WO2024075073A1

WO2024075073A1 - Nursing and pumping bra for in-bra pump

Info

Publication number: WO2024075073A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/060051
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lisa STANTON
Original assignee: Bravado Holding AG
Current assignee: Bravado Holding AG
Priority date: 2022-10-07
Filing date: 2023-10-06
Publication date: 2024-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2025-04-07
Also published as: CA3266540A1; DE112023004203T5; GB202506911D0; TW202415413A; GB2639441A

Abstract

A nursing and pumping bra for an in-bra pump includes two supports, each including a sling connected to a bottom band, a clasp connected to the sling, and a strap connected to the clasp. A pumping slider is slidably secured upon each strap to form a pumping loop, and the respective clasp is slidable within the pumping loop. A sizing slider is slidably secured upon a each strap to form a sizing loop, and a fastener is slidably secured within the sizing loop. The sizing sliders are configured to adjust a sizing length of each support between the fastener and the pumping slider. The pumping sliders are configured to adjust a shortest distance between each clasp and the bottom band, thereby adjusting a strain within the respective sling and the force acting on the bottom band.

Description

NURSING AND PUMPING BRA FOR IN-BRA PUMPS

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/414,298 filed October 7, 2022. The entire text of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/414,298 is hereby incorporated by reference.

Field of the Disclosure

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to nursing and pumping bras that, while being worn, both enable a nursing woman to breastfeed an infant directly and support the use of up to two in-bra pumps to extract milk for storage and subsequent feeding of an infant.

Background

[0003] Many nursing women provide breastmilk to an infant through both direct breastfeeding and by pumping milk for later use. In a single day, a nursing woman may sometimes opt to directly breastfeed and may other times opt to pump milk. Throughout the day, she may experience fluctuations in breast size depending on how recently she expressed milk. Accordingly, nursing women need a garment that can accommodate nursing, pumping, and can adjust to accommodate fluctuating breast size while still providing the typical aesthetic and support of a non-nursing, non-pumping bra.

[0004] Breast pump systems traditionally include a breast shield, which is a funnel-like apparatus having a conical region that is placed against the breast with the nipple in the center of the breast shield. Upon the application of negative pressure, the nipple is drawn toward, and often into, a tubular portion of the breast shield known as the nipple tunnel. The nipple tunnel of the breast shield is connected to other components of the breast pump system, including the pumping unit and a collection receptacle. Pumping bras for such traditional breast pump systems typically include apertures in the body of the bra near the nipple areas so that breast shields can be secured against the breasts in an interior of the bra and the nipple tunnel can extend through the apertures to an exterior of the bra. The pumping unit and the collection receptacles, which are located wholly outside of the bra, can then be connected to the nipple tunnels.

[0005] Recently, in-bra pumps have gained popularity. In-bra pumps are designed so that all components can be contained within a bra, including the pumping unit and collection receptacle. Because both the pumping unit and the collection receptacle are located within the bra during pumping, the bra must be able to accommodate the bulk and weight of all pump parts and any expressed milk. After pumping, the bra must be able to return to a size that supports the breasts of a wearer. Traditional nursing and pumping garments are not designed for in-bra pumps.

Summary

[0006] According to a first aspect, a nursing and pumping bra includes a bottom band, a first support, a second support, and a body. The first support includes a first sling, a first clasp, a first strap, a first pumping slider, a first sizing slider, and a first fastener. The first sling is connected to the bottom band, and a first clasp is connected to the first sling. The first strap is connected to the first clasp and has a first front end and a back end. The first pumping slider is connected to the first front end of the first strap and is slidably secured upon the first strap to form a first pumping loop. The first clasp is slidable upon the first strap within the first pumping loop. The first sizing slider is connected to the first back end of the first strap and is slidably secured upon the first strap to form a first sizing loop. A first fastener is slidably secured on the first strap within the first sizing loop. Similarly, the second support includes a second sling, a second clasp, a second strap, a second pumping slider, a second sizing slider, and a second fastener. The second sling is connected to the bottom band, and the second clasp is connected to the second sling. The second strap is connected to the second clasp and has a second front end and a second back end. The second pumping slider is connected to the second front end of the second strap and is slidably secured upon the second strap to form a second pumping loop. The second clasp is slidable upon the second strap within the second loop. The second sizing slider is connected to the second back end of the second strap and is slidably secured upon the second strap to form a second sizing loop. The second fastener is slidably secured on the second strap within the second sizing loop. The body is connected to the bottom band and is selectively connectable to the first clasp and the second clasp. The first sizing slider is configured to adjust a sizing length of the first support between the first fastener and the first pumping slider, and the second sizing slider configured to adjust a sizing length of the second support between the second fastener and the second pumping slider. The first pumping slider configured to adjust a shortest distance between the first clasp and the bottom band, thereby adjusting a strain within the first sling and a force acting on the bottom band, and the second pumping slider configured to adjust a shortest distance between the second clasp and the bottom band, thereby adjusting a strain within the second sling and a force acting on the bottom band. [0007] According to a second aspect, a nursing and pumping bra includes a bra strap connected to a sizing slider, a pumping slider, a fastener, and a clasp. The nursing and pumping bra further includes a bottom band. The sizing slider is configured to adjust a sizing length between the fastener and the pumping slider, and the pumping slider is configured to adjust a shortest distance between the clasp and the bottom band.

