FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to clothing and bras. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for breast feeding clothing and nursing bras. Reference to nursing bras in the specification is by way of example and the invention is not limited to this example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Breast feeding clothing provides a degree of privacy and discretion to women when they are nursing their baby. Breast feeding clothing often does not provide adequate breast support (especially for the larger breasted woman) and therefore many women need to use a nursing bra underneath the breast feeding clothing in order to provide support and comfort. Breast feeding clothing including nursing bras are often cumbersome to use requiring releasing fasteners and adjusting straps in order to provide the baby with access to the mother's breast. Consequently, there is often a delay in undressing and providing the baby with access to the breast. This delay and cumbersome action causes frustration to both mother and baby and the resultant commotion can attract unwanted attention.

Because many women need to wear a bra to provide adequate breast support and comfort, the straps of a bra would be visible underneath the clothing thereby negatively affecting the aesthetic appeal of the garment. This is particularly relevant when wearing sleeveless clothing with narrow straps. This therefore limits the wearer's choice of fashion styles.

Most breast feeding clothing and nursing bras are not aesthetically pleasing, supportive and comfortable. Breast feeding clothing is designed with functional intent for the sole purpose to enable a mother to breast feed her child in a public area. Because breast feeding clothing including nursing bras are not fashionable or attractive, their use is often discontinued after the mother stops breast feeding the baby. A mother is reluctant to spend a lot of money on breast feeding clothing because they are functionally designed and are generally unattractive. As well the demand for breast feeding clothing is for a short duration while the mother is nursing. Consequently, there is a limited range both in choice and sizes of garments for the nursing mother. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternate bra and top assembly for breast feeding mothers that is simple to use and overcomes at least in part one or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention was developed from the need to develop a bra and top assembly for a breast feeding woman that was simple and relatively quick to use while providing comfort and support and having aesthetic appeal. Based on these criterion, a bra and top assembly was developed through trial and experimentation that operatively associated a fashionable top with a supporting bra that allowed the tops to be interchangeable using the same bra and bras to be interchangeable using the same top. In developing the interchangeability, a reduced number of nursing bras were needed as different fashion tops could be associated with each one.

In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bra and top assembly, including

a bra;

a top with one or more shoulder straps wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps is discontinuous to a front chest portion of the top, each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion; a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.

Preferably different tops can be used with the same bra or a single top can be used with different bras.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bra and top assembly, including

a bra; a top with one or more shoulder straps, wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion;

a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.

Preferably different tops can be used with the same bra or a single top can be used with different bras.

Preferably the shoulder straps are fixedly attached to a front chest portion of the top. For example, the shoulder straps are sewn onto or into the front chest portion of the top.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bra and top assembly for a breast feeding woman, including

a breast feeding bra having a two part clasp that allows a bra cup portion to detach at or adjacent the bra strap attachment;

a top with one or more shoulder straps wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps is discontinuous to a front chest portion of the top, each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion; a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra cup portion to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.

Preferably different tops can be used with the same bra or a single top can be used with different bras.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bra and top assembly for a breast feeding woman, including

a breast feeding bra having a two part clasp that allows a bra cup portion to detach at or adjacent the bra strap attachment; a top with one or more shoulder straps wherein each of the one or more shoulder straps has a loop on the underside of the strap, the front chest portion has one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion;

a connector to attach the underside loop of each of the one or more shoulder straps to one of the one or more loops adjacent the top peripheral edge of the front chest portion to form a separate top and bra configuration; or said connector to attach each of the one or more shoulder straps to a bra strap and a two part fastener to attach the bra cup portion to the front chest portion to form a connected top and bra.

Preferably different tops can be used with the same bra or a single top can be used with different bras.

Preferably the shoulder straps are fixedly attached to a front chest portion of the top. For example, the shoulder straps are sewn onto or into the front chest portion of the top.

The feature of using different tops with different bras provides interchangeability that has a number of advantages including saving money with the need to purchase less garments, purchasing quality garments such as proper fitting bras as they will be worn regularly and extending the usage of the garments beyond limited events such as the breast feeding period.

