Multifunctional Labor Support Gown

Abstract

The multifunctional labor gown intents to provide users with a garment or a labor gown, that mothers can wear for labor and delivery. Targeted at hospital patients, the garment is versatile and adapts to the different stages of labor, medical interventions, and labor support techniques. To accomplish this, the garment includes multiple detachable fabric pieces, connected by a plurality of fasteners. Further, various layers of fabric panels are designed in an overlapping fashion to provide both coverage as well as access for medical intervention. Moreover, the garment is suitable for all births, whether at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital. Additionally, the garment's unique design allows users to wear the garment in different ways. Thus, the multifunctional labor gown is a transforming labor gown that accommodates the needs and wants of the patient while meeting the requirements of the medical staff providing care.

Claims

1. A multifunctional labor gown, comprising: a first piece; a second piece; a plurality of fasteners; a plurality of strings; the first piece comprising a plurality of shoulder straps and a bodice; the second piece comprising a plurality of overlapping panels, a first end and a second end; the plurality of fasteners comprising a first fastener, a second fastener, and a third fastener; the first piece being detachably connected to the second piece, along the first end; the first fastener being integrated between the first piece and the second piece; the second fastener being integrated across the plurality of shoulder straps; the third fastener being integrated centrally along a length of the bodice; the plurality of strings being attached along the first end of the second piece; and the plurality of overlapping panels extending from the second end towards the first end, wherein the first end is positioned opposite to the second end across the second piece.

2. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 1, the plurality of overlapping panels comprising: a first panel and a second panel; the first panel comprising a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, wherein the first lateral edge is positioned opposite to the second lateral edge across the first panel; the second panel comprising a third lateral edge and a fourth lateral edge, wherein the third lateral edge is positioned opposite to the fourth lateral edge across the second panel; the first edge of the first panel and the third edge of the second panel together creating a first overlap; and the second edge of the first panel and the fourth edge of the second panel together creating a second overlap.

3. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 2, wherein a first terminal edge of the first panel and a second terminal edge of the second panel together delineating the first end of the second piece.

4. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 2, wherein the second piece is in a wrapped configuration: the first end being configured into a circular pattern; the first overlap being positioned opposite to the second overlap, across the second piece; and the plurality of strings being tied.

5. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 2, wherein the second piece is in an expanded configuration: the first lateral edge being positioned away from the third lateral edge, thereby disengaging the first overlap; the first end of the second piece being extended; and the plurality of strings being untied.

6. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 1, wherein the second fastener is unfastened, the second fastener detaching each of the plurality of shoulder straps into a plurality of sections.

7. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of eyelet openings; the plurality of eyelet openings traversing through the second piece, adjacent the second end.

8. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 1, wherein the second fastener is a hook and loop fastener.

9. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 1, wherein the third fastener is unfastened, the third fastener detaching the bodice centrally along a longitudinal axis.

10. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 1, wherein the third fastener is a zipper.

11. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 1, wherein during a gown mode: the first fastener is fastened; and the first piece is connected to the second piece.

12. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 1, wherein during a detached mode: the first fastener is unfastened; and the first piece is detached from the second piece.

13. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 1, wherein terminal edges of the second piece are ruffled.

14. A multifunctional labor gown, comprising: a first piece; a second piece; a plurality of fasteners; a plurality of strings; the first piece comprising a plurality of shoulder straps and a bodice; the second piece comprising a first panel, a second panel, a first end and a second end; the plurality of fasteners comprising a first fastener, a second fastener, and a third fastener; the first piece being detachably connected to the second piece, along the first end; the first fastener being integrated between the first piece and the second piece; the second fastener being integrated across each of the plurality of shoulder straps; the third fastener being integrated centrally along a length of the bodice; the plurality of strings being attached along the first end of the second piece; the first panel comprising a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, wherein the first lateral edge is positioned opposite to the second lateral edge across the first panel; the second panel comprising a third lateral edge and a fourth lateral edge, wherein the third lateral edge is positioned opposite to the fourth lateral edge across the second panel; the first edge of the first panel and the third edge of the second panel together creating a first overlap; and the second edge of the first panel and the fourth edge of the second panel together creating a second overlap.

15. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 14, wherein the second piece is in a wrapped configuration: the first end being configured into a circular pattern; the first overlap being positioned opposite to the second overlap, across the second piece; and the plurality of strings being tied.

16. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 14, wherein the second piece is in an expanded configuration: the first lateral edge being positioned away from the third lateral edge, thereby disengaging the first overlap; the first end of the second piece being extended; and the plurality of strings being untied.

17. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 14, wherein the second fastener is unfastened, the second fastener detaching each of the plurality of shoulder straps into a plurality of sections.

18. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 14, wherein the third fastener is unfastened, the third fastener detaching the bodice centrally along a longitudinal axis.

19. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 14, wherein during a gown mode: the first fastener is fastened; and the first piece is connected to the second piece.

20. The multifunctional labor gown of claim 14, wherein during a detached mode: the first fastener is unfastened; and the first piece is detached from the second piece.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a top-front perspective view of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the present invention, wherein a first piece is separated from a second piece.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the present invention, wherein the first piece is separated from the second piece.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of the first piece, wherein a second fastener is unfastened.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a top front perspective view of the present invention, wherein the second piece is partially detached from the first piece.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the present invention, wherein a first panel is raised to depict a second overlap of the second piece.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view, wherein the plurality of strings is tied around a first end of the second piece.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the second piece in an expanded configuration.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0015] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 9, the present invention is a multifunctional labor gown. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a garment or a labor gown, that mothers can wear for labor and delivery. Targeted at hospital patients, the present invention is versatile and adapts to the different stages of labor, medical interventions, and labor support techniques. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises multiple detachable fabric pieces, connected by a plurality of fasteners. Further, various layers of fabric panels are designed in an overlapping fashion to provide both coverage as well as access for medical intervention. Moreover, the present invention is suitable for all births, whether at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital. Additionally, the present invention's unique design allows it to be worn in different ways, and it can transform to meet the demands of each stage of labor and medical intervention. Thus, the present invention is a transforming labor gown that accommodates the needs and wants of the patient while meeting the requirements of the medical staff providing care.

[0016] The following description is in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 9. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a first piece 1, a second piece 2, a plurality of fasteners 3, and a plurality of strings 4. Preferably, the first piece 1 constitutes an upper part of the garment and the second piece 2 constitutes a lower part of the garment. In the preferred embodiment, the first piece 1 and the second piece 2 are made of fabric that may be soft, stretchy, and quick drying. Further, the fabric may be a double-brushed poly stretch jersey knit in multiple patterns and colors. In some other embodiments, the fabric's colors and patterns can be chosen to camouflage blood and body fluids associated with the birth process. Furthermore, unlike traditional hospital gowns, the present invention may be of multiple sizes, to provide a custom fit for the mother. However, the first piece 1 and the second piece 2 may comprise any material, color, shape, components, arrangement of components etc., as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment, the first piece 1 comprises a plurality of shoulder straps 5 and a bodice 6. In other words, the top piece 1 of the garment comprises a comfortable bra portion with straps. The second piece 2 is designed to cover the lower portion of the patient's body from the waist down and includes wrap flaps with a front panel and a back panel. Accordingly, the second piece 2 comprises a plurality of overlapping panels 7, a first end 2a and a second end 2b. In other words, the bottom piece of the garment comprises a wrap model skirt portion made or two overlapping panels. Preferably, the first end 2a constitutes an upper end of the second piece 2, and the second end 2b constitutes the lower end of the second piece 2.

[0018] As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 9, the first piece 1 is detachably connected to the second piece 2, along the first end 2a. In other words, in the preferred embodiment, the first piece 1 and the second piece 2 may be connected together to make a single gown or a frock like garment and may be detached to two separate garment pieces as per the demand, convenience, or requirement of the user.

[0019] According to the preferred embodiment, the plurality of fasteners 3 comprises a first fastener 8, a second fastener 9, and a third fastener 10. In order to attach the first piece 1 to the second piece 2, the first fastener 8 is integrated between the first piece 1 and the second piece 2. As seen in FIG. 4 through FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, the first fastener 8 comprises a plurality of snap buttons distributed between terminal edges of the first piece 1 and the second piece 2. However, the first fastener 8 may comprise any other fastener, size, shape, location etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention fulfilled. Examples of such fasteners include, but are not limited to zippers, hook and loop fasteners, hooks, buttons etc.

[0020] It is an objective of the present invention, to accommodate the needs and wants of the patient while meeting the requirements of the medical staff providing care. To that end, the second fastener 9 is integrated across the plurality of shoulder straps 5. This is so that, a fastener closure or the second fastener 9 (e.g., a hook-and-loop fastener) at the shoulder may accommodate IV tubing and allow quick and easy removal of the first piece 1 as needed. Thus, as seen in FIG. 5, the second fastener 9 may detach each of the plurality of shoulder straps 5 into a plurality of sections, according to the need and convenience of the user and the medical team. Further, the second fastener 9 allows for a strap long enough for the individual wearer to customize the amount of support provided, by adjusting the tension on the strap. As seen in FIG. 7, the second fastener 9 comprises hook and loop fastener. However, the second fastener 9 may comprise any other size, shape, fastening techniques, location etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

[0021] A front-zipped comfort bra that opens easily using a complete-release zipper while the patient is lying down, facilitates skin-to-skin contact with a newborn immediately after delivery. To accomplish this, the third fastener 10 is integrated centrally along a length 6a of the bodice 6. Accordingly, by completely unfastening the third fastener 10, the bodice 6 may be detached into two sections. In other words, wherein the third fastener 10 is unfastened, the third fastener 10 detaches the bodice 6 centrally along a longitudinal axis 10a. As clearly seen in FIG. 5, the third fastener 10 is a zipper in the preferred embodiment, but any other fastener, and location that does not hinder with the intents of the present invention may be used for the third fastener 10. Further, as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, a ruched or gathered design at the zipper point creates a flattering style to the garment. According to the present invention, the bottom portion or the second piece 2 may be removed outright from the first piece 1 or transformed into a sarong-style skirt. In some embodiments, this may allow the entire lower half of the outfit to detach from the bodice 6 using color-coded snaps. In other words, the present invention can be worn in two separate pieces, independent of the bodice 6 or lower wrap. To that end, the second piece 2 of the present invention has the plurality of strings 4 being attached along the first end 2a of the second piece 2. In other words, the bottom portion can include ties or straps, and the plurality of overlapping panels 7 of the second piece 2 can transform into a sarong skirt. Further, in this configuration, the abdomen may be exposed but the first piece 1 and the second piece 2 provide coverage on the top and bottom portions of the patient. Further, the plurality of strings 4 may allow adjustment to provide a custom fit for individual wearers. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a plurality of eyelet openings 4a traversing through the second piece 2. As seen in FIG. 9, the plurality of eyelet openings 4a traverses through the second piece 2, adjacent the second end 2a. This is so that, after wrapping the second piece 2 around the user, the user may feed the plurality of strings 4 through the plurality of eyelet openings 4a and enable a comfortable custom fit. traves It should be noted that the plurality of strings 4 may comprise any size, shape, material etc., that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the objectives of the present invention are fulfilled.

[0022] As previously described, the second piece 2 is designed to cover the lower portion of the patient's body from the waist down and includes the plurality of panels (wrap flaps) with a front panel and a back panel. Accordingly, the plurality of overlapping panels 7 extends from the second end 2b towards the first end 2a, wherein the first end 2a is positioned opposite to the second end 2b across the second piece 2. More specifically, the plurality of overlapping panels 7 comprises a first panel 11 and a second panel 12. As seen in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, the first panel 11 comprises a first lateral edge 11a and a second lateral edge 11b, wherein the first lateral edge 11a is positioned opposite to the second lateral edge 11b across a width of the first panel 11. Further, the second panel 12 comprises a third lateral edge 12a and a fourth lateral edge 12b, wherein the third lateral edge 12a is positioned opposite to the fourth lateral edge 12b across a width of the second panel 12. In reference to FIG. 6, the first lateral edge 11a of the first panel 11a and the third lateral edge 12a of the second panel 12 together creates a first overlap 7a.

[0023] Similarly, as seen in FIG. 7, the second lateral edge 11b of the first panel 11 and the fourth lateral edge 12b of the second panel 12 together creates a second overlap 7b. Thus, the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 together create the second piece 2 or bottom portion of the garment. In other words, as seen in FIG. 9, a first terminal edge 11c of the first panel 11 and a second terminal edge 12c of the second panel 12 together delineate the first end 2a of the second piece 2.

[0024] According to the preferred embodiment, wherein the second piece 2 is in a wrapped configuration, the first end 2a is configured into a circular pattern. In other words, when the second piece 2 is worn on a user, the first overlap 7a is positioned opposite to the second overlap 7b, across the second piece 2, and the plurality of strings 4 may be tied between each other, around the user. Alternately, in reference to FIG. 9 and wherein the second piece 2 is in an expanded configuration, or not used around the user, the first lateral edge 11a is positioned away from the third lateral edge 12a, thereby disengaging the first overlap 7a. In this configuration, the first end 2a may be extended along a straight line, and the plurality of strings 4 is untied, as seen in FIG. 9.

[0025] The bottom portion with the wraps may be used later as a nursing cover, car seat cover, or diaper changing pad if the mother desires, continuing its usefulness after labor and delivery.

[0026] In one embodiment, if only the first piece 1 is worn, the mother may enter a bathtub wearing only a bra for modesty's sake. In another embodiment, the detachable second piece 2 may allow complete access to the patient's lower spine during epidural administration while keeping the chest covered for modesty's sake, and the bottom portion can be converted to a skirt that may be worn during epidural administration. For comfort, the detachable second piece 2 may allow the mother to remove all coverings from her abdomen while maintaining chest coverage using the first piece 1 and the lower body coverage using the second piece 2. In reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 8, wherein the present invention is in a detached mode, the first fastener 8 is unfastened, and the first piece 1 is detached from the second piece 2.

[0027] Accordingly, the present invention may be quickly and easily removed entirely as needed without slipping it over the head or down the legs for removal. Furthermore, the present invention may be worn for an extended period postpartum while continuing its usefulness, a feature that separates it from other custom labor gowns on the market. In that case, and as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, wherein the present invention is in a gown mode, the first fastener 8 is fastened, and the first piece 1 is connected to the second piece 2.

[0028] The present invention bolsters the mother's autonomy, confidence, and self-esteem through personalized sizing, flattering design, fabric customization, and attention to modesty. To that end, terminal edges 2c of the second piece 2 are ruffled, for elevating the dress design and for aesthetic appeal. The present invention further facilitates active movement and position changes while providing ready access for monitoring and medical intervention as needed. As a result, mothers can stay actively involved in their labor and the process can be made more athletic and effective, promoting favorable outcomes for mothers and physicians alike.

[0029] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.