Abstract:
A size-adjustable, breastfeeding band that helps to lessen the likelihood of infant suffocation during breastfeeding, comprising a primary band, comprised of elastic (or stretchable material) that securely and comfortably extends around the entire middle portion of the breast and fastens via button, snap, drawstring, Velcro, or any other related material or adhesive that can securely hold band in place; and an adjustable strap attachment co-operable with the primary band by attaching into it and preventing slippage.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from provisional patent application No. 61/299,235, filed on Jan. 28, 2010, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Exemplary embodiments relate to a process and apparatus for safe breastfeeding. More specifically, exemplary embodiments relate to an elastic (or any other stretchable material) primary band, designed to compress the non-areola/non-nipple portion of the breast, and an adjustable strap attachment designed to hold the primary band in place; thus, making breastfeeding safer for the baby by lessening the likelihood of suffocation due to the risk of excess breast tissue smothering and/or compressing against the infant&#39;s nose while nursing. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     Breastfeeding has multiple benefits for both the child and the mother. Breast milk contains the essential nutrients and antibodies that build the foundation of a child&#39;s lifetime of health. Medical research has shown that breast milk can offer lifelong protection against a variety of potentially life threatening diseases and chronic disorders. Not only does breastfeeding assist in the development of a strong and healthy immune system for the child, but in the era of a harsh economic climate, breastfeeding is a free and cost efficient, natural resource option for feeding a baby. With breastfeeding, food is replenished according to nature&#39;s time clock to meet the baby&#39;s ongoing and unpredictable feeding demands and patterns. Breastfeeding can also positively impact a woman&#39;s health following childbirth by aiding in the mother&#39;s weight loss by contracting the stomach muscles as a direct result of the baby&#39;s suckling motions. Weight loss is key in restoring a woman&#39;s body and health by reducing fat and burning calories. 
     Breastfeeding is not without its challenges, particularly in the early stages following delivery when the flow of milk is not fully maximized. For example, pain can occur when the breasts become engorged. Another challenge is the feeding position. Whether cradling the baby in one arm, or lying down beside the baby during a feeding, breastfeeding mothers almost always have to use one hand to hold the baby, and the other to hold the breast in proper place throughout a feeding, so that it does not press against a child&#39;s petite and fragile nose. This is especially a major issue for women with large breasts who want all of the above mentioned benefits of breastfeeding, but fear the possible life threatening repercussions that can result if the breast tissue covers the child&#39;s nose, particularly if the mother is unaware. For instance, it is not uncommon due to the lactation induced hormonal changes for a mother to become extremely drowsy while nursing. There have been instances in history where mothers have unintentionally fallen asleep while feeding their child, and the end result has been infant mortality due to accidental smothering. 
     Lessening the likelihood of suffocation is one of several aspects which render the instant inventive concept different from other products. A number of attempts to ease the breastfeeding process have been made. The Boppy Company, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,134 (1993), is one of the most popular breastfeeding apparatuses on the consumer market. This pillow rests on any solid foundation and helps support the weight of the child during breastfeeding. It also supports the child&#39;s head elevation to a degree; however, while this pillow can work well at home, the large and bulky size of this product makes it inconvenient to transport around so it can only be used in a limited area and cannot travel easily outside of the home. Additionally, while using the Boppy, the woman is not able to nurse hands free and may still need to manually hold her breast throughout a feeding. There are multiple devices that are specifically designed to offer a hands-free breastfeeding experience. U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,935 to Jamshidi (2006), U.S. Pat. No. 6,502,262 to Piscopo (2003), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,599 to Maulding (2001). Also U.S. patent Ser. No. 09/824,914 by Aranas (2002), Ser. No. 09/824,600 by Schmitter et al. (2001) and Ser. No. 09/873,161 (2007) offer products that are more convenient for travel and compact in size, but the issue with these items is that the designs may not offer sufficient breast support or full consistent coverage as they only cover certain sections of the breast tissue (i.e. top, bottom, or sides). The bulkiness of many of these products, particularly those that are in pillow form, can be a suffocation risk if not properly utilized. These products are more about making the mother&#39;s experience easier and more comfortable, as opposed to providing that luxury in addition to preventing the breast from covering a child&#39;s nose. 
