U.S. patent application number 12/721148 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-15 for nursing camisole with body contouring control.
This patent application is currently assigned to DESTINATION MATERNITY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Lisa A. HENDRICKSON.
Application Number | 20110219513 12/721148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44558483 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110219513 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HENDRICKSON; Lisa A. |
September 15, 2011 |
NURSING CAMISOLE WITH BODY CONTOURING CONTROL
Abstract
A wire-free nursing camisole with detachable front straps is
described. The nursing camisole allows the top of the camisole to
be folded down in order to facilitate nursing. The lower half of
the camisole encircling the tummy and lower back region is lined
with a second layer of fabric capable of creating a smoothing
effect of the tummy area, making it appear firmer and tighter. The
camisole provides for fashionability, body shaping, and contouring,
in a single garment.
Inventors: |
HENDRICKSON; Lisa A.; (Mount
Laurel, NJ) |
Assignee: |
DESTINATION MATERNITY
CORPORATION
Philadelphia
PA
|
Family ID: |
44558483 |
Appl. No.: |
12/721148 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/113 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 3/04 20130101; A41B
2400/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/113 |
International
Class: |
A41B 9/06 20060101
A41B009/06 |
Claims
1. A camisole comprising: a first fabric material; a second fabric
material disposed and attached to an interior portion of the first
fabric material; a first support member connected and extending
from an interior region of the camisole; a second support member
connected and extending from an interior region of the camisole; a
first shoulder strap having a first end attached to a first portion
of the first fabric material, the first should strap having a
second end attached to a second portion of the first fabric
material and the first support member; a second shoulder strap
having a first end attached to a third portion of first fabric
material, the second shoulder strap having a second end attached to
a fourth portion of the first fabric material and the second
support member;
2. The camisole of claim 1, wherein the second fabric material is
different from the first fabric material.
3. The camisole of claim 1, wherein the second fabric material is
more elastic than the first fabric material.
4. The nursing bra of claim 1, wherein the attachment of the first
end of the first shoulder strap to the first portion of the first
fabric material is permanent.
5. The nursing bra of claim 1, wherein the attachment of the first
end of the second shoulder strap to the third portion of the first
fabric material is permanent.
6. The nursing bra of claim 1, wherein the attachment of the second
end of the first shoulder strap to the second portion of the first
fabric material and the first support member is releasably
connected.
7. The nursing bra of claim 1, wherein the attachment of the second
end of the second shoulder strap to the fourth portion of the first
fabric material and the second support member is releasably
connected.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the clothing
arts, and more specifically to a nursing camisole with detachable
front straps to facilitate nursing.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] In general, a camisole or cami is a loose-fitting sleeveless
woman's undergarment which covers the top part of the body but is
shorter than a chemise. A camisole normally extends to the waist
but is sometimes cropped to expose the midriff, or extended to
cover the entire pelvic region. Camisoles may be manufactured from
light materials, commonly cotton-based, occasionally satin or silk,
or stretch fabrics such as lycra, nylon, or spandex. A camisole
typically has thin "spaghetti straps" and can be worn over a
brassiere or without one. Some camisoles have come with a built-in
underwire bra or other support which eliminates the need for a bra
among those who prefer one and have been known to be used as
outerwear.
[0005] A variety of sleeveless body shaping undergarments has been
derived from the camisole shape, offering medium control of the
bust, waist and/or abdomen. Such control camisoles are the most
casual of shaping garments, covering the torso from above the chest
to at or below the waist. They look similar to tight-fitting cotton
or silk camisoles, but the straps are usually wider, the hems
longer, and the stretch fabric provides a smoothing touch.
[0006] Traditional camisoles, however, fail to meet the specific
needs of nursing mothers, whose milk-filled breasts may be heavier
and difficult to manipulate for breastfeeding. There lacks a
selection of camisoles capable of providing comfortable
breastfeeding without removal of the camisole. This presents a
problem for many women who choose to nurse in public, and desire to
maintain a certain degree of modesty. In addition, some nursing
mothers may be concerned about their postpartum bodies in which a
loose stomach, side, and/or back area may typically be associated
due to difficulties in losing weight gained after birth, or loss of
muscle tone after pregnancy and/or a Caesarian section. The stomach
area may also be particularly sensitive to touch and any materials
contacting their abdomen region after a recent child-birth event.
