GB2548595A

GB2548595A - Clothing

Info

Publication number: GB2548595A
Application number: GB1604879.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Katherine Baughan Sarah; Stephanie John Natalie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-03-22
Filing date: 2016-03-22
Publication date: 2017-09-27
Also published as: GB201604879D0

Abstract

An article of clothing 101 comprises an upper portion 208 defining a front surface 206 and a rear surface (207, fig 3B). Two leg portions 209, 210, extend from the upper portion 208 bifurcating at a crotch region 211. A closable opening (313, fig 3B) extends from a first end (314, fig 3A) on the front surface 206 and a second end (315, fig 3B) on the rear surface. The crotch opening may be fitted with a zip fastener. The garment may be in the form of a full body suit or onesie, worn as leisurewear or nightwear, and allowing access to parts of the wearers body to use toilet facilities, or to improve intimacy with a partner.

Description

Clothing

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an article of clothing, and in particular to an article of clothing having a closable opening extending about a crotch region thereof. 2. Description of the Related Art

Articles of clothing are known in which a closable opening is provided proximal a crotch region to enable a user to expose the groin region. Such a closable opening is commonly provided in trousers of the prior art, in which the opening extends down the front surface of the trousers, generally downwardly from the waist band towards the crotch seam dividing the legs of the trousers. The opening thus allows a male wearer to urinate without the need to firstly remove the trousers.

The problem of allowing access to parts of the wearer’s body is particularly acute when considering one-piece full body garments, such as a onesie. A onesie takes the form generally of a full body jumpsuit comprising legs and sleeves formed as a single item, and is commonly worn as leisurewear or nightwear. In the case of a onesie, complete removal of the garment by the wearer is required to, for example, use toilet facilities, or to improve intimacy with a partner if worn as nightwear, which can be time consuming and inconvenient.

An approach to solving this problem is to provide clothing with closable openings proximal the crotch region, and the Applicant is aware of garments having openings proximal a front of said crotch region, or proximal a rear of said crotch region. However, current design of such clothing still undesirably inhibit access to the groin region of a wearer, and as a result present difficulties for a wearer when using toilet facilities or engaging in intimate activities with a partner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article of clothing comprising, an upper portion defining a front surface and a rear surface; and two leg portions extending from the upper portion bifurcating at a crotch region; in which a closable opening is defined extending about said crotch region terminal a first end located on said front surface and a second end located on said rear surface.

Preferably, said article of clothing further comprises fastening means proximal said closable opening and configured to couple opposing edges of said opening to retain said opening in a closed configuration.

Preferably, said fastening means comprises a fastening mechanism, the fastening mechanism comprising first and second mutually engageable connector portions, said first connector portion attached proximal a first said opposing edge of said closable opening, and said second connector portion attached proximal a second said opposing edge of said closable opening.

Preferably, said fastening mechanism comprises a zip fastener.

Preferably, said fastening means comprises a hook and loop system, and in which said first and second connector portions comprise hook and loop members respectively.

Preferably, said upper portion is configured to substantially cover the torso of a user.

Preferably, said upper portion defines a neck opening and first and second arm portions.

Preferably, said upper portion defines a closable join extending down said front surface from said neck opening towards said crotch region.

Preferably, said front surface of said upper portion defines a chest portion configured to extend across the chest of a user in use.

Preferably, said upper portion further defines a pair of chest closable openings in said chest portion.

Preferably, each said leg portion further defines a foot portion at a respective distal end thereof.

Preferably, said clothing comprises a textiles material.

Preferably, said textiles material comprises elastomeric yarn.

Preferably, said upper portion further defines a hood portion attached proximal said neck opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are purely schematic and not to scale, of which:

Figure 1 is an illustration of an exemplary environment in which the present invention can be used;

Figure 2 shows a wearer wearing the clothing article shown previously in Figure 1;

Figures 3A & 3B show the clothing article in front and rear plan views; and

Figures 4A & 4B show the clothing article in further front and rear plan views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1

An example of the environment in which the present invention can be used is shown in Figure 1. In the example, a clothing article 101 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is being worn by a wearer 102.

