GARMENTS FOR PEOPLE WITH ALL ABILITIES

Abstract

Garments that can be readily put on and are of use by the physically disabled utilize, among other things, pulley systems, magnetic snaps, and magnetic straps. Such elements may be used separately or in combination of two more thereof. The pule systems can be used to readily adjust a length or a circumference of a portion of the garments. The magnetic snaps disclosed herein allow a wearer to easily open and close garments by interlocking two magnetic snaps that neatly fit into each other without having to worry about the snaps attached to an unwanted object. The magnetic straps can be used to secure a disposition of a strap that adjusts a position of a portion of garments. The pulley system comprises at least one strap and a channel that surrounds the at least one strap. The strap slides within the channel to push or pull a target portion that is attached to the strap.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from provisional application 62/888,017 filed on Aug. 16, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to garments, and more particularly to apparel that can be worn by people with mental or physical disabilities.

One billion people, or fifteen percent of the world's population, have some form of disability. In the past, persons with disability were often restricted to a hospital or other facility, or to their home, where their disability precluded outside activities to any appreciable degree. Accordingly, there had been no great demand for clothing for them, which had the appearance of standard clothing and yet could be easily donned and removed by such physically challenged persons or their caretakers.

Recently, however, people with a disability participate more actively in community life. Accordingly, they need to be dressed and clothed appropriately or “fashionably.” While many are capable of donning standard clothing, at least given sufficient time, the effort required is generally far above that required for physically able persons, who accomplish such actions daily as a matter of course with no particular thought or effort. If the disabled person is incapable of such for him or herself, then a caretaker must dress the person, which also requires a great deal of effort for all parties concerned.

There have been attempts to provide garments for children or people with disability, which however do not provide enough functionality and aesthetics. Thus, there is a need for improved garments for people with challenges including children or people with disability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following Figures.

FIGS. 1A-1D shows an exemplary one-handed wrap dress according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 2A-2D shows an exemplary seated wrap dress with a pulley strap system according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3K show an exemplary jacket with pulley straps for self-dressing according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3L-3N show an exemplary magnet snap that is used with the jacket shown in FIGS. 3A-3K according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 4-5 show an exemplary collapsible pants with pleats according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6A shows an exemplary transformative skirt according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6B shows an inside-out view of an exemplary transformative skirt according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 6C-6D show an exemplary transformative skirt according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary seated jacket with instructional inside seams according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary wrap-skirt-pant ensemble according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9D show an exemplary housing for magnets that can be used with garments according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary wrap shirt according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrations specific embodiments or examples. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the present disclosure. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The present disclosure provides garments that can be readily put on. In some embodiments, the garments utilize, among other things, pulley systems, magnetic snaps, and magnetic straps. Such elements may be used separately or in combination of two more thereof. The pulley systems can be used to readily adjust a length or a circumference of a portion of the garments. The magnetic snaps disclosed herein allow a wearer to easily open and close garments by interlocking two magnetic snaps that neatly fit into each other without having to worry about the snaps attached to an unwanted object. The magnetic straps can be used to secure a disposition of a strap that adjusts a position of a portion of garments. With these mechanisms used in various embodiments, the present disclosure provides garments that can be readily worn by people, especially those with disabilities including arthritis, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.

The pulley system comprises at least one strap and a channel that surrounds the at least one strap. The strap slides within the channel to push or pull a target portion that is attached to the strap. In a preferred embodiment, the channel is made of material that does not have a high friction. One particular use of this system is disclosed hereinafter with reference to FIG. 3B. The mechanism described herein can, however, be used in other ways in clothes in which the dimensions of an opening or the length of a pants may be changed while the garment is in use.

The magnetic snaps particularly useful in the present invention comprise a first body and a second body that interlock with each other. Such snaps are described in more detail with respect to FIG. 9. Typically, such snaps include one or more magnet encased in a plastic matrix, the opposing surfaces of each component of a pair of snaps being configured to “fit” with each other. In one embodiment, the first body comprises a plurality of holes in an inner wall of a cylindrical portion of the first body for housing a plurality of magnets. The second body comprises a plurality of holes in an outer wall of a cylindrical portion of the second body for housing a plurality of magnets. The cylindrical portion of the second body fits into a hollow portion in the cylindrical portion of the first body such that the first body and the second body interlock with each other.

