Garment Protection Device and Method of Use
A garment protection device for infant care used in locations with limited infant care facilities. The device having a first and second portion. Either portions having a top, bottom and side edges. The portions connected together at one or more edges at two or more connection points; the bottom edge and one or more side edges having no connections or obstructions. The length of the device is at a minimum the length of an average adult user's body from shoulder down to the waist line. The width approximately an average adult user's shoulder width. Both portions having an external absorbent side and water resistant internal side. It may be donned or removed in one movement with one hand, with minimum movement, and accommodates both left and right handed individuals. It shields the user's front and back sides, provides private coverage for nursing mothers and may be disposable.
Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIXNot applicable.
COPYRIGHT NOTICEA portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis non-provisional utility patent application incorporates by reference the earlier filed provisional patent application, Application No. 61/631,572, in its entirety. This non-provisional application claims benefit of said provisional application, effectively filed on Jan. 7, 2012, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) and 37 C.F.R. 1.78 (a)(4)-(a)(6) and all other relevant sections of the law not referred to herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a garment protection device, particularly for infant care or small animal care.
BACKGROUNDCurrent garment protection devices tend to require a lot of handling and are fairly generic in shape and scope of protection. Alternative devices, particularly the disposable types, that are specific to particular needs are both awkward looking and awkward to handle. They typically comprise a whole body suit or a shapeless cover, used primarily in the medical or sanitation related industry. None of the existing devices are designed for the specific needs and uses of a traveling parent of an infant child.
Parenting in the modern era, particularly within the last fifty years defining those within Generation X, Y and the new Millenials, has its own unique social-cultural demands. These demands arise from environmental and technological changes that define the social era. Today's parenting styles are affected by the results of changed women's roles in the work place beginning in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Mothers of that generation who hewed the professional work-life balance were in a way, the experimental generation since they were the first. Their children, now parents themselves, are expected to fulfill the world that has been created for them while meeting their own needs. As such, the modern social norm seeks to achieve an ideal professional life while finding a balanced traditional family home life.
While women in the 60's and 70's celebrated the independence offered through bottled infant formula, the modern mother attempts to reconnect through nursing. As modern mothers continue to find their place as working professionals, many fathers have taken on the care giver role. While parents in the 60's and 70's encouraged independence and exposure for their children by not over sheltering, the modern parent spends a great deal of energy over issues such as sanitation and public perception. New technology allows for faster and further travel, often with baby in tow. New technology has also changed the way infant care is managed. Long gone are the days of a clean toilet seat, non-automatic flush toilet bowls, wide sink table tops, or social acceptance of a baby being changed in public view.
The challenges of infant care for modern parents on the go are multifaceted. There is a need for a method or device that enables a parent to care for a young infant in a public area but with some sense of privacy. The need for privacy is key for young nursing mothers. There is also a need for a method or device that enables a parent to care for a young infant in a cleanly and sanitary manner. Many public restrooms lack sink counter space and at best, may have only one changing station more often in the ladies' restroom facility. This puts fathers at a disadvantage, parents traveling with children at dense public location at a disadvantage, parents traveling in urban locations where their cars are parked at a distance at a disadvantage. Further, given that traditional toilets have been replaced with lidless automatic-flush toilets, it becomes incredibly difficult to manage infant care even in the privacy of a closed restroom stall since a person's every movement would trigger the splashing effect of the automatic flush.
