Nursing reminder accessory and brassiere

Abstract

An apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing is disclosed. Some embodiments include a flexible element attached to the brassiere at a first end and coupled at a second end to either of two portions of the brassiere, with the coupled portion reminding the woman to use a particular breast. In other embodiments, attachment of the flexible element to a portion can restrict access to the non-preferred breast. In other embodiments, an indicator attached to the brassiere can be placed in at least two states, each indicating a preference for a particular breast. In other embodiments, an alternating release switch on the brassiere automatically releases a coupling element of a breast cup associated with a preferred breast.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing, the apparatus comprising: 
 a flexible element that has a first end attached to the brassiere and a second end that is coupleable to either a first portion of the brassiere or a second portion of the brassiere; wherein    the first portion is associated with the first breast; and    the second portion is associated with the second breast.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second end comprises a sleeve that is openable and closeable about either portion.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the first portion comprises a first fastener that must be released before the first breast is accessible for nursing;    the second portion comprises a second fastener that must be released before the second breast is accessible for nursing;    when the second end is coupled to the first fastener access to the first fastener for release is restricted; and    when the second end is coupled to the second fastener access to the second fastener for release is restricted.    
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein: 
 the second end comprises a sleeve that is openable and closeable about either fastener;    when the sleeve is closed about the first fastener the first fastener is not accessible for release; and    when the sleeve is closed about the second fastener the second fastener is not accessible for release.    
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the first portion comprises a first mating element integrated with the brassiere;    the second portion comprises a second mating element integrated with the brassiere; and    the second end comprises a coupling element that can be mated with either mating element.    
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the coupling element has a protrusion and each mating element has a recess for receiving the protrusion and biasing the protrusion therein.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein: 
 the brassiere comprises a first fastener that must be released before the first breast is accessible for nursing,    the brassiere comprises a second fastener that must be released before the second breast is accessible for nursing,    when the coupling element is mated with the first mating element access to the first fastener for release is restricted; and    when the coupling element is mated with the second mating element access to the second fastener for release is restricted.    
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein: 
 the first portion is adjacent the first fastener;    the second portion is adjacent the second fastener;    when the coupling element is mated with the first mating element the first fastener is covered by the coupling element; and    when the coupling element is mated with the second mating element the second fastener is covered by the coupling element.    
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for assisting a two-breasted wearer of a nursing brassiere in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing, the apparatus comprising: 
 an indicator that can be placed in at least two states; wherein:    a first state indicates a nursing preference for the first breast; and    a second state indicates a nursing preference for the second breast.    
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the indicator is integrated with the brassiere.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the indicator can be rotated with respect to the brassiere to place the indicator in any of the states.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein: 
 when the indicator is in the first state, a portion of the indicator points toward the first breast; and    when the indicator is in the second state, the portion of the indicator points toward the second breast.    
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein: 
 the indicator is attached to or integrated with a central portion of the brassiere;    the central portion comprises a socket; and    the indicator comprises a protrusion that is rotatable within the socket.    
     
     
         14 . A nursing brassiere adapted to be worn on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the brassiere comprising: 
 a pair of breast cups adapted to be secured to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts; and    an apparatus that assists the woman in determining which breast was most recently used for nursing or which breast should next be used for nursing; wherein:    at least a portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing; and    at least a portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.    
     
     
         15 . The brassiere of  claim 14 , wherein 
 the apparatus comprises a switch,    an activation of the switch permits the portion of the first breast cup to be moved and prevents the portion of the second breast cup from being moved, and    a subsequent activation of the switch permits the portion of the second breast cup to be moved and prevents the portion of the first breast cup from being moved.    
     
     
         16 . The brassiere of  claim 14 , wherein the apparatus comprises: 
 an alternating release switch at a central portion of the brassiere,    a first coupling element, on the portion of the first breast cup, that is receivable by the switch;    a second coupling element, on the portion of the second breast cup, that is receivable by the switch; wherein    when the first coupling element is received by the switch, the first coupling element is secured in the switch and access to the first breast for nursing is restricted;    when the second coupling element is received by the switch, the second element is secured in the switch and access to the second breast for nursing is restricted;    an activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch releases only one of the coupling elements from the switch;    after the switch releases the one coupling element from the switch, the switch is set to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch.    
     
     
         17 . The brassiere of  claim 16 , wherein: 
 the activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are received in the switch releases only the one coupling element from the switch; and    a subsequent receipt of the one coupling element by the switch sets the switch to release only the other coupling element as a result of the subsequent activation of the switch.    
     
