GARMENT FOR CHILDREN AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

There are provided garments that comprise a first panel, at least a portion of an edge portion of the first panel having at least a first fastener; and a second panel, at least a portion of an edge portion of the second panel having at least a second fastener operable to be mated with the first fastener, the second panel being attachable to the first panel at at least one attachment point. Methods for using such garments are also provided.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to children's garments and various methods of using such children's garments.

BACKGROUND

Prior to acquiring the necessary motor and cognitive skills, a child is dependent on caregivers to put on and remove his or her clothing. A caregiver's task of dressing and undressing a child, particularly in the infant stage, is made challenging in the manners hereinafter described due to the prior art design of children's garments, which art design generally consists of sewing or otherwise attaching one or more fabric panels into a particular pre-configured shape generally having pre-configured (and generally narrow) openings for the head and limbs, and, if applicable, sleeves for the limbs. For example purposes, one type of child garment commonly referred to as a bodysuit is generally composed of two fabric panels sewn together and configured into a tubular or generally hollow shape, consisting of: (i) an area that receives the child's torso; (ii) pre-configured, and generally narrow and non-elastic openings (or openings of limited elasticity) for the head, arms and legs and, (iii) as and if applicable, sleeves for the arms and legs. The openings for each leg may be formed by fastening the closure mechanisms generally located at the crotch area.

As a result of the prior art and using the example of a bodysuit, a caregiver's task of dressing and undressing a child is made challenging in the following ways: (i) a caregiver must manipulate the generally tight-fitting bodysuit made of fabrics having limited elasticity onto and around the child's head. As the fabric of the bodysuit is being manipulated onto and around the child's head, and then drawn down to cover the torso, the fabric covers the child's eyes and face (and particularly the breathing apertures), as well as pulls on various features of the child's head and face (example: hair, nose, ears, etc. . . . ). The foregoing action generally causes the child significant emotional and physical discomfort; the emotional discomfort resulting from the child's unfamiliarity, particularly in the infant stage, with the dressing/undressing process (i.e. the covering of its face and breathing apertures) and the physical discomfort resulting from the physical pulling by the garment of the child's head and facial features. Such discomfort often causes the child to become irritable, which irritability exacerbates several of the challenges descried herein, the whole as more fully detailed below; (ii) the neck muscles of a newborn child are not sufficiently developed for such a child to independently support the weight of his or her head. Therefore, as concerns any garment that must be applied over and around such a child's head, a caregiver is required to lift and support the child's head with one hand while concurrently placing the garment onto, around and/or over the child's head and then drawing it down to cover the torso and extremities. The concurrent actions of dressing the child and supporting his/her head pose a challenge to any caregiver, particularly an inexperienced one, due to (1) the coordination required to accomplish both actions at the same time, the whole on a child who is generally moving at least one body part or flailing its limbs in an unpredictable manner and (2) the potential impediment to the drawing down of the bodysuit towards the child's torso and extremities that results from the placement of the supporting hand on the child's head and/or neck; (iii) with respect to garments having openings and, if applicable, sleeves for limbs, a caregiver is required to manipulate the limbs through a narrow, pre-formed and generally constrictive space. Children are often resistant to the forced manipulation of their limbs through such openings and sleeves, and often experience discomfort and become irritable while said body parts are being manipulated, the whole further exacerbating the challenges described herein. Furthermore, due to a child's lack of muscle control, the caregiver is required to push the limb through the opening and, if applicable, into and through the length of the sleeve. Not only does the pushing and fitting of the limb into and through the opening and/or sleeve require the caregiver to bend said limb in ways which, at such a stage in the child's life, can be considered unnatural, but often one or several of the child's digits become stuck in a particular section or particular sections of the sleeve and are thus uncomfortably bent opposite the direction in which the limb is being moved, further causing the child to experience discomfort and become irritable; (iv) exacerbating the challenges described herein is the fact that children are rarely stationary during the dressing and undressing process and have a propensity to continuously move their limbs, head and/or other body parts in an unpredictable manner, thus complicating the placement of the garment onto a child's body and the placement or manipulation of its limbs through the appropriate openings and, if applicable, sleeves. Furthermore, an additional challenge is presented when a child learns to roll over in the later stages of infancy and such a child attempts the rolling action during the dressing and undressing process; (v) when a child is prevented from moving in the manner he or she desires and/or is forced into positions he or she does not want to be in, he or she typically becomes irritable, and will start resisting by screaming, crying and/or further flailing various body parts, the whole generally resulting in the need for a caregiver to abandon the dressing or undressing process in order to soothe the irritable child; and lastly, (vi) in the case of wet garments, such garments have a tendency to stick to the child's skin making the application and removal thereof more difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It would thus be highly desirable to be provided with an article that would at least partially address the disadvantages of existing technologies.

According to one aspect, there is provided a garment, comprising a first panel, at least a portion of an edge portion of the first panel having at least a first fastener; an second panel, at least a portion of an edge portion of the second panel having at least a second fastener operable to be mated with the first fastener, the second panel being attachable to the first panel at at least one attachment point.

According to another aspect, there is provided a garment comprising a panel having two sub-panels, a first of the sub-panels having at least one first fastener and a second of the sub-panels having at least a second fastener operable to be mated with the at least first fastener; the fastening of the first sub-panel with the second sub-panel forming a wearable garment.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of dressing a child in a garment, the method comprising: placing the child in one of a prone position and a supine position on one of a first panel and second panel of a garment; flipping the other of the second panel and the first panel of the garment over the child; and fastening at least a first fastener of the first panel with at least a second fastener of the second panel to contain a portion of the child within the garment.

DRAWINGS

The following drawings represent non-limitative examples, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a plan view of an outer surface of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 1B illustrates a plan view of an inner surface of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 1C illustrates a plan view of an outer surface of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 1D illustrates a plan view of an inner surface of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 1E illustrates a perspective view of a wearable garment according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 1F illustrates perspective view of a wearable garment according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an inner surface of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of a bodysuit according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of a shirt according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of a shirt according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of a shirt according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of a one-piece full-length garment (for example purposes, a sleeper) according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view of shorts according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of shorts according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of pants according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates a plan view of pants according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a swimsuit, romper or dress according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 13 illustrates a plan view of a swimsuit, romper or dress according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 14 illustrates a plan view of a dress according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 15 illustrates a plan view of a blazer and/or jacket and/or coat according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of a blazer and/or jacket and/or coat according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 17 illustrates a plan view of a footwear according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 18 illustrates a plan view of a footwear according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 19 illustrates a plan view of a hand wear according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 20 illustrates a plan view of a hand wear according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 21 illustrates a plan view of a head wear according to various exemplary embodiments; and

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of a head wear according to various exemplary embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The following examples are presented in a non-limiting manner.

In light of the above-mentioned items, there is a need in the art for garments that provide greater flexibility and ease in applying and removing a garment from a child's body, that can be placed on or removed from the child's body expediently and with as little forced manipulation of the various parts of a child as possible, and that reduces if not eliminates the challenges described herein as well as the various challenges presented by the application and removal of the other types of garments described herein, the whole leading to a more efficient, comfortable and pleasurable experience for both a child and a caregiver.

“Child” as used herein includes a human newborn, baby, infant, toddler and child.

“Garment” as used herein includes an article of clothing commonly worn by a child, including but not limited to a bodysuit, shirt, sweater, sleeper, pajamas, shorts, pants, swimsuit, blazer, jacket, coat, dress, romper, footwear (socks, shoes, boots), headwear and hand wear.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, fastening the first panel to the second panel forms a wearable garment defining at least one opening for at least one of a limb or a head.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, flipping one of the first panel or the second panel over the at least one attachment point and mating the at least first fastener with the at least second fastener forms the wearable garment.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, fastening the first panel to the second panel forms a garment having at least one of a neck opening, two arm openings, or two leg openings.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the first panel and second panel are permanently attached at the at least one attachment point.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the first panel and the second panel are only temporarily attached at the at least one attachment point.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the first panel and the second panel have substantially the same shape.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the first panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and the second panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; and wherein the at least one first fastener is positioned on an inner surface of the first panel; wherein the at least second fastener is positioned on an outer surface of the second panel; and wherein the inner surface of the edge portion of the first panel contacts the outer surface of the edge portion of the second panel when mated.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the first panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and the second panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; and wherein the at least one first fastener is positioned on an outer surface of the first panel; wherein the at least second fastener is positioned on an inner surface of the second panel; and wherein the outer surface of the edge portion of the first panel contacts the inner surface of the edge portion of the second panel when mated.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the first panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and the second panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; and wherein the at least one first fastener is positioned on an inner surface of the first panel; wherein the at least second fastener is positioned on an inner surface of the second panel; and wherein the inner surface of the edge portion of the first panel contacts the inner surface of the edge portion of the second panel when mated.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the first panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and the second panel comprises and inner surface and an outer surface; and wherein the at least one first fastener is positioned on an outer surface of the first panel; wherein the at least one second fastener is positioned on the outer surface of the second panel, and wherein the outer surface of the edge of the first panel contacts the outer surface of the edge of the second panel when mated.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the at least first fastener and the second fastener form a closing mechanism chosen from hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties, or any other closing mechanism that is now or hereafter known or usable in the art.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the at least one attachment point is located proximate a neck portion of the first panel and a neck portion of the second panel.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the at least one attachment point is located proximate at least one of a sleeve portion, leg portion, shoulder portion, flank portion, ankle portion of the first panel and of the second panel.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the at least one attachment point may comprise a shoulder strap.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the at least one first fastener is located proximate a crotch portion of the first panel and the second panel.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the wearable garment may comprise at least one of a foot pocket and hand pocket.

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the wearable garment is chosen from a hat, a sock, a shoe, a boot, a glove, a mitten, pants, shorts, a shirt, a bodysuit, a dress, a swimsuit, a romper, a blazer, a coat and jacket, as well as various combinations, as applicable, of a shirt, shorts, pants, swimsuit, bodysuit, romper, blazer, coat, jacket, footwear, hand wear and head wear (which combinations are not illustrated in the present disclosure).

For example, according to garments of the present disclosure, the first panel and second panels, or the first sub-panel and the second subpanel, as applicable, may have substantially the same shape.

For example, according to methods of the present disclosure, when flipping one of the first panel or second panel over the child, a body part of the child is inserted and/or passed through an opening defined by at least one attachment point attaching the first panel with the second panel, or any of the first sub-panel and the second sub-panel with the applicable corresponding panel or sub-panel.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, therein illustrated is a plan view an outer surface of a garment 2 according to various exemplary embodiments. For example purposes, the garment 2 has been illustrated as a bodysuit. However, it will be understood that various properties described with respect to garment 2 illustrated as a bodysuit can be applied to various other types of garments. The garment 2 comprises a first panel 5 and a second panel 10. The first panel 5 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 10 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 5 can be shaped according to at least a portion of the body of the child. For example, in the case of a bodysuit, the first panel 5 is shaped according to the upper body of the child and the pelvic or hip region of the child. For example, the first panel 5 includes a neck portion 14a, left and right sleeve portions 15a, 16a, left and right shoulder portions 29a, 31a, a body portion 17a, a crotch portion 18a and flank portions 19a. For example, the second panel 10 can be shaped according to a portion of the body of the child. For example, in the case of a bodysuit, the second panel 10 is shaped according to the upper body of the child and the pelvic or hip region of the child. For example, the second panel 10 includes a neck portion 14b, left and right sleeve portions 15b, 16b, left and right shoulder portions 29b, 31b, a body portion 17b, a crotch portion 18b and flank portions 19b. For example, in the case of a sleeveless bodysuit, the left and right shoulder portions 29a, 29b, 31a, 31b of the first and second panels 5 and 10 define left and right arm openings. For example, the first and second panels 5, 10 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels 5, 10 define mirror images of one another.

The posterior panel 5 has an inner surface 20 (FIG. 1B) and an outer surface 22. The anterior panel 10 has an inner surface 24 (FIG. 1B) and an outer surface 26. For example, the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5 and the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the bodysuit 2 is worn. For example, the outer surface 22 of the posterior panel 5 and the outer surface 26 of the anterior panel 10 correspond to surface that are oriented away from the body of the child when the bodysuit 2 is worn.

The posterior panel 5 is attachable to the anterior panel 10 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 5 and the anterior panel 10 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 5 and the anterior panel 10 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be hook and loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 1A, the posterior panel 5 and the anterior panel 10 are attached by a first attachment point 27 and a second attachment point 28 located proximate the neck portions 14a and 14b of the posterior panel 5 and anterior panel 10 respectively.

According to the example of FIG. 1A, the two attachment points 27, 28 and the neck portions 14a, 14b define a head opening 30 through which the head of the child is easily passed without obstruction or interference.

The garment according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 32 (FIG. 1B) disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 5 and at least a second fastener 34 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 10. The at least one first fastener 32 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 34 to be fastened together. In the case of detachable posterior and anterior panels, the first fastener 32 can be mated to the second fastener 34 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 5 with the anterior panel 10 about the first attachment point 27 and second attachment point 28. For example, the at least one first fastener 32 and at least one second fastener 34 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 32 and the at least one second fastener 34 can be arranged on the first panel 5 and the second panel 10 respectively according to at least a first exemplary arrangement, a second exemplary arrangement, and a third exemplary arrangement and a fourth exemplary arrangement (not illustrated). These arrangements (save and except for the fourth exemplary arrangement) are illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1E.

According to the first exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 32 and the at least one second fastener 34, the at least one first fastener 32 is positioned on an inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5 and the at least one second fastener 34 is positioned on an outer surface 26 of anterior panel 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, therein illustrated is a plan view of an outer surface and a plan view of an inner surface respectively of the exemplary garment according to the first exemplary arrangement.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the at least one second fastener 34 is located about portions of the edge of the outer surface 26 of the anterior panel 10. For example, the at least one second fastener 34 includes a plurality of fasteners 34 located along an edge of the crotch portion 18b, edges of the shoulder portions 29b, 31b, edges of flank portions 19b, and edges of the length of the sleeve portions 15b, 16b of the outer surface 26 of the anterior panel 10. For example, the edges corresponding to leg portions 36b, edges corresponding to the neck portion 14b and edges of the end portion 38b of the sleeve portions 15b and 16b of the anterior panel 10 are free of the second fastener 34.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the at least one first fastener 32 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5. For example, the at least one first fastener 32 includes a plurality of fasteners 32 located along an edge of the crotch portion 18a, edges of the shoulder portions 29a, 31a, edges of flank portions 19a, and edges of the length of the sleeve portions 15a, 16a of the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5. For example, the edges corresponding to leg portions 36a, edges corresponding to the neck portion 14a and edges of the end portions 38a of the sleeve portions 15a and 16a of the posterior panel 5 are free of the first fastener 32.

When mating the at least first fastener 32 with the at least second fastener 34, at least a portion of the edge of the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5 contacts at least a portion of the edge of the outer surface 26 of the anterior panel 10. For example, a first fastener 32 located at a particular portion (ex: right sleeve 16a) of the posterior panel 5 is mated with a second fastener 34 located on a corresponding portion (ex: right sleeve 16b) of the anterior panel 10. For example, the contact of the edge of the inner surface 20 with the edge of the outer surface 26 can be understood as wrapping the edge of the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5 around the edge of the outer surface 26 of the anterior panel 10.

According to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 32 and the at least one second fastener 34, the at least one first fastener 32 is positioned on an outer surface 22 of the posterior panel 5 and the at least one second fastener 34 is positioned on an inner surface 24 of anterior panel 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 1C and 1D, therein illustrated a plan view of an outer surface and a plan view of an inner surface respectively of the exemplary garment according to the second exemplary arrangement.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the at least one first fastener 32 is located about portions of the edges of the outer surface 22 of the posterior panel 5. For example, the at least one first fastener 32 includes a plurality of fasteners 32 located along an edge of the crotch portion 18a, edges of the shoulder portions 29a, 31a, edges of flank portions 19a, and edges of the length of the sleeve portions 15a, 16a of the outer surface 22 of the posterior panel 5. For example, the edges corresponding to leg portions 36a, edges corresponding to the neck portion 14a and edges of the end portions 38a of the sleeve portions 15a and 16a of the posterior panel 5 are free of the first fastener 32.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the at least second fastener 34 is located about portions of edges of the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10. For example, the at least one second fastener 34 includes a plurality of fasteners 34 located along an edge of the crotch portion 18b, edges of the shoulder portions 29b, 31b, edges of flank portions 19b, and edges of the length of the sleeve portions 15b, 16b of the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10. For example, the edges corresponding to leg portions 36b, edges corresponding to the neck portion 14b and edges of the end portions 38b of the sleeve portions 15b and 16b of the anterior panel 10 are free of the second fastener 34.

When mating the at least one first fastener 32 with the at least one second fastener 34, at least a portion of the edge of outer surface 22 of the posterior panel 5 contacts at least a portion of the edge of the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10. For example, a first fastener 32 located at a particular portion (ex: right sleeve 16a) of the posterior panel 5 is mated with a second fastener 34 located on a corresponding portion (ex: right sleeve 16b) of the anterior panel 10. For example, the contact of the edge of the inner surface 24 with the edge of the outer surface 22 can be understood as wrapping the edge of the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10 around the edge of the outer surface 22 of the posterior panel 5.

According to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 32 and the at least one second fastener 34, the at least one first fastener 32 is positioned on an inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5 and the at least one second fastener 34 is positioned on the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10.

Referring now to FIG. 1E, therein illustrated a plan view of an inner surface of the exemplary garment according to the third exemplary arrangement.

As shown in FIG. 1E, the at least first fastener 32 is located about portions of the edge of inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5. For example, the at least one first fastener 32 includes a plurality of fasteners 32 located along an edge of the crotch portion 18a, edges of the shoulder portions 29a, 31a, edges of flank portions 19a, edges of the length of the sleeve portions 15a, 16a of the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5. For example, the edges corresponding to leg portions 36a, edges corresponding to the neck portion 14a and edges of the end portions 38a of the posterior panel 5 are free of the first fastener 32.

Continuing with FIG. 1E, the at least second fastener 34 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10. For example, the at least one second fastener 34 includes a plurality of fasteners 34 located along an edge of the crotch portion 18b, edges of the shoulder portions 29b, 31b, edges of flank portions 19b, edges of the length of the sleeve portions 15b, 16b of the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10. For example, the edge portions corresponding to leg portions 36b, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 14b and edges of the end portions 38b of the sleeve portions 15b and 16b of the anterior panel 10 are free of the second fastener 34.

