WO2014027167A2

WO2014027167A2 - Wearing apparel

Info

Publication number: WO2014027167A2
Application number: PCT/GB2013/000340
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amy Livingstone; Julie Wilson
Original assignee: Amy Livingstone; Julie Wilson
Priority date: 2012-08-11
Filing date: 2013-08-12
Publication date: 2014-02-20
Also published as: GB201314360D0; GB2506972A; GB2506972B; USD780400S1; WO2014027167A3; GB201214399D0

Abstract

Wearing apparel configured to be worn around the neck is described. The wearing apparel comprises a first portion of pliable material which depends from the neck when the wearing apparel is worn. The wearing apparel further comprises a chewable arrangement attached to the portion of pliable material whereby in use, the chewable arrangement can be raised to the mouth of the wearer, an exposed surface of the chewable arrangement being substantially impermeable to liquid.

Description

Wearing Apparel

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to wearing apparel which is worn around the neck and in particular but not exclusively around the neck of an infant.

Background to the Invention

Infants produce copious amounts of saliva when teething to aid the teething process. Saliva produced during teething can cause the infants chest to become damp and thereby predispose the infant to colds. In addition saliva can quickly soil clothing and in certain cases can cause skin rash. It is known to use a bandana bib (also called a dribble bib amongst other terms) to catch and absorb saliva. The bandana bib is configured to be worn around the neck of the infant and comprises a portion of absorbent material which depends from the infant's neck. The portion of absorbent material catches and absorbs saliva which dibbles from the infant's mouth and thereby reduces dampness on the infant's chest and protects the infant's clothing. The portion of absorbent material can also be used to clean saliva from the infant's nose, mouth and chin and thereby reduce the likelihood of skin rash.

To aid the teething process infants are often given teething aids to chew on. These teething aids assist the development of teeth by, amongst other things, massaging the infant's gums. However, the use of teething aids produces further saliva compounding the problems outlined above.

This problem is not restricted just infants who are teething however, children and adults with certain special needs also have difficulties which involve dribbling and use similar saliva catching arrangements. Additionally, the use of devices to bite into is known within this group of adults and children as a way of relieving frustration, with the associated similar problems of generating extra saliva.

The present inventors have become appreciative of shortcomings of the bandana bib. The present invention has been devised in the light of this appreciation. An object for the present invention is therefore to provide improved wearing apparel which is configured to be worn around the neck of an infant to absorb fluid such as saliva produced during teething.

Statement of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided wearing apparel configured to be wom around the neck, the wearing apparel comprising: a first portion of pliable material which depends from the neck when the wearing apparel is worn; and a chewable arrangement attached to the portion of pliable material whereby in use the chewable arrangement can be raised to the mouth of the wearer, an exposed surface of the chewable arrangement being substantially impermeable to liquid.

The wearing apparel is brought into use in the same fashion as the known bandana bib by being secured around the neck of an infant. The portion of pliable material depends from the neck and lies over the infant's chest to thereby reduce dampness on the infant's chest. Where the portion of material lies over the infant's clothing the portion of material protects the clothing from fluid, such as saliva. The portion of pliable material may also be raised and used to clean saliva from the infant's nose, mouth and chin. Therefore the portion of pliable material may be configured at least in part to absorb fluid, such as saliva.

It will be understood that the wearing apparel may be worn by a person with special needs, the person may or may not be an infant and, accordingly it should be understood it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict the scope of the invention to infants.

Attachment of the chewable arrangement to the portion of pliable material allows for the chewable arrangement to be raised to the mouth and chewed on to sooth painful gums and otherwise ease and aid the teething process. The substantially liquid impermeable exposed surface makes the chewable arrangement suitable for this purpose. A substantially liquid impermeable surface may, in use, be smeared with teething gel. More specifically the exposed surface may be substantially impermeable to saliva.

The chewable arrangement may be formed at least in part from a resilient material. The chewable arrangement may therefore tend to regain its shape after being compressed, e.g. when chewed. The chewable arrangement may be formed at least in part from a substantially unpliant material. The chewable arrangement may therefore tend to hold its shape, e.g. when handled. When formed from certain materials the chewable arrangement may, however, permit for a modest amount of deformation with the extent of deformation being markedly less than the deformation that can be achieved with the portion of pliable material. The chewable arrangement may be formed at least in part from a polymer, such as a plastics material. The chewable arrangement may be formed at least in part from an elastomer. More specifically the chewable arrangement may be formed at least in part from silicone rubber, such as medical grade silicone rubber.

