INFANT CLOTHING WITH GRIPPING ELEMENT

Abstract

The present invention provides clothing with one or more gripping elements and to an apparatus and method for safely and effectively handling an infant or patient without slippage of the handler's grip on the infant or patient. Further, the apparatus may be configured to other than infant or patient clothing, for example, to clothing of the elderly or invalids that increase the safety and robustness in the handling of the elderly or of invalids.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/576,661, filed on Dec. 16, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to clothing with one or more gripping elements and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for safely and effectively handling an infant or patient without slippage of the handler's grip on the infant or patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infant clothing is generally used by newborns through to those approximately one year of age. Infant clothing is available in a wide array of styles and configurations, serving a variety of functions. Styles broadly include singlet rompers, also commonly called “onesies,” to bodysuits that cover the infant's legs and feet. Infant garments must serve a variety of functions, to include providing warmth to the infant, and be easily put on and removed. Infant garments are typically closely-fitted to, among other things, prevent any potential blockage to breathing and also to assist the infant in movement, such as rolling over and crawling. However, when the infant is handled in some situations the party handling the infant uncomfortably loses a secure grip of the infant given the movement and/or slippage of the garment, potentially causing shock to the infant and/or handler and in some cases resulting in dropping the infant. Thus, it is difficult to safely and securely handle an infant while the infant is wearing infant clothing.

Infant garments are not typically designed for infant handling characteristics, but are instead typically designed for style, fit, flammability, price and thermal properties. Some infant garments are designed to assist an infant with mobility, such as assisting the infant with crawling, and employ non-slip elements fitted to particular regions of a garment. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/254,792 to Schiavino (“Schiavino”), issued Apr. 23, 2009 discloses a “non-skid means” for helping prevent infant slip accidents. Schiavino's baby garment is fitted with decoratively-shaped non-slip rubber emblems on its back side. The non-slip rubber emblems are made of silicone. Schiavino is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,342 to Boersema (“Boersema”) issued Mar. 23, 2004 discloses an article of infant clothing with an attached “gripper member” of greater friction than the clothing. The gripper member is positioned on the foot, knee, or elbow to assist a crawling or recently walking infant. Boersema is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,778 to Peterson (“Peterson”) issued Jul. 11, 1989 discloses a child's pant garment with an “anti-skid” portion. The anti-skid portion is placed on the knee area and is intended to prevent a crawling infant from sliding or crawling. Peterson is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/843,490 to Flores-Garvey (“Flores-Garvey”) published Feb. 28, 2008 discloses infant crawling pants with reinforced integrated retaining pads protecting the knee area. The knee pads are enclosed by a low friction cover to protect the infant's knees and facilitate sliding movement during crawling. Flores-Garvey is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/332,018 to Broeksmit (“Broeksmit”) published Jan. 15, 2004 discloses a children's garment fitted with regions of “enhanced friction.”Broeksmit specifically places the areas of enhanced friction on areas used in crawling, to include the elbow, wrists, knees and soles. Broeksmit also discloses an embodiment with printed hands identifying positions for holding a baby. Broeksmit is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

However, these garments do not address infant garments that function to increase the safe handling of an infant by preventing or reducing slippage of the handler's grip on the infant, as might occur, for example, when the infant's clothing rises-up the body of the infant or the handler's hands slip upwards along the body of the infant. Such a feature is not present in the art. Also, existing garments that do address gripping devices are designed to assist an infant with mobility, for example, assisting the infant with crawling, and employ non-slip elements fitted to particular regions of a garment.

Therefore, there is a long-felt need for infant clothing with gripping surfaces that increase the safety and robustness in the handling of infants, and that may be retrofitted to existing infant clothing or be an integral part of the infant clothing.

The present device and method of operation addresses and solves these needs. The present invention relates to clothing with one or more gripping surfaces and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for safely and effectively handling an infant without slippage of the handler's grip on the infant.

