CLOTHING KIT FOR EASE OF TRANSPORT, SPONTANEOUS USE, CONTAINMENT OF SOILED CLOTHING AND CLEAN-UP

Abstract

An emergency change of clothing kit is provided with a full outfit sealed compactly into a container (vacuum sealed in one embodiment). The container is to be small and portable and will keep the clothing clean and dry until the time for its intended use. A disposable, sealable bag will be provided to place any soiled clothing in. One embodiment of the kit can range in sizes from Newborn to 3T. Other embodiments include clothing suited for ages from 3 to adult. The clothing can be of sufficiently high quality and design that it can be worn repeatedly after initial opening of the package. For the kits ages 2T and above, underwear can also be provided.

Description

This application claims priority to the Provisional Application No. 61/889,857 filed Oct. 11, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention (“Oopsie Outfit”) is a kit for providing a change of clothing in a relatively small container. In one embodiment, the kit would also contain other related accessories that would aid in changing the clothing, containment of the soiled clothing, cleaning of the child or affected area and entertainment during the process of changing and cleaning. The kit would be advantageous due to its significant portability of items that would normally take up significant space in a diaper bag, car, luggage or purse. One intended use would be for an instance when a child, toddler or infant spills on, soils or tears their clothing and a change of outfit is needed. The kit could provide accessories to change the child out of the soiled clothing, clean the child, entertain the child and store the soiled clothing until it can be washed or disposed of at a more convenient location. The clothing will be of sufficiently high quality and design such that the clothing can be worn repeatedly after being removed from the original packaging.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention of the present application provides a package having a reduced volumetric configuration of clothing being convenient for carriage or storage. The reduced volumetric configuration characterized by reduced length, width or height of the clothing. An outer encasement can be provided to confine the clothing in the reduced size. A secondary encasement can be provided to further reduce the size such that the secondary encasement is inserted into the outer encasement. The secondary encasement formed from an air impermeable material. The clothing would return to nominal volumetric configuration upon opening of the secondary encasement.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the present application, the clothing change kit provided contains at least one accessory that can be one or more of: a) sanitized wipe; b) diaper wipe; c) disposal bag or container for soiled, dirty or torn clothing; d) stickers; e) children activity including but not limited to toys, crayons or paper f) baby powder and g) diaper cream.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the present application, a method of packaging the clothing is provided and includes but not limited to the steps of a) Folding or rolling the clothing to reduce the size; b) insert said clothing into an encasement comprised of substantially air impermeable material; c) evacuating the air from the encasement; d) sealing the encasement to maintain vacuum created within the encasement; e) provide a notch on the edge of the encasement without releasing the vacuum to aid in opening of the encasement; and f) inserting said encasement into another outer encasement to enhance aesthetic appeal and allow containment of other accessories. The outer encasement can provide information about the kit including but not limited to: a) directions related to opening and using the kit; b) care instructions; c) company information and d) patent information.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows, by way of example only, preferred embodiments of the kit, wherein:

FIG. 1 Illustrates one embodiment of the packaging of the clothing kit and associated items;

FIG. 2 shows an example of top or shirt clothing items;

FIG. 3 shows an example of bottom or pant clothing items;

FIG. 4 shows an example of “onesie” infant clothing;

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative method of packaging; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative method of packaging.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will never the less be understood that no limitations of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.

One embodiment of the clothing (1,2,3) kit is illustrated in FIG. 1. The kit includes at least one or more of the following clothing items: a top or shirt 1, underwear 2 and bottoms or pants 3. The clothing (1,2,3) can be made of several materials known to those in the art, including but not limited to cotton, organic cotton, spandex, bamboo or polyester. The top or shirt 1 can have long sleeves, short sleeves or no sleeves such as a tank top as illustrated in Error! Reference source not found. The bottoms 2 can be pants, short or skirts as illustrated in Error! Reference source not found. The clothing (1,2,3) may be blank or may have designs or writing on the external surfaces of the clothing (1,2,3) through process of but not limited to silk screening or similar. Other embodiments include but are not limited to other combinations of the clothing (1,2,3) such as a single shirt and pants (1,3) or inclusion of more clothing such as socks, two-piece shirts or two-piece bottoms. The kit can also include one-piece clothing for both toddlers and infants that can be included in place of one or both of the top 1 and bottoms 2. For example, a kit could include an infant one-piece or “onesie” as opposed to a top 1 and bottom 2 as illustrated in Error! Reference source not found. It could also include a one piece item such as a dress as opposed to or in addition to a single shirt and pants (1,3). One embodiment can also include a diaper instead of underwear 3.

