GB2535260A

GB2535260A - A garment

Info

Publication number: GB2535260A
Application number: GB1516563.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Snelgrove Sandra
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-02-13
Filing date: 2015-09-18
Publication date: 2016-08-17
Also published as: GB201516563D0; GB201502437D0

Abstract

A one piece garment comprises a torso part 10, a pelvis part 4, and arm parts 1 and leg parts 2. An opening provided at the crotch region, has a closing means 7 that traverses a crotch region of the wearer and extends along at least part of one limb or both limbs The opening provides access to the crotch region whilst donned without the requirement to remove the garment, and also an access point through which the wearer can don the garment. The garment may have a fleece lining (Figure 1b, 4); it may have pockets 6, a hood 3 and cuffs 9 on both arm 1 and leg 2 portions.

Description

A GARMENT

Field of Invention

The present invention provides a garment, more particularly a one piece garment with an opening provided at the crotch region.

Background

One piece garments such as overalls or 'onesies' are well known in the art, however such items must typically be fully removed in order that a wearer can use the toilet. Therefore a user may be exposed temporarily which is undesirable. In particular such exposure results in exposure of all or part of the user's body to the surrounding environment, for example which may result in heat loss.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect the present invention there is provided a one-piece garment having an opening with a closing means that traverses a crotch region of the wearer and extends along at least part of one limb or both limbs so as to provide an access point through which the wearer can don the garment and to permit access to the crotch region whilst donned without requirement to remove the garment.

In this way a user can don the garment and may easily access the crotch region so as to permit a wearer to use a toilet, without requirement to fully remove the garment. Advantageously this can save time and permits the wearer to remain substantially covered by the garment when donned, for example so as to keep the wearer warm by not removing the garment that is covering their body core which is the case with a traditional 'onesie' or overall that is unzipped at a chest region and pulled down to below a wearer's waist.

Preferably the one-piece garment is adapted for covering the body and limbs of a wearer. For example only the hands, feet, head and neck may remain exposed when donned.

In some embodiments the garment is tight-fitting, for example envisaged for comfortable wearing without any under garments; whereas other embodiments are configured as loose fitting to allow underclothing and comfort.

Preferably the opening runs along an inner portion of the limbs and across the crotch. For example the opening may run from one ankle to another. The zipper is situated to the inner side of one leg part and reaches past the user's crotch region to an inner side of the other or second leg part. This permits a wearer to enter the garment when it is donned and permits access to the crotch region whilst donned, without requirement for removal.

In some further embodiments the zipper or crotch opening means may be arranged to pass from a different area of the first leg part past the pelvis to other areas of the second leg part, for example from the front of the first leg part from front to rear of the crotch and to rear of the other leg part.

In this way the pelvis of the user may be made accessible singly from front or rear, so as to allow for urination or defecation respectively by defining a single opening.

The garment may be a fashion item for day or night wear or the garment may perform a specialist function. For example the garment may provide a protective layer for a wearer being formed from a particular material that prevents ingress of certain substances.

In another embodiment the garment may be insulated for use in cold conditions, for example in mountainous regions such as ski resorts. The garment may comprise a plurality of layers of material for improved insulation and may have a water resistant, waterproof layer to prevent or limit ingress of water/moisture.

Preferably the garment may be formed from breathable materials so as to be comfortable when worn for long periods of time.

In some embodiments the garment may be impermeable, for example when used as a protective garment, such as if dealing with dangerous materials such as poisonous or toxic substances for example radioactive materials.

In preferred embodiments the closing means includes or comprises a zipper. In this way an opening provided on the garment can be closed and opened by means of the zipper so as to fully enclose the wearer within the garment.

The type of zipper used may be varied depending upon the style of garment. For example some embodiments such as a ski suit or snowboarding may require a heavy duty zipper so as to securely close the opening and to be suitable for constant movement during wear. Whereas a thinner lightweight garment may require a lighter weight zipper so as to permit greater range of movement with minimal resistance, for greater comfort and to prevent damage to more delicate materials.

In some embodiments the closing means includes or comprises hook and loop means such as Velcro (RTM).

In some embodiment the hook and loop means may be used in addition to other closing means. For example in some embodiments the opening may include a zipper that is covered by a flap or cover that is secured in position by hook and loop means so as to enclose the zipper.