[0008] According to a third aspect, a nursing and pumping bra includes a bra strap connected to a sizing slider, a pumping slider, a fastener, and a clasp. The nursing and pumping bra further includes a bottom band, a sling connected to the bottom band and the clasp, and a body connected to the bottom band and selectively connectable to the clasp. The sizing slider is configured to adjust a sizing length between the first fastener and the first pumping slider, and the pumping slider is configured to adjust a strain within the sling and the body when body is connected to the clasp.

[0009] According to some forms, the body may comprise a neckline edge, an elastic band sewn into the body along the neckline edge. The body may comprise a first underarm edge and a second underarm edge, an elastic band sewn into the body along the first underarm edge and along the second underarm edge. The body may comprise recycled nylon.

[0010] According to additional forms, the body may have a first area adjacent the bottom band having a first modulus of elasticity and a second area between the first area and a neckline edge, the second area having a second modulus of elasticity that is less than the first modulus of elasticity. The first area may have a first concave edge complementary to and adjacent a first convex edge of the second area, and the first area may have a second concave edge complementary to and adjacent a second convex edge of the second area.

[0011] According to other forms, the body may have a back with a top edge having a first connector and a second connector. The first connector may be configured to interchangeably connect to the first fastener and the second fastener, and the second connector may be configured to interchangeably connect to the first fastener and the second fastener. The top edge may have an elastic band sewn into the body.

[0012] According to some forms, the body may have a back with a top edge having a first connector and a second connector. The first connector may be permanently secured to the first fastener, and the second connector may be permanently secured to the second fastener.

[0013] According to additional forms, the first sling may have an inner edge between the bottom band and the first clasp, an upper outer edge extending from the first clasp along a first underarm edge of the body, a lower outer edge extending between the upper outer edge of the first sling and the bottom band, and a bottom edge extending along the bottom band. The second sling may an inner edge between the bottom band and the second clasp, an upper outer edge extending from the second clasp along a second underarm edge of the body, a lower outer edge extending between the upper outer edge of the second sling and the bottom band, and a bottom edge extending along the bottom band. A length of the inner edge of the first sling may be equal to the shortest distance between the first clasp and the bottom band when the first pumping slider is in an origin position, and a length of the inner edge of the second sling may be equal to the shortest distance between the second clasp and the bottom band when the second pumping slider is in an origin position. A length of the inner edge of the first sling may be greater than the shortest distance between the first clasp and the bottom band when the first clasp is in a pumping position, and a length of the inner edge of the second sling may be greater than the shortest distance between the second clasp and the bottom band when the second clasp is in a pumping position.

[0014] According to some forms, the body may have a neckline edge, and the neckline edge may have a lowest point that is offset no more than three inches from the first clasp and the second clasp along a vertical axis.

