U.S. patent application number 13/967004 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-27 for infant bodysuit.
This patent application is currently assigned to Munchkin, Inc. The applicant listed for this patent is Munchkin, Inc. Invention is credited to Steven Bryan Dunn.
Application Number | 20140082821 13/967004 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50337388 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140082821 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunn; Steven Bryan |
March 27, 2014 |
INFANT BODYSUIT
Abstract
A one-piece bodysuit for an infant having a first and second
panel. At least one of the first or second panels is a multi-ply
panel. At least one fastener is provided to attach the first panel
to the second panel. The first panel is attached at peripheral
edges to the second panel to define an opening into which an infant
torso is received. The first and second panels have a fabric weight
thickness and thermal property that may be the same or
different.
Inventors: |
Dunn; Steven Bryan; (Beverly
Hills, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Munchkin, Inc |
Van Nuys |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Munchkin, Inc
Van Nuys
CA
|
Family ID: |
50337388 |
Appl. No.: |
13/967004 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13768920 |
Feb 15, 2013 |
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13967004 |
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13625769 |
Sep 24, 2012 |
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13768920 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/80 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 13/08 20130101;
A41D 11/00 20130101; G09F 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/80 |
International
Class: |
A41D 11/00 20060101
A41D011/00 |
Claims
1. A one-piece infant bodysuit comprising: a first panel having a
first material weight thickness; and a second panel having a second
material weight thickness, wherein the first panel is a multi-ply
material, the multi-ply material of the first panel is attached at
peripheral edges to the second panel to define an opening into
which an infant torso is received.
2. The one-piece infant bodysuit recited in claim 1, wherein the
second panel has a second material weight thickness different from
the first panel.
3. The one-piece infant bodysuit recited in claim 1, wherein the
first panel covers a front torso portion of the infant body suit,
and the second panel covers a rear torso portion of the infant body
suit, and wherein the peripheral edges define seams extending from
an upper torso to a lower portion of the infant bodysuit.
4. The one-piece infant bodysuit recited in claim 1, further
comprising a label comprising a first indicia associated with the
two-ply material of the first panel, and a second indicia
associated with the second panel.
5. The one-piece infant bodysuit recited in claim 4, wherein the
first indicia defines a first thermal property associated with the
first material weight thickness of the first panel, and the second
indicia defines a second thermal property associated with the
second material weight thickness of the second panel.
6. The one-piece infant bodysuit recited in claim 1, wherein the
multi-ply material of the first panel is comprised of at least: a
first sub panel of a first material weight; and a second sub panel
of the first material weight or a second material weight.
7. An infant bodysuit comprising: a first panel having a first
material weight associated with a first thermal property; and a
second panel having a second material weight associated with a
second thermal property different from the first panel, and wherein
the first panel is attached at peripheral edges to the second panel
to define an opening into which an infant torso is received.
8. The infant bodysuit recited in claim 7, wherein at least one of
the first panel or the second panel is a multi-ply material.
9. The infant bodysuit recited in claim 8, wherein the multi-ply
material is comprised of at least: a first sub panel of a first
material weight; and a second sub panel of the first material
weight or a second material weight.
10. The infant bodysuit recited in claim 9, further comprising a
label having a first indicia associated with a combined material
weight of the multi-ply material representing the combined weight
of the first sub panel and second sub panel.
11. The infant bodysuit recited in claim 7, wherein the first panel
covers a front torso portion of the infant body suit, and the
second panel covers a rear torso portion of the infant body suit,
and wherein the peripheral edges define seams extending from an
upper torso to a lower portion of the infant bodysuit.
12. The infant bodysuit recited in claim 7, further comprising a
label having a first indicia associated with the first material
weight of the first panel and a second indicia associated with the
second material weight of the second panel.
13. An infant bodysuit comprising: a front multi-ply panel, each
ply sharing contiguous boundaries; a rear panel attached at seams
to the front multi-ply panel defining an opening into which an
infant torso is received; and a label having a first indicia.
14. The infant bodysuit recited in claim 13, wherein the front
multi-ply panel comprises at least: a first sub panel of a first
material weight; and a second sub panel of the first material
weight or a second material weight.
15. The infant bodysuit recited in claim 13, wherein: the first
indicia is associated with an overall material weight of the front
multi-ply panel; and a second indicia associated with a third
material weight of the rear panel different from the front
multi-ply panel.
16. The infant bodysuit recited in claim 13, wherein the front
multi-ply panel covers a front torso portion of the infant body
suit, and the rear panel covers a rear torso portion of the infant
body suit, and wherein the seams extend from an upper torso to a
lower portion of the infant bodysuit.
17. A one-piece infant bodysuit comprising: a first panel; and a
second panel, the first panel is attached at peripheral edges to
the second panel to define an opening into which an infant torso is
received, and wherein at least one of the first panel or the second
panel is a multi-ply material, each of the plys sharing contiguous
boundaries.
18. The one-piece infant bodysuit recited in claim 17, wherein the
plys in the multi-ply material are comprised of at least: a first
sub panel of a first material weight; and a second sub panel of the
first material weight or a second material weight.
19. The one-piece infant bodysuit recited in claim 17, wherein: the
first panel covers a front torso portion of the infant body suit;
and the second panel covers a rear torso portion of the infant
body, and wherein the seams extend from an upper torso to a lower
portion of the infant bodysuit.
