GB2536525A

GB2536525A - Breastfeeding garment

Info

Publication number: GB2536525A
Application number: GB1520152.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mcentyre Selina
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-19
Filing date: 2015-11-16
Publication date: 2016-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-16
Also published as: GB201504627D0; GB201520152D0; GB2536525B

Abstract

A garment 10 for concealing a breastfeeding infant, comprises fabric material 12 defining a front panel and a rear panel which abuts the torso of a wearer, and having an opening 14 for the head of the wearer. The fabric material is wider at the shoulder than at the waist. The front and rear panels may be formed of one sheet of folded material; alternatively they may be formed of more than one sheet sewn together at or near the shoulder. Fastening means, such as buttons, press studs, hook and loop or fabric ties, 22, 24, are provided to attach the front and rear panels together. The garment may form a poncho shape. The front and rear panels may be joined via a raglan sleeve and the opening for the head may form a scooped neck line.

Description

BREASTFEEDING GARMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE EN]loiv

This invention relates to a breastfeeding garment. In particular, this invention relates to a breastfeeding garment that can be used to discreetly conceal the breastfeeding of babies and infants in public places and busy venues. Use of the present invention enabling mothers to quickly and easily breastfeed their baby who is comfortably concealed inside, or underneath the sleeve of, the garment.

BACKGROUND

The breastfeeding of babies and infants is beneficial to both mother and baby. The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and very well-known. Breastfeeding not only provides food in the most natural form for babies, but also has been found to decrease the risk of respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, asthma and allergies, diabetes, and many other infant conditions and ailments. Some studies have also pointed to improved cognitive development due to the close interaction with the breastfeeding mother, and a strong emotional bond stems from breastfeeding.

The benefits of breastfeeding for the mother include faster weight loss after childbirth and a reduced incidence of postnatal depression, amongst others. Successful breastfeeding is a hugely rewarding and satisfying experience for both mother and baby.

Of course, breastfeeding is also less expensive than purchasing infant formula milk.

Despite all of the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, there are many mothers who struggle immediately after birth or give up on breastfeeding after a short time. One of the main reasons for this is a societal attitude to breastfeeding. Very recently, in the United Kingdom, there have been a number of high-profile incidents that have made the national press highlighting the pressures that breastfeeding mothers feel to conceal breastfeeding from public view.

This leads to a dilemma. Babies require feeding throughout the day and can often be crying out hungry in the most inconvenient of places which can often be busy public places where both the breastfeeding mother and members of the public often prefer that the baby being breastfed is concealed from view.

In order to address this problem, various breastfeeding garments have been developed in recent years. Such known breastfeeding garments and concealments are aprons and scarfs designed to conceal but, in use, often attract more attention due to their cumbersome large drapes of fabric.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a breastfeeding garment which to overcomes or reduces the drawbacks associated with known products of this type. It is an object of the present invention to provide an easy to wear and stylish garment which comfortably and discreetly conceals babies or infants during breastfeeding. The garment of the present invention is a fashionable and stylish top that is easy to don if there is some urgency to feed a hungry baby. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a breastfeeding garment that has bat-winged sleeves which are shaped to allow mothers to latch their babies on to the breast underneath the sleeve by pulling down their undergarment and allowing the sleeve fabric to gently rest over, and cover, the face of the feeding baby. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a second, more concealed, feeding position, should the baby need more shelter or fewer distractions, by untying one of the side ties at the waist of the garment and sliding the baby under and across the garment to latch on to the breast. It is a further object of the present invention to utilise a soft fabric with a bias binding edge so that the garment is able to hold its shape and drape over and across the face or body of the feeding baby. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a comfortable and breathable garment that allows for the discreet concealment of the breastfeeding mother, and which reduces distractions for the feeding baby.

SIMAIA RV OF THE A7 -ENT/Oh The present invention is described herein and in the claims.

According to the present invention there is provided a garment for concealing a breastfeeding infant, comprising: fabric material defining a front panel and a rear panel which abuts the torso of a wearer, and having an opening for the head of the wearer, the fabric material being wider at the shoulder than at the waist; and fastening means for releasably securing the front and rear panels.