A magnetic strap comprises a strap and one or more magnets attached to, mounted on, or incorporated into the strap. For example, a magnetic strap can have a magnet in a housing attached to a tip of a strap that slides from a first position to a second position. The housing can be a 3D printed plastic housing in a cuboid shape. The magnet on the strap can be attached to a second magnet attached to a jacket to secure the position of the magnetic strap, e.g., the second position of the magnetic strap. A wearer can detach the magnetic strap from the second magnet, move the strap to the first position, and then attach the magnetic strap to a third magnet to secure the first position of the strap.

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a garment such as a coat or dress which can be put on easily and as a result of the absence of side seams is more comfortable when the wearer adopts various postures. In this embodiment, the garment is designed to wrap around the body so that there is considerable overlap between the left front portion and right side front portion of the garment. These front portions are secured to each other by magnetic fasteners. The garment may be sleeveless, but if one or more sleeves are present, such sleeves have wide sleeve openings and dropped armholes as hereinafter described to facilitate putting the garment on or taking it off. If desired, the garments can be provided with one or more slits in the rear to make it easier for the user to get into or out of or sit in a wheel chair. Garments of this type are typically made of cotton, jersey, a light weight breathable fabric such as the Polartec® grid, which functions as a ploy stretch or cotton fabric and has good breathability.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, there is seen an exemplary one-handed wrap dress or coat 100 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 1A-1B show a closed configuration of this embodiment, while FIGS. 1C-1D show an open configuration of this embodiment. This embodiment allows independent one-handed dressing. The dress 100 can be a one-piece. In one embodiment, the dress 100 can comprise a wide sleeve opening, for example the arm hole width of which ranges from 9 inches to 12 inches, preferably from 10 inches to 11 inches, and dropped armhole 101 to allow independent dressing. The dropped armhole 101 can have a bottom end of the armhole that is lower than a general armhole. The length from a top end to a bottom end of the dropped armhole ranges from 18 inches to 23 inches. The dress 100 can comprise a center back vent 103 that will align to the center of a chair or a wheelchair, which allows a user to comfortably sit thereon. The dress 100 in the open configuration as shown in FIG. 1C can be divided into two sections 151, 152. The first section 151 comprises a front section 131a, a back section 133a, a head hole 121a, a left arm portion 141a, a light arm portion 143a. The second section 152 comprises a front section 131b, a back section 133b, a head hole 121b, a right arm portion 141b, a left arm portion 143b. As shown in FIG. 1D, a left sleeve 161a and a right sleeve 161b can be attached to the left arm portion 141a of the first section 151 and the right arm portion 141b of the second section 152, respectively. The front section 131a of the first section 151 comprises a plurality of magnet snaps 105a, 107a, 109a. The front section 131b of the second section 152 comprises a plurality of magnet snaps 105b, 107b, 109b in respective positions wherein the plurality of magnets snaps 105a, 107a, 109a of the first section 151 would attach to the plurality of magnet snaps 105b, 107b, 109b of the second section 152, respectively, in the closed configuration. The dress 100 permits a mobility-impaired individual to self-dress with use of only one hand or extremity. The design 100 maximizes comfort for individuals who sit for extended periods of time.

A second embodiment of the present invention, features of which such as the sleeve closing mechanism may be applied to garments of the first embodiment, provides a mechanism whereby the sleeve opening may be adjusted after the garment has been put on. In this embodiment, the am hole may be closed by pulling on a ribbon attached to a pulley mechanism within the sleeve. Referring to FIG. 2, there is seen an exemplary seated wrap dress 200 with a pulley strap system. This embodiment provides an improved mobility and range of motion, and increases dressing independence donning through the use of a pulley system that widens and tightens the arm hole. The dress 200 comprises a pulley mechanism 203 that allows for self-closure by a user who may have disabilities. The pulley mechanism comprises ribbon(s) 211, 213 that can be pulled to close the arm hole by pulling on the ribbon 211, 213. The dress 200 comprises magnetic snaps 201 on the chest area that close the front. The dress 200 can further comprise pleated sleeves 205 on the shoulder areas that create aesthetic shapes around the shoulder. When the shoulder strap is flipped to the back, the arm hole opens on the side. The dress 200 can comprise magnetic snaps 209a, 209b on a side of the waist area of dress 200. The pulley mechanism 203 widens and tightens the arm hole. The dress 200 enables mobility-impaired individuals, for example, who need to be on a wheelchair, to self-chess.