When mating the at least one first fastener 32 with the at least one second fastener 34, a least a portion of the edge of inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5 contacts at least a portion of the edge of the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10. For example, a first fastener 32 located at a particular portion (ex: right sleeve 16a) of the posterior panel 5 is mated with a second fastener 34 located at a corresponding portion (ex: right sleeve 16b) of the anterior panel 10. For example, the contact of the edge of the inner surface 20 with the edge of the inner surface 24 can be understood as pressing the edge of the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10 against a corresponding edge of the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5.

According to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 32 and the at least one second fastener 34, the at least one first fastener 32 is positioned on the outer surface 22 of the posterior panel 5 and the at least one second fastener 34 is positioned on the outer surface 26 of the anterior panel 10. It is understood that while the fourth exemplary arrangement is possible for all garments described herein, only the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement and the third exemplary arrangement are described herein.

It will be understood that while the at least one first fastener 32 and the at least one second fastener 34 are shown in FIGS. 1A to 1E to be continuous according to various exemplary embodiments, the first fastener 32 and the second fastener 34 can be formed of a plurality of discontinuous fastener parts, which parts may constitute the same or different types of closing mechanisms.

Referring now to FIG. 1F, therein illustrated is a perspective view of a wearable garment 2 formed from mating the at least one first fastener 32 of the posterior panel 5 with the at least one second fastener 34 of the anterior panel 10. As shown, the posterior panel 5 and the anterior panel 10 define an inner cavity for receiving the body of the child wearing the garment 2. For example, the wearable garment 2 is tubular or generally hollow. The posterior panel 5 and the anterior panel 10 further define arm openings 40 and 42 allowing passage of the arms and hands of the child wearing the garment 2. The posterior panel 5 and the anterior panel 10 further define leg openings 44 and 46 allowing passage of the legs and feet of the child wearing the garment 2. The posterior panel 5 and the anterior panel 10 further define a head opening 30 allowing for the passage of the child's head during the assembly of the garment in any of the exemplary arrangements described herein.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the garment 2 is laid out with the inner surfaces 20 and 24 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 5. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 10. The child's head is positioned on or proximate to the neck portion 14a or 14b and his or her arms are positioned over the sleeve portions of either the anterior panel 10 or the posterior panel 5, as applicable. By drawing the anterior panel 10 or the posterior panel 5, as applicable, away from the child's body, the head opening 30 is expanded. For example, the panel is drawn in a longitudinal direction of the garment 2 and away from the child's body. The anterior panel 10 or posterior panel 5 is then flipped over the attachment points 27, 28 and made to cover the child's torso, arms and crotch; when the anterior panel 10 or the posterior panel 5 is flipped over the applicable attachment points and drawn in the longitudinal direction and/or away from the child's body, the head opening 30 is expanded thus allowing for the unimpeded passage of the child's head through the head opening 30 without (i) in the case of the anterior panel being flipped over the applicable attachment points, covering the child's face or breathing apertures or (ii) pulling on any of the child's head or facial features (as applicable), and the wearable garment 2 may then be assembled by mating the at least one first fastener 32 with the at least one second fastener 34. Once the fasteners have been mated, the garment 2 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape as shown in FIG. 1F for accommodating the child's body, arms and crotch.

For example, according to the first exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 32 and the at least one second fastener 34, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5 or the prone position on the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 5 or anterior panel 10 is flipped over the attachment points 27, 28 and the edges of the anterior panel 10 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface 26 of the anterior panel 10 to mate the second fasteners 34 with the first fasteners 32.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 32 and the at least one second fastener 34, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10 or the supine position on the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 10 or posterior panel 5 is flipped over the attachment points 27, 28 and the edges of the posterior panel 5 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface 22 of the posterior panel 5 to mate the first fasteners 32 with the second fasteners 34.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 32 and the at least one second fastener 34, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5 or the prone position on the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10, the other of the anterior panel 10 or posterior panel 5 is flipped over the attachment points 27, 28 and the edges of the anterior panel 10 or the posterior panel 5 is wrapped around the child's body to meet with the edges of the opposite panel. The edges of the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10 to mate the first fasteners 32 with the second fasteners 34.

For example, according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 32 and the at least one second fastener 34, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 20 of the posterior panel 5 or the prone position on the inner surface 24 of the anterior panel 10, the other of the anterior panel 10 or posterior panel 5 is flipped over the attachment points 27, 28 and the edges of the anterior panel 10 or the posterior panel 5 is wrapped around the child's body to meet with the edges of the opposite panel. The edges of the outer surface 22 of the posterior panel 5 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface 26 of the anterior panel 10 to mate the first fasteners 32 with the second fasteners 34.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the garment 2 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to various exemplary embodiments, wherein the garment 2 is a body suit, the garment 2 may have no sleeves (not illustrated), short sleeves, or long sleeve portions 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b. In the example where the bodysuit is sleeveless, the first and second panels 5, 10 define right and left arm openings when mated. Where the garment 2 has short sleeves or long sleeves 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b, end portions of the sleeves define right and left arm/hand openings when mated. According to some exemplary embodiments, the long sleeves may have extending therefrom a hand pocket, such as a mitt or glove or any other form of hand wear. For example, the hand pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 5 or anterior panel 10. Alternatively, the hand pocket may be formed by mating corresponding hand pocket portions of the posterior panel 5 and the anterior panel 10.

According to various exemplary embodiments, wherein the garment 2 is a body suit, the garment 2 may have no leg portions (as illustrated), short leg portions or full-length leg portions. According to some exemplary embodiments, the full-length leg portion may have extending therefrom a foot pocket. For example, the foot pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 5 or anterior panel 10. Alternatively, the foot pocket may be formed by mating corresponding foot pocket portions of the posterior panel 5 and the anterior panel 10.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a first fastener 32 is located proximate a crotch portion 18a of the posterior panel 5 and a second fastener 34 is located proximate a crotch portion 18b of the anterior panel 10. Advantageously, the crotch portion of either the posterior panel 5 or the anterior panel 10 can be easily and expediently opened without having to remove the rest of the garment 2. For example, this facilitates diaper changes.

In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) of the garment 2, first panel 5 and the second panel 10 form one continuous panel. For example, the first panel 5 and the second panel 10 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

In yet an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the neck portion 14a of the posterior panel 5 may have attached thereto a hood. For example, the hood is composed of the same or different fabric as the posterior panel 5.

Referring now to FIG. 2, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, the garment is a bodysuit 100. For example, the body suit 100 is a variant of the bodysuit illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1F. For example, the body suit 100 is a vertical upward flip bodysuit. The bodysuit 100 comprises a first panel 105 and a second panel 110. The first panel 105 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 110 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 105 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child and the pelvic or hip region of the child. For example, the first panel 105 includes a neck portion 114a, left and right shoulder portions 129a, 131a, left and right sleeve portions 115a, 116a, a body portion 117a, a crotch portion 118a and flank portions 119a. For example, the second panel 110 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child and the pelvic or hip region of the child. For example, the second panel 110 includes a neck portion 114b, left and right shoulder portions 129b, 131b, left and right sleeve portions 115b, 116b, a body portion 117b, a crotch portion 118b and flank portions 119b. For example, the first and second panels 105, 110 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels 105, 110 define mirror images of one another.

The posterior panel 105 has an inner surface 120 and an outer surface. The anterior panel 110 has an inner surface 124 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 120 of the posterior panel 105 and the inner surface 124 of the anterior panel 110 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the bodysuit 100 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 105 and the outer surface of the anterior panel 110 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the body of the child when the bodysuit 100 is worn.

The posterior panel 105 is attachable to the anterior panel 110 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 105 and the anterior panel 110 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 105 and the anterior panel 110 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 2, the posterior panel 105 and the anterior panel 110 are attached by an attachment 127 located proximate the crotch portion 118a of the posterior panel 105 and the crotch portion 118b of the anterior panel 110. Alternatively, the posterior panel 105 and the anterior panel 110 form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 105 and the anterior panel 110 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The bodysuit 100 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 132 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 105 and at least a second fastener 134 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 110. The at least one first fastener 132 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 134 to be fastened together. For example, the first fastener 132 can be mated to the second fastener 134 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 105 with the anterior panel 110 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 132 and at least one second fastener 134 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 132 and at least one second fastener 134 of the bodysuit 100 as shown in FIG. 2 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 132 and 134 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 132 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 120 of the posterior panel 105 and the at least one second fastener 134 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 124 of the anterior panel 110.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 132 and the at least one second fastener 134 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 132 and the at least one second fastener 134 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 132 and the at least one second fastener 134 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 132 and 134 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 132 includes a plurality of fasteners 132 located along edges of the shoulder portions 129a, 131a, edges of flank portions 119a, edges of the length of the sleeve portions 115a, 116a of the posterior panel 105. For example, the edge portions corresponding to leg portions 136a, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 114a and edges of the end portion 138a of the sleeve portions 115a and 116a of the posterior panel 105 are free of the first fastener 132.

For example, the at least one second fastener 134 includes a plurality of fasteners 134 located along edges of the shoulder portions 129b, 131b, edges of flank portions 119b, edges of the length of the sleeve portions 115b, 116b of the anterior panel 110. For example, the edge portions corresponding to leg portions 136b, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 114b and edges of the end portions 138b of the sleeve portions 115b and 116b of the anterior panel 110 are free of the second fastener 134.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the bodysuit 100 is laid out as shown in FIG. 2, with the inner surfaces 120 and 124 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 120 of the posterior panel 105. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 105. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 124 of the anterior panel 110. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 110. The child's head is positioned on or proximate to the neck portion 114a or 114b and his or her arms are positioned over the sleeves portions of either the posterior panel 105 or the anterior panel 110. The legs of the child are positioned on either side of the crotch portion forming the attachment 127. The anterior panel 110 or posterior panel 105 is then flipped over the attachment 127 and made to cover the child's torso, arms and crotch and the wearable garment 100 may be assembled by mating the at least first fastener 132 with the at least second fastener 134. Once the fasteners have been mated, the body suit 100 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape, for example as shown in FIG. 1F for accommodating the child's body, arms and crotch.

For example, according to the first exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 132 and the at least one second fastener 134, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 120 of the posterior panel 105 or the prone position on the inner surface 124 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 105 or the anterior panel 110 is flipped over the attachment 127 and the edges of the anterior panel 110 are wrapped around the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 120 of the posterior panel 105 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 110 to mate the second fasteners 134 with the first fasteners 132.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 132 and the at least one second fastener 134, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface 124 of the anterior panel 110 or the supine position on the inner surface 120 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 110 or the posterior panel 105 is flipped over the attachment point 127 and the edges of the posterior panel 105 are wrapped around the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 124 of the anterior panel 110 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 105 to mate the first fasteners 132 with the second fasteners 134.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 132 and the at least one second fastener 134, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 120 of the posterior panel 105 or the prone position on the inner surface 124 of the anterior panel 110, the other of the anterior panel 110 or posterior panel 105 is flipped over the attachment point 127 and the edges of the anterior panel 110 or the posterior panel 105 is wrapped around the child's body to meet with the edges of the opposite panel. The edges of the inner surface 120 of the posterior panel 105 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 124 of the anterior panel 110 to mate the first fasteners 132 with the second fasteners 134.

For example, the bodysuit according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 132 and the at least one second fastener 134 can be assembled in a manner analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement described herein with respect to garment 2 of FIGS. 1A to 1F.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the bodysuit 100 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the bodysuit 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 may have no sleeves, short sleeves (as illustrated), or long sleeve portions 115a, 115b, 116a, 116b. In the example where the bodysuit 100 is sleeveless, the first and second panels 105, 110 define right and left arm openings when mated. Where the bodysuit 100 has short sleeves or long sleeves 115a, 115b, 116a, 116b, end portions of the sleeves define right and left arm/hand openings when mated. According to some exemplary embodiments, the long sleeves may have extending therefrom a hand pocket, such as a mitt or glove or any other form of hand wear. For example, the hand pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 105 or anterior panel 110. Alternatively, the hand pocket may be formed by mating corresponding hand pocket portions of the posterior panel 105 and the anterior panel 110.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the bodysuit 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 may have no leg portions (as illustrated), short leg portion or full-length leg portions. According to some exemplary embodiments, the full-length leg portion may have extending therefrom a foot pocket. For example, the foot pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 105 or anterior panel 110. Alternatively, the hand pocket may be formed by mating corresponding hand pocket portions of the posterior panel 105 and the anterior panel 110.

In yet an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the neck portion 114a of the posterior panel 105 may have attached thereto a hood. For example, the hood is composed of the same or different fabric as the posterior panel 105.

Referring now to FIG. 3, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, the garment is a bodysuit 300. For example, the bodysuit 300 is a variant of the bodysuit illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1F. For example, the bodysuit 300 is a vertical downward flip bodysuit. The bodysuit 300 comprises a first panel 305 and a second panel 310. The first panel 305 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 310 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 305 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child and the pelvic or hip region of the child. For example, the first panel 305 includes a neck portion 314a, left and right shoulder portions 329a, 331a, left and right sleeve portions 315a, 316a, a body portion 317a, a crotch portion 318a and flank portions 319a. For example, the second panel 310 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child and the pelvic or hip region of the child. For example, the second panel 310 includes a neck portion 314b, left and right shoulder portions 329b, 331b, left and right sleeve portions 315b, 316b, a body portion 317b, a crotch portion 318b and flank portions 319b. For example, the first and second panels 305, 310 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels 305, 310 define mirror images of one another.

The posterior panel 305 has an inner surface 320 and an outer surface. The anterior panel 310 has an inner surface 324 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 320 of the posterior panel 305 and the inner surface 324 of the anterior panel 310 correspond to surfaces that faces the body of the child when the bodysuit 300 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 305 and the outer surface of the anterior panel 310 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the body of the child when the bodysuit 300 is worn.

The posterior panel 305 is attachable to the anterior panel 310 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 305 and the anterior panel 310 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 305 and the anterior panel 310 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 3, the posterior panel 305 and the anterior panel 310 are attached by a first attachment 327 that extends along the right shoulder portions 331a, 331b; the attachment 327 may further extend along a portion of the length of the sleeve portions 316a and 316b of the posterior panel 305 and anterior panel 310 respectively or along the full length of said sleeve portions (as illustrated). Accordingly, the first attachment 327 corresponds to the right shoulder portion; in the case of the attachment 327 extending along the right sleeve portion, it will also correspond to the whole (as illustrated) or a portion, as applicable, of the right sleeve portion of the panels. The posterior panel 305 and the anterior panel 310 are further attached by a second attachment 328 extending along left shoulder portions 329a, 329b; the attachment 328 may further extend along a portion of the length of the sleeve portions 315a and 315b of the posterior panel 305 and anterior panel 310 respectively or along the full length of said sleeve portion (as illustrated). Accordingly, the second attachment 328 corresponds to the left shoulder portion; in the case of the attachment point 328 extending along the left sleeve portion, it will also correspond to the whole (as illustrated) or a portion, as applicable, of the left sleeve portion of the panels. Ends of the first and second attachment 327, 328 and the neck portions 314a, 314b together define a head opening 330. For example, the first attachment 327 and the second attachment 328 form shoulder, and, if applicable, sleeve seams of the bodysuit 300. Alternatively, the posterior panel 305 and the anterior panel 310 may form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 305 and the anterior panel 310 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The bodysuit 300 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 332 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 305 and at least a second fastener 334 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 310. The at least one first fastener 332 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 334 to be fastened together. For example, the first fastener 332 can be mated to the second fastener 334 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 305 with the anterior panel 310 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 332 and at least one second fastener 334 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 332 and at least one second fastener 334 of the bodysuit 300 as shown in FIG. 3 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 332 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 320 of the posterior panel 305 and the at least one second fastener 334 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 324 of the anterior panel 310.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 332 and the at least one second fastener 334 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 332 and the at least one second fastener 334 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 332 and the at least one second fastener 334 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 332 includes a plurality of fasteners 332 located along edges of flank portions 319a and bottom edges of the length of the sleeve portions 315a, 316a of the posterior panel 305. For example, the edge portions corresponding to leg portions 336a, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 314a and edges of the end portions 338a of the sleeve portions 315a and 316a of the posterior panel 305 are free of the first fastener 332.

For example, the at least one second fastener 334 includes a plurality of fasteners 334 located along edges of flank portions 319b, edges of the length of the sleeve portions 315b, 316b of the anterior panel 310. For example, the edge portions corresponding to leg portions 336b, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 314b and edges of the end portions 338b of the sleeve portions 315b and 316b of the anterior panel 310 are free of the second fastener 334.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the bodysuit 300 is laid out as shown in FIG. 3, with the inner surfaces 320 and 324 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 320 of the posterior panel 305. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 305. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 324 of the anterior panel 310. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 310. The child's head is positioned on or proximate to the neck portion 314a or 314b and his or her arms are positioned over the sleeves portions of either the anterior panel 110 or the posterior panel 105. By drawing the anterior panel 310 or the posterior panel 305, as applicable, away from the child's body, the head opening 30 is expanded. For example, the panel is drawn in a longitudinal direction of the bodysuit 300 and away from the child's body. The anterior panel 310 or posterior panel 305 is then flipped over the attachments 327, 328 and made to cover the child's torso, arms and crotch; when the anterior panel 310 or the posterior panel 305 is drawn in the longitudinal direction and/or away from the child's body and flipped over the applicable attachment points, the head opening 330 is expanded thus allowing for the unimpeded passage of the child's head through the head opening 330 without (i) in the case of the anterior panel being flipped over the applicable attachment points, covering the child's face or breathing apertures or (ii) pulling on any of the child's head or facial features (as applicable), and the wearable bodysuit 300 may then be assembled by mating the at least one first fastener 332 with the at least one second fastener 334. Once the fasteners have been mated, the bodysuit 300 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's body, arms and crotch.

