Article Of Clothing

Info

Publication number: 20130097761
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 21, 2011
Publication Date: Apr 25, 2013
Inventors: Rebecca Catherine Mohr (Appleton, WI), Timothy David Abate (Neenah, WI), Chad Richard Buecker (Fort Thomas, KY)
Application Number: 13/278,252

Abstract

An article of clothing may have two side panels in a torso section of the article of clothing. In a closed configuration, one of the side panels may overlay the other side panel. The article of clothing may also have a lower body section adapted to pass between the wearer's legs when the article is in a closed configuration.

Description

Description

BACKGROUND

Many types of articles of clothing are available today for wear. These articles of clothing are typically manufactured with the notion that the actual wearer of the article of clothing will dress themselves and typically, these clothes require either slipping the article of clothing over the wearer's head or slipping the wearer's legs through leg holes. Clothes that require slipping over the head of the wearer or the wearer slipping their legs through leg holes may result in great frustration to the wearer if, for example, the wearer has limited mobility. In other words, a wearer with limited upper body mobility may experience difficulty raising their arms over their head to bring an article of clothing over their head, arms, and shoulders. Additionally, a wearer with decreased movement of the legs may experience difficulty in slipping their legs through leg holes in order to don clothes such as shorts or pants or any other garment that may cover the wearer's lower torso such as underclothes.

The wearer may also be completely unable to dress themselves, such as the case of a newborn baby or young infant, or an adult that lacks mobility of their arms and/or legs or lacks dexterity in their hands. In such circumstances, the wearer may be partially or entirely dependent upon a caregiver to dress them. While the caregiver may have full motility, they may still experience difficulty in dressing or undressing the wearer of the article of clothing if the clothing must be slipped over the head or legs of the wearer. For example, in the event the wearer is an adult, the weight of the adult may create a situation in which the caregiver struggles to bring an article of clothing over the head, arms and shoulders or up the legs and torso of the wearer. In the event the wearer is a newborn or young infant, for example, the caregiver may not desire to dress or undress the wearer in the manner in which the article of clothing requires the wearer to be dressed or undressed. For example, a situation may exist where the wearer experienced a bowel movement and the fecal material has escaped from an absorbent article meant to contain the fecal material and has soiled the article of clothing. In this situation, if the wearer is wearing an infant bodysuit which is typically meant to be removed by pulling it up the torso and slipping it off of the head of the wearer, the caregiver may have a strong desire to not take such an action as such an action will result in moving fecal material past the head and face of the wearer. As another example, many caregivers consider newborns and young infants to be fragile and are very fearful of handling the child.

In these situations, the caregiver may not want to put clothing on the child that requires a large amount of manipulation out of fear of hurting the child. For example, the caregiver may not want to use an article of clothing that has too many closure mechanisms as they typically are attempting to secure the article of clothing onto a young infant or newborn with a single hand while using their other hand to prevent the young infant or newborn from rolling off of the changing table.

There is a need for an article of clothing that is easy to put on and take off of a wearer. There is a need for an article of clothing that does not require being slipped over the head or the legs of the wearer. There is a need for an article of clothing that can be placed into a closed configuration with minimal closure mechanisms while maintaining the desired coverage of the skin of the wearer.

SUMMARY

An article of clothing may have a perimeter edge region defining a torso section and a lower body section; an interior region of the torso section; an interior region of the lower body section and the torso section may have a first side panel having a first half of a first closure mechanism within the perimeter edge region; and a first half of a second closure mechanism within the interior region of the first side panel of the torso section; the second side panel may have a second half of the first closure mechanism within the perimeter edge region; and a first half of a third closure mechanism within the interior region of the second side panel of the torso section; and the lower body section may have a second half of the second closure mechanism within the interior region of the lower body section; and a second half of the third closure mechanism within the interior region of the lower body section. In an embodiment, the torso section may further have a back panel situated between the first and second side panels wherein the first side panel is adjacent to a first portion of the back panel and the second side panel is adjacent to a second portion of the back panel. In an embodiment, a portion of the interior region of the second side panel overlays a portion of the interior region of the first side panel when the article is in a closed configuration. In an embodiment, the first and second side panels are the same size. In an embodiment, the first side panel is wider than the second side panel. In an embodiment, the first side panel underlays the second side panel and is in communication with the second portion of the back panel when the article is in a closed configuration. In an embodiment, the lower body section is integrally formed with the torso section. In an embodiment, the lower body section extends from the back panel. In an embodiment, the interior region of the lower body section extends from the interior region of the torso section. In an embodiment, the interior region of the lower body section extends from the interior region of the back panel of the torso section. In an embodiment, the lower body section is adapted to pass between a wearer's legs when the article is in a closed configuration. In an embodiment, the article is configured to be worn by an infant.