There is additionally a need for speed of infant care, particularly for parents who are in the midst of travel with their infant. The device or method must enable a parent to care for an infant as ergonomically quick and easily as if the parent were doing it in their own home with no assisting device. Further, the device must be such that a parent could easily set up or collapse with one arm while the other hand or arm is dedicated to holding the infant. Lastly, the device must be sized to function but would be aesthetically pleasing for the modern parent to use in a public location. Many parents who are sensitive to public scrutiny shy away from venturing out in fear of public perception of their changed persona. As a result, many new mothers and fathers become introverted, feeling lack of empowerment to overcome social aspects of traveling with an infant. Given the many things that already have to be considered when traveling with an infant, the thought of one additional item to add to a large travel kit becomes immobilizing. The ideal device or method would help psychologically empower a parent to traverse with their infant by making them feel more comfortable and fashionable, by assisting in speedy infant care anyplace and anytime, and by being easy to carry and use with minimal requirement of space or a second thought.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,552 provides a disposable apron manufactured for general purpose use. The design of the apron provides two waist ties that would be tied behind the user's back. It is intended for use in a known environment where the user would require protection primarily over the front portion of the body and would have access to both hands when unwrapping, donning and tying the apron.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,897 provides for a reusable multipurpose protective shield that is also aimed for use in a general public environment, particularly seated in transit while commuting. The design is generally aimed to prevent transfer of food or drink articles onto the user while seated in a moving vehicle. It is designed to be portable but is space consuming.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,469 relates to a spill protection device for drivers and passengers in vehicles. The design is specifically tailored to the standard space within a standard car, covering the user and extending as far as the central cup-holding console. This design makes general presumptions about the environment of the user in this narrow circumstance which includes the user's ability to use both hands to attach the device onto the body and that issues of cleanliness relates only to the user's upper body and the cup-holding center console.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,471 relates to a garment protection device for infant caregivers. The device narrowly addresses certain needs of infant care giving but presumes use of the device within a typical seating environment and in circumstances with little time constraints. The attachments contained in the upper portion of the device can be interfering in the changing process, particularly for caregivers who are in transit and under a tight time constraint. The attachments contained thereon may cause secondary problems of sanitation if they become contaminated with bodily excretions from the infant. In this likely scenario, there is also an increased risk of transfer of unwanted matter between dirtied dangling items to the caregiver and child.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,424 relates to a protective bib. This device covers both upper and lower portions of the user's body, including the back portions of the body. However, the claimed construction of this patent is not ergonomically adaptable to a caregiver who has an infant in her arms and who is in mid-transit with time constraints. Further, the device is comprised solely of water resistant material.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,686 provides a protective bib in the form of a jacket. This design fails to anticipate coverage of the user's lower front and back leg area against contamination from a dirty toilet seat or other dirty seating facility and fails to suggest a proper length to accommodate such need. Further, the jacket embodiment is not ergonomically adaptable to a caregiver who has an infant in her arms and who is in the mid-transit with time constraints.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,392 provides a protective bib intended as a disposable drool pad for an infant caregiver. The device is composed of a simple sheet of protective material with a center hole cut through the upper quadrant creating an opening where the user's head is inserted. The bib would be worn over the user's neck and shoulder.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONThe invention claimed herein is drawn to a garment protection device for caregivers of infant children, specifically for caregivers of infants 12 months and under. The device is comprised of a garment cover, said cover having at least a first portion and alternatively a second portion, either portions of said device having at least a top and bottom edge, the preferred embodiment having a top and bottom and two side edges, said first and second portion may or may not be identical in shape, said first portion and second portion being connected at one or more sides, said first and second portions having two or more connection points, at least one connection point is located on the top side of the device, the top side where the two portions of the device meets having an opening large enough to slide a person's head and upper portion of their body through, the two portions of the device not connected on the bottom, the two portions of the device not connected at one or more side edges, each portion of said device having a length that is at least 22 inches long approximately the length of an average adult user upper body from the shoulder to approximately their waist line. The width of the device is approximately between 22 inches to 36 inches wide, similar to the shoulder width of an average user. The parameters of the average user may comprise dimensions reflecting solely male or female genders or may comprise the combination of both genders. The two portions of the device, each portion having an interior side in contact with the user's clothing and an external side facing the external environment away from the user's body. The interior side of the device is comprised of any flexible water resistant material such as but not limited to polypropylene, latex, wax or rubber. The external side is comprised of any water absorbent material such as but not limited to organic based pulp or fiber, cotton, absorbent fabrics, absorbent plastic resins, or any combination of such materials. The device may comprise of disposable or reusable material.
