ADAPTABLE NURSING GARMENT

Abstract

An adaptable nursing garment designed to improve comfort and support during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The adaptable nursing garment is designed for one-handed operation to enable breastfeeding without removal of the strapless nursing garment. The adaptable nursing garment includes a nursing bra including a plurality of supports, a plurality of fasteners, and an elastic component.

Claims

1. An adaptable nursing garment comprising: at least two supports including a first support and a second support; at least two fasteners including a first zipper and a second zipper; and at least one elastic component; wherein the first zipper includes a first row of zipper teeth and a second row of zipper teeth; wherein the second zipper includes a first row of zipper teeth and a second row of zipper teeth; wherein the first support is attached to the at least one elastic component via the first zipper; wherein the second support is attached to the at least one elastic component via the second zipper; and wherein the first support and the second support are operable to move between an open position and a closed position based on a position of the first zipper and a position the second zipper.

2. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 1, wherein the first zipper runs along a curvature of the first support, wherein the second zipper runs along a curvature of the second support.

3. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 1, wherein the first zipper is sewn to the first support, wherein the second zipper is sewn to the second support.

4. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of notches, wherein the plurality of notches is positioned along a curvature of the first support and a curvature of the second support.

5. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 1, wherein, when moving from the closed position to the open position, the first support extends away from the at least one elastic component.

6. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of supports is removably attached to the at least one elastic component.

7. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 1, wherein each support of the plurality of supports includes an interior component, wherein the interior component includes a cushion.

8. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 7, wherein each support of the plurality of supports includes an interior component fastener, wherein the interior component fastener is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position, the interior component is covered.

9. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 1, wherein the first zipper includes at least one of a double-sided zipper, a centered zipper, an invisible zipper, a lapped zipper, a two-way separating zipper, a separating zipper, or an exposed zipper.

10. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 1, wherein the first row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is positioned on the first support, wherein the second row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is positioned on the at least one elastic component.

11. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 10, wherein the first row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is positioned on the second support, wherein the second row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is positioned on the at least one elastic component.

12. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 11, wherein the first zipper is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, when in the locked position, the first row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is connected to the second row of zipper teeth of the first zipper.

13. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 1 further comprising underwire.

14. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 1, wherein the first support and the second support are configured to simultaneously move from the closed position to the open position.

15. An adaptable nursing garment comprising: at least two supports including a first support and a second support; at least two fasteners including a first zipper and a second zipper; and at least one elastic component; wherein the first zipper includes a first row of zipper teeth and a second row of zipper teeth; wherein the second zipper includes a first row of zipper teeth and a second row of zipper teeth; wherein the first support is attached to the at least one elastic component via the first zipper, wherein the first zipper runs along a curvature of the first support; wherein the second support is attached to the at least one elastic component via the second zipper, wherein the second zipper runs along a curvature of the second support; and wherein the first support and the second support are operable to move between an open position and a closed position based on a position of the first zipper and a position of the second zipper.

16. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of notches, wherein the plurality of notches is positioned along the curvature of the first support and the curvature of the second support.

17. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 15 further comprising underwire, wherein the underwire runs underneath each support of the at least two supports.

18. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 15, wherein the first row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is positioned on the first support, wherein the second row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is positioned on the at least one elastic component, wherein the first row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is positioned on the second support, wherein the second row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is positioned on the at least one elastic component.

19. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 18, wherein the first zipper is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, when in the locked position, the first row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is connected to the second row of zipper teeth of the first zipper, wherein the second zipper is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position, the first row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is connected to the second row of zipper teeth of the second zipper, wherein, in the unlocked position, the first row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is disconnected from the second row of zipper teeth of the second zipper.

20. The adaptable nursing garment of claim 19, wherein, as the first zipper moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the first support is operable to extend away from a wearer, wherein, as the second zipper moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the second support is operable to extend away from the wearer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The embodiments illustrated, described, and discussed herein are illustrative of the present invention. As these embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to illustrations, various modifications, or adaptations of the methods and or specific structures described may become apparent to those skilled in the art. It will be appreciated that modifications and variations are covered by the above teachings and within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope thereof. All such modifications, adaptations, or variations that rely upon the teachings of the present invention, and through which these teachings have advanced the art, are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Hence, these descriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense, as it is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to only the embodiments illustrated.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment with a cup in an open position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment with removable cups according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment with removable cups according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although the term step may be expressly used or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated.

[0028] Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings.

[0029] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

[0030] Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms a, an, and the refer to one or more when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to a device can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth.