An article of clothing may have a perimeter edge region defining a torso section and a lower body section; an interior region of the torso section; an interior region of the lower body section; and the torso section may have a first side panel; a second side panel; wherein a portion of the interior region of the second side panel overlays a portion of the interior region of the first side panel when the article is in a closed configuration; and the lower body section may have a first half of a first closure mechanism within the interior region of the lower body section and adapted to pass between a wearer's legs when the article is in a closed configuration so that the first half of the first closure mechanism can releasably engage with a second half of the first closure mechanism located within the interior region of the torso section. In an embodiment, a back panel can be situated between the first and second side panels wherein the first side panel is adjacent a first portion of the back panel and the second side panel is adjacent a second portion of the back panel. In an embodiment, the first and second side panels are the same size. In an embodiment, the first side panel is wider than the second side panel. In an embodiment, the first side panel underlays the second side panel and is in communication with the second portion of the back panel when the article is in a closed configuration. In an embodiment, the lower body section is integrally formed with the torso section. In an embodiment, the lower body section extends from the back panel. In an embodiment, the interior region of the lower body section extends from the interior region of the back panel. In an embodiment, the article is configured to be worn by an infant.

An article of clothing may have a perimeter edge region defining a torso section and a lower body section; an interior of the torso section; an interior of the lower body section; and the torso section may have a first side panel; a second side panel; and a single closure mechanism located within the perimeter edge region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top down view of an article of clothing in an open configuration with the body facing side of the article of clothing facing the viewer.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top down view of an embodiment of the article of clothing of FIG. 1 in a partially open configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top down view of an embodiment of the article of clothing of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed generally towards an article of clothing. The article of clothing may have two side panels in a torso section of the article of clothing. In a closed configuration, one of the side panels may overlay the other side panel. The article of clothing may also have a lower body section adapted to pass between the wearer's legs when the article is in a closed configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an example of an article of clothing 10 is illustrated. The article of clothing 10 can be configured from any material deemed suitable for use. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from a material that is washable. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from a single layer of material, from multiple layers of material, from a blend of materials, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from material which has nonallergenic properties. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from material which has thermal properties. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from material which is soft to the touch. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from material having a color or design print imparted thereon. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from material which is natural, synthetic, artificial, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from material such as, but not limited to, cotton, cotton veil, cotton knit, towel knit, rib knit, linen, flannel, lined material, silk, chlorofiber, fleece, microfleece, knit, woven cotton, polyester, rayon, acrylic, polyamide, viscose, acetate, triacetate, modal, velvet, velour, wool, angora, cashmere, alpaca, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from material appropriate for the season of the year during which the article of clothing 10 may be worn. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from a nonwoven material. In such an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 may be disposable after use. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 may be configured from multiple layers of material wherein the layers are separable from each other. In such an embodiment, a layer of material closest to the skin of the wearer may be changed when deemed necessary. In such an embodiment, the layer of material closest to the skin of the wearer may be a nonwoven layer of material. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from a single piece of material. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be configured from multiple discrete pieces of material which can be bonded to each other. As used herein, the term “bonded” or “bonding” refers to the joining, adhering, connecting, attaching, sewing together, or the like, of two elements. Two elements will be considered bonded together when they are bonded directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly bonded to intermediate elements.