The clasp of the breast feeding bra can be a standard two part interconnecting clasp. Alternatively, the clasp can be a two part interconnecting clasp that has a hook part with an additional attachment portion. The additional attachment portion is preferably an arm that extends from one end of the hook part to form a narrow recess between the extended arm and remainder of the hook part.

The two part fastener can be any fastener arrangement including hook and eye fastener such as Velcro, a button or toggle on the bra cup and a corresponding slit in the top, two-part press stud arrangement, and a loop or hook fixed to the underside adjacent the top peripheral portion and that can be attached to the bra cup or bra strap. The two part fastener is preferably a complementary press stud that allows the top to move relative to the bra so that the top may fall naturally and the fabric will not appear bunched or wrinkled.

The connector is preferably a device with one or more hooks or retaining portions. The hooks or retaining portions are preferably attached to the loops on the underside of the garment strap and the loop adjacent to the periphery of the top of the chest portion. Alternately the connector can be a two part complementary press stud or a hook and eye loop arrangement such as Velcro, a button or toggle and a corresponding slit, or a hook and loop arrangement. Different types of bras can be used with the top. Where the bra does not have an additional attachment point, the connector associated with the strap portion can be used to attach to the bra at the point of the bra strap fastener.

In one preferred form, the top can be associated with the bra at two points to provide a greater security. In a preferred form, the top can be attached to the bra cup by the two part fastener such as the complementary two part press studs and allow the ring part of the two part interconnecting clasp attached to the bra cup to pass through a loop formed in the top and underside of the front chest portion before reconnecting with the complementary hook part of the clasp.

The term top includes any type of garment with straps worn on the upper body including camisole tops, singlets and tank tops, sleeveless t-shirts, blouses, dresses and swimwear (including 1 -piece and 2-piece swimwear).

There is also an option of having a cover being a substantially domed shaped piece of fabric with a plurality of tabs on the sides and a second ring part of a clasp at the top of the dome section of the dome shaped fabric. In use the ring part interconnects to form the bra clasp and the side tabs are tucked around the bra to hold the cover in position. The cover serves as a modesty garment and provides additional privacy and discretion for the mother.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a cover for a bra, the cover being a substantially domed shaped piece of fabric with a plurality of tabs on the sides and connection means at the top of the dome section of the dome shaped fabric wherein in use the connection means connects to the bra and the side tabs are tucked underneath a portion of the bra to hold the cover in position.

The cover preferably serves as a modesty garment and provides additional privacy and discretion for the mother.

The connection means is preferably a part of a two part fastener. More preferably the connection means is a second ring part of a clasp. Preferably in use, the second ring part interconnects with a first part of a bra clasp of the bra. Preferably the first part of the bra clasp is a hook part. In another embodiment, the connection means is a hook. Preferably the hook is operatively attachable to a bra strap of the bra. In another embodiment the connection means is a loop. Preferably in use the loop connects with a bra clasp of the bra. Preferably the loop is a tab of fabric having an aperture.

Preferably the cover includes adjustment means to allow adjustment of the length of the cover. Preferably the cover includes one or more press stud portions that allow adjustment of the length of the cover. Alternatively, the cover may have a draw string arrangement that is adapted to adjust the length of the cover.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bra and top assembly as described in this specification, further including a cover as described in this specification.

In another aspect, there is a two part clasp for a bra including

a ring part with an internal aperture; and

a hook part including a hook portion to engage the aperture of the ring part and for an interconnected clasp, said hook part includes an arm extended from one end to form another attachment point.

