CONVERTIBLE WEARING APPAREL

Abstract

A garment comprises a trunk having a front side and a back side, and sleeves and legs attached to the trunk. The garment further comprises a rear opening on the back side of the garment that can be opened to expose the buttocks region of the wearer. Flaps may be movably attached to each sleeve and leg and convertible between a first position wherein the sleeves and legs are open, and a second position wherein the sleeves and legs are closed. One side of each sleeve and leg may be longer than the other side. The flaps movably attached to each sleeve may each have a first and a second side, the first and the second sides each formed from fabric having a different pattern, color, texture, or other perceivable distinction than a fabric used to form the rest of the garment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to infant wearing apparel, and more particularly to convertible infant wearing apparel.

2. Description of Background

Infant “footies” are garments that generally include arm portions, leg portions, and enclosures at the distal end of the leg portions for the infant's feet which are permanently affixed to the leg portions such that the infant's toes and feet cannot be exposed without removing the garment. To access the infant for activities such as diaper changes, a zipper running the length of the front side of the garment must be unzipped, exposing the infant's torso, making the infant uncomfortable and the diaper change more difficult. These “footies” also do not enclose the infant's hands, leaving the infant exposed to germs and bacteria, and susceptible to scratches from the infant's fingernails.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a garment comprises a trunk having a front side, a back side, and a top opening. A first sleeve extends from the trunk near the top opening, and a second sleeve extends from the trunk near the top opening. The garment further comprises a first leg extending from a portion of the trunk that is distal from the top opening, and a second leg extending from a portion of the trunk that is distal from the top opening.

The back side of the trunk of the garment further comprises a rear opening distal from the top opening. The rear opening may include one or more closures for closing the rear opening. The rear opening allows for the infant's diaper region to be exposed and accessible when the rear opening is open, without the need to expose other parts of the infant's body, such as the infant's torso.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first sleeve and the second sleeve of the garment each have a front side and a back side. The garment may further comprise a first sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the first sleeve, and a second sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the second sleeve. The sleeve flaps are convertible between a first position wherein the sleeves are open, allowing the infant's hand to project from the distal end of the sleeve, and a second position wherein the sleeves are closed, thereby enclosing the infant's hands within the garment. The back side of the sleeve may be longer than the front side of the sleeve so that when the sleeve flap is inverted, bunching of the fabric of the front side is minimized, and the closed sleeve is still long enough to accommodate the infant's arm and hand.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first leg and the second leg of the garment each have a front side and a back side. The garment may further comprise a first leg flap movably attached to the back side of the first leg, and a second leg flap movably attached to the back side of the second leg. The leg flaps are convertible between a first position wherein the legs are open, allowing the infant's toes and/or feet to project from the distal end of the leg, and a second position wherein the legs are closed, thereby enclosing the infant's toes and feet within the garment. The back side of the leg may be longer than the front side of the leg so that when the leg flap is inverted, bunching of the fabric of the front side is minimized, and the closed leg is still long enough to accommodate the infant's leg, toes, and foot.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the sleeve flaps may each be formed from a fabric that is different than the fabric used to form the rest of the garment, either as to pattern, color, texture, or some other perceivable distinction. The sleeve flaps may each have a first side and a second side, the first side formed from a first fabric that is different in pattern, color, texture, or some other perceivable distinction, and the second side formed form a second fabric that is different in pattern, color, texture, or some other perceivable distinction. In this manner, when the sleeve flaps are in the first, non-converted position, the first fabric is exposed, and when the sleeve flaps are in the second, converted position, the second fabric is exposed. The sleeve flap fabrics and, particularly, the second fabric used for the second side of the sleeve flap may be selected on the basis of the fabric's ability to stimulate infant brain and eye development, such as a fabric featuring a high contrast, bold pattern.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the front side of a garment having convertible sleeves and convertible legs, wherein both sleeves and both legs are in the first, non-converted position.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the front side of a convertible garment wherein a front opening of the garment is shown in the open position.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the front side of a convertible garment wherein the first sleeve is inverted to show the back side of the first sleeve, and wherein both sleeves and both legs are in the first, non-converted position.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the front side of a convertible garment, wherein the first sleeve and the first leg are in the converted, second position, while the second sleeve and the second leg are in the first, non-converted position.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the front side of a convertible garment, wherein both sleeves and both legs are in the converted, second position.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the back side of a convertible garment, wherein both sleeves and both legs are in the first, non-converted position, and wherein a rear opening of the garment is shown in the closed position.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the back side of the convertible garment shown in FIG. 6, wherein the rear opening is shown in the open position.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the back side of a convertible garment, wherein both sleeves and both legs are in the second, converted position.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a leg of a convertible garment, wherein the leg is in the first, non-converted position.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a leg of a convertible garment, wherein the leg is in the second, converted position.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a sleeve of a convertible garment, wherein the sleeve is in the first, non-converted position.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a sleeve of a convertible garment, wherein the sleeve is in the second, converted position.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method for converting an embodiment convertible garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference initially to FIGS. 1-3, a convertible garment 10 having a trunk 11, a top opening 14, sleeves 15 and 16, and legs 17 and 18 is shown. Sleeves 15, 16 extend from a portion of the trunk 11 that is near the top opening 14, and legs 17, 18 extend from a portion of the trunk 11 that is distal from the top opening 14. In an embodiment, the garment 10 additionally may have a rear opening 19 on the back side 13 of the garment 10 (see FIG. 6).