The chewable arrangement may be comprise a material adapted to be chilled..

The chewable arrangement may comprise at least one layer.

The chewable arrangement may comprise at least one external layer and at least one internal layer.

The at least one chewable arrangement external layer may encapsulate the at least one chewable arrangement internal layer.

The at least one chewable arrangement internal layer may be made from an absorbent material.

The at least one chewable arrangement internal layer may be resilient. Particularly the at least one chewable arrangement internal layer may be more resilient than the at least one external layer. Such an arrangement allows the external layer to be manufactured from a stiffer material able to withstand the chewing by the wearer. Use of a stiffer material, however, has the drawback that little bit less resilient than other materials, but is it will be less inclined to recover its original shape after chewing. This can be compensated for by using an internal layer which is more resilient and less stiff, the recovery of the internal layer after compression causing the external layer to recover to or close to its original shape.

The at least one chewable arrangement internal layer may be a foam. The at least one chewable arrangement external layer and the at least one chewable arrangement internal layer may be manufactured separately.

The at least one chewable arrangement internal layer may be a fluid. The fluid may be a liquid.

The liquid may be freezeable. A chewable arrangement with a freezeable component can be frozen to provide a cooling effect on sore gums, for example.

The at least one chewable arrangement external layer may define a passageway providing fluid communication between the at least one chewable arrangement internal layer and an at least one chewable arrangement external layer external surface. The passageway may be normally closed. The passageway may be openable by the wearer by pressing or biting the chewable arrangement.. The passageway may be adapted to only permit fluid to flow from the at least one chewable arrangement internal layer to the at least one chewable arrangement external layer. This arrangement permits the chewable arrangement to contain, for example, a soothing gel which seeps through the passageway on to the wearer's gums when they are biting or sucking on the chewable arrangement.

The at least one chewable arrangement internal layer may be removable from the at least one chewable arrangement external layer.

The at least one chewable arrangement internal layer may be replaceable.

The at least one chewable arrangement internal layer may be a cartridge. A removable internal layer, particularly a cartridge type, can comprise different components which may be of utility, such as light or noise sources, soothing gels etc. The at least one chewable arrangement may comprise a light source or a noise source. The light source or noise source may be activated by the wearer by pressing or biting the chewable arrangement.

In alternative embodiments, the at least one chewable arrangement external layer is integral with the at least one chewable arrangement internal layer. Where the internal layer is a foam, for example, the external layer could be a skin, the skin being generated during the manufacturing of the foam.

The wearing apparel may comprise second and third portions of pliable material which when the wearing apparel is being brought into use are passed in opposite directions around the neck of the wearer whereby the wearing apparel is secured to the wearer.

When secured the first portion of pliable material (i.e. the aforementioned portion of pliable material) depends from the neck.

The second and third portions may be tied together to secure the wearing apparel to the wearer. Alternatively or in addition the wearing apparel may be secured by way of a fastener arrangement. The fastener arrangement may comprise cooperating fastener devices which are comprised in respective ones of the second and third portions. For example the fastener arrangement may comprise a press stud arrangement or a hook and loop arrangement, such as Velcro®. The fastener arrangement may be disposed towards distal ends of the second and third portions.

The first, second and third portions of pliable material may be comprised in a single sheet of pliable material.

The pliable material may have a plurality of layers. The pliable material may comprise at least one pliable material external layer and at least one pliable material internal layer.

The/each pliable material internal layer may be absorbent.

In one form the sheet of pliable material may be substantially triangular with the second and third portions being constituted by corners of the sheet of material.

The chewable arrangement may be attached to the first portion of pliable material at a location spaced apart from the neck of the wearer when the wearing apparel is in use.

The chewable arrangement may be attached to a distal portion of the first portion of pliable material and may be attached at a periphery of the first portion of pliable material.

Where the wearing apparel comprises a sheet of pliable material of triangular form the chewable arrangement may be attached at a free corner of the sheet of pliable material, i.e. at the corner other than the two comers used to secure the wearing apparel to the wearer.

The chewable arrangement may be a unitary body.

