U.S. patent application number 15/729674 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-11 for convertible wearing apparel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Goumikids LLC. Invention is credited to Sara McMahon, Jo Wollschlaeger, Lili Yeo.
Application Number | 20190104771 15/729674 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65992411 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190104771 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wollschlaeger; Jo ; et
al. |
April 11, 2019 |
CONVERTIBLE WEARING APPAREL
Abstract
A garment comprises a trunk having a front side and a back side,
and sleeves and legs attached to the trunk. The garment further
comprises a rear opening on the back side of the garment that can
be opened to expose the buttocks region of the wearer. Flaps may be
movably attached to each sleeve and leg and convertible between a
first position wherein the sleeves and legs are open, and a second
position wherein the sleeves and legs are closed. One side of each
sleeve and leg may be longer than the other side. 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) ; McMahon; Sara; (Portland, OR)
; Yeo; Lili; (Beaverton, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Goumikids LLC |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65992411 |
Appl. No.: |
15/729674 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 15/002 20130101;
A41B 2300/24 20130101; A41B 13/005 20130101; A41B 2300/324
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41B 13/00 20060101
A41B013/00; A41D 15/00 20060101 A41D015/00 |
Claims
1. A garment comprising: a trunk having a front side, a back side,
and a top opening; a first sleeve extending from a portion of the
trunk near the top opening, the first 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; a second sleeve extending
from the portion of the trunk near the top opening, the second
sleeve having a front side and a back side; 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 a
first leg extending from a portion of the trunk distal from the top
opening; a second leg extending from the portion of the trunk
distal from the top opening; and a rear opening formed in the back
side of the garment.
2. The garment of claim 1, 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.
3. The garment of claim 1, 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.
4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first leg and the second leg
each further comprise a front side and a back side, the garment
further comprising: a first leg flap movably attached to the back
side of the first leg, the first leg flap convertible between a
first position wherein an opening in the first leg is in an open
position, and a second position wherein the opening in the first
leg is in a closed position; and a second leg flap movably attached
to the back side of the second leg, the second leg flap convertible
between a first position wherein an opening in the second leg is in
an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in the
second leg is in a closed position.
5. The garment of claim 4, wherein the back side of the first leg
is longer than the front side of the first leg, and the back side
of the second leg is longer than the front side of the second
leg.
6. The garment of claim 4, wherein the back sides of the first leg
and the second leg each include a heel line.
7. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a front opening in
approximately the middle of the front side of the trunk, the front
opening including one or more closures for detachably closing the
front opening.
8. The garment of claim 1, the rear opening further comprising one
or more closures for detachably closing the rear opening.
9. A garment comprising: a trunk having a front side, a back side,
and a top opening; a first sleeve extending from a portion of the
trunk near the top opening, a first sleeve flap movably attached to
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; a second sleeve extending from the
portion of the trunk near the top opening, a second sleeve flap
movably attached to 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; a first
leg extending from a portion of the trunk distal from the top
opening, a first leg flap movably attached to the first leg, the
first leg flap convertible between a first position wherein an
opening in the first leg is in an open position, and a second
position wherein the opening in the first leg is in a closed
position; and a second leg extending from the portion of the trunk
distal from the top opening, a second leg flap movably attached to
the second leg, the second leg flap convertible between a first
position wherein an opening in the second leg is in an open
position, and a second position wherein the opening in the second
leg is in a closed position.
10. The garment of claim 9 wherein: the first sleeve further
comprises a front side and a back side, the first sleeve flap
movably attached to the back side of the first sleeve such that
when the first sleeve flap is in the second position, the first
sleeve flap is disposed on the front side of the first sleeve; the
second sleeve further comprises a front side and a back side, the
second sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the second
sleeve such that when the second sleeve flap is in the second
position, the second sleeve flap is disposed on the front side of
the second sleeve; the first leg further comprises a front side and
a back side, the first leg flap movably attached to the back side
of the first leg such that when the first leg flap is in the second
position, the first leg flap is disposed on the front side of the
first leg; and the second leg further comprises a front side and a
back side, the second leg flap movably attached to the back side of
the second leg such that when the second leg flap is in the second
position, the second leg flap is disposed on the front side of the
second leg.
11. The garment of claim 9, further comprising a rear opening
formed in the back side of the garment.
12. The garment of claim 10, wherein the back side of the first
sleeve is longer than the front side of the first sleeve, the back
side of the second sleeve is longer than the front side of the
second sleeve, the back side of the first leg is longer than the
front side of the first leg, and the back side of the second leg is
longer than the front side of the second leg.
13. The garment of claim 9, 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.
14. The garment of claim 10, wherein the back sides of the first
leg and the second leg each include a heel line.
15. The garment of claim 9, further comprising a front opening in
approximately the middle of the front side of the trunk, the front
opening including one or more closures for detachably closing the
front opening.
