FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING
Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of functional clothing and childcare devices. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus used to carry childcare utilities and personal belongings of the wearer that helps improve the wearer's efficiency in caregiving by supporting and enhancing the wearer's ability to care for an infant or toddler in a timely manner, and at the same time, enable easy access to personal belongings and gadgets to stay connected and have some personal relaxation along with achieving a high level of well-being.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Stepping out of the house with an infant or a toddler requires a great deal of planning and organizing, so that caregivers have all the essential items on hand when the situation demands. Be it a stroll in the park, a quick trip to the grocery store or a long drive, parents and caregivers are in a high stress environment when having to care for infants and toddlers when outdoors. To ease the stress, parents are likely to carry a variety of things such as diapers, wipes, creams/lotions, feeding bottles, sippy cups, nursing cover, infant food, medicines, change pads, pacifiers and the like in a diaper bag. As a result, the diaper bag tends to become heavy and disorganized over a period of time. More often than not, restocking a diaper bag requires long preparation time, that could cut short valuable time spent outdoors. Moreover, even after spending a long time preparing the diaper bag for travel, caregivers often miss packing some essentials because of the disorganized nature of the diaper bag which does not facilitate easy packing for travel, leading to unnecessary and preventable panic. More often than not, caregivers are often digging into the diaper bag looking to find something, while simultaneously consoling a wailing baby, because it does not provide a hands-free experience. After a while, caregivers often find that carrying the diaper bag along becomes a cumbersome process. Caregivers also tend to carry their personal belongings such as a Smartphone, tablet computer, music player, sunglasses, keys, pens, credit cards and the like in a handbag or a backpack. This means the caregiver is compelled to carry two different bags to accommodate all necessary items. And often, the diaper bag needs to be put down on the floor, before one is able to take things out of the bag. And plenty of times, parents are left digging into the diaper bag unable to find what they are looking for. This can also come in the way of holding a child and the situation can become tense and stressful for both the parent and the child. And sometimes, while carrying the diaper bag and the hand bag or backpack, caregivers are required to lift other heavy objects such as car seats, kid bikes or toys as well. Also, there aren't any garments, known so far, that provide an attachable diaper changing system, complete with an antimicrobial, anti-odor and temperature controlling change pad and pockets that are specifically designed to carry diaper changing essentials. Nursing covers and infant covers are not known in the field to be concealed and attached to a garment making it easy for a mother to nurse her baby anywhere and at any time and comfort her child, respectively. Oftentimes, mothers usually neglect their well-being when caring for an infant often leading to posture problems and neck and back pain.
The present invention addresses these problems faced by parents and caregivers by providing ready and easy access to all childcare utilities and personal utilities of the caregiver. The object of the present invention is to address the problems posed by the demands of childcare by providing modern, tech-savvy caregivers with a wearable garment that has well-organized pockets and functions as a diaper bag and a hand bag and also focus on their own needs and well being. Additionally, all of the garment's features can be accessed without having to remove the garment to take feeding bottles, pacifiers, toys, utensils, and the like.
The present invention provides a carrier for often needed items and also provide a transportable diaper changing mechanism that can be easily detached from the garment when needed and placed on any diaper changing facility, with a change mat that has anti-odor, antimicrobial and temperature control properties and a variety of pockets to hold diapers, wipes, creams, lotions, and the like, for easy and efficient changing of infants.
It is another object of the invention to provide an attached and concealed nursing cover within the garment that can be drawn from within the garment and fastened so as to be able to quickly respond to feeding needs of infants.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a sterile carrier for pacifiers, breast pump and feeding accessories, so that these items are not contaminated and are free of microbes when in use.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a concealed infant cover that the wearer of the childcare garment can use as an extension in the childcare garment to accommodate and comfort a baby carried on an infant carrier.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a combination of a neck scarf, neck support for the wearer, and a baby blanket embodiment to help the wearer have access to neck support when in discomfort, have a stylish scarf or use the fabric as a blanket to cover and comfort the baby when holding the baby.
