Breastfeeding attire

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a breastfeeding garment.

BACKGROUND

Most outer clothing does not offer the possibility of breastfeeding in a simple and discreet manner. Although modified breastfeeding attire is available, these garments often do not have a sufficient degree of comfort, functionality, ease of use and/or discretion. Furthermore, the existing breastfeeding attire is usually of a simple design with little aesthetic value. There is therefore a need for improved breastfeeding attire.

BabyBellyKelli "The Arden all-in-one nursing bra" discloses an undergarment suitable for breastfeeding with detachable crossover nursing panels which are individually adjustable to the size of the breast. GB 05902 A discloses a bodice blouse or the like for ladies, which are made of two independent parts each intended to cover a shoulder and a half of the bust, so as to fasten at the waist by means of a sash or belt, each part being crossed diagonally upon the bust. GB 744 393 A discloses a blouse-like article of female wearing apparel which opens down the front or back, wherein the garment has a plain neck part out to provide a shallow elongated curve and has the edges on each side of the opening shaped to extend across and partially around the body of the wearer from opposite ends of said neck part, and wherein tying ribbons are provided on the lowermost end of said side edge for attachment around the waist of the wearer, the arrangement being such that the neckline of the garment, worn with the opening at the front or back, can be varied between "off-the-shoulder" and "high-neck" positions by varying the amount of overlap of the side edges. EP 2022354 A1 discloses a garment which has a lengthy gown surrounding an upper part of a person, where asymmetric shape at an upper part of the gown covers a right shoulder of the person. Moreover, the gown has an upper neck stretched out from the upper part of the right shoulder below armpit of a left shoulder and a belt is knotted at the level of the head of the person in order to prevent the newborn or baby slide towards the bottom, outside the garment.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide breastfeeding attire which is comfortable to wear and easy to use and, in addition, makes it possible to breastfeed discreetly. More specifically, the present invention relates to an outer garment which comprises one or more draping flaps running across the chest.

The present application describes an outer garment, comprising two draping flaps which are removably attached to the remainder of said outer garment as to cover and uncover the chest area, wherein said draping flaps are attachable to the remainder of said outer garment in different configurations so as to close the garment, wherein said garment comprises a left-hand and a right-hand draping flap which run across the chest, each having a proximal and a distal side; in which the proximal side of each flap is attached to the remainder of the outer garment at one or more points at or around the chest area and the distal side of each flap is detachably attached to the remainder of the outer garment under the underarm region at the opposite breast; and in which the draping flaps across one another in the closed position, in which case it is possible both for the left-hand flap to cross on top of the right-hand flap and vice versa, characterised in that the proximal side of both draping flaps or the connection between the proximal side and the remainder of the outer garment is provided with a vertical opening which can give access to a breast for breastfeeding, in which said vertical opening may be kept closed by a closing mechanism.

In particular embodiments, the outer garment described herein is a single-piece garment. In specific embodiments, the outer garment is a top or a dress.

In particular embodiments of the outer garment described herein, the distal side of each draping flap is detachably attached to the remainder of the outer garment by means of a closing mechanism, such as for example a press-stud, a button and loop combination or a hook and loop fastener. As will be clear to those skilled in the art, in most cases, one part of the closing mechanism will be provided on the distal side of the draping flap and the other part of the closing mechanism will be provided on the remainder of the outer garment (for example on the parts of the outer garment described further above, such as the front piece, back piece, top part or at a transition between one or more thereof).

In further particular embodiments of the outer garment described herein, the fastening of the proximal side of each of the draping flaps to the remainder of the outer garment is hidden from view by the remainder of the garment.

In specific embodiments, the garments according to the present invention have the advantages that they make it possible to breastfeed in a simple and discreet way and that they may help to remind the wearer which breast was last used for breastfeeding. Furthermore, the garments described herein are elegant and comfortable to wear, also during pregnancy.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is only given by way of example and is not intended to limit the present explanation, its application or use. In the drawings, identical reference numerals refer to the same or similar parts and features.

Fig. 1

Outer garment (1) according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. A, B: front view with closed draping flaps (2, 3); C: side view with closed draping flaps (2, 3); D: front view with open flap (3); E: front view with closed draping flaps (2, 3) and opening (5).

Fig. 2

Diagrammatic illustration of the outer garment shown in Fig. 1. A, B: front view with closed draping flaps (2, 3); C: side view with closed draping flaps (2, 3); D: front view with open flap (3); E: front view with closed draping flaps (2, 3) and opening (5).

