GB2549766A

GB2549766A - Garments

Info

Publication number: GB2549766A
Application number: GB1607407.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Knight Phillip
Original assignee: Kindersuits Ltd
Current assignee: Kindersuits Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-28
Filing date: 2016-04-28
Publication date: 2017-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-28
Also published as: GB201607407D0; GB2549766B; GB2549766B8; GB2549766A8

Abstract

A water resistant garment 10 comprises a torso portion 20 and a trouser portion 30 which are releasably fastened together. The fastening mechanism (92, figure 5) may be continuous around the whole of the torso 20 and trouser portion 30 and may be a zip or hook and loop material. The fastening mechanism may have a guard which lies against the skin of the wearer and it may be concealed. The trouser portion 30 may have a retention arrangement around the waist to retain the trousers, which may be an elasticated band (106, figure 6) or a belt. Each portion may comprise an under layer and an outer layer, only the outer layer being removable. The advantage is that a wearer can easier put the garment on by putting the portions on independently, then fastening, and can remove each portion independently of the other.

Description

GARMENTS BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of garments. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention concerns an all-in-one garment or suit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a water-resistant one-piece garment comprising a torso part and a trouser part, characterised in that the torso part and the trouser part comprise a releasable fastening mechanism adapted to convert said one-piece garment into an independent torso part and an independent trouser part.

With this arrangement, a wearer or a guardian of said wearer can easily dress (the wearer) by putting on the two independent parts, but then fasten the two parts together to form the one-piece garment. A wearer/ guardian can also advantageously remove or partially remove one of the parts independently of the other, e.g. to pull down the trousers to allow going to the toilet, or to take off the torso part to cool down.

Preferably, the fastening mechanism is water-resistant. Preferably, the fastening mechanism comprises a continuous closure device around the whole of the torso part and the trouser part. Preferably, the fastening mechanism comprises a zip. Additionally, or alternatively, the fastening mechanism comprises hook and loop material, such as Velcro®. The fastening mechanism may comprise press-studs.

Preferably, a first part of the fastening mechanism is disposed near to a bottom of the torso part and a second part of the fastening mechanism is disposed near to a top of the trouser part.

Preferably, one or each part comprises a fastening mechanism guard disposed on a skin-facing side of the fastening mechanism. The guard may comprise a short skirt of material behind said fastening mechanism adapted to lie against the skin of a wearer.

Preferably, the fastening mechanism is concealed.

Preferably, the first part of the fastening mechanism is provided on an innerside of the torso part. Preferably, the fastening mechanism is attached by a flap of material to the innerside the torso part.

Preferably, the second part of the fastening mechanism is attached on an outerside of the trouser part. Preferably, the second part of the fastening mechanism is attached by a flap of material to the outerside of the trouser part.

Alternatively, the parts of the fastening mechanism may be provided on an underlayer of said respective part. Therefore, each part may comprise an underlayer and an outer layer.

Preferably, the trouser part comprises a retention arrangement around a waisted area of the trouser part and adapted to retain the trouser part around a waist of the wearer. Preferably, the retention arrangement is disposed below said second part of the fastening mechanism.

Preferably, the retention arrangement comprises an elasticated band around a waisted area of the trouser part. Additionally or alternatively, the retention arrangement comprises a tightening means around a waisted area of the trouser part. The tightening means may comprise a pull cord, or belt, preferably with a closure means, such as a clasp or buckle.

Preferably, each part comprises a base fabric suitable for outdoor use. Most preferably, the base fabric comprises polyester. Most preferably, the base fabric comprises elastane.

Preferably, the base fabric comprises a water-resistant material. The water-resistant material may be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or other material with a water-resistant coating. Suitable water-resistant coatings may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, or fluoropolymers.

Preferably, the base fabric is bonded with a fleece material on said innerside. Alternatively, where each part comprises underlayer and an outerlayer, the underlayer may comprises a fleece material and the outerlayer a water-resistant material. Preferably, the fleece material is a polyester fleece.

Preferably, the torso part comprises removable arms or arm sections. Preferably, the trouser part comprises removable legs or leg sections. Where each part comprises underlayer and an outerlayer, only the outer layer may be removable or both the underlayer and the outer layer may be removable.

Preferably, the removable arms/ arm sections, legs/ leg sections comprise a releasable fastening mechanism, such as a zip and/or hook and loop material and/or press-studs.

