Abstract: A disposable nursing pad comprising an absorbent assembly having an inner surface and an outer surface with an absorbent material therebetween. The inner and outer surfaces are connected about a perimeter of the absorbent assembly which may have a non-circular shape. The absorbent assembly has a cupped configuration such that the inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex. The absorbent pulp material may be formed with a reduced material thickness in at least one slimmer area within the absorbent assembly perimeter that is less than a total area within the absorbent assembly perimeter such that at least two areas having pulp material of differing thickness are defined.

Abstract: An attachment for a brassiere is disclosed. The attachment comprises an elongated segment of fabric having an upper portion and a lower portion. The attachment further comprises an adhesive disposed on the upper portion of a proximal side of the segment of fabric so as to adhere to an interior surface of a brassiere cup, wherein the lower portion of the segment of fabric extends below the brassiere cup. The attachment may comprise an absorbent material and may aid in preventing pinching of the skin by the lower portion of the brassiere cups.

Abstract: Protection disks for breastfeeding mothers, applicable to a mother's breasts ready to give milk, for protecting them and absorbing the flow of milk which comes out spontaneously therefrom, which comprise two kinds of disk clearly differentiated from each other, of which the disks of the first (2) kind having an appreciably different configuration from those of the second (2?) and/or are provided with at least one differentiating tactile and/or optical marking (1), in high relief or in low relief, enabling them to be differentiated from other disks of the second kind, intended for applying to the other breast, which are devoid of said marking or having another different marking.

Abstract: The invention provides an areola pad for use during breast feeding. The invention is used to treat sore and painful nipples caused by breast feeding and to enable uninterrupted nursing. The invention includes a flexible element composed of one or more bio-compatible polymers, where the element is breathable, and allows contact between the mother and the infant. The flexible element further includes a centrally-located opening for receiving a nipple of any size, where the nipple extends through the opening and is uncovered.

Abstract: An undergarment for lactating women includes a front panel extending over a woman's breasts and shoulders and a pair of absorbent pads placed within the front panel and covering the nipples to absorb extraneous discharge. The panels are made of a stretchable, breathable knit fabric. The undergarment includes a back panel attached to the front panel and forming openings for the arms, neck and torso. The absorbent pads, preferably removable, are placed within the front panel of the garment.

Abstract: A breast pad has a wax-like medicament, such as lanolin, disposed on an exposed surface of an inner surface of the pad in only a limited region, leaving other regions of the inner surface has a permeable region free of the medicament.

Abstract: The postpartum bra described utilizes a conically formed ice replacement pack laminated between an outer and an inner insulating layer of fabric as each of a pair of thermal bra cups. The bra cups are connected to a horizontal back strap by a pair of shoulder straps. The back strap and a connecting panel between the bra cups are elastic. A pair of adjustable connectors between the back strap and the bra cups allow the bra to be tightened selectively and successively as desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual breast pad and nursing bib apparatus comprising a cup-shaped base flap and a nursing flap, wherein the nursing flap is hingedly coupled to the cup-shaped base flap, and wherein the nursing flap may be rotated between a first closed position and a second bib position. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises adhesive areas on the cup-shaped base flap and/or on the nursing flap. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises adhesive flaps hingedly coupled to the cup-shaped base flap.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting milk extraction devices includes an elongated elastic strap that is adjusted to frictionally engage a woman's breasts. A pair of slits is formed in the elastic strip and each of the slits is positioned proximate the woman's breasts. The slits support the milk extraction devices therethrough. Each of the slits is a collapsible opening that alternates between a closed position when the milk extraction device is not supported by the slit and a partially opened position when the milk extraction device is supported by the slit.