By way of providing additional background and context, the following references are incorporated by reference in their entireties for the purpose of explaining the nature of infant clothing and to further describe the various tools and other apparatus commonly associated therewith:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/813,543 describes an iron-on sole for use on footed apparel to provide traction on slippery surfaces. The upper surface of the sole provides a heat activated laminate or adhesive while the bottom provides a durable anti-slip surface.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/423,691 describes an anti-slip attachment apparatus with either loop fasteners or hook fasteners. The apparatus is composed of two sections such that the fasteners on the first section first side contact the fasteners on the second section first side.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,110,312 describes an infant garment that integrates a seat-pad with a diaper. The seat-pad portion provides a non-skid surface intended to keep the infant in an upright seating position.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,515 describes a stocking with a non-slip region. The non-slip region is made of a thermoplastic material fused to the outside of a circumferentially prestretched area of the foot.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,274 describes an anti-slip lower sole formed with outwardly extending loops of yarn having a high coefficient of friction, such as bare spandex, which is integrally knit with the body yarn during the knitting of the foot portion of the hosiery article. The loops of friction yarn on the outer surface of the sole portion engage the floor and thus minimize slippage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,335 describes a noise making garment that produces sounds when noise pads are compressed and provides reinforced areas where wear is likely to occur. Each noise pad includes a deformable bladder with a flexible wall. The noise pads are located on the garment's knees and elbows. Each sole region further includes a non-slip rubber layer that surrounds the outer surface of the noise pad.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,383 describes infant pants to facilitate crawling. A support handle along the rear seam allows an adult to partially support the infant's weight in order to properly position the infant for crawling. Anti-skid pads are provided on the front of the leg portions to facilitate crawling. Padding is provided within the leg portions to enhance the comfort of the infant while crawling.

WO 2004/052132 describes an infant garment to assist crawling infants on slippery floors. The garment prevents a knee from slipping by providing a design with added friction on the garment's knee area.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,537 describes a sports garment for motorcyclists. The garment includes areas with slip-resistant and high friction materials. See FIG. 1 below. U.S. Pat. No. 6,904,615 describes a friction control article with a backing layer of upstanding stems. At least a portion of the upstanding stems is an elastomeric material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide infant clothing with gripping elements that increase the safety and robustness in the handling of infants. In one embodiment of the invention, the clothing includes at least one gripping element affixed to the exterior of the clothing that is engaged by the hands of the party handling the infant. When the gripping element (such as, for example, a gripping surface) is engaged, the safe handling of the infant is increased by preventing or reducing slippage of the handler's grip on the infant, as might occur, for example, when the handler's hands slip upwards along the body of the infant. The infant clothing includes infant bodysuits comprising one-piece outfits and bodysuits that close between the infant's legs, e.g. onesies, and those that close along the inner legs and/or front of an infant. The location of the gripping element on the infant clothing comprises the armpits, the side adjacent to the abdomen, the inside area of the legs, and the buttocks. The shapes and/or patterns of the gripping elements may comprise basic or common geometric shapes, such as a circle, ellipse and chevron, and artistic shapes, patterns and designs, such as clouds, sunshine and animals.

Another embodiment of the invention provides gripping elements to clothing other than infant clothing, for example, to clothing of the elderly or of invalids that increase the safety and robustness in the handling of the elderly or invalids.

The phrase “gripping element,” “gripping component,” “gripping portion” and “gripping device” are used herein to indicate the gripping element of the garment device. The phrase “garment” and “infant garment” are used herein to indicate the garment device of the invention. The phrase “removably attached” and/or “detachable” is used herein to indicate an attachment of any sort that is readily releasable.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a garment that fits over an infant with garment front and garment back is made of garment material. The garment includes a body portion, a neck portion, an arm portion, and arm pit portion. Also, the garment includes a side portion, hip portion, crotch portion, buttocks portion, and exterior portion and interior portion. The garment is also configured with gripping elements or gripping portions. The gripping portions are deliberately and precisely positioned on the garment to assist in gripping of the infant.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gripping element or gripping portion comprises three griping elements, two positioned on each of the side portions of the garment and one positioned on the buttocks portion of the garment. Each of the three gripping elements or portions is generally of an oblong shape.

The gripping portions may be of any of several cross-sectional configurations. The gripping portions may be of the same or of different cross-sections. The gripping sections or elements or portions comprise a gripping surface and gripping surface edge, as attached to the garment on at least the garment exterior portion to the garment material. In one embodiment, an additional gripping portion is attached to the interior portion of the garment. In another embodiment, one or more gripping elements are attached to the interior portion of the garment and not the exterior portion of the garment. In other embodiments, one or more gripping elements are attached to the exterior portion of the garment and not the interior portion of the garment. In still other embodiments, one or more gripping elements are attached to both the interior portion of the garment and to the exterior portion of the garment. The shape of the gripping portion surface edge may be of a step-shape or of more gradual shape. The surface edge shape may also be of other shapes, to include ramps and curve shapes. The gripping surface may be of substantially flat profile or may be of substantially non-flat profile. The embodiment of the gripping portion provides a gripping surface contour. In another embodiment, the gripping surface contour is of a plurality of bumps or ridges. In another embodiment, the gripping surface contour is of a generally sinusoidal profile. The gripping surface contour may be of other profile shapes, to include for example, saw-tooth patterns, triangles, square-shapes, rectangular shapes, oval or dome shapes, those with notches, indentations, contours, ridges, or wavy and fitted edges that may intermesh with one another. In other embodiments the gripping portions may expand or contract or alter their adhesion characteristics based on, for example, temperature.