     
         18 . The brassiere of  claim 17 , wherein the alternating release switch comprises: 
 a first mating element for alternately securing and releasing the first coupling element;    a second mating element for alternately securing and releasing the second coupling element;    a toggle that alternates between a first state and a second state:    in the first state, the toggle prevents the first mating element from releasing the first coupling element when the switch is activated, and primes the second mating element to release the second coupling element when the switch is activated;    in the second state, the toggle prevents the second mating element from releasing the second coupling element when the switch is activated, and primes the first mating element to release the first coupling element when the switch is activated;    a switch button that when activated causes, according to the toggle, a primed mating element to release its associated coupling element; wherein    subsequent receipt of the released coupling element by its associated mating element alternates the toggle.    
     
     
         19 . The brassiere of  claim 16 , wherein the activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are received in the switch releases only the one coupling element from the switch and sets the switch to release only the other coupling element as a result of the subsequent activation of the switch.  
     
     
         20 . The brassiere of  claim 19 , wherein the alternating release switch comprises: 
 a first mating element for alternately securing and releasing the first coupling element;    a second mating element for alternately securing and releasing the second coupling element;    a toggle that alternates between a first state and a second state:    in the first state, the toggle prevents the first mating element from releasing the first coupling element when the switch is activated, and primes the second mating element to release the second coupling element when the switch is activated;    in the second state, the toggle prevents the second mating element from releasing the second coupling element when the switch is activated, and primes the first mating element to release the first coupling element when the switch is activated;    a switch button that when activated causes, according to the toggle, a primed mating element to release its associated coupling element; wherein    activation of the switch button alternates the toggle.    
     
     
         21 . The brassiere of  claim 16 , wherein the activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch prevents a subsequent activation of the switch until the one coupling element is subsequently received by the switch.  
     
     
         22 . The brassiere of  claim 21 , wherein release of the one coupling element sets the switch to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch, and the subsequent receipt of the one coupling element by the switch maintains the setting of the switch to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch.  
     
     
         23 . The brassiere of  claim 16 ,wherein the apparatus further comprises a release indicator that is usable to determine which coupling element will be released when the switch is next activated.  
     
     
         24 . The brassiere of  claim 16 ,wherein the apparatus further comprises an override switch that is usable to selectively mandate which coupling element will be released upon a subsequent activation of the switch.  
     
     
         25 . An alternating release switch, comprising: 
 a switch assembly and first and second coupling elements, each of the coupling elements being receivable in the switch assembly and being biased toward ejectment from the switch assembly and having a catchable formation; wherein    an activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch assembly releases only one of the coupling elements from the switch assembly, and sets the switch to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch; and wherein    the switch assembly comprises an actuatable button, a movable shuttle    having first and second engageable formations and first and second engaging surfaces, and at least one catch element having first and second engageable surfaces and first and second catching surfaces; and wherein    the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the first catching surface and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the second catching surface, actuation of the button engages the button with the first engageable formation of the shuttle to move the shuttle until the first engaging surface of the shuttle engages the first engageable surface of the catch element until the first catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the first coupling element to allow the first coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the second engageable formation in a position in which it is engageable by the button when the button is next actuated.    
     
     
         26 . The alternating release switch of  claim 25 , wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that subsequent injection of the first coupling element into the switch assembly causes the catchable formation of the first coupling element to be engaged by the first catching surface of the catch element without displacing the second engageable formation from a position in which it is engageable by the button when the button is next actuated.  
     
     
         27 . The alternating release switch of  claim 26 , wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the button is next actuated, the button engages with the second engageable formation of the shuttle to move the shuttle until the second engaging surface of the shuttle engages the second engageable surface of the catch element until the second catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the second coupling element to allow the second coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the first engageable formation in a position in which it is engageable by the button when the button is next actuated.  
     
     
         28 . The alternating release switch of  claim 25 , wherein an activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch assembly prevents another activation of the switch until the one coupling element is subsequently received in the switch assembly.  
     
     
         29 . The alternating release switch of  claim 28 , wherein the actuatable button is biased toward a non-actuated state and comprises first and second engageable surfaces, and the switch assembly further comprises an interlock element having first and second springed ends and first and second engaging surfaces; and wherein 
 the button, the shuttle, the catch element, the coupling elements and the interlock are positioned and movable relative to one another such that the first springed end biases the first coupling element toward ejectment from the switch assembly and biases the second engaging surface toward an interference position with the second engageable surface that prevents the button from returning to the non-actuated state; and such that    the second springed end biases the second coupling element toward ejectment from the switch assembly and biases the first engaging surface toward an interference position with the first engageable surface that prevents the button from returning to the non-actuated state; and such that    when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly against the biasing force of the springed ends of the interlock element by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the first catching surface and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the second catching surface, actuation of the button subjects the second engageable surface to interference from the second engaging surface as the first coupling element is ejected from the switch assembly, the interference preventing the button from returning to the non-actuated state; and such that    when the first coupling element is subsequently injected into the switch assembly against the first springed end, the second engaging surface is moved out of the interference position with the second engageable surface to allow the button to return to the non-actuated state.    
     