Sleeves 15, 16 may be formed from one or more pieces of fabric that are attached to trunk 11 near top opening 14 by any conventional means, such as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6 and discussed further below. Alternatively, sleeves 15, 16 may be formed from the same piece or pieces of fabric that form trunk 11. Similarly, legs 17, 18 may be formed from one or more pieces of fabric that are attached to trunk 11 distally from the top opening 14 by any conventional means. Alternatively, legs 17, 18 may be formed from the same piece or pieces of fabric that form trunk 11, such as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6.

Trunk 11 may be formed from one or more pieces of fabric to form a trunk 11 having a front side 12 and a back side 13. For example, the trunk 11 may be made up of two pieces of fabric, one piece forming the front side 12 of the garment 10, and one piece forming the back side 13 of the garment 10. The front side 12 may be attached to the back side 13 by any conventional means, such as sewing the front side 12 to the back side 13 at two side seams. Alternatively, one piece of fabric may be used to form trunk 11, with the edges attached on one side seam. Alternatively, one continuous loop of fabric may be used to form the trunk 11 such that a portion of the fabric loop makes up the front side 12 of the garment 10, and a portion of the fabric loop makes up the back side 13 of the garment 10.

Alternatively, such as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, three pieces of fabric may be used to form trunk 11, one piece 12a forming the front side 12 of the garment 10 (see FIGS. 1-3), and two pieces 13a, 13b forming the back side 13 of the garment 10 (see FIG. 6). The front sides 17a, 18a of legs 17, 18 may be formed from the same piece of fabric 12a that forms the front side 12 of the garment 10, such that the front sides 17a, 18a of legs 17, 18 and the front side 12 of the garment 10 are integral (see FIG. 1). The back sides 17b, 18b of legs 17, 18 may be formed from the second piece 13b of fabric that forms the back side 13 of garment 10, such that the back sides 17b, 18b of legs 17, 18 and the portion of the back side 13 formed from piece 13b are integral (see FIG. 6). One half of rear opening 19 may also be formed from the top edge of piece 13b, such that one half of rear opening 19, the back sides 17b, 18b of legs 17, 18, and the portion of the back side 13 formed from piece 13b are integral. Other fabric piece numbers and arrangements may also be used. For instance, more than one piece of fabric could be used to make front side 12 of trunk 11, and/or more than two pieces of fabric could be used to make the back side 13 of trunk 11. As another example, sleeves 15, 16 can be formed from the same piece or pieces of fabric that form trunk 11, such that sleeves 15, 16 and trunk 11 are integral.

In an embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the back side 13 of garment 10 is formed from two pieces of fabric, 13a and 13b. A portion of the back side 13 of trunk 11 is formed from piece 13a, and a portion of the back side 13 of trunk 11 is formed from piece 13b. Additionally, the back sides 17a, 18a of legs 17, 18 are formed from piece 13b. In embodiments having rear opening 19, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, one half of rear opening 19 may also be formed from the upper edge of piece 13b. In an embodiment, the upper edge of piece 13b may overlap the lower edge of piece 13a, such that one half of rear opening 19 is formed from the upper edge of piece 13b, and one half of rear opening 19 is formed from the lower edge of piece 13a. For instance, the upper edge of piece 13b may overlap the lower edge of piece 13a by approximately 1 cm. Other overlap distances are possible. Alternatively, the lower edge of piece 13a may overlap the upper edge of piece 13b. In another embodiment, the edges do not overlap.

In an embodiment including rear opening 19, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7, the upper edge of piece 13b, which also forms one half of rear opening 19, may include one-half of one or more closures 26, while the lower edge of piece 13a, which forms the other half of rear opening 19, may include the other half of the one or more closures 26. The one or more closures 26 may be, for example, snap closures, with the male half of the closures attached to the lower edge of piece 13a, and the female half of the closures attached to the upper edge of piece 13b, or vice versa. Other conventional closures 26 may be used, such as a button and button hole, a hook and eye, Velcro®, zippers, or the like. The one or more closures 26 allow for the rear opening 19 to be closed. In another embodiment, no closures 26 are included.

Rear opening 19 may either be in a closed position, such as in FIG. 6, or in an open position, such as in FIG. 7. When rear opening 19 is in a closed position, the diaper region of the infant is covered and enclosed within garment 10. When the rear opening 19 is in an open position, the diaper region of the infant can be exposed and accessed without having to remove the entire garment and/or expose the infant's torso.

