A first preferred embodiment of the breast feeding bra 29 is shown in
With particular reference to
With reference to
The use of the top bra assembly as described provides a quick and relatively easy transition with one movement to provide the baby with access to the mother's breast. To provide additional privacy, a cover 70 shown in
The advantage of the press stud arrangement 36 and 52 is that it allows the chest portion 41 to move to a natural position via the swivel connection when the clasp parts are interlocked. Because of this the overlying top 40 falls naturally without wrinkles or creases in the fabric.
In
When the top 80 is used without connecting to the bra or a different bra type is used, the connector 46 or a standard slide hook can be used to connect directly with an elongate loop 95 in the lowered portion 81 of the top 80.
In
There can also be a bra strap retainer that secures the strap of the top to the bra strap to hide the bra strap from view in respect of the different embodiments.
The press studs provided in the different embodiments can optionally be double sided press studs to also hold the ends of the strap(s) in position.
In use, the bra and top of the preferred embodiments are put on separately. A nursing bra or standard bra is put on in the normal manner with arms through the straps, the bra cup portions over the breasts and the bra secured by the hook and eye closure arrangement which takes into account different frame sizes. The top is then placed over the bra and the attachments are made in line with the descriptions in the abovementioned preferred embodiments. To undress, the process is reversed.
AdvantagesAn advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it allows easy access for breast feeding purposes in releasing the interconnecting clasp and lowering the top and bra cup in a single one handed movement.
A further advantage, particularly for women with large breasts, is that they can use fully supporting bras and breast feeding bras with any garment they choose by employing the inter changeable feature to allow a single preferred bra to be used with a variety of different garments.
With the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a strap of a top is associated with and overlies a bra strap. The assembly provides a more fashionable and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The preferred embodiment of the present invention employs a two part press stud connecting the top with the bra cup which allows movement of the fabric to provide a substantially wrinkle free finished appearance. Unlike other nursing mother's wear, the bra and top assembly are easy to put on as they are separate pieces that are connectable after they are on the wearer.
Another advantage of the preferred embodiment is that both the top and bra are interchangeable and a nursing mother may only require a couple of breast feeding bras and use them with a variety of tops. With fewer numbers of bras and garments to purchase, the preferred embodiment of the top and bra assembly provides a financial advantage to a person as well as enable them to use the garments after breast feeding has stopped.
VariationsWhile the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
Claims
1. A bra and top assembly for a breast feeding woman, comprising:
- a breast feeding bra having a two part clasp that allows a bra cup portion to detach at or adjacent the bra strap attachment;
- a top with one or more shoulder straps wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps is discontinuous to a front chest portion of the top, each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion; and
- a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra cup portion to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.
2. A bra and top assembly for a breast feeding woman, comprising:
- a breast feeding bra having a two part clasp that allows a bra cup portion to detach at or adjacent the bra strap attachment;
- a top with one or more shoulder straps wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion; and
- a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra cup portion to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.
3. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein different tops can be used with the same bra or a single top can be used with different bras.
4. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein when each connector attaches each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap, the shoulder straps are fixedly attached to a front chest portion of the top.
5. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the shoulder straps are sewn onto or into the front chest portion of the top.
6. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clasp is a two part interconnecting clasp that has a hook part with an additional attachment portion.
7. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the additional attachment portion is an arm that extends from one end of the hook part to form a narrow recess between the extended arm and remainder of the hook part.
8. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two part fastener is a complementary press stud that allows the top to move relative to the bra.
9. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector is a device with one or more hooks or retaining portions.
10. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more hooks or retaining portions are preferably attached to the loops on the underside of the garment strap and the loop adjacent to the periphery of the top of the chest portion.
11. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector is a two part complementary press stud, a hook and eye loop arrangement, a button or toggle and a corresponding slit, or a hook and loop arrangement.
12. A bra and top assembly, comprising:
- a bra;
- a top with one or more shoulder straps wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps is discontinuous to a front chest portion of the top, each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion; and
- a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.
13. A bra and top assembly, comprising:
- a bra;
- a top with one or more shoulder straps, wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion; and
- a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.
14. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein different tops can be used with the same bra or a single top can be used with different bras.
15. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein when each connector attaches each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap, the shoulder straps are fixedly attached to a front chest portion of the top.
16. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the shoulder straps are sewn onto or into the front chest portion of the top.
17. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 1, further including a cover being a substantially domed shaped piece of fabric with a plurality of tabs on the sides and connection means at the top of the dome section of the dome shaped fabric wherein in use the connection means connects to the bra and the side tabs are tucked underneath a portion of the bra to hold the cover in position.
18. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the connection means is a hook or loop.
19. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the hook is operatively attachable to the one or more bra straps.
20. The bra and top assembly as claimed in claim 1, further including a cover being a substantially domed shaped piece of fabric with a plurality of tabs on the sides and a second ring part of a clasp at the top of the dome section of the dome shaped fabric wherein in use the second ring part interconnects with a first part of the bra clasp and the side tabs are tucked underneath a portion of the bra to hold the cover in position.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 8, 2017
Publication Date: Jul 11, 2019
Inventor: Katie Maree Amos (Brisbane)
Application Number: 16/331,012