The zipper may have a wide seam to its edges which includes a flap that is displaced in use to access the zipper and which acts as a block to air ingress into the garment. In preferred embodiments the zipper has an internal seam and flap in order to further block ingress or passage of air into the garment.

The cover may also promote modesty when the garment is donned, for example covering any gaps between some of the closing means.

In another embodiment the closing means includes or comprises at least one press stud.

In another embodiment the closing means includes or comprises at least one button.

Further embodiments may be envisaged that utilise other reversible or temporary fastening means.

In preferred embodiments the garment has a seamless inner face. In this way a smooth un-seamed surface is displayed to the user's body for enhanced comfort. Advantageously this reduces any rubbing that may occur during wear.

Typically the garment may include cuffs provided on distal end of each limb portion. For example the cuff may be tapered and or elasticated so as to be a closer fit about the wrists and ankles of a wearer.

In some embodiments the cuff may be detachable from the garment, for example the leg parts may attach to the cuffs using hook and loop material such as Velcro (RTM).

In some embodiments the garment has a waterproof out coating or may comprise an outer layer that is waterproof. In this way ingress of water is prevented so that the wearer remains dry in wet conditions, for example in the rain or if at sea on a vessel.

The garment may have a stain proof outer coating in order to prevent staining of the garment. For example the garment may be covered in a protective substance such as a Scotchgard (RTM) or may have a layer of stain proof material, such as a synthetic plastics material that can be washed or wiped clean.

In some embodiments the garment may include protective pads to reduce wear of the garment in selected regions. For example the garment may include protective pads arranged at the knee regions and elbow regions.

Protective pads may be located at any region of the garment where additional and repeated wear is expected in use.

In addition to the protective pads the garment may include padded regions for enhanced protection to the wearer. For example in a ski suit embodiment the knees may be padded to protect a wearer should they fall.

In some embodiments the garment may include a hood. In some further embodiments the garment may be attached to a sealed helmet, gloves and socks and/or boots so as to fully enclose a wearer.

Typically the garment includes at least one pocket.

The garment is ideally designed so as to allow movement and adjustment.

In some embodiments the garment is loose fitting so as to allow ventilation in to help maintain an even temperature.

In some embodiments, in order to avoid overheating of the user's crotch the pelvic area describes a lacuna below the user's pelvis, so as to prevent excessive contact with the pubis and allowing freedom of movement thereof. The lacuna is typically define may an extended portion of material.

In some embodiments the garment may have other opening or fastening means in relation to other parts of the garment.

According to further aspects of the present invention other garments, such as trousers or dungarees may be provided with similar opening means to the garment described herein.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1A show isometric view of a first embodiment of the invention showing the opening in a closed arrangement; Figure 1B shows an isometric view of the garment with part of the opening in the open arrangement; Figures 2A shows a side view of a garment with the hood up Figure 2B shows a side view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 1A; Figure 2C shows a an embodiment of the garment with a back pocket; Figure 3A shows a rear view of the shown in Figure 2C; Figure 3B shows a rear view of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1A; Figures 4A shows a front view of the embodiment show in Figure 1A, Figure 4B shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2C; Figure 4C shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2B; Figures 5A shows a plan view of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1A; Figure 5B shows a plan view of the second embodiment shown in Figure 2A; Figure 5C shows a plan view of the third embodiment shown in Figure 4C; and Figures 6 show a view from below of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1A and third embodiment shown in Figure 4C.

Detailed Description of the Embodiment

The pictured embodiment of the present invention provides a one-piece garment, comprising a robust, versatile means of dressing for comfort. This garment may be worn continuously over other clothing or not.

The garments shown in all of the Figures show a garment that covers the body of a wearer including the arms and legs of a wearer. It is appreciated that in some embodiments variations of this design may be provided, for example to include a sleeveless garment or short legged versions.

The garment is sewn or bonded together as a whole at manufacture and includes integrated arm parts 1, leg parts 2, a torso part 10 and pelvis part 4. Some embodiments include a head part or hood 3.

In Figure 1B the garment is shown having a seamless inner, wherein the inner comprises an inner layer 14 and an outer layer 15 with said inner layer 14 bonded to the outer layer 15.

The garment may be constructed inside out, and reversed so that seams can be stitched or bonded more easily.

The inner layer 14 or face has a soft finish. This may include a flock or fleece finish for comfort and warmth, being particularly advantageous when the garment is worn directly against a user's skin.

Ideally the outer layer or face 15 is provided with a robust and/or liquid and/or stain resistant finish or coating.