In an embodiment including rear opening 19, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7, the upper edge of piece 13b, which also forms one half of rear opening 19, and the lower edge of piece 13a, which forms the other half of rear opening 19, are curvilinear. Both edges may arch upward, such that the upper edge of piece 13b extends beyond the side seams that join piece 13b to the piece (or pieces) of fabric that make up the front side 12 of the garment 10. In this manner, rear opening 19 naturally folds downward at or near the upper end of the side seams that join piece 13b to the one or more pieces of fabric that make up the front side 12 of the garment 10, such as shown in FIG. 7, thereby exposing the infant's diaper region. Although the upper edge of piece 13b and the lower edge of piece 13a are curvilinear in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7, they need not be curvilinear as shown, and may alternatively be straight edges or any other shape. Similarly, while rear opening 19 is curvilinear in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7, it need not be curvilinear as shown, and may alternatively be straight or any other shape.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, sleeves 15, 16 may be attached to trunk 11 near top opening 14 by any conventional means. Each sleeve 15, 16 may be formed from one or more pieces of fabric to form a sleeve having a front side 15a, 16a and a back side 15b, 16b. For example, each sleeve 15, 16 may be made up of two pieces of fabric, one piece forming the front side 15a, 16a of the sleeve 15, 16, and one piece forming the back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16. The front sides 15a, 16a may be attached to the back sides 15b, 16b by any conventional means, such as sewing the front side 15a, 16a to the back side 15b, 16b at two side seams. Alternatively, each sleeve 15, 16 may be made up of one piece of fabric, with the edges joined on one side seam. Alternatively, each sleeve 15, 16 may be made up of one continuous loop of fabric such that a portion of the fabric loop makes up the front side 15a, 16a of the sleeve 15, 16, and a portion of the fabric loop makes up the back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16. Other fabric piece numbers and arrangements may be used; for instance, more than one piece of fabric could be used to make the front side 15a, 16a of each sleeve 15, 16, and/or more than one piece of fabric could be used to make the back sides 15b, 16b of each sleeve 15, 16. Regardless of how sleeve 15, 16 is formed, the most distal portion of each sleeve 15, 16 is left open, such that openings 28, 29 are formed in each sleeve, through which an infant's hand may project when the garment is worn by an infant.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, in an embodiment, each sleeve 15, 16 includes a sleeve flap 20, 21 movably attached to the back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16, as described further below. The back side 15b, 16b of each sleeve 15, 16 may be longer than the front side 15a, 16a of the sleeve 15, 16 (see FIG. 1), that is, the back side 15b extends past the front side 15a of sleeve 15 when sleeve 15 is in the unconverted position, and the back side of sleeve 16b extends past the front side 16a of sleeve 16 when the sleeve 15 is in an unconverted position. For instance, the back side 15b, 16b may be approximately 3-6 cm longer than the front side 15a, 16a, as measured at the midline of the sleeve. The front side 15a, 16a of each sleeve 15, 16 may be of a length that is approximately as long as an infant's arm, while the added length of the back side 15b, 16b may be of a length that is approximately as long as an infant's hand such that the back side 15b, 16b of sleeve 15, 16 is approximately as long as an infant's arm and hand combined. Having the back side 15b, 16b be longer than the front side 15a, 16a, that is extend past the front side when the sleeve is in an unconverted position, helps to minimize bunching of fabric when the sleeve flaps 20, 21 are inverted to the second, closed position, while ensuring that the arm of the garment is sufficiently long to enclose an infant's arm and hand when the sleeve flaps 20, 21 are in the inverted, closed position. In another embodiment, the back side 15b, 16b and the front side 15a, 16a of each sleeve 15, 16 are approximately the same length.

Sleeve flaps 20, 21 may be movably attached to the back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16 by any conventional means. For example, sleeve flaps 20, 21 may be movably attached to the back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16 by sewing the side edges of the sleeve flap 20, 21 in-between the piece or pieces of fabric forming front side 15a, 16a and the piece or pieces of fabric forming back side 15b, 16b, with the bottom edge of sleeve flap 20, 21 sewn to the piece of fabric forming back side 15b, 16b. Alternatively, both the side edges and the bottom edge of sleeve flap 20, 21 may be sewn to the piece of fabric forming back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16. If one piece of fabric is used to form each sleeve 15, 16, with the edges joined on one side seam, one side edge of the sleeve flap 20, 21 may be sewn into the side seam, while a slit may be cut in the fabric forming the sleeve opposite the side seam, the other side edge of sleeve flap 20, 21 sewn between the two pieces of fabric formed by the slit; the bottom edge of sleeve flap 20, 21 may be sewn to the portion of the fabric that makes up the back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16. If one continuous loop of fabric is used to form sleeve 15, 16, the side edges and bottom edge of sleeve flap 20, 21 may be sewn to the portion of the fabric that makes up the back side 15b, 16b of the sleeve 15, 16. Regardless of how sleeve flap 20, 21 is attached to sleeve 15, 16, the top edge of sleeve flap 20, 21 is not attached to sleeve 15, 16, but is left free, so that an invertible pouch is formed between sleeve flap 20, 21 and the back side 15b, 16b of sleeve 15, 16.

In FIG. 6, the bottom edge of each sleeve flap 20, 21 is curvilinear, as is the bottom edge of the back side 15b, 16b of each sleeve 15, 16. However, these edges need not be curvilinear as shown, and may alternatively be straight edges or any other shape. Likewise, while the bottom edge of the front side 15a, 16a of each sleeve 15, 16 is straight in FIGS. 1-3, it will be appreciated that this edge need not be straight, and alternatively may be curvilinear or any other shape.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, legs 17, 18 may be formed from the same piece or pieces of fabric that form the front and back sides 12, 13 of garment 10, such that the legs 17, 18 are integral. For example, the front sides 17a, 18a of legs 17, 18 may be formed from the same piece of fabric 12a that forms the front side 12 of the garment 10, such that the front sides 17a, 18a of legs 17, 18 and the front side 12 of the garment 10 are integral (see FIG. 1). The back sides 17b, 18b of legs 17, 18 may be formed from the same piece of fabric 13b that forms a portion of the back side 13 of garment 10, such that the back sides 17b, 18b of legs 17, 18 and the back side 13 of the garment 10 are integral (see FIG. 6).