In the example, clothing article 101 is configured as a one-piece full body garment, popularly referred to as a ‘onesie’, having a unitary construction comprising legs and sleeves formed as a single item. Such garments are typically worn as leisure wear, and in the specific embodiment, the garment 101 is configured as nightwear.

Figure 2

Clothing article 101 previously identified in Figure 1 is shown being worn by wearer 102 in Figure 2.

As previously described, in the embodiment, clothing article 101 is configured as a one-piece full body garment comprising legs, sleeves, and a torso covering. Garment 101 is constructed generally of a front panel 203, and a rear panel 204 joined by stitching the edges of the two together along seams 205 which extend about the peripheral edge of the garment. The outer surfaces of the front and rear panel define front and rear surfaces 206, 207 respectively of the garment 101.

Garment 101 defines generally an upper portion, indicated generally at 208, and first and second leg portions 209, 210, extending downwardly in use from the upper portion 208 and bifurcating at a crotch region indicated generally at 211. Upper portion 208, defines generally a body portion 212 and first and second arm portions 213, 214. Body portion 212 is substantially cylindrical in form and is configured to extend about the torso of a wearer, with the front panel 203 extending about the front of the wearer’s torso, generally covering the chest and abdomen areas, and rear panel 204 extending about the rear of the wearer’s torso, generally covering the wearer’s back area.

In the embodiment, the garment 101 is formed of a flexible textiles material, which preferably comprises a proportion of elastomeric yarn, and which is relatively elastic. A preferred material comprises woven elastomeric polyurethane yarn and polyester fibres, although it will of course be appreciated that alternative materials may be used for the construction of garment 101, for example, cotton or silk, or even non-textile materials such as nylon or latex rubber.

In the specific example illustrated and described herein, garment 101 is configured to be relatively loose-fitting. It will of course be appreciated however that garment 101 may alternatively be configured to be relatively tight-fitting, such that the garment conforms closely to the shape of a wearer’s body, and the garment is in close contact with the wearer’s skin. In particular, it may be aesthetically desirable for the garment to be adapted to be relatively tight-fitting in the event that it is configured as night-wear, in which case the garment may be comprised of thin elastic material.

Further, the specific embodiment of the invention illustrated herein is configured as a ‘onesie’ garment, having a unitary construction defining legs and sleeves, and in which the upper portion of the garment defines a torso covering and sleeves, It will of course be appreciated however that the invention may be embodied in alternative garment styles. In an exemplary alternative embodiment, the invention may instead be deployed as a protective boiler suit, which is substantially similar in construction to onesie 101, but is comprised of a strong and hard-wearing textiles material, and may typically include a plurality of pockets for storing items. In a further alternative embodiment, the invention may embody, for example, a pair of trousers, in which an upper portion of the garment defines generally a waistband portion, from which two leg portions extend. As a further alternative, the garment may embody dungaree style overalls, in which the upper portion is defined generally by the chest covering and shoulder strap portions.

Figures 3A & 3B

Clothing article 101 is shown in front and rear plan views in Figures 3A and 3B respectively.

Body portion 212 defines a neck opening 301 uppermost through which a user’s neck may pass, and a closable join 302 extending down the front panel 203 from the neck opening 301 generally towards the crotch region 211. Closable join 302 is defined by the opposing free edges 303, 304 of right and left sides of the front panel 203, and allows the right and left sides of the front panel to be separated at the join 302 from the neck opening 301, to almost the crotch region 211, to allow a wearer to step in to and out of the garment 101 easily. In the embodiment, join 302 is provided with a fastening mechanism in the form of a zip mechanism, configured to releasably couple the opposing free edges 303, 304, to allow the join to be opened when a wearer is stepping in to or out of the garment, or closed to cover the chest when a wearer is wearing the garment.