Preferably, the torso part comprises elasticated neck openings and/or cuffs or other narrowing means, such as press-studs or hook and loop closures. Preferably, the trouser part comprises elasticated cuffs.

Preferably, the torso part comprises reinforced elbow areas. Preferably, the trousers comprise reinforced knee and/or buttock areas.

Preferably, the torso part and/or the trouser part comprise detachable aprons and/or pockets and/or waistcoats.

Preferably, the garment/ ensemble is for children. The garment/ ensemble may be configured for outdoor play.

Preferably, the garment/ ensemble is for adults.

The garment/ ensemble may be waterproof. The garment/ ensemble may be breathable. The garment/ ensemble may be stain-resistant.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a water-resistant clothing ensemble comprising an independent torso part and an independent trouser part, characterised in that the torso part and the trouser part comprise a releasable fastening mechanism therebetween adapted to convert said two independent parts into a one-piece garment.

It will be appreciated that the preferred features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention apply to the second aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a water-resistant garment comprising a torso part, characterised in that the torso part comprises a releasable fastening mechanism adapted to releasably attach said garment to a trouser part to form a one-piece suit therewith.

It will be appreciated that the preferred features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention apply to the third aspect of the invention.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a water-resistant garment comprising a trouser part, characterised in that the trouser part comprises a releasable fastening mechanism adapted to releasably attach said garment to a torso part to form a one-piece suit therewith.

It will be appreciated that the preferred features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention apply to the fourth aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a water-resistant one-piece garment according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of a second embodiment of a water-resistant one-piece garment according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a front view of a torso part of the garment according to Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front view of a torso part of the garment according to Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a front view of a trouser part of the garments according to Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 6 is a front view of a different embodiment of the trouser part of the garment according to the invention;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a fastening mechanism of the garments according to Figures 1 and 2; and

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional front view of a different embodiment of the torso part according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the invention comprises a water-resistant one-piece garment 10, 50 comprising a torso part 20, 60 and a trouser part 30,100, characterised in that the torso part 20, 60 and the trouser part 30, 100 comprise a releasable fastening mechanism 90 adapted to convert said one-piece garment 10, 50 into an independent torso part 20, 60 and an independent trouser part 30, 100.

As can be seen in Figures 3 to 6 and 8, each part 20, 30, 60, 100 comprises an independent, stand-alone part that can be worn as an item of clothing in the absence of any other part 20, 30, 60, 100.

Figures 3 and 4 show a first and second style of torso part 20, 60 comprising a female-style and a unisex-style respectively.

In both styles, the torso part 20, 60 comprises an innerside (not visible) and an outerside 25, 65.

The torso part 20, 60 comprises a body section 26, 66 and a pair of short upper sleeves 27, 67 permanently attached thereto. In this case, the upper sleeves 22, 67 are shortened to a t-shirt length, but it is to be appreciated that they may be long and possibly comprise a removable lower sleeve section. A lower sleeve 23, 63 is attached to each upper sleeve 27, 67 and in the embodiments shown, these lower sleeves 23, 63 are intended to be removable. The lower sleeves 23, 63 comprise elasticated cuffs 23’, 63’.

As shown more clearly in Figure 7, a first part 91 of the fastening mechanism 90, e.g. a half of a zip, is attached near a bottom stitched edge 24, 64 of the innerside, so as to be concealed by the body section 26, 66. The neckline aperture 28, 68 comprises an opening mechanism in the form of press-studs 29, 69 to temporarily widen the aperture 28, 68 during dressing.

Figure 8, shows a third embodiment of a torso part 70, which is female in style, although it is to be appreciated that the same features are also present in a unisex-style torso part, such as part 20.

This embodiment comprises an underlayer 71 and an outerlayer 75. The underlayer 71 comprises a body section 72, intended to be snug and a pair of long inner sleeves 73 permanently attached thereto. It is to be appreciated that the inner sleeves 73 may be short or possibly comprise a removable lower sleeve section. A first part 91 of the fastening mechanism 90, e.g. a half of a zip, is attached to a bottom stitched edge 74 of the underlayer 71.

The outer layer 75 comprises a body section 76 longer than the body section 72 of the underlayer 71 and a pair of short outer sleeves 73 permanently attached thereto. It is to be appreciated that the outer sleeves 77 may be long or possibly comprise a removable lower sleeve section. The first part 91 of the fastening mechanism 90 is concealed by the outer layer 75.