Fig. 3

Use of the outer garment according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. A: front view with closed draping flaps; B: front view with closed draping flaps, but in which an opening (5) has been made visible. C: Front view in which the opening (5) on the proximal side of one of the draping flaps is used during breastfeeding.

Fig. 4

Outer garment (1) according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. A: front view with closed draping flaps (2, 3); B: front view with one open flap (3); C: front view with opening (5). D: detail of a flap and attachment to remainder of the garment.

Fig. 5

A, B: front view of an outer garment (1), with a single closed draping flap (10) in two different configurations.

Fig. 6

Draping flap (10) of an outer garment.

Fig. 7

A, B: detail of the chest area of an outer garment (1), with a single draping flap (10) in two different configurations.

Fig. 8

Detail of the shoulder area of an outer garment (1), provided with press-studs (13) covered by a cover element (14).

The following reference numerals are used in the description and figures:

• 1 - garment; 2, 3 - flap; 4 - closing member; 5 - opening; 6, 7 - top part; 8 - proximal part of a flap; 9 - distal part of a flap; 10 - flap; 11, 12 - shoulder end; 13 - button; 14 - cover element; 15 - neckline edge.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used below in this text, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" include both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The terms "comprise", "comprises" as used below are synonymous with "including", "include" or "contain", "contains" and are inclusive or open and do not exclude additional unmentioned parts, elements or method steps. Where this description refers to a product or process which "comprises" specific features, parts or steps, this refers to the possibility that other features, parts or steps may also be present, but may also refer to embodiments which only contain the listed features, parts or steps.

The enumeration of numeric values by means of ranges of figures comprises all values and fractions in these ranges, as well as the cited end points.

The term "approximately" as used when referring to a measurable value, such as a parameter, an amount, a time period, and the like, is intended to include variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less, of and from the specified value, in so far as the variations apply to the invention disclosed herein. It should be understood that the value to which the term "approximately" refers per se has also been disclosed.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms disclosed in the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning which a person skilled in the art usually gives them. For further guidance, definitions are included to further explain terms which are used in the description of the invention.

The term "outer garment" as used herein refers to a garment which covers at least a portion of the torso of the wearer, and includes garments such as tops, blouses, dresses, tunics and pyjamas. More particularly an outer garment will cover a portion of the torso of the wearer which extends both in the front and in the back, covering an area which is significantly larger than the breasts. The outer garments described herein typically form an outer layer of clothing which at least partially covers undergarments such as a bra. Accordingly, the term "outer garment" as used herein does not include a bra.

As intended herein, an object is "elongate" when the length of said object is greater than one and a half times the width of said object; preferably the length is greater than two, three, four or five times the width of the object.

References to "left-hand" or "right-hand" parts of a garment relate to parts of the pieces from the point of view of the wearer. The term "sagittal plane" as used herein refers to a central plane from the back to the front of the garment, dividing the garment in a left and right part. This plane corresponds to the sagittal plane of the wearer when wearing the garment.

The terms "proximal" and "distal", when referring to parts of clothing, have in fact been chosen arbitrarily and are intended to be able to make a distinction between the parts. In the current context, the term "proximal", when relating to an end of a draping flap, refers to the end of the draping flap which is attached closest to a breast during wearing, more specifically the part which is (optionally detachably) fastened to the remainder of the garment above the chest area. In this context, the term "distal" refers to the other end which is detachably fastened to the remainder of the garment in a region under the chest area.

The present invention relates to breastfeeding attire and the use thereof.

Accordingly, an outer garment is provided, comprising two draping flaps which are removably attached to the remainder of said outer garment as to cover and uncover the chest area, wherein said draping flaps are attachable to the remainder of said outer garment in different configurations so as to close the garment, wherein said configurations differ from each other as to the positioning of a proximal or distal end of one of said one or more draping flaps relative to the rest of said outer garment The garment comprises a left-hand and a right-hand draping flap which run across the chest, each having a proximal and a distal side; in which the proximal side of each flap is attached to the remainder of the outer garment at one or more points at or around the chest area and the distal side of each flap is detachably attached to the remainder of the outer garment under the underarm region at the opposite breast; and in which the draping flaps across one another in the closed position, in which case it is possible both for the left-hand flap to cross on top of the right-hand flap and vice versa, characterised in that the proximal side of both draping flaps or the connection between the proximal side and the remainder of the outer garment is provided with a vertical opening which can give access to a breast for breastfeeding, in which said vertical opening may be kept closed by a closing mechanism.