In use, the article of clothing 10 can swaddle the wearer. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that an article of clothing that can swaddle the wearer can provide warmth to the wearer. It is also believed, without being bound by theory, that an article of clothing that can swaddle the wearer can provide coverage to the skin of the wearer. As will be discussed herein, the article of clothing 10 can have at least one or two side panels, such as side panels 18 and 20, in a torso section 12 which can extend from the back region of the wearer around to the front region of the wearer and overlap each other to provide skin coverage and warmth to the wearer as desired. Additionally, as will be discussed herein, the article of clothing 10 can have a lower body section 14 which can pass between the wearer's legs and be secured to the torso section 14 of the article of clothing 10, such as, for example, to the side panels 18 and 20. The lower body section 14 can enhance the securement of the torso section 12 about the wearer's body as well as maintain the positioning of an absorbent article if such an article is also worn by the wearer.

In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have an open configuration, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, when the article of clothing 10 is in an open configuration, the article of clothing 10 can be completely unfolded and laid in a flat configuration. When the article of clothing 10 is in an open configuration, the article of clothing 10 is ready to be donned by a wearer. In an embodiment, the wearer of the article of clothing 10 can be an adult, child or baby. In an embodiment, the wearer of the article of clothing 10 can be a baby from the age of birth to 24 months. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have a partially open configuration, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 2. When the article of clothing 10 is in a partially open configuration, at least one of the side panels, 18 or 20, or the lower body section 14 is unfolded into an open position. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the lower body section 14 is unfolded into an open position. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have a closed configuration, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 3. In such a closed configuration, both of the side panels, 18 and 20, and the lower body section 14 are folded into the closed configuration.

The article of clothing 10 can have a torso section 12 and a lower body section 14, both of which will be described in more detail herein. The article of clothing 10 can have a perimeter edge region 60, which can define the outermost edge of the article of clothing 10, and an interior region, which can be the region of the article of clothing 10 bounded by the perimeter edge region 60. Each of the torso section 12 and the lower body section 14 can have a portion of the perimeter edge region 60 and a portion of the interior region of the article of clothing 10.

In an embodiment, the perimeter edge region 60 can be integral to the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the perimeter edge region 60 can be seamless. In an embodiment, the perimeter edge region 60 can have a seam. In an embodiment, the perimeter edge region 60 can be formed by folding the edge of the material of the article of clothing 10 back on itself and bonding the folded material to the unfolded material to create an edge seam. In an embodiment, the perimeter edge region 60 can be formed by bonding a discrete piece of material to the edge of the article of clothing 10 to create an edge seam. In such an embodiment, the discrete piece of material can be the same as or different from the material used to form the article of clothing 10.

The perimeter edge region 60 can have an interior edge 62 and an exterior edge 64, a non-limiting example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In an embodiment, the interior edge 62 and the exterior edge 64 can be co-extensive. In an embodiment, the interior edge 62 and the exterior edge 64 can be separate from each other providing the perimeter edge region 60 any width dimension 66, as measured from the interior edge 62 to the exterior edge 64, as deemed suitable. In an embodiment, the width dimension 66 can be from about 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 mm to about 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 mm. In an embodiment, the width dimension can be less than about 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4 or 2 mm. In an embodiment, the width dimension 66 can be less than about 20 mm. In an embodiment, the width dimension 66 can be sized as deemed suitable to have a closure mechanism as described herein. The interior edge 62 can be contiguous with the interior region of the article of clothing 10. The exterior edge 64 can be opposite to the interior edge 62 of the perimeter edge region 60. As described herein, the torso section 12 can have side panels, such as side panels 18 and 20, which can overlap each other when the article of clothing 10 is worn by a wearer. It should be understood that the exterior edge 64 of the perimeter edge region 60 can be in communication with an interior region of the article of clothing 10 when the article of clothing 10 is worn by a wearer. As noted herein, the perimeter edge region 60 can be a boundary to an interior region of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the interior region 10 can begin where the interior region is contiguous with the interior edge 62 of the perimeter edge region 60. For example, in an embodiment, the perimeter edge region 60 can have a width of 15 mm and the interior region of the article of clothing 10 begins 15 mm from the exterior edge 64 of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the interior region of the article of clothing 10 can begin at a distance of at least about 20 mm from the exterior edge 64 of the article of clothing 10.

In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have a longitudinal centerline 70. The longitudinal centerline 70 can be positioned in substantially the center of the article of clothing 10 in the longitudinal direction as the article of clothing 10 is worn by the wearer. The article of clothing 10 can have a torso section 12 which can cover the torso of the wearer when the article of clothing 10 is in use. The term “torso” as used herein refers to the upper torso, including the shoulders, chest and upper back, as well as the lower torso, including the stomach, lower back, and buttocks.

