Abstrict A nursing bra worn by a mother when nursing an infant. The nursing
bra allows the mother to change out only a wet section of the bra
without having to remove clothing and replace the entire bra. The
nursing bra includes broadly a bra frame with shoulder straps and
adjustable back straps for holding the bra on the mother. The bra
frame includes a first bra cup frame member with a first opening
therethrough and a second bra cup frame member with a second opening
therethrough. The first and second bra cup frame members include
hook and loop fasteners or other types of fasteners for releasably
securing a removable first bra cup and a removable second bra cup.
The first and second bra cups are made of an absorbent material
for absorbing mother's milk that leaks from the mother's breast
when wearing the nursing bra. Also, the first and second bra cups
come in different cup sizes for different size breasts. When the
first or second bra cup becomes moist or wet with leaking milk from
the mother's breast, the cup can be quickly removed from the bra
cup frame members and replaced with a replaceable clean and fresh
bra cup. Each of the bra cups are washable and interchangeable with
each other for ongoing use with the first and second bra cup frame
members during the nursing of the child.
Claims The embodiments of the invention for which an exclusive privilege
and property right is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A nursing bra worn by a mother when nursing an infant, the nursing
bra allows the mother to change out only a wet section of the bra
without having to remove clothing and replace the entire bra, the
nursing bra comprising:
a bra frame, said bra frame having a first bra cup frame member
with a first frame opening therethrough and a second bra cup frame
member with a second frame opening therethrough;
a first bra cup releasably attached to said first bra cup frame
member;
a second bra cup releasably attached to said second bra cup frame
member; and
an underwire attached to a bottom portion of said first and second
bra cups, said underwire adapted for slidable receipt in an underwire
collar in a bottom portion of said first and second bra cup frame
members.
2. The nursing bra as described in claim 1 wherein said bra frame
includes shoulder straps and adjustable back straps adapted for
holding said bra frame on the mother.
3. The nursing bra as described in claim 1 wherein said first and
second bra cups are made of an absorbent material adapted for absorbing
mother's milk that leaks from the mother's breast when wearing the
nursing bra.
4. The nursing bra as described in claim 1 wherein said first and
second bra cups include an outer liner, an inner liner and adsorbent
padding therebetween.
5. The nursing bra as described in claim 1 wherein said first and
second bra cups come in different cup sizes for different size breasts.
6. The nursing bra as described in claim 1 wherein said first and
second bra cups are made in different geometric shapes for releasable
attachment to said first and second bra cup frame members.
7. The nursing bra as described in claim 1 wherein said first and
second bra cups are interchangeable with each other for releasable
attachment to said first and second bra cup frame members.
8. A nursing bra worn by a mother when nursing an infant, the nursing
bra allows the mother to change out only a wet section of the bra
without having to remove clothing and replace the entire bra, the
nursing bra comprising:
a bra frame with shoulder straps and adjustable back straps adapted
for holding said bra frame on the mother, said bra frame having
a first bra cup frame member with a first frame opening therethrough
and a second bra cup frame member with a second frame opening therethrough;
a first bra cup having an underwire, a first portion of said underwire
attached to a bottom portion of said first bra cup, a second portion
of said underwire adapted for slidable receipt in an underwire collar
in a bottom portion of said first bra cup frame member; and
a second bra cup having an underwire, a first portion of said underwire
attached to a bottom portion of said second bra cup, a second portion
of said underwire adapted for slidable receipt in an underwire collar
in a bottom portion of said second bra cup frame member.
9. The nursing bra as described in claim 8 wherein said first and
second bra cups are made of an absorbent material adapted for absorbing
mother's milk that leaks from the mother's breast when wearing the
nursing bra.
10. The nursing bra as described in claim 8 wherein said first
and second bra cups include an outer liner, an inner liner and adsorbent
padding therebetween.
11. The nursing bra as described in claim 8 wherein said first
and second bra cups come in different cup sizes for different size
breasts.
12. The nursing bra as described in claim 8 wherein said first
and second bra cups are made in different geometric shapes for releasable
attachment to said first and second bra cup frame members.
13. The nursing bra as described in claim 8 wherein said first
and second bra cups are interchangeable with each other for releasable
attachment to said first and second bra cup frame members.