20. The one-piece infant bodysuit recited in claim 17, further
comprising: a label comprising: a first indicia is associated with
an overall material weight of the multi-ply material; and a second
indicia associated with another material weight of the second
panel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation and claims priority to
U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/768,920, which is a
continuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 13/625,769 filed Sep. 24, 2012; the contents
of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in
their entirety into this disclosure.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The subject disclosure relates generally to a one-piece
infant bodysuit, and more specifically to a thermal insulated
infant bodysuit having at least one multi-ply panel.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In newborns and infants, the hypothalamus, and its heat
regulation mechanism, is underdeveloped. Consequently, an infant's
sweat glands are smaller and blood flow to the outer skin of the
child is less efficient. As a result, young infants have a more
difficult time acclimating in various environments.
[0004] A number of different infant garments are conventionally
used by caregivers in an attempt to moderate the temperature of an
infant. One common type of clothing worn by infant children
(generally from a newborn age to 24 months) is known as an infant
bodysuit. As is well known, the infant bodysuit typically covers
the torso of the infant with a single article of clothing. Various
fasteners are typically used to conveniently allow a caregiver
access the infants' crotch area in order to care for and change a
soiled infant diaper.
[0005] Conventionally, in order to moderate the temperature of an
infant, a caregiver would lay a separate blanket or sheet over the
infant. However, modernly, various dangers are associated with
using a loose blanket or sheet over an infant in their bed, such as
suffocation and/or overheating leading to Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS) and other deadly hazards.
[0006] Various professional organizations (such as the National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Maternal and Child
Health Bureau/HRSA, American Academy of Pediatrics, First
Candle/SIDS Alliance, Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality
Programs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public
Health Service and the National Institutes of Health) recommend
that an infant should never be placed to sleep on soft surfaces.
They all agree that it is important not to use pillows, blankets,
sheet, quilts, sheepskins, and pillow-like crib bumpers in the
baby's sleep area, and to keep these types of soft items away from
the baby's face. Thus, there is a need to efficiently moderate an
infant's temperature in a safe and convenient manner without the
addition of a blanket or covering.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be
described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to
identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the
following figures, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary infant bodysuit according to
the subject disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a cross section view of the infant
bodysuit.
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts an infant bodysuit with leg and arm portions
according to the subject disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the infant bodysuit with
leg and arm portions.
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts an infant bodysuit having leg, arm and foot
covering portions according to the subject disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the infant bodysuit having leg,
arm and foot covering portions.
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section view of the infant
bodysuit having leg, arm and foot covering portions.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows an infant lying on their back in a crib wearing
the infant bodysuit.
[0016] FIG. 9 depicts an infant wearing the infant bodysuit and
sitting against their back in an infant carrier.
[0017] FIG. 10 shows an infant wearing the infant bodysuit and
sitting against their back in a stroller.
[0018] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a system and method for rating the
infant bodysuit.
[0019] FIGS. 14-16 depict various exemplary fastener systems for
the infant bodysuit.
[0020] FIG. 17 illustrates another exemplary infant bodysuit
according to the subject disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 18 shows a cross section view of the infant bodysuit in
FIGS. 2 and 17.
[0022] FIG. 19 depicts a cross section view of the infant bodysuit
having leg, arm and foot covering portions as shown in FIG. 5.
[0023] FIG. 20 illustrates another exemplary cross section view of
the multi-ply infant bodysuit.
[0024] FIG. 21 shows yet another cross section view of the
multi-ply infant bodysuit.
[0025] FIGS. 22-26 show another system and method for rating the
infant bodysuit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be
described in greater detail with reference to the figures.
[0027] FIGS. 1 and 3-6 illustrate various exemplary infant
bodysuits 10. This subject disclosure applies to various infant
bodysuits, such as those that do not have sleeves, those with short
sleeves 15 or no legs (such as shown in FIG. 1), those with arm 25
and leg 26 portions (as shown in FIGS. 3-6), those with foot
coverings 27 (as shown in FIGS. 5-6), or any combination thereof
and/or other suitable infant bodysuits.
[0028] Referring back to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, which is a cross
section view of FIG. 1. As shown, the infant bodysuit 10 is
comprised of a multi-panel construction of varying thickness. The
multi-panel construction is adapted to provide enhanced thermal
properties similar to the effect of placing a blanket or sheet over
an infant. The advantage of the infant bodysuit 10 of this
disclosure is that the dangers associated with actually placing a
hazardous loose blanket or sheet over the infant 20 are eliminated
since a loose blanket, sheet or covering is not provided on, or
around the infant 20 according to this subject disclosure. However,
the effect of adding an additional blanket or covering is achieved
by increasing the thickness of at least one of the panels of the
infant bodysuit 10 according to this subject matter.
[0029] Conventionally, similar infant bodysuits are non-existent.
That is, traditionally, a caregiver would have to lay a separate
blanket or sheet over the infant in an attempt to keep the infant
warm. However, various dangers have been scientifically proven with
placing a loose blanket over a young infant or other soft object in
a crib with the infant, such as suffocation, SIDS and/or other
deadly hazards.