16. The garment of claim 11, the rear opening further comprising
one or more closures for detachably closing the rear opening.
17. A garment comprising: a trunk having a front side, a back side,
and a top opening; a first leg extending from a portion of the
trunk distal from the top opening, a first leg flap movably
attached to the first leg, the first leg flap convertible between a
first position wherein an opening in the first leg is in an open
position and a second position wherein the opening in the first leg
is in a closed position; and a second leg extending from a portion
of the trunk distal from the top opening, a second leg flap movably
attached to the second leg, the second leg flap convertible between
a first position wherein an opening in the second leg is in an open
position and a second position wherein the opening in the second
leg is in a closed position.
18. The garment of claim 17 wherein: the first leg further
comprises a front side and a back side, the first leg flap movably
attached to the back side of the first leg such that when the first
leg flap is in the second position, the first leg flap is disposed
on the front side of the first leg; and the second leg further
comprises a front side and a back side, the second leg flap movably
attached to the back side of the second leg such that when the
second leg flap is in the second position, the second leg flap is
disposed on the front side of the second leg.
19. The garment of claim 17, further comprising a rear opening
formed in the back side of the garment.
20. The garment of claim 17, further comprising: a first sleeve
extending from a portion of the trunk near the top opening, a first
sleeve flap movably attached to 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 extending from the portion of the trunk near the top
opening, a second sleeve flap movably attached to 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.
21. The garment of claim 20 wherein: the first sleeve further
comprises a front side and a back side, the first sleeve flap
movably attached to the back side of the first sleeve such that
when the first sleeve flap is in the second position, the first
sleeve flap is disposed on the front side of the first sleeve; and
the second sleeve further comprises a front side and a back side,
the second sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the
second sleeve such that when the second sleeve flap is in the
second position, the second sleeve flap is disposed on the front
side of the second sleeve.
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 "footies" are garments that generally include arm
portions, leg portions, and enclosures at the distal end of the leg
portions for the infant's feet which are permanently affixed to the
leg portions such that the infant's toes and feet cannot be exposed
without removing the garment. To access the infant for activities
such as diaper changes, a zipper running the length of the front
side of the garment must be unzipped, exposing the infant's torso,
making the infant uncomfortable and the diaper change more
difficult. These "footies" 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a garment
comprises a trunk having a front side, a back side, and a top
opening. A first sleeve extends from the trunk near the top
opening, and a second sleeve extends from the trunk near the top
opening. The garment further comprises a first leg extending from a
portion of the trunk that is distal from the top opening, and a
second leg extending from a portion of the trunk that is distal
from the top opening.
[0004] The back side of the trunk of the garment further comprises
a rear opening distal from the top opening. The rear opening may
include one or more closures for closing the rear opening. The rear
opening allows for the infant's diaper region to be exposed and
accessible when the rear opening is open, without the need to
expose other parts of the infant's body, such as the infant's
torso.
[0005] 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.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
first leg and the second leg of the garment each have a front side
and a back side. The garment may further comprise a first leg flap
movably attached to the back side of the first leg, and a second
leg flap movably attached to the back side of the second leg. The
leg flaps are convertible between a first position wherein the legs
are open, allowing the infant's toes and/or feet to project from
the distal end of the leg, and a second position wherein the legs
are closed, thereby enclosing the infant's toes and feet within the
garment. The back side of the leg may be longer than the front side
of the leg so that when the leg flap is inverted, bunching of the
fabric of the front side is minimized, and the closed leg is still
long enough to accommodate the infant's leg, toes, and foot.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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
[0009] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the front side of a garment
having convertible sleeves and convertible legs, wherein both
sleeves and both legs are in the first, non-converted position.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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
both legs are in the first, non-converted position.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the front side of a
convertible garment, wherein the first sleeve and the first leg are
in the converted, second position, while the second sleeve and the
second leg are in the first, non-converted position.
[0013] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the front side of a
convertible garment, wherein both sleeves and both legs are in the
converted, second position.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the back side of a
convertible garment, wherein both sleeves and both legs are in the
first, non-converted position, and wherein a rear opening of the
garment is shown in the closed position.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the back side of the
convertible garment shown in FIG. 6, wherein the rear opening is
shown in the open position.
[0016] FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the back side of a
convertible garment, wherein both sleeves and both legs are in the
second, converted position.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a side view of a leg of a convertible garment,
wherein the leg is in the first, non-converted position.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side view of a leg of a convertible garment,
wherein the leg is in the second, converted position.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a side view of a sleeve of a convertible garment,
wherein the sleeve is in the first, non-converted position.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a side view of a sleeve of a convertible garment,
wherein the sleeve is in the second, converted position.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method for converting an
embodiment convertible garment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] With reference initially to FIGS. 1-3, a convertible garment
10 having a trunk 11, a top opening 14, sleeves 15 and 16, and legs
17 and 18 is shown. Sleeves 15, 16 extend from a portion of the
trunk 11 that is near the top opening 14, and legs 17, 18 extend
from a portion of the trunk 11 that is distal from the top opening
14. In an embodiment, the garment 10 additionally may have a rear
opening 19 on the back side 13 of the garment 10 (see FIG. 6).
