BABY ONESIE HAVING ZIPPER LOCKING MECHANISM

Abstract

A baby onesie to be worn by a baby includes a body covering material configured to cover a body of the baby, the body covering material including an opening through which a head of the baby can protrude. The baby onesie further includes a neckline provided around a perimeter of the opening, the neckline including a neckline fastener configured to be fastened and unfastened to thereby close and open the neckline, respectively. The baby onesie also includes a zipper configured to open and close the body covering material, and a zipper locking mechanism configured to selectively attach the neckline fastener and the zipper to lock the zipper in place to the neckline fastener.

Claims

1. A baby onesie to be worn by a baby, the baby onesie comprising: a body covering material configured to cover a body of the baby, the body covering material comprising an opening through which a head of the baby can protrude; a neckline provided around a perimeter of the opening, the neckline having a neckline fastener configured to be fastened and unfastened to thereby close and open the neckline, respectively; a zipper configured to open and close the body covering material; and a zipper locking mechanism configured to selectively attach the neckline fastener and the zipper to lock the zipper in place to the neckline fastener.

2. The baby onesie of claim 1, wherein the body covering material comprises: leg covering portions configured to cover legs of the baby; arm covering portions configured to cover arms of the baby; and a torso covering portion configured to cover a torso of the baby, the torso covering portion being connected to the leg covering portions and the arm covering portions, and including the opening.

3. The baby onesie of claim 2, wherein the neckline comprises: a first neckline portion configured to wrap around the neck of the baby, the first neckline portion having an open end; and a second neckline portion connected to the first neckline portion, the second neckline portion having an open end, wherein the two open ends are joined when the neckline fastener is fastened.

4. The baby onesie of claim 3, wherein the neckline fastener comprises: an insertion element connected to the first neckline portion; and a receiving element at least partially enclosed within the second neckline portion, the receiving element configured to receive the insertion element.

5. The baby onesie of claim 4, wherein the neckline fastener comprises a side-release buckle strap, wherein the insertion element comprises a plurality of hook portions, and the receiving element comprises a housing to receive the hook portions, the housing having openings on opposite sides of the housing, wherein when the hook portions are inserted into the housing, the hook portions spring outwards through the openings to catch sidewalls of the housing and lock the insertion end to the receiving end.

6. The baby onesie of claim 3, wherein the zipper locking mechanism includes a zipper receiving element on the insertion element, and a zipper insertion element on the zipper, wherein the zipper insertion element attaches to the zipper receiving element.

7. The baby onesie of claim 6, wherein the zipper locking mechanism comprises a side release buckle.

8. The baby onesie of claim 6, wherein the zipper includes a zipper pull, and wherein the zipper insertion element is attached to the zipper pull.

9. The baby onesie of claim 1, wherein the neckline fastener includes a receiving element, and wherein the zipper includes an insertion element that engages the receiving element of the neckline fastener, and wherein the zipper locking mechanism includes the insertion element.

10. A zipper securing mechanism for a baby onesie, the zipper securing mechanism comprising: a neckline fastener configured to be attached to a neckline of the baby onesie, the neckline fastener further configured to be fastened and unfastened to thereby close and open the neckline, respectively; and a zipper holding mechanism attached to a zipper of the baby onesie, the zipper holding mechanism being configured to selectively attach to the neckline fastener and thereby lock the zipper in place.

11. The zipper securing mechanism of claim 10, wherein the neckline comprises: a first neckline portion configured to wrap around the neck of the baby, the first neckline portion having an open end; and a second neckline portion connected to the first neckline portion, the second neckline portion having an open end, wherein the two open ends are joined when the neckline fastener is fastened.

12. The zipper securing mechanism of claim 11, wherein the neckline fastener comprises: an insertion element connected to the first neckline portion; and a receiving element at least partially enclosed within the second neckline portion, the receiving element configured to receive the insertion element.

13. The zipper securing mechanism of claim 12, wherein the neckline fastener comprises a side-release buckle strap, wherein the insertion element comprises a plurality of hook portions, and the receiving element comprises a housing to receive the hook portions, the housing having openings on opposite sides of the housing, wherein when the hook portions are inserted into the housing, the hook portions spring outwards through the openings to catch sidewalls of the housing and lock the insertion end to the receiving end.

14. The zipper securing mechanism of claim 12, wherein the zipper locking mechanism includes a zipper receiving element on the insertion element, and a zipper insertion element on the zipper, wherein the zipper insertion element attaches to the zipper receiving element.

15. The zipper securing mechanism of claim 14, wherein the zipper locking mechanism comprises a side release buckle.

16. The zipper securing mechanism of claim 14, wherein the zipper includes a zipper pull, and wherein the zipper insertion element is attached to the zipper pull.

17. The zipper securing mechanism of claim 10, wherein the neckline fastener includes a receiving element, and wherein the zipper includes an insertion element that engages the receiving element of the neckline fastener, and wherein the zipper locking mechanism includes the insertion element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The disclosure, and its advantages and drawings, will be better understood from the following description of representative embodiments together with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only representative embodiments and are therefore not to be considered as limitations on the scope of the various embodiments or claims.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a front view of a baby onesie having a zipper locking mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] FIGS. 2A and 2B are close-up views of the neckline fastener of FIG. 1 in a fastened and unfastened state, respectively.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a view of the zipper locking mechanism of FIG. 1 in a state where the neckline fastener is unfastened and the zipper locking mechanism is unlocked.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a view of the zipper locking mechanism of FIG. 1 in a state where the neckline fastener is fastened and the zipper locking mechanism is locked.

[0043] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E are views of neckline fasteners according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0044] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are views of zipper locking mechanisms according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a front view of a baby onesie having a double zipper option according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a view of a neckline fastener arrangement including a Velcro? flap according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a method of manufacturing a baby onesie having a zipper locking mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 10 is a view of a zipper locking mechanism according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 11A is front view of a baby onesie having a zipper locking mechanism, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 11B is a close-up perspective view of the zipper locking mechanism in FIG. 11A, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a front view of a baby onesie having another zipper locking mechanism, according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Various embodiments are described with reference to the attached figures, where like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and are provided merely to illustrate aspects and features of the present disclosure. Numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of certain aspects and features of the present disclosure, although one having ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that these aspects and features can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, with other relationships, or with other methods. In some instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail for illustrative purposes. The various embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are necessarily required to implement certain aspects and features of the present disclosure.

[0053] For purposes of the present detailed description, unless specifically disclaimed, and where appropriate, the singular includes the plural and vice versa. The word including means including without limitation. Moreover, words of approximation, such as about, almost, substantially, approximately, and the like, can be used herein to mean at, near, nearly at, within 3-5% of, within acceptable manufacturing tolerances of, or any logical combination thereof. Similarly, terms vertical or horizontal are intended to additionally include within 3-5% of a vertical or horizontal orientation, respectively. Additionally, words of direction, such as top, bottom, left, right, above, and below are intended to relate to the equivalent direction as depicted in a reference illustration; as understood contextually from the object(s) or element(s) being referenced, such as from a commonly used position for the object(s) or element(s); or as otherwise described herein.

[0054] Hereinafter, a baby onesie having a zipper locking mechanism according to exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] According to an aspect of exemplary embodiments, a zipper locking mechanism is a device that is connected to or integrally formed with a zipper and is selectively connectable to a neckline fastener used to open and close a neckline of a baby onesie. The zipper locking mechanism according to exemplary embodiments achieves several technical benefits as compared to the related art. First, the zipper locking mechanism according to exemplary embodiments very securely locks the zipper in place, thus protecting the baby from the external elements. Second, the zipper locking mechanism according to exemplary embodiments is configured such that the zipper stays locked so long as the neckline stays closed, and conversely, the zipper is automatically unlocked in response to opening the neckline. Thus, the zipper locking mechanism is extremely efficient and practical for parents to use, because whenever a parent wants to change the baby out of the onesie, the parent can simply open the neckline to thereby unlock the zipper. As a result, the baby onesie having the zipper locking mechanism according to exemplary embodiments is more secure, more efficient, and more practical than the baby onesies of the related art.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a front view of a baby onesie having a zipper locking mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the baby onesie 100 includes a baby covering material 102 including a first leg covering portion 102A, a second leg covering portion 102B, a first arm covering portion 102C, a second arm covering portion 102D, a torso covering portion 102E, and a neckline 108 defining an opening 103, a zipper 104, a track 105, a zipper locking mechanism 106, a stop 107, a neckline fastener 110, grippy feet 112, and fold over hands 114.

[0057] The baby covering material 102 is a single, unitary piece of material that is configured to wrap around and cover the baby to keep the baby warm and provide some protection for the baby from external elements, such as cold weather, hot liquids, sharp objects, pets, bugs, and other potentially dangerous elements. Hereinafter, the baby covering material 102 is referred to as a material for babies, but it is understood that the term babies is exemplary only, and the onesie according to exemplary embodiments can be used with toddlers, kindergarteners, or other age groups as well, up to and including adults. The baby covering material 102 is a garment that can be made out of many different types of material, such as cotton, polyester, twill, poplin, linen, flannel, pinpoint fabrics, wool, silk, or any other type of material or combination of materials that can be used to make garments. The baby covering material 102 can be manufactured in many different sizes and shapes.

[0058] The first leg covering portion 102A is the portion of the baby covering material 102 that is configured to wrap around and cover one of the baby's legs and is shaped like a pant leg. In FIG. 1, the first leg covering portion 102A covers the baby's left leg. To insert the baby's left leg into the first leg covering portion 102A, a parent opens the baby covering material 102 using the zipper 104 and positions the baby's left leg into the first leg covering portion 102A so that the baby's left foot is snugly fixed in the foot portion 102F. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first leg covering portion 102A includes the foot portion 102F that wraps around and cover's the baby's foot. However, the onesie 100 is not limited to this design, and the first leg covering portion 102A can instead omit the foot portion 102F so that an opening is formed at the end thereof, in which case the baby's foot sticks out from the first leg covering portion 102A.

[0059] The second leg covering portion 102B is the portion of the baby covering material 102 that is configured to wrap around and cover the other of the baby's legs and is shaped like a pant leg. In FIG. 1, the second leg covering portion 102B covers the baby's right leg. To insert the baby's right leg into the second leg covering portion 102A, the parent positions the baby's right leg into the second leg covering portion 102A so that the baby's right foot is snugly fixed in the foot portion 102G. Similar to the first leg covering portion 102A, the second leg covering portion 102B can also omit the foot portion 102G.

[0060] The first arm covering portion 102C is the portion of the baby covering material 102 that is configured to wrap around and cover one of the baby's arms and is shaped like a sleeve. In FIG. 1, the first arm covering portion 102C covers the baby's left arm. To insert the baby's left arm into the first arm covering portion 102C, the parent typically pushes the baby's left hand into the first arm covering portion 102C and then pulls and wiggles the left hand out through the opening at the end of the first arm covering portion 102C.

