U.S. patent application number 15/141699 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-02 for convertible wearing apparel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Goumikids LLC. Invention is credited to Linsey Ebuen, Sara McMahon, Jo Wollschlaeger.
Application Number | 20170311663 15/141699 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60157863 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170311663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wollschlaeger; Jo ; et
al. |
November 2, 2017 |
CONVERTIBLE WEARING APPAREL
Abstract
A garment comprises a body having a front side and a back side,
and sleeves attached to the body. The garment further comprises a
bottom flap movably attached to the back side of the body, the
bottom flap convertible between a first position and a second
position. The sleeves of the garment may each further comprise a
front side and a back side, a first flap movably attached to the
back side of each sleeve and convertible between a first position
and a second position. The back side of each sleeve may be longer
than the front side of each sleeve. The flaps movably attached to
each sleeve may each have a first and a second side, the first and
the second sides each formed from fabric having a different
pattern, color, texture, or other perceivable distinction than a
fabric used to form the rest of the garment.
Inventors: |
Wollschlaeger; Jo;
(Portland, OR) ; Ebuen; Linsey; (Portland, OR)
; McMahon; Sara; (Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Goumikids LLC |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60157863 |
Appl. No.: |
15/141699 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 15/00 20130101;
A41B 13/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 15/00 20060101
A41D015/00; A41B 13/06 20060101 A41B013/06; A41D 27/10 20060101
A41D027/10 |
Claims
1. A garment comprising: a body having a front side, a back side, a
top opening, and a bottom opening; a first sleeve attached to the
body near the top opening; a second sleeve attached to the body
near the top opening; and a bottom flap movably attached to the
back side of the body, the bottom flap convertible between a first
position wherein the bottom opening of the body is in an open
position, and a second position wherein the bottom opening of the
body is in a closed position.
2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first sleeve and the second
sleeve each further comprise a front side and a back side, the
garment further comprising: a first sleeve flap movably attached to
the back side of the first sleeve, the first sleeve flap
convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the
first sleeve is in an open position, and a second position wherein
the opening in the first sleeve is in a closed position; and a
second sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the second
sleeve, the second sleeve flap convertible between a first position
wherein an opening in the second sleeve is in an open position, and
a second position wherein the opening in the second sleeve is in a
closed position.
3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the back side of the first
sleeve is longer than the front side of the first sleeve, and the
back side of the second sleeve is longer than the front side of the
second sleeve.
4. The garment of claim 2, wherein the first sleeve flap and the
second sleeve flap each have a first side and a second side, the
first sides of the first sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap are
each formed from a first fabric different than a fabric used to
form the rest of the garment, and the second sides of the first
sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap are each formed from a
second fabric different than the fabric used to form the rest of
the garment.
5. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a closure for
removably attaching the bottom flap to the front side of the body
when the bottom flap is in the second position.
6. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a front opening in
approximately the middle of the front side of the body, the front
opening including a closure for detachably closing the front
opening.
7. The garment of claim 1 wherein a length of the front side of the
body is less than a length of the back side of the body.
8. A garment comprising: a body having a front side, a back side, a
top opening, and a bottom opening; a first sleeve attached to the
body near the top opening, the first sleeve having a front side and
a back side; a second sleeve attached to the body near the top
opening, the second sleeve having a front side and a back side; a
bottom flap movably attached to the back side of the body, the
bottom flap convertible between a first position wherein the bottom
opening of the body is in an open position, and a second position
wherein the bottom opening of the body is in a closed position; a
first sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the first
sleeve, the first sleeve flap convertible between a first position
wherein an opening in the first sleeve is in an open position, and
a second position wherein the opening in the first sleeve is in a
closed position; and a second sleeve flap movably attached to the
back side of the second sleeve, the second sleeve flap convertible
between a first position wherein an opening in the second sleeve is
in an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in
the second sleeve is in a closed position.
9. The garment of claim 8, wherein the back side of the first
sleeve is longer than the front side of the first sleeve, and the
back side of the second sleeve is longer than the front side of the
second sleeve.
10. The garment of claim 8, wherein the first sleeve flap and the
second sleeve flap each have a first side and a second side, the
first sides of the first sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap are
each formed from a first fabric different than a fabric used to
form the rest of the garment, and the second sides of the first
sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap are each formed from a
second fabric different than the fabric used to form the rest of
the garment.