An advantage of the present invention is that it can be used to discreetly conceal the breastfeeding of babies and infants in public places and busy venues. Use of the present invention enabling mothers to quickly and easily breastfeed their baby who is comfortably concealed inside, or underneath the sleeve of, the garment.

Preferably, the fabric material is a continuous sheet folded to define the front and rear panels.

Further preferably, the front and rear panels are formed from separate pieces of fabric material and joined at, or near, the shoulder.

In use, the front and rear panels may be joined via a Raglan sleeve.

Preferably, the fabric material is configured as a poncho.

Further preferably, the opening is located towards the centre of the garment.

In use, the opening may be formed as a scooped neckline in the front and rear panels.

Preferably, the fastening means comprises a front fastening means located on the front panel and a second fastening means located on the rear panel.

Further preferably, the fastening means is selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: fabric ties, buttons, press studs, zips, hook-and-eye 30 fasteners.

In use, the fabric ties may be formed contiguously with the fabric material.

Preferably, two front fabric ties are positioned on the front panel and two rear fabric ties are positioned on the rear panel.

Further preferably, the fabric ties are positioned such that they extend from the garment in the area above, or resting on, the hips of the wearer in use.

In use, the garment, when fed, may define open sides or gaps at the left and right hand lateral sides of the torso of the wearer situated on, or near, the coronal plane dividing the torso into front and back halves.

Preferably, the open sides or gaps extend generally from the armpit area to the bottom of the garment where the fabric ties are fastened.

Further preferably, the fabric material at the shoulder forms an elongate sleeve that extends beyond the shoulder and down the arm of the wearer.

In use, the sleeve may enable concealed breastfeeding of the infant inside, or underneath the sleeve of, the garment.

Preferably, the scooped neckline enabling the wearer to view the infant whilst breastfeeding.

Further preferably, the garment when unfolded and flat is curvilinear in shape, and comprises fabric ties extending from the four corners of the garment.

In use, the garment when unfolded and flat may be ellipsoidal or hexagonal in shape.

Preferably, the width of the garment across the shoulders is between around 83.0 cm and 93.0 cm.

Further preferably, the width of the garment across the shoulders is around 88.0 cm.

In use, the garment may taper to its narrowest width located generally at the waist.

Preferably, the width of the garment across its narrowest width located generally at the waist is between around 50.0 cm and 57.0 cm.

Further preferably, the width of the garment across its narrowest width located generally at the waist is around 53.5 cm.

In use, the width of the garment across the shoulders may be at least 1.5 times the width of the garment across its narrowest width located generally at the waist.

Preferably, the width of the garment across the shoulders is at around 1.65 times the width of the garment across its narrowest width located generally at the waist.

Further preferably, the length of the garment when unfolded and flat is between around 122.0 cm and 138.0 cm.

In use, the length of the garment when unfolded and flat may be around 130.0 cm.

Preferably, the width of the garment when unfolded and flat, including the fabric ties, is between around 112.0 cm and 127.0 cm.

Further preferably, the width of the garment when unfolded and flat, including the fabric ties, is around 119.5 cm.

In use, the length of the fabric ties may be between around 32.0 cm to 35.5 cm.

Preferably, the length of the fabric ties is around 33.5 cm.

Further preferably, the width of the fabric ties is around 5.0 cm.

In use, the length of the sleeve, from the neckline to the sleeve end, may be between around 32.0 cm to 35.5 cm.

Preferably, the length of the sleeve, from the neckline to the sleeve end, is around 33.5

CM

Further preferably, the diameter of the scooped neckline is around 20.0 cm.

In use, situated around the periphery of the fabric material and opening may be a continuous edge or seam.

Preferably, the edge or seam is a bias binding edge.

Further preferably, the bias binding edge further comprises a thin strip of biased fabric stitched, via a line of stitching, to the edge of the fabric material forming the garment, the well of the biased fabric being diagonal to the weft of the fabric material.

In use, the bias binding edge may be a rounded edge which resists lifting, folding and/or puckering and in use it has a weight that holds the shape of the fabric material around the face of the breastfeeding infant.

Preferably, the fabric material comprises of a micro modal 93% elastane 7% fabric.

