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(11) | EP 1 961 318 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Convertible Garment |
| (57) A convertible garment (10) comprising: a sheet member (12) adapted to provide an
apron member; and first fastening means (20) which, when engaged, substantially converts
the apron member to form an enclosure.
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[0001] The present invention relates to convertible garments. In particular, the invention relates to a garment having a first purpose and worn by a care giver which is transferable to the child and thereafter has a second purpose.
[0002] It is known to provide an apron which is worn by a care giver, such as a parent, guardian or care worker, which has a number of toys or symbols fastened to the outer front surface of the apron. Some of the toys are detachable while others are not. The garment provides a play area and playthings to entertain a small child under the direct supervision of the care giver. Also known are other garments such as scarves, T shirts or arm bands which again include playthings for stimulating the child.
[0003] It is also known to provide sleeping bags for babies and small children. These are a popular choice by parents, one reason being that the covering cannot be thrown or kicked off during sleep. Typically, the sleeping bag includes fastening means that prevent the baby from sliding down into the bag which would present a risk of suffocation.
[0004] It is common for babies and infants to fall asleep while close to, or being cradled by, the care giver. The baby will often then be lying asleep on the care giver's chest. It can then be awkward to move the child to apply a warm protective covering, and the movement and change in temperature during this task can wake the baby. Also, in this position, the care giver's freedom of movement is restricted.
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a convertible garment comprising:
a sheet member adapted to provide an apron member; and
first fastening means which, when engaged, substantially converts the apron member to form an enclosure.
[0006] The term "apron member" is intended to cover any substantially continuous panel member which, when worn by a first user, substantially covers the chest area of the first user.
[0007] Preferably the convertible garment is adapted for use by a care giver. Preferably the apron member comprises an absorbent material such that the apron member provides a bib member.
[0008] Preferably the apron member includes a play panel having one or more playthings or symbols arranged at the play panel. Preferably one or more of the playthings or symbols are detachable. Preferably the outer surface of the play panel and the attachment surface of the detachable playthings or symbols include attaching means such as Velcro™. Preferably the outer surface of the play panel includes the relatively soft Velcro™ eyes and the attachment surface of the detachable playthings or symbols includes the relatively hard Velcro™ hooks.
[0009] Preferably the apron member includes one or more devices arranged at the play panel. Preferably one or more devices are musical. Preferably one or more devices are provided between the sheet member and the play panel. Preferably one or more devices include an operating member provided at the outer surface of the play panel. The operating member may graphically represent a musical instrument or a musical note or the like.
[0010] The play panel may be substantially square or rectangular, or it may be have the profile of an object such as a teddy bear head or an animal or the like. The play panel may include artwork in one or more colours.
[0012] In a first embodiment, preferably the neck opening comprises an interior aperture of the sheet member. Preferably the neck opening is located in a substantially central region of the sheet member such that the sheet member, when worn by the first user, defines a tabard member having a front panel member and a back panel member. Preferably tie members are provided for securing the front panel member and the back panel member when worn by the first user.
[0013] Preferably the enclosure has at least one open end. Preferably the first fastening means is provided along one longitudinal edge of the sheet member, most preferably along both longitudinal edges of the sheet member.
[0015] Preferably the first fastening means includes an interval provided at the central region of each longitudinal edge of the sheet member. Preferably the convertible garment includes second fastening means provided at each interval such that the convertible garment includes two arm openings when the first fastening means and second fastening means is engaged.
[0017] Preferably the tabard member comprises a substantially continuous sheet. Alternatively, the tabard member comprises two sheets which are detachably connected by the second fastening means.
[0018] Preferably first fastening means is also provided along one adjacent edge of the sheet member such that, when engaged, the apron member forms an enclosure having a closed end. Preferably the open end is provided by the neck opening.
[0019] Preferably the first fastening means comprises a zip member. Alternatively, the first fastening means comprises a substantially continuous strip of Velcro™. Alternatively, the first fastening means comprises a plurality of discrete fasteners, such as snap fasteners, individual Velcro™ tabs, ties, buttons or the like.