In an embodiment, the torso section 12 can have at least two side panels, such as, a first side panel 18 and a second side panel 20 which can extend in opposite directions from the longitudinal centerline 70. The side panels, 18 and 20, can extend from the longitudinal centerline 70 in the back region of the wearer and wrap around the torso of the wearer from the back of the wearer to the front of the wearer. In such a manner, the side panels, 18 and 20, can swaddle the wearer. Each of the side panels, 18 and 20, can be in communication with a first portion of the back of the wearer, one of the sides of the wearer, a portion of the front of the wearer, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, one of the side panels, 18 or 20, can overlay the other side panel, 18 or 20, when the article of clothing 10 is in a partially open or a closed configuration. In such an embodiment, the side panel, 18 or 20, can overlay the other side panel, 18 or 20, in any amount as deemed suitable to swaddle the wearer of the article of clothing 10.

In an embodiment, the first and second side panels, 18 and 20, can be sized as deemed appropriate for the wearer of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the first and second side panels, 18 and 20, can be the same size. In an embodiment, one of the side panels, 18 or 20, may be sized larger than the other side panel, 18 or 20, such as, for example, one of the side panels may have a width, as measured in the transverse direction from the longitudinal centerline 70 to the farthest point of the side panel, which is wider than the width of the other side panel.

As described herein, each of the side panels, 18 or 20, can extend in opposite directions from the longitudinal centerline 70 and be in communication with a portion of the back, one of the sides and the front of the wearer. In an embodiment, one or both side panels may be in communication with a second side of the wearer. In such an embodiment, the side panel which is in communication with the second side of the wearer can further be in communication with a second portion of the back of the wearer. In such an embodiment, the side panel can extend from the longitudinal centerline 70 to wrap from the back of the wearer to the front of the wearer and continue to wrap to the second side of the wearer. In an embodiment, the side panel can further extend to be in communication with a second portion of the back of the wearer. The second portion of the back of the wearer can be opposite to the first portion of the back of the wearer. It should be understood that either, or both, side panel, 18 or 20, can be in communication with the second side of the wearer and/or a second portion of the back of the wearer. In an embodiment, the side panel underlying the second side panel can be in communication with the second side of the wearer and/or a second portion of the back of the wearer. In an embodiment in which at least one of the side panels, 18 or 20, is in communication with a second portion of the back of the wearer, the side panel can be in communication with any amount of the second portion of the back of the wearer as deemed appropriate. In an embodiment, at least about 0.5 cm of the side panel can be in communication with a second portion of the back of the wearer. In an embodiment, at least about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10 cm of the side panel can be in communication with a second portion of the back of the wearer. In an embodiment, from about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 cm to about 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10 cm of the side panel can be in communication with a second portion of the back of the wearer.

As noted above, the torso section 12 can contain a portion of the interior region of the article of clothing 10. Each side panel, 18 and 20, can each contain a portion of the interior region of the torso section 12. In an embodiment in which the side panels, 18 and 20, are the same size, each side panel, 18 and 20, can contain the same size area of interior region. In an embodiment in which one of the side panels, 18 or 20, is larger than the other side panel, 18 or 20, the larger side panel can contain a larger size area of interior region. As one side panel, 18 or 20, can overlay the other side panel, 18 or 20, the interior region of that side panel, 18 or 20, can overlay the interior region of the other side panel, 18 or 20. In an embodiment, a portion of the interior region of one side panel, 18 or 20, overlays a portion of the interior region of the other side panel, 18 or 20. In an embodiment in which one of the side panels, 18 or 20, is in communication with a second side of the wearer and/or in communication with a second portion of the back of the wearer, the interior region of that side panel, 18 or 20, can also be in communication with the second side of the wearer and/or a second portion of the back of the wearer.