The garment in the pictured embodiments is provided in a single material, namely a cotton blend material for breathability, heat retention and laundry purposes. Such material may be coated to its outer layer with a heat or moisture resistant coating, and/or may be brushed on its inner face.

Advantageously therefore the garment provides an effective option for repeated indoor or outdoor use with the advantage of the wearer being able to easily relieve themselves without have to remove a substantial part of the garment.

In Figures 2C and 3A the garment includes protective pads 11 to increase areas of robustness in extra wear regions. In particular the protective pads 11 are provided externally or internally on elbows, shoulders and/or knees. Such pads 11 are provided in a leather, vinyl or plastic.

The garment has an opening 7 that allows the garment to be opened at the crotch region and therefore permits access to the crotch region whilst the garment is donned.

The opening shown in the Figures runs along an inner portion of the limbs and across the crotch. The garments in the pictured embodiments include a zipper from one ankle to another. The zipper is situated to the inner side of one leg part and reaches past the user's crotch to the inner side of the other or second leg part. This permits a wearer to enter the garment when it is donned and permits access to the crotched region whilst donned.

The opening means is ideally openable from either leg part or both, and allows for opening of all or part of the opening means at any one time. For example in some further embodiments a central portion only at the pelvis may be opened.

The opening is shown extending to the cuffs 5.

In some embodiments the cuff may be split as part of the opening.

For example the garment can be donned as if putting on a jumper with the opening being closed once the arms, torso and pelvis region are covered.

The opening 7 includes closing means (not shown) that permit opening and closing of the opening.

The opening 7 means allows the user to access their crotch region and thereby aids urination/defection and ensures the garment can be worn without removal for urination or defecation.

The opening means therefore accordingly provides a means of opening the garment to the fore and the rear of the user's pelvis (crotch region); either together or separately. This arrangement advantageously provides separate openings for urination and defecation.

The garment has pockets 6 to the front of the pelvis section so as to allow useful storage of items, so as to permit multifunctional and effective usage of the garment.

Figure 2C shows and embodiment of the garment having a rear pelvis pocket 12 is provided, having a closure means so that the pocket can be closed to hold items within the pocket.

The garment has cuffs at the arm parts 9 and cuffs at the leg parts 5, which act to maintain warmth within the garment in use. The cuffs 5, 9 also help to secure the garment at the distal ends of the limbs.

The cuffs 5, 9 comprise elasticated material, so as to ensure that the arm 9 and leg parts 5 are maintained in place.

In the pictured embodiments the opening 7 is discontinuous at the cuffs 5 on the leg parts 2 so that the cuff 5 remains about the leg when the opening 7 is open. In this way the leg parts 2 are prevent from flapping, even when the opening 7 is open. The cuffs 5 are continuous and form part of the garment wherein the cuff is sewn.

In this way the cuffs 5, 9 remain in place when the closing means on the leg parts 2 are opened. The leg parts 2 open at an opening flap of material 13 as shown in Figure 1 B. The Figures show the garment having a hood 3.

In Figure 4A the hood has a closure mechanism 8, comprising a means of tightening or fastening the hood 3.

In Figure 4C and Figure 5C the garment is shown having a chest closure means. In Figure 5C the chest closure means comprises a button closure 12 closing flanges of placket 11.

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

Claims 1. A one-piece garment having an opening with a closing means that traverses a crotch region of the wearer and extends along at least pad of one limb or both limbs so as to provide an access point through which the wearer can don the garment and to permit access to the crotch region whilst donned without requirement to remove the garment.
2. A one-piece garment according to claim 1 wherein the garment is adapted for covering the body and limbs of a wearer.
3. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim wherein the closing means includes or comprises a zipper.
4. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim wherein the closing means includes or comprises hook and loop means.
5. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim wherein the closing means includes or comprises at least one press stud.
6. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim wherein the closing means includes or comprises at least one button.
7. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment has a seamless inner face.
8. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim having a cuff provided on each limb.
9. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment has a waterproof out coating.
10. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim wherein the garment has a stain proof outer coating.
11. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim made from a breathable material.
12. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim having protective pads to reduce wear of the garment in selected regions.
13. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim wherein the closing means includes a cover so as to conceal the closing means and/or opening.
14. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim including a hood.
15. A one-piece garment according to any preceding claim having at least one pocket.
16. A one-piece garment as substantially herein described with reference to the figures.