The armhole design of the dress 200 can be created in two ways: (1) a pleating design and (2) a pulley system. The dress 200 supports the wearer to maintain body temperature (common problem as we age) and to adjust it according to one's environment (e.g., a rehabilitation center vs. a church). The dress 200 also allows a broad range of motion in arms. For example, if a wearer has difficulty putting sleeves on because of the spasticity in his or her left arm, to maximize his or her independence, a pulley, allowing her to independently close the dress with one arm, controls the wrap sleeves. The ribbon 211, 213 can then be tied in a bow, adding another touch of elegance. Finally, the entire dress 200 itself can wrap around and is secured in a position with magnets 201 on the front shoulders. The dress 200 accommodates right- or left-handed access and use. The dress 200 has low tolerance for error and requires low physical effort. The dress 200 can be worn by a seated or standing user. There can be less fabric in the back of the dress to benefit any wearer for fit and ease at seated position.

Referring to FIGS. 2B, there is seen the dress 200 with the chest sections 221, 223 opened according to one embodiment. The dress 200 has a first chest section 221 and a second chest section 223 that are configured to overlap on the chest of a wearer. The first chest section 221 can comprise a plurality of magnets 231a, 233a around the neck portion. The second chest section 223 can comprise a plurality of magnets 231b, 233b around the neck portion that would attached to the corresponding magnets 231a, 233a of the first chest section 231, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 2C, there is seen the dress 200 with the chest sections 221, 223 and the skirt sections 231, 233 opened according to one embodiment. The first skirt section 231 can comprise a first magnet snap 241a and a second magnet snap 243a at around the waist area. The second skirt portion 233 can comprise a first magnet snap 241b and a second magnet snap 243b that would attach to the first magnet snap 241a and the second magnet snap 243b of the first skirt section 231, respectively, in a closed configuration. The dress 200 further comprises a first closing section 261a that is attached to a first ribbon 251a. The first ribbon 251a continues to run past a position where the first chest section 221 meet the first skirt section 231 through a first channel 253a disposed vertically in the first chest portion 221. The dress 200 comprises a second closing section (not shown) and a second strap 251b that are structured and function the same as the first closing section 261a and the first strap 251a. When lower portions of the straps 251a, 251b that are disposed lower than the chest portions 221, 223 are pulled away from the wearer, the closing sections 261a are pulled upward such that lower part of the opening of the respective sleeves is closed. FIG. 2D is a close up view of the pulley system.

In a third embodiment, an alternative form of pulley arrangement is used for keeping the wearer “snug” in a jacket by using separate pulling means, such as color-coded ribbons, to operate on the pulley mechanism so as to tighten or loosen the fit of the garment to the torso or the arms. Referring to FIG. 3A, there is seen an exemplary jacket 300 with pulley straps for self-dressing according to the third embodiment. Preferably, the jacket 300 comprises color-coded straps 301. In some embodiments, the straps 301 comprise a strap with blue tips for opening and a strap with red tips for closing. The straps 301 can comprise a magnet in a housing 303, which may be flat and inflexible. The jacket 300 may not have a front closure on point 305. The collar 307 and the cuffs 309 can be ribbed. The back side of the jacket 300 has a center back opening 311 that can be closed with the straps 301. The jacket 300 may be worn through the center back opening 311. The left layer 321 can be disposed on the right layer 323 in a closed configuration. The top portions of the two layers 321, 323 are connected with the collar 307. The lower portions of the two layers 321, 323 are separated, forming a center back opening 311. The straps 301 continues from a left side of a wearer to a right side of the wearer, passing through the longitudinal plane of the two layers 321, 323 and cross the back portion of the jacket 300. When the wearer pulls the strap 301 with blue tips away from the jacket 300, the back portion of the jacket 300 closes, and when the user pulls the strap 301 with the red tips away from the jacket 300, the back portion of the jacket 300 opens. The jacket 300 enables independent donning by people with generalized weakness and/or cognitive impairment. In a preferred embodiment, the jacket 300 is an insulated jacket. The jacket 300 can also be donned or doffed in a seated position. The sleeves are donned from the front with an opening in the back that is closed by pulling straps 301 in the front of the jacket. This embodiment can be used for individuals suffering from limited shoulder range of motion or limited dexterity, or for those who dress in a seated position.

