BODYSUIT FOR EASY CHANGE OF DIAPERS

Abstract

A bodysuit has a closure that is located near the waist area of the infant on which the bodysuit is worn. The bodysuit can have a water-resistant interior that is able to be wiped down and cleaned in the event of an accident. The bodysuit allows changing of the diaper without disturbing the infant.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Disclosed embodiments are generally related to clothing, and in particular to clothing that facilitates the changing of diapers.

2. Description of the Related Art

A conventional baby bodysuit, or onesie, design makes it difficult, cumbersome and messy to change babies' diapers. This is due to the opening for changing the diaper being located at or close to the crotch area and fastened with the use of snaps. The snaps can be difficult to close and open. This difficulty in accessibility affects the baby's comfort as well as the hindering of a caretaker's ability to change the diaper.

Therefore there is a need in the field for a bodysuit that permits easier changing of diapers.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, aspects of the present disclosure relate to clothing that permits easy changing of diapers.

An aspect of the present disclosure may be a bodysuit. The bodysuit may comprise a body portion; arm portions extending from the body portion; a bottom portion located below the body portion, wherein leg openings are formed when the bottom portion is secured to the body portion; a closure area adapted to be formed and positioned at a location above a waist area of a user of the bodysuit, wherein the closure area is formed by securing the body portion to the bottom portion; a fastener adapted secure the body portion to the bottom portion; and wherein the closure area is adapted to be opened when a diaper is to be changed, wherein opening of the closure area provides access to a diaper for changing of the diaper.

Another aspect of the disclosure may be a bodysuit. The bodysuit may comprise a body portion; a bottom portion located below the body portion, wherein the bottom portion is secured to the body portion; a closure area adapted to be positioned and formed at a location above a waist area of a user of the bodysuit, wherein the closure area is formed when the body portion is secured to the bottom portion; a fastener adapted to form the closure area; a vertical closure area adapted to close the body portion; and wherein the closure area is adapted to be opened when a diaper is to be changed, wherein opening of the closure provides access to a diaper for changing of the diaper.

Still yet another aspect of the disclosure may be a method of changing a diaper. The method may comprise opening a bodysuit at a closure area wherein the bodysuit comprises; a body portion; a bottom portion located below the body portion, wherein the bottom portion is secured to the body portion above a waist area of a user of the bodysuit with a fastener; a vertical closure area adapted to close the body portion; opening the vertical closure area of the bodysuit; removing the diaper; and replacing the diaper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principals of the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a bodysuit.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the bodysuit.

FIG. 3 is a view of the closure after being opened.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 5 is another view of the bodysuit shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 7 is a close up view of an attachment means shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 9 is a frontal view of yet another embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 10 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 11 is a frontal view of yet another embodiment of the bodysuit.

FIG. 12 is a frontal view of the bodysuit shown in FIG. 11 with the closure closed.

FIG. 13 is a frontal view of another view of the bodysuit.

FIG. 14 is a close-up view of the attachment mechanism for the bodysuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles, and features of the present disclosure, they are disclosed hereinafter with reference to implementation in illustrative embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to use in the described systems or methods and may be utilized in other systems and methods as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

The components described hereinafter as making up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or a similar function as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

As discussed above, a conventional bodysuit design hinders a caretaker's ability to change a diaper with ease. When a caretaker goes to change a diaper they have to typically open a closure located in the crotch area. Given the nature of diapers, which typically open at the waste area, there tends to be a lot of struggling, potential messes, etc. when dealing with this type of bodysuit.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, to address this problem, shown is an embodiment of the bodysuit 10. The bodysuit 10 shown in FIG. 1 addresses the issue of the hard to reach area by moving the location of the closure area 15 from the crotch area to a location that is located above the waist area.