11. The garment of claim 8, further comprising a closure for
removably attaching the bottom flap to the front side of the body
when the bottom flap is in the second position.
12. The garment of claim 8, further comprising a front opening in
approximately the middle of the front side of the body, the front
opening including a closure for detachably closing the front
opening.
13. A garment comprising: a body having a front side, a back side,
and a top opening; a first sleeve attached to the body near the top
opening, the first sleeve having a front side and a back side; a
second sleeve attached to the body near the top opening, the second
sleeve having a front side and a back side; a first sleeve flap
movably attached to the back side of the first sleeve, the first
sleeve flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening
in the first sleeve is in an open position, and a second position
wherein the opening in the first sleeve is in a closed position;
and a second sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the
second sleeve, the second sleeve flap convertible between a first
position wherein an opening in the second sleeve is in an open
position, and a second position wherein the opening in the second
sleeve is in a closed position.
14. The garment of claim 13 further comprising: a bottom opening;
and a bottom flap movably attached to the back side of the body,
the bottom flap convertible between a first position wherein the
bottom opening of the body is in an open position, and a second
position wherein the bottom opening of the body is in a closed
position.
15. The garment of claim 13 further comprising two legs attached to
a distal portion of the body.
16. The garment of claim 13, wherein the first sleeve flap and the
second sleeve flap each have a first side and a second side, the
first sides of the first sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap are
each formed from a first fabric different than a fabric used to
form the rest of the garment, and the second sides of the first
sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap are each formed from a
second fabric different than the fabric used to form the rest of
the garment.
17. An apparel item comprising: a trunk having a front side, a back
side, a head slit, and a foot slit; a first arm attached to the
trunk near the head slit; a second arm attached to the trunk near
the head slit; and a bottom overlay movably attached to the back
side of the trunk, the bottom overlay convertible between a first
position wherein the foot slit of the trunk is in an open position,
and a second position wherein the foot slit of the trunk is in a
closed position.
18. The apparel item of claim 17, wherein the first arm and the
second arm each further comprise a front side and a back side, the
apparel item further comprising: a first arm overlay movably
attached to the back side of the first arm, the first arm overlay
convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the
first arm is in an open position, and a second position wherein the
opening in the first arm is in a closed position; and a second arm
overlay movably attached to the back side of the second arm, the
second arm overlay convertible between a first position wherein an
opening in the second arm is in an open position, and a second
position wherein the opening in the second arm is in a closed
position.
19. The apparel item of claim 18, wherein the first arm overlay and
the second arm overlay each have a first side and a second side,
the first sides of the first arm overlay and the second arm overlay
are each formed from a first textile different than a textile used
to form the rest of the apparel item, and the second sides of the
first arm overlay and the second arm overlay are each formed from a
second textile different than the textile used to form the rest of
the apparel item.
20. The apparel item of claim 18, further comprising means for
removably attaching the bottom overlay to the front side of the
trunk when the bottom overlay is in the second position.
21. The apparel item of claim 18, further comprising a placket in
approximately the middle of the front side of the trunk, the
placket including means for detachably closing the placket.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates generally to infant wearing apparel,
and more particularly to convertible infant wearing apparel.
2. Description of Background
[0002] Infant sleeping "sacks" generally include a "sack"-like
bottom in which the infant's legs and feet are enclosed. To access
the infant for activities such as diaper changes, a zipper running
the length of the garment must be unzipped, exposing the infant's
body, making the infant uncomfortable and the diaper change more
difficult. These sleep sacks also do not enclose the infant's
hands, leaving the infant exposed to germs and bacteria, and
susceptible to scratches from the infant's fingernails. While some
infant sleep sacks include swaddling flaps that constrain the
infant's arms, the flaps limit the infant's mobility and
comfort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a garment
comprises a body having a front side, a back side, a top opening,
and a bottom opening. A first sleeve is attached to the body near
the top opening, and a second sleeve is also attached to the body
near the top opening. The garment further comprises a bottom flap
movably attached to the back side of the body. The bottom flap is
convertible between a first position wherein the bottom opening of
the body is in an open position, and a second position wherein the
bottom opening of the body is in a closed position. When the bottom
flap is in the first position, such that the bottom opening is
open, the infant's legs and feet are exposed and accessible.