14. A nursing bra worn by a mother when nursing an infant, the
nursing bra allows the mother to change out only a wet section of
the bra without having to remove clothing and replace the entire
bra, the nursing bra comprising:
a bra frame with shoulder straps and adjustable back straps adapted
for holding said bra frame on the mother, said bra frame having
a first bra cup frame member with a first and second side, a top
portion, a bottom portion and a first frame opening therethrough
and a second bra cup frame member with a first and second side,
a top portion, a bottom portion and a second frame opening therethrough;
a first bra cup having first releasable fastener means mounted
on the first side, a second side, a top portion and a bottom portion
for securing said first bra cup to the sides, top portion and bottom
portion of said first bra cup frame member; and
a second bra cup having second releasable fastener means mounted
on the first side, a second side, a top portion and a bottom portion
for securing said second bra cup to the sides, top portion and bottom
portion of said second bra cup frame member, said first bra cup
and said second bra cup having different cup sizes for different
size breasts.
15. The nursing bra as described in claim 14 wherein said first
and second bra cups are made of an absorbent material adapted for
absorbing mother's milk that leaks from the mother's breast when
wearing the nursing bra.
16. The nursing bra as described in claim 14 wherein said first
and second bra cups include an outer liner, an inner liner and adsorbent
padding therebetween.
17. The nursing bra as described in claim 14 wherein said first
and second bra cups are made in different geometric shapes for releasable
attachment to said first and second bra cup frame members.
18. The nursing bra as described in claim 14 wherein said first
and second bra cups are interchangeable with each other for releasable
attachment to said first and second bra cup frame members.
Description BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(a) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a women's brassiere and more particularly,
but not by way of limitation, to a nursing bra with removable, replaceable
and washable cup members used when a mother is nursing a new born
child.
(b) Discussion of Prior Art
Heretofore, there have been a variety of different types of nursing
bras. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3513852 to Seidl a removable
cup member is disclosed but the cup member is used to protect a
mother's breast when bumped or holding a baby and is designed to
hold a separate absorbent pad therein. Also, in U.S. Pat. No. 2856935
to Croxall, U.S. Pat. No. 4355641 to Dastoli et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 4633876 to Scullin and U.S. Pat. No. 4911677 to White different
types of nursing bras are illustrated. All of these patents disclose
the folding of a portion of a bra cup for access to a mother's breast
when nursing a baby. The patents do not disclose the use of removable
and replaceable bra cups attached to bra cup frame members.
None of the above mentioned patents provide the unique combination
of structure, function, objects and advantages of the subject nursing
bra having removable and replaceable bra cups releasably attached
to a bra frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present
invention to provide a nursing bra which allows the mother to change
out only a wet bra cup of the bra without having to remove clothing
and replace the entire bra.
Another object of the invention is the nursing bra includes a plurality
of removable, replaceable and interchangeable bra cups which can
be carried, for example, in a diaper bag, and changed periodically
when one or both of the bra cups become moist from leaking milk
from the mother's breast.
Still another object of the nursing bra is each bra cup is made
of an absorbent material for quickly absorbing leaking mother's
milk. Also, the bra cups are washable for ongoing use with the nursing
bra.
Yet another object of the invention is the bra cups come in different
cup sizes for different size breasts. Also, the bra frame and bra
cups may have different types of fasteners for releasably securing
the cups to the bra cup frame.
The nursing bra includes broadly a bra frame with shoulder straps
and adjustable back straps for holding the bra on the mother. The
bra frame includes a first bra cup frame member with a first frame
member opening therethrough. The bra frame also includes a second
bra cup frame member with a second frame member opening therethrough.
The first and second bra cup frame members include hook and loop
fasteners or other types of fasteners for releasably securing a
removable first bra cup and a removable second bra cup. The first
and second bra cups are made of an absorbent material for absorbing
mother's milk that leaks from the mother's breast and are made in
different sizes for conforming to the size of the mother's breast.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent
to those familiar with different types of nursing bras from the
following detailed description, showing novel construction, combination,
and elements as herein described, and more particularly defined
by the appended claims, it being understood that changes in the
precise embodiments to the herein disclosed invention are meant
to be included as coming within the scope of the claims, except
insofar as they may be precluded by the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings illustrate complete preferred embodiments
of the present invention according to the best modes presently devised
for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in
which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a female model wearing the subject
invention. In this view, the nursing bra is shown with a bra frame,
shoulder straps and back straps. The straps are secured to the back
of the model. The bra frame is shown with removable first and second
bra cups releasably attached to sides of first and second bra cup
frame members.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the bra frame shown in FIG. 1 but with
the first and second bra cups removed from the sides of the first
and second bra cup frame members.
