Lactation shield

Abstract

A framework for supporting a piece of fabric forming a concealed space within which a mother may sit for infant lactation. The framework has side arms mounted on a horizontal cross member with fasteners that permit vertical movement and horizontal movement of the side arms with respect the horizontal cross member. The framework having elongated flat feet attached to vertical support members with fasteners that permit rotation of the flat feet on the vertical support members and movement of the vertical support members along the flat feet. Swivel fasteners are positioned along the side arms and horizontal cross member for attachment of the fabric.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a framework for supporting a piece of fabric forming a concealed open space for infant lactation within which a mother may position her body while seated in a seat or chair.

Brief Description of the Prior Art

Many privacy devices for nursing a baby are designed to attach to the mother and drape a piece of fabric over the baby. This makes it difficult to discretely position the infant such that it may latch. The cover also blocks air flow and is hot and uncomfortable to both the mother and the infant. In addition the cover blocks eye contact.

Breastfeeding is on the rise and mothers need something better that will allow them to nurse comfortably without exposure, frustration and embarrassment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF VARIOUS PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention, a framework for supporting a piece of fabric forming a concealed space for infant lactation within which a mother may position her body while seated in a seat or chair is disclosed. The support frame includes the following elements:

• • a horizontal cross member formed of telescoping sections mounted on first and second vertical support members formed of telescoping sections,
  • first and second side arms formed of telescoping sections mounted at opposite ends of the horizontal cross member with mechanical fasteners that allow angular movement of the first and second side arms in two planes with respect to the horizontal cross member,
  • first and second elongated flat feet attached to the first and second vertical support members opposite the horizontal cross member with mechanical fasteners that allow rotation of the first and second feet on the first and second vertical support members and longitudinal movement along the first and second feet respectively,
  • at least one pivotable fastener attached to each of said horizontal cross member and first and second side arms for attachment of the piece of fabric.

In some embodiments a snap or twist lock is provided on the horizontal cross member for controlling the extent to which the telescoping sections extend. In other embodiments a snap or twist lock is provided on each of the vertical support members and side arms for controlling the extent to which the telescoping sections extend.

In another aspect the side arms are mounted at opposite ends of the horizontal cross member with a spring loop with tabs around the horizontal cross member and with a tongue formed on an end of the side arm positioned between the tabs. A bolt passes through apertures in the tabs and the tongue and a nut when tightened on the bolt causes the spring loop to tighten on the horizontal cross member allowing a vertical angle of the side arm with respect to the horizontal cross member to be adjusted and set. As the nut is tightened on the bolt the tongue is pinched between the tabs allowing a horizontal angle of each side arm to the horizontal cross member to be adjusted and set also.

In other applications elongated flat feet have a side slide with an elongated slot and a spring loop with tabs is mounted around the vertical support members. A bolt passes through the elongated slot and through apertures in the tabs to tighten the tabs against the slide to set the angle elongated feet make with respect to the horizontal cross member and set longitudinal movement of the vertical support members along the feet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings in which one of various possible embodiments of the invention is illustrated, corresponding reference characters refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framework in accordance with the present invention in use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the framework with a piece of material attached around the periphery with swivel fasteners;

FIG. 3 is a perspective of the framework with the piece of material removed for clarity;

FIG. 4 is an inside view of the framework as viewed by a user;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the of the framework;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the framework;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fastener for angular movement of a side arm in two planes with respect to a horizontal cross member;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fastener that permits rotation of elongated flat feet on vertical support members and which allow movement of the vertical support member along the elongated flat feet;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a swivel fastener in a first position;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the swivel fastener in a second position; and,

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the framework collapsed for transport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference number a framework 10 for supporting a piece of fabric 12 to form a concealed space for infant lactation is shown. The piece of fabric 12 may be a decorative baby blanket or even a cherished hand made knitted blanket as soiling is avoided. As best seen in FIG. 3, framework 10 in major part includes a horizontal cross member 14, first and second vertical support members 16, first and second side arms 18 and first and second elongated flat feet 20, together with swivel fasteners 22 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 9A and 9B for attachment of the piece of fabric 12.