In another embodiment of the invention, the garment is an infant bodysuit with fully-covered legs and feet garment. The garment fits over an infant with garment front and garment back made of garment material. The garment includes a body portion, a neck portion, an arm portion, and arm pit portion. Also, the garment includes a side portion, hip portion, crotch portion, buttocks portion, leg portion, and exterior portion and interior portion. The garment is also configured with gripping elements or gripping portions. The gripping portions are deliberately and precisely positioned on the garment to assist in gripping of the infant.

In another embodiment of the invention, the gripping element or gripping portion comprises six griping elements or portions, each a set of three gripping elements positioned on each of the side portions of the garment. Each of the three gripping elements or portions is generally of a chevron shape.

In another embodiment of the invention, the garment is an infant bodysuit with fully-covered legs and feet garment. The garment fits over an infant with garment front and garment back, made of garment material. The garment includes a body portion, a neck portion, an arm portion, and arm pit portion. Also, the garment includes a side portion, hip portion, crotch portion, buttocks portion, leg portion, and exterior portion and interior portion. The garment is also configured with gripping elements or gripping portions. The gripping portions are deliberately and precisely positioned on the garment to assist in gripping of the infant. The gripping element or gripping portion comprises two griping elements or portions, each positioned just below the crotch portion on the inner leg portion of the garment. Each of the two gripping elements or portions is generally of a cloud-like shape.

In one method of use of the invention, the garment is made of a garment material, the garment material adapted to receive a gripping portion and adapted to be worn by a first user (such as an infant), the gripping portion is interconnected to the garment material and the gripping portion is made of a material of greater coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of the garment material, such that the gripping portion provides reduced slippage when a second user, such as an adult or care-giver, handles (such as picking-up) the infant wearing the garment.

In another embodiment of the invention, the gripping element is configured to substantially conform to fit with a handler's or care giver's hands and/or fingers and/or thumbs when gripping an infant wearing the garment. In another embodiment of the invention, the gripping element is configured to semi-permanently engage with a handler's or care giver's hands and/or fingers and/or thumbs when gripping an infant wearing the garment.

In another embodiment of the invention, the gripping element is configured to engage with a device worn or attached to a handler's or care giver's hands and/or fingers and/or thumbs when gripping an infant wearing the garment. For example, in one embodiment the gripping element may be configured to engage with a glove worn by one or more hands of the handler or care-giver.

In one embodiment of the invention, the gripping element means may comprise plastic material, rubber material, textured surface treatment, fabric treatment and fabric weaving. The gripping element may attach to the infant clothing as a permanent or fixed feature of the clothing or may be removable. Means to enable a removable gripping element may comprise snaps, zippers and any reclosable bond such as Velcro™.

The gripping element may attach to the infant clothing as a permanent or fixed feature of the clothing or may be removable. In another embodiment, the interstitial spaces between gripping elements may be a space or void, or may be another material. In another embodiment, the gripping elements are conventional gel or foam cushion elements.

The gripping element may be of variable size and height. In another embodiment, all the pads are of substantially the same thickness. In other embodiments of the invention, the gripping elements are of substantially two-dimensional shape, such as a substantially flat “pancake” shape. In other embodiments of the invention, the gripping elements are three-dimensional, for example, having a sinusoidal cross-section.

In another embodiment, the gripping elements are composite pads comprised of multiple layers of material, and further, may be of various densities as commonly available. In yet another embodiment, the materials used for the gripping element can be of varying colors and patterns to enhance the visual appearance of the garment and to suit personal preference.

The griping elements may be made of a variety of materials, such as foamed material, gel, latex, rubber, synthetic rubber, fiber-encased resinous materials, synthetic materials, polymers, natural materials or mixtures or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the gripping elements and/or the surface or coating of the gripping elements comprise thermoplastic polymers for example Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), plastic polymers (also known as “poly”) for example polyethylene, polyurethane and polyesterpoly, nitrile rubber (also known as Buna-N, Perbunan, or NBR) for example Nipol, Krynac and Europrene, and synthetic fibers for example Kevlar™, Nomex™ and Technora™. In another embodiment, the gripping elements and/or the surface or coating of the gripping elements comprise perforated or breathable synthetic leather, elastic textile material for example a polyurethane elastic textile such as Spandex or Lycra.

