CLOTHING SELECTIVELY ENABLING SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT

Abstract

A garment and method of use thereof are provided that alternately enable (1.) covering a selected portion of skin of a wearer of the garment; and (2.) exposing the selected portion of the wearer's skin without requiring the wearer to disrobe from the garment.

Claims

1. A clothing apparatus to be worn by a infant, the feature comprising: a garment sized and configured for being worn by the infant, the garment providing a superior pair of laterally opposed apertures, an inferior pair of laterally opposed apertures and a frontal opening, the frontal opening defined by a first side, a second side, and a inferior side within the garment, wherein the inferior side extends from the first side to the second side; a first panel, the first panel integrally coupled with the garment first side, and the first panel having a first detachable attachment feature for detachable attachment to the garment second side, wherein the first panel adjustably extends from the first detachable attachment feature to the garment second side; and a second panel, integrally coupled with the garment second side and the inferior side, and the second panel having a second detachable attachment feature for detachable attachment to the garment first side, wherein the second panel adjustably extends from the second detachable attachment feature to the garment first side, whereby, with the garment worn by the infant, both panels are alternately positionable to allow contact with the infant's chest skin or closed to protect the infant's chest skin.

2. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first detachable attachment feature is comprised within a first snap assembly.

3. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second detachable attachment feature is comprised within a second snap assembly.

4. The clothing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first detachable attachment feature is comprised within an additional snap assembly.

5. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a legging coupled with one of the inferior laterally opposed garment apertures.

6. The clothing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a second legging coupled with the other inferior laterally opposed garment aperture.

7. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve coupled with one of the superior laterally opposed garment apertures.

8. The clothing apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a second sleeve coupled with the other superior laterally opposed garment aperture.

9. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: two leggings, each legging separately coupled with a separate inferior laterally opposing garment aperture; and two sleeves, each sleeve separately coupled with a separate superior laterally opposing garment aperture.

10. The clothing apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least one legging comprises a booting element sized and shaped to snugly enclose one foot of the infant.

11. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first reinforcing tab positioned on the garment for engagement with the first detachable attachment feature.

12. The clothing apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a second reinforcing tab positioned on the garment for engagement with the second detachable attachment feature.

13. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an additional detachable attachment feature coupled with the first panel.

14. The clothing apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a second additional detachable attachment feature coupled with the second panel.

15. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first detachable attachment feature comprises a first hook and loop fastener set.

16. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second detachable attachment feature comprises a second hook and loop fastener set.

17. The clothing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the additional detachable attachment feature comprises an additional hook and loop fastener set.

18. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hooding element coupled with the garment.

19. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one hand mitten.

20. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the garment is sized and shaped to fit snugly about the infant.

21. The clothing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the legging is sized and shaped to fit snugly about a leg of the infant.

22. The clothing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sleeve is sized and shaped to fit snugly about an arm of the infant.

23. The clothing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a fabric selected from the garment group consisting of cotton, wool, organic fabric, and/or synthetic fabric in singularity or in combination.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] These, and further features of the invention, may be better understood with reference to the accompanying specification and drawings depicting the preferred embodiment, in which:

[0023] FIG. 1A is a front view of a first preferred embodiment of the invented garment is a closed state;

[0024] FIG. 1B is a front view of the first preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 1A with one panel open;

[0025] FIG. 1C is a front view of the first preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 1A with both panels open;

[0026] FIG. 1D is a back view of the first preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 1A with both panels detachably attached to each other;

[0027] FIG. 2A is a front view of a second preferred embodiment of the invented garment with two panels open;

[0028] FIG. 2B is a front view of the second preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 2A with one panel open;

[0029] FIG. 2C is a front view of the second preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 2A with both panels closed;

[0030] FIG. 3A is a front view of a third preferred embodiment of the invented garment with two panels open;

[0031] FIG. 3B is a front view of the third preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 3A with one panel open;

[0032] FIG. 3C is a front view of the third preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 3A with both panels closed;

[0033] FIG. 4A is a front view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invented garment with two panels open;

[0034] FIG. 4B is a front view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 4A with one panel open;

[0035] FIG. 4C is a front view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 4A with both panels closed;