FIG. 2A is a front view of a first bra cup with loop fasteners
on the sides of the cup.
FIG. 2B is a rear view of the first bra cup shown in FIG. 2A and
illustrating a hook fastener in a top portion of the bra cup, a
pair of snap fasteners in a bottom portion of the cup and fabric
loops in the sides of the cup for securing the bra cup to the sides
of the first bra cup frame member.
FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of the subject nursing
bra with the bra frame having hook insert collars and snaps in the
sides and a bottom portion of the first and second bra cup frame
members.
FIG. 3A is a front view of the first bra cup with hook fasteners
on the sides of the cup.
FIG. 3B is a rear view of the first bra cup shown in FIG. 3A and
illustrating the hook fastener on the sides and on the top portion
of the bra cup and snap fasteners in the bottom portion of the cup
for securing the bra cup to the sides of the first bra cup frame
member.
FIG. 4 is a front view of still another embodiment of the subject
nursing bra with the bra frame having an underwire collar in the
bottom portion of the first and second bra cup frame members for
receiving an underwire attached to the bottom portion of the first
and second bra cups.
FIG. 4A is a front view of the first bra cup with a double underwire
attached to the bottom portion of the first bra cup.
FIG. 4B is another front view of the first bra cup with a single
underwire attached to the bottom portion of the first bra cup.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In FIG. 1 a perspective view of the subject nursing bra, having
general reference numeral 10 is shown being worn by a female model
11. In this view, the nursing bra 10 is illustrated broadly with
a bra frame 12 shoulder straps 14 and back straps 16. The straps
14 and 16 are secured together at the back of the model 11. The
back of the model 11 is not shown in the drawings.
The bra frame 12 includes a first bra cup frame member 18 having
a first bra cup 20 removably attached thereto. Also, the frame 12
includes a second bra cup frame 22 having a second bra cup 24 removably
attached thereto.
It should be noted that the first and second bra cups 20 and 24
may be interchangeable with each other for ease in manufacturing
and attachment to either the first or second frame members 18 and
22. Also, the cups 20 and 24 are made of a soft absorbent material,
such as cotton or cotton blend, for quickly absorbing leaking milk
from the mother's breast. Further, the cups can be made in various
cup sizes for conforming to the size of the mother's breast. Still
further, while the cups 20 and 24 are shown triangular in shape,
they may have various geometric shapes without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
In FIG. 2 a front view of the bra frame 12 is shown. In this drawing,
the first and second bra cups 20 and 24 have been removed from the
sides of the first and second bra cup frame members 18 and 22. The
first and second bra cup frame members 18 and 22 include a first
side 26 a second side 28 a top portion 30 and a bottom portion
32. Also, the first bra cup frame member 18 is shown with a first
frame opening 34. Likewise, the second bra cup frame member 22 is
shown with a second frame opening 36. The first and second frame
openings 34 and 36 are sized to receive the mother's breast therethrough
with the frame members 18 and 20 disposed comfortably around the
sides of the breasts.
The first and second bra cups 20 and 24 are attached to the bra
frame 12 in this example using a pair of fabric tags 38 with metal
or plastic snaps 40 on opposite ends of the tags 38. A pair of tags
38 are attached to the first side 26 of the first and second frame
members 18 and 22. Also, a pair of tags 38 are attached between
the second sides 28 of the first and second frame members 18 and
22. The tags 38 are used for receipt through fabric loops 42 attached
to sides of the bra cups 20 and 24. The fabric loops 42 are shown
in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
In FIG. 2A, a front view of the first bra cup 20 is shown with
the fabric loops 42 disposed on a first side 44 and a second side
46 of the bra cup 20. Also, the bra cup 20 includes a top portion
48 and a bottom portion 50. The sides of the bra cups 20 and 24
are stitched and may include a lace trim therearound for added appearance.
