CONVERTIBLE CHILD BODYSUIT

Abstract

The subject matter presented herein provides a convertible child bodysuit including a unitary garment body and a flap. The unitary garment body includes a first panel and second panel. The flap includes a first end and second end, wherein the first end is fixed to the second panel. The second end of the flap is configured to releasably attach to both the first panel and releasably attach to a second panel, thereby converting a child bodysuit into and from a shirt-like garment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates by reference and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/645,047 filed on May 9, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to a convertible child bodysuit. More specifically, the present invention relates to a child bodysuit that may be converted from a bodysuit to a shirt by securing the flap to the back of the bodysuit. By securing the flap to the back of the bodysuit, the front and back of the bodysuit become approximately the same length, thus resembling and functioning as a shirt.

Child bodysuits are an easy and efficient way to clothe an infant or toddler because they allow for easy access to the diaper area, while also securely fastening around the crotch of the child to secure the bodysuit in place. Bodysuits are generally shaped like a shirt, while further including a flap extending from the bottom portion of the back of the bodysuit that may be wrapped over the crotch and secured to the bottom portion of the front of the bodysuit. The bodysuit flap is usually secured by snaps or buttons. Child bodysuits are desirable because they are easy to put on a child, they stay in place even when an child crawls, rolls, or walks around, and they allow for easy access to the diaper area for frequent changes. Child body suits come in many designs and materials.

One problem with existing child bodysuits is that the flap on the bodysuit may become dirty very easily. There are several instances in which the flap on the child bodysuit may become soiled, thus forcing the parent or guardian to change the entire bodysuit.

First, the flap of the child bodysuit may become soiled during potty use. When the child is using the potty, the flap is not snapped, so it may hang down below the child's waist. This may allow the flap of the bodysuit to hang into the potty and become soiled. Even if the parent or guardian lifts the flap out of the potty, children move around constantly, thus enabling the flap to fall back into the potty.

Second, the flap may also become soiled while the child is being washed from the waist down in a sink or tub. When washing the child, the flap may continuously fall and become wet, especially when the child moves.

Third, the flap of the child bodysuit may become soiled during a diaper change. When changing a diaper, the flap is beneath the soiled diaper, making it easy for the child bodysuit to also become soiled. Even if the parent or caregiver moves the flap above the child's waist, it may fall back down when the child moves.

Fourth, the current child bodysuits do not allow for the transition between a bodysuit and a shirt. As a child is transitioning from a bodysuit to a conventional shirt, a parent must choose to dress the child in either a bodysuit, which limits convenience of using the potty, or a conventional shirt, which the child might not yet be ready for but which is far more convenient.

It is nearly inevitable that child bodysuits become soiled, either by a leaking diaper, a messy mealtime, or in other daily activities. However, there is a need for child bodysuits in which the bodysuit is adapted to stay clean throughout the activities described above, as described and claimed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet these needs and others, the subject matter disclosed herein provides a convertible child bodysuit that may be used like a traditional child bodysuit and may also be converted to be used as, or configured as, a traditional shirt. In a preferred embodiment, the convertible child bodysuit includes a flap that may be used to secure the back of the body suit to the front by wrapping over the crotch of the child or, alternatively, be securely and releasably attached to the back of the child bodysuit, thus facilitating access to a child's diaper when needed.

In one example, the convertible child bodysuit includes a unitary garment body including a first panel and second panel that form a neck opening, two arm openings, and a bottom opening. The first panel may be a front facing side of the unitary garment body. The second panel may be the back facing side of the unitary garment body. The convertible child bodysuit may be composed of any material suitable for clothing a child. The convertible child bodysuit includes a flap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the second panel. The second end of the flap is configured to releasably attach to the first panel and releasably attach to the second panel.

In an embodiment, the convertible child bodysuit further includes an upper attachment mechanism on the second panel and a lower attachment mechanism on the second end of the flap. The lower attachment mechanism is configured to releasably attach to the first panel and releasably attach to the upper attachment mechanism. The engagement of the lower attachment mechanism and upper attachment mechanism may be on the body facing side of the second panel or the outer facing side of the second panel.

When the upper attachment mechanism and lower attachment mechanism engage, a folded edge is created. In an example, the folded edge may not extend below the first edge of the first panel. Further, the distance between the lower attachment mechanism and upper attachment mechanism may be configured to align the folded edge with the first edge of the first panel. Therefore, when the attachment mechanisms are engaged, the convertible child bodysuit resembles and functions as a shirt. Accordingly, once the flap is secured to the second panel, it is significantly less likely to interfere with the diaper area and become soiled during the various scenarios described above.