[0020] Pulling means may be provided to assist with pulling the back panel member upwards when the convertible garment is worn by the first user. The pulling means may comprise one or more ties connected to the adjacent edge of the back panel member. The pulling means may comprise one or more shoulder guides.
[0021] In a second embodiment, preferably the convertible garment includes at least one longitudinal member extending from an adjacent edge of the sheet member. Preferably the longitudinal member is adapted to loop around and third fastening means is provided to fasten the longitudinal member to the sheet member to define the neck opening. Preferably the third fastening means is detachable. Alternatively, the longitudinal member may comprise a tie member.
[0022] Preferably the apron member includes a recess provided at an adjacent edge of the apron member. Preferably the apron member is foldable or rollable. Preferably the apron member is pliable such that the apron member in a folded or rolled state remains in this state. Preferably the apron member may be folded or rolled from the adjacent edge opposite to the recess and then substantially contained within the recess. In this embodiment, the pliability of the apron member provides the first fastening means and folding or rolling the apron member into the recess forms the enclosure.
[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a convertible garment which may be transferred from a first user to a second user, the method comprising:
providing a sheet member adapted to provide an apron member;
providing means for transferring the convertible garment from the first user to the second user; and
providing first fastening means which, when engaged, substantially converts the apron member to form an enclosure.
[0025] Preferably the convertible garment is adapted for use by a care giver. Preferably the method includes forming the apron member from an absorbent material such that the apron member provides a bib member.
[0026] Preferably the apron member includes a play panel having one or more playthings or symbols arranged at the play panel. Preferably one or more of the playthings or symbols are detachable. Preferably the outer surface of the play panel and the attachment surface of the detachable playthings or symbols include attaching means such as Velcro™. Preferably the outer surface of the play panel includes the relatively soft Velcro™ eyes and the attachment surface of the detachable playthings or symbols includes the relatively hard Velcro™ hooks.
[0027] Preferably the method includes forming a neck opening within the plane of the sheet member. Preferably the neck opening comprises an interior aperture of the sheet member. Preferably the neck opening is located in a substantially central region of the sheet member such that the sheet member, when worn by the first user, defines a tabard member having a front panel member and a back panel member. Preferably tie members are provided for securing the front panel member and the back panel member when worn by the first user.
[0028] Preferably the method includes providing the first fastening means along one longitudinal edge of the sheet member, most preferably along both longitudinal edges of the sheet member such that the convertible garment, when transferred to the second user, is convertible to form a sleeping bag.
[0029] Preferably the method includes providing an interval of the first fastening means at the central region of each longitudinal edge of the sheet member. Preferably the method includes providing second fastening means at each interval such that the convertible garment includes two arm openings when the first fastening means and second fastening means is engaged such that the convertible garment, when transferred to the second user, is convertible to form a baby sleeping bag.
[0030] Preferably the first fastening means comprises a zip member. Alternatively, the first fastening means comprises a substantially continuous strip of Velcro™. Alternatively, the first fastening means comprises a plurality of discrete fasteners, such as snap fasteners, individual Velcro™ tabs, ties, buttons or the like.
[0031] Preferably the method includes providing pulling means to assist with transferring the convertible garment to the second user. Preferably the pulling means assists with pulling the back panel member upwards when the convertible garment is worn by the first user. The pulling means may comprise one or more ties connected to the adjacent edge of the back panel member. The pulling means may comprise one or more shoulder guides.
[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a convertible garment as an (a) apron member and a (b) baby sleeping bag;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a variation of the first embodiment of Figure 1 as an (a) apron member and a (b) baby sleeping bag;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of another variation of the first embodiment of Figure 1 as an (a) apron member and a (b) baby sleeping bag;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of another variation of the first embodiment of Figure 1 as an (a) apron member and a (b) baby sleeping bag;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a convertible garment as an (a) apron member, (b) in an intermediary state, and as a (c) packed garment; and
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a variation of the second embodiment of Figure 5 as an apron member.