While there may be garments in the market that have multiple pockets, these are not tailored to include specific mechanisms to efficiently and sensibly combine storage facilities for diaper bag essentials and handbag essentials and focus on the comfort and well-being of the caregiver as well.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the childcare garment described herein will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To achieve the above mentioned and other objects and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the apparatus of this invention may comprise a childcare garment. The childcare garment is an outer garment such as a vest, jacket or a coat that includes multiple pockets and holders for infant care essentials such as diapers, wipes, food, lotions, creams, feeding bottles etc. as well as the personal items of the parent or caregiver such as a Smartphone, music player, pen, keys and tablet computer. The garment comprises of a central portion and a left and a right wing portion with several pockets on the inner and outer surfaces. One large pocket on the outer wing portion has insulated lining in the interior of the pocket to hold infant feeding bottles, sippy cups and coffee cups. One large sterile pocket is fixed to the outer wing portions to hold pacifiers, breast pump and bottle accessories. Two smaller pockets on the outer wing portions are sized to fit a Smartphone and a music player, with a slot for carrying chargers and an opening on the flap to let earphones pass through, enabling hands-free usage of the smartphone or music player. A zippered pocket on the left side of the outer wing contains a concealed pouch, which can be pulled out to be left hanging from the garment, to accommodate small toys or other small objects. There is a plurality of pockets in the inner wing portions that can accommodate baby food, utensils, medicines, cosmetics, a purse/wallet, sunglasses, credit/debit cards and driver's license. There are loops in the inner wing portions of the garment that can hold pens and keys. The garment further includes a built-in, detachable baby changing system that is fastened to the outer central portion of the garment, with a change pad and multiple pockets to hold diapers, wipes and lotions, enabling changing at any location, when traveling. The arrangement of the pockets in the diaper changing system is not critical and can be done in any order. One pocket in the diaper changing system is lined with waterproof fabric to hold wet wipes and will have a central opening or a flap to facilitate easy pulling out of wipes. Another important feature of the childcare garment is that it has a concealed nursing cover within the garment, that can be implemented in four different ways to suit the needs and preferences of the user. Yet another feature of the childcare garment is the concealed baby/infant cover provided in a long vertical pocket on the inner wing portion of the childcare garment. And yet another important feature of this childcare garment is the combination of a baby blanket, scarf and neck support arrangement in the collar pocket of the garment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Some embodiments of the present innovation are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:
FIG. 1A is a front view of the outside surface of the childcare garment 18.
FIG. 1B is a pictorial view of the pull out pouch 20 from the zippered pocket in the outside surface.
FIG. 2A is a back view of the outside surface of the childcare garment 18 shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2B is a pictorial view of the diaper changing system 34 that is attached to the childcare garment 18.
FIG. 3A is a view of the interior surface of the childcare garment 18 shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 3B is a view of the nursing cover 80 in pocket 74 that is attached to the left wing portion 54 of the interior surface shown in FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3C is a view of the childcare garment 18 when nursing cover 80 in pocket 74 is in use.
FIG. 3D is a pictorial view of another embodiment of the nursing cover 84 in which two different pieces of cloth are attached to the inner surface of the central portion 70 of the childcare garment 18.
FIG. 3E is a view of the childcare garment 18 when the nursing garment 84 depicted in FIG. 3D is in use.
FIG. 3F is a pictorial representation of nursing cover 82 that is attached to collar pocket 72 depicted in FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3G is a pictorial depiction of the front view of the childcare garment 18 when nursing cover 82 is in use.
FIG. 3H is a pictorial representation of nursing cover 90 that is attached to the shoulder pockets 86 and 88 depicted in FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3I is a pictorial representation of the childcare garment 18, when nursing cover 90 is in use.
FIGS. 4A-4O are pictorial representations of the various possible pocket configurations in the childcare garment shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A.
FIGS. 5A-5B are pictorial representations of holders in the childcare garment shown in FIG. 3A.
FIG. 6A is a pictorial representation of the infant cover 92.
FIG. 6B is a pictorial representation of the childcare garment 18, when the infant cover 92 is in use.
FIG. 7A is a pictorial representation of the annular cloth 95 with snaps 96 to adjust the length of the cloth to make it into a scarf.
FIG. 7B is a pictorial representation of the collar pocket 72 with the drawstring 97 and the loop or velcro or button 98 fixed inside the pocket.