The wearing apparel may comprise an attachment means for attaching the chewable arrangement to the first portion of pliable material.

The attachment means may be a male portion defined by one of the chewable arrangement or the first portion of pliable material and a female portion defined by the other of the chewable arrangement or the first portion of pliable material. More specifically the chewable arrangement may define a recess, which may be elongate in form, for receiving an edge of the first portion of pliable material.

The chewable arrangement may be attached to the first portion of pliable material by a mechanical fastening arrangement, such as stitching, whereby the wearing apparel presents less risk to the wearer than might be presented were the chewable arrangement to be attached by way of glue.

The chewable arrangement may define a leading portion. The leading portion may, in use, be the part of the chewable arrangement which enters the wearer's mouth first.

The leading portion may be located on an opposite side of the chewable arrangement to the attachment means.

In use, when the wearing apparel is attached to a wearer, when the apparel is suspended around a wearer's neck, the leading portion may define the lowest point of the wearing apparel. The lowest point, in use, may be the furthest point of the wearing apparel from the wearer's mouth.

The chewable arrangement may define at least one edge.

The chewable arrangement may define a first edge and a second edge. Where there are first and second edges, the edges may intersect to form a point.

The chewable arrangement may define a third edge opposite the point, the third edge defining the recess.

Where the chewable arrangement defines a leading portion, the point may be defined by the leading portion. The chewable arrangement may be substantially triangular. Alternatively the chewable arrangement may be diamond, square, round, object, character or any suitable shape.

The chewable arrangement may define first and second oppositely directed surfaces.

At least one of the first and second surfaces may be textured at least in part.

At least one of the first and second surfaces may define plural protrusions.

The surface profiles of the first and second surfaces may be different.

For example the first and second surfaces may define different patterns of protrusions. Texturing or protrusions may augment the soothing effect of the chewable arrangement.

The protrusions may be adapted to massage the user's gums.

The portion of pliable material may comprise a textile formed, for example, from cotton or polyester. The portion of pliable material may therefore be operative to absorb fluid, such as saliva. The wearing apparel may be a bandana bib (also known as a dribble bib).

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided wearing apparel configured to be worn around the neck, the wearing apparel comprising: a portion of pliable material which depends from the neck when the wearing apparel is worn; and a chewable arrangement attached to the portion of pliable material whereby in use the chewable arrangement can be raised to the mouth of the wearer. Embodiments of the further aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of the first aspect of the present invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings, of which:

Figure 1 shows the wearing apparel in use;

Figure 2A shows a first embodiment of wearing apparel;

Figure 2B shows a second embodiment of wearing apparel;

Figure 3A is a first view of the chewable arrangement of the first embodiment;

Figure 3B is a second view of the chewable arrangement of the first embodiment;

Figure 3C is a third view of the chewable arrangement of the first embodiment;

Figure 4A is a first view of the chewable arrangement of the second embodiment; and

Figure 4B is a second view of the chewable arrangement of the second embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Wearing apparel 10 according to the present invention is shown in use in Figure 1. As can be seen from Figure 1 the wearing apparel 10 is attached around the neck of an infant such that a first portion of pliable material 12 of the wearing apparel 10 depends from the neck over the infant's clothing. The wearing apparel 10 further comprises a chewable arrangement 14 which is attached to a distal end of the first portion of pliable material 12. Further features of the wearing apparel 0 will be described below with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. The wearing apparel 10 catches and absorbs saliva and thereby reduces dampness on the infant's chest and protects clothing from soiling. Furthermore the first portion of material may be used to clean saliva from the infant's face to thereby reduce the likelihood of skin rash. The chewable arrangement 14 can be placed in the infant's mouth where it is chewed by the infant to gain relief from painful gums.