Further preferably, the fabric material includes a yarn selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: fibres of cotton, cotton/polyester blends, microdenier polyester/cotton blends, and polypropylene, and combinations thereof Further preferably, the fabric material has a 50 Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating.

In use, the garment may be stored in a storage drawstring bag.

Also according to the present invention there is provided a use of the garment for breastfeeding an infant concealed inside, or underneath the sleeve of, the garment.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a use of the garment for simultaneously breastfeeding twin infants concealed inside, or underneath the sleeves of, the garment.

Also further according to the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a garment for concealing a breastfeeding infant, comprising the steps of (a) providing a fabric garment shaped as a poncho having an opening and ties extending from the four corners of the fabric garment; (b) providing a biased fabric edging component to be joined at a continuous seam to the fabric garment; (c) enveloping the edge of the fabric garment, opening and ties with the biased fabric edging component; and (d) sewing a line of stitching along a side of the seam such that the line of stitching traverses through the fabric garment and the biased fabric edging component.

Preferably, the fabric garment is a continuous sheet.

Further preferably, the fabric garment is formed from separate pieces of fabric material joined via a Raglan sleeve.

It is believed that a breastfeeding garment and its method of manufacture in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the breastfeeding garment in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view from above of the breastfeeding garment of Figure 1 but in a flat, unfolded configuration; Figure 3 illustrates a plan view from above of a second embodiment of the present invention, which is formed from two separate pieces of fabric; Figure 4 is an exploded view from above of the seam or edge of the fabric forming the first and second embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 shows the breastfeeding garment of the present invention being worn by a breastfeeding mother, with the side ties of the garment being fastened; to Figure 6 illustrates one of the two positions for concealing a breastfeeding baby underneath the sleeve of the garment in use; and Figure 7 shows the second of the two positions for concealing a breastfeeding baby inside the garment in use.

DEL ilLILD DESCRIPTION Or THE PREFERRED ESIBODIAILKIS The present invention has adopted the approach of using an easy to wear and stylish garment to comfortably and discreetly conceal babies or infants during breastfeeding. Advantageously, the garment is a fashionable and stylish top that is easy to don if there is some urgency to feed a hungry baby. Further advantageously, the present invention provides a breastfeeding garment that has bat-winged sleeves which are shaped to allow mothers to latch their babies on to the breast underneath the sleeve by pulling down their undergarment and allowing the sleeve fabric to gently rest over, and cover, the face of the feeding baby. Further advantageously, the present invention also provides a second, more concealed, feeding position, should the baby need more shelter or fewer distractions, by untying one of the side ties at the waist of the garment and sliding the baby under and across the garment to latch on to the breast. Further advantageously, by utilising a soft fabric with a bias binding edge, the garment is able to hold its shape and drape over and across the face or body of the feeding baby. Further advantageously, use of the present invention provides a comfortable and breathable garment that allows for the discreet concealment of the breastfeeding mother, and which reduces distractions for the feeding baby.

Referring now to the drawings, a breastfeeding garment 10 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, the garment 10 consists of a sheet of fabric material 12 configured very generally as a poncho with a neckline or opening 14 towards its centre for passing over the head 16 of the wearer, as best shown in use in Figure 5.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the garment 10 is formed from a single sheet of fabric material 12.

The garment 10 differs from conventional poncho-style clothing, in that it includes elongate, bat-winged sleeves 18 that extend beyond the shoulder and down the arm of the breastfeeding mother, again as best shown in Figure 5. The sleeves 18 enable mothers to quickly and easily breastfeed a baby 20, who is comfortably concealed inside, or underneath the sleeve 18 of, the garment 10, as described and shown in either of the two feeding configurations depicted in Figures 6 and 7.

The garment 10 also includes two pair of ties 22, 24. Two front ties 22 are positioned on the front panel of the garment 10, and two rear ties 24 are positioned on the rear panel of the garment 10. The ties 22, 24 are positioned such that they extend from the garment 10 in the area above, or resting on, the hips of the mother. The garment 10, when worn, therefore defines open sides or gaps at the left and right hand lateral sides of the upper torso situated on the coronal plane dividing the torso into front and back halves. The open sides or gaps extend generally from the armpit area to the bottom of the garment 10 where the side ties 22, 24 are fastened. It is the accessibility to the mother's breast, through the open sides or gaps in the garment 10, whilst concealed underneath the elongate sleeve 18, that leads to the advantageous effects of the invention.

