Nursing Bra Adapted to Enable the Wearer to Breast Pump Hands Free

Abstract

The present invention is a device and method for adapting a nursing bra to facilitate hands-free breast milk pumping. The instant innovation uses a roughly ring-shaped cup or pocket adjustably suspended between an upper and a lower nursing bra attachment point. The user inserts a breast pump funnel through a void in the center of the roughly ring-shaped cup or pocket. The user may raise or lower each ring-shaped cup or pocket to ensure proper positioning and maintenance of the funnel upon the breast. The cup or pocket is configured to mechanically hold the breast pump funnel in place in a hand-free manner, permitting the wearer to use their hands for other tasks during the pumping process.

Description

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application claims under 35 U.S.C. § 120, the benefit of the Application 63/007,046, filed Apr. 8, 2020, titled “Nursing Bra Adapted to Enable the Wearer to Breast Pump Hands Free” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Nursing brassieres (referred to herein as, “bras”) permit a nursing mother to benefit from the support and comfort provided by a bra while easing her baby's ability to access and latch upon her breast. Nursing bras can also be used by mothers who wish to pump their own breast milk using a breast pump and funnel system.

Self-pumping of breast milk commonly requires a woman to hold a breast pump funnel against her own breast. Alternatively, hands-free pumping devices currently in use require that the user wear a bra that is compromised in terms of space and comfort in order to accommodate a pump even during periods of non-use. Other hands-free devices require the wearer to don a burdensome band or even another bra entirely, typically at inconvenient times. For mothers who are juggling other demands, putting on and adjusting bulky clothing items and then having to change out of them can take up inconveniently long periods of time. Typically, specialty underwear requiring such application and adjustment make privacy maintenance difficult and discreet use impossible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain illustrative embodiments illustrating organization and method of operation, together with objects and advantages may be best understood by reference detailed description that follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first adapted nursing bra consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detail view of the adaptation shown in FIG. 1 consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a second adapted nursing bra consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a detail view of the adaptation shown in FIG. 3 consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a third adapted nursing bra consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of the adaptation shown in FIG. 5 consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is rear view of a breast pump funnel and bottle apparatus mounted within and consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one, or more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two, or more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, “an exemplary embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

Because of the inconvenience, discomfort, and lack of privacy inherent in current breast-pumping solutions, there remains a need for a nursing bra adapted to enable discreet, hands-free breast pumping by the wearer. The present invention is characterized by an adjustable attachment to a nursing bra capable of both orienting a breast pump funnel over a human nipple and holding the funnel against the human breast during pumping.

In an embodiment, the nursing bra is dimensioned and adapted to be worn along the upper torso of a human wearer. Accordingly, the nursing bra provides shoulder strapping and a fabric loop on the bottom inner portion of the cup. The nursing bra provides two or more attachment points to which a ring-shaped or cup-shaped funnel stabilizer may be fastened.

In an embodiment, the funnel stabilizer is designed to permit insertion of a breast pump funnel through a void in the middle of the funnel stabilizer, and to exert tension upon the funnel sufficient to hold the funnel in position in place against the human breast. Each funnel stabilizer may be held in place by one or more straps, where each strap extends from opposing sides of the funnel stabilizer and where each strap, when attached to the sports bra, provides tension to the funnel stabilizer sufficient to hold the funnel stabilizer across the breast nipple. Each funnel stabilizer may be, by way of non-limiting example, a perforated cloth cup, a fabric ring, or the like.

In an embodiment, the distal end of each strap may provide for a fastener to attach the strap to the nursing bra. When in common use, the fastener on the distal end of the upper strap may be, by way of non-limiting example, a nursing clip or the like. Likewise, the fastener on the distal end of the lower strap may be, by way of non-limiting example, a hook or the like that is adapted to resist tension forces axially loaded along the line of the straps. In non-limiting examples, all fasteners used with the instant innovation may be hooks, snaps, buttons, clips, ties, or the like. Each strap may include an adjustable slider or other means by which the straps may be elongated and contracted.

In an embodiment, the funnel stabilizer may be fashioned of overlapping fabric panels positioned to permit insertion of a breast pump funnel between and through the panels, and designed to permit the wearer access to her own breast. The fabric panels may be made of any fabric or cloth suitable to be worn next to human skin, including, in a non-limiting example, stretchy and resilient sport-clothing type fabric including, but not limited to, cotton, nylon, spandex, polyester, and neoprene, or any combination of the same. Fabric thread may be employed to sew the two or more fabric panels into a roughly oval shape, ring shape, or other shape suitable for accommodation to the human breast. Fabric thread may be employed to trim edges of the panels for decorative purposes, for purposes of ensuring wearer comfort, or for purposes of preventing fraying or other wear.

In an embodiment, the panels are shaped and oriented to support the inserted nursing pump funnel in place over the nipple of the breast. The panels may be situated to provide for a slit to exist in the middle of the roughly oval shape of the funnel stabilizer. In certain embodiments, each funnel stabilizer may provide one or more pockets.

