Maternity Garments for Breast-Feeding, Exercise and Work Tasks

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/545,588, filed Dec. 19, 2023, which claims priority in U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/433,648, filed Dec. 19, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to maternity, exercise and work garments, and in particular to multi-purpose garments providing comfort, support and privacy.

2. Description of the Related Art

A wide variety of special-purpose maternity clothes are available for different stages of pregnancy and postpartum wear. Activewear maternity garments can accommodate exercise, breast-feeding and other activities, including work. For example, healthcare practitioners commonly wear “scrubs,” which tend to be relatively loose-fitting for comfort and freedom-of-motion. Scrubs are frequently changed and cleaned for sterility and microbial control in the interests of optimizing patient care and controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

Exercise apparel, such as “joggers,” are normally designed for comfort, flexibility and freedom-of-movement. Regular exercise is also known to significantly benefit expectant and postpartum mothers. Moreover, infants generally benefit from maternal proximity, especially in the early stages of life.

An objective of the present invention is accommodating expectant mothers through various stages of pregnancy and into postpartum activities, such as breast-feeding.

Postpartum activities can present wardrobe challenges. For example, breast-feeding mothers generally prefer privacy, particularly when others are nearby. To avoid offense and embarrassment, breast-feeding is normally done in private. However, total privacy is not always available when infants require breast-feeding. Medically, breastmilk is known to have many nutritional advantages for infants. Challenges can arise in maintaining regular feeding schedules while engaged in other activities, such as practicing healthcare.

The garments embodying the present invention accommodate exercise with freedom-of-movement and provide privacy for breast-feeding with discrete, closable panels and openings. Moreover, they can be configured as medical-grade, antimicrobial scrubs, exercise apparel and other forms of activewear. Additional material criteria include moisture-wicking, durability, wrinkle-resistance and softness.

Heretofore there have not been available multi-purpose maternity garments with the advantages and features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides maternity garments with fabrication features accommodating various activities, including medical care scrubs, exercise, breast-feeding. Anti-microbial, multi-directional stretchability, durability and wrinkle-resistance features are also accommodated. Without limitation, the garments can be configured as scrub tops and bottoms, shorts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, “joggers,” etc.

The tops according to the present invention include zippered side openings for enabling breast-feeding. The bottoms include waistbands configured for expanding and removal for accommodating the growing abdomens of expectant mothers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a multi-purpose maternity top embodying an aspect of the present invention, shown in a breast-feeding application.

FIG. 2 is another front elevation of the top with one side folded over and a side opening unzipped in an open configuration, e.g., to accommodate breast-feeding.

FIG. 3 is another front-elevational view of the top.

FIG. 3a is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the zipper, taken generally within circle 3a in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the zipper, taken generally along line 3b-3b in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view top, shown with a waistband unzipped and expanded.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a pants (bottoms) garment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a multi-purpose maternity top forming an embodiment of our invention

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view thereof showing a portion of a front of the embodiment maternity top folded upward about a zipper element.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view taken about the line of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment pants forming an embodiment of our invention.

FIG. 11A is a front elevational view thereof, showing a waist band element folded over to form a reinforced portion thereof.

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 13 is a right-side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 14 is a left-side sectional view thereof.

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of another alternative embodiment of maternity pants forming an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 17 is a right-side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 18 is a left-side sectional view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction And Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right, and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. Without limitation, the following garment concepts provide examples of features and functions, which can be incorporated in the present invention.

II. Preferred Embodiments Multi-Purpose Maternity and Exercise Garments 2

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, a two-piece garment 2 generally comprises a top or shirt 4 and a bottom or pants 6. Alternative embodiments within the scope of the present invention include one-piece garments and individual pieces with different configurations, such as long-sleeve, short-sleeve and sleeveless tops. The bottoms can be configured as full-length pants, short pants, skirts, etc. Without limitation on the generality of useful applications of the present invention, examples include medical-great scrubs and exercise apparel.

The top 4 is shown in FIG. 1 in an open configuration to accommodate a woman 8 breast-feeding an infant 10. The top 4 includes a side seam 12 including a side seam zipper 14 with a closure flap 16, which conceals the zipper 14. The zipper is actuated by grasping a zipper tab 18. Alternatively, the side seam 12 can be selectively closed with snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop (e.g., Velcro®), laces and other fasteners. The top 4 can be configured with zippered side seams 12 on one or both sides. As shown in FIG. 2, the side seam 12 opening can extend from an upper end 20 at a garment armpit 21 to a lower end 22 at a garment lower hem 23.

As shown in FIG. 3 the top 4 includes a transverse, front, waist expansion 24, including a waist expansion zipper 26 configured for retaining a waist expansion panel 28 in a closed, concealed, in-folded configuration (FIG. 3a). FIG. 4 shows the waist expansion unzipped with the expansion panel 28 deployed and enlarging the area of the top front panel.

FIG. 5 shows the garment bottom 6, which is configured as long, full-length pants with a drawstring 32. A removable waist band 34 is adapted for cutting away from the rest of the pants 6. The waist band 34 is configured for providing abdominal compression/abdominal support from scrub pants to be used before, during and after pregnancy. The supportive/stretchy material will cover the abdomen and could later be cut off when the additional abdominal coverage is no longer needed.