[0061] The second arm covering portion 102D is the portion of the baby covering material 102 that is configured to wrap around and cover the other of the baby's arms and is shaped like a sleeve. In FIG. 1, the second arm covering portion 102D covers the baby's right arm. To insert the baby's right arm into the first arm covering portion 102D, the parent typically pushes the baby's right hand into the first arm covering portion 102D and then pulls and wiggles the right hand out through the opening at the end of the first arm covering portion 102D.

[0062] The torso covering portion 102E is the portion of the baby covering material 102 that covers the baby's torso, i.e., the midsection including the stomach, chest, and back. The torso covering portion 102E is the central part of the baby covering material 102 that connects the first leg covering portion 102A, the second leg covering portion 102B, the first sleeve 102C, and the second sleeve 102D together. To cover the baby's torso, the parent first inserts the baby's arms and legs into the first leg covering portion 102A, second leg covering portion 102B, first arm covering portion 102C, and second arm covering portion 102D as described above, and then zips up the zipper 104 so that the zipper 104 moves all the way up to the neckline 108, thereby zipping closed the baby covering material 102. The torso covering portion 102E includes an opening 103 at a top area thereof, so that the baby can stick his or her head out of the torso covering portion 102E through the opening 103.

[0063] The zipper 104 is used to close and open the baby covering material 102, to thereby dress and undress the baby in the onesie 100. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the zipper 104 may be a rubber zipper, such as a zipper completely made of rubber or a metal zipper core covered with an outer layer of rubber. The track 105 includes two strips of teeth that are configured to interlock together. To interlock, each strip of teeth includes a series of protruding portions (the teeth) and recessed portions (also referred to as hollows) that are arranged in between the teeth. One strip of teeth is slightly offset from the other strip of teeth such that the teeth in the one strip will fit into the hollows on the other strip, and the teeth in the other strip with fit into the hollows of the one strip. The zipper 104 includes a slider 104A that slides along the track 105. The zipper 104 is connected to or integrally formed with a zipper locking mechanism 106 that functions as both a zipper pull and a zipper lock to lock the zipper 104 to the neckline fastener 110. The slider 104A includes wedges that are configured to guide the teeth on one of the strips into corresponding hollows on the other strip and guide the teeth on the other strip into corresponding hollows on the one strip, to interlock the strips together. The stop 107 is located at the end of track 105 at the foot portion 102F and stops the zipper 104 from sliding off the track 105.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the track 105 starts at the neckline 108, runs down the torso covering portion 102E, continues down the side of the first leg covering portion 102A, and ends at the stop 107 located near the foot portion 102F of the first leg covering portion 102A. Thus, to zip the baby onesie 100 closed, a parent will pull the zipper 104 from the foot portion 102F up along the first leg covering portion 102A, continue up the torso covering portion 102E, and finish zipping the zipper 104 up to the neckline 108. Conversely, to open the baby onesie 100, the parent will pull the zipper 104 down in the opposite direction along the track 105.

[0065] The neckline 108 is the portion of the baby onesie 100 that wraps around and covers the bottom part of the baby's neck. The neckline 108 is located at the perimeter of the opening 103. The neckline 108 can be integrally formed with the baby covering material 102 (e.g., manufactured from the same piece of material), or can be a separate material that is sewn onto the baby covering material 102. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, the neckline 108 includes a first neckline portion 108A and a second neckline portion 108B.

[0066] The first neckline portion 108A is configured to wrap around the majority of the baby's neck. An insertion end 110A or a receiving end 110B of a neckline fastener 110 is connected to or enclosed within the first neckline portion 108A. The first neckline portion 108A has a first thickness, which is a measure of length along the direction which is perpendicular to a perimeter of the opening 103. In FIGS. 2A and 3, thickness can be measured in downward and upward directions (i.e., the downward direction which extends away from the opening 103 and down the torso covering portion 102E and the upward direction which extends upwards). Also, the thickness is not limited to only the downward and upward directions and can include any or all of the directions extending out from a center part of the neckline portions, e.g., all radial directions extending out from the center of the neckline portions.

[0067] The second neckline portion 108B contacts the first neckline portion 108A when the neckline fastener 110 is fastened closed, to thereby close the neckline 108 (see FIG. 4). The second neckline portion 108B is thicker than the first neckline portion 108A, so that the second neckline portion 108B can at least partially enclose the receiving end 110B or the insertion end 110A of the neckline fastener 110 therein. Since the second neckline portion 108B is relatively thick and padded, this feature prevents the part of the neckline fastener 110 enclosed within the second neckline portion 108B from rubbing against the baby's neck, and further prevents the baby from accessing the neckline fastener 110 when the neckline fastener 110 is fastened.

[0068] The neckline fastener 110 is a device that can be fastened and unfastened to thereby close and open the neckline 108, respectively. The neckline fastener 110 includes the insertion end 110A and the receiving end 110B, the insertion end 110A being insertable into the receiving end 110B to thereby fasten the neckline fastener 110. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3, and 4, according to an exemplary embodiment, the neckline fastener 110 is implemented as a side-release buckle strap fastener. The side-release buckle strap fastener includes an insertion end 110A that has one or several hook portions 116 that stick out, and further includes a receiving end 110B formed as a housing to receive the insertion end, the housing having openings 118 on opposite sides to catch the hook portions 116. The hook portions 116 have a certain degree of elasticity so that, when the hook portions 116 are initially inserted into the receiving end 110B, the sidewalls of the receiving end 110B press the protruding hook portions inward, and when the hook portions 116 are pressed farther inside of the receiving end 110B, the hook portions 116 encounter the openings 118 on the sidewalls and spring outwards through the openings 118 to catch the sidewalls and lock into place.

[0069] The side-release buckle strap has several technical benefits, including being very easy for parents to lock and unlock, very difficult for babies to lock and unlock, and generally being a very safe design with no sharp edges.

[0070] Either one of the insertion end 110A or the receiving end 110B can be located in the second neckline portion 108B. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the insertion end 110A of the side-release buckle strap is enclosed inside of the second neckline portion 108B, and the receiving end 110B is connected to and freely hanging from the first neckline portion 108A. In contrast, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the receiving end 110B is enclosed inside of the second neckline portion 108B, and the insertion end 110A is connected to and freely hanging from the first neckline portion 108A. The insertion end 110A and the receiving end 110B can be attached to the neckline 108 in various ways. For example, the insertion end 110A and the receiving end 110B can be sewn onto the first neckline portion 108A and second neckline portion 108B, can be buttoned into the neckline 108, etc. Also, the neckline fastener 110 may be manufactured as an elastic strap or other material that has the insertion end 110 and receiving end 110B located at opposite ends thereof, in which case the neckline fastener 110 can be sewn inside of the neckline 108 so that only the insertion end 110A and receiving end 110B are exposed. Many different configurations of the neckline fastener 110 are possible.

[0071] The zipper locking mechanism 106 locks the zipper 104 to the neckline fastener 110. According to an exemplary embodiment, the zipper locking mechanism 106 is implemented as a loop of material (also referred to as a loop) that is connected to the zipper 104 and that loops around one end of the neckline fastener 110 when the neckline fastener 110 is unfastened and then is locked into place when the neckline fastener 110 is fastened. The loop can be made out of many different types of materials, such as string, an elastic such as rubber, silicone, or other materials. In certain exemplary embodiments, the loop is made out of rubber and functions as both a zipper pull and a zipper locking mechanism. The loop can be a fixed size or can be adjustable and can have additional smaller loops or other shapes formed therein to help a user grip the loop. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the loop connects to the slider 104A of the zipper 104. Also, the slider 104A and the loop can both be formed out of rubber, so that the rubber loop and rubber slider 104A collectively form a rubber zipper. In this case, the rubber slider 104A and the rubber loop can be separately formed and connected together or can be integrally formed from a single piece of rubber as one unit.

[0072] The zipper locking mechanism 106 achieves several technical benefits not achieved by the related art. First, the zipper locking mechanism 106 very securely locks the zipper 104 into place. Specifically, when the loop is wrapped around the neckline fastener 110 and the neckline fastener 110 is fastened closed, it is nearly impossible for a baby to unlock the zipper 104 in such a state. In contrast, many of the related art configurations simply disclose using snaps, which can easily be pulled open by babies. Second, the zipper locking mechanism 106 has a simple and effective design that can easily be locked and unlocked by parents. In contrast, the conventional baby onesies have multiple flaps, snaps, and/or pockets that may be quite difficult for parents to operate, especially with a fidgety baby. Third, the zipper 104 is automatically unlocked in response to opening the neckline fastener 110, which improves convenience. Fourth, if the baby tries to pull the zipper 104 open when the loop is secured to the neckline fastener 110, the baby will end up pulling the back of the baby's own neckline 108, which may be uncomfortable. Thus, the zipper locking mechanism 106 also functions as a deterrence mechanism, which deters the baby from trying to unlock the zipper 104. Fifth, since the second neckline portion 108B is a relatively thick and soft piece of material, the neckline fastener 110 and zipper locking mechanism 106 do not irritate the baby when in a fastened position.

[0073] The grippy feet 112 are high-friction materials (e.g., rubber, etc.) that are formed on the soles of the foot portions 102F and 102G of the respective leg covering portions 102A and 102B. The grippy feet 112 help babies grip their feet against the ground to assist in learning to walk. The grippy feet 112 can be designed in many different patterns, shapes, and sizes, and exemplary embodiments are not limited to any particular arrangement.

[0074] The fold-over hands 114 are portions of material located at the end of the arm covering portions 102C and 102D, respectively, that can be folded up to expose the baby's hands and folded back down to cover the baby's hands. At certain early developmental stages, such as the newborn stage, parents may prefer to cover the baby's hands at night, and then expose the baby's hands during the day. The fold-over hands 114 can be used to achieve this objective. The fold-over hands 114 can be many different types and styles, and can have various optional features, e.g., buttons, etc., to keep the fold-over hands 114 folded up.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the locking mechanism operates as follows. FIG. 3 illustrates the locking mechanism in an unlocked state and FIG. 4 illustrates the locking mechanism in a locked state. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the onesie 100 is fully or partially open (i.e., unzipped) such that the zipper 104 is pulled down the track 105 and the teeth in the track 105 are separated from each other. The insertion end 110A of the neckline fastener 110 is detached from the receiving end 110B of the neckline fastener 110.

[0076] Once the parent puts the baby into the onesie 100, the parent pulls the zipper 104 up the track 105 using the zipper locking mechanism 106 as the zipper pull. As the zipper 104 is pulled up the track 105, the teeth of the track 105 interlock with each other to close the onesie 100. Then, the parent wraps the zipper locking mechanism 106 (which is a loop in FIG. 4) around the insertion end 110A of the neckline fastener 110. Then, the parent inserts the insertion end 110A into the receiving end 110B. At this point, the zipper locking mechanism 106 is locked into place around the neckline fastener 110, thus locking the zipper 104 into place.