In a preferred embodiment, the jacket can be donned with the following steps:

1. From a seated position, place the jacket on laps (the front facing down and the waist line closer to the body);

2. Loosen the straps as much as possible without pulling the straps (preferably color-coded straps) all the way out of the jacket;

3. Place the strap and collar over the head and allow the straps to fall to the middle of the back;

4. Reach aims forward to place arms in the sleeves;

5. Hold the same side straps in each hand and pull both straps (preferably color-coded straps) simultaneously forward and outward to close the back of the garment;

6. Place magnets in place above the pocket on each side of the jacket. Place remainder of strap in the pocket.

The jacket can be doffed with the following steps:

1. Remove the straps from the pocket and pull the magnet closure apart;

2. Grab sides of jacket with the same side hand and pull outward to loosen the strap in the back;

3. Pull the collar and back strap over the head to remove the garment.

Referring to FIG. 3B, there is seen an exemplary pulley system 350 used with the jacket 300. The pulley system 350 comprises a first belt 351, a second belt 361, a first channel 371, and a second channel 373. The first channel 371 can be located on a left back side of the jacket 300. The second channel 373 can be located on a right back side of the jacket 300. The first belt 351 and the second belt 361 run through the first channel 371 and the second channel 373, respectively. The first belt 351 can be secured to a first joint 367 on the left back side of the jacket near the first channel 371. The second belt 361 can be secured to a second joint 377 on the right back side of the jacket 300 near the second channel 373. Various techniques such as topstitching may be used to secure the belts 351, 361 to the respective joints 367, 377. The first belt 351 can be divided into a first portion 353 and a second portion 355 by the first joint 367. The second belt 361 can be divided into a first portion 363 and a second portion 365 by the second joint 377. When a wearer grabs the first portion 353 of the first belt 351 with his or her hand and pulls the first portion 353 forward and outward, the first joint 357 on the left back side of the jacket 300 is pulled away from the center back opening 311, opening the center back opening 311. When the wearer grabs the second portion 355 of the first belt 351 with his or her hand and pulls the second portion 355 forward and outward, the first joint 357 on the left back side of the jacket 300 is pulled toward the center back portion 311, closing the center back opening 311. The second belt 361 operates in the same way as the first belt 351 except for the second joint 377 secured on the light back side of the jacket 300 near the second channel 373. In one embodiment, each of the belts 351, 361 may range between thirty (30) to fifty (50) inches long with the first portions 353, 363 being fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) inches long and the second portions 355, 365 being fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) inches long. The two belts 351, 361 are disposed on the back side of the jacket 300 through the two channels 371, 373, with the two belts 351, 361 overlapping each other.

Referring to FIG. 3E, the sleeves of the jacket 300 are designed for a seated position using pintucking technique. Pintucks can be used to shape the sleeve creating ribbed effect.

Referring to FIGS. 3F and 3D-printed magnetic snaps can be used with the jacket 300. A pair of snaps is used to hold the red belt-straps in place. One snap is stitched onto the belt-strap, the other stitched onto the jacket 300. Preferably, a total of two pairs are used in the jacket 300. The magnetic snaps may be flat and rectangular to accommodate rectangular magnets that can easily slide in between the pulley system. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic snap have a housing in a cuboid shape with a height of 20-30 mm, a width of 25-40 mm, a depth of 2-10 mm, and a recess with a depth of 1-2 mm. See FIGS. 3L-3N. It can be placed onto a garment using hand-sewing techniques as the jacket can have little slit holes on each side. In one embodiment, one magnetic snap can be placed on a blue pulley and the other can be placed on a red pulley. When tugging the magnetic snaps in place to keep the waist cinched and the jacket closed for warmth, the magnetic snaps will align.

The magnetic snap placement on the pulley can be designed in consideration of a wearer's waist. If the magnetic snaps were placed too far into the jacket, it may not easily come out. On the other hand, if they were placed too close to the ends of the jacket hole, this reduces the amount of fabric that can be captured, therefore the jacket would not cinch well around the waist. The magnetic snap can be placed in a predetermined location on the waist to prevent ripping and providing best length for both snaps to snap together.

