Embodiments described herein relate to a bra that can provide support to a breast pumping device while the wearer of the bra is pumping breast milk using the breast pumping device.
A breast pump may be used to express milk from a breast Implementations of breast pumps have a pump body to express the milk and a milk container to receive the milk. The pump body of a breast pump may have a breast shield or a flange having a funnel shape with a cup portion that fits over at least a portion of a breast.
A let-down cushion or let-down massage cushion of a breast pump may fit between a breast shield or a flange of a pump body of the breast pump and a breast. The let-down cushion may fit within the breast shield or flange and have an edge that folds over an edge of the breast shield or the flange of the pump body. The let-down cushion may flex in and out to massage the areola of a breast to help stimulate milk flow. A seal may be formed between the let-down cushion and a breast to create suction and encourage breast milk expression.
To use a breast pump, a user manually holds the breast flange, shield, or pump body over a breast. While using the breast pump, the wearer is not able to use their hands for other tasks. Additionally, it may be desirable to express milk from both breasts simultaneously, but doing so, requires the user to hold both breast pump bodies against oneself and is both awkward and does not allow the user to do other tasks. As such, garments that assist in supporting the breast pump body for milk expression are needed to allow a wearer to use their hands for other tasks during milk expression with a breast pump.
Apparatus are described herein for providing a garment (e.g. a bra, tank top, or dress) that can be used by a wearer during extraction of breast milk using a breast pump, and/or during breast feeding. In some embodiments, a garment can include a support strap having an adjustable portion, a shoulder strap, and a back panel. The support strap can be coupled to the shoulder strap via an engagement mechanism. The adjustable portion of the support strap can be configured to be adjusted relative to the engagement mechanism to change a length of the support strap between the engagement mechanism and the back panel so that the support strap can be disposed over a flange of a breast pump to hold the flange against the breast of a user. An outer panel can be coupled to the hack panel and the engagement mechanism. In another embodiment, an inner panel can be removably coupled to the inner panel and the engagement mechanism.
Apparatuses, articles, processes for manufacture, garments, bustlers, breast pumping bras, and nursing bras that provide support to a wearer and/or at least a portion of a breast pump to aid with milk expression using a breast pump are described herein. For example, a garment, such as a bra, a tank top, a nightgown, or a bustler, may provide support for the weight of a breast pump body, milk container, and/or a wearer's breast, help secure the breast pump body in place, and/or stabilize the breast pump body for milk expression. Various embodiments may provide support to aid with creation of a tight seal between the wearer's breast and at least a portion of a breast pump body for milk expression (e.g., a breast shield and/or a let-down cushion of a breast pump body). The wearer of the garment may be able to pump breast milk without having to manually hold the breast pump body against themselves.
Garments in accordance with some embodiments may have openings formed/defined between layers of material that are fastened together and/or to panels of the garment to provide openings for access to a wearer's breasts. In particular, the garment may have an inner panel (e.g., a pumping panel) having two openings providing access to the wearer's breasts that are formed between respective sets of layers of material. The layers of material can be coupled together such that at least a portion of the layers of material overlap each other, or alternatively can be coupled together in an abutting or edge-to-edge relationship. In some embodiments, the layers of material can be coupled together such that a portion of the layers overlap each other and a portion of the layers are coupled together in an abutting or edge-to-edge manner. Each opening is between the corresponding set of layers of material and the layers of material are fastened together in such a manner to define/provide the respective opening.
In some embodiments, the garment may have an exterior surface of one or more panels of material that cover the inner panel. When the panels of material and the layers of material that cover an opening are moved, the wearer can insert a portion of the breast pump body through the opening, and the layers of material and/or the panels of material of the garment can aid in supporting the breast pump body and/or the wearer's breast. In some embodiments, the materials used for the inner and the exterior panels may be a fabric capable of being stretched to allow for pushing the material out of the way to insert the pump body portion. The fabric may also have some elasticity to fit snugly under and/or around the pump body portion for support and be capable of returning to the panel's original shape. In some embodiments, the garment may have elastic edges to prevent the garment from slipping down as well as providing additional support for the wearer's breasts.
In some embodiments, a garment (e.g., a bra) described herein can include an inner pumping panel with layers of material and an outer panel that can at least partially cover the inner pumping panel. A first portion of the layers of material of the inner pumping panel may be disposed on a left side of the bra to cover a portion of the wearer's left breast and can be fastened together such that at least a portion of the layers of material overlap and define a first opening. A second portion of the layers of material of the inner pumping panel may be disposed on a right side of the bra to cover a portion of the wearer's right breast, and can be fastened together such that at least a portion of the layers of material overlap and define a second opening. The first and second openings are each optionally disposed at an oblique angle relative to a bottom edge of the bra and are sized and positioned to help support at least a portion of a breast pump disposable through the first and/or second opening.
Some embodiments may have one or more loops of a material (e.g., elastic, fabric, etc.) attached to the garment. Each loop may be designed to secure a portion of a breast pump in place (e.g., a loop to hook or fit around a breast shield to aid in the support of the breast pump body and milk container for pumping milk).
Some embodiments may have support straps including an adjustable portion. Each support strap can be fixedly coupled to a back pan& of the garment and can be coupled to a shoulder strap of the garment via an engagement mechanism. The adjustable portion of the support strap can be configured to be adjusted relative to the engagement mechanism to change a length of the support strap between the engagement mechanism and the back panel so that the support strap can be disposed over (e.g., wrapped at least partially around) a flange of a breast pump to hold the flange against the breast of a user (e.g., sealed against the breast). Thus, in some embodiments (e.g., any of the embodiments described herein including a support strap having an adjustable portion), the support strap can have a first configuration in which the support strap is not used to support a breast pump but is used to maintain the engagement mechanism and end of the shoulder strap a particular distance from the back panel (e.g., during a period of time when the user is not pumping or nursing and/or while the user is nursing). The support strap can have a second configuration in which the support strap is disposed over a flange of a breast pump to hold the flange against a user's breast. The support strap can couple an end of the shoulder strap to the back panel of the garment in both the first configuration and the second configuration. Additionally, the support strap can couple an end of the shoulder strap to the back panel of the garment regardless of whether an outer panel or an inner panel is coupled to the end of the shoulder strap via a portion of the engagement mechanism, Since the support strap includes an adjustable portion that allows the user to adjust the length of the support strap extending from the engagement mechanism to the back panel, the length of the support strap can be adjusted depending which of the first or the second configuration is desired, thus avoiding overstretching the support strap in the second configuration such that the support strap is too long to return to the first configuration. In some embodiments, the adjustable portion is configured such that the support strap can have multiple additional configurations (e.g., associated with various lengths between the engagement mechanism and the back panel) such that the user can adjust the support strap for improved fit.
Some embodiments may have adjustable straps that may be selectively attached to the garment. For example, the garment can have a top line on the garment with corresponding attachment mechanisms to those found on the strap thereby allowing the strap to be attached thereto. For example, the top line may be a piece of material (e.g., an elastic band) attached to an edge of a panel (e.g., an inner panel) and the corresponding attachment mechanisms may be sewn to the garment with stitching between the elastic band and the fabric of the garment. The one or more attachment mechanisms (e.g., corresponding attachment mechanisms to the attachment mechanisms found on the strap) may be sewn in to the garment for selectively attaching a strap in one of a multiple different positions to support a breast pump body.
By way of further example, a neck strap can optionally be used and may extend around the back of the wearer's neck and be attached to the top line of the garment. The garment (e.g., a top line of a pumping/nursing bra) may have one or more selective attachment mechanisms (e.g., loops or hooks allowing for attachment of the strap to the garment). Multiple selective attachment mechanisms may be provided on the garment to provide multiple different positions for the strap. Attachment mechanisms may include, for example, hooks that may be selectively attached to a loop (e.g., a fabric, metal, or plastic loop), snaps, buttons and button holes, ribbon ties, lace ties, string ties, and/or any other attachment mechanism that can be selectively attached or detached. For example, a wearer could use a ribbon, lace, heavy string, etc. that could be threaded through a loop on the topline and tied where the two ends join. There may be a single strap and/or multiple straps that extend from one area of the bra to another as opposed to fitting around the neck. For example, a single strap could attach at the front topline, extend over the shoulder and hook at the topline below the underarm or back.
In some embodiments, the neck strap may have a single hook that can be attached to the garment or multiple hooks that can be attached to the garment. The neck strap may be used, for example, to ensure that the garment remains in place during breast pumping, particularly when the breast pump bottle becomes heavier as the container, which is used with the breast pump to collect milk, fills with milk. For example, a neck strap may encircle the neck of the wearer and have at least one hook attached to the top line of the garment to ensure that the garment remains in place during the use of a breast pump with at least one of the wearer's breasts. The neck strap may be used with or without shoulder straps of the garment. In some embodiments, a neck strap can include a comfort strap portion that has a width that is greater than a width of a typical strap to provide further comfort to the user. For example, the comfort strap portion can extend around the user's neck. In some embodiments, the comfort strap portion of the neck strap can be padded and/or can be formed with a material to provide softer comfort to the user's neck. In some embodiments, the width of the comfort portion can vary. For example, the width can be tapered or narrower at the ends of the comfort portion than at a center of the comfort portion. In some embodiments, the neck strap can include a first coupling member at a first end of the neck strap and a second coupling member at a second end of the neck strap. A portion of the first coupling member can be configured to be engaged with a complementary portion of an engagement mechanism of the garment and a portion of the second coupling member can be configured to be engaged with the first coupling member, another complementary portion of the engagement mechanism, and/or a complementary portion of a second engagement mechanism of the garment.
In some embodiments, a pocket or a channel may be provided on a shoulder strap that contains and/or houses a cord or a strap with a hook or an attachment piece to connect to another area of the garment, as shown and described for example in International Application No. PCT/US16/43326 incorporated by reference above. The cord may be elastic to allow for the cord to be stretched and/or the cord may be stored within the pocket or channel rolled up into a coil, so that the cord can be extended and retracted. The cord may also have a slider to lengthen and shorten the strap as needed.
In some embodiments, the garment can include openings or holes along a perimeter top edge of the garment and the fastening mechanisms of the straps can be received therein to couple the straps to the garment. Such an embodiment is described in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments.
In some embodiments, a garment as described herein can be used in conjunction with a wearable breast pump and/or a wearable milk collection device. In such a garment, the garment can include an extender in place of the inner panel and the extender can be used to selectively adjust the position of the outer panel (e.g., the bra cup) to accommodate the wearable breast pump. The wearable breast pump or collection device can be positioned between the user's breast and the outer panel of the garment. The extenders can be attached to a portion of the engagement mechanism (e.g., engagement mechanism 150) on both the right side and left side of the garment. The outer panel of the garment (e.g., the right outer panel and the left outer panel) can be removably and selectively coupled to the extender to adjust the position and size of the outer panel in relation to the user's breast and the wearable breast pump or collection device.
Such adjustment of the size and position of the outer panel e.g., the bra cup) may be desirable, for example, to prevent stretching of the cup portion (e.g., outer panel) of the garment during use of the wearable breast pump or milk collection device. Because such devices are disposed between the breast and the cup portion of the garment, and due to the size of some such devices, the cup portion of the garment may stretch or lose its form or shape during use of such devices and may then provide reduced support to the user's breast.
Other objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which disclose numerous embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting.
The adjustable portion 182 of the support strap 180 can be configured such that a length of the support strap 180 between the engagement mechanism 150 and the back panel 120 can be adjusted. For example, the length of the support strap 180 between the engagement mechanism 150 and the back panel 120 can have a first length associated with the support strap 180 not being used to support a breast pump but being used to couple an end of the shoulder strap 206 to the back panel 220. The length of the support strap 180 between the engagement mechanism 150 and the back panel 120 can have a second length associated with the support strap 180 supporting a portion of a breast pump body (e.g., a flange and/or stein of a breast shield) to aid with creation of a tight seal between the wearer's breast and at least a portion of a breast pump body for milk expression (e.g., a breast shield and/or a let-down cushion of a breast pump body) while still being used to couple an end of the shoulder strap 106 to the back panel 120. For example, the second length of the support strap 180 can be sufficiently long such that the support strap 180 can extend from the back panel 120, wrap around a flange and/or stem of a breast shield disposed on the wearer's breast to support the breast shield against the wearer's breast, and be coupled to the shoulder strap 106 via the engagement mechanism 150. In some embodiments, the support strap 180 can have additional lengths (e.g., a third length and/or a fourth length) associated with various incremental sizes of an adjustable loop portion of the support strap 180. In some embodiments, such as when the support strap 180 includes one coupling mechanism that includes a slider component (also referred to herein as a “slider”) configured to translate along a strap portion of the support strap 180 forming a loop, the support strap 180 can have an infinite number of additional lengths depending on the location that the slider component is secured along the strap portion of the support strap 180. The support strap 180 can be transitioned between the first length, the second length, and any additional lengths by the user (e.g., for adjustability of use of the support strap 180 and/or comfort).
In some embodiments, the adjustable portion 182 can include a first coupling mechanism (also referred to as a first coupling member) disposed proximate a second end of the support strap 180 and a set of second coupling mechanisms (also referred to as a set of second coupling members) disposed along the adjustable portion (e.g., closer to the first end than the first coupling mechanism). For example, a first coupling mechanism can be disposed closer to the second end of the support strap 180 than a second coupling mechanism and a third coupling mechanism (also referred to as a second coupling member and a third coupling member, respectively). The second coupling mechanism and the third coupling mechanism can be included in the set of second coupling mechanisms, and can each be configured to be releasably engaged with the first coupling mechanism. For example, the first coupling mechanism can include a male or female portion of a snap component, and the second coupling mechanism and the third coupling mechanism, can each include the other of the male or female portion of the snap component. As another example, one of the second coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms can be disposed proximate the second end of the support strap 180 and the first coupling mechanism and the remainder of the second coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms can be disposed along the adjustable portion (e.g., closer to the second end than the second coupling mechanism disposed proximate the second end).
The adjustable portion 182 can be configured such that the second end can be looped through an opening of the engagement mechanism 150 and the first coupling mechanism is engaged with a second coupling mechanism of the set of second coupling mechanisms. Each of the coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms can be disposed a different distance from the first end of the support strap 180 (e.g., in a different location along a length from the first end of the support strap 180 to the second end of the support strap 180). Thus, the length of the support strap 180 between the engagement mechanism 150 and the back panel 120 can be adjusted depending on which coupling mechanism of the set of second coupling mechanisms the first coupling mechanism is engaged with. Each of the coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms can be disposed any suitable distance from the second end of the support strap 180. The adjustable portion 182 can include any suitable number of second coupling mechanisms (e.g., two, three, four, or more coupling mechanisms) configured to alternatively releasably engage with the first coupling mechanism,
In some embodiments, rather than including a set of second coupling mechanisms, the first coupling mechanism can selectively engaged with the material of the support strap 180 directly. For example, the first coupling mechanism can include a buckle or slider component configured to maintain a position of the second end of the support strap 180 relative to a portion of the support strap 180 that is threaded through the buckle or slider component. In some embodiments, rather than including a first coupling mechanism and a set of second coupling mechanisms, the support strap 180 can be formed of or include a material that is sufficiently elastic such that at least the adjustable portion 182 of the support strap 180 can be stretched to be disposed over a flange of a breast pump and accommodate the flange to hold the flange against the breast of a user (e.g., pulled by the wearer toward a center of the user's chest and released to engage a portion of the breast pump on an opposite side of the breast pump than the support strap 180 was disposed in the first configuration).
The first coupling mechanism and the set of second coupling mechanisms can include any suitable coupling or mating components such that the first coupling mechanism can be releasably and selectively coupled to (e.g., selectively attached and detached) each of the coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms. Each of the coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms can include a substantially identical coupling or mating component to each of the other second coupling mechanisms. For example, the first coupling mechanism can include a male snap connector and the second coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms can each include a female snap connector, or vice versa. As another example, the first coupling mechanism can include a button and the second coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms can each include or define a button hole configured to receive the button or can include a string configured to be tied to the button, or vice versa. As another example, the first coupling mechanism can include a first portion of a hook and loop fastener (e.g., a hook portion) and the second coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms can each include a second portion of hook and loop fastener (e.g., a loop portion), or vice versa. As another example, the first coupling mechanism can include a hook (e.g., a swan hook) and the second coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms can each include a loop (e.g., a fabric, metal, or plastic loop) or define a discrete opening that the hook can be selectively attached to, or vice versa.
The inner panel 170 and the outer panel 160 can each include one or more panels each formed with one or more layers of material. For example, the outer panel 160 can include a right outer panel (not shown in
The inner panel 170, the outer panel 170, the back panel 120, the shoulder strap 106, and/or the engagement mechanism 150 can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the inner panels or pumping panels, outer panels, back panels, shoulder straps, and engagement mechanisms, respectively, described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,426,203, filed on Jan. 17, 2018, issued Oct. 1, 2019, entitled “Pumping/Nursing Garment,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The engagement mechanism 150 can be used to releasably couple the outer panel 160, the inner panel 170, the shoulder strap 106 and the support strap 180 to one another in various configurations. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer panel 160 can be releasably coupled to and decoupled from the inner panel 170, and at least a portion of the inner panel 170 can be releasably coupled to and decoupled from the support strap 180 and the shoulder strap 106. When the outer panel 160 is coupled to the inner panel 170, the inner panel 170 and the outer panel 160 can collectively be coupled to and decoupled from the support strap 180 and shoulder strap 106. In some embodiments, when the inner panel 170 is not included or is separated from the base subassembly 101, the outer panel 160 can be releasably coupled to and decoupled from the support strap 180 and the shoulder strap 106 via the engagement mechanism 150 or a portion of the engagement mechanism 150.
