Leak-Proof Maternity Bra and a Fabric-Made Leak-Protection Pad

FIELD

Some embodiments are related to the field of clothing.

BACKGROUND

Clothing articles and clothes are typically formed of textile material and are worn on the body. Clothes are worn for various purposes, for example, to keep the human body warm in a cold weather, to protect the human body from rough surfaces or insects or plants, to provide a hygienic barrier between the human body and the environment, to protect the human body from ultraviolet radiation, to cover genitals, for social reasons or as fashion, or the like.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments provide a leak-proof bra and a fabric-made leak-protection pad (e.g., particularly suitable and adapted for being used within a bra or in conjunction with such bra); as well as methods and systems for producing or manufacturing such bra and such fabric-made leak-protection pad.

In some embodiments, the bra may be an everyday bra; or may be a maternity bra, a pregnancy bra, a post-pregnancy bra, a nursing bra, a breastfeeding bra; or may be other type of bra (e.g., a sports bra, a fitness bra).

Some embodiments may provide a fabric-based protection pad for a bra, comprising: (a) a first layer, that is configured to directly touch a human breast; wherein the first layer is a moisture-wicking fabric layer that pulls wetness away from the human breast and transports the wetness towards a second layer; (b) a second fabric layer, that receives wetness from the first layer; wherein the second fabric layer is knitted from one or more fabric yarns, that include at least a fabric yarn that is augmented or infused or coated or treated with silver ions or silver molecules or other type of silver yarn(s) or silver-augmented yarn(s) or silver-containing yarn(s) or silver-infused yarn(s), which operate as anti-bacterial agent and/or anti-microbial agent and/or anti-odor agent; wherein the silver in the second fabric layer does not touch the skin of the human wearer; (c) wherein the second fabric layer further comprises a breathable membrane (or a non-breathable membrane, or both a breathable membrane and a non-breathable membrane) to retain liquids and wetness, that is laminated or is inseparably attached to the side of the second layer that is facing away from the human body.

Some embodiments may provide a bra, comprising: a fabric-based Passepartout framing element or pad-holding element, located within (or attached to) an internal side or internal surface of a cup of the bra, and is configured to hold in place the fabric-based protection pad.

In some embodiments, the fabric-based protection bra is removable from the bra, and may be washed and dried separately from the bra, and may then be re-inserted into the fabric-based Passepartout framing element or pad-holding element of the bra, for re-utilization numerous times.

Some embodiments may provide other and/or additional advantages and/or benefits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic illustration of a fabric-based leak protection pad for a bra, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of knitting structures, which may be used in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-3C are illustrations of protection pads for a bra or for a shirt, or for collecting leakage from the breast of a human wearer, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a set of multiple layers or multiple components of a protection pad, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a set of two layers (e.g., out of a total of two layers; or, out of more than two layers) of a protection pad, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of another set of two layers (e.g., out of a total of two layers; or, out of more than two layers) of a protection pad, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a bra, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side-view illustration of a fabric-made leak-protection pad, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 9A is a schematic illustration of a fabric-made Passepartout or framing element, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 9B is a schematic illustration of another fabric-made Passepartout or framing element, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME DEMONSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The Applicants have realized that some women, particularly nursing mothers or breastfeeding women or pregnant women or post-pregnancy women, as well as women have certain medical conditions, may lactate or may secrete breast milk or other liquids.

The Applicants have realized that lactation, or discharge of breast liquids, may occur at unpredicted times, and may cause wetness to the breast area or nipple area of the woman, and/or to one or more regions of a bra and a shirt (or other clothing article) that the woman is wearing; and such wetness may be visible to others, and/or may cause inconvenience to the wearer.

The Applicants have realized that some nursing women may use a disposable, one-time use, non-fabric, nursing pad. For example, a conventional disposable nursing pad is inserted between the breast and the bra, and attempts to absorb milk or liquids that may leak from the breast. However, realized the Applicants, disposable nursing pad often contain a plastic lining and are not eco-friendly, and often cannot be recycled and thus cause an environmental hazard; and a mother who breastfeeds for several month may use (and discard) hundreds of such disposable nursing pads, in a manner that is not environmentally friendly, is expensive, and requires the mother to purchase and maintain an inventory of such disposable nursing pads. For example, in a demonstrative example, a nursing mother may need two disposable pads, that are replaced every 3 hours (eight times per day), thereby using (and later discarding) 16 disposable pads per day, or 112 disposable pads per week, or 480 disposable pads per month.

Furthermore, realized the Applicants, some disposable pads that are made of (or contain) plastic and other artificial materials, may cause allergic reaction or sensitivity to some women, may cause soreness or itching, or other inconvenience.

Some embodiments of the present invention include a bra, and particularly a nursing bra or a maternity bra or a breastfeeding bra, which may include or may utilize a fabric-made leak-protection pad or liquid-absorbing pad; as well as such protection pads for autonomous utilization in conjunction with any suitable type of bra or shirt or garment.