[0023] Sleeves 15, 16 may be formed from one or more pieces of
fabric that are attached to trunk 11 near top opening 14 by any
conventional means, such as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3
and 6 and discussed further below. Alternatively, sleeves 15, 16
may be formed from the same piece or pieces of fabric that form
trunk 11. Similarly, legs 17, 18 may be formed from one or more
pieces of fabric that are attached to trunk 11 distally from the
top opening 14 by any conventional means. Alternatively, legs 17,
18 may be formed from the same piece or pieces of fabric that form
trunk 11, such as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6.
[0024] Trunk 11 may be formed from one or more pieces of fabric to
form a trunk 11 having a front side 12 and a back side 13. For
example, the trunk 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 trunk 11,
with the edges attached on one side seam. Alternatively, one
continuous loop of fabric may be used to form the trunk 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.
[0025] Alternatively, such as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3
and 6, three pieces of fabric may be used to form trunk 11, one
piece 12a forming the front side 12 of the garment 10 (see FIGS.
1-3), and two pieces 13a, 13b forming the back side 13 of the
garment 10 (see FIG. 6). The front sides 17a, 18a of legs 17, 18
may be formed from the same piece of fabric 12a that forms the
front side 12 of the garment 10, such that the front sides 17a, 18a
of legs 17, 18 and the front side 12 of the garment 10 are integral
(see FIG. 1). The back sides 17b, 18b of legs 17, 18 may be formed
from the second piece 13b of fabric that forms the back side 13 of
garment 10, such that the back sides 17b, 18b of legs 17, 18 and
the portion of the back side 13 formed from piece 13b are integral
(see FIG. 6). One half of rear opening 19 may also be formed from
the top edge of piece 13b, such that one half of rear opening 19,
the back sides 17b, 18b of legs 17, 18, and the portion of the back
side 13 formed from piece 13b are integral. 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 trunk
11, and/or more than two pieces of fabric could be used to make the
back side 13 of trunk 11. As another example, sleeves 15, 16 can be
formed from the same piece or pieces of fabric that form trunk 11,
such that sleeves 15, 16 and trunk 11 are integral.
[0026] In an embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6,
the back side 13 of garment 10 is formed from two pieces of fabric,
13a and 13b. A portion of the back side 13 of trunk 11 is formed
from piece 13a, and a portion of the back side 13 of trunk 11 is
formed from piece 13b. Additionally, the back sides 17a, 18a of
legs 17, 18 are formed from piece 13b. In embodiments having rear
opening 19, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, one half of
rear opening 19 may also be formed from the upper edge of piece
13b. In an embodiment, the upper edge of piece 13b may overlap the
lower edge of piece 13a, such that one half of rear opening 19 is
formed from the upper edge of piece 13b, and one half of rear
opening 19 is formed from the lower edge of piece 13a. For
instance, the upper edge of piece 13b may overlap the lower edge of
piece 13a by approximately 1 cm. Other overlap distances are
possible. Alternatively, the lower edge of piece 13a may overlap
the upper edge of piece 13b. In another embodiment, the edges do
not overlap.
[0027] In an embodiment including rear opening 19, such as the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7, the upper edge of piece 13b, which
also forms one half of rear opening 19, may include one-half of one
or more closures 26, while the lower edge of piece 13a, which forms
the other half of rear opening 19, may include the other half of
the one or more closures 26. The one or more closures 26 may be,
for example, snap closures, with the male half of the closures
attached to the lower edge of piece 13a, and the female half of the
closures attached to the upper edge of piece 13b, or vice versa.
Other conventional closures 26 may be used, such as a button and
button hole, a hook and eye, Velcro.RTM., zippers, or the like. The
one or more closures 26 allow for the rear opening 19 to be closed.
In another embodiment, no closures 26 are included.
[0028] Rear opening 19 may either be in a closed position, such as
in FIG. 6, or in an open position, such as in FIG. 7. When rear
opening 19 is in a closed position, the diaper region of the infant
is covered and enclosed within garment 10. When the rear opening 19
is in an open position, the diaper region of the infant can be
exposed and accessed without having to remove the entire garment
and/or expose the infant's torso.