For example, according to the first exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 332 and the at least one second fastener 334, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 320 of the posterior panel 305 or the prone position on the inner surface 324 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 305 or the anterior panel 310 is flipped over the attachment points 327, 328 and the edges of the anterior panel 310 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 320 of the posterior panel 305 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 310 to mate the second fasteners 334 with the first fasteners 332.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 332 and the at least one second fastener 334, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface 324 of the anterior panel 310 or the supine position on the inner surface 320 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 310 or the posterior panel 305 is flipped over the attachments 327, 328 and the edges of the posterior panel 305 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 324 of the anterior panel 310 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 305 to mate the first fasteners 332 with the second fasteners 334.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 332 and the at least one second fastener 334, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 320 of the posterior panel 305 or the prone position on the inner surface 324 of the anterior panel 110, the other of the anterior panel 310 or posterior panel 305 is flipped over the attachments 327, 328 and the edges of the anterior panel 310 or the posterior panel 305 are wrapped around the child's body to meet with the edges of the opposite panel. The edges of the inner surface 320 of the posterior panel 305 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 324 of the anterior panel 310 to mate the first fasteners 332 with the second fasteners 334.

For example, the bodysuit 300 according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 332 and the at least one second fastener 334 can be assembled in a manner analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement described herein with respect to garment 2 of FIGS. 1A to 1F.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the bodysuit 300 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the bodysuit 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 may have no sleeves, short sleeves (as illustrated), or long sleeve portions 315a, 315b, 316a, 316b. In the example where the bodysuit 300 is sleeveless, the first and second panels 305, 310 define right and left arm openings when mated. Where the bodysuit 300 has short sleeves or long sleeves 315a, 315b, 316a, 316b, end portions of the sleeves define right and left arm openings/hand when mated. According to some exemplary embodiments, the long sleeves may have extending therefrom a hand pocket, such as a mitt or glove, or any other form of hand wear. For example, the hand pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 305 or anterior panel 310. Alternatively, the hand pocket may be formed by mating corresponding hand pocket portions of the posterior panel 305 and the anterior panel 310.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the bodysuit 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 may have no leg portions (as illustrated), short leg portion or full-length leg portions. According to some exemplary embodiments, the full-length leg portion may have extending therefrom a foot pocket. For example, the foot pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 305 or anterior panel 310. Alternatively, the foot pocket may be formed by mating corresponding foot pocket portions of the posterior panel 305 and the anterior panel 310.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a first fastener 332 is located proximate a crotch portion 318a of the posterior panel 305 and a second fastener 334 is located proximate a crotch portion 318b of the anterior panel 310. Advantageously, the crotch portion of either the posterior panel 305 or the anterior panel 310 can be easily and expediently opened without having to remove the rest of the bodysuit 300. For example, this facilitates diaper changes.

In yet an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the neck portion 314a of the posterior panel 305 may have attached thereto a hood. For example, the hood is composed of the same or different fabric as the posterior panel 305.

Referring now to FIG. 4, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4, the garment is a shirt 400. For example, the shirt 400 is a variant of the bodysuit illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1F. For example, the shirt 400 is a vertical downward flip shirt. The shirt 400 comprises a first panel 405 and a second panel 410. The first panel 405 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 410 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 405 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child. For example, the first panel 405 includes a neck portion 414a, left and right shoulder portions 429a, 431a, left and right sleeve portions 415a, 416a, a body portion 417a, a waist portion 418a and flank portions 419a. For example, the second panel 410 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child. For example, the second panel 410 includes a neck portion 414b, left and right shoulder portions 429b, 431b, left and right sleeve portions 415b, 416b, a body portion 417b, a waist portion 418b and flank portions 419b. For example, the first and second panels 405, 410 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels 405, 410 define mirror images of one another.

The posterior panel 405 has an inner surface 420 and an outer surface. The anterior panel 410 has an inner surface 424 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 420 of the posterior panel 405 and the inner surface 424 of the anterior panel 410 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the shirt 400 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 405 and the outer surface of the anterior panel 410 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the body of the child when the shirt 400 is worn.

The posterior panel 405 is attachable to the anterior panel 410 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 405 and the anterior panel 410 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 405 and the anterior panel 410 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 4, the posterior panel 405 and the anterior panel 410 are attached by a first attachment point 427 and a second attachment point 428 located proximate the neck portions 414a and 414b of the posterior panel 405 and anterior panel 410 respectively. First and second attachment points 427, 428 and the neck portions 414a, 414b together define a head opening 430. Alternatively, the posterior panel 405 and the anterior panel 410 form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 405 and the anterior panel 410 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The shirt 400 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 432 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 405 and at least a second fastener 434 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 410. The at least one first fastener 432 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 434 to be fastened together. In the case of detachable posterior and anterior panels, the said posterior and anterior panels are attached together by mating the at least one first fastener 432 on the posterior panel 405 with the at least one second fastener 434 on the anterior panel 410. For example, the first fastener 432 can be mated to the second fastener 434 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 405 with the anterior panel 410 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 432 and at least one second fastener 434 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 432 and at least one second fastener 434 of the shirt 400 as shown in FIG. 4 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 432 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 420 of the posterior panel 405 and the at least one second fastener 434 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 424 of the anterior panel 410.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 432 and the at least one second fastener 434 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 432 and the at least one second fastener 434 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 432 and the at least one second fastener 434 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 432 includes a plurality of fasteners 432 located along edges of the shoulder portions 429a, 431a, edges of flank portions 419a, bottom edges of the length of the sleeve portions 415a, 416a of the posterior panel 405. For example, the edge portions corresponding to waist portion 418a, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 414a and edges of the end portions 438a of the sleeve portions 415a and 416a of the posterior panel 405 are free of the first fastener 432.

For example, the at least one second fastener 434 includes a plurality of fasteners 434 located along edges of the shoulder portions 429b, 431b, edges of flank portions 419b, edges of the length of the sleeve portions 415b, 416b of the anterior panel 410. For example, the edge portions corresponding to waist portion 418b, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 414b and edges of the end portions 438b of the sleeve portions 415b and 416b of the anterior panel 410 are free of the second fastener 434.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the shirt 400 is laid out as shown in FIG. 4, with the inner surfaces 420 and 424 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 420 of the posterior panel 405. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 405. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 424 of the anterior panel 410. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 410. The child's head is positioned on or proximate to the neck portion 414a or 414b and his or her arms are positioned over the sleeves portions of either the anterior panel 410 or the posterior panel 405. By drawing the anterior panel 410 or the posterior panel 405, as applicable, away from the child's body, the head opening 30 is expanded. For example, the panel is drawn in a longitudinal direction of the garment shirt 400 and away from the child's body. The anterior panel 410 or posterior panel 405 is then flipped over the attachment points 427, 428 and made to cover the child's torso, and arms; when the anterior panel 410 or the posterior panel 405 is drawn in the longitudinal direction and/or away from the child's body, the head opening 430 is expanded thus allowing for the unimpeded passage of the child's head through the head opening 430 without (i) in the case of the anterior panel being flipped over the applicable attachment points, covering the child's face or breathing apertures or (ii) pulling on any of the child's head or facial features (as applicable), and the wearable shirt 400 may then be assembled by mating the at least one first fastener 432 with the at least one second fastener 434. Once the fasteners have been mated, the shirt 400 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's body and arms.

For example, according to the first exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 432 and the at least one second fastener 434, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 420 of the posterior panel 405 or the prone position on the inner surface 424 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 405 or the anterior panel 410 is flipped over the attachment points 427, 428 and the edges of the anterior panel 410 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 420 of the posterior panel 405 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 410 to mate the second fasteners 434 with the first fasteners 432.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 432 and the at least one second fastener 434, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface 424 of the anterior panel 410 or the supine position on the inner surface 420 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 410 or the posterior panel 405 is flipped over the attachment points 427, 428 and the edges of the posterior panel 405 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 424 of the anterior panel 410 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 405 to mate the first fasteners 432 with the second fasteners 434.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 432 and the at least one second fastener 434, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 420 of the posterior panel 405 or the prone position on the inner surface 424 of the anterior panel 410, the other of the anterior panel 410 or posterior panel 405 is flipped over the attachment points 427, 428 and the edges of the anterior panel 410 or the posterior panel 405 is wrapped around the child's body to meet with the edges of the opposite panel. The edges of the inner surface 420 of the posterior panel 405 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 424 of the anterior panel 410 to mate the first fasteners 432 with the second fasteners 434.

For example, according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 432 and the at least one second fastener 434, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 420 of the posterior panel 405 or the prone position on the inner surface 424 of the anterior panel 410, the other of the anterior panel 410 or posterior panel 405 is flipped over the attachment points 427, 428 and the edges of the anterior panel 410 or the posterior panel 405 is wrapped around the child's body to meet with the edges of the opposite panel. The edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 405 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 410 to mate the first fasteners 432 with the second fasteners 434.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the shirt 400 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the shirt 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 may have no sleeves, short sleeves (as illustrated) or long sleeve portions 415a, 415b, 416a, 416b. In the example where the shirt 400 is sleeveless, the first and second panels 405, 410 define right and left arm openings when mated. Where the shirt 400 has short sleeves or long sleeves 415a, 415b, 416a, 416b, end portions of the sleeves define right and left arm/hand openings when mated. According to some exemplary embodiments, the long sleeves may have extending therefrom a hand pocket, such as a mitt or glove or any other form of hand wear. For example, the hand pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 405 or anterior panel 410. Alternatively, the hand pocket may be formed by mating corresponding hand pocket portions of the posterior panel 405 and the anterior panel 410.

In yet an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the neck portion 414a of the posterior panel 405 may have attached thereto a hood. For example, the hood is composed of the same or different fabric as the posterior panel 405.

Referring now to FIG. 5, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 5, the garment is a shirt 500. For example, the shirt 500 is a variant of the shirt illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, the shirt 500 is a vertical downward flip shirt. The shirt 500 comprises a first panel 505 and a second panel 510. The first panel 505 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 510 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 505 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child. For example, the first panel 505 includes a neck portion 514a, left and right shoulder portions 529a, 531a, left and right sleeve portions 515a, 516a, a body portion 517a, a waist portion 518a and flank portions 519a. For example, the second panel 510 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child. For example, the second panel 510 includes a neck portion 514b, left and right shoulder portions 529b, 531b, left and right sleeve portions 515b, 516b, a body portion 517b, a waist portion 518b and flank portions 519b. For example, the first and second panels 505, 510 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels 505, 510 define mirror images of one another.

The posterior panel 505 has an inner surface 520 and an outer surface. The anterior panel 510 has an inner surface 524 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 520 of the posterior panel 505 and the inner surface 524 of the anterior panel 510 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the shirt 500 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 505 and the outer surface of the anterior panel 510 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the body of the child when the shirt 500 is worn.

The posterior panel 505 is attachable to the anterior panel 510 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 505 and the anterior panel 510 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 505 and the anterior panel 510 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 5, the posterior panel 505 and the anterior panel 510 are attached by a first attachment 527 extending along the right shoulder portions 531a, 531b; the attachment 527 may further extend along a portion of the length of the sleeve portions 516a and 516b of the posterior panel 505 and anterior panel 510 respectively or along the full length of said sleeve portions (as illustrated). Accordingly, the first attachment 527 corresponds to the right shoulder portion; in the case of the attachment 527 extending along the right sleeve portion, said attachment will also correspond to the whole (as illustrated) or a portion, as applicable, of the right sleeve portion of the panels The posterior panel 505 and the anterior panel 510 are furthered attached by a second attachment 528 extending along extending along the left shoulder portions 529a, 529b; the attachment point 528 may further extend along a portion of the length of the sleeve portions 515a and 515b of the posterior panel 505 and anterior panel 510 respectively or along the full length of the said sleeve portion (as illustrated). Accordingly, the second attachment 528 corresponds to the left shoulder portion; in the case of the attachment point 528 extending along the sleeve portion, it will also correspond to the whole (as illustrated) or a portion, as applicable, of the left sleeve portion, and the left sleeve of the panels. For example, the first attachment 527 and the second attachment 528 form shoulder and, if applicable, sleeve seams of the shirt 500. Alternatively, the posterior panel 505 and the anterior panel 510 form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 505 and the anterior panel 510 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The garment according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 532 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 505 and at least a second fastener 534 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 510. The at least one first fastener 532 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 535 to be fastened together. For example, the first fastener 532 can be mated to the second fastener 534 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 505 with the anterior panel 510 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 532 and at least one second fastener 534 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 532 and at least one second fastener 534 of the shirt 500 as shown in FIG. 5 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 532 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 520 of the posterior panel 505 and the at least one second fastener 534 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 524 of the anterior panel 510.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 532 and the at least one second fastener 534 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 532 and the at least one second fastener 534 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 532 and the at least one second fastener 534 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 532 includes a plurality of fasteners 532 located along edges of flank portions 519a, bottom edges of the length of the sleeve portions 515a, 516a of the posterior panel 505. For example, the edge portions corresponding to the waist portion 518a, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 514a and edges of the end portions 538a of the sleeve portions 515a and 516a of the posterior panel 505 are free of the first fastener 532.

For example, the at least one second fastener 534 includes a plurality of fasteners 534 located along edges of flank portions 519b, bottom edges of the length of the sleeve portions 515b, 516b of the anterior panel 510. For example, the edge portions corresponding to waist portion 518b, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 514b and edges of the end portions 538b of the sleeve portions 515b and 516b the anterior panel 510 are free of the second fastener 534.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the shirt 500 is laid out as shown in FIG. 5, with the inner surfaces 520 and 524 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 520 of the posterior panel 505. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 505. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 524 of the anterior panel 510. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 510. The child's head is positioned on or proximate to the neck portion 514a or 514b and his or her arms are positioned over the sleeve portions of either the anterior panel 510 or the posterior panel 505. By drawing the anterior panel 510 or the posterior panel 505, as applicable, away from the child's body, the head opening 530 is expanded. For example, the panel is drawn in a longitudinal direction of the shirt 500 and away from the child's body. The anterior panel 510 or posterior panel 505 is then flipped over the attachments 527, 528 and made to cover the child's torso, and arms; when the anterior panel 510 or posterior panel 505 is flipped over the attachment points 527, 528 and drawn in the longitudinal direction and/or away from the child's body, the head opening 530 is expanded thus allowing for the unimpeded passage of the child's head through the head opening 530 without (i) in the case of the anterior panel being flipped over the applicable attachment points, covering the child's face or breathing apertures or (ii) pulling on any of the child's head or facial features (as applicable), and the wearable shirt 500 may be assembled by mating the at least one second fastener 534 with the at least one first fastener 532. Once the fasteners have been mated, the shirt 500 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's body and arms.

For example, according to the first exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 532 and the at least one second fastener 534, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 520 of the posterior panel 505 or the prone position on the inner surface 524 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 505 or the anterior panel 510 is flipped over the attachments 527, 528 and the edges of the anterior panel 510 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 520 of the posterior panel 505 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 510 to mate the second fasteners 534 with the first fasteners 532.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 532 and the at least one second fastener 534, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface 524 of the anterior panel 510 or the supine position on the inner surface 520 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 510 or the posterior panel 505 is flipped over the attachments 527, 528 and the edges of the posterior panel 505 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 524 of the anterior panel 510 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 505 to mate the first fasteners 532 with the second fasteners 534.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 532 and the at least one second fastener 534, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 520 of the posterior panel 505 or the prone position on the inner surface 524 of the anterior panel 510, the other of the anterior panel 510 or posterior panel 505 is flipped over the attachments 527, 528 and the edges of the anterior panel 510 or the posterior panel 505 is wrapped around the child's body to meet with the edges of the opposite panel. The edges of the inner surface 520 of the posterior panel 505 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 524 of the anterior panel 510 to mate the first fasteners 532 with the second fasteners 534.

For example, the shirt 500 according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 532 and the at least one second fastener 534 can be assembled in a manner analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement described herein with respect to garment 2 of FIGS. 1A to 1F.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the shirt 500 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the shirt 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 may have no sleeve (not illustrated), short sleeves, or long sleeve portions 515a, 515b, 516a, 516b. In the example where shirt 500 is sleeveless, the first and the second panels 505, 510 define right and left arm openings. Where the shirt 500 has short sleeves (as illustrated), or long sleeves 515a, 515b, 516a, 516b, end portions of the sleeves define right and left arm/hand openings when mated. According to some exemplary embodiments, the long sleeves may have extending therefrom a hand pocket, such as a mitt or glove or any other form of hand wear. For example, the hand pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 505 or anterior panel 510. Alternatively, the hand pocket may be formed by mating corresponding hand pocket portions of the posterior panel 505 and the anterior panel 510.

In yet an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the neck portion 514a of the posterior panel 505 may have attached thereto a hood. For example, the hood is composed of the same or different fabric as the posterior panel 505.

Referring now to FIG. 6, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 6, the garment is a shirt 600. For example, the shirt 600 is a variant of the shirt illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, the shirt 600 is a diagonal flip shirt. The shirt 600 comprises a first panel 605 and a second panel 610. The first panel 605 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 610 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 605 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child. For example, the first panel 605 includes a neck portion 614a, left and right shoulder portions 629a, 631a, left and right sleeve portions 615a, 616a, a body portion 617a, a waist portion 618a and flank portions 619a. For example, the second panel 610 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child. For example, the second panel 610 includes a neck portion 614b, left and right shoulder portions 629b, 631b, left and right sleeve portions 615b, 616b, a body portion 617b, a waist portion 618b and flank portions 619b. For example, the first and second panels 605, 610 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels 605, 610 define mirror images of one another.

The posterior panel 605 has an inner surface 620 and an outer surface. The anterior panel 610 has an inner surface 624 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 620 of the posterior panel 605 and the inner surface 624 of the anterior panel 610 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the shirt 600 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 605 and the outer surface of the anterior panel 610 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the body of the child when the shirt 600 is worn.

The posterior panel 605 is attachable to the anterior panel 610 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 605 and the anterior panel 610 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 605 and the anterior panel 610 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 6, the posterior panel 605 and the anterior panel 610 are attached by a single attachment 627 located proximate the neck portion 614a and 614b of the posterior panel 605 and anterior panel 610 respectively. For example, the single attachment 627 extends along one of the shoulder portions and a portion of or the whole of the length of one of the sleeve portions of the posterior panel 605 and anterior panel 610 respectively. Alternatively, the posterior panel 605 and the anterior panel 610 form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 605 and the anterior panel 610 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The shirt 600 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 632 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 605 and at least a second fastener 634 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 610. The at least one first fastener 632 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 634 to be fastened together. For example, the first fastener 632 can be mated to the second fastener 634 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 605 with the anterior panel 610 about the at least one attachment point. Accordingly, the posterior panel 605 and the anterior panel 610 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 632 and the at least one second faster 634 are mated. For example, the at least one first fastener 632 and at least one second fastener 634 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 632 and the at least one second fastener 634 of the shirt 600 as shown in FIG. 6 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 632 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 620 of the posterior panel 605 and the at least one second fastener 634 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 624 of the anterior panel 610.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 632 and the at least one second fastener 634 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 632 and the at least one second fastener 634 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 632 and the at least one second fastener 634 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 632 includes a plurality of fasteners 632 located along edges of flank portions 619a, and the bottom edges of the length of the sleeve portions 615a, 616a of the posterior panel 605. The top edge of the sleeve portions other than the sleeve portion having the attachment 627 also includes fasteners 632. The top edge of shoulder portions 629a, 631a other than shoulder portion having the attachment 627 also includes fasteners 632. For example, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 614a, edges of the end portions 638a of the sleeve portions 615a and 616a and the waist portion 618a of the posterior panel 605 are free of the first fastener 632.

For example, the at least one second fastener 634 includes a plurality of fasteners 634 located along edges of flank portions 619b, and the bottom edges of the length of the sleeve portions 615b, 616b of the anterior panel 610. The top edge of sleeve portions other than the sleeve portion having the attachment point 627 also includes fasteners 634. The top edge of shoulder portions 629b, 631b other than shoulder portion having the attachment 627 also includes fasteners 634. For example, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 614b, waist portion 618b and edges of the end portions 638b of the sleeve portions 615b and 616b of the anterior panel 610 are free of the second fastener 634.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the shirt 600 is laid out as shown in FIG. 6, with the inner surfaces 620 and 624 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 620 of the posterior panel 605. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 605. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 624 of the anterior panel 610. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 610. The child's head is positioned on or proximate to the neck portion 614a or 614b and his or her arms are positioned over the sleeve portions of either the anterior panel 610 or the posterior panel 605, wherein one of the arms is positioned proximate the attachment 627 of either the anterior panel 610 or the posterior panel 605. The anterior panel 610 or posterior panel 605 is then flipped diagonally over the attachment 627 and made to cover the child's torso and arms, and the wearable shirt 600 may be assembled by mating the at least one first fastener 632 with the at least one second fastener 634. Once the fasteners have been mated, the shirt 600 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's body and arms.

For example, according to the first exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 632 and the at least one second fastener 634, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 620 of the posterior panel 605 or the prone position on the inner surface 624 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 605 or the anterior panel 610 is flipped diagonally over the attachment 627 and the edges of the anterior panel 610 are wrapped around the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 620 of the posterior panel 605 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface 624 of the anterior panel 610 to mate the second fasteners 634 with the first fasteners 632.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 632 and the at least one second fastener 634, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface 624 of the anterior panel 610 or the supine position on the inner surface 620 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 610 or the posterior panel 605 is flipped diagonally over the attachment 627 and the edges of the posterior panel 605 are wrapped around the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 624 of the anterior panel 610 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 605 to mate the first fasteners 632 with the second fasteners 634.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 632 and the at least one second fastener 634, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 620 of the posterior panel 605 or the prone position on the inner surface 624 of the anterior panel 610, the other of the anterior panel 610 or posterior panel 605 is flipped diagonally over the attachment 627 and the edges of the anterior panel 610 or the posterior panel 605 is wrapped around the child's body to meet with the edges of the opposite panel. The edges of the inner surface 620 of the posterior panel 605 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 624 of the anterior panel 610 to mate the first fasteners 632 with the second fasteners 634.

For example, the shirt 600 according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 632 and the at least one second fastener 634 can be assembled in a manner analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement described herein with respect to garment 2 of FIGS. 1A to 1F.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the shirt 600 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the shirt 600 illustrated in FIG. 6 may have no sleeves, short sleeves (as illustrated) or long sleeve portions 615a, 616a, 615b, 616b. In the example where shirt 600 is sleeveless the first and the second panels 605, 610 define right and left arm openings. Where the garment shirt 600 has short sleeves or long sleeves 615a, 615b, 616a, 616b, end portions of the sleeves define right and left arm/hand openings when mated. According to some exemplary embodiments, the long sleeves may have extending therefrom a hand pocket, such as a mitt or glove, or any other form of hand wear. For example, the hand pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 605 or anterior panel 610. Alternatively, the hand pocket may be formed by mating corresponding hand pocket portions of the posterior panel 605 and the anterior panel 610.

In yet an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the neck portion 614a of the posterior panel 605 may have attached thereto a hood. For example, the hood is composed of the same fabric as the posterior panel 605.

Referring now to FIG. 7, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7, the garment is a full-length sleeper 700. However, it will be understood that the sleeper may also be one of various one-piece garments having long or short, as applicable, arm and leg portions. For example, the sleeper is a variant of the bodysuit illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1F. For example, the sleeper is a vertical downward flip bodysuit. The sleeper comprises a first panel 705 and a second panel 710. The first panel 705 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 710 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 705 can be shaped according to the full body of the child. For example, the first panel 705 includes a neck portion 714a, left and right shoulder portions 729a, 731a left and right sleeve portions 715a, 716a, a body portion 717a, a crotch portion 718a, flank portions 719a, and left and right leg portions 721a, 723a. For example, the second panel 710 can be shaped according to the full body of the child. For example, the second panel 710 includes a neck portion 714b, left and right shoulder portions 729b, 731b, left and right sleeve portions 715b, 716b, a body portion 717b, a crotch portion 718b, flank portions 719b and leg portion 721b, 723b. For example, the first and second panels 705, 710 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and the second panels 705, 710 are mirror images of one another.

The posterior panel 705 has an inner surface 720 and an outer surface. The anterior panel 710 has an inner surface 724 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 720 of the posterior panel 705 and the inner surface 724 of the anterior panel 710 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the sleeper 700 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 705 and the outer surface of the anterior panel 710 correspond to surface that are oriented away from the body of the child when the sleeper 700 is worn.

The posterior panel 705 is attachable to the anterior panel 710 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 705 and the anterior panel 710 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 705 and the anterior panel 710 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 7, the posterior panel 705 and the anterior panel 710 are attached by a first attachment 727 extending along the right shoulder portions 731a, 731b; the attachment 727 may further extend along a portion of the length of the sleeve portions 716a and 716b of the posterior panel 705 and anterior panel 710 respectively (as illustrated) or along the full length of said sleeve portions. The posterior panel 705 and the anterior panel 710 are furthered attached by a second attachment 728 extending along the left shoulder portions 729a, 729b; the attachment point may further extend along a portion a portion of the length of the sleeve portions 715a and 715b of the posterior panel 705 and anterior panel 710 respectively (as illustrated) or along the full length of said sleeve portions. For example, the first attachment 727 and the second attachment 728 form shoulder seams of the sleeper 700; if they extend onto a portion of the sleeve portions 715a, 715b, 716a, 716b, they may form part of the sleeve seams (as illustrated) and if they extend along the length of the sleeve portions, they may form the entire sleeve portion. The first attachment 727 and second attachment 728 and neck portions 714a and 714b define a head opening 730. Alternatively, the posterior panel 705 and the anterior panel 710 form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 705 and the anterior panel 710 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The sleeper 700 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 732 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 705 and at least a second fastener 734 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 710. The at least one first fastener 732 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 734 to be fastened together. For example, the first fastener 732 can be mated to the second fastener 734 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 705 with the anterior panel 710 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 732 and at least one second fastener 734 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 732 and at least one second fastener 734 of the sleeper 700 as shown in FIG. 7 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 732 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 720 of the posterior panel 705 and the at least one second fastener 734 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 724 of the anterior panel 710.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 732 and the at least one second fastener 734 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 732 and the at least one second fastener 734 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 732 and the at least one second fastener 734 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 732 includes a plurality of fasteners 732 located along edges of flank portions 719a, top and bottom edges of the length of the sleeve portions 715a, 716a, crotch portion 718a and length of the leg portions 721a and 723a of the posterior panel 705. For example, the fastener 732 may be further located along the edges 725a of the leg portions 721a, 723a. Alternatively, the edges 725a of the leg portions 721a, 723a may be free of the fastener 732. For example, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 714a and edges of the end portions 738a of the sleeve portions 715a and 716a of the posterior panel 705 are free of the first fastener 732.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one second fastener 734 includes a plurality of fasteners 734 located along edges of flank portions 719b, top and bottom edges of the length of the sleeve portions 715b, 716b, the crotch portion 718b and length of the leg portions 721b and 723b of the anterior panel 710. For example, the fastener 734 may be further located along the edges 725b of the leg portions 721b, 723b along closing of the hems. Alternatively, the edges 725b of the leg portions 721b, 723b may be free of the fastener 734. For example, edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 714b and edges of the end portions 738b of the sleeve portions 715b and 716b of the anterior panel 710 are free of the second fastener 734.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the sleeper 700 is laid out as shown in FIG. 7, with the inner surfaces 720 and 724 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 720 of the posterior panel 705. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 705. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 724 of the anterior panel 710. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 710. The child's head is positioned on or proximate to the neck portion 714a or 714b and his or her arms are positioned over the sleeve portions of either the anterior panel 710 or the posterior panel 705 and his or her legs are positioned over either the leg portions 721a, 723a or 721b, 723b of the posterior panel or the anterior panel, respectively. By drawing the anterior panel 710 or the posterior panel 705, as applicable, away from the child's body, the head opening 730 is expanded. For example, the applicable panel is drawn in a longitudinal direction of the sleeper 700 and away from the child's body. The anterior panel 710 or posterior panel 705 is then flipped over the attachments 727, 728, made to cover the child's torso, arms, crotch, and legs and, if applicable, feet; when the anterior panel 710 or posterior panel 705 is flipped over the attachment points 727, 728 and drawn in the longitudinal direction and/or away from the child's body, the head opening 730 is expanded thus allowing for the unimpeded passage of the child's head through the head opening 730 without (i) in the case of the anterior panel 710 being flipped over the attachment points 727 and 728, covering the child's face or breathing apertures or (ii) pulling on any of the child's head or facial features (as applicable), and the wearable sleeper 700 may be assembled by mating the at least one second fastener 734 with the at least one first fastener 732. Once the fasteners have been mated, the sleeper 700 forms a generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's body, arms, and legs.

For example, according to the first exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 732 and the at least one second fastener 734, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 720 of the posterior panel 705 or the prone position on the inner surface 724 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 705 or the anterior panel 710 is flipped over the attachment points 727, 728 and the edges of the anterior panel 710 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 720 of the posterior panel 705 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 710 to mate the second fasteners 734 with the first fasteners 732.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 732 and the at least one second fastener 734, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface 724 of the anterior panel 710 or the supine position on the inner surface 720 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 710 or the posterior panel 705 is flipped over the attachment points 727, 728 and the edges of the posterior panel 705 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 724 of the anterior panel 710 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 705 to mate the first fasteners 732 with the second fasteners 734.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 732 and the at least one second fastener 734, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 720 of the posterior panel 705 or the prone position on the inner surface 724 of the anterior panel 710, the other of the anterior panel 710 or posterior panel 705 is flipped over the attachment points 727, 728 and the edges of the anterior panel 710 or the posterior panel 705 is wrapped around the child's body to meet with the edges of the opposite panel. The edges of the inner surface 720 of the posterior panel 705 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 724 of the anterior panel 710 to mate the first fasteners 732 with the second fasteners 734.

For example, the sleeper 700 according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 732 and the at least one second fastener 734 can be assembled in a manner analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement described herein with respect to garment 2 of FIGS. 1A to 1F.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the sleeper 700 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the sleeper 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 may have no sleeves, short sleeves (as illustrated) or long sleeve portions 715a, 715b, 716a, 716b. In the example where sleeper 700 is sleeveless the first and the second panels 705, 710 define right and left arm openings. Where the sleeper 700 has short sleeves or long sleeves 715a, 715b, 716a, 716b, end portions of the sleeves define right and left arm/hand openings when mated. According to some exemplary embodiments, the long sleeves may have extending therefrom a hand pocket, such as a mitt or glove, or any other form of hand wear. For example, the hand pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 705 or anterior panel 710. Alternatively, the hand pocket may be formed by mating corresponding hand pocket portions of the posterior panel 705 and the anterior panel 710.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a first fastener 732 is located proximate a crotch portion 718a of the posterior panel 705 and a second fastener 734 is located proximate a crotch portion 718b of the anterior panel 710. Advantageously, the crotch portion of either the posterior panel 705 or the anterior panel 710 can be easily and expediently opened without having to remove the rest of the sleeper 700. For example, this facilitates diaper changes.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the sleeper 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 may have no leg portions, short leg portions or full-length leg portions (as illustrated). According to some exemplary embodiments, the full-length leg portions may have extending therefrom a foot pocket. For example, the foot pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 705 or anterior panel 710. Alternatively, the foot pocket may be formed by mating the first fastener 732 along the edges 725a of the leg portions 721a, 723a with the second fastener 734 along the edges 725b of the leg portions 721b, 723b.

According to various exemplary embodiments where edge portions 725a and 725b are free of the fasteners 732 and 734 respectively, mating the anterior panel 710 and the posterior panel 705 define foot openings about the ends of the leg portions through which a foot may be passed.

In yet an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the neck portion 714a of the posterior panel 705 may have attached thereto a hood. For example, the hood is composed of the same or different fabric as the posterior panel 705.

According to one exemplary embodiment of the sleeper 700, at least one of the anterior panel 710 or posterior panel 705 is divided into at least two subpanels. For example, the at least two subpanels may be detachable from one another. The two subpanels define an opening positioned at a location intermediate the leg portions and arms portions of the sleeper 700 to allow access to parts of the child's body (ex: torso) without having to undo the entire sleeper 700.

Referring now to FIG. 8, therein illustrated is a plan view of a sleeper 800 according to various exemplary embodiments. It will be appreciated that FIG. 8 is a sleeper that is a variant of the sleeper 700 described herein with reference to FIG. 7. It will be understood that sleeper 800 shares many elements of the sleeper 700 and references numerals of FIG. 7 are repeated in FIG. 8 to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In particular, the posterior panel 705 and the anterior panel 710 are attached by a first attachment point 727 and a second attachment point 728 located proximate the neck portions 714a and 714b of the posterior panel 705 and anterior panel 710 respectively. It will be further appreciate that the first and second attachment points 727 and 728 corresponds to the attachment points 27 and 28 of the garment 2 described herein with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1E.

Referring now to FIG. 9, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9, the garment is shorts 900. For example, the shorts 900 are a horizontal or diagonal flip shorts. The shorts 900 comprise a first panel 905 and a second panel 910. The first panel 905 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 910 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 905 can be shaped according to the hip, pelvic and thigh portions of the child. For example, the first panel 905 includes a waist portion 914a, a left leg portion 915a and a right leg portion 916a. For example, the second panel 910 can be shaped according to the hip, pelvic and thigh portions of the child. For example, second panel 910 includes a waist portion 914b, a left leg portion 915a and a right leg portion 916b. For example, the first and second panels 905, 910 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels 905, 910 define mirror images of one another.

The posterior panel 905 has an inner surface 920 and an outer surface. The at least one anterior panel 910 has an inner surface 924 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 920 of the posterior panel 905 and the inner surface 924 of the anterior panel 910 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the shorts 900 are worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 905 and the outer surface of the anterior panel 910 correspond to surface that are oriented away from the body of the child when the shorts 900 are worn.

The posterior panel 905 is attachable to the anterior panel 910 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 905 and the anterior panel 910 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 905 and the anterior panel 910 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or other closing mechanisms now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 9, the posterior panel 905 and the right anterior panel 910 are attached by a single attachment 927 extending along (i) the length of the leg portion 915a of the posterior panel 905 and the left leg portion 915b of the anterior panel 910 (as illustrated), or (ii) the length of the leg portion 916a of the posterior panel 905 and the length of the leg portion 916b of the anterior panel 910. Alternatively, the posterior panel 905 and the anterior panel 910 form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 905 and the anterior panel 910 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The shorts 900 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 932 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 905 and at least a second fastener 934 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 910. The at least one first fastener 932 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 934 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the posterior panel 905 and the anterior panel 910 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 932 and the at least one second faster 934 are mated. For example, the first fastener 932 can be mated to the second fastener 934 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 905 with the anterior panel 910 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 932 and at least one second fastener 934 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 932 and at least one second fastener 934 of the shorts 900 as shown in FIG. 9 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 932 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 920 of the posterior panel 905 and the at least one second fastener 934 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 924 of the anterior panel 910.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 932 and the at least one second fastener 934 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 932 and the at least one second fastener 934 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 932 and the at least one second fastener 934 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, the third exemplary arrangement and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 932 includes a plurality of fasteners 932 located along edge portions of an in-seam portions 930a and along the edge of the leg portion opposite the attachment 927 of the posterior panel 905. For example, edge portions corresponding to the waist portion 914a and the bottom edges of the leg portions 915a and 916a are free of the first fastener 932.

The at least one second fastener 934 includes a plurality of fasteners 934 located along edge portions of an in-seam portions 930b and along the edge of the leg portion opposite the attachment 927 of the anterior panel 910. For example, edge portions corresponding to the waist portion 914b and the bottom edges of the leg portions 915b and 916b are free of the second fastener 934.

According to one exemplary embodiment, fasteners 934 located on upper portions 932a, 934a of the edge closer to the waist portions 914a, 914b may be formed of stronger fasteners for attachment around the child's waist. For example, fasteners 934 on the upper portions 932a, 934a are stronger than the other fasteners on the garment. Optionally the first and second fasteners 932, 934 located on the upper portions 932a, 934a may be fabricated from different material, which may be elasticized, reinforced or otherwise.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the shorts 900 is laid out as shown in FIG. 9, with the inner surfaces 920 and 924 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 920 of the posterior panel 905. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 905. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 924 of the anterior panel 910. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 905. The one of the anterior or posterior panel 910, 905 is flipped over the attachment 927 to cover the hip, pelvic and thigh portions of the child. For example, the flip is made horizontally over the attachment 927. Fasteners 932 and 934, and if applicable, 932a and 934a are then mated. Once the fasteners have been mated, the shorts 900 forms a generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's hip and pelvic portions.

For example, according to the first exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 932 and the at least one second fastener 934, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 920 of the posterior panel 905 or the prone position on the inner surface 924 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 905 or the anterior panel 910 is flipped over the attachment point 927 and an edge of the anterior panel 910 is wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 920 of the posterior panel 905 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 910 to mate the first fastener 932 with the second fastener 934 and, if applicable, 932a and 934a.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 932 and the at least one second fastener 934, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface 924 of the anterior panel 910 or the supine position on the inner surface 920 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 910 or the posterior panel 905 is flipped over the attachment points 927, and the edge of the posterior panel 905 is wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edge of the inner surface 924 of the anterior panel 910 is further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 905 to mate the first fasteners 932 (and if applicable, 932a) with the second fasteners 934 (and, if applicable, 934a).

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 932 and the at least one second fastener 934, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 920 of the posterior panel 905 or the prone position on the inner surface 924 of the anterior panel 910, the other of the anterior panel 910 or posterior panel 905 is flipped over the attachment point 927 and the edges of the anterior panels 910 or the posterior panel 905 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 920 of the posterior panel 905 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 924 of the anterior panel 910 to mate the first fasteners 932 (and if applicable, 932a) with the second fasteners 934 (and, if applicable, 934a).

For example, the shorts 900 according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 932 and the at least one second fastener 934 can be assembled in a manner analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement described herein with respect to garment 2 of FIGS. 1A to 1F.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the shorts 900 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a first fastener 932 is located proximate a crotch portion 918a of the posterior panel 905 and a second fastener 934 is located proximate a crotch portion 918b of the anterior panel 910. Advantageously, the crotch portion of either the posterior panel 905 or the anterior panel 910 can be opened easily and expediently without having to remove the rest of the garment. For example, this facilitates diaper changes.

FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of the child garment 900 have long leg portions 915a, 916a, 915b, 916b. It will be appreciated that the resulting child garment 900 will be pants or trousers. It will be understood that elements of the pants 900 correspond or are analogous to elements of the shorts 900 described herein with respect to FIG. 9. According to some exemplary embodiments, the full-length leg portion may have extending therefrom a foot pocket. For example, the foot pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 905 or anterior panel 910. Alternatively, the foot pocket may be formed by mating the edges of the garment 900 that correspond to the edges 725a of the leg portions 721a, 723a and the edges 725b of the leg portions 721b, 723b. of garment 700.

Referring now to FIG. 11, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 11, the garment is pants 1100. For example, the pants 1100 are a vertical flip pants. The pants 1100 comprise a first panel 1105 and a second panel 1110. The first panel 1105 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 1110 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 1105 can be shaped according to the hip, pelvic, leg and, if applicable, foot portions of the child. For example, the first panel 1105 includes a waist portion 1114a, right leg portion 1115a and left leg portion 1116a. For example, the second panel 1110 can be shaped according to the hip, pelvic, leg and, if applicable, foot portions of the child. For example, second panel 1110 includes a waist portion 1114b and right leg portion 1115a and left leg portion 1116b. For example, the first and second panels 1105, 1110 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels 1105, 1110 define mirror images of one another.

The posterior panel 1105 has an inner surface 1120 and an outer surface. The at least one anterior panel 1110 has an inner surface 1124 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 1120 of the posterior panel 1105 and the inner surface 1124 of the anterior panel 1110 correspond to surfaces that faces the body of the child when the pants 1100 are worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 1105 and the outer surface of the anterior panel 1110 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the body of the child when the pants 1100 are worn.

The posterior panel 1105 is attachable to the anterior panel 1110 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1105 and the anterior panel 1110 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1105 and the anterior panel 1110 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanism now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 11, the right portion of the posterior panel 1105 and the right portion of the anterior panel 1110 are attached by a first attachment points 1127a and 1127b located proximate the bottom edge 1119a of the right leg portion 1115a and the bottom edge 1119b of the right leg portion 1115b. The first attachment points 1127a, 1127b and the bottom edge 1119a of the right leg portion 1115a and the ankle portion 1 bottom edge 1119b of the right leg portion 1115b define a right leg opening 1130. The posterior panel 1105 and the right anterior panel 1110 are further attached by a second attachment points 1128a and 1128b located proximate the bottom edge 1119c of the left leg portion 1116a and the bottom edge 1119d of the right leg portion 1116b. The second attachment points 1128a, 1128b and the bottom edge 1119c of the left leg portion 1116a and the bottom edge 1119d of the left leg portion 1116b define a left leg opening 1131.

The pants 1100 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 1132 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 1105 and at least a second fastener 1134 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 1110. The at least one first fastener 1132 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 1134 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the posterior panel 1105 and the anterior panel 1110 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 1132 and the at least one second fastener 1134 are mated. For example, the first fastener 1132 can be mated to the second fastener 1134 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 1105 with the anterior panel 1110 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 1132 and at least one second fastener 1134 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 1132 and at least one second fastener 1134 of the pants 1100 as shown in FIG. 11 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 1132 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1120 of the posterior panel 1105 and the at least one second fastener 1134 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1124 of the anterior panel 1110.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 1132 and the at least one second fastener 1134 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 1132 and the at least one second fastener 1134 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 1132 and the at least one second fastener 1134 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 1132 includes a plurality of fasteners 1132 located along edge portions of in-seam portions 1136a and along the edges of the leg portions 1115a and 1116a of the posterior panel 1105. For example, edge portions corresponding to the waist portion 1114a and bottom edges 1119a, 1119c of the leg portions 1115a and 1116a are free of the first fastener 1132. The at least one second fastener 1134 includes a plurality of fasteners 1134 located along edge portions of in-seam portions 1136b and along the edge portions of the leg portions 1115b and 1116b of the anterior panel 1110. For example, edge portions corresponding to the waist portions 1114b and bottom edges 1119b of the leg portions 1115b and 1116b are free of the second fastener 1134.

According to one exemplary embodiment, first and second fasteners 1132, 1134 located on upper portions 1132a, 1132b, 1134a, 1134b located on the edge closer to the waist portions 1114a, 1114b may be formed of stronger fasteners for attachment around the child's waist. For example, fasteners 1132, 1134 on the upper portions 1132a, 1132b, 1134a, 1134b are stronger than the other fasteners on the garment. Optionally the first and second fasteners 1132, 1134 located on the upper portions 1134a, 1134b may be fabricated from different material, which may be elasticized, reinforced or otherwise.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the pants 1100 are laid out as shown in FIG. 11, with the inner surfaces 1120 and 1124 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 1120 of the posterior panel 1105. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 1105. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 1124 of the anterior panel 1110. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 1110. The right foot opening 1130 is expanded by drawing the anterior panel 1110 or the posterior panel 1105 away from the child's foot. For example, the anterior panel 1110 or the posterior panel 1105 are drawn in the direction of their respective waist portions 1114b or 1114a. The left foot opening 1131 is expanded by drawing the anterior panel 1110 or the posterior panel 1105 away from the child's foot. For example, the anterior panel 1110 or the posterior panel 1105 are drawn in the direction of their respective waist portions 1114b or 1114a. The anterior panel 1110 or posterior panel 1105 is then flipped over the attachment points 1127a, 1127b, 1128a, 1128b, thereby causing the child's feet to easily and without interference pass through the foot openings 1130, 1131, and is made to cover the child's legs, pelvic, hip and, if applicable, foot areas and the wearable pants 1100 may be assembled by mating the at least one first fastener 1132 with the at least one second fastener 1134. Once the fasteners have been mated, the pants 1100 form a tubular or generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's leg and hips.

For example, according to the first exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1132 and the at least one second fastener 1134, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 1120 of the posterior panel 1105 or the prone position on the inner surface 1124 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 1105 or the anterior panel 1110 is flipped over the attachment points 1127a, 1127b, 1128a and 1128b and an edge of the anterior panel 1110 is wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1120 of the posterior panel 1105 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 1110 to mate the first fastener 1132 with the second fastener 1134.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1132 and the at least one second fastener 1134, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 1120 of the posterior panel or the prone position on the inner surface 1124 of the anterior panel 1110, the other of the anterior panel 1110 or the posterior panel 1105 is flipped over the attachment points 1127a, 1127b, 1128a and 1128b and the edge of the posterior panel 1105 is wrapped around the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1124 of the anterior panel 1110 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 1105 to mate the first fasteners 1132 with the second fasteners 1134.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1132 and the at least one second fastener 1134, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 1120 of the posterior panel 1105 or the prone position on the inner surface 1124 of the anterior panel 1110, the other of the anterior panel 1110 or posterior panel 1105 is flipped over the attachment points 1127a, 1127b, 1128a and 1128b and the edges of the anterior panel 1110 or the posterior panel 1105 are wrapped around the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1120 of the posterior panel 1105 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 1124 of the anterior panel 1110 to mate the first fasteners 1132 with the second fasteners 1134.

For example, according to the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 1132 and the at least one second fastener 1134 can be assembled in a manner analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement described herein with respect to garment 2 of FIGS. 1A to 1F.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the pants 1100 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to some exemplary embodiments, the full-length leg portions may have extending therefrom a foot pocket. For example, the foot pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 1105 or anterior panel 1110. Alternatively, the foot pocket may be formed by mating corresponding foot pocket portions of the posterior panel 1105 and the anterior panel 1110. For example, the edges of said foot pocket portions may form the attachment points for the posterior panel 1105 and the anterior panel 1110 (not illustrated).

According to various exemplary embodiments, a first fastener 1132 is located proximate a crotch portion 1118a of the posterior panel 1105 and a second fastener 1134 is located proximate a crotch portion 1118b of the anterior panel 1110. Advantageously, the crotch portion of either the posterior panel 1105 or the anterior panel 1110 can be opened without having to remove the rest of the garment. For example, this facilitates diaper changes.

Referring now to FIG. 12, therein illustrated is a perspective view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 12, the garment is a vertical downward flip girl's swimsuit, romper or other form of garment 1200. For example, the garment 1200 is a variant of the bodysuit illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1F. The garment 1200 comprises a first panel 1205 and a second panel 1210. The first panel 1205 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 1210 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 1205 can be shaped according to the upper body and the pelvic or hip region of the child. For example, the first panel 1205 includes an upper chest portion 1212a, a body portion 1217a, a crotch portion 1218a and flank portions 1219a. For example, the second panel 1210 can be shaped according to the upper body and the pelvic or hip region of the child. For example, the second panel 1210 includes an upper chest portion 1212b, a body portion 1217b, a crotch portion 1218b and flank portions 1219b. For example, the first and second panels 1205, 1210 can have substantially the same shape.

The posterior panel 1205 has an inner surface 1220 and an outer surface. The anterior panel 1210 has an inner surface and an outer surface 1226. For example, the inner surface 1220 of the posterior panel 1205 and the inner surface of the anterior panel 1210 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the swimsuit 1200 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 1205 and the outer surface 1226 of the anterior panel 1210 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the body of the child when the swimsuit 1200 is worn.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1205 is attachable to the anterior panel 1210 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1205 and the anterior panel 1210 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1205 and the anterior panel 1210 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1205 and the anterior panel 1210 are attached by at least a first strap 1227 located proximate the upper chest portions 1212a and 1212b of the posterior panel 1205 and anterior panel 1210 respectively. For example, the first strap 1227 can be detachable from at least one of the posterior panel 1205 and the anterior panel 1210. For example, the posterior panel 1205 and the anterior panel 1210 can be further attached by a second strap 1228 located proximate the upper chest portions 1212a and 1212b of the posterior panel 1205 and anterior panel 1210 respectively. For example, the second strap 1228 can be detachable from at least one of the posterior panel 1205 and the anterior panel 1210. It will be understood that the arrangement of the straps can vary as they can be arranged as illustrated, crossed with one another, as well as any other arrangement now or hereafter known or used in the art regarding similar garments.

According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1205 and the anterior panel 1210 are attached at at least one attachment located proximate the crotch portions 1218a and/or 1218b or proximate the ends of the chest portions 1212a and/or 1212b.

Alternatively, the posterior panel 1205 and the anterior panel 1210 form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 1205 and the anterior panel 1210 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The garment 1200 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 1232 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 1205 and at least a second fastener 1234 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 1210. The at least one first fastener 1232 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 1234 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the posterior panel 1205 and the anterior panel 1210 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 1232 and the at least one second faster 1234 are mated. For example, the first fastener 1232 can be mated to the second fastener 1234 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 1205 with the anterior panel 1210 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 1232 and at least one second fastener 1234 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or ties or other closing mechanisms now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 1232 and at least one second fastener 1234 of the garment 1200 as shown in FIG. 12 are arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D. That is, the at least one first fastener 1232 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1220 of the posterior panel 1205 and the at least one second fastener 1234 is located about portions of the edge of the outer surface 1226 of the anterior panel 1210.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 1232 and the at least one second fastener 1234 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 1232 and the at least one second fastener 1234 can also be arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 532 and the at least one second fastener 534 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 1232 includes a plurality of fasteners 1232 located along edges of flank portions 1219a and the crotch portion 1218a of the posterior panel 1205. For example, the edge portions corresponding to leg portions 1236a, edge portions corresponding to the upper chest portion 1212a of the posterior panel 1205 are free of the first fastener 1232.

For example, the at least one second fastener 1234 includes a plurality of fasteners 1234 located along edges of flank portions 1219b and crotch portion 1218b of the anterior panel 1210. For example, the edge portions corresponding to leg portions 1236b, edge portions corresponding to the upper chest portion 1212b of the anterior panel 1210 are free of the second fastener 1234.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the garment 1200 is laid with the inner surfaces of the anterior panel 1210 and posterior panel 1205 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 1220 of the posterior panel 1205. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 1205. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface of the anterior panel 1210. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 1210. The anterior panel 1210 or posterior panel 1205 is then flipped over the applicable attachment point(s) and made to cover the child's torso and crotch. The child's head and arms easily and without interference pass through the garment 1200. For example, the child's head can be passed between the first strap 1227 and the second strap 1228 (as concerns the garment 1200 having straps), or between the attachment points proximate the upper ends of the chest portions 1212a and 1212b (as concerns the garment 1200 with chest attachment points). The wearable garment 1200 may be assembled by mating the at least one first fastener 1232 with the at least one second fastener 1234. Once the fasteners have been mated, the swimsuit 1200 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's body.

For example, according to the first arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1232 and the at least one second fastener 1234, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 1220 of the posterior panel 1205 or the prone position on the inner surface of the anterior panel 1210, the other of the posterior panel 1205 or the anterior panel 1210 is flipped onto the torso and crotch or gluteal area, as applicable, and the edges of either the posterior panel 1205 or the anterior panel 1210 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1220 of the posterior panel 1205 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface 1226 of the anterior panel 1210 to mate the first fasteners 1232 with the second fasteners 1234.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1232 and the at least one second fastener 1234, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface of the anterior panel 1210 or the supine position on the inner surface 1220 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 1210 or the posterior panel 1205 is flipped onto the child's torso and crotch or gluteal area, as applicable, and the edges of the posterior panel 1205 or the anterior panel 1210 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface of the anterior panel 1210 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 1205 to mate the first fasteners 1232 with the second fasteners 1234.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1232 and the at least one second fastener 1234, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 1220 of the posterior panel 1205 or the prone position on the inner surface of the anterior panel 1210, the other of the anterior panel 1210 or posterior panel 1205 is flipped onto the child's body and the edges of the anterior panel 1210 or the posterior panel 1205 are wrapped around the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1220 of the posterior panel 1205 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface of the anterior panel 1210 to mate the first fasteners 1232 with the second fasteners 1234.

For example, the garment 1200 according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1232 and the at least one second fastener 1234 can be assembled in a manner analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement described herein with respect to garment 2 of FIGS. 1A to 1F.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the garment 1200 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a first fastener 1232 is located proximate a crotch portion 1218a of the posterior panel 1205 and a second fastener 1234 is located proximate a crotch portion 1218b of the anterior panel 1210. Advantageously, the crotch portion of either the posterior panel 1205 or the anterior panel 1210 can be easily and expediently opened without having to remove the rest of the garment. For example, this facilitates diaper changes. For example, this facilitates the removal of wet garments as compared to the actions required to remove a wet garment that is designed according to the standard existing design (i.e. where the panels are permanently attached and sewn together to form a pre-existing shape).

According to various exemplary embodiments, the garment 1200 illustrated in FIG. 12 may have no sleeves (as illustrated), short sleeves or long sleeves portions. For example, the short sleeves or longer sleeve portions defined right and left arm openings. Additionally, according the various exemplary embodiments, the garment 1200 illustrated may have no legs (as illustrated), short legs portions or long leg portions. Advantageously, providing sleeve portions and/or leg portions further provide protection from the sun.

In yet an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the posterior panel 1205 may have attached thereto a hood or other head wear. For example, the hood is composed of the same or different fabric as the posterior panel 1205. Advantageously, providing a hood or other head wear portions further provide protection from the sun.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the garment 1200 is a strapped dress. For example, a first skirt portion extends from a lower portion of the body portion 1217a of the posterior panel 1205 and a second skirt portion extends from a lower portion of the body portion 1217b of the anterior panel 1210. For example, the first skirt portion and second skirt portion extend and cover the crotch portions 1218a and 1218b of the posterior panel 1205 and anterior panel 1210, as well a portion of the child's legs. Alternatively, the first skirt portion and second skirt portion extend from the body portions 1217a, 1217b in place of the crotch portions 1218a, 1218b. For example, fasteners 1232 are further located along edges of the first skirt portion of the posterior panel 1205 and fasteners 1234 are located along edges of the second portion of anterior panel 1210.

Referring now to FIG. 13, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13, the garment is a girl's swimsuit, romper or other garment 1300. For example, the garment 1300 is a variant of the bodysuit illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1F. For example, the garment 1300 is a horizontal flip garment. The garment 1300 comprises a first panel 1305 and a second panel 1310. The first panel 1305 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back and bottom of a child when worn. The second panel 1310 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front and crotch of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 1305 can be shaped according to the upper body and the pelvic or hip region of the child. For example, the first panel 1305 includes an upper chest portion 1314a, a body portion 1317a, a crotch portion 1318a and a flank portion 1319a. For example, the second panel 1310 can be shaped according to the upper body and the pelvic or hip region of the child. For example, the second panel 1310 includes an upper chest portion 1314b, a body portion 1317b, a crotch portion 1318b and a flank portion 1319b. For example, the first and second panels 1305, 1310 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels 1305, 1310 define mirror images of one another.

The posterior panel 1305 has an inner surface 1320 and an outer surface. The anterior panel 1310 has an inner surface 1324 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 1320 of the posterior panel 1305 and the inner surface 1324 of the anterior panel 1310 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the garment 1300 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 1305 and the outer surface of the anterior panel 1310 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the body of the child when the garment 1300 is worn.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1305 is attachable to the anterior panel 1310 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1305 and the anterior panel 1310 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1305 and the anterior panel 1310 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or other any other closing mechanism now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 13, the posterior panel 1305 and the anterior panel 1310 are attached by a single attachment 1327 extending along a flank portion 1319a of the posterior panel 1305 and a flank portion 1319b of the anterior panel 1310. Alternatively, the posterior panel 1305 and the anterior panel 1310 form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 1305 and the anterior panel 1310 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The garment 1300 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 1332 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 1305 and at least a second fastener 1334 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 1310. The at least one first fastener 1332 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 1334 to be fastened together. For example, the first fastener 1332 can be mated to the second fastener 1334 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 1305 with the anterior panel 1310 about the at least one attachment point. Accordingly, the posterior panel 1305 and the anterior panel 1310 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 1332 and the at least one second faster 1334 are mated. For example, the at least one first fastener 1332 and at least one second fastener 1334 may be chosen from any one of or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or ties or other closing mechanisms now or hereafter known it the art.

The at least one first fastener 1332 and the at least one second fastener 1334 of the garment 1300 as shown in FIG. 13 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 1332 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1320 of the posterior panel 1305 and the at least one second fastener 1334 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1324 of the anterior panel 1310.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 1332 and the at least one second fastener 1334 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 1332 and the at least one second fastener 1334 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 1332 and the at least one second fastener 1334 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 1332 includes a plurality of fasteners 1332 located along the edge of one flank portion 1319a and the crotch portion 1318a of the posterior panel 1305. For example, the edge portions corresponding to leg portions 1336a and edge portions corresponding to the upper chest portion 1314a of the posterior panel 1305 are free of the first fastener 1332.

For example, the at least one second fastener 1334 includes a plurality of fasteners 1334 located along the edge of one flank portion 1319b and the crotch portion 1318b of the anterior panel 1310. For example, the edge portions corresponding to leg portions 1336b and edge portions corresponding to the upper chest portion 1314b of the anterior panel 1310 are free of the second fastener 1334.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the garment 1300 is laid out as shown in FIG. 13, with the inner surfaces 1320 and 1324 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 1320 of the posterior panel 1305. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 1305. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 1324 of the anterior panel 1310. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 1310. The anterior panel 1310 or posterior panel 1305 is then flipped laterally over the attachment 1327 and made to cover the child's torso or back, as applicable, and arms and the wearable garment 1300 may be assembled by mating the at least one first fastener 1332 with the at least one second fastener 1334. Once the fasteners have been mated, the garment 1300 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's body.

For example, according to the first arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1332 and the at least one second fastener 1334, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 1320 of the posterior panel 1305 or the prone position on the inner surface 1324 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 1305 or the anterior panel 1310 is flipped laterally over the attachment point 1327 and the edges of the anterior panel 1310 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1320 of the posterior panel 1305 or the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 1310 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 1310 or the edges of the inner surface 1320 of the posterior panel to mate the first fasteners 1332 with the second fasteners 1334.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1332 and the at least one second fastener 1334, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface 1324 of the anterior panel 1310 or the supine position on the inner surface 1320 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 1310 or the posterior panel 1305 is flipped laterally over the attachment 1327 and the edges of the posterior panel 1305 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1324 of the anterior panel 1310 or the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 1305 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 1305 or the edges of the inner surface 1324 of the anterior panel to mate the first fasteners 1332 with the second fasteners 1334.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1332 and the at least one second fastener 1334, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 1320 of the posterior panel 1305 or the prone position on the inner surface 1324 of the anterior panel 1310, the other of the anterior panel 1310 or posterior panel 1305 is flipped laterally over the attachment 1327 and the edges of the anterior panel 1310 or the posterior panel 1305 is wrapped around the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1320 of the posterior panel 1305 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 1324 of the anterior panel 1310 to mate the first fasteners 1332 with the second fasteners 1334.

For example, the garment 1300 according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1332 and the at least one second fastener 1334 can be assembled in a manner analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement described herein with respect to garment 2 of FIGS. 1A to 1F.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the garment 1300 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a first fastener 1332 is located proximate a crotch portion 1318a of the posterior panel 1305 and a second fastener 1334 is located proximate a crotch portion 1318b of the anterior panel 1310. Advantageously, the crotch portion of either the posterior panel 1305 or the anterior panel 1310 can be opened without having to remove the rest of the garment. For example, this facilitates diaper changes. For example, this facilitates the removal of wet garments as compared to the actions required to remove a wet garment that is designed according to the standard existing design (i.e. where the panels are permanently attached and sewn together to form a pre-existing shape.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the garment 1300 may be a two-piece swimsuit having a top piece to be worn around the chest area of the child and a bottom piece to be worn around the hip or pelvic area of the child. For example, the two-piece swimsuit corresponds substantially to the one-piece horizontal flip garment 1300 described herein with respect to FIG. 13, with the additional modification that a portion of each of the first and second panels 1305 and 1310 corresponding to the abdomen of the child are removed so as to form the top piece and the bottom piece. According to various exemplary embodiments, the garment 1300 illustrated in FIG. 13 may have no sleeves (as illustrated), short sleeves or long sleeves portions. For example, the short sleeves or longer sleeve portions defined right and left arm openings. According to various exemplary embodiments, the garments 1300 illustrated in FIG. 13 may have no leg portions (as illustrated), short leg portions or long leg portions. Advantageously, providing sleeve portions and/or leg portions further provides protection from the sun.

In yet an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the posterior panel 1305 may have attached thereto a hood or other head wear. For example, the hood is composed of the same or different fabric as the posterior panel 1305. Advantageously, providing a hood or other head wear portions further provide protection from the sun

According to one exemplary embodiment, the garment 1300 is a strapless dress (however garment 1300 may have one or more straps attached thereto as indicated in FIG. 12 or as otherwise may be located and configured pursuant to designs now or hereafter known or used in the art). For example, a first skirt portion extends from a lower portion of the body portion 1317a of the posterior panel 1305 and a second skirt portion extends from a lower portion of the body portion 1317b of the anterior panel 1310. For example, the first skirt portion and second skirt portion extend and cover the crotch portions 1318a and 1318b of the posterior panel 1305 and anterior panel 1310. Alternatively, the first skirt portion and second skirt portion extend from the body portions 1317a, 1317b in place of the crotch portions 1318a, 1318b. For example, fasteners 1332 are further located along edges of the first skirt portion of the posterior panel 1305 and fasteners 1334 are located along edges of the second portion of anterior panel 1310.

Referring now to FIG. 14, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 14, the garment is a dress 1400. For example, the dress 1400 is a variant of the bodysuit illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1F. For example, the dress 1400 is a vertical downward flip dress. The dress 1400 comprises a first panel 1405 and a second panel 1410. The first panel 1405 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 1410 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 1405 can be shaped according to the upper body, hip, pelvic and thigh portion of the child. For example, the first panel 1405 includes a neck portion 1414a, left and right shoulder portions 1429a, 1431a, left and right sleeve portions 1415a, 1416a, a body portion 1417a, a skirt portion 1418a and flank portions 1419a. For example, the second panel 1410 can be shaped according to the upper body, hip, pelvic and thigh portion of the child. For example, the second panel 1410 includes a neck portion 1414b, left and right shoulder portions 1429b, 1431b, left and right sleeve portions 1415b, 1416b, a body portion 1417b, a skirt portion 1418b and flank portions 1419b. For example, the first and second panels 1405, 1410 can have substantially the same shape.

The posterior panel 1405 has an inner surface 1420 and an outer surface. The anterior panel 1410 has an inner surface 1424 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 1420 of the posterior panel 1405 and the inner surface 1424 of the anterior panel 1410 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the dress 1400 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 1405 and the outer surface of the anterior panel 1410 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the body of the child when the dress 1400 is worn.

The posterior panel 1405 is attachable to the anterior panel 1410 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or other any other closing mechanism now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 14, the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 are attached by a first attachment 1427 extending along a portion of the length of the right shoulder portions 1431a, 1431b, of the posterior panel 1405 and anterior panel 1410 respectively. The posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 are furthered attached by a second attachment 1428 extending along a portion of the length of the left shoulder portions 1429a, 1429b of the posterior panel 1405 and anterior panel 1410 respectively. For example, the first attachment 1427 and the second attachment 1428 form shoulder seams of the dress 1400. Ends of the first and second attachment 1427, 1428 and the neck portions 1414a, 1414b together define a head opening 1430. Alternatively, the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 may form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 are sub-panels of a single piece of material. For example, the first and second panels 1405, 1410 define mirror images of one another.

According to one alternative exemplary embodiment, the dress 1400 is a sleeveless dress and the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 are attached by at least a first strap. For example, the first strap 1427 can be detachable from at least one of the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410. For example, the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 can be further attached by a second strap 1428. For example, the second strap 1428 can be detachable from at least one of the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410.

According to one alternative exemplary embodiment of the dress 1400, the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 are attached by a first attachment extending along a portion of the length of the right shoulder portions 1431a, 1431b and the sleeve portions 1416a and 1416b of the posterior panel 1405 and anterior panel 1410 respectively The posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 are further attached by a second attachment extending along a portion of the length of the left shoulder portions 1429a, 1429b and sleeve portions 1415a and 1415b of the posterior panel 1405 and anterior panel 1410 respectively.

According to one alternative exemplary embodiment of the dress 1400, the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 are attached by a first attachment extending along a portion of the length of the right shoulder portions 1431a, 1431b and the sleeve portions 1416a and 1416b of the posterior panel 1405 and anterior panel 1410 respectively The posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 are further attached by a second attachment extending along a portion of the length of the left shoulder portions 1429a, 1429b and sleeve portions 1415a and 1415b of the posterior panel 1405 and anterior panel 1410 respectively.

According to one alternative exemplary embodiment of the dress 1400, the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 are attached by a first attachment and a second attachment located proximate the neck portions 1414a and 1414b of the posterior panel 1405 and anterior panel 1410 respectively, which attachments define a head opening 1430 through which the head of the child is easily passed without obstruction or interference, analogously with the garment shown in FIG. 1A-1E.

For example, the dress can have one or more functional elements such as buttons, fasteners, trims, pockets, zippers and any other decorative or functional item that is now or hereafter commonly adorned on such a garment

The dress 1400 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 1432 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 1405 and at least a second fastener 1434 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 1410. The at least one first fastener 1432 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 1434 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 1432 and the at least one second faster 1434 are mated. For example, the at least one first fastener 1432 and at least one second fastener 1434 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 1432 and at least one second fastener 1434 of the dress 1400 as shown in FIG. 14 may be arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 1432 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1420 of the posterior panel 1405 and the at least one second fastener 1434 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1424 of the anterior panel 1410.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 1432 and the at least one second fastener 1434 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 1432 and the at least one second fastener 1434 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 1432 and the at least one second fastener 1434 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 1432 includes a plurality of fasteners 1432 located along edges of flank portions 1419a, lateral edges of the length of the sleeve portions 1415a, 1416a and along sides of the skirt portion 1418a and edges of the end portions of the sleeve portions 1415a and 1416a of the posterior panel 1405. For example, the edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 1414a, edge portions of the bottom portion of the skirt portion 1418a and edges of the end portions of the sleeve portions 1415b and 1416b of the posterior panel 1405 are free of the first fastener 1432.

For example, the at least one second fastener 1434 includes a plurality of fasteners 1434 located along edges of flank portions 1419b, edges of the length of the sleeve portions 1415b, 1416b and along sides of the skirt portion 1418b of the anterior panel 1410. For example, the edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 1414b, edge portions of the bottom portion of the skirt portion 1418b and edges of the end portions of the sleeve portions 1415b and 1416b of the anterior panel 1410 are free of the second fastener 1434.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the dress 1400 is laid out as shown in FIG. 14, with the inner surfaces 1420 and 1424 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 1420 of the posterior panel 1405. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 1405. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 1424 of the anterior panel 1410. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 1410. The child's head is positioned on or proximate to the neck portion 1414a or 1414b and his or her arms are positioned over the sleeves portions of either the anterior panel 1410 or the posterior panel 1405. By drawing the anterior panel 1410 or the posterior panel 1405, as applicable, away from the child's body in the longitudinal direction of the dress 1400 and away from the child's body, the head opening 1430 is expanded; when the anterior panel 1410 or the posterior panel 1405 is flipped over the applicable attachment points and then drawn over the child's body, the child's head easily passes through the head opening 1430 without interference and without either the anterior panel 1410 or the posterior panel 1405 (i) in the case of the anterior panel being flipped over the applicable attachment points, covering the child's face or breathing apertures or (ii) pulling on any of the child's head or facial features, as applicable, and the wearable dress 1400 may be assembled by mating the at least one first fastener 1432 with the at least one second fastener 1434. Once the fasteners have been mated, the dress 1400 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's body and arms.

For example, according to the first exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1432 and the at least one second fastener 1434, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 1420 of the posterior panel 1405 or the prone position on the inner surface 1424 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 1405 or the anterior panel 1410 is flipped over the attachment points 1427, 1428 and the edges of the applicable panel are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1420 of the posterior panel 1405 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 1410 to mate the first fasteners 1432 with the second fasteners 1434.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1432 and the at least one second fastener 1434, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface 1424 of the anterior panel 1410 or the supine position on the inner surface 1420 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 1410 or the posterior panel 1405 is flipped over the attachment points 1427, 1428 and the edges of the applicable panel are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1424 of the anterior panel 1410 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 1405 to mate the first fasteners 1432 with the second fasteners 1434.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1432 and the at least one second fastener 1434, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 1420 of the posterior panel 1405 or the prone position on the inner surface 1424 of the anterior panel 1410, the other of the anterior panel 1410 or posterior panel 1405 is flipped over the attachment points 1427, 1428 and the edges of the anterior panel 1410 or the posterior panel 1405 is wrapped around the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1420 of the posterior panel 1405 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 1424 of the anterior panel 1410 to mate the first fasteners 1432 with the second fasteners 1434.

For example, the dress 1400 according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1432 and the at least one second fastener 1434 can be assembled in a manner analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement described herein with respect to garment 2 of FIGS. 1A to 1F.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the dress 1400 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the dress 1400 illustrated in FIG. 14 may have no sleeves, short (as illustrated) or long sleeve portions 1415a, 1415b, 1416a, 1416b. In the example where the dress 1400 is sleeveless, the first and second panels 1405, 1410 define right and left arm openings when mated. According to some exemplary embodiments, the long sleeves may have extending therefrom a hand pocket, such as a mitt or glove or any other form of hand wear. For example, the hand pocket may be preformed on one of the posterior panel 1405 or anterior panel 1410. Alternatively, the hand pocket may be formed by mating corresponding hand pocket portions of the posterior panel 1405 and the anterior panel 1410. Alternatively, the long sleeves may have extending therefrom any number of elements that may be placed around a child's finger(s).

In yet an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the neck portion 1414a of the posterior panel 1405 may have attached thereto a hood or other head wear or head adornment which may be composed of the same or different fabric as the posterior panel 1405.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a dress has a posterior panel and an anterior panel that are attached by a single attachment extending along a flank portion of the posterior panel and a flank portion of the anterior panel. Alternatively, the anterior panel and the posterior panel form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel and the anterior panel are sub-panels of a single piece of material. For example, the dress is a horizontal flip dress and assembly of the dress may be carried out according to various methods analogous to methods described herein with respect to the exemplary garment 1300.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a garment is a skirt having a posterior panel and an anterior panel that are attached by a single attachment extending along an outer thigh portion of the posterior panel of the anterior panel. Alternatively, the anterior panel and the posterior panel form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel and the anterior panel are sub-panels of a single piece of material. For example, the skirt is a horizontal flip skirt and assembly of the skirt may be carried out according to various methods analogous to methods described herein with respect to the exemplary garment 1300.

Referring now to FIG. 15, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 15, the garment is a blazer, jacket and/or coat 1500 collectively referred herein as “jacket”. For example, the jacket 1500 is a variant of the bodysuit illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1F. For example, the jacket 1500 is a vertical downward flip blazer, jacket or coat. The jacket 1500 comprises a first panel 1505 and a second panel 1510. The first panel 1505 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 1510 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 1505 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child. For example, the first panel 1505 includes a neck portion 1514a, left and right shoulder portions 1529a, 1531a, left and right sleeve portions 1515a, 1516a, a waist portion 1518a and flank portions 1519a. For example, the second panel 1510 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child. For example, the second panel 1510 includes a neck portion 1514b, left and right shoulder portions 1529b, 1531b, left and right sleeve portions 1515b, 1516b, a right breast flap 1517a and a left breast flap 1517b, a waist portion 1518b and flank portions 1519b. For example, one or more decorative elements may be placed on one or both of the right breast flap 1517a and the left breast flap 1517b, such as buttons, fasteners, trims, pockets, zippers and any other decorative or functional item that is now or hereafter commonly adorned on such a garment.

For example, at least one of the right breast flap 1517a and the left breast flap 1517b may have placed thereon one or more closing mechanisms in order to join to the right and left breast flaps 1517a and 1517b, respectively. The closing mechanisms may comprise or any of buttons, magnets, snaps, ties, zippers or any other closing mechanism now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The posterior panel 1505 has an inner surface 1520 and an outer surface. The anterior panel 1510 has an inner surface 1524 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 1520 of the posterior panel 1505 and the inner surface 1524 of the anterior panel 1510 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the jacket 1500 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 1505 and the outer surface of the anterior panel 1510 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the body of the child when the jacket 1500 is worn.

The posterior panel 1505 is attachable to the anterior panel 1510 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1505 and the anterior panel 1510 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1505 and the anterior panel 1510 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanism now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 15, the posterior panel 1505 and the anterior panel 1510 are attached by an attachment 1527 extending along at least a portion of the neck portion 1514a, and shoulder portions 1529a, 1531a, of the posterior panel 1505 and the neck portion 1514a and shoulder portions 1529b, 1531b of the anterior panel 1510. The attachment 1527 may further extend along a portion of one or both of the left sleeve and the right sleeve. Alternatively, the posterior panel 1505 and the anterior panel 1510 form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 1505 and the anterior panel 1510 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

According to one alternative exemplary embodiment of the jacket 1500, the posterior panel 1505 and the anterior panel 1510 are attached by at least one attachment point located proximate the neck portions 1514a and 1514b of the posterior panel 1505 and anterior panel 1510 respectively analogously with the garment exemplary embodiment of the garment in FIG. 1A-1E.

The jacket 1500 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 1532 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 1505 and at least a second fastener 1534 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 1510. The at least one first fastener 1532 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 1534 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the posterior panel 1505 and the anterior panel 1510 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 1532 and the at least one second faster 1534 are mated. For example, the first fastener 1532 can be mated to the second fastener 1534 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 1505 with the anterior panel 1510 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 1532 and at least one second fastener 1534 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 1532 and at least one second fastener 1534 of the jacket 1500 as shown in FIG. 15 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 1532 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1520 of the posterior panel 1505 and the at least one second fastener 1534 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1524 of the anterior panel 1510.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 1532 and the at least one second fastener 1534 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 1532 and the at least one second fastener 1534 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 1532 and the at least one second fastener 1534 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 1532 includes a plurality of fasteners 1532 located along edges of flank portions 1519a and edges of the length of the sleeve portions 1515a, 1516a of the posterior panel 1505. For example, the edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 1514a, shoulder portions 1529a, 1531a, edge portions of the waist portion 1518a and edges of the end portions of the sleeve portions 1515a and 1516a of the posterior panel 1505 are free of the first fastener 1532.

For example, the at least one second fastener 1534 includes a plurality of fasteners 1534 located along edges of flank portions 1519b and bottom edges of the length of the sleeve portions 1515b, 1516b of the anterior panel 1510. For example, the edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 1514b, shoulder portions 1529b, 1531b, edge portions of the breast flaps 1517a and 1517b and edges of the end portions of the sleeve portions 1415b and 1416b of the anterior panel 1510 are free of the second fastener 1534. However, it will be understood that the right and left breast flaps may be lined with fasteners allowing the breast flaps to be mated to form a closed garment 1500. Furthermore, this garment 1500 may be adorned with functional and/or decorative items that now or hereafter commonly adorn such a garment.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the jacket 1500 is laid out as shown in FIG. 15, with the inner surfaces 1520 and 1524 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 1520 of the posterior panel 1505. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 1505. Alternatively, the child may be laid in a prone position on the inner surface 1524 of the anterior panel 1510. For example, the child is centered within the anterior panel 1510. The child's head is positioned on or proximate to the neck portion 1514a or 1514b and his or her arms are positioned over the sleeves portions of either the anterior panel 1510 or the posterior panel 1505. The anterior panel 1510 or posterior panel 1505 is then flipped vertically over the attachment 1527 and made to cover the child's torso or back, as applicable, as well as the arms and the jacket 1500 may be assembled by mating the at least one first fastener 1532 with the at least one second fastener 1534. Once the fasteners have been mated, the jacket 1500 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's body and arms.

For example, according to the first arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1532 and the at least one second fastener 1534, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 1520 of the posterior panel 1505 or the prone position on the inner surface 1524 of the anterior panel, the other of the posterior panel 1505 or the anterior panel 1510 is flipped over the attachment 1527, the edges of the anterior panel 1510 or the posterior panel 1505 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1520 of the posterior panel 1505 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the anterior panel 1510 to mate the first fasteners 1532 with the second fasteners 1534.

For example, according to the second exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1532 and the at least one second fastener 1534, after positioning the child in either the prone position on the inner surface 1524 of the anterior panel 1510 or the supine position on the inner surface 1520 of the posterior panel, the other of the anterior panel 1510 or the posterior panel 1505 is flipped over the attachment 1527 and the edges of the posterior panel 1505 or the anterior panel 1510 are wrapped around the various applicable portions of the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1524 of the anterior panel 1510 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the outer surface of the posterior panel 1505 to mate the first fasteners 1532 with the second fasteners 1534.

For example, according to the third exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1532 and the at least one second fastener 1534, after positioning the child in either the supine position on the inner surface 1520 of the posterior panel 1505 or the prone position on the inner surface 1524 of the anterior panel 1510, the other of the anterior panel 1510 or posterior panel 1505 is flipped over the attachment 1527 and the edges of the anterior panel 1510 or the posterior panel 1505 is wrapped around the child's body. The edges of the inner surface 1520 of the posterior panel 1505 are further brought in proximity to the edges of the inner surface 1524 of the anterior panel 1510 to mate the first fasteners 1532 with the second fasteners 1534.

For example, the jacket 1500 according to the fourth exemplary arrangement of the at least one first fastener 1532 and the at least one second fastener 1534 can be assembled in a manner analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement described herein with respect to garment 2 of FIGS. 1A to 1F.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the jacket 1500 can be applied to the child's body and assembled as described herein while the child is in a sitting or standing position.

In one exemplary arrangement, the waist portions 1518a and 1518b may have elasticized material therein.

Referring now to FIG. 16, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 16, the garment is a blazer, jacket and/or coat 1600 collectively referred herein as “jacket”. For example, the jacket 1600 is a horizontal butterfly flip blazer. The jacket 1600 comprises a first panel 1605 and a second panel 1610. The first panel 1605 can be a posterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the back of a child when worn. The second panel 1610 can be an anterior panel corresponding to the portion covering the front of the child when worn. For example, the first panel 1605 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child. For example, the first panel 1605 includes a neck portion 1614a, left and right shoulder portions 1629a and 1629b, left and right sleeve portions 1615a, 1616a, a body portion, a waist portion 1618a and flank portions. The second panel 1610 is formed of a first sub-panel 1610a and second sub-panel 1610b. For example, the second panel 1610 can be shaped according to the upper body of the child. For example, the second panel 1610 includes left and right sleeve portions 1615b, 1616b, a right breast flap 1617a and a left breast flap 1617b, a waist portion 1618b and left and right flank portions 1619b, 1621b. For example, one or more decorative elements may be placed on one or both of the right breast flap 1617a and the left breast flap 1617b, such as buttons, fasteners, trims, zippers, pockets or any other functional or decorative item that either now or hereafter commonly adorns such a garment

The posterior panel 1605 has an inner surface 1620 and an outer surface. The anterior panel 1610 has an inner surface and an outer surface 1626. For example, the inner surface 1620 of the posterior panel 1605 and the inner surface of the anterior panel 1610 correspond to surfaces that face the body of the child when the jacket 1600 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the posterior panel 1605 and the outer surface 1626 of the anterior panel 1610 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the body of the child when the jacket 1600 is worn.

The posterior panel 1605 is attachable to the anterior panel 1610 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1605 and the anterior panel 1610 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the posterior panel 1605 and the anterior panel 1610 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanism now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 16, the posterior panel 1605 and the first sub-panel 1610a of the anterior panel 1610 are attached by a first attachment 1627 extending along at least a portion of an edge of the left sleeve portion 1615a and left flank portion of the posterior panel 1605 and a portion of an edge of the left sleeve portion 1615b and left flank portion 1619b of the anterior panel 1610. The posterior panel 1605 and the second sub-panel 1610b of the anterior panel 1610 are further attached by a second attachment 1628 extending along at least a portion of an edge of the right sleeve portion 1616a and right flank portion of the posterior panel 1605 and a portion of an edge of the right sleeve portion 1616b and right flank portion 1621b of the anterior panel 1610. Alternatively, the posterior panel 1605 and the anterior panel 1610 form one continuous panel. For example, the posterior panel 1605 and the anterior panel 1610 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The jacket 1600 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 1632 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the posterior panel 1605 and at least a second fastener 1634 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the anterior panel 1610. The at least one first fastener 1632 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 1634 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the posterior panel 1605 and the anterior panel 1610 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 1632 and the at least one second faster 1634 are mated. For example, the first fastener 1632 can be mated to the second fastener 1634 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 1605 with the anterior panel 1610 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 1632 and at least one second fastener 1634 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 1632 and at least one second fastener 1634 of the jacket 1600 as shown in FIG. 16 are arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B. That is, the at least one first fastener 1632 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1620 of the posterior panel 1605 and the at least one second fastener 1634 is located about portions of the edge of the outer surface 1626 of the anterior panel 1610.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 1632 and the at least one second fastener 1634 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 1632 and the at least one second fastener 1634 can also be arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 1632 and the at least one second fastener 1634 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 1632 includes a plurality of fasteners 1632 located along the edge of the shoulder portions 1629a, 1629b and along the left sleeve portion 1615a extending whether continuously or intermittently from the neck portion 1614a to the left cuff 1638 and along the edge of the right sleeve portion 1616a extending whether continuously or intermittently from the neck portion 1614a to the right cuff 1639. For example, the edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 1614a, edge portions of the waist portion 1618a and edges of the end portions of the sleeve portions 1615a and 1616a corresponding to the cuffs 1638, 1639 of the posterior panel 1605 are free of the first fastener 1632.

It will be understood that the right and left breast flaps may be lined with fasteners allowing the breast flaps to be mated to form a closed garment 1600. Furthermore, this garment 1600 may be adorned with functional and/or decorative items that now or hereafter commonly adorn such a garment.

For example, the at least one second fastener 1634 includes a plurality of fasteners 1634 located along the shoulder portions 1631a, 1631b and along the edge of the left sleeve portion 1615b extending whether continuously or intermittently from the left breast flap 1617b to the left cuff 1638 and along the edge of the right sleeve portion 1616b extending from the right breast flap 1617a to the right cuff 1639. For example, the edge portions corresponding to the neck portion 1614b and edge portions of the waist portion 1618b and edges of the end portions of the sleeve portions 1615b and 1616b corresponding to the cuffs 1638, 1639 of the anterior panel 1610 are free of the second fastener 1634.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the jacket 1600 is laid out with the inner surface of the posterior panel and anterior panel 1605, 1610 being exposed. A child may be laid in a supine position on the inner surface 1620 of the posterior panel 1605. For example, the child is centered within the posterior panel 1605. The child's head is positioned on or proximate to the neck portion 1614a and his or her arms are positioned over the sleeves portions of posterior panel 1605. The sleeve portions 1615a, 1616a of the posterior panel 1605 and the sleeve portions 1615b, 1616b of the anterior panel 1610 are then brought together and the wearable jacket 1600 may be assembled by mating the at least one first fastener 1632 with the at least one second fastener 1634. Once the fasteners have been mated, the jacket 1600 forms a jacket for accommodating the child's body and arms.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the second fasteners 1634 can be further located along the edges of the right breast flap 1617a and the left breast flap 1617b. For example, fasteners are located on an inner surface of the right breast flap 1617a and on an outer surface 1626 of the left breast flap 1617b. Alternatively, fasteners are located on an outer surface 1626 of the right breast flap 1617a and on an inner surface of the left breast flap 1617b. Alternatively, fasteners may be located on the inner surface of both the posterior panel 1605 and anterior panel 1610 or on the outer surface of both the posterior panel 1605 and the anterior panel 1610.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a one-piece garment may be formed by combining the exemplary jackets described herein with respect to FIG. 15 or 16 with the exemplary pants or shorts described herein with respect to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11. For example, the posterior panel of the jacket is joined with the posterior panel of the pants or shorts to form the one-piece garment. Alternatively, the posterior panel of the jacket and the posterior panel pants or shorts can form one continuous panel. Accordingly, the posterior panel of the jacket and the posterior panel of the shorts or pants are sub-panels of the single continuous panel.

Referring now to FIG. 17, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 17, the garment is footwear article 1700, such as a sock, shoe, boot or foot pocket. The footwear article 1700 comprises a first panel 1705 and a second panel 1710. For example, the first panel 1705 can be shaped according to the foot and, as and if applicable, the ankle, shin, and leg of the child. For example, the first panel 1705 includes an ankle portion 1714a and a foot portion 1716a. For example, the second panel 1710 can be shaped according to the foot and, as and if applicable, the ankle, shin, and leg of the child. For example, the second panel 1710 includes an ankle portion 1714b and a foot portion 1716b. For example, the first and second panels 1705, 1710 can have substantially the same shape.

The first panel 1705 has an inner surface 1720 and an outer surface. The second panel 1710 has an inner surface 1724 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 1720 of the first panel 1705 and the inner surface 1724 of the second panel 1710 correspond to surfaces that face the foot of the child when the footwear article 1700 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the first panel 1705 and the outer surface of the second panel 1710 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the foot of the child when the footwear 1700 is worn.

The first panel 1705 is attachable to the second panel 1710 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 1705 and the second panel 1710 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 1705 and the second panel 1710 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanism now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 1700, the first panel 1705 and the second panel 1710 are attached by an attachment 1727 extending along a side of the ankle or leg portion 1714a and foot portion 1716a of the first panel 1705 and along a side of the ankle or leg portion 1714b and foot portion 1716b of the second panel 1710. Alternatively, the first panel 1705 and the second panel 1710 form one continuous panel. For example, the first panel 1705 and the second panel 1710 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The footwear article 1700 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 1732 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the first panel 1705 and at least a second fastener 1734 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the second panel 1710. The at least one first fastener 1732 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 1734 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the first panel 1705 and the second panel 1710 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 1732 and the at least one second faster 1734 are mated. For example, the first fastener 1732 can be mated to the second fastener 1734 independently of the attachment of the first panel 1705 with the second panel 1710 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 1732 and at least one second fastener 1734 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 1732 and at least one second fastener 1734 of the footwear article 1700 as shown in FIG. 17 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 1732 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1720 of the first panel 1705 and the at least one second fastener 1734 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1724 of the second panel 1710.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 1732 and the at least one second fastener 1734 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 1732 and the at least one second fastener 1734 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 1732 and the at least one second fastener 1734 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 1732 includes a plurality of fasteners 1732 located along edge portion of the ankle portion 1714a and foot portion 1716a opposite the edge forming the attachment 1727. For example, the edge portion corresponding to an ankle end region is free of the first fastener 1732.

For example, the at least one second fastener 1734 includes a plurality of fasteners 1734 located along an edge portion of the ankle portion 1714b and foot portion 1716b opposite the edge forming the attachment 1727. For example, the edge portion corresponding to an ankle end region is free of the second fastener 1732.

For example, the first and second panels 1705, 1710 may comprise a material that is weatherproof, such as synthetic material or treated leather. According to one example, one of the first and second panels 1705, 1710 includes a reinforced sole, which can provide cushioning and support to the foot.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the footwear article 1700 is laid out as shown in FIG. 17, with the inner surfaces 1720 and 1724 being exposed. A child's foot is positioned over the foot portion and ankle portion of either the second panel 1710 or the first panel 1705. The second panel 1710 or first panel 1705 is then flipped over the attachment point 1727 and made to cover the child's foot. For example, the second panel 1710 or first panel 1705 further covers the child's ankle. The wearable footwear article 1700 may be assembled by mating the at least first fastener 1732 with the at least second fastener 1734. Once the fasteners have been mated, the footwear article forms a tubular or generally hollow shape, for example for accommodating the child's foot.

Referring now to FIG. 18, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 18, the garment is footwear article 1800, such as a sock, shoe, boot or foot pocket. The footwear article 1800 comprises a first panel 1805 and a second panel 1810. For example, the first panel 1805 can be shaped according to the foot and, as and if applicable, the ankle and leg of the child. For example, the first panel 1805 includes an ankle or leg portion 1814a and a foot portion 1816a. For example, the second panel 1810 can be shaped according to the foot and, as and if applicable, the ankle and leg of the child. For example, the second panel 1810 includes an ankle or leg portion 1814b and a foot portion 1816b. For example, the first and second panels 1805, 1810 can have substantially the same shape.

The first panel 1805 has an inner surface 1820 and an outer surface. The second panel 1810 has an inner surface 1824 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 1820 of the first panel 1805 and the inner surface 1824 of the second panel 1810 correspond to surfaces that face the foot of the child when the footwear article 1800 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the first panel 1805 and the outer surface of the second panel 1810 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the foot of the child when the footwear 1800 is worn.

The first panel 1805 is attachable to the second panel 1810 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 1805 and the second panel 1810 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 1805 and the second panel 1810 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 1800, the first panel 1805 and the second panel 1810 are attached by an attachment 1827 extending along a toe end region of the foot portion 1816a of the first panel 1805 and along a toe end region of the foot portion 1816b of the second panel 1810. Alternatively, the first panel 1805 and the second panel 1810 form one continuous panel. For example, the second panel 1805 and the second panel 1810 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The garment according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 1832 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the first panel 1805 and at least a second fastener 1834 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the second panel 1810. The at least one first fastener 1832 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 1834 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the first panel 1805 and the second panel 1810 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 1832 and the at least one second fastener 1834 are mated. For example, the first fastener 1832 can be mated to the second fastener 1834 independently of the attachment of the first panel 1805 with the anterior panel 1810 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 1832 and at least one second fastener 1834 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 1832 and at least one second fastener 1834 of the footwear article 1800 as shown in FIG. 18 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 1832 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1820 of the first panel 1805 and the at least one second fastener 1834 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1824 of the second panel 1810.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 1832 and the at least one second fastener 1834 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 1832 and the at least one second fastener 1834 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 1832 and the at least one second fastener 1834 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 1832 includes a plurality of fasteners 1832 located along an edge portion of the ankle portion 1814a and foot portion 1816a opposite the edge forming the attachment 1827. For example, the edge portion corresponding to an ankle end region is free of the first fastener 1832.

For example, the at least one second fastener 1834 includes a plurality of fasteners 1834 located along an edge portion of the ankle portion 1814b and foot portion 1816b opposite the edge forming the attachment 1827. For example, the edge portion corresponding to an ankle end region is free of the second fastener 1834.

For example, the first and second panels 1805, 1810 may comprise material that is weatherproof, such as synthetic material or treated leather. According to one example, one of the first and second panels 1805, 1810 includes a reinforced sole, which can provide cushioning and support to the foot.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the footwear article is laid out as shown in FIG. 18, with the inner surfaces 1820 and 1824 being exposed. A child's foot is positioned over the foot portion and, if applicable, the ankle portion or leg portion of the child is positioned over the ankle portion or leg portion of either the first panel 1805 or the second panel 1810. The second panel 1810 or first panel 1805 is then flipped over the attachment point 1827 and made to cover the child's foot, ankle and leg, as and if applicable. The wearable footwear article 1800 may be assembled by mating the at least first fastener 1832 with the at least second fastener 1834. Once the fasteners have been mated, the footwear article 1800 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape for accommodating the child's foot, ankle and leg, as and if applicable.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the footwear article 1700 or footwear article 1800 may be of an ankle-less type wherein the footwear article consists of the foot portion of the first panel and the foot portion of the second panel but does not comprise ankle or leg portions. For example, the footwear article is a low-cut type shoe. For example, the footwear article is a no-show type sock.