[0033] Figure 1 shows a convertible garment 10 which comprises a sheet member 12 which forms a tabard having a front panel 14 and a back panel 16. The front panel 14 provides an apron member.
[0034] The sheet member 12 includes a neck opening 18 within the plane of the sheet member 12. The neck opening 18 comprises an interior aperture of the sheet member 12. In this embodiment, the sheet member 12 comprises two sheets which are detachably connected by second fastening means in the form of Velcro ™ tabs 22. However, the tabard may be formed from a continuous sheet having a cut out aperture.
[0035] The neck opening 18 is located in a central region of the sheet member 12 to define the front and back panels of the tabard. Tie members 24 are provided for securing the front panel 14 to the back panel 16 when worn by a first user.
[0036] The convertible garment 10 also includes first fastening means in the form of a zip 20. The zip 20 is provided along each longitudinal edge 30, 32 and also the adjacent edge 34 of each of the front and back panels of the sheet member 12 in a continuous manner. When the zip 20 is closed, the sheet member 12 is converted to form an enclosure. This enclosure has an open end and a closed end and thus defines a sleeping bag.
[0037] A break or interval 36 is provided at the central region of each longitudinal edge 30, 32 of the sheet member 12. Therefore, the zip 20 does not close the edges 30, 32 all the way round to the neck opening 18. The Velcro™ tabs 22 are located at each interval so that the convertible garment 10 includes two arm openings 19 when the zip 20 and the tabs 22 are fastened. The sheet member 12 is therefore convertible from an apron to form a baby sleeping bag and this is shown in Figure 1 (b).
[0038] The convertible garment 10 is primarily intended for use by a care giver, such as a parent, guardian or care worker. The apron comprises an absorbent material so as to provide functionality as a bib.
[0039] In use, a first user, such as the care giver, wears the convertible garment 10 as an apron. The child can be cradled by the care giver or be positioned on the care giver's knee and the apron will act as a bib to protect the clothing of the care giver. The child may then fall asleep, resting on the apron in the chest area of the care giver.
[0040] The care giver may then, without substantially moving the child, pull the back panel 16 upwards and over the head of the care giver in the direction of arrow A in Figure 1 (a), thus removing the apron. Or, if preferred, the Velcro™ tabs 22 can be unfastened to detach the back panel 16 from the front panel 14. Either way, the back panel 16 can then be draped over the child, and the Velcro™ tabs 22 reattached and the zip 20 closed such that the child's arms extend from the arm openings 19. The child is then safely positioned in the baby sleeping bag.
[0041] Pulling means (not shown) may be provided to assist with pulling the back panel member upwards and over the head of the care giver. This could comprise a tie which is connected to the bottom edge of the back panel 16, the tie being pulled downwards from the front. A shoulder guide (not shown) may be provided to ensure that downward pulling of the tie from the front results in upward movement of the back panel 16.
[0042] Figure 2 shows a variation in which discrete snap fasteners 26 are used for both the second fastening means and for securing the front panel 14 to the back panel 16 when worn by as an apron. A zip 20 is still provided for converting to a sleeping bag.
[0043] Cradling of the child, or the child playing on the care giver's knee, promotes bonding between the care giver and child. To encourage this, Figure 3 shows a variation in which the front panel 14 includes a play panel 40 having a number of playthings 42 and symbols 44 arranged on the play panel 40. Some or all of these can be detachable using Velcro™ or any other suitable means. The outer surface of the play panel 40 can be formed from the relatively soft Velcro™ eyes while the attachment surface of the detachable playthings 42 or symbols 44 can be formed from the relatively hard Velcro™ hooks.
[0044] Musical devices (not shown) can also be arranged at the play panel, such as sewn into the lining of the play panel 40. The devices could include an operating member provided at the outer surface of the play panel 40. The operating member could graphically represent a musical instrument such as a musical keyboard or a musical note or a horn or rattle or the like.