[0004] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
first sleeve and the second sleeve of the garment each have a front
side and a back side. The garment may further comprise a first
sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the first sleeve,
and a second sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the
second sleeve. The sleeve flaps are convertible between a first
position wherein the sleeves are open, allowing the infant's hand
to project from the distal end of the sleeve, and a second position
wherein the sleeves are closed, thereby enclosing the infant's
hands within the garment. The back side of the sleeve may be longer
than the front side of the sleeve so that when the sleeve flap is
inverted, bunching of the fabric of the front side is minimized,
and the closed sleeve is still long enough to accommodate the
infant's arm and hand.
[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
sleeve flaps may each be formed from a fabric that is different
than the fabric used to form the rest of the garment, either as to
pattern, color, texture, or some other perceivable distinction. The
sleeve flaps may each have a first side and a second side, the
first side formed from a first fabric that is different in pattern,
color, texture, or some other perceivable distinction, and the
second side formed form a second fabric that is different in
pattern, color, texture, or some other perceivable distinction. In
this manner, when the sleeve flaps are in the first, non-converted
position, the first fabric is exposed, and when the sleeve flaps
are in the second, converted position, the second fabric is
exposed. The sleeve flap fabrics and, particularly, the second
fabric used for the second side of the sleeve flap may be selected
on the basis of the fabric's ability to stimulate infant brain and
eye development, such as a fabric featuring a high contrast, bold
pattern.
[0006] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will become more readily apparent from the following
detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the front side of a garment
having convertible sleeves and a convertible bottom flap, wherein
both sleeves and the bottom flap are in the first, non-converted
position.
[0008] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the front side of a
convertible garment wherein a front opening of the garment is shown
in the open position.
[0009] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the front side of a
convertible garment wherein the first sleeve is inverted to show
the back side of the first sleeve, and wherein both sleeves and the
bottom flap are in the first, non-converted position.
[0010] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the front side of a
convertible garment, wherein the first sleeve is in the converted,
second position.
[0011] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the front side of a
convertible garment, wherein both sleeves and the bottom flap are
in the converted, second position.
[0012] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the back side of a
convertible garment, wherein both sleeves and the bottom flap are
in the first, non-converted position.
[0013] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the back side of a
convertible garment, wherein both sleeves and the bottom flap are
in the second, converted position.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a side view of the bottom portion of a convertible
garment, wherein the bottom flap is in the first, non-converted
position.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a side view of the bottom portion of a convertible
garment, wherein the bottom flap is in the second, converted
position.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a side view of a sleeve of a convertible garment,
wherein the sleeve is in the first, non-converted position.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a side view of a sleeve of a convertible garment,
wherein the sleeve is in the second, converted position.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method for converting an
embodiment convertible garment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] With reference initially to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, a convertible
garment 10 having sleeves 16, 17 and a convertible bottom flap 18
(see FIG. 6) is shown.
[0020] The garment 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6 includes body 11.
Body 11 may be formed from one or more pieces of fabric to form a
body 11 having a front side 12 and a back side 13. For example, the
body 11 may be made up of two pieces of fabric, one piece forming
the front side 12 of the garment 10, and one piece forming the back
side 13 of the garment 10. The front side 12 may be attached to the
back side 13 by any conventional means, such as sewing the front
side 12 to the back side 13 at two side seams. Alternatively, one
piece of fabric may be used to form body 11, with the edges
attached on one side seam. Alternatively, one continuous loop of
fabric may be used to form the body 11 such that a portion of the
fabric loop makes up the front side 12 of the garment 10, and a
portion of the fabric loop makes up the back side 13 of the garment
10. Other fabric piece numbers and arrangements may also be used;
for instance, more than one piece of fabric could be used to make
front side 12 of body 11, and/or more than one piece of fabric
could be used to make the back side 13 of body 11.
[0021] In an embodiment, bottom flap 18 is of a length less than
the length of the body 11 of the garment, as can be seen in FIG. 6.
