U.S. patent application number 13/506336 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-17 for nursing garment, nursing jacket or top.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rebecca L. Bramblet. Invention is credited to Rebecca L. Bramblet.
Application Number | 20130269082 13/506336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49323720 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130269082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bramblet; Rebecca L. |
October 17, 2013 |
Nursing garment, nursing jacket or top
Abstract
A nursing garment is formed as a nursing jacket or top that
provides privacy to a nursing mother and entirely receives and
covers a nursing baby. The nursing garment comprises a front panel,
back panel, waist panel, and side portions. At least one elongated
side placket is integrated within at least one of the side
portions. The elongated side plackets extend substantially along an
entire length of each side portion. At least one elongated slit is
integrated within at least one of the elongated side plackets.
Preferably, an elongated slit extends substantially along
substantially the entire length of each side placket. The elongated
slits are of a size so that an infant can pass completely through
the slit and be entirely housed within the garment. Side plackets
are of a depth sufficient to provide coverage to the infant and the
mother, so that nursing is not visible.
Inventors: |
Bramblet; Rebecca L.; (Fort
Mill, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bramblet; Rebecca L. |
Fort Mill |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49323720 |
Appl. No.: |
13/506336 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 1/215 20180101;
A41D 3/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/104 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/20 20060101
A41D001/20 |
Claims
1. A nursing garment appointed to be worn by a breastfeeding female
comprising: a. a front panel, back panel, waist panel, and side
portions; b. at least one elongated side placket integrated within
at least one of said side portions; c. each elongated side placket
extending along substantially an entire length of each of said side
portions; d. at least one elongated slit integrated within at least
one of said elongated side plackets; and e. each elongated slit
extending along substantially an entire length of each of said side
plackets.
2. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1, wherein said elongated
side plackets are substantially 3/4 length sleeves terminating at a
sleeve cuff, and wherein said elongated slits extend from a sleeve
cuff to said waist panel.
3. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1, wherein said elongated
side plackets terminate at sleeve cuffs, and wherein said elongated
slits extend from a sleeve cuff to said waist panel.
4. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1, wherein said elongated
slits extend from said waist panel substantially up to and
terminating at a shoulder region/top of said elongated side
plackets.
5. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1, wherein said elongated
slits have a length ranging between about 2 inches to about 12
inches, said slits extending downward from said elongated side
plackets and terminating substantially at said waist panel so that
said slits are adapted to receive an infant there through.
6. A nursing garment as recited by claim 5, wherein said elongated
slits have a length ranging between about 3 inches to about 6
inches, said elongated slits extending downward from said elongated
side plackets and terminating at a point above said waist panel so
that said slits are adapted to receive an infant there through.
7. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1, wherein said elongated
slits include a rim having a closure mechanism integrated therein
for opening and closing said elongated slits.
8. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1, wherein said elongated
side plackets have extra material extending from said elongated
slits toward said front panel forming a material depth ranging from
about 0.1 to 6 inches.
9. A nursing garment as recited by claim 8, wherein said material
depth ranges from about 0.2 to about 1.5 inches.
10. A nursing garment as recited by claim 8, wherein said material
depth ranges from about 0.5 to about 0.75 inches.
11. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1, wherein said back
panel includes a hood portion.
12. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1 comprising a collar
portion.
13. A nursing garment as recited by claim 12, wherein said collar
portion is removable.
14. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1, wherein said front
panel is divided into two sections separated by a front opening,
and wherein said front opening comprises a closing or securing
mechanism.
15. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1 comprising an inner
lining.
16. A nursing garment as recited by claim 15, wherein said inner
lining is removable.
17. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1, wherein at least one
elongated side placket is integrated within each of said side
portions.
18. A nursing garment as recited by claim 1, wherein at least one
elongated slit is integrated within each of said elongated side
plackets.
19. A method of manufacturing a nursing garment appointed to be
worn by a breastfeeding female, the method comprising the steps of:
a. forming said nursing garment having a front panel, back panel,
waist panel, and side portions; b. forming at least one elongated
side placket integrated within at least one of said side portions;
c. extending said elongated side plackets substantially along an
entire length of each of said side portions; d. forming at least
one elongated slit integrated within at least one of said elongated
side plackets; and e. said elongated slits extending substantially
along an entire length of each of said side plackets.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to nursing garments; and, more
particularly, to a nursing jacket, hooded jacket or top tailored to
provide privacy to a nursing mother.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Nursing during gatherings or in public can be challenging
for mothers. Discretion is often difficult and some type of nursing
cover or blanket must be used. Nursing mothers experience such
problems as the infant pulling the cover away and exposing the
breast, causing the mother to become stressed and/or
embarrassed.
