US20120208432A1

US20120208432A1 - Nursing bra conversion

Info

Publication number: US20120208432A1
Application number: US13/398,416
Authority: US
Inventors: Anne M. Dimond; Candace M. Urquhart
Original assignee: BELLA MATERNA Inc
Current assignee: BELLA MATERNA Inc
Priority date: 2011-02-16
Filing date: 2012-02-16
Publication date: 2012-08-16

Abstract

Nursing bra conversion garments and methods are disclosed. Nursing bra conversion allows conversion of bras from one configuration into another, increasing the likelihood of extending the useful lifespan of the bra garment.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/443,528, entitled “Nursing Bra Conversion”, filed Feb. 16, 2011, which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Nursing bras are a popular product in use today. Nursing bras provide nursing convenience as well as fashion and comfort for nursing mothers. Traditionally, when a mother eventually stops nursing her baby, her nursing bras may be stored for use in nursing possible subsequent babies, given away, or discarded.

SUMMARY

Nursing bra conversion garments and methods are disclosed. Nursing bra conversion allows conversion of bras from one configuration into another, increasing the likelihood of extending the useful lifespan of the bra garment.
Some example convertible bra garments may include two breast cups attached side by side, two strap keeps, each strap keep positioned within one of the breast cups, two shoulder straps, two fasteners, and two fastener replacements. Each fastener may be configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep, and each fastener may be configured to allow attaching and detaching of the breast cup from the fastener to provide a first configuration for the convertible bra garment. The fastener replacements may be attached to the bra garment and configured to replace the two fasteners, that is, to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep, to provide a second configuration for the convertible bra garment. A lateral back strap may also attach to each of the breast cups and extend around the back, and a far end of each shoulder strap may attach to the lateral back strap. Each shoulder strap may also pass through a fastener and attach to a slider, allowing adjustment of a shoulder strap length.
A variety of fastener configurations are possible. The fasteners may for example be configured with semi-permanent attachments to the shoulder straps and strap keeps, and may comprise a clip structure configured to attach and detach the breast cup. Similarly, a variety of fastener replacement configurations are possible. The fastener replacements may for example be configured to make a semi-permanent attachment to the shoulder straps, a breast cups, and strap keeps in the second configuration for the convertible bra garment, e.g., where the fastener replacements are configured as continuous rings. The fastener replacements may also be configured to make an attachable and detachable attachment to one or more of the shoulder straps, a breast cups, and a strap keeps, e.g., where the fastener replacements are configured as spiral attachment structures.
Some example convertible bra garments may be provided with a convertible bra garment kit, in which the fastener replacements are provided with the kit, instead of attached to the bra garment.
Some example methods of manufacturing a convertible bra garment may include attaching a fastener to each of two shoulder straps and strap keeps, wherein each fastener is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a strap keep, and a breast cup, and each fastener is configured to allow attaching and detaching of the breast cup from the fastener to provide a first configuration for the convertible bra garment; and attaching two fastener replacements to the bra garment, wherein the fastener replacements are configured to replace the fasteners, wherein each fastener replacement is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep to provide a second configuration for the convertible bra garment.
Some example methods of converting a convertible bra garment from a first configuration to a second configuration may include removing a fastener from each of two shoulder straps and strap keeps, wherein each fastener is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a strap keep, and a breast cup, and each fastener is configured to allow attaching and detaching of the breast cup from the fastener to provide a first configuration for the convertible bra garment; removing two fastener replacements from the bra garment, wherein the fastener replacements are configured to replace the fasteners, wherein each fastener replacement is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep to provide a second configuration for the convertible bra garment; and attaching each fastener replacement to a shoulder strap, breast cup, and a strap keep to configure the bra according to the second configuration for the convertible bra garment. In embodiments in which the fastener replacements are not attached to the bra garment, e.g. in methods involving a convertible bra garment kit, the step of removing two fastener replacements may be omitted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example breast cup, strap keep, shoulder strap and fastener according to a first configuration for a convertible bra garment, and illustrates the breast cup, strap keep, shoulder strap and fastener replacement according to a second configuration for a convertible bra garment, and illustrates example instructions according to a method of converting a garment from a first configuration to a second configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example convertible bra garment and two fastener replacements attached to the bra garment, as well as example instructions according to a method of converting a garment from a first configuration to a second configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example spiral attachment structure.