The fabric-made protection pad provides liquid absorbance and/or liquid soaking and/or liquid containment within the protection pad. It may be worn or used by nursing women to absorb milk, or by other women to absorb other breast-discharged liquids or breast discharges (e.g., serous fluids) which may need to be absorbed; and/or as a nipple concealment device or with the purpose of preventing the visual showing of the breast nipple (e.g., for religious reasons, modesty reasons, or the like). An important benefit of some embodiments is the constant dry feeling of the wearer, as well as the utilization of a comfortable and sustainable and eco-friendly/environmentally-friendly product.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are schematic illustration of a fabric-based leak protection pad 100 for a bra, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. FIG. 1A shows the pad 100 in an assembled state; whereas FIG. 1B shows, for clarity, the different layers 101-104 of the pad 100 as if they were slightly spaced apart from each other.

As shown, the protection pad includes multiple layers 101-104. For example, the First Layer 101 is a high-wicking, liquid-pulling, fabric-made layer; the Second Layer 102 is a high-absorbency knit structure; the Third Layer is a Membrane 103 for holding liquid(s) therein; the Fourth Layer is a pad-lining, typically made of (or including) polyester.

The first layer 101 is the most internal layer that faces towards the nipple or that touches the nipple; it is formed of fabric, and particularly from a high-wicking fabric or a high-wicking yarn, or a fabric having high liquid absorbance properties, or a yarn having high liquid absorbance properties; it is a knitted fabric, which may be formed (for example) from yarns of only cotton, or only polyester, or from a mixture of both cotton yarns and polyester yarns.

In some embodiments, optionally, the first layer includes a hydrophilic agent or a hydrophilic coating or hydrophilic cotton or hydrophilic polyester or hydrophilic yarn(s), or cotton or polyester or yarns that underwent hydrophilic treatment to become hydrophilic or to increase their hydrophilic properties; in order to increase the liquid absorbance properties of the first layer, which is intended to be in direct contact with the nipple and the breast, and thus is intended to be the first point-of-contact of any discharged breastmilk or liquid.

The first layer operates to rapidly or instantly wick or absorb or pull wetness or breastmilk or discharged liquid(s), and/or to pull them away from the nipple or breast, and/or to reduce the wetness of the nipple area or the breast, and/or to reduce the feeling of wetness of the wearer at the nipple area and/or to increase the dryness or the feeling of dryness of the wearer at the nipple area.

In some embodiments, the first layer is formed of fabric fibers and/or fabric yarn and/or fabric thread, of one type or of multiple different types, that are combined and/or arranged and/or knitted and/or structured in multiple layers, which operate to have a high wicking function and/or a high liquid-containment function and/or high liquid soaking capability and/or high capability to absorb and retain and hold liquid(s) without disposing or discharging or leaking such absorbed liquid(s) back towards the direction of the nipple or breast or towards the vicinity of the nipple, and/or together with transporting or moving the absorbed wetness or the absorbed liquid(s) away from the wearer's breast and/or outwardly.

The first layer of the protection pad is the most-internal layer, or is the skin-touching layer or the breast-touching layer or the breast-facing layer or the skin-facing layer; it is the layer that is located in direct touch with (and is facing towards) the breast or the nipple or the nipple area of the wearer. The first layer is formed of a fabric and has a high wicking feature or high absorbance capability.

In some embodiments, the first layer may be formed of Polyester knitted fabric, or of knitted Polyester yarn(s), for example, with an intentionally structured and/or crafted and/or designed rip knitting effect, which rapidly absorbs and transports liquid away from the body (e.g., within two seconds, as a high wicking element). The rip effect may create uneven or non-planar surfaces or regions in this layer, similar to spatial mountain and valleys; which in turn may hasten the drying of the first layer, and/or may otherwise contribute to (or provide) a fast-dry effect.

In some embodiments, the first layer may be non-planar and non-flat, and/or may have non-flat texture and/or non-planar texture, and/or may have miniature ribs or protrusions or protruding ribs or protruding dots or protruding lines or protruding patterns, and/or may have miniature craters and/or channels and/or recessed lines, thereby providing a three-dimensional non-planar non-flat texture and/or structure which may assist in absorbance of breast-discharged liquids and/or may assist in rapid drying of the fabric and/or may assist in hastening at least partial evaporation of the absorbed liquids.

In some embodiments, the high wicking First Layer of fabric is thermo-transformed or is molded, and is thus adapted to complement or to fit or to snuggly fit shape of a breast (which the First Layer touches) and the shape of the bra (which the protection pad touches). Such shape or structure may be adjusted or modified or configured or adapted according to the size and/or depth of the breast of the specific wearer, and/or according to the shape and size and design of the bra that is worn by such wearer.

The Applicants have realized that the three-dimensional non-planar non-flat structure and/or texture of the fabric-made protection pad and its First Layer, may provide one or more benefits or advantages: for example, reduction of leakage; increased absorbance capability; faster or more rapid absorbance capability; more secure leakage protection or more hermetic leakage protection or more efficient/effective leakage protection; reduction in wetness or in wet spots, or complete prevention of wet spots, on the breast and/or the bra and/or the shirt and/or the outer garment(s); reduced odor of discharged breastmilk or liquids; reduced harshness, or avoidance of harshness (e.g., the harshness of a dried or drying disposable pad that had absorbed breastmilk); providing breathability to the breast, and preventing or reducing stickiness of the protection pad to the bra and/or to the nipple; increase convenience to the wearer; reduction or prevention of inconvenience to the wearer.

