Patent Grant
10182600
The present invention relates generally to women's apparel, and more particularly, to bra assemblies configured to accommodate selective exposure of a breast to facilitate nursing activities. Another feature of the disclosed assembly includes a closure assembly that is configured to manipulate the number of discrete closures or clasps that must be manipulated to effectuate “opening” or “closing” of the bra assembly.
Nursing apparel is provided in a variety of shapes and configurations for accommodating selective exposure of a breast to facilitate nursing activities. Some such apparel is provided simply as a camisole. Many user's appreciate the degree of unencumbered comfort associated with such apparel but can be rendered uncomfortable due to the lack of breast support as well as the potential for inadvertent but fairly common unexpected leakage of the breast. Recognizing such shortcomings, others provide nursing garments in the form of a bra which provides enhanced support of the breast. Unfortunately, many such articles of apparel are susceptible to other drawbacks.
Many nursing bras include respective breast cups that can be swung in a generally downward direction such that the cup generally underlies a nursing child. The orientation of the breast cup generally below the nursing child frequently results in the bra cup absorbing breast milk during the feeding activity rendering the wearer with wet apparel until the same can be changed. Recognizing such a shortcoming, many such nursing bras are configured to include an interchangeable absorbent insert to mitigate the detrimental consequences of wet apparel. Unfortunately, such inserts frequently compress the breast, exacerbating undesirable leakage, and alter the fit of the nursing bra thereby detracting from the comfort associated with wearing the same.
In addition to the inserts, and the size and/or wetness associated therewith, many such bra arrangements commonly only have a limited degree of adjustment. The limited degree of adjustment, particularly for women with larger cup sizes and/or highly productive lactation can result in bra assemblies that are only comfortable for limited durations of the nursing cycle as the child grows and the volumes associated with feeding change. Such considerations can result in increased expense as users must commonly have various bras of different sizes to satisfy the demands of nursing without being considered as providing inadequate support or as being too constrictive.
Still other nursing bra assemblies include breast covering portions or cups that are movable in lateral directions but such systems suffer from various alternate drawbacks in addition to some of the drawbacks discussed above. Some such arrangements include a cup portion that movably cooperates with a triangular strap portion wherein the triangular straps generally circumferentially surround the nipple portion of the breast. Displacement of the strap portions can interfere with feeding activities and the radial positioning of the straps concentrate the forces associated with supporting the breast into limited narrow bands resulting in discomfort. Still other arrangements result in concurrent exposure of both breasts such that the non-feeding breast must commonly be covered with ancillary apparel and/or coverings. Such an arrangement also leaves the alternate breast wholly unsupported. Still further, such bra apparel commonly includes closure assemblies that require two hands to effectuate the desired exposure of a breast. This task is commonly complicated by the presence of a child intended to be nursed such that the wearer commonly only has one hand free to achieve the exposure of a desired breast.
Therefore, there is a need for a nursing bra arrangement that allows selective exposure of nearly the entirety of a single breast, does not interfere with the feeding activity, maintains support of a non-feeding breast, can be quickly and conveniently manipulated by a single hand, and is displaced relative to the feeding activity to maintain a dry and sanitary condition of the respective breast covering.
The present invention discloses a bra assembly and bra closure assemblies that overcome one or more of the shortcomings discussed above. One aspect of the invention discloses bras and methods of forming bras suitable for nursing activities. The bra assembly includes a pair of breast cups that are selectively securable to a torso band. A first closure assembly is disposed between each breast cup and the torso band and extends in a lateral direction generally below a respective breast. A second closure assembly includes first and second portions that are each secured to a respective breast cup. The first and second portions of the second closure removably cooperate with one another such that each breast can be selectively exposed by lateral outward translation of the respective breast cup.
Another aspect of the invention that is usable or combinable with one or more of the above aspects or features discloses a bra assembly having a torso band that is configured to extend about a torso of a wearer. The assembly includes a first breast cup and a second breast cup that are each connected to the torso band and each have a generally triangular shape defined by a laterally outward edge, a cleavage edge, and an upper edge. A first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap each extend between a respective one of the first breast cup and the second breast cup and a back portion of the torso band. A first closure assembly and a second closure assembly are disposed between a respective breast cup and the torso band. Each of the first and second closure assemblies are operable to selectively secure a longitudinal lower edge of the respective first and second breast cup to the torso band. A third closure assembly is isolated from the torso band and includes a first portion that is secured to the cleavage edge of the first breast cup and a second portion that removably cooperates with the first portion and is secured to the cleavage edge of the second breast cup such that the first breast cup and the second breast cup can each be selectively swung in a respective outward lateral direction to expose a breast disposed therebehind without affecting a position of the other breast cup.