A first embodiment 20 of the wearing apparel is shown in Figure 2A. The first embodiment of wearing apparel 20 comprises a sheet of textile material 22, such as woven cotton or polyester, of triangular form. A first corner 24 of the sheet constitutes a second portion of pliable material and a second opposite corner 26 constitutes a third portion of pliable material. The part of the sheet extending towards the third corner and which depends from the neck of the infant as shown in Figure 1 constitutes a first portion of material 28. A chewable arrangement 30 formed from medical grade silicone rubber is attached to the third corner of the sheet of textile material 22. The chewable arrangement is generally triangular in shape. The first embodiment is brought into use by passing the second and third portions 24, 26 in opposite directions around the neck of the wearer and by attaching the distal ends of the second and third portions 24, 26 to each other. According to one approach the distal ends of the second and third portions 24, 26 are tied together. According to another approach the distal ends of the second and third portions 24, 26 are attached to one another by way of press studs or the like. A second embodiment 40 of the wearing apparel is shown in Figure 2B. The form and function of the second embodiment is the same as the form and function of the first embodiment except as will now be described. Features in common with the wearing apparel of Figure 2A are designated by the same reference numerals and the reader's attention is directed to the description provided above with reference to Figure 2A for a description of the form and function of such common components. As can be seen from Figure 2B a different form of chewable arrangement 42 is attached to the third corner of the sheet of pliable material. As in the first embodiment the chewable arrangement 42 of the second embodiment is formed from medical grade silicone rubber. The chewable arrangement of the second embodiment performs the same function as in the second embodiment. However the chewable arrangement of the second embodiment 42 is of a different form. More specifically the chewable arrangement comprises a main body 44 from which first 46 and second 48 limbs extend in opposite directions. The first and second limbs have the form of ears and the main body defines the outline of a face whereby the chewable arrangement 42 has the form of a rabbit's head.

A view from a first side of the chewable arrangement 30 of the first embodiment is shown in Figure 3A and a view from a second side of the chewable arrangement 30 of the first embodiment is shown in Figure 3B.

Figure 3C shows a side view of the chewable arrangement 30 of Figures 3A and 3B. As mentioned above the chewable arrangement 30 is generally triangular in shape. More specifically the chewable arrangement 30 has two straight sides which meet at a first apex 52 which when the chewable arrangement 30 is attached to the sheet of material defines the furthest reach of the wearing apparel from the neck of the wearer. A third curved side 54 extends between the two straight sides. Figure 3C is a view of the chewable arrangement 30 when viewed from the curved side. As can be seen from Figure 3C the chewable arrangement 30 defines an elongate recess 56 which receives the third corner of the sheet of textile material 22. When the third corner is received in the recess 56 the chewable arrangement 30 and the sheet of textile material 22 are held together with stitching. As can be seen from Figures 3A and 3B the first and second surfaces of the chewable arrangement define different patterns of protrusions which provide a rough surface which augments the gum soothing capabilities of the chewable arrangement.

A view from a one side of the chewable arrangement 42 of the second embodiment is shown in Figure 4A. Figure 4B shows a side view of the chewable arrangement 42 of Figure 4A. As described above with reference to Figure 2B the chewable arrangement 42 has the form of a rabbit's head. As can be seen from Figure 4A the surface of the chewable arrangement 42 defines plural protrusions which augment the gum soothing capabilities of the chewable arrangement. The edge of the chewable arrangement 42 that defines the upper periphery of the rabbit's ears and head defines an elongate recess 62 which is shown in the edge view provided by Figure 4B. The elongate recess 62 receives the third corner of the sheet of textile material 22 with the chewable arrangement 42 and the sheet of textile material 22 being held together with stitching.

Claims

CLAIMS . Wearing apparel configured to be worn around the neck, the wearing apparel comprising: a first portion of pliable material which depends from the neck when the wearing apparel is worn; and a chewable arrangement attached to the portion of pliable material whereby in use the chewable arrangement can be raised to the mouth of the wearer, an exposed surface of the chewable arrangement being substantially impermeable to liquid. 2. Wearing apparel according to claim 1 wherein the portion of pliable material is configured at least in part to absorb fluid.

3. Wearing apparel according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the exposed surface is substantially impermeable to saliva.

4. Wearing apparel according to any preceding claim, wherein the chewable arrangement is formed at least in part from a resilient material.

5. Wearing apparel according to any preceding claim, wherein the chewable arrangement is formed at least in part from the substantially unpliant material.

6. Wearing apparel according to any preceding claim wherein the chewable arrangement is formed at least in part from a polymer.

7. Wearing apparel according to any preceding claim wherein the chewable arrangement is formed at least in part from an elastomer.

8. Wearing apparel according to claim 7 wherein the elastomer is medical grade silicone rubber.

9. Wearing apparel according to any preceding claim wherein the first portion of pliable material comprises at least one layer. 0. Wearing apparel according to claim 9 wherein the first portion of pliable material comprises at least one external layer and at least one internal layer.