[0029] In an embodiment including rear opening 19, such as the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7, the upper edge of piece 13b, which
also forms one half of rear opening 19, and the lower edge of piece
13a, which forms the other half of rear opening 19, are
curvilinear. Both edges may arch upward, such that the upper edge
of piece 13b extends beyond the side seams that join piece 13b to
the piece (or pieces) of fabric that make up the front side 12 of
the garment 10. In this manner, rear opening 19 naturally folds
downward at or near the upper end of the side seams that join piece
13b to the one or more pieces of fabric that make up the front side
12 of the garment 10, such as shown in FIG. 7, thereby exposing the
infant's diaper region. Although the upper edge of piece 13b and
the lower edge of piece 13a are curvilinear in the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 6-7, they need not be curvilinear as shown, and may
alternatively be straight edges or any other shape. Similarly,
while rear opening 19 is curvilinear in the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 6-7, it need not be curvilinear as shown, and may
alternatively be straight or any other shape.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, sleeves 15, 16 may be attached
to trunk 11 near top opening 14 by any conventional means. Each
sleeve 15, 16 may be formed from one or more pieces of fabric to
form a sleeve having a front side 15a, 16a and a back side 15b,
16b. For example, each sleeve 15, 16 may be made up of two pieces
of fabric, one piece forming the front side 15a, 16a of the sleeve
15, 16, and one piece forming the back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve
15, 16. The front sides 15a, 16a may be attached to the back sides
15b, 16b by any conventional means, such as sewing the front side
15a, 16a to the back side 15b, 16b at two side seams.
Alternatively, each sleeve 15, 16 may be made up of one piece of
fabric, with the edges joined on one side seam. Alternatively, each
sleeve 15, 16 may be made up of one continuous loop of fabric such
that a portion of the fabric loop makes up the front side 15a, 16a
of the sleeve 15, 16, and a portion of the fabric loop makes up the
back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16. 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 15a, 16a of each sleeve
15, 16, and/or more than one piece of fabric could be used to make
the back sides 15b, 16b of each sleeve 15, 16. Regardless of how
sleeve 15, 16 is formed, the most distal portion of each sleeve 15,
16 is left open, such that openings 28, 29 are formed in each
sleeve, through which an infant's hand may project when the garment
is worn by an infant.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, in an embodiment, each sleeve
15, 16 includes a sleeve flap 20, 21 movably attached to the back
side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16, as described further below. The
back side 15b, 16b of each sleeve 15, 16 may be longer than the
front side 15a, 16a of the sleeve 15, 16 (see FIG. 1), that is, the
back side 15b extends past the front side 15a of sleeve 15 when
sleeve 15 is in the unconverted position, and the back side of
sleeve 16b extends past the front side 16a of sleeve 16 when the
sleeve 15 is in an unconverted position. For instance, the back
side 15b, 16b may be approximately 3-6 cm longer than the front
side 15a, 16a, as measured at the midline of the sleeve. The front
side 15a, 16a of each sleeve 15, 16 may be of a length that is
approximately as long as an infant's arm, while the added length of
the back side 15b, 16b may be of a length that is approximately as
long as an infant's hand such that the back side 15b, 16b of sleeve
15, 16 is approximately as long as an infant's arm and hand
combined. Having the back side 15b, 16b be longer than the front
side 15a, 16a, that is extend past the front side when the sleeve
is in an unconverted position, helps to minimize bunching of fabric
when the sleeve flaps 20, 21 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 20, 21 are in the inverted, closed position. In
another embodiment, the back side 15b, 16b and the front side 15a,
16a of each sleeve 15, 16 are approximately the same length.
[0032] Sleeve flaps 20, 21 may be movably attached to the back side
15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16 by any conventional means. For
example, sleeve flaps 20, 21 may be movably attached to the back
side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16 by sewing the side edges of the
sleeve flap 20, 21 in-between the piece or pieces of fabric forming
front side 15a, 16a and the piece or pieces of fabric forming back
side 15b, 16b, with the bottom edge of sleeve flap 20, 21 sewn to
the piece of fabric forming back side 15b, 16b. Alternatively, both
the side edges and the bottom edge of sleeve flap 20, 21 may be
sewn to the piece of fabric forming back side 15b, 16b of the
sleeve 15, 16. If one piece of fabric is used to form each sleeve
15, 16, with the edges joined on one side seam, one side edge of
the sleeve flap 20, 21 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 20, 21 sewn between the two
pieces of fabric formed by the slit; the bottom edge of sleeve flap
20, 21 may be sewn to the portion of the fabric that makes up the
back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16. If one continuous loop of
fabric is used to form sleeve 15, 16, the side edges and bottom
edge of sleeve flap 20, 21 may be sewn to the portion of the fabric
that makes up the back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16.
Regardless of how sleeve flap 20, 21 is attached to sleeve 15, 16,
the top edge of sleeve flap 20, 21 is not attached to sleeve 15,
16, but is left free, so that an invertible pouch is formed between
sleeve flap 20, 21 and the back side 15b, 16b of sleeve 15, 16.