III. Fabrication and Use

Medical garments incorporating the present invention can include normal straight leg scrub pants, jogger style scrub pants, and any other modifications made to scrub pants, i.e., extra pockets, etc. The multi-purpose garments can be fabricated from various suitable materials, including synthetics, cotton, wool and blends. Moreover, the materials can include elasticized fabrics for stretching and compression to provide additional support.

In use, breast-feeding can be discreetly accomplished by opening the side seams sufficiently for infant access simultaneously with the top 4 providing visual privacy with adjustable covering. Various activities can be accommodated by the multi-purpose garments 2, including work (e.g., in healthcare), exercising and relaxing. The garment material(s) can be chosen for comfort, softness, stretchability, durability, appearance, washability and anti-microbial characteristics.

IV. Alternative Embodiment Maternity and Postpartum Clothing System 102

FIGS. 6-18 show an alternative embodiment clothing system 102 of a two-piece outfit formed from a top 104 and a pair of pants 106. Both the top 104 and pants 106 incorporate antimicrobial, moisture-wicking fabrics. As shown in FIGS. 6-10, an alternative embodiment maternity top 104 is shown. Typically, this top could be used as scrubs for medical workers, but features could be incorporated into other clothing types. The entire clothing system 102 is suited for maternity wear and postpartum wear to assist in nursing and pumping of breast milk.

As with the previous embodiment, the maternity top 104 includes a side seam 112 including a fastener, such as a non-separating, side seam zipper 114. The zipper 114 is non-separating, such that at least a portion of the top 104 remains connected between front 140 and back 150 halves thereof. As with the previous embodiment, an optional closure flap, which conceals the zipper 114, may be incorporated. Alternatively, the zippers 118 are integrated into the seam lines 112. Each zipper 114 includes a zipper pull 118 for opening and closing the zipper. The maternity top 104 is configured to be transitioned from a maternity-wear configuration with the zippers opened, to a standard top e.g. scrub top with the zippers closed.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the side seam 112 opening can extend from an upper end 120 at a garment armpit 121 to a lower end 122 at a garment lower hem 123. Optional inner-facing panels may be incorporated to cover up the interior of the zipper 114 to prevent zipper contact with the wearer's body. When the zipper 114 is opened, the top 104 does not fully separate, but is designed to open to the underside of the armpit area beneath the sleeve of the top 104. In addition to facilitating access for nursing, the zippers 114 may be selectively opened to expand the top portion to accommodate a growing abdomen, thereby enhancing comfort during pregnancy and for larger-bodied wearers.

The zipper 14 separates the front 140 and the back 150 of the top 104 to allow for nursing or expansion of the scrub top during pregnancy. The top also includes a pocket 144 with an optional graphics tab 146 for emblazoning with a logo or other information. A badge loop 148 with a front-facing front edge can be sewn into one of the shoulders of the top 104.

FIGS. 11-14 show a first alternative embodiment pair of pants 106 which form part of the maternity clothing system 102. A stretchable waistband 134 is connected to a pair of pant legs 136, the waistband 134 configured to stretch and grow during pregnancy, and can provide privacy and coverage when incorporated with the maternity tops 104, such that when the zippers 114 of the top 104 are opened, the wearer is still covered underneath with the waistband 134. In a preferred embodiment, the pant legs 136 and waistband 134 are formed from the same material. As shown in FIG. 11A, the waistband 134 can be folded down over itself to provide a folded section 135 which provides extra compression about the waistband.

The pants 106 may include front pockets 138, at least one side pocket 139, and rear pockets 137. The rear pockets 137 and side pocket 139 may also incorporate an optional graphics tab 141, similar to the graphics tab 146 for the top 104.

FIGS. 15-18 show a slightly alternative pair of pants 106 where the legs 186 end in a cuff 188. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-14 show an example typical to a scrub pants, whereas FIGS. 15-18 show an example of jogging pants. Any suitable pant style could be incorporated into this invention.

The top 104 and pants 106 together form a complete maternity clothing system 102 which provides the user comfort during an entire pregnancy without needing differently sized clothing, while also providing utility after a child is born for nursing access. In the setting of a medical professional who wears scrubs all day, the present invention provides a top and pair of pants which can grow with the wearer during pregnancy and after, while providing comfort and predictability of the clothing.

Due to the wearable top 104 and pants 106 ideally being suited for medical scrubs, in an embodiment where the top 104 and pants 106 are formed from a material including antimicrobial properties, it is important that the materials thereof are capable of withstanding repeated high-temperature washing and sterilization cycles without degradation of the antimicrobial properties. In a preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial properties would be retained to at least 85% microbial reduction even after fifty (50) wash cycles with temperatures over 150° F.

In an embodiment, the top 104 and pants 106 may be made of a material including a fabric blend having at least 10% elastane and a biocidal treatment selected from silver-ion, copper, or chitosan-based coatings.

The present invention provides a garment which can be utilized by mothers and expectant mothers. The opening of the warble top via the fasteners, including the zippers as exemplified above, provides easy access for pumping as well as nursing.

It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms and is not to be limited to the examples specifically discussed above. The range of components and configurations which can be utilized in the practice of the present invention is virtually unlimited.