In one embodiment, the garment is made of a material comprising Spandex, Lycra, cotton, sustainable fibers, organic cotton, industrial hemp, rayon, polyester including recycled polyester, wool, soy cashmere and soy.

Means to enable a removable gripping element may comprise snaps, zippers and any reclosable bond such as Velcro™. The infant clothing includes infant bodysuits comprising one-piece outfits and bodysuits that close between the infant's legs, e.g. onesies, and those that close along the inner legs and/or front of an infant.

The shapes and/or patterns of the gripping elements may comprise basic or common geometric shapes, such as a circle, ellipse and chevron, and artistic shapes, patterns and designs, such as clouds, sunshine and animals. The gripping elements may be printed as a pattern, e.g. a decorative pattern, and/or as a figurative design (representing animals, fishes, birds, or insects, for example).

The garment may be a single-piece or two-piece garment. It may cover the upper and/or lower body, arms and/or legs. In one embodiment, the garment may be a romper, a one-piece suit, a singlet romper, or pants, for example.

The gripping elements may be formed by printing a suitable anti-slip material, such as a gel, on the appropriate area. Alternatively, the gripping elements may be retrofitted to existing infant clothing or be an integral part of the infant clothing.

Material the gripping elements may be adhered to include cotton, polyester, acrylic, rayon, for example. The garment may be made of materials comprising cotton, polyester, acrylic, and rayon. The location of the gripping element on the infant clothing comprises the armpits, the side adjacent to the abdomen, the inside area of the legs, and the buttocks.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may have various sizes. The sizes of the various elements of embodiments of the present disclosure may be sized based on various factors including, for example, the anatomy of the infant wearing the garment.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be constructed of materials known to provide, or predictably manufactured to provide the various aspects of the present disclosure. These materials may include, for example, synthetic materials, polymers, and natural materials.

This Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention, and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

The above-described benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations are not necessarily complete or exhaustive, and in particular, as to the patentable subject matter disclosed herein. Other benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations of the present disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, as set forth above and/or described in the accompanying figures and/or in the description herein below. However, the Detailed Description of the Invention, the drawing figures, and the exemplary claims set forth herein, taken in conjunction with this Summary of the Invention, define the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosures.

FIG. 1A is a top-view of the front-side of a onesie-style infant bodysuit;

FIG. 1B is a top-view of the back-side of a onesie-style infant bodysuit;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of Section A-A of FIG. 1A, detailing a cross-section of one of the gripping elements;

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of Section A-A of FIG. 1A, detailing an alternate embodiment of a cross-section of one of the gripping elements;

FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view of Section A-A of FIG. 1A, detailing an alternate embodiment of a cross-section of one of the gripping elements;

FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of Section A-A of FIG. 1A, detailing an alternate embodiment of a cross-section of one of the gripping elements;

FIG. 2A is a top-view of the front-side of an infant bodysuit;

FIG. 2B is a top-view of the back-side of an infant bodysuit;

FIG. 3A is a top-view of the front-side of an alternate embodiment of an infant bodysuit; and

FIG. 3B is a top-view of the back-side of an alternate embodiment of an infant bodysuit.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to clothing with one or more gripping elements and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for safely and effectively handling an infant without slippage of the handler's grip on the infant. The clothing includes at least one gripping element affixed to the exterior of the clothing that is engaged by the hands of the party handling the infant. When the gripping element (such as, for example, a gripping surface) is engaged, the safe handling of the infant is increased by preventing or reducing slippage of the handler's grip on the infant, as might occur, for example, when the infant's clothing rises-up the body of the infant or the handler's hands slip upwards along the body of the infant. Another embodiment of the invention provides gripping elements to clothing other than infant clothing, for example, to clothing of the elderly or invalids that increase the safety and robustness in the handling of the elderly or invalids.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, several embodiments of the present invention are shown. In regard to FIGS. 1A-B, top-views of the garment are provided. FIGS. 1A-B depict the garment 10 as a one-piece romper or onesie-style garment. FIG. 1A is a top-view of the front-side of a onesie-style infant bodysuit, and FIG. 1B is a top-view of the back-side of a onesie-style infant bodysuit. Thus, as shown in each of FIGS. 1A and 1B, a garment 10 that fits over an infant is shown with garment front 12 and garment back 14, made of garment material 16. The garment 10 includes a body portion 20, a neck portion 30, an arm portion 40, and arm pit portion 42. Also, the garment 10 includes a side portion 50, hip portion 52, crotch portion 54, buttocks portion 58, and exterior portion 90 and interior portion 92. The garment is also configured with gripping elements or gripping portions 60. The gripping portions are deliberately and precisely positioned on the garment 10 to assist in gripping of the infant.