Other fabric piece numbers and arrangements may be used to form legs 17, 18. For example, each leg 17, 18 may instead be attached to the trunk 11 distally from the top opening 14 by any conventional means. Each leg 17, 18 may be formed from one or more pieces of fabric to form a leg having a front side 17a, 18a and a back side 17b, 18b. For example, each leg 17, 18 may be made up of two pieces of fabric, one piece forming the front side 17a, 18a of the leg 17, 18, and one piece forming the back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18. The front sides 17a, 18a may be attached to the back sides 17b, 18b by any conventional means, such as sewing the front side 17a, 18a to the back side 17b, 18b at two side seams. Alternatively, each leg 17, 18 may be made up of one piece of fabric, with the edges joined on one side seam. Alternatively, each leg 17, 18 may be made up of one continuous loop of fabric such that a portion of the fabric loop makes up the front side 17a, 18a of the leg 17, 18, and a portion of the fabric loop makes up the back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18. Other fabric piece numbers and arrangements may be used; for instance, more than one piece of fabric could be used to make the front side 17a, 18a of each leg 17, 18, and/or more than one piece of fabric could be used to make the back sides 17b, 18b of each leg 17, 18.

Regardless of how leg 17, 18 is formed, the most distal portion of each leg 17, 18 is left open, such that openings 30, 31 are formed in each leg, through which an infant's toes or foot may project when the garment is worn by an infant (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 6, in an embodiment, each leg 17, 18 includes a leg flap 22, 23 movably attached to the back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18, as described further below. The back side 17b, 18b of each leg 17, 18 may be longer than the front side 17a, 18a of the leg 17, 18 (see FIG. 1), that is, the back side 17b extends past the front side 17a of leg 17 when leg 17 is in the unconverted position, and the back side of leg 18b extends past the front side 18a of leg 18 when the leg 18 is in an unconverted position. For instance, the back side 17b, 18b may be approximately 3-6 cm longer than the front side 17a, 18a, as measured at the midline of the leg. The front side 17a, 18a of each leg 17, 18 may be of a length that is approximately as long as an infant's leg or as long as an infant's leg and part of the infant's foot, while the added length of the back side 17b, 18b may be of a length that is approximately as long as an infant's foot or as long as an infant's toes, such that the back side 17b, 18b of leg 17, 18 is approximately as long as an infant's leg and foot combined. Having the back side 17b, 18b be longer than the front side 17a, 18a, that is extend past the front side when the leg is in an unconverted position, helps to minimize bunching of fabric when the leg flaps 22, 23 are inverted to the second, closed position, while ensuring that the leg of the garment is sufficiently long to enclose an infant's leg and foot when the leg flaps 22, 23 are in the inverted, closed position. In another embodiment, the back side 17b, 18b and the front side 17a, 18a of each leg 17, 18 are approximately the same length.

Leg flaps 22, 23 may be movably attached to the back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18 by any conventional means. For example, leg flaps 22, 23 may be movably attached to the back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18 by sewing the side edges of the leg flap 22, 23 in-between the piece or pieces of fabric forming front side 17a, 18a and the piece or pieces of fabric forming back side 17b, 18b, with the bottom edge of leg flap 22, 23 sewn to the piece of fabric forming back side 17b, 18b. Alternatively, both the side edges and the bottom edge of leg flap 22, 23 may be sewn to the piece of fabric forming back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18. If one piece of fabric is used to form each leg 17, 18, with the edges joined on one side seam, one side edge of the leg flap 22, 23 may be sewn into the side seam, while a slit may be cut in the fabric forming the leg opposite the side seam, the other side edge of leg flap 22, 23 sewn between the two pieces of fabric formed by the slit; the bottom edge of leg flap 22, 23 may be sewn to the portion of the fabric that makes up the back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18. If one continuous loop of fabric is used to form leg 17, 18, the side edges and bottom edge of leg flap 22, 23 may be sewn to the portion of the fabric that makes up the back side 17b, 18b of the leg 17, 18. Regardless of how leg flap 22, 23 is attached to leg 17, 18, the top edge of leg flap 22, 23 is not attached to leg 17, 18, but is left free, so that an invertible pouch is formed between leg flap 22, 23 and the back side 17b, 18b of leg 17, 18.

In FIG. 6, the bottom edge of each leg flap 22, 23 is curvilinear, as is the bottom edge of the back side 17b, 18b of each leg 17, 18. However, these edges need not be curvilinear as shown, and may alternatively be straight edges or any other shape. Likewise, while the bottom edge of the front side 17a, 18a of each leg 17, 18 is straight in FIGS. 1-3, it will be appreciated that this edge need not be straight, and alternatively may be curvilinear or any other shape.

In an embodiment, the back side 17b, 18b of each leg 17, 18 may include a heel line 27. Heel line 27 may be curvilinear, as shown in FIG. 6, or may alternatively be straight or any other shape. Heel line 27 may be a stitched line sewn directly into the piece or pieces of fabric from which leg 17, 18 is formed. Alternatively, heel line 27 may be formed from a seam joining two pieces of fabric together. Heel line 27 may allow for the distal portion of leg 17, 18 to be converted to a boot-shape when the leg flaps 22, 23 are inverted to the second, closed position, such that the enclosure created by inverting the leg flaps 22, 23 conforms to the infant's foot. In another embodiment, legs 17, 18 do not include heel lines 27.