[0015] According to additional forms, the first strap may include a pumping indicator along a length of the first strap configured for placement of the first pumping slider, and the second strap may include a pumping indicator along a length of the second strap configured for placement of the second pumping slider. The first strap may include a sliding indicator along a length of the first strap configured for placement of the first sizing slider, and the second strap may include a sliding indicator along a length of the second strap configured for placement of the second sizing slider. The sliding indicator along the length of the first strap may include a first section associated with a first configuration of the first strap and the sliding indicator along the length of the second strap may include a first section associated with a first configuration of the second strap. The sliding indicator along the length of the first strap may include a second section associated with a second configuration of the first strap and the sliding indicator along the length of the second strap may include a second section associated with a second configuration of the second strap.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a nursing bra for an in-bra pump; [0017] FIG. 2 is a front exterior view of the nursing bra of FIG. 1 in an flat configuration with a body of the bra connected to a first clasp and a second clasp;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front interior view of the nursing bra of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a flat configuration with the body of the bra connected to the first clasp and the second clasp;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the bra of FIGS. 1 -3 on a wearer with in-bra pumps placed over the breasts of the wearer and the body of the bra disconnected from a first clasp and a second clasp;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the bra of FIGS. 1 -4 on a wearer with the in-bra pumps of FIG. 4 removed and the body of the bra disconnected from the first clasp and the second clasp;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a front view of the bra of FIGS. 1 -5 in a worn configuration with the body of the bra connected to the first clasp and the second clasp;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of the bra of FIGS. 1 -6 on a wearer showing incorrect positioning of first and second sizing sliders and first and second pumping sliders;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a back perspective view of the bra of FIGS. 1 -7 on a wearer showing correct positioning of first and second sizing sliders and first and second pumping sliders;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a back view of the bra of FIGS. 1 -8 with the first strap and the second strap in a straight configuration; and

[0025] FIG. 10 is a back view of the bra of FIGS. 1 -9 with the first strap and the second strap in a crossed configuration.

Detailed Description

[0026] Generally, a nursing and pumping bra for an in-bra pump is disclosed. The bra includes two different sliders on each bra strap: a sizing slider and a pumping slider. The sizing slider allows the bra to be adjusted so that the pumping slider is positioned on a front of wearer’s body where it is easily accessible while the bra is being worn. The location of the pumping slider is important because, due to the placement and removal of up to two in-bra pumps and fluctuations in breast size resulting from lactation, the wearer may need to access the pumping slider multiple times per day. The pumping slider allows the distance between the clasps onto which the bra body is selectively connected and the bottom band of the bra to be adjusted. This enables the bra to accommodate one or more in-bra pumps or a change in breast size in several ways. The strain within the slings of the bra can be adjusted so that the material of the sling can stretch to accommodate the insertion of an in-bra pump or engorgement of the breasts. This is also true for the body of the bra when the body of the bra is connected to the clasps. Further, the upward force acting on the bottom band via the slings is adjusted when the location of the clasps changes to provide a comfortable level of upward support for the breasts and/or up to two in-bra pumps.

[0027] Figure 1 depicts a nursing and pumping bra 100 for an in-bra pump in an exploded view to highlight the connectivity of the various components of the bra 100. At an exterior front is a bottom band 102 that is integral with a body 103. The bottom band 102 is configured to wrap around the body of a wearer below the wearer’s breasts. The body 103 is configured to cover the breasts of the wearer and to cover one or two in-bra pumps when such pumps are placed against the breasts of the wearer.

[0028] Interior to the body 103 is a first support 104 and a second support 106, which are each a collection of bra components that together allow the bra 100 to be adjusted to accommodate breast size fluctuations and in-bra pumps. The first support 104 and the second support 106 include, respectively, a first sling 108 and a second sling 1 10, a first strap 1 12 and a second strap 1 14, and a first clasp 1 16 and a second clasp 118. The first strap 116 has a first front end 120 and a first back end 122, and the second strap 118 has a second front end 124 and a second back end 126. The first sling 108 and the second sling 1 10 are both connected to the bottom band 102. The first sling 108 and the second sling 1 10 extend upward from the bottom band 102 over a wearer’s torso when the bra 100 is being worn. In some arrangements, the first sling 108 and the second sling 1 10 at least partially cover a wearer’s breasts.

[0029] The first clasp 1 16 and the second clasp 1 18 connect, respectively, to the first sling 108 and the second sling 110. For example, the first clasp 1 16 may have an aperture through which material of the first sling 108 is secured, and the second clasp 1 18 may have an aperture through which material of the second sling 1 10 is secured. Other means of connecting the first clasp 1 16 to the first sling 108 and the second clasp 1 16 to the second sling 110 are also possible, such as adhesive. The first clasp 1 16 and the second clasp 1 18 may include hooks or another fastening mechanism 1 19a and 1 19b onto which the body 103 is selectively connected. For example, the body 103 may be connected to the hooks 119a, b during non-nursing, nonpumping periods of the wearer’s day, may be disconnected at one or both hooks 119a, b when the wearer is breastfeeding an infant direction, may be disconnected at one or both hooks 119a, b to insert one or two in-bra pumps, and may be connected to the hooks 1 19a, b while the wearer is pumping to help hold the in-bra pump or pumps in place. [0030] The first support 104 and the second support 106 further include, respectively, a first pumping slider 128 and a second pumping slider 130. The first pumping slider 128 is connected to the first front end 120 of the first strap 112 and is slidably secured upon the first strap 1 12 to form a first pumping loop 132. The first clasp 1 16 is slidable upon the first strap 1 12 within the first pumping loop 132. Likewise, the second pumping slider 130 is connected to the second front end 124 of the second strap 114 and is slidably secured upon the second strap 1 14 to form a second pumping loop 134. The second clasp 118 is slidable upon the second strap 1 14 within the second pumping loop 134.