[0030] Various factors compound the problem, such as in the
instance where a home includes a single thermostat to regulate the
temperature of the entire house. For example, at night, the
caregiver may desire a cooler setting so that they can rest warmly
under covers while they sleep. Unfortunately, an infant also in the
house will not be able to stay comfortably warm at night since
using a blanket or other soft item over them in the bed would be
ultra-hazardous. Other factors exacerbate the problem, such as
where the temperature falls during the evening or a window is left
open to allow in air. Consequently, it was previously quite
difficult to moderate an infant's temperature in a safe and
controlled manner.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the infant bodysuit 10 includes a front
first panel 12 and a rear second panel 14 of varying thickness and
thermal properties. The infant bodysuit 10 further includes a neck
opening 13, a pair of sleeves 15, a trunk portion 17, and a bottom
portion 19. The infant bodysuit 10 is a one-piece construction in
which the various panels 12, 14 and other parts of the bodysuit 10
are constructed integral as a single piece garment. It is to be
understood that the bodysuit 10 may be made as a number of
component parts and as a multiple-piece garment.
[0032] A row of fasteners 18 may be disposed along the rear second
panel 14 adapted to be attached to a pair of mating fastener
portions provided at the bottom portion of the front first panel
12. Likewise, as shown in the infant bodysuit 10 in FIG. 5, various
fasteners 18 may be provided along a front portion of the trunk
portion 17 of the front first panel 12 and along the inner leg
portions of the infant bodysuit 10 and/or any other suitable
location on the infant bodysuit 10.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the front first panel 12 is
attached to the rear second panel 14 at side seams 16. The first
panel 12 covers a front torso portion of the infant bodysuit 10.
The side seams 16 define peripheral edges that extend from an upper
torso of the infant bodysuit 10 to a lower portion of the torso. In
FIGS. 3-6, the side seams 16 extend from an upper torso of the
infant bodysuit 10 to a lower portion, adjacent to the feet of the
infant bodysuit 10.
[0034] The first panel 12 is attached at peripheral edges of the
side seams 16. The side seams may be further defined as side seams
16a, 16b to illustrate the position of the side seams 16a, 16b
relative to the first panel 12 and the second panel 14. The side
seams 16a, 16b define the peripheral edges that bound the first
panel 12 and the second panel 14. As shown, the peripheral edges of
the side seams 16a, 16b extend from an upper torso of the infant
bodysuit 100 to a lower portion of the torso. Likewise in various
other embodiments such as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the side seams 16a,
16b may extend from an upper torso of the infant bodysuit 100 to a
lower portion, adjacent to the feet of the infant bodysuit 10,
100.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the front first panel 12 is
constructed substantially thicker than the rear second panel 14.
The front first panel 12 is thicker than the rear second panel 14
in order to keep the upper outermost portion of an infant 20 warm
when the infant 20 is positioned with their back side adjacent to a
surface as shown in FIGS. 8-10. The differentiation in the
thickness between the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 is
associated with various thermal insulating properties as will be
discussed later in more detail.
[0036] Although the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 are
shown as single-piece panels, it is to be understood that the
infant body suit 10 may be constructed in a variety of different
ways as multi-piece garments. For example, FIGS. 5 and 7 show the
first panel 12 composed of a first panel portion 12a and a second
panel portion 12b joined together by various fasteners 18. As to
the front first panel 12, the first front panel portion 12a and the
second front panel portion 12b extend from the side seams 16 inward
to a central region over the front of the torso. In particular, the
first front panel portion 12a extends from one seam to the central
region defining a central peripheral edge, and the second front
panel portion 12b extends from an opposite side seam 16 to the
central region defining a second overlapping peripheral edge. The
two central peripheral edges are disposed in an overlapping
configuration and are secured together by the fastener 18.
Collectively, the first front panel portion 12a and the second
front panel portion 12b extends from an upper portion of the infant
bodysuit 10 to a lower portion of the infant bodysuit 10 to define
the first panel 12 of the infant bodysuit 10.
[0037] Likewise, it is also to be understood that the thicknesses
in the front first panel 12 and the rear second panel 14 may be
reversed in construction according to this disclosure. That is, the
rear second panel 14 may be constructed thicker than the front
first panel 12.
[0038] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an infant 20 wearing the infant
bodysuit 10 and being positioned on their backside against various
surfaces 40. In FIG. 8, the infant 20 is shown lying on their back
in a crib 42. In FIG. 9, the infant 20 is depicted sitting reclined
with their back resting against a surface 40 in an infant carrier
44. And, in FIG. 10, the infant 20 is shown sitting upright with
their back resting against a surface 40 in an infant stroller
46.
[0039] In each of these positions, heat is naturally transferred
from the infant's warm body 20 outward towards the surrounding
atmospheric environment that is at a lower temperature. Heat
exchange from the infant 20 may take place in various ways, such as
by radiation, convection, conduction or a combination of these
methods.
[0040] In the various environments show in FIGS. 8-10, the infant
20 is shown wearing the bodysuit 10 and is lying with their back
against the various surfaces 40. The remainder of the bodysuit 10
on the infant 20 is directly exposed to the atmospheric air. As
shown, the majority of the atmospheric air surrounding the upper
portion of the infant 20 is in direct contact with the first panel
12 of the infant bodysuit 10.
[0041] Heat transfer generated by the body of the infant 20 will
flow from the warm infant body (i.e., a high energy and high
temperature source) to a surrounding cooler object or the
environment (i.e., a low energy and low temperature source). As to
the lower surface 40 of the crib 42 shown in FIG. 8, the body heat
of the infant's skin lying adjacent to the lower surface 40 is
transferred to the surface 40 of the crib 42. The heat energy from
the infant's body is radiated into the area adjacent to, and
including the lower surface 40 of the crib 42. That is, the heat is
transferred from the skin on the back of the infant, through the
back of the infant's bodysuit 10 and into the surface 40. Since the
gap between the bodysuit 10 and the surface 40 upon which the
infant is lying is relatively small, the warmth generated directly
from the infant 20 to the area surrounding the back of the infant's
bodysuit 10 and the surface 40 collects therein and retains the
heat better between the two surfaces. As a result, heat is captured
and retained in that region so that the infant 20 remains warm on
its back that is in contact with the surface 40 of the crib 42. The
same holds true for the surfaces 40 of the infant carrier 44 and
the infant stroller 46 shown adjacent to the infant's back in FIGS.