One preferred embodiment having the following improved features: a device having a first and second portion, said front and back portion being substantially mirror silhouettes of each other, said first and second portions connecting at one point on the top edge and a second point on a side edge, the first connection on the top edge is at the corner furthest away from the side edge where the second connection is located, the second connection point located slightly above the center of the side edge, the two connection points between the top edge and the side edge creating an angled opening such that a person's head and one shoulder may fit through while being held onto the user's body by the tension between the first and second connection points, the bottom edge and the side edge respectively adjacent and opposite of the edge where the second connection point is located being unconnected to any other portion of the device such that an opening is created for a person to move unobstructed between the first and second portions on these two sides of the device. The connected sides of the device creates an obstruction which prevents the user from entering (moving into and between the two portions) but does the job of holding the device in place on the user's body. Further, the connection point on the side edge keeps the first portion continuously attached to the second portion during use, maintaining constant cover for a nursing mother in case the infant attempted to push the front portion away from the user's body otherwise exposing the user's naked body. Alternatively, continuous attachment of the front and side portions by way of the side edge connection point also keeps the front portion in place during use should the child be laid over the user's lap and is particularly active. The unconnected sides allow the user to slip or step into the device.
In the preferred embodiment, the second connection on the side edge would be approximately six inches long or less, beginning approximately midway below the horizontal plane of the top edge and ending approximately near the user's waist line. The second connection begins and ends within the top half region of the device. This leaves open a slit along the lower part of the side edge where the second connection is located. The slit allows the user to manipulate the first and second portions in accordance to their respective body shape or environmental needs. The adjustability provided by the slit further allows the device to be slid away from the user's body and down around the user's waistline, converting the use of the device from an upper body cover to a lower body cover protecting the user's lap and back torso area. Lastly, the preferred embodiment of this device may have one or more pockets connected to the external side of the first portion such that diapers and other necessary items are kept in place without need of being hand held during care of an infant.
This invention improves on current devices and addresses the specific needs provided above in ways not before considered. Typical garment protection devices are either completely absorbent all the way through or else are water resistant on its external surface. This device is water absorbent on its external surface for both first and second portions such that when in use, urine or other types of bodily excrement emanating from an infant over the user's lap and on top of the device would be immediately absorbed. The absorbency of the external surface captures liquid waste and prevents the waste from rolling off and onto the user's clean clothes. The device covers a substantial portion of the user's chest and shoulder area as well as a substantial portion of the user's lap area. A greater portion of the user's front body surface is protected from projectile type excrement or loose excrement by the wide coverage of this device. This comes in very handy for parents of little boys whose urine tends to flow vertically upward and parents of little girls whose urine tends to flow horizontally outward. This also comes in handy for parents whose infants are sick and vomit in large pooling amounts. The second portion being a substantial mirror silhouette of the first portion provides near equal amount of coverage for the user's back side. This is particularly important when the user is changing an infant while seated on a wet or dirty surface or if the user is changing an infant while seated on an automatic flush toilet. The spray from an automatic flush toilet that would otherwise contact the user's back side would be shielded by this device.
An alternate embodiment of the device would have a shorter second portion covering the user's shoulder and part of the user's upper back area. Two connection points are located on the top edge of the two portions, on either sides of the user's shoulder and the user's head. The opening between the first and second portion is located between the two connection points on the top edge creating a neckline. A small slit may extend from the neck line to allow the device to be both adjustable and snug fitting. The second portion need not extend coverage to the user's lower back, seating and back leg area. The purpose of this device would be to provide protective coverage of the user's lap area should the user choose to quickly change a dirty infant over his or lap. It is also intended to provide protective coverage for the upper body and shoulder portions of a user's garment should the user choose to feed or burp the infant in the upright coddling position. A further alternate embodiment of this device would have the second portion extend past the user's shoulder, back, seating and back leg area at a substantially similar length as the first portion. This alternative embodiment would offer the user sufficient protective coverage over the user's lap for changing the baby, over the user's chest and shoulder for burping and feeding the baby, over the user's back—seating—back leg area for infant care while seated on a dirty location.