In some embodiments, an engagement mechanism can include two or more portions. For example,
As shown in
In some embodiments, the first portion 252 can be releasably coupled to the support strap 280, For example, the adjustable portion 282 of the support strap 280 can be configured such that a length of the support strap 280 between the engagement mechanism 250 and the back panel 220 can be adjusted. The adjustable portion 282 can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the adjustable portion 182 described above. For example, in some embodiments, the adjustable portion 282 can include a first coupling mechanism (also referred to as a first coupling member) disposed proximate a second end of the support strap 180. The second end can be an end of the support strap 180 opposite a first end fixedly coupled to the back panel 220. The adjustable portion 282 can also include a set of second coupling mechanisms (also referred to as a set of second coupling members) disposed along the adjustable portion (e.g., closer to the first end than the first coupling mechanism). The adjustable portion 282 can be configured such that the second end of the support strap 282 can be looped through a first opening in the first portion 252 such that the first coupling mechanism is on a first side of the first portion 252 and can be engaged with a second coupling mechanism from the set of second coupling mechanisms on a second side of the first portion 252 to form a loop.
In some embodiments, one of the coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms can be disposed proximate the second end of the support strap 280 and the first coupling mechanism and the remainder of the coupling mechanisms of the set of second coupling mechanisms can be disposed along the adjustable portion (e.g., closer to the second end than the second coupling mechanism disposed proximate the second end). The adjustable portion 282 can be configured such that the second end of the support strap 282 and a sufficient length of the support strap 282 can be looped through a first opening in the first portion 252 (e.g., looped around a second securement bar of the first portion 252) such that the first coupling mechanism can be disposed on a first side of the first portion 252 and can be engaged with a coupling mechanism from the set of second coupling mechanisms disposed on a second side of the first portion 252 to form a loop. Additionally, the second end of the support strap 282 and a sufficient length of the support strap can be looped through a first opening in the first portion 252 such that a second coupling mechanism of the set of second coupling mechanisms is on a first side of the first portion 252 and can be engaged with the first coupling mechanism that remains on a second side of the first portion 252 to form a loop.
In some embodiments, the first portion 252 can be fixedly coupled to the shoulder strap 106 via, for example, an end of the shoulder strap 106 being looped through a second opening of the first portion 252 (e.g., looped around a first securement bar of the first portion 252) and being secured (e.g., stitched) to a portion of the shoulder strap 106 to form a loop. In some embodiments, the first portion 252 can be coupled to an adjustable portion of the shoulder strap 106 such that a length of the shoulder strap 106 between the first portion 252 and the back panel 220 can be adjusted (e.g., via adjusting the length of a loop extending through the second opening by moving a buckle attached to an end of the shoulder strap 106 along a portion of the shoulder strap).
The second portion 254 can be fixedly coupled to the inner panel 270 via, for example, a first portion of the inner panel 270 being looped through an opening of the second portion 254 (e.g., looped around a securement bar of the second portion 254) and being secured (e.g., via stitching or any suitable coupling mechanism) to a second portion of the inner panel 270 to form a loop. In some embodiments, the inner panel 270 can be coupleable to and decouplable from the second portion 254 via any suitable coupling mechanism. Additionally, the inner panel 270 can be directly coupleable to and decoupleable from the outer panel 260, the back panel 220, and/or the support strap 280 via any suitable coupling mechanisms (e.g., mating snap mechanisms).
The third portion 256 can be fixedly coupled to the outer panel 260 via, for example, a first portion of the outer panel 260 being looped through an opening of the third portion 256 (e.g., looped around a securement bar of the third portion 256) and being secured (e.g., via stitching or any suitable coupling mechanism) to a second portion of the outer panel 260 to form a loop. In some embodiments, the outer panel 260 can be coupleable to and decouplable from the third portion 256 via any suitable coupling mechanism.
In some embodiments, the first portion 252, the second portion 254, and the third portion 256 can include complementary mating features or any other suitable coupling mechanisms such that the first portion 252, the second portion 254, and the third portion 256 are releasably coupleable to and decoupleable from one another. For example, the first portion 252, the second portion 254. and the third portion 256 can include complementary mating features such that the second portion 254 or the third portion 256 can be releasably coupleable to and decoupleable from the first portion 252 and so that the third portion 256 can be releasably coupleable to and decoupleable from the second portion 254. For example, the first portion 252 can include an extension portion (e.g., a hook) that forms a slot and the second portion 254 can define an engagement aperture (also referred to as an opening) configured to receive the extension portion such that a portion of the second portion 254 is disposed within the slot of the first portion 252. The second portion 254 can also include an extension portion (e.g., a hook) that forms a slot that is the same or similar in shape and size to the extension portion of the first portion 252. The third portion 256 can define an engagement aperture (also referred to as an opening) that is the same or similar in shape and size to the engagement aperture of the second portion 254 such that the engagement aperture of the third portion 256 is configured to receive the extension portion of the second portion 254 such that a portion of the third portion 256 is disposed within the slot of the second portion 252. Since the extension portions of the first portion 252 and the second portion 254 are similarly shaped and sized and the engagement apertures of the second portion 254 and the third portion 256 are similarly shaped and sized, the extension aperture of the first portion 252 can be received within the engagement aperture of the third portion 256 such that a portion of the third portion 256 is in the slot of the first portion 252, and thus coupling the third portion 256 directly to the first portion 252.
In use, the garment 200 can be worn around a chest or upper torso of a wearer with the first portion 252 coupled to the second portion 254 and the second portion 254 coupled to the third portion 256 such that the inner panel 270 and the outer panel 260 cover one or both breasts of the wearer. If access to a breast of the wearer is desired, such as for breast pumping, the outer panel 260 (e.g., the right outer panel and/or the left outer panel) can be detached from the inner panel 270 (e.g., the right inner panel and/or the left inner panel) by detaching or uncoupling the third portion 256 from the second portion 254 of the engagement mechanism 250. The outer panel 260 can then be moved (e.g., folded down) such that the inner panel 270 is accessible. The outer panel 260 can remain attached to the back panel 220 via, for example, stitching at a base of the outer panel 260. The first portion and the second portion of the inner panel (e.g., the right inner panel and/or the left inner panel) can be separated (e.g., stretched or folded) to create an opening through which the wearer's breast is accessible and a portion of a breast pump can be inserted. If further access to the breast of the wearer is desired, for example, for nursing, the inner panel 270 can be detached from the support strap 280 and shoulder strap 206 by removing/detaching the second portion 254 of the engagement mechanism 250 from the first portion 252 of the engagement mechanism 250. Because the support strap 280 and the shoulder strap 206 remain coupled to the back panel 220, the garment 200 can still be held in place on the body of the wearer via the shoulder straps 206 and the support straps 280. In some embodiments, the outer panel 260 and the inner panel 270 can be detached from the shoulder strap 206 and the support strap 280 simultaneously without decoupling the outer panel 260 from the inner panel 270. When desired, the inner panel 270 and the outer panel 260 can be reattached to the shoulder strap 206 and the support strap 280 by recoupling the second portion 254 to the first portion 252 of the clasp 250, and the outer panel 260 can be recoupled to the inner panel 270.
In some embodiments, if the inner panel 270 is not desired to be used, the inner panel 270 can be removed from the garment 200 and the outer panel 260 can be reattached to the shoulder strap 206 by attaching the third portion 256 directly to the first portion 252. If the garment 200 is desired to be used for breast pumping, the wearer can adjust the length of the support strap 280 from a first length to second length greater than the first length. For example, in embodiments including a first coupling mechanism and a set of second coupling mechanisms, the wearer can uncouple the first coupling mechanism of the adjustable portion 282 of the support strap 280 from a coupling mechanism of the set of second coupling mechanisms (e.g., a second coupling mechanism) of the adjustable portion 282. The support strap 280 can then be separated from the first portion 252. A portion of a breast pump (e.g., a flange of a shield of a breast pump) can be applied to a breast of the wearer. The support strap 280 can then be wrapped fully or partially around the portion of the breast pump (e.g., a flange and/or a stem of a shield of the breast pump) and the adjustable portion 282 can be inserted into and/or threaded through an opening of the first portion 252 until the length of the support strap 280 between the first portion 252 and the back panel 220 is sufficient to support the breast pump against the breast of the wearer. The first coupling mechanism of the adjustable portion 282 can then be coupled to another coupling mechanism of the set of second coupling mechanisms (e.g., a third coupling mechanism) that can be the same or different from the coupling mechanism of the set of second coupling mechanisms (e.g., the second coupling mechanism) that the first coupling mechanism was coupled to before wrapping the support strap 280 around the portion of the breast pump. The support strap 280 can then support the portion of the breast pump against the breast of the wearer for a pumping procedure such that the support strap 280 is in supportive contact with the breast pump and the pumping procedure can be performed hands-free. In some embodiments, rather than fully separating the support strap 280 from the first portion 252, the first coupling mechanism of the adjustable portion 282 can be decoupled from a second coupling mechanism from the set of second coupling mechanisms, the length of the support strap 280 between the first portion and the back panel 220 can be adjusted by pulling a portion of the support strap 280 through the opening of the first portion 252, and then the first coupling mechanism can be coupled to another coupling mechanism for the set of second coupling mechanisms.
In embodiments in which the first coupling mechanism of the adjustable portion 282 includes a slider component configured to maintain a position of the second end of the support strap 280 relative to a portion of the support strap 280 that is threaded through the slider, for example, the wearer can pull the slider component from a first location to which the slider component was secured along the support strap 280 to a second location to which the slider component was secured such that a loop of the adjustable portion 282 coupled to the slider component is decreased and the overall length of the support strap 280 is increased. The support strap 280 can then be pulled toward a center of the wearer's chest (e.g., laterally inwardly) such that the support strap 280 is moved from being on an outer side of the wearer's breast on a first side of the areola and/or nipple of the wearer to an inner side of the wearer's breast on a second side of the areola and/or nipple of the wearer. A portion of a breast pump (e.g., a flange of a shield of a breast pump) can be applied to a breast of the wearer (e.g., aligned with the wearer's areola and/or nipple). The support strap 280 can then be disposed against a portion of the breast pump in supportive contact with the breast pump. In some embodiments, the support strap 280 can then be adjusted (e.g., tightened against the breast pump by shortening the support strap 280) if needed (e.g., the slider component can be translated to reduce the overall length of the support strap 280 such that the breast pump is sealed and/or secured against the wearer's breast) top properly align the breast pump with the breast and/or to properly seal a breast shield of the breast pump against the breast.
When in the second configuration, the support strap 280 (and any of the support straps described herein) can be disposed against a neck portion and/or a flange of a breast shield of a breast pump to apply a force against the breast shield (e.g., a laterally outward and/or upward force) to create and/or maintain a seal between the breast shield and the breast of the wearer. Additionally, as described above, the support strap 280 can provide supportive contact to the neck portion and/or the flange of the breast shield to support the weight of the breast pump as the pump operates to extract fluid from the breast (e.g., and as a container such as a bottle coupled to the pump fills), while maintaining the seal between the breast shield and the breast. In some embodiments, a first portion of the support strap 280 can apply a force to a lower portion of the flange (e.g., below the neck and the nipple) and a second portion of the support strap 280 can apply a force to an upper portion of the flange (e.g., above the neck and the nipple) to maintain the seal between the breast shield and the breast. In some embodiments, such as any of the embodiments described herein, the outer panel 260 can be used in combination with the support strap 280 to apply supportive contact to the neck portion and/or the flange of the breast shield to assist in supporting the weight of the breast pump and maintaining the seal of the breast shield against the user's breast while the pump operates to extract fluid. For example, the outer panel 260 (e.g., when supported by the shoulder strap 206 or a separate neck strap) can apply a force against the neck and/or flange of the breast shield that is laterally inward to counterbalance a force applied to the neck and/or flange of the breast shield applied 1w the support strap 280 that is laterally outward. The outer panel 260 can also apply a force to the flange of the breast shield that pushes the breast shield against the breast of the wearer to create and/or maintain a seal between the breast shield and the skin of the wearer.
In some embodiments, the inner panel 270 may not be included in the garment 200 (e.g., due to being available as a separate unpurchased component or due to being temporarily unused), and the outer panel 260 can be detached from the shoulder strap 206 and reattached to the shoulder strap 206 via uncoupling the third portion 256 from the first portion 252 and reattaching the third portion to the first portion 252. The inner panel 270 could be added to the garment 200 at a later time, via uncoupling the third portion 256 from the first portion 252, disposing the inner panel 270 between the support strap 280 and the outer panel 260, coupling the second portion 254 to the first portion 252, and coupling the third portion 256 to the second portion 254 (along with coupling the inner panel 270 to the back panel 220, the support strap 180, and/or the outer panel 260 directly via coupling mechanisms such as snap coupling mechanisms).
Although the garment 200 is described with respect to being used to support a breast pump against one breast of a wearer, in some configurations the garment 200 can be used to simultaneously support a first breast pump against a first breast of a wearer and a second breast pump against a second breast pump of the wearer. For example, the garment 200 can include a first support strap and a second support strap, each of the first support strap and the second support strap configured to support a first breast pump and a second breast pump for a pumping procedure, respectively. For such an embodiments, each of the components described with respect to
The inner panel 470 and the outer panel 460 can each include one or more panels each formed with one or more layers of material. As shown, for example, in
Additionally, as shown in
The support straps 480 can be coupled on a first end to the back panel 420 and on a second end to one of the shoulder straps 406 via the engagement mechanism 450. In alternative embodiments, the support straps 480 can be attached to a lower band of the garment 400 rather than to the back panel 420. Each of the shoulder straps 406 can have a first end coupled to a support strap 480 of the support straps 480 (via the engagement mechanism 450) and a second end coupled to the back panel 420, with for example, sewing/stitching. The outer panel 460 can be attached to the back panel 420, for example, along a bottom edge of the outer panel 460, via, for example, sewing/stitching. The optional inner pumping panel 470 can be removably coupled to the shoulder straps 406.
As shown in
In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanism 486 can be disposed on a length of the support strap 480 that can be separated from a remainder of the support strap 480 via, for example, bar tack 488. Such a length can be, for example, reinforced and/or non-elastic. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L1 of, for example, about 6.5 inches. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L1 of, for example, between about 6 inches and about 7 inches. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L1 of, for example, between about 0.5 inches and about 8 inches.
The first portion 452 can include an extension portion 451, a first opening 481, and a second opening 483. As shown in
The first opening 455 of the second portion 454 can be shaped and sized such that the first opening 455 can receive the extension portion 451 of the first portion 452 and a portion of the second portion 454 partially defining the first opening 455 (e.g., a securement portion 455A) can be received in the slot 451A of the first portion 452. The tab portion 453 of the second portion 454 can be shaped and sized such that when the extension portion 451 of the first portion 452 is received through the first opening 455 of the second portion 454, the tab portion 453 contacts or engages the extension portion 451 and is flexed or clicked into locking engagement with the first portion 452 (e.g., with an underside of the extension portion 451). In some embodiments, the tab portion 453 can be sufficiently elastic such that as the second portion 454 is moved into engagement with the first portion 452, the tab portion 453 can bend slightly and then snap into locking engagement. The securement bar 498 of the second portion 454 is configured for attachment to the inner panel 470 of the garment 400. For example, a loop portion of the inner panel 470 can be secured around the securement bar 498.
The first opening 487 of the third portion 456 can be shaped and sized such that the first opening 487 can receive the extension portion 485 of the second portion 454 and a portion of the third portion 456 partially defining the first opening 487 (e.g., a securement portion 487A) can be received in the slot 485A of the second portion 454. The tab portion 486 of the third portion 456 can be shaped and sized such that when the extension portion 485 of the second portion 454 is received through the first opening 487 of the third portion 456, the tab portion 486 contacts or engages the extension portion 485 and is flexed or clicked into locking engagement with the second portion 454 (e.g., with an underside of the extension portion 485). In some embodiments, the tab portion 486 can be sufficiently elastic such that as the third portion 456 is moved into engagement with the second portion 454, the tab portion 486 can bend slightly and then snap into locking engagement.
Furthermore, the first opening 487 of the third portion 456 can be shaped and sized such that the first opening 487 can receive the extension portion 451 of the first portion 452 and a portion of the third portion 456 partially defining the first opening 487 (e.g., the securement portion 487A) can be received in the slot 451A of the first portion 452. The tab portion 486 of the third portion 456 can be shaped and sized such that when the extension portion 451 of the first portion 452 is received through the first opening 487 of the third portion 456, the tab portion 486 contacts or engages the extension portion 451 and is flexed or clicked into locking engagement with the first portion 452 (e.g., with an underside of the extension portion 451). In some embodiments, the tab portion 486 can be sufficiently elastic such that as the third portion 456 is moved into engagement with the first portion 452, the tab portion 486 can bend slightly and then snap into locking engagement.