The location of the closure area 15 is located above the waist area and not located within the crotch region. In an embodiment, the closure area 15 is located at the waist area. In an embodiment, the closure area 15 is located proximate to and above the waist area. In an embodiment, the closure area 15 is located an inch above the waist area. In an embodiment, the closure area 15 is located two inches above the waist area. In an embodiment, the closure area 15 is located more than an inch above the waist area. In another embodiment, the closure area 15 is located parallel with the chest area.

Furthermore, the manner with which portions of the bodysuit 10 are secured together at the closure area 15 is also improved. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the portions of the bodysuit 10 at the closure area 15 are secured with a fastener 11, which secures the body portion 18 to the bottom portion 20. The fastener 11 is a tie mechanism in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3. In an embodiment, the fastener 11 is a hook and loop fastener. The hook and loop fastener enables fastening of the garment in a quicker, quieter and easier way versus the hard snap closures available in the market. In an embodiment, the fastener 11 is a snap closure. In an embodiment, the fastener 11 is a button closure. In an embodiment, the fastener 11 is a magnetic closure. In an embodiment, the fastener 11 is a clasping mechanism. In an embodiment, the fastener 11 is a hook-based mechanism. In an embodiment, the fastener 11 is a sealing mechanism. In an embodiment, the fastener 11, is a temporary sticking mechanism. In an embodiment, the fastener 11 is an electrostatic attachment mechanism.

As discussed above, and still referring to FIG. 1, the closure area 15 is positioned at a midpoint of the baby and is where the body portion 18 is secured to the bottom portion 20. The closure area 15 is at the juncture between a bottom portion 20 and the body portion 18. In an embodiment, the closure area 15 is formed as overlapping portions of parts of the body portion 18 and parts of the bottom portion 20. In an embodiment, the closure area 15 is formed as a portion of the body portion 18. In an embodiment, the closure area 15 is formed as portion of the bottom portion 20.

The closure area 15 is located typically above a waistline of a baby wearing the body suit 10. This makes the opening at the front, up higher and closer to the front waist and just below the belly button. The closure area 15 may be located on the body portion 18 at a location that would be above the navel of a baby. The location of the closure area 15 enables the closing and opening of the bodysuit 10 to be at a convenient location versus areas that are closer to the crotch region and thus subject to causing more discomfort. Furthermore, the location enables access to the closing and opening features found on most diapers. The location of the closure area 15 on the bodysuit 10 makes it easier, quicker, less messy and much more convenient to change a baby's diaper. The location of the closure area 15 also makes it much more comfortable for the baby since there is less need to move the baby in order to change the diaper. This is especially so when the baby is asleep.

As mentioned above, the bodysuit 10 has a body portion 18. The body portion 18 may have a water-resistant interior. The body portion 18 may also be adapted so that the closure area 15 formed by having the fastener 11 secured to the body portion 18 via matching attachment means. In an embodiment, the body portion 18 may have the holes for the receipt of buttons. In an embodiment the body portion 18 may have buttons. In an embodiment, the body portion 18 may have one half of the hook and loop tape receiving mechanism, either the hook or the loop portion of the hook and loop tape. In an embodiment, the body portion 18 may have one portion of a magnetic layer. In an embodiment, the body portion 18 may have adhesive means. In an embodiment, the body portion 18 may have the receiving or snapping portion of a snap.

Additionally, a water-resistant liner can be provided inside the bodysuit 10. In an embodiment, the water-resistant can be located within the bottom area 20. In an embodiment, the water-resistant liner is located throughout the bodysuit 10. In an embodiment, the water-resistant liner is located throughout the bottom portion of the bodysuit 10. In an embodiment, the water-resistant liner is an additional item that can be attached to the interior of the bodysuit 10 via hook and loop tape or other attachment means, such as snaps, buttons, clasps, etc. In an embodiment, the water-resistant liner is a disposable item that can be replaced when soiled. In an embodiment, the bottom area 20 of the bodysuit 10 is replaceable and when soiled can be removed and replaced with another bottom area 20. The water-resistant liner may be added on the interior of the bottom area 20 covering approximately the area just below the back of the waist to the edge of the flap covering the diaper area. In an embodiment, the water-resistant liner is a water-resistant fabric, resists leakages and allows quick wipe down of any wetness of the surface. The water-resistant liner may thereby reduce the frequency of garment changes.