The protection pad further includes a Second Layer 102, located externally to the first layer 101; such that the first layer is sandwiched or trapped between (i) the breast of the human wearer, and (ii) the second layer. The second layer functions as the container or holder or the retaining element that holds or retains the absorbed breastmilk or the absorbed breast-discharged liquid.

Optionally, the Second Layer may comprise an anti-bacterial agent or material, for example, by including or incorporating or embedding therein, or coating it from at least one side or from both sides (of the Second Layer), with silver or ionized silver or with silver-containing molecules or with silver induced or silver infused particles or encapsulants, or by encapsulating or trapping or sandwiching silver or ionized silver or silver-containing molecules within the Second Layer; and the anti-bacterial agent may also prevent or reduce or absorb odors or smells, as well as negative bacteria or harmful bacteria, which may cause discomfort for the wearer.

In some embodiments, the Second Layer is formed of fabric, knitted from a combination of: a first number (P) of Polyester yarn(s), and a second number (S) of Silver yarn(s). The Silver yarn(s) may be, for example, a yarn that is augmented with silver atoms or with silver ions or with silver-containing molecules. In some embodiments, P is 1 and S is 1. In other embodiments, P is 1 and S is 2. In other embodiments, P is 2 and S is 1. In some embodiments, P is a number in the range of 1 to 10, including these values. In some embodiments, S is a number in the range of 1 to 10, including these values. The polyester yarn(s) and the silver yarn(s) are knitted together, or arranged or structured and engineered, to create sufficient space or volume for holding and retaining a large amount of liquid within the fabric.

In some embodiments, only the Second Layer of the protection pad, which does Not touch the skin or the body or the breast or the nipple of the wearer, contains the anti-bacterial agent and/or the silver yarn and/or the ionized silver and/or the silver-containing molecules; and, in contrast, the First Layer of the protection pad, which directly touches the skin or the body or the breast or the nipple of the wearer, does Not contain any anti-bacterial agent and/or silver yarn and/or ionized silver and/or silver-containing molecules. Accordingly, some embodiments prevent direct contact of silver or ionized silver or silver-containing molecules with the body of the wearer, to reduce or to prevent allergic reaction, to reduce or prevent triggering of medical conditions, and/or to achieve other benefits from such distancing, while also providing the anti-bacterial benefits of such anti-bacterial agent or silver-containing molecules or ionized silver.

In some embodiments, the utilization of silver yarns or silver ions augmented yarn(s) in combination with polyester yarns, may create an anti-bacterial effect or functionality, which is not temporary and may last for months or even years, and does not “wash off” by laundry or washing.

In some embodiments, the second layer may include, or may be glued or bonded or attached or connected to or laminated to, or may be immediately adjacent to, a Membrane 103 which is the Third Layer; which is located away from the human wearer, such that the Second Layer is sandwiched between (i) the First Layer (which is located at the inner side of the Second Layer, towards the breast) and (ii) the Membrane (which is located at the outer side of the Second Layer, away from the breast). In some embodiments, the Membrane is coating the Second Layer or is glued or bonded to the Second Layer at the outer side or the outer surface of the Second Layer (the side that is facing away from the breast); in other embodiments, the Membrane may optionally be entirely sandwiched or trapped or incorporated or embedded within the Second Layer, such that the fabric or yarn(s) of the Membrane completely entrap or surround the Membrane within them.

In some embodiments, the Membrane 103 is a breathable membrane which may be laminated or glued or otherwise attached or bonded to the outer-facing side of the Second Layer (which includes the polyester yarn(s) and the silver ion augmented yarn(s), knitted together). The Membrane and the Second Layer of fabric, being laminated or glued or bonded together, or being non-detachably attached to each other, are a single laminated unit or element, and cannot be separated from each other anymore (e.g., without destroying the fabric or the functionality of its components), and are provided as a single fabric-made element or a single fabric-made element that consists of both the Second Layer and the Membrane. In some embodiments, a non-breathable membrane may be used; or, both a breathable membrane and an adjacent non-breathable membrane.

The fabric-made leak-protection pad of some embodiments may have various differences from (and advantages over) conventional pads that attempted to achieve similar results.

For example, the fabric-made leak-protection pad of some embodiments is a single unified element, that includes therein both the fabric (made of a knitted combination of silver ion augmented yarn(s) with polyester yarn(s), as described) and the membrane laminated to it in a non-separable way. The membrane layer, in some embodiments, cannot and does not move or shift or slide in its position, relative to the fabric-made pad element, or relative to the body of the human wearer; and thus it provides secure and non-moving protection and the relevant places.

In other embodiments, the Membrane may be located and may be sandwiched or trapped between the First Layer and the Second Layer; rather than (or instead of) being located at the outer-facing side of the Second Layer; such that the Membrane touches both the first layer (at one side of the Membrane) and the second layer (at the other side of the Membrane).