     Furthermore, in the aforementioned patents, usage of items such as a pillow or any related invention dealt with making the user experience more comfortable and hands-free, but they lack in terms of offering a form of safety by lessening the likelihood of infant suffocation and/or smothering while nursing by a mother&#39;s own breast tissue. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept seek to overcome some of the above-mentioned deficiencies. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of an exemplary embodiment is to provide a breast-size adjustable breastfeeding band which comprises a primary band which is fitted around the middle portion of the breast and compresses the breast tissue substantially by wrapping around the breast. The breastfeeding band also comprises of an adjustable strap attachment which attaches to the primary band to prevent the primary band from sliding on and/or off the breast. 
     The breastfeeding band is size adjustable, so it stays snug during a feeding while extending around the entire breast, applying enough pressure for secured breast support without being excessive in size or uncomfortable when utilized. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the primary band is comprised of a stretchable material, such as elastic, and has first and second ends which allows each end of the primary band to connect together around the breast using a button through one of slits on an elastic band, by a snap button, Velcro, drawstring, and/or hook and eye-type fasteners. The primary band includes a fabric material which is attached to the primary band at the first end and covers approximately 25 percent to 90 percent of the elastic band. At least two metal hooks/bars (or like fastener types) are sewn onto the primary band where one hook is sewn onto the primary band itself and the other on the fabric material. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the adjustable strap attachment connects to the primary band via at least one hook and eye-type fastener and it can be tightened behind the neck of a user using a binding apparatus. The adjustable strap attachment is configured of a single strand of material which varies in length and is bound together in the middle of the strand material by a binding apparatus, that is used to shorten or lengthen said single strand, thereby creating two respective strand portions on each side of the binding apparatus. Each of the two respective strand portions include a metal hook which is sewn and/or affixed on each end which can connect and/or hook and/or affix into the primary band to keep the breast-feeding band secured and in place while in use. 
     The above object, purposes, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the enclosed details description of the best mode(s) for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings/figures which offer illustrative details of the embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the primary band and the adjustable strap attachment having an adjoining or interconnected construction, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the primary band, according to an exemplary embodiment, worn by a female; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the primary band and the adjustable strap, worn by a female, showing an alternate attachment method with the cord plug/clasp behind the neck and both loose-end strands draped over the chest, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the primary band and the adjustable strap, according to an exemplary embodiment, worn by a female, showing an alternate attachment method with the cord plug/clasp behind the neck, one loose-end strand draping over the chest, and the other draped underneath the underarm; 
         FIG. 5  is the perspective view of the transportable pouch with drawstrings having the ability to store the primary band and the adjustable strap attachment, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is the perspective of the baby nursing without the primary band or adjustable strap attachment resulting in the covering of the baby&#39;s nose; and 
         FIG. 7  is the perspective of the baby nursing with the primary band in place demonstrating the baby&#39;s nose exposed and air flowing, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , the primary band  20  and adjustable strap attachment  30  are shown as unworn and worn by the user. The breastfeeding band  10  is comprised of the primary band  20  and the adjustable strap attachment  30 . Primary band  20  may be made out of elastic or any other stretchable material and its measurements vary, depending on the size of the breast and the structural version used. The typical primary band  20  measurements can vary up to 4 inches wide or more and up to 20 inches long or more. The primary band  20  material can be washable so that it can be cleaned and reused. Primary band  20  can include a soft material covering  28 , preferably cotton, but can be any other material that is washable and comfortable for the user. This soft material covering  28  may aid in the comfort of the band around a user&#39;s breast while helping to keep the primary band  20  in place during a feeding, in addition to being used to absorb leaking milk. Primary band  20  may have two metal bars  26  (loops or like fasteners) sewn in two spots, several inches apart on either the primary band  20  and/or the soft material covering  28 . Primary band  20  may have horizontal slits  24  along the middle of the band. On one end of primary band  20 , a button  22  (or any other attachable material—snap, Velcro, drawstring, rope and/or string, adhesive, plastic, etc.) is sewn and/or affixed onto the soft material covering  28 . 
     The primary band  20  can be fully utilized on its own as an individual, independent device (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 7 ); however, for ultimate security and to help prevent the primary band  20  from sliding, there can be an added benefit in that the primary band  20  can attach to the adjustable strap attachment  30  (drawstring appendage, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 ). The benefits of the adjustable strap attachment  30  include that it provides additional security, helping to prevent the primary band  20 , when properly tightened around the breast, from shifting and/or sliding off the breast during the nursing process. The adjustable strap attachment  30  may consist of a single strand of durable material (or can comprise of two separate strands of material) that can measure up to 6 ft long or more or less and the middle of the single strand  36  can be gathered/collected by and via a drawstring cord plug/clasp  38  (or like binding apparatus), while the opposite ends of the adjustable strap attachment material dangle as two separate, loose-end strands  34 . Each loose-end strand  34  has a hook  32  (or any other plastic, loop, hook or fastener-type device) sewn and/or affixed onto the end. 