9 and 10.
[0042] Conventionally, as to the area adjacent to the front of an
infant bodysuit exposed open to the atmospheric air, the heat
energy radiated from the infant's body is rapidly radiated away
from their body and into the atmospheric surroundings as a result
of the large temperature difference between infant and the
surrounding atmospheric temperature. Since there is no substantial
insulator at the front of a conventional infant garment, more heat
is loss via heat convection across the front side of the infant to
the colder surrounding atmosphere. Consequently, an infant could
not retain as much of its heat and will experience more of a cold
chill from the rapid loss of heat into the colder atmospheric
surroundings as well as the reciprocal receipt of cold air from the
atmosphere.
[0043] Referring back to the infant bodysuit 10 according to this
subject disclosure as shown in FIG. 2, at least two material panels
12, 14 of differing thickness are attached to each other at the
seam 16. Various now known or later discovered methods of
attachment between the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 may
be used to connect the various fabrics in the infant bodysuit to
each other, including but not limited to, sewing, bonding, gluing,
and/or other suitable method for attaching the fabrics of the same
or different thickness to each other.
[0044] The first panel 12 is substantially larger in material
thickness then the second panel 14 of the infant bodysuit 10
thereby mimicking the insulation of a blanket, sheet or other soft
insulating material over the infant. The differentiation in the
weight of the material fabric provides the convenience of providing
an all-inclusive infant bodysuit 10 capable of replicating the
insulation of a blanket or sheet lying over the infant without
actually and dangerously adding one to the environment in which the
infant is located.
[0045] Therefore, as to the area adjacent to the first panel 12 of
the infant's bodysuit 10 that is exposed open to the atmospheric
air, the heat energy loss radiated from the infant's body 20 is
dramatically reduced and substantially prevented from being lost
from the infant's body across the infant bodysuit 10 and into the
atmospheric surroundings. The thicker first panel 12 acts as an
insulator to prevent the loss of heat from the infant's body. The
first panel 12 thickness and the second panel 14 thicknesses can be
varied depending on the temperature and atmospheric conditions that
the infant is to be placed into according to this disclosure.
[0046] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a rating system and method for
identifying the different fabric/material weights of the multiple
components of the infant bodysuit 10. The rating system may be
presented as a label 30 including indicia that is based on the
weight of the material fabric in grams/meter squared, or other
suitable dimension. The differentiation in the weight of the
material fabric provides the convenience of providing an
all-inclusive infant bodysuit 10 capable of replicating the
insulation of a blanket or sheet lying over the infant without the
danger of actually laying a loose blanket or sheet on top of the
infant thereby alleviating the danger of suffocation as well as
other hazards.
[0047] The rating system can be associated with a broad range of
various temperatures adapted for use and easily identifiable by a
caregiver year-round. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the label
30 may include a first indicia associated with a first rating for a
cold weather climate such as an outdoor temperature of 40 degrees
or the like. In that case, the label 30 may include "220" as first
indicia 32 used to identify the jersey weight thickness of the
first panel 12. Likewise, second indicia 34 may include "180" to
identify the jersey weight thickness of the second panel 14. The
unique rating system for the combined material weight for the first
and second panels 12, 14 will provide a suitable thickness for the
infant bodysuit when in a colder climate, such as outside in a
stroller on a cold day. The infant 20 will remain comfortably warm
having the heavier rated weight 32 for the material fabric of the
first panel 12 to block the colder air and better insulate the
infant from the colder atmospheric air.
[0048] In a second example shown in FIG. 12, the label 30 may
include first indicia associated with a first rating for a moderate
weather climate such as an outdoor temperature of 70 degrees or the
like. In that case, the label 30 may include "200" as first indicia
32 used to identify the jersey weight thickness of the first panel
12. Likewise, the label may include "170" as second indicia 34 used
to identify the jersey weight thickness of the second panel 14. The
combined weight of the first and second panels 12, 14 will provide
a suitable thickness for the infant bodysuit for the moderate
climate. The infant 20 will remain comfortable in the moderate
climate having the slightly heavier rated weight 32 for the
material fabric of the first panel 12 to better insulate the infant
from the moderate atmospheric air. As shown in FIG. 12, the indicia
may be positioned in a variety of different shapes and
positions.
[0049] In a third example shown in FIG. 13, the label 30 may
include a first indicia associated with a first rating 32 for a
much warmer weather climate such as an outdoor temperature of 85
degrees or the like. In that case, the label 30 may include a first
indicia 32 at "170" used to identify the jersey weight thickness of
the first panel 12. Likewise, the second indicia 34 may be "130"
used to identify the jersey weight thickness of the second panel
14. The combined weight of the first and second panels 12, 14 will
provide a suitable thickness for the infant bodysuit for the warmer
climate. The infant 20 will be able to remain reasonably cool and
protected with a lighter weight fabric at the first panel 12 in the
much warmer climate.
[0050] As demonstrated, the differing weights and/or reference
numbers in the label 30 may be associated with the weather or
temperature for a particular day or the environment in which the
infant will be located. Likewise, the various ranges may vary by
approximately 30 to 50 grams/meter squared and/or any other
preferred rating. Although described as a jersey knit fabric in
this example it is to be understood that any suitable fabric may be
used according to the subject disclosure.
