Breast cup

Abstract

A breast cup (10) comprising a layer (20) having an inner side (22) and an outer side (24), the outer side comprising an attachment interface (30) for permanently or semi-permanently attaching the breast cup to a garment; the breast cup being arranged to support a wearer's breast, in use.

Description

[0001] Device

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to breast cups for retro-fitting to garments. Particularly, though not exclusively, the present invention is concerned with breast cups for use with nursing pads.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Fashionable clothing can often have thin, complicated, or no straps making it difficult to find a suitable bra to wear underneath. Going without a bra can be undesirable for many women, especially new mothers who may be breastfeeding and require additional support, and / or nursing pads. Many solutions to support the breasts are known, including integral pads, removable pads that fit into a pocket in a garment, strapless bras etc. All of the current options are known to have problems, particularly where there is a requirement to use them alongside nursing pads.

[0006] While not every nursing mother experiences leaking of breast milk, many do. Typically, the solution is to use a nursing bra along with a nursing pad inside the cups of the bra. The nursing pad is liquidabsorbent and designed to both prevent leakage and to wick the liquids away from the nipple, where it could lead to infection and inflammation. Nursing pads are available in both washable / reusabe and disposable forms and may comprise a waterproof or water-resistant layer to prevent any absorbed liquid seeping into the nursing bra, and subsequently into the wearer's clothing.

[0007] There are many dresses and tops that cannot be worn with nursing bras, for example due to the straps of the nursing bra showing. There are also currently no good strapless nursing bras on the market that suit both form and functionality. There are many reasons why this is the case including, the weight of the breast, and advice to not compress the milk-producing breast due to risk of mastitis and hindering milk production and flow. Consequently, the options available to nursing mothers are to wear the garment with nursing bra straps on display, or not to wear the garment until breastfeeding has come to an end.

[0008] One possible solution would be to sew a pocket into the garment to hold the removable breast pads described above. However, these are not particularly supporting, are known to move around and are not typically the correct dimensions to wear with a nursing pad. Furthermore, not all clothing is amenable to having a pocket stitched to its inside. Similarly, the breast pad could be stitched directly to the garment and, although this would prevent the pad moving, the solution suffers similar deficiencies in terms of negatively affecting the garment. Currently, there are no solutions that provide the ability to wear certain garments without a bra, but with a nursing pad.

[0009] It is against this backdrop that the present invention has arisen. It is the intention of this invention to provide a breast cup which is a permanent or semi-permanent solution to keep nursing pads in place in a dress or a top, without having to wear a nursing bra. The inventors recognise that the solution may also be useful to women who do not need to use nursing pads, for example, those that do not like to wear strapless bras (for example, due to silicone allergy), or those who may need (or choose) to use prosthetic breasts. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In accordance with a first aspect there is provided a breast cup comprising a layer having an inner side and an outer side, the outer side comprising an attachment interface for permanently or semipermanently attaching the breast cup to a garment; the breast cup being arranged to support a wearer's breast, in use.

[0011] In a second aspect there is provided a kit of parts comprising:

[0012] - a breast cup having and inner side and an outer side and arranged to support a wearer's breast, in use, and

[0013] - an attachment interface for permanently or semi-permanently attaching the breast cup to a garment; wherein the attachment interface has substantially the same dimensions as the outer side of the breast cup.

[0014] In a third aspect there is provided a garment comprising one or two of the breast cups disclosed herein.

[0015] In a further aspect there is provided use of the breast cup according to the present disclosure to support a wearer's breast.

[0016] Advantageously, the breast cup supports the breast sufficiently and is arranged to have suitable dimensions and contours to conform to the breast and permit a nursing pad (or other insert) to be worn between the breast cup and the wearer's breast / body.

[0017] Advantageously, the breast cup can be permanently or semi-permanently attached to a garment to provide a secure and fixed breast cup. This means that the cup does not need to be affixed each time the garment is worn.

[0018] Advantageously, the breast cup permits garments that would normally have required the wearer to wear a strapless bra or go bra-less, to be worn by providing support for the breast and providing a suitable housing for a nursing pad or similar insert.

[0019] A further advantage is that the breast cup can be retro-fitted to a garment, allowing any garment to be converted into a garment suitable for nursing mothers.

[0020] Features from one or more aspects or any optional feature thereof may be combined together.

[0021] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a side view of a breast cup according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the attachment interface is sewn on to the layer. Figure 2 shows the outer side of two breast cups, in Figure 2a the attachment interface is sewn on to the layer, in Figure 2b the attachment interface is deposited on to the layer.

[0024] Detailed Description

[0025] It will be appreciated that this description provides examples for reference purposes, and the scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

[0026] As shown in figure 1, the breast cup 10 is comprised of a layer 20, the layer having an inner side 22, and an outer side 24. In use, the outer side 24 is located distal to the wearer's breast and the inner side 22 is located proximal to the wearer's breast.