When the bottom area 20 is secured to the body portion 18, leg openings 16 are formed in the bodysuit 10. The leg openings 16 permit a baby's legs to pass through. The leg openings 16 may form a pant's leg or be sized in any shape that could permit the passage of a leg.

The bodysuit 10 also has a head opening 14. The head opening 14 of the bodysuit 10 is formed at the top of the body portion 18 and can be sized and shaped based on the size and shape of the baby. The bodysuit 10 further has arm portions 12 for receiving arms. The arm portions 12 may be long sleeved, short sleeved or simply be an opening that allows passage of the arms. not have any sleeves at all.

In addition to use with the bodysuit 10, the embodiments of the closure area 15 and other embodiments and features discussed herein may be used with cloth baby diapers. The embodiments of the closure area 15 and other embodiments and features discussed herein may be used with disposable diapers. The embodiments of the closure area 15 and other embodiments and features discussed herein may be used with garments for the elderly. The embodiments of the closure area 15 and other embodiments and features discussed herein may be used with other hospital or patient care situations. Additionally, adult bodysuits that require the same ease, convenience and reduced messiness may also use the closing arrangement. In an embodiment, a swimsuit is made in the same manner as the bodysuit 10.

The bodysuit 10 may be used with varying types and weights of fabrics and materials. In an embodiment, the stitching used with the bodysuit 10 is non-abrasive. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of a soft fabric. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of a water-proof material. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of a water-resistant material. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of wicking material. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of cotton. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of plastic material. In embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of nylon.

In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 is made of a thermochromic material that changes color based upon temperature. Having the bodysuit 10 made of thermochromic material can provide additional information such as providing additional visual indication that a diaper may be soiled. For instance, in an embodiment the bottom portion 20 of the bodysuit 10 is made of thermochromic material and changes color when the baby wets their diaper. Thermochromic material may also provide additional information about the comfort level of the baby. In addition or instead of being made of thermochromic material, material that changes color when damp be used.

The bodysuit 10 may have different types of decoration, trims and/or styling using various silhouettes to improve its appeal to the customers or meet the demands of both retailers/customers. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 may have attractive prints, embroidery, patch designs, etc. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 may also be paired with additional accessories. It might also be paired off with other garments or garment accessories to make it coordinated set or as a gift package.

As discussed above, the position of the closure area 15 may be re-positioned or coupled with additional closure options for further ease or comfort (e.g. new born babies might require full garment opening instead of only at the waist). The location of the closure area 15 may vary based on age and need of the person who will be using the bodysuit 10.

Bodysuits 10 may further be modified in order to provide a variety and seasonal needs. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 has long sleeves for use in the winter. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 has short sleeves for the summer. In an embodiment, the bodysuit 10 has no sleeves for the summer. Two-piece sets can also be made, such as a top and bottom that are able to be secured at the closure area 15 or are replaceable, etc. Versions may also be designed with one or more design elements discussed herein.

In an exemplary embodiment of the use of the bodysuit 10, when a diaper needs changing, the baby is positioned on a changing table on its back. The bottom portion 20 is pulled down from the location of the closure area 15. The diaper is then undone and the diaper is removed. The baby's bottom is cleaned in the normal manner. If the bodysuit 10 has a water-resistant lining that is wet, the water-resistant lining is wiped clean. A new diaper is positioned under the baby and fastened according to the instructions provided by the diaper manufacturer. The bottom portion 20 is then pulled up and secured using the fastener 11. The same process with minor modifications for consideration for an adult's size, weight and mobility would be used to change an adult diaper.