More particularly, the outer garment comprises two draping flaps which are removably attached to the remainder of said outer garment as to cover and uncover the chest area, wherein said draping flaps are attachable to the remainder of said outer garment in different configurations to cover the chest area or close the garment. Indeed, the garment comprises alternative options of fastening the flaps to the garment, which can be used as a reminder of which side was last used for breastfeeding. Additionally or alternatively, the alternative options correspond to ways of accessing either the right or left breast for breastfeeding.

More specifically, the present invention provides an outer garment which comprises two draping flaps which are removably attachable from the remainder of said outer garment as to (partially) cover and uncover the chest area, wherein said draping flaps are attachable to the remainder of said outer garment in a first and a second configuration wherein:

• each of said first and second configurations is asymmetric with respect to the sagittal plane; and
• said first and second configurations are each other's mirror image with respect to the sagittal plane.

The two draping flap of the present garment can be detached. This may allow the user to make a breast is accessible for breastfeeding, though in particular embodiments, alternative slots or mechanisms may be provided to allow access to the breast. Nevertheless, it is thus substantially the two draping flaps which cover the breasts, with the remainder of the outer garment typically only partly covering the breasts. The possibility to attach the (proximal or distal end of) two draping flaps in two different (asymmetrical) configurations allows for the wearer to use the two flaps as a reminder of which side was last used for breastfeeding.

In particular embodiments of the present invention, the breastfeeding attire comprises a pair of draping flaps running across the chest. In the breastfeeding attire of the invention each of the draping flaps is detachably attached on one side to the remainder of the outer garment, so that a breast is made accessible for breastfeeding by detaching a flap. Moreover, in the breastfeeding attire provided herein the breast may be made accessible as a result of the presence of a slit on the proximal side of the draping flaps. These features will be explained in more detail below.

The outer garment described herein comprises a pair of draping flaps running across the chest, each having a proximal and distal side or end. The draping flaps typically consist of an elongate piece of cloth. However, the exact shape is not critical. In specific embodiments, the draping flaps have an (irregular, but approximately) triangular or (asymmetric) diamond shape. The proximal side of each flap is attached, optionally detachably, to the remainder of the outer garment and the distal side is attached, optionally detachably, to the remainder of the garment.

In the outer garment provided herein, each of the draping flaps is attached, optionally detachably, on the proximal side to the remainder of the outer garment at the location of a region running along at least a part of the side seam under the underarm up to and including the sleeve opening, each on another side of the garment. In specific embodiments, the proximal side of the flap is attached to the side seam under the underarm at one or more points, and optionally at one or more points at the location of the sleeve opening. In specific embodiments, the flap is attached to the remainder of the garment in an uninterrupted manner on the side seam and at least a part of the sleeve opening.

In specific embodiments, the flap itself is attached to an intermediate piece which ensures attachment to the remainder of the garment. In specific embodiments, this intermediate piece is a piece of cloth which is attached to the remainder of the garment at the location of a region running along at least a part of the side seam under the underarm up to and including a part of the sleeve opening. This embodiment is particularly interesting as the garment is also provided with a slit (as is described in more detail below).

In specific embodiments, the proximal side of the flap is attached to the remainder of the garment at the top, at a level which is at least 4 cm below the shoulder seam. This makes it possible to ensure that the draping flaps do not completely cover the neck after they have been crossed.

As has been indicated above, the proximal side of one flap is attached (optionally detachably) near the left-hand sleeve opening, while the proximal side of the other flap is attached (optionally detachably) near the right-hand sleeve opening. It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that the garment in question may also be a sleeveless outer garment, so that the "sleeve opening" in this case corresponds to the armhole. Furthermore, the distal side of each of the draping flaps is also detachably attached to the remainder of the outer garment, so that, in the closed position, the draping flaps at least partly cover the chest area. More specifically, the draping flaps cover at least the lower part of the chest area.

Typically, each draping flap covers one of the breasts, with the flap whose proximal side is attached on the right-hand side of the outer garment covering the right-hand breast, and the flap whose proximal side is attached on the left-hand side of the outer garment covering the left-hand breast.

The relative positions of the draping flaps are such that, when attached, they overlap and/or cross one another at least partly and cross the chest area completely or partly. Thus, one flap runs from the left to the right, while the other flap runs from the right to the left.