Abstract: The invention provides an areola pad for use during breast feeding. The invention is used to treat sore and painful nipples caused by breast feeding and to enable uninterrupted nursing. The invention includes a flexible element composed of one or more bio-compatible polymers, where the element is breathable, and allows contact between the mother and the infant. The flexible element further includes a centrally-located opening for receiving a nipple of any size, where the nipple extends through the opening and is uncovered.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a breast pad which avoids discomfort caused by thermal deformations and heat treatments. In considering this, the breast pad of the present invention has a maim body formed by laminating and fixing together a liquid-absorbing member 12, a waterproof member 11 disposed at an outside of the liquid-absorbing member and a surface member 13 disposed on a surface of the liquid-absorbing member opposite to a surface on which the waterproof member is disposed. The main body further includes elastic members 17, 17 each disposed on a respective side edge portion of the main body, and side edges 13a of the surface members to be disposed at a user's skin side are folded so as to embrace side edges of the liquid-absorbing member therein.

Abstract: A breast stabilizing and positioning device comprises a torso band for enveloping and securement about the chest of a human female patient, a breast elevating module and a breast stabilizing ring. The torso band defines a through aperture sized to receive a human breast there through. The breast elevating module is attached to the torso band, and comprises a base framing the through aperture of the torso band and a plurality of flexible, elongate tabs extending radially from the base. The breast stabilizing ring is adapted for securement about the areolar region of a human breast and defines an opening sized to receive a human breast nipple there through. The breast stabilizing ring is adapted for removable engagement with the tabs of the breast elevating module. The present devices assist in performing diagnostic procedures such as ductal lavage, or a surgical procedure, such as removal of ducts from the breast nipple.

Abstract: A bra for use while pumping breast milk including a slot in the breast section of the bra for use with a breast pump funnel and a padded area surrounding each slot to support the funnel. Optionally, the bra may be provided as part of a kit for pumping breast milk that includes a pump funnel adapted for use in pumping breast milk and a bra. The bra has a slot in the approximate center of each breast section and a padded area surrounding each slot. Each slot is adapted to provide access for the breast pump funnel, and each padded area is adapted to provide extra support for the pump funnel while engaged. A method of pumping breast milk includes the steps of wearing the bra having slots and padded breast pump funnel supports; inserting a pump funnel through one slot; and pumping breast milk through the funnel.

Abstract: The Invention is a brassiere to be worn after breast surgery. The fabric of the brassiere includes antimicrobial fibers that control microbes on the skin of the woman's breast area both before and after surgical incisions are healed. The antimicrobial fiber is a synthetic fiber incorporating a silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate ion exchange resin. The antimicrobial fiber contains silver ions in antimicrobial amounts.

Abstract: A pair of bra cups formed as a single, molded layer, each cup having a inner surface and an outer surface. An opening extends between the inner and outer surfaces of each cup at the location of the wearer's nipples. Each cup has a pocket positioned over and secured to the inner surface of the cup. The pocket overlays approximately one-half of the inner surface, but does not cover any part of the opening. An absorbent, replaceable nursing pad is positioned and retained within each pocket. The pad serves to cover the opening when in place in the pocket, but is removable from the pocket when nursing is completed. This nursing bra configuration is readily adaptable for use with a variety of bra to body attachment and support devices. The design obviates the need for flaps attached with snaps or hooks and thus facilitates unobstructed nursing. In addition, backless and strapless designs allow the user to wear the bra with fashionable dresses and blouses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brassiere which is especially suited for women nursing their child and where the brassiere is provided in a double layer and without seams and which allows the women easy access to expose one breast at a time by unfastening a clasp device and, subsequently, pull down the outer layer of the brassiere.

Abstract: This invention relates to a brassiere garment for use in nursing. The brassiere garment is constructed as a garment. The brassiere garment portion of the garment has adequate support and is provided with cups which can be opened and closed without having to unfasten a brassiere garment from a wearer. The cups fit snugly enough to hold breast pads in place. The garment portion is aesthetically pleasing. Thus the invention provides a garment which is self sufficient, not requiring a bra.

Abstract: A garment including a front portion and an opposing back portion that are coupled together with shoulder and side straps, and substantial cups carried by the front portion for breast enhancement, wherein each of the cups includes an insert having an upper extremity and a lower extremity and that enlarges gradiently from the upper extremity to the lower extremity.