In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have a back panel 16. In such an embodiment, the back panel 16 can be situated between the first and second side panels, 18 and 20. In such an embodiment, the first side panel 18 can be adjacent to a first portion of the back panel 16 and the second side panel 20 can be adjacent to a second portion of the back panel 16 which is not the same as the first portion of the back panel 16 adjacent to the first side panel 18. In such an embodiment, the side panels, 18 and 20, can extend in opposite directions from the back panel 16. The back panel 16 can contain a portion of the interior region of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the back panel 16 can be sized as deemed appropriate for an approximate back width of the intended wearer and the back panel 16 can have the longitudinal centerline 70 located substantially at the transverse midpoint of the back panel 16. In an embodiment, one of the side panels, 18 or 20, is in communication with a first portion of the back of the wearer, a first side of the wearer, and a first portion of the front of the wearer. In such an embodiment, the side panel, 18 or 20, can further be in communication with a second side of the wearer and/or a second portion of the back of the wearer. In an embodiment, one of the side panels, 18 or 20, is in communication with a first portion of the back of the wearer, a first side of the wearer, a front portion of the wearer, a second side of the wearer, and a second portion of the back of the wearer. In such an embodiment, the side panel, 18 or 20, can be in communication with a second portion of the back panel 16 which is not the same as the first portion of the back panel 16. In such an embodiment, the interior region of the side panel, 18 or 20, can be in communication with an interior region of the back panel 16.

The article of clothing 10 can have a lower body section 14. In an embodiment, the lower body section 14 is integrally formed with the torso section 12 of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the lower body section 14 is bonded to the torso section 12 of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the lower body section 14 can extend from the torso section 12 of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the lower body section 14 can extend from a back panel 16 of the article of clothing 10. As noted herein, the lower body section 14 can contain a portion of the interior region of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the lower body section 14 can have an interior region and the interior region of the lower body section 14 can extend from the interior region of the torso section 12. In an embodiment, the interior region of the lower body section 14 can extend from the interior region of a back panel 16.

As noted above, the lower body section 14 can be adapted to pass between the legs of the wearer when the lower body section 14 is in a closed configuration. In an embodiment, when the article of clothing 10 is in a closed configuration, the lower body section 14 can overlay the torso section 12. In such an embodiment, the lower body section 14 can overlay at least one side panel, 18 or 20, of the torso section 12. In such an embodiment, the lower body section 14 can directly or indirectly overlay the side panel, 18 or 20. As noted above, the lower body section 14 can contain a portion of the interior region of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, when the article of clothing 10 is in a closed configuration, at least a portion of the interior region of the lower body section 14 can overlay at least a portion of the interior region of the torso section 12. In an embodiment, when the article of clothing is in a closed configuration, at least a portion of the interior region of the lower body section 14 can overlay at least a portion of one of the interior regions of at least one of the side panels, 18 or 20. It should be understood that in a closed configuration, the lower body section 14 can be configured to underlay at least one of the side panels, 18 or 20, of the torso section 12. It should also be understood that any of the configurations described above can apply to an article of clothing 10 in a partially open configuration.

In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have at least one closure mechanism. A closure mechanism can have a first half and a second half which are capable of releasable engagement with each other. The closure mechanism can be any closure mechanism capable of securing the article of clothing 10 around the body of the wearer. Examples of closure mechanisms include, but are not limited to, buttons, press-studs, zips, straps, ribbons, laces, ties, straps, adhesives, cohesives, vinyl, button hole and button, hook and loop type fasteners, lock and key type fasteners, magnets, components with friction attachment, etc. As the article of clothing 10 can swaddle the wearer, the closure mechanism can have a first half located in a first position of the article of clothing 10 and a second half located in a second position of the article of clothing 10. When the article of clothing 10 is wrapped about the wearer, the first and second halves of the closure mechanism can be brought into releasable engagement with each other. In an embodiment, the closure mechanism can be a three-piece closure mechanism. As a non-limiting example, the closure mechanism can have a snap mechanism having a double sided stud which can releasably engage with two sockets. In such an embodiment, for example, a first side panel can have a double sided stud located within the interior region which can releasably engage with a stud located in the lower body section 14 and a stud located within the second side panel underlaying the first side panel when the side panels are in a closed configuration. As another non-limiting example, the closure mechanism can be a button which can releasably engage with two button holes. In such an embodiment, the button can be positioned on a first side panel which can underlay the second side panel having a first button hole. The lower body section can further contain a second button hole. The button can then be placed through each of the button holes. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have any number of closure mechanisms deemed suitable that can provide ease of use and/or reduce frustration to the wearer of the article of clothing 10 or to a caregiver of the wearer. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that an article of clothing 10 that can have as few closure mechanisms as is necessary, while still providing for complete closure of the article of clothing 10, can suit the needs of the wearer of the article of clothing 10 and/or a caregiver of the wearer. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have one, two, three, four or five closure mechanisms. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have less than five, four, three, or two closure mechanisms.