Another aspect of the invention that is usable or combinable with one or more of the above aspects discloses a method of forming a nursing bra. The method includes connecting a right breast cup to a left breast cup with a torso band that is connected to respective lateral outward edges of the respective right and left breast cups. A bottom edge of each of the right and left breast cups is connected to the torso band with a respective variable length closure that includes a first portion that is secured to a respective one of the right and left breast cups and a second portion that is secured to the torso band. A cleavage edge of each of the right breast cup and the left breast cup is connected to each other with a selectively operable closure that assists operation of the variable length closure during opening and closing operation of each of the right and left breast cups.
Another aspect of the invention that is useable with one or more of the above aspects discloses an assembly that includes a first frame body and a second frame body that removably cooperate with each other and removably cooperate with respective portions of a bra closure or clasp assembly. The first frame body includes at least two eyelets that are attached thereto. Each of the at least two eyelets are oriented to removably cooperate with a hook of a bra closure. The second frame body includes at least two hooks that are attached thereto and oriented to cooperate with a respective eyelet of the bra closure. The assembly includes a first clasp portion that is defined by the first frame body and a second clasp portion that is defined by the second frame body. The first clasp portion and the second clasp portion removably cooperate with one another to open and close the bra closure with fewer interfaces than associated with cooperation of the hooks and eyelets of the bra closure.
These and other aspects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:
In describing the various embodiments of the invention, which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be referred to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words “connected”, “attached”, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.
The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.
Still referring to
Respective discrete first breast cup closure assembly and second and breast cup closure assembly or first and third closure mechanisms 42, 46, respectively, are each provided as variable length closure mechanisms, such as a zipper, wherein a respective degree of an “open” or “closed” condition of the closure mechanism is defined by a variable degree of operation or interaction with the respective closure mechanism. It is appreciated that the variable length closure mechanisms could be provided in other operational modalities, such as plurality of snap and buttons for example, wherein operation of the respective closure mechanism allows incremental securing of the interface between each respective breast cup and the torso band. Each zipper includes a slider 50, an optional pull tab 52, a first toothed interface 54 and a second toothed interface 56. As is commonly understood, the degree of the “open” or “closed” condition associated with closure mechanisms 42, 46 is commonly associated with the position of slider 50 relative to cooperating interaction associated with toothed interfaces 54, 56.
First toothed interface 54 is attached to lower facing edge 36 of a respective breast cup 26, 28 and selectively interacts with the respective toothed interface 56 secured to torso band 22 to accommodate the selective opening and or closing of the respective first and third closure mechanisms 42, 46. Referring to
As shown in
Referring to
As shown in
In view of the above, it should also be appreciated that cooperation and operation of closure mechanism 46 and closure mechanism 44 accommodate the exposure of the breast disposed behind breast cup 28 while maintaining a covered orientation of the breast disposed between breast cup 26 to facilitate nursing activities associated with the alternate breast. As alluded to above, it is understood that bra assembly 20 is shown as what is commonly understood as a sports bra in that there is no separable front or rear closure assembly associated with facilitating removal or replacement of the bra assembly relative to the wearer aside from translating the apparel generally over the head of the wearer such that the neck of the wearer extends between shoulder straps 38, 40 and the arms of the wearer extend from openings oriented laterally outward relative to a respective shoulder strap 38, 40. Understandably, not all users appreciate such apparel.
Shoulder straps 108, 110 extend from an intersection associated with edges 112, 114 to a rear portion 118 of torso band 102 of bra assembly 100. It is appreciated that shoulder straps 108, 110 can be provided in an adjustable configuration wherein the length of the straps can be adjusted and/or the straps are securable to the respective breast cups and or torso band 102 at various locations to manipulate the fit associated with bra assembly 100. Bra assembly 100 includes a plurality of closure mechanisms 120122, 124 associated with the forward facing breast cup portions 104, 106 of bra assembly 100. Bra assembly 100 also includes a selectively operable rear closure assembly or mechanism 126 associated with torso band 102 that provides a separable connection associated with rear portion 118 of torso band 102. Unlike bra assembly 20, it should be appreciated that rear closure mechanism 126 accommodates forwardly directed placement and removal of bra assembly 100 relative to the user. Closure assemblies 120, 124 are substantially similar to closure assemblies 42 and 44 described above with respect to bra assembly 20. Unlike closure assembly 44 associated with bra assembly 20, closure assembly 122 is provided in a snap and button or hook and loop configuration wherein a cleavage edge 128 associated with bra cup 104 includes one or more discrete snaps or hooks loops and a cleavage edge 130 associated with breast cup 106 includes the corresponding arrangement of buttons or loops associated with facilitating removable cooperation between cleavage edges 128, 130 associated with breast cups 104, 106 of bra assembly 100. It is appreciated that the number and orientation of the snaps, buttons, hooks, and loops associated with closure assembly 122 can be provided in a plethora of configurations.