In still other embodiments, two Membranes may be used in one protection pad: a first Membrane located between the First Layer and the Second Layer; and also, a second Membrane located at the outer-side of the Second Membrane.

In yet other embodiments, two or more Membranes may be used together, in combination, in one single protection pad: for example, optionally having a Membrane located between the first layer and the second layer; and/or optionally having another Membrane that is trapped or sandwiched within the Second Layer itself (e.g., surrounded or trapped within the knitted polyester yarns and the silver ion augmented yarns); and/or optionally having yet another Membrane that is located at (or laminated to, or glued to) the outer-facing side of the second layer. Each such Membrane may optionally be glued or bonded or attached, or laminated or heat-pressed to or with, one adjacent layer of the protection pad, or two layers of the protection pad.

In some embodiments, the highly-functional fabric of the protection pad is covered by a breathable membrane (and/or a non-breathable membrane) on the outer side of the Second Layer; and/or such Membrane (or an additional Membrane) may be located between the First Layer and the Second Layer, or located at the inner (body-facing) side of the Second Layer.

An important functionality of the Membrane is to provide a liquid barrier, yet it is also breathable and further enhances the comfort feeling of the wearer; while also providing a dry look-and-feel at the outside of the bra. In some demonstrative and non-limiting embodiments, the protection pad may absorb and retain an amount of 3 teaspoons or 10 milliliters of breastmilk and/or liquid breast discharge.

In some embodiments, the Second Layer, or the combination of the fabric of the Second Layer with the Membrane layer, may be thermal-transformed or molded to match the same shape as the First Layer, or to otherwise fit or follow the shape of the First Layer but in a slightly enlarged proportion as the Second Layer is external (and this slightly larger in diameter) relative to the First Layer and is further located from the human breast; to enable a perfect fit of the combination of layers to the shape of the human breast (at the internal side of the protection pad) and/or to the shape and structure of a bra (at the external side of the protection pad).

In some embodiments, in order to avoid or reduce slippage or motion or relative-motion or slipping or movement or relative-movement of the multiple layers (namely, the First Layer, and the Second Layer, and the Membrane that may be laminated to the Second Layer), relative to each other and/or relative to the breast and/or relative to the bra, the multiple layers or at least the two fabric layers (e.g., the First Layer and the Second Layer) may be heat-pressed into (or may be embedded within, or inserted within, or held in place within or via) a Passepartout frame or pass-par-tout frame or a pass-through border or a pass-through margin or a pass-through frame element or framing element, which may be formed of fabric (e.g., cotton, polyester, a combination of cotton and polyester, or other knitted materials); and such knitted Passepartout frame may provide a sewing allowance or sewing margins therein, all around the frame or margins (in some implementations), or at least at three or four or other pre-defined number and pre-defined regions or margins of the Passepartout frame (e.g., at or near four or six corners or edges of the Passepartout frame). In some embodiments, the Passepartout frame may be rectangular, or square shaped; yet in other embodiments, it may be structured as a non-polygon element or a non-square element or a non-rectangular element, for example, implemented as a circular or generally-circular or oval or elliptic framing element or knitted pass-through element or knitted border element, which is able of holding therein the leak-proof protection pad.

In some embodiments, the Passepartout frame or element may be structured or configured to fit into the Fabric-Cup of the bra; or, onto or into a push-up (PU) cup of the bra; and/or may be stitched or glued onto or into or to the Bra-Cup fabric or the push-up cup of the bra. Such structure may prevent the leak absorbent layer(s) from moving or slipping or free-floating within the cup of the bra, and/or may assist in maintaining the spatial location of the protection pad within the bra and/or relative to the body and/or relative to the breast and/or relative to the nipple. In some embodiments the Passepartout frame or other bordering or framing or holding element may be sewn onto or to the pre-molded fabric or bra cup or push-up bra cup, or may be glued or heat-pressed or stitched or otherwise connected thereto, in order to permanently connect or attach the Passepartout frame to such other element and to ensure that the Passepartout frame—and thus also the leak-protection pad that is holds—remain in place.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the entire combination of the two-layer or multiple-layer fabric is held by the Passepartout frame; and together with the cup of the bra, in any suitable size and depth and type, they form the base for the bra.