The first portion 452 of the engagement mechanism 450 can be coupled to a shoulder strap 406 of the garment 400 with, for example, stitching. For example, an end portion of the shoulder strap 406 can be looped through the first opening 481 and around a securement bar 481A and attached to itself such that a top portion of the first portion 452 is secured within the loop of the shoulder strap. Additionally, the first portion 452 can receive a portion of a support strap 480 of the garment 400 through the second opening 483 such that the support strap 480 can be secured to the first portion 452 of the engagement mechanism 450. For example, the adjustable portion 482 of the support strap 480 can be looped through the second opening 483 of the first portion 452 and around a securement bar 483A and attached to itself (e.g., via engaging the first coupling mechanism 486 with one of the second coupling mechanism 484A, the third coupling mechanism 484B, or the fourth coupling mechanism 484C) such that a bottom portion of the first portion 452 is secured within the loop of the adjustable portion 482.
The second portion 454 of the engagement mechanism 450 can be coupled to the inner pumping panel 470 with, for example, stitching. For example, a portion of the inner pumping panel 470 can be looped through the second opening 467, around the securement bar 498, back through the third opening 468, and attached to itself such that the securement bar 498 is secured within the loop of the inner pumping panel 470. Additionally, when the second portion 454 is coupled to the inner panel 470, the inner panel 470 can be disposed on an opposite side of the second portion 454 than the extension portion 485 is disposed.
Additionally, the inner pumping panel 470 can be removably coupled to the support straps 480 via coupling members (not shown) disposed on a back side of the panels 412 and 414 that can be removably coupled to complementary coupling members 445 disposed on a front side of the support panels 480.
In some embodiments, the coupling members 445 and the coupling members of the inner panel 470 can be, for example, a female and male snap connector, respectively. It should he understood that in alternative embodiments, the coupling members 445 can be a female snap connector and the coupling member of the inner panel 470 can be a male snap connector, and vice versa. In addition, other types of coupling members can alternatively be used such as, for example, hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO, or buttons, hooks, etc. The coupling members 445 and the coupling members of the inner panel 470 can be attached to the inner panel 470, hack panel 420 and support straps 480 by, for example, sewing or stitching.
More specifically, a portion of the outer panel 460 can be attached to the third portion 456 of the engagement portion 450 via passing the portion through the opening 459 of the third portion 456, looping the portion over a bottom portion of the third portion 456 of the engagement mechanism 450 (e.g., a securement bar 459A), and then attaching the portion to itself (e.g., sewn or stitched) in a similar manner as how the inner layer 470 is attached to the third portion 456.
As shown in
In use, the garment 400 can be worn by a wearer and if access to a breast of the wearer is desired, such as for breast pumping, the outer panel 460 (e.g., the right outer panel 462 and/or the left outer panel 464) can be detached from the inner panel 470 (e.g., the right inner panel 412 and/or the left inner panel 414) by detaching or uncoupling the third portion 456 from the second portion 454 of the engagement mechanism 450 and moving the outer panel 460 (e.g., folding the outer panel 460 down) such that the inner panel 470 is accessible. The first portion and the second portion of the inner panel 470 (e.g., of the right inner panel 412 and/or the left inner panel 414) can be separated (e.g., stretched or folded) to create an opening through which the wearer's breast is accessible and a portion of a breast pump can be inserted. If further access to the breast of the wearer is desired, the inner panel 470 can be detached from the shoulder straps 406 by removing/detaching the second portion 454 of the engagement mechanism 450 from the first portion 452 of the engagement mechanism 450. The inner panel 470 can also optionally be decoupled from the support straps 480 by decoupling the coupling members 445 and the coupling members of the inner panel 470. When desired, the inner panel 470 and the outer panel 460 can be reattached to shoulder strap 406 by recoupling the second portion 454 to the first portion 452 of the engagement mechanism 450 and optionally recoupling the coupling members 445 to the coupling members of the inner panel 470. The third portion 456 of the engagement mechanism 450 can be recoupled to the second portion 454 of the engagement mechanism 450. In some embodiments, the outer panel 460 and the inner panel 470 can be detached from the shoulder straps 406 simultaneously by detaching the second portion 454 from the first portion 452 but not detaching the third portion 456 from the second portion 454.
In some embodiments, if the inner panel 470 is no longer desired to be used, the inner panel 470 can be removed from the garment 400 as described above and the outer panel 460 can be reattached to the shoulder strap 406 by attaching the third portion 456 to the first portion 452. To use one of the support straps 480 as a support for a portion of a breast pump, the user can transition the support strap 480 from a first configuration to a second configuration. For example, the wearer can uncouple the first coupling mechanism 486 of the adjustable portion 482 of the support strap 480 from a second coupling mechanism (e.g., coupling mechanism 484A) of the set of second coupling mechanisms of the adjustable portion 482. The support strap 480 can then be translated through the opening 483 and/or separated from the first portion 452 by pulling the adjustable portion 482 through the second opening 483 of the first portion 452. A portion of a breast pump (e.g., a flange of a breast shield) can be applied to a breast of the wearer. The support strap 480 can then be wrapped fully or partially around a portion of the breast pump (e.g., the flange and/or a stem of the breast pump) and the adjustable portion 482 can be threaded and/or translated through the second opening 483 of the first portion 452 and folded onto itself to form a loop. The first coupling mechanism 486 of the adjustable portion 482 can then be coupled to a second coupling mechanism (e.g., coupling mechanism 484C or 484B) of the set of second coupling mechanisms that can be the same or different from the second coupling mechanism the first coupling mechanism 486 was coupled to before wrapping the support strap 480 around the flange and/or stem of the breast pump. In the second configuration, the support strap 480 can then support the flange against the breast of the wearer for a pumping procedure such that the pumping procedure can be performed hands-free. When desired (e.g., after removing the breast pump from a breast of the user), the first coupling mechanism 486 can be decoupled from the second coupling mechanism, separated from the first portion 452 as described above, and then recoupled to the first portion 452 as described above (e.g., by coupling the first coupling mechanism 486 to a second coupling mechanism such as coupling mechanism 484A) such that the length of the support strap 480 between the first portion 452 and the second end 486B of the support strap 480 is shorter than when the support strap 480 is used to support the flange of the breast pump. In some embodiments, in the first configuration, the support strap 480 is entirely disposed on a first side of an areola and/or a nipple of a wearer. In the first configuration, the support strap 480 maintains a distance between the end of the shoulder strap 406 coupled to the first portion 452 of the engagement mechanism 450 and the base panel 420 or first end 486B of the support strap 480, regardless of whether the inner panel 470 or the outer panel 460 are coupled to the shoulder strap 406 via the first portion 452. In the second configuration, a portion of the support strap 480 is disposed on a second side of the areola and/or nipple of the wearer and in supportive contact with the breast pump such that the breast pump can be maintained against the breast of the wearer for a hands free pumping procedure.
The garment 400 can also be used with the inner panel 470 completely removed from the garment 400. In such a use, the third portion 456 can be coupled to the first portion 452 such that the outer panel 460 covers the breasts of a user and the support straps 480. The outer panel 460 can be detached from the shoulder straps 406 and folded or moved downward to expose and gain access to one or both breast. For example, the third portion 456 of the engagement mechanism 450 can be detached from the first portion 452 of the engagement mechanism 450. One of the support straps 480 can then be transitioned from a first configuration to a second configuration as described above to support a flange of a breast pump against the breast of a user. When desired, the support strap 480 can be transitioned from the second configuration to the first configuration as described above, and the third portion 456 can be recoupled to the first portion 452 such that the outer panel 460 covers the breasts of the user and the support straps 480.
In some embodiments, an outer panel, such as any of the outer panels described herein, can be used to provide additional support for a portion of the breast pump supported by a support strap, such as any of the support straps described herein. For example, when the support strap 480 is disposed in the second configuration described above such that the support strap 480 is wrapped fully or partially around a flange and stern of a breast pump, the outer panel 460 can be recoupled to the support strap 480 (e.g., via coupling the third portion 456 to the first portion 452). The outer panel 460 can be disposed in supportive contact with a portion of the breast pump to provide additional support to the breast pump (e.g., to the same portion as the support strap 480, an adjacent or overlapping portion, or another portion) for the hands free pumping procedure.
As another example,
Each support strap 680 can be configured to define an opening 689. For example, each support strap 680 can include a first portion 699A and a second portion 699B that are coupled together such that a portion of each of the first portion 699A and the second portion 699B is unattached and can define the opening 689 between the first portion and the second portion. In some embodiments, the first portion 699A and the second portion 699B can include an overlapping portion which can define the opening 689. The first portion 699A and the second portion 699B can be separated by, for example, moving the first portion 699A and the second portion 699B away from each other, thereby creating the opening 689 and providing access to the user's breast. A breast pump (e.g., a breast shield having a flange) can then be inserted through the opening 689 and the support strap 680 can help support the breast pump against the wearer during milk extraction.
As shown in
In use, the garment 600 can be worn by a wearer and if access to a breast of the wearer is desired, such as for breast pumping, the outer panel 660 (or one side of the outer panel 660) can be detached from the support straps 680 by detaching or uncoupling a portion of the engagement mechanism(s) 650 from another portion of the engagement mechanism(s) 650. The strap connector 605 can then be coupled to the first shoulder strap 606A and the second shoulder strap 606B such that the support straps 680 are drawn toward each other (e.g., across a chest of the wearer). For example, the strap connector 605 can be centered on a user's chest and maintain the openings 689 of each of the support straps 680 such that they are properly aligned with each of the wearer's breasts (e.g., with a nipple of the wearer). A portion of a breast pump (e.g., a breast shield) can then be inserted through the opening 689 of one of the support straps 680. The support strap 680 can support the breast pump against the wearer's breast during a pumping procedure. If desired, a second breast pump can be simultaneously supported by the other of the two support straps 680 by inserting a portion of the second breast pump through the opening 689 of the other of the support straps 680.
In some embodiments, the first engagement mechanism 650A and the second engagement mechanism 650B can be a first distance apart in a, first configuration of the garment 600 in which the strap connector 605 is not coupled to the first shoulder strap 606A and the second shoulder strap 606B. Additionally, in the first configuration the openings 689 of each support strap 680 can be not aligned with a nipple of the wearer such that any breast pumps inserted through the openings 689 would not be properly aligned for a pumping procedure. In the second configuration of the garment 600 in which the strap connector 605 coupled the first shoulder strap 606A to the second shoulder strap 606B, the first engagement mechanism 650A and the second engagement mechanism 650B can be a second distance apart that is smaller than the first distance. Additionally, in the second configuration, the openings 689 of each support strap 680 can be properly aligned with the nipples of the wearer such that a breast pump inserted through each opening would be properly aligned with the nipples for a pumping procedure.
In some embodiments, rather than coupling the strap connector 605 to the first shoulder strap 606A and the second shoulder strap 606B, the strap connector 605 can be coupled to the first shoulder strap 680 and the second shoulder strap 680 to maintain the first shoulder strap 680 and the second shoulder strap 680 in the second configuration.
The first portion 752 can include an extension portion 751, a base portion 757A, and an angled portion 757B. The base portion 757A can define a first opening 781 and the angled portion 757B can define a second opening 783. The second opening 783 can be on an opposite side of the extension portion 751 than the first opening 781. The angled portion 757B can be disposed at any suitable non-zero angle relative to the base portion 757A such a gap exists between the portion of the angled portion 757B defining the second opening 783 and the second portion 754 when the first portion 752 is engaged with the second portion 754. For example, as shown in
The extension portion 751 can be formed as a hook that forms a slot 751A (shown in
The first opening 755 of the second portion 754 can be shaped and sized such that the first opening 755 can receive the extension portion 751 of the first portion 752 and a portion of the second portion 754 partially defining the first opening 755 (e.g., a securement portion 755A) can be received in the slot 751A of the first portion 752. The tab portion 753 of the second portion 754 can be shaped and sized such that when the extension portion 751 of the first portion 752 is received through the first opening 755 of the second portion 754, the tab portion 753 contacts or engages the extension portion 751 and is flexed or clicked into locking engagement with the first portion 752 (e.g., with an underside of the extension portion 751). In some embodiments, the tab portion 753 can be sufficiently elastic such that as the second portion 754 is moved into engagement with the first portion 752, the tab portion 753 can bend slightly and then snap into locking engagement. The securement bar 798 of the second portion 754 is configured for attachment to the inner panel 770 of the garment 700. For example, a loop portion of the inner panel 770 can be secured around the securement bar 798.
The first opening 787 of the third portion 756 can be shaped and sized such that the first opening 787 can receive the extension portion 785 of the second portion 754 and a portion of the third portion 756 partially defining the first opening 787 (e.g., a securement portion 787A) can be received in the slot 785A of the second portion 754. The tab portion 786 of the third portion 756 can be shaped and sized such that when the extension portion 785 of the second portion 754 is received through the first opening 787 of the third portion 756, the tab portion 786 contacts or engages the extension portion 785 and is flexed or clicked into locking engagement with the second portion 754 (e.g., with an underside of the extension portion 785). In some embodiments, the tab portion 786 can be sufficiently elastic such that as the third portion 756 is moved into engagement with the second portion 754, the tab portion 786 can bend slightly and then snap into locking engagement.
Furthermore, the first opening 787 of the third portion 756 can be shaped and sized such that the first opening 787 can receive the extension portion 751 of the first portion 752 and a portion of the third portion 756 partially defining the first opening 787 (e.g., the securement portion 787A) can be received in the slot 751A of the first portion 752. The tab portion 786 of the third portion 756 can be shaped and sized such that when the extension portion 751 of the first portion 752 is received through the first opening 787 of the third portion 756, the tab portion 786 contacts or engages the extension portion 751 and is flexed or clicked into locking engagement with the first portion 752 (e.g., with an underside of the extension portion 751). In some embodiments, the tab portion 786 can be sufficiently elastic such that as the third portion 756 is moved into engagement with the first portion 752, the tab portion 786 can bend slightly and then snap into locking engagement. Thus, the angled portion 757B can be disposed at any suitable non-zero angle relative to the base portion 757A such a gap exists between the portion of the angled portion 757B defining the second opening 783 and the third portion 756 when the first portion 752 is engaged with the third portion 756. For example, when the first portion 752 is engaged with the third portion 756, a surface of the base portion 757A can be coupled to a surface of the third portion 756 (e.g., the surfaces can be disposed in parallel planes) and the angled portion 757B can be disposed at an angle relative to both the surface of the base portion 757A and the surface of the third portion 756.
The first portion 752 of the engagement mechanism 750 can be coupled to a shoulder strap of a garment such as, for example, any of the shoulder straps described herein (e.g., the shoulder strap 406 of the garment 400), with, for example, stitching. For example, an end portion of a shoulder strap can be looped through the first opening 781 and around a securement bar 781A and attached to itself such that a top portion of the first portion 752 is secured within the loop of the shoulder strap. Additionally, the first portion 752 can receive a portion of a support strap such as any of the support straps described herein (e.g., the support strap 480 of the garment 400) through the second opening 783 such that the support strap can be secured to the first portion 752 of the engagement mechanism 750. For example, an adjustable portion of the support strap can be looped through the second opening 783 of the first portion 752 and around a securement bar 783A and attached to itself (e.g., via engaging a first coupling mechanism with a coupling mechanism of a set of second coupling mechanisms) such that a bottom portion of the first portion 752 (e.g., a securement bar 783A of the first portion 752) is secured within the loop of the adjustable portion. Since the angled portion 757B of the first portion 752 extends away from the second portion 754, when the support strap is attached to the angled portion 757B (via being looped through the opening 783), the support strap can be partially disposed in the gap between the angled portion 757B and the back surface of the second portion 754. Thus, due to the gap between the angled portion 757B and the back surface of the second portion 754, the first portion 752 and the second portion 754 can be engaged without the support strap attached to the first portion 752 interfering with the coupling between the first portion 752 and the second portion 754. The support strap can be disposed to lie flat against the back of the second portion 754 or the third portion 756 (depending which is engaged with the first portion 752) in a first configuration of the support strap.
The second portion 754 of the engagement mechanism 750 can be coupled to an inner pumping panel such as any of the inner pumping panels described herein (e.g., the inner pumping panel 470) with, for example, stitching. For example, a portion of an inner pumping panel can be looped through the second opening 767, around the securement bar 798, back through the third opening 768, and attached to itself such that the securement bar 798 is secured within the loop of the inner pumping panel. Additionally, when the second portion 754 is coupled to the inner pumping panel, the inner pumping panel can be disposed on an opposite side of the second portion 754 than the extension portion 785 is disposed (e.g., contacting a back surface of the second portion 754).
Additionally, an outer panel such as any of the outer panels described herein (e.g., the panel 1462 or the panel 1464 of the outer panel 1460) can be attached to the third portion 756 of an engagement portion 750 via passing a portion of the outer panel through the opening 759 of the third portion 756, looping the portion over a bottom portion of the second portion 756 of the engagement mechanism 750 (e.g., a securement bar 759A), and then attaching the portion to itself (e.g., sewn or stitched) in a similar manner as how the inner layer 770 is attached to the third portion 756.