[0031] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0032] As used herein, the term about, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/20%, in some embodiments +/10%, in some embodiments +/5%, in some embodiments +/1%, in some embodiments +/0.5%, and in some embodiments +/0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0033] The present invention is generally directed to a nursing garment, more specifically to an adaptable nursing garment. In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment includes an adaptable nursing bra. The adaptable nursing bra includes at least one cup, a support band, at least one zipper, an underwire, and a clip. In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing bra does not include an underwire. The adaptable nursing bra can include at least one push-up support incorporated into at least one cup.

[0034] In one embodiment, the present invention includes an adaptable nursing garment design to facilitate breastfeeding without the removal of the adaptable nursing garment. The adaptable nursing garment includes a plurality of cups, a plurality of zippers, an underwire, an underwire channel, an elastic band, and at least one fastener. The plurality of cups is attached to the elastic band via at least one zipper of the plurality of zippers. Advantageously, each cup of the plurality of cups is movable between an open position and a closed position based on the position of a corresponding zipper. As the corresponding zipper unzips, the cup is operable to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0035] In some embodiments, an adaptable nursing garment is disclosed. The adaptable nursing garment includes at least two supports including a first support and a second support. The adaptable nursing garment further includes at least two fasteners including a first zipper and a second zipper. The adaptable nursing garment further includes at least one elastic component. The first zipper includes a first row of zipper teeth and a second row of zipper teeth. The second zipper includes a first row of zipper teeth and a second row of zipper teeth. The first support is attached to the at least one elastic component via the first zipper. The second support is attached to the at least one elastic component via the second zipper. The first support and the second support are operable to move between an open position and a closed position based on a position of the first zipper and a position of the second zipper.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first zipper runs along a curvature of the first support and the second zipper runs along a curvature of the second support. In some embodiments, the first zipper is sewn to the first support and the second zipper is sewn to the second support. In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment further includes a plurality of notches positioned along a curvature of the first support and a plurality of notches positioned along a curvature of the second support. In some embodiments, when moving from the closed position to the open position, the first support extends away from the elastic component. In some embodiments, the plurality of supports is removably attached to the elastic component. In some embodiments, each support of the plurality of supports includes an interior component including a cushion. In some embodiments, each support of the plurality of supports includes an interior component fastener. The interior component fastener is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the interior component is covered.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first zipper includes at least one of a double-sided zipper, a centered zipper, an invisible zipper, a lapped zipper, a two-way separating zipper, a separating zipper, or an exposed zipper. In some embodiments, the first row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is positioned on the first support and the second row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is positioned on the elastic component. In some embodiments, the first row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is positioned on the second support and the second row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is positioned on the elastic component. In some embodiments, the first zipper is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the first row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is connected to the second row of zipper teeth of the first zipper. In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment further includes underwire. In some embodiments, the first support and the second support are configurated to simultaneously moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0038] In some embodiments, an adaptable nursing garment is disclosed. The adaptable nursing garment includes at least two supports including a first support and a second support. The adaptable nursing garment further includes at least two fasteners including a first zipper and a second zipper. The adaptable nursing garment further includes at least one elastic component. The first zipper includes a first row of zipper teeth and a second row of zipper teeth. The second zipper includes a first row of zipper teeth and a second row of zipper teeth. The first support is attached to at least one elastic component via a first zipper that runs along a curvature of the first support. The second support is attached to the at least one elastic component that runs along a curvature of the second support. The first support and the second support are operable to move between an open position and a closed position based on a position of the first zipper and a position of the second zipper.

[0039] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment further includes a plurality of notches positioned along the curvature of the first support and the curvature of the second support. In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment further includes underwire. The underwire runs underneath each support of the at least two supports. In some embodiments, the first row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is positioned on the first support and the second row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is positioned on the elastic component. The first row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is positioned on the second support and the second row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is positioned on the elastic component.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first zipper is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first row of zipper teeth of the first zipper is connected to the second row of zipper teeth of the first zipper. The second zipper is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is connected to the second row of zipper teeth of the second zipper. In the unlocked position, the first row of zipper teeth of the second zipper is disconnected from the second row of zipper teeth of the second zipper.

[0041] In some embodiments, when the first zipper moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the first support is operable to extend away from a wearer. When the second zipper moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the second support is operable to extend away from the wearer.

[0042] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention includes an adaptable nursing garment 100 comprising a plurality of supports 102, a plurality of fasteners 104, a plurality of seams 106, and an elastic component (not shown). In one embodiment, the plurality of supports 102 includes at least one cup designed to support and receive a breast of an individual.