FIG. 4 illustrates example methods of manufacturing a convertible bra garment.

FIG. 5 illustrates example methods of converting a convertible bra garment from a first configuration to a second configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example breast cup 120, strap keep 130, shoulder strap 110 and fastener 140, comprising fastener elements 140A and 140B, according to a first configuration 100 for a convertible bra garment. FIG. 1 also illustrates the breast cup 120, strap keep 130, shoulder strap 110 and fastener replacement 160 according to a second configuration 150 for a convertible bra garment, as well as example instructions according to a method of converting a bra garment from a first configuration to a second configuration.
When the bra garment is in the first configuration 100, the fastener 140 attaches the cup 120, strap keep 130, and shoulder strap 110. In FIG. 1, fastener 140 comprises a clip-type structure comprising fastener elements 140A and 140B. Fastener element 140A comprises a hook or other attachable and detachable attachment structure, which is configured to make detachable attachment to the fastener element 140B.
An attachable and detachable attachment, also referred to as a detachable attachment, is defined herein as any attachment that does not require tools or materials, such as thread or glue, and so can be attached and detached by hand. In FIG. 1, for example, fastener element 140A may be detachably attachable to fastener element 140B, by passing the hook structure of fastener element 140A into the window of fastener element 140B.
Meanwhile, fastener element 140A is configured to make semi-permanent attachment to the shoulder strap 110 and the strap keep 130. Fastener element 140B is configured to make semi-permanent attachment to the cup 120. A semi-permanent attachment is defined herein as any attachment that requires tools or materials, such as thread or glue, and so cannot be attached and detached by hand. In FIG. 1, for example, fastener element 140A is semi-permanently attached to shoulder strap 110 by passing the shoulder strap 110 through a top window of the fastener element 140A then sewing or gluing the shoulder strap 110 to itself or to the slider. Fastener element 140A may be semi-permanently attached to strap keep 130 by passing the strap keep 130 through a bottom window of the fastener element 140A, then sewing or gluing the strap keep 130 to itself.
The terms “semi-permanent”, “attachable and detachable”, and “detachable” are used herein to describe attachment types. The term “attachment” when not further modified, refers to semi-permanent, detachable, or any other attachment type.
In the first configuration 100, fastener 140 is not limited to the clip-type fastener, nor to the particular set of semi-permanent and detachable attachment options illustrated in FIG. 1. Those of skill in garment design will appreciate that a wide variety of fastener types are available and new fastener types may be developed in the future. The first configuration 100 may make use of any fastener type, which may provide any arrangement of semi-permanent and/or detachable attachment options for attaching to the cup 120, strap keep 130, and shoulder strap 110. In some embodiments, the first configuration 100 may include nursing fasteners, such as fastener 140, which generally provide detachable attachments to the cups 120, while attaching differently, for example, semi-permanently, to the strap keep 130 and shoulder strap 110.
When the bra garment is in the second configuration 150, the fastener 160 attaches the cup 120, strap keep 130, and shoulder strap 110. In FIG. 1, fastener replacement 160 comprises a continuous ring structure configured to make semi-permanent attachments to the cup 120, strap keep 130, and shoulder strap 110. Fastener replacement 160 may for example be a ring of sufficiently sturdy material such as metal or plastic. As with fastener 140, fastener 160 is not limited to the ring structure, nor is fastener 160 limited to the particular set of attachment options illustrated in FIG. 1. The second configuration 150 may make use of any fastener type, which may provide any arrangement of semi-permanent and/or detachable attachment options for attaching to the cup 120, strap keep 130, and shoulder strap 110.
In some embodiments, the fastener replacement 160 may be configured to provide a window configured to allow the shoulder strap 110 to slide through, preserving adjustability of the shoulder strap 110. For example, the ring structure illustrated in FIG. 1 allows adjustment of the shoulder strap 110, as would a spiral fastener structure 170 illustrated in FIG. 3. As a formerly nursing mother's breast size shrinks, the ability to adjust the shoulder strap may allow continued satisfactory fit of the convertible bra garment to some extent. In some embodiments, the fastener replacements 160 provided in a second configuration 150 may include “ordinary use” fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not designed for attaching and detaching a cup 120 for nursing. Ordinary use fasteners may comprise a same attachment type for attaching to the cups 120, strap keeps 130, and shoulder straps 110. For example, fastener replacements 160 are configured for semi-permanent attachment to cups 120, strap keeps 130, and shoulder straps 110.