In an embodiment, the upper edge of the funnel stabilizer may have connected to it a first strip of material such as, by way of non-limiting example, strapping elastic or woven or non-woven fabric. The first strip may extend from the funnel stabilizer to a fastening position on the nursing bra, such position typically located just above the top edge of the breast. A second strip of similarly constituted material may be sewn onto the bottom edge of the funnel stabilizer, and may extend from the funnel stabilizer to one or more fastening positions on the nursing bra located near or just below the bottom edge of the breast.

In an embodiment, one or both of the first strip and/or second strip may be extendable and/or contractable and capable of being positioned into corresponding extended and/or contracted positions. In a non-limiting example, the first strip and/or second strip may be made extendable and/or contractable by use of one or more bra sliders. Bra sliders may be made of any material, such as, by way of non-limiting example, plastic or metal, suitable for permitting the adjustment of the length of the strip upon which it is used and for maintaining the selected length thereof.

In an embodiment, the distal ends of both the upper strip and the lower strip may contain a fastener or combination of fasteners suitable for attaching the ends of the upper strip and the lower strip to corresponding positions on the edge of the nursing bra. Such fastener or combination of fasteners may include, by way of non-liming example, one or more G-hooks, one or more fabric loops, ties, snaps, buttons, or the like, whether such fasteners are made of plastic, metal, fabric, or some other suitable material.

In an embodiment, the uppermost portion of the funnel stabilizer attaches to the nursing bra at or near the place on the nursing bra where the strap of the bra meets the top of the bra cup. In embodiments in which the nursing bra has been opened to provide access to the breast, the funnel stabilizer may attach to the nursing bra at the existing, now unused nursing bra cup hook. The bottommost portion of the funnel stabilizer attaches to the nursing bra below the now-exposed breast.

In an embodiment, the user may insert a breast pump funnel through the opening in the funnel stabilizer. The funnel stabilizer is suspended between the upper and lower nursing bra attachment points. The breast pump funnel, held in place by the funnel stabilizer, rests securely against the breast without the need for support with the user's hands. Together these components allow the wearer to pump breastmilk, hands-free, with the proper alignment of the pump funnel, without necessitating the user to change bras or use another large item to hold the pump funnel to the user's breast.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a front view of a first adapted nursing bra consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention is shown. Modified nursing bra 40 includes cups 10 suspended between the portions of the nursing bra worn just above each breast and lower attachments points 23, each located on the nursing bra at points just below each breast. Lower attachment points 23 may be loops of any suitable material including, by way of non-limiting example, fabric, cord, rubber, metal, or plastic, that is manufactured into the nursing bra or retrofitted onto a standard nursing bra.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a detail view of the adaptation shown in FIG. 1 consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention is shown. Cups 10 are composed of dual cup panels 21, such panels 21 configured to permit manual access to the breast nipple through a slit between adjacent panels and together constituting a funnel stabilizer. Near the top of each cup is a strap 14 capable of being extended and contracted. In the non-limiting example shown, bra sliders 12 are positioned to permit the user to lengthen and shorten each strap between the top of cup panels 21 and top connector 11. Top connector 11 connects the strap to the upper rim of a nursing bra. Near the bottom of each cup is a strap 16 and bra slider 18 each capable of permitting the user to lengthen and shorten each strap between the bottom of cup panels 21 and the bottom connector 15. In a non-limiting example bottom connector 15 is a G-clip suitable for connecting the strap to the bottom rim of the nursing bra, although the G-clip shown may be substituted with any number of similar connectors, such as, in non-limiting examples, hook-and-eye fasteners, snap fasteners, or other similar detachable connectors.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a front view of a second adapted nursing bra consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention is shown. Modified nursing bra 40 includes rings 20 suspended between the portions of the nursing bra worn just above each breast and lower attachments points 23 each located on the nursing bra at points just below each breast. Lower attachment points 23 may be loops of any suitable material including, by way of non-limiting example, fabric, cord, rubber, metal, or plastic, that is manufactured into the nursing bra or retrofitted onto a standard nursing bra.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a detail view of the adaptation shown in FIG. 3 consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention is shown. Each ring 20 is composed of a continuously run strap 26, such strap 26 configured to permit manual access to the breast nipple through a slit between adjacent strap segments, and such continuously run strap 26 constituting a funnel stabilizer. Near the top of each ring 20, overlaid segments of strap 26 are capable of manipulation by use of bra sliders 12 to increase or decrease the linear dimension of the ring 20 from the top connector 11 to the bottom connector 15. Top connector 11 attaches the top of the ring 20 to the top rim of the nursing bra. Bottom connector 15 attaches the bottom of the ring 20 to the bottom rim of the nursing bra. In a non-limiting example bottom connector 15 is a G-clip suitable for connecting the strap to the bottom rim of the nursing bra, although the G-clip shown may be substituted with any number of similar connectors as previously described.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a front view of a third adapted nursing bra consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention is shown. Modified nursing bra 40 includes second cups 30 suspended between the portion 22 of the nursing bra worn just above each breast and lower attachments points 23 each located on the nursing bra at points just below each breast. Lower attachment points 23 may be loops of any suitable material including, by way of non-limiting example, fabric, cord, rubber, metal, or plastic, that is manufactured into the nursing bra or retrofitted onto a standard nursing bra.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a detail view of the adaptation shown in FIG. 5 consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention is shown. Second cups 30 are composed of pairs of pockets 13 configured to permit manual access to the breast nipple through a slit between adjacent pocket portions, where each pair of pockets 13 creates a funnel stabilizer. Near the top of each second cup is a strap 14 capable of being extended and contracted. In the non-limiting example shown, bra sliders 12 are positioned to permit the user to lengthen and shorten each strap between the top of pairs of pockets 13 and top connector 11. Top connector 11 connects the strap to the upper rim of a nursing bra. Near the bottom of each second cup is a strap 16 and bra slider 18 each capable of permitting the user to lengthen and shorten each strap between the bottom of pairs of pockets 13 and the bottom connector 15. In a non-limiting example bottom connector 15 is a G-clip suitable for connecting the strap to the bottom rim of the nursing bra, although the G-clip shown may be substituted with any number of similar connectors as previously described.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a rear view of a breast pump funnel and bottle apparatus mounted within and consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention is shown. Breast pump funnel apparatus 35 is shown with the proximal funnel portion protruding between cup panels 21 of cup 10. Near the top of each cup 10 is a strap 14 capable of being extended and contracted. In the non-limiting example shown, top bra slider 12 is positioned to permit the user to lengthen and shorten the strap 14 between the top of cup panels 21 and top connector 11. Top connector 11 connects the strap 14 to the upper rim of a nursing bra. Near the bottom of each cup is a strap 16 and bra slider 18 each capable of permitting the user to lengthen and shorten each strap 16 between the bottom of cup panels 21 and the bottom connector 15. In a non-limiting example bottom connector 15 is a G-clip suitable for connecting the strap to the bottom rim of the nursing bra, although the G-clip shown may be substituted with any number of similar connectors as previously described.

