Interactive Garment System
An interactive garment system comprises a garment comprising at least one graphic design on an outer surface of the garment. A first appliqué is joined to the garment over a portion of the graphic design. The appliqué comprises a flap having an open position and a closed position. A child's toy is configured to be removably joinable to the appliqué and covered by the flap in the closed position in which a child may interact with the child's toy.
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.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONOne or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to clothing. More particularly, the invention relates to an interactive garment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. It is believed that the stimulation of touch, hearing, sight, and smell are important to infants. Typically, newborn infants only have the capacity to see seven to eight inches from the face and can follow objects moving within their field of vision. It is also believed that infants show the rudiments of depth perception, as an infant often reacts by raising their hand when an object appears to be moving rapidly toward the face. For instance, without limitation, infants who see a novel stimulus typically pay close attention to this stimulus, and, as a consequence, the infants' heart rates increase. When infants repeatedly see the same stimulus, the attention of the infants to this stimulus typically decreases, as indicated by a common response of decreased heart rates. This phenomenon is herein referred to as habituation, the decrease in the response to a stimulus that occurs after repeated presentations of the same stimulus. By studying habituation, developmental psychologists may be able to determine when a child who is too young to speak can detect and discriminate a stimulus.
The use of such research techniques typically shows that the visual perception of infants is sophisticated from the start of life. For example, without limitation, at birth, infants generally prefer patterns with contours and edges to less distinct patterns, from which one may determine that many infants can respond to the configuration of stimuli. Furthermore, one can expect that newborns are aware of size constancy, because infants are typically sensitive to the phenomenon by which objects stay the same size even though the image on the retina may change size as the distance between the object and the retina varies. It is believed that other visual abilities grow rapidly after birth. For example, without limitation, by the end of their first month, infants may be able to distinguish some colors from others, and after four months some infants may be able to focus on near or far objects. By age four or five months, infants are generally able to recognize two and three-dimensional objects and often can perceive gestalt organizing principles discovered by psychologists who study perception. One can expect that the sensitivity of an infant to visual stimuli, for instance without limitation, becomes three to four times greater at one year of age than this sensitivity was at birth.
In addition to vision, infants often display other impressive sensory capabilities. Newborns can typically distinguish different sounds to the point of generally being able to recognize their own mothers' voices at the age of three days. Newborns may also be able to make the subtle perceptual distinctions that underlie language abilities. For example, without limitation, at two days of age, infants can typically distinguish between their native tongue and foreign languages, and may be able to discriminate between such closely related sounds as ba and pa when they are four days old. By six months of age, infants can generally discriminate virtually any difference in sound that is relevant to the production of language. Moreover, it is believed that infants can recognize different tastes and smells at a very early age.
By way of educational background, an aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that when taking children into a social setting, these children may distract others by crying, screaming, fidgeting, etc. Parents or guardians often bring toys or possessions with them into social settings to entertain infants and children, which may be awkward and stressful. In addition, some children may try to reach for and grab others during a conversation, which may distract those in the conversation and may embarrass the parent or guardian.
In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSThe present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.
Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.
Although Claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.
Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.
References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.
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.
A practical embodiment of the present invention relates to an interactive garment that displays various different tactile and sensing elements with which a child may interact and play. Some practical embodiments may be made for adults or teenagers to wear so that a child sitting on the lap of the individual who is wearing the garment may interact with the garment. Other practical embodiments may be made for children to wear and to interact with while wearing the garment. Many practical embodiments may be implemented as various different types of garments such as, but not limited to, t-shirts, other types of shirts, jackets, pants, nightgowns, etc. Some practical embodiments can be utilized in three modes. In one mode interactive objects may be used on the garments. In another mode, some interactive objects may be removed from the garments and placed on wristbands on individuals' arms. In another mode, removable objects may be placed on a panel on the floor for a child to interact with while learning how to crawl or walk.
Those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, will readily recognize that garments in some alternate embodiments may comprise a multiplicity of suitable designs, graphics, ornaments, etc. For example, without limitation, some alternate embodiments may comprise exaggerated fabric bows in bright, bold colors to induce an infant's attention. Other alternate embodiments may comprise various different screen print graphics, embroidery, and or block print designs. Some alternate embodiments may comprise multiple flaps for a child to explore. Furthermore, some alternate embodiments may display various different images such as, but not limited to, people, animals, plants, automobiles, abstract designs, etc. In the present embodiment the design is aesthetically pleasing. Some alternate embodiments may be implemented with function in mind for stimulating and entertaining a child without regard to aesthetics.