[0051] FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a further aspect of the subject
disclose in which various fasteners 18 used on the infant bodysuit
10 are constructed in a variety of different sizes, shapes,
materials and colors in order to assist the caregiver when securing
the infant bodysuit 10 to the infant 20. For example, in FIG. 14,
the various fasteners 18 depict various first snap sockets 18a,
18c, 18e, 18g, 18i (not shown), 18k (not shown), aligned with, and
positioned to align with, mating receiving snap studs 18b, 18d,
18f, 18h, 18j, 18l. It is to be understood that the various
fasteners 18 may be uniquely arranged and positioned anywhere on
the infant bodysuit 10.
[0052] As shown, the various snap sockets 18a, 18c, 18e, 18g are
paired with associated mating snap studs 18b, 18d, 18f, 18h in an
alternating color scheme. For example, at the lower end of the
fastener assembly, a first fastener arrangement 181 includes a snap
socket 18a paired with a snap stud 18b of a similar first color. A
second fastener assembly 182 located above the first fastener
assembly 181 includes a snap socket 18c paired with a snap stud 18d
of a second color. Proceeding upward, a third fastener assembly 183
located above the second fastener assembly 182 includes a snap
socket 18e paired with an associated snap stud 18f of the first
color. Proceeding upward again, a fourth fastener assembly 184
located above the third fastener assembly 183 includes a snap
socket 18g paired with an associated snap stud 18h of the second
color. The fifth and sixth fastener assemblies 185, 186 would
follow the same alternating scheme.
[0053] As shown, the first and second fastener color scheme is
provided in the infant bodysuit 10 to alternate in adjacent
positions. The advantage of constructing this alternating fastener
color scheme is to provide the caregiver with a visual indicator as
to the proper alignment of associated pairs of snap studs and snap
sockets. In this manner, the caregiver can conveniently and easily
align the proper pairs of snap studs and snap sockets on the infant
bodysuit 10. Although shown as an alternating color scheme, the
associated pairs of snap studs and snap sockets may be
distinguished by various parameters, such as size, shape material
as well as color. Further, more than two color schemes may be
utilized amongst the various fasteners 18 positioned adjacent to
each other.
[0054] As illustrated at the top of FIG. 14, the outside of the
fasteners 18 of the fastener assemblies 185 and 186 appear
substantially similar when the fasteners 18 are closed. In an
alternative, FIG. 15 shows an example of the outside of the
fasteners 18 having a different appearance. In FIG. 15, the first
uppermost fastener 18 is smaller in construction then the outside
of the next lower fastener 18, which is much larger.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, it is within the scope of this
disclosure to vary the construction of the fasteners into an
assortment of different sizes, shapes, materials and colors, such
as a small circle, a large circle, a heart, a star, and/or any
other shape, size or color. As mentioned previously, the snap studs
and mating snap sockets can be color coordinated, such as by
matching the innermost or outermost elements of the fasteners in
brass, silver and/or any other preferred color as shown in FIGS.
14-15 and in accordance with this disclosure.
[0056] Likewise, the inner snap stud and snap socket can be
constructed in any configuration. For example, FIG. 16 depicts the
inner male snap socket 18m and female snap stud 18n taking the
shape of a star. Shown above the heart is the inner male snap
socket and female snap stud 18p fastener assembly taking the shape
of a heart. Any suitable size or shape can be constructed according
to this disclosure.
[0057] The advantage to providing different sizes, shapes and/or
colors to the fasteners is to conveniently and easily allow the
caregiver to secure the infant's bodysuit 10, 100 onto the infant
20. Alignment of the numerous fasteners 18 can be performed
conveniently without misaligning the fasteners 18 since both visual
and tactile distinctions can be easily and readily apparent to the
caregiver who aligns the various fasteners 18 on the infant
bodysuit 10, 100.
[0058] Traditionally, aligning the various fasteners has been quite
challenging, especially when an infant is kicking and thrusting
their arms and legs around as the caregiver attempts to snap fasten
an infant suit onto the infant. By providing the visual and tactile
distinctions of the fasteners 18 according to this subject
disclosure, the caregiver can more easily align the appropriate
snap studs and mating snap sockets positions.
[0059] Although snap fasteners are discussed herein, it is to be
understood that various fasteners may be selected, such as but not
limited to, snaps studs with associated snap sockets, pins, hook
and loop fastener, and/or any other suitable fastener capable of
fastening the infant bodysuit in accordance with the subject
disclosure.
[0060] FIG. 17 and cross section view FIG. 18 illustrate another
exemplary infant bodysuit 100 in which the first panel 12 is a
multi-layer or multi-ply panel. The multi-ply panels of the first
panel 12 is embodied as at least a pair of sub panels 121 and 122
disposed adjacent to each other.
[0061] Each of the plys or sub panels 121 and 122 are overlaid or
layered and share contiguous boundary edges. The boundary edges of
the sub panel 121 is similar in shape to the boundary edge of the
sub panel 122 (and/or other sub panels included). That is, as shown
in FIG. 17, the left and right boundary edges of both of the sub
panels 121, 122 extend from a first seam 16a to a second seam 16b,
respectively, across the front torso of the infant bodysuit 100.