The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a ring part of a two part interlocking clasp;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of the hook part of the two part interlocking clasp;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of the two parts of the interlocking clasp;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of a bra of the first preferred embodiment; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a bra and top of the first preferred embodiment showing the lowering of part of the top;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the bra and top assembly of the first preferred embodiment showing part of the top and bra cup lowered; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of the bra and top assembly of a second preferred embodiment showing the lowering of part of the top;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of the second preferred embodiment of the bra and top assembly showing the top and bra cup lowered;

Figure 9 is a cover for use to cover the top of the breast when the bra cup and part of the top have been lowered;

Figure 9A is an alternate cover for use to cover the top of the breast when the bra cup and part of the top have been lowered;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of the top without a bra; and

Figure 1 1 is a diagrammatic view of a top without a bra according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to figures 1 to 3 there is shown a clasp 10. The clasp 10 consists of two parts. Figure 1 shows a ring part 1 1 while figure 2 shows a hook part 12. Parts 1 1 and 12 are inter-locking and together form a clasp 10. To interlock, ring part 1 1 has an aperture 14 which can be positioned over a hook portion 15 on hook part 12. The ring part 1 1 has a protruding tongue portion 16 that protrudes into aperture 14 and serves to provide frictional resistance in positioning and removing the ring part 1 1 from the hook part 12. There is an elongate aperture 18 at the opposite end to aperture 14. Elongate aperture 18 serves as an attachment point to a bra cup. The clasp 10 is used to attach one end of the bra cup 30 to the bra strap 32.

A first preferred embodiment of the breast feeding bra 29 is shown in figure 4, 5 and 6. The breast feeding bra 29 includes releasable bra cups 30, bra support portion 31 , bra straps 32 and two part hook and eye adjustment 33. The bra straps 32 are adjustable in length with strap adjusters 35. The hook and eye adjustment 33 serves to fit the bra according to the frame of the person. The bra 29 has one part of a press stud 36 on each bra cup 30 adjacent the clasp 10. The clasp 10 is similar to the standard maternity bra clasp except that it has an additional elongate arm 23.

With particular reference to figure 5, there is shown a top 40 having a chest portion 41 and a strap portion 42. The front section of the strap portion 42 is connectable to the bra strap 32 via the elongate arm 23 of the hook portion 12 of the clasp 10. The elongate arm 23 can slideably attach within an elastic loop 45 on the underside of the strap portion 42. In this way the strap portion 42 covers the bra strap 32 to provide a more discreet and aesthetically pleasing appearance. In the situation where there is no connected bra 29, the strap portion 42 can attach to the chest portion 41 via a connector 46 having a retainer portion 47 and hook portion 48. The retainer portion 47 can attach to an elongate loop 50 in an underside top section of the chest portion 41 while the hook portion 48 can be slideably attached to the elastic loop 45 on the underside of strap portion 42. A press stud portion 52 is mounted on the inside of chest portion 41 and can fasten to complementary press stud portion 36 on bra 29. When the press stud portions 36, 52 are fastened, the bra cup 30 and a top section of the chest portion 41 are lowered and raised together. There can also be a bra strap retainer 43 that secures the strap portion 42 of the top 40 to the bra strap 32 to hide the bra strap 32 from view.

With reference to figure 6, there is shown the lowering of the bra cup 30 and part of the chest portion 41 to reveal the breast 60 for nursing purposes. The bra cup 30 and the lowered section 61 of the chest portion 41 acts together because of the press stud fastening 36, 52. To further secure the bra cup 30 with lowered section 61 , the top of the bra cup 30 can insert through a slot formed by a retaining portion 63 on the inside of lowered section 61 . The bra cup 30 has the ring part 1 1 attached to the top of bra cup 30. The ring part 1 1 is fixedly attached to the bra cup 30 so that the aperture 14 is exposed and able to interlock with hook portion 15 in hook part 12 of the clasp 10.

The use of the top bra assembly as described provides a quick and relatively easy transition with one movement to provide the baby with access to the mother's breast. To provide additional privacy, a cover 70 shown in figure 9 can be placed over the top of the mother's breast using a connection means in the form of a second ring part 73 to interlock with the hook part 12 of clasp 10 and side tags 74 tucked underneath the A-frame of the bra to maintain the position of the cover 70. The cover 70 can also have one or more press stud portions 75 that will allow the wearer to adjust the length of the cover to account for different breast sizes and/or preferred length to wear it relative to the distance from the baby's face. Figure 9A shows an alternate embodiment of a cover 70 having a draw string 75B that will allow the wearer to adjust the length of the cover to account for different breast sizes and/or preferred length to wear it relative to the distance from the baby's face. Figure 9B shows a rear view of the cover 70 of Figure 9A. The cover 70 also has a loop 71 in the form of a tab of fabric 71 A having an aperture 71 B. In use, the loop 71 connects with a bra clasp of a bra (not shown), typically the loop 71 connects to a hook portion of a bra clasp.