In the present embodiment, the flap area also comprises a squeaking toy 209 that is attached to garment 200 by attachment means 211 such as, but not limited to, hook and loop material or snaps to enable toy 209 to be removed for washing and other uses, such as, but not limited to, attaching toy 209 to other interactive garments or allowing a child to play with toy 209 separately. Using attachment means 211 also enables toys and ornaments to be changed to generally prevent habituation and keep the child stimulated. Toy 209 is connected to attachment means 211 by a cord 213 to enable a child to pull toy 209 away from garment 200. In some alternate embodiments, toys and other ornaments may be permanently or removably attached directly to the garment or attached by elastic means that enable toys to extend from and retract towards the garment. In the present embodiment, several of the objects under flap 201 have bold colored patterns with contours and edges, which may add to the enjoyment and stimulation of the child.
In typical use of the present embodiment, a child flips up flap 201 to see what is underneath. Shiny material 203, mirror 205, flashing lights 207, and toy 209 act as eye provoking stimuli to entertain the child as well as encourage the child to participate in activities to aid the child in meeting early childhood developmental milestones. In some alternate embodiments, the inside or outside of the flap may comprise various different objects including, without limitation, appliqué items, objects that make sounds when pushed, squeezed or moved, objects that have a scent such as, but not limited to, scratch and sniff stickers, pieces of fabric, teething toys, stuffed toys, etc. Also, it is contemplated that objects in some alternate embodiments may be placed on interactive garments in a multiplicity of suitable configurations. Furthermore, flaps in some alternate embodiments may be implemented to be flipped open in various different ways other than flipping up. For example, without limitation, some flaps may flip down or open to one side or the other.
In typical use of the present embodiment, a child sits on the lap of a person wearing the interactive garments and interacts with interactive designs 501 on t-shirt 503 and pants 505 and objects 509 on wristband 507. It is believed that the garments will appeal to children since the garments are geared toward stimulating the four senses. The interactive garments may also be developmentally helpful for the child since interactive designs 501 are at the correct spatial, height, and visual ratio to enable the child to easily interact with designs 501 by touch, hearing, sight and smell. It is contemplated that users may wear interactive garments according to the present embodiment in a multiplicity of suitable configurations. For example, without limitation, a user may wear t-shirt 503 with wristband 507, pants 505 alone, wristband 507 alone, etc. Furthermore, alternative garments comprising interactive designs including, without limitation, skirts, jackets, scarves, etc. may be used in conjunction with garments according to the present embodiment or may be used without garments according to the present embodiment as stand-alone pieces or in various different combinations.
The use of interactive garments according to the present embodiment encourages physical touch and promotes a bonding experience between a child and a person wearing the garments. Attachment, the positive emotional bond that develops between a child and a specific individual, is believed to be an important form of social development that occurs during infancy. The interactive garments may also be entertaining for others to watch in a social setting, and may reduce awkwardness and stress in social settings that may be caused by a child that is bored and demanding attention. Since the garments comprise various different ornaments, sounds, lights, and tactile materials, a parent or guardian does not need to bring other entertaining toys or possession with them into a social setting, which may be awkward and stressful. Moreover, the garments may generally prevent the child from reaching for others during a conversation or reaching for the clothing or jewelry of others. The guardian or parent who is wearing the interactive garments can have the child facing away from others, which can possibly reduce the chance of the child distracting others by crying, screaming, or fidgeting.
Some alternate embodiments of the present invention may be geared towards anyone at any age that likes interactive garments. These garments can be self-interactive for teenagers and children who want to interact with an infant and also want to entertain themselves. Other alternate embodiments may be implemented as garments that can be worn by an infant and can entertain and stimulate the infant.
Some alternate embodiments may also comprise add on devices that may attached by, but not limited to, magnets, buttons or hook and loop material. In a non-limiting example, magnets may be sewn into a shirt, removable object, wrist band or any other interactive devices so as to attract complimentary objects together. Likewise, buttons or hook and loop material may be used in a similar way. The garments may respond to add on devices in various different ways, for example, without limitation, by making a sound, playing music, blinking, etc. These add on devices may be implemented in various different ways. For example, without limitation, the devices may be an object that is worn around the wrist or as a ring or necklace. Alternatively, the devices may be a non-wearable object such as, but not limited to a wand, a remote control, a stuffed animal, etc.