     The adjustable strap attachment  30  can firmly secure primary band  20  in place when hook  32  (or any other plastic, loop, hook or fastener-type device) connects/attaches/fastens into the metal bars  26  (or any other plastic, loop, hook or fastener-type device) on said primary band  20 . An exemplary location for metal bars  26  is closer to the top portion and/or along the edge of said primary band  20  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), but they can be placed in other areas of the primary band  20 . 
     To properly fit a wearer/user, an elastic or other stretchable material which comprises said primary band  20  can be connected by wrapping 365 degrees around the user&#39;s breast whereas the primary band  20  connects on one end via button  22  (snap, adhesive, drawstring, Velcro, or like fastener) and the other end via horizontal slits  24 . The primary band  20  has diverse options for utilization and may be (1) independently fitted to cinch snugly to and around the breast without causing discomfort (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 7 ), but tight enough as not to easily slide and to compress breast tissue; (2) attached to the adjustable strap attachment  30  by placing the cord plug/clasp  38  (or like binding apparatus) behind the user&#39;s neck with both loose-end strands  34  draping over the chest, with the hooks  32  (or like fasteners) at the end of each loose-end strand and connecting into the metal bars  26  (or like fasteners) on the primary band  20 , and being tightened by pulling the loop  36  through the cord plug/clasp  38  (or like binding apparatus) behind the user&#39;s neck thus tightening the loose-end strands  34  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ); (3) attached to the adjustable strap attachment  30  by placing the cord plug/clasp  38  (or like binding apparatus) behind the user&#39;s neck, with one loose-end strand  34  draping over the chest and the other loose end strand  34 ′ draped underneath the underarm, with the hooks  32  (or like fasteners) at the end of each loose-end strand and connecting into the metal bars  26  (or like fasteners) on the primary band  20 , and being tightened by pulling the loop  36  through the cord plug/clasp  38  (or like binding apparatus) behind the user&#39;s neck, thus tightening the loose-end strands  34  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). With each utilization option, the adjustable strap attachment  30  can be adjusted/tightened according to the user&#39;s acceptable comfort level via the cord plug/clasp  38  (or like binding apparatus) behind the neck. The above-discussed fittings are only exemplary, and the inventive concept may be implemented via other types of fittings. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the side view is of the baby nursing without the said breastfeeding band  10  demonstrating the smothering of the baby&#39;s nose, and then after when the primary band  20  of the said breastfeeding band  10  is properly placed to cinch around the user&#39;s breast, thus holding some of the excess breast tissue away from the baby&#39;s nose and opening more of the airflow to the baby&#39;s nose. In  FIG. 7 , the primary band  20  compresses the non-areola/non-nipple portion of the breast above and around the areola/nipple portion keeping the breast tissue down and away from the child&#39;s nose. The primary band  20  allows the areola/nipple portion of the breast to protrude forward, thus improving the child&#39;s ability to latch onto the mother&#39;s breast. A product like this is especially necessary for a mother with larger breasts (but is useful to women of all breast sizes) and can lessen the likelihood of suffocation by breast tissue during the nursing process. The breastfeeding band  10  and each of its structural components can afford a user a hands-free nursing experience as the user does not have to hold the breast tissue away from the child&#39;s nose with their hand(s). Instead, they can use their hand to do other things such as read to the baby or perhaps caress their baby. 
     The soft material covering  28  may be made from any durable and comfortable material and attached to primary band  20  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 7 . 
     Additionally, the primary band  20  and adjustable strap attachment  30  can be conveniently stored inside of the transportable pouch  40  (as seen in  FIG. 5 ) which can be made out of the same or similar fabric as the soft material covering  28 . The transportable pouch  40  is opened and closed via drawstring  42  or any other material or method that keeps the primary band  20  and/or adjustable strap attachment  30  from falling out of the transportable pouch  40  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). For the user&#39;s convenience, the transportable drawstring pouch can be stored into a pocket, purse, diaper bag, wrapped around the wrist, etc. 
     While the inventive concept has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof using specific terms, the embodiments and terms have been used to explain the inventive concept and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims. The exemplary embodiments should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the inventive concept is defined not by the detailed description of the inventive concept but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the inventive concept