Like bra assembly 20, each closure mechanism 120, 124 of bra assembly 100 includes a slider 134, an optional pull tab 136, and a respective pair of toothed interfaces 140, 142 associated with the respective closure mechanism 120, 124 to accommodate the selective exposure of a breast disposed behind the respective breast cup 104, 106. Referring to
Upon completion of a feeding activity, translation of slider 134 associated with closure mechanism 120 in an inward lateral direction, indicated by arrow 150, and reestablishing the “closed” configuration of closure mechanism 122 repositions cups 104, 106 over the respective breast. Like bra assembly 20, it should be appreciated that the outward lateral directions refer to displacing sliders 134 relative to the cleft defined by the cleavage or the medial longitudinal anatomical line of the wearer. Like bra assembly 20, closure mechanisms 120, 122, 124 are each configured to be operable by a single hand and closure mechanism 122 enhances the single-handed operability of closure mechanisms 120, 124 during the opening and closing activities.
Each of bra assemblies 20, 100 provide a bra assembly that is constructed to allow selective exposure of a single breast while maintaining coverage and support of the remaining breast and do so in a manner wherein the respective breast cup associated with the exposed breast is translatable in an outward lateral direction so as to be substantially or entirely out of the way of the feeding activity and any spillage associated therewith to maintain a dry and sanitary condition associated with the respective breast cups. Each of bra assemblies 20, 100 are further constructed to allow selective exposure of either breast and in a manner wherein operation of the multiple closure assemblies associated with the nursing activity can be manipulated between the “open” and “closed” configurations via single-handed interaction with the respective closure assembly. Such configurations allow the user to conveniently and expeditiously expose a single desired breast while maintaining coverage and support of the adjacent breast.
As alluded to above, one or more of closure mechanisms 122, 126 of bra assembly 100 can be provided in a hook and loop configuration configured to allow separation of respective ends of torso band 102 and/or selective separation of the cleavage edges 128, 130 associated with breast cups 104, 106.
As is commonly understood, cooperation of respective hooks 152, 154 with a respective row of loop pairs manipulates the tension and thereby the fit associated with the torso band and/or breast cups by manipulating the circumferential size as hooks 152, 154 are engaged with respective loop pairs 168-178 relative to distal end 180 associated with end 158. It is appreciated that separation of ends 156, 158 associated with the respective torso band or breast cup requires association and dissociation of the each of the respective hooks 152, 154 and the desired set of respective loops 168-178. Manipulation of ends 156, 158 relative to one another to effectuate the desired engagement and disengagement of the closure mechanism can be somewhat difficult for inexperienced users, single-handed operation, and users with infirmities such as arthritis, limited manual dexterity, and/or limited flexibility. Such difficulties can be compounded when the user is required to positionally associate a plurality of rows and/or a plurality of respective closure interfaces relative to one another but proper association of the respective closure interferences associated with the closure mechanism must be effectuated to achieve the desired fit and comfort of the bra assembly.
Closure mechanism 200 includes a first portion or frame body 202 and a second portion or frame body 204 that removably cooperate with one another. Frame body 202 includes a plurality of connection interfaces 205 of hooks 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 that are secured to frame body 202. A plurality of connection interfaces 215 or eyelets or loops 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 are secured to frame body 204. Hooks 205 and loops 215 are oriented and positioned the removably cooperate with a respective alternate hook or loop arrangement associated with an underlying bra assembly such that respective frame bodies 202, 204 can be secured to respective alternate ends associated with a torso band closure, such as mechanism 126, or a separable breast cup closure mechanism, such as closure mechanism 122. As explained further below with respect to
Frame bodies 202, 204 removably cooperate with one another via a reduced number and preferably a single connection interface associated with providing a closed orientation of closure mechanism 200, as shown in
Once secured to the respective ends of a torso band or cup arrangement of a bra assembly, the single or reduced number of connection interfaces associated with securing frame body 202 relative to frame body 204, in addition to the optional pull tab 236, facilitates single-handed user interaction with respect to manipulation of closure mechanism 200 between the “open” and “closed” conditions. As mentioned above, first and second frame bodies preferably cooperate with one another in a manner wherein the cooperation of the single connection interface is intuitive to the user.
First frame body 302 and second frame body 304 removably cooperate with one another via a single connection interface thereby reducing the: discrete number of associations and motions that must be provided to facilitate connection and separation of the respective ends. Said another way, once the multiple connection interfaces associated with hooks 306, 308 and loops 310, 312 are established with respect to an underlying bra assembly, connection mechanism 300 allows separation and connection of the respective ends of the bra assembly, whether associated with the torso band or a front or breast cup closure mechanism, via achieving an interfering association of first frame body 302 relative to second frame body 304 via a single connection interface.