Bottom flap 18 may be movably attached to the body 11 of garment 10
by any conventional means. For example, bottom flap 18 may be
movably attached to the body 11 by sewing the side edges of bottom
flap 18 in-between the piece or pieces of fabric forming front side
12 and the piece or pieces of fabric forming back side 13, with the
bottom edge of bottom flap 18 sewn to the piece of fabric forming
back side 13. Alternatively, both the side edges and the bottom
edge of bottom flap 18 may be sewn to the piece or pieces of fabric
forming back side 13. If one piece of fabric is used to form body
11, with the edges joined on one side seam, one side edge and the
bottom edge of bottom flap 18 may be sewn to the portion of the
fabric that makes up the back side 13 of body 11, and one side edge
of the bottom flap 18 may sewn into the side seam. If one
continuous loop of fabric is used to form body 11, the side edges
and bottom edge of bottom flap 18 may be sewn to the portion of the
fabric that makes up the back side 13 of body 11. Regardless of how
bottom flap 18 is attached to the body 11, the top edge of bottom
flap 18 is not attached to body 11, but is left free, so that an
invertible pouch is formed between bottom flap 18 and the back side
13 of body 11.
[0022] In FIG. 6, the bottom edge of bottom flap 18 is curvilinear,
as are the bottom edges of the front side 12 and the back side 13
of body 11. However, the bottom edges need not be curvilinear as
shown, and may alternatively be straight edges or any other
shape.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, in an embodiment, bottom flap
18 includes one-half of a closure 22 attached to its top, free
edge, which, when bottom flap 18 is inverted, may mate with the
other half of the closure 22 that is attached to the front side 12
of body 11. The closure 22 may be, for example, a snap closure,
with the male half of the closure attached to the front side 12 of
body 11, and the female half of the closure attached to the top
edge of bottom flap 18, or vice versa. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-3 and 6, one half of closure 22 is attached to the
underside of a tab formed on the front side 12 of the garment 10.
However, this half of closure 22 may alternatively be attached in
an exposed position on the front side 12 of the garment. Other
conventional closures 22 may be used, such as a button and button
hole, a hook and eye, Velcro.RTM., zippers, or the like. One or
more closures 22 may be included. In another embodiment, no closure
22 is included.
[0024] In an embodiment, the back side 13 of body 11 is longer than
the front side 12 of body 11, as can be seen in FIGS. 1-3. For
instance, back side 13 may be approximately 1 cm longer than front
side 12, as measured at the midline of the garment. Having back
side 13 be slightly longer than front side 12 helps minimize
bunching of the fabric forming the front side 12 when bottom flap
18 is inverted to the second, closed position. In another
embodiment, back side 13 and front side 12 are approximately the
same length.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, sleeves 16, 17 may be attached to
body 11 near top opening 14 by any conventional means. Each sleeve
16, 17 may be formed from one or more pieces of fabric to form a
sleeve having a front side 16a, 17a and a back side 16b, 17b. For
example, each sleeve 16, 17 may be made up of two pieces of fabric,
one piece forming the front side 16a, 17a of the sleeve 16, 17, and
one piece forming the back side 16b, 17b of the sleeve 16, 17. The
front sides 16a, 17a may be attached to the back sides 16b, 17b by
any conventional means, such as sewing the front side 16a, 17a to
the back side 16b, 17b at two side seams. Alternatively, each
sleeve 16, 17 may be made up of one piece of fabric, with the edges
joined on one side seam. Alternatively, each sleeve 16, 17 may be
made up of one continuous loop of fabric such that a portion of the
fabric loop makes up the front side 16a, 17a of the sleeve 16, 17,
and a portion of the fabric loop makes up the back side 16b, 17b of
the sleeve 16, 17. Other fabric piece numbers and arrangements may
be used; for instance, more than one piece of fabric could be used
to make the front side 16a, 17a of each sleeve 16, 17, and/or more
than one piece of fabric could be used to make the back sides 16b,
17b of each sleeve 16, 17. Regardless of how sleeve 16, 17 is
formed, the most distal portion of each sleeve 16, 17 is left open,
such that openings 23, 24 are formed in each sleeve, through which
an infant's hand may project when the garment is worn by an
infant.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, in an embodiment, each sleeve
16, 17 includes a sleeve flap 19, 20 movably attached to the back
side 16b, 17b of the sleeve 16, 17, as described further below. The
back side 16b, 17b of each sleeve 16, 17 may be longer than the
front side 16a, 17a of the sleeve 16, 17. For instance, the back
side 16b, 17b may be approximately 3-6 cm longer than the front
side 16a, 17a, as measured at the midline of the sleeve. The front
side 16a, 17a of each sleeve 16, 17 may be of a length that is
approximately as long as an infant's arm, while the added length of
the back side 16b, 17b may be of a length that is approximately as
long as an infant's hand such that the back side 16b, 17b of sleeve
16, 17 is approximately as long as an infant's arm and hand
combined. Having the back side 16b, 17b be longer than the front
side 16a, 17a helps to minimize bunching of fabric when the sleeve
flaps 19, 20 are inverted to the second, closed position, while
ensuring that the arm of the garment is sufficiently long to
enclose an infant's arm and hand when the sleeve flaps 19, 20 are
in the inverted, closed position. In another embodiment, the back
side 16b, 17b and the front side 16b, 17b of each sleeve 16, 17 are
approximately the same length.