[0033] In FIG. 6, the bottom edge of each sleeve flap 20, 21 is
curvilinear, as is the bottom edge of the back side 15b, 16b of
each sleeve 15, 16. 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 15a, 16a of each
sleeve 15, 16 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.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, legs 17, 18 may be formed from
the same piece or pieces of fabric that form the front and back
sides 12, 13 of garment 10, such that the legs 17, 18 are integral.
For example, the front sides 17a, 18a of legs 17, 18 may be formed
from the same piece of fabric 12a that forms the front side 12 of
the garment 10, such that the front sides 17a, 18a of legs 17, 18
and the front side 12 of the garment 10 are integral (see FIG. 1).
The back sides 17b, 18b of legs 17, 18 may be formed from the same
piece of fabric 13b that forms a portion of the back side 13 of
garment 10, such that the back sides 17b, 18b of legs 17, 18 and
the back side 13 of the garment 10 are integral (see FIG. 6).
[0035] Other fabric piece numbers and arrangements may be used to
form legs 17, 18. For example, each leg 17, 18 may instead be
attached to the trunk 11 distally from the top opening 14 by any
conventional means. Each leg 17, 18 may be formed from one or more
pieces of fabric to form a leg having a front side 17a, 18a and a
back side 17b, 18b. For example, each leg 17, 18 may be made up of
two pieces of fabric, one piece forming the front side 17a, 18a of
the leg 17, 18, and one piece forming the back side 17b, 18b of the
leg 17, 18. The front sides 17a, 18a may be attached to the back
sides 17b, 18b by any conventional means, such as sewing the front
side 17a, 18a to the back side 17b, 18b at two side seams.
Alternatively, each leg 17, 18 may be made up of one piece of
fabric, with the edges joined on one side seam. Alternatively, each
leg 17, 18 may be made up of one continuous loop of fabric such
that a portion of the fabric loop makes up the front side 17a, 18a
of the leg 17, 18, and a portion of the fabric loop makes up the
back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18. 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 17a, 18a of each leg
17, 18, and/or more than one piece of fabric could be used to make
the back sides 17b, 18b of each leg 17, 18.
[0036] Regardless of how leg 17, 18 is formed, the most distal
portion of each leg 17, 18 is left open, such that openings 30, 31
are formed in each leg, through which an infant's toes or foot may
project when the garment is worn by an infant (see FIG. 1). As
shown in FIG. 6, in an embodiment, each leg 17, 18 includes a leg
flap 22, 23 movably attached to the back side 17b, 18b of the leg
17, 18, as described further below. The back side 17b, 18b of each
leg 17, 18 may be longer than the front side 17a, 18a of the leg
17, 18 (see FIG. 1), that is, the back side 17b extends past the
front side 17a of leg 17 when leg 17 is in the unconverted
position, and the back side of leg 18b extends past the front side
18a of leg 18 when the leg 18 is in an unconverted position. For
instance, the back side 17b, 18b may be approximately 3-6 cm longer
than the front side 17a, 18a, as measured at the midline of the
leg. The front side 17a, 18a of each leg 17, 18 may be of a length
that is approximately as long as an infant's leg or as long as an
infant's leg and part of the infant's foot, while the added length
of the back side 17b, 18b may be of a length that is approximately
as long as an infant's foot or as long as an infant's toes, such
that the back side 17b, 18b of leg 17, 18 is approximately as long
as an infant's leg and foot combined. Having the back side 17b, 18b
be longer than the front side 17a, 18a, that is extend past the
front side when the leg is in an unconverted position, helps to
minimize bunching of fabric when the leg flaps 22, 23 are inverted
to the second, closed position, while ensuring that the leg of the
garment is sufficiently long to enclose an infant's leg and foot
when the leg flaps 22, 23 are in the inverted, closed position. In
another embodiment, the back side 17b, 18b and the front side 17a,
18a of each leg 17, 18 are approximately the same length.
[0037] Leg flaps 22, 23 may be movably attached to the back side
17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18 by any conventional means. For example,
leg flaps 22, 23 may be movably attached to the back side 17b, 18b
of the leg 17, 18 by sewing the side edges of the leg flap 22, 23
in-between the piece or pieces of fabric forming front side 17a,
18a and the piece or pieces of fabric forming back side 17b, 18b,
with the bottom edge of leg flap 22, 23 sewn to the piece of fabric
forming back side 17b, 18b. Alternatively, both the side edges and
the bottom edge of leg flap 22, 23 may be sewn to the piece of
fabric forming back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18. If one piece
of fabric is used to form each leg 17, 18, with the edges joined on
one side seam, one side edge of the leg flap 22, 23 may be sewn
into the side seam, while a slit may be cut in the fabric forming
the leg opposite the side seam, the other side edge of leg flap 22,
23 sewn between the two pieces of fabric formed by the slit; the
bottom edge of leg flap 22, 23 may be sewn to the portion of the
fabric that makes up the back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18. If
one continuous loop of fabric is used to form leg 17, 18, the side
edges and bottom edge of leg flap 22, 23 may be sewn to the portion
of the fabric that makes up the back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17,
18. Regardless of how leg flap 22, 23 is attached to leg 17, 18,
the top edge of leg flap 22, 23 is not attached to leg 17, 18, but
is left free, so that an invertible pouch is formed between leg
flap 22, 23 and the back side 17b, 18b of leg 17, 18.