Horizontal cross member 14, first and second vertical support members 16 and first and second side arms 18 are formed with telescoping sections, one portion of which slides inside the other with a snap pin or twist lock 24 to establish the extent to which the telescoping sections extend. Telescoping sections allow a user to adjust the width and height of framework 10 to fit the user and also allow framework 10 to compact in collapsed form as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, when fully extended or deployed, horizontal cross member 14 defines a space from about 12 to about 24 inches, first and second vertical support members 16 from about 9 to about 18 inches and side arms 18 from about 9 to about 18. As will be apparent based on the instant disclosure, the dimensions of the space defined by framework 10 may vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

As shown in the drawings, horizontal cross member 14 is mounted on first and second vertical support members 16 with right angle elbows 26 such that first and second vertical support members 16 are at approximately right angles, or perpendicular to horizontal cross member 14. First and second side arms 18 are mounted at opposite ends of horizontal cross member 14 inboard of right angle elbows 26 with a first mechanical fastener 28 for angular movement of the side arms in two planes with respect to horizontal cross member 14. As shown in FIG. 7, each first mechanical fastener 28 comprises a spring loop 30 with end tabs 32 between which is received a tongue 34 provided on an end of each side arm 18. A bolt 36 is passed through an aperture 38 in tongue 34 and aligned apertures 40 in tabs 32. A nut 42 when tightened on bolt 36 causes spring loop 30 is tighten on horizontal cross member 14 allowing the vertical angle of each side arm 18 to horizontal cross member 14 to be adjusted and set. Upward movement of side arms 18 may be used to block the view of a person setting on the right or the left of the user. As nut 42 is tightened on bolt 36 and tongue 34 is pinched between tabs 32, the horizontal angle of each side arm 18 to horizontal cross member 14 may be adjusted and set, for example wider to accommodate a bigger person or narrower to fit within the dimensions of a chair with arms.

First and second elongated flat feet 20 are attached to first and second vertical support members 16 opposite horizontal cross member 14 with a second mechanical fastener 44 permitting rotation of the first and second elongated flat feet 20 on vertical support members 16 and allowing movement of the vertical support members along the elongated flat feet. As shown in FIG. 8, each of second mechanical fasteners 44 comprises an assembly including a slide 46 attached to a side edge of the flat foot 20. A spring loop 48 with end tabs 50 is tightened about vertical support member 16 with a bolt 51 that passes through apertures 52 in tabs 50 and through an elongated longitudinal slot 54 in slide 46. As a nut 56 is tightened on bolt 51, spring loop 48 is tighten on vertical support member 16 fixing the angle that flat feet 20 make with respect for horizontal cross member 14 and the position of vertical support member 16 along elongated slot 54.

Swivel fasteners 22 illustrated in the form of spring clamps are provided on horizontal cross member 14 and side arms 18. Swivel fasteners 22 in their basic form consist of two jaws held under tension by a metal spring. The jaws clamp down on both sides of piece of fabric 12 to keep it in place. The spring clamps as best seen in FIGS. 9A and 9B are preferably swivel mounted to the horizontal cross member and side arms to avoid loss and provide compaction on collapsed form as described below.

In the illustrated embodiment, horizontal cross member 14, vertical support members 16 and side arms 18 may have a circular cross-section and be constructed of a variety of materials, including, without limitation, aluminum, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), carbon reinforced plastics or the like. Elongated flat feet 20 may also be formed of similar materials. In most embodiments, it is advantageous for the material to be rigid enough to be self-supporting while light enough to allow framework 10 to be easily transported.

In the expanded configuration as shown in FIGS. 1-6, framework 10 forms a perimeter within which a mother may position her body while seated in a seat or chair with elongated flat feet 20 wedged under her legs such that vertical support members 16 are held upright. A curtain formed with piece of fabric 12 pinned with swivel fasteners 22 forms a concealed space for infant lactation or permits a mother to pump milk modestly. Framework 10 also provides an open space for maneuvering and helping the infant latch. The curtain formed by the fabric is spaced from the mother and infant such that air flow is not blocked and over heating and possible baby breathing difficulties are avoided. In addition the open space allows for eye contact between the mother and the infant which promotes bonding which is very important to both.