[0027] Sleeve flaps 19, 20 may be movably attached to the back side
16b, 17b of the sleeve 16, 17 by any conventional means. For
example, sleeve flaps 19, 20 may be movably attached to the back
side 16b, 17b of the sleeve 16, 17 by sewing the side edges of the
sleeve flap 19, 20 in-between the piece or pieces of fabric forming
front side 16b, 17b and the piece or pieces of fabric forming back
side 16b, 17b , with the bottom edge of sleeve flap 19, 20 sewn to
the piece of fabric forming back side 16b, 17b . Alternatively,
both the side edges and the bottom edge of sleeve flap 19, 20 may
be sewn to the piece of fabric forming back side 16b, 17b of the
sleeve 16, 17. If one piece of fabric is used to form each sleeve
16, 17, with the edges joined on one side seam, one side edge of
the sleeve flap 19, 20 may be sewn into the side seam, while a slit
may be cut in the fabric forming the sleeve opposite the side seam,
the other side edge of sleeve flap 19, 20 sewn between the two
pieces of fabric formed by the slit; the bottom edge of sleeve flap
19, 20 may be sewn to the portion of the fabric that makes up the
back side 16b, 17b of the sleeve 16, 17. If one continuous loop of
fabric is used to form sleeve 16, 17, the side edges and bottom
edge of sleeve flap 19, 20 may be sewn to the portion of the fabric
that makes up the back side 16b, 17b of the sleeve 16, 17.
Regardless of how sleeve flap 19, 20 is attached to sleeve 16, 17,
the top edge of sleeve flap 19, 20 is not attached to sleeve 16,
17, but is left free, so that an invertible pouch is formed between
sleeve flap 19, 20 and the back side 16b, 17b of sleeve 16, 17.
[0028] In FIG. 6, the bottom edge of each sleeve flap 19, 20 is
curvilinear, as is the bottom edge of the back side 16b, 17b of
each sleeve 16, 17. However, these edges need not be curvilinear as
shown, and may alternatively be straight edges or any other shape.
Likewise, while the bottom edge of the front side 16b, 17b of each
sleeve 16, 17 is straight in FIGS. 1-3, it will be appreciated that
this edge need not be straight, and alternatively may be
curvilinear or any other shape.
[0029] In FIGS. 1-3 and 6, an embodiment garment is shown in its
non-converted form. In the non-converted form, bottom flap 18 is in
a first position wherein bottom flap 18 is not inverted from the
back side 13 to the front side 12 of the garment 10. When bottom
flap 18 is in this position, bottom opening 15 is open. In this
position, the feet and legs of an infant wearing the garment may
project through the bottom opening 15.
[0030] In an embodiment, in the non-converted form, sleeve flaps
19, 20 are also in a first position wherein the sleeve flaps 19, 20
are not inverted from the back side 16b, 17b to the front side 16b,
17b of each sleeve 16, 17. When sleeve flaps 19, 20 are in this
position, sleeve openings 23, 24 are open. In this position, the
hands of an infant wearing the garment may project through the
sleeve openings 23, 24, allowing the infant's hands to be
exposed.