In some embodiments, a support strap can include multiple layers such that one or more coupling mechanisms and/or one or more coupling members of the support strap (e.g., the backs of the coupling mechanisms or coupling members) are isolated from contacting the skin of the wearer and/or prevented from causing discomfort to the wearer. For example,
In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanism 886 can be disposed on a length of the support strap 880 that can be separated from a remainder of the support strap 880 via, for example, bar tack 888. Such a length can be, for example, reinforced and/or non-elastic. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L2 of, fix example, about 6.5 inches. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L2 of, for example, between about 6 inches and about 7 inches. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L2 of, for example, between about 5 inches and about 8 inches.
In some embodiments, the support strap 880 can include a second layer 896 coupled to the first layer 894 such that, when in use, the backs of the coupling mechanisms 884A, 884B, and 884C and the backs of the coupling members 845 are covered by the second layer 896 and the second layer 896 is disposed between the backs of the coupling mechanisms 884A, 884B, and 884C and the coupling members 845 and the skin of the wearer. In some embodiments, a cushion layer 895 (e.g., a foam layer) can be disposed between the first layer 894 and the second layer 896 (e.g., at least between the portions including the coupling mechanisms 884A, 884B, and 884C and the coupling members 845 and the second layer 896). For example, the cushion layer 895 can be disposed between the coupling mechanisms 884A, 884B, and 884C and/or the coupling members 845 and the skin of the wearer when the wearer is wearing a garment including the support strap 880 in the first configuration of the support strap 880.
In some embodiments, a support strap, such as any of the support straps described herein, can include a set of first coupling mechanisms configured to releasably engage with a set of second coupling mechanisms. For example,
The support strap 980 can also include coupling members 945 such that the support strap 980 can be coupled to a pumping panel such as any of the pumping panels described herein via the coupling members 945. The coupling members 945 can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the coupling members described herein such as the coupling members 445 described above. Additionally, as shown in
In some embodiments, rather than the inner pumping panel being releasably coupleable to the support strap, the inner pumping panel can be releasably coupleable to the outer panel. For example,
The inner panel 1070 and the outer panel 1060 can each include one or more panels each formed with one or more layers of material. As shown, for example, in
Additionally, as shown in
The support straps 1080 can be coupled on a first end to the back panel 1020 and on a second end to one of the shoulder straps 1006 via the engagement mechanism 1050. In alternative embodiments, the support straps 1080 can be attached to a lower band of the garment 1000 rather than to the back panel 1020. Each of the shoulder straps 1006 can have a first end coupled to a support strap 1080 of the support straps 1080 (via the engagement mechanism 1050) and a second end coupled to the back panel 1020, with for example, sewing/stitching. The outer panel 1060 can be attached to the back panel 1020, for example, along a bottom edge of the outer panel 1060, via, fir example, sewing/stitching. The optional inner pumping panel 1070 can be removably coupled to the shoulder straps 1006.
As shown in
In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanism 1086 can be disposed on a length of the support strap 1080 that can be separated from a remainder of the support strap 1080 via, for example, bar tack 1088. Such a length can be, for example, reinforced and/or non-elastic. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L4 of, for example, about 6.5 inches. In some embodiments, the length can have a length LA of, for example, between about 6 inches and about 7 inches. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L4 of, for example, between about 5 inches and about 8 inches.
A base or lower portion of the inner pumping panel 1070 can be removably coupled to the outer panel 1060. For example, the inner pumping panel 1070 can include coupling members 1045B and the outer panel 1060 can include coupling members 1045A. The coupling members 1045B of the inner pumping panel 1070 can be removably coupled to the coupling member 1045A of the outer panel 1060. In some embodiments, the coupling members 1045A of the outer panel 1060 and the coupling members 1045B of the inner pumping panel 1070 can be, for example, a female and male snap connector, respectively. In some embodiments, the coupling members 1045A of the outer panel 1060 can be a male snap connector and the coupling members 1045B of the inner pumping panel 1070 can be a female snap connector, and vice versa. In addition, other types of coupling members can alternatively be used such as, for example, hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO, or buttons, hooks, etc. The coupling members 1045A of the outer panel 1060 and the coupling members 1045B of the inner panel 1070 can be attached to the outer panel 1060 and the inner panel 1070, respectively, for example, via sewing or stitching.
In some embodiments, the coupling members 1045A can be disposed on a back side of the outer panel 1060 and the coupling members 1045B can be disposed on a front side of the inner pumping panel 1070. In some embodiments, an engagement portion (e.g., a female portion of a snap connector) of each of the coupling members 1045A can be disposed on a back side of the outer panel 1060 and an engagement portion (e.g., a male portion of a snap connector) of each of the coupling members 1045B can be disposed on a front side of the inner pumping panel 1070.
The inner pumping panel 1070 can include any suitable number of coupling members 1045B arranged in any suitable arrangement and the outer panel 1060 can include any suitable number of coupling members 1045A arranged in any suitable arrangement complementary to the arrangement of coupling members 1045B of the inner pumping panel 1070. For example, as shown in
In use, the garment 1000 can be worn by a wearer with the inner pumping panel 1070 coupled to the outer panel 1060. If access to a breast of the wearer is desired, such as for breast pumping, the outer panel 1060 (e.g., the right outer panel 1062 and/or the left outer panel 1064) can be detached from the inner pumping panel 1070 (e.g., the right inner panel 1012 and/or the left inner panel 1014) by detaching or uncoupling relative portions of the engagement mechanism 1050 (e.g., as described above with respect to the garment 400) and moving the outer panel 1060 (e.g., folding the outer panel 1060 down) such that the inner panel 1070 is accessible. In some embodiments, some or all of the coupling members 1045A of the outer panel 1060 can remain coupled to the coupling members 1045B of the inner pumping panel 1070. In some embodiments, the coupling members 1045A of the outer panel 1060 can be detached from the coupling members 1045B of the inner pumping panel 1070.
The first portion and the second portion of the inner panel 1070 (e.g., of the right inner panel 1012 and/or the left inner panel 1014) can be separated (e.g., stretched or folded) to create the opening 1072 through which the wearer's breast is accessible and a portion of a breast pump can be inserted. If further access to the breast of the wearer is desired, the inner panel 1070 can be detached from the shoulder straps 1006 by removing/detaching the relative portions of the engagement mechanism 1050 (e.g., as described above with respect to the garment 400) and decoupling any coupling members 1045A remaining coupled to the coupling members 1045B. When desired, the inner panel 1070 and the outer panel 1060 can be reattached to the shoulder strap 1006 by recoupling the relative portions of the engagement mechanism 1050 and recoupling the coupling members 1045A to the coupling members 1045B.
In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanism of a support strap can include a hook and the set of second coupling mechanisms of the support strap can include portions of the support strap disposed adjacent openings defined in the support strap. For example,
The first coupling mechanism 1186 can include a hook portion. For example, the first coupling mechanism 1186 can include a swan hook. The adjustable portion 1182 can also include an elongated portion 1179 (also referred to as an elongated strip). The elongated portion 1179 can be disposed along the first edge 1178A. The elongated portion 1179 can at least partially define an elongated interior space. In some embodiments, the elongated portion 1179 can define the elongated interior space in combination with the first layer 1194 of the support strap 1180. In some embodiments, the elongated portion 1179 can define the elongated interior space between two portions of the elongated portion 1179.
The elongated portion 1179 can define a set of openings 1191 such that the interior space can be accessed via an opening of the set of openings 1191. For example, as shown in
The elongated portion 1179 can include a sot of second coupling mechanisms 1184 disposed along the adjustable portion 1182 (e.g., closer to the first end 1186B than the first coupling mechanism 1186). The set of second coupling mechanisms 1184 can include sub-portions of the elongated portion 1179 disposed adjacent the set of openings 1191. For example, the set of second coupling mechanisms can include a coupling mechanism 1184A disposed adjacent the opening 1184A, a coupling mechanism 1184B disposed adjacent the opening 1184B, and a coupling mechanism 11840 disposed adjacent the opening 11840. Each of the second coupling mechanisms 1184 of the set of second coupling mechanisms 1184 can define a portion of the interior space at least partially defined by the elongated portion 1179. Each of the second coupling mechanisms 1184 can be shaped and size such that the first coupling mechanism 1186 can receive and retain each of the second coupling mechanisms 1184. For example, the hook portion of the first coupling mechanism 1186 can be inserted into an opening of the set of openings 1191 and engage a second coupling mechanism of the set of second coupling mechanisms 1184 adjacent the opening such that the second coupling mechanism is retained by the hook portion. The first coupling mechanism 1186 can be engaged with any of the second coupling mechanisms 1184 and transitioned among various second coupling mechanisms 1184 depending on a desired overall length of the support strap 1180.
In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanism 1186 can be disposed on a length of the support strap 1180 that can be separated from a remainder of the support strap 1180 via, for example, bar tack 1188B. The first coupling mechanism 1186 can be attached to the length of the support strap 1180 via stitching (e.g., bar tack 1188A). Such a length can be, for example, reinforced and/or non-elastic. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L5 of, for example, about 6.5 inches. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L5 of, for example, between about 6 inches and about 7 inches. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L5 of, for example, between about 5 inches and about 8 inches.
As shown in
In some embodiments, rather than including a first layer 1194 and a second layer 1196, the support strap 1180 can include only a single layer. In some embodiments, rather than including the elongated portion 1179, the first layer 1194 or the second layer 1196 can define the set of openings for receiving the hook portion of the first engagement portion 1186. In some embodiments, any suitable number of openings can be defined and any suitable associated number of second coupling mechanisms can be included in the elongated portion 1179 (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten). In some embodiments, rather than the elongated portion 1179 being disposed along an edge of the support strap 1180, the elongated portion 1179 can be disposed in a location on the first layer 1194 or the second layer 1196 that is spaced from an edge of the support strap 1180 (e.g., alone a centerline of the support strap 1180). In some embodiments, rather than the elongated portion 1179 being disposed along the first edge 1178A (e.g., the edge closest to a user's armpit when the user is wearing the garment 1100), the elongated portion 1179 can be disposed along the second edge 1178B (e.g., the edge disposed farther from the user's armpit when the user is wearing the garment 1100). In some embodiments, the elongated portion 1179 can be a first elongated portion, and a second elongated portion can be disposed along the second edge 1178B such that one or more openings can be defined and one or more associated second coupling mechanisms can be included along each of the first edge 1178A and the second edge 1178B.
Although not shown, in some embodiments, the garment 1100 can optionally include an inner panel that can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the inner panels described herein. For example, the outer panel 1160 and/or the support straps 1180 can include coupling members that are the same or similar to any of the coupling members described herein such that the inner panel can be removably attached to the garment 1100 similarly to any of the garments described herein.
In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanism of a support strap can include a hook and the set of second coupling mechanisms of the support strap can include tabs or loops shaped and sized to receive and retain the hook. For example,
The first coupling mechanism 1286 can include a hook portion. For example, the first coupling mechanism 1286 can include a swan hook. The adjustable portion 1282 can also include an elongated portion 1279 (also referred to as an elongated strip). The elongated portion 1279 can be disposed along the first edge 1278A (e.g., attached via adhesive or sewing). For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, the elongated portion 1279 can include a first layer 1292A and a second layer 1292B. The first layer 1292A and the second layer 1292B can be coupled to each other at various locations along the length of each layer to define the second coupling mechanisms 1284 (e.g., the loops or tabs). For example, the first layer 1292A and the second layer 1292B can be coupled together using bar tack (e.g., see bar tack 1288C). Each of the second coupling mechanisms 1284 can be defined between a first bar tack and a second bar tack such that each second coupling 1284 mechanism defines an opening therethrough configured to receive the hook portion of the first coupling mechanism 1286. In some embodiments, the first layer 1292A of the elongated portion 1279 (shown in
Although not shown, in some embodiments, rather than the openings through each of the second coupling mechanisms 1284 being accessible on the back side of the support strap 1280 as shown in
In some embodiments, the first coupling mechanism 1286 can be disposed on a length of the support strap 1280 that can be separated from a remainder of the support strap 1280 via, for example, bar tack 1288B. The first coupling mechanism 1286 can be attached to the length of the support strap 1280 via stitching (e.g., bar tack 1288A). Such a length can be, for example, reinforced and/or non-elastic. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L6 of, for example, about 6.5 inches. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L6 of, for example, between about 6 inches and about 7 inches. In some embodiments, the length can have a length L6 of, for example, between about 5 inches and about 8 inches.
As shown in
In some embodiments, rather than including a first layer 1294 and a second layer 1296, the support strap 1280 can include only a single layer. In some embodiments, the second coupling mechanisms 1284 can be disposed on both the front side and the back side of the support strap. In some embodiments, any suitable associated number of second coupling mechanisms 1284 can be included in the elongated portion 1279 (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten). In some embodiments, rather than the second coupling mechanisms 1284 being disposed along an edge of the support strap 1280, the second coupling mechanisms 1284 can be disposed in a location on the first layer 1294 or the second layer 1296 that is spaced from an edge of the support strap 1280 (e.g., along a centerline of the support strap 1280). In some embodiments, rather than the second coupling mechanisms 1284 being disposed along the first edge 1278A (e.g., the edge closest to a user's armpit when the user is wearing the garment 1200), the second coupling mechanisms 1284 can be disposed alternatively or additionally along the second edge 1278B (e.g., the edge disposed farther from the user's armpit when the user is wearing the garment 1200).
Although not shown, in some embodiments, the garment 1200 can optionally include an inner panel that can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the inner panels described herein. For example, the outer panel 1260 and/or the support straps 1280 can include coupling members (e.g., snap portions) that are the same or similar to any of the coupling members described herein such that the inner panel can be removably attached to the garment 1200 similarly to any of the garments described herein (e.g., via corresponding snap portions).
In some embodiments, any of the garments herein, such as the garment 1200, can include a removeable neck strap (also referred to as a center strap or a halter strap). For example,
The neck strap 1246 can include a first coupling member 1247A on a first end of the neck strap 1246 and a second coupling member 1247B on a second end of the neck strap 1246. The outer panel 1260 can include a first loop portion 1269A and a second loop portion 1269B, in some embodiments, the first loop portion 1269A and the second loop portion 12699 can be coupled to an upper edge of the first portion 1262 and the second portion 1264 of the outer panel 1260, respectively. In some embodiments, the first loop portion 1269A and the second loop portion 1269B can be disposed near a center of the top edge of the outer panel 1260. For example, the first loop portion 1269A can be disposed closer to a center of the outer panel 1260 than a portion of the outer panel 1260 and/or a portion of the support strap 1280 (e.g. the left support strap in
The first loop portion 1269A and the second loop portion 1269B can each be configured to removably engage with at least one of the first coupling member 1247A and the second coupling member 1247B such that the neck strap 1246 is wrapped around the neck of the wearer of the garment 1200 and can support the outer panel 1260 during a pumping operation (e.g., a hands free pumping operation) in combination with one or both of the shoulder straps 1206. For example, as shown in
The overall length of the neck strap 1246 can be adjustable. For example, a length of the neck strap 1246 between the first coupling member 1247A and the second coupling member 1247B can be adjusted. The neck strap 1246 can include a strap portion haying a first end and a second end. The first end can be coupled to a slider component 1258 (also referred to as a “slider”) and the second end can be coupled to the second coupling member 1247B. The strap portion can form a loop through the first coupling member 1247A and extend through a portion of the slider 1258 such that the slider can be translated along the strap portion to adjust the size of the loop extending through the first coupling member 1247A. As the size of the loop increases, the length of the neck strap 1246 between the first coupling member 1247, and the second coupling member 1247B decreases. As the size of the loop decreases, the length of the neck strap 1246 between the first coupling member 1247A and the second coupling member 1247B increases. In some embodiments, rather than the first end of the strap portion being coupled to the slider 1258 and the second end being coupled to the second coupling member 1247B, the second end of the strap portion can be coupled to the slider 1258 and the first end can be coupled to the first coupling member 1247A. In some embodiments, both of the first end and the second end of the strap portion can be coupled to sliders such that the strap portion can be looped through both the first coupling member 1247A and the second coupling member 1247B such that each end can be separately adjusted.
In some embodiments, rather than each of the first coupling member 1247A and the second coupling member 1247B including a hook portion and the outer panel 1260 including the first loop portion 1269A and the second loop portion 1269B, the first coupling member 1247A and the second coupling member 1247B can be formed in any shape configured to mate with a receiving shape of the outer panel 1260 such that the neck portion 1246 can support the outer panel 1260 (e.g., corresponding snap portions, corresponding hook and loop fastener portions, and/or corresponding loop and button portions).
In some embodiments, rather than including the first loop portion 1269A and the second loop portion 1269B, the garment 1200 can include only one loop portion that is configured to simultaneously engage with the first coupling member 1247A and the second coupling member 1247B (e.g., configured to simultaneously receive two hook portions of two swan hooks). The one loop portion can be disposed, for example, in a center portion of the outer panel 1260 near or adjacent to an upper edge of the outer panel 1260.
In some embodiments, rather than including a first loop portion or a second loop portion, the outer panel 1260 can include one or more holes defined in an upper edge of the outer panel 1260. For example, the outer panel 1260 can define the holes and/or the holes can be defined by a separate elongated component coupled to the outer panel 1260 At least some of the holes can be disposed in a center of the outer panel 1260 similarly as described above with respect to the first loop portion 1269A and/or the second loop portion 1269B. The neck strap 1246 can be attached to the outer panel 1260 via selective releasable engagement between the first coupling member 1247A and the second coupling member 1247B with one or more holes and one or more portions of material adjacent to the one or more holes.