Whilst the side ties 22, 24 described herein in relation to Figure 1 are used to fasten the sides of the garment 10 when in use, the skilled person will appreciate that any form of fastener is possible, including, for example, buttons, press studs, zips, hook-and-eye fasteners etc. The above list is in no way intended to be limiting and exhaustive.

Figure 2 shows a plan view from above of the breastfeeding garment 10 in a flat, unfolded configuration. The garment 10 of the present invention is provided as a "one size fits all" garment 10, although the skilled person will appreciate that the garment 10 could be made larger or smaller for different clothing sizes.

Figure 2 shows the sheet of fabric material 12 configured very generally as a poncho with a neckline or opening 14 generally located towards the centre of the garment 10.

The neckline or opening 14 is positioned slightly towards the front of the garment 10, as best illustrated by the intersection of lines A and C in Figure 2, which represent the shoulder width and total flat length of the garment 10, respectively. The neckline or opening 14 of the garment 10 is scooped to allow the mother to view the baby's feed therethrough.

The flat, unfolded garment 10 shown in Figure 2 is curvilinear in shape and includes two pairs of elongate ties 22, 24 extending from the four corners. Clearly, whilst Figure 2 is illustrative of a curvilinear-shaped garment 10 this is in no way intended to be limiting as the flat, unfolded garment 10 can be implemented in any number of ellipsoidal or hexagonal shapes.

Figure 2 includes various dimensions of the garment 10, as lines A to G, as detailed below.

The width of the garment 10 across the shoulders, and denoted as line A in Figure 2, is between around 83.0 cm and 93.0 cm. In a preferred embodiment, for the "one size fits all" garment 10 described herein, the width of the garment 10 across the shoulders is around 88.0 cm. Of course, the skilled person will understand that all of the dimensions of the garment 10 can be varied to produce much larger or smaller clothing sizes.

The garment 10 tapers to its narrowest point located generally at the waist area of the garment 10. The width of the garment 10 at its narrowest point which is situated in use at the waist, and denoted as line B in Figure 2, is between around 50.0 cm and 57.0 cm. In a preferred embodiment, for the "one size fits all" garment 10 described herein, the width of the garment 10 at its narrowest point is around 53.5 cm.

It has been found that an advantageous sleeve 18 length that provides optimum concealment and usability occurs when the width of the garment 10 across the shoulders (line A) is at least 1.5 times the width of the garment 10 at its narrowest point (line B). In a preferred embodiment, for the "one size fits all" garment 10 described herein, the width of the garment 10 across the shoulders (line A) is around 1.65 times the width of the garment 10 at its narrowest point (line B).

The length of the flat, unfolded garment 10, and denoted as line C in Figure 2, is between around 122.0 cm and 138.0 cm. In a preferred embodiment, for the "one size fits all" garment 10 described herein, the length of the flat, unfolded garment 10 is around 130.0 The width of the flat, unfolded garment 10, including the ties 22, 24, and denoted as line D in Figure 2, is between around 112.0 cm and 127.0 cm. In a preferred embodiment, for the "one size fits all" garment 10 described herein, the width of the flat, unfolded garment 10, including the ties 22, 24, is around 119.5 cm.

The length of the ties 22, 24, and denoted as line E in Figure 2, is between around 32.0 cm to 35.5 cm. In a preferred embodiment, for the "one size fits all" garment 10 described herein, the length of the ties 22, 24 is around 33.5 cm. The width of the ties 22, 24, and denoted as line F in Figure 2, is around 5.0 cm. The dimensions of the ties 22, 24 have been carefully chosen to minimise choking hazards.

The length of the bat-winged sleeve 18, from the neckline 14 to the sleeve end, and denoted as line G in Figure 2, is between around 32.0 cm to 35.5 cm. In a preferred embodiment, for the "one size fits all" garment 10 described herein, the length of the bat-winged sleeve 18 is around 33.5 cm. Such a sleeve 18 length enables a mother to quickly and easily breastfeed their baby 20, who is comfortably concealed inside, or underneath the sleeve 18 of, the garment 10, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the scooped neckline is around 20.0 cm.

