GB2411572A

GB2411572A - Infant garment

Info

Publication number: GB2411572A
Application number: GB0405076A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Della Fealy; Anna Freeston
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-03-05
Filing date: 2004-03-05
Publication date: 2005-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-05
Also published as: GB2411572B; GB0405076D0

Abstract

A garment for an infant, particularly an all-in-one garment with leg, arm and torso portions has an opening 25 in the lower front section, e.g. to give access for nappy changing, and a flap 10 below the aperture adapted to cover same. The flap may be secured by hook and loop fasteners 8.

Description

2411 572 - 1

INFANT GARMENT

The present invention relates to garments for infants, and in particular to all-in-one type garments commonly known as baby-grows, play-suits or sleep-suits.

Such all-in-one garments are commonly worn by infants of age between O and 24 months and are generally suitable for both day wear and night wear. They are used to afford a degree of warmth for the infant, whilst at the same time being comfortable to wear when either awake and active, or asleep.

Conventionally, such all-in-one suits have a line of press- studs running down the central front torso area of the suit with a further line of press-studs running down each leg portion. When an infant is to be dressed in such a suit, all the press-studs are undone and the suit is opened out.

Typically such a suit has 11 or more press-studs. The opened suit is then placed under the infant and the infant's arms and legs are coerced into the arm and leg portions. The press-studs are then snapped back together such that the infant is enclosed within the suit.

The task of dressing and undressing an infant can however be somewhat laboured, due partly to the numerous press-studs provided as well as the often vigorous and/or opposing - 2 movement of the infant.

Furthermore, once on, the suit will inevitably need to be periodically taken off, whether completely or partially, for example in order to change the infant's nappy.

In this respect, with regard to conventional all-in-one suits that include leg portions, the line of press-studs on the leg portions extend along the inside thigh area and give access to the Happy.

In order to gain sufficient access to the Happy in a Happy changing operation, the infant's legs are removed from the suit and the suit is generally rolled or folded up at the rear or side of the infant's torso. This can result in discomfort for the infant concerned. In order to move the material of the suit out of the way, one generally has to securely hold the infant's legs, and then lift them together with the infant's lower abdomen, to enable the suit to be moved out of the way. This can be a difficult and upsetting exercise for the infant, and also leaves their whole lower body exposed to the local environment. Changing the infant's nappy in, for example, a cold and/or drafty position can hence be unpleasant and distressing for parent and infant alike. - 3

Further, the act of undoing and redoing the numerous press- studs is time consuming and often awkward to manage when the infant is moving about. This often leads to the press-studs being misaligned and fastened in the wrong positions so that they have to be undone and re- fastened. This is particularly so where the press-studs are positioned around the leg portions of the suit in relatively inaccessible locations.

It is hence an object of the present invention to provide a garment for an infant that seeks to overcome the above identified disadvantages.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a garment for an infant, the garment comprising: leg portions; and a torso portion having front and back sections which together define a sleevelike body member; wherein an aperture is formed in a lower part of the front section inwardly from sides of the torso portion, for allowing access to an internal area of the garment, and wherein a flap is provided below said aperture, said flap being movable between open and closed positions, such that in a closed position the flap covers the aperture and additionally overlaps partially with the front section.

With such an arrangement, on changing an infant's Happy, the flap can be moved completely out of the way to reveal the - 4 aperture allowing access to the infant's lower abdomen area.

With the infant's legs at least partially retained in the leg portions, an existing Happy can be checked and changed if required. Should the infant try to move his/her legs, then this movement will be restricted due to their at least partial retention in the leg portions. In this regard, the leg portions may be configured for resisting complete removal of an infant's legs. To this end, the leg portions may incorporate a narrowed section along their length, and/or may incorporate an elasticated portion along their length.

The elasticated and/or narrowed portion is preferably positioned for readily allowing a certain amount of travel of the infant's legs whilst resisting complete removal of the infant's legs. In this way, the legs and feet can move up the leg portions to allow a degree of flexibility for the person changing the infant, so that the infant can, for example, be lifted away from the garment torso portion to an extent whilst their legs are still retained within the leg portions. However, by retaining the legs at least partially in the leg portions, the infant can more readily be controlled during the changing process and the garment can more readily be subsequently closed around the infant.

During the changing process, the lower torso of the infant will furthermore remain protected from the local environment, - 5 - by being at least partially enclosed within the garment.

The sleeve-like structure of the body member ensures that when the flap is opened to provide access to the nappy region, the sides of the infant's torso are nevertheless retained within the garment. A degree of warmth and insulation is thus provided for the infant's lower torso and legs.