In some embodiments, rather than disposing the support strap 1280 partially around the portion 1204 (e.g., a stem or neck of a shield) of the breast pump 1203 as shown in
In some embodiments, a support strap can include a slider component that is configured to be translated along a strap portion of the support strap to adjust the overall length of the support strap. For example,
The support strap 1380 can include an adjustable portion 1382 and a base portion 1322. The adjustable portion 1382 includes a coupling mechanism 1384 and a strap portion 1319. The strap portion 1319 includes at least a portion having a constant width along which the coupling mechanism 1384 can be slid. For example, as shown in
The loop portion 1321 is threaded through an opening of the engagement mechanism 1350. For example, the loop portion 1321 can be looped through an opening of a first portion of an engagement mechanism that is the same as or similar in structure and/or function to the first portion 452 of the engagement mechanism 450 described above with reference to
Thus, the wearer can adjust the overall length of the support strap 1380 between the engagement portion 1350 and the portion of the base panel 1320 to which the support strap 1380 (e.g., the base portion 1322) is attached by sliding the coupling mechanism 1384 along the strap portion 1319. For example, the coupling mechanism 1384 can be engaged with the support strap 1380 in a first location in a first configuration in which the support strap 1380 is not being used to support a portion of a breast pump against a breast. When the support strap 1380 is being used to support a portion of the breast pump (e.g., a flange of a shield of a breast pump) against the breast (e.g., by pulling the support strap 1380 toward a center of the garment, pressing the flange of the shield against the user's breast, and wrapping the support strap 1380 partially or fully around a flange and/or a stem of a shield of the breast pump), the support strap 1380 can be transitioned to a second configuration in which the coupling mechanism 1384 is engaged with the support strap 1380 in a second location farther from the base portion 1322 than the first location of the first configuration. The support strap 1384 has a longer overall length in the second configuration than in the first configuration and can wrap around the flange and/or stem of a shield of the breast pump to comfortably maintain the flange of the breast pump against the breast.
As shown in
In some embodiments, a garment, such as any of the garments described herein, can include a snare component coupled to a first support strap that is configured to maintain the first support strap and/or a second support strap in a pump-supporting configuration. For example,
The first support strap 1480A and the second support strap 1480B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the support strap 1380 described above with respect to
The inner panel 1470 can be removed from the base subassembly 1401. For example, as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
in some embodiments, rather than being coupled to the seam 1426 on an internal side of the loop portion 1421, the snare component 1423 can be coupled to any suitable portion of the first support strap 1480A For example, in some embodiments, the first end of the strap portion 1424 of the snare component 1423 can be securely coupled to (e.g., via stitching) the non-loop portion of the adjustable portion 1482A (e.g., below the coupling mechanism 1484A). In some embodiments, the first end of the strap portion 1424 of the snare component 1423 can be securely coupled to (e.g., via stitching) an outer surface of the loop portion 1421 (e.g., near or adjacent to the coupling mechanism 1484A). In some embodiments, rather than the snare component 1423 being coupled to the first support strap 1480A which is shown as being on the left side of the garment 1400 in the back view, the snare component 1423 can be coupled to the second support strap 1480B and configured to wrap around the first support strap 1480A to form a loop capturing the first support strap 1480A. In some embodiments, alternatively or in addition to the snare component 1423 being configured to form a loop such that the coupling mechanism 1425 attaches to the strap portion 1424 of the snare component 1423, the coupling mechanism 1425 can be configured to be coupled directly to a strap portion of the adjustable portion 1482B of the second support strap 1482B to secure the first support strap 1480A to the second support strap 1480B.
As shown in
in some embodiments, a garment can include a support strap having a first portion configured to couple a shoulder strap of the garment to a first portion of a back panel of the garment (e.g., adjacent a bottom of a cup portion of an inner layer) and a second portion configured to couple the shoulder strap to a center portion of the back panel. For example,
The first support strap 1580A includes a first portion 1530 and a second portion 1527. The first portion 1530 includes an adjustable portion 1582 and a base portion 1522. The first portion 1530 extends between a portion of the back panel 1520 coupled to a bottom portion of the outer panel 1560 and the first portion 1552A of the engagement mechanism 1550A. The second portion 1527 can extend between a center portion 1528 of the back panel 1520 (e.g., a portion disposed between two cup portions (e.g., a right outer panel and a left outer panel) of the outer panel 1660) and the first portion 1552A of the engagement mechanism 1550A. The second portion 1527 can have a first end secured to the first portion 1552A of the engagement mechanism 1550A (e.g., via looping the first end through an opening in the first portion 1552A and stitching the first end to the strap portion of the second portion 1527). The second portion 1527 can have a second end secured to the center portion 1528 (e.g., via stitching). The second portion 1527 can have the same length in both the first and second configuration of the first portion 1530 of the first support strap 1580A. For example, the length of the second portion 1527 can be non-adjustable (e.g., fixed) and/or inelastic. The second support strap 1580B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the first support strap 1580A.
The first portion 1530 can be similar in structure and/or function to the first support strap 1480A and the support strap 1380 described above. For example, the adjustable portion 1582 can include a coupling mechanism 1584 that can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the coupling mechanism 1484A or the coupling mechanism 1384. The coupling mechanism 1584 can include, for example, a slider component or buckle. The adjustable portion 1582 includes a strap portion 1519 that includes at least a portion having a constant width along which the coupling mechanism 1584 can be slid. The strap portion 1519 can have a constant width from the first end to the second end of the strap portion 1519. The first portion 1530 can include a connecting component 1529 that couples the adjustable portion 1582 to the base portion 1522. The connecting component 1529 can define an opening and can have any suitable shape (e.g., a ring shape).
The first end of the strap portion 1519 can be secured to the first portion 1552A of the engagement mechanism 1550A (e.g., via looping the first end through an opening in the first portion 1552A and stitching the first end to the strap portion 1519) and the second end of the strap portion 1519 can be coupled to the coupling mechanism 1584. The first end of the strap portion 1519 can be secured through the same opening of the first portion 1552A as the second portion 1527. The strap portion 1519 includes a loop portion 1521 that extends between a portion of the strap portion 1519 that is threaded through the coupling mechanism 1584 and the second end of the strap portion 1519 that is securely coupled to the coupling mechanism 1584. The coupling mechanism 1584 can secure (e.g., via friction) the portion of the strap portion 1519 that is threaded through the coupling mechanism 1584 such that the size of the loop portion 1521 is maintained by the coupling mechanism 1584 unless a wearer translates the coupling mechanism 1584 along the strap portion 1519 (e.g., by pulling or pushing the coupling mechanism 1584 relative to the strap portion 1519).
The loop portion 1521 is threaded through the opening of the connecting component 1529. The coupling mechanism 1584 can be translated along the strap portion 1519 to adjust the size of the loop portion 1521 and the overall length of the strap portion 1519 between the base portion 1522 and the engagement mechanism 1550 (and between the portion of the back panel 1520 to which the support strap 1580 is attached and the engagement mechanism 1550). For example, the coupling mechanism 1584 can be moved away from the connecting component 1529 such that the size of the loop portion 1521 increases. As the size of the loop portion 1521 increases, the length of the portion of the strap portion 1519 between the coupling member 1584 and the connecting component 1529 decreases such that the overall length of the support strap 1580A decreases. The coupling mechanism 1584 can be moved toward the connecting component 1529 such that the size of the loop portion 1521 decreases. As the size of the loop portion 1521 decreases, the length of the portion of the strap portion 1519 between the coupling member 1584 and the connecting component 1529 increases such that the overall length of the support strap 1580 increases.
Thus, the wearer can adjust the overall length of the support strap 1580A between the engagement portion 1550 and the portion of the base panel 1520 to which the support strap 1580 (e.g., the base portion 1522) is attached by sliding the coupling mechanism 1584 along the strap portion 1519. For example, the coupling mechanism 1584 can be engaged with the support strap 1580 in a first location in a -first configuration in which the support strap 1580A is not being used to support a portion of a breast pump against a breast. The outer panel 1560 can be configured to be folded down relative to the first support strap 1580A and/or the second support strap 1580A to expose a breast or breasts of the wearer of the garment 1500 by decoupling the third portion of the engagement mechanism 1550A from the first portion 1552A and/or by decoupling the third portion of the engagement mechanism 1550B from the first portion 1552B. When the support strap 1580A is being used to support a portion of the breast pump (e.g., a flange of a shield of a breast pump) against the breast (e.g., by pulling the support strap 1580A toward a center of the garment, pressing the flange of the shield against the user's breast, and wrapping or partially wrapping the support strap 1580.A around a flange and/or a stem of a shield of the breast pump), the support strap 1580A can be transitioned to a second configuration in which the coupling mechanism 1584 is engaged with the support strap 1580A in a second location closer to the base portion 1522 than the first location of the first configuration. The first portion 1530 of the support strap 1584 has a longer overall length in the second configuration than in the first configuration and can wrap around the flange and/or stem of a shield of the breast pump to comfortably maintain the flange of the breast pump against the breast. In the second configuration, the first portion 1530 and the second portion 1527 can both be disposed on the side of the flange and/or stern of the shield of the breast pump that is closer to the center portion 1528 rather than a side opposite the center portion 1528 and closer to a wearer's armpit. In some embodiments, the support strap 1580A can optionally not include the second portion 1527 of the support strap 1580A.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The first support strap 1680A includes a first portion 1630 and a second portion 1627. The first portion 1630 includes an adjustable portion 1682 and a base portion 1622. The first portion 1630 extends between a portion of the back panel 1620 coupled to a bottom portion of the outer panel 1660 and the first portion 1652A of the engagement mechanism 1650A. The second portion 1627 can extend from a center portion 1628 of the back panel 1620 (e.g., a portion disposed between two cup portions of the outer panel 1660) to the first portion 1652A of the engagement mechanism 1650A. The second portion 1627 can have a first end secured to the first portion 1652A of the engagement mechanism 1650A (e.g., via looping the first end through the opening 1683 in the first portion 1652A and stitching the first end to the strap portion of the second portion 1627). The second portion 1627 can have a second end secured to the center portion 1628 (e.g., via stitching). The second portion 1627 can have the same length in both the first and second configuration of the first portion 1630 of the first support strap 1680A. For example, the length of the second portion 1627 can be non-adjustable (e.g., fixed) and/or inelastic. The second support strap 1680B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the first support strap 1680A.
The first portion 1630 can be similar in structure and/or function to the first support strap 1480A and the support strap 1380 described above. For example, the adjustable portion 1682 can include a coupling mechanism 1684 that can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the coupling mechanism 1484A or the coupling mechanism 1384. The coupling mechanism 1684 can include, for example, a slider component or buckle. The adjustable portion 1682 includes a strap portion 1619 that includes at least a portion having a constant width along which the coupling mechanism 1684 can be slid. The strap portion 1619 can have a constant width from the first end to the second end of the strap portion 1619.
The first end of the strap portion 1619 is coupled to the base portion 1622 (e.g., via stitching) and the second end of the strap portion 1619 can be coupled to the coupling mechanism 1684. The strap portion 1619 includes a loop portion 1621 that extends between a portion of the strap portion 1619 that is threaded through the coupling mechanism 1684 and the second end of the strap portion 1619 that is securely coupled to the coupling mechanism 1684. The coupling mechanism 1684 can secure (e.g., via friction) the portion of the strap portion 1619 that is threaded through the coupling mechanism 1684 such that the size of the loop portion 1621 is maintained by the coupling mechanism 1684 unless a wearer translates the coupling mechanism 1684 along the strap portion 1619 (e.g., by pulling or pushing the coupling mechanism 1684 relative to the strap portion 1619).
The loop portion 1621 is threaded through the second opening 1683 of the first portion 1652A of the engagement mechanism 1650A. The coupling mechanism 1684 can be translated along the strap portion 1619 to adjust the size of the loop portion 1621 and the overall length of the strap portion 1619 between the base portion 1622 and the engagement mechanism 1650A (and between the portion of the back panel 1620 to which the support strap 1680A is attached and the engagement mechanism 1650A). For example, the coupling mechanism 1684 can be moved away from the first portion 1652A of the engagement mechanism 1650A such that the size of the loop portion 1621 increases. As the size of the loop portion 1621 increases, the length of the portion of the strap portion 1619 between the coupling member 1684 and the first portion 1652A of the engagement mechanism 1650A decreases such that the overall length of the support strap 1680A decreases. The coupling mechanism 1684 can be moved toward the first portion 1652A of the engagement mechanism 1650A such that the size of the loop portion 1621 decreases. As the size of the loop portion 1621 decreases, the length of the portion of the strap portion 1619 between the coupling member 1684 and the first portion 1652A of the engagement mechanism 1650A increases such that the overall length of the support strap 1680 increases.
The second opening 1683 can have a thickness T1 that can be sufficiently wide to simultaneously allow the second portion 1627 to be secured within the second opening 1683 and for the loop portion 1621 to be disposed within the second opening 1683 and slidable through the second opening 1683 (e.g., during adjustment of the size of the loop portion 1621). The loop portion 1621 can be disposed around the portion of the second portion 1627 disposed within the second opening 1683. The portion of the loop portion 1621 within the second opening 1683 can be stacked on the portion of the second portion 1627 within the second opening 1683 such that the overall width of the stacked portions can be substantially equal to the width of the portion of the loop portion 1621 within the second opening 1683 or the greater of the width of the portion of the loop portion 1621 within the second opening 1683 and the portion of the second portion 1627 within the second opening 1683.
In some embodiments, the thickness T1 can be 8 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness T1 can be 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 9 mm, 10, mm, 11 mm, or any suitable width in between. Additionally, the second opening 1683 can have any suitable width W1. The width can be, for example, substantially similar to the width of the strap portion 1619 and/or the second portion 1627. In some embodiments, for example, the width W1 can be 16 mm. In some embodiments, the width W1 can be 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, or any suitable length in between. In some embodiments, the width can be substantially double the thickness T1. In some embodiments, the width W1 can be substantially equal to or greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the strap portion 1619 and the second portion 1627.
The wearer can adjust the overall length of the support strap 1680A between the engagement portion 1650 and the portion of the base panel 1620 to which the support strap 1680A (e.g., the base portion 1622) is attached by sliding the coupling mechanism 1684 along the strap portion 1619. For example, the coupling mechanism 1684 can be engaged with the support strap 1680A in a first location in a first configuration in which the support strap 1680A is not being used to support a portion of a breast pump against a breast. The outer panel 1660 can be configured to be folded down relative to the first support strap 1680A and/or the second support strap 1680A to expose a breast or breasts of the wearer of the garment 1600 by decoupling the third portion of the engagement mechanism 1650A from the first portion 1652A and/or by decoupling the third portion of the engagement mechanism 1650B from the first portion 16521. When the support strap 1680A is being used to support a portion of the breast pump (e.g., a flange of a shield of a breast pump) against the breast (e.g., by pulling the support strap 1680A toward a center of the garment, pressing the flange of the shield against the user's breast, and wrapping or partially wrapping the support strap 1680A around a flange and/or a stem of a shield of the breast pump), the support strap 1680A can be transitioned to a second configuration in which the coupling mechanism 1684 is engaged with the support strap 1680A in a second location farther from the base portion 1622 than the first location of the first configuration. The first portion 1630 of the support strap 1684 has a longer overall length in the second configuration than in the first configuration and can wrap around the flange and/or stem of a shield of the breast pump to comfortably maintain the flange of the breast pump against the breast. In the second configuration, the first portion 1630 and the second portion 1627 can both be disposed on the side of the flange and/or stem of the shield of the breast pump that is closer to the center portion 1628 rather than a side opposite the center portion 1628 and closer to a wearer's armpit. In some embodiments, the support strap 1680A can optionally not include the second portion 1627 of the support strap 1680A.
As shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, a neck strap of a garment can be attached to a base panel of the garment in a storage configuration prior to and/or after being coupled to an outer panel or pumping panel of the garment for support. For example,
The garment 1700 can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the garments described herein. For example, the garment 1700 includes a base subassembly 1701 including a back panel 1720, an outer panel 1760, a first shoulder strap (not shown), a second shoulder strap (not shown), a first support strap 1780A, and a second support strap 1780B. The garment 1700 can optionally include an inner or pumping panel (not shown) that can be removeable and can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the inner panels described herein. The garment 1700 also includes a first engagement mechanism 1750A and a second engagement mechanism 1750B. The first engagement mechanism 1750A and the second engagement mechanism 1750B can each be any suitable engagement mechanism (e.g., a two part engagement mechanism, a three part engagement mechanism, etc.). In some embodiments, the first engagement mechanism 1750A and the second engagement mechanism 1750B can be similar in structure and/or function to any of the engagement mechanisms described herein (e.g., the engagement mechanism 450 or the engagement mechanism 750).
As shown in
In use, to attached the neck strap 1746 to the front surface of the base panel 1720 in a first storage configuration, the first coupling member 1747A can be coupled to the first loop portion 1709A, the second coupling member 1747B can be passed through the third loop portion 1711 and coupled to the second loop portion 1709B. To use the neck strap 1746 to support the outer panel 1760 or an inner panel attached to the garment 1700 in a second support configuration, the neck strap 1746 can be decoupled from the first loop portion 1709A, the second loop portion 1709B, and the third loop portion 1711.