[0043] In some embodiments, the plurality of fasteners is stitched to the nursing garment. Alternatively, or additionally, the plurality of fasteners is sewn to the nursing garment. In some embodiments, the plurality of fasteners 104 includes at least one zipper. The zipper includes a plurality of zipper teeth attached (e.g., sewn) to a corresponding support. Advantageously, the plurality of zipper teeth is aligned with the shape and curvature of the corresponding support.

[0044] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment includes a plurality of notches positioned around the curve of the cup that enables the zipper to track along the curve of the cup. Each support of the plurality of supports is designed to move between an open and a closed position. When the zipper is in a locked position, the support is in a closed position and covers the breast of an individual. When the zipper moves to an unlocked position, the plurality of zipper teeth is no longer connected, and the support is operable to extend away from an individual. For example, and not limitation, the support flips open. Advantageously, this enables an individual to breastfeed without taking off the nursing garment.

[0045] In some embodiments, the plurality of supports is entirely detachable from the nursing garment. In other embodiments, the plurality of supports is permanently attached to the adaptable nursing garment. In some embodiments, each support of the plurality of supports includes at least one additional fastener (e.g., zipper) that provides access to the interior portion of the support. For example, and not limitation, each support includes an interior compartment with a cushion or similar support material. The additional zipper provides interior access to each support, thereby allowing the interior cushion to be removed and swapped. Advantageously, this enables individuals to adjust the garment to a desired comfort and size.

[0046] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment includes a plurality of zippers. For example, and not limitation, the plurality of zippers includes a first zipper positioned on a first cup and a second zipper on a second cup. Advantageously, each zipper is designed for one-handed functionality. For further example and not limitation, at least one zipper runs from about the sternum of an individual to about the armpit of an individual and is designed to form the shape of a cup.

[0047] For further example, in some embodiments, at least one zipper includes a double-sided zipper, a centered zipper, an invisible zipper (e.g., not visible from at least one side), a lapped zipper, a two-way separating zipper, a separating zipper, and/or an exposed zipper. In some embodiments, the zipper includes a plastic and/or metal material. For example, and not limitation, in one embodiment, the zipper does not include nylon. Notably, during the development of the adaptable nursing garment, nylon zippers were generally found to not allow one-handed functionality.

[0048] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment includes an adaptable nursing bra. The adaptable nursing bra includes at least one cup, an elastic band, at least one zipper, an underwire, an underwire channel, and at least one clip or similar fastener. The underwire is positioned within the fabric of the nursing garment and runs under each support of the plurality of supports. For example, and not limitation, the underwire runs from about the sternum of an individual to about the armpit of the sternum. For further example, in some embodiments, the underwire is positioned underneath the plurality of fasteners. The elastic band is attached to the side of the plurality of supports and is designed to wrap around an individual. In some embodiments, the underwire follows the border of the full circumference of the cup. The underwire channel is designed to run along the entire length of the cup. In some embodiments, the underwire channel is removably attached to the adaptable nursing garment. In some embodiments, the underwire channel is sewn on the adaptable nursing garment. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the adaptable nursing bra includes at least one push-up support. For example, and without limitation, the at least one push-up support is incorporated into each support of the plurality of support to provide additional cushion.

[0049] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment is operable to receive a strap. For example and not limitation, in some embodiments, the nursing garment includes a hook, a clip, or a similar fastener to attach to a strap. In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment further includes a breast pad designed to help with milk leakage. In some embodiments, the breast pad attaches to an interior surface of the plurality of supports. Advantageously, the removable breast pad enables an individual to place one or both supports as needed (e.g., wet from lactation). Yet another advantage, the removable breast pad enables an individual to use breast pads of various sizes to better address body changes throughout pregnancy without needing a separate nursing garment. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the breast pad is permanently attached to the interior of a cup.

[0050] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the adaptable nursing garment 200 includes a first cup 202, a second cup 204, a first zipper 206, a second zipper 208, an underwire 210, a band 212, and a protective zipper component (not shown). The band 212 includes a central panel 216, wings 218, and back hooks 220. The protective zipper component provides a barrier between each zipper and the skin of a wearer. Advantageously, this prevents the skin of the wearer from being pinched and/or coming into contact with the zipper. Each zipper is attached (e.g., sewn) to the protective zipper component, and the protective zipper component is attached (e.g., sewn) to the garment.