[0031] The purpose of the first pumping slider 128 and the second pumping slider 130 is to allow a wearer to adjust the bra 100 for breast size fluctuations or to accommodate up to two in- bra pumps. To that end, the first pumping slider 128 is configured to adjust a shortest distance D1 between the first clasp 1 16 and the bottom band 102 (shown in Figures 4 and 5), thereby adjusting a strain within the first sling 108 and a force acting on the bottom band 102. Likewise, the second pumping slider 130 is configured to adjust a shortest distance D2 (shown in Figures 4 and 5) between the second clasp 1 18 and the bottom band 102, thereby adjusting a strain within the second sling 110 and a force acting on the bottom band 102.

[0032] For example, a wearer may place the first pumping slider 128 at a higher position relative to the wearer’s body when not pumping or after breastfeeding when the adjacent breast is less engorged, and the wearer may later opt to lower the first pumping slider 128 for pumping or if the adjacent breast becomes engorged. Lowering the first pumping slider 128 also lowers the first clasp 1 16 to which the first sling 108 is connected, which in turn reduces the strain within the first sling 108 and the upward force exerted by the first sling 108 on the bottom band 102. Put another way, the first sling 108 transitions from being more taut to being more slack, thereby allowing an in-bra pump to be inserted underneath the first sling 108 if desired. If the in- bra pump were inserted without the first sling 108 becoming more slack, the in-bra pump might be placed on top of the first sling 108, which can interfere with the seal between the in-bra pump and the breast and potentially disrupt pumping. Alternately, the in-bra pump might be forced underneath the first sling 108, stretching the first sling 108 into an extremely high strain, very taut configuration. In that scenario, the first sling 108 can exert uncomfortable and excessive forces on both the bottom band 102 and the first strap 112. Over time, these excessive forces can cause the first sling 108 and other parts of the bra 100 to become permanently stretched out such that the bra 100 cannot provide adequate support during non-pumping periods of wear. [0033] In addition, when the first pumping slider 128 adjusts a shortest distance D1 between the first clasp 1 16 and the bottom band 102 and/or when the second pumping slider 130 is configured to adjust a shortest distance D2 between the second clasp 1 18 and the bottom band 102, a strain within the body 103 is also adjusted if the body 103 is connected to the first clasp 116 and/or the second clasp 1 18. Put another way, if the body 103 is connected to the first clasp 1 16 and/or the second clasp 1 18, the body 103 transitions from being more taut to being more slack if the first clasp 1 16 and/or the second clasp 1 18 is lowered. This allows the body 103 to accommodate the bulk of an in-bra pump more easily without exerting uncomfortable or excessive forces on the bottom band 102 or the first strap 1 12 or the second strap 114. The body 103 is also prevented from becoming overstretched by such an adjustment, which allows the body 103 to continue to provide adequate support during non-pumping periods of wear.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1 , the first support 104 and the second support 106 further include, respectively, a first sizing slider 136 and second sizing slider 138. The first sizing slider 136 is connected to the first back end 122 of the first strap 112 and is slidably secured upon the first strap 1 12 to form a first sizing loop 140. The second sizing slider 138 is connected to the second back end 126 of the second strap 1 14 and is slidably secured upon the second strap 1 14 to form a second sizing loop 142. A first fastener 144 is slidably secured on the first strap 1 12 within the first sizing loop 140, and a second fastener 146 is slidably secured on the second strap 1 14 within the second sizing loop 142.