The lower attachment mechanism and upper attachment mechanism may independently be selected from a snap, button, tie, string, zipper, band, magnets, hook and loop, or combination thereof. In an example, the upper attachment mechanism and lower attachment mechanism comprise a hook and loop fastening system.

In an example, the flap further comprises a string attached along both side edges of the flap, such that upon pulling the string, the flap is lifted and the second edge of the flap is aligned with the first edge of the first panel.

In an embodiment, the convertible child bodysuit further includes a surrounding structure in contact with the unitary garment body, wherein the lower attachment mechanism is configured to releasably attach to at least a portion of the surrounding structure.

In another embodiment, the convertible child bodysuit comprises a unitary garment body and a removable flap having a first end that is configured to releasably attach to the first edge of the first panel and a second end configured to releasably attach to the second lower edge of the second panel.

Using the attachment mechanism to secure the flap to the second panel of the bodysuit may be useful in many circumstances. First, by securing the flap away from the crotch of the child, the flap (and the bodysuit) is less likely to be soiled while the child is using the potty, or being changed or washed. Also, the convertible bodysuit may be adjusted to provide comfortable use across a wider range of situations. For example, when a child is running around during the day, a shirt may be more suitable, whereas at night, a bodysuit may be more comfortable. Shirts may also be more desirable during the spring and summer months, while bodysuits may provide needed warmth during the fall and winter months. Ultimately, a parent or guardian may save more money, as they would not have to do laundry as often, and they would be able to continuously transfer between bodysuit and shirt depending on the circumstance.

An advantage of the convertible child bodysuit is that it may be converted to a shirt.

Another advantage of the convertible child bodysuit is that the flap below the waist may not get soiled during potty use, regardless of how much the child moves.

A further advantage of the convertible child bodysuit is that the flap below the waist may not get wet when washing the child from the waist down, regardless of how much the child moves.

Yet another advantage of the convertible child bodysuit is that the flap below the waist may not get soiled during a diaper change, regardless of how much the child moves.

Another advantage of the convertible child bodysuit is that it allows child bodysuits to be worn across a greater range of conditions, since they may be converted from a bodysuit into a shirt.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1A is a front view of an embodiment of a convertible child bodysuit.

FIG. 1B is a back view of the convertible child bodysuit shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a front view of an embodiment of the convertible child bodysuit in its shirt form.

FIG. 2B is a back view of the convertible child bodysuit in its shirt form.

FIGS. 3 is an example of how a convertible child bodysuit may be worn on a child as a shirt once the flap is secured to the back of the bodysuit.

FIG. 4 is an example of how the convertible child bodysuit may be worn on a child while using a potty without allowing the flap to fall below the waist.

FIG. 5 is an example of how the flap of a convertible child bodysuit may be secured allowing a parent or guardian to wash a child below the waist without getting the flap of the bodysuit wet.

FIG. 6 is an example of how the flap of the convertible child bodysuit may be secured to be out of the way during a diaper change.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of the convertible child bodysuit.

FIG. 8 is an example of how a convertible child bodysuit may be worn on a child as a shirt once the flap is secured to the back of the bodysuit.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an embodiment of the convertible child bodysuit.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an embodiment of the convertible child bodysuit comprising a surrounding structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a convertible child bodysuit 10. From this view, the convertible child bodysuit 10 resembles a traditional child bodysuit. As shown in FIG. 1, the convertible child bodysuit 10 includes a unitary garment body 12 having a first panel 14 and a second panel 16 that form a neck opening 18, two arm openings 20, and a bottom opening 22. The first panel 14 may be the front facing side of the convertible child bodysuit 10 and the second panel 16 may be the back facing side of the convertible child bodysuit 10. Alternatively, the first panel 14 may be the back facing side of the convertible child bodysuit 10 and the second panel 16 may be the front facing side of the convertible child bodysuit 10. The convertible child bodysuit 10 may be made from any material suitable for clothing a child, as will be recognized by one skilled in the art based on the disclosure provided herein. In the example shown, the convertible child bodysuit 10 is made from cotton.

The convertible child bodysuit 10 further comprises a flap having a first end 29 attached to the second panel 16 and a second end 30. The second end 30 of the flap 28 is configured to releasably attach to the first panel 14 and the second end 30 is configured to releasably attach to the second panel 16. In another embodiment, the first end 29 of the flap 28 is removable from the second panel 16.

As shown, the first panel 14 may include a plurality of fasteners 24 located along the first edge 26. The second end 30 of the flap 28 may also include a plurality of corresponding fasteners 24. The fasteners 24 on the first edge 24 and the second end 30 of the flap 28 allow the flap 28 to be releasably secured over the child's crotch. The releasable fasteners 24 facilitate access to the child's diaper. The fasteners 24 shown in FIG. 1A are a series of snap fastener buttons. However, it is contemplated that the fasteners 24 may be any other mechanism that may securely and releasably fasten the flap 28 of the convertible child bodysuit 10 to the first panel 14.

Turning now to FIG. 1B, the back view of the convertible child bodysuit 10 is shown. The example shown in FIG. 2 illustrates an attachment mechanism 38 that allows the convertible child bodysuit 10 to be converted between its bodysuit form and its shirt-like form. In the example shown, the attachment mechanism 38 includes a lower attachment mechanism 32 located on the second end 30 of the flap 28 of the convertible child bodysuit 10 and an upper attachment mechanism 34 located on the second panel 16 of the convertible child bodysuit 10. The lower attachment mechanism 32 may be configured to releasably attach to the first panel 14 and wherein the lower attachment mechanism 32 is configured to releasably attach to the upper attachment mechanism 34.

The lower attachment mechanism 32 may be located on the opposite side of the flap 28 as the set of fasteners 24 described above. Accordingly, the flap 28 may include a set of fasteners 24 on the body facing side of the flap 28 and the lower attachment mechanism 32 on the outer facing portion of the flap 28.

In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the upper attachment mechanism 34 is located a specific distance up along the second panel 16 of the convertible child bodysuit 10 above the lower attachment mechanism 32. In an embodiment, the distance 40 between the lower attachment mechanism 32 and upper attachment mechanism 34 is configured to align a folded edge 35 with the first edge 26 of the first panel 14, wherein the folded edge 35 is created upon engaging the lower attachment mechanism 32 with the upper attachment mechanism 34. In an embodiment, when the flap 28 is folded upward and the lower attachment mechanism 32 engages with the upper attachment mechanism 34, no section of the convertible child bodysuit 10 hangs below the first edge 26. This configuration basically eliminates the presence of the flap 28 and turns the convertible child bodysuit 10 into a more shirt-like piece of clothing.

The distance 40 between the lower attachment mechanism 32 and the upper attachment mechanism 34 required to appropriately configure the convertible child bodysuit 10 as a shirt may differ, for example depending on the size of the flap 28. For example, the distance 40 between the lower attachment mechanism 32 and the upper attachment mechanism 34 may be the length of the flap 28 itself. For example, if the flap 28 is four inches, the distance between the lower attachment mechanism 32 and the upper attachment mechanism 34 may also be four inches, so that when the flap 28 is secured to the second panel 16, the flap 28 is essentially eliminated. It is contemplated that the distance 40 may vary across various examples of the convertible child bodysuit 10 as long as the attachment mechanisms functions to convert the convertible child bodysuit 10 into a more shirt-like article of clothing when desired.

In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the attachment mechanism 38 is formed from a hook and loop fastening system. Two examples are provided in which the attachment mechanism 38 is formed from elements of differing shapes. In the example shown on the left, the attachment mechanism 38 includes two sets of circular hook and loop fasteners. In the example shown on the right, the attachment mechanism 38 includes one rectangular hook and loop fastener. It is understood that the attachment mechanism 38 may be formed from any number of elements, in any shape and/or configuration. It is further contemplated that the attachment mechanism 38 may be formed from any other fastening mechanism that may releasably securely attach the flap 28 to the second panel 16, as will be understood by those skilled in the art based on the disclosures provided herein. For example, the attachment mechanism 38 may incorporate any one or more of: snaps; buttons; ties; strings; zippers; elastic bands; snaps; magnets; hook and loop fastening systems (e.g., Velcro™) etc.