[0005] Another problem is that many cover-ups are bulky and
unattractive, leaving a mother feeling frumpy and large. Further,
current cover-ups lack style and versatility. Many covers pull over
the head or fasten in the back of the neck, while others require
the assistance of others in securing the cover over the mother
because her hands are not free. It additionally draws attention to
the nursing mother rather than allowing her to feel secure in her
social environment. A major concern of mothers with nursing in
social environments is one, not being isolated and away from social
situations while nursing and two, not attracting attention to
themselves. It is important for a nursing mother to be able to
quietly quiet the baby without drawing attention to nursing and
thus freeing others to feel comfortable with a nursing mother
around. Putting on a bib-like cover oftentimes requires help,
distracts, draws attention, takes away the platform of perhaps a
speaker, pastor, or the like, and focuses attention away from where
it needs to be. This is socially awkward and stressful for everyone
in the room, not just the nursing mother. Yet another problem with
nursing cover-ups is that they have to be worn, which can pose
style issues; but if they are not worn they must be packed in a
diaper bag.
[0006] Conventional nursing cover-ups are bulky and unattractive.
In many cases, nursing cover-ups simply involve a throw type
article that essentially covers the mother from neck to waist/thigh
and encases the baby. One common problem encountered with these
types of cover-ups is that they are bulky and must be carried along
when traveling or otherwise away from the home. Further, use of the
bulky throw type cover-up generally leaves the mother feeling
frumpy and large. Problems with these throw type coverings are
exacerbated by their inability to mask the nursing function. It is
frequently quite apparent that a mother is hiding a nursing baby
under the throw.
[0007] Another conventional nursing cover-up article involves
clothing, typically a shirt or dress, that includes a hole near the
breast area covered with a flip away panel. Typical construction
involves holes in the breast region on the front area of the shirt
or dress with the discrete panels over the holes. One problem
associated with these types of coverings is that the wearer must be
very careful to ensure that the discrete panels do not
inadvertently open and expose the breast area. This can become a
problem if the woman rubs against a friction surface or if the baby
pulls on the panels while carrying the infant. Another problem
associated with these types of constructs is that the panels are
discrete in nature so that they are relatively small. The panels do
not provide much, if any, coverage for the woman while the baby is
nursing. Further, the baby is not actually capable of being covered
by the panel. As a result, onlookers may be able to see the baby
feeding. Still further, with such panel designs, the baby is
oftentimes exposed to the environment, which may contain drafts or
be uncomfortably cold.
[0008] Other nursing cover constructs are provided as poncho or bib
constructs that generally fit around the woman's neck and or
shoulders and simply drape over her body; generally these
constructs do not have sleeves or body shaping characteristics. As
a result, many women find wearing these types of articles to be
rather unflattering as they are bulky in nature. Poncho and bib
type nursing covers do not have separate arm holes--but are merely
unilateral portions that slip over the head of the mother. In
operation, the baby is slipped under the bottom of the poncho or
bib and covered by the poncho/bib. These types of constructs
encounter similar problems, as the poncho is oversized and often is
not considered entirely flattering to one's figure. Further, the
bib constructs are generally tied behind the mother's neck, and
thus must be separately carried when not in use. Tying a bib on,
for a grown woman, is not generally considered appealing,
especially in a public setting.
[0009] There exists a need in the art for a nursing garment formed
as a nursing jacket or hooded jacket, or top, which provides
privacy to a nursing mother while imparting fashion style and
comfort. In addition, there exists a need in the art for a nursing
garment which, owing to its stylish, fashionable features, can be
worn as part of a nursing mother's daily wardrobe even after
nursing ceases. Further still, there is a need in the art for a
nursing garment that is constructed in a manner that provides the
ability to slip a baby into the jacket or top in a discrete manner
without exposing the mother or infant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a nursing cover garment
formed as a nursing jacket or hooded jacket to provide privacy to a
nursing mother while imparting fashion style and comfort. The
nursing garment is generally constructed having a front panel, back
panel, and waist panel, wherein the front panel and back panel
include side portions forming elongated side plackets with
elongated slits. These elongated side plackets are generally
similar to 3/4 length sleeves, but instead of forming around the
arms, they are open via an elongated slit sown or attached to the
waist panel at the hip of the wearer. In other embodiments, there
is included a hood or other type of head and/neck covering, and a
front opening with a securing mechanism (i.e. zipper, or the
like).