In some embodiments, rather than attaching a neck strap to a front surface of a garment in a storage configuration as shown in
The garment 1800 can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the garments described herein. For example, the garment 1800 includes a base subassembly 1801 including a back panel 1820, an outer panel 1860, a first shoulder strap 1806A, a second shoulder strap 1806B, a first support strap 1880A, and a second support strap 1880B. The garment 1800 can optionally include an inner or pumping panel (not shown) that can be removeable and can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the inner panels described herein. The garment 1800 also includes a first engagement mechanism 1850A and a second engagement mechanism 1850B. The first engagement mechanism 1850A and the second engagement mechanism 1850B can each be any suitable engagement mechanism (e.g., a two part engagement mechanism, a three part engagement mechanism, etc.). In some embodiments, the first engagement mechanism 1850A and the second engagement mechanism 18509 can be similar in structure and/or function to any of the engagement mechanisms described herein (e.g., the engagement mechanism 450 or the engagement mechanism 750).
As shown in
In use, to attached the neck strap 1846 to the back surface of the base panel 1820 in a first storage configuration, the first coupling member 1847A can be coupled to the first loop portion 1809A, the second coupling member 1847B can be passed through the third loop portion 1811 and coupled to the second loop portion 1809B. To use the neck strap 1846 to support the outer panel 1860 or an inner panel attached to the garment 1800 in a second support configuration, the neck strap 1846 can be decoupled from the first loop portion 1809A, the second loop portion 1809B, and the third loop portion 1811.
In some embodiments, an outer panel of a garment can include a pair of loop portions, each configured to be disposed at or near an apex of a cup of the outer panel and to be releasably coupled with a coupling member of a neck strap.
The first support strap 1980A and the second support strap 1980B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the support straps described herein. For example, the first support strap 1980A includes an adjustable portion 1982A and a base portion 1922A. The second support strap 1980B includes an adjustable portion 1982B and a base portion 1922B. The adjustable portion 1982A is coupled to the first portion 1952A of the engagement mechanism 1952A and the adjustable portion 1982B is coupled to the first portion 1952B of the engagement mechanism 1952B.
The outer panel 1960 includes a left outer panel 1962 and a right outer panel 1964 (each also referred to herein as a “cup portion”). The left outer panel 1962 includes a loop portion 1931A and the right outer panel includes a loop portion 1931B. The loop portion 1931A can be disposed at an apex of the left outer panel 1962 and the loop portion 1931B can be disposed at an apex of the right outer panel 1964. For example, the first loop portion 1931A can be disposed behind or slightly underneath a portion of the left outer panel 1962 that is attached to a second portion 1956A (shown in
The first adjustable portion 1982A can be adjusted such that the length of the first support strap 1980A is increased. The second adjustable portion 1982B can be adjusted such that the length of the second support strap 1980B is increased. The first support strap 1980A can be wrapped partially or fully around a portion 1904A of the breast pump 1903A (e.g., a flange of a shield of a breast pump). For example, the first support strap 1980A can be wrapped a full turn around the portion 1904A as shown in
A neck strap 1946 of the garment 1900, which can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the, neck straps described herein, can be coupled to the first loop portion 1931A and the second loop portion 1931B and can be disposed partially behind the wearer's neck. For example, the neck strap 1946 can include a first coupling member 1947A and a second coupling member 1947B. The first coupling member 1947A can include a hook portion (e.g., a swan hook) that is configured to be pushed into the first loop portion 1931A. The second coupling member 1947B can include a hook portion (e.g., a swan hook) that is configured to be pushed into the second loop portion 1931B. In some embodiments, the neck strap 1946 can have an adjustable length such that the height of the apex of the left panel portion 1962 and the height of the apex of the right panel portion 1964 can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the neck strap 1946.
In the second configuration of the garment 1900, the first support strap 1980A and the left outer panel 1962 can maintain the portion 1904A of the breast pump 1903A against the breast of the wearer such that the flange of the breast pump 1903B is sealed properly against the breast of the user. In some embodiments, the portion 1904A can be disposed between the first support strap 1980A and the left outer panel 1962 such that the first support strap 1980A and the left outer panel 1962 collectively support the breast pump 1903A against the wearer's left breast for a hands-free pumping procedure.
The second support strap 1980B and the right outer panel 1964 can maintain the portion 1904B of the breast pump 1903B against the breast of the wearer such that the flange of the breast pump 1903B is sealed properly against the breast of the user. In some embodiments, the portion 1904B can be disposed between the second support strap 1980B and the right outer panel 1964 such that the second support strap 1980B and the right outer panel 1964 collectively support the breast pump 1903B against the wearer's right breast for a pumping procedure.
Although
As referenced above, in some embodiments, rather than disposing the first support strap 1980A and the second support strap 1980B such that each are wrapped a full turn around the portions 1904A and the 1904B, respectively, the first support strap 1980A and/or the second support strap 1980B can be wrapped only partially (e.g., a partial turn) around the portion 1904A (e.g., a stem or neck of the shield of breast pump 1903A) and 1904B (e.g., a stem or neck of the shield of breast pump 1903B). For example,
In some embodiments, rather than or in addition to each of a left outer panel and a right outer panel of an outer panel including a loop portion (e.g., loop portions 1931A and 1931B), an inner or pumping panel of a garment, such as any of the pumping panels (e.g., pumping panel 470) and garments described herein, can include a first loop portion and a second loop portion. The first loop portion can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the first loop portion 1931A and the second loop portion can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the second loop portion 1931B. The first loop portion can be disposed at an apex of a left panel of the pumping panel and the second loop portion can be disposed at an apex of a right panel of the pumping panel. The pumping panel can include coupling mechanisms, such as at least one snap portion disposed at a bottom of each of the right panel and the left panel (e.g., between a right opening and a base panel and between a left opening and a base panel), that are each configured to mate with an associated mating snap portion on an outer panel and/or a support strap of the garment. A neck strap, such as any of the neck straps described herein (e.g., the neck strap 1946) can be coupled to the first loop portion and the second loop portion of the pumping panel via a first coupling member and a second coupling member, respectively, (e.g., swan hooks) of the neck strap to support the pumping panel when the pumping panel is coupled to a base subassembly of the garment via the coupling mechanisms and a breast pump is disposed in at least one of the openings defined in the pumping panel.
In some embodiments, a neck strap, such as any of the neck straps described herein, can be transitioned between a first configuration in which the neck strap supports at least one breast pump (e.g., via an outer panel or an inner or pumping panel) and a second configuration in which the neck strap can be worn by the wearer as a bracelet (e.g., in between pumping procedures).
For example,
The first strap portion 2035 and the second strap portion 2036 each include a set of elongated parallel straps (e.g., spaghetti straps). As shown in
The neck strap 2046 can be configured in a first configuration to be coupled to any of the garments described herein to support at least one breast pump. For example, the first coupling member 2047A and the second coupling member 2047B can be coupled to loops or engaged with portions adjacent openings of an outer panel or an inner panel of any of the garments described herein. For example, the first coupling member 2047A can be coupled to the first loop portion 1269A and the second coupling member 2047B can be coupled to the second loop portion 1269B of the outer panel 1260 described above with respect to the garment 1200 in place of the neck strap 1246. As another example, the first coupling member 2047A can be coupled to the first loop portion 1931A and the second coupling member 2047B can be coupled to the second loop portion 1931B of the outer panel 1960 described above with respect to the garment 1900 in place of the neck strap 1946. Additionally, the neck strap 2046 can be wrapped around a wrist of a wearer in a second configuration (e.g., as a bracelet) any suitable number of times (e.g., 1 turn, 2 turns, 3 turns, or any suitable number of partial turns therebetween). In some embodiments, the first coupling member 2047A and the second coupling member 2047B can each be coupled to one of the first strap portion 2035 and/or the second strap portion 2036 to secure the neck strap 2046 in the second configuration. In some embodiments, the first coupling member 2047A can be coupled to the second coupling member 2047B (e.g., by engaging the swan hook portions with each other).
In some embodiments, rather than the first strap portion and the second strap portion of a neck strap each including a set of elongated parallel straps, the first strap portion and the second strap portion can include braids. For example,
The first strap portion 2135 and the second strap portion 2136 each include a braid. As shown in
In some embodiments, the first strap portion and the second strap portion of a neck strap can each include a series of link portions. For example,
The first strap portion 2235 and the second strap portion 2236 each include a series of link portions. As shown in
In some embodiments, rather than the first coupling member and the second coupling member including swan hooks, the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be configured to engage with complementary portions of any of the engagement mechanisms described herein. For example,
The first coupling member 2347A can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the second portion 454 of the engagement mechanism 450 described above or to the second portion 754 of the engagement mechanism 750 described above. For example, the first coupling member 2347A can include an opening, a tab portion, and a securement portion configured to mate with an extension portion. Additionally, the first coupling member 2347A can include a securement bar to which the first strap portion 2335 can be secured. The second coupling member 2347B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the first portion 452 of the engagement mechanism 450 described above or to the first portion 752 of the engagement mechanism 750 described above. For example, the second coupling member 2347B can include an extension portion that is hook-shaped and defines a slot. Additionally, the second coupling member 2347B can include a securement bar to which the second strap portion 2336 can be secured. Thus, the first coupling member 2347A and the second coupling member 2347B can be releasably engaged with any of the second or third portions of the engagement mechanisms described herein, such as the third portion 456 or the third portion 756. Thus, the neck strap 2346 can be coupled to any of the outer portions of garments described herein by coupling the first coupling member 2347A to a second or third portion of a first engagement mechanism of a garment and by coupling the second coupling member 2347B to a second or third portion of a second engagement mechanism of the garment such that the neck strap 2346 supports the outer panel and/or the inner panel of the garment. In some embodiments, the first coupling member 2347A and/or second coupling member 2347B can be identical to the second portion 454 of the engagement mechanism 450 and the first portion 452 of the engagement mechanism 450, respectively, such that fewer distinct types of clasp portions are needed for construction of a garment including at least one engagement mechanism such as the engagement mechanism 450 and the neck strap 2346. In some embodiments, the first coupling member 2347A and/or second coupling member 2347B can be identical to the second portion 754 of the engagement mechanism 750 and the first portion 752 of the engagement mechanism 750, respectively, such that fewer distinct types of clasp portions are needed for construction of a garment including at least one engagement mechanism such as the engagement mechanism 750 and the neck strap 2346.
Additionally, the first coupling member 2347A can be engaged with the second coupling member 2347B (e.g., via inserting a hook-shaped extension portion of the second coupling member 2347B through an opening of the first coupling member 2347A and engaging the extension portion with a securement portion and tab portion of the first coupling member 2347A), Thus, the neck strap 1246 can be worn as a bracelet by wrapping the neck strap 1246 any suitable number of turns (e.g., one, two, three, four) around a wrist of the wearer and coupling the first coupling member 2347A to the second coupling member 2346B when the neck strap 2346 is not needed to support an outer panel for a pumping procedure.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, a neck strap can include both a coupling member that is configured to engage with complementary portions of any of the engagement mechanisms described herein and a swan hook coupling member on or near each end of the neck strap. For example,
The neck strap 2646 also includes a first swan hook coupling member 2637A and a second swan hook coupling member 2637B. The first swan hook coupling member 2637A can be coupled to the first strap portion 2635 and the second swan hook coupling member 263713 can be coupled to the second strap portion 2636. In some embodiments, the first swan hook coupling member 2637A and the second swan hook coupling member 2637B can be slidable along the first strap portion 2635 and the second swan hook coupling member 2637B, respectively. The first swan hook coupling member 2637A and the second swan hook coupling member 2637B can each be configured to releasably couple to loops of or to be engaged with portions adjacent openings of an outer panel or an inner panel of an of the garments described herein. Thus, the neck strap 2646 can be coupled to either a portion of a first engagement mechanism and a portion of a second engagement mechanism via the first coupling member 2647A and the second coupling member 2647B, or the first swan hook coupling member 2637A and the second swan hook coupling member 2637B of the neck strap 2646 can be coupled to a loop coupled to or through an opening defined in an inner panel or an outer panel of a garment such as any of the garments described herein.
In some embodiments, the first coupling member and the second coupling member can include both features of the engagement mechanisms described herein and swan hooks.
Additionally, the first coupling member 2847A can include a first swan hook 2838A extending from an end of the first coupling member 2847A and the second coupling member 2847B can include a second swan hook 2838B extending from an end of the second coupling member 2847A. The first swan hook 2838A can be molded onto the end of the first coupling member 2847A such that the first swan hook 2838A and the first coupling member 2847A are formed as one piece. The second swan hook 2838B can be molded onto the end of the second coupling member 2847B such that the second swan hook 2838B and the second coupling member 2847B are formed as one piece.
The first support strap 2980A and the second support strap 2980B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the support straps described herein. For example, the first support strap 2980A includes an adjustable portion 2982A and a base portion 2922A. The second support strap 2980B includes an adjustable portion 2982B and a base portion 2922B. The adjustable portion 2982A is coupled to the first portion 2952A of the engagement mechanism 2952A and the adjustable portion 2982B is coupled to the first portion 2952B of the engagement mechanism 2952B.
As shown in
The outer panel 2960 includes a left outer panel 2962 and a right outer panel 2964 (each also referred to herein as a “cup portion”). The left outer panel 2962 is attached to the second portion 2956A of the first engagement mechanism 2950A (e.g., at an apex of the left outer panel 2962) and the right outer panel 2964 is attached to the second portion 2956B of the second engagement mechanism 2950B (e.g., at an apex of the right outer panel 2964).
In a first configuration, the neck strap 2946 can be separate from the base subassembly 2901. For example, the neck strap 2946 can be stored in a hag or worn as a bracelet (e.g., via coupling the first coupling member 2947A to the second coupling member 2947B). In the first configuration, the first portion 2952A is coupled to the second portion 2956A of the first engagement mechanism 2950A and the second portion 2952B is coupled to the second portion 2956B of the second engagement mechanism 2950B. Thus, the first shoulder strap 2906A supports the left outer panel 2962 and the first support strap 2980A and the second shoulder strap 2906B supports the right outer panel 2964 and the second support strap 2980B.
To transition the garment 2900 from a first configuration in which the garment 2900 is not supporting a breast pump to the second configuration in which the garment 2900 is supporting a first breast pump 2903A and a second breast pump 2903B, the second portion 2956A can be uncoupled from the first portion 2952A of the first engagement mechanism 2950A and the second portion 2956B can be uncoupled from the first portion 2952B of the second engagement mechanism 2950B such that the outer panel 2960 can be folded down or moved out of the way relative to the first support strap 2980A and the second support strap 2980B.
The first support strap 2980A and the second support strap 2980B can be adjusted in length as needed to support the first breast pump 2903A and the second breast pump 2903B, respectively. For example, the first adjustable portion 2982A can be adjusted such that the length of the first support strap 2980A is increased and/or the second adjustable portion 2982B can be adjusted such that the length of the second support strap 2980B is increased. The first support strap 2980A can be wrapped partially or fully around a portion 2904A of the breast pump 2903A (e.g., a flange of a shield of a breast pump). For example, the first support strap 2980A can be wrapped a full turn around the portion 2904A as shown in
The second portion 2956A of the first engagement mechanism 2950A can be coupled to the first coupling member 2947A of the neck strap 2946 and the second portion 2956B of the second engagement mechanism 2950B can be coupled to the second coupling member 2947B of the neck strap 2946 such that the neck strap 2946 supports the left outer panel 2962 and the right outer panel 2964. A portion of the neck strap 2946 can be arranged to be disposed behind the neck of the wearer before or after coupling the first coupling member 2947A and/or the second coupling member 2947B to the second portion 2956A and the second portion 2956B, respectively. Additionally, the length of the neck strap 2946 (e.g., the length between the first coupling member 2947A and the second coupling member 2947B) can be adjusted before or after coupling the first coupling member 2947A and/or the second coupling member 2947B to the second portion 2956A and the second portion 2956B, respectively.
In the second configuration of the garment 2900, the first support strap 2980A and the left outer panel 2962 can maintain the portion 2904A of the breast pump 2903A against the breast of the wearer such that the flange of the breast pump 2903B is sealed properly against the breast of the user. In some embodiments, the portion 2904A can be disposed between the first support strap 2980A and the left outer panel 2962 such that the first support strap 1980A and the left outer panel 1962 collectively support the breast pump 1903A against the wearer's left breast for a hands free pumping procedure.
The second support strap 2980B and the right outer panel 2964 can maintain the portion 2904B of the breast pump 2903B against the breast of the wearer such that the flange of the breast pump 2903B is sealed properly against the breast of the user. In some embodiments, the portion 2904B can be disposed between the second support strap 2980B and the right outer panel 2964 such that the second support strap 2980B and the right outer panel 2964 collectively support the breast pump 2903B against the wearer's right breast for a hands-free pumping procedure.