It is further contemplated that the shape and number of the elements that comprise the lower attachment mechanism 32 and the upper attachment mechanism 34 may not be identical. For example, the upper attachment mechanism 34 may be a single long rectangular strip of hook and loop fastener material, while the lower attachment mechanism 32 may include a plurality of small circles of the corresponding material. In this example, a long rectangular strip may be more aesthetically pleasing on the second panel 16 than a larger number of small circles. Furthermore, the plurality of small circles may fit more efficiently on edge of the flap 28, if the flap 28 is curved, as shown in the example in FIG. 1B. Of course, as noted, the attachment mechanism 38 may include elements of any shape, number, and combination.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the flap is 28 is folded behind the convertible child bodysuit 10 and the attachment mechanism 38 is engaged, such that a folded edge 35 of the flap 28 is approximately even with the first edge 26 of the first panel 14. Therefore, the flap 28 is hidden when viewed from the first panel side, more closely resembling a shirt. FIG. 2B illustrated the rear view of the configuration shown in FIG. 2A. As shown, the flap 28 is secured to the second panel 16 using the attachment mechanism 38.

The example shown in FIG. 3 illustrates the convertible child bodysuit 10 being worn by a child after the flap 28 has been secured to the second panel 16. After the convertible child bodysuit 10 has been converted to resemble a shirt, the flap 28 is securely suspended above the diaper 36. The example shown in FIG. 3 illustrates an upper attachment mechanism 34 that is positioned on the outer facing side of the second panel 16. In this example, the lower attachment mechanism 32 engages with the upper attachment mechanism 34 on the outer facing side of the second panel 16. FIG. 3 also illustrates a convertible child bodysuit 10 comprising a cover 42 configured to cover the engagement of the lower attachment mechanism 32 to the upper attachment mechanism 34 on the outer facing side of the second panel 16. The cover 42 may be configured to completely cover the flap 28 when the lower attachment mechanism 32 engages with the upper attachment mechanism 34. The cover 42 may be made of the same material as that of the convertible child bodysuit 10. The cover 42 may be sewn to the second panel 16 such that at least a portion of a bottom of the cover 42 remains unattached to allow a user to tuck the flap 28 under the cover 42 to engage the lower attachment mechanism 32 with the upper attachment mechanism 34.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a child is shown using a potty while wearing the convertible child bodysuit 10 in its shirt-like form. Since the flap 28 is secured to the second panel 16, no portion of the flap 28 will fall into the potty, thus keeping the flap 28 of the convertible child bodysuit 10 clean and out of the way of the child.

The example shown in FIG. 5 illustrates a child being cleaned over a sink, where the flap 28 is secured to the second panel 16, thus keeping the flap 28 of the convertible child bodysuit 10 away from the diaper area 36 and dry.

Additionally, FIG. 6 illustrates a child lying down and being changed while the flap 28 is secured to the second panel 16. Since the child is lying down, the child is actually laying on the flap 28. However, since the flap 28 is secured to the second panel 16 by the attachment mechanism 38, the flap 28 is secure and stays in place, thus not falling down towards the diaper 36. Therefore, the convertible child bodysuit 10 may stay clean during a diaper change, even when the child moves around during the changing.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of the convertible child bodysuit 10. The example shown in FIG. 7 illustrates an upper attachment mechanism 34 that is positioned on the body facing side of the second panel 16. In this example, the lower attachment mechanism 32 engages with the upper attachment mechanism 34 on the body facing side of the second panel 16. As shown in FIG. 8, such a configuration allows the flap 28 to neatly fold up inside the second panel 16, such that the flap 28 disappears from view, when viewing from both the first panel side and the second panel side, and the convertible child body suit 10 resembles a normal shirt.

In an embodiment, the flap 28 further comprises a string attached along both side edges of the flap, such that upon pulling the string, the flap is lifted and the second end 30 of the flap 28 is aligned with the first edge 26 of the first panel 14. Such a lifting mechanism provides a quick means of pulling up the flap 28 out of the way when, for example, the child is in a hurry to use the potty. Further, the lifting mechanism also provides for the child wearing the convertible child bodysuit or an adult to lift the flap.