In some embodiments, the leak-protection pad is a part of (or, is utilized in combination with, or in conjunction with) a bra or brassiere; which may be molded or thermal-formed. In some embodiments, the bra may be a maternity bra or a nursing bra or a pregnancy bra or a post-pregnancy bra; and may optionally include a mechanism for selectively exposing, at least partially, a portion of the breast in order to enable breastfeeding by the mother towards the baby; such mechanism may be implemented, for example, using Velcro, using a button and a hole, using a zipper, using a clip or a clipping mechanism, using a knot, or using other opening and closing mechanism. In other embodiments, the bra need not necessarily be a nursing bra; but rather, it may be a bra for the general population, or a bra for teenagers, or a sports bra, or a strapless bra, or a two-straps bra, or a single-strap bra, or other suitable type of bra. In some embodiments, optionally, a Push-Up (PU) element or filler or cushioning element or breast-augmenting element, or an appearance smoothening element or a visually enhancing element (e.g., enhancing the visual appearance of the size and/or shape of the breast) may further be included, such as sandwiched or located (e.g., temporarily or permanently) between the protection pad and the bra. In other embodiments, the protection pad may be an element or a fabric-based element or internal layer of a bra, particularly in a soft-mold bra, and may absorb and retain breastmilk or liquids discharged from the breast, or may provide nipple concealment functionality. In some embodiments, the bra in combination with the protection pad may have a suitable structure or shape, for example, Balconette, Tri-angle, Demi-coverage, Full-Coverage, or other structures; and may be include one or more supportive wires or supporting wires or wireframe, ceramic wire, plastic wire, or other support structure, or (in some implementations) may exclude any wires and may be formed and used without any wires. In some embodiments, optionally, to provide additional support of the breast and/or to provide a particular visual appearance, the bra and its properties (e.g., shape, size, depth, cup size, back-wing strap size, shoulder strap(s) size and location, and other bra properties) may be configured or structured; optionally providing a wider or increased under-bust support functionality.

In some embodiments, the leak-protection pad is removable from a bra or a shirt (or other garment), and is insertable into a bra or a shirt (or other garment) of the human wearer; such as, by gently removing the leak-protection pad from (or sliding it out from) the border or margins or frame of the Passepartout element, or from other suitable holding element that holds the pad in place relative to the breast and/or relative to the bra (or shirt). In other embodiments, the leak-protection pad is made of fabric but is non-removable from the bra or shirt (or other garment), or is an integral or integrated part or member of the bra or shirt; such that it may not be removed by the human wearer, yet the entire garment (e.g., the entire bra with the pad, or the entire shirt with the pad) may be washed by hand or by a laundry machine; thereby enabling use and re-use of the protection pad which is part of the bra or shirt (or other garment).

Reference is made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which are schematic illustrations of knitting structures (201 and 202, respectively) which may be used in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. In FIG. 2A, knitting structure 201 demonstrates a possible knitting structure or knitting pattern for the First Layer, for example, utilizing “French Terry” knitting. In FIG. 2B, knitting structure 202 demonstrates a possible knitting structure or knitting pattern for the fabric of the Second Layer, for example, utilizing “Toweling Terry” or “Towel Terry” knitting. Other suitable knitting structures or knitting patterns may be used. The Applicants have realized that these particular knit structures may be efficient, or more efficient than other knit structure, for the functional goals of those layers.

Reference is made to FIGS. 3A-3C, which are illustrations of protection pads for a bra or for a shirt, or for collecting leakage from the breast of a human wearer, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. FIG. 3A shows a protection pad 301 with its unique three-dimensional structure. FIG. 3B shows a protection pad 302 as seen from the outside, namely, showing the surface that is not facing the breast and that is facing away from the human wearer. FIG. 3C shows a protection pad 303 as seen from the inside, namely, showing the surface that is facing the breast and that is not facing away from the human wearer.

Reference is made to FIG. 4, which is a schematic illustration of a set of multiple layers or multiple components of a protection pad, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. For example, a first layer 401 and a second layer 402 are shown; and in some implementations, optionally, additional layer(s) may be used to form the protection pad.

The first layer 401 is a moisture-wicking element or a moisture-wicking fabric or a moisture-wicking twill, or a moisture-wicking fabric that is knitted or woven to have a surface of multiple ridges (e.g., diagonal and parallel to each other). It pulls liquid(s) and/or moisture and/or wetness away from the breast; and it absorbs such wetness or liquid(s) or moisture within few seconds, to rapidly provide a dry and comfortable feeling to the wearer, which may last for hours (e.g., for 3 or 4 or 5 or even 6 hours, in some implementations). The first layer 401 further transports the wetness towards the second layer 402, via wicking or via diffusion or via capillary movement.

The second layer 402 is an absorbent cloth or an absorbent fabric, or a liquid-retaining fabric or cloth or element, which absorbs and retains and stores therein the liquid(s) or wetness that were received from the first layer 401. The second layer 402 includes fabric yarn or knitted yarn that is permanently infused or treated with silver atoms and/or silver molecules and/or silver ions and/or silver-containing molecules, which operate as anti-bacterial agent and/or anti-microbial agent and/or anti-odor agent; and such yarn(s) are encapsulated or woven or knitted within the second layer 402, without directly touching the breast or the skin of the human wearer. As described, the second layer 402 may further include a membrane for retaining or holding the liquid(s), and such membrane may be laminated or glued or bonded or otherwise non-detachably attached or inseparably attached to the yarns of the fabric from which the second layer 402 is formed.