[0031] In particular, FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an
embodiment convertible garment wherein bottom flap 18 (not visible)
and sleeve flaps 19, 20 (not visible) are in the first,
non-converted position. In this position, bottom flap 18 and sleeve
flaps 19, 20 are each disposed on the back side 13 of the garment
10, leaving bottom opening 15 and sleeve openings 23, 24 all open.
FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the same embodiment convertible
garment wherein bottom flap 18 and sleeve flaps 19, 20 are in the
first, non-converted position, i.e., are disposed on the back side
of the garment, leaving bottom opening 15 (not visible) and sleeve
openings 23, 24 (not visible) all open.
[0032] FIG. 3 is another front elevation view wherein bottom flap
18 (not visible) and sleeve flaps 19 (visible) and 20 (not visible)
are in the first, non-converted position. In FIG. 3, a portion of
first sleeve 16 is inverted to show the back side 16b of sleeve 16,
with first sleeve flap 19 movably attached to the back side 16b of
sleeve 16. Second sleeve 17 is not inverted in FIG. 3, and
therefore the second sleeve flap 20, disposed on the back side 17b
of sleeve 17, is not visible.
[0033] Garment 10 may further include a body opening 21 (see FIGS.
1-2). Body opening 21 allows for the body 11 of the garment 10 to
be changed between a first, closed position, as shown in FIG. 1,
and a second, open position, as shown in FIG. 2. Body opening 21
may be located in approximately the middle of the front side 12 of
body 11. Body opening 21 may run the full length of the front side
12, or it may run less than the full length of front side 12, i.e.,
body opening 21 may have a shorter length than the length of the
front side 12 of body 11. Body opening 21 may include one or more
closures 25 for closing body opening 21. The closures 25 may be,
for example, snap closures, or may be other conventional closures
25, such as a button and button hole, hook and eye, Velcro.RTM.,
zipper, or the like. In another embodiment, no body opening 21 is
included. In other embodiments, body opening 21 may be located
elsewhere on the front side 12 of body 11, or it may be located on
the back side 13 of body 11.
[0034] Turning to FIGS. 4-5 and 7, the convertible features of an
embodiment garment are shown. FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a
convertible garment wherein bottom flap 18 (not visible) and sleeve
flap 20 (not visible) are in the first, non-converted position,
whereas sleeve flap 19 (visible) is in the second, converted
position. In other words, bottom flap 18 and sleeve flap 20 in FIG.
4 are not inverted and are still disposed on the back side of the
garment, whereas sleeve flap 19 is inverted to the front side 16a
of sleeve 16. Thus, sleeve opening 24 of sleeve 17 is open,
allowing for the hand of an infant wearing the garment to project
through opening 24, whereas sleeve opening 23 (not visible) is
closed, preventing the infant's hand from projecting through
opening 23. Further, because bottom flap 18 is not inverted, bottom
opening 15 is open, such that the feet and legs of an infant
wearing the garment may project through the opening 15.
[0035] In FIG. 5, an embodiment garment is shown in its fully
converted form. Bottom flap 18 is in a second position wherein
bottom flap 18 is inverted from the back side 13 to the front side
12 of garment 10, thereby closing bottom opening 15 (not visible).
This converted position allows for the feet and legs of an infant
wearing the garment 10 to be enclosed within the garment, i.e., the
feet and legs do not project through bottom opening 15. If
included, optional closure 22 may be utilized to secure bottom flap
18 to the front side 12 of garment 10 when bottom flap 18 is in the
second, converted position.
[0036] Sleeve flaps 19 and 20 are also shown in their converted
form in FIG. 5. In other words, each sleeve flap 19, 20 is inverted
from the back side 16b, 17b to the front side 16b, 17b of sleeves
16, 17, thereby closing sleeve openings 23, 24 (not visible). This
converted position allows for the hands of an infant wearing the
garment 10 to be enclosed within the garment, i.e., the hands do
not project through sleeve openings 23, 24.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the convertible garment
10 shown in FIG. 5 in its fully converted form. As is seen in FIG.
7, when garment 10 is in its fully converted form, bottom flap 18
(not visible) and sleeve flaps 19, 20 (not visible) are in the
second, converted position, i.e., are inverted from the back to the
front of garment 10. In this configuration, bottom flap 18 and
sleeve flaps 19, 20 are no longer disposed on the back of the
garment, and bottom opening 15 (not visible) and sleeve openings
23, 24 (not visible) are each closed.
