This invention relates to wear apparel for women, and more particularly to a nursing bra accessory device and method.
A variety of nursing bra garments for women have previously been devised. Typically, such garments have employed a fastener to temporarily release or remove a portion of the garment and thereby expose a breast to provide the child access to its mother's breast for breastfeeding.
Currently the mainstream options for obtaining a nursing bra are essentially limited to: 1) purchasing a commercially-available nursing bra having fastener and sling portions intended for selectively exposing the breast for nursing; or 2) modifying a standard (non-nursing) bra to convert the standard bra into a nursing bra by cutting and sewing the bra to insert a fastener and a sling portion. Unfortunately the selection of commercially available nursing bras tend to offer options that can be expensive and quite limited in terms of fit, style and quality. Modifying a standard bra to convert it into a nursing bra may be an attractive alternative if not for the need for parts assembly and sewing—time-consuming and laborious tasks not appealing or realistic to many nursing mothers.
Prior to the invention of the present disclosure there had not existed a quick, simple device and method requiring minimal time and skill for converting a standard bra into a nursing bra.
The invention has been developed primarily to provide a device and method to facilitate easy conversion of a bra from a standard bra to a nursing bra, and is described with reference to this application.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
The invention comprises a device for converting a standard bra into a nursing bra. One embodiment comprises: an upper assembly comprising an upper fastener attached to a first portion of a quick release fastener, the upper fastener being configured for securely gripping a severed shoulder strap; a lower assembly comprising a lower fastener attached to a second portion of the quick release fastener, the lower fastener being configured for securely gripping a severed breast cup strap; a band fastener configured for securely gripping a bra torso band; and a sling strap having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the sling strap top end is attached to the upper assembly and wherein the sling strap bottom end is attached to the band fastener; wherein the quick release fastener first and second portions can be selectively coupled and uncoupled.
One embodiment of a method of converting a standard bra into a nursing bra using the aforementioned device comprises the steps of: 1) severing the bra shoulder strap into a shoulder strap portion having a shoulder strap severed end, and a cup strap portion having a cup strap severed end; 2) fastening the upper fastener over the shoulder strap severed end to securely attach it to the bra shoulder strap portion; 3) fastening the lower fastener over the cup strap severed end to securely attach it to the cup strap portion; and 4) fastening the band fastener over a lower edge of the torso band or bra cup to securely attach it thereto, whereby the band fastener is engaged such that during use the sling strap extends from an interior side of the torso band; whereby steps 2) through 4) may be performed in any order. The aforementioned method of converting a standard bra into a nursing bra may include the steps of: adjusting the length of the sling strap and/or bra shoulder strap portions; locking the upper fastener, lower fastener and/or band fastener.
Alternatively, a method of converting a standard bra into a nursing bra using the aforementioned device may comprise the steps of: 1) fastening the band fastener over a lower edge of the torso band to securely attach it thereto, whereby the band fastener is fastened such that the sling strap extends from an interior side of the torso band to intersect the bra shoulder strap at the upper assembly; 2) severing the bra shoulder strap into a shoulder strap portion having a shoulder strap severed end, and a cup strap portion having a cup strap severed end, wherein the bra shoulder strap is severed at a location which is determined by the intersection of the upper assembly and the bra shoulder strap; 3) fastening the upper fastener over the shoulder strap severed end to securely attach it to the bra shoulder strap portion; and 4) fastening the lower fastener over the cup strap severed end to securely attach it to the cup strap portion; whereby steps 3) through 4) may be performed in any order. The aforementioned method of converting a standard bra into a nursing bra may include the steps of: adjusting the length of the sling strap and/or bra shoulder strap portions; locking the upper fastener, lower fastener and/or band fastener.
Another embodiment of the device of the present application comprises a quick release fastener having first and second portions, wherein the first portion is connected to an upper fastener and the second portion is connected to a lower fastener. A retaining structure may be provided on an upper assembly unit, which unit includes the quick release fastener first portion and upper fastener, said retaining structure providing an attachment location for a sling strap top end.