Reference is made to FIG. 5, which is a schematic illustration of a set 500 of two layers (e.g., out of a total of two layers; or, out of more than two layers) of a protection pad, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. For example, a first layer 501 is wetness-wicking layer that corresponds to first layer 401 described above; and a second layer 502 is a wetness-retaining layer that corresponds to second layer 402 described above. As demonstrated, each one of layers 501 and 502 has a unique three-dimensional structure, that is generally triangular or that resembles a slightly-folded triangle, or other three-dimensional structure that accommodates or fits or complements the three-dimensional structure of a human breast, and/or that further assists in staying in place relative to the human breast and absorbing wetness of liquids from the human breast.

Reference is made to FIG. 6, which is a schematic illustration of a set 600 of two layers (e.g., out of a total of two layers; or, out of more than two layers) of a protection pad, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. For example, a first layer 601 is wetness-wicking layer that corresponds to first layer 401 described above; and a second layer 602 is a wetness-retaining layer that corresponds to second layer 402 described above. As demonstrated, each one of layers 601 and 602 has a generally-circular structure, which may accommodate or fit or complement the three-dimensional structure or shape of a human breast.

Reference is made to FIG. 7, which is a schematic illustration of a portion of a bra 700, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Bra 701 includes two breast cups; and each breast cup includes a pad holding mechanism 701 structured or configured to hold therein a fabric-made leak-protection pad 702 which may be inserted into (and optionally also removed from) such holding mechanism 701. The pad holding mechanism 701 may be, for example, a cup pocket or a central cup pocket opening, or a Passepartout member or a framing element or a border element, able to hold therein an inserted pad 702. For example, in some embodiments, the area of the opening of the pad holding mechanism 701, may be slightly smaller (e.g., 5 or 10 or 15 or 20 percent smaller) than the entire area of the pad 702; such that the pad 701 may be slightly folded during its insertion through the opening, and such that upon insertion the pad 702 is no longer folded and thus it retains its full size and area and is being held in place (within the breast cup of the bra) by the fabric-made borders or margins or frame of such pocket or Passepartout member. The pad is thus located such that it directly touches the nipple area of the wearer.

Reference is made to FIG. 8, which is a schematic side-view illustration of a fabric-made leak-protection pad 800, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Pad 800 includes multiple layers or multiple components; for example, an inner-side layer 801 which is a high absorbency and quick wicking layer, which directly touches the skin of the wearer; and a membrane 802 that absorbs and retains water or liquids and to prevent leakage (optionally implemented as, or includes, water-proof or liquid-proof layer(s) or components therein). Pad 800 is held in place within the bra via a framing element or a cup pocket or a Passepartout member 803, which may be formed of a water repellant and/or liquid-repellant fabric (or, from a fabric that was subject to a hydrophobic treatment or process, or that is coated with a hydrophobic agent or material or coating).

Reference is made to FIG. 9A, which is a schematic illustration of a fabric-made Passepartout or framing element 901, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. It is structured to hold therein a fabric-made leak-protection pad. The entirety of the frame is formed of a water repellant and/or liquid-repellant fabric (or, from a fabric that was subject to a hydrophobic treatment or process, or that is coated with a hydrophobic agent or material or coating).

Reference is made to FIG. 9B, which is a schematic illustration of a fabric-made Passepartout or framing element 902, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. It is structured to hold therein a fabric-made leak-protection pad. Some, but not all, of the frame (e.g., a base or lower portion of the frame) is formed of a water repellant and/or liquid-repellant fabric (or, from a fabric that was subject to a hydrophobic treatment or process, or that is coated with a hydrophobic agent or material or coating). Other suitable structures may be used.

Some embodiments may include a Seamless product, or may be produced in a seamless technology or production technique; to produce a seamless fabric-based protection pad that does not include any seams that rub against the human body, and/or in a manner that allows the protection pad to be integrated into various forms of Seamless bras or shirts or under-garments, that are knitted in (or around, or by using) a tube or a generally cylindrical template, without any side-seams, or using a body size-cylinder on a suitable knitting machine (e.g., a Santoni machine).

Some embodiments may comprise a manufacturing method or a production process, which may be computer-assisted or machine-assisted, or may be implemented via machines and/or manufacturing equipment (e.g., sewing machine, cutting machine, machine-controlled needles or cutters, robotic arms, conveyor belts, or the like). The method may comprise, for example: producing or knitting the first layer of the protection pad; preparing the silver-containing yarn(s), and producing or knitting the second layer of the protection pad; laminating or attaching a membrane to the outwardly-facing surface or side of the second layer; bonding or gluing or otherwise attaching the first layer and the second layer, and optionally also attaching an external layer (e.g., a pad-lining layer, formed of polyester); forming the protection pad from these layers, bonded or attached to each other; forming or producing a fabric-based Passepartout element or a fabric-based border element or a fabric-based framing element, as part of a bra or a shirt or other garment; inserting or integrating the protection pad into such fabric-based framing element.