Now referring to FIG. 4, the closure area 15 is extended to traverse the body portion 18 and located at a front waist area, that is higher up and closer to the belly button of an infant.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the bodysuit 10. In the embodiment shown, the closure area 15 has located above it a vertical closure area 22. The vertical closure area 22 may cross the body portion 18 at an angle with respect to the waist area. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the vertical closure is formed as an arc across the body portion 18. The arc forming the vertical closure area 22 permits the body portion forming the vertical closure area 22 to be opened with ease and without disturbing the infant. The formed arc may form a half-moon shape. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 10 degrees. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 20 degrees. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 30 degrees. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 40 degrees. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 80 degrees. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 120 degrees. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 180 degrees. In an embodiment, the arc formed extends 200 degrees. The formed arc permits an additional resting area for the baby during the changing of the infant.

In FIG. 4, the body portion 18 of the vertical closure area 22 is secured with buttons 24. However, it should be understood, that any of the fastening mechanisms discussed above can be used to secure and form the vertical closure area 22.

FIG. 5 is another view of the bodysuit shown in FIG. 4. The body portion 18 formed the vertical closure area 22 may be secured with buttons 22 and the body portion 18 may further be secured on the interior of the bodysuit 10 at an interior closure area 25 that is hidden from view when the vertical closure area 22 is secured. The interior closure area 25 can provide additional means for using the body portion 18 to secure and bundle an infant. The interior closure area 25 can provide an additional surface area using the body portion 18 for changing an infant during changing since both portions of the body portion 18 that makes up the vertical closure area 22 can be opened in such a way that they are able to be placed down on either side of the body suit 10.

FIG. 6 shows a frontal view of another embodiment of a bodysuit 10. Similar to the embodiment shown above in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bodysuit 10 may have a vertical closure area 22 that traverses the body portion 18. The vertical closure area 22 may additionally have interior snaps 28 that may additionally close the bodysuit 10. There may also be a zipper 26 that provides additional access when opening the bodysuit 10. The vertical closure area 22 shown in FIG. 6 may additionally be formed as an arc across the body portion 18. The closure area 15 and the vertical closure area 22 operate in conjunction in order to provide an easy area for providing access to an infant during a changing situation. Furthermore, while a zipper 26 is shown within the interior leg portions of the bodysuit 10, the leg portions themselves may be removable depending on the weather or type of bodysuit 10 that is intended on being used. Having the zipper 26 located in the interior portion of the legs of the bodysuit 10 permits easy access for changing when used with the vertical closure area 22 and the closure area 15.

FIG. 7 is a close-up view of interior snaps 28 shown in FIG. 6. The interior snaps 28 are located on an interior flap 29. The interior snaps 28 can be placed within interior loops 27 and looped around to engage the interior snaps 28. The inside front panel may attach to a side seam with the interior snaps 28. While interior snaps 28 are shown, other additional fastening means can be used such as those discussed above.

FIG. 8 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit 10. The bodysuit 10 has buttons 24 located on a vertical closure area 22 to secure the bodysuit 10. Instead of the buttons 24 there may alternatively use one of the fastening mechanisms that were discussed above. Additionally, there may be an interior snap 28 such as discussed with respect to FIG. 7 above. There may also be a non-visible zipper with a rubber pull to open the bodysuit 10 from the bottom of the leg to the waistline area. A round hook and loop tape opening with ribbon pull from the top of neck to waist line where the zipper opening ends may also exist. The vertical closure area 22 and the closure area 15 can provide the way in which the bodysuit 10 can be opened and the baby changed with ease.

FIG. 9 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit 10. In this embodiment of the bodysuit 10 there may be a securing portion 23 that is located within the closure area 15. This can provide a flap to cover a zipper pull. The bodysuit 10 has buttons 24 located on a vertical closure area 22 to secure the bodysuit 10. Instead of the buttons 24 there may alternatively be used one of the fastening mechanisms that were discussed above.

FIG. 10 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit 10. The bodysuit 10 may have a vertical closure area 22 and a zipper 26 that extends up the bodysuit 10. The bodysuit 10 has buttons 24 located on a vertical closure area 22 to secure the bodysuit 10. Instead of the buttons 24 there may alternatively be used one of the fastening mechanisms that were discussed above. The vertical closure area 22 and the closure area 15 can provide the way in which the bodysuit 10 can be opened and the baby changed with ease.