[0035] The purpose of the first sizing slider 136 and the second sizing slider 138 is to allow the first pumping slider 128 and the second pumping slider 130, respectively, to be placed at an optimal position on the wearer’s body that allows for easy adjustments of the first pumping slider 128 and the second pumping slider 130. The first sizing slider 136 is configured to adjust a sizing length L1 (shown in Figure 9) of the first support 104 between the first fastener 144 and the first pumping slider 128, and the second sizing slider 138 is configured to adjust a sizing length L2 (shown in Figure 9) of the second support 106 between the second fastener 146 and the second pumping slider 130. The changes in the lengths L1 and L2 allow adjustments by a wearer such that, independently of the wearer’s body size or the configuration of the first strap 112 and second strap 1 14 (e.g., a straight or cross-back configuration), the first pumping slider 128 and the second pumping slider 130 can be placed adjacent the wearer’s front body where they can be easily grasped by the wearer. Without the first sizing slider 136 and the second sizing slider 138, the first pumping slider and the second pumping slider 130 might be positioned on the wearer’s back, which would make adjustments by the wearer difficult. [0036] Turning to Figure 2, the exterior of the bra 100 is shown in a flat configuration (e.g., an unworn configuration with a back bra fastener unfastened) with the body 103 connected both the first clasp 1 16 and the second clasp 1 18. As shown, the body 103 has a neckline edge 150 between the first clasp 116 and the second clasp 118. In the arrangement shown, the neckline edge 150 has a scoop or U-shape, but in other arrangements, the neckline edge 150 may have a different shape such as a V-neck. An elastic band 152 is sewn into the body 103 along the neckline edge 150. The body 103 also has a first underarm edge 154 and a second underarm edge 156. The first underarm edge 154 extends downward from the first clasp 116, and an elastic band 155 may be sewn into the body 103 along the first underarm edge 154. The second underarm edge 156 extends downward from the second clasp 1 18, and an elastic band 157 may be sewn into the body 103 along the second underarm edge 156. Each of the first underarm edge 154 and the second underarm edge 156 are configured to be adjacent to a respective underarm of a wearer when the bra 100 is worn. The elastic bands 152, 155, and

157 are able to stretch to accommodate, for example, the placement of an in-bra pump while maintaining the shape of the bra 100. The elastic bands 152, 155, and 157 further help to keep an in-bra pump contained within the bra 100 during use.

[0037] The body 103 may comprise recycled nylon. As shown in Figure 2, the body 103 has a first area 158 adjacent the bottom band 102 and a second area 160 between the first area

158 and the neckline edge 150. The first area 158 may be formed from a ribbed material, whereas the second area 160 may comprise jersey material and molded cups. The first area 158 may have a first modulus of elasticity, and the second area 160 may have a second modulus of elasticity that is less than the first modulus of elasticity. Put another way, the first area 158 may be less stiff than the second area 160 because the first area 158 in particular must stretch to accommodate the breasts of the wearer and up to two in-bra pumps as the first area 158 covers the breasts (and the in-bra pumps during use) when the bra 100 is being worn with the body 103 connected to the first clasp 1 16 and the second clasp 1 18. The first area 158 has a first concave edge 162 complementary to and adjacent a first convex edge 164 of the second area 160 that may, for example, be configured to be adjacent to a bottom of a wearer’s breast and/or the bottom of an in-bra pump. Likewise, the first area 158 has a second concave edge 166 complementary to and adjacent a second convex edge 168 of the second area 160 that may, for example, be configured to be adjacent to a bottom of a wearer’s other breast and/or the bottom of an in-bra pump. [0038] In Figure 3, the interior of the bra 100 is shown in a flat configuration (e.g., an unworn configuration with a back bra fastener unfastened). The first sling 108 is shown sewn in place in the bra 100 while the second sling 1 10 is shown displaced slightly from the location where it will be sewn in order to illustrate proper placement of the second sling 110. In the arrangement shown, the first sling 108 has an inner edge 170 between the bottom band 102 and the first clasp 1 16, an upper outer edge 172 extending from the first clasp 1 16 along a first underarm edge 154 of the body 103, a lower outer edge 174 extending between the upper outer edge 172 of the first sling 108 and the bottom band 102, and a bottom edge 176 extending along the bottom band 102. Likewise, the second sling 1 10 has an inner edge 178 between the bottom band 102 and the second clasp 1 18, an upper outer edge 180 extending from the second clasp 118 along a second underarm edge 156 of the body 103, a lower outer edge 182 extending between the upper outer edge 180 of the second sling 1 10 and the bottom band 102, and a bottom edge 184 extending along the bottom band 102. In other arrangements not depicted herein, the first sling 108 and the second sling 1 10 may have a different shape. For example, the first sling 108 and the second sling 1 10 may not include an upper outer edge 172 or 180 and may instead be a simple strap that has two equidistant sides stretching from the first clasp 116 or second clasp 1 18 to the bottom band 102. Other shapes and configurations of the first sling 108 and the second sling 110 are also possible.