Likewise, the upper and lower boundary edges of the sub panels 121,
122 may extend from the upper portion of the infant bodysuit 100
adjacent to the neck, to the lower portion of the infant bodysuit
100 adjacent to the crotch as shown in FIG. 17, or adjacent to the
feet for the infant bodysuit 10, 100 shown in FIGS. 3-6.
[0062] To illustrate the multi-ply nature of the first panel 12,
FIG. 17 depicts the multi-ply panels 121, 122 being partially
separated. A first sub panel 121 is shown partially separated from
the sub panel 122 as it is depicted flipped upward away from the
second sub panel 122.
[0063] In more detail, FIG. 17 shows the first panel 12 of the
infant bodysuit 100 including a first sub panel 121 and a second
sub panel 122. The combined first panel 12 may be constructed
thicker than the rear second panel 14.
[0064] This exemplary infant bodysuit 100 construction is
applicable to all of the various embodiments and features described
above. It is also to be understood that the combined multi-ply
panel having the greater number of panels may be thinner than the
other panel in the infant bodysuit 100 according to this subject
disclosure.
[0065] As before, the infant bodysuit 100 further includes a neck
opening 13, a pair of sleeves 15, a trunk portion 17, bottom
portion 19 and various fasteners 18. The infant bodysuit 100 is a
one-piece construction in which the various panels 121, 122, 14 and
other parts of the bodysuit 100 are constructed integral as a
single piece garment. It is to be understood that the bodysuit 100
may be made as a number of component parts and as a multiple-piece
garment.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 17, 18 and 19, the various sub panels
121, 122 of the combined multi-ply first panel 12 are attached to
the second panel 14 at side seams 16a, 16b as was similarly
constructed with respect to FIGS. 1-7. As before, the side seams 16
may be further defined as side seams 16a, 16b to illustrate the
position of the side seams 16a, 16b relative to the first panel 12
and the second panel 14. Arranged and fastened at the side seams
16a, 16b adjacent to each other, the sub panels 121, 122 combined
as the first panel 12 will feel much like a single panel that is
constructed thicker than the second panel 14. The combined
multi-ply first panel 12 covers a front torso portion of the infant
bodysuit 100. The multi-ply panels 121, 122 of the first panel 12
are attached at their peripheral edges of the side seams 16a, 16b.
The side seams 16a, 16b define the peripheral edges that bound the
various sub panels 121, 122 (or more sub panels if included) of the
multi-ply first panel 12. As shown, the peripheral edges of the
side seams 16a, 16b extend from an upper torso of the infant
bodysuit 100 to a lower portion of the torso. Likewise in various
other embodiments such as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the side seams 16a,
16b may extend from an upper torso of the infant bodysuit 100 to a
lower portion, adjacent to the feet of the infant bodysuit 10,
100.
[0067] Combining the front first sub panel 121 with the front
second sub panel 122 causes the first panel 12 to be constructed
thicker than the rear second panel 14 in overall material
thickness. The first panel 12 is thicker than the rear second panel
14 in order to keep the upper outermost portion of an infant 20
warm when the infant 20 is positioned with their back side adjacent
to a surface as shown in FIGS. 8-10. The difference in the
thickness between the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 is
related with various thermal insulating properties as discussed
herein.
[0068] The first panel 12 is substantially thicker in combined
material thickness then the second panel 14 of the infant bodysuit
100. The added thickness in front of the infant bodysuit 100 mimics
the insulation of adding a blanket, sheet or other soft insulating
material over the infant without the danger of adding a loose item
to the environment in which the infant is situated. The enhanced
thickness of the first panel 12 allows the convenience of providing
an all-inclusive infant bodysuit 100 capable of replicating the
insulation of a blanket or sheet lying over the infant without
physically adding one. As mentioned previously, the thicker first
panel 12 acts as an insulator to prevent the loss of heat outward
into the surrounding environment from the infants' body.
[0069] As before, it is understood that the multi-ply paneling
and/or thicknesses in the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 of
the infant bodysuit 100 may be reversed in construction according
to this disclosure. That is, the second panel 14 may be constructed
thicker with more multi-plys than the first panel 12 according to
this subject disclosure. Likewise, the weight and/or thickness of
the first front sub panel 121 and the second front sub panel 122
may also be varied differently according to various climate schemes
to account for the various weather conditions in the infant's
surrounding environment as will be described in more detail
below.
[0070] FIG. 19 relates, for example, to the garments shown in FIGS.
5 and 6 and further depicts the front first panel 12 composed of a
first front panel portion 12a and a second front panel portion 12b
joined together by various fasteners 18. The first front panel
portion 12a is constructed from a first front sub panel 121 and a
second front sub panel 122. Likewise, the second front panel
portion 12b is also constructed from a first front sub panel 121
and a second front sub panel 122.
[0071] The first front panel portion 12a and the second front panel
portion 12b of the front first panel 12 extend from opposite side
seams 16 inward to a central region over the front of the torso of
the infant. In particular, the first front panel portion 12a
extends from one seam to the central region defining a central
peripheral edge, and the second front panel portion 12b extends
from an opposite side seam 16 to the central region defining a
second overlapping peripheral edge. The two central peripheral
edges are disposed in an overlapping configuration and are secured
together by the fastener 18. Collectively, the first front panel
portion 12a and the second front panel portion 12b extends from an
upper portion of the infant bodysuit 100 to a lower portion of the
infant bodysuit 100 and define the first panel 12 of the infant
bodysuit 100.
[0072] FIGS. 20-21 depict exemplary cross sections of the one-piece
or unitary construction infant bodysuit 100. It is to be understood
that the first panel 12, or the second panel 14 in any of the
embodiments disclosed herein can be constructed of any number of
multiple plys of material.