[0051] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an adaptable nursing garment according to one embodiment of the present invention. The adaptable nursing garment 300 includes a cup 302, a zipper 304, a zipper cover 306, an underwire 308, a band 310, a band wing 312, a band center panel 314, and a plurality of back hooks 316. The zipper 304 moves from the armpit to the sternum of the wearer as indicated by the arrow 318. The zipper cover 306 protects the zipper from external elements.

[0052] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment includes a plurality of zippers. In some embodiments, the plurality of zippers is stitched to the adaptable nursing garment. Alternatively, or additionally, the plurality of fasteners is sewn to the adaptable nursing garment.

[0053] For example, and not limitation, the plurality of zippers includes a first zipper positioned on a first cup and a second zipper on a second cup. Advantageously, each zipper is designed for one-handed functionality. For further example and not limitation, at least one zipper runs from about the sternum of an individual to about the armpit of an individual and is designed to form the shape of a cup.

[0054] For further example, in some embodiments, at least one zipper includes a double-sided zipper, a centered zipper, an invisible zipper (e.g., not visible from at least one side), a lapped zipper, a two-way separating zipper, a separating zipper, and/or an exposed zipper. In some embodiments, the zipper includes a plastic and/or metal material. For example, and not limitation, in one embodiment, the zipper does not include nylon. Notably, during the development of the adaptable nursing garment, nylon zippers were generally found to not allow one-handed functionality.

[0055] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment includes an underwire and elastic band. The underwire is positioned within the fabric of the nursing garment and runs under each support of the plurality of supports. The elastic band is attached to a side of each support of the plurality of supports and is designed to wrap around an individual. For example, and not limitation, the underwire runs from about the sternum of an individual to about the armpit of the sternum. For further example, in some embodiments, the underwire is positioned underneath the plurality of fasteners. In some embodiments, the underwire follows the border of the full circumference of the cup. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the adaptable nursing bra includes at least one push-up support. The at least one push-up support is incorporated into each support of the plurality of supports to provide additional cushion. In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment is operable to receive a strap. For example and not limitation, in some embodiments, the nursing garment includes a hook, a clip, or a similar fastener to attach to a strap.

[0056] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment further includes a breast pad designed to help with milk leakage. For example, and not limitation, in one embodiment, the breast pad attaches to an interior surface of the plurality of supports. In another embodiment, the breast pad is permanently attached to the interior of a support (e.g., a cup).

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment according to one embodiment of the present invention. The adaptable nursing garment includes a plurality of cups 402, an elastic band 404, and a plurality of zippers 406. FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment in an open position according to one embodiment. The adaptable nursing garment 500 includes a first cup 502, a second cup 504, an elastic band 506, a first zipper 508, a second zipper 510, and a zipper shroud 512. The first cup 502 and/or the second cup 504 are designed to move between an open and a closed position. When the zipper is in a locked position, the cup is in a closed position and covers the breast of an individual. When the zipper moves to an unlocked position, the plurality of zipper teeth is no longer connected, and the cup is operable to extend away from an individual. For example, and not limitation, as shown in FIG. 5, the second cup 504 flips in an outward direction with a plurality of zipper teeth remaining attached to the garment 510A and a plurality of zipper teeth 510B remaining attached to the cup 504. Advantageously, this enables an individual to breastfeed without taking off the nursing garment. FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment according to one embodiment of the present invention. The adaptable nursing garment includes a plurality of cups 602, an elastic band 604, and a zipper shroud 606. Advantageously, the zipper shroud covers at least one zipper and prevents the at least one zipper from coming into contact with a wearer.

[0058] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment includes a plurality of zippers. For example, and not limitation, the plurality of zippers includes a first zipper positioned on a first cup and a second zipper on a second cup. Advantageously, each zipper is designed for one-handed functionality. For further example and not limitation, at least one zipper runs from about the sternum of an individual to about the armpit of an individual and is designed to form the shape of a cup.

[0059] For further example, in some embodiments, at least one zipper includes a double-sided zipper, a centered zipper, an invisible zipper (e.g., not visible from at least one side), a lapped zipper, a two-way separating zipper, a separating zipper, and/or an exposed zipper. In some embodiments, the zipper includes a plastic and/or metal material. For example, and not limitation, in one embodiment, the zipper does not include nylon. Notably, during the development of the adaptable nursing garment, nylon zippers were generally found to not allow one-handed functionality.