[0038] In FIG. 6, the bottom edge of each leg flap 22, 23 is
curvilinear, as is the bottom edge of the back side 17b, 18b of
each leg 17, 18. 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 17a, 18a of each
leg 17, 18 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.
[0039] In an embodiment, the back side 17b, 18b of each leg 17, 18
may include a heel line 27. Heel line 27 may be curvilinear, as
shown in FIG. 6, or may alternatively be straight or any other
shape. Heel line 27 may be a stitched line sewn directly into the
piece or pieces of fabric from which leg 17, 18 is formed.
Alternatively, heel line 27 may be formed from a seam joining two
pieces of fabric together. Heel line 27 may allow for the distal
portion of leg 17, 18 to be converted to a boot-shape when the leg
flaps 22, 23 are inverted to the second, closed position, such that
the enclosure created by inverting the leg flaps 22, 23 conforms to
the infant's foot. In another embodiment, legs 17, 18 do not
include heel lines 27.
[0040] In FIGS. 1-3 and 6, an embodiment garment 10 is shown in its
non-converted form. In the non-converted form, leg flaps 22, 23 are
in a first position wherein leg flaps 22, 23 are not inverted from
the back side 17b, 18b to the front side 17a, 18a of each leg 17,
18. When leg flaps 22, 23 are in this position, leg openings 30, 31
are open (see FIG. 1). In this position, the toes or feet of an
infant wearing the garment may project through the leg openings 30,
31, allowing the infant's toes or feet to be exposed.
[0041] In an embodiment, in the non-converted form, sleeve flaps
20, 21 are also in a first position wherein the sleeve flaps 20, 21
are not inverted from the back side 15b, 16b to the front side 15a,
16a of each sleeve 15, 16. When sleeve flaps 20, 21 are in this
position, sleeve openings 28, 29 are open. In this position, the
hands of an infant wearing the garment may project through the
sleeve openings 28, 29, allowing the infant's hands to be
exposed.
[0042] In particular, FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an
embodiment convertible garment wherein leg flaps 22, 23 (not
visible) and sleeve flaps 20, 21 (not visible) are in the first,
non-converted position. In this position, leg flaps 22, 23 and
sleeve flaps 20, 21 are each disposed on the back side 13 of the
garment 10, leaving leg openings 30, 31 and sleeve openings 28, 29
all open. FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the same embodiment
convertible garment wherein leg flaps 22, 23 and sleeve flaps 20,
21 are in the first, non-converted position, i.e., are disposed on
the back side 13 of the garment 10, leaving leg openings 30, 31
(not visible) and sleeve openings 28, 29 (not visible) all
open.
[0043] FIG. 3 is another front elevation view wherein leg flaps 22,
23 (not visible), and sleeve flaps 20 (visible) and 21 (not
visible), are in the first, non-converted position. In FIG. 3, a
portion of first sleeve 15 is inverted to show the back side 15b of
sleeve 15, with first sleeve flap 20 movably attached to the back
side 15b of sleeve 15. Second sleeve 16 is not inverted in FIG. 3,
and therefore the second sleeve flap 21, disposed on the back side
16b of sleeve 16, is not visible.
[0044] Garment 10 may further include a body opening 24 (see FIGS.
1-2). Body opening 24 allows for the trunk 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 24
may be located in approximately the middle of the front side 12 of
trunk 11. Body opening 24 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 24 may have a shorter length than the length of the
front side 12 of trunk 11. Body opening 24 may include one or more
closures 25 for closing body opening 24. 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 24 is
included. In other embodiments, body opening 24 may be located
elsewhere on the front side 12 of trunk 11, or it may be located on
the back side 13 of trunk 11.
[0045] Garment 10 may further include rear opening 19 (see FIGS.
6-7). Rear opening 19 allows for access to the infant's diaper
region, and can be changed from a first, closed position, as shown
in FIG. 6, to a second, open position, as shown in FIG. 7. When
rear opening 19 is in a closed position, as in FIG. 6, the diaper
region of the infant is covered, and is enclosed within garment 10.