[0039] Figure 4 shows the placement of two in-bra pumps under the first sling 108 and the second sling 1 10 on a bra 100 worn by a wearer. As shown in Figure 4, a length L3 of the inner edge 170 of the first sling 108 is greater than the shortest distance D1 between the first clasp 116 and the bottom band 102 when the first clasp 1 16 is in a pumping position, and a length L4 of the inner edge 178 of the second sling 1 10 is greater than the shortest distance D2 between the second clasp 1 18 and the bottom band 102 when the second clasp 1 18 is in a pumping position. As shown in Figure 4, the shortest distances D1 and D2 are merely measurements between the identified bra components that can be determined without regard for the body of the wearer or the in bra pumps. The shortest distances D1 and D2 will typically be measured vertically or substantially vertically when the bra 100 is being worn. In contrast, the lengths L3 and L4 must typically extend over the contours of the wearer’s body and, optionally, in bra pumps because that is where the first sling 108 and the second sling 1 10 are typically located when the bra 100 is worn.

[0040] Figure 5 shows the bra 100 on a wearer without the in-bra pumps. In Figure 5, the first pumping slider 128 and the second pumping slider 130 are located at respective origin positions above the breasts of a wearer near the wearer’s shoulders. In contrast, in Figure 4, the first pumping slider 128 and the second pumping slider 130 are below the respective origin positions and are located closer to the first clasp 116 and the second clasp 1 18 respectively. As a result, the first pumping loop 132 and the second pumping loop 134 are shorter in Figure 4 than in Figure 5, meaning that the first support 104 and the second support 106 (discussed with respect to Figure 1 ) are longer in Figure 4 than in Figure 5. This results in the first clasp 1 16 and the second clasp 1 18 being lower relative to a wearer’s body in Figure 4 than in Figure 5, and the shortest distances D1 and D2 are greater in Figure 5 than in Figure 4.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, because the shortest distances D1 and D2 are greater than in Figure 4, the lengths L3 and L4 are closer to the shortest distances D1 and D2. In some arrangements, the length L3 of the inner edge of the first sling 108 is equal to the shortest distance D1 between the first clasp 1 16 and the bottom band 102 when the first pumping slider 128 is in an origin position. Likewise, in some arrangements, the length L4 of the inner edge of the second sling 110 is equal to the shortest distance D2 between the second clasp 1 18 and the bottom band 102 when the second pumping slider 130 is in an origin position.

[0042] In the arrangement shown in Figure 6, the neckline edge 150 is high to provide adequate coverage even when an in-bra pump or two in-bra pumps are inserted into the bra 100. For example, the neckline edge 150 has a lowest point 186 that is offset no more than three inches from the first clasp 116 and the second clasp 1 18 along a vertical axis A. The offset may be adjusted based on a size of the bra 100. For example, a size small may have an offset no greater than 2 3/8 inches, a medium may have an offset no greater than 2 1/2 inches, a large may have an offset no greater than 2 5/8 inches, an extra large may have an offset not greater than 2 3/4 inches, and an extra extra large may have an offset not greater than 2 7/8 inches. The lowest point 186 of the neckline edge 150 may be determined along the vertical axis A. Additionally, the first strap 1 12 and the second strap 1 14 may be wider than typical nursing bras in order to provide the additional support necessary to hold up the weight of in-bra pumps.

[0043] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the value of the first sizing slider 136 and the second sizing slider 138. Figure 7 shows the first pumping slider 128 and the second pumping slider 130 inconveniently positioned on the back of a wearer, which makes adjustments to accommodate breast size fluctuations and the in-bra pumps difficult. In Figure 8, the first sizing slider 136 and the second sizing slider 138 have been moved upward compared to their respective positions in Figure 7 to increase the length of the first sizing loop 140 and the second sizing loop 142. As a result, the length of the first support 104 and the second support 106 are increased, and the first pumping slider 128 and the second pumping slider 130 are able to be positioned at their respective origin positions. This facilitates easy adjustments using the first pumping slider 128 and the second pumping slider 130. The first strap 1 12 and the second strap 1 14 may each have a total strap length of approximately ten inches. A typical distance between the first pumping slider 128 and the first sizing slider 136 (as shown in Figure 8) is approximately five inches, and a typical distance between the second pumping slider 130 and the second sizing slider 138 is also approximately five inches.