Preferably, the front section comprises right and left elements extending from the back section, wherein said right and left elements are releasably attachable to each other for forming an enclosed upper torso portion.

Preferably, the right and left elements are releasably attachable by means of at least one fastening, such as a press stud, button, toggle, zipper portion or hook and loop fastening. In preferred embodiments, the garment has less than five such fastenings for releasably attaching the right and left elements. Three press studs are most preferred.

The flap preferably is connected to the front section by way of said at least one fastening which also connects the right and left elements of the front section.

The flap may further be releasably connected to the front section by way of hook and loop fastenings provided in the - 6 area of overlap of the flap with the front section.

In this connection, the torso portion of the garment can hence be readily completely opened purely through fastenings provided to the front surface of the garment.

When initially dressing the infant, the garment can be opened completely, including undoing the fastenings, folding back the left and right elements of the front section and folding down the flap. The garment is then laid substantially flat such that the infant can be placed on top of the garment and the infant's arms and legs inserted into arm and leg portions provided.

With the infant installed and the flap in the open position, the two front elements of the torso portion can be folded around the torso of the infant such that the infant is substantially enclosed within the garment. The infant can therefore be substantially enclosed within the garment with ease, with little time required to secure the front sections of the garment around the infant.

The flap and lower part of the front section are conveniently provided with hook and loop fastenings, the flap being configured to be of greater dimensions than the aperture so as to overlap to an extent with a middle and lower part of the front section.

The at least partial overlap of the flap with the front torso section ensures that the hook and loop fastenings will not chafe against the infant's sensitive skin.

The preferred combination of hook and loop fastenings and one press-stud provided to the flap enables a carer to open the infant's garment rapidly with one hand, increasing the ease with which the infant can be dressed and undressed, or access to the nappy can be obtained. This opening movement can be carried out swiftly, with one hand if necessary, thus causing minimum distress to the infant. The carer is also enabled to simultaneously prepare the area for the nappy being changed. Changing of the nappy without fully undressing the infant from the upper portion of the garment is also facilitated. This has the advantage of maintaining warmth for the infant.

Unlike all-in-one suits which have press-studs or other similar fastenings on the leg region, the garment of the present invention is preferably configured such that the leg portions are configured not to have any longitudinally arranged fastenings, so that they do not have longitudinal discontinuities or gaps, thereby maintaining warmth. - 8

In preferred embodiments, the flap, when attached to the front section, extends substantially to the mid region of the torso portion.

Release of the flap from the front torso section will expose the aperture formed in the front section. In this regard, the aperture is preferably configured so as to provide side protection for the infant, whilst at the same time optimising access for the carer. As such, the aperture preferably has a substantially domed shaped periphery, comprising a substantially straight bottom edge and two sides edges formed in respective right and left elements of the front section, the side edges having a respectively a stretched "S" shape and a reverse stretched "S" shape.

Further, with this arrangement, the flap, when folded down, will lie substantially away from the infant's bottom. This will enable the infant's nappy to be changed without the flap material getting in the way. The requirement to lift the infant's legs and so raise the infant's torso such that the garment material can be folded underneath or to the side of the infant is therefore removed. Less discomfort is caused to the infant and the carer's job is made significantly simpler.

Furthermore, the opened flap element forms a barrier between - 9 the infant's lower torso and the local environment. The garment therefore renders the task of changing an infant's nappy in public areas significantly more hygienic than otherwise.

In this embodiment, it is preferred that the flap and/or internal surfaces of the garment in the area of the aperture comprise a substantially water impermeable material. Further preferably, the substantially water impermeable material is removably attachable to the internal surface of the flap.

Even further preferably, the substantially water impermeable material comprises a plastics material.