The garment 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 indicates that around the periphery of the fabric 12, and neckline or opening 14, is a continuous edge or seam. In a preferred embodiment, the edge or seam is provided as a bias binding edge 26, as described in more detail in relation to Figure 4.

The garment 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is formed from a single sheet of fabric 12. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric 12 is provided as a micro modal 93% elastane 7% fabric. This fabric has undergone extensive testing for durability to hold its shape, and as such provides a draped sleeve 18 that, coupled with the bias binding edge 26, holds the shape of the fabric closely around the face of a feeding baby 20. In use, this fabric 12 is soft and flexible and is breathable and comfortable for both mother and baby 20. The fabric 12 also has a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. The micro modal 93% elastane 7% fabric has a 50 UPF rating that effectively shields the skin of the baby to from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The micro modal 93% elastane 7% fabric is a bio-based fabric yarn, made by the spinning reconstituted cellulose from beech trees, and which enhances its inherent breathability in use.

The present invention can also be manufactured using other synthetic and natural fabric materials, such as bamboo and cotton, which also allow for a comfortable and breathable cover for the comfort and safety of a feeding baby 20.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the breastfeeding garment 10. The construction of the second embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the garment 10 is manufactured from two or more fabric panels that are attached together using conventional dressmaking techniques. Figure 3 shows the garment 10 formed from two panels. A front panel 28 of fabric and a rear panel 30 of fabric which are joined via a Raglan sleeve 32. The advantages of such a Raglan sleeve 32 are that it presents a larger, looser shoulder, and gives a stylish look to the garment 10.

The garments 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 all include a bias binding edge 26 situated around the periphery of the fabric 12, front and rear panels 28, 30, and the neckline or opening 14. Further detail of this is shown in Figure 4, which is an exploded view of the bias binding edge 26.

With such a bias binding edge 26, a separate thin strip of fabric 34 is stitched, via a line of stitching 36, to the edge of the fabric 12 forming the garment 10. A thin cut edge 38 of fabric extends from the line of stitching 36. The exploded view of Figure 4 illustrates that the weft 40 of fabric 12 is diagonal to, or "biased" from, the weft 40 of the fabric 34 forming the bias binding edge 26. The advantages of such a bias binding edge 26 are that it allows for a rounded seam edge which resists lifting, folding or puckering and it has a weight that holds the shape of the fabric 12 around the face of the feeding baby 20, as best shown in Figure 6.

The manufacture of the garment 10 can be via any number of conventional dressmaking techniques.

For convenience, the present invention has also been designed to be carried and stored in a drawstring buggy bag (not shown).

Figures 5 to 7 depict how the breastfeeding garment 10 of the present invention is used. Figure 5 shows the breastfeeding garment 10 being worn by a breastfeeding mother, with the side ties 22, 24 of the garment 10 being fastened as tightly or as loosely as is felt comfortable. The ties 22, 24 are positioned such that they extend from the garment 10 in the area above, or resting on, the hips in use. The garment 10 is intended to be worn over a vest or scoop neck top (not shown), and which allows mothers to latch their babies on to the breast underneath the sleeve 18 by pulling down their undergarment (not shown).

It will be apparent from Figure 5 that the garment 10 is a fashionable and stylish top that is easy to don if there is some urgency to feed a hungry baby 20. As will be clear from Figure 5, the garment 10 is configured as a poncho with a neckline or opening 14 in its centre for passing over the head 16 of the mother. The bat-winged sleeves 18, as described herein, extend beyond the shoulders of the mother.

Figure 6 shows one of the two positions for concealing a breastfeeding baby 20 underneath the sleeve 18 of the garment 10 in use. This feeding position is for quick access and emergency feeds. The bat-winged sleeves 18 are shaped to allow mothers to latch the baby 20 on to the breast underneath the sleeve 18 by pulling down their undergarment (not shown) and allowing the sleeve fabric to gently rest over, and cover, the face of the feeding baby 20. In use, the draped sleeve 18 allows for the discreet breastfeeding of baby 20, concealing the mother's torso and also shielding the eyeline of the baby 20 under the draped sleeve 18 to minimise distractions for the baby 20.