In FIGS. 1-3 and 6, an embodiment garment 10 is shown in its non-converted form. In the non-converted form, leg flaps 22, 23 are in a first position wherein leg flaps 22, 23 are not inverted from the back side 17b, 18b to the front side 17a, 18a of each leg 17, 18. When leg flaps 22, 23 are in this position, leg openings 30, 31 are open (see FIG. 1). In this position, the toes or feet of an infant wearing the garment may project through the leg openings 30, 31, allowing the infant's toes or feet to be exposed.

In an embodiment, in the non-converted form, sleeve flaps 20, 21 are also in a first position wherein the sleeve flaps 20, 21 are not inverted from the back side 15b, 16b to the front side 15a, 16a of each sleeve 15, 16. When sleeve flaps 20, 21 are in this position, sleeve openings 28, 29 are open. In this position, the hands of an infant wearing the garment may project through the sleeve openings 28, 29, allowing the infant's hands to be exposed.

In particular, FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment convertible garment wherein leg flaps 22, 23 (not visible) and sleeve flaps 20, 21 (not visible) are in the first, non-converted position. In this position, leg flaps 22, 23 and sleeve flaps 20, 21 are each disposed on the back side 13 of the garment 10, leaving leg openings 30, 31 and sleeve openings 28, 29 all open. FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the same embodiment convertible garment wherein leg flaps 22, 23 and sleeve flaps 20, 21 are in the first, non-converted position, i.e., are disposed on the back side 13 of the garment 10, leaving leg openings 30, 31 (not visible) and sleeve openings 28, 29 (not visible) all open.

FIG. 3 is another front elevation view wherein leg flaps 22, 23 (not visible), and sleeve flaps 20 (visible) and 21 (not visible), are in the first, non-converted position. In FIG. 3, a portion of first sleeve 15 is inverted to show the back side 15b of sleeve 15, with first sleeve flap 20 movably attached to the back side 15b of sleeve 15. Second sleeve 16 is not inverted in FIG. 3, and therefore the second sleeve flap 21, disposed on the back side 16b of sleeve 16, is not visible.

Garment 10 may further include a body opening 24 (see FIGS. 1-2). Body opening 24 allows for the trunk 11 of the garment 10 to be changed between a first, closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, and a second, open position, as shown in FIG. 2. Body opening 24 may be located in approximately the middle of the front side 12 of trunk 11. Body opening 24 may run the full length of the front side 12, or it may run less than the full length of front side 12, i.e., body opening 24 may have a shorter length than the length of the front side 12 of trunk 11. Body opening 24 may include one or more closures 25 for closing body opening 24. The closures 25 may be, for example, snap closures, or may be other conventional closures 25, such as a button and button hole, hook and eye, Velcro®, zipper, or the like. In another embodiment, no body opening 24 is included. In other embodiments, body opening 24 may be located elsewhere on the front side 12 of trunk 11, or it may be located on the back side 13 of trunk 11.

Garment 10 may further include rear opening 19 (see FIGS. 6-7). Rear opening 19 allows for access to the infant's diaper region, and can be changed from a first, closed position, as shown in FIG. 6, to a second, open position, as shown in FIG. 7. When rear opening 19 is in a closed position, as in FIG. 6, the diaper region of the infant is covered, and is enclosed within garment 10. When the rear opening 19 is in an open position, as in FIG. 7, the diaper region of the infant can be exposed and accessed without having to remove the entire garment and/or expose the infant's torso. Rear opening 19 may be substantially as wide as the garment 10, or it may be narrower than the garment 10. Rear opening 19 may include one or more closures 26 for closing rear opening 19. In another embodiment, no rear opening 19 is included.

Turning to FIGS. 4-5 and 8, the convertible features of an embodiment garment 10 are shown. FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a convertible garment wherein leg flap 23 (not visible) and sleeve flap 21 (not visible) are in the first, non-converted position, whereas leg flap 22 (visible) and sleeve flap 20 (visible) are in the second, converted position. In other words, leg flap 23 and sleeve flap 21 in FIG. 4 are not inverted and are still disposed on the back sides of leg 18 and sleeve 16, respectively, whereas leg flap 22 is inverted to the front side 17a of leg 17 and sleeve flap 19 is inverted to the front side 16a of sleeve 16. Thus, leg opening 31 of leg 18 is open, allowing for the toes or foot of an infant wearing the garment to project through opening 31, whereas leg opening 30 (not visible) is closed, preventing the infant's toes or foot from projecting through opening 30; and sleeve opening 29 of sleeve 16 is open, allowing for the hand of an infant wearing the garment to project through opening 29, whereas sleeve opening 28 (not visible) is closed, preventing the infant's hand from projecting through opening 28.

In FIG. 5, an embodiment garment is shown in its fully converted form. Leg flaps 22, 23 are in a second position wherein leg flaps 22, 23 are inverted from the back side 17b, 18b to the front side 17a, 18a of legs 17, 18, thereby closing leg openings 30, 31 (not visible). This converted position allows for the toes and feet of an infant wearing the garment 10 to be enclosed within the garment, i.e., the toes and feet do not project through leg openings 30, 31. Leg flaps 22, 23 thus, in the second, closed position, form a pouch around the toes and feet of the infant, without the need to include any closures to keep the infant's toes and feet enclosed in the garment.