[0027] As employed herein breast cup refers to a device according to the invention. The cup is typically contoured as cup or bowl shape, although it may be flat. Shapes suitable for forming a contoured "cup" from a flat shape are known in the art and include generally round shapes with notches cut into them such that, as the perimeter of the shape is joined to close (or reduce) the gaps formed by the notches, the cup shape is formed.

[0028] Thus, in some embodiments the breast cup is contoured to conform to a breast.

[0029] In some embodiments the breast cup is substantially flat (planar). Where the breast cup is flat, it may comprise one or more notches extending from the perimeter of the cup towards the centre of the cup, to enable contouring without resulting in folding of the cup. The notch or notches may or may not extend all the way to the centre of the cup, that is, they may extend up to 50% of the diameter of the cup or may extend less than 50% of the diameter of the cup.

[0030] In some embodiments the breast cup is substantially round. That is, circular or with a substantially circular perimeter. It will be appreciated that other shapes may be suitable, such as a flower or heart shape, or a teardrop shape, provided the cup is able to support the breast. Round breast cups are particularly advantageous for nursing mothers due to nursing pads being generally round in shape.

[0031] The breast cup is arranged to support a wearer's breast, in use.

[0032] The layer as employed herein refers to the primary part of the breast cup, having an inner side and an outer side. The layer may be made of any suitable material and may comprise one or more layers itself (for example, a core foam layer with two fabric layers sandwiching the core). Suitable materials for the layer include, but are not limited to: foam, cotton, linen, bamboo, viscose, wood, plastic and silicone. The layer must be suitable for attaching an attachment interface thereto. Where the attachment interface is heat activated, the layer should be heat resistant. Since the breast cup is designed to be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to a garment, it is preferable that the material used for the layer is washable.

[0033] The outer side 24 of the layer 20 has an attachment interface 30 for permanently or semipermanently attaching the breast cup to a garment. The attachment interface 30 is affixed or deposited to or on the outer side 24 of the layer 20. In figure 1 and figure 2a, the attachment interface 30 is sewn 40 to the layer and is shown to cover substantially all of the outer side 24 of the layer 20. In figure 2b, the attachment interface 30 is deposited on the outer side 24 of the layer 20 and is shown to be distributed across substantially all of the outer side.

[0034] In some embodiments the attachment interface covers substantially all of the outer side of the layer.

[0035] In some embodiments the attachment interface is affixed to the outer side of the breast cup by sewing or adhering an attachment material.

[0036] It will be appreciated that, where the attachment interface is deposited on the outer side, for example, by printing, the pattern of the deposit may be uniform or irregular but is intended to cover substantially all of the outer side to allow substantially all of the breast cup to be affixed to the garment.

[0037] In some embodiments the attachment interface, whether deposited or otherwise affixed, covers at least 50% of the outer side, such as approximately 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% of the outer side.

[0038] In some embodiments the attachment interface is printed or otherwise deposited onto the outer side of the layer.

[0039] Printed or deposited attachment interfaces are laid down using an adhesive that is positioned on the outer side of the layer. It may be laid down in a complete layer, or sprayed or printed as a pattern (for example, of dots) on the outer side. Printed or deposited attachment interfaces may be formed from an adhesive that dries onto the outer side and feels dry or low tack until heat or pressure is applied to is when affixing the breast cup to a garment.

[0040] The purpose of the attachment interface is to permanently or semi-permanently attach the breast cup to a garment. Thus, the attachment interface must be suitable for affixing the breast cup for a prolonged period.

[0041] Permanent as employed herein refers to a situation in which the breast cup is affixed to a garment such that is intended to remain affixed indefinitely.

[0042] Semi-permanent as employed herein refers to a situation in which the breast cup is intended to remain affixed to a garment until the wearer chooses to remove it. For example, the breast cup remains in situ for several wears (and washes) until the user has finished breastfeeding their child and wishes to remove the breast cup. Removing the semi-permanent breast cup may require specific methods or specific treatment of the garment / cup which may or may not result in damage to the cup but is not intended to significantly damage the garment.

[0043] In examples, the heat activated attachment interfaces permit breast cups to be attached to the inside of a garment by application of heat. For example, the breast cup may be "iron-on". In some examples, the breast cups are arranged so that re-application of heat enables the breast cup to be subsequently removed from the garment when desired. Therefore, in some examples the attachment of the breast cups to the garment may be considered semi-permanent. Garment as employed herein refers to an item of clothing intended to be worn over the torso, typically a top or a dress, but may extend to other items.

[0044] In certain embodiments the attachment interface is heat activated and the layer is heat resistant.