While certain illustrative embodiments have been described, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A device for adapting a nursing bra to enable hands-free breast pumping, comprising: a cup;one or more connectors for selectively attaching and detaching said cup to a nursing bra;the one or more connectors enabling adjustable positioning of said cup over a human nipple; anda perforation in said cup permitting insertion of a breast pump funnel and the attachment of the breast pump funnel against a human breast.

2. The device of claim 1, where the cup is made of cotton, nylon, spandex, polyester, neoprene, or any combination of cotton, nylon, spandex, polyester, and neoprene.

3. The device of claim 1, where the one or more connectors includes hooks, buttons, straps, hook-and-loops; and/or ties.

4. The device of claim 1, where the adjustable positioning is affected by one or more bra sliders.

5. The device of claim 1, where the attachment of the funnel against a human breast is hands-free for the wearer of said device.

6. A device for adapting a nursing bra to enable hands-free breast pumping, comprising: a fabric ring;a first connector and a second connector attached to opposite ends of the fabric ring and connecting the fabric ring to the nursing bra;the first connector and second connector capable of selectively positionable elongation and contraction;a void within the fabric ring accommodating insertion of a breast pump funnel;and the fabric ring operative to hold the funnel against a human breast.

7. The device of claim 6, where the fabric ring is made of cotton, nylon, spandex, polyester, neoprene, or any combination of cotton, nylon, spandex, polyester, and neoprene.

8. The device of claim 6, where the first and second connectors include hooks, buttons, straps, hook-and-loops; and/or ties.

9. The device of claim 6, where the selectively positionable elongation and contraction is affected by one or more bra sliders.

10. The device of claim 6, where the temporary maintenance of the funnel against a human breast is hands-free for the wearer.

11. A method of adapting a nursing bra to enable hands-free breast pumping, comprising: attaching a cup to a nursing bra with one or more adjustable straps;positioning said cup over a human nipple by elongating or contracting the one or more adjustable straps;inserting a breast pump funnel through said cup;positioning the funnel around the human nipple; andemploying said cup to hold said breast pump funnel in place during pumping.

12. The method of claim 11, where the cloth cup is made of cotton, nylon, spandex, polyester, neoprene, or any combination of cotton, nylon, spandex, polyester, and neoprene.

13. The method of claim 11, where the temporary attachment of the perforated cloth cup is affected by one or more hooks, buttons, straps, hook-and-loops, and/or ties.

14. The device of claim 11, further comprising adjusting the straps by use of one or more bra sliders.

15. The device of claim 11, further comprising holding said breast pump funnel in place in a hands-free manner for the wearer.