Nursing cover

Abstract

Examples of a nursing cover are described, including a cover having a top edge and a stiffener comprised of a shape memory material having a material memory coupled to the cover using a securing mechanism to prevent the stiffener from rotating. In one embodiment, the material memory causes the stiffener to assume a pre-determined shape, to temporarily deform without breaking the stiffener when force is applied to the stiffener, and to reassume the pre-determined shape. In one embodiment, an end of the stiffener provides a substantially smooth surface to prevent abrasion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A nursing cover comprising:
 a cover to provide coverage to a baby and a parent wearing the nursing cover; and   a stiffener having a predetermined form bowing outward to provide a viewing area enabling the parent to see the baby, the stiffener having a material memory associated with the pre-determined form, the stiffener assuming the pre-determined form when no force is applied, and when a force is applied to the stiffener the material memory enabling the stiffener to temporarily deform and reassume the pre-determined form when the force is removed.   
     
     
         2 . The nursing cover of  claim 1 , wherein the stiffener is disposed within a pocket of the cover. 
     
     
         3 . The nursing cover of  claim 1 , further comprising a smooth surface for an end of the stiffener, to reduce abrasion. 
     
     
         4 . The nursing cover of  claim 3 , wherein the smooth surface comprises an end cap. 
     
     
         5 . The nursing cover of  claim 4 , wherein the end cap is one of: formed as part of the stiffener, glued onto the stiffener, sewn onto the stiffener, stitched onto the stiffener, connected by a bar to the stiffener, melted onto the stiffener, and coupled using a solvent which causes the stiffener or the end cap to become adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The nursing cover of  claim 1 , wherein the stiffener material is one or more of: mildew resistant, water resistant, and waterproof. 
     
     
         7 . The nursing cover of  claim 1 , wherein the stiffener is formed of at least one of wood, bamboo, plastic, nylon, steel, metal, and a composite material. 
     
     
         8 . The nursing cover of  claim 1 , wherein the securing mechanism is at least one of a stitch, a staple, and an adhesive. 
     
     
         9 . A nursing cover, comprising:
 a cover to provide privacy to a nursing mother and an infant;   a stiffener comprised of a shape memory material having a material memory coupled to the cover, the material memory causing the stiffener to assume a pre-determined shape, to temporarily deform without breaking the stiffener when force is applied to the stiffener, and to reassume the pre- determined shape when force is removed; and   an end of the stiffener to provide a substantially smooth surface to prevent abrasion.   
     
     
         10 . The nursing cover of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a pocket in the cover for the stiffener.   
     
     
         11 . The nursing cover of  claim 9 , the smooth outer surface comprising an end cap. 
     
     
         12 . The nursing cover of  claim 11 , wherein the end cap is one of: formed as part of the stiffener, glued onto the stiffener end, sewn onto the stiffener end, stitched onto the stiffener end, connected by a bar to the stiffener end, melted onto the stiffener end, and coupled using a solvent which causes the stiffener or the end cap to become adhesive. 
     
     
         13 . The nursing cover of  claim 9 , wherein the stiffener material is one or more of: mildew resistant, water resistant, and waterproof. 
     
     
         14 . The nursing cover of  claim 9 , wherein the stiffener is formed of at least one of wood, bamboo, plastic, nylon, steel, metal, and a composite material. 
     
     
         15 . The nursing cover of  claim 9 , further comprising: a securing mechanism to secure the stiffener to the cover, to prevent the stiffener from rotation. 
     
     
         16 . The nursing cover of  claim 15 , wherein the securing mechanism is at least one of a stitch, a staple, and an adhesive. 
     
     
         17 . A nursing cover, comprising:
 a cover including a stiffener pocket;   a stiffener disposed in the stiffener pocket, the stiffener coupled to the cover using a securing mechanism to prevent the stiffener from rotating within the stiffener pocket, wherein the stiffener is comprised of a shape memory material which resumes a predetermined shape, to temporarily deform without breaking the stiffener when force is applied to the stiffener, and to reassume the pre-determined shape; and   an end of the stiffener provides a substantially smooth surface to prevent abrasion.   
     
     
         18 . The nursing cover of  claim 17 , the smooth outer surface comprises an end cap. 
     
     
         19 . The nursing cover of  claim 18 , wherein the end cap is one of:
 formed as part of the stiffener, glued onto the stiffener end, sewn onto the stiffener end, stitched onto the stiffener end, connected by a bar to the stiffener end, melted onto the stiffener end, and coupled using a solvent which causes the stiffener or the end cap to become adhesive.   
     
     
         20 . The nursing cover of  claim 17 , the securing mechanism is at least one of a stitch, a staple, and an adhesive.