US20120297518A1

US20120297518A1 - Infant Garment

Info

Publication number: US20120297518A1
Application number: US13/441,347
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian L. Aiken; Lora Ann Stephens
Original assignee: Mattel Inc
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2011-04-08
Filing date: 2012-04-06
Publication date: 2012-11-29
Also published as: WO2012138993A2; WO2012138993A3; CN203841135U

Abstract

The present invention discloses a one-piece bodysuit for infants and toddlers having a torso portion and a crotch or leg portion. In one embodiment, a portion of the bodysuit may be formed of unidirectional expansion fabric. In another embodiment, the crotch portion includes a first coupling member including textured material that engages a fastener disposed on a second coupling member. In still another embodiment, a portion of the garment is formed of a first unidirectional expansion fabric configured to expand in a first direction, and a second portion of the garment is formed of a second unidirectional expansion material configured to expand in a second direction. The bodysuit can accommodate children of various heights and girths, accommodating a growing child.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/473,407, filed on 8 Apr. 2011 and entitled “Infant Garment,” and to Provisional Application No. 61/534,513, filed on 14 Sep. 2011 and entitled “Infant Garment.” Each of the aforementioned disclosures is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant garment and, in particular, to a bodysuit adapted to accommodate infants of various heights and girths.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children wearing diapers are often dressed in a bodysuit including a torso portion and a crotch or leg portion. The crotch portion includes flaps that are drawn between the infant's legs and secured via snaps. The leg portion typically includes enclosures for the legs, including integrated socks. These conventional configurations, however, do not effectively accommodate a growing child. That is, the dimensions of the bodysuit cannot be adjusted as the child grows. Consequently, the bodysuit becomes ill fitting until it can no longer be worn. This necessitates the purchase of new bodysuits of larger sizes.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide a bodysuit capable of accommodating a growing child thereby delaying the purchase of a new, larger bodysuit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a one-piece bodysuit for infants and toddlers having a torso portion and a crotch or leg portion. In one embodiment, a portion of the bodysuit may be formed of unidirectional expansion fabric. In another embodiment, a portion of the bodysuit includes a first coupling member including connection material that engages a fastener disposed on a second coupling member. In still another embodiment, the torso portion is formed of a first unidirectional expansion fabric configured to expand in a first direction, and the coupling portion includes a coupling member formed of a second unidirectional expansion material configured to expand in a second direction. With these configurations, the bodysuit can accommodate children of various heights and girths and, as such, can accommodate a growing child more effectively than conventional bodysuits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front plan view of an infant garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear plan view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front plan view of an infant garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a rear plan view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front plan view of an infant garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a rear plan view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the infant garment shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C illustrates a close-up view of another portion of the infant garment shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of a garment in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a rear view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates a close-up view of a neck portion of the infant garment shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D illustrates a close-up view of the neck portion of the infant garment shown in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5E illustrates a close-up view of a leg portion of the infant garment shown in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of a garment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B illustrates a rear view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C illustrates a close-up view of a torso portion of the infant garment shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D illustrates a close-up view of the torso portion of the infant garment shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of an infant garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates a rear view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 7A.

FIGS. 7C-7E illustrate the closure of the infant garment show in FIG. 7A. Specifically, FIG. 7C illustrates a front view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 7A, shown in its fully-opened configuration. FIG. 7D illustrates a front view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 7A during its first step of closure. FIG. 7E illustrates a front view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 7A during its second step of closure.

FIG. 7F illustrates a close-up front view of a portion of the infant garment shown in FIG. 7E, showing the fastening system.

FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of an infant garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, shown in the closed position.

FIG. 8B illustrates a rear view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 8C illustrates the infant garment of FIG. 8A, shown in a partially opened configuration to reveal the connection material and fastening system.

FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of an infant garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, shown in the closed position.

FIG. 9B illustrates a rear view of the infant garment shown in FIG. 9B.

FIG. 9C illustrates the infant garment of FIG. 9A, shown in its opened configuration.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a cross-sectional view of the unidirectional expansion fabric from a contracted configuration (FIG. 10A) to an expanded configuration (FIG. 10B).