[0011] The subject nursing cover/jacket can be worn in a stylish
manner while providing a discrete cover for a mother during nursing
and even after nursing ceases. The nursing cover/jacket provides
the ability for a mother to effortlessly breast feed in a discrete
manner while providing a hip, stylish and comfortable jacket.
[0012] The nursing garment comprises a front panel, back panel,
waist panel, and side portions. At least one elongated side placket
is integrated within at least one of the side portions, preferably
in both. The elongated side plackets extend substantially along an
entire length of each side portion. At least one elongated slit is
integrated within at least one of the elongated side plackets,
preferably in both. The elongated slits extend substantially along
an entire length of each side placket. The elongated slits are of a
size so that an infant can pass completely through the slit and be
entirely housed within the garment. Side plackets have a depth
sufficient to provide coverage to the infant and the mother, so
that nursing is not visible, and additionally provide adequate
ventilation for the baby.
[0013] Also provided is a method of manufacturing a nursing
garment. The method includes the steps of (i) forming a nursing
garment having a front panel, back panel, waist panel, and side
portions; (ii) forming at least one elongated side placket
integrated within at least one of the side portions; (iii)
extending the elongated side plackets substantially along an entire
length of each of the side portions; (iv) forming at least one
elongated slit integrated within at least one of the elongated side
plackets; and (v) the elongated slits extending substantially along
an entire length of each of the side plackets.
[0014] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same
elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention will be more fully understood and further
advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a front top plane view of the subject
nursing jacket;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a back plane view;
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view;
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view with the subject nursing
jacket being worn and a side shown in the open configuration;
and
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the subject nursing jacket
being worn with an infant placed inside the jacket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] A novel nursing jacket/or top is provided by the subject
invention. Few attractive nursing garments are provided for nursing
mothers. Particular deficiencies exist where outerwear is
concerned.
[0022] While various shirts or blouses are provided, the vast
majority simply include a shirt like construct with peel back
material in the breast region to expose the breast to the infant.
Unfortunately, the exposure is not limited to the infant, but to
the public as well. Little coverage is provided at the
breast--infant mouth/head interface and as a result, not only is it
obvious that the mother is breast feeding, but exposure of the
breast may result, especially when the infant is being pulled away
from the breast. Further, these types of garments, which generally
include a flip back panel of some sort right over the breast, can
cause unwanted exposure if the panel accidently opens on the mother
or if the infant inadvertently opens the panel on the mother. Not
only is exposure an issue, but these current nursing garment shirt
type constructs fail to entirely cover the infant so the infant may
become cold and uncomfortable. The infant remains on the outside or
exterior of the shirt. As a result, on-lookers can readily
recognize that the infant is nursing. The exposure issue thereby
presented can be uncomfortable for the mother as well as the
on-lookers themselves. Optimal bonding is achieved when the infant
is in close contact with the mother.
[0023] While shirt type nursing garments have their drawbacks,
poncho and bib type coverings hold their own drawbacks. Many of
these types of coverings are large and flowing. At times, for some
mothers, wearing such large flowing garments or ponchos can make
the mother appear and/or feel larger than she is. Many poncho and
bib type covers lack style and fashion appeal all together.
Further, although the infant is slipped under the poncho or bib no
waist band is provided so the infant remains exposed to drafts from
under the garment. Even still, as the poncho and/or bib typically
do not include any type of side or waist closure, the infant can
readily kick the garment away. Moreover, such poncho and/or bib
arrangements permit the wind to blow the garment upward, exposing
the infant and baby to the public.
