Abstract:
A convertible nursing bra, in an exemplary embodiment, having bra support cups releasable from straps to provide access and further including underlying support panels connected to the encircling strap or under wire support and remaining connected to the straps to provide continued support during nursing. Released portions of the cups are temporarily retained by auxiliary attachment devices on the encircling strap to reduce interference during nursing. The releasable cup-to-strap and/or cup-to-encircling strap connecting devices are easily managed for access, stowing and re-covering.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This application relates generally to a bra, more specifically, to bras modifiable to permit access to the breast. 
     BACKGROUND 
     During nursing, it is often most desirable to maintain at least partial support while providing access. Most bras have no provision to access except by removal or dislocation of the bra, which typically requires both hands to manage and readjust when finished. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a convertible nursing bra, in an exemplary embodiment, having bra support cups releasable from straps to provide access and further including underlying support panels connected to the encircling strap or under wire support, and remaining connected to the straps to provide continued support during nursing. Released portions of the cups are temporarily retained by auxiliary attachment devices on the encircling strap to reduce interference during nursing. The releasable cup-to-strap and cup-to-encircling strap connecting devices are easily managed for a access and re-covering. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings, when considered in connection with the following description, are presented for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected. 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of one embodiment of the novel nursing bra device as disclosed herein showing the cup detached; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing the cup fastened to a clip (stowed) according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the novel nursing bra device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the  FIG. 1 , the exemplary embodiment shown therein and generally designated by the reference character  50  is a nursing bra having at least one partially releasable cups and underlying support panel which maintains support while permitting easily achieved access and easy re-covering thereafter. The bra embodiment  50  encircles the wearer with a loop formed from band segments  52 A and  52 B connected together at respective ends  54 A and  54 B with a securing device  58 , as may be provided with an appropriate known device, such as hook and loop, clip, etc. The opposite ends of the band segments  52 A and  52 B may be directly connected, or connected with bra support segments  56 A and  56 B, such as cup support under wire, and may further include an additional segment  52 C to achieve the desired placement of the support cups  64 A and  64 B (and support segments  56 A and  56 B if used) relative to the size and shape of the wearer. 
     The support cups  64 A and  64 B are anchored respectively to the loop segments  52 A and  52 B (or the support segments  56 A and  56 B if used) and to straps  60 A and  60 B with attachment members  70 A and a corresponding attachment member (not visible, connected to strap  60 B and disposed behind attachment member  72 B connected to support cup  64 B), connected to the straps  60 A and  60 B, and to the attachment members  72 A and  72 B (which connect and disconnect with the attachment members  70 A and similar attachment member (not visible) for strap  60 B) and are connected to the respective support cups  64 A and  64 B. In the particular embodiment  50 , the loop segments  52 A and  52 B extend partially below the support segments  56 A and  56 B extending farther toward each other than the outward facing ends of support segments  56 A and  56 B. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, additional attachment members  74 A and  74 B, which mate with attachment members  72 A and  72  B respectively, are disposed on loop segments  52 A and  52 B. In the particular embodiment, the attachment members  74 A and  74 B are disposed on the respective loop segments  52 A and  52 B more proximal to each other than the distance between the outer facing ends of the support segments  56 A and  556 B. Further embodiments include attachment members disposed on loop segments which do not attach to support segments, and include embodiments which include attachment members disposed on loop segments farther apart than the distance between the outer ends of the support segments or the connection between the cups  62 A and  62 B to the respective loop segments. Connection to the released cup  62  to the novel attachment member  74 A (stowed for nursing) is indicated by arrow  78 , attachment to the strap attachment member  70 A (normal wearing position) is indicated by arrow  76 . 
     Proximal to the wearer and behind or substantially overlapped by the support cups  64 A and  64 B are corresponding panels  62 A and  62 B, which when joined with straps  60 A and  60 B which attach to the band segments  56 A and  56 B relatively close to their respective ends  54 A and  54 B, provide continued support to the wearer if and when the support cups are released providing access to the wearer by releasing the respective attachment members  70 A,  72 A, and/or unshown attachment member and attachment member  72 B. Typically, the panels are shaped to provide a generally increasing width from the attachment to the strap to the loop segment  52 A or  52 B (or the support segment  56 A or  56 B if used), in some embodiments approximating a triangle shape. The attachment member  70 A and similar attachment member (not shown) for the strap  60 B, may be applied over the connection between the strap and the panel, or as part of the connection of the respective strap and panel. When one (or both) support cups  64 A,  64 B are released from the corresponding strap  60 A,  60 B by release of the corresponding attachment members, the upper end of the support cup moves from the wearer to provide access; when finished, the upper portion of the support cup is moved (pivots) to be reconnected with the corresponding attachment member to the corresponding strap as indicated by arrow  76 . As shown in the embodiment  50 A of  FIG. 2 , during nursing the released end of the cup may be stowed by connecting attachment members  72 A and  74 A. Correspondingly, the other cup  62 B may be stowed (positioned to avoid interference with nursing), by connecting attachment members  72 B and  74 B. 
     An alternate embodiment  100  is shown in  FIG. 3 , having at least one partially releasable cups and underlying support panel which maintains breast support and bra connection while permitting easily achieved access and easy re-covering thereafter. The bra embodiment  100  encircles the wearer with a loop formed from band segments  102 A and  102 B connected together at respective ends  104 A and  104 B with a securing device  108 , as may be provided with an appropriate known device, such as hook and loop, clip, etc. The opposite ends of the band segments  102 A and  102 B may be directly connected, or connected with bra support segment  106 B, such as cup support under wire, and may further include an additional segment  102 C to achieve the desired placement of the support cups  114 A and  114 B (and support segments  106 A and  106 B if used) relative to the size and shape of the wearer. 
     The support cups  114 A and  114 B are anchored respectively to the loop segments  102 A and  102 B at attachment points  122 A and  122 B respectively, and to straps  110 A and  110 B at attachment points  120 A and  120 B, and to the attachment members  124 A and  124 B which connect to the attachment members  126 A and  126 B when the respective cup is in the traditional wearing mode. The attachment members  124 A and  12 B respectively of cups  114 A and  114 B are also connected to corresponding attachment members  128 A and  128 B to be held open in the ‘nursing’ mode. In the particular embodiment  100 , the loop segments  102 A and  102 B extend below the support segments  106 A and  106 B (if used) extending toward each other to connect with segment  102 C disposed in the center front of the bra when worn. 
     In the particular illustration of  FIG. 3 , the cup  114 A is shown open for nursing and held open by connection of attachment members  124 A and  128 A, while the cup  114 B is shown closed in the normal wearing configuration with the cup attachment member  124 B connected to the attachment member  126 B disposed on the segment  102 C. Either or both cups  114 A and  114 B may be independently or together moved to and worn in either (traditional or nursing) position. The attachment members  128 A and  128 B are disposed on the corresponding band segment  102 A and  102 B proximal to the cup attachment points  122 A and  122 B, and may be disposed somewhat outward from and/or below the attachment points as well. As shown in the example of  FIG. 3 , the cup  114 A is returned to the traditional wearing mode by release of the attachment member  124 A from attachment member  128 A to be moved along the path  130  to be reconnected with the attachment member  126 A. 
     Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the present invention which is not to be limited, except by the claims which follow.