Sleeve flaps 20, 21 are also shown in their converted form in FIG. 5. In other words, each sleeve flap 20, 21 is inverted from the back side 15b, 16b to the front side 15a, 16a of sleeves 15, 16, thereby closing sleeve openings 28, 29 (not visible). This converted position allows for the hands of an infant wearing the garment 10 to be enclosed within the garment, i.e., the hands do not project through sleeve openings 28, 29. Sleeve flaps 20, 21 thus, in the second, closed position, form a pouch around the hands of the infant, without the need to include any closures to keep the infant's hands enclosed in the garment.

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the convertible garment 10 shown in FIG. 5 in its fully converted form. As is seen in FIG. 8, when garment 10 is in its fully converted form, leg flaps 22, 23 (not visible) and sleeve flaps 20, 21 (not visible) are in the second, converted position, i.e., are inverted from the backs of the legs and sleeves to the fronts of the legs and sleeves. In this configuration, leg flaps 22, 23 and sleeve flaps 20, 21 are no longer disposed on the back of the legs and sleeves, and leg openings 30, 31 (not visible) and sleeve openings 28, 29 (not visible) are each closed.

FIGS. 9-10 are side views of a leg of an embodiment convertible garment. While only one leg 17 is shown, it will be appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-10 may apply equally to both legs 17, 18.

In FIG. 9, leg flap 22 is in the first, non-converted position, i.e., is not inverted from the back side 17b to the front side 17a of leg 17, leaving leg opening 30 open. In this position, the toes or foot of an infant wearing the garment may project through leg opening 30, allowing the infant's toes or feet to be exposed.

In FIG. 10, leg flap 22 is in the second, converted position, i.e., is inverted from the back side 17b to the front side 17a of leg 17, thereby closing leg opening 30 (not visible). In this position, the toes and foot of an infant wearing the garment are enclosed within the garment, i.e., do not project through leg opening 30.

In an embodiment, leg 17 includes heel line 27. Heel line 27 may allow for the distal portion of leg 17 to be converted to a boot-shape when leg flap 22 is inverted to the second, closed position, such that the enclosure created by inverting leg flap 22 to the second, converted position substantially conforms to the foot of an infant wearing the garment. In another embodiment, leg 17 does not include heel line 27.

FIGS. 11-12 are side views of a sleeve of an embodiment convertible garment. While only one sleeve 15 is shown, it will be appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-12 may apply equally to both sleeves 15, 16.

In FIG. 11, sleeve flap 20 is in the first, non-converted position, i.e., is not inverted from the back side 15b to the front side 15a of sleeve 15, leaving sleeve opening 28 open. In this position, the hand of an infant wearing the garment may project through sleeve opening 28, allowing the infant's hand to be exposed.

In FIG. 12, sleeve flap 20 is in the second, converted position, i.e., is inverted from the back side 15b to the front side 15b of sleeve 15, thereby closing sleeve opening 28 (not visible). In this position, the hand of an infant wearing the garment is enclosed within the garment, i.e., does not project through sleeve opening 28.

In an embodiment, sleeve flap 20 includes a first side 20a (visible in FIG. 11) and a second side 20b (visible in FIG. 12). First side 20a and second side 20b may each be separate pieces of fabric joined together through conventional means with their backsides facing, such that the front sides of the fabric pieces are exposed. Alternatively, sleeve flap 20 may be a single piece of fabric that is printed on both sides.

In an embodiment, first side 20a and second side 20b are each formed from fabric that is different than the fabric used to form the rest of garment 10, either as to pattern, color, texture, or some other perceivable distinction. For example, while the rest of garment 10 may be formed from one or more solid-color fabrics, first side 20a may be formed from a patterned fabric, and second side 20b may be formed from a different patterned fabric. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-12, for instance, first side 20a is formed from a fabric having a lined pattern, whereas second side 20b is formed from a fabric having a dotted pattern. Alternatively, first side 20a and second side 20b could both be formed from the same fabric, which is different than the fabric used to form the rest of the garment 10, either as to pattern, color, texture, or some other perceivable distinction. Although a lined pattern is shown in FIG. 11 and a dotted pattern is shown in FIG. 12, it will be understood that other patterns, colors, and textures may be used.

By being formed of fabric that is different than the fabric used to form the rest of garment 10, different patterns, colors, or textures are exposed depending on whether the sleeve 15 is converted or not. For instance, in FIG. 11, which shows sleeve flap 20 in its non-converted, first position, first side 20a, printed with a lined pattern, is exposed. However, when sleeve flap 20 is converted to the second position as shown in FIG. 12, i.e., is inverted from the back side 15b to the front side 15a of sleeve 15, second side 20b, printed with a dotted pattern, is exposed.

In an embodiment, the fabric or fabrics selected for the first and second sides 20a, 20b are selected on the basis of the fabric's ability to stimulate infant brain and eye development. For instance, a patterned fabric featuring a high contrast, bold pattern, such as the dotted pattern shown in FIG. 12, may be selected because of its ability to stimulate infant brain and eye development. Such a fabric may be used solely for second side 20b, which is exposed to the infant's view when sleeve flap 20 is in the second, converted position. Alternatively, such a fabric, or two or more of such fabrics, may be used for both sides 20a, 20b. Although a dotted pattern is shown in FIG. 12, it will be understood that any other pattern, color, texture, or other perceivable distinction that has the ability to stimulate infant brain and eye development may be used.