It can be seen that the underlayer 71 and the outer layer 75 are permanently attached to one another at at least a neckline aperture 78 by stitching therearound. A second attachment 75’ is provided around the chest/ back area. In a unisex-style torso part, like part 20, the linear style of an outer layer may facilitate a third attachment around the stomach area, however the flared outer layer 75 of the female-style torso part 70 does not lend itself to a third attachment area. A fourth attachment 77’ is provided between the permanent sections of the sleeves 73/77, in this case, between the end of the outer sleeve 77 and an upper portion of the inner sleeves 73.

Figures 5 and 6 show a first and second style of trouser part 30, 100.

The embodiment of Figure 5 shows a trouser part 30 comprising an innerside (not visible) and an outerside 35. The outerside 35 comprises a waist section 36 and a pair of legs 37 permanently attached thereto and to one another down a midline. The legs 37 comprise a removable lower leg section 37’ to allow them to be adapted into shorts. The legs 37 comprise elasticated cuffs 35’.

The embodiment of Figure 6 shows a trouser part 100 comprising an outer layer 105 and an underlayer 101. The outer layer 105 comprises an elasticated waist section 106 and a pair of legs 107 permanently attached thereto and to one another down a midline. The underlayer 101 comprises an elasticated waist section 102 and a pair of inner legs 103 intended to be snug and permanently attached thereto and to one another. It is to be appreciated that the legs 103/107 may be short or possibly comprise a removable lower leg section. The underlayer 101 protrudes above the waist section 102 and the outer layer 105. It can be seen that the underlayer 101 and the outer layer 105 are permanently attached to one another in at least the waist section 106 by stitching therearound. The legs 103 of the underlayer 101 comprise elasticated cuffs 103’, whereas the legs 107 of the outer layer 105 have no elastication at the ends.

In both embodiments of the trouser part 30, 100, a second part 92 of the fastening mechanism 90, e.g. a half of a zip, is attached to a top stitched edge 34, 104 of the underside/ underlayer 101.

In the embodiments of the parts 20, 60, 30 shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the parts 20, 60, 30 comprise a base fabric of polyester and elastane. The base fabric is made water-resistant by coating with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or other material with a water-resistant coating. Suitable water-resistant coatings comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, or fluoropolymers. The water-resistant material is bonded with a 100% polyester fleece material on the innerside. These parts 20, 30, 60 may be suitable for spring- or autumn-wear.

It is to be appreciated that the fleece bonding may be omitted where the garment is intended as summer wear.

In the embodiments of the parts 70,100 shown in Figures 6 and 8, the outer layers 75,105 again comprise a base fabric of polyester and elastane. The base fabric is made water-resistant by coating with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or other material with a water-resistant coating. Suitable water-resistant coatings comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), silicone elastomer, or fluoropolymers. The underlayers 71, 101 comprise a fleece material comprising elastane, although other materials may be used. These parts 70,100 may be more suitable for winter-wear.

It is also to be appreciated that additional layers may be added in order to increase warmth where use is intended in extremely cold temperatures. This may be for example, a wadding layer.

In use, the wearer, or a guardian of the wearer is able to dress in the torso part 20, 60, 70 and the trouser part, 30, 100 independently of one another. The trouser part 30, 100 remains in place due to the elasticated waist part 36, 106. Once both parts 20/60/70, 30/100 are being worn, they are zipped together all the way around using the first part 91 and the second part 92 of the fastening mechanism 90 to create a one-piece garment 10, 50.

Accordingly, the one-piece garment 10, 50 is easy and simple to put on and remove, as well as allowing for partial removal of each of the two parts 20/60/70, 30/100 individually. This makes the garment 10, 50 suitable for use by young children, particularly in a nursery environment, where outside play is encouraged, but getting items of clothing on and off can be troublesome. However, it is to be appreciated that the one-piece garment 10, 50 is also suitable as adult wear the materials for which can be configured according to the Season, e.g. water-resistant, waterproof, wind-proof, lightweight, heavyweight, etc.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A water-resistant one-piece garment comprising a torso part and a trouser part, characterised in that the torso part and the trouser part comprise a releasable fastening mechanism adapted to convert said one-piece garment into an independent torso part and an independent trouser part.