Due to these constraints, women would often wear basic camisoles
over a nursing bra, and under another top when nursing in public.
Because there is no nursing function in basic camisoles, it was
difficult for women to perform nursing functions. For example, a
woman would have to lift the camisole to gain access to the nursing
bra, exposing her midsection. Alternatively, women would wear a
shaping undergarment over their nursing bras, and under their tops.
However, a traditional shapewear camisole would be too tight in the
midsection to lift up in order to gain access to the nursing
bra.
[0007] Thus, despite advances in body shaping undergarments, many
camisoles still do not offer the full flexibility, style, and
comfort of traditional, non-nursing, camisoles, due to the advanced
needs of nursing mothers. Nursing mothers are often limited to a
small selection of full-coverage post-partum clothing worn, for
example, in conjunction with the camisole. Thus, nursing mothers
are unable to express themselves by wearing stylish clothing of the
woman's choice with conventional and comfortable nursing means.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Thus, there is a need in the art for a camisole for nursing
mothers that provides modesty, as well as a degree of body
contouring and support capability. The present invention,
therefore, provides a camisole with nursing bra functionality,
further possessing a control feature for providing body shaping of
the waist, abdomen, sides and lower back region. Accordingly,
several objects and advantages of the present invention include:
(a) providing a camisole having fashionability, body shaping, and
contouring, in a single garment, (b) providing one-handed fastening
and unfastening of the breast covering area for easy and discreet
nursing, (c) providing variable adjustment of the shoulder straps
and back band to accommodate the natural changes in a post-partum
mother's body.
[0009] Still other aspects, features and advantages of the present
invention are readily apparent from the following detailed
description, simply by illustrating a number of exemplary
embodiments and implementations, including the best mode
contemplated for carrying out the present invention. The present
invention also is capable of other and different embodiments, and
its several details can be modified in various respects, all
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will be understood more fully from the
detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings
of various embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not
be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but
are for explanation and understanding only.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a
nursing camisole;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a
nursing camisole;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a second configuration
of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a third configuration
of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
and
[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the embodiment shown at
the section along lines 8-8 in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] A nursing camisole with body contouring control is
described. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments. It
is apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the present
invention can be practiced without these specific details or with
an equivalent arrangement.
[0020] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various views of the nursing
camisole in a variety of configurations, according to an embodiment
of the present invention. The nursing camisole or cami 10 may be
configured as a loose-fitting sleeveless woman's undergarment which
covers the top part of the body but is generally shorter than a
chemise. In one embodiment, the nursing camisole 10 may be
manufactured from light materials, such as one having a cotton-base
material, satin, silk, polyester, foam, microfiber, or stretch
fabrics such as elastics, Lycra.TM., nylon, or spandex, or other
suitable clothing material, including cut-and-sew or seamless knit
fabric. The nursing camisole 10 may be any color or pattern, to
accommodate personal preferences, style, and other factors.
[0021] The nursing camisole 10 may include dual shoulder straps 12,
14. Shoulder straps 12, 14 may be of any width, but are preferably
of sufficient width to support the camisole 10. Shoulder straps 12,
14 may be made of one or more of any suitable materials, including,
for example, knit fabric, cotton, silk, polyester, foam, elastic,
microfiber, satin, Lycra.TM., nylon, spandex, lace, rubber, or
plastic. Shoulder straps 12, 14 may be any color or pattern to
accommodate personal preferences, style, and other factors.
[0022] Dual shoulder straps 12, 14 may be detachably connected to a
top region 20 of the outer fabric layer 11 of the nursing camisole
10. Fasteners 28, 30 may be provided, for example, at attachment
locations 48, 50 on the top region 20 of the outer fabric layer 11
to connect the dual shoulder straps 12, 14 to the top region 20.
Fasteners 28, 30 may be of any type, including clasp elements,
clamp elements, or any other suitable strap fastener. Preferably,
fasteners 28, 30 are of a type that can be unhooked with one hand
or otherwise with minimal effort so as to facilitate the easy
release of the top region 20 to be folded down thereby creating
inner support member 44 (FIG. 4) for breastfeeding.