In a fourth embodiment, a pulley mechanism is used in conjunction with pleats in a garment for the lower body such as trousers or a skirt whereby the length of the garment made be adjusted in a way similar to that in which Venetian blinds may be raised or lowered in a window. Referring to FIG. 4, there is seen an exemplary collapsible pants 400 with pleats 403a, 403b according to this embodiment. This embodiment relates to collapsible pants with pleats that assist in toileting management by reducing fatigue with exertion for people with limited dexterity. The pants 400 comprise a waistband 401 with exposed elastic for independent donning by a user who may have disabilities. The pants 400 have front pockets 405, each of which houses a handle 402. The pants 400 can comprise lighting elements 404a, 404b, 406a, 406b. Preferably, each of the lighting elements 404a, 404b, 406a, 406b comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 407, module switches 423, an LED coupling 409, a Velcro® loop 411, a Velcro® hook 413, a POF (Plastic Optical Fiber) textile (or any LED fabric) 415, a POF bundle 417, and a wool and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) fabric 419. The lighting elements 404a, 404b, 406a, 406b may be configured to light up when the user's legs are angled at 90 or 180 degrees. This configuration motivates and encourages physical activities, including leg exercise. Preferably, the lighting elements can be snapped on to the pants 400. The snap connects the strap to the portion of the knee where it can detect a bending motion because of a PCB that has a gyroscope. The 90 degree angle in which the wearer bends the need will send signals to the PCB and microcontroller that will then light up the LED fabric, i.e., the POE

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary pull-up operation of the collapsible pants 400 with pleats 403a, 403b. The handle 402 can be disposed at around the thigh area of the pants 400 according to this embodiment. Drawstrings 501a, 501b can be attached to or pass through the handle 402 and continue to the lower sideseams of the distal end of the pants 400. When the user pulls up the handle 402, drawstrings 501a, 501b apply force to a lower end of the pleats to move up and to collapse. The drawstrings 501a, 501b can be connected to the handle 402 and to the cylindrical element 505 located near the lower end of the pleats 403a, 403b through circle rings 503a, 503b. Preferably, the circle rings 503a, 503b are disposed along the sideseams and inseams of the pants 400. The cylindrical elements 505 and the circle rings 503a, 503b hold the drawstring 501 in place. The pants 400 permit easy donning and doffing for mobility-impaired individuals and others.

In a fifth embodiment, a pulley mechanism is used in conjunction with pleats in a garment for a skirt whereby the length of the garment can be adjusted. In this embodiment, the skirt can be transformed to have an opening or vent in the back, to which a strap in the front side is connected so a user can hold the strap to maintain the position of the opening of the skirt. In a preferred embodiment, the skirt lifts from an elastic band that travels from the front around the waist connected to the back to make the backside of the human body exposed for easier toileting. In this embodiment, there are no closures on the skirt. The elastic “Z” band in the back allows for extra give around the waist, making it easier to put on and take off. The two pulleys, which are attached at the back seam and run to the front of the skirt, can be pulled using the tabs in the front, making the back panels cinch upwards. Clothing management during toileting poses potential challenges with hygiene. Specifically with skirts, an individual is required to hold the skirt in one hand out of the way, tuck it up in some capacity, or bring it to the floor. The skirt according to the fifth embodiment will secure the skirt hem up, out of the way, allowing the wearer two hands free to complete all toileting tasks (e.g. transferring onto and off of the toilet, perineal hygiene, etc.) without the worry of dirtying the wearer's clothing.

Referring to FIG. 6A, there is seen an exemplary transformative skirt 600 according to the fifth embodiment. This embodiment assists in the ease with clothing management during toileting using a pulley system that makes the fabric in the back of the skirt rise up like a curtain. In some embodiments, the skirt 600 has a substantial sewn-in weight to help skirt hem 601 fall smoothly. The skirt 600 comprises a pulley mechanism 603, whereby a user can transform the skirt 600 by opening the vent on the back side of the skirt 600. Preferably, the straps are hidden inside the skirt except for the portion to be grabbed by the user. The back side of the skirt 600 can comprise magnetic snaps 605. The user can pull a strap 607 in front of the user that is connected to the lower end part of the back side of the skirt 600 to maintain the open configuration of the skirt 600, while the user is using the toilet. The skirt 600 enables easy donning and doffing while providing modesty in closure, and allows easy access particularly by mobility-impaired individuals.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is seen an inside-out view of the skirt 600 according to one embodiment. The vent on the back of the skirt 600 allows for the back panels of the skirt to be pulled to waist level, exposing the wearer's backside. In one embodiment, there can be two pulleys 621, 623, which are attached to the back seam and run to the front of the skirt 600. By pulling the tabs in the front, the back panels cinch upwards. The tabs are connected to the bottom hem on the back of the skirt 600 through a channels formed through the waist lines and vertical back lines as shown in FIG. 6B.

