Child clothing system

Abstract

 A child clothing system comprises an item of child's clothing (1) having a neck end (3) and a lower end (4), a front (2) and a back, and at least one panel (8) attached to the front of the item of clothing (1). The panel (8) is alterable between first and second configurations such that when the panel (8) is attached in the first configuration to the item of clothing (1) the panel (8) is configured to display indicia /11) to a child wearing the item of clothing (1), and when the panel (8) is attached in the second configuration the indicia (11) are hidden from view.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a child clothing system.

[0002] Children require frequent mental stimulation and entertainment, a need typically addressed through the provision of games and playthings. However, such items may often be lost and it would therefore be preferable for a child's playthings to be readily transportable and more secure.

[0003] Items of clothing have in the past been proposed to address this need, for example, US2005000001 discloses a pair of trousers to which various playthings may be attached and US2005278821 discloses an item of clothing to which puppets may be attached.

[0004] However, the prior art clothing has various drawbacks. For example, when a child wearing an item of play clothing is not using the item for playing it would be preferable for the item of clothing to appear as a normal item of clothing, particularly when the child is in public. Furthermore, for items of clothing comprising puppets it would be preferable for the item of clothing to allow the puppets to be securely retained.

[0005] The present invention seeks to address these issues.

[0006] According to the present invention there is provided a child clothing system comprising an item of child's clothing having a front with a neck end and a lower end, and at least one panel attached to the front of the item of clothing, characterized in that the panel is alterable between first and second configurations such that when the panel is attached in the first configuration to the item of clothing the panel is configured to display indicia to a child wearing the item of clothing, and when the panel is attached in the second configuration the indicia are hidden from view characterized in that the panel is alterable between first and second configurations without detaching the panel from the item of clothing.

[0007] The provision of a system wherein a panel is alterable between a configuration wherein the panel displays indicia to a child and a configuration wherein the indicia are hidden from view allows for the indicia to be selectively deployed. By allowing the panel to change between configurations without fully detaching the panel from the item of clothing the configurations may be rapidly moved between and the chances of the a panel being lost are reduced.

[0008] Preferably when the panel is in the second configuration the panel forms a pocket with the front of the item of clothing.

[0009] By forming a pocket with the front of item of clothing items such as toys or puppets may be retained within the pocket.

[0010] In some embodiments the child clothing system comprises at least one puppet. In one embodiment the puppets are attached to the panel.

[0011] Provision of puppets enhances the entertainment provided by the system.

[0012] In one embodiment the panel comprises first and second edges with at least one attachment means adjacent the first edge.

[0013] Preferably the item of clothing comprises first and second attachment means, the first attachment means being disposed nearer the neck end and the second attachment means being disposed nearer the lower end of the item of clothing, the first and second attachment means being adapted to engage with attachment means on the panel.

[0014] In one embodiment the first attachment means on the item of clothing comprises at least one button, press-stud or area of hook and loop fastener. In one embodiment the first attachment means on the item of clothing comprises a plurality of buttons, press-studs or areas of hook and loop fastener.

[0015] In one embodiment the second attachment means on the item of clothing comprises at least one button, press-stud or area of hook and loop fastener. In one embodiment the second attachment means on the item of clothing comprises a plurality of buttons, press-studs or areas of hook and loop fastener.

[0016] Preferably when the panel is in its second configuration attachment means adjacent the first edge of the panel is attached to the first attachment means on the item of clothing.

[0017] Preferably when the panel is in its first configuration attachment means adjacent the first edge of the panel is attached to the second attachment means on the item of clothing.

[0018] In some embodiments the item of clothing further comprises third attachment means disposed between the first and second attachment means on the item of clothing the third attachment means also being adapted to engage with attachment means on the panel.

[0019] In one embodiment the third attachment means on the item of clothing comprises at least one button, press-stud or area of hook and loop fastener. In one embodiment the third attachment means on the item of clothing comprises a plurality of buttons, press-studs or areas of hook and loop fastener.

[0020] In some embodiments the panel comprises at least one attachment means adjacent its second edge. Preferably when the panel is in both first and second configurations the attachment means adjacent the second edge of the panel is attached to the third attachment mean on the item of clothing.

[0021] In some embodiments the panel is releasably attachable to the item of clothing.

[0022] By making the panel releasably attachable to the item of clothing the panel may be readily replaced.

[0023] In some embodiments the panel is permanently attached to the item of clothing. In some embodiments the panel is permanently attached to the item of clothing adjacent the second edge of the panel.

[0024] By making the panel permanently attached to the item of clothing the panel is not readily lost.

[0025] In some embodiments the panel comprises means to attach to or house a panel cover.

[0026] In one embodiment the panel is substantially rectangular. Preferably the panel comprises means to attach to the item of clothing adjacent each corner of the rectangle.

[0027] Referring to the drawings, a specific embodiment will now be described by way of example.

Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of an item of clothing made in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a first side of a panel for use with the item of clothing of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows the second side of the panel of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows the panel of Figures 2 and 3 attached to the item of clothing of

Figure 1, with the panel in a first configuration;

Figure 5 shows the panel of Figures 2 and 3 attached to the item of clothing of

Figure 1, with the panel in a second configuration;

Figure 6 shows a second panel for use with the item of clothing of Figure 1, the panel incorporating a plurality of puppets;

Figure 7 shows the panel of Figure 6 attached to the item of clothing of Figure 1, the panel being in a first configuration;

Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, the item of clothing and panel comprising strips of hook and loop fastener;

Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, with the panel being permanently attached to the item of clothing;

Figure 10 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention wherein the panel is permanently attached to the item of clothing, and the panel comprises means to attach to a panel cover;

Figure 11 shows a first side of panel cover suitable for use with the embodiment shown in Figure 10; and

Figure 12 shows the panel cover of Figure 11 attached to the panel of the embodiment shown in Figure 10.

[0028] Referring to the Figures, a child clothing system comprises an item of child clothing 1, the item of clothing having a front 2 and a back (not shown). The item of clothing comprises a neck end 3 and a lower end 4. Neck end 3 is that end of the item of clothing that sits nearest to the child's neck when the item of clothing is in use and lower end 4 is that part that sits lowest on the child.

[0029] Item of clothing 1 comprises first attachment means 5 in the form of a pair of buttons 5a, 5b, third attachment means 6 in the form of a pair of buttons 6a, 6b, and third attachment means 7 in the form of a pair of buttons 7a, 7b.

[0030] It will be apparent that although in the present embodiment first, second and third attachment means 5, 6, 7 are in the form of pairs of buttons, any other suitable attachment means could be employed, for example press studs or hook and loop fastener.

[0031] First attachment means 5 is located nearest neck end 3 and second attachment means is located nearest lower end 4. Third attachment means 7 is located in between first and second attachment means 5, 6.

[0032] Turning to Figures 2 and 3, rectangular panel 8 has a first side 9 and a second side 10. First side 9 is of the same material or pattern as that of front 2, although it will be apparent that if desired first side 9 could be of a different material or pattern.

[0033] Second side 10 comprises various indicia 11, in the present instance a picture of a path through a forest to a house, although it will be apparent that any indicia could be employed.

[0034] Panel 8 further comprises first attachment means 12 in the form of buttonholes 12a, 12b adjacent first edge 13 of panel 8 and second attachment means 14 in the form of buttonholes 14a, 14b adjacent second edge 15 of panel 8.

[0035] Turning to figures 5 and 6 and panel 8 in use in combination with item of clothing 1, it can be seen that panel 8 is attachable to item of clothing 1 by means of buttons 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b in combination with buttonholes 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b.

[0036] In particular, buttonholes 14a, 14b of panel 8 may be respectively attached to buttons 7a and 7b. This results in panel 8 being alterable between two main configurations whilst still remaining attached to item of clothing 1.

[0037] The first configuration is shown in Figure 4, wherein along with buttons 7a, 7b being engaged with buttonholes 14a, 14b, buttons 6a, 6b are also respectively engaged with buttonholes 12a, 12b.

[0038] In this configuration the indicia 11 printed on second side 10 of panel 8 are visible to the child wearing item of clothing 1. Indeed, indicia 10 are positioned such that a child wearing item of clothing 1 has the correct view of the indicia (namely that the indicia are the correct way up for them to be played with or understood, which is of particular importance if the indicia comprise letters or words). Thus, it can be seen that panel 8 is adapted to display the indicia to a its wearer when the item is in use.

[0039] It is in this first configuration that the child may play and interact with the indicia. It will be noted that in the first configuration as shown in Figure 4, buttons 7a, 7b are not visible owing to a fold of material formed in panel 8.

[0040] The second configuration is shown in Figure 5, wherein along with buttons 7b, 7a being engaged with buttonholes 14a, 14b, buttons 5a, 5b are also respectively engaged with buttonholes 12a, 12b.

[0041] In this configuration the indicia 11 printed on second side 10 of panel 8 are not visible to the child wearing item of clothing 1. Instead, the first side 9 of panel 8 is visible. In this configuration item of clothing 1 appears as a normal item of clothing.

[0042] Thus, item of clothing 1 in combination with panel 8 may be altered between the first and second configurations depending upon whether or not the child is encouraged/allowed to play with the indicia on panel 8.

[0043] Further, a plurality of panels may be provided, each comprising different indicia. Panels may be changed and replaced depending upon the interests of the child or parents.

[0044] It will be apparent that in alternative embodiments attachment means 6 might be missing, such that panel 8 is not held in position when indicia 11 are in use, but it is believed that it is preferable to provide attachment means 6 in order that panel 8 remains in position.

[0045] Turning to Figure 6 and an alternative panel 16 for use with item of clothing 1, panel 16 comprises first edge 20, second edge 18 and indicia 21.

[0046] Panel 16 is provided with a plurality of puppets 17 attached by cords 19 to panel 16 first adjacent edge 18.

[0047] As can be seen in Figure 7, panel 16 may be deployed in a first configuration the same fashion as panel 8. Similarly, although not shown in the Figures, panel 16 may be moved into a second position, and in such a position puppets 17 may be housed in a pocket formed between panel 8 and front 2 of item of clothing 1.