Each piece of clothing (1,2,3) will be folded and/or rolled 4 in such a way as to minimize volume. In one embodiment the reduced volume would allow the clothing to be more conveniently shaped and packaged together 8 for further volume reduction through insertion into an unsealed encasement 9 of a substantially air impermeable flexible material 10. The encasement can be sealed on three sides prior to insertion of the clothing items (5,6,7) with one side left open. It is also possible to use the vacuum-sealer 11 to create an encasement by first sealing three sides of two parallel square sheets of encasement which will form an encasement similar to the encasement 10 shown in FIG. 1. Care is taken to minimize wrinkling prior upon folding or rolling of the clothing items (5,6,7) and prior to insertion into the encasement 10. The open side of the encasement 10, with the clothing articles placed inside, will be placed onto the deck of a vacuum sealing machine 11 and sealed 14 after a majority of the air is removed with a vacuum sealer 11. This is intended to further reduce the overall volume of the rolled or folded clothing 8. A notch 13 can be included in the sealed encasement 10 to allow ease of opening the bag shown in the detail 12 of FIG. 1.

For example, vacuum packing or vacuum packaging is a method of packaging that removes air from the package or encasement of a substantially air impermeable flexible material. It can involve both rigid and flexible types of packaging. The intent is usually to remove air from the container to reduce the volume of the contents and package. External vacuum sealers involve a bag or encasement whose open end is placed onto the deck of the vacuum-sealing machine externally. The lid of the machine is lowered to establish a seal with the deck along the intended edge and a pumping system evacuates the ambient air creating at least a partial vacuum within the encasement containing the clothing items. A sealing bar then seals the encasement to maintain the partial vacuum. Other external sealing machines automate this process and require only a portion of the unsealed bag to be inserted into the designated vacuum channel. The machine will clamp around the bag creating a seal so the interior of the encasement can be evacuated. Once a partial vacuum is established, the machine will automatically create a seal along the inserted edge.

Other external sealing machines contain internal compartments for placement of rolls of bags or encasements that are only sealed along two edges. The process of creating a vacuum sealed encasement begins with material of the roll being pulled through the area containing the roll cutter bar. When sufficient length is achieved, the cutter bar is lowered creating an encasement or bag with two open edges. One edge is then placed in the machine in the designated area to create a third edge seal. The intended items are then placed in the bag and the fourth edge is placed in the external vacuum machine which pulls a partial vacuum and then seals the fourth edge.

Single chamber sealers require the entire product to be placed within the machine. Like external sealers, a plastic bag is typically used for packaging. Once the product is placed in the machine, the lid is closed and air is removed. Then, there is a heat seal inside the chamber that will seal the bag, after sealing the bag the chamber is refilled with air by the automatic opening of a vent to the outside. This oncoming pressure squeezes all remaining air in the bag. The lid is then opened and the product removed. Chamber sealers are typically used for low-to-medium-volume packaging, and also have the capability to vacuum seal liquids.

Double chamber sealers require the entire product to be placed in a plastic bag within the machine. Once the product is placed in the machine on the seal bar, the lid is closed and air is removed. Then a seal bar inside the chamber seals the product in the bag, after sealing the bag the chamber is refilled with air by the automatic opening of a vent to the outside. This oncoming pressure squeezes all remaining air in the bag. The lid is then opened and the product removed. Double chamber sealers are typically used for medium-volume packaging, and also have the capability to vacuum seal liquids. The lid generally swings from one side to another, increasing production speed over a single chamber model. Double chamber vacuum packaging machines generally have either spring-weighted lids or fully automatic lids.