Abstract: A nursing pad for positioning over a lactating breast. The nursing pad includes a panel having outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer has a generally convex shape and the inner layer has a generally concave shape. The outer layer comprises a generally water impermeable flexible material. The inner layer comprises an absorbent material. The panel has a peripheral edge having a slot therein. The slot extends toward a central area of the panel and is defined by a first and second oppositely located edge. A securing member removably secures the first edge in close proximity to the second edge.

Abstract: A brassiere for lactating mothers which incorporates pelletized, absorbent material interposing cloth layers of the brassiere cup. Once the absorbent material is saturated with fluids, the entire brassiere may be disposed of and replaced with another.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing. Some embodiments include a flexible element attached to the brassiere at a first end and coupled at a second end to either of two portions of the brassiere, with the coupled portion reminding the woman to use a particular breast. In other embodiments, attachment of the flexible element to a portion can restrict access to the non-preferred breast. In other embodiments, an indicator attached to the brassiere can be placed in at least two states, each indicating a preference for a particular breast. In other embodiments, an alternating release switch on the brassiere uses a toggle to automatically release a coupling element of a breast cup associated with a preferred breast.

Abstract: A bra or garment configured to function at least in part in the manner of a brassiere and usable by a nursing mother for improved ease of nursing an infant child, the invention provides dual exterior bra cup covers releasably fastened about certain peripheral portions thereof to portions of a body-encircling band or foundation garment, which cup covers are permanently fastened along other peripheral portions to the bra or foundation garments, the covers further being disposed on front surfaces of the bra or garment in surmounting relation to the breast of a user when the bra or garment is worn. The cup covers of the garment can each be opened from respective locations substantially under or near the underarms of a user to expose interior cups having a central opening formed in each of said interior cups, thereby to facilitate nursing by an infant such as when the infant is held in the crook of the arm of a user.

Abstract: A nursing pad adapted to be interposed between a user's bra and the user's breast received in the bra, including an inner, flexible, water permeable layer, an exterior, flexible, water impermeable layer having a peripheral portion bonded to the inner layer, and an absorbent layer interposed between the inner and exterior layers, wherein a slit extends from a periphery of the pad inward to form separated portions on both sides thereof so that the pat can form to the contour of the user's breast, when the separated portions are overlapped. An adhesive is provided on at least one of the separated portions for maintaining the overlap of the separated portions.

Abstract: A nursing bra device for preventing breast milk from leaking through a bra. The nursing bra device includes a bra with a pair of cup frames positioned on a torso strap. Each of a pair of shoulder straps extends between one of the cup frames and the torso strap. Each of a pair of bra cups is attached to one of the cup frames such that a portion of each of the bra cups defines a flap for opening and closing an opening defined by the cup frames. Each of the flaps has a hole therein. Each of the bra cups has an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer comprises an absorbent material. Each of a pair of hook members is attached to one of the cup frames and selectively holds the flaps in a closed position.

Abstract: A protective breast covering assembly for protecting a breast from the surrounding environment after a surgical procedure or other event. The protective breast covering assembly includes a breast covering assembly, which includes a cup member that includes an opening and a lip extending outwardly from a periphery of the opening of the cup member. An adhesive is coupled to a first face of the lip whereby the lip is designed to be coupled to a portion of skin surrounding a breast such that the cup member covers the breast.

Abstract: A portable breast pump system that includes a breast receptor for receiving a breast, a vacuum suction compartment connected to the breast receptor and a collection container for receiving breast milk. The breast pump system also includes a breast milk collection tube having one end connected to the vacuum suction compartment and the other end connected to the collection container. The system also includes a suction pump connected to the breast receptor and the vacuum suction compartment for creating a vacuum for drawing breast milk into the collection container via the breast milk collection tube. Supporting the breast pump system in a portable manner on a mother are a breast receptor support strap for supporting and securing the breast receptor against the breast and a body strap for positioning on the body. The body strap has at least one retainer for portably holding the collection container or the suction pump.