In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have a closure mechanism in the torso section 12 of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have a single complete closure mechanism within the torso region 12 when the article of clothing 10 is in an open configuration. A complete closure mechanism is a presence of the first and second halves of the closure mechanism. In such an embodiment, the closure mechanism can be located within the perimeter edge region 60 of the article of clothing 10. In such an embodiment, the closure mechanism can have a first half 40 located within the perimeter edge region 60 of the first side panel 18 and a second half 42 located within the perimeter edge region 60 of the second side panel 20 of the article of clothing 10. In such an embodiment, the closure mechanism can be positioned within the perimeter edge region 60 in a location such that the article of clothing 10 can be secured about the wearer's neck and shoulders when the article of clothing 10 is in a partially open or a closed configuration. In an embodiment, the torso section 12 can have a complete closure mechanism located within the interior region of the torso section 12. In such an embodiment, a first half 40 of the closure mechanism can be located in the interior region of one side panel, 18 or 20, and a second half 42 of the closure mechanism can be located in the interior region of the other side panel, 18 or 20. In an embodiment, the torso section 12 can have a complete closure mechanism located within the torso section 12 and a first half 40 of the closure mechanism can be located within the perimeter edge region 60 and the second half 42 of the closure mechanism can be located within the interior region of the torso section 12.

In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have a second closure mechanism in which a first half 44 is located within the lower body section 14 of the article of clothing 10 and the second half 46 is located within the torso section 12 of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the first half 44 and the second half 46 can each be located within the interior region of the lower body section 14 and the torso section 12, respectively. In an embodiment, the first half 44 can be located within the perimeter edge region 60 of the lower body section 14 and the second half 46 can be located within the interior region of the torso section 12 of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the first half 44 located within the lower body section 14 can releasably engage with the second half 46 located within the torso section 12 to assist in maintaining the article of clothing 10 in a closed configuration.

In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have a third closure mechanism in which a first half 48 is located within the lower body section 14 of the article of clothing 10 and the second half 50 is located within the torso section 12 of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the first half 48 and the second half 50 can each be located within the interior region of the lower body section 14 and the torso section 12, respectively. In an embodiment, the first half 48 can be located within the perimeter edge region 60 of the lower body section 14 and the second half 50 can be located within the interior region of the torso section 12 of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the first half 48 located within the lower body section 14 can releasably engage with the second half 50 located within the torso section 12 to assist in maintaining the article of clothing 10 in a closed configuration.

It should be understood that the article of clothing 10, in a closed configuration, can have more than one closure mechanism in the torso section 12. In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can be in an open configuration and can have a first half and a second half of a closure mechanism within the torso section 12. In such an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have a first half of an additional closure mechanism in the torso section 12 and a second half of the additional closure mechanism in the lower body section 14. In such an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have additional closure mechanisms in which a first half is located in the torso section 12 and a second half is located in the lower body section 14. In such an embodiment, when the lower body section 14 is placed into a closed configuration, the second half of each of the closure mechanisms located therein can releasably engage with the first half of the corresponding closure mechanisms. In an embodiment, such closure mechanisms which are completed when the lower body section 14 is placed into a closed configuration may be located in the lower torso region of the wearer. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such placement can reduce or eliminate any discomfort to the wearer including in situations in which the wearer is also wearing an absorbent article, such as, for example, a diaper.

In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have sleeves, such as sleeves 52. The sleeves 52 can assist in covering the wearer's arms and providing warmth to the wearer's arms. The wearer's arms can be slipped through the sleeve holes 22 and extend through the sleeves 52. While the sleeves 52 are illustrated as short sleeves, it should be understood that the sleeves 52 can be long sleeves. It should be understood that the sleeves 52 can include hand covers as deemed suitable. In an embodiment, the sleeves 52 can extend from the side panels, 18 and 20, of the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the sleeves 52 can extend from a location where a side panel, such as side panel 18 or 20, is adjacent to a portion of the back panel 16.