In the embodiment of the invention of FIGS. 1A-1B, the gripping element or gripping portion 60 comprises three griping elements, two positioned on each of the side portions 50 of the garment 10 and one positioned on the buttocks portion 58 of the garment. Each of the three gripping elements or portions 60 are generally of an oblong shape.

Referring now in detail to FIGS. 1C-1F, several cross-sections of one of the gripping portions 60 of FIG. 1A, shown as section A-A, are depicted. Each of FIGS. 1C-1F depict a gripping portion 60 with gripping surface 62 and gripping surface edge 64 as attached to garment 10 on at least the garment exterior portion 90 to the garment material 16. The embodiment of FIG. 1E depicts an additional gripping portion 60 attached to the interior portion 92 of the garment 10. The shape of the gripping portion surface edge 64 may be of a step-shape (not depicted) or of more gradual shape, as depicted in FIGS. 1C-1E. The surface edge 64 shape may also be of other shapes, to include ramps and curve shapes. The gripping surface may be of substantially flat profile, as depicted in FIGS. 1C and 1E, or may be of substantially non-flat profile, as depicted in FIGS. 1D and 1F. The embodiment of the gripping portion 60 shown in FIGS. 1D and 1F provides a gripping surface contour 66. In the embodiment of FIG. 1D, the gripping surface contour 66 is of a plurality of bumps or ridges, while that of FIG. 1F is of a generally sinusoidal profile. The gripping surface contour may be of other profile shapes, to include for example, saw-tooth patterns, triangles, square-shapes, rectangular shapes, oval or dome shapes, those with notches, indentations, contours, ridges, or wavy and fitted edges that may intermesh with one another. In other embodiments the gripping portions may expand or contract or alter their adhesion characteristics based on, for example, temperature.

Another embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 2A-2B, which presents top-views of the garment 10. FIGS. 2A-B depict the garment 10 as an infant bodysuit with fully-covered legs and feet garment. FIG. 2A is a top-view of the front-side of an infant bodysuit with fully-covered legs and feet, and FIG. 2B is a top-view of the back-side of an infant bodysuit with fully-covered legs and feet. Thus, as shown in each of FIGS. 2A and 2B, a garment 10 that fits over an infant is shown with garment front 12 and garment back 14, made of garment material 16. The garment 10 includes a body portion 20, a neck portion 30, an arm portion 40, and arm pit portion 42. Also, the garment 10 includes a side portion 50, hip portion 52, crotch portion 54, buttocks portion 58, leg portion 56, and exterior portion 90 and interior portion 92. The garment is also configured with gripping elements or gripping portions 60. The gripping portions are deliberately and precisely positioned on the garment 10 to assist in gripping of the infant.

In the embodiment of the invention of FIGS. 2A-2B, the gripping element or gripping portion 60 comprises six griping elements or portions 60, each a set of three gripping elements 60 positioned on each of the side portions 50 of the garment 10. Each of the three gripping elements or portions 60 are generally of a chevron shape.

Another embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B, which presents top-views of the garment 10. FIGS. 3A-B depict the garment 10 as an infant bodysuit with fully-covered legs and feet garment. FIG. 3A is a top-view of the front-side of an infant bodysuit with fully-covered legs and feet, and FIG. 3B is a top-view of the back-side of an infant bodysuit with fully-covered legs and feet. Thus, as shown in each of FIGS. 3A and 3B, a garment 10 that fits over an infant is shown with garment front 12 and garment back 14, made of garment material 16. The garment 10 includes a body portion 20, a neck portion 30, an arm portion 40, and arm pit portion 42. Also, the garment 10 includes a side portion 50, hip portion 52, crotch portion 54, buttocks portion 58, leg portion 56, and exterior portion 90 and interior portion 92. The garment is also configured with gripping elements or gripping portions 60. The gripping portions are deliberately and precisely positioned on the garment 10 to assist in gripping of the infant.