[0044] In some arrangements, as shown in Figure 8, to help a user estimate where to put the first pumping slider 128, second pumping slider 130, first sizing slider 136, and second sizing slider 138 prior to putting on the bra 100, indicators may be provided along the first strap 112 and the second strap 1 14. The indicators may be visual (e.g., a change in color or pattern) or tactile (e.g., bumps or ridges). The first strap 1 12 may include a pumping indicator 188 along a length of the first strap 112 configured for placement of the first pumping slider 128, and the second strap 1 14 may include a pumping indicator 190 along a length of the second strap 1 14 configured for placement of the second pumping slider 130. Additionally, the first strap 1 12 may include a sliding indicator 192 along a length of the first strap 1 12 configured for placement of the first sizing slider 136, and the second strap 1 14 may include a sliding indicator 194 along a length of the second strap 1 14 configured for placement of the second sizing slider 138. Each indicator may be the same (e.g., the same color, pattern, or tactile feature) or may be different and specific to the type of slider (e.g., red pumping indicators 188 and 190, and blue sliding indicators 192 and 194).

[0045] As shown in Figure 9, the body 103 has a back 196 with a top edge 198 having a first connector 200 and a second connector 202. The top edge 198 has an elastic band 204 sewn into the body 103 to provide increased stretch and support the shape of the bra 100. In some arrangements, the first connector 200 is permanently secured to the first fastener 144 and the second connector 202 is permanently secured to the second fastener 146.

[0046] In other arrangements, the bra 100 may enable the first strap 112 and the second strap 1 14 to be connected in different ways to allow the bra 100 to be worn under different styles of tops without the first strap 1 12 or the second strap 1 14 showing. Figure 9 illustrates the first strap 1 12 and the second strap 114 in a straight configuration, and Figure 10 illustrates the first strap 1 12 and the second strap 114 in a crossed configuration. The first connector 200 is configured to interchangeably connect to the first fastener 144 and the second fastener 146, and the second connector 202 is configured to interchangeably connect to the first fastener 144 and the second fastener 146. The sizing lengths L1 and L2 must be longer to accommodate, for example, a crossed configuration.

[0047] When the bra 100 enables different configurations of the first strap '112 and the second strap 1 14, additional indicators may be useful to help a wearer estimate where to position the first sizing slider 136 and the second sizing slider 138 in the different configurations before putting on the bra 100. To that end, the sliding indicator 192 along the length of the first strap 1 12 may include a first section 206 associated with a first configuration of the first strap 112 and the sliding indicator 194 along the length of the second strap 1 14 may include a first section 208 associated with a first configuration of the second strap 1 14. The sliding indicator 192 along the length of the first strap 1 12 may further include a second section 210 associated with a second configuration of the first strap 1 12 and the sliding indicator 194 along the length of the second strap 1 14 may further include a second section 212 associated with a second configuration of the second strap 1 14. Each section may have an identical indicator (e.g., the same color, pattern, or tactile feature), or the indicators may differ to indicate a specific configuration (e.g., the first sections 206 and 208 may be striped while the second sections 210 and 212 may be solid).

Claims

Claims: What is claimed is:

1 . A nursing and pumping bra for an in-bra pump comprising: a bottom band; a first support including a first sling connected to the bottom band, a first clasp connected to the first sling, a first strap connected to the first clasp and having a first front end and a first back end, a first pumping slider connected to the first front end of the first strap and slidably secured upon the first strap to form a first pumping loop, the first clasp slidable upon the first strap within the first pumping loop, and a first sizing slider connected to the first back end of the first strap and slidably secured upon the first strap to form a first sizing loop; a first fastener slidably secured on the first strap within the first sizing loop; a second support including a second sling connected to the bottom band, a second clasp connected to the second sling, a second strap connected to the second clasp and having a second front end and a second back end, a second pumping slider connected to the second front end of the second strap and slidably secured upon the second strap to form a second pumping loop, the second clasp slidable upon the second strap within the second loop, and a second sizing slider connected to the second back end of the second strap and slidably secured upon the second strap to form a second sizing loop, a second fastener slidably secured on the second strap within the second sizing loop; a body connected to the bottom band and selectively connectable to the first clasp and the second clasp; the first sizing slider configured to adjust a sizing length of the first support between the first fastener and the first pumping slider, and the second sizing slider configured to adjust a sizing length of the second support between the second fastener and the second pumping slider; and the first pumping slider configured to adjust a shortest distance between the first clasp and the bottom band, thereby adjusting a strain within the first sling and a force acting on the bottom band, and the second pumping slider configured to adjust a shortest distance between the second clasp and the bottom band, thereby adjusting a strain within the second sling and a force acting on the bottom band.

2. The nursing and pumping bra of claim 1 , the body comprising a neckline edge, an elastic band sewn into the body along the neckline edge.