Referring now to FIG. 19, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 19, the garment is hand wear article 1900, such as a glove, mitten, or hand pocket. The hand wear article 1900 comprises a first panel 1905 and a second panel 1910. For example, the first panel 1905 can be shaped according to the hand of the child. For example, the first panel 1905 includes a hand portion 1916a. For example, the second panel 1910 can be shaped according to the hand of the child. For example, the second panel 1910 includes a hand portion 1916b. For example, the first and second panels 1905, 1910 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels 1905, 1910 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels 1905, 1910 define mirror images of one another.

The first panel 1905 has an inner surface 1920 and an outer surface. The second panel 1910 has an inner surface 1924 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 1920 of the first panel 1905 and the inner surface 1924 of the second panel 1910 correspond to surfaces that faces the hand of the child when the hand wear article 1900 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the first panel 1905 and the outer surface of the second panel 1910 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the hand of the child when the hand wear 1900 is worn.

The first panel 1905 is attachable to the second panel 1910 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 1905 and the second panel 1910 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 1905 and the second panel 1910 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or such other closing mechanisms as are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 1900, the first panel 1905 and the second panel 1910 are attached by an attachment 1927 extending along a side of the hand portion 1916a of the first panel 1905 and along a side of the hand portion 1916b of the second panel 1910. Alternatively, the first panel 1905 and the second panel 1910 form one continuous panel. For example, the first panel 1905 and the second panel 1910 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The hand wear article 1900 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 1932 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the first panel 1905 and at least a second fastener 1934 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the second panel 1910. The at least one first fastener 1932 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 1934 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the first panel 1905 and the second panel 1910 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 1932 and the at least one second fastener 1934 are mated. For example, the first fastener 1932 can be mated to the second fastener 1934 independently of the attachment of the first panel 1905 with the second panel 1910 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 1932 and at least one second fastener 1934 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 1932 and at least one second fastener 1934 of the hand wear article 1900 as shown in FIG. 19 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 1932 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1920 of the first panel 1905 and the at least one second fastener 1934 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 1924 of the second panel 1910.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 1932 and the at least one second fastener 1934 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 1932 and the at least one second fastener 1934 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 1932 and the at least one second fastener 1934 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 1932 includes a plurality of fasteners 1932 located along an edge portion of the hand portion 1916a opposite the side forming the attachment 1927. For example, the edge portion corresponding to a wrist end region is free of the first fastener 1932.

For example, the at least one second fastener 1934 includes a plurality of fasteners 1934 located along an edge portion of the hand portion 1916b opposite the edge forming the attachment 1927. For example, the edge portion corresponding to a wrist end region is free of the second fastener 1934.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the hand wear article 1900 is laid out as shown in FIG. 19, with the inner surfaces 1920 and 1924 being exposed. A child's hand is positioned over the hand portion of either the second panel 1910 or the first panel 1905. The second panel 1910 or first panel 1905 is then flipped over the attachment point 1927 and made to cover the child's hand. The hand wear article 1900 may be assembled by mating the at least first fastener 1932 with the at least second fastener 1934. Once the fasteners have been mated, the hand wear article forms a tubular or generally hollow shape, for example for accommodating the child's hand.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first and second panels 1905, 1910 can be attached via an attachment point located at an end of the respective thumb portions of the first and second panels 1905, 1910.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the wrist portion of the first panel 1905 and/or the second panel 1910 may be fabricated from different material as compared to the remainder of the panels. For example, the wrist portion may be elasticized, reinforced or otherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 20, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 20, the garment is hand wear article 2000, such as a glove, mitten, or hand pocket. The hand wear article 2000 comprises a first panel 2005 and a second panel 2010. For example, the first panel 2005 can be shaped according to the hand of the child. For example, the first panel 2005 includes a hand portion 2016a. For example, the second panel 2010 can be shaped according to the hand of the child. For example, the second panel 2010 includes a hand portion 2016b. For example, the first and second panels 2005, 2010 can have substantially the same shape.

The first panel 2005 has an inner surface 2020 and an outer surface. The second panel 2010 has an inner surface 2024 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 2020 of the first panel 2005 and the inner surface 2024 of the second panel 2010 correspond to surfaces that faces the hand of the child when the hand wear article 2000 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the first panel 2005 and the outer surface of the second panel 2010 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the hand of the child when the hand wear 2000 is worn.

The first panel 2005 is attachable to the second panel 2010 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 2005 and the second panel 2010 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 2005 and the second panel 2010 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 2000, the first panel 2005 and the second panel 2010 are attached by an attachment 2027 extending along a distal end 2019a of the hand portion 2016a of the first panel 2005 and along a distal end 2019b of the second panel 2010. Alternatively, the first panel 2005 and the second panel 2010 form one continuous panel. For example, the first panel 2005 and the second panel 2010 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The garment according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 2032 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the first panel 2005 and at least a second fastener 2034 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the second panel 2010. The at least one first fastener 2032 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 2034 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the first panel 2005 and the second panel 2010 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 2032 and the at least one second faster 2034 are mated. For example, the first fastener 2032 can be mated to the second fastener 2034 independently of the attachment of the posterior panel 2005 with the anterior panel 2010 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 2032 and at least one second fastener 2034 form closing mechanisms, which may be hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 2032 and at least one second fastener 2034 of the hand wear article 2000 as shown in FIG. 20 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 2032 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 2020 of the first panel 2005 and the at least one second fastener 2034 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 2024 of the second panel 2010.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 2032 and the at least one second fastener 2034 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 2032 and the at least one second fastener 2034 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 2032 and the at least one second fastener 2034 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 2032 includes a plurality of fasteners 2032 located along each side of the hand portion 2016a. For example, the edge portion corresponding to a wrist end region is free of the first fastener 2032.

For example, the at least one second fastener 2034 includes a plurality of fasteners 2034 located along each side of the hand portion 2016b. For example, the edge portion corresponding to a wrist end region is free of the second fastener 2034.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the hand wear article 2000 is laid out as shown in FIG. 20, with the inner surfaces 2020 and 2024 being exposed. A child's hand is positioned over the hand portion of either the second panel 2010 or the first panel 2005. The second panel 2010 or first panel 2005 is then flipped over the attachment 2027 and made to cover the child's hand. The wearable hand wear article 2000 may be assembled by mating the at least first fastener 2032 with the at least second fastener 2034. Once the fasteners have been mated, the hand wear article 2000 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape, for example for accommodating the child's hand.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the wrist portion of the first panel 2005 and/or the second panel 2010 may be fabricated from different material as compared to the remainder of the panels. For example, the wrist portion may be elasticized, reinforced or otherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 21, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 21, the garment is head wear article 2100, such as hat, cap, or tuque. The head wear article 2100 comprises a first panel 2105 and a second panel 2110. For example, the first panel 2105 can be shaped according to the head of the child. For example, the second panel 2110 can be shaped according to the head of the child. For example, the first and second panels 2105, 2110 can have substantially the same shape. For example, the first and second panels can be mirror images of one another.

The first panel 2105 has an inner surface 2120 and an outer surface. The second panel 2110 has an inner surface 2124 and an outer surface. For example, the inner surface 2120 of the first panel 2105 and the inner surface 2124 of the second panel 2110 correspond to surfaces that face the head of the child when the headwear article 2100 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the first panel 2105 and the outer surface of the second panel 2110 correspond to surface that are oriented away from the head of the child when the headwear article 2100 is worn.

The first panel 2105 is attachable to the second panel 2110 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 2105 and the second panel 2110 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 2105 and the second panel 2110 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or such other closing mechanisms as are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 2100, the first panel 2105 and the second panel 2110 are attached by an attachment 2127 extending along a distal end 2119a of the first panel 2005 and along a distal end 2119b of the second panel 2110. Alternatively, the first panel 2105 and the second panel 2110 form one continuous panel. For example, the first panel 2105 and the second panel 2110 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The head wear article 2100 according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 2132 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the first panel 2105 and at least a second fastener 2134 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the second panel 2110. The at least one first fastener 2132 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 2134 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the first panel 2105 and the second panel 2110 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 2132 and the at least one second faster 34 are mated. For example, the first fastener 2132 can be mated to the second fastener 2134 independently of the attachment of the first panel 2105 with the second panel 2110 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 2132 and at least one second fastener 2134 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 2132 and at least one second fastener 2134 of the head wear article 2100 as shown in FIG. 21 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 2132 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 2121 of the first panel 2105 and the at least one second fastener 2134 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 2124 of the second panel 2110.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 2132 and the at least one second fastener 2134 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 2132 and the at least one second fastener 2134 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 2132 and the at least one second fastener 2134 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 2132 includes a plurality of fasteners 2132 located along each side of the first panel 2105. For example, the edge portion corresponding to an open end region 2118a is free of the first fastener 2132.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the head wear 2100 is laid out as shown in FIG. 21, with the inner surfaces 2121 and 2124 being exposed. A child's head is positioned over the head portion of either the second panel 2110 or the first panel 2105. The second panel 2110 or first panel 2105 is then flipped over the attachment point 2127 and made to cover the child's head. The wearable head wear 2100 may be assembled by mating the at least first fastener 2132 with the at least second fastener 2134. Once the fasteners have been mated, the head wear 2100 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape, for example for accommodating the child's head.

According to various exemplary embodiments, first and second panels 2105, 2110 may be elastic and/or insulated. For example, a headband proximate the end regions 2118a, 2118b may be elastic to aid in retaining the head wear on the head of the child. The end regions 2118a, 2118b are further free of the first and second fasteners 2132, 2134. For example, the outer surfaces of the first panel 2105 and/or second panel 2110 may further have attached thereto one or more accessories such as, without limitation, a brim, visor, or pom-pom.

Referring now to FIG. 22, therein illustrated is a plan view of a garment according to various exemplary embodiments. As shown in FIG. 22, the garment is headwear article 2200, such as hat, cap, or tuque. The head wear article 2200 comprises a first panel 2205 and a second panel 2210. For example, the first panel 2205 can be shaped according to the head of the child. For example, the second panel 2210 can be shaped according to the head of the child. For example, the first and second panels 2205, 2210 can have substantially the same shape.

The first panel 2205 has an inner surface 2220 and an outer surface. The second panel 2210 has an inner surface and an outer surface 2226. For example, the inner surface 2220 of the first panel 2205 and the inner surface of the second panel 2210 correspond to surfaces that face the head of the child when the headwear article 2200 is worn. For example, the outer surface of the first panel 2205 and the outer surface of the second panel 2210 correspond to surfaces that are oriented away from the head of the child when the headwear article 2200 is worn.

The first panel 2205 is attachable to the second panel 2210 about at least one attachment point. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 2205 and the second panel 2210 can be attached permanently, through for example, sewing, binding, gluing, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the first panel 2205 and the second panel 2210 are detachable, and any attachment thereof is therefore temporary. For example, the attachment point may be magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, or other methods now or hereafter known or used in the art.

According to the example of FIG. 22, the first panel 2205 and the second panel 2210 are attached by an attachment 2227 extending along a lateral edge 2228 the first panel 2005 and along a lateral edge 2230 of the second panel 2210. Alternatively, the first panel 2205 and the second panel 2210 form one continuous panel. For example, the first panel 2205 and the second panel 2210 are sub-panels of a single piece of material.

The garment according to various exemplary embodiments includes at least a first fastener 2232 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the first panel 2205 and at least a second fastener 2234 disposed on at least a portion of an edge portion of the second panel 2210. The at least one first fastener 2232 can be mated with the at least one second fastener 2234 to be fastened together. Accordingly, the first panel 2205 and the second panel 2210 are attached together when the at least one first fastener 2232 and the at least one second faster 2234 are mated. For example, the first fastener 2232 can be mated to the second fastener 2234 independently of the attachment of the first panel 2205 with the second panel 2210 about the at least one attachment point. For example, the at least one first fastener 2232 and at least one second fastener 2234 may be chosen from any one or a combination of hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, ties or any other closing mechanisms that are now or hereafter known or used in the art.

The at least one first fastener 2232 and at least one second fastener 2234 of the head wear article 2200 as shown in FIG. 22 are arranged analogously with the third exemplary arrangement of fasteners 2232 and 2234 described with respect to FIG. 1E. That is, the at least one first fastener 2232 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface 2220 of the first panel 2205 and the at least one second fastener 2234 is located about portions of the edge of the inner surface of the second panel 2210.

However, it will be understood that the at least one first fastener 2232 and the at least one second fastener 2234 can also be arranged analogously with the first exemplary arrangement of fasteners 2232 and 2234 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will also be understood that the at least one first fastener 2232 and the at least one second fastener 2234 can also be arranged analogously with the second exemplary arrangement of fasteners 2232 and 2234 described with respect to FIGS. 1C and 1D.

It will also be understood that the least one first fastener 2232 and the at least one second fastener 2234 can also be arranged analogously with the fourth exemplary arrangement of fasteners 32 and 34 described herein.

For example, according to at least the first exemplary arrangement, the second exemplary arrangement, third exemplary arrangement, and the fourth exemplary arrangement, the at least one first fastener 2232 includes a plurality of fasteners 2232 located along each side of the first panel 2205. For example, the edge portion corresponding to an open end region 2218a is free of the first fastener 2232.

For example, the at least one second fastener 2234 includes a plurality of fasteners 2234 located along each side of the second panel 2210. For example, the edge portion corresponding to an open end region 2218b is free of the second fastener 2234.

In one exemplary method of assembly, the head wear 2200 is laid out with the inner surfaces being exposed. A child's head is positioned over the head portion of either the second panel 2210 or the first panel 2205. The second panel 2210 or first panel 2205 is then flipped over the attachment 2227 and made to cover the child's head. The wearable head wear 2200 may be assembled by mating the at least first fastener 2232 with the at least second fastener 2234. Once the fasteners have been mated, the garment 2 forms a tubular or generally hollow shape, for example for accommodating the child's head.

According to various exemplary embodiments, first and second panels 2205, 2210 may be elastic and/or insulated. For example, a headband proximate the end regions 2218a, 2218b may be elastic to aid in retaining the head wear on the head of the child. For example, the outer surfaces of the first panel 2205 and/or second panel 2110 may further have attached thereto one or more accessories such as, without limitation, brim, visor, or pom-pom.

For example, one or more decorative elements may be placed on the first panel and/or second panels of any one of the footwear article 1800, hand wear article 1900, handwear article 2000, head wear article 2100, or head wear article 2200 such as buttons, fasteners, trims, pockets, zippers and any other decorative or functional item that is now or hereafter commonly adorned on such a garment.

While the examples disclosed herein pertain generally to a child's garments, the skilled worker will appreciate that the garments described herein can be adapted for use with animals including pets, and for clothing on inanimate objects such as dolls and stuffed toys.

The scope of the claims should not be limited by specific embodiments and examples provided in the disclosure, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the disclosure as a whole.

Claims

1. A garment, comprising:

a first panel, at least a portion of an edge portion of the first panel having at least a first fastener; and

a second panel, at least a portion of an edge portion of the second panel having at least a second fastener operable to be mated with the first fastener, the second panel being attachable to the first panel at at least one attachment point.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein fastening the first panel to the second panel forms a wearable garment defining at least one opening for at least one of a limb or a head.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein flipping one of the second panel and the first panel over the at least one attachment point and mating the at least first fastener with the at least second fastener forms the wearable garment.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein fastening the first panel to the second panel forms a garment having at least one of a neck opening, two arm openings, or two leg openings.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first panel and second panel are permanently attached at the at least one attachment point.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first panel and second panel are detachable at the at least one attachment point.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panel have substantially the same shape.

8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and the second panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; and

wherein the at least one first fastener is positioned on an inner surface of the first panel;

wherein the at least second fastener is positioned on an outer surface of the second panel; and

wherein the inner surface of the edge portion of the first panel contacts the outer surface of the edge portion of the second panel when mated.

9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and the second panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; and

wherein the at least one first fastener is positioned on an outer surface of the first panel;

wherein the at least second fastener is positioned on an inner surface of the second panel; and

wherein the outer surface of the edge portion of the first panel contacts the inner surface of the edge portion of the second panel when mated.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and the second panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; and

wherein the at least one first fastener is positioned on an inner surface of the first panel;

wherein the at least second fastener is positioned on an inner surface of the second panel; and

wherein the inner surface of the edge portion of the first panel contacts the inner surface of the edge portion of the second panel when mated.

11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and the second panel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; and

wherein the at least one first fastener is positioned on an outer surface of the first panel;

wherein the at least second fastener is positioned on an outer surface of the second panel; and

wherein the outer surface of the edge portion of the first panel contacts the outer surface of the edge portion of the second panel when mated.

12. The garment of claim 1 wherein the at least first fastener and the second fastener form a closing mechanism chosen from hook-and-loop, magnets, snaps, buttons, zippers, and ties.

13. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment point is located proximate a neck portion of the first panel and a neck portion of the second panel.

14. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment point is located proximate at least one of a sleeve portion, leg portion, shoulder portion, flank portion, foot portion, and ankle portion of the first panel and of the second panel.

15. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment point comprises a shoulder strap.

16. The garment of claim 2, wherein the wearable garment comprises at least one of a foot pocket and hand pocket.

17. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one first fastener is located proximate a crotch portion of the first panel.

18. The garment of claim 2, wherein the wearable garment is chosen from bodysuit, shirt, sweater, sleeper, pajamas, shorts, pants, swimsuit, romper, blazer, jacket, coat, dress, footwear article, sock, shoe, boot, headwear article, hand wear article, hat, glove, and mitt.

19. A garment comprising:

a panel having two sub-panels, a first of the sub-panels having at least one first fastener and a second of the sub-panels having at least a second fastener operable to be mated with the at least first fastener, the fastening of the first sub-panel with the second sub-panel forming a wearable garment.

20. The garment of claim 19, wherein the first and second sub-panels have substantially the same shape.

21. A method of dressing a child in a garment, the method comprising:

placing the child in one of a prone position and a supine position on one of a first panel and second panel of a garment;

flipping the other of the first panel and the second panel of the garment over the child; and

fastening at least a first fastener of the first panel with at least a second fastener of the second panel to contain a portion of the child within the garment.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising inserting a body part of the child through an opening defined by at least one attachment point attaching the second panel with the first panel.