The second configuration 150 is defined herein as different from the first configuration 100. The second configuration 150 may be different in fastener replacement 160 having a different fastener type from fastener 140, and/or in fastener replacement 160 having a different set of semi-permanent and/or detachable attachment options for attaching to the cup 120, strap keep 130, and shoulder strap 110. In some embodiments, the difference between the first configuration 100 and the second configuration 150 may include nursing fasteners configured with detachable attachment to the cup 120 in the first configuration 100, and ordinary use fasteners configured with semi-permanent attachment to the cup 120 in the second configuration 150. In some embodiments, the difference between the first configuration 100 and the second configuration 150 may include a difference in fastener type between fastener 140 and fastener replacement 160.
In FIG. 1, a slider is illustrated on the shoulder strap 100. The shoulder strap 110 passes through a fastener and attaches to a slider, allowing adjustment of a shoulder strap length.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example convertible bra garment 200 and two fastener replacements 160 attached to the bra garment 200, which may be used in a method of converting a garment 200 from a first configuration to a second configuration. In FIG. 2, the fastener replacements 160 are semi-permanently attached to the bra garment 200 by being sewn to a tag in situated between the cups 120. However, it will be appreciated that the fastener replacements 160 may be detachably attached in some embodiments, and may be attached to any location on the bra garment. In some embodiments, the fastener replacements 160 may be provided separately, wherein the fastener replacements 160 are not attached to the bra garment 200, as part of a convertible bra garment kit.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example convertible bra garment 200 in a first configuration, the bra garment 200 comprising breast cups 120, strap keeps (not visible in FIG. 2), shoulder straps 110, fasteners 140 and fastener replacements 160. It will be appreciated that in FIG. 2, a lateral back strap attaches to each of the breast cups 120 and extends around the back of the wearer, wherein a far end of each shoulder strap 110 attaches to the lateral back strap.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example spiral attachment structure 170. The spiral attachment structure 170 is detachably attachable to the shoulder strap 110, cup 120 and strap keep 130 as shown. Another example of a spiral attachment structure 170 is a key-ring type fastener. FIG. 3 provides an example fastener type which may be used as a fastener 140 or a fastener replacement 160 in some embodiments.
FIG. 4 illustrates example methods of manufacturing a convertible bra garment. An example method of manufacturing a convertible bra garment, may comprise, for example, steps 401 and 402. Step 401 may include attaching a fastener to each of two shoulder straps and strap keeps, wherein each fastener is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a strap keep, and a breast cup, and each fastener is configured to allow attaching and detaching of the breast cup from the fastener to provide a first configuration for the convertible bra garment. Step 402 may include attaching two fastener replacements to the bra garment, wherein the fastener replacements are configured to replace the fasteners, wherein each fastener replacement is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep to provide a second configuration for the convertible bra garment.
FIG. 5 illustrates example methods of converting a convertible bra garment from a first configuration to a second configuration. An example method of converting a convertible bra garment may comprise, for example, steps 501, 502, and 503. Step 501 may include removing a fastener from each of two shoulder straps and strap keeps, wherein each fastener is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a strap keep, and a breast cup, and each fastener is configured to allow attaching and detaching of the breast cup from the fastener to provide a first configuration for the convertible bra garment. Step 502 may include removing two fastener replacements from the bra garment, wherein the fastener replacements are configured to replace the fasteners, wherein each fastener replacement is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep to provide a second configuration for the convertible bra garment. Step 503 may include attaching each fastener replacement to a shoulder strap, breast cup, and a strap keep to configure the bra according to the second configuration for the convertible bra garment.
In some embodiments, for example, when the fastener replacements are not attached to the bra garment, step 502 may be omitted. Step 501 may include removing a fastener from each of two shoulder straps and strap keeps, wherein each fastener is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a strap keep, and a breast cup, and each fastener is configured to allow attaching and detaching of the breast cup from the fastener to provide a first configuration for the convertible bra garment. The next step (e.g., step 503) may include attaching a fastener replacement to each of the shoulder straps, breast cups, and a strap keeps, wherein the fastener replacements are configured to replace the fasteners, wherein each fastener replacement is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep to provide a second configuration for the convertible bra garment.
While various embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in art.