Use of the present invention also allows mothers of twins to feed both babies simultaneously under the draped sleeves 18. Twin babies can be fed simultaneously under the garment 10 by latching one baby 20 on to the breast at a time under each bat-winged sleeve 18, rather than untying the side ties 22, 24 at the waist of the garment 10. Given the right seating arrangement, often supported by pillows or cushions with larger to babies, twin babies can be placed in a traditional cradle-like position, or fed using a double underarm rugby ball hold, or by using a combination of these two positions and both fed simultaneously under the discreet bat-winged sleeves 18.

Feeding twin babies at the same time allows the breastfeeding mother to calm both babies and satisfy their hunger simultaneously. Feeding twins simultaneously will save time and allow the breastfeeding mother to get more rest and sleep. If one baby 20 feeds more vigorously than the other, this baby 20 may trigger the mother's let-down reflex more quickly than the less vigorous twin.

Figure 7 illustrates the second of the two positions for concealing a breastfeeding baby inside the garment 10 in use. This second, more concealed, feeding position, is preferred should the baby 20 need more shelter or fewer distractions under the garment 10. In use, the mother simply unties the ties 22,24 from the opposite side on which the mother hopes to feed the baby 20 and slides the baby 20 across under the garment 10 to latch on to the breast. The mother is also able to view the baby's feed through the scooped neckline or opening 14.