[0048] Turning to a further embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 8, and a modification that may be employed in order to ensure that puppets 31 remain stored within the pocket formed between a panel 22 and front 25 of item of clothing 26. As with other panels, panel 22 comprises a first edge 30 and second edge 29.

[0049] Panel 22 may be provided with attachment means 23, presently in the form of hook and loop fastener strips 23a, 23b, adapted to correspond and attach to hook and loop fastener strips 24a, 24b on front 25 item of clothing 26.

[0050] Strips 23a and 23b are respectively located adjacent third edge 27 and fourth edge 28 of panel 22. In some embodiments a further strip of hook and loop fastener may be provided adjacent second edge 29, with a corresponding strip provided on front 25 of item of clothing 26.

[0051] It will be apparent that many configurations of attachment means could be employed so as to form a substantially sealed pocket between a panel and the front of an item of clothing so as to ensure that any puppets are retained within the pocket when the a child wearing the item of clothing is in transit.

[0052] Turning to Figure 7 and yet a further embodiment of the present invention, panel 32 is permanently attached to item of clothing 33 along edge 34. Panel 32 is alterable between first and second configurations as with the other embodiments described herein, although Figure 9 shows the panel in only its second configuration. One side of panel 32 bears indicia. Although this embodiment of the present invention is possible, it is not considered preferable, as it does not allow for the indicia to be changed.

[0053] Thus, for those embodiments wherein a panel is permanently attached to an item of clothing it is considered preferable for the panel to comprise means to attach to or house a cover bearing indicia. We turn to such an embodiment in Figures 10 to 12.

[0054] In this embodiment item of clothing 35 is permanently attached to panel 36 along edge 37. Panel 36 is alterable between first and second configurations as with the other embodiments described herein. However, panel 36 does not itself bear indicia, but comprises four press studs 38 that allow panel 36 to attach to panel cover 39 as shown in Figure 11, which comprises corresponding press stud fixtures 40 on its first side 41.

[0055] As can be seen in Figure 12, when panel cover 39 is attached to panel 36, first side 41 is not visible, but instead second side 42, bearing indicia 43 may be seen.

[0056] It will be apparent that a panel cover may readily be detached and replaced with an alternative cover bearing different indicia.

[0057] Although in this embodiment the panel comprises press-studs as means to attach to a panel cover it will be apparent that any means of attachment may be employed, or indeed any means of housing. For example, a panel might comprise a pocket adapted to house a sheet bearing indicia, with the pocket able to house interchangeable sheets bearing different indicia.

[0058] It will be appreciated that although in the present embodiments a pinafore is the item of clothing, any other suitable item of clothing might be subject to the present invention, for example a t-shirt or jumper.

[0059] It will be apparent that although in the present embodiments the item of clothing and the panel are both made of textile materials, other materials might be employed.

[0060] It will be apparent that although in the present embodiment only a single panel is ever attached to the item of clothing, in some embodiments a plurality of panels might be attached to the item of clothing in different positions and simultaneously.

[0061] The panel may of course be any appropriate shape.

[0062] Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A child clothing system comprising an item of child's clothing having a front with a neck end and a lower end, and at least one panel attached to the front of the item of clothing, characterized in that the panel is alterable between first and second configurations such that when the panel is attached in the first configuration to the item of clothing the panel is configured to display indicia to a child wearing the item of clothing, and when the panel is attached in the second configuration the indicia are hidden from view characterized in that the panel is alterable between first and second configurations without detaching the panel from the item of clothing.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein when the panel is in the second configuration the panel forms a pocket with the front of the item of clothing.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the panel comprises first and second edges with at least one attachment means adjacent the first edge.

4. The system of any preceding claim wherein the item of clothing comprises first and second attachment means, the first attachment means being disposed nearer the neck end and the second attachment means being disposed nearer the lower end of the item of clothing, the first and second attachment means being adapted to engage with attachment means on the panel.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the first and second attachment means on the item of clothing comprise at least one button, press-stud or area of hook and loop fastener.

6. The system of claim 4 or 5 wherein when the panel is in its second configuration attachment means adjacent the first edge of the panel is attached to the first attachment means on the item of clothing.

7. The system of any of claims 4 to 6 wherein when the panel is in its first configuration attachment means adjacent the first edge of the panel is attached to the second attachment means on the item of clothing.

8. The system of any of claims 4 to 7 wherein the item of clothing further comprises third attachment means disposed between the first and second attachment means on the item of clothing the third attachment means also being adapted to engage with attachment means on the panel.

9. The system of any of claim 8 wherein the panel comprises at least one attachment means adjacent its second edge and when the panel is in both first and second configurations the attachment means adjacent the second edge of the panel is attached to the third attachment means on the item of clothing

10. The system of any preceding claim wherein the panel is releasably attachable to the item of clothing.

11. The system of any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the panel is permanently attached to the item of clothing adjacent the second edge of the panel.

12. The system of any preceding claim wherein the panel comprises means to attach to a panel cover.

13. An item of clothing adapted for use with the system of any preceding claim.

14. A panel adapted for use with the system of any preceding claim.

15. A panel cover adapted for use with the system of claim 12.

Drawing