     
         30 . The alternating release switch of  claim 29 , wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element, the coupling elements and the interlock are positioned and movable relative to one another such that the subsequent injection of the first coupling element into the switch assembly causes the catchable formation of the first coupling element to be engaged by the first catching surface without displacing the second engageable formation from a position in which it is engageable by the button when the button is next actuated.  
     
     
         31 . The alternating release switch of  claim 30 , wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element, the coupling element and the interlock are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the button is next actuated, the button engages with the second engageable formation of the shuttle to move the shuttle until the second engaging surface of the shuttle engages the second engageable surface of the catch element until the second catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the second coupling element to allow the second coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the first engageable formation in a position in which it is engageable by the button when the button is next actuated.  
     
     
         32 . The alternating release switch of  claim 25 , wherein each of the first and second engageable formations has a notch and a sloped surface leading to the notch, and the actuatable button has a flexible extension that has a straight resting shape; and wherein 
 the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the first catching surface and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the second catching surface, actuation of the button brings the flexible extension to bear against the slope of the first engageable formation, causing the flexible extension to bend against the slope and seat in the notch of the first engageable formation, causing the shuttle to move as the extension is pressed into the notch until the first engaging surface of the shuttle engages the first engageable surface of the catch element until the first catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the first coupling element to allow the first coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the second engageable formation in a position in which the slope and notch of the second engageable formation is engageable by the flexible extension when the button is next actuated; and such that    retraction of the button removes the flexible extension from engagement with the first engageable formation and allows the flexible extension to return to the straight resting state.    
     
     
         33 . The alternating release switch of  claim 32 , wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that subsequent injection of the first coupling element into the switch assembly causes the catchable formation of the first coupling element to be engaged by the first catching surface of the catch element without displacing the second engageable formation from a position in which the slope and notch of the second engageable formation is engageable by the flexible extension when the button is next actuated.  
     
     
         34 . The alternating release switch of  claim 33 , wherein the button, the shuttle, the catch element and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the button is next actuated, the flexible extension is brought to bear against the slope of the second engageable formation, causing the flexible extension to bend against the slope and seat in the notch of the second engageable formation, causing the shuttle to move as the extension is pressed into the notch in this manner until the second engaging surface of the shuttle engages the second engageable surface of the catch element until the second catching surface of the catch element is removed from the catchable formation of the second coupling element to allow the second coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the movement of the shuttle also placing the first engageable formation in a position in which the slope and notch of the first engageable formation is engageable by the flexible extension when the button is next actuated.  
     
     
         35 . The alternating release switch of  claim 25 , wherein the catch element comprises first and second pivotable catches, the first pivotable catch having the first engageable surface and the first catching surface, the second pivotable catch having the second engageable surface and the second catching surface.  
     
     
         36 . The alternating release switch of  claim 25 , wherein the catch element comprises a wire spring having the first and second engageable surfaces and the first and second catching surfaces.  
     
     
         37 . The alternating release switch of  claim 25 , wherein the switch mechanism further comprises a release indicator that is usable to determine which coupling element will be released when the button is next actuated.  
     
     
         38 . The alternating release switch of  claim 37 , wherein the release indicator comprises a lateral extension on the shuttle, a rotatable wheel having a non-central axial bore accommodating the lateral extension, and a feature on the wheel, the shuttle and wheel being positioned and movable relative to one another such that rotation of the wheel moves the first engageable formation into a position in which the first engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, and such that reverse rotation of the wheel moves the second engageable formation into a position in which the second engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, the feature being positioned on the wheel such that when the first engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, the feature is associated with the first engageable formation, and such that when the second engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, the feature is associated with the second engageable formation.  
     
     
         39 . The alternating release switch of  claim 25 , wherein the switch mechanism further comprises an override switch that is usable to selectively mandate which of the first and second engageable formations will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated.  
     
     
         40 . The alternating release switch of  claim 39 , wherein the override switch comprises a lateral extension on the shuttle and a rotatable wheel having a non-central axial bore accommodating the lateral extension, the shuttle and wheel being positioned and movable relative to one another such that rotation of the wheel moves the first engageable formation into a position in which the first engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, and such that reverse rotation of the wheel moves the second engageable formation into a position in which the second engageable formation will be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated.  
     