FIG. 7C is a pictorial representation of the childcare garment 18 when the annular cloth is worn as a neck scarf.
FIG. 7D is a pictorial representation of the childcare garment 18 when the annular cloth 95 is used as a baby blanket.
FIG. 7E is a pictorial representation of the childcare garment 18, when the annular cloth 95 is used as neck support inside the collar pocket 72, for the user of the garment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is a garment worn by a parent or a child caregiver that has several pockets, holders and mechanisms to provide the wearer with a hands-free experience. The added mobility helps the caregiver attend to unpredictable childcare needs in a less stressed-out and timely manner. The childcare garment provides easy access to essential items for childcare and personal use by providing ample storage to hold each item in specific pockets and holders. Some of the unique features of the present invention are the built-in detachable diaper changing system, concealed infant cover, the combination of baby blanket, neck support and neck scarf, the sterile bottle accessories holding pockets, and the concealed nursing cover.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 1A shows the front view of the childcare garment 18 with two outer wing portions 2 and 4, with a collar 6 and a zippered or buttoned opening 22. Childcare garment 18 could have long sleeves, short sleeves or can be sleeveless. The outer wing portions 2 and 4 of childcare garment 18 are provided with a variety of pockets. These pockets are easily accessed and are meant for storage of accessories that are more frequently needed while traveling with a child, such as feeding bottles, bottle accessories, breast pump, pacifiers, and the like.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 1A illustrates an arrangement of pockets on the two wing portions 2 and 4. The arrangement of the pockets on wing portions 2 and 4 is not critical and they may be organized as desired. Pockets 8 and 10 are configured to carry electronic devices such as a cell phone/Smartphone and a music player. Pockets 8 and 10 will also have a separate slot within the pockets to carry battery charging cables. Pockets 12 and 14 are larger pockets that can accommodate bottles, bottle accessories, pacifiers, and a breast pump. Pocket 12 is insulated and can hold hot or cold liquids. Pocket 14 is an antimicrobial pocket which provides an effective barrier against microbes and infections and can be used to carry pacifiers, breast pump and breast pump accessories. Pocket 16 is a zippered pocket that has a concealed pouch 20 within. This pouch can be pulled out of the pocket when necessary and it would be large enough to accommodate a few small toys. The pouch is attached to the inner surface of pocket 16 and it can comfortably hang from the pocket when in use.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 1B depicts an enlarged view of the concealed pouch 20 within pocket 16 in FIG. 1A. Pouch 20 is attached to the interior surface of pocket 16 with a retainer 19 and can comfortably hang outside of childcare garment 18 when in use. Pouch 20 may have strings 21 that can be pulled near the opening to close the pouch and safely secure the items within.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 2A shows the back view of the childcare garment 18. A detachable diaper changing system 34 is secured to the posterior side 30 of the childcare garment 18 by means of an adjustable strap 38 that is fastened with multiple buttons or magnetic snaps 36 to hold the diaper changing system 34 in place on the shoulder of the wearer and the hem of the garment. The central portion of the diaper changing system 34 is a change mat 35 that can be used to change infants while traveling, even in remote locations.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 2B provides a detailed view of the diaper changing system 34. The diaper changing system has two wing portions 37 and 39 that carry a variety of pockets. The wing portions 37 and 39 are secured to the childcare garment 18 by means of multiple magnetic snaps or buttons 36 to the side seam of the garment. The diaper change pad 35 could be made with anti-microbial and anti-odor properties. Wing portions 37 and 39 have three pockets each. The arrangement of the pockets in the diaper changing system is not critical and it can be in any order. Pocket 40 can hold a supply of diapers. Pocket 42 has a central opening or a flap and is made of waterproofed material to hold wet wipes. Pocket 44 has dividers and is designed to carry personal items such as combs, hair brush, hair clips, etc. Pocket 46 has a central opening and can hold trash bags that can be used to dispose refuse. Pocket 48 has elastic loops that can hold lotions, creams, hand sanitizer etc. Pocket 50 is a pocket with perforations or with anti-odor fabric that makes it ventilated and can be used to hold wet or soiled clothes.