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, for example in FIG. 1A, the garment is a bodysuit 10 having a torso portion 105 and a crotch or coupling portion 110. The torso portion 105 may cover at least the anterior and posterior of an infant torso. The torso portion 105 includes a body 115 (e.g., a generally tubular body) defined by a front body panel 120A and back body panel 120B joined to each other along lateral body seams 125A, 125B (formed, e.g., via stitching). The torso portion 105 further includes a neck opening 130 located centrally along the upper body end, as well as shoulder portions or panels 135A, 135B extending laterally outward from each of the opposite sides of the neck opening 130. Sleeve portions 140A, 140B, each defining an arm aperture, extend outward from the upper lateral sides of the body 115, being secured to the body via sleeve seam 145. The bodysuit 10 may further include an elastic band 147 disposed at preselected locations, being secured to its corresponding portion via a seam 149 (formed, e.g., via stitching).
The shoulder portions 135A, 135B may be formed integral with the back body panel 120B and configured such that the shoulder portions overlap the front body panel 120A. The outer lateral edge of overlapping shoulder portion sections is secured to the front body panel 120A along a sleeve seam 145. That is, the shoulder portions 135A, 135B are adapted to translate along the torso portion 105 of the bodysuit 10. With this configuration, the neck opening 130 is expandable, with the shoulder portions 135A, 135B moving (e.g., laterally) to accommodate the placement of the garment on the infant and infant movement, as well as to accommodate infants of various sizes.
The coupling or crotch portion 110 of the bodysuit 10 includes a pair of coupling or crotch members or flaps adapted to be wrapped between the legs of the infant. The crotch flaps are further configured to selectively couple at a plurality of overlapping positions. Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the coupling portion 110 of the bodysuit 10 includes a first or front coupling member 150 and a second or rear coupling member 155. The rear coupling member 155 may be in the form a tapering, generally tongue-shaped flap extending distally from the lower edge of the body portion 105, narrowing in the distal direction to terminate in a distal rounded end 160. The rear coupling member 155 may be formed integrally with the rear body panel 120B, being formed of material identical to that forming the rear body panel. As shown, the infant garment possesses a length dimension extending from the neck opening 130 to the crotch portion 110 to define a length or longitudinal axis A.
The rear coupling member 155 defines an interior (child-facing) surface 165A and an exterior (outward-facing) surface 165B. A fastener 170 is disposed on the interior surface 165A of the rear coupling member 155, proximate coupling member distal end. In another embodiment, the fastener 170 is disposed on the exterior surface 165B of the rear coupling member 155. By way of example, the fastener 170 is a hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener. A hook-and-loop fastener is typically a sheet of woven synthetic material having raised loop threads wherein the loops of one member are cut at their outer extremities to form hook-type elements and/or loop threads that are uncut to form loop-type elements. When one loop-type element is pressed together in a face-to-face relationship with a hook-type element, substantial engagement between the two elements results. It should be understood, however, that the fastener 170 may be any fastener suitable for its described purpose. Similarly, the fastener may possess any shaped and dimensions suitable for its described purpose. By way of example, the fastener may possess a generally oval shape.
The front coupling member 150 may possess a shape complementary to that of the rear coupling member 155. Specifically, the front coupling member 150 may be in the form of a generally tongue-shaped flap extending distally from the lower edge of the front body panel 120A. The front coupling member 150, similar to that of the rear coupling member 155, terminates in a rounded distal end 180. The front coupling member 150 may possess dimensions similar to or different from those of the rear coupling member 155. By way of example, the dimensions (the transverse and longitudinal dimensions) of the front coupling member 150 may differ from those of the rear coupling member 155, with the front coupling member being smaller than the rear coupling member.
With the above described configuration, the coupling members 150, 155 forming the coupling portion 110 cooperate to secure the bodysuit 10 to the infant, being drawn between the legs of the infant and positioned such that the coupling members overlap. As such, the coupling members 150, 155 wrap around the crotch of the infant, forming first and second leg openings.
At least a portion of the front coupling member 150 is formed of connection material configured to mate with the fastener 170 disposed on the interior surface 165A of the rear coupling member 155, removably capturing the fastener thereto. The connection material 175, connected via a seam 182 (formed, e.g., by stitching), may form a substantial portion of the front coupling member 150 (e.g., at least half of the total area of the front coupling member). By way of example, the connection material 175 may be textured material configured to interconnect with the hooks of a hook-and-loop fastener.
In an embodiment, the connection material 175 is warp knitted fabric. In warp knitting, the yarn zigzags vertically along the length of the fabric such that it follows adjacent columns (wales) of knitting (rather than a single row (course) of knitting). As a result, warp-knit fabric includes a plurality of fibers that extend along the length (the warp) of the fabric (rather than the width) in a zigzag pattern. This configuration results in one side of the fabric including a plurality of fine (non-expandable) vertical ribs running longitudinally along the fabric, and the opposite side including a plurality of horizontal or crosswise ribs. The vertical ribs define a smooth fabric side, while the horizontal or crosswise ribs define a textured fabric side. The material forming the warp knitted fabric is not particularly limited. By way of example, the fabric may be formed of any natural or synthetic fibers (e.g., cotton, wool, silk, rayon, nylon, or a combination thereof) suitable for its described purpose.
In a preferred embodiment, the connection material 175 forming the front coupling member 150 is tricot warp knitted fabric. The connection material 175 is disposed such that the front coupling member 150 has a textured exterior surface 185 and a smooth interior surface. The textured surface 185 includes fiber loops sufficient to grab the hooks of the hook-and-loop fastener 170; consequently, the fastener 170 may be secured to any area of the textured surface 185. In operation, the fastener 170 may be positioned along the front coupling member 150 at selected positions such that the coupling members 150, 155 longitudinally overlap at predetermined distances in accordance with the size of the infant and/or the desired level of fit. As such, the fit of the crotch portion 110 may be altered, with the overall length of the bodysuit 10 being selectively adjusted to accommodate infants of various sizes (heights), as well as to accommodate a growing infant.
With this configuration, the length of the garment is adjusted by changing the height at which the rear coupling member 155 attaches to the textured surface 185 of the front coupling member 150. For example, to accommodate a smaller child, the rear coupling member 155 may be connected to the front coupling member 150 at a first longitudinal position oriented close to the bottom edge of the torso portion 105, thereby reducing the size of the leg openings and reducing the functional length of bodysuit 10 (as measured from the neck opening 130 to the crotch). Conversely, for a larger child, the rear coupling member 155 may be connected at a second, lower disposed further away from the torso portion 105 in order to increase the size of leg openings and increase the functional height/length of the bodysuit 10, thereby accommodating a larger infant.
While a rear coupling member 155 formed of connection material and a front coupling member 150 including a fastener adapted to attach to the textured material are illustrated, it should be understood that the rear coupling member may be formed of the connection material and the front coupling member may include the fastener.
In further embodiments, portions of the bodysuit 10 (e.g., those portions not formed of connection material) may be formed of expansion material configured to expand in a predetermined direction (or to expand significantly more in a first direction than in a second direction (e.g., a direction that is generally orthogonal to the first direction)). By way of example, the material may be adapted to expand a vertical direction, e.g., along the y-axis from the viewpoint of the figures) or a lateral direction (e.g., along the x-axis from the viewpoint of the figures). In an embodiment, the body portion 105 is formed of fabric configured to stretch transversely or crosswise (indicated by arrow X) from a normal, contracted position to an expanded position when a predetermined outward lateral force is applied. Once the outward force is removed, the material returns back to its normal, contracted position.
By way of example, as seen in FIG. 1B, the expansion fabric includes a plurality of projecting ribs 195 oriented such that the ribs run generally longitudinally along the bodysuit 10 (e.g., generally vertically, from the neck to the crotch, along and generally parallel to longitudinal garment axis A). Adjacent ribs 195 are interconnected by flexible/resilient webbing or valleys 197 that permit the separation of adjacent ribs. The ribs may be structurally more rigid than the resilient webbing. Thus, pulling the fabric in a direction generally orthogonal to the rib direction generates an accordion-like motion that separates adjacent ribs 195, expanding the effective width of the fabric along the pulling direction (seen best in FIGS. 10A and 10B). Once the force is no longer applied, the fabric contracts, with the ribs being drawn inward, toward each other.
By way of specific example, the unidirectional expansion fabric may be two-wale cotton. This unidirectional expansion fabric permits lateral expansion (expansion in a direction transverse to the wale), but minimizes expansion in the longitudinal direction (expansion along the wale axis). Stated another way, the fabric permits greater lateral expansion than longitudinal expansion (e.g., the fabric may permit substantially no longitudinal expansion).
With this above described configuration, the bodysuit 10 will expand should the infant onto which the bodysuit 10 is applied possess a girth larger than that accommodated by the fabric in its normal (contracted) position. As such, the bodysuit 10 accommodates infants of various sizes by not only permitting lateral expansion (to accommodate infants of various girths), but also by permitting a parent to selectively adjust the length of the crotch connection (via connection material swatch), accommodating infants of various heights/lengths.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an infant garment in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the infant garment is a bodysuit 20 substantially similar to that of the embodiment described above. Now, however, the connection material 205 forms the rear coupling member 155 and the fastener 170 is situated on the front coupling member 150. In the embodiment, the connection material 205 now forms the entirety of the rear coupling member 155, extending into the rear body panel 120B. The connection material 205 (e.g., textured fabric as described above) is oriented such that the exterior surface 165B of the rear coupling member 155 is textured, while the interior surface 165A is smooth. The fastener 170, furthermore, is disposed on the interior surface of the front coupling member 150, being positioned proximate the rounded distal end 180. The connection material 205 may be formed such that it is not integral with the rear body panel 120B, e.g., being connected to the rear body panel 120B via seam 215 (formed, e.g., by stitching).
As explained above, the textured side of the connection material 205 includes fiber loops sufficient to grab the hooks of the fastener 170. As a result, the fastener 170 may be secured to any area of the connection material 205. In operation, the fastener 170 on the front coupling member 150 is placed at selected longitudinal positions along the rear coupling member 155 such that the coupling members 150, 155 longitudinally overlap at a predetermined distances in accordance with the size of the infant and/or the desired level of fit. In this manner, the length of the bodysuit 20 may be selectively adjusted to accommodate infants of various sizes (heights), as well as to accommodate a growing infant.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an infant garment in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the infant garment is a bodysuit 30 having a body or torso portion 305 and a coupling portion 310. The body portion 305 includes a front body panel 320A and rear body panel 320B, a neck opening or collar 330, shoulder portions 335A, 335B, and sleeve portions 340A, 340B, each similar to that described above in relation to the other embodiments. The body portion 305 is formed of a first unidirectional expansion material configured to expand in a first direction. By way of example, the front 320A and rear 320B body panels may be formed of fabric adapted to expand in the transverse (crosswise) direction (indicated by arrow X). The fabric may possess a structure similar to that described above (FIG. 1B), including a plurality of vertical (longitudinal) ribs 345 connected by flexible webbing forming valleys 350 that cooperate to permit the lateral separation of adjacent ribs, thereby permitting the crosswise expansion of the fabric to increase the girth or width of the garment portion direction (seen best in FIGS. 10A and 10B). In a preferred embodiment, the material forming the body portion 305 is two-wale cotton. With this configuration, the body portion 305 stretches to accommodate infants of various girths.
The coupling portion 310 includes a front coupling member 360 and a rear coupling member 365. The front coupling member 360 may be integrally formed with front body panel 320A, being formed of the same unidirectional expansion material forming the front body panel (i.e., the front coupling portion may be formed integral with front body panel 320A). As illustrated, the front coupling member 360 is a truncated member (compared to that of the other embodiments), extending only slightly from the front body panel 320A. The exterior surface 370 of the front coupling member 360 includes at least one fastener 375A adapted to mate with a corresponding fastener 375B disposed on the interior surface 380 of the rear coupling member 365. The fasteners 375A, 375B may be snaps, buttons, etc.
Referring to FIG. 3B, the second unidirectional expansion material may be connected to the rear body panel 320B via a seam 395 (formed, e.g., by stitching). The rear coupling member 365 may be formed of a second unidirectional expansion material configured to expand in a second direction. Specifically, the rear coupling member 365 may be formed of fabric adapted to expand longitudinally (in a lengthwise direction). Referring to FIG. 3B, the rear coupling member 365 includes a series of ribs 385 oriented generally horizontally (e.g., the ribs are oriented generally orthogonal to longitudinal garment axis A). The ribs 385 are connected by resilient webbing forming valleys 390 that flex to permit separation of adjacent ribs, thereby permitting expansion of the fabric in the longitudinal direction (indicated by arrow Y), thereby enabling the increase of the overall length of the rear coupling member 365A. By way of specific example, the expansion fabric forming the rear coupling member 365 is two-wale cotton.
With this configuration, the rear coupling member 365 expands from its normal (contracted) position to an expanded position. In the stretched position, the longitudinal dimension of the rear coupling member 365 is increased compared to that of the contracted coupling member. In operation, the body portion 305 expands in a first, transverse (crosswise) direction (indicated by arrow X), while the coupling portion 310 expands a second, longitudinal (lengthwise) direction (indicated by arrow Y). As such, the length of the coupling portion 310 adjusts to accommodate infant of various heights since it automatically expands (in direction Y) when a force is applied thereto. When the parent draws the rear coupling member 365 between the legs, the parent simply pulls the rear coupling member 365 outward until it overlaps with the front coupling member 360. Once positioned in an overlapping relationship, the parent aligns the snaps 375A, 375B, pressing them together to secure the bodysuit 30 to the infant. In addition, during the application of the bodysuit 30 to the infant, the body portion 305 formed of the first unidirectional expansion material automatically expands to the girth of the infant.
To secure the bodysuit 30 to the infant, a user draws the rear coupling member 365 between the legs of the infant, wrapping the member around the crotch and connecting the fasteners 375A, 375B. Note that the first and second expansion materials may be the exact same type of material mated together in differing fiber orientations to enable different stretch directions along a single panel 320A, 320B.
FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a garment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The garment is in the form of a bodysuit 400 including a torso portion 405 connected to first sleeve portion 410A via a first sleeve seam 415A and to a second sleeve portion 410B via a second sleeve seam 415B. The torso portion 405 may further include a vertical opening 420 disposed proximate the center of the torso portion 405. The sides of the opening 420 may be coupled via fasteners 425 such as snaps or buttons. The bodysuit 400 further includes a first shin portion 435A and a second shin portion 435B connected to torso portion 405 along first 440A and second 440B shin seams, respectively. In addition, the bodysuit 400 includes a first foot enclosure portion 450A and a second foot enclosure portion 450B connected to their respective shin portions 435A, 435B via a first footie seam 455A and a second footie seam 455B, respectively.
Each of the torso portion 405; sleeves 410A, 410B; shin portions 435A, 435B; and foot enclosures 450A, 450B may be formed of any material suitable for its described purpose. For example, one or more portions of the bodysuit 400 may be made of unidirectional expansion material as described above. In an embodiment, the sleeves 410A, 410B and the shin portions 435A, 435B are formed of material configured to permit expansion in a first direction along a y-axis (in the vertical direction, indicated by arrow Y), including a plurality of horizontal ribs 452 and valleys 453 similar to that described above direction (seen best in FIGS. 10A and 10B). The torso portion 405, moreover, is formed of expansion material configured to permit expansion in a second direction along the x-axis (in the horizontal direction, indicated by arrow X), including a plurality of vertical ribs 457 and valleys 458 similar to that described above. In addition, the foot enclosures 450A, 450B are formed of material configured to permit expansion in a third direction along the z-axis generally orthogonal to the y-axis (indicated by arrow Z).
FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an infant garment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown, the garment is in the form of a bodysuit 500 including a torso portion 505, connected to a chest panel portion 510 via a chest seam 515. The bodysuit 500 further includes a first sleeve portion 520A connected to the chest panel portion 510 along a first sleeve seam 525A, as well as to a second sleeve portion 520B along a second sleeve seam 525B. A first shoulder portion 535A and a second shoulder portion 535B may be disposed on opposite sides of a neck opening 540. The shoulder portions 535A, 535B include a structure similar to that described above in the other embodiments.
The torso portion 505 may be formed such that it is integral with a first leg member 545A and a second leg member 545B. The leg members 545A, 545B may include an opening 550 disposed along the inner circumference of the leg members. The opening 550 may be secured via a plurality of fasteners 555 such as snaps or buttons. A first foot enclosure portion 560A is connected to the first leg member 545A along a first footie seam 565A. Similarly, a second foot enclosure portion 560B is connected to the second leg member 545B along a second footie seam 565B.
As seen best in FIG. 5B, the bodysuit 500 may further include a back panel portion 570, disposed opposite chest panel portion 510, connected to the sleeve portions 520A, 520B via sleeve seams 525A, 525B, and connected to the torso portion 505 via torso seam 515.
The torso portion 505; chest plate 510; sleeves 520A, 520B; shoulder portions 535A, 535B; leg members 545A, 545B; and foot enclosures 560A, 560B may individually or collectively be formed of any material suitable for their described purpose. By way of example, portions of the bodysuit 500 may be formed of unidirectional expansion material as described above. In an embodiment, the chest 510 and back 570 panel portions are formed of unidirectional expansion material configured to permit expansion in a first direction, along the x-axis (horizontally/transversely), as indicated by arrow X. The torso portion 505 with leg members 545A, 545B is formed with unidirectional expansion material configured to permit expansion in a second direction, along the y-axis (vertically), as indicated by arrow Y direction (seen best in FIGS. 10A and 10B). Like the prior embodiment, the foot enclosures 560A, 560B are formed of unidirectional expansion material configured to permit expansion in a third direction, along the z-axis (which, e.g., is oriented generally orthogonal to the x and/or y axes).
FIGS. 6A-6D show an infant garment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown, the garment is in the form of a bodysuit 600 including a torso portion 605 connected to a first sleeve portion 610A via a first sleeve seam 615A and to a second sleeve portion 610A via a second sleeve seam 615B. The lower edge of the torso portion 605 is connected to a waist band portion 620 via waist seam 625. The bodysuit 600 further includes a neck opening 630 flanked on it sides by a first shoulder portion 635A and a second shoulder portion 635B. The shoulder portions 635A, 635B possess structures similar to the shoulder portions described above with regard to the other embodiments.
A leg portion 640 including a first leg member 640A and a second leg member 640B is connected to the lower edge of the waist band portion 620 via leg seam 645. The first leg member 640A, moreover, is connected to a first foot enclosure 650A along the lower edge of the first leg member via a first footie seam 655A. Similarly, the second leg member 640B is connected to a second foot enclosure 650B along the lower edge of the second leg member via a second footie seam 655B.
The torso portion 605; sleeve portions 610A, 610B; waist band portion 620; shoulder portions 635A, 635B; and leg portion 640 may individually or collectively be formed of any material suitable for their described purpose. By way of example, portions of the bodysuit 600 may be formed of unidirectional expansion material as described above. In an embodiment, the torso portion 605 is formed of unidirectional expansion material configured to permit expansion in a first direction, along the x-axis (transversely), as indicated by arrow X. The leg portion 640 is formed of unidirectional expansion material configured to permit expansion in a second direction, along the y-axis (vertically), as indicated by arrow Y. The foot enclosures 650A, 650B are formed of unidirectional expansion material configured to permit expansion in a third direction, along the z-axis (which, e.g., is oriented generally orthogonal to the x and/or y axes).
FIGS. 7A-7F show an infant garment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The garment is in the form of a bodysuit 70 having a kimono-styled closure. In the embodiment illustrated, the bodysuit 70 includes a torso portion 705 connected to a first sleeve portion 710A via a first sleeve seam 715A and to a second sleeve portion 710B via a second sleeve seam 715B. The torso portion 705 includes a first or exterior panel or flap 720 and a second or interior panel or flap 725 (FIG. 7C). The bodysuit 70 also includes a crotch portion 730 having a crotch flap 734 configured to wrap between the legs of the infant. As seen best in FIG. 7B, the crotch portion 730 is connected to the back panel 732 of torso portion 705 via a back panel seam 735.
The bodysuit 70 includes a plurality of fasteners to enable securing of panel portions. For example, the exterior panel 720 includes one or more exterior panel fasteners 740 that mate with corresponding fasteners 745 disposed on the first lateral side 750 of the interior panel 725 (along interior panel outer surface). As seen in FIG. 7F, the fasteners 745 may be secured to the interior panel 725 via tabs 755 (e.g., fabric tabs). In addition, the second lateral side 760 of the interior panel 725 includes fasteners 765 configured to mate with fasteners 770 disposed on the interior surface of the back torso panel 732. Finally, the flap 734 of the crotch portion 730 includes crotch fasteners 780 configured to mate with fasteners 785 disposed proximate the lower edge 790 of the interior torso panel 725.
To fit the garment on an infant, the bodysuit begins in an opened position as illustrated in FIG. 7C. The infant is placed within the garment, and the interior panel 725 is folded over the infant, with fasteners 765 on interior panel mating with fasteners 770 on exterior panel 720 (FIG. 7D). Then the flap 734 of the crotch portion 730 is folded between the legs of the infant and the crotch fasteners 780 are mated with the fasteners 785 disposed proximate the lower edge 790 of the interior torso panel 725 (FIG. 7E). Finally, the exterior torso panel 720 is folded over the interior torso panel 725, with the exterior panel fasteners 740 mating with the fasteners 745 disposed on the first lateral side 750 of the interior torso panel 725 (FIG. 7A).
As with the above embodiments, the various portions of the bodysuit 70 may be formed of any material suitable for its described purpose. By way of example, various portions of the bodysuit 70 may be formed of unidirectional expansion material configured to expand in the direction of the x-axis, the y-axis, or the z-axis.
FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate an infant garment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown, the infant garment includes a structure generally similar to that of the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7E, being stylized as a kimono-styled bodysuit 80 including a torso portion 805 connected to a first sleeve portion 810A via a first sleeve seam 815A and to a second sleeve portion 810B via a second sleeve seam 815B. The torso portion 805, which defines an upper neck opening 817, includes a first or exterior panel 820 and a second or interior panel 825, and a third or rear panel 827. The bodysuit 80 further includes a crotch portion 830 configured to wrap between the legs of the infant. The crotch portion 830 includes a first or front crotch flap 832 and a second or rear crotch flap 834. The front crotch flap 832 may be formed integral with the interior panel 825. Similarly, the rear crotch flap 834 is integral with the rear panel 827 of torso portion 805. As illustrated, the rear crotch flap 834 may possess a greater length than the front crotch flap 832, extending beyond front flap distal end when the flaps are aligned.
The crotch portion 830 further includes a fastening system including the connection material as described above. Specifically, the rear crotch flap 832 includes a fastener such as a hook-and-loop fastener 835 as described above. The hook-and-loop fastener 835 is disposed along the rear flap distal portion (e.g., proximate flap distal end). Additionally, the front crotch flap 832 includes a swatch or patch of connection material 837 similar to that described above. By way of example, the entire front crotch flap 832 may be formed of connection material 837. The connection material 837 may be formed integral with the front crotch flap 834, or may be an overlay attached to the front crotch flap 832, e.g., via stitching, adhesive, etc.
The bodysuit 80 may further include a plurality of torso fasteners to enable securing together of torso panels. For example, the exterior panel 820 includes one or more exterior panel fasteners 840 that mate with complementary first interior panel fasteners 845 disposed on the first lateral side 850 of the interior torso panel 825 (e.g., along the seam where the interior torso panel 825 connects to the rear torso panel 827). The first interior panel fasteners 845 may be coupled to the interior panel 825 via tabs 855 (e.g., fabric tabs). In addition, the second lateral side 860 of the interior panel 825 includes second interior panel fasteners 865 (e.g., the fasteners 865 are disposed proximate the distal (non-seam) edge of the interior panel). The second interior panel fasteners 865 are configured to mate with complementary rear panel fasteners 870 disposed on the interior surface of the rear torso panel 827. The rear panel fasteners 870 may be secured to the rear torso panel 827 via tabs 875 (e.g., fabric tabs).
To fit the garment on an infant, the bodysuit 80 infant is placed within the garment, and the interior torso panel 825 is folded over the infant, with second interior panel fasteners 865 mating with rear panel fasteners 870. Once secured, the rear crotch flap 834 is folded between the legs of the infant, and the fastener 835 on the interior surface of the rear crotch flap is brought into contact with the connection material 837 disposed on the exterior surface of the front crotch flap 832. Finally, the exterior torso panel 820 is folded over the interior torso panel 825, with the exterior panel fasteners 840 mating with the first interior panel fasteners 845 disposed along the first lateral side 850 of the interior torso panel 825.
FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an infant garment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown, the infant garment is a bodysuit 90 similar to that shown in FIG. 3A, including a body or torso portion 905 and a coupling portion 910. The body portion 905 includes a front body panel 920A and rear body panel 920B, a neck opening or collar 930, shoulder portions 935A, 935B, and sleeve portions 940A, 940B, each similar to that described above in relation to the other embodiments. The body portion 905 is formed of a first unidirectional expansion material configured to expand in a first direction. By way of example, the front body panel 920A and/or the rear body panel 920B may be formed of fabric adapted to expand in the longitudinal direction (indicated by arrow Y). The expansion fabric may possess a structure similar to that described above, including a plurality of ribs oriented generally horizontally (e.g., generally orthogonal to garment longitudinal axis) and connected via webbing that permits the separation of adjacent ribs, thereby permitting the lengthwise expansion of the fabric to increase the length of the body panel 920A, 920B and, as such, the overall length of the garment. As with other embodiments, an exemplary expansion material is two-wale cotton. With this configuration, the body portion 905 stretches to accommodate infants of various heights (lengths).
The coupling portion 910 includes a front coupling member 960 and a rear coupling member 965. The front coupling member 960 may be integrally formed with front body panel 920A, (i.e., the front coupling member 960 may be formed of the same material as the front body panel 920A). As illustrated, the front coupling member 960 is a truncated member (compared to that of the other embodiments), extending only slightly from the front body panel 920A. The exterior surface 970 of the front coupling member 960 (e.g., proximate the edge of the member) includes at least one fastener 975A adapted to mate with a corresponding fastener 975B disposed on the interior surface 980 of the rear coupling member 965. The fasteners 975A, 975B may be snaps, buttons, etc.
The rear coupling member 965 may be non-integral with the rear torso panel 920B, being connected along a lower edge of the rear body panel 920B along a seam 985 (e.g., stitching). The rear coupling member 965 may be formed of a second unidirectional expansion material configured to expand in a second direction. Specifically, the rear coupling member 965 may be formed of fabric adapted to expand transversely (in a cross-wise direction). The fabric forming the rear coupling member 965 including a series ribs oriented generally vertically (i.e., the ribs are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal garment axis) interconnected by resilient webbing or valleys that cooperate to permit separation of adjacent ribs, thereby permitting expansion of the fabric in the transverse direction (indicated by arrow X), thereby enabling the increase of the overall width of the rear coupling member 965. As in other embodiments, the second unidirectional expansion material forming the rear coupling member 965 may be two-wale cotton fabric. As shown, the bodysuit 90 (the torso portion 905 and/or the crotch portion 910) may include conventional binding 987 at predetermined locations.
With this configuration, the rear coupling member 965 expands from its normal (contracted) position to an expanded position. In the stretched position, the transverse dimension of the rear coupling member 965 is increased compared to that of the contracted coupling member. In operation, a user draws the rear coupling member 965 between the legs of the infant, wrapping the member around the crotch and connecting the fasteners 975A, 975B. The rear coupling member expands, accommodating the girth of the infant, the diaper worn by the infant, etc.
Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.
Thus, while the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the material forming the bodysuit or portions thereof may be any suitable for its described purpose. The connection material may cover any area of the bodysuit suitable for its described purpose. For example, it may form the entirety of a coupling member. The connection material may form the portion of the garment infant garment, or may be an overlay attached (adhered, stitched, etc.) to material (e.g., fabric formed of natural and/or synthetic fibers) forming the portion of the infant garment. Alternatively, it may form at least half of the total area of the coupling members. In addition, it may form all or part of the body portion (i.e., the body panels), as well as the sleeve portions and shoulder portions. As should be understood, any of the described embodiments may include conventional binding at predetermined locations.
It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation. The phrase infant garment is intended to include garments adapted for use with infants and young children.

Claims

1. An infant garment comprising:

a torso portion defining a neck opening, a first arm opening, and a second arm opening, the torso portion including

a front torso panel having an interior, child-facing surface and an exterior surface, and

a rear torso panel having an interior, child-facing surface and an exterior surface; and

a crotch portion defining a first leg opening and a second leg opening, the crotch portion including:

a first coupling member extending distally from one of the front torso panel and the rear torso panel, the first coupling member tapering toward its distal end, wherein material forming the first coupling member is connection material having a textured surface and a non-textured surface, and

a second coupling member extending distally from the other of the front torso panel and the rear torso panel, the second coupling member tapering toward its distal end, wherein the second coupling member comprises a fastener operable to mechanically engage the textured surface of the connection material,

wherein the fastener cooperates with the connection material to releasably secure the first coupling member to the second coupling member.

2. The infant garment of claim 1, wherein the torso portion further comprises a first shoulder panel and a second shoulder panel coupled to the torso portion and disposed proximate the neck opening, each shoulder panel being configured to translate with respect to the torso portion.

3. The infant garment of claim 1, wherein the torso portion is formed of material adapted to expand from a first, contracted configuration to a second, expanded configuration.

4. The infant garment of claim 3, wherein the torso portion comprises fabric including a plurality of ribs, the plurality of ribs including a first rib and a second rib adjacent the first rib, wherein the first rib moves with respect to the second rib.

5. The infant garment of claim 4, wherein:

the torso portion includes a length and a width; and

the plurality of ribs is oriented generally vertically such that each rib extends along the length of the torso portion.

6. The infant garment of claim 1, wherein:

the first coupling member is a front coupling member;

the second coupling member is a rear coupling member;

the front coupling member is formed of the connection material; and

the rear coupling member includes the fastener, the fastener being disposed proximate rear coupling member distal end.

7. The infant garment of claim 6, wherein the rear coupling member is formed of expansion material adapted to expand from a first, contracted configuration to a second, expanded configuration.

8. The infant garment of claim 7, wherein the rear coupling member expands in a coupling member longitudinal direction.

9. The infant garment of claim 7, wherein:

the rear coupling member defines dimensions including a length and a width;

the expansion material comprises a plurality of ribs oriented generally horizontal such that each rib extends along the width of the rear coupling member.

10. An infant garment comprising:

a torso portion configured to cover the torso of an infant, the torso portion including a neck opening, a first arm opening and a second arm opening, wherein the torso portion comprises a first expansion material adapted to expand substantially in a first direction; and

a coupling portion configured to be drawn between the legs of the infant, the coupling portion including a first coupling member and a second coupling member, wherein at least one of the first and second coupling members comprises a second expansion material, the second material being adapted to expand substantially in a second direction,

wherein the second direction is different from the first direction.

11. The infant garment of claim 10, wherein:

the infant garment defines a transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension, the longitudinal dimension being measured from the neck opening to the crotch portion;

the first material expands along the transverse dimension; and

the second expansion material expands along the longitudinal dimension.

12. The infant garment of claim 10, wherein:

the first expansion material is adapted to expand in a lateral direction; and

the second expansion material is adapted to expand in a vertical direction.

13. The infant garment of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second expansion material comprises fabric including a plurality of ribs connected via resilient webbing.

14. The infant garment of claim 13, wherein:

the first expansion material is a first unidirectional expansion fabric comprising plurality of ribs extending longitudinally along the torso portion, the first unidirectional expansion fabric being effective to increase the girth of the torso portion; and

the second expansion material is a second unidirectional expansion fabric comprising a plurality of ribs oriented generally orthogonal to the ribs of the torso portion, the second unidirectional expansion fabric being effective to increase the length of the coupling portion.

15. The infant garment of claim 10, wherein:

the torso portion is formed of the first expansion material and the coupling portion comprises a first coupling member and a second coupling member adapted to connect to the second coupling member; and

at least one coupling member is formed of the second expansion material.

16. An infant garment to be worn by an infant, the garment including a normal length value and a normal girth value when the garment is in its normal, contracted configuration, the garment comprising a first unidirectional expansion fabric that expands in a first direction to alter the girth value of the garment, and a second unidirectional expansion fabric that expands in a second direction to alter the length value of the garment.

17. The infant garment of claim 16, wherein the length of the garment increases as the garment expands in the first expansion direction.

18. The infant garment of claim 16 further comprising a torso portion including tubular body, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, a chest section adapted to cover a chest of an infant, and a stomach section disposed below the chest section and adapted to cover a stomach of the infant, wherein the chest section is formed of the first unidirectional expansion fabric and the stomach section panel is formed of the second unidirectional expansion fabric.

19. The infant garment of claim 16 further comprising a leg portion adapted to receive the legs of an infant, the leg portion including a first leg enclosure terminating in a first foot enclosure and a second leg enclosure terminating in a second foot enclosure, wherein a first section of the leg enclosures is formed of the first unidirectional expansion fabric and a second section of the leg enclosures is formed of the second unidirectional expansion fabric.

20. The infant garment of claim 16, wherein:

the infant garment is configured as a kimono, the kimono configuration comprising:

a torso portion including a back panel to cover a back of an infant, a first lateral panel coupled to a first lateral side of the back panel and adapted to be folded over the infant, and a second lateral panel coupled to a second lateral side of the back panel and adapted to be folded over the infant, the back panel, first lateral panel, and second lateral panel each having an interior surface and an exterior surface,

a first fastener disposed on the interior surface of the first lateral panel, the first fastener mating with a first complementary fastener coupled to the interior surface of the back panel,

a second fastener disposed on the interior surface of the second lateral panel, the second fastener mating with a second complementary fastener coupled to the exterior surface of the first lateral panel, and

a crotch portion adapted to cover a crotch of the infant; and

at least one panel of the torso portion is formed of the first unidirectional expansion fabric and the crotch portion is formed of the second unidirectional expansion fabric.

21. The infant garment of 16 further comprising a third unidirectional expansion fabric that expands in a third direction generally orthogonal to the first expansion direction.

22. The infant garment of claim 16, wherein:

the garment possesses a length defining a longitudinal garment axis;

the first unidirectional expansion fabric comprises a plurality of ribs connected via resilient webbing that permits separation of adjacent ribs;

the plurality of ribs forming the first unidirectional expansion fabric are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal garment axis;

the second unidirectional expansion fabric comprises a plurality of ribs connected via resilient webbing that permits separation of adjacent ribs; and

the plurality of ribs forming the second unidirectional expansion fabric are oriented generally orthogonal to the longitudinal garment axis.