The upper fastener, lower fastener and/or band fastener of the device of the present invention may comprise a jaw having opposing jaw portions and a hinge member, wherein the jaw portions are pivotable at the hinge member to move the jaw between opened and closed states, and wherein the jaw portions comprise gripping features on inside surfaces thereof. The gripping features may include teeth, spikes, barbs, a high-friction material, or a combination thereof. The teeth, spikes and/or barbs may be configured to pierce the bra shoulder strap and/or torso band when fastened. The high friction material may comprise a natural or synthetic rubber. The band fastener may be configured for gripping the bra torso band over a lower edge thereof. The band fastener further may comprise a band fastener retaining structure that is configured for retaining the sling strap bottom end thereon, wherein the band fastener retaining structure is positioned at a superior region and on an inside portion of the band fastener. The upper fastener may be formed integrally with the quick release fastener first portion, or the upper fastener may be attached to the quick release fastener first portion via a linking element. The lower fastener may be formed integrally with the quick release fastener second portion, or the lower fastener may be attached to the quick release fastener second portion via a linking element. The upper fastener, lower fastener and/or band fastener further may comprise a locking mechanism for locking the jaw in the closed state. The locking mechanism may comprise a locking lever, slider, toggle, ratchet, deformable tab, dial, screw, or any combination thereof. The locking mechanism may be manipulated by hand, or the locking mechanism may require the use of a tool for manipulation thereof. The upper fastener, lower fastener and/or band fastener may be releasable or non-releasable. The upper fastener, lower fastener and/or band fastener may comprise at least one piercing member. The upper fastener, lower fastener and/or band fastener may be a crimp, a clasp, a clamp, a snap, a suspender clip or an alligator clip. The upper fastener, lower fastener and/or band fastener may include a biasing member. The upper fastener, lower fastener and/or band fastener may feature a flat or low profile when fastened so as to be invisible under clothing. The upper fastener, lower fastener and/or band fastener may comprise plastic and/or metal and/or a painted surface coating. The sling strap may be adjustable in length. The band fastener may comprise multiple fasteners positioned along the span of the sling strap bottom end. The sling strap may comprise an elastic material. The quick release fastener may comprise a nursing bra clip, a hook and loop fastener, a button and loop closure, a snap closure, a hook and eye closure, or a magnetic closure. The quick release fastener may be coupled and uncoupled using a single hand. The quick release fastener first portion may be positioned proximally to the body of the wearer compared to the quick release fastener second portion when the fastener portions are coupled while the bra is being worn. The quick release fastener first portion may be located superiorly relative to the quick release fastener second portion when the fastener portions are coupled while the bra is being worn.
Several embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
For the purposes of this application the term “standard bra” shall be construed to include any wearable garment which comprises at least one shoulder strap, at least one breast cup and a torso band. The term “standard bra” is used throughout the application to denote a conventional bra which does not have the typical nursing bra features such as quick release fasteners and sling straps. The term “standard bra” shall be construed to encompass any type of bra known to a person of skill in the art, including but not limited to: sports bras, bandeau style bras, camisoles or tank tops having shelf bras, swimwear bras, bras having straps of various configurations such as racerback, halter, removable or one-shouldered configurations, and bras with or without support structures such as underwires and padding. The term “breast cup” shall be construed to include any covering over the breast for the purpose of covering and contributing support to the breast and may comprise a variety of materials and designs. An example of a standard bra 1 of the prior art, as illustrated in
An example of a conventional top-opening nursing bra 2 of the prior art is illustrated in
An example of a popular style of nursing bra quick release fastener of the prior art, as illustrated in
The object of the present invention is to empower an ordinary lay person to convert a standard bra into a top-opening nursing bra with minimal time and skill and requiring no specialized tools or sewing. A first embodiment 110 of the device of the present invention is illustrated in
When installing the device of the present application to convert a standard bra into a nursing bra the user simply performs four steps. She severs the standard bra shoulder strap 10 near the breast cup 4 resulting in a shoulder strap portion 112 having a severed end 113 and a cup strap portion 114, also having a severed end 115. Then, she securely fastens the upper fastener 122 over the severed shoulder strap end 113 onto the shoulder strap portion 112 of the strap, securely fastens the lower fastener 124 over the severed cup strap end 115 onto the cup strap portion 114 of the strap, and securely fastens the band fastener 126 over a lower edge 8 of the torso band 6, having oriented the band fastener 126 so that the sling strap retaining structure 138 of the band fastener 126, which provides an attachment point to retain the bottom end 44 of the sling strap 40, is placed on the interior (wearer-facing) side of the torso band 6. The band fastener 126 must be connected to the torso band 6 such that, when worn, the sling strap 40 lies between the body of the user and the inside surface of the bra. The band fastener 126 should be attached to the torso band 6 at a location that will allow the sling strap 40 to extend to the upper assembly 100 and serve to maintain the shoulder strap 112 in a standard position when the cup 4 is lowered, but will do so without interfering with breastfeeding. A typical sling strap bottom end attachment point may be near the bottom of the cup 4 and laterally off-center with respect to the breast, as known in the prior art and as is shown in
Throughout this application the term “band fastener” shall be understood as encompassing single or multiple fasteners so long as they serve the function of attaching the span of the bottom end of the sling strap to the bra torso band. Sizing provisions for the sling strap may include a slider or any other suitable length-adjusting mechanism as would be contemplated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. A fastener is fastened by placing it, in an open state, at the desired location and then by engaging the fastener by closing it over the strap or band, rendering it in an engaged state. The fastener may then be locked in place if a locking mechanism is provided.