Edges of the sealed bag 10 can be but are not required to be rolled 15 to allow the sealed bag to easily be inserted 16 into the intended outer packaging 19. Other items 18 will be included in the package 19 such as but not limited to a disposable bag intended to place any soiled or dirty clothing, sanitary or baby wipes to aid in cleaning the child or his or her clothing and treats/stickers or similar objects to calm or entertain the child. After the sealed and packaged clothing (8,10) and the associated components 18 are placed in the outer packaging 19, a cover 17 will be placed on the outer package to secure the internal components (8,10,18).

In one embodiment, the cover 17 will be secured with adhesive, screw thread or tape. The cover 17 may also contain features to allow it to be displayed in a hanging fashion as shown in FIG. 1 on both 17 and 20. The company logo, information on the clothing and marketing material can be included as an insert and secured internal with the other components 18 or can be adhered to the outside of the outer packaging 19 such that it is visible in the final packaging 20. The product information can also be printed on the final packaging 20.

In another embodiment, other packaging method can be implemented other than that illustrated in FIG. 1 after the bag has been rolled (shown as step 16). FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative outer packaging option. The sealed and packaged clothing (8,10) and the associated components 18 are placed in a secondary packaging sleeve 21 that has been molded or shaped to accept the volume and contours of the sealed and packaged clothing (8,10) and the associated components 18. The secondary packaging sleeve 21 is in an open position when the contents are placed on it and then it is folded over to fully encapsulate the packaged clothing (8,10) and the associated components 18 as shown in step 22 in FIG. 5. As illustrated in step 23 in FIG. 5, The secondary packaging sleeve 21 along with its contents (8,10,18) are inserted into the outer package 24. This outer package 24 is similar in function to the outer package 19 in FIG. 1.

Still another packaging method would be that illustrated in FIG. 6. The sealed and packaged clothing (8,10) and the associated components 18 are placed in an outer package that allows for the shape and volume of packaged clothing (8,10) and the associated components 18. In step 26 in FIG. 6, after the packaged clothing (8,10) and the associated components 18 are inserted into the outer packaging 25, the tabs on both sides of the package are folded over to contain the internal contents. These tabs can be held in place by contact with other portion of the package and the nature of the fold shape, by an adhesive applied to surface of the tabs or through the use of tape or stickers.

In one embodiment, the kit described would be used when a child, toddler or infant clothing is soiled from food, a beverage including but not limited to milk or breast milk, dirt, vomit, reflux or spit-up, a leak from a diaper, accidental urination or bowel movement or any event that necessitates a change of clothing. The “Oopsie Outfit” kit 20 can be kept in a purse, pocket or diaper bag. The caregiver of the child, toddler or infant can remove the package 20, open the cover 17, open the bag 10 using the notch 13 and remove the clothing (1,2,3). The child and/or its soiled clothing can be cleaned using the provided wipes 18. The soiled clothing can be placed in the included bag 18.

In another embodiment, the kit described can be used for travel. As mentioned above, the packaging 20 will be very compact enabling several outfits (1,2,3) to be placed in a suitcase or travel bag. This would reduce the space needed for clothing but also allow a change of clothes at the airport, on-board an aircraft or train, in the car or other at location where access to luggage or the packed clothing is limited. The kit would also be useful for trips to the beach or pool as the packaging would not only allow for compact transport of the clothing and associated items but would also limit the exposure of the clothing to water or sand. This would allow a fresh change of clothing even if the container holding the product such as a beach bag or purse gets wait or contains sand.

The kit would also be useful in schools, hospitals and hotels to keep on hand due to the high level of children visiting that may need a change of clothing for various reasons.