While the first bra cup 20 is discussed in detail in the drawings,
it should be mentioned that the second bra cup 24 as shown in FIG.
1 is identical in structure and function when compared to the first
bra cup 20. Also shown in this drawing is a portion of the bra cup
20 cut away to illustrate an outer liner 52 an inner liner 54 and
absorbent padding 56 therebetween. obviously, by providing the bra
cup 20 with additional padding 56 the ability of the cup to absorb
moisture is enhanced. While the additional padding 56 is shown in
FIG. 2A, it can be appreciated that the bra cups 20 and 24 need
not have any padding over and above the absorbent material making
up the fabric used in the two cups.
In FIG. 2B, a rear view of the first bra cup 20 is shown and illustrating
a metal or plastic hook 58 in the top portion of the cup. The hook
58 is designed for releasable attachment to metal or plastic loops
60 in the top portion 30 of the first and second frame members 18
and 20 as shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 a series of the loops 60 are
shown one on top of the other for providing for a comfortable adjustment
of the cups 20 and 24 when secured to the bra frame 12.
Also shown in this drawing are a pair of the snaps 40 in the bottom
portion 50 of the first bra cup 20. The snaps 40 are used for releasable
attachment to the snaps 40 shown in the bottom portion 32 of the
first and second frame members 18 and 20 shown in FIG. 2.
In FIG. 3 a front view of another embodiment of the subject nursing
bra 10 is illustrated. In this view, the bra frame 12 includes a
plurality of hook insert collars 62 in the sides 26 and 28 of the
first and second bra cup frame members 18 and 22. The hook insert
collars 62 are adapted for releasably receiving hooks 58 attached
to the first and second sides 44 and 46 of the bra cups 20 and 24.
This is another way of attaching the cups to the bra frame 12.
In FIG. 3A, a front view of the first bra cup 20 is shown. In this
drawing, the hooks 58 are shown attached to sides 44 and 46 of the
cup 20.
In FIG. 3B, a rear view of the first bra cup 20 is illustrated.
The hooks 58 are attached to the sides 44 and 46 and on the top
portion 50 of the bra cup 20. Also, snaps 40 are shown attached
to the bottom portion 50 for releasably attaching the bra cup 20
to the snaps 40 in the bottom portion 32 of the first cup frame
member 18. As mentioned above, while not shown in the drawings,
the second bra cup 24 has similar hooks and snaps for securing the
cup to the second cup frame member 22.
In FIG. 4 a front view of still another embodiment of the subject
nursing bra 10 is shown. In this drawing, an underwire collar 64
is attached in the bottom 32 of the first and second bra cup frame
members 18 and 22. The underwire collars 64 are adapted for receiving
a portion of an underwire 66 attached to the bottom portion 50 of
the first and second bra cups 20 and 24.
In FIG. 4A, a front view of the first bra cup 20 is shown with
the underwire 66 folded to form a double wire with the upper portion
of the underwire 66 held in place in the bottom portion 50 of the
cup 20. A lower portion of the underwire 66 is used for releasably
inserting into the underwire collar 64 shown in FIG. 4.
In FIG. 4B, another front view of the first bra cup 20 is illustrated
with a single underwire 66 attached to the bottom portion 50 of
the first bra cup 20. It should be noted that the bottom portion
50 of the first bra cup 20 includes an underwire sleeve 68 for receiving
an end 70 of the underwire 66 as indicated by arrow 72 when the
underwire has been completely inserted through the underwire collar
64 in the bottom portion 32 of the cup frame members 18 and 22.
The sleeve 68 is designed to protect the user of the nursing bra
10 from the end 70 of the underwire 66 poking into her chest when
wearing the bra 10.
While the first and second bra cups 18 and 22 have been discussed
having different types of releasable fasteners for securing the
cups to the bra frame 12 it should be kept in mind various types
of fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners having a brand name
"VELCRO", zippers and similar types of fasteners can be
used equally well without departing from the scope of the invention
as described above.
When the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated
in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments and modifications
thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that
equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed,
except as precluded by the prior art.
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