[0036] FIG. 5A is a front view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the invented garment with two panels open;

[0037] FIG. 5B is a front view of the fifth preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 5A with both panels closed;

[0038] FIG. 6A is a front view of a sixth preferred embodiment of the invented garment with two panels open;

[0039] FIG. 6B is a front view of the sixth preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 6A with one panel open;

[0040] FIG. 6C is a front view of the sixth preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 6A with both panels closed;

[0041] FIG. 7A is a front view of a seventh preferred embodiment of the invented garment with one panel open;

[0042] FIG. 7B is a front view of the seventh preferred embodiment of the invented garment of FIG. 7A with both panels closed;

[0043] FIG. 8 is a front view of an eighth preferred embodiment of the invented garment with one panel open and comprising a plurality of hook and loop fastener component and elements;

[0044] FIG. 9 is a front view of a ninth preferred embodiment of the invented garment with one panel open and comprising a plurality of hook and loop fastener component and elements and a set of snap fastening components;

[0045] FIG. 10 is a front view of a tenth preferred embodiment of the invented garment with two panels closed and comprising a pair of booties;

[0046] FIG. 11 is a front view of an eleventh preferred embodiment of the invented garment with two panels closed and comprising a pair of mittens;

[0047] FIG. 12 is a front view of a twelfth preferred embodiment of the invented garment with two panels closed and comprising a hooding element, a pair of mittens and a pair of booties; and

[0048] FIG. 13 is a front view of an thirteenth preferred embodiment of the invented garment with two panels closed and comprising a hooding element, a collar element, a pair of mittens and a pair of booties.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, a first preferred embodiment the invented garment 2 (hereinafter, the first design 2) includes a snap assembly 4 that detachably fixes an outer panel 6 at an upper right shoulder point 8 of the first design 2. As shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C, each snap assembly includes a male snap element 4M and a female snap element 4F, wherein each male snap element 4M presents a lame snap post that is sized and centrally positioned to fit into a centrally positioned receiver of a female snap element that is undersized to form a friction fit with a male snap post.

[0050] Optional tabs 4T are each optionally dedicated and separately attached to a single male snap element 4M and a single female snap element 4F. An optional left sleeve 10 is positioned to extend along and partially enclose a left arm of an infant wearer's body (not shown); an optional right sleeve 12 is positioned to extend along and partially enclose a right arm of an infant wearer's body; an optional right legging 14 is positioned to extend along and partially enclose a right leg of the infant wearer's body; and an optional left legging 16 is positioned to extend along and partially enclose a left leg of the infant wearer's body.

[0051] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1B, a second panel 18 of the first design 2 is shown to be detachably fixed at an upper left shoulder point 20 of the invented garment 2 by means of an additional snap assembly 4. FIG. 1B also clearly shows that the outer panel 6 and the second panel 18 are both preferably fixedly attached at lower panel point 22, wherein the lower panel point 22 is located proximate to the right legging 14 and distal from the left legging 16. It is understood that in certain alternate preferred embodiments of the first design 2 that the lower panel point 22 may be located distal from the right legging 14 and proximate to the left legging 16. The locating of lower endpoints of both of the panels 6 & 18 of the first design 2 in combination proximate to the right legging 14 or alternatively the left legging reduces over the prior art a need for seams or fasteners in the first design 2; this locating also allows for a wider displacement of the panels 6 & 18 to allow greater exposure of the infant wearer's chest and torso skin; and further enables an optimal line of pull versus the prior art (a.) of the outer panel 6 between the lower panel point 22 and the upper right shoulder point 8; and (b.) of the second panel 18 between the lower panel point 22 and the upper left shoulder point 20

[0052] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1C, the outer panel 6 and second panel 18 are shown in an open state whereby the infant wearer's chest torso are would be exposed for pressing against a body of another person, preferably a mother or parent of the infant wearer.

[0053] It is understood that in other alternate preferred embodiments of the invented garment that the outer panel 6 and the second panel 18 may be attached to or extend form alternate sides within the invented garment

[0054] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 1D, the outer panel 6 and the second panel 18 are detachably fixed at the back of the infant wearer by snap assembly 4 formed by male snap element 4M affixed to the second panel 18 and a female snap element 4F affixed to the outer panel 6. It is understood that the first panel 16 and/or the second panel 18 are each substantively triangular in shape.