FIG. 11 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit 10. FIG. 12 is a frontal view of the bodysuit shown in FIG. 11 with the bodysuit 10 within the closure area 15 closed. The bodysuit 10 uses string 19 to close the bodysuit 10 within the closure area 15. As discussed above the body portion 18 and the bottom portion 20 within the closure area 15 can be secured with any of the other fastening mechanisms discussed above.

FIG. 13 is a frontal view of another embodiment of the bodysuit 10. FIG. 14 is a close-up view of the mechanism used to close the vertical closure area 22. The interior snaps 28 are located on an interior flap 29. The interior snaps 28 can be placed within interior loops 27 and looped around to engage the interior snaps 28. The inside front panel may attach to a side seam with the interior snaps 28. While interior snaps 28 are shown, other additional fastening means can be used such as those discussed above. The vertical closure area 22 and the closure area 15 can provide the way in which the bodysuit 10 can be opened and the baby changed with ease.

While embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A bodysuit comprising: a body portion;arm portions extending from the body portion;a bottom portion located below the body portion, wherein leg openings are formed when the bottom portion is secured to the body portion;a closure area adapted to be formed and positioned at a location above a waist area of a user of the bodysuit, wherein the closure area is formed by securing the body portion to the bottom portion;a fastener adapted secure the body portion to the bottom portion; andwherein the closure area is adapted to be opened when a diaper is to be changed, wherein opening of the closure area provides access to a diaper for changing of the diaper.

2. The bodysuit of claim 1, further comprising a water-resistant liner secured to the bottom portion.

3. The bodysuit of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is formed with a water-resistant material.

4. The bodysuit of claim 1, further comprising a vertical closure formed on the body portion of the bodysuit.

5. The bodysuit of claim 4, wherein the vertical closure area is arc-shaped.

6. The bodysuit of claim 1, wherein the closure area is adapted to be positioned and formed at a location above the belly button of the user of the bodysuit.

7. The bodysuit of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is formed with a thermochromic material.

8. The bodysuit of claim 1, wherein the fastener is formed as a hook and loop tape.

9. The bodysuit of claim 1, where the fastener is formed as a tie mechanism.

10. A bodysuit comprising: a body portion;a bottom portion located below the body portion, wherein the bottom portion is secured to the body portion;a closure area adapted to be positioned and formed at a location above a waist area of a user of the bodysuit, wherein the closure area is formed when the body portion is secured to the bottom portion;a fastener adapted to form the closure area;a vertical closure area adapted to close the body portion; andwherein the closure area is adapted to be opened when a diaper is to be changed, wherein opening of the closure provides access to a diaper for changing of the diaper.

11. The bodysuit of claim 10, further comprising a water-resistant liner secured to the bottom portion.

12. The bodysuit of claim 10, wherein the bottom portion is formed with a water-resistant material.

13. The bodysuit of claim 10 wherein the vertical closure area is arc-shaped.

14. The bodysuit of claim 10, wherein the closure area is adapted to be positioned and formed at a location above the belly button of the user of the bodysuit.

15. The bodysuit of claim 10, wherein the bottom portion is formed with a thermochromic material.

16. The bodysuit of claim 10, wherein the fastener is formed as a hook and loop tape.

17. A method of changing a diaper comprising: opening a bodysuit at a closure area wherein the bodysuit comprises; a body portion;a bottom portion located below the body portion, wherein the bottom portion is secured to the body portion above a waist area of a user of the bodysuit with a fastener;a vertical closure area adapted to close the body portion;opening the vertical closure area of the bodysuit;removing the diaper; andreplacing the diaper.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising wiping down a water-resistant liner.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising replacing a water-resistant liner.

20. The method claim 17, wherein the vertical closure area is arc shaped.