11. Wearing apparel according to claim 10 wherein the at least one external layer encapsulates the at least one internal layer.

12. Wearing apparel according to either of claims 10 or 11 wherein the at least one internal layer is made from an absorbent material.

13. Wearing apparel according to claim 2 wherein the at least one internal layer is a foam.

14. Wearing apparel according to any of claims 9 to 13 wherein the at least one external layer and the at least one internal layer are manufactured separately.

15. Wearing apparel according to any of claims 9 to 13 wherein the at least one external layer is integral with the at least one internal layer.

16. Wearing apparel according to any preceding claim wherein the wearing apparel comprises second and third portions of pliable material which, when the wearing apparel is being brought into use are passed in opposite directions around the neck of the wearer whereby the wearing apparel is secured to the wearer. 17. Wearing apparel according to claim 16 wherein, when secured, the first portion of pliable material depends from the neck of the wearer. 8. Wearing apparel according to either of claims 16 or 17 wherein the second and third portions are tied together to secure the wearing apparel to the wearer.

19. Wearing apparel according to either of claims 16 or 17 wherein the wearing apparel is secured to the wearer by way of a fastener arrangement. 20. Wearing apparel according to claim 19 wherein the fastening arrangement is disposed towards distal ends of the second and third portions.

21. Wearing apparel according to any of claims 6 to 20 wherein the first, second and third portions of pliable material are comprised in a single sheet of pliable material.

22. Wearing apparel according to claim 21 wherein the sheet of pliable material is substantially triangular with the second and third portions being constituted by corners of the sheet of material.

23. Wearing apparel according to either of claims 21 or 22 wherein the chewable arrangement is attached to the first portion of pliable material at a location spaced apart from the neck of the wearer when the wearing apparel is in use.

24. Wearing apparel according to claim 23 wherein the chewable arrangement is attached to a distal portion of the first portion of pliable material. 25. Wearing apparel according to either of claims 23 or 24 wherein the chewable arrangement is attached at a periphery of the first portion of pliable material.

26. Wearing apparel according to claim 25 wherein where the wearing apparel comprises a sheet of pliable material of triangular form, the chewable arrangement is attached at a free corner of the sheet of pliable material.

27. Wearing apparel according to any preceding claim wherein the chewable arrangement defines a recess.

28. Wearing apparel according to claim 27 wherein the chewable

arrangement recess is adapted to receive an edge of the first portion of pliable material. 29. Wearing apparel of claim 28 wherein the chewable arrangement is attached to the first portion of pliable material by a mechanical fastening arrangement.

30. Wearing apparel according to any preceding claim wherein the chewable arrangement defines at least one edge.

3 . Wearing apparel according to claim 30 wherein the chewable arrangement defines a first edge and a second edge. 32. Wearing apparel according to claim 31 , where the chewable

arrangement defines the first edge and the second edge, the edges intersect to form a point.

33. Wearing apparel according to claim 32, when dependent on claim 27, wherein the chewable arrangement defines a third edge opposite the point, the third edge defining the recess.

34. Wearing apparel according to either of claims 32 or 33 wherein the point defines the lowest part of the garment.

35. Wearing apparel according to claim 34 wherein, in use, when the chewable arrangement is introduced to a wearer's mouth, the point enters the wearer's mouth first. 36. Wearing apparel according to any preceding claim wherein the chewable arrangement defines first and second oppositely directed surfaces.

37. Wearing apparel according to claim 36 wherein at least one of the first and second surfaces is textured at least in part.

38. Wearing apparel according to claim 37 wherein at least one of the first and second surfaces defines plural protrusions.

39. Wearing apparel according to any of claims 36 to 38 wherein the first and second surfaces define the first and second surface profiles, the first and second surface profiles being different.

40. Wearing apparel according to claim 39 wherein the first and second surface profiles define different patterns of protrusions.

41. Wearing apparel according to claim 40 wherein the protrusions are adapted to massage the user's gums.

42. Wearing apparel configured to be worn around the neck, the wearing apparel comprising: a portion of pliable material which depends from the neck when the wearing apparel is worn; and a chewable arrangement attached to the portion of pliable material whereby in use the chewable arrangement can be raised to the mouth of the wearer.