[0023] Shoulder straps 12, 14 may include strap adjustor elements
32 and 34, respectively, for adjusting the length of shoulder
straps 12 and 14 for fit and comfort. Strap adjustor elements 32
and 34 function by overlapping the shoulder strap onto itself in
order to lengthen and shorten the strap. Strap adjustor elements 32
and 34 may be composed of plastic, metal, or any other suitable
material.
[0024] Turning to FIG. 2, shoulder straps 12, 14 may be configured
to attach to the rear 26 of the nursing camisole 10 to establish a
permanent connection. In the described embodiment, connection
elements 56, 58, shown as D-rings, are provided to attach the
shoulder straps 12, 14 at one end to portions of the rear 26 of the
nursing camisole 10. The connection elements 56, 58 may be composed
of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. In addition,
other suitable connection element types may be provided to secure a
connection between the shoulder straps 12, 14 at one to the rear 26
of the nursing camisole 10. Alternatively, the shoulder straps 12,
14 may be sewn directly to the rear 26 of the nursing camisole
10.
[0025] An embodiment of the described nursing camisole 10 not only
comprises an outer fabric layer 11, but also includes an inner
fabric layer 46. The inner fabric layer 46 generally extends along
the interior of the outer fabric layer 11, below the bust line 18,
and down to the bottom of the nursing camisole 10. In a preferred
embodiment, the inner fabric layer 46 also traverses along the
interior of the outer fabric layer 11 along and across the lower
side regions 22, 24 and the lower back portion 36 (FIG. 2) of the
nursing camisole 10. The inner fabric layer 46 may be connected to
and extend from, at least, an interior of the outer fabric layer 11
generally along the bust line 18 (FIGS. 1 and 2). In another
embodiment, the inner fabric layer 46 may also be connected, for
example, to seams 52, 54 running along the lower side regions 22,
24 of the interior of the outer fabric layer. Thus, in a final
configuration, the lower half of the nursing camisole 10 encircling
the tummy, sides and lower back region is lined with the inner
fabric layer 46 interior to the outer fabric layer 11 to create
dual fabric layers in the aforementioned regions.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the inner fabric layer 46 is a
second layer of fabric and may be different from the outer fabric
layer 11. The inner fabric layer 46 is selected from materials
capable of creating a smoothing effect, e.g., such as a nylon,
mesh, and/or spandex material, that smoothes and cinches the tummy
area, sides, and lower back, making those areas appear firmer and
tighter. Such materials may be comprised of stretch fabric capable
of body shaping and contouring. In addition, the material of the
inner fabric layer 46 may also serve to provide additional comfort
such as by absorbing perspiration of the user, and/or by providing
support to the midsection as a wearer regains muscle tone after
birth and/or a Caesarian section.
[0027] Turning to FIG. 4, an embodiment of fastener 30 has been
undone and is represented by a hook 38 and latch 40 device. Top
region 20 is folded down, thereby, creating inner support member 44
for breastfeeding. Shoulder strap 14 is also connected to nursing
sling 42 represented as a strap. Nursing sling 42 is connected
interior to the top region 20 (see also FIG. 8) of nursing camisole
10. In one embodiment the nursing sling 42 is attached generally at
the bust line 18. Nursing sling 42 may function, for example, to
prevent shoulder strap 14 from being disconnected from the wearer's
shoulder when unclipped for nursing.
[0028] Fastener 28 operates in a similar fashion as fastener 30.
Turning to FIG. 5, an embodiment of fastener 28 has been undone and
is represented by a hook 39 and latch 41 device. Top region 20 is
folded down, thereby, creating inner support member 45 for
breastfeeding. Shoulder strap 12 is supported in a similar manner
as shoulder strap 14. A second nursing sling 43 (represented as a
strap) is provided and connected at one end to the interior of the
top region 20 of nursing camisole 10. Shoulder strap 12 is also
connected to another end of the nursing sling 43. Nursing sling 43
is connected interior to the top region 20 of nursing camisole 10.
In one embodiment the inner support member 43 is attached generally
at the bust line 18. Thus, the nursing camisole 10 is always fully
supported by the user's shoulders via shoulder straps 12, 14 when
the either one or both of the fasteners 28, 30 are undone. This
configuration allows for a nursing mother to maintain covering for
style, modesty, propriety, and other purposes.
[0029] Moreover, other implementations of the invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the
specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein.
Various aspects and/or components of the described embodiments may
be used singly or in any combination. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *