ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT HAVING MAGNETIC FASTENING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME

Abstract

A one-piece swimsuit has a tubular member having a first panel and second panel. The first panel extends to a lower edge having a first band portion. A flap portion is connected to the second panel and extends downwardly past the plane of the lower edge to an upper edge having a second band portion. The flap portion has an opened and closed position. The swimsuit includes a fastening system having first magnetic means for releasably fastening the flap portion in the closed position, and second magnetic means for releasably fastening the flap portion in the opened position. The first and second magnetic means include the first and second band portions respectively, a thin strip integrally coupled within each band portion, a plurality of magnetic elements, a plurality of spaced pockets attached to each strip for encasing each magnetic element, and a cover layer bonded to the strip.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A one-piece garment, comprising: a tubular member at least partially covering a torso of a wearer, the tubular member comprising a back portion and a front portion, the front portion comprising a first band portion at a lower edge of the front portion, the first band portion configured for extending transversely across an abdomen of the wearer; a flap portion extending downwardly from the rear portion of the tubular member, the flap portion having an opened position and a closed position, wherein the flap portion in the closed position forms a leg hole that comprises an upper apex and the first band portion is located above the upper apex, and an edge of the flap portion is secured behind an underside of the first band portion in the closed position; at least one first fastener for releasably fastening the flap portion in the closed position; and at least one second fastener in an upper portion of the back portion for releasably fastening the flap portion to the back portion in the opened position.

3. The one-piece garment of claim 2, wherein the at least one first fastener comprises a pair of complimentary magnetic assemblies including a first magnetic assembly integrally coupled to the front portion of the tubular member, and a second magnetic assembly integrally coupled to the flap portion.

4. The one-piece garment of claim 3 wherein the first magnetic assembly has a first thin flexible strip having magnetic properties integrally formed within the lower edge of the front portion of the tubular member.

5. The one-piece garment of claim 4, wherein the second magnetic assembly has a second thin flexible strip having magnetic properties integrally formed within the edge of the flap portion for fastening in the closed position the edge of the flap portion to the lower edge of the front portion of the tubular member.

6. The one-piece garment of claim 5, wherein the first and second strips provide overlapping engagement and attraction, such that the lower edge of the front portion of the tubular member overlaps and conceals the edge of the flap portion in the closed position.

7. The one-piece garment of claim 3, wherein the at least one second fastener comprises a third magnetic assembly having magnetic properties.

8. The one-piece garment of claim 7, wherein the second magnetic assembly is releasably engaged to the third magnetic assembly when the flap portion is in the opened position.

9. The one-piece garment of claim 2, wherein the at least one first fastener comprises at least one snap fastener.

10. The one-piece garment of claim 9, wherein the at least one snap fastener comprises a first snap fastener portion secured to the front portion and a second snap fastener portion secured to the flap portion, wherein the first snap fastener portion removably engages the second snap fastener portion to securely fasten the lower edge of the front portion to the edge of the flap portion when the flap portion is in the closed position.

11. The one-piece garment of claim 2, wherein the flap portion extends at least from an upper apex of a first leg hole to an upper apex of a second leg hole.

12. The one-piece garment of claim 2, wherein the one-piece garment is a swimsuit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0056] To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to a one-piece swimsuit for young girls having a strong, secure, inconspicuous, and water-resistant fastening system that provides for easy bathroom use while still comfortably conforming to a young girl's body, as described in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts in which:

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a child wearing a swimsuit having a fastening system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 2 is a perspective rear view of the child wearing the swimsuit having the fastening system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the swimsuit showing the fastening system including a first magnetic assembly for releasably fastening a flap portion in a closed position, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 4 is a perspective rear view of the swimsuit showing the fastening system including second and third magnetic assemblies for releasably fastening the flap portion in an opened position, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the first and second magnetic assemblies including a support element having a plurality of magnets attached thereto, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 5B is an exploded cross-sectional view of the support element of the first or second magnetic assembly taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 5C is an exploded cross-sectional view of the support element of the first magnetic assembly taken along line 5C-5C of FIG. 5A, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 5D is an exploded cross-sectional view of the support element of the second magnetic assembly taken along line 5D-5D of FIG. 5A, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 5E is an exploded plan view of the magnetic element encased within a plastic pocket, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the swimsuit of FIG. 3, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 7A is a side elevational view of the swimsuit of FIG. 3, shown in the closed position wherein the first magnetic assembly is aligned and releasably fastened on top of the second magnetic assembly, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 7B is a side elevational view of the swimsuit of FIG. 3, shown in the closed position wherein the second magnetic assembly is aligned and releasably fastened on top of the first magnetic assembly, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0069] FIG. 8 is a perspective rear view of the swimsuit including the flap portion in the opened position, wherein the second magnetic assembly is releasably fastened to the third magnetic assembly, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0071] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a garment 10, preferably a swimsuit, for wear by a female child. The purpose of which is to allow young girls to easily open and close the garment for convenient and efficient bathroom visits and diaper changes, while still providing a one-piece garment that offers maximum coverage and comfort.

[0072] Preferably, the swimsuit 10 is comprised of fabric material that is tight fitting, integrally coupled to the lining 100, and includes stretchable synthetic or synthetic blend material not limited to nylon, polyester, spandex, polyurethane and various blends thereof.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the swimsuit 10 is a one-piece garment that covers the entire torso 12, including the pelvis, abdomen and breasts, from the crotch 14 to the upper chest area 16. In its broadest context, the garment 10 includes a main body section 20 and a detachable crotch flap portion 50 removably fastened together by a strong, secure, and inconspicuous fastening system 70, which when fastened together forms leg openings 16. Preferably, the main body section 20 and flap portion 50 include a conventional fabric lining 100. When the swimsuit is properly applied, the child can swim, sunbathe, or engage in any activity or sport for which swimsuits are used. When the child has to use the bathroom, she does not have to remove the entire swimsuit. Rather, she just releases the fastening system 70 from the front of the swimsuit and swings the flap portion 50 down and between her legs and fastens the flap portion to the back of the swimsuit so it is completely out of the way (shown in FIG. 8).

[0074] The main body section 20 is a tubular configuration for enclosing the torso 12 of the child. The main section 20 includes a top edge 22 and a lower edge 24. At the top edge 22 of the main body section 20 are two arm openings 26 and a central opening 28 positioned therebetween. Two shoulder straps 30 are formed between the arm and central openings 26, 28. When the swimsuit is worn the child's head and neck are positioned through the central opening 28, while the arms fit through the arm openings 26.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the main body section 12 includes a first panel 32 and a second panel 34, which may be connected together at side seams 36, 38. Preferably, the first panel 32 covers the front of the child and the second panel 34 covers the back of the child. It should be noted that in other embodiments the first and second panels 32, 34 may be interchanged. The front panel 32 extends to the lower edge 24 that is approximately at hip level when the female child wears the swimsuit 10. The lower edge 24 of the main body section 12, along at least the front portion 32, includes a first band portion 40 extending from one hip to another across the abdomen of the child. Preferably, the first band portion 40 extends from one side seam to the other side seam 36, 38 and includes an interior area 40A defined between an underside and outer side 42, 44. The back portion 34 of the main body section 12 extends downwardly below the plane of edge 24 to form the crotch flap portion 50. The flap portion 50 includes a seat portion 52, which covers the buttocks area of the child, a narrow strip portion 54 which extends from the seat portion 52 and extends along the crotch area of the child, and a substantially wide triangular portion 56 adapted to cover the abdomen and pelvis area of the child. The seat, strip, and triangular portions 52, 54, 56 are configured such that when the swimsuit is worn by the child, the edges 58 will form leg openings 16 fitting relatively snuggly around the child's upper legs.

[0076] The triangular portion 56 has an upper edge 60, which includes a second band portion 62 having an interior area 62A defined between a top and bottom side 64, 66. The topside 66 of the second band portion 62 secures to the underside 42 of the first band portion 40 when the swimsuit is in a closed position (shown in FIG. 7A). In the closed position, the triangular portion 56 of the flap portion 50 covers the abdomen and pelvis regions.

[0077] A third band portion 110 may for aesthetic reasons extend from one side seam 36 to the other side seam 38 across the lower back of the child, such that the first and third band portions 40, 110 resemble one continuous band. For aesthetic purposes, the first, second, and third band portions 40, 62, 110, along with the top edge 22 and straps 30 of the main body are color coordinated.

[0078] The fastening system 70 includes two complimentary magnetic assemblies, including a first magnetic assembly 72A and a second magnetic assembly 72B, which cooperate with one another and are magnetically opposable to secure and releasably fasten opposing closure surfaces, namely the lower edge 24 and upper edge 60 of the swimsuit 10. The first and second magnetic assemblies 72A, 72B are concealed within the interior 40A, 62A of the first and second band portions 40, 62 respectively. The first magnetic assembly 72A, 72B is housed between the underside and outer side 42, 44 of the first band portion 40, adjacent the lower edge 24 of the front portion 32 of the swimsuit 10. The second magnetic assembly 72B is housed between the bottom side and topside 64, 66 of the second band portion 62, adjacent the upper edge 62 of the flap portion 50. Referring to FIG. 7A, the underside 42 of the first band portion 40 releasably secures transversely over the topside 66 of the second band portion 62 when the flap is in the closed position. The result is a fastening system 70 that is securely closed in a direction normal to the plane of engagement between the edges 24, 62.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 7B, a second embodiment is illustrated wherein the flap portion 50 is closed in an alternative configuration. Here, the bottom side 64 of the second band portion 62 releasably secures transversely over the outer side of the first band portion 40.

[0080] The fastening system 70 also includes a third magnetic assembly 72C, which is complimentary with the second magnetic assembly 72B, when the second magnetic assembly is disengaged from the first magnetic assembly. Referring to FIG. 8, the second and third magnetic assemblies are magnetically opposable to secure at least one portion 68 of the topside 66 of the second band portion 62 of the flap to the back portion 34 of the swimsuit 10 so that the flap is held up and out of the way.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 5A-SE, the first and second magnetic assemblies 72A, 72B are each housed within the interior 40A, 62A of the first and second bands 40, 62. Each of the first and second assemblies has a support element 74, preferably an elongated thin flexible strip or other like elastic, stretchable, or bendable fabric material. The support strip 74 includes a plurality of flat magnetic discs or other permanent magnets, or a strip or slab of magnetic material 76, secured thereto. Preferably, the magnetic material 76 is held within pockets 78, or envelope-like receptacles, which are secured to the support strip 74 in the first and second magnetic assemblies 72A, 72B. Alternatively the magnets may be sewn or glued directly onto the support strip.

[0082] The pockets 78 are formed from a top and bottom layer 78A, 78B of polyvinyl chloride plastic, which is heat sealed around the magnetic material 76, to create the pocket for securely housing the magnetic material therein. This configuration provides a waterproof casing for the magnets and provides a high resistance to potential corrosion.

[0083] The magnetic material can include any magnetic material, object or item that produces a magnetic field. This includes ceramics or metals, including, ferrites, cobalt, hematite, iron, nickel, carbon steel, stainless steel, and other known materials. Common non-limiting combinations include neodynium-iron-boron compounds, samarium-cobalt compounds, aluminum-nickel-cobalt compounds, manganese-aluminum compounds or other known mixtures thereof.

[0084] After the magnetic material is secured within the pocket 78, the pockets 78 are fastened directly onto the support strip 74. Preferably, the pockets 78 are sewn to the support strip 74 by stitching, or secured thereto by adhesive or any other known means. The pockets 78 and support strip 74 are then covered in a stabilizing cover layer 80, preferably a usable mesh material. The stabilizing cover layer 80 may be heat sealed, or ironed, to secure the stabilizing cover layer onto the support strip 74 and/or pockets 78 for adding a degree of stiffness and eliminating movement of the strip 74 within the interior of the band. In alternate embodiments, other known stabilizing elements and/or materials may be used.

[0085] The magnetic material 76 of the third magnetic assembly 72C is held within pocket 78. The pocket 78 is secured to the back portion 34 of the swimsuit, as shown in FIG. 8. Preferably, the magnetic material 76 housed within a polyvinyl chloride plastic pocket 78 and is secured between the lining 100 and back portion 34 of the swimsuit, substantially adjacent the upper edge 22 and substantially centered between 36, 38. In alternate embodiments, the picket 78 may be attached to any convenient area of the tubular member or flap portion.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 8 which illustrates the flap portion in the opened position. The flap portion is capable of folding backward and extending between the child's legs beneath the crotch of the child and securing at the third magnetic assembly at the back portion 34 of the swimsuit. In the opened position, the flap portion 50 exposes the bottom and buttocks of the child and provides the child the ability to use the bathroom without interference from the swimsuit.

[0087] Further fastening strength is provided in the swimsuit 10 by the inclusion of a pair of mechanical snap fasteners 90 coupled to the free ends 40B, 62B of the first and second bands 40, 62 respectively. The connection between the snap fasteners insures that the free ends 40B, 62B of the first and second bands 40, 62 remain aligned in position when the swimsuit is adorned and the first and second magnetic assemblies are 72A, 72B are opposably secured. Preferably, the snap fasteners 90 include closures having a female member 92 and male member 94. Preferably, at least one female member 92 is sewn by stitching to each free end 40B at the underside 42 of the first band portion 40. Preferably, at least one male member 94 is sewn by stitching to each free end 62B of the topside 66 of the second band portion 62. The snap fasteners may include any clasp or fastener that closes with a click, or other like sharp sound, including but not limited to post-style snaps, snaps, and grip snaps.

[0088] Magnets useful in the present invention have a specific polarization or the magnets must be polarized for purposes of joining the magnetic assemblies of the present invention. A positively polarized magnet from the one magnetic assembly must meet a negatively polarized magnet from a cooperating magnet assembly for joining to take place. In the preferred embodiment, a positively polarized magnet from the first or third magnetic assembly must meet a negatively polarized magnet magnetic field strength from of substantially equal magnetic assembly for joining to take place. Thus if a positively polarized magnet from one magnetic assembly meets a positively polarized magnet from the other magnetic assembly, the magnets will repel one another and the bands will not close. Similarly, if a positively polarized magnet from a first or third magnetic assembly meets a negatively polarized magnet from the cooperating second magnetic assembly that has significantly greater or lesser magnetic field strength, the assemblies will not join or they may join but not remain joined for the length of time necessary. Substantially equal magnetic field strength shall mean magnetic field strength values in the same approximate range so that the oppositely charged magnets will attract each other, join and stay joined until releasably disengaged by the child wearing the swimsuit.

[0089] It should be noted that the positively and negatively polarized magnets are interchangeable, as long as opposite polarization is obtained between mating assemblies.

[0090] It should be noted that the preferred embodiment describes a swimsuit garment for wear by a young girl for illustrative purposes. Other like one-piece garments, non-limiting to body suits and leotards are also contemplated. In addition, all of these garments can be worn by infants, children, and adults, as well as men and women alike.

[0091] In other embodiments, an attractive magnetic force can be produced between a magnet and a magnetically susceptible material, such as iron, incorporated within the opposite mating assembly from the magnet.

[0092] It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention.

[0093] While only one preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations, which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.