Abstract: A nursing bra worn by a mother when nursing an infant. The nursing bra allows the mother to change out only a wet section of the bra without having to remove clothing and replace the entire bra. The nursing bra includes broadly a bra frame with shoulder straps and adjustable back straps for holding the bra on the mother. The bra frame includes a first bra cup frame member with a first opening therethrough and a second bra cup frame member with a second opening therethrough. The first and second bra cup frame members include hook and loop fasteners or other types of fasteners for releasably securing a removable first bra cup and a removable second bra cup. The first and second bra cups are made of an absorbent material for absorbing mother's milk that leaks from the mother's breast when wearing the nursing bra. Also, the first and second bra cups come in different cup sizes for different size breasts.

Abstract: A brassiere includes a pair of shoulder straps and a pair of cup members located generally below the shoulder straps. Each of the cup members includes an inner contact layer substantially completely covering the breast of a wearer, and an outer compression layer slidably disposed in covering relation to the inner contact layer. An adjustment and securing assembly is disposed between each outer compression layer and its corresponding shoulder strap. The adjustment and securing assembly, which may be provided as a hook-and loop fastener system, is adapted and constructed to adjustably secure the outer compression layer to the shoulder strap. Attachment of the outer compression layers to the shoulder straps lifts and compresses the breasts of the wearer to reduce the potential for inertial movement of the breasts both outwardly and downwardly.

Abstract: A breast milk pump support harness to be worn by a nursing mother that includes two detachable collection bottle support assemblies and a brassiere assembly.

Abstract: A disposable therapeutic breast pad for heating or cooling the female breast during nursing comprising a generally disc-shaped, moisture-impervious outer layer and an absorbent material disposed inwardly of the outer layer adapted to be soaked in hot or cold water so that the breast pad may be positioned adjacent the female breast with the absorbent material in direct contact therewith to heat or cool the female breast during nursing.

Abstract: A fragrant brassiere mainly including two pressure-resistant bags made of gas-pervious plastic material for sealing some kind of filler therein, and fragrance carriers containing a fragrant substance and being positioned in the filler inside the pressure-resistant bags. The filler is a substance allowing slow diffusion of fragrance in the bags. The diffused fragrance passes the gas-pervious plastic material of the bags to disperse in the air, making the brassiere having the pressure-resistant bags and the fragrance carriers send out fragrance for a prolonged time and therefore has longer useable life.

Abstract: A nursing pad liner for placing against the breast of a woman and for placing against the clothing of the woman, the liner being of the type to avert fluid leaking from the woman from soiling the woman's clothing, said liner comprising a layer of adsorbent material having an outside and an inside to adsorb and hold at least some fluid leaking from a woman's breast when held there against and a liquid impermeable outer layer for covering the outside of the adsorbent material and extending inside partially around the adsorbent material to form a reservoir.

Abstract: A nursing bra having a support body with a front panel comprised of two cups with a pocket in each cup for holding moisture absorbing panels, and a rear panel comprised of two cups with openings in each cup for nursing a baby. The front and rear panel coexist, forming a supportive and comfortable bra. The front panel is removably connected to the rear panel which allows for a portion of the front panel to be lowered away from the rear panel and accessing the openings which surround a woman's nipple for nursing. The pockets in the front panel hold replaceable, moisture absorbing panels that provide a moisture barrier between the woman's body and any other garment the woman may be wearing.

Abstract: A nursing pad for absorbing milk leaking from a lactating user's nipple. The nursing pad includes a water impermeable exterior layer has a center region, an outer perimeter, a concave inner face, and a convex outer face. The inner face of the exterior layer defines an inner space in which a plurality of coextensive generally hemispherical inner layers are disposed. The plurality of inner layers comprises first, second, third and fourth inner layers: the first inner layer is positioned adjacent the inner face of the exterior layer; the second and third inner layers is interposed between the first and fourth inner layers; and the third inner layer is interposed between the second and fourth inner layers. The first and third inner layer each comprise a woven fabric material. The second inner layer comprises a water absorbing material. The fourth inner layer comprises a water permeable material.

Abstract: A brassier for reducing breast cancer includes cups for holding the mammary glands. Each of the cups has a slot formed therein for accommodating a papilla. Each slot is longitudinally elongated to accommodate for variances in the longitudinal location of the papilla from woman to woman. By positioning the papilla within the slots, the papillae are not subject to pressure and compression which inflict trauma on the breasts. The brassier for reducing trauma may include cup linings disposed within the cups. Each lining has an opening formed therein for accommodating a papilla. Each lining may also have protective material disposed about the opening to provide protection for the papilla when received within the opening.