The flap can operate as an integrated changing mat. The internal surfaces of the garment that are in contact with the infant's Happy can therefore be wiped clean or removed in the event that it becomes soiled. The need to daily launder numerous garments as they become soiled is thus minimised. The requirement to carry a changing mat when out and about or travailing can be avoided.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the flap comprises a substantially padded material. The provision of padding around the lower torso region of the garment, in particular the flap element, will provide increased support - 10 for the infant during their waking hours. Furthermore, when the infant's nappy has been removed, for example during changing, padding proximate to the infant's bottom will also provide cushioning in the absence of a Happy. A padded flap member will also encourage retention of the infant's torso in the garment when the flap is detached from the front torso portion and extended outwards. In this respect, the existence of padding on the flap will encourage the infant's bottom into the sleeve-like body member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a garment for an infant) the garment comprising:- a torso portion having a front section and a back section; and leg portions; wherein the garment has open and closed configurations, wherein in an open configuration, access is provided via an aperture in the front section to just a Happy access area of the garment for enabling changing of the infant's Happy; wherein the front section comprises a pair of body elements, the pair of body elements being attachable to one another to thereby close the upper front section; wherein the garment further comprises a flap, extending from a lower part of the front section below said aperture, and movable to cover said aperture in said closed configuration of the garment; and wherein in said closed configuration, the flap at least partially overlaps said body elements, the flap being releasably connectable to both body elements at a single point.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an infant garment of the present invention with a torso portion and a flap in a closed position; Figure 2 shows the garment of Figure 1 with the flap in an open position; Figure 3 shows a rear view of the garment of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows the garment of Figure 1 in a fully opened configuration; Figure 5a shows detail of a stud-press of an attachment means releasably connecting the flap to a front portion, as shown in Figure 1; and Figure 5b shows in cross-section, detail of Figure 5a from a side aspect.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an infant garment 24 of the - 12 - present invention from a front view. The garment comprises a torso portion 1, together with arm 3 and leg 2 portions.

The torso portion 1 comprises a right element 12 and a left element 13 (from the wearer's aspect), which extend inwardly from the sides of the garment 24 to fold around to enclose an infant. The right element 12 and left element 13 can be opened out to reveal an internal area 9 of the garment and the inside surface of a back torso portion 15. The back torso portion may have an elasticated portion for improving the fit of the garment.

In this configuration as shown in Figure 4, an infant can be laid upon the back torso portion 15 and it's arms coerced into the arm portions 3 via the internal aperture 22 where the arm portions 3 are connected 23 to the torso portion 1.

The right section 12 and left section 13 of the front torso portion 1 can then be folded around the body of the infant.

To fasten the front of the garment, the right section 12 and left section 13 of the front torso portion 1 are releasably connected to each other in the centre of the torso portion 1 by means of press-studs 11. Three press-studs 11 are shown to connect the right section 12 to the left section 13 in the present embodiment. - 13

A flap 4 extends upwardly from a lower area of the front section. The flap is dimensioned to be slightly larger than an aperture 25 formed in the front section and thereby overlaps slightly with the lower area of the front section.

In it's closed configuration, as shown in Figure 1, the flap 4 is releasably connected to the right and left elements 12, 13 of the torso portion by means of a single point of connection 5. In the present embodiment, this single point of connection 5 comprises a press-stud having a first component 6 and a second component 7. As shown in Figure 5a, the first component of the press-stud 6 is provided at the apex of the flap element 4 and the second component of the press-stud 7 is provided at the right element 12 of the front torso portion 1. Engagement of the two components 6, 7 is via an aperture 14 in the left element 13 of the front torso portion 1. In it's closed configuration, the single point of attachment 5 therefore attaches the right element 12 and left element 13 of the front torso portion 1 to each other, as well as connecting the flap element 4 to the front torso portion 1. Easy and rapid opening of the flap element 4 is thus facilitated.

The flap element 4 is also releasably attached to the torso portion 1 via the lower part of the front section. - 14

Attachment is preferably by means of hook and loop [Velcro (TM)] portions 8, the first and second components of which are attached to the internal facing edges of the flap element 4 and the external facing edges of the lower front section. In it's closed configuration, the flap element 4, thus fully encloses the infant's lower torso. All the fastening means are readily accessible from the front of the garment, facilitating their access to the cater.

In it's open configuration, as shown in Figure 2, the flap element 4 exposes an aperture 25 in the front section of the garment. The aperture 25 is sufficiently large in size to provide access to the infant's nappy for changing purposes.

In the present embodiment, the shape of the aperture 25 is substantially the same (albeit slightly smaller) as the flap element 4 which covers it. In this connection, the aperture is substantially domed in shape. This ensures that optimal access is provided at the nappy region, whilst some side protection is retained in the midriff area.

In the open configuration shown in Figure 2, the flap element 4 extends downwardly between the leg portions 2 of the garment. The exposed aperture 25 extends only as far as the infant's upper leg region. The infant's legs thus can be retained inside the leg portions 2 when the flap element 4 is opened. Enclosure of the infant's legs within the leg portions 2 shelters the infant's legs and helps minimise the infant's movement. Discomfort for the infant and concomitant labouring for the carer is thus reduced. The leg portions 2 may be configured to resist complete removal of the infant's legs, for example by having a narrowed or elasticated region as shown in Figure 2. This region may be positioned along the length of the leg portion to readily allow some longitudinal movement of the infant's legs, but resist complete removal, so as to encourage the legs to remain at least partially retained within the leg portions 2. Affording a degree of longitudinal movement allows the carer some flexibility in lifting the infant away from the torso area of the garment if required, whilst still retaining the legs in the leg portions.