[0060] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment includes an underwire and elastic band. The underwire is positioned within the fabric of the nursing garment and runs under each support of the plurality of supports. For example, and not limitation, the underwire runs from about the sternum of an individual to about the armpit of the sternum. For further example, in some embodiments, the underwire is positioned underneath the plurality of fasteners. The elastic band is attached to the side of the plurality of supports and is designed to wrap around an individual. In some embodiments, the underwire follows the border of the full circumference of the cup. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the adaptable nursing bra includes at least one push-up support. The at least one push-up support is incorporated into each support of the plurality of supports to provide additional cushion.

[0061] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment is operable to receive a strap. For example and not limitation, in some embodiments, the nursing garment includes a hook, a clip, or a similar fastener to attach to a strap. In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment further includes a breast pad designed to help with milk leakage. For example, and not limitation, in one embodiment the breast pad attaches to an interior surface of the plurality of supports. In another embodiment, the breast pad is permanently attached to the interior of a support (e.g., a cup).

[0062] FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment according to one embodiment of the present invention. The adaptable nursing garment includes a plurality of cups 702, a plurality of zippers 704, and an elastic band 706. According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the adaptable nursing garment includes but is not limited to, a plurality of removable cups 802, a plurality of zippers 804, and an elastic band 806. The plurality of removable cups 802 is removably attached to the adaptable nursing garment 800 via the plurality of zippers 804. In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment includes a plurality of notches positioned around the curve of the cup that enables the zipper to track along the curve of the cup. For further example, in some embodiments, the zipper is designed to run around the entirety of the cup and the cup is designed to completely detach from the adaptable nursing garment. Each zipper of the plurality of zippers 804 includes a first set of zipper teeth 804A and a second zipper of zipper teeth 804A. When the first set of zipper teeth 804A and the second set of zipper teeth 804B are connected, the removable cup is attached to the adaptable nursing garment. When the first set of zipper teeth 804A and the second set of zipper teeth 804B are not connected, the entire removable cup is removable from the adaptable nursing garment. Advantageously, this enables a wearer to breastfeed without removing the entire adaptable nursing garment.

[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of an adaptable nursing garment according to one embodiment of the present invention. The adaptable nursing garment 900 includes a plurality of cups 902, an elastic band 904, and a zipper shroud 906. The plurality of cups 902 is connected via the elastic band 904. For example, and not limitation, the elastic band is sewn or similarly fastened to each cup of the plurality of cups 902. Alternatively, the elastic band 904 is removably attached to at least one cup or the plurality of cups. In one embodiment, the elastic band includes two separate components. Each elastic band component is connected to a separate cup. Further, each separate elastic band component is removably connected to the other elastic band component via a fastener (e.g., hook, latch, clip). Alternatively, the elastic band is a unitary piece.

[0064] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment includes a plurality of zippers. For example, and not limitation, the plurality of zippers includes a first zipper positioned on a first cup and a second zipper on a second cup. Advantageously, each zipper is designed for one-handed functionality. For further example and not limitation, at least one zipper runs from about the sternum of an individual to about the armpit of an individual and is designed to form the shape of a cup.

[0065] For further example, in some embodiments, at least one zipper includes a double-sided zipper, a centered zipper, an invisible zipper (e.g., not visible from at least one side), a lapped zipper, a two-way separating zipper, a separating zipper, and/or an exposed zipper. In some embodiments, the zipper includes a plastic and/or metal material. For example, and not limitation, in one embodiment, the zipper does not include nylon. Notably, during the development of the adaptable nursing garment, nylon zippers were generally found to not allow one-handed functionality.

[0066] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment includes an underwire and elastic band. The underwire is positioned within the fabric of the nursing garment and runs under each support of the plurality of supports. For example, and not limitation, the underwire runs from about the sternum of an individual to about the armpit of the sternum. For further example, in some embodiments, the underwire is positioned underneath the plurality of fasteners. In some embodiments, the underwire follows the entire circumference of the cup. The elastic band is attached to a side of each support of the plurality of supports and is designed to wrap around an individual. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the adaptable nursing bra includes at least one push-up support. The at least one push-up support is incorporated into each support of the plurality of supports to provide additional cushion.

[0067] In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment is operable to receive a strap. For example and not limitation, in some embodiments, the nursing garment includes a hook, a clip, or a similar fastener to attach to a strap. In some embodiments, the adaptable nursing garment further includes a breast pad designed to help with milk leakage. For example, and not limitation, in one embodiment, the breast pad attaches to an interior surface of the plurality of supports. In another embodiment, the breast pad is permanently attached to the interior surface of a support (e.g., a cup).

[0068] Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise, or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.

[0069] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.