In an embodiment, the article of clothing 10 can have a hood (not shown). In an embodiment, the hood can be permanent to the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the hood can be removable from the article of clothing 10. In an embodiment, the hood can extend from the rear neck edge 24. In an embodiment, the hood can be sized as deemed necessary to cover the head of the wearer.

In the interests of brevity and conciseness, any ranges of values set forth in this disclosure contemplate all values within the range and are to be construed as support for claims reciting any sub-ranges having endpoints which are whole number values within the specified range in question. By way of hypothetical example, a disclosure of a range of from 1 to 5 shall be considered to support claims to any of the following ranges: 1 to 5; 1 to 4; 1 to 3; 1 to 2; 2 to 5; 2 to 4; 2 to 3; 3 to 5; 3 to 4; and 4 to 5.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by references, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An article comprising:

a. a perimeter edge region defining a torso section and a lower body section;

b. the torso section comprising: i. a first side panel comprising: 1. an interior region; 2. a first half of a first closure mechanism within the perimeter edge region; and a first half of a second closure mechanism within the interior region; ii. a second side panel comprising: 1. an interior region; 2. a second half of the first closure mechanism within the perimeter edge region; and 3. a first half of a third closure mechanism within the interior region;

c. the lower body section comprising: i. an interior region; ii. a second half of the second closure mechanism; and iii. a second half of the third closure mechanism.

2. The article of claim 1 wherein a portion of the interior region of the second side panel overlays a portion of the interior region of the first side panel when the first and second side panels are in a closed configuration.

3. The article of claim 1 wherein a portion of the interior region of the lower body section overlays a portion of the interior region of one of the side panels of the torso section when the article is in a closed configuration.

4. The article of claim 1 wherein the first and second side panels are the same size.

5. The article of claim 1 wherein the first side panel is wider than the second side panel.

6. The article of claim 1 wherein the lower body section is integrally formed with the torso section.

7. The article of claim 1 wherein the first side panel is in communication with a first portion of a back of a wearer, a first side of the wearer and a first portion of a front of the wearer when the first side panel is in a closed configuration.

8. The article of claim 7 wherein the first side panel is further in communication with a second side of the wearer.

9. The article of claim 8 wherein the first side panel is further in communication with a second portion of the back of the wearer.

10. The article of claim 1 wherein the lower body section is adapted to pass between a wearer's legs when the article is in a closed configuration.

11. The article of claim 1 wherein the second half of the second closure mechanism and the second half of the third closure mechanism are located within the perimeter edge region of the lower body section.

12. The article of claim 1 wherein the second half of the second closure mechanism and the second half of the third closure mechanism are located within the interior region of the lower body section.

13. An article comprising:

a. a perimeter edge region defining a torso section and a lower body section;

b. the torso section comprising: i. an interior region; ii. a first side panel comprising a portion of the interior region of the torso section; and iii. a second side panel comprising a portion of the interior region of the torso section;

wherein a portion of the interior region of the second side panel overlays a portion of the interior region of the first side panel when the first and second side panels are in a closed configuration; and

c. the lower body section comprising: i. an interior region; ii. a first half of a first closure mechanism releasably engagable with a second half of the first closure mechanism located within the interior region of one of the side panels of the torso section.

14. The article of claim 13 wherein the first and second side panels are the same size.

15. The article of claim 13 wherein the first side panel is wider than the second side panel.

16. The article of claim 13 wherein the first side panel is in communication with a first portion of a back of a wearer, a first side of the wearer, and a first portion of a front of the wearer when the first side panel is in a closed configuration.

17. The article of claim 13 wherein the first half of the first closure mechanism is located within the perimeter edge region of the lower body section.

18. The article of claim 13 wherein the first half of the first closure mechanism is located within the interior region of the lower body section.

19. An article comprising:

a. a perimeter edge region defining a torso section and a lower body section;

b. the torso section comprising: i. an interior region; ii. a first side panel; and iii. a second side panel;

c. a single closure mechanism located within the torso section when the article is in an open configuration.

20. The article of claim 19 further comprising a first half of a second closure mechanism located in the lower body section releasably engagable with a second half of the second closure mechanism located in the interior region of the torso section.