3. The nursing and pumping bra of claim 1 or claim 2, the body comprising a first underarm edge and a second underarm edge, an elastic band sewn into the body along the first underarm edge and along the second underarm edge.

4. The nursing and pumping bra of any one of claims 1 to 3, the body comprising recycled nylon.

5. The nursing and pumping bra of any one of claims 1 to 4, the body having a first area adjacent the bottom band having a first modulus of elasticity and a second area between the first area and a neckline edge, the second area having a second modulus of elasticity that is less than the first modulus of elasticity.

6. The nursing and pumping bra of claim 4, the first area having a first concave edge complementary to and adjacent a first convex edge of the second area, and the first area having a second concave edge complementary to and adjacent a second convex edge of the second area.

7. The nursing and pumping bra of any one of claims 1 to 6, the body having a back with a top edge having a first connector and a second connector, the first connector configured to interchangeably connect to the first fastener and the second fastener, and the second connector configured to interchangeably connect to the first fastener and the second fastener.

8. The nursing and pumping bra of claim 7, the top edge having an elastic band sewn into the body.

9. The nursing and pumping bra of any one of claims 1 to 8, the body having a back with a top edge having a first connector and a second connector, the first connector permanently secured to the first fastener, the second connector permanently secured to the second fastener.

10. The nursing and pumping bra of any one of claims 1 to 9, the first sling having an inner edge between the bottom band and the first clasp, an upper outer edge extending from the first clasp along a first underarm edge of the body, a lower outer edge extending between the upper outer edge of the first sling and the bottom band, and a bottom edge extending along the bottom band, and the second sling having an inner edge between the bottom band and the second clasp, an upper outer edge extending from the second clasp along a second underarm edge of the body, a lower outer edge extending between the upper outer edge of the second sling and the bottom band, and a bottom edge extending along the bottom band.

11 . The nursing and pumping bra of claim 10, wherein a length of the inner edge of the first sling is equal to the shortest distance between the first clasp and the bottom band when the first pumping slider is in an origin position, and a length of the inner edge of the second sling is equal to the shortest distance between the second clasp and the bottom band when the second pumping slider is in an origin position.

12. The nursing and pumping bra of claim 10, wherein a length of the inner edge of the first sling is greater than the shortest distance between the first clasp and the bottom band when the first clasp is in a pumping position, and a length of the inner edge of the second sling is greater than the shortest distance between the second clasp and the bottom band when the second clasp is in a pumping position.

13. The nursing and pumping bra of any one of claims 1 to 12, the body having a neckline edge, the neckline edge having a lowest point that is offset no more than three inches from the first clasp and the second clasp along a vertical axis.

14. The nursing and pumping bra of any one of claims 1 to 13, the offset between the lowest point and the first claps and the second clasp along the vertical axis depending on a size of the nursing and pumping bra.

15. The nursing and pumping bra of any one of claims 1 to 14, the first strap including a pumping indicator along a length of the first strap configured for placement of the first pumping slider, and the second strap including a pumping indicator along a length of the second strap configured for placement of the second pumping slider.

16. The nursing and pumping bra of any one of claims 1 to 15, the first strap including a sliding indicator along a length of the first strap configured for placement of the first sizing slider, and the second strap including a sliding indicator along a length of the second strap configured for placement of the second sizing slider.

17. The nursing and pumping bra of claim 16, the sliding indicator along the length of the first strap including a first section associated with a first configuration of the first strap and the sliding indicator along the length of the second strap including a first section associated with a first configuration of the second strap.

18. The nursing and pumping bra of claim 17, the sliding indicator along the length of the first strap including a second section associated with a second configuration of the first strap and the sliding indicator along the length of the second strap including a second section associated with a second configuration of the second strap.

19. A nursing and pumping bra for an in-bra pump comprising: a bra strap connected to a sizing slider, a pumping slider, a fastener, and a clasp; and a bottom band; the sizing slider configured to adjust a sizing length between the fastener and the pumping slider, and the pumping slider configured to adjust a shortest distance between the clasp and the bottom band.

20. A nursing and pumping bra for an in-bra pump comprising: a bra strap connected to a sizing slider, a pumping slider, a fastener, and a clasp; a bottom band; a sling connected to the bottom band and the clasp; and a body connected to the bottom band and selectively connectable to the clasp; the sizing slider configured to adjust a sizing length between the fastener and the pumping slider, and the pumping slider configured to adjust a strain within the sling and the body when body is connected to the clasp.