In an open and extended position, an internal surface 10 of the flap element 4 is exposed. Attachment of substantially water impermeable material to the internal surface 10 of the flap element 4 and to the correspondingly exposed internal area 9 of the torso portion 1 enhances use of the extended flap element 4 as a changing mat. The substantially water impermeable material facilitates easy cleaning and sterilization of the changing area, helps minimise soiling of the infant's garments, and negates the requirement to - 16 carry a changing mat when travelling.

The garment of the present embodiment is provided with a collar portion 19 to soften the neck region for the infant's comfort, as well as increasing the aesthetic desirability of the garment. The arm portions 3 extend to the wrist region 17 of the infant, the infant's hands being free to explore and grasp objects. In colder climates, the arm portions 19 may enclose the infant's hand in a mitten element.

Proximate to the point of termination of the arm portion 3 there is provided a substantially elasticated 16 section of material. This will aid retention of the garment at the wrist region 17 by discouraging the material of the arm portion 3 from riding up the infant's arm during wear. It should be noted that the material of the garment will be slightly elasticated as required to enable the infant to move around and prevent discomfort to the wearer. The elasticated sections 17 will however comprise a substantially more elasticated material.

The leg portions 2 of the present embodiment fully enclose the infant's foot in a foot member 18. If preferred, this foot member 18 can be substantially sock-shaped to increase comfort for the wearer. Full enclosure of the foot in the leg portions 2 will prevent the leg portions 2 from riding up the infant's legs during activity, particularly during crawling. This will keep the infant warm as well as reduce any discomfort that may result from exposure of the legs. In this regard, the leg portions are not provided with longitudinally extending fastening means to avoid the holes that would thereby be formed.

Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide an improved garment for an infant that facilitates easy dressing and undressing, as well as providing simple and quick access the Happy region.

Claims

A garment for an infant, the garment comprising: leg portions) and a torso portion having front and rear sections which together define a sleeve-like body member; wherein an aperture is formed in a lower part of the front section inwardly from sides of the torso portion, for allowing access to an internal area of the garment, and wherein a flap is provided below said aperture, said flap being movable between open and closed positions, such that in a closed position the flap covers the aperture and additionally overlaps partially with the front section.
2. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the front section comprises right and left elements extending from the back section, wherein said right and left elements are releasably attachable to each other to form a sleeve-like body member.
3. A garment according to claim 2 wherein right and left elements are releasably attachable using less than five press stud fastenings. - 19
4. A garment according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the right and left elements are releasably attachable using three press-stud fastenings.
5. A garment according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the flap is releasably connectable to the front section using one of said press-stud fastenings, the fastening connecting both said left and right elements together with said flap.
6. A garment according to claim 5, wherein a first component of said press-stud fastening is housed within one of said left and right elements and a second component of said press-stud fastening is housed within the flap, wherein the first and second components of said press stud interengage via an aperture within the other of the left and right elements thereby enabling attachment of the front section to the flap.
7. A garment for an infant; the garment comprising: a torso portion having front and back sections; and leg portions; wherein the garment has changing and closed configurations, wherein in a changing configuration, access is provided via an aperture in the front section to just a nappy access area of the garment for enabling changing of the infant's Happy; 20 wherein the front section comprises a pair of body elements, the pair of body elements being attachable to one another to thereby close the upper front torso section) wherein the garment further comprises a flap extending from a lower part of the front section below said aperture, and movable to cover said aperture in said closed configuration of the garment; and wherein in said closed configuration, the flap at least partially overlaps said pair of body elements, the flap being releasably connectable to both said body elements at a single point.
8. A garment according to claim 7, wherein the pair of body elements are attachable by means of 3 press studs.
9. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein the flap, when attached to the front section, extends substantially to the mid region of the torso portion.
10. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein said flap comprises a substantially water impermeable material.
A garment according to claim 10, wherein said substantially water impermeable material is provided on an internal surface of the flap. - 21
12. A garment according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said substantially water impermeable material is removably attachable to the internal surface of the flap.
13. A garment according to any preceding claim wherein said flap comprises a substantially padded material.
14. A garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the leg portions are preferably configured for resisting complete removal of an infant's legs.
15. A garment according to claim 14, wherein each leg portion comprises a narrowed portion.
16. A garment for an infant, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.