[0038] FIGS. 8-9 are side views of the bottom portion of an
embodiment convertible garment. In FIG. 8, bottom flap 18 is in the
first, non-converted position, i.e., is not inverted from the back
side 13 of garment 10, leaving bottom opening 15 open. In this
position, the feet and legs of an infant wearing the garment may
project through bottom opening 15.
[0039] In FIG. 9, bottom flap 18 is in the second, converted
position, i.e., is inverted from the back side 13 to the front side
12 of garment 10, thereby closing bottom opening 15 (not visible).
In this position, the feet and legs of an infant wearing the
garment are enclosed within the garment, i.e., they do not project
through bottom opening 15. Garment 10 may further include closure
22, which may be utilized to secure bottom flap 18 to the front
side 12 of garment 10 when bottom flap 18 is in the second,
converted position.
[0040] FIGS. 10-11 are side views of a sleeve of an embodiment
convertible garment. While only one sleeve 17 is shown, it will be
appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-11 may apply
equally to both sleeves 16, 17.
[0041] In FIG. 10, sleeve flap 20 is in the first, non-converted
position, i.e., is not inverted from the back side 17b to the front
side 17a of sleeve 17, leaving sleeve opening 24 open. In this
position, the hand of an infant wearing the garment may project
through sleeve opening 24, allowing the infant's hand to be
exposed.
[0042] In FIG. 11, sleeve flap 20 is in the second, converted
position, i.e., is inverted from the back side 17b to the front
side 17a of sleeve 17, thereby closing sleeve opening 24 (not
visible). In this position, the hand of an infant wearing the
garment is enclosed within the garment, i.e., does not project
through sleeve opening 24.
[0043] In an embodiment, sleeve flap 20 includes a first side 20a
(visible in FIG. 10) and a second side 20b (visible in FIG. 11).
First side 20a and second side 20b may each be separate pieces of
fabric joined together through conventional means with their
backsides facing, such that the front sides of the fabric pieces
are exposed. Alternatively, sleeve flap 20 may be a single piece of
fabric that is printed on both sides.
[0044] In an embodiment, first side 20a and second side 20b are
each formed from fabric that is different than the fabric used to
form the rest of garment 10, either as to pattern, color, texture,
or some other perceivable distinction. For example, while the rest
of garment 10 may be formed from one or more solid-color fabrics,
first side 20a may be formed from a patterned fabric, and second
side 20b may be formed from a different patterned fabric. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-11, for instance, first side 20a is
formed from a fabric having an animal pattern, whereas second side
20b is formed from a fabric having a dotted pattern. Alternatively,
first side 20a and second side 20b could both be formed from the
same fabric, which is different than the fabric used to form the
rest of the garment 10, either as to pattern, color, texture, or
some other perceivable distinction. Although an animal pattern is
shown in FIG. 10 and a dotted pattern is shown in FIG. 11, it will
be understood that other patterns, colors, and textures may be
used.
[0045] By being formed of fabric that is different than the fabric
used to form the rest of garment 10, different patterns, colors, or
textures are exposed depending on whether the sleeve 17 is
converted or not. For instance, in FIG. 10, which shows sleeve flap
20 in its non-converted, first position, first side 20a, printed
with an animal pattern, is exposed. However, when sleeve flap 20 is
converted to the second position as shown in FIG. 11, i.e., is
inverted from the back side 17b to the front side 17a of sleeve 17,
second side 20b, printed with a dotted pattern, is exposed.
[0046] In an embodiment, the fabric or fabrics selected for the
first and second sides 20a, 20b are selected on the basis of the
fabric's ability to stimulate infant brain and eye development. For
instance, a patterned fabric featuring a high contrast, bold
pattern, such as the dotted pattern shown in FIG. 11, may be
selected because of its ability to stimulate infant brain and eye
development. Such a fabric may be used solely for second side 20b,
which is exposed to the infant's view when sleeve flap 20 is in the
second, converted position. Alternatively, such a fabric, or two or
more of such fabrics, may be used for both sides 20a, 20b. Although
a dotted pattern is shown in FIG. 11, it will be understood that
any other pattern, color, texture, or other perceivable distinction
that has the ability to stimulate infant brain and eye development
may be used.