Abstract: A nighttime nursing tube bra comprising a front central portion having a first constant width and first and second side portions coupled to the left and right of the front central portion. The top and bottom portions of the front central portion and the first and second side portions have coupled therealong elastomeric band members which resiliently collapse around the wearer's body immediately above and below the breasts of the wearer. The free ends of first and second side portions, preferably, are securable via VELCRO.RTM. to form an tube bra around the chest of a nursing mother. The front central portion includes first and second releasable panels which permits easy access to the wearer's breast. In the preferred embodiment, the tube bra is made of a absorbent material such as terry cloth.

Abstract: A washable or disposable nursing pad with an augmented lower region primarily for nighttime use comprising a first two to twenty layers of a washable absorbent fabric or a disposable paper-like sheet material with a second two to twenty layers of the same materials, but smaller in size than the first two to twenty layers of material, sewn in between on the lower region of the pad. The pad is large enough to cover substantially the entire female breast and to fill substantially the typical bra cup.

Abstract: The invention developed is a nursing pad assembly suitable for absorbing lacteal fluid which is conformable to the human breast. It includes a conformable casing comprising a central area and a plurality of outwardly extending fingers, the central area possessing a pocket having a front opening and a rear opening; an absorbent padding material located in the pocket and capable of being removed through the front opening; and adhesively attaching the outwardly extending fingers to an area surrounding the nipple in such fashion that the nipple will contact the absorbent padding material through the rear opening. When the absorbent padding material is removed from the pocket, the nipple will be exposed through the front opening to enable nursing without requiring removal of the entire pad assembly.

Abstract: Disposable bra liners comprising three cup-shaped coextensive layers attached together, with each layer presenting a circular periphery. The first layer is formed of wicking material for wicking away moisture into the second absorbent layer which is attached to the outer surface of the first layer. The third moisture resistant layer is attached to the outer surface of the absorbent layer. The bra liners further include a structural member attached to the layers for maintaining the shape of the pad. The structural member includes an elastic band attached to the layers at their peripheries and preferably has a plurality of spaced apart fold portions which taper inwardly from the band to present substantially V-shaped fold portions. Each layer preferably further includes a plurality of similar spaced apart fold portions formed therein.

Abstract: The body (2) of a breast pad has absorbent portions (4) and shaping portions (6). The absorbent portions (4) include a center portion (8) and a plurality of radially extending lobes (10). The shaping portions include a plurality of triangular sections (6) that extend radially inwardly from the perimeter of the body (2) to the center portion (8). The body (2) folds along the sections (6) from a flat pre-use configuration into a convex use configuration to maintain a substantially uniform thickness of the absorbent portions (4).

Abstract: A nursing garment includes a vest which is attached to an undergarment which covers the upper torso of a nursing mother. The undergarment has a pair of openings therein through which the mother's breasts will protrude to permit nursing of a baby. The vest includes a pair of flaps which may be selectively connected together to cover the breasts. A sheet of liquid impervious, air permeable material is attached to the rearward surface of each flap and oriented to cover the breasts. A cover sheet of liquid and air permeable material is attached over each sheet on the rearward surface of each flap to form a pocket between the cover sheet and sheet on each flap. A pad of liquid absorbent material is removably inserted in each pocket to absorb liquid which may leak from the nursing mother's breasts.

Abstract: The garment is provided featuring stretchable, resilient straps and a bodice. The straps are sufficiently resilient and suitably stretchable so that when a women wearing the garment pulls down the bodice, she can expose a breast for nursing and when through, she can return the bodice to its original position covering the breast. Straps and bodice are resilient such that garment regains it as original shape when returned to the original position. In this fashion, a women wearing the garment is able to expose the breast for nursing with one easy motion without having to deal with flaps or buttons or the like. The invention also provides female snap fasteners on the inner surface of the cups so that breast pads may be removeably fixed thereto. Thus, the invention provides a garment which is self sufficient, not requiring a bra for the use of breast pads. Bodice also fits snugly enough to hold nursing pads in place even if they are not snapped in.