In the embodiment of the invention of FIGS. 3A-3B, the gripping element or gripping portion 60 comprises two griping elements or portions 60, each positioned just below the crotch portion 54 on the inner leg portion 56 of the garment 10. Each of the two gripping elements or portions 60 are generally of a cloud-like shape.

To lend further clarity to the Detailed Description provided herein in the associated drawings, the following list of components and associated numbering are provided:

Reference No. Component
10            Garment
12            Garment front
14            Garment back
16            Garment material
20            Body portion
30            Neck portion
40            Arm portion
42            Arm pit portion
50            Side portion
52            Hip portion
54            Crotch portion
56            Leg portion
58            Buttocks portion
60            Gripping portion
62            Gripping surface
64            Gripping surface edge
66            Gripping surface contour
68            Gripping surface interior portion
90            Exterior portion
92            Interior portion

Claims

1. A one-piece clothing garment for an infant, comprising:

a body portion having a front portion, a back portion, an upper portion, a lower portion, a first side portion, a second side portion, and an arm pit portion, the body portion made of a garment material, the body portion comprised at least partially of a selectively removable gripping portion to assist a care provider in holding or retaining the infant, the gripping portion positioned on at least the first side portion and the second side portion;

wherein the gripping portion is configured in a cross-sectional shape comprising at least one of sawtooth patterns, triangles, square-shapes, rectangular shapes, oval shapes, notches, indentations, contours, ridges and wavy edges;

wherein the gripping portion is made of a material of at least one of thermoplastic polymers, plastic polymers, nitrile rubber, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber; and

wherein the garment material is at least one of Spandex, Lycra and cotton;

wherein the gripping portion comprises a material with a greater coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of the garment material, wherein the gripping portion provides reduced slippage of hands of the care provider when engaged with the gripping portion when the care provider handles the clothing garment worn by the infant.

2. A clothing garment for an infant, comprising:

a body portion having a front portion, a back portion, a first side portion, a second side portion, and an arm pit portion, the body portion made of a garment material, the garment material comprised at least partially of a gripping portion to assist a care provider in holding or retaining the infant; and

wherein the gripping portion comprises a material with a greater coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of the garment material, wherein the gripping portion provides reduced slippage when a care provider handles the clothing garment worn by the infant.

3. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gripping portion is further positioned substantially on at least one of the first side portion and the second side portion.

4. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the clothing garment is a one-piece garment.

5. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gripping portion comprises a substantially flat cross-sectional shape.

6. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gripping portion is configured in a substantially non-planar contour.

7. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 6, wherein the gripping portion is configured in a cross-sectional shape comprising at least one of sawtooth patterns, triangles, square-shapes, rectangular shapes, oval shapes, notches, indentations, contours, ridges and wavy edges.

8. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gripping portion is removable.

9. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gripping portion is further positioned on each of the first side portion and the second side portion.

10. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein a portion of the gripping portion is positioned on an exterior of the body portion and a portion is positioned on an interior of the body portion.

11. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the body portion further comprises a first leg portion and a second leg portion, and the clothing garment is a bodysuit garment.

12. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 11, wherein the gripping portion is further positioned on each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion.

13. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gripping portion is made of a material of at least one of thermoplastic polymers, plastic polymers, nitrile rubber, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber.

14. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the garment material is at least one of Spandex, Lycra and cotton.

15. A one-piece clothing garment for an infant, comprising:

a body portion having a front portion, a back portion, an upper portion, a lower portion, a first side portion, a second side portion, and an arm pit portion, the body portion made of a garment material, the body portion comprised at least partially of a gripping portion to assist a care provider in holding or retaining the infant, the gripping portion positioned on the first side portion and the second side portion;

wherein the gripping portion comprises a material with a greater coefficient of friction than a coefficient of friction of the garment material, wherein the gripping portion provides reduced slippage of hands of the care provider when engaged with the gripping portion when the care provider handles the clothing garment worn by the infant.

16. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the gripping portion comprises a substantially flat cross-sectional shape.

17. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the gripping portion is configured in a cross-sectional shape comprising at least one of sawtooth patterns, triangles, square-shapes, rectangular shapes, oval shapes, notches, indentations, contours, ridges and wavy edges.

18. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the gripping portion is selectively removable.

19. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the gripping portion is made of a material of at least one of thermoplastic polymers, plastic polymers, nitrile rubber, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber.

20. A clothing garment as claimed in claim 15, wherein the garment material is at least one of Spandex, Lycra and cotton.