[0047] Turning to FIG. 12, a flow chart of a method for converting
an embodiment convertible garment having both a bottom flap 18 and
sleeve flaps 19, 20 from a first, non-converted position to a
second, converted position, and then back to a first, non-converted
position, is shown.
[0048] Blocks 1201-1203 of FIG. 12 illustrate a process for
converting garment 10 from a non-converted, first position to a
fully converted, second position. At block 1201, bottom flap 18 of
garment 10 is inverted from the back side 13 to the front side 12
of garment 10. At block 1202, sleeve flap 19 is inverted from the
back side 16b to the front side 16a of sleeve 16. At block 1203,
sleeve flap 20 is inverted from the back side 17b to the front side
17a of sleeve 17. As a result of these steps, garment 10 is fully
converted from a first, non-converted position, to a second,
converted position. It will be appreciated that the order shown in
blocks 1201-1203 of FIG. 12 is non-limiting, and that the
conversion process can proceed in other orders, for example, one or
both sleeve flaps 19, 20 may be inverted before bottom flap 18 is
inverted; further, multiple convertible elements may be converted
at the same time It will also be appreciated that less than all
three convertible elements may be converted, for example, the
bottom flap 18 may be converted while the sleeve flaps 19, 20 are
not converted, or sleeve flap 19 may be converted while bottom flap
18 and sleeve flap 20 are not converted, and so on.
[0049] Blocks 1204-1206 of FIG. 12 illustrate a process for
converting garment 10 from a fully converted, second position to a
non-converted, first position. At block 1204, bottom flap 18 of
garment 10 is inverted from the front side 12 to the back side 13
of garment 10. At block 1205, sleeve flap 19 is inverted from the
front side 16a to the back side 16b of sleeve 16. At block 1206,
sleeve flap 20 is inverted from the front side 17a to the back side
17b of sleeve 17. As a result of these steps, garment 10 is fully
converted from a second, converted position to a first,
non-converted position. It will be appreciated that the order shown
in blocks 1204-1206 of FIG. 12 is non-limiting, and that the
conversion process can proceed in other orders, for example, one or
both sleeve flaps 19, 20 may be inverted before bottom flap 18 is
inverted; further, multiple convertible elements may be
un-converted at the same time. It will also be appreciated that
less than all three convertible elements may be un-converted, for
example, the bottom flap 18 may be un-converted while the sleeve
flaps 19, 20 are not un-converted, or sleeve flap 19 may be
un-converted while bottom flap 18 and sleeve flap 20 are not
un-converted, and so on.
[0050] While the garment 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-12 has both a
bottom flap 18 and sleeve flaps 19, 20, it will be understood that
in an embodiment, the garment 10 may only have the bottom flap 18,
i.e., the sleeves 16, 17 of the garment may not be convertible as
described herein, or garment 10 may simply not include any sleeves.
In another embodiment, garment 10 may only have sleeve flaps 19, 20
and not bottom flap 18, i.e., the bottom of the garment may not be
convertible as described herein. Such a garment may have legs
attached to the distal portion of body 11, rather than having the
bottom opening 15 and bottom flap 18 shown in the figures.
[0051] While the garment 10 described herein is described with
reference to a particular application, namely, a garment for
infants, it will be understood that the garment 10 may
alternatively have other applications. For instance, the garment 10
may be sized larger so that it may be worn by older children, or
even larger yet so that it may be worn by adults.
[0052] Further, while the garment 10 described herein is described
with reference to a garment wherein bottom flap 18 and/or sleeve
flaps 19, 20 are disposed on the back side of the garment 10 when
in their non-converted position, it will be understood that bottom
flap 18 and/or sleeve flaps 19, 20 may alternatively be disposed on
the front side of the garment 10 when in their non-converted
position. In such an embodiment, bottom flap 18 and/or sleeve flaps
19, 20 are invertible from a first, non-converted position, wherein
the flaps are disposed on the front side of the garment leaving
bottom opening 15 and/or sleeve openings 23, 24 open, to a second,
converted position, wherein the flaps are inverted to the back side
of the garment, thereby closing off bottom opening 15 and/or sleeve
openings 23, 24.
[0053] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed
and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be
combined into many other different systems or applications. Various
presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,
variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by
those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed
by the following claims.
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