     
         41 . The alternating release switch of  claim 25 , wherein the first coupling element is attached to a portion of a first breast cup of a nursing brassiere and the second coupling element is attached to a portion of a second breast cup of the nursing brassiere, the nursing brassiere being adapted for wearing on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the breast cups being securable to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts, wherein when the breast cups are secured to the upper body of the woman at least the portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing, and at least the portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.  
     
     
         42 . The alternating release switch of  claim 29 , wherein the first coupling element is attached to a portion of a first breast cup of a nursing brassiere and the second coupling element is attached to a portion of a second breast cup of the nursing brassiere, the nursing brassiere being adapted for wearing on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the breast cups being securable to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts, wherein when the breast cups are secured to the upper body of the woman at least the portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing, and at least the portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.  
     
     
         43 . The alternating release switch of  claim 37 , wherein the first coupling element is attached to a portion of a first breast cup of a nursing brassiere and the second coupling element is attached to a portion of a second breast cup of the nursing brassiere, the nursing brassiere being adapted for wearing on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the breast cups being securable to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts, wherein when the breast cups are secured to the upper body of the woman at least the portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing, and at least the portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.  
     
     
         44 . The alternating release switch of  claim 39 , wherein the first coupling element is attached to a portion of a first breast cup of a nursing brassiere and the second coupling element is attached to a portion of a second breast cup of the nursing brassiere, the nursing brassiere being adapted for wearing on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the breast cups being securable to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts, wherein when the breast cups are secured to the upper body of the woman at least the portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing, and at least the portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.  
     
     
         45 . An alternating release switch, comprising: 
 a switch assembly and first and second coupling elements, each of the coupling elements being receivable in the switch assembly and being biased toward ejectment from the switch assembly and having a catchable formation; wherein    an activation of the switch when both of the coupling elements are secured in the switch assembly releases only one of the coupling elements from the switch assembly, and after the one coupling element is released from the switch assembly, the switch is set to release only the other coupling element as a result of a subsequent activation of the switch; and wherein    the switch assembly comprises an actuatable button; a rotatable wheel having a plurality of evenly radially spaced button receiving protrusions on one side and a plurality of evenly radially spaced catch rod pushing protrusions on the other side, the ratio of the number of button receiving protrusions relative to the number of catch rod pushing protrusions being two to one; first and second pivotable catch rods, each having a catch end; and first and second coupling elements, each having a catch formation; and wherein    the button, the wheel, the catch rods, and the coupling elements being positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the coupling elements are maintained in the switch assembly by the catchable formation of the first coupling element being engaged by the catch end of the first catch rod and by the catchable formation of the second coupling element being engaged by the catch end of the second catch rod, actuation of the button engages the button with a first of the button receiving protrusions to rotate the wheel to cause a first of the catch rod pushing protrusions to push the first catch rod to disengage the catch end of the first catch rod from the catch formation of the first coupling element to allow the first coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the rotation of the wheel placing a second button receiving protrusion in position to be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, placing a second catch rod pushing protrusion in position to push the second catch rod when the button is next actuated, and placing no catch rod pushing protrusion in position to push the first catch rod when the button is next actuated.    
     
     
         46 . The alternating release switch of  claim 45 , wherein the button, the wheel, the catch rods, and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that subsequent injection of the first coupling element into the switch assembly causes the catchable formation of the first coupling element to be engaged by the catch end of the first catch rod without rotating the wheel.  
     
     
         47 . The alternating release switch of  claim 46 , wherein the button, the wheel, the catch rods, and the coupling elements are positioned and movable relative to one another such that when the button is next actuated, the button engages with the second button receiving protrusion to rotate the wheel to cause the second catch rod pushing protrusion to push the second catch rod to disengage the catch end of the second catch rod from the catch formation of the second coupling element to allow the second coupling element to be ejected from the switch assembly, the rotation of the wheel placing a third button receiving protrusion in position to be engaged by the button when the button is next actuated, placing a third catch rod pushing protrusion in position to push the first catch rod when the button is next actuated, and placing no catch rod pushing protrusion in position to push the second catch rod when the button is next actuated.  
     
     
         48 . The alternating release switch of  claim 45 , wherein the first coupling element is attached to a portion of a first breast cup of a nursing brassiere and the second coupling element is attached to a portion of a second breast cup of the nursing brassiere, the nursing brassiere being adapted for wearing on the upper body of a woman to support her breasts during normal wear periods and to provide access to either breast during nursing periods, the breast cups being securable to the upper body of the woman so that each accommodates one of the breasts, wherein when the breast cups are secured to the upper body of the woman at least the portion of the first breast cup must be moved before the first breast is accessible for nursing, and at least the portion of the second breast cup must be moved before the second breast is accessible for nursing.