In one embodiment, the pulley mechanism 603 operates as follows:

1. Make sure to put on the skirt in a safe position (either seated or standing). Simply place both legs through the top of garment and pull up to your waist level.

2. Prior to sitting on the toilet, pull the straps up until the magnets engage on the both the right and the left. The wearer's backside is now exposed.

3. Complete toileting without worrying about holding the skirt out of the way.

4. Once the wearer has finished on the toilet, the wearer can release the skirt by simply pulling the bottom hem away from the wearer's body. This can be done in a seated position or while standing. The skirt will return to its original position.

FIGS. 6C and 6D show the inner layer of the skirt according to another embodiment. In FIG. 6C, the wearer is grabbing a strap 631 that is connected to the bottom hem 633 of the skirt through a channel 635 formed diagonally from the bottom hem on the back of the skirt to an abdomen portion of the skirt. In FIG. 6D, the wearer's pulling on the strap transforms the skirt such that the vent on the back side of the skirt is open.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is seen a jacket designed for dressing instructional colored seams in the inside of the garment for self-dressing, especially for those who face difficulty distinguishing between left and right and with sequencing tasks. The garment has a curved open back designed to prevent pressure sores and easy access for people who have difficulty raising their arms above their heads.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is seen a wrap-skirt-pant ensemble that allows easy donning process (wearing on) when laying down in a supine position in the context of personal caregiving relationships.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, there is seen a housing 900 for magnets according to one embodiment. Magnets are useful in opening and closing a garment. Traditionally, magnet snaps for garments are manufactured using injection molding. However, previous magnet snaps in a garment could be attached to an undesired object (for example, a walker or a wheelchair) forcing a wearer to have to detach the magnet snaps to place them in the right place. The present disclosure provides a novel magnet housing 900 that prevents or minimizes unwanted attachment by the magnets. In one embodiment, the housing 900 can comprise a first body 901 and a second body 921. The bodies 901, 921 resemble the shape of a pork pie hat. The first body 901 comprises a rim portion 903 protruding in X-direction and a cylindrical portion 905 protruding in Y-direction. Preferably, the rim portion 903 and the cylindrical portion 905 are connected at a right angle. The rim portion 903 comprises a plurality of holes 911 in Y direction for sewing the first body 901 onto a garment. The cylindrical portion 905 can have a hollow portion 915 in the center and comprises a plurality of holes 913 in an inner wall of the cylindrical portion 905 toward the center of the cylindrical portion in X-direction, for housing a plurality of magnets. The second body 921 can comprise a rim portion 923 protruding in X-direction and a cylindrical portion 925 protruding in Y-direction. Preferably, the rim portion 923 and the cylindrical portion 925 are connected at a right angle. The rim portion 923 can comprise a plurality of holes 927 in Y-direction for sewing the second body onto a garment. The cylindrical portion 925 can comprise a plurality of holes 930 in X-direction toward the outer direction from the cylindrical portion 925, for housing a plurality of magnets. The size of the cylindrical portion 905 of the first body 901 and the size of the cylindrical portion 925 of the second body 921 are configured such that the cylindrical portion 925 of the second body 921 is disposed in the hollow portion 915 and that magnets disposed in the plurality of holes 930 of cylindrical portion 925 of the second body are attached to magnets disposed in the plurality of holes 913 of the cylindrical portion 905 of the first body 901. In other words, the first body 901 and the second body 921 interlocks with each other to form a firm link. The housing 300 can be manufactured with standard PLA (Polyactic Acid) material using 3D printing technology.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is seen a wrap shirt having the housing 900 with magnets shown in FIGS. 9A-9D according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the wrap shirt can be put on as follows:

1. The shirt is put on the same way as a wearer would put on a jacket, placing one arm through each sleeve then bringing it around to the front.

2. There are two interlocking magnet closures in the housing 900 to make sure the shirt stays closed. The inner one is located on the left side, simply place the two halves together and the wearer should feel them engage. The other is located in the front, toward the wearer's light side.

3. To remove the shirt, the wearer simply needs to pull the magnets apart and remove the wearer's arms from the sleeves.

What has been described above includes various exemplary aspects. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing these aspects, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the aspects described herein are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A garment configured for easy dressing and undressing by the physically disabled in the form of a wrap-around garment wherein when worn there is considerable overlap between the left front portion and a side front portion of the garment; the front portion and side portions are secured to each other by at least one magnetic fastener.