In specific embodiments, the outer garment described herein is furthermore characterized by the fact that the distal side of each flap is/can be detachably attached via a closing mechanism (consisting of one or more closing members or closure pieces). More specifically, the closing member makes it possible to attach and detach the flap in a reversible manner. Such closing members are known to the person skilled in the art. Non-limiting closing members comprise a button and buttonhole or a button and loop system, press-studs, and hook and loop fastener. In a preferred embodiment, the closing member comprises a button and loop system. In more specific embodiments, the loop is provided at the distal end of the flap and the button is provided on the garment, usually near the side seam of the garment. This may increase the ease of use and durability of the outer garment. The detachable connection ensures that the draping flaps can be opened in order to make the breasts accessible for breastfeeding. As used herein, the term "open" flap indicates a flap whose distal side has been detached from the remainder of the garment. More specifically, the flap can then be turned further sideward, so that the flap provides access to a breast. The term "closed" flap indicates a flap whose distal side is detachably attached to the remainder of the garment, in which case the flap at least partly covers a breast.

In the outer garment provided herein, one side of each flap is detachably attached to the remainder of the outer garment, and the other side is non-detachably attached to the remainder of the outer garment. A non-detachable attachment may be achieved, for example, by sewing on the flap or by making the flap and another part of the outer garment from one piece of cloth. In a preferred embodiment, the proximal side of each flap is non-detachably attached and the distal side is detachably attached to the remainder of the outer garment. The fact that the proximal side of the draping flaps remains attached ensures that the wearer can breastfeed discreetly. However, in specific embodiments, it may be provided that the distal side of the draping flaps is non-detachably attached and the proximal side is detachably attached to the remainder of the garment.

As has been described above, detaching a flap ensures that the outer garment gives access to a breast for breastfeeding. It is thus substantially the draping flaps which cover the breasts, with the remainder of the outer garment typically only partly covering the breasts. In specific embodiments, the outer garment is provided with vertical strips of fabric which run on each side of the garment from the shoulder to below the chest and thus also partly cover the chest area. As described below, each of these strips of fabric usually covers a proximal side of a draping flap.

Since the draping flaps are fastened to the remainder of the garment independently from one another, the order in which the draping flaps overlap one another can be selected freely. This may increase the comfort during wearing and can be used by the wearer to remind her which side was last used for breastfeeding. It is, for example, possible to decide to wear the flap on the side which was last used for breastfeeding on top.

The use of the outer garment described herein is suitable in combination with any (breastfeeding) bra. The openable draping flaps are particularly suitable to breastfeed discreetly using a breastfeeding bra which opens in the centre, as described in European patent EP2375924. However, the outer garment described herein also makes it possible to breastfeed discreetly using a breastfeeding bra which opens at the shoulder.

The outer garment described herein is characterized by the fact that access to the breast can be provided using the two draping flaps and/or the vertical openings while only exposing a minimal area of the remainder of the body. After all, in the outer garment described herein, opening the two draping flaps and/or the vertical opening only gives access to the breast and the abdominal region remains covered by the remainder of the outer garment. In specific embodiments, the outer garment described herein is provided with a front piece in one piece which covers the entire abdominal region from the chest area down (from side seam to side seam). In specific embodiments, the outer garment is provided with two front pieces which each cover half the abdominal region and can be detachably connected to each other centrally by a closing mechanism in order to make it possible to put on and take off the outer garment without having to pull it over the head via the neck opening.

The draping flaps described herein may be provided on different types of outer garment. As has been described above, the outer garment is usually furthermore provided with a (single-piece or two-part) front piece (at least covering the abdominal region), a (single-piece or two-part) back piece, and optionally sleeves and/or a collar.

In specific embodiments, the outer garment is provided with a left-hand and a right-hand draping flap as described above and two pieces of cloth which extend vertically downwards at the front on each side or from the shoulder line (also referred to herein as top parts). Each of these covers one proximal side of a draping flap. These may run as far as the underside of the outer garment, may be fastened to a front piece under the chest area and/or form a part of the front piece under the chest area. In specific embodiments, these vertical pieces of cloth do not touch one another, however, and an opening is provided in between them which is only covered in the centre at the front by the crossing draping flaps (in the closed position). In specific embodiments, the crossing draping flaps in the closed position cover the connection between the vertical top parts and the (single-piece or two-part) front piece. In specific embodiments of the outer garment described herein, the (single-piece or two-part) front piece is provided with a(n optionally elastic) wrinkle. More specifically, the fastening of the vertical pieces of cloth to the front piece may (also) be provided with a wrinkle. This increases the comfort while wearing during pregnancy or after childbirth.

Non-limiting examples of suitable outer garments are tops, blouses, dresses, tunics and pyjamas. In a preferred embodiment, the outer garment is a single-piece garment. In specific embodiments, the system described herein is provided in a tunic or a dress. In this embodiment, the above-described front piece of the outer garment and the back piece are longer, for example, so that they also cover the upper legs at least partly. In particular embodiments, the outer garment extends to at least the waist of the wearer. The material from which the outer garment described herein is made is not critical. The materials used may comprise both elastic and non-elastic materials. The outer garment may be made, for example, from one or more natural and/or synthetic textile materials, such as cotton, polyester, wool, linen, silk, elastane, etc. The outer garment may also comprise one or more non-textile materials, such as leather and latex.