Comparatively, closure mechanism 200 provides 5:1 reduction, closure mechanism 300 provides a 2:1 reduction, and closure mechanism 350 provides a 3:1 reduction in the number of connection interfaces that must be established with respect to “opening” and “closing” the respective closure mechanism associated with the underlying bra assembly and are each preferably constructed to be operated in a single-handed manner. The first and second frame bodies of each of closure mechanisms 200, 300, 350 are each also preferably constructed to provide a generally flat configuration associated with cooperation of the respective frame bodies when in the “closed” position so as to mitigate discomfort to the user associated with the utilization of any of closure mechanisms 200, 300, 350. It is further appreciated that closure mechanisms 200, 300, 350 can be utilized for manipulating rear torso band closures, front torso band closures, and/or front breast cup closure mechanisms wherein the respective closure mechanisms associated with the underlying bra assemblies include multiple connection interfaces that must be associated to effectuate the desired “open” or “close” activity. It is further appreciated that the respective orientation and number of connection interfaces associated with closure assemblies 200, 300, 350 are merely exemplary and closure assemblies having other numbers and orientations of connection interfaces are envisioned and within the scope of the present application.
The various bra and bra closure assemblies disclosed herein provide apparel and apparel closure assemblies that can be conveniently configured to allow selective exposure of either breast without substantial exposure of the adjacent breast and in a manner that reduces incidence of wetting of the covering or breast cup associated with the exposed breast. The various apparel and adjustable closure arrangements are configured to accommodate single handed exposure of a single breast for feeding activities and in a manner wherein the apparel can better accommodate changes in the size and shape of a women's breasts due to lactation and/or aging, and provided easier operability than bra assembly wherein the closure mechanisms include multiple connection interfaces.
Therefore, one embodiment of the invention includes bras and methods of forming bras suitable for nursing activities. The bra assembly includes a pair of breast cups that are selectively securable to a torso band. A first closure assembly is disposed between each breast cup and the torso band and extends in a lateral direction generally below a respective breast. A second closure assembly includes first and second portions that are each secured to a respective breast cup. The first and second portions of the second closure removably cooperate with one another such that each breast can be selectively exposed by lateral outward translation of the respective breast cup.
Another embodiment of the invention that is usable or combinable with one or more of the features or embodiments disclosed above includes a bra assembly having a torso band that is configured to extend about a torso of a wearer. The assembly includes a first breast cup and a second breast cup that are each connected to the torso band and each have a generally triangular shape defined by a laterally outward edge, a cleavage edge, and an upper edge. A first shoulder strap and a second should strap each extend between a respective one of the first breast cup and the second breast cup and a back portion of the torso band. A first closure assembly and a second closure assembly are disposed between a respective breast cup and the torso band. Each of the first and second closure assemblies are operable to selectively secure a longitudinal lower edge of the respective first and second breast cup to the torso band. A third closure assembly is isolated from the torso band and includes a first portion that is secured to the cleavage edge of the first breast cup and a second portion that removably cooperates with the first portion and is secured to the cleavage edge of the second breast cup such that the first breast cup and the second breast cup can each be selectively swung in a respective outward lateral direction to expose a breast disposed therebehind without affecting a position of the other breast cup.
Another embodiment of the invention that is usable or combinable with one or more of the above embodiments includes a method of forming a nursing bra. The method includes connecting, a right breast cup to a left breast cup with a torso band that is connected to respective lateral outward edges of the respective right and left breast cups. A bottom edge of each of the right and left breast cups is connected to the torso band with a respective variable length closure that includes a first portion that is secured to a respective one of the right and left breast cups and a second portion that is secured to the torso band. A cleavage edge of each of the right breast cup and the left breast cup is connected to each other with a selectively operable closure that assists operation of the variable length closure during opening and closing operation of each of the right and left breast cups.
Another embodiment of the invention that is useable with one more of the above features, aspects, or embodiments includes a bra closure assembly having a first frame body and a second frame body that removably cooperate with each other and removably cooperate with respective portions of a bra closure or clasp assembly. The first frame body includes at least two eyelets that are attached thereto. Each of the at least two eyelets are oriented to removably cooperate with a hook of a bra closure. The second frame body includes at least two hooks that are attached thereto and oriented to cooperate with a respective eyelet of the bra closure. The assembly includes a first clasp portion that is defined by the first frame body and a second clasp portion that is defined by the second frame body. The first clasp portion and the second clasp portion removably cooperate with one another to open and close the bra closure with fewer interfaces than associated with cooperation of the hooks and eyelets of the bra closure.
It is appreciated that the various bra and bra closure assemblies disclosed herein include various additions, modifications, and rearrangements that are within capabilities of those skilled in the art from the disclosure of the present application. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications, and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims which also form part of the specification.
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