[0045] The play panel 40 may have any shape. Figure 4 shows a variation of this embodiment in which the play panel 40 has the profile of a teddy bear head. The play panel 40 also includes multicoloured artwork (not shown).
[0046] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the convertible garment 10 is formed from a single sheet defining the front panel 14. A longitudinal member or wrap 50 extends from one shoulder region of the front panel 14 and loops around before fastening to the other shoulder region of the front panel 14 using third fastening means in the form of Velcro™ tabs 22. This defines the neck opening 18. Thus the front panel 14 again functions as an apron. Ties 24 are again provided in a waist region of the front panel 14 although they are longer to allow wrapping around the waist of the user.
[0047] The front panel 14 includes a recess or pocket 52 provided at a bottom edge of the front panel 14. The material of the convertible garment 10 is pliable so that the apron member can be folded or rolled starting at the top edge and then packed into the pocket 52 as shown in Figure 5 (c).
[0048] In this embodiment, the pliability of the apron member provides the first fastening means as the folded or rolled front panel 14 will be secured and remain within the pocket 52 due to tight packing. The dimensions of the pocket 52 are selected to ensure this tight packing. The pocket 52 defines the enclosure.
[0049] The convertible garment 10 can be packed and readily carried, such as during travelling. It is also possible to leave the ties 24 extending outwards from the pocket 52, due to their location lower down at the waist region, and the ties 24 can be used to tie the packed garment 10 around the user's waist. Closing means in the form of Velcro™ strips 54 are provided for closing the pocket 52. This closing means still allows the ties 24 to extend outwards from the pocket 52. Although not shown, the front panel 14 may include a play panel.
[0050] Figure 6 shows a variation in which the convertible garment 10 includes a back panel 16 similar to the first embodiment. Also Velcro™ tabs 56 are used to secure the front panel 14 to the back panel 16 at the waist region. The front panel 14 includes a play panel 40 and the pocket 52 can be utilized for storing the playthings and symbols.
[0051] Whilst specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments may still fall within the scope of the present invention. For instance, it is conceivable that the invention may have applications other than for care givers and children. For instance, the garment could function as a protective apron for medical workers which can be transferred to the patient to act as, say, a wound covering or protective blanket for a patient. In such case, the apron may be formed from a sterile dressing material.
1. A convertible garment comprising:
a sheet member adapted to provide an apron member; and
first fastening means which, when engaged, substantially converts the apron member to form an enclosure.
2. A convertible garment as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the apron member includes a play
panel having one or more playthings or symbols arranged at the play panel.
3. A convertible garment as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the apron member includes one
or more musical devices arranged at the play panel.
4. A convertible garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sheet member
includes a neck opening within the plane of the sheet member.
5. A convertible garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the enclosure has
at least one open end, and wherein the first fastening means is provided along one
or both longitudinal edge of the sheet member.
6. A convertible garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apron member
is convertible to form a sleeping bag.
7. A convertible garment as claimed in Claim 5 or 6, wherein the first fastening means
includes an interval provided at the central region of each longitudinal edge of the
sheet member, and wherein the convertible garment includes second fastening means
provided at each interval such that the convertible garment includes two arm openings
when the first fastening means and second fastening means is engaged.
8. A convertible garment as claimed in any of Claims 5 to 7, wherein first fastening
means is also provided along one adjacent edge of the sheet member such that, when
engaged, the apron member forms an enclosure having a closed end.
9. A convertible garment as claimed in any preceding claim, including at least one longitudinal
member extending from an adjacent edge of the sheet member, the longitudinal member
being adapted to loop around, and wherein third fastening means is provided to fasten
the longitudinal member to the sheet member to define the neck opening.
10. A method of forming a convertible garment which may be transferred from a first user
to a second user, the method comprising:
providing a sheet member adapted to provide an apron member;
providing means for transferring the convertible garment from the first user to the second user; and
providing first fastening means which, when engaged, substantially converts the apron member to form an enclosure.