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 3A provides a detailed view of the interior portion of the childcare garment 18. The interior portion of childcare garment 18 has two wing portions 52 and 54 which have a variety of pockets and holders. Pocket 56 on wing portion 52 is sized to accommodate a purse or a clutch of the wearer. Pocket 58 on wing portion 52 is a large pocket that can hold food such as infant formula, toddler snacks, food pouches, lunch box and the like. Pocket 58 also has two holders/loops to hold spoons to feed infants on the go. The loops also have a cover to protect the bowl of the spoons. Pocket 62 on wing portion 54 is also a large pocket that can hold electronics such as a tablet computer or any portable game consoles and the like. Pocket 60 on wing portion 54 is sized to hold small items such as cosmetics or medicines. Wing portion 52 also has two metal or adjustable holders 66 and 68 to hold a pen and keys respectively. Wing portion 52 also has pocket 69 to hold credit cards and driver's license. Wing portion 54 has a pocket 64 that is sized to fit sunglasses or any such small items. Wing portion 54 has a long vertical pocket 74 along the central opening 22 to hold a concealed nursing cover 80. Wing portion 52 also has a long vertical pocket 75 along the central opening that can carry a concealed infant cover. An alternate embodiment of the nursing cover is in central portion 70, which has a collar pocket 72 with a concealed nursing cover 82. Yet another implementation of the nursing cover is also in central portion 70, which has two pieces of cloth stitched into it, which can be brought over the shoulder to the front of the body and fastened to be made into nursing cover 84. Another implementation of the concealed nursing cover is in pockets 86 and 88, attached to the shoulder portion of wings 52 and 54. The nursing cover 90, which is in pockets 86 and 88, can be brought to the front of the body and fastened with buttons or snaps when needed.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 3B depicts how nursing cover 80 can be pulled out from the long, vertical pocket 74 in wing portion 54, and drawn to be fixed to wing portion 52 by means of buttons or magnetic snaps. Nursing cover 80 can be made of any smooth, easy to fold material that can be drawn out of the pocket when needed and folded and concealed in the pocket when not in use. FIG. 3C depicts a full view of nursing cover 80.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 3D depicts another embodiment of the concealed nursing cover. Central portion 70 has two detached pieces of cloth 84 stitched into it. These two pieces can be brought to the front by pulling them over the shoulders of the wearer, to cover the torso when nursing an infant. FIG. 3E shows how the nursing cover 84 would look, when fastened with snaps or Velcro, across the torso of the wearer.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 3F depicts another embodiment of the nursing cover. The central portion 70 has a collar pocket 72 which holds a concealed nursing cover 82. Nursing cover 82 is wrapped and concealed inside collar pocket 72. FIG. 3G depicts a pictorial view of childcare garment 18 when nursing cover 82 is pulled over the wearer's head and unwrapped. Nursing cover 82 can be wrapped again and fastened with a button or Velcro and concealed in collar pocket 72 after use.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 3H depicts another embodiment of the nursing cover. The inner surface in the wing portions 52 and 54 has one pocket each, 86 and 88 on the shoulder. The concealed nursing cover 90, can be brought to the front of the body and fastened to cover the body when needed. FIG. 3I depicts a pictorial view of childcare garment 18 when nursing cover 90 is pulled over the torso of the wearer and fastened with buttons or snaps. The nursing cover can be folded and concealed in the pockets 86 and 88, after use.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 4A-4O depict a variety of possible pocket configurations for use with the childcare garment 18. FIG. 4A depicts pockets 12 and 14. These are large pockets that have elastic openings and dividers to receive feeding bottles, bottle accessories, sippy cups, breast pump or pacifier. The insides of these pockets will be coated with a sterile material 13 to give a safe portable carrier, that is free of microbes, for infant products. FIG. 4B depicts pockets 8 and 10. These pockets are designed to accommodate Smartphone and music player, and therefore have a separate slot 9 within the pocket to hold battery charging cables. FIG. 4C depicts pocket 16 which holds a concealed pouch to accommodate small toys. It is a zippered pocket with a center opening along the side seam of the childcare garment 18. FIG. 4D depicts pocket 40, which is a zippered pocket on the diaper changing system 34, which has been sized to accommodate diapers. FIG. 4E depicts pocket 42, made of waterproofed material to hold wipes, has a buttoned opening or a zippered opening. FIG. 4F depicts zippered pocket 48, which has loops 43 in the inner surface to hold lotions and creams. FIG. 4G depicts pocket 50, which can be made of mesh material, waterproofed material or can simply be a pocket with pores, is sized to hold wet clothes. FIG. 4H depicts a large pocket 58 that is sized to accommodate infant food pouches or formula dispenser and other utensils. Pocket 58 also has two loops 57 to hold spoons. FIG. 4I depicts a simple zippered pocket 56, which is sized to accommodate sunglasses or other random items. FIG. 4J depicts pocket 60, which has several dividers to hold several small items such as medicines or cosmetics. FIG. 4K depicts a large zippered pocket 62, which is sized to accommodate a tablet computer or portable game consoles. FIG. 4L depicts pocket 74 is a long vertical pocket along the central opening of the garment which may have hooks or other type of fasteners inside, to hold and conceal a nursing cover. FIG. 4M depicts pocket 72 which is stitched along the inner collar of the childcare garment 18. Pocket 72 may have a zipper along the top end of the pocket or along the center of the pocket, which can be unzipped to pull out a concealed nursing cover. FIG. 4N depicts pockets 86 and 88 which are located in the wing portions 52 and 54. These pockets could be buttoned or zippered and is used to conceal nursing cover 90. FIG. 4O depicts pocket 69, which has two separate slots for credit/debit cards and driver's license.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 5A depicts a pen holder which can be an elastic loop sewn into the inner surface of childcare garment 18. FIG. 5B depicts a curved hook or holder or that is designed to hold keys.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 6A depicts the infant cover 92 that is concealed in the long vertical pocket 75 on the inner wing portion. Infant cover 92 has a foldable collar 94 and it has a zipper 93 on one side. FIG. 6B depicts the childcare garment 18 when the infant cover 92 is drawn out of the long pocket 75 and zipped along with the zipper 22 of the childcare garment 18.
By way of example, and not by way of limitation, FIG. 7A depicts the annular cloth 95 with snaps 96 to adjust its length. A big button or velcro 99 is attached to one end of the childcare garment 18. FIG. 7B depicts the insides of the collar pocket 72 with a loop 98 through which the annular cloth 95 is passed so that it stays in place inside the pocket. Drawstring or flap with velcro or buttons 97 is fixed to the outside of the pocket to fit snugly around the neck of the user. FIG. 7C depicts the childcare garment 18 when the annular cloth 95 is drawn out of the collar pocket 72, and its length is adjusted using the snaps 96 to shorten its length and make it fit like a neck scarf. FIG. 7D depicts the childcare garment 18 when the big button 99 is unbuttoned to detach the ends of the annular cloth 95 to make it a blanket to wrap around an infant when the infant is carried by the user of the childcare garment. FIG. 7E depicts how the annular cloth 95 can be used as a neck support for users of the childcare garment 18 who suffer from a sore neck or poor posture. The annular cloth when held inside the collar pocket 72 and when the drawstring or adjustable flap 97 is used to make the collar pocket fit snugly around the neck of the user provides neck support and comfort to ease any pain or soreness on the neck. The term “annular” is used to indicate an approximately ring-shaped element, and should not be limited to a perfectly ring-shaped element. An example of another shape that would be suitable for alternative embodiments of the cloth used in the collar pocket is an approximate semi-circle.
While the above is a complete description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to use various alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For example, the arrangement of the pockets in the garment are not critical, and can be in any order possible. In another example, the diaper changing system could be attached to the inner or outer portion of the garment and it can be made foldable and concealed in a pocket. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined not with reference to the above description but should, instead, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with their full scope of equivalents. Any feature described herein, whether preferred or not, may be combined with any other feature described herein, whether preferred or not. In the claims that follow, the indefinite article “A”, or “An” refers to a quantity of one or more of the item following the article, except where expressly stated otherwise. The appended claims are not to be interpreted as including means-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase “means for.”
Patent Application
20190000157