When the rear opening 19 is in an open position, as in FIG. 7, the
diaper region of the infant can be exposed and accessed without
having to remove the entire garment and/or expose the infant's
torso. Rear opening 19 may be substantially as wide as the garment
10, or it may be narrower than the garment 10. Rear opening 19 may
include one or more closures 26 for closing rear opening 19. In
another embodiment, no rear opening 19 is included.
[0046] Turning to FIGS. 4-5 and 8, the convertible features of an
embodiment garment 10 are shown. FIG. 4 is a front elevation view
of a convertible garment wherein leg flap 23 (not visible) and
sleeve flap 21 (not visible) are in the first, non-converted
position, whereas leg flap 22 (visible) and sleeve flap 20
(visible) are in the second, converted position. In other words,
leg flap 23 and sleeve flap 21 in FIG. 4 are not inverted and are
still disposed on the back sides of leg 18 and sleeve 16,
respectively, whereas leg flap 22 is inverted to the front side 17a
of leg 17 and sleeve flap 19 is inverted to the front side 16a of
sleeve 16. Thus, leg opening 31 of leg 18 is open, allowing for the
toes or foot of an infant wearing the garment to project through
opening 31, whereas leg opening 30 (not visible) is closed,
preventing the infant's toes or foot from projecting through
opening 30; and sleeve opening 29 of sleeve 16 is open, allowing
for the hand of an infant wearing the garment to project through
opening 29, whereas sleeve opening 28 (not visible) is closed,
preventing the infant's hand from projecting through opening
28.
[0047] In FIG. 5, an embodiment garment is shown in its fully
converted form. Leg flaps 22, 23 are in a second position wherein
leg flaps 22, 23 are inverted from the back side 17b, 18b to the
front side 17a, 18a of legs 17, 18, thereby closing leg openings
30, 31 (not visible). This converted position allows for the toes
and feet of an infant wearing the garment 10 to be enclosed within
the garment, i.e., the toes and feet do not project through leg
openings 30, 31. Leg flaps 22, 23 thus, in the second, closed
position, form a pouch around the toes and feet of the infant,
without the need to include any closures to keep the infant's toes
and feet enclosed in the garment.
[0048] Sleeve flaps 20, 21 are also shown in their converted form
in FIG. 5. In other words, each sleeve flap 20, 21 is inverted from
the back side 15b, 16b to the front side 15a, 16a of sleeves 15,
16, thereby closing sleeve openings 28, 29 (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 28, 29. Sleeve flaps 20, 21
thus, in the second, closed position, form a pouch around the hands
of the infant, without the need to include any closures to keep the
infant's hands enclosed in the garment.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the convertible garment
10 shown in FIG. 5 in its fully converted form. As is seen in FIG.
8, when garment 10 is in its fully converted form, leg flaps 22, 23
(not visible) and sleeve flaps 20, 21 (not visible) are in the
second, converted position, i.e., are inverted from the backs of
the legs and sleeves to the fronts of the legs and sleeves. In this
configuration, leg flaps 22, 23 and sleeve flaps 20, 21 are no
longer disposed on the back of the legs and sleeves, and leg
openings 30, 31 (not visible) and sleeve openings 28, 29 (not
visible) are each closed.
[0050] FIGS. 9-10 are side views of a leg of an embodiment
convertible garment. While only one leg 17 is shown, it will be
appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-10 may apply
equally to both legs 17, 18.
[0051] In FIG. 9, leg flap 22 is in the first, non-converted
position, i.e., is not inverted from the back side 17b to the front
side 17a of leg 17, leaving leg opening 30 open. In this position,
the toes or foot of an infant wearing the garment may project
through leg opening 30, allowing the infant's toes or feet to be
exposed.
[0052] In FIG. 10, leg flap 22 is in the second, converted
position, i.e., is inverted from the back side 17b to the front
side 17a of leg 17, thereby closing leg opening 30 (not visible).
In this position, the toes and foot of an infant wearing the
garment are enclosed within the garment, i.e., do not project
through leg opening 30.
[0053] In an embodiment, leg 17 includes heel line 27. Heel line 27
may allow for the distal portion of leg 17 to be converted to a
boot-shape when leg flap 22 is inverted to the second, closed
position, such that the enclosure created by inverting leg flap 22
to the second, converted position substantially conforms to the
foot of an infant wearing the garment. In another embodiment, leg
17 does not include heel line 27.
[0054] FIGS. 11-12 are side views of a sleeve of an embodiment
convertible garment. While only one sleeve 15 is shown, it will be
appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-12 may apply
equally to both sleeves 15, 16.
[0055] In FIG. 11, sleeve flap 20 is in the first, non-converted
position, i.e., is not inverted from the back side 15b to the front
side 15a of sleeve 15, leaving sleeve opening 28 open. In this
position, the hand of an infant wearing the garment may project
through sleeve opening 28, allowing the infant's hand to be
exposed.