Figures 9C and 9D show a front view and a rear view of an alternate embodiment of a cover 70. The cover 70 has a hook 76. In use, the hook 76 hooks onto a strap of a bra or top (not shown), typically, the hook 76 hooks into a fold of a bra strap (not shown).

The advantage of the press stud arrangement 36 and 52 is that it allows the chest portion 41 to move to a natural position via the swivel connection when the clasp parts are interlocked. Because of this the overlying top 40 falls naturally without wrinkles or creases in the fabric.

In figures 7 and 8, there is shown a second preferred embodiment of the invention where a standard maternity bra clasp is used rather than the redesigned clasp shown in figures 1 to 3. As mentioned earlier, the standard maternity bra clasp is similar to the clasp 10 shown in figures 1 to 3 except that it does not have the elongate arm 23 extending from one end of the hook part 12. The top 80 has a lowered portion 81 that is fastenable to the bra 82 by a two part complementary press stud arrangement 84 and 85. When the complementary press stud 84 and 85 are fastened, the bra cup 87 moves together with the lowered portion 81 to reveal the breast 89. To provide further security, retainer overlay 90 fixed on the inside of the lowered portion 81 provides a slot through which part of the bra cup 87 with the ring part 1 1 passes through to expose aperture 14 in the ring part 1 1 of the clasp. The aperture 14 can fasten to the hook portion 91 of the standard hook part 92. The strap 93 is attachable to the loop formed in the bra strap with the bra fastener adjacent the hook part 92 using a connector 46 or a standard slide hook that employs the elongate arm to slideably insert in the loop.

When the top 80 is used without connecting to the bra or a different bra type is used, the connector 46 or a standard slide hook can be used to connect directly with an elongate loop 95 in the lowered portion 81 of the top 80.

In figure 10 there is shown a diagrammatic view of the top 100 when the straps 101 can be fitted via connectors 46 or a standard slide hook to loops 95, 50 near the end of the top 100. The straps 101 are adjustable and can extend to cover the press stud 103. Figure 1 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a top 100, having straps 101 fixedly attached to the front portion of the top 100. The straps 101 are sewn onto the front portion of the top 100.

There can also be a bra strap retainer that secures the strap of the top to the bra strap to hide the bra strap from view in respect of the different embodiments.

The press studs provided in the different embodiments can optionally be double sided press studs to also hold the ends of the strap(s) in position.

In use, the bra and top of the preferred embodiments are put on separately. A nursing bra or standard bra is put on in the normal manner with arms through the straps, the bra cup portions over the breasts and the bra secured by the hook and eye closure arrangement which takes into account different frame sizes. The top is then placed over the bra and the attachments are made in line with the descriptions in the abovementioned preferred embodiments. To undress, the process is reversed.

ADVANTAGES

An advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it allows easy access for breast feeding purposes in releasing the interconnecting clasp and lowering the top and bra cup in a single one handed movement.

A further advantage, particularly for women with large breasts, is that they can use fully supporting bras and breast feeding bras with any garment they choose by employing the inter changeable feature to allow a single preferred bra to be used with a variety of different garments.

With the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a strap of a top is associated with and overlies a bra strap. The assembly provides a more fashionable and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The preferred embodiment of the present invention employs a two part press stud connecting the top with the bra cup which allows movement of the fabric to provide a substantially wrinkle free finished appearance. Unlike other nursing mother's wear, the bra and top assembly are easy to put on as they are separate pieces that are connectable after they are on the wearer.

Another advantage of the preferred embodiment is that both the top and bra are interchangeable and a nursing mother may only require a couple of breast feeding bras and use them with a variety of tops. With fewer numbers of bras and garments to purchase, the preferred embodiment of the top and bra assembly provides a financial advantage to a person as well as enable them to use the garments after breast feeding has stopped.

VARIATIONS

While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.