[0045] Suitable heat activated attachment interfaces include, but are not limited to, hot melt adhesive, heat activated films, and heat and bond webbing-type materials such as those produces by Thermoweb ™. Such heat activated materials can be activated using domestic irons. Because heat is required to affix the cup in this embodiment, it is required that the layer be constructed of a material that can withstand the relevant amount of heat.

[0046] In some embodiment the attachment interface is pressure activated.

[0047] In some embodiments the diameter of the cup is approximately in the range 9 to 15 cm, such as 10 to 14 cm. For example, the diameter of the breast cup may be approximately 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14cm. The diameter of the cup is determined by the size of breast it is intended to support. It will be apparent that the larger the cup, the greater the surface of the outer side and, therefore, the greater the attachment interface could be.

[0048] In use, a nursing mother can affix the breast cup to a garment of their choosing. Nursing pads can then be inserted into and removed from the breast cup as and when required. The nursing pad is held in place by the natural pressure between the wearer's breast and the breast cup. That is, in some examples there is no need for additional fixing means between the breast cup and the nursing pad. This allows the wearer to quickly and easily insert and remove the nursing pad. In some examples, the nursing pads may be disposable nursing pads, these may have additional adhesive with which to attach the disposable nursing pad to the breast cup.

[0049] In some embodiments the breast cup further comprises a pocket formed on the inner surface for housing a nursing pad or other insert. Advantageously, the pocket can provide an additional layer of security for holding the insert in position.

[0050] The pocket may be formed of a gauze or other thin material that permits liquids to pass through into the nursing pad.

[0051] Nursing pads are well known in the art and are available in a variety of fabrications, both as disposable (single use) and reusable (washable) pads. Typically, nursing pads are circular in shape and may or may not be contoured.

[0052] Other types of inserts that could be used with the presently disclosed breast cup include prosthetic breasts and breast enhancements such as the silicone-type typically referred to as "chicken fillets".

[0053] A kit of parts is also provided. The kit of parts comprises a breast cup having an inner side and an outer side and a separate attachment interface. The kit of parts is intended to be assembled by the user and affixed in place such that the attachment interface affixes to both the layer and the garment when required by the user. That is, the attachment interface is not pre-fixed to the outer side of the layer. In some embodiments, the attachment interface will have substantially the same dimensions as the layer. The kit of parts may also comprise one or more inserts, such as nursing pads.

[0054] It will be appreciated that the optional features described hereinabove in respect of embodiments of the any aspect of the invention apply equally, where technically appropriate, to the other aspects of the invention outlined herein.

[0055] Where technically appropriate, embodiments of the invention may be combined.

[0056] Embodiments are described herein as comprising certain features / elements. The disclosure also extends to separate embodiments consisting or consisting essentially of said features / elements.

[0057] Technical references such as patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Any embodiments specifically and explicitly recited herein may form the basis of a disclaimer either alone or in combination with one or more further embodiments.

[0058] In the context of this specification "comprising" is to be interpreted as "including".

[0059] Approximately is intended to mean ±10%.

[0060] Aspects of the invention comprising certain elements are also intended to extend to alternative embodiments "consisting" or "consisting essentially" of the relevant elements.

Claims

Claims1. A breast cup comprising a layer having an inner side and an outer side, the outer side comprising an attachment interface for permanently or semi-permanently attaching the breast cup to a garment; the breast cup being arranged to support a wearer's breast, in use.

2. The breast cup according to claim 1 wherein the attachment interface covers substantially all of the outer side.

3. The breast cup according to any of claims 1 or 2 wherein the attachment interface is printed or otherwise deposited onto the outer side.

4. The breast cup according any of claims 1 or 2 wherein the attachment interface is affixed to the outer side by sewing or adhering an attachment material.

5. The breast cup according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment interface is heat activated and the layer is heat resistant.

6. The breast cup according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment interface is pressure activated.

7. The breast cup according to any preceding claim wherein the breast cup is substantially round.

8. The breast cup according to any preceding claim wherein the breast cup is contoured to conform to a breast.

9. The breast cup according to any preceding claim wherein the diameter of the cup is approximately in the range 9 to 15 cm, such as 10 to 14 cm.

10. The breast cup according to any preceding claim further comprising a pocket formed on the inner surface for housing an insert.

11. The breast cup according to claim 10 wherein the insert is a nursing pad.

12. A kit of parts comprising: a breast cup having and inner side and an outer side and arranged to support a wearer's breast, in use, and an attachment interface for permanently or semi-permanently attaching the breast cup to a garment; wherein the attachment interface has substantially the same dimensions as the outer side of the breast cup.

13. A garment comprising one or two of the breast cups according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. The breast cup according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the kit of parts according to claim 12 or the garment according to claim 13, further comprising a liquid-absorbent nursing pad.

15. Use of the breast cup according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to support a wearer's breast.

16. The use according to claim 15 wherein a liquid-absorbent nursing pad is placed between the wearer's breast and the inner side of the breast cup.

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