The combination of an absorbent external side and a water resistant interior side proves ideal in preventing roll-off of unwanted excrement and preventing unwanted stain from leakage. It is an important feature that at least in regards to the first portion of this device, the external surface is comprised of absorbent material while the interior side is comprised of a water resistant material. To the same extent, the second portion must at least be water resistant and preferably absorbent on the external side to prevent roll-off of toilet water spray.
Another inventive feature of this device is its ergonomic design. The bottom and at least one side not being connected and the two point connection creating a top opening for the user's head (or alternatively head and shoulder) allows the user to don the device from one or more unobstructed sides with simply one movement, with one hand and without further handling or assembly. Unlike existing devices such as aprons, bibs or body suits where both hands and more than one movement are required for assembly, this device is designed specifically for quick agile movement by a user who has only one hand available while standing with a baby in a narrow fast paced environment. This device may be removed similarly with one hand and in one movement. Further, the mirror image silhouette allows the same device to be used interchangeably by either a right handed or left handed person. For optimum application of this feature, both first and second portions should be substantial mirror images of each other in shape and composition.
The slit on the bottom half of the second connected side of the preferred embodiment allows the user to maneuver and adjust the bottom half of the device over his or her lap and the back of his or her legs accordingly. This is important since each user will have a different shaped body and the local environment may have different requirements. For this same preferred embodiment, a second smaller slit may be added to the top of the second connection point (along the user's bust line) such that the device may be more adjustable and fitting to a wider range of body sizes. This is particularly important for nursing mothers whose bust lines will vary. The unobstructed side of the device together with a second connection on the opposing side edge and the slit features serves a special purpose of allowing an infant to step into the device while providing stable protective coverage for a nursing mother and further allow the device to be adjustable to personal preference. Again, the device having two substantial mirror image portions may be used interchangeably for those preferring to nurse on the right side or the left side.
Another important inventive feature of this device is the side edge connection, which helps hold the device in place during use. The first portion and second portion are continuously held together whether the infant is nursing beneath the first portion or being changed on top of the first portion. The continuous connection between the two portions creates a sense of security, peace of mind and stability between the user, the infant and the device such that the position of the device should hold up against the movement of the infant as it is being cared for.
The device comprised of light weight flexible material can be folded, compressed and stored in a space saving manner. This means the user may quickly condense the device in one hand and store it within his or her garment pockets or in a small compartment of a purse. The garment-like quality of this device opens up the opportunity to create fashionable silhouettes and add aesthetic prints to complement the user's fashion objectives. This is important from a commercial stand point since the composition and design of current devices either lack shape entirely or are reminiscent of industrial medical tools. The industrial quality of current devices creates a psychological barrier for parents who seek out tools that help them nurture and foster a sense of joy when interacting with their infant children. The lack of shape of current devices further detracts from the user's sense of self worth and individuality, which fashion helps provide.
In real world application, an adult user traveling with a young infant, ages 12 months or younger, will occasionally encounter a situation requiring immediate attention such as a dirty diaper or a desire to be nursed. In such circumstance, the user may be dining at a restaurant, seated on a bench at a sports event, traveling on foot in an open public location, or in between travel at a train station or airport. In any case, restroom facilities may not be close by or else may not be equipped to manage infant care. In the past and currently, parents are often left with the options of changing the infant on a dirty floor, balancing an infant on a small counter surface, taking the child out to the car to be cared for, cutting short an excursion to take the child home, or simply pressing on with travel while the baby continues to cry for help. With this invention, the parent would first stop and identify a location where the child can be comfortably and cleanly cared for. If no facility with a working or available changing station exists or no facility where privacy can be attained for nursing purposes (which may be time consuming and require a location with less traffic or occupancy turn over) the parent must identify the next best facility to care for the child with the aid of this device. Such facility may include but is not limited to an available bathroom stall where the user may safely seat herself over a toilet while wearing this device, a grassy area, a corner bench area at an airport, while seated inside a train, on a quiet curb of a parking lot, on a wheel chair for those parents suffering disabilities, or on a comfortable couch for grandparents who may be less mobile. Once the location is identified, the user carries the infant to that destination together with the care kit. The parent or user then pulls out the device with the available hand, spreads the device into position with the flick of the arm, don the device over his or her head, sits down at the identified spot, adjust the device to maximize coverage while placing the infant over the user's lap, remove a portion of the child's clothing over the user's lap, pull out a diaper and place in the pocket, remove the dirty diaper and switch it with the clean diaper in the pocket of the device, replace the child's diaper and clothing, pick up the child and position her underneath the first portion of the device to be nursed (if in a public location), once the child is nursed she may be positioned over the user's shoulder to be burped, the baby spit up may be caught and absorbed by the upper portion of the device, once the caring is completed, the user will hold onto the child with one arm, pull the device up and over his or her head to remove, compress the device with one hand into a pocket or throw the device away in a trash can, and leave with the baby and the care kit in tow. The entire process may be completed in less than five minutes if the baby is not nursed.