Turning to FIG. 13, a flow chart of a method for converting an embodiment convertible garment having both leg flaps 22, 23 and sleeve flaps 20, 21 from a first, non-converted position to a second, converted position, and then back to a first, non-converted position, is shown.

Blocks 1301-1304 of FIG. 13 illustrate a process for converting garment 10 from a non-converted, first position to a fully converted, second position. At block 1301, leg flap 22 is inverted from the back side 17b to the front side 17a of leg 17. At block 1302, leg flap 23 is inverted from the back side 18b to the front side 18a of leg 18. At block 1303, sleeve flap 20 is inverted from the back side 15b to the front side 15a of sleeve 15. At block 1304, sleeve flap 21 is inverted from the back side 16b to the front side 16a of sleeve 16. As a result of these steps, garment 10 is fully converted from a first, non-converted position, to a second, converted position. It will be appreciated that the order shown in blocks 1301-1304 of FIG. 13 is non-limiting, and that the conversion process can proceed in other orders, for example, one or both sleeve flaps 20, 21 may be inverted before either or both leg flaps 22, 23 is or are inverted; further, multiple convertible elements may be converted at the same time. It will also be appreciated that less than all four convertible elements may be converted, for example, one or both leg flaps 22, 23 may be converted while the sleeve flaps 20, 21 are not converted, or sleeve flap 20 may be converted while leg flaps 22, 23 and sleeve flap 21 are not converted, and so on.

Blocks 1305-1308 of FIG. 13 illustrate a process for converting garment 10 from a fully converted, second position to a non-converted, first position. At block 1305, sleeve flap 21 is inverted from the front side 16a to the back side 16b of sleeve 16. At block 1306, sleeve flap 20 is inverted from the front side 15a to the back side 15b of sleeve 15. At block 1307, leg flap 23 is inverted from the front side 18a to the back side 18b of leg 18. At block 1308, leg flap 22 is inverted from the front side 17a to the back side 17b of leg 17. As a result of these steps, garment 10 is fully converted from a second, converted position to a first, non-converted position. It will be appreciated that the order shown in blocks 1305-1308 of FIG. 13 is non-limiting, and that the conversion process can proceed in other orders, for example, one or both leg flaps 22, 23 may be inverted before either sleeve flap is inverted; further, multiple convertible elements may be un-converted at the same time. It will also be appreciated that less than all four convertible elements may be un-converted, for example, the leg flaps 22, 23 may be un-converted while the sleeve flaps 20, 21 are not un-converted, or sleeve flap 20 may be un-converted while leg flaps 22, 23 and sleeve flap 21 are not un-converted, and so on.

While the garment 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-13 has both leg flaps 22, 23 and sleeve flaps 20, 21, it will be understood that in an embodiment, the garment 10 may only have the leg flaps 22, 23, i.e., the sleeves 15, 16 of the garment may not be convertible as described herein, or garment 10 may simply not include any sleeves. In another embodiment, garment 10 may only have sleeve flaps 20, 21 and not leg flaps 22, 23, i.e., the legs of the garment may not be convertible as described herein, or garment 10 may simply not include any legs.

While the garment 10 described herein is described with reference to a particular application, namely, a garment for infants, it will be understood that the garment 10 may alternatively have other applications. For instance, the garment 10 may be sized larger so that it may be worn by older children, or even larger yet so that it may be worn by adults.

Further, while the garment 10 described herein is described with reference to a garment wherein leg flaps 22, 23 and/or sleeve flaps 20, 21 are disposed on the back side of the legs and sleeves when in their non-converted position, it will be understood that leg flaps 22, 23 and/or sleeve flaps 20, 21 may alternatively be disposed on the front side of the legs and sleeves when in their non-converted position. In such an embodiment, leg flaps 22, 23 and/or sleeve flaps 20, 21 are invertible from a first, non-converted position, wherein the flaps are disposed on the front side of the legs and sleeves leaving leg openings 30, 31 and/or sleeve openings 28, 29 open, to a second, converted position, wherein the flaps are inverted to the back side of the legs and sleeves, thereby closing off leg openings 30, 31 and/or sleeve openings 28, 29.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A garment comprising:

a trunk having a front side, a back side, and a top opening;

a first sleeve extending from a portion of the trunk near the top opening, the first sleeve having a front side and a back side;

a first sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the first sleeve, the first sleeve flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the first sleeve is in an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in the first sleeve is in a closed position;

a second sleeve extending from the portion of the trunk near the top opening, the second sleeve having a front side and a back side;

a second sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the second sleeve, the second sleeve flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the second sleeve is in an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in the second sleeve is in a closed position

a first leg extending from a portion of the trunk distal from the top opening;

a second leg extending from the portion of the trunk distal from the top opening; and

a rear opening formed in the back side of the garment.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the back side of the first sleeve is longer than the front side of the first sleeve, and the back side of the second sleeve is longer than the front side of the second sleeve.