[0073] For example, in FIG. 20, the first panel 12 is constructed
as a multi-ply panel composed of a number of sub panels 121, 122,
123, 124 (shown in hidden line) disposed adjacent to each other. In
particular, the combined first panel 12 of the infant bodysuit 100
includes a front first sub panel 121, front second sub panel 122,
front third sub panel 123, and shown in hidden line can include a
front forth sub panel 122 or more according to this subject
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 20, due to the multi-ply first panel
12, the combined multi-ply first panel 12 is thicker than the
second panel 14.
[0074] FIG. 21 shows the second panel 14 including various sub
panels 121, 122 as well the first panel 12. It is to be understood
that the sub panel construction for the infant bodysuit 100 is
applicable to either panel 12, 14. The various sub panels of the
first panel 12 and the second panel 14 are positioned in a
contiguous layered fashion on top of each other. The various sub
panels of the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 extend from a
first side seam 16 on one side of the infant bodysuit 100 to a
second side seam 16 disposed on an opposite side of the infant
bodysuit 100. The various sub panels of the first panel 12 and the
second panel 14 also extend from an upper portion of the infant
bodysuit 100 to a lower portion of the infant bodysuit 100 to cover
the torso of an infant.
[0075] The exemplary infant bodysuit 100 constructions are
applicable to all of the various embodiments and features described
above. These infant bodysuits 100 are a one-piece construction in
which the various panels 12, 14 and their respective sub panels and
other parts of the bodysuit 100 are constructed integral as a
single piece garment. It is to be understood that the bodysuit 100
may be made as a number of component parts and as a multiple-piece
garment. As before, the various sub panels 121, 122, 123, 124 of
the combined first panel 12 and/or various sub panels of the second
panel 14 are attached at side seams 16. The various sub panels are
arranged in layers having contiguous peripheral edges and are
fastened adjacent to each other such that the various sub panels
feel like a single panel.
[0076] FIGS. 22-26 illustrate another rating system and method for
identifying the different fabric/material weights of the multiple
components of the infant bodysuit 100. As before, the rating system
may be presented as a garment label 30 of varying sizes and/or
shapes including indicia that identifies the weight of the material
fabric in grams/meter squared, or other suitable dimension to
identify the difference between the first panel 12 and the second
panel 14.
[0077] The difference in the thickness and/or material weight of
the fabric provides the convenience of an all-inclusive infant
bodysuit 100 that is capable of replicating the insulation of a
blanket or sheet lying over the infant. However, the danger of
actually laying a loose blanket or sheet on top of the infant is
eliminated thereby alleviating the danger of suffocation as well as
other potentially lethal hazards.
[0078] The various ratings selected for the label 30 may be
associated with a broad range of environmental temperature
conditions. The rating on the label 30 can be provided on the
infant bodysuit 100 to allow a caregiver to conveniently determine
a suitable infant bodysuit to be worn in response to the
temperature condition on a particular day.
[0079] For example, in FIG. 22, the garment label 30 may include
indicia associated with a rating for a cold weather climate such as
one in which an outdoor temperature of 40 degrees or the like
exists. In that case, the label 30 may include "180" as indicia 32a
used to identify a jersey weight thickness for a front first sub
panel 121, and "180" as indicia 32b to identify a weight for the
front second sub panel 122.
[0080] It is to be understood that instead of separately
identifying the weight of the front first sub panel 121 (Subpanel 1
in FIG. 22) and the weight of the front second sub panel 122
(Subpanel 2 in FIG. 22), a combined weight thickness may be
assigned by indicia 32 representing an overall combined thickness
of both the front first sub panel 121 and the front second sub
panel 122, collectively referred to as the first panel 12 (such as
shown in the rating system of FIGS. 11-13). Likewise, a combined
weight thickness rating may be assigned for indicia 32 for two or
more sub panels such as for multi-ply panel 12 shown in FIG. 20,
and multi-ply panels 12 and 14 shown in FIG. 21. The combined
weight thickness rating assigned for indicia 32 may be represented
for any one of the various labels 30 having at least two sub panels
shown in FIGS. 22-26.
[0081] As before and shown in FIGS. 11 and 22, a second indicia 34
may be used to identify the jersey weight thickness of the second
panel 14 and may include "180". The unique rating system for the
combined material weight for the first and second panels 12, 14
will provide a suitable thickness for the infant bodysuit 100 when
in a colder climate, such as outside in a stroller on a cold day.
The infant 20 will remain comfortably warm having the heavier rated
weight 32 for the material fabric of the first panel 12 to block
the colder air and better insulate the infant from the colder
atmospheric air.
[0082] In a second example shown in FIG. 23, the label 30 may
include indicia associated with a first rating for a moderate
weather climate such as an outdoor temperature of 70 degrees or the
like. In that case, the label 30 may include "150" (or some other
number used to identify the combined thickness of the first and
second sub panels 121, 122) as a first indicia 32 used to identify
the jersey weight thickness of the first and second front sub
panels 121, 122 for the first panel 12. Likewise, the label may
include "170" as a second indicia 34 used to identify the jersey
weight thickness of the second panel 14. The combined weight of the
first panel 12 and the second panel 14 will provide a suitable
thickness for the infant bodysuit 100 for the moderate climate. The
infant 20 will remain comfortable in the moderate climate having
the slightly heavier rated combined weight 32 for the material
fabric of the first panel 12 to better insulate the infant from the
moderate atmospheric air. As further shown in FIGS. 22-26, the
label and identifying indicia may be positioned in a variety of
different shapes and positions.