All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing interactive garments according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the flap may vary depending upon the particular type of design used. The flaps described in the foregoing were directed to partially rounded implementations; however, similar techniques are to provide flaps of various different sizes and shapes such as, but not limited to, rectangles, triangles, circles, irregular shapes etc. For example, without limitation, one alternate embodiment may comprise a graphic design of a house with rectangular flaps at the doors and windows and rounded flaps at bushes and trees surrounding the house. Implementations of the present invention with various different types of flaps 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.
Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.
Claims
1. An interactive garment system comprising:
- a first garment comprising at least one graphic design on an outer surface of said first garment;
- a first appliqué being joined to said first garment over a portion of said graphic design, said first appliqué comprising a first flap having an open position and a closed position; and
- a child's toy being configured to be removably joinable to said first appliqué and covered by said first flap in said closed position in which a child may interact with said child's toy.
2. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a panel being configured for removably retaining said child's toy to a surface of said panel in which the child may interact with said child's toy.
3. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second garment being configured for removably joining said child's toy to a surface of said second garment in which the child may interact with said child's toy.
4. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
- a third garment comprising at least one graphic design on an outer surface of said third garment; and
- a second appliqué being joined to said third garment over a portion of said graphic design, said second appliqué comprising a second flap having an open position and a closed position, said second appliqué being configured for removably joining said child's toy to a surface of said second appliqué to be covered by said second flap in a closed position in which the child may interact with said child's toy.
5. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 1, in which said first flap further comprises a mirrored surface disposed on a portion of an interior surface of said first flap.
6. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 1, in which said first flap further comprises a plurality of lights disposed on a portion of said interior surface.
7. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 6, in which said lights are activated with said first flap in said open position and deactivated with said first flap in said closed position.
8. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 2, in which said panel further comprises a plurality of lights disposed on said surface of said panel.
9. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 2, in which said panel further comprises a stand being operable for supporting said panel at an angle to a surface upon which said panel is placed.
10. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 1, in which said child's toy emits a sound when pushed or squeezed.
11. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 1, in which said child's toy is scented.
12. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 1, in which said first garment comprises a shirt.
13. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 3, in which said second garment comprises a wristband.
14. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 4, in which said third garment comprises pants.
15. An interactive garment system comprising:
- a shirt comprising at least one graphic design and a first appliqué covering a portion of said graphic design, said first appliqué comprising a first flap having an open position and a closed position, said first flap further comprising a mirrored surface and a plurality of lights;
- a wristband;
- pants comprising at least one graphic design and a second appliqué covering a portion of said graphic design, said second appliqué comprising a second flap having an open position and a closed position;
- a flat panel comprising a plurality of lights disposed on said surface of said flat panel; and
- a child's toy being configured to be removably joinable to said first appliqué and covered by said first flap in said closed position, said wristband, said second appliqué and covered by said second flap in said closed position, and said surface of said flat panel, in which a child may interact with said child's toy in a plurality of positions.
16. An interactive garment system comprising:
- a shirt comprising at least one graphic design on an outer surface of said shirt;
- a first appliqué being joined to said first garment over a portion of said graphic design, said first appliqué comprising a first flap having an open position and a closed position, said first flap further comprising a mirrored surface disposed on a portion of an interior surface of said first flap, and a plurality of lights disposed on a portion of said interior surface;
- a child's toy being configured to be removably joinable to said first appliqué and covered by said first flap in said closed position in which the child may interact with said child's toy;
- a wristband being configured for removably joining said child's toy to a surface of said wristband in which the child may interact with said child's toy;
- pants comprising at least one graphic design on an outer surface of said pants;
- a second appliqué being joined to said pants over a portion of said graphic design, said second appliqué comprising a second flap having an open position and a closed position, said second appliqué being configured for removably joining said child's toy to a surface of said second appliqué to be covered by said second flap in a closed position in which the child may interact with said child's toy; and
- a flat panel being configured for removably retaining said child's toy to a surface of said flat panel in which the child may interact with said child's toy, said flat panel further comprising a plurality of lights disposed on said surface of said flat panel.
17. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 16, in which said lights disposed on said first flap are activated with said first flap in said open position and deactivated with said first flap in said closed position.
18. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 16, in which said panel further comprises a stand being operable for supporting said panel at an angle to a surface upon which said panel is placed.
19. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 16, in which said child's toy emits a sound when pushed or squeezed.
20. The interactive garment system as recited in claim 16, in which said child's toy is scented.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 22, 2011
Publication Date: May 23, 2013
Inventor: Elizabeth A. Roberts (North Richland Hills, TX)
Application Number: 13/301,779