In collapsed form, piece of fabric 12 may be unpinned from swivel fasteners 22 which may be rotated such that they are aligned with horizontal cross member 14 and side arms 18. Horizontal cross member 14, vertical support members 16 and side arms 18 may be shortened by loosening snap or twist locks 24. By loosing nut 42 on bolt 36 of each first mechanical fastener 28 side arms 18 may be rotated inwardly such that they are parallel to horizontal cross member 14. By loosening nut 56 on bolt 51 of each second mechanical fastener 44 vertical members 16 may be slid along elongated slot 54 in slide 46 such that framework 10 folds into a flat rectangular form as shown in FIG. 10 for transport which may be in a diaper bag or the like.

In the preceding description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A framework for supporting a piece of fabric forming a concealed space for infant lactation within which a mother may position her body while seated in a seat or chair, said framework comprising a horizontal cross member formed of telescoping sections mounted on first and second vertical support members formed of telescoping sections,first and second side arms formed of telescoping sections mounted at opposite ends of the horizontal cross member with arm mechanical fasteners that allow angular movement of the first and second side arms in two planes with respect to the horizontal cross member,first and second elongated flat feet attached to the first and second vertical support members opposite the horizontal cross member with feet mechanical fasteners that allow rotation of the first and second feet on the first and second vertical support members and longitudinal movement along the first and second feet respectively,at least one pivotable fastener attached to each of said horizontal cross member and first and second side arms for attachment of the piece of fabric.

2. The framework of claim 1 wherein a snap or twist lock is provided on the horizontal cross member for controlling the extent to which the telescoping sections extend.

3. The frame work of claim 1 wherein a snap or twist lock is provided on each of the vertical support members and side arms for controlling the extent to which the telescoping sections extend.

4. A framework for supporting a piece of fabric forming a concealed space for infant lactation within which a mother may position her body while seated in a seat or chair, said framework comprising a horizontal cross member formed of telescoping sections mounted on first and second vertical support members formed of telescoping sections,first and second side arms formed of telescoping sections mounted at opposite ends of the horizontal cross member, each side arm mounted with a spring loop with tabs around the horizontal cross member and a tongue formed on an end of the side arm positioned between the tabs, a bolt passing through apertures in the tabs and the tongue and a nut when tightened on the bolt causes the spring loop to tighten on the horizontal cross member allowing a vertical angle of the side arm with respect to the horizontal cross member to be adjusted and set and as the nut is tightened on the bolt the tongue is pinched between the tabs allowing a horizontal angle of each side arm to the horizontal cross member to be adjusted and set,first and second elongated flat feet attached to the first and second vertical support members opposite the horizontal cross member with feet mechanical fasteners that allow rotation of the first and second feet on the first and second vertical support members and longitudinal movement along the first and second feet respectively,at least one pivotable fastener attached to each of said horizontal cross member and first and second side arms for attachment of the piece of fabric.

5. The framework of claim 4 wherein a long axis of each pivotable fastener aligns with a long axis of the horizontal cross member and first and second side arms to which the pivotable fastener is attached.

6. The framework of claim 4 wherein a snap or twist lock is provided on each of the horizontal cross member, vertical support members and side arms for controlling the extent to which the telescoping sections extend.

7. The framework of claim 4 wherein the elongated flat feet have a side slide with an elongated slot and a spring loop with tabs mounted around the vertical support members, a bolt passes through the elongated slot and through apertures in the tabs to tighten the tabs against the slide to set the angle elongated feet make with respect to the horizontal cross member and set longitudinal movement along the elongated flat feet.

8. The framework of claim 7 wherein the horizontal cross member, vertical support members and side arms have a circular cross section and are formed of plastic rigid enough to be self-supporting.