[0083] In a third example shown in FIG. 24, the garment label 30
may include "120" as indicia 32a used to identify a jersey weight
thickness for a front first sub panel 121, and "110" as indicia 32b
to identify a weight for the front second sub panel 122. As shown,
the front first sub panel 121 and the front second sub panel 122
can be constructed as different weight thicknesses in an infant
bodysuit 100.
[0084] This infant bodysuit 100 may be constructed for a much
warmer weather climate such as an outdoor temperature of 85 degrees
or the like. The second indicia 34 may be "130" used to identify
the jersey weight thickness of the second panel 14. The weight of
the combined first panel 12 and the second panel 14 will provide a
suitable thickness for the infant bodysuit for the warmer climate.
The infant 20 will be able to remain reasonably cool and protected
with a lighter weight fabric at the first panel 12 in the much
warmer climate.
[0085] FIG. 25 depicts a curved shape example for a garment label
30 of a multi-ply infant bodysuit 100. As shown, both the first
panel 12 and the second panel 14 include at least two sub panels of
varying weight thickness. In particular, the first panel 12 is
comprised of more than two sub panels 32a, 32b, 32c. Sub panel 32a
is designated "140", sub panel 32b is designated "180" and sub
panel 32c is designated "180." Any number of sub panels may be
included in the first panel 12 or the second panel 14. An overall
designation may be assigned a single indicia 32 to identify an
overall jersey weight thickness for the first panel 12.
[0086] The second panel 14 is comprised of at least two sub panels
34a, 34b. Sub panel 34a is designated "180" and sub panel 34b is
designated "120." An overall designation may be assigned a single
indicia 34 to identify an overall jersey weight thickness for the
second panel 14.
[0087] The weight of the multi-ply first panel 12 and the multi-ply
second panel 14 will provide a suitable thickness for the infant
bodysuit in a particular climate. As such, the infant 20 will be
able to remain reasonably comfortable and protected in the
surrounding environment.
[0088] FIG. 26 illustrates an example for a garment label 30 of a
multi-ply infant bodysuit 100. As shown, the first panel 12
includes at least two sub panels 32a, 32b. In this embodiment, a
combined designation "300" is provided for indicia 32. As before,
any number of sub panels may be included in the first panel 12 or
the second panel 14 and a single combined designation may be
provided by a single indicia 32 representing the combined multi-ply
paneling.
[0089] As demonstrated, the differing weights and/or reference
numbers in the label 30 may be associated with the weather or
temperature for a particular day or the environment in which the
infant will be located. Likewise, the various ranges may vary by
any preferred range and/or any other preferred rating for a variety
of different environments. Although described as a jersey knit
fabric in this example it is to be understood that any suitable
fabric may be used according to the subject disclosure. Each of the
features described herein increases the comfort of the infant by
providing warmth, visual indicia identifying the material weight
and thickness of the infant bodysuit 10, 100 and easy and
convenience to the caregiver placing the infant bodysuit 10, 100
onto the infant 20. These various features improve the appearance
of the infant bodysuit 10, 100. It is believed that each of the
features of the bodysuit 10, 100 also increase the ease of use of
the bodysuit 10, 100 to the caregiver, by providing easily
identifiable fasteners that are tactile and visually convenient to
align and fasten together.
[0090] While various features of the present design have been
discussed separately, it should be understood that any of these
features may be combined in a body suit 10, 100 with or without any
other of the features or combination of the features. The infant
bodysuit design described herein is applicable to any different
type of infant bodysuit. Thus, it may be applicable to bodysuits
having different types of neck openings, sleeves, and composed of
any material suitable for a bodysuit, and could be equally
applicable to other possible variations of bodysuits.
[0091] Although discussed with respect to an infant bodysuit, it is
to be understood that the multi-ply paneling of this subject
disclosure may be adapted for use with any type of suitable
garment. The garment may be for a person of any age range in which
the thermal insulation property of the particular garment is to be
taken into consideration based on the environmental weather
condition and climate into which the wearer of the garment will be
subjected.
[0092] Various material and fabrics may be used in accordance with
the subject disclosure. For example, various natural and/or
man-made fabrics may be employed, such as knits and woven fabrics
selected from at least one of a light weight, medium weight, and/or
heavy weight fabric and/or other suitable material fabric. The
infant bodysuit 10, 100 can also be made from a light, stretchable
material, such as elasticized cotton, muslin, fleece, blended
materials and/or other suitable material. Other materials may
include the use of organic and/or unbleached materials which are
suitable for infant care.
[0093] The first panel 12 may be constructed to be a thicker weave
construction than the second panel 14 of the infant bodysuit 10.
The finished material is preferably an ultra soft fabric so that
when placed against a baby's skin, the material is extremely soft
and soothing to the infant. In order to obtain a soft fabric
construction, various softening processes may be applied to the
fabric, such as for example, using silicon to soften the fabric,
washing the material, mechanically brushing the fabric to soften
the material fabric and/or any other suitable type of softening
process in accordance with the subject disclosure.
[0094] The illustrations and examples provided herein are for
explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the
appended claims. It is to be understood that the "first panel" and
"second panel" is may be interchanged. It will be recognized by
those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made
to the above described embodiment without departing from the broad
inventive concepts of the invention. It is understood therefore
that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment
which is described, but is intended to cover all modifications and
changes within the scope and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *