GB2551262A - A garment - Google Patents

Abstract

A garment formed of a plurality of parts comprising a torso portion 2 with attachment means 14 for receiving a pair of detachable sleeves 3 themselves having torso attachment means 14; and attachment means (not shown) for receiving trousers 18 having torso attachment means (not shown), the trousers including an opening 7 to permit access to the wearer without removal of the garment; foot portions 5 being attachable to a distal end 15 of each trouser leg; wherein the garment is formed from an anti-allergy material suitable for washing at 60 degrees centigrade. Preferably it also comprises a hood 1 attachable to the torso portion. Preferably the torso portion has an opening 11 to permit access without removing the garment. Preferably the garment comprises an insulating layer, and is formed from a material with a pore size of less than 9 microns. In use an infant or infirm person can be dressed in the outfit and an attendant can dress them more easily and access their body for hygiene etc.

Description

A garment

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a garment for an infant or vulnerable person. The garment is assembled from a plurality of parts to either fully or partially cover a wearer.

Background

Many clothing systems and garments exist to assist with dressing, undressing, and/ or tending to a wearer. However, often such garments may be fiddly to fit or require removal for some situations, such as to change a nappy or a dressing. This can make it difficult to attend to the wearer and can be time consuming.

It is also often necessary to change garments depending on varying environmental conditions, for example different temperatures. Commonly multiple layers of clothing may be donned in cold conditions with lesser layers or perhaps one layer in warm conditions. However, this results in requirement for multiple garments.

The present invention provides a garment that can be easily adapted for different uses and environmental conditions.

Prior Art US Patent US2705326 (Lahnstein) discloses an adjustable garment. US Patent US290594 (Drachman) discloses an adjustable sleeping garment.

Japanese Patent Application JP2002138312 (Tatsunari) discloses an item of sleeping wear for care giving.

Chinese Patent Application CN103637422 (Li) discloses an adjustable sleepwear garment.

In contrast the present invention provides a garment formed from a plurality of parts that can be assembled depending on user or wearer requirements used and environmental conditions.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a garment formed from a plurality of parts for attaching one to another comprising: a torso portion with attachment means for receiving: a pair of detachable sleeves having a torso attachment means; and for receiving a pair of trousers having a torso attachment means; the pair of trousers includes an opening to permit access to a wearer without removal of the garment; right-footed and left-footed footwear is attachable to a distal end of each trouser leg; each part is attached to another by connecting attachment means on respective parts together, wherein the garment is formed from an anti-allergy material suitable for washing at over 60° Centigrade.

In this way a wearer, such as an infant or vulnerable person, can be dressed in selected parts of the garment depending on their activities and the environmental conditions such as temperature.

The parts of the garment can be configured so as to cover parts of a wearer’s body, for example the sleeves may not be attached to the torso in warm conditions.

The attachment means enable the garment to be selectively assembled in stages, or left unattached, for example if the wearer has an injury, burn or sensitive skin.

It is appreciated that the attachment means may be provided on all parts so as to permit connection of one part to another.

In some preferred embodiments the garment parts are lined so as to provide a soft breathable layer that interface the wearer. Advantageously in such embodiments the wearer may not require undergarments as the lining is suitable for direct contact with the skin.

The garment provides a simple clothing system that permits parts of the wearer’s body to be accessed without complete removal of the garment. For example the opening on the trousers may permit an infant or incontinent person to be changed without requirement for the garment to be completely removed, or for a wound to be dressed. Therefore causing minimal disruption, exposure and/or heat loss to the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment the garment includes a hood. The hood is detachably connected to the torso portion by attachment means in use.

Preferably the torso portion has an opening means to permit access to the wearer’s torso without removal of the garment. This permits the torso portion to be easily donned by a wearer without being passed over a wearer’s head. The opening may also be used to provide a means of ventilation.

Typically the opening is arranged across a wearer’s chest, although the opening may be provided in different locations depending upon use, for example at a side or back region of the wearer’s torso.

Each garment part: torso portion, trousers, sleeves, footwear, hood is attached to an adjoining part by attachment means. The attachment means may include but are not limited to: press studs, hook and loop means such as Velcro (RTM), hook and eyes, magnetic means, zippers or buttons and holes. These male and female attachment means may comprise ferromagnetic connectors.

Preferably the attachment means are provided on outer faces of the garment so as to be separated from a wearer’s skin.

Ideally the attachment means are also arranged such that they can be easily configured without catching or rubbing a wearer’s skin or undergarments.

It is appreciated that more than one type of attachment means may be used on the garment and/or at each connecting region.

Preferably the garment includes an elasticated waist so as to enhance fit of the garment. The waist may be provided on the torso portion and/or the trousers so as to aid with positioning the garment and to limit movement during wear.

Preferably the garment has an insulative layer, or is formed from an insulating material so as to be able to provide warmth for a wearer. For example the garment, or parts of the garment may have a tog rating. It is appreciated that different parts may have different tog ratings.

The garment is formed from an anti-allergy material so as prevent or limit allergic reactions or to control breathing associated diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Typically the material is tightly woven having a pore size between the threads that is less than an average waste particle or dust mite to prevent accumulation of waste particles or dust mites.

Preferably the pore size of a material is less than 9 microns.

The material is also suitable for washing at temperatures in excess of 60° Centigrade to kill any bacteria that may be held by the material.

In a preferred embodiment a mid-density hypoallergenic tog is sandwiched between two layers of bamboo jersey, stitched in place at the edges rather than quilting, leaving the filling free to retain warm air. In this way the two materials advantageously work together to form an anti-allergy and anti-bacterial product. The top of the torso portion is preferably constructed with an asymmetric crew neck opening, finished with a soft jersey binding for added comfort.

In some embodiments a wide piece of elastic at the lower back of a user of the top may be overlaid and stitched (from the reverse) with corresponding jersey fabric to keep an element of softness to the inside of the suit assembly.

In some embodiments a ‘raglan’ sleeve may be included from a corresponding torso portion so as to create a more informed connection between the garment pieces. In some embodiments such raglan sleeves may popper on and off with ease to reveal a narrow strapped vest, suitable for use in warmer weather/ climates. In some embodiments a printed brushed-surface jersey sandwiches an inner cotton wadding.

In some embodiments a ‘trapunto’ stitched finish may be applied to the fabric surface. In some embodiments a piped-edge may give a traditional pyjama finish to assembly parts, as well as a higher quality finish suitable for a more premium assembly. In some embodiments buttonholed elasticfeeds around the waistband, securing at the back with a single button for adjustment. In some embodiments a woven panel at the centre back of the trousers anchors the elastic adjustor.

In some embodiments buttonholes may be provided on the inside of the of a trouser cuff correspond with the cuffs of footwear. In this way the cuffs may be arranged to overlap.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the assembly;

Figure 2 shows a complete view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a reverse view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and

Figures 5 show individual views of the parts of the first, second and third embodiments of the assembly respectively.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures there is shown an preferred embodiment of the garment formed for a plurality of parts that are joined in use to provide a suit for a wearer. Typically the garment is for an infant although it is appreciated that the garment may be provided in larger sizes, for example for use by children or adults with special needs.

The garment shown in the Figures is assembled from a plurality of garment parts, comprising a torso covering portion 2, sleeves 3, trousers 18, footwear 5 and a hood 1.

The garment can be configured in different configurations depending upon use, for example the garment may be configured without sleeves or without footwear depending on use and environmental conditions.

The assembly of garment parts can be configured in the form of a body suit that can be arranged in a plurality of different configurations suitable for day or night use.

The garment may be formed from materials that serve to limit ingress of liquids, moisture, draughts or extraneous matter such as food. In this way the garment provides a protective layer to the wearer.

In some embodiments the garment may include or be formed from waterproof or water resistant material so as to deflect or contain moisture.

The garment is preferably formed from a strong, durable, lightweight, breathable material to keep the wearer at the optimal temperature, therefore negating the requirement for other insulating layers such as a duvet, blankets, growbag or jumpsuits. For example the garment may be provided with a tog rating so as to be suitable as sleepwear without the additional requirement of a duvet or blanket.

It is appreciated that the garment may be worn, for example, over pyjamas and when worn over pyjamas there would not be need a dressing grown in the morning. Therefore the garment reduces the requirement to dress a wearer in other garments, such as dressing gowns, that may be difficult, for example with infants and young children.

Advantageously as the garment is fitted about the wearer it provides a safe option for people who are wriggly sleepers and who may twist a sleep bag such as a Grobag Sleep Bag or throw off blankets and/or a duvet resulting in disrupted sleep.

Known garments, such as jumpsuits and onesies, require partial removal for example taking the garment off or pulling part of the garment up and down when using a toilet. Such garments also often require removal when changing nappies or diapers as it is difficult to perform a change without soiling the garment.

According to the embodiment shown in the drawings the arm sections are displaceable from the torso portion. In the first embodiment the sleeves 3 are displaced from the torso portion 2 by disconnecting the attachment means holding the parts together to leave the arms of the wearer uncovered.

In Figures 5A and 5B the sleeves 3 are removed and the torso portion 2 is vest shaped.

In Figure 5C the sleeves 3 include a shoulder region so that when removed a larger area of the wearer’s shoulder region is exposed.

The attachment means 13, 14 are arranged to allow the suit to be constructed on the wearer in use, and parts displaced from the wearer’s suit in use, so as to both allow for substantially whole coverage of the wearer, as well as allowing for access to the wearer as required, or allowing for climatic conditions to be accommodated.

The trousers 18 are arranged in the pictured embodiment with a waistband 4 comprising an elasticated waistband area 19 at least in part, such that the trousers 18 may adjust in use to the wearer’s waist size as required.

The trousers 18 pictured further include elasticated ankle cuffs 15, which cuffs are ruched around their circumference.

The footwear 5 also comprises elasticated cuffs 17, wherein the trouser cuffs 15 are arranged over the footwear in use.

The elasticated cuffs 15, 17 are a form of attachment means for securing the parts of the garment.

The trousers 18 in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 comprise adjustment means 10, comprising tabs 9 and plurality button positions 10.

The trousers 18 also include a secondary attachment and detachment means 12, wherein the means enables the wearer or a carer to wholly open the trousers, without stretching the elasticated area. Said means comprises two vertically spaced buttons 12 and an elasticated front, stretching between the adjustment means, and further comprising a displaceable flap 7, which flap comprises attachment portions common to the corresponding attachment point or joints, and displaces from below the knee to one leg, so as to open the entire crotch area.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5A the trousers have a central crotch flap arranged to open and allow access to the user’s crotch area. In this way the user may have their nappy or diaper changed, by detaching the attachment means at the waistband.

The adjustable crotch flap enables the child or parent to open and close with comfort and ease.

In the pictured embodiments the garment parts are connected together by attachment means that provide plurality of temporary connections. The Figures show attachment means arranged with mating mechanism parts along the joints of the garment such that the parts may be securely held together in use.

In the pictured embodiments the shoulder joints comprise strips of female attachment means 13 and strips of male attachment 14 that mate to form a connection (See Figure 1).

The opening in the form of a crotch flap also has attachment means. Preferably the proximal end of the flap is permanently attached to the trousers 18 and the distal end is open and peripherally attached.

The garment may be constructed from a lightweight cotton jersey, with a low-tog hypoallergenic cotton filling. Some embodiments, for example with exception of the neck and waistband, are quilted to maintain an inner filling and provide an appropriate aesthetic, as well as to enhance the surface area for the retention of warm air.

In the first embodiment the torso portion comprises a bound crew neck aperture 6 with central front popper opening 16 provided on the hood 1. The attachment means is arranged on a lowermost region of the hood that corresponds to the neck or collar region of a wearer. The hood 1 is preferably connected by press-studs (not shown).

Two parallel strips of narrow elastic are stitched to a central position corresponding in use to the lower back of the user. This stops the torso portion from riding up away from the trousers in use (See Figures 3 to 5 that show rear views of the garment).

The sleeves are detachable from the torso portion via the attachment means.

The attachment means at any joint may have an applied tab edge, for example at the head of the sleeve. The tab covers the attachment mechanism so as to provide a continuous join that limits or prevents a draught of air reaching the wearer, can stop or limit ingress of moisture, conceal the attachment means ensure comfort and replicate the appearance of a known baby suit.

For example the attachment means may be arranged in a slot, pocket or below a flap. When sleeves 3 have been detached, the torso portion may be envisaged to become a comfortable vest.

Corresponding footwear sock booties have a wide ribbed cuff which can be extended and folded down to form a seal with the trouser bottoms inside or outside thereof. Incorporation of an applied rubber pattern to the sole may be envisaged to advantageously create a non-slip surface for travelling and safety reasons.

Sock booties may be constructed from the same material as the garment.

The cuffs 17 of the footwear are pictured under the cuff 15 of the trousers 18. The cuffs 15, 17 may include additional attachment means such as buttonhole and button on part of the ribbing to allow the booties to be secured to the trousers 18 with a single button mechanism.

In the second embodiment shown in Figure 5A the crotch flap comprises side attachment means, to either side so as to allow the flap to be detachable to one or both sides and folded away from the crotch area towards the feet.

In the third embodiment shown in Figure 5C the torso portion is shaped with narrow shoulder straps so that when the sleeves are removed the shoulders are uncovered. A panelled hood may be included in the assembly as an added accessory and draped around the lower neck. The hood and neck region of the torso portion may overlap to provide a loose seal.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (7)

Claims

1. A garment formed from a plurality of parts for attaching one to another comprising: a torso portion with attachment means for receiving: a pair of detachable sleeves having a torso attachment means and for receiving a pair of trousers having a torso attachment means; the pair of trousers includes an opening to permit access to a wearer without removal of the garment; right-footed and left-footed footwear is attachable to a distal end of each trouser leg; each part is attached to another by connecting the attachment means, wherein the garment is formed from an anti-allergy material suitable for washing at over 60° Centigrade.

2. A garment according to claim 1 wherein the torso portion includes hood attachment means for receiving a hood with torso attachment means.

3. A garment according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the torso portion has an opening means to permit access to the wearer’s torso without removal of the garment.

4. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the trousers include an elasticated waist.

5. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means are provided on outer faces of the garment parts so as to be separated from a wearer’s skin.

6. A garment according to any preceding claim including an insulative layer.

7. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment is formed from a material with a pore size between threads of less than 9 microns.