[0055] The first design 2 is preferably formed with an abundance of fabric sufficient to provide a gathering 24 that defines a volume to accept a diaper as worn about the infant wearer while wearing the first design 2.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1A, when the two panels 6 & 18 are attached with the snap fastener assemblies 4 (hereinafter, snap assemblies 4), an outer edge 6E of the outer panel 6 pulls from the inside right leg crotch point 22, across the body to the upper right clavicle shoulder point 8. An additional outer edge 18E of the inner panel 18 pulls same inside right leg crotch point 22 across the infant wearer's body to the upper left clavicle shoulder point 20. Prior art garments have rectangular panels that overlap the entirety of the infant wearer's chest and require at least four, if not more, snaps to secure. The shape that forms the panels 6 & 18 of the first design 2 overlap is a triangle, narrow at the crotch area at the bottom and as wide as the chest at the top. If one imagines a hand being placed on the infant wearer's chest to calm and soothe her, one's hand and wrist would mimic the surface area covered by this V shape as indicated in FIG. 1A. The location and use of the right leg crotch point 22 establish offset seams, i.e., the seam is not straight up the middle of the garment with snap assemblies 4, are more comfortable for infant wearer tummy time, i.e., when the infant wearer is placed on her belly to allow access to age appropriate developmental positions, in comparison with the prior art, the infant wearer of the first design 2 isn't lying on uncomfortable snaps or seams.

[0057] Furthermore, the first design 2 only requires two snap assemblies 4; this structural feature of the first design allows for ease of quickly and easily exposing the infant's chest for skin-to-skin contact. In addition, no lateral seams are imposed by the first design 2 onto the torso of the infant wearer; less seams compared with the prior art enable the first design 2 to be more comfortable and to allow more stretch, as seams limit stretch. It is understood that with a stretch fabric, it is difficult to secure snaps into a fabric without the fabric ripping over time; the reinforcement tabs 4T prevent the snap assemblies 4 from ripping through the fabric. The tabs 4T also make it easier to unsnap the snap assemblies 4 by proving a secure place to grasp and pull; a user can unsnap the snap assemblies 4 of the first design 4 with one hand by use of the tabs 4T.

[0058] It is understood that the first design 2 may comprise fabric selected from fabrics made with or of TENCEL fiber manufactured by the Lenzing AG Lenzing, Austria, lyocell, or other suitable sustainable sourced stretchable fabric known in the art, cotton, wool, organic fabric, eco-textile and/or synthetic fabric in singularity or in combination, and/or other suitable fabric known in the art.

[0059] In light of research by the HeartMath Institute of Santa Cruz County, Calif., the heart emits a biomagnetic signal that can be measured by electrocardiogram (ECG) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The heart is the largest producer of electromagnetic signals in the human body. Its electric field is about 60 times larger than the brain and can be detected up to 3 feet away from the body. Work by Feldman, has shown that during face-to-face interactions, a mother unconsciously adapts her heart rhythms to those of her infant, and the infant adapts his or her heart rhythms to those of the mother in less than a second, resulting in a biological synchronization between the accelerations and decelerations of their heart rates. It is speculated that the biological synchronization of the heart rates, the close proximity of the child and mother's hearts and the stimulation of sensory nerve endings in both of their chests may have positive benefits. It may be particularly beneficial if the mother holds the intention of well-being feelings while participating in skin to skin.

[0060] Mother and infant coordinate heart rhythms through episodes of interaction synchrony. (Feldman R, Magori-Cohen R, Galili G, Singer M, Louzoun Y Infant Behav Dcv. 2011 December; 34(4):569-77; Feldman R. Parent-infant synchrony biological foundations and developmental outcomes. Curr Dir Psychol Sci (2007) 16(6):340-5.10.1111/j.1467-8721.2007.00532; From biological rhythms to social rhythms: Physiological precursors of mother-infant synchrony, Feldman R Dev Psychol. 2006 January; 42(1):175-88) Social engagement and attachment: a phylogenetic perspective, Porges S W Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003 December; 1008( ):31-47; The development of regulatory functions from birth to 5 years: insights from premature infants, Feldman R Child Dev. 2009 March-April; 80(2):544-61)

[0061] The following instructions describe enhanced skin to skin practice:

[0062] With the infant securely resting on the parent's lap, unfasten the top two fasteners of the garment exposing the infants entire chest. Place the exposed infant's chest to the exposed mother's chest. Be sure that infant's face is safely turned to the side to allow for normal breathing. Place the infant's feet so that that they are supported and have something to push against, whether it is the mothers abdomen, thighs or a pillow on the mother's lap. Also position the infant's hands slightly under them or near their mouth. The mother may place her hand supporting under the infants bottom and her other hand gently supporting the infant's back. Then close the fastener loosely behind the infants back.

[0063] The following instructions describe enhanced skin-to-skin guided practice:

[0064] With the mothers feet firmly supported on the floor. Take a easy slow breath in through the nose and out through the nose bring your awareness to your chest. Take another breath feeling the chest expand and relax. You want your breath to be slower than normal but easy and effortless. Bring your awareness to the sensation of your skin touching the baby skin and feel the beautiful connection you have established. See if you can feel your baby's breath moving in and out.

[0065] Next, feel for your own heartbeat. Spend a few minutes allowing your breath to move through this area. Now feel for your baby's heartbeat. This is not effortful, you are simply quieting enough to sense the beautiful life force. of your baby. Bring a feeling of deep appreciation into your heart and of the beautiful life this child is, of the beautiful soul this child is and of the beautiful wisdom this child holds. Feel appreciation for the support that surrounds you, of the infinite possibilities and love. Feel this surround the both of you by imagining a warm, pink, beautiful, sparkling, fuzzy, blanket covered by thousand kisses from this universe. Allow this feeling into your bodies by continuing to breathe slowly, effortlessly and easy.

[0066] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C,

[0067] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C present an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 200, or second design 200, in a first state of FIG. 2A that exposes a portion of a wearer's skin in FIG. 2A and in an alternative second state of FIG. 2C that would cover, and protect said portion of wearer's skin with the panels 216 & 218. The second design 200 includes limb apertures 202-208, three sides 210, 212 & 214 that define a first 215 aperture that selectively exposes said portion of wearer's skin the first panel 216 and the second panel 218, a plurality of fastener components and elements 220, 222 & 224.

[0068] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C present a third alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 300, or third design 300, in a first state of FIG. 3A that exposes the portion of a wearer's skin in FIG. 3A and in an alternative second state of FIG. 3C that would cover, and protect said portion of wearer's skin with a second set alternate panels 316 & 318. The third design 300 includes limb apertures 302-308, three sides 310 & 314 that define a second aperture 312 that selectively exposes said portion of wearer's skin the first alternate panel 316 and the second alternate panel 318, a plurality of fastener components and elements 320, 322 & 324.

[0069] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C present a fourth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 400, or fourth design 400, in a first state of FIG. 4A that exposes the portion of a wearer's skin in FIG. 4A and in an alternative second state of the fourth design 400 of FIG. 4C that would cover, and protect said portion of wearer's skin with a fourth set of alternate panels 410 & 412. The fourth design 400 includes sleeves 402 & 404 and leggings 406 & 408, a plurality of fastener components and elements 414, 416 & 418. Preferably, there are no snap assemblies 4 on the leggings 406 & 408, thereby allowing for easier and quicker donning/doffing of the fourth design 400.

[0070] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 5A and 5B and, FIGS. 5A and 5B present a fifth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 500, or fifth design 500, in a first state of FIG. 5A that exposes the portion of a wearer's skin in FIG. 5A and in an alternative second state of the fifth design 500 of FIG. 5B that would cover, and protect said portion of wearer's skin with a fifth set of alternate panels 510 & 512. The fifth design 500 includes sleeves 502 & 504 and leggings 506 & 508, a plurality of fastener components and elements 514 & 518.