The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described herein, which are described by way of example only. Various additions and alterations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, although particular embodiments refer to implementing the present invention using various fabrics and fasteners this is in no way intended to be limiting as, in use, the present invention can be manufactured using other synthetic and natural fabric materials and clothes fasteners.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A garment for concealing a breastfeeding infant, comprising: fabric material defining a front panel and a rear panel which abuts the torso of a wearer, and having an opening for the head of the wearer, the fabric material being wider at the shoulder than at the waist; and fastening means for releasably securing the front and rear panels.
2. The garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fabric material is a continuous sheet folded to define the front and rear panels.
3. The garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front and rear panels are formed from separate pieces of fabric material and joined at, or near, the shoulder.
4. The garment as claimed in claim 3, wherein the front and rear panels are joined via a Raglan sleeve.
5. The garment as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric material is configured as a poncho.
6. The garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening is located towards the centre of the garment.
7. The garment as claimed in claim 6, wherein the opening is formed as a scooped neckline in the front and rear panels.
8. The garment as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means comprises a front fastening means located on the front panel and a second fastening means located on the rear panel.
9. The garment as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means is selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: fabric ties, buttons, press studs, zips, hook-and-eye fasteners.
10. The garment as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fabric ties are formed contiguously with the fabric material.
11. The garment as claimed in claims 9 or 10, wherein two front fabric ties are positioned on the front panel and two rear fabric ties are positioned on the rear panel.
12. The garment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the fabric ties are positioned such that they extend from the garment in the area above, or resting on, the to hips of the wearer in use.
13. The garment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the garment, when tied, defines open sides or gaps at the left and right hand lateral sides of the torso of the wearer situated on, or near, the coronal plane dividing the torso into front and back halves.
14. The garment as claimed in claim 13, wherein the open sides or gaps extend generally from the armpit area to the bottom of the garment where the fabric ties are fastened.
15. The garment as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric material at the shoulder forms an elongate sleeve that extends beyond the shoulder and down the arm of the wearer.
16. The garment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the sleeve enables concealed breastfeeding of the infant inside, or underneath the sleeve of, the garment.
17. The garment as claimed in claim 7, wherein the scooped neckline enabling the wearer to view the infant whilst breastfeeding.
18. The garment as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the garment when unfolded and flat is curvilinear in shape, and comprises fabric ties extending from the four corners of the garment.
19. The garment as claimed in claim 18, wherein the garment when unfolded and flat is ellipsoidal or hexagonal in shape.
20. The garment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 18, wherein the width of the garment across the shoulders is between around 83.0 cm and 93.0 cm.
21. The garment as claimed in claim 20, wherein the width of the garment across the shoulders is around 88.0 cm.
22. The garment as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the garment tapers to its narrowest width located generally at the waist.
23. The garment as claimed in claim 22, wherein the width of the garment across its narrowest width located generally at the waist is between around 50.0 cm and 57.0 cm.
24. The garment as claimed in claim 23, wherein the width of the garment across its narrowest width located generally at the waist is around 53.5 cm.
25. The garment as claimed in any of claims 20 to 24, wherein the width of the garment across the shoulders is at least 1.5 times the width of the garment across its narrowest width located generally at the waist.
26. The garment as claimed in any of claims 20 to 25, wherein the width of the Garment across the shoulders is at around 1.65 times the width of the garment across its narrowest width located generally at the waist.
27. The garment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 18, wherein the length of the Garment when unfolded and flat is between around 122.0 cm and 138.0 cm.
28. The garment as claimed in claim 27, wherein the length of the garment when unfolded and flat is around 130.0 cm.
29. The garment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 18, wherein the width of the garment when unfolded and flat, including the fabric ties, is between around 112.0 cm and 127.0 cm.
30. The garment as claimed in claim 29, wherein the width of the garment when unfolded and flat, including the fabric ties, is around 119.5 cm.
31. The garment as claimed in any of claims 9 to 18, wherein the length of the fabric ties is between around 32.0 cm to 35.5 cm.
32. The garment as claimed in claim 31, wherein the length of the fabric ties is around 33.5 cm.
33. The garment as claimed in claims 31 or 32, wherein the width of the fabric ties is around 5.0 cm.
34. The garment as claimed in claims 15 or 16, wherein the length of the sleeve, from the neckline to the sleeve end, is between around 32.0 cm to 35.5 cm.
35. The garment as claimed in claim 34, wherein the length of the sleeve, from the neckline to the sleeve end, is around 33.5 cm.
36. The garment as claimed in claim 7, wherein the diameter of the scooped neckline is around 20.0 cm.
37. The garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein situated around the periphery of the fabric material and opening is a continuous edge or seam.
38. The garment as claimed in claim 37, wherein the edge or seam is a bias binding edge.
39 The garment as claimed in claim 38, wherein the bias binding edge further comprises a thin strip of biased fabric stitched, via a line of stitching, to the edge of the fabric material forming the garment, the weft of the biased fabric being diagonal to the weft of the fabric material.
40. The garment as claimed in claims 38 or 39, wherein the bias binding edge is a rounded edge which resists lifting, folding and/or puckering and in use it has a weight that holds the shape of the fabric material around the face of the breastfeeding infant.
41. The garment as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric material comprises a micro modal 93% el astane 7% fabric.
42. The garment as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric material includes a yarn selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: fibres of cotton, cotton/polyester blends, microdenier polyester/cotton blends, and polypropylene, and combinations thereof
43. The garment as claimed in claims 41 or 42, wherein the fabric material has a 50 Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating.
44. The garment as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a storage drawstring bag.
45. Use of the garment of any of claims 1 to 44 for breastfeeding an infant concealed inside, or underneath the sleeve of the garment.
46. Use of the garment of any of claims 1 to 44 for simultaneously breastfeeding twin infants concealed inside, or underneath the sleeves of, the garment.
47. A method of manufacturing a garment for concealing a breastfeeding infant, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a fabric garment shaped as a poncho having an opening and ties extending from the four corners of the fabric garment; (b) providing a biased fabric edging component to be joined at a continuous seam to the fabric garment; (c) enveloping the edge of the fabric garment, opening and ties with the biased fabric edging component; and (d) sewing a line of stitching along a side of the seam such that the line of stitching traverses through the fabric garment and the biased fabric edging component.
48. The method of manufacturing a garment as claimed in claim 47, wherein the fabric garment is a continuous sheet.
49. The method of manufacturing a garment as claimed in claims 47 or 48, wherein the fabric garment is formed from separate pieces of fabric material joined via a Raglan sleeve.
50. The garment for concealing a breastfeeding infant as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.
51. The method of manufacturing a garment for concealing a breastfeeding infant as hereinbefore described.