One embodiment of the kit described is use for adults. The packaging would be similar in function but would need to be larger to accommodate the larger clothing for an adult. The kit would include would essentially be the same as illustrated in FIG. 1 with the exception of the contents 18. The contents would include items better suited for adult use and would be dependent on the intended use as displayed on the outer package (19,20). For adults suffering from incontinence or overactive bladders, the kit could contain contents 18 such as wipes and/or a disposable bag for soiled clothing. The kit could also be suited for travel purposes and include a change of clothing packaged in a compact manner as to allow for more room in luggage. Another embodiment for travel would be a kit that included bathing suits for men and women to either allow smaller packaging over conventional loosely folded clothes or for consumers who have forgotten to bring a bathing suit on while traveling. The accessories included 18 could also include sun screen.

In another embodiment the outer encasement 19 can provide information about the kit including but not limited to: a) directions related to opening and using the kit; b) care instructions; c) company information d) suggestions for use and e) patent information. The suggestions for use are intended to identify the type of kit and the accessories included. When the packaging is constructed in such a way as to significantly reduce the size of the packaging, the labeling may include reference to travel use and reduced size in order to allow for more space availability inside of luggage. For kits that include a swim suit and/or accessories such as sun screen, the labeling on the outer package may include reference to forgotten bathing suits while on travel or convenience of the small packaging while packing a swimsuit for travel.

Another embodiment of the kit 20 will include a disposable diaper as an accessory 18. The disposable diaper can be in place of underwear that may be provided in a kit for ages of two years and above and could be included in kits for ages including newborn to 2 years of age.

It should be appreciated that the various aspects and embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not therefore limit the scope of the invention when taken into consideration with the appended claims and the following detailed description and the accompanying Figures. Features from one aspect and embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein can be combined with features from other aspects and embodiments of the invention. Having thus described the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the foregoing detailed description of the invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognise other variants, modifications and alternatives in light of the foregoing discussion.

Claims

1. A kit for providing a change of clothing, comprising:

a sealed substantially air impermeable encasement completely enclosing an interior space and having at least one airtight seal;

at least one article of clothing compressed within said interior space of said sealed substantially air impermeable encasement; and

at least one accessory for use in the change of clothing or activities related to the change of clothing,

wherein said clothing is folded or rolled at least once.

2. A kit for providing a change of clothing as defined in claim 1 wherein air is removed from the said sealed substantially air impermeable encasement reducing the size of the package.

3. A kit for providing a change of clothing as defined in claim 1 wherein a secondary encasement is provided to further reduce the size such that the secondary encasement is inserted into the outer encasement.

4. A kit for providing a change of clothing as defined in claim 1 wherein the clothing included is suitable for at least one newborns, infants and toddlers.

5. A kit for providing a change of clothing as defined in claim 1 wherein the clothing included is suitable for children to adults and said clothing can include conventional clothing such as shirts, shorts pants or skirts and/or bathing suits.

6. A kit for providing a change of clothing as defined in claim 1 wherein said kit contains at leak one accessory that can be one or more of: a) sanitized wipe; b) diaper wipe; c) disposal bag or container for soiled, dirty or torn clothing; d) stickers; e) children activity including but not limited to toys, crayons or paper f) baby powder; g) diaper cream and h) sun screen.

7. A method of packaging the clothing in said kit for providing a change of clothing comprising the steps of:

folding or rolling the clothing to reduce the size;

inserting said clothing into an encasement comprised of substantially air impermeable material;

evacuating the air from the encasement;

sealing the encasement to maintain vacuum created within the encasement;

providing a notch on the edge of the encasement without releasing the vacuum to aid in opening of the encasement; and

inserting said encasement into another outer encasement to enhance aesthetic appeal and allow containment of other accessories.

8. An outer encasement for a change of clothing kit for providing information about the kit as defined in claim 1 including: directions related to opening and using the kit; care instructions; company information suggestions for use including but not limited to space savings for travel, change of clothes after accidental soiling and bathing suits and patent information.

9. A kit for providing a change of clothing as defined in claim 1 wherein said kit contains a disposable diaper.