[0024] Unlike conventional nursing covers and/or garments, the
subject nursing cover and method provides a nursing cover and
method of using same whereby the cover can be worn in a stylish
manner while providing discrete coverage for a mother during
nursing. The present invention provides a nursing cover formed as a
nursing jacket or hooded jacket to provide privacy to a nursing
mother while imparting fashion, style and comfort. The nursing
cover is generally comprises a front panel, back panel, and waist
panel wherein the front panel and back panel include side portions
forming elongated side plackets with elongated slits. These
elongated side plackets are generally similar to 3/4 length sleeves
(i.e. sleeves that come to a wearer's elbows), but instead of
forming around the arms, they are open via an elongated slit sown
or attached to waist panel at the hip of the wearer. Other
embodiments concern inclusion of a hood or other type of head
and/neck covering, and a front opening with a securing mechanism
(i.e. zipper, or the like). The subject nursing cover/jacket can be
worn in a stylish manner while providing a discrete cover for a
mother during nursing. The nursing cover/jacket provides the
ability for a mother to effortlessly breast feed in a discrete
manner while providing a hip, stylish, and comfortable jacket.
[0025] In operation, a mother wears whatever shirt she wants to
wear under the subject nursing garment, including nursing
shirts/blouses or dresses, or even regular non-nursing
shirts/blouses or dresses. When it is time to nurse the baby, she
just slips the baby in through the elongated slits or pulls the
nursing cover over the baby. The baby essentially disappears within
the nursing cover without drawing attention of onlookers. Specific
advantages of the subject nursing cover include, inter alia, side
elongated slits that allow manipulation for placement of an infant
there through that allow the baby to be placed inside the cover and
allow the mother to readily switch sides for feeding. The elongated
side plackets provide a depth of .about.3/4 inches that function to
provide coverage of the elongated slit when the cover is being worn
and when an infant is nursing, thus preventing visibility of the
breast, infant, and or chest of the mother.
[0026] Advantageously, the nursing cover is uniquely constructed to
provide an attractive nursing garment that covers a mother while
discretely nursing a baby. It imparts style and comfort, and
protects the baby from exposure to inclement weather.
[0027] Illustrations of an embodiment of the nursing garment are
shown in FIGS. 1-5. Specifically: FIG. 1 illustrates a front top
plane view; FIG. 2 illustrates a back plane view; FIG. 3
illustrates a cross-sectional side view; FIG. 4 illustrates a side
view with the nursing garment being worn and a side shown in the
open configuration; FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the nursing
garment being worn with an infant placed inside the jacket.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the nursing garment, shown generally
at 10, has a front panel 11, back panel 12, and waist panel 13.
Front panel 11 and back panel 12 converge at shoulder region 14.
Front panel 11 and back panel 12 include side portions 11a, 12a and
11b, 12b running parallel forming elongated side plackets 15a, 15b
preferably on each side of the nursing garment 10 with elongated
slits 15a', 15b'. These elongated side plackets 15a, 15b are
generally similar to 3/4 length sleeves, but instead of forming
around the arms, they are open via elongated slit 15a', 15b' sown
or attached to waist panel 13 at the hip of the wearer. In visual
appearance, the elongated side plackets 15a, 15b appear as bat
wings. Alternatively, the nursing garment includes a hood 16. Front
panel 11 also preferably includes a front opening 17 splitting
front panel 11 generally into two parallel minor panels 11' and
11''. Securing mechanism 18 is preferably integrated within front
opening 17 for mating closure of the two parallel minor panels 11'
and 11'' of front panel 11 in order to close the nursing garment on
a wearer. Preferably securing mechanism 18 is a zipper. Mechanism
18 may be a number of securing mechanisms, including hook and loop
fasters (VELCRO.RTM.), snaps, clasps, or other known fastening
mechanisms utilized in clothing or jacket/coat articles.
[0029] Preferably, both elongated side plackets 15a and 15b are
provided with the elongated slits 15a', 15b'. Elongated slit 15a',
15b' preferably each run from the waist panel 13 at point 18
substantially up to and terminating at shoulder region 14. In this
manner, the elongated slit 15a', 15b' and elongated side plackets
15a, 15b can be opened very wide (as shown in FIG. 4) for easily
slipping an infant within the nursing garment 10 for nursing (as
shown in FIG. 5). Broad maneuverability of the elongated slit 15a',
15b' allows for significant manipulation for placement of the
infant under the front panel 11, while at the same time the
elongated side plackets 15a, 15b allow for extra material of a
depth x (see FIG. 1) to provide coverage and privacy so as to
mitigate unwanted openings in the slit. This depth x may range from
0.1-6 inches. Preferably, the depth x ranges from 0.2-1.5 inches.