2. The garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the garment includes a portion that wraps around a shoulder wherein a flap attached to the back of the garment when worn by a wearer extends over the wearers shoulder and is secured to the front of the garment by at least one magnetic fastener.

3. The garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said magnetic fastener includes a pair of components one or more magnet being encased in a plastic matrix in each component of the pair, the opposing surfaces of each component of the pair of snaps being configured to “fit” with the other.

4. The garment as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first component of a pair of snaps comprises a cylindrical portion housing plurality of magnets, said cylindrical portion having a plurality of holes in its inner wall and the second component of the pair of snaps body comprises a cylindrical portion housing plurality of magnets, said cylindrical portion having a plurality of holes in its outer, the cylindrical portion of the second component being configured to fit into a hollow portion in the cylindrical portion of the first component such that the first component and the second component interlock with each other.

5. The garment as claimed in claim 1, having one or more sleeves, said sleeves having wide sleeve openings and dropped armholes to facilitate putting the garment on or taking it off.

6. The garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the garment is provided with one or more slits in the rear to make it easier for the user to get into or out of or sit in a wheel chair.

7. The garment as claimed in claim 1, made of cotton, jersey, a light weight breathable fabric.

8. The garment as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sleeve opening comprises a closing mechanism whereby the sleeve opening may be adjusted after the garment has been put on by the arm hole being closed by pulling on a ribbon attached to a pulley mechanism within the sleeve.

9. The garment as claimed in claim 8, wherein said pulley mechanism comprises at least one strap running within a channel sewn or otherwise fitted into the garment wherein said strap has magnets mounted on it and said channel has magnets mounted in it so that the strap may be pulled to result in magnets on the strap and magnets in the channel interacting with each other to result in a sleeve opening of the desired size.

10. The garment as claimed in claim 9, comprising two straps bearing magnets wherein each strap is of a different color, said straps being arranged so that pulling one will reduce the size of the sleeve opening and pulling the other will increase the size of the sleeve opening.

11. A garment configured for easy dressing and undressing by the physically disabled wherein the dimensions of a part of the garment may be adjusted by pulling on a ribbon attached to a pulley mechanism within the part whose dimensions are to be adjusted wherein said pulley mechanism comprises at least one strap running within a channel sewn or otherwise fitted into the garment wherein said strap has magnets mounted on it and said channel has magnets mounted in it so that the strap may be pulled to result in magnets on the strap and magnets in the channel interacting with each other to result in the desired adjustment of the dimension.

12. The garment as claimed in claim 11, comprising two straps bearing magnets wherein each strap is of a different color, said straps being arranged so that pulling one will reduce the dimension and pulling the other will increase the dimension.

13. The garment as claimed in claim 11, wherein the dimension corresponds to a wearer's waist size.

14. The garment as claimed in claim 11, wherein said channels are fitted into a pleated part of the garment.

15. The garment as claimed in claim 11, wherein the dimension corresponds to a desired skirt length.

16. A pair of magnetic snaps wherein a first component of a pair of snaps comprises a cylindrical portion housing plurality of magnets, said cylindrical portion having a plurality of holes in its inner wall and a second component of the pair of snaps body comprises a cylindrical portion housing plurality of magnets, said cylindrical portion having a plurality of holes in its outer, the cylindrical portion of the second component being configured to fit into a hollow portion in the cylindrical portion of the first component such that the first component and the second component interlock with each other.

17. A garment configured for easy use by the physically disabled which comprises a garment for the lower body having a plurality of horizontal pleats said garment being provided with a pulley mechanism comprising a drawstring operably linked to said pleats and a handle attached to the upper end of the drawstring wherein the pulley system used in conjunction with the pleats is operable to adjust the length of the garment.

18. The garment as claimed in claim 17 wherein the garment has one or more pockets and the handle attached to the upper end of the drawstring is located in a pocket.

19. The garment as claimed in claim 17 that is a pair of trousers configured such that when the drawstring is pulled, the lower end of each trouser leg is raised in a manner similar to the raising of a Venetian blind.

20. The garment as claimed in claim 17 wherein said operable linkage between the drawstring and the pleats is effected by the drawstring having a weight at its lower end and running through rings attached to one or more pleats.