Each of the examples provided above are based on a convertible child bodysuit 10 in which the first end 29 of the flap 28 is fixed to the second panel 16. In an embodiment, the flap 28 is an extension of the second panel 16. Further, it is understood that the flap 28 may instead be an extension of the first panel 14. In such an embodiment, the attachment mechanism 38 may releasably secure the flap 28 to the first panel 14 when converting the convertible child bodysuit 10 to its shit-like form. In addition, there may be embodiments of the convertible child bodysuit 10 in which both the first panel 14 and the second panel 16 extend below the height of a typical shirt. In such embodiments, the first panel side and second panel side of the convertible child bodysuit 10 may each include a dedicated attachment mechanism 38 to independently convert both sides of the convertible child bodysuit 10 into a more shirt-like form. Such changes will be understood by those skilled in the art based on the disclosures provided herein.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an embodiment of the convertible child bodysuit 10 comprising a removable flap 44 that is removable from the unitary garment body 12. The unitary garment body 12 includes a first panel 14 having a first edge 26 and a second panel 16 having a second lower edge 45, wherein the first panel 14 and second panel 16 form a neck opening 18, two arm openings 20, and a bottom opening 22. The removable flap 44 includes a first end 46 that is configured to releasably attach to the first edge 26 of the first panel 14 and a second end 48 configured to releasably attach to the second lower edge 45 of the second panel 16. The first end 46 and second end 48 of the removable flap 44 each comprise at least one fastener enabled to releasably attach to a fastener on the first edge 26 of the first panel 14 and to a fastener on the second lower edge 45 of the second panel 16. It is understood that the fasteners used to engage the first end 46 of the removable flap 44 with the first edge 26 of the first panel 14 do not necessarily have to be the same type of fastener used to engage the second end 48 of the removable flap 44 with the second lower edge 45 of the second panel 16. As depicted in FIG. 9, the removable flap 44 may be one continuous piece of fabric. Alternatively, the removable flap 44 may comprise two or more pieces of fabric releasably attached or fixed together.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an embodiment of the convertible child bodysuit comprising a surrounding structure 50. The surrounding structure 50 may be any structure that protrudes from at least a portion of the first panel 14, second panel 16, or both. Examples of the surrounding structure 50 include a tubular floatation device, a tutu, or any other structure which partially surrounds the body of a child that is fixed to the unitary body garment 12. In an embodiment, the convertible child bodysuit 10 further includes the surrounding structure 50 in contact with the unitary garment body, wherein the second end 30 of the flap 28 (e.g., by way of the lower attachment mechanism 32) is configured to releasably attach to at least a portion of the surrounding structure 50.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

Claims

1. A convertible child bodysuit comprising:

a unitary garment body comprising a first panel and a second panel; and

a flap having a first end attached to the second panel and a second end, wherein the second end is configured to releasably attach to the first panel and wherein the second end is further configured to releasably attach to the second panel.

2. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 1 further comprising:

an upper attachment mechanism on the second panel; and

a lower attachment mechanism on the second end of the flap, wherein the lower attachment mechanism is configured to releasably attach to the first panel and wherein the lower attachment mechanism is configured to releasably attach to the upper attachment mechanism.

3. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 1 wherein the first panel comprises the front facing side of the unitary garment body.

4. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 1 wherein the second panel comprises the back facing side of the unitary garment body.

5. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 2 wherein the lower attachment mechanism engages with the upper attachment mechanism on the outer facing side of the second panel.

6. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 2 wherein the lower attachment mechanism engages with the upper attachment mechanism on the body facing side of the second panel.

7. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 2 further comprising a cover configured to cover the engagement of the lower attachment mechanism to the upper attachment mechanism on the outer facing side of the second panel.

8. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 2 wherein upon engagement between the upper attachment mechanism and lower attachment mechanism, a folded edge is created, wherein the folded edge does not extend below a first edge of the first panel.

9. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 2 wherein the distance between the lower attachment mechanism and upper attachment mechanism is configured to align a folded edge with a first edge of the first panel, wherein the folded edge is created upon engaging the lower attachment mechanism with the upper attachment mechanism.

10. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 2 wherein the upper attachment mechanism and lower attachment mechanism comprise a hook and loop fastening system.

11. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 2 wherein the lower attachment mechanism and upper attachment mechanism may independently be selected from the group consisting of a snap, button, tie, string, zipper, band, magnets, hook and loop, or combination thereof

12. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 1 wherein the flap further comprises a string attached along both side edges of the flap, such that upon pulling the string, the flap is lifted and the second end of the flap is aligned with a first edge of the first panel.

13. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 1 wherein the first end of the flap is removable from the second panel.

14. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 1 further comprising a surrounding structure in contact with the unitary garment body, wherein the second end of the flap is configured to releasably attach to at least a portion of the surrounding structure.

15. A convertible child bodysuit comprising:

a unitary garment body comprising a first panel having a first edge and a second panel having a second lower edge, wherein the first panel and second panel form a neck opening, two arm openings, and a bottom opening; and

a removable flap comprising a first end that is configured to releasably attach to the first edge and a second end configured to releasably attach to the second lower edge.

16. The convertible child bodysuit of claim 13 wherein the first end and second end each comprise at least one fastener enabled to releasably attach to a fastener on the first edge and to a fastener on the second lower edge.