The device is multifunctional and may be spread over any surface for table top diaper changes. The device has application in other areas such as the pet care industry or any situation where a user requires garment protection on both first and second sides of their body while in a seated position and conducting business which risk splashing unwanted matter onto the user's clothing. Other areas may include the medically related consumer industry where diabetic users or those suffering from illness who self administer blood tests in public locations may find this device of great use. Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or manner.
It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. The preferred embodiment of this invention is provided in a horizontal configuration.
Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a system for garment protection and infant care while seated on a dirty seating environment according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described by way of summary, detailed description and illustration. The specific embodiments disclosed in the above drawings are not intended to be limiting. Implementations of the present invention with various different configurations are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A garment protection device for infant care having a first and second portion; each portion having a top edge, bottom edge and two or more side edges; the two portions being connected together on one or more edges; the two portions being connected at two or more connection points; the bottom edge of the two portions not being connected or attached to provide an unobstructed opening; one or more side edges not being connected or attached to provide other unobstructed openings; each portion of the device having a length that is at least as long as an average adult user's upper body length from shoulder to waist line; the device having a width substantially similar to the width of an average user's widest body cross section; both portions of the device having an external absorbent side facing outward; both portions of the device having a water resistant internal side facing the user's body; the silhouettes of the first and second portion being substantially similar such that the device may be donned with the left hand or the right hand without compromising the device's intended effect and purpose;
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions are substantial minor silhouettes of each other, said first and second portions connecting at one point on the top edge and a second point on a side edge; the second connection located on the side edge furthest away or opposite of the side edge closest to the corner of the first connection; the two connection points between the top edge and the side edge creating an opening between the first and second connection points;
3. The device of claim 2 wherein the second connection on the side edge is located within the top half of the device approximately above the average user's waist line.
4. The device of claim 2 in which the two portions are not connected along the side edges from approximately the user's waist line down to the bottom edge of the device creating a slit down the lower half of the side edge of the second connection is located;
5. A device of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions having a first and second connection located on the left and right corners along the top edge, the second portion is shorter than the first portion, the second portion extending beyond the user's shoulder and further into the top half of the user's back area, the second portion extending no further than the top half of the user's back area.
6. A method of use in which a user first identifies a need for garment protection, second identifying a location for managing care-giving, third moving towards the identified location, fourth proceeding to pull out the device of claim 1 and opening said device with one hand or arm movement with either left or right hand, fifth by donning said device by stepping into the device and positioning the user's head through the top opening of the device with one hand or arm movement user either right or left hand, sixth alternatively further moving the device down below the user's waist line to cover the user's lower torso area, seventh sitting down while wearing the device, eighth initiating and completing care-giving while in the seated position, ninth returning to the standing position while wearing the device, tenth removing the device by pulling it up and over the user's head in one hand or arm movement using either right or left hand, eleventh collapsing the device for storage or disposal with one hand or arm movement using either right or left hand, twelfth returning to the user's original destination.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 24, 2012
Publication Date: Aug 29, 2013
Inventor: Mandy Tran Garrels (Sheboygan, WI)
Application Number: 13/594,652