Abstract: A moisture managing brassiere for sports wear and general wear includes a front portion, a back portion connected to the front portion, and a pair of shoulder straps connected respectively at one end to the front portion and at respective opposite ends to the back portion. The brassiere is constructed of a composite stretch fabric including an inner fabric layer, and intermediate fabric layer, and an outer shell fabric layer. The inner fabric layer is constructed of hydrophobic moisture wicking fibers for residing in skin contact during garment wear. The intermediate fabric layer resides adjacent to the inner fabric layer for receiving, dispersing, and transporting moisture outwardly away from the inner fabric layer. The outer fabric layer resides adjacent to the intermediate fabric layer for receiving and dispersing moisture wicked outwardly from the inner and intermediate fabric layers.

Abstract: A process for promoting bonding between a person such as a working mother and an infant or young child is disclosed. A garment is worn in contact with the skin of the person to whom bonding is to be promoted, such as in contact with a person's torso. The garment is comprised of a material which absorbs odor from the body. A fastening mechanism (24) attaches the garment to the body for a time sufficient to retain the odor. The worn garment is attached to a garment support (50) with the fastening mechanism sufficiently close to the infant so that the infant may smell the retained odor for a time sufficient to promote bonding.

Abstract: A moisture managing brassiere for sports wear and general wear includes a front portion, a back portion connected to the front portion, and a pair of shoulder straps connected respectively at one end to the front portion and at respective opposite ends to the back portion. The brassiere is constructed of a composite stretch fabric including an inner fabric layer, and intermediate fabric layer, and an outer shell fabric layer. The inner fabric layer is constructed of hydrophobic moisture wicking fibers for residing in skin contact during garment wear. The intermediate fabric layer resides adjacent to the inner fabric layer for receiving, dispersing, and transporting moisture outwardly away from the inner fabric layer. The outer fabric layer resides adjacent to the intermediate fabric layer for receiving and dispersing moisture wicked outwardly from the inner and intermediate fabric layers.

Abstract: A flat cushion sized to cover the breast of the woman has an adhesive layer applied to one side thereof, while a protective cover is applied over the adhesive layer. When the protective cover is pulled off, the adhesive layer can be pressed against the inner surface of a woman's garment to allow an opposite side of the flat cushion to cover the breast of the woman.

Abstract: A moisture management brassiere which includes a brassiere body, including a body and back strap. The body and back strap are formed of a stretch fabric having a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact and for wicking moisture away from the skin. A moisture dispersal fabric layer is provided, and is constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defines a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear. The moisture dispersal fabric layer receives moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer. Stretch yarns provide stretch to the back strap. A pair of breast enclosing and supporting cups are attached to the back strap of the brassiere. Each of the cups is constructed of a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns which define a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin.

Abstract: A breast shield is described having a dome-shaped shell with an open bottom and an elastic member that extends across the open bottom. The elastic member has an opening through which the breast nipple extends into the interior of the shell. The elastic member serves as a base or mount for the shell which resiliently spaces the shell from contacting the nipple. One embodiment of the shield aids in reinverting a nipple that is inverted.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a maternity and nursing bra incorporating a one-handed fastening method that inherently allows for a stronger cup support and variable adjustment of cup size. It is accomplished by affixing parts of a fastener to the inside of an inner cup (17) to an inner band (15). Also incorporated into the inside of the inner cup (17) is an optional use nursing pad pocket (18). The bra's variable strap width adjusting band (12) and the relocatable shoulder straps (10) enables the bra to be worn with a variety of outer garment styles.

Abstract: A nursing pad for placement inside a cup-like portion of a bra-like garment includes a conical structure of an absorbent material, such as layers of a fabric material or of a paper-like material. The conical structure has an apex, an outer boundary, and a V-shaped portion extending from the apex to the outer boundary, with the absorbent material being overlapped in the V-shaped portion. Preferably threaded stitching, such as zigzag stitching or surger stitching, secures the absorbent material overlapped in the V-shaped portion and around the outer boundary.