Thus, when the device is installed, the upper fastener 122 is securely fastened to a severed standard bra shoulder strap 112, the lower fastener 124 is securely fastened to a severed breast cup strap 114, and the band fastener 126 is fastened to a standard bra torso band 6. This converts a standard bra 1 into a nursing bra which is analogous to that of the prior art, rendering it functionally equivalent and operable in the same manner. A converted bra is shown in
The upper fastener 122, lower fastener 124 and band fastener 126 may take various forms, as would be appreciated by a person of skill in the art. These fasteners are intended to securely grip the severed bra shoulder strap 112 and severed cup strap 114 over raw edges 113, 115 thereof, and to securely grip bra torso band 6 over the loweredge 8 thereof, respectively. When installed into their engaged and/or locked states, the fasteners 122, 124, 126 are intended to remain engaged and/or locked and withstand normal use and laundering of the bra. They may be releasable or permanent. A suitable fastener embodiment is illustrated, by example only, in
A preferred type of locking fastener, as illustrated in
Any suitable locking mechanism may be employed for the purposes of securely locking the fasteners in an engaged state. Examples of suitable locking mechanisms include but are not limited to: locking levers, locking sliders, locking dials, detents, toggles, ratchet mechanisms. Fasteners having deformable tabs for rendering the fastener locked in a permanently engaged state have also been contemplated. Fasteners with locking mechanisms requiring tools such as crimps or screws have also been contemplated. The term “locking mechanism” shall be construed to include any mechanism by which the fastener may be reversibly or irreversibly locked in an engaged state.
The upper and lower assembly fasteners 122, 124 of
A sling strap retaining structure is preferably used and would be found anywhere on the upper assembly 100 and provides a site for permanent connection with the sling strap top end 42. As illustrated in
As previously mentioned, when the band fastener is installed the sling strap should extend from the interior side of the torso band, which is to say on the side of the torso band that is in contact with the body of the user when worn. In a preferred embodiment the band fastener retaining structure 138 may be located on the superior end of a jaw portion 150 of the band fastener 126, as illustrated in
Upper, lower and/or band fasteners may comprise a biasing member for applying pressure to the gripping surfaces. The upper, lower and band fasteners may be different from, or may be identical to, one another. The fasteners are preferably sized and shaped with a low or flat profile such that they are invisible under clothing. Fasteners may comprise any suitable material such as metal or plastic and may comprise a surface coating such as paint, or they may comprise a combination of materials. Examples of fasteners known in the art which may be appropriate as upper, lower and/or band fasteners may include clips, clasps, clamps, crimps, suspender clips, alligator clips, locking clips, slider clips, C-clips. Fasteners may require tools for manipulation thereof, or may be of a type which can be manipulated without tools. The illustrated fasteners are provided as mere examples and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention. Other known fasteners with or without locking mechanisms or retaining structures and with variations in design of locking mechanisms, hinge portion, jaw portion, gripping surfaces, gripping features and retaining structures may similarly be appropriate for use, as would be appreciated by a skilled person in the art.
As it may be desirable to select and incorporate the sling strap oneself, a person of skill in the art would appreciate that the coupled upper and lower assemblies may be useful as a device in itself without the inclusion of the sling strap and band fastener.
To install the device, a user: 1) severs a standard bra shoulder strap 10 at a location adjacent to the breast cup resulting in a shoulder strap severed end and a cup strap severed end; 2) fastens the upper fastener over the shoulder strap severed end to securely attach it thereto in a closed state; 3) fastens the lower fastener over the cup strap severed end to securely attach it thereto in a closed state; and 4) fastens the band fastener over a lower edge of the bra torso band to securely attach it thereto, whereby the band fastener is engaged at a location which will allow the sling strap to extend between the body of the user and the bra cup without interfering with breastfeeding; whereby steps 2) through 4) may be performed in any order. If a locking mechanism is provided, the fasteners can be locked in place as appropriate.
The band fastener is to be engaged at a suitable location over the lower edge of the torso band, preferably such that the sling strap will lay flat against the body when worn between the body of the user and the interior surface of the bra cup. In the case of a bra which does not have a distinct band member below the cup, the band fastener may be attached to the lower edge of the bra cup. A suitable attachment location is up to the user and varies with the configuration of the sling strap and bra. An elongate sling strap would preferably extend in approximately the same line as the shoulder strap to intersect with the shoulder strap at the upper assembly, and would attach to the band off-centre and outwardly relative to the nipple location, as is known in the art. Widened or trumpet-shaped sling straps would attach to the torso band at logical locations along the band in order to lay flat against the body when worn, as is known in the art. Optionally the user may adjust the sling strap and shoulder strap lengths in order to achieve an optimal fit. Optionally, the user may prefer to attach the band fastener first before severing the shoulder strap to achieve optimal placement of the upper and lower assemblies and reduce slack length in the sling strap. The user would generally proceed to repeat the installation steps on the other, non-converted, standard bra strap in order to achieve a symmetrically functional top-down nursing bra.
If the fasteners are releasable the user has the option to revert the bra to standard bra form once the top-down nursing bra configuration is no longer desired by releasing the fasteners and re-attaching the severed shoulder strap ends together by sewing or other means.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20180352884 A1 | Dec 2018 | US |