Some embodiments may comprise a manufacturing system or a production system, including units or components able to perform one or more of the operations described above. Such system may include, for example: a unit or means for producing or knitting the first layer of the protection pad; a unit or means for preparing the silver-containing yarn(s), and producing or knitting the second layer of the protection pad; a unit or means for laminating or attaching a membrane to the outwardly-facing surface or side of the second layer; a unit or means for bonding or gluing or otherwise attaching the first layer and the second layer, and optionally also attaching an external layer (e.g., a pad-lining layer, formed of polyester); a unit or means for forming the protection pad from these layers, bonded or attached to each other; a unit or means for forming or producing a fabric-based Passepartout element or a fabric-based border element or a fabric-based framing element, as part of a bra or a shirt or other garment; a unit or means for inserting or integrating the protection pad into such fabric-based framing element.

For demonstrative purposes, some portions of the discussion may relate a protection pad that is integrated within a bra, or that is utilized as an internal part or an internal element of a bra; however, this is only a non-limiting example, and some embodiments may similarly include or may provide a fabric-based protection pad that may be utilized as an internal part of (or, may be an internal element of; or may be worn or utilized under or within) a sports bra, an aerobics bra, a sports shirt, an aerobics shirt, a yoga bra, a yoga shirt, a fitness bra, a fitness shirt, a shirt, an upper-body undergarment, an upper-body garment, or other suitable garment or clothing article.

Some embodiments provide a bra, comprising: two fabric-based cups (namely, cups that are formed of fabric, or that are formed mainly or mostly from fabric; optionally also held by a support wire or connected to a support wire), configured to cover and/or hold breast of a human wearer; optionally, one shoulder strap, or two shoulder straps, which is or are generally vertical, and go upwardly and vertically, over the shoulder(s), from the front side of the wearer (from the breast region), go as an upside-down U shape over the shoulder(s), and then go vertically and downwardly towards a back-strap or a back-wing or a back supporting strap that is generally horizontal (although in some embodiments, the bra may be strap-less; or may have straps that intersect as an X shape on the back of the wearer). At least one of the two fabric-based cups (or, each of the two cups) comprises therein an internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element or border element, that is integrally attached to an internal side or the fabric-based cup in which it is attached. The internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element is configured to hold in place a fabric-based leak-protection pad.

In some embodiments, the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element comprises a fabric-based border element, having an inner aperture (or opening) that has an area that is smaller (e.g., 5 or 10 or 15 or 20 or 25 percent smaller; or 5 to 25 percent smaller) than an area of the fabric-based leak-protection pad, to enable said fabric-based border element of said internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element to hold in place the fabric-based leak-protection pad, while also providing sufficient aperture area for the fabric-based leak-protection pad to directly touch the nipple-area of the breast.

In some embodiments, the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element is structured as a generally triangular frame which is configured to receive and hold therein a generally triangular fabric-based leak-protection pad. The Applicants have realized that in some implementations, this particular triangular-like structure, that is entirely different from circular pads (e.g., one-time non-fabric pads), may be particularly suitable and efficient for both (i) staying held in place within the Passepartout framing element, and (ii) covering the relevant area of the nipple region and capturing liquids or leakage therefrom; and particularly due to the fact that the triangle's base edge is located at the bottom, and is generally perpendicular to the ground or to the waist of the wearer, such that the top point of the triangle is above the nipple, yet the horizontal base edge of the triangle is below or beneath the nipple, thereby providing an increased coverage and absorption area located beneath the nipple (as liquids or leakage drip downwardly due to gravity); and such that at least 51 or 66 or 75 percent of the area of the triangle is located below the nipple, for improved absorption and leakage protection.

In some embodiments, the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element is structured as a generally ring-shaped frame which is configured to receive and hold therein a generally circular fabric-based leak-protection pad. The Applicants have realized that in some implementations, this particular structure may be efficient and/or beneficial in order to achieve adequate leakage protection; for example, the female wearer may be laying down or resting generally horizontally (e.g., on a bed), and leakage from the nipple may spill or leak towards two or more directions, or in a circular or oval manner; and not necessarily downwardly towards the waist area, and not necessarily only downwardly towards the waist area; and thus the circular (or oval) structure may suitable capture such leakage in an efficient manner.

In some embodiments, the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element is formed of a fabric that is pre-coated or pre-treated with a liquid-repelling agent, to repel liquids from the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element towards the fabric-based leak-protection pad. This unique structure ensures that the Passepartout framing element remains generally dry, or repels leakage or liquid, away from the Passepartout framing element and/or towards the fabric-based leak-protection pad; particularly because the Passepartout framing element may be non-detachably attached to the internal side of the bra, whereas the fabric-based leak-protection pad may be removable and separately washable or replaceable; thereby contributing directly to the dryness and comfort of the wearer, and providing an efficient solution in which a fixed and non-removable portion (the Passepartout framing element) remains generally dry, whereas the removable/replaceable portion (the fabric-based leak-protection pad) attracts or receives the leakage or liquid.

In some embodiments, at least a particular region of the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element is formed of a fabric knitted from one or more yarns that are pre-augmented or pre-treated with Ionized Silver molecules; wherein said one or more yarns are located at a layer of said internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element that does not directly touch the breast of the human wearer. This innovative structure allows the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element to have anti-bacterial/anti-viral/anti-odor properties, while also ensuring that the Ionized Silver molecules do not directly touch the skin or the body of the wearer (who may not wish to be in direct contact with metal particles).