[0077] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E illustrate neckline fasteners according to other exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5A illustrates a neckline fastener that is implemented as a swivel lobster claw clasp fastener 510. FIG. 5B illustrates a neckline fastener that is implemented as a button fastener 520. FIG. 5C illustrates a neckline fastener that is implemented as a Velcro? strap fastener 530. FIG. 5D illustrates a neckline fastener that is implemented as a plurality of small hook and eye latches 540. FIG. 5E illustrates a neckline fastener that is implemented as a single large hook and eye latch 550. In FIGS. 5A-5E, certain components are illustrated with dotted lines to show that they are embedded inside of the second neckline portion 108B.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5A, the neckline fastener that is implemented as a swivel lobster claw clasp fastener 510 includes an insertion end that is the swivel lobster claw clasp 510A, and further includes a receiving end that is a loop 510B enclosed within the second neckline portion 108B. The swivel lobster claw clasp 510A is clasped around the loop 510B to fasten the neckline fastener 510. The swivel lobster claw clasp 510A can swivel about an axis (the axis being the horizontal direction in FIG. 5A), which achieves the technical benefit that it may be very easy for parents to fasten and unfasten the swivel lobster claw clasp, especially when dealing with a fidgety baby. Moreover, since the swivel lobster claw clasp 510A is hidden in the thicker second neckline portion 108B when fastened, it is difficult for the baby to unlock the swivel lobster claw clasp 510A.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 5B, the neckline fastener that is implemented as a button fastener 520 includes an insertion end that is a button 520A and a receiving end that is a slot 520B into which the button 520A can be inserted. The button fastener 520 achieves the technical benefit that the button is relatively small and unobtrusive, and thus, may be preferable for babies that are bothered by bigger neckline fasteners. Moreover, it would be extremely difficult or impossible for a baby to unbutton the button fastener 520.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5C, the neckline fastener that is implemented as a Velcro? strap fastener 530 includes an insertion end that is a Velcro? strap 530A and a receiving end that is a bracket 530B. The Velcro? strap 530A is a long thin strip of material including Velcro? or some other similar material having tiny hooks 532 on at least one part thereof and tiny loops 534 on at least one other part thereof, the hooks 532 catching onto and locking onto the loops 534. In the example shown in FIG. 5C, the hooks 532 are located on an end part of the Velcro? strap 530A and the loops 534 are located on a part of the strap 530A that is closest to the first neckline portion 510A, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. To fasten the Velcro? strap fastener 520, the parent passes the part of the strap 530A having the hooks 532 through the bracket 530B and then folds the same portion of the strap 530A back over the bracket 530B and presses the hooks 532 onto the loops 534. The Velcro? strap fastener 520 achieves the technical benefit that it is extremely easy to adjust the tightness of the fastener 520, by adjusting the length of the strap 530A that is pressed through the bracket 530B.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 5D, the neckline fastener that is implemented as a plurality of small hook and eye latches 540 includes an insertion end that is a plurality of small hooks 540A and a receiving end that is a corresponding plurality of small eyes 540B. Each of the small hooks 540A can be hooked into a respective one of the small eyes 540B, to thereby close the neckline 108. The neckline fastener including the plurality of small hook and eye latches 540 achieves the technical benefit that it is extremely simple and easy to open and close the neckline 108. Although FIG. 5D illustrates two hooks 540A, it is understood that more than two hooks 540A may be used. Moreover, the hooks 540A are shown relatively large for illustrative purposes, but the sizes of the hooks 540A may be smaller than those shown in FIG. 5D.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 5E, the neckline fastener that is implemented as a single large hook and eye latch 550 includes an insertion end that is a single large hook 550A and a receiving end that is a large eye 550B. The large hook 550A can be hooked into the large eye 550B, to thereby close the neckline 108. The neckline fastener including the large hook and eye latch 550 shown in FIG. 5E achieves similar technical benefits as those achieved by the neckline fastener including the plurality of small hook and eye latches 540 shown in FIG. 5D.

[0083] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are zipper locking mechanisms according to other exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6A illustrates a zipper locking mechanism that is implemented as a swivel lobster claw clasp locking mechanism 606. FIG. 6B illustrates a zipper locking mechanism that is implemented as a button locking mechanism 616. FIG. 6C illustrates a zipper locking mechanism that is implemented as a Velcro? strap locking mechanism 626.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 6A, the swivel lobster claw clasp locking mechanism 606 is a swivel lobster claw clasp connected to the zipper 104. The swivel lobster claw clasp locking mechanism 606 clasps around the neckline fastener 110 to thereby lock the zipper 104 in place.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 6B, the button locking mechanism 616 is a button attached to a thin strip of material that is in turn connected to the zipper 104. The thin strap of material can have a slot formed therein, and the button can be passed through the slot to thereby button the thin strip of material around the neckline fastener 110 to thereby lock the zipper 104 in place.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 6C, the Velcro? strap locking mechanism 626 is a Velcro? strap that is connected to the zipper 104. The Velcro? strap can be wrapped around the neckline fastener 110 to thereby lock the zipper 104 in place.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a front view of a baby onesie having a double zipper option according to another exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the baby onesie 700 having the double zipper option includes each of the components of the baby onesie 100 shown in FIG. 1, and further includes a second zipper 704 that can be used to zip open the baby onesie 100 from the bottom part of the baby onesie 700. In FIG. 7, the second zipper 704 is configured to open the baby onesie 700 from the bottom of first leg covering portion 102A, although exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The second zipper 704 and the first zipper 104 are both fixed on and share the same track 105. The second zipper 704 may have the same constituent parts as the first zipper 104, including a slider. The second zipper 704 may be a rubber zipper. Also, the baby onesie 700 includes a protective Velcro? flap including a first part 704A that can be folded over and attached to a second part 704B using Velcro? fastening material (or something similar) provided on the surfaces thereof. The protective Velcro? flap covers the second zipper 704 to prevent a baby from accessing the second zipper 704. The baby onesie 700 with the double zipper option shown in FIG. 7 achieves the technical benefit that, by providing the second zipper 704, parents can easily access the legs and torso of a baby without needing to fully undress the baby, which can be especially useful in certain situations, such as changing diapers in the middle of the night.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a close-up view of a neckline fastener arrangement including a Velcro? flap according to another exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the neckline fastener arrangement 800 includes the Velcro? flap 802 which includes a first part 802A that can be folded over and connected to a second part 802B using Velcro? (or similar material) that is provided on surfaces of the first part 802A and 802B. In contrast to the second neckline portion 108B shown in FIG. 3 which includes a pocket to enclose part of the neckline fastener, the neckline fastener arrangement 800 includes the Velcro? flap which can be wrapped and unwrapped around part of the neckline fastener. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the neckline fastener is implemented as the side-release buckle strap 110 (see FIG. 3) and includes the insertion end 110A having hook portions 116 and the receiving end 110B having openings 118 on opposite sides thereof to catch the hook portions 116. However, the neckline fastener arrangement 800 is not limited to using the side-release buckle strap 110 as the neckline fastener, and instead, the neckline fastener arrangement 800 may be used in combination with any of the other neckline fasteners shown and described above, including the swivel lobster claw clasp fastener 510 (FIG. 5A), the button fastener 520 (FIG. 5B), the Velcro? strap fastener 530 (FIG. 5C), the plurality of small hook and eye latches 540 (FIG. 5D), or the single large hook and eye latch 550 (FIG. 5E).

[0089] FIG. 9 illustrates a method of manufacturing a baby onesie having a zipper locking mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment. The method 900 shown in FIG. 9 is exemplarily described as a method to manufacture the baby onesie 100 shown in FIG. 1. However, it is understood that the method 900 can also be used to manufacture baby onesies according to other exemplary embodiments (e.g., baby onesies having various combinations of zipper locking mechanisms and neckline fasteners).

[0090] In operation 902, the body covering material 102 is manufactured and the zipper, track, and stop are added. There are many different ways to manufacture the body covering material 102. If the body covering material 102 is manufactured from raw materials such as cotton in a textile factory, then the body covering material 102 will typically be manufactured using a spinning process which converts the raw materials into thread and a weaving process which weaves the thread into fabric. Alternatively, operation 902 may include cutting the final onesie shape from a large pre-formed sheet of material using machinery. As another alternative, the operation 902 may include hand-sewing the body covering material. Operation 902 includes assembling together each of the parts of the body covering material 102, including leg covering portions 102A, 102B, arm covering portions 102C, 102D, a torso covering portion 102E, a neckline 108, a zipper 104, a track 105, and a stop 107. Also, optional features such as the grippy feet 112 and fold over hands 114 can be added to the body covering material 102 during operation 702.

[0091] In operation 904, the neckline fastener 110 is attached to the neckline. For example, when the neckline fastener 110 is the side-release buckle strap fastener, operation 904 includes attaching the insertion end 110A to the first neckline portion 108A and attaching the receiving end 110B inside of the thicker second neckline portion 108B. The insertion end 110A and receiving end 110B can be attached to the respective neckline portions 108A and 108B using various techniques, such as sewing, fastening with fasteners, etc.

[0092] In operation 906, the zipper locking mechanism 106 (e.g., a loop of material) is attached to the zipper (e.g., zipper 104). The zipper locking mechanism 106 can be attached to the zipper 104 in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the zipper locking mechanism 106 can be attached to the slider 104A using fasteners, such as pins, screws, etc. For example, if the zipper 104 is rubber, the rubber loop can be attached to the slider. Once the zipper locking mechanism 106 is attached to the zipper 104, the baby onesie with the zipper locking mechanism is fully manufactured and ready for use.

[0093] It is further noted that the order of operations for method 900 is not limited to the order shown in FIG. 9. For example, operations 904 and 906 can be switched, so that the zipper locking mechanism is attached to the zipper first, and the neckline fastener is then attached to the neckline afterwards.

[0094] Also, it is noted that the locking mechanism and neckline fastener may be sold separately from the baby onesie. For example, the locking mechanism and neckline fastener may be sold as a combination item that can be purchased by parents and attached to a baby onesie that the parents previously purchased. In this case, operation 902 may be omitted from the method 900.

[0095] FIG. 10 is a view of a zipper locking mechanism according to another exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the zipper locking mechanism 1000 is similar to the zipper locking mechanism shown in FIG. 1, except that the zipper locking mechanism 1000 includes a pull 104B that is separate from the zipper locking mechanism 106. The pull 104B has a wider shape with a curved edge towards an outer section thereof and sides that taper inwards towards the slider 104A. The pull 104B is connected to the slider 104A at one end thereof and is further connected to the zipper locking mechanism 106 at the other end thereof. The pull 104B may be made of metal, plastic, rubber, or any other material of combination of materials. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the pull 104B has an opening formed in the wider part thereof and ends of the zipper locking mechanism 106 (which is a loop of rubber in this case) are pulled through the opening and connected together to fix the zipper locking mechanism 106 to the pull 104B. It is understood that the pull 104B is not limited to the specific shape and configuration shown in FIG. 10 and can instead be designed to have many other shapes and configurations. Moreover, it is understood that the zipper locking mechanism 1000 can be combined with any of the other exemplary embodiments previously described.

[0096] It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each exemplary embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other exemplary embodiments. Any of the different combinations of neckline fasteners and zipper locking mechanisms can be combined with each other. For example, the baby onesie can be manufactured to have the combination of the loop zipper locking mechanism 106 and the Velcro? strap fastener 530, the combination of the button locking mechanism 616 and the side-release buckle strap fastener 110, or any other combinations.

[0097] Moreover, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the neckline fasteners described above and shown in FIGS. 1-5E. Instead, the neckline fastener according to exemplary embodiments can be any type of fastening device that is capable of fastening the neckline of the baby onesie. For example, the neckline fastener can include a drawstring, a zipper, pins, various types of clasps and buckles, or any other fastening device that can safely and securely fasten the neckline of the baby onesie. Depending on the type of neckline fastener being used, the neckline fastener can be made of many different types of materials. For example, when the neckline fastener is implemented as the side-release buckle strap fastener or some other kind of buckle or clasp, the neckline fastener can be made of plastic, metal, some combination thereof, or some other material altogether. Moreover, when the neckline fastener includes a drawstring, the neckline fastener can be made of various types of fabrics, e.g., cotton, polyester, nylon, etc.

[0098] Also, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the types of zipper locking mechanisms described above and shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6A-6C. Instead, the zipper locking mechanisms according to exemplary embodiments can be any type of locking mechanism that is capable of locking the zipper 104 to the neckline 108. For example, the zipper locking mechanism can include various types of clasps and buckles, hooks, or any other device that can lock the zipper to the neckline (or other part of the baby onesie 100) to thereby prevent the zipper from moving when the baby onesie is closed. The locking mechanism can be made of many different types of materials, such as fabrics, plastic, metal, some combination thereof, or some other material altogether.

[0099] FIG. 11A is a front view of a baby onesie 1100 having another example zipper locking mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11A, the baby onesie 1100 includes a baby covering material 1102 including a first leg covering portion 1102A, a second leg covering portion 1102B, a first arm covering portion 1102C, a second arm covering portion 1102D, a torso covering portion 1102E, and a neckline 1110. The onesie 1100 includes a zipper 1112 with a zipper pull 1114. The zipper 1112 and zipper pull 1114 traverse on a track 1116. The track 1116 is attached to a stop 1118.

[0100] The baby covering material 1102 is a single, unitary piece of material that is configured to wrap around and cover the baby to keep the baby warm and provide some protection for the baby from external elements. The leg covering portions 1102A and 1102B is the portion of the baby covering material 1102 that is configured to wrap around and cover one of the baby's legs and is shaped like a pant leg. Each of the leg covering portions 1102A and 1102B end in a closed foot enclosure that may have a grippy feet exterior surface.

[0101] The arm covering portion 1102C and 1102D are the portion of the baby covering material 1102 that is configured to wrap around and cover one of the arms and are each shaped like a sleeve. The torso covering portion 1102E is the portion of the baby covering material 1102 that covers the baby's torso, i.e., the midsection including the stomach, chest, and back. The torso covering portion 1102E is the central part of the baby covering material 1102 that connects the leg covering portions 1102A, 1102B and the sleeves 1102C, 1102D. To cover the torso of the baby, the parent first inserts the arms and legs of the baby into the leg covering portions 1102A and 1102B and the arms covering portions 1102C and 1102D. The parent then zips up the zipper 1112 so that the zipper 1112 moves all the way up to the neckline 1110, thereby zipping closed the baby covering material 1102. The torso covering portion 1102E includes an opening 1120 at a top area thereof defined by the neckline 1110, so that the baby can stick his or her head out of the torso covering portion 1102E through the opening 1120.

[0102] The zipper 1112 is used to close and open the baby covering material 1102, to thereby dress and undress the baby in the onesie 1100. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the zipper 1112 may be a rubber zipper, such as a zipper completely made of rubber, plastic, or a metal zipper core covered with an outer layer of rubber. The track 1116 includes two strips of teeth that are configured to interlock together. To interlock, each strip of teeth includes a series of protruding portions (the teeth) and recessed portions (also referred to as hollows) that are arranged in between the teeth. One strip of teeth is slightly offset from the other strip of teeth such that the teeth in the one strip will fit into the hollows on the other strip, and the teeth in the other strip with fit into the hollows of the one strip. The zipper 1112 includes a slider that slides along the track 1116. The stop 1118 is located at the bottom end of track 1116 and stops the zipper 1112 from sliding off the track 1116.

[0103] The neckline 1110 is the portion of the baby onesie 1100 that wraps around and covers the bottom part of the baby's neck. The neckline 1110 is located at the perimeter of the opening. The neckline 1110 can be integrally formed with the baby covering material 1102 (e.g., manufactured from the same piece of material), or can be a separate material that is sewn onto the baby covering material 1102. In this example, the neckline 1110 includes a first portion 1130 and a second portion 1132. A neckline fastener 1140 includes an insertion element 1142 attached to the neckline 1110 on the first portion 1130 and a receiving element 1144 attached to the second portion 1132. The neckline fastener 1140 thus joins the first portion 1130 to the second portion 1132 of the neckline 1110 when the insertion element 1142 is joined to the receiving element 1144.

[0104] As will be explained, the neckline fastener insertion element 1140 may also be attached to the zipper pull 1114 when the zipper 1112 is fully zipped up via a zipper holding mechanism. In this manner, the zipper pull 1114 is locked in place to keep the zipper 1112 zipped up and prevents the baby from moving the zipper 1112 down.

[0105] The first neckline portion 1130 is configured to wrap around the majority of the neck of the baby. The insertion element 1142 is connected to or enclosed within the first neckline portion 1130. The first neckline portion 1130 has a first thickness, which is a measure of length along the direction which is perpendicular to a perimeter of the opening. The second neckline portion 1132 contacts the first neckline portion 1130 when the neckline fastener 1140 is fastened by connecting the insertion element 1142 to the receiving element 1144, to thereby close the neckline 1110. Alternatively, a receiving element similar to the receiving element 1144 may be attached to the neckline portion 1130 and a corresponding insertion element may be attached to the neckline portion 1132. A cover flap 1146 is attached to the second portion 1132 and covers some or all of the neckline-zipper fastener 1140 when fastened (to make it more difficult for a child to access or accidentally disengage). The cover flap 1146 may have a free edge with Velcro? or some other attachment mechanism that may be attached to the neckline portion 1130 to enclose the neckline zipper fastener 1140.

[0106] FIG. 11B shows a close up of the fastener 1140 of the neckline 1110. In this example, the insertion element 1142 includes an insertion end 1150 that mates with the receiving fastener element 1142. Thus, the insertion end 1150 of the insertion element 1142 is insertable into a slot of the receiving end fastener 1144 to thereby join the fasteners 1142 and 1144. In this example, the elements 1142 and 1144 of the fastener 1140 are implemented as a side-release buckle strap fastener as explained above. In this example, the insertion element 1142 has hook portions. The receiving element 1144 defines a housing to receive the hook portions through the slot. The housing has openings on opposite sides of the housing. When the hook portions are inserted into the housing, the hook portions spring outwards through the openings to catch sidewalls of the housing and lock the insertion end to the receiving end.

[0107] The receiver element 1140 also includes a receiving portion 1152 that has a slot perpendicular to the insertion end 1150. The receiving portion 1152 is part of a zipper holding or locking mechanism that includes an insertion element 1154 that is attached to the zipper pull 1114. The insertion element 1154 may be either connected to the zipper pull 1114 of the zipper 1112 or be integrated into the zipper pull 1114. In this example, the receiving portion 1152 and the insertion element 1154 constitute a side-release buckle strap fastener similar to the fasteners explained above.

[0108] The zipper holding mechanism that allows the zipper pull 1114 to be attached via the insertion element 1154 to the receiver element 1140 of the neckline fastener achieves several technical benefits not achieved by the related art. First, the zipper locking mechanism very securely locks the zipper 1112 into place. Specifically, when fastened closed, it is nearly impossible for a baby to unlock the zipper 1112 in such a state. In contrast, many of the related art configurations simply disclose using snaps, which can easily be pulled open by babies. Second, the zipper locking mechanism has a simple and effective design that can easily be locked and unlocked by parents. In contrast, the conventional baby onesies have multiple flaps, snaps, and/or pockets that may be quite difficult for parents to operate, especially with a fidgety baby.

[0109] FIG. 12 shows a front view of a baby onesie 1200 having another example zipper locking mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment. Similar to the onesies described above, the onesie 1200 includes a baby covering material 1102 with two leg coverings and two arm coverings. The onesie 1200 includes a neckline 1210 that defines an opening at a top area to allow the baby can stick his or her head out of the torso covering portion through the opening. The baby covering material is a single, unitary piece of material that is configured to wrap around and cover the baby to keep the baby warm and provide some protection for the baby from external elements. The onesie 1200 includes a zipper 1212 with a zipper pull 1214. The zipper 1212 and zipper pull 1214 traverse on a track 1216. The track 1216 is attached to a stop at the bottom.

[0110] To cover the torso of the baby, the parent first inserts the arms and legs of the baby into the leg covering portions and the arms covering portions. The parent then zips up the zipper 1212 so that the zipper 1212 moves all the way up to the neckline 1210, thereby zipping closed the baby covering material.

[0111] The zipper 1212 is used to close and open the baby covering material, to thereby dress and undress the baby in the onesie 1200. The neckline 1210 is the portion of the baby onesie 1200 that wraps around and covers the bottom part of the baby's neck. The neckline 1210 is located at the perimeter of the opening. In this example, the neckline 1210 includes a first portion 1230 and a second portion 1232. Similar to the above examples, the example onesie 1200 includes an integrated neckline fastener and zipper locking mechanism.

[0112] A neckline fastener 1240 includes a receiving element 1242 attached to the neckline 1210 on the first portion 1230. An insertion element 1244 is attached to the zipper pull 1214. The neckline fastener 1140 includes the receiving element 1242 and the insertion element 1244. When the zipper 1212 is pulled all the way up the insertion element 1244 may be inserted into and held by the receiving element 1242. Thus, the neckline fastener 1240 joins the first portion 1230 to the second portion 1232 of the neckline 1210. In this manner, the zipper pull 1214 is locked in place to keep the zipper 1212 zipped up and prevents the baby from moving the zipper 1212 down. Thus, the receiving element of the neckline fastener 1140 and the insertion element 1244 serve as both a neckline fastener and a zipper locking mechanism. Alternatively, a receiving element similar to the receiving element 1142 may be attached to the zipper pull 1214 and a corresponding insertion element may be attached to the neckline portion 1230. In this example, the elements 1142 and 1144 of the fastener 1140 are implemented as a side-release buckle strap fastener as explained above.

[0113] Although the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur or be known to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

[0114] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein, without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the disclosure should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.