The present invention will be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

Outer garment with two draping flaps

Figs 1A-E show a specific embodiment of the outer garment described herein.

In this embodiment, the outer garment is a dress. Fig. 1A shows a front view of the outer garment (1), in which the two draping flaps (2, 3) are visible.

A first flap (2) is fixedly attached to the remainder of the outer garment via the proximal side. The connection is covered by a top part (6). The distal side of the first flap (2) is furthermore detachably attached to the remainder of the outer garment on the left-hand side via a press-stud (4), as is illustrated in Fig. 1C, which shows a side view of the outer garment (1).

The proximal side of the second flap (3) is fixedly attached to the remainder of the outer garment on the left-hand side in a similar way; and the distal side is detachably attached to the remainder of the outer garment on the right-hand side.

The two draping flaps (2, 3) overlap and cross one another. The order in which the draping flaps overlap one another can be changed around, as is illustrated in Figs 1A and 1B. In fact, in Fig. 1A, the first flap (2) is situated on top of the second flap (3), while in Fig. 1B, the order is the other way around. The wearer may use this option to serve as an indication which chest was used last for breastfeeding. It is possible, for example, to wear the flap on the side which was last used for breastfeeding on top.

The press-studs (4) make it possible to detach the distal side of the draping flaps (2, 3). As a result thereof, the draping flaps can be opened. Fig. 1D shows a front view of the outer garment, with an open flap (3). The open flap gives access to the left-hand breast.

The outer garment may furthermore comprise a vertical opening (5), on the proximal side of the draping flaps (2, 3). The opening may be opened wide to give access to a breast without opening the draping flaps, as is illustrated in Fig. 1E. This makes it possible to breastfeed discreetly via a breastfeeding bra. The opening (5) may optionally be covered by a top part (6, 7).

Figs 2A-E show the above-described specific embodiment in a diagrammatic drawing. Fig. 3 shows a specific embodiment of the use of the outer garment according to a specific embodiment as described herein. Fig. 3A shows the outer garment when it is being worn normally. In Fig. 3B, the opening on the proximal side of a draping flap is opened. Fig. 3C shows how this opening can be used for breastfeeding.

Fig. 4A-D shows a specific embodiment of the outer garment described herein, in which the outer garment is a top. In Fig. 1A, the top is shown with the draping flaps (2,3) closed and comprising a button and loop system (4). In Fig. 1B, the top is shown with one draping flap (2) folded open. In Fig. 1C, the opening (5) on the proximal side (9) of a draping flap is visible. Fig. 1D is a detail view of the opening (5) on the proximal side (9) of a draping flap. On the edge of this opening, press-studs are provided as a closing mechanism.

Outer garment with a single draping flap

Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B show a front view of a specific example of the outer garment (1) described herein. The outer garment (1) comprises a neckline having an edge (15) which surrounds the chest area as to provide access to the breasts for breastfeeding, wherein the chest area is covered by a single removable draping flap (10). In this example, the outer garment is a dress. Fig. 6 shows an illustration of the draping flap (10) and Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B show a detail of the chest area of the outer garment (1) with the single draping flap (10) in two different configurations. In Fig. 6, the outer garment (1) is shown as semi-transparent for clarity.

The draping flap (10) is removably attached to the remainder of the outer garment (1) via a plurality of press-studs (13). The male parts of the press-studs (13) are provided on the draping flap (10) whereas the female parts of the press-studs (13) are provided around the neckline, at the inner side of the garment (1). Accordingly, most of the draping flap (10) is attached to the remainder of the garment behind the neckline. In each of the configurations, one of the shoulder ends (11, 12) of the draping flap (10) is positioned in front of the neckline edge (15), whereas the other is positioned behind the neckline edge (15). The shoulder ends (11, 12) can independently be attached to the remainder of the garment (1) in front of or behind the neckline edge (15), such that two different asymmetric configurations can be obtained which are each other's mirror image, as shown in Fig. 5A-B and Fig. 7A-B. The positions of the shoulder ends (11, 12) relative to the neckline edge (15) can be chosen such as to remind the wearer which breast was last used for breastfeeding.

Accordingly, the shoulder area of the outer garment are typically provided with closing mechanisms at the outer and at the inner side of the garment. Any closing mechanisms such as press-studs (13) which are provided at the outer side of the garment (1) may be covered by a cover element (14) as shown in Fig. 8.