3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap each have a first side and a second side, the first sides of the first sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap are each formed from a first fabric different than a fabric used to form the rest of the garment, and the second sides of the first sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap are each formed from a second fabric different than the fabric used to form the rest of the garment.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first leg and the second leg each further comprise a front side and a back side, the garment further comprising:

a first leg flap movably attached to the back side of the first leg, the first leg flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the first leg is in an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in the first leg is in a closed position; and

a second leg flap movably attached to the back side of the second leg, the second leg flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the second leg is in an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in the second leg is in a closed position.

5. The garment of claim 4, wherein the back side of the first leg is longer than the front side of the first leg, and the back side of the second leg is longer than the front side of the second leg.

6. The garment of claim 4, wherein the back sides of the first leg and the second leg each include a heel line.

7. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a front opening in approximately the middle of the front side of the trunk, the front opening including one or more closures for detachably closing the front opening.

8. The garment of claim 1, the rear opening further comprising one or more closures for detachably closing the rear opening.

9. A garment comprising:

a trunk having a front side, a back side, and a top opening;

a first sleeve extending from a portion of the trunk near the top opening, a first sleeve flap movably attached to the first sleeve, the first sleeve flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the first sleeve is in an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in the first sleeve is in a closed position;

a second sleeve extending from the portion of the trunk near the top opening, a second sleeve flap movably attached to the second sleeve, the second sleeve flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the second sleeve is in an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in the second sleeve is in a closed position;

a first leg extending from a portion of the trunk distal from the top opening, a first leg flap movably attached to the first leg, the first leg flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the first leg is in an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in the first leg is in a closed position; and

a second leg extending from the portion of the trunk distal from the top opening, a second leg flap movably attached to the second leg, the second leg flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the second leg is in an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in the second leg is in a closed position.

10. The garment of claim 9 wherein:

the first sleeve further comprises a front side and a back side, the first sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the first sleeve such that when the first sleeve flap is in the second position, the first sleeve flap is disposed on the front side of the first sleeve;

the second sleeve further comprises a front side and a back side, the second sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the second sleeve such that when the second sleeve flap is in the second position, the second sleeve flap is disposed on the front side of the second sleeve;

the first leg further comprises a front side and a back side, the first leg flap movably attached to the back side of the first leg such that when the first leg flap is in the second position, the first leg flap is disposed on the front side of the first leg; and

the second leg further comprises a front side and a back side, the second leg flap movably attached to the back side of the second leg such that when the second leg flap is in the second position, the second leg flap is disposed on the front side of the second leg.

11. The garment of claim 9, further comprising a rear opening formed in the back side of the garment.

12. The garment of claim 10, wherein the back side of the first sleeve is longer than the front side of the first sleeve, the back side of the second sleeve is longer than the front side of the second sleeve, the back side of the first leg is longer than the front side of the first leg, and the back side of the second leg is longer than the front side of the second leg.

13. The garment of claim 9, wherein the first sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap each have a first side and a second side, the first sides of the first sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap are each formed from a first fabric different than a fabric used to form the rest of the garment, and the second sides of the first sleeve flap and the second sleeve flap are each formed from a second fabric different than the fabric used to form the rest of the garment.

14. The garment of claim 10, wherein the back sides of the first leg and the second leg each include a heel line.

15. The garment of claim 9, further comprising a front opening in approximately the middle of the front side of the trunk, the front opening including one or more closures for detachably closing the front opening.

16. The garment of claim 11, the rear opening further comprising one or more closures for detachably closing the rear opening.

17. A garment comprising:

a trunk having a front side, a back side, and a top opening;

a first leg extending from a portion of the trunk distal from the top opening, a first leg flap movably attached to the first leg, the first leg flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the first leg is in an open position and a second position wherein the opening in the first leg is in a closed position; and

a second leg extending from a portion of the trunk distal from the top opening, a second leg flap movably attached to the second leg, the second leg flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the second leg is in an open position and a second position wherein the opening in the second leg is in a closed position.

18. The garment of claim 17 wherein:

the first leg further comprises a front side and a back side, the first leg flap movably attached to the back side of the first leg such that when the first leg flap is in the second position, the first leg flap is disposed on the front side of the first leg; and

the second leg further comprises a front side and a back side, the second leg flap movably attached to the back side of the second leg such that when the second leg flap is in the second position, the second leg flap is disposed on the front side of the second leg.

19. The garment of claim 17, further comprising a rear opening formed in the back side of the garment.

20. The garment of claim 17, further comprising:

a first sleeve extending from a portion of the trunk near the top opening, a first sleeve flap movably attached to the first sleeve, the first sleeve flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the first sleeve is in an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in the first sleeve is in a closed position; and

a second sleeve extending from the portion of the trunk near the top opening, a second sleeve flap movably attached to the second sleeve, the second sleeve flap convertible between a first position wherein an opening in the second sleeve is in an open position, and a second position wherein the opening in the second sleeve is in a closed position.

21. The garment of claim 20 wherein:

the first sleeve further comprises a front side and a back side, the first sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the first sleeve such that when the first sleeve flap is in the second position, the first sleeve flap is disposed on the front side of the first sleeve; and

the second sleeve further comprises a front side and a back side, the second sleeve flap movably attached to the back side of the second sleeve such that when the second sleeve flap is in the second position, the second sleeve flap is disposed on the front side of the second sleeve.