Although
Similarly as described above with respect to
The garment 3000 includes a neck strap 3046. The neck strap 3046 can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the neck straps described herein, such as the neck strap 2946 shown and described with respect to the garment 2900. For example, the neck strap 3046 includes a first coupling member 3047A and a second coupling member 3047B, which can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the first coupling member 2947A and the second coupling member 2947B described above. As shown in
Each of the first adjustable strap portion 3238A and the second adjustable strap portion 3238B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the adjustable strap portion 2358 described above with respect to
In some embodiments, although not shown, the neck strap 3246 can include one strap portion that couples the first coupling member 3247A to the second coupling member 3247B and has one or two adjustable portions (e.g., a slider coupled to one or both ends). The neck pad 3233 can be slidable along the strap or secured to the strap. In some embodiments, the neck pad 3233 can be optional or not included.
The first coupling member 3247A and the second coupling member 3247B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the first portion 452 of the engagement mechanism 450 described above or to the first portion 752 of the engagement mechanism 750 described above. For example, the first coupling member 3247A can include the first opening 3281, an extension portion 3251, and a second opening 3283A. The extension portion 3251 can be hook-shaped. and define a slot. The second coupling member 3247B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the first coupling member 3247A. Both the first coupling member 3247A and the second coupling member 3247B can be releasably engageable with a portion of an engagement mechanism coupled to an outer panel of a garment. For example, both the first coupling member 3247A and the second coupling member 3247B can be releasably engageable with a portion of an engagement mechanism that is the same or similar in structure and/or function to the third portion 456 of the engagement mechanism 450 (e.g., the extension portion 3251 can be received by the opening 487 and the securement bar 487A can be received by the slot defined by the extension portion 3251). Thus, the first coupling member 3247A can be coupled to a portion of an engagement mechanism associated with (e.g., coupled to) a left outer panel and the second coupling member 3247B can be coupled to a portion of an engagement mechanism associated with (e.g., coupled to) a right outer panel (e.g., similarly as shown in
In some embodiments, a neck strap can include a first coupling member configured to be engaged with a second coupling member and configured to be coupled to a portion of any of the engagement mechanisms described herein. For example, a first coupling member can be configured to be engaged with a complementary engagement mechanism portion, and a second coupling member can be configured to be engaged with the first coupling member such that the neck strap forms a loop and can support the engagement mechanism portion when the loop surrounds a wearer's neck. In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism portion can be coupled to a first portion of an outer panel (e.g., a left portion or a right portion) and the neck strap can support the first portion of the outer panel to collectively support a breast pump in conjunction with a support strap to pump milk from a first breast as described herein. Simultaneously, a baby can nurse from a second breast of the wearer without the second breast being obstructed by the neck strap or outer panel of the garment.
Each of the first adjustable strap portion 3338A and the second adjustable strap portion 3338B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the adjustable strap portion 2358 described above with respect to
The first coupling member 3347A and the second coupling member 3347B can he the same or similar in structure and/or function to the second portion 454 of the engagement mechanism 450 described above or to the second portion 754 of the engagement mechanism 750 described above. For example, the first coupling member 3347A can include an extension portion 3385, the securement bar 3398, and a tab portion 3353. The extension portion can be hook-shaped and define a slot. The second coupling member 3347B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the first coupling member 3347A. The first coupling member 3347A can be releasably engageable with a portion of an engagement mechanism coupled to an outer panel of a garment. For example, the first coupling member 3347A can be releasably engageable with a portion of an engagement mechanism that is the same or similar in structure and/ or function to the third portion 456 of the engagement mechanism 450 (e.g., the extension portion 3385 can be received by the opening 487 and the securement bar 487A can be received by the slot defined by the extension portion 3385). The second coupling member 3347B can be releasably engageable with the first coupling member 3347B such that the extension portion of the second coupling member 3347B can be received by an opening 3353 of the first coupling member 3347A and the tab portion 3353 of the first coupling member 3347A snaps into locking engagement with the extension portion of the second coupling member 3347B. Thus, the first coupling member 3347A can be coupled to the portion of the engagement mechanism and the second coupling member 3347B can be coupled to the first coupling member 3347A such that the neck strap 3346 forms a loop. When the loop formed by the neck strap 3346 is disposed around a wearer's neck, the neck strap 3346 can be used to support at least a portion of an outer panel of the garment (e.g., to support at least a portion of a breast pump). In some embodiments, the first coupling member 3247A can be coupled to the portion of the engagement mechanism before or after coupling the second coupling member 3247A to the first coupling member 3247A.
As shown in
In embodiments in which the garment 3300 includes an inner or pumping panel, the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism and/or the inner or pumping panel can include another portion that may be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the second portion 454 or the second portion 754 described above. The neck strap 3346 can be configured to support the inner or pumping panel by coupling the first coupling member 3347A to the portion of the first engagement mechanism or the second engagement mechanism coupled to the inner or pumping panel.
Although the first coupling member 3347A and the second coupling member 3347B are shown and described as being similar to or the same as the second portion 454 of the second portion 754 described above, in some embodiments any suitable type of complementary coupling member(s) having a first mating feature and a second complementary mating feature can be used in place of the first coupling member 3347A and/or the second coupling member 3347B and/or any suitable complementary coupling member having a complementary mating feature to a mating feature of the first coupling member 3347A can be used in place of the second portion 3356B. For example, the complementary coupling members can include hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO, buttons, hooks, etc.
In some embodiments, a support strap can be removable from and/or replaceable with respect to the remainder of the garment such that the garment can be worn without the support strap (e.g., when the wearer is no longer regularly pumping and/or nursing and/or if the support strap has stretched out and needs to be replaced). Additionally and/or alternatively, in some embodiments, shoulder straps can be replaced with shoulder straps configured to support an outer panel of the garment without using the same engagement mechanism as used to support the support strap. For example,
The first support strap 3480A includes an adjustable portion 3482A and a base portion 3422A. The second support strap 3480B can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the first support strap 3480A.
The first shoulder strap 3406A includes a strap portion 3468, a slider 3474, and a swan hook 3471A. A second end of the strap portion 3468 is coupled to the swan hook 3471A (e.g., via a sewn-closed loop around a securement bar of the swan hook 3471A). A first end of the strap portion 3468 can be coupled to the slider 3474 (e.g., via a sewn-closed loop around a securement bar of the slider 3474) such that the strap portion 3468 forms a loop extending through an opening and around a securement bar of the first portion 3452A of the engagement mechanism 3450A (e.g., a securement bar that is the same or similar in structure and/or function to the securement bar 481A or the securement bar 781A described above). The slider 3474 can be translated along the strap portion 3468 to change an overall length of the first shoulder strap 3406A (e.g., to adjust the first shoulder strap 3406A for comfort and/or size adjustments). Although
As shown in
In some embodiments, a wearer may want to remove the first adjustable portion 3482A and the first portion 3452A of the first engagement portion 3452A so that the garment 3400 can be worn as a non-nursing, bra. For example,
As shown in
As shown in
If the wearer desires to convert the garment 3400 back to a pumping and/or nursing configuration, the wearer can detach the first shoulder strap 3466A and the second shoulder strap 3466B via detaching the first coupling member 3475A, the second coupling member 3477A, the first coupling member 3475B, and the second coupling member 3475B from the outer panel 3460 and the base panel 3420. The second portion 3456A and the second portion 3456B can be rotated out of the respective concealment pockets 3465A and 3465B. The first shoulder strap 3406A and the first adjustable portion 3482A (or alternative similar or identical components) and the second shoulder strap 3406B and the second adjustable portion 3482B (or alternative similar or identical components) can be recoupled to the base subassembly of the garment 3400. For example, the coupling member 3471A of the first shoulder strap 3406A can be coupled to the loop portion 3473A of the base panel 3420 and the swan hook 3469 can be coupled to the base portion 3422A (e.g., threaded through the loop portion 3461 of the base portion 3422A). The first portion 3452A of the engagement mechanism 3450A can be coupled to the second portion 3456A such that the apex of the right outer panel 3462 is secured to the first shoulder strap 3406A. The second shoulder strap 3406B and the second adjustable portion 3482B can be recoupled similarly (e.g., via recoupling the coupling member 3471B (e.g., a swan hook) to the loop portion 3473B of the base panel 3420, recoupling the adjustable portion 3482B to the base portion 3422B, and coupling the first portion 3452A to the second portion 3456A).
The loop portion 3578 can be coupled to the first portion 3552A such that the loop portion 3578 loops around a securement bar (e.g., through an opening) of the first portion 3552A. The securement bar can be, for example, the same or similar in structure and/or function to the securement bar 481A or the securement bar 781A. The loop portion 3578 can be elastic or inelastic, and can be formed of any suitable material.
The first shoulder strap 3506A includes a strap portion 3568, a slider 3574, a first swan hook 3576A, and a second swan hook 3576B. A first end of the strap portion 3568 is coupled to the first swan hook 3576A (e.g., via a sewn-closed loop around a securement bar of the first swan hook 3576A). A second end of the strap portion 3568 can be coupled to the slider 3574 (e.g., via a sewn-closed loop around a securement bar of the slider 3574) such that the strap portion 3568 forms a loop extending through an opening of the second swan hook 3576B. The slider 3574 can be translated along the strap portion 3568 to change an overall length of the first shoulder strap 3506A (e.g., to adjust the first shoulder strap 3506A for comfort and/or size adjustments). Although
The first adjustable portion 3582A, the first shoulder strap 3506A, the first portion 3552A, and the loop portion 3578 can be included in any suitable garment, such as the garment 3400 shown in
To expose the breast of the wearer for pumping or nursing, the first portion 3552A and the second portion 3456A can be decoupled and the right outer panel 3462 can he folded down relative to the breast. In some embodiments, a wearer may want to remove the first adjustable portion 3582A and the first portion 3552A so that the garment 3400 can be worn as a non-nursing bra. The swan hook 3569 can be decoupled from the base portion 3422A (e.g., from the loop portion 3461) and the first swan hook 3576A of the shoulder strap 3506A can be decoupled from the loop portion 3578 couple to the first portion 3552A. The first portion 3552A can be decoupled from the second portion 3456A, if the portions of the engagement mechanism have not yet been decoupled. Alternatively or additionally, the first portion 3522A can be decoupled from any other portions of the engagement mechanism to which the first portion 3522A may be coupled, such as a portion associated with an inner panel included in the garment 3400 (e.g., a portion the same or similar to portions 454 or 754 described herein). The adjustable portion 3582A, the first portion 3552A, and the loop portion 3578 can then be separated from the remainder of the garment 3400 and the first swan hook 3576A of the first shoulder strap 3506A can be coupled to first loop portion 3463A (e.g., after the second portion 3456A has been tucked into the first concealment pocket 3465A as described above with respect to
If the wearer desires to convert the garment 3400 back to a pumping and/or nursing configuration using the components of
In some embodiments, a garment having a fixed length support strap can include and/or be modified to receive and engage with an adjustable support strap configured to support a breast pump. For example,
The garment base subassembly 3601 includes a back panel 3620X, a support strap 3680X (e.g., a fixed length support strap), an outer panel 3660X, a shoulder strap 3606X, and an engagement mechanism 3650X coupling an end of the shoulder strap 3606X to an end of the support strap 3680X. The back panel 3620X, support strap 3680X, outer panel 3660X, shoulder strap 3606X, and engagement mechanism 3650X can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the back panels, support straps, outer panels, shoulder straps, or engagement mechanisms described herein. A loop portion 3601A can be included in the support strap 3680X or configured to be coupled (e.g., sewn) to the support strap 3680X (e.g., a base portion of the support strap 3680X) to form an opening configured to reversibly receive a coupling mechanism such as a swan hook. The opening can be partially or fully formed by the loop portion 3601A. The back panel 3620X also includes a loop portion 3673 that is configured to reversibly receive a swan hook coupled to the end of the shoulder strap 3606X. Although not shown, the garment base subassembly 3601 can include a second shoulder strap and support strap that is the same or similar in structure and/or function to the shoulder strap 3606X and the support strap 3680X.
The adjustable support strap 3680 includes a strap portion 3619A, a slider 3684, a first swan hook 3669C, and a second swan hook 3669D. A first end of the strap portion 3619A is coupled to the slider 3684 such that the strap portion 3619A forms a loop around a securement bar of the first swan hook 3669C. A second end of the strap portion 3619A is coupled to the second swan hook 3669C. The slider 3684 can be translated along the strap portion 3619A to change an overall length of the adjustable support strap 3680.
To use the subassembly 3601 with the adjustable support strap 3680, the loop portion 3601A can be coupled to the fixed support strap 3680X (e.g., near or adjacent a base of the support strap 3680X) if the loop portion 3601A is not already coupled to the support strap 3680X. Although not shown, in some embodiments, a second loop portion the same or similar to loop portion 3601A can be included in or coupled to the support strap 3680X (e.g., at a top portion of the support strap 3680X such as near the portion of the support strap 3680X coupled to the engagement mechanism 3650X). In some embodiments, the support strap 3680X forms a loop around a portion of the engagement mechanism 3650X that can also receive a portion of an additional coupling mechanism a swan hook) in addition to the portion of the engagement mechanism 3650K The first swan hook 3669C of the adjustable support strap 3680 can be coupled to the loop portion 3601A and the second swan hook 3669D can be coupled to either the second loop portion (where applicable) or to the loop of the support strap 3680X formed around the portion of the engagement mechanism 3650X. The support strap 3680 can be adjusted to any suitable length and manipulated to any suitable shape and/or position such that the support strap 3680 supports a breast pump the same or similarly as any of the support straps described herein (e.g., in combination with the outer panel 3660X and/or the support strap 3680X), For example, the adjustable support strap 3680 can be adjusted or transitioned between a first length and a second length. In the first length, the adjustable support strap 3680 can extend directly (e.g., in a straight line and/or in continuous contact with the support strap 3680X) from the loop portion 3601A to the portion of the support strap 3680X coupled to the engagement mechanism 3650X (e.g., the first portion of the engagement mechanism 3650X described below). In the second length, at least a mid-portion of the adjustable support strap 3680 can be separated from the support strap 3680X and disposed closer to a center of a user's chest than a breast pump operatively coupled to the user's breast such that the adjustable support strap 3680 contacts a portion of the breast pump (e.g., the breast shield) and supports the breast pump in operative contact with the user's breast. For example, the adjustable support strap 3680 can be lengthened and pulled toward the center of the user's chest for placement of the breast pump, and then disposed against the breast pump (e.g., tightened or reduced to a shorter length). Alternatively, the adjustable support strap 3680 can be decoupled from at least one of the loop portion 3601X or the top of the support strap 3680X, positioned such that a mid-position of the adjustable support strap 3680 is on a side of the breast pump opposite the support strap 3680X, and then recoupled to the support strap 3680X such that the adjustable support strap 3680 supports the breast pump.
As described above, the engagement mechanism 3650X can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to any of the engagement mechanisms described herein. For example, the engagement mechanism 3650X can include a first portion that can be the same or similar in structure and/or function to the first portion 452 shown in
Although not shown, in some embodiments, the system 3600 can include a neck strap configured to be removably coupled (engaged) to the second portion of the engagement mechanism 3650X via an engagement portion of the neck strap such that the neck strap can support the outer panel 3660X and retain the outer panel 3660X in supportive contact with a breast pump (e.g., in combination with the adjustable support strap 3680) similarly as described with respect to other embodiments herein, such as the outer panels and the neck straps shown in
In some embodiments, a garment having an outer panel (e.g., a first outer panel portion or cup and a second outer panel portion or cup) can be modified to receive and engage with an adjustable support strap configured to support a breast pump. The garment may not include a fixed support strap. For example, a garment base subassembly that is the same or similar in structure and/or function to the garment base subassembly 3601 except without an adjustable support strap can be modified to receive an adjustable support strap that is the same or similar in structure and/or function to the adjustable support strap 3680. In some embodiments, the adjustable support strap can be provided (e.g., sold) separately from the garment base subassembly. To use the garment base subassembly with the adjustable support strap, a loop portion that is the same or similar in structure and/or function to the loop portion 3601A can be coupled to the outer panel (e.g., near or adjacent a base of a first outer panel portion or cup of the outer panel). Although not shown, in some embodiments, a second loop portion the same or similar to loop portion 3601A can be coupled to the outer panel (e.g., near a portion of the outer panel coupled to an engagement mechanism between the outer panel and a shoulder strap). In some embodiments, the outer panel forms a loop around a portion of the engagement mechanism between the outer panel and the shoulder strap that can also receive a portion of an additional coupling mechanism (e.g., a swan hook) in addition to the portion of the engagement mechanism. A first swan hook of the adjustable support strap can be coupled to the loop portion and the second swan hook can be coupled to either the second loop portion (where applicable) or to the loop of the outer panel formed around the portion of the engagement mechanism. The adjustable support strap can be adjusted to any suitable length and manipulated to any suitable shape and/or position such that the adjustable support strap supports a breast pump the same or similarly as any of the support straps described herein (e.g., in combination with the outer panel 3660X).