Claims

1. A convertible bra garment, comprising:

two breast cups attached side by side;

two strap keeps, each strap keep positioned within one of the breast cups;

two shoulder straps;

two nursing fasteners, each fastener configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep, and each nursing fastener configured to allow attaching and detaching of the breast cup from the nursing fastener to provide a first configuration for the convertible bra garment; and

two fastener replacements attached to the bra garment and configured to replace the two nursing fasteners, wherein each fastener replacement is an ordinary use fastener configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep to provide a second configuration for the convertible bra garment.

2. The convertible bra garment of claim 1, further comprising a lateral back strap attaching to each of the breast cups and extending around the back, wherein a far end of each shoulder strap attaches to the lateral back strap.

3. The convertible bra garment of claim 1, further comprising a slider on each of the shoulder straps, wherein each shoulder strap passes through a fastener and attaches to a slider, allowing adjustment of a shoulder strap length.

4. The convertible bra garment of claim 1, wherein the nursing fasteners are configured with semi-permanent attachments to the shoulder straps and strap keeps, and a clip structure configured to attach and detach the breast cup.

5. The convertible bra garment of claim 1, wherein the fastener replacements are configured to make a semi-permanent attachment to the shoulder straps, a breast cups, and a strap keeps in the second configuration for the convertible bra garment.

6. The convertible bra garment of claim 5, wherein the fastener replacements are configured as continuous rings.

7. The convertible bra garment of claim 1, wherein the fastener replacements are configured to make an attachable and detachable attachment to one or more of the shoulder straps, breast cups, and strap keeps in the second configuration for the convertible bra garment.

8. The convertible bra garment of claim 7, wherein the fastener replacements are configured as spiral attachment structures.

9. A convertible bra garment kit, comprising:

two breast cups attached side by side;

two strap keeps, each strap keep positioned within one of the breast cups;

two shoulder straps;

two nursing fasteners, each nursing fastener configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep, and each nursing fastener configured to allow attaching and detaching of the breast cup from the nursing fastener to provide a first configuration for the convertible bra garment; and

two fastener replacements provided with the kit and configured to replace the nursing fasteners, wherein each fastener replacement is an ordinary use fastener configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep to provide a second configuration for the convertible bra garment, and wherein the second configuration does not allow attaching and detaching of the breast cup from the shoulder strap and strap keep according to the first configuration.

10. A method of manufacturing a convertible bra garment, comprising:

attaching a nursing fastener to each of two shoulder straps and strap keeps, wherein each nursing fastener is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a strap keep, and a breast cup, and each nursing fastener is configured to allow attaching and detaching of the breast cup from the fastener to provide a first configuration for the convertible bra garment; and

attaching two fastener replacements to the bra garment, wherein the fastener replacements are configured to replace the nursing fasteners, wherein each fastener replacement is an ordinary use fastener configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep to provide a second configuration for the convertible bra garment.

11. A method of converting a convertible bra garment from a first configuration to a second configuration, comprising:

removing a nursing fastener from each of two shoulder straps and strap keeps, wherein each nursing fastener is configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a strap keep, and a breast cup, and each nursing fastener is configured to allow attaching and detaching of the breast cup from the nursing fastener to provide a first configuration for the convertible bra garment;

removing two fastener replacements from the bra garment, wherein the fastener replacements are configured to replace the nursing fasteners, wherein each fastener replacement is an ordinary use fastener configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep to provide a second configuration for the convertible bra garment; and

attaching each fastener replacement to a shoulder strap, breast cup, and a strap keep to configure the bra according to the second configuration for the convertible bra garment.

12. A method of converting a convertible bra garment from a first configuration to a second configuration, comprising:

attaching a fastener replacement to each of the shoulder straps, breast cups, and a strap keeps, wherein the fastener replacements are configured to replace the nursing fasteners, wherein each fastener replacement is an ordinary use fastener configured to attach to a shoulder strap, a breast cup, and a strap keep to provide a second configuration for the convertible bra garment.