[0056] In FIG. 12, sleeve flap 20 is in the second, converted
position, i.e., is inverted from the back side 15b to the front
side 15b of sleeve 15, thereby closing sleeve opening 28 (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 28.
[0057] In an embodiment, sleeve flap 20 includes a first side 20a
(visible in FIG. 11) and a second side 20b (visible in FIG. 12).
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.
[0058] 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. 11-12, for instance, first side 20a is
formed from a fabric having a lined 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 a lined pattern is
shown in FIG. 11 and a dotted pattern is shown in FIG. 12, it will
be understood that other patterns, colors, and textures may be
used.
[0059] 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 15 is
converted or not. For instance, in FIG. 11, which shows sleeve flap
20 in its non-converted, first position, first side 20a, printed
with a lined pattern, is exposed. However, when sleeve flap 20 is
converted to the second position as shown in FIG. 12, i.e., is
inverted from the back side 15b to the front side 15a of sleeve 15,
second side 20b, printed with a dotted pattern, is exposed.
[0060] 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. 12, 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. 12, 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.
[0061] Turning to FIG. 13, a flow chart of a method for converting
an embodiment convertible garment having both leg flaps 22, 23 and
sleeve flaps 20, 21 from a first, non-converted position to a
second, converted position, and then back to a first, non-converted
position, is shown.
[0062] Blocks 1301-1304 of FIG. 13 illustrate a process for
converting garment 10 from a non-converted, first position to a
fully converted, second position. At block 1301, leg flap 22 is
inverted from the back side 17b to the front side 17a of leg 17. At
block 1302, leg flap 23 is inverted from the back side 18b to the
front side 18a of leg 18. At block 1303, sleeve flap 20 is inverted
from the back side 15b to the front side 15a of sleeve 15. At block
1304, sleeve flap 21 is inverted from the back side 16b to the
front side 16a of sleeve 16. 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 1301-1304 of FIG. 13 is non-limiting, and that the
conversion process can proceed in other orders, for example, one or
both sleeve flaps 20, 21 may be inverted before either or both leg
flaps 22, 23 is or are inverted; further, multiple convertible
elements may be converted at the same time. It will also be
appreciated that less than all four convertible elements may be
converted, for example, one or both leg flaps 22, 23 may be
converted while the sleeve flaps 20, 21 are not converted, or
sleeve flap 20 may be converted while leg flaps 22, 23 and sleeve
flap 21 are not converted, and so on.
[0063] Blocks 1305-1308 of FIG. 13 illustrate a process for
converting garment 10 from a fully converted, second position to a
non-converted, first position. At block 1305, sleeve flap 21 is
inverted from the front side 16a to the back side 16b of sleeve 16.
At block 1306, sleeve flap 20 is inverted from the front side 15a
to the back side 15b of sleeve 15. At block 1307, leg flap 23 is
inverted from the front side 18a to the back side 18b of leg 18. At
block 1308, leg flap 22 is inverted from the front side 17a to the
back side 17b of leg 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 1305-1308 of FIG. 13 is non-limiting, and that the
conversion process can proceed in other orders, for example, one or
both leg flaps 22, 23 may be inverted before either sleeve flap is
inverted; further, multiple convertible elements may be
un-converted at the same time. It will also be appreciated that
less than all four convertible elements may be un-converted, for
example, the leg flaps 22, 23 may be un-converted while the sleeve
flaps 20, 21 are not un-converted, or sleeve flap 20 may be
un-converted while leg flaps 22, 23 and sleeve flap 21 are not
un-converted, and so on.
[0064] While the garment 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-13 has both leg
flaps 22, 23 and sleeve flaps 20, 21, it will be understood that in
an embodiment, the garment 10 may only have the leg flaps 22, 23,
i.e., the sleeves 15, 16 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 20, 21
and not leg flaps 22, 23, i.e., the legs of the garment may not be
convertible as described herein, or garment 10 may simply not
include any legs.
[0065] 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.
[0066] Further, while the garment 10 described herein is described
with reference to a garment wherein leg flaps 22, 23 and/or sleeve
flaps 20, 21 are disposed on the back side of the legs and sleeves
when in their non-converted position, it will be understood that
leg flaps 22, 23 and/or sleeve flaps 20, 21 may alternatively be
disposed on the front side of the legs and sleeves when in their
non-converted position. In such an embodiment, leg flaps 22, 23
and/or sleeve flaps 20, 21 are invertible from a first,
non-converted position, wherein the flaps are disposed on the front
side of the legs and sleeves leaving leg openings 30, 31 and/or
sleeve openings 28, 29 open, to a second, converted position,
wherein the flaps are inverted to the back side of the legs and
sleeves, thereby closing off leg openings 30, 31 and/or sleeve
openings 28, 29.
[0067] 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.
* * * * *