The first portion 3752 can include an extension portion 3751, a base portion 3757A, and an angled portion 3757B. The base portion 3757A can define a first opening 3781 and the angled portion 3757B can define a second opening 3783. The second opening 3783 can be on an opposite side of the extension portion 3751 than the first opening 3781. The angled portion 3757B can be disposed at any suitable non-zero angle relative to the base portion 3757A such a gap exists between the portion of the angled portion 3757B defining the second opening 3783 and/or the securement bar 3783A and the second portion 3754 when the first portion 3752 is engaged with the second portion 3754. For example, as shown in
The second portion 3754 can include an extension portion 3785, a base portion 3754A, and an angled portion 3754B. The base portion 3757A can include a tab portion 3753 and defined a first opening 3755 (also referred to as an engagement aperture). The angled portion 3754B can include a securement bar 3798 and define a second opening 3767. The extension portion 3785 can extend from the base portion 3754A and can be formed as a hook that forms a slot 3785A between the extension portion 3785 and the base portion 3754A. The second opening 3767 can be disposed on an opposite side of the extension portion 3785 than the first opening 3755. The angled portion 3754B can be disposed at any suitable non-zero angle relative to the base portion 3754A such a gap exists between the portion of the angled portion 3754B defining the second opening 3767 and/or the securement bar 3798 and the third portion 3756 when the second portion 3754 is engaged with the third portion 3756. For example, as shown in
The third portion 3756 can include a tab portion 3786, a first opening 3787 (also referred to as an engagement aperture), and a second opening 3759. The extension portion 3751 of the first portion 3752 and the extension portion 3785 of the second portion 3754 can be the same or similar in shape and size. The first opening 3755 of the second portion 3754 and the first opening 3787 of the third portion 3756 can be the same or similar in shape and size. The tab portion 3753 of the second portion 3754 and the tab portion 3786 of the third portion 3756 can be the same or similar in shape and size. Thus, the first portion 3752, the second portion 3754, and the third portion 3756 can include complementary mating features such that the second portion 3754 and the third portion 3756 can be releasably coupleable to and decoupleable from the first portion 3752 and the third portion 3756 can be releasably coupleable to and decoupleable from the second portion 3754.
The first opening 3781, the second opening 3783, the second opening 3767, and the second opening 3759 can each have are suitable width and height, For example, as shown in
The first opening 3755 of the second portion 3754 can be shaped and sized such that the first opening 3755 can receive the extension portion 3751 of the first portion 3752 and a portion of the second portion 3754 partially defining the first opening 3755 (e.g., a securement portion 3755A) can be received in the slot 3751A of the first portion 3752. The tab portion 3753 of the second portion 3754 can be shaped and sized such that when the extension portion 3751 of the first portion 3752 is received through the first opening 3755 of the second portion 3754, the tab portion 3753 contacts or engages the extension portion 3751 and is flexed or clicked into locking engagement with the first portion 3752 (e.g., with an underside of the extension portion 3751). In some embodiments, the tab portion 3753 can be sufficiently elastic such that as the second portion 3754 is moved into engagement with the first portion 3752, the tab portion 3753 can bend slightly and then snap into locking engagement (as shown in
The first opening 3787 of the third portion 3756 can be shaped and sized such that the first opening 3787 can receive the extension portion 3785 of the second portion 3754 and a portion of the third portion 3756 partially defining the first opening 3787 (e.g., a securement portion 3787A) can be received in the slot 3785A of the second portion 3754. The tab portion 3786 of the third portion 3756 can be shaped and sized such that when the extension portion 3785 of the second portion 3754 is received through the first opening 3787 of the third portion 3756, the tab portion 3786 contacts or engages the extension portion 3785 and is flexed or clicked into locking engagement with the second portion 3754 (e.g., with an underside of the extension portion 3785). In some embodiments, the tab portion 3786 can be sufficiently elastic such that as the third portion 3756 is moved into engagement with the second portion 3754, the tab portion 3786 can bend slightly and then snap into locking engagement (as shown in
Furthermore, the first opening 3787 of the third portion 3756 can be shaped and sized such that the first opening 3787 can receive the extension portion 3751 of the first portion 3752 and a portion of the third portion 3756 partially defining the first opening 3787 (e.g., the securement portion 3787A) can be received in the slot 3751A of the first portion 3752. The tab portion 3786 of the third portion 3756 can be shaped and sized such that when the extension portion 3751 of the first portion 3752 is received through the first opening 3787 of the third portion 3756, the tab portion 3786 contacts or engages the extension portion 3751 and is flexed or clicked into locking engagement with the first portion 3752 (e.g., with an underside of the extension portion 3751). In some embodiments, the tab portion 3786 can be sufficiently elastic such that as the third portion 3756 is moved into engagement with the first portion 3752, the tab portion 3786 can bend slightly and then snap into locking engagement. Thus, the angled portion 3757B can be disposed at any suitable non-zero angle relative to the base portion 3757A such a gap exists between the portion of the angled portion 3757B defining the second opening 3783 and the third portion 3756 when the first portion 3752 is engaged with the third portion 3756. For example, when the first portion 3752 is engaged with the third portion 3756, a surface of the base portion 3757A can be coupled to a surface of the third portion 3756 (e.g., the surfaces can be disposed in parallel planes) and the angled portion 3757B can be disposed at an angle relative to both the surface of the base portion 3757A and the surface of the third portion 3756.
The first portion 3752 of the engagement mechanism 3750 can be coupled to a shoulder strap of a garment such as, for example, any of the shoulder straps described herein (e.g., the shoulder strap 406 of the garment 400), via, for example, stitching or a fastener such as a hook and loop fastener. For example, an end portion of a shoulder strap can be looped through the first opening 3781 and around the securement bar 3781A and attached to itself such that a top portion of the first portion 3752 is secured within the loop of the shoulder strap. Additionally, the first portion 3752 can receive a portion of a support strap such as any of the support straps described herein (e.g., the support strap 480 of the garment 400) through the second opening 3783 such that the support strap can be secured to the first portion 3752 of the engagement mechanism 3750. For example, an adjustable portion of the support strap can be looped through the second opening 3783 of the first portion 752 and around the securement bar 3783A and attached to itself (e.g., via engaging a first coupling mechanism with a coupling mechanism of a set of second coupling mechanisms) such that a bottom portion of the first portion 3752 (e.g., the securement bar 3783A of the first portion 3752) is secured within the loop of the adjustable portion. Since the angled portion 3757B of the first portion 3752 extends away from the second portion 3754, when the support strap is attached to the angled portion 3757B (via being looped through the opening 3783), the support strap can be partially disposed in the gap between the angled portion 3757B and the hack surface of the second portion 3754. Thus, due to the gap between the angled portion 3757B and the back surface of the second portion 3754. the first portion 3752 and the second portion 3754 can be engaged without the support strap attached to the first portion 3752 interfering with the coupling between the first portion 3752 and the second portion 3754. The support strap can be disposed to lie flat against the back of the second portion 3754 or the third portion 3756 (depending which is engaged with the first portion 3752) in a first configuration of the support strap.
The second portion 3754 of the engagement mechanism 3750 can be coupled to an inner pumping panel such as any of the inner pumping panels described herein (e.g., the inner pumping panel 470) via, for example, stitching or a fastener such as a hook and loop fastener. For example, a portion of an inner pumping panel can be looped through the second opening 3767, around the securement bar 3798, and attached to itself such that the securement bar 3798 is secured within the loop of the inner pumping panel. Since the angled portion 3754B of the second portion 3754 extends away from the third portion 3756, when the inner pumping panel is attached to the angled portion 3754B (via being looped through the opening 3767), the inner pumping panel can be partially disposed in the gap between the angled portion 3754B and the back surface of the third portion 3756. Thus, due to the gap between the angled portion 3754B and the back surface of the third portion 3756, the second portion 3754 and the third portion 3756 can be engaged without the inner pumping panel attached to the second portion 3754 interfering with the coupling between the second portion 3754 and the third portion 3756. The inner pumping panel can be disposed to lie flat against the back of the third portion 3756 when the second portion 3754 is coupled to the third portion 3756.
Additionally, an outer panel such as any of the outer panels described herein (e.g., the panel 1462 or the panel 1464 of the outer panel 1460) can be attached to the third portion 3756 of an engagement portion 3750 via passing a portion of the outer panel through the opening 3759 of the third portion 3756, looping the portion over a bottom portion of the second portion 3756 of the engagement mechanism 3750 (e.g., a securement bar 3759A), and then attaching the portion to itself (e.g., sewn or stitched or via a fastener such as a hook and loop fastener) in a similar manner as how the inner layer is attached to the third portion 3756.
The first portion 3852 can include an extension portion 3851, a base portion 3857A, and an angled portion 3857B. The base portion 3857A can define a first opening 3881 and the angled portion 3857B can define a second opening 3883. The second opening 3883 can be on an opposite side of the extension portion 3851 than the first opening 3881. The angled portion 3857B can be disposed at any suitable non-zero angle relative to the base portion 3857A such a gap exists between the portion of the angled portion 3857B defining the second opening 3883 and/or the securement bar 3883A and the second portion 3854 when the first portion 3852 is engaged with the second portion 3854. For example, as shown in
The second portion 3854 can include an extension portion 3885, a base portion 3854A, and an angled portion 3854B. The base portion 3857A can include a tab portion 3853 and defined a first opening 3855 (also referred to as an engagement aperture). The angled portion 3854B can include a securement bar 3898 and define a second opening 3867. The extension portion 3885 can extend from the base portion 3854A and can be formed as a hook that forms a slot 3885A between the extension portion 3885 and the base portion 3854A. The second opening 3867 can be disposed on an opposite side of the extension portion 3885 than the first opening 3855. The angled portion 3854B can be disposed at any suitable non-zero angle relative to the base portion 3854A such a gap exists between the portion of the angled portion 3854B defining the second opening 3867 and/or the securement bar 3898 and the third portion 3856 when the second portion 3854 is engaged with the third portion 3856. For example, as shown in
The third portion 3856 can include a tab portion 3886, a first opening 3887 (also referred to as an engagement aperture), and a second opening 3859. The extension portion 3851 of the first portion 3852 and the extension portion 3885 of the second portion 3854 can be the same or similar in shape and size. The first opening 3855 of the second portion 3854 and the first opening 3887 of the third portion 3856 can be the same or similar in shape and size. The tab portion 3853 of the second portion 3854 and the tab portion 3886 of the third portion 3856 can be the same or similar in shape and size. Thus, the first portion 3852, the second portion 3854, and the third portion 3856 can include complementary mating features such that the second portion 3854 and the third portion 3856 can be releasably coupleable to and decoupleable from the first portion 3852 and the third portion 3856 can be releasably coupleable to and decoupleable from the second portion 3854.
The first opening 3881, the second opening 3883, the second opening 3867, and the second opening 3859 can each have any suitable width and height. For example, as shown in
The first opening 3887 of the third portion 3856 can be shaped and sized such that the first opening 3887 can receive the extension portion 3885 of the second portion 3854 and a portion of the third portion 3856 partially defining the first opening 3887 (e.g., a securetnent portion 3887A) can be received in the slot 3885A of the second portion 3854. The tab portion 3886 of the third portion 3856 can be shaped and sized such that when the extension portion 3885 of the second portion 3854 is received through the first opening 3887 of the third portion 3856, the tab portion 3886 contacts or engages the extension portion 3885 and is flexed or clicked into locking engagement with the second portion 3854 (e.g., with an underside of the extension portion 3885). In some embodiments, the tab portion 3886 can be sufficiently elastic such that as the third portion 3856 is moved into engagement with the second portion 3854, the tab portion 3886 can bend slightly and then snap into locking engagement (as shown in
Furthermore, the first opening 3887 of the third portion 3856 can be shaped and sized such that the first opening 3887 can receive the extension portion 3851 of the first portion 3852 and a portion of the third portion 3856 partially defining the first opening 3887 (e.g., the securement portion 3887A) can be received in the slot 3851A of the first portion 3852. The tab portion 3886 of the third portion 3856 can be shaped and sized such that when the extension portion 3851 of the first portion 3852 is received through the first opening 3887 of the third portion 3856, the tab portion 3886 contacts or engages the extension portion 3851 and is flexed or clicked into locking engagement with the first portion 3852 (e.g., with an underside of the extension portion 3851). In some embodiments, the tab portion 3886 can be sufficiently elastic such that as the third portion 3856 is moved into engagement with the first portion 3852, the tab portion 3886 can bend slightly and then snap into locking engagement. Thus, the angled portion 3857B can be disposed at any suitable non-zero angle relative to the base portion 3857A such a gap exists between the portion of the angled portion 3857B defining the second opening 3883 and the third portion 3856 when the first portion 3852 is engaged with the third portion 3856. For example, when the first portion 3852 is engaged with the third portion 3856, a surface of the base portion 3857A can be coupled to a surface of the third portion 3856 (e.g., the surfaces can be disposed in parallel planes) and the angled portion 3857B can be disposed at an angle relative to both the surface of the base portion 3857A and the surface of the third portion 3856.
The first portion 3852 of the engagement mechanism 3850 can be coupled to a shoulder strap of a garment such as, for example, any of the shoulder straps described herein (e.g., the shoulder strap 406 of the garment 400), via, for example, stitching or a fastener such as a hook and loop fastener. For example, an end portion of a shoulder strap can be looped through the first opening 3881 and around the securement bar 3881A and attached to itself such that a top portion of the first portion 3852 is secured within the loop of the shoulder strap. Additionally, the first portion 3852 can receive a portion of a support strap such as any of the support straps described herein (e.g., the support strap 480 of the garment 400) through the second opening 3883 such that the support strap can be secured to the first portion 3852 of the engagement mechanism 3850. For example, an adjustable portion of the support strap can be looped through the second opening 3883 of the first portion 752 and around the securement bar 3883A and attached to itself (e.g., via engaging a first coupling mechanism with a coupling mechanism of a set of second coupling mechanisms) such that a bottom portion of the first portion 3852 (e.g., the securement bar 3883A of the first portion 3852) is secured within the loop of the adjustable portion. Since the angled portion 3857B of the first portion 3852 extends away from the second portion 3854, when the support strap is attached to the angled portion 3857B (via being looped through the opening 3883), the support strap can be partially disposed in the gap between the angled portion 3857B and the back surface of the second portion 3854. Thus, due to the gap between the angled portion 3857B and the back surface of the second portion 3854, the first portion 3852 and the second portion 3854 can be engaged without the support strap attached to the first portion 3852 interfering with the coupling between the first portion 3852 and the second portion 3854. The support strap can be disposed to lie flat against the back of the second portion 3854 or the third portion 3856 (depending which is engaged with the first portion 3852) in a first configuration of the support strap.
The second portion 3854 of the engagement mechanism 3850 can be coupled to an inner pumping panel such as any of the inner pumping panels described herein (e.g., the inner pumping panel 470) via, for example, stitching or a fastener such as a hook and loop fastener. For example, a portion of an inner pumping panel can be looped through the second opening 3867, around the securement bar 3898, and attached to itself such that the securement bar 3898 is secured within the loop of the inner pumping panel. Since the angled portion 3854B of the second portion 3854 extends away from the third portion 3856, when the inner pumping panel is attached to the angled portion 3854B (via being looped through the opening 3867), the inner pumping panel can be partially disposed in the gap between the angled portion 3854B and the back surface of the third portion 3856. Thus, due to the gap between the angled portion 3854B and the back surface of the third portion 3856, the second portion 3854 and the third portion 3856 can be engaged without the inner pumping panel attached to the second portion 3854 interfering with the coupling between the second portion 3854 and the third portion 3856. The inner pumping panel can be disposed to lie flat against the back of the third portion 3856 when the second portion 3854 is coupled to the third portion 3856.
Additionally, an outer panel such as any of the outer panels described herein (e.g., the panel 1462 or the panel 1464 of the outer panel 1460) can be attached to the third portion 3856 of an engagement portion 3850 via passing a portion of the outer panel through the opening 3859 of the third portion 3856, looping the portion over a bottom portion of the second portion 3856 of the engagement mechanism 3850 (e.g., a securement bar 3859A), and then attaching the portion to itself (e.g., sewn or stitched or via a fastener such as a hook and loop fastener) in a similar manner as how the inner layer is attached to the third portion 3856.
In some embodiments, an engagement mechanism, such as any of the engagement mechanisms described herein, can be provided (e.g., sold) separately from a garment or garment base subassembly such as any of the garments or garment base subassemblies described herein. Portions of the engagement mechanism can be coupled to associated portions of the garment or garment base subassembly such that the garment or garment base subassembly can be used as described with respect to any of the garments or garment base subassemblies described herein (e.g., with a neck strap such as any of the neck straps described herein). In some embodiments, a neck strap, such as any of the neck straps described herein, can be provided (e.g., sold) separately from a garment or garment base subassembly such as any of the garments or garment base subassemblies described herein.
In some embodiments, one or more portions of the garments described herein may be provided separately (e.g., sold separately) from a remainder of the garment such that the wearer can assemble the garment prior to use. For example, any of the shoulder straps, neck straps, or support straps described herein can be provided separately and configured to he coupled with the base subassembly of any of the garments described herein via any of the coupling components and methods described herein.
While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where methods described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may be modified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above.
Where embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in certain orientations or positions, the arrangement of components may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made. Any portion of the apparatus and/or methods described herein may be combined in any combination and/or sub-combination, except mutually exclusive combinations. The embodiments described herein can include various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the functions, components and/or features of the different embodiments described.
This application is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2021/015835, filed Jan. 29, 2021, entitled “Pumping/Nursing Garment,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/909,882, filed Jun. 23, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,905,173, entitled “Pumping/Nursing Garment,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/967,474, filed Jan. 29, 2020, the entire contents of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62967474 | Jan 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/US2021/015835 | Jan 2021 | US |
Child | 17877563 | US | |
Parent | 16909882 | Jun 2020 | US |
Child | PCT/US2021/015835 | US |