2. The garment according to claim 1, characterised in that the fastening mechanism is water-resistant.

3. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the fastening mechanism comprises a continuous closure device around the whole of the torso part and the trouser part.

4. The garment according to claim 3, characterised in that the fastening mechanism comprises a zip.

5. The garment according to claim 3, characterised in that the fastening mechanism comprises hook and loop material, such as Velcro®.

6. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a first part of the fastening mechanism is disposed near to a bottom of the torso part and a second part of the fastening mechanism is disposed near to a top of the trouser part.

7. The garment according to claim 6, characterised in that one or each part comprises a fastening mechanism guard disposed on a skin-facing side of the fastening mechanism.

8. The garment according to claim 7, characterised in that guard comprises a short skirt of material behind said fastening mechanism adapted to lie against the skin of a wearer.

9. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the fastening mechanism is concealed.

10. The garment according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that the first part of the fastening mechanism is provided on an innerside of the torso part.

11. The garment according to claim 10, characterised in that the fastening mechanism is attached by a flap of material to the innerside the torso part.

12. The garment according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterised in that, the second part of the fastening mechanism is attached on an outerside of the trouser part.

13. The garment according to claim 12, characterised in that the second part of the fastening mechanism is attached by a flap of material to the outerside of the trouser part.

14. The garment according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that the parts of the fastening mechanism may be provided on an underlayer of said respective part.

15. The garment according to claim 14, characterised in that each part may comprise an underlayer and an outer layer.

16. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that the trouser part comprises a retention arrangement around a waisted area of the trouser part and adapted to retain the trouser part around a waist of the wearer.

17. The garment according to claim 16 when dependent on any one of claims 6 to 15, characterised in that the retention arrangement is disposed below said second part of the fastening mechanism.

18. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the retention arrangement comprises an elasticated band around a waisted area of the trouser part.

19. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the retention arrangement comprises a tightening means around a waisted area of the trouser part.

20. The garment according to any claim 19, characterised in that tightening means comprises a pull cord, or belt.

21. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that each part comprises a base fabric suitable for outdoor use.

22. The garment according to claim 21, characterised in that the base fabric comprises polyester.

23. The garment according to claim 21 or 22, characterised in that the base fabric comprises elastane.

24. The garment according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterised in that the base fabric comprises a water-resistant material.

25. The garment according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterised in that the base fabric is bonded with a fleece material on said innerside.

26. The garment according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterised in that where each part comprises underlayer and an outerlayer, the underlayer may comprises a fleece material and the outerlayer a water-resistant material.

27. The garment according to any one of claims 25 to 26, characterised in that the fleece material is a polyester fleece.

28. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterised in that the torso part comprises removable arms or arm sections.

29. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterised in that the trouser part comprises removable legs or leg sections.

30. The garment according to any one of claims 28 to 29 when dependent upon any one of claims 15 to 27, characterised in that where each part comprises underlayer and an outerlayer, only the outer layer is removable

31. The garment according to any one of claims 28 to 29 when dependent upon any one of claims 15 to 27, characterised in that where each part comprises underlayer and an outerlayer, both the underlayer and the outer layer are removable.

32. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterised in that the torso part comprises elasticated neck openings and/or cuffs or other narrowing means, such as press-studs or hook and loop closures.

33. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterised in that the trouser part comprises elasticated cuffs.

34. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 33, characterised in that the torso part comprises reinforced elbow areas.

35. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 34, characterised in that the trouser part comprises reinforced knee and/or buttock areas.

36. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 35, characterised in that the torso part and/or the trouser part comprise detachable aprons and/or pockets and/or waistcoats.

37. The garment according to any one of claims 1 to 36, characterised in that the garment is for children.

38. A water-resistant clothing ensemble comprising an independent torso part and an independent trouser part, characterised in that the torso part and the trouser part comprise a releasable fastening mechanism therebetween adapted to convert said two independent parts into a one-piece garment.

39. A water-resistant garment comprising a torso part, characterised in that the torso part comprises a releasable fastening mechanism adapted to releasably attach said garment to a trouser part to form a one-piece suit therewith.

40. A water-resistant garment comprising a trouser part, characterised in that the trouser part comprises a releasable fastening mechanism adapted to releasably attach said garment to a torso part to form a one-piece suit therewith.