Most preferably, the depth x ranges from 0.5-0.75 inches.
[0030] Note that although in the figure the elongated slits 15a',
15b' extend from the waist panel 13 all the way to the top of or
entirely along the elongated side plackets 15a, 15b, alternatively,
the elongated slits 15a' 15b' have a length ranging between about 2
inches to about 12 inches extending downward from the elongated
side plackets terminating at the waist panel 13 so that the slits
are adapted to receive an infant there through (as generally shown
in the figure). In this manner, the slits 15a', 15b' provide
maximum opening capability and access for insertion of the infant.
Alternatively, elongated slits 15a', 15b' may have a length ranging
between about 3 inches to about 6 inches extending downward from
the elongated side plackets 15a, 15b terminating at a point above
the waist panel 13 so that the slits are adapted to receive an
infant there through.
[0031] The elongated slits 15a', 15b' include rim 30 that may
further include a closure mechanism integrated therein for securely
opening and closing said elongated slits. The closure mechanism may
be mating hook and loop fasteners, such as that sold under the
trade name VELCRO, on each rim 30; or may include snaps or the
like. Alternatively, rim 30 may include a channel therein housing a
drawstring having the two ends exposed at the waist panel 13 of the
garment so that after the baby is inserted through the slit, the
drawstring may simply be pulled and the slit closed; in turn, the
rims are merely pulled open to re gape the draw string and open the
slits 15a', 15b' (i.e. a drawstring as used in a hood construct is
contemplated).
[0032] In operation, a mother wears whatever shirt she wants to
wear under her cover. When it is time to nurse the baby, she just
slips the baby in through the elongated slits or pulls the cover
over the baby. The baby essentially disappears within the jacket
without drawing attention of onlookers. Because the slits 15a',
15b' are located on the side of the garment--as opposed to the
front or bottom of the garment--the infant is capable of being
pulled inside the garment and completely covered, and the waist
panel 13/band (preferably an elastic band) sits securely on the
mother's waist or hips so that the garment cannot be blown or
pulled open in the front and expose the mother and infant. The
combination side insertion of the infant through the slits 15a',
15b' and the waist panel 13 provide extra warmth and comfort to the
infant as there are no drafts from under the infant as the waist
band prevents air flow upward. While at the same time, the slits
15a', 15b' being located on the sides of the garment with extra
material via the plackets provides extra warmth to the infant and
prevents drafts from entering from the front and sides of the
garment.
[0033] Specific advantageous of the subject nursing garment
include: (i) allows a mother to wear the nursing garment as a
discrete article of clothing that does not connote nursing wear;
(ii) elongated slits on the side of the nursing garment allow
manipulation for placement of an infant through the slits into the
nursing garment; (iii) due to the elongated slits, the mother can
readily switch sides for feeding because her hands are free to turn
the baby around owing to the open sleeves/elongated slits; (iv)
elongated side plackets that provide a depth of .about.3/4 inches
that function to provide coverage of the elongated slit when the
nursing garment is being worn and when an infant is nursing, thus
preventing visibility of the breast, infant, and or chest of the
mother; (v) front opening allows the mother to look down at the
baby while the infant is nursing to position the infant and engage
with the infant; and (vi) the infant cannot pull the jacket away,
so advantageously the mother does not have to be concerned with
being exposed by the infant.
[0034] The nursing garment can be composed of a plethora of
materials and include a plethora of designs and colors. The nursing
garment can be constructed of different sizes, small, medium,
large, extra large, or as a one-size-fits-all sizing. Note that the
hood is optional. However, advantages of the hood include keeping
hair dry during inclement weather and keeping the nursing infant
warm. Few moms have any free arms to carry an umbrella or hat, so
the hood serves the purpose of protection against rain water and
cold air. The hood is optional. Instead of a hood, or in
conjunction therewith, the nursing garment may include a collar
composed of fur, corduroy materials, silk, linen, knitted fabric
and the like. Also, the nursing garment may include a lining, which
may be fixedly attached or removable. These and other modifications
may be contemplated without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0035] Having described the preferred embodiments of the present
invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to those precise
embodiments, but that various changes, modifications, and
adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as
defined by the subjoined claims.
* * * * *