In the specific embodiment, said upper portion 208 further comprises a hood portion 305 attached proximal said neck opening 301, said hood portion being configured for covering a wearer’s head in use.

Front panel 203 defines generally a chest portion 306, configured to extend across the chest of a wearer in use. The chest portion 306 defines a pair of openings 307, 308 or right and left sides of the front panel 203, arranged to overlie the breast areas of a wearer in use, and which include fastening mechanisms, in the form of zip fasteners, configured to allow the openings to be alternatively opened to allow access to the wearer’s breast area, or closed to cover the breast area.

Arm portions 213, 214 are further provided extending outwardly of the body portion 212. In the embodiment, arm portions 213, 214, are configured as full length sleeves, configured to cover substantially the full length of a wearers arms, and include elasticated cuffs 309, 310 at distal ends, configured to retain the end of the arm portions about the wearer’s wrists. Similarly, said leg portions 209, 210, are configured to be full length legs, covering the legs of a wearer right down to the ankle, and include elasticated cuffs 311, 312, proximal the distal ankle end of the leg configured to retain the end of the respective leg portion about a wearer’s ankle

Garment 101 further defines a closable opening 313, in the form generally of a slit, extending about said crotch region 211, between a first end 314 defined by said front panel 203 and located on said front surface 206, and a second end 315 defined by said rear panel 204 and located on said rear surface 207. Thus, opening 313 is configured to extend completely about said crotch region 211 located between the upper ends of said leg portions 209, 210, between the front surface 206 of the garment and the rear surface 207 of the garment. Opening 313 is defined by the opposing free edges 316, 317 of the upper inner ends of the first and second leg portions 209, 210, which are separable between the first end 314 and the second end 315. Opening 313 is thus configured to allow the wearer’s groin area to be exposed without requiring complete removal of the garment. In the case of a leisurewear garment, opening 313 advantageously facilitates easy use of toilet facilities by a wearer, and in the case of a nightwear garment, advantageously exposes the genitals and posterior of a wearer.

In the specific embodiment, said first end 314 of opening 313 defined by said front panel 203 is located on said front surface 206 a distance substantially above the crotch region 211, and is adapted to be aligned generally with the abdomen of a wearer in use. Similarly, said second end 315 defined by said rear panel 204, is located on said rear surface 207 a distance substantially above the crotch region 211, and is adapted to be aligned generally with the small of the wearer’s back in use.

In the example, garment 101 is further provided with fastening means 318 proximal said closable opening 313 and configured to releasably couple said opposing free edges 316, 317, to allow said opening to be retained in a closed configuration, in which the opening is closed thereby preventing access to the wearer’s groin region. In an embodiment, said fastening means comprises a fastening mechanism comprising first and second mutually engageable connector portions, a first said connector portion attached proximal the free edge 316 and the second said connector portion attached proximal the second free edge 317.

In the specific embodiment, said fastening means 318 comprises a zip fastener. Zip fastener 318 is substantially conventional in form, having first and second connector portions, each connector portion comprising a row of protruding teeth mounted on a flexible substrate, and a slider 319. Movement of the slider 319 along the teeth, between the first end 314 and the second end 315, causes the opposing rows of teeth to mesh or separate in dependence on the direction of the slider’s movement. The operation of zip fastener 318 will be described in further detail with reference to Figures 4A and 4B.

Figures 4A & 4B

Clothing article 101 is shown in further front and rear plan views in Figures 4A and 4B respectively.

Clothing article 101 is described previously with reference to Figures 1 to 3 in a ‘closed’ configuration, in which closable opening 313 is retained in a closed configuration by zip fastener 318 which couples the opposing free edges 316, 317, and in which access to the wearer’s groin area is prevented.

Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, clothing article 101 is now shown in an ‘open’ configuration, in which closable opening 313 is fully opened, and thus an opening is defined extending about the crotch region 211 between the first end 314 and the second end 315. In this embodiment, said zip fastener 318 comprises a ‘single ended’ mechanism, in which a single slider 319 is provided. Movement of slider 319 in a direction from the first end 314 of the opening 313 towards the second end 315 causes the opposing rows of teeth of connector portions 401, 402 to separate, such that with the slider in the position now shown in Figures 4A and 4B proximal the second end 315, the connector portions 401, 402 have separated substantially along their length, and the free edges 316, 317 of opening 313 are separated between the first end 314 and the second end 315. Conversely, movement of slider 319 in a direction from the second end 315 towards the first end 314 will cause the opening 313 to be closed.

As an alternative, it is envisaged that the garment 101 may alternatively be provided with a ‘double ended’ zip fastener, in which a pair of sliders, similar to slider 319, are provided. In this case, the sliders may be configured such that movement of a first said slider in a direction from the first end 314 towards the second end 315 causes the edges 316, 317 to separate, and the front part of opening 313 thus to open, and movement of a second said slider in a direction from the second end 315 towards the first end 314 causes the edges 316, 317 to separate, and the rear part of opening 313 thus to open.

It will of course be appreciated by the skilled person that many alternative fastening means may be used for retaining the opening 313 in the closed configuration, and the invention is not intended to be limited in this regard to a zip fastener. For example, as an alternative, a first of said opposing edges may be provided with a series of buttons, configured for insertion through a corresponding series of holes in a second of said opposing edges. As a further alternative, a fastener may be comprised of hook and loop connector portions, for example Velcro (trade mark), each said connector portion being attached proximal a respective opposing edge of said opening 313.

Moreover, as discussed previously with reference to Figure 2, the skilled person will appreciate that the invention may take a different form to that of garment 101. Indeed, in a specific alternative embodiment, the invention may embody a garment configured as women’s lingerie, in which the closable opening 313 more easily facilitates sexual activities with a partner. In this alternative embodiment, the garment may preferably be adapted to be tight-fitting and comprised of an elasticated material. Thus, it will be readily understood by the skilled person, that the exact configuration and material composition of garment 101 may be varied in dependence on the intended use of the garment.

Claims

Claims What we claim is:

1. An article of clothing comprising: an upper portion defining a front surface and a rear surface; and two leg portions extending from the upper portion bifurcating at a crotch region; in which a closable opening is defined extending about said crotch region terminal a first end located on said front surface and a second end located on said rear surface.

2. The article of clothing of claim 1, further comprising fastening means proximal said closable opening and configured to couple opposing edges of said opening to retain said opening in a closed configuration.

3. The article of clothing of claim 2, in which said fastening means comprises a fastening mechanism, the fastening mechanism comprising first and second mutually engageable connector portions, said first connector portion attached proximal a first said opposing edge of said closable opening, and said second connector portion attached proximal a second said opposing edge of said closable opening.

4. The article of clothing of claim 3, in which said fastening mechanism comprises a zip fastener.

5. The article of clothing of claim 2, in which said fastening means comprises a hook and loop system, and in which said first and second connector portions comprise hook and loop members respectively.

6. The article of clothing of claims 1 to 5, in which said upper portion is configured to substantially cover the torso of a user.

7. The article of clothing of claims 1 to 6, in which said upper portion defines a neck opening and first and second arm portions.

8. The article of clothing of claim 7, in which said upper portion defines a closable join extending down said front surface from said neck opening towards said crotch region.

9. The article of clothing of claims 1 to 8, in which said front surface of said upper portion defines a chest portion configured to extend across the chest of a user in use.

10. The article of clothing of claim 9, in which said upper portion further defines a pair of chest closable openings in said chest portion.

11. The article of clothing of claims 1 to 10, in which each said leg portion further defines a foot portion at a respective distal end thereof.

12. The article of clothing of claims 1 to 11, in which said clothing comprises a textiles material.

13. The article of clothing of claim 12, in which said textiles material comprises elastomeric yarn.

14. The article of clothing of claims 1 to 13, in which said upper portion further defines a hood portion attached proximal said neck opening.

15. An article of clothing substantially as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.