[0071] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C present a sixth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 600, or sixth design 600, in a first state of FIG. 6A that exposes the portion of a wearer's skin in FIG. 6A and in an alternative second state of the sixth design 600 of FIG. 6C that would cover, and protect said portion of wearer's skin with a sixth set of alternate panels 610 & 612. The sixth design 600 includes sleeves 602 & 604 and leggings 606 & 608, a plurality of fastener components and elements 614 & 618.

[0072] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIGS. 7A and 7B, FIGS. 7A and 7B present a seventh alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 700, or seventh design 700, in a first state of FIG. 7A that exposes the portion of the wearer's skin in FIG. 7A and in an alternative second state of the seventh design 700 of FIG. 7B that would cover, and protect said portion of wearer's skin with a seventh set of alternate panels 710 & 712. The seventh design 700 includes sleeves 702 & 704 and leggings 706 & 708, a plurality of fastener components and elements 714 & 724 and fastener reinforcement material strips 720 & 726.

[0073] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 presents a eighth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 800, or eighth design 800, that protects said portion of wearer's skin with a eighth set of alternate panels 810 & 812. The eighth design 800 includes sleeves 802 & 804 and leggings 806 & 808, a plurality of hook and loop fastener component and elements 814 & 816.

[0074] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 presents an ninth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 900, or ninth design 900, that protects said portion of wearer's skin with an ninth set of alternate panels 910 & 912. The ninth design 900 includes sleeves 902 & 904 and leggings 906 & 908, a plurality of hook and loop fastener component and elements 914 & 916, and a set of snap fastening components 919 & 820.

[0075] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 presents a tenth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 1000, or tenth design 1000, that protects said portion of wearer's skin with the tenth set of alternate panels 1010 & 1012. A fastener assembly 1014 removably couples the panel 1010 & 1012 together. The tenth design 1000 includes sleeves 1002 & 1004, a first pant leg 1006 that includes a first bootie 1016, and a second pant leg 1008 that includes a second bootie 1018.

[0076] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 presents a eleventh alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 1100, or eleventh design 1100, that protects said portion of wearer's skin with a eleventh set of alternate panels 1110 & 1112. A fastener assembly 1114 removably couples the panels 1110 & 1112 together. The eleventh design 1100 includes sleeves 1102 & 1104, a first pant leg 1106 that includes a first bootie 1116, and a second pant leg 1108 that includes a second bootie 1118. Each sleeve 1102 & 1104 is respectively coupled with a single mitten element 1120 & 1122.

[0077] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 12, FIG. 12 presents a twelfth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 1200, or twelfth design 1200, that protects said portion of wearer's skin with an twelfth set of alternate panels 1210 & 1212. A fastener assembly 1214 removably couples the panel 1210 &1212 together. The twelfth design 1200 includes sleeves 1202 & 1204, a first pant leg 1206 that includes a first bootie 1216, and a second pant leg 1208 that includes a second bootie 1218. Each sleeve 1202 & 1204 is respectively coupled with a single mitten element 1220 & 1222. The twelfth design 1200 further includes a hooding element 1224.

[0078] Referring now generally to the Figures and particularly to FIG. 13, FIG. 13 presents a thirteenth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention 1300, or thirteenth design 1300, that protects said portion of wearer's skin with an twelfth set of alternate panels 1310 & 1313. A fastener assembly 1314 removably couples the panel 1310 &1313 together. The thirteenth design 1300 includes sleeves 1302 & 1304, a first pant leg 1306 that includes a first bootie 1316, and a second pant leg 1308 that includes a second bootie 1318. Each sleeve 1302 & 1304 is respectively coupled with a single mitten element 1320 & 1322. The twelfth design 1100 further includes a hooding element 1134 coupled with a collar element 1326.

[0079] The foregoing disclosures and statements are illustrative only of the Present Invention, and are not intended to limit or define the scope of the Present Invention. The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the examples given include many specificities, they are intended as illustrative of only certain possible configurations or aspects of the Present Invention. The examples given should only be interpreted as illustrations of some of the preferred configurations or aspects of the Present Invention, and the full scope of the Present Invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the Present Invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the Present Invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. The scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed should, therefore, be determined with reference to the knowledge of one skilled in the art and in light of the disclosures presented above.