In some embodiments, at least a particular region of the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element is formed of a fabric knitted from one or more yarns that are pre-augmented or pre-treated with an anti-bacterial agent. This innovative structure allows the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element to have anti-bacterial properties, while also ensuring that the anti-bacterial agent does not directly touch the skin or the body of the wearer (who may not wish to be in direct contact with that chemical agent).

In some embodiments, at least a particular region of the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element is formed of a fabric knitted from one or more yarns that are pre-augmented or pre-treated with an odor-absorbing agent. This innovative structure allows the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element to have odor-absorbing properties, while also ensuring that the odor-absorbing agent does not directly touch the skin or the body of the wearer (who may not wish to be in direct contact with that chemical agent).

In some embodiments, the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element holds in place the fabric-based leak-protection pad in a user-removable manner; wherein the fabric-based leak-protection pad is manually removable, via a partial folding or curving or bending or squeezing operation (of the pad), from within the fabric-based border element of the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element.

In some embodiments, at least an entirety of a breast-facing side of the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element, is seam-less and is stitch-less, and does not have any seams and/or stitches that touch a body of the human wearer. These features contribute to the comfort of the wearer, and also (in some implementation) may assist in ensuring that the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element remains generally dry or liquid-repellant, as liquids or leakage might be retained at (or near, or in) stitches or seams if they were to be used.

In some embodiments, the fabric-based leak-protection pad is entirely seam-less (or seam-free) and/or stitch-less (or stitch-free), and does not have any seams and/or stitches that touch a body of the female wearer. These features contribute to the comfort of the wearer, and also (in some implementation) may assist in ensuring that the internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element remains generally dry or liquid-repellant, as liquids or leakage might be retained at (or near, or in) stitches or seams if they were to be used.

In some embodiments, the fabric-based leak-protection pad comprises a liquid-absorbing membrane for absorbing fluids of the human wearer. It may be a breathable membrane, and not an entirely opaque membrane or an entirely liquid-blocking membrane, in order to provide breathability to the wearer's breast.

In some embodiments, the fabric-based leak-protection pad comprises a liquid-absorbing membrane for absorbing fluids of the human wearer; wherein the liquid-absorbing membrane is sandwiched between: (I) a breast-facing high-wicking fabric layer that is configured to pull liquids away from the breast towards said liquid-absorbing membrane, and (II) a polyester pad-lining element that covers the fabric-based leak-protection pad at a surface that is facing away from the breast.

In some embodiments, the fabric-based leak-protection pad is formed of the following four layers: (i) a breast-facing high-wicking fabric layer, that is configured to pull liquids away from the breast; covered by (ii) a high-absorbency fabric-based knit structure; covered by (iii) a breathable membrane; covered by (iv) a polyester pad-lining element.

In some embodiments, said four layers are glued or laminated to each other; wherein said four layers form together a singular gap-free element that is free of air-gaps (and/or air bubbles) therein.

In some embodiments, the breast-facing high-wicking fabric layer is formed of hydrophilic yarn that is pre-treated or pre-augmented with a hydrophilic agent or a hydrophilic coating.

In some embodiments, the high-absorbency fabric-based knit structure is formed of a fabric knitted from one or more yarns that are pre-augmented or pre-treated with Ionized Silver molecules; wherein the high-absorbency fabric-based knit structure does not directly touch the breast of the human wearer.

In some embodiments, the high-absorbency fabric-based knit structure is formed of a fabric knitted from one or more yarns that are pre-augmented or pre-treated with an anti-bacterial agent; wherein the high-absorbency fabric-based knit structure does not directly touch the breast of the human wearer.

In some embodiments, the high-absorbency fabric-based knit structure is formed of a fabric knitted from one or more yarns that are pre-augmented or pre-treated with an odor-absorbing agent; wherein the high-absorbency fabric-based knit structure does not directly touch the breast of the human wearer.

Some embodiments provide a fabric-based leak-protection pad, configured to be inserted into and held within a bra, in accordance with any of the above-mentioned implementations and/or any combination of two or more of the above-mentioned features.

Some embodiments provide a leak-proof maternity bra and a fabric-made leak-protection pad. For example, a bra includes two fabric-based cups, configured to cover breast of a human wearer. At least one of the two fabric-based cups includes therein an internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element, integrally attached to an internal side or the fabric-based cup in which it is attached. The internal fabric-based Passepartout framing element is configured to hold in place a fabric-based leak-protection pad. The pad is formed of multiple layers, including: a first layer formed of high-wicking or quick-wicking fabric; a second layer which is a high-absorbency knit structure; a third layer which is a breathable membrane; and a fourth layer which is a pad-lining polyester element.

Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more embodiments, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other embodiments, or vice versa.

While certain features of some embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents.

	Number	Date	Country
	63237176	Aug 2021	US
	63180663	Apr 2021	US

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/IL2022/050923	Aug 2022	WO
Child	18444800		US

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	18288193	Oct 2023	US
Child	18444800		US

Leak-Proof Maternity Bra and a Fabric-Made Leak-Protection Pad

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