Garment with Integrated Belt Member

Abstract

A garment with an integrated belt. The garment includes a top bottom, front, a first side portion, second side, and rear portions. The belt is attached to the garment and includes: a belt member having front, first rear, and second rear portions, and a belt fastener connected to the first rear portion of the belt member. The front portion of the belt member is attached to at least one of the front portion, first side portion and second side portion, of the garment, at one or more attachment regions, such that the front portion of the belt member is unable to move relative to the garment. In a fastened configuration, the belt fastener connects the first rear portion of the belt member to the second rear portion of the belt member, and the belt fastener is located adjacent to the rear portion of the garment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to patient assistance apparatuses, more specifically, but not by way of limitation, a garment that is configured to be worn by an individual in need of ambulatory assistance wherein the garment includes at least one integrated belt member that is configured to be engaged by an individual assisting the user wearing the garment.

BACKGROUND

As is known in the art, patients and other individuals in certain physical condition require assistance during walking. By way of example, but not limitation, post-surgical patients and geriatric patients may be in need of an assistant that is either actively engaged with them or proximate thereto when attempting to walk. Occupational therapists, physical therapists and nurses will engage patients in various physical routines as part of a rehabilitation program. During these therapies, the patient is often required to demonstrate execution of various activities such as, but not limited to, walking or balancing functions. As the patient performs these activities the therapist must often maintain a close proximity to the patient to either assist or ensure safety if the patient begins to fall.

During assistance of a patient, it can be difficult for a therapist or other individual to properly grasp either the patient or the patient's clothes in order to provide the necessary assistance. Grasping a body limb such as, but not limited to, an arm may not be desirable for a therapist due to the condition of the patient or the lack of proper leverage. Positioning of the therapist is also a consideration. It may be beneficial for a therapist or person assisting the patient to be behind the patient as opposed to being in front of or towards their side. When a therapist is behind the patient, there is often little to grasp and/or leverage except for the clothes being worn by a patient. Grasping of the clothes or other body parts may be undesirable and potentially present risks to both the patient and the therapists.

Further, after assisting a patient wearing a gait belt into a seated or prone position, the gait belt can put pressure on a back side of the patient, causing discomfort. It is intended within the scope of the present invention to provide a garment having at least one integrated belt member wherein the belt member provides an engagement point for an individual assisting the wearer of the garment in order to provide physical assistance to the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment that is configured to provide an individual at least one engagement point in order to provide assistance to the wearer of the garment, wherein the garment includes a body that is configured to be worn on the torso of the wearer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a garment configured to be worn on the torso of the user that is operable to facilitate utilization by a person assisting the wearer of the garment, wherein the garment includes at least one belt member that is mounted circumferentially to the garment.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a garment that is configured to provide an individual at least one engagement point in order to provide assistance to the wearer of the garment wherein the at least one belt member includes attachment points on opposing sides of the garment.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a garment configured to be worn on the torso of the user that is operable to facilitate utilization by a person assisting the wearer of the garment wherein the at least one belt member forms a void intermediate the at least one belt member and the rear of the garment.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a garment that is configured to provide an individual at least one engagement point in order to provide assistance to the wearer of the garment wherein the belt member includes an end member that is configured with a fastener.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a garment configured to be worn on the torso of the user that is operable to facilitate utilization by a person assisting the wearer of the garment wherein the belt member includes a portion adjacent to the front of the garment wherein the portion includes a plurality of connection members formed thereon.

Another object of the present invention is to a provide a garment that is configured to provide an individual at least one engagement point in order to provide assistance to the wearer of the garment wherein the connection members and the end member have mateable fasteners.

An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a garment configured to be worn on the torso of the user that is operable to facilitate utilization by a person assisting the wearer of the garment wherein an alternative embodiment of the garment includes the necessary structural components to facilitate the belt member being movable and securable in alternate locations on the garment.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a garment that is configured to provide an individual at least one engagement point in order to provide assistance to the wearer of the garment wherein the end member of the belt member is secured to one of the connection members in order to provide adjustment for size.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a garment configured to be worn on the torso of the user that is operable to facilitate utilization by a person assisting the wearer of the garment wherein an alternative embodiment of the present invention includes at least one vertical belt member configured to provide an additional engagement point for a person assisting the wearer of the garment of the present invention.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a garment that is configured to provide an individual at least one engagement point in order to provide assistance to the wearer of the garment, wherein a preferred embodiment of the garment of the present invention is structured similarly to a hospital gown.

An alternative objective of the present invention is to provide a garment configured to be worn on the torso of the user that is operable to facilitate utilization by a person assisting the wearer of the garment wherein a portion of the belt member can be moved intermediate a stored position and a deployed position.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a garment that is configured to provide an individual at least one engagement point in order to provide assistance to the wearer of the garment, wherein the belt member of the present invention facilitates assisting the wearer of the garment from the rear.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a garment configured to be worn on the torso of the user that is operable to facilitate utilization by a person assisting the wearer of the garment wherein portions of the belt member can be circumferentially secured to any position on the garment, including on a front of the garment.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is rear view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of an embodiment of the present invention with the belt member in a stored position;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention with the belt member in a stored position;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of an end member of the belt member and a connection member;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the present invention with the belt member in a deployed position;

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the end member of the belt member secured to a connection member;

FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a gait belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8B is a front perspective view of a garment-with-gait-belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9A is a rear perspective view of a gait belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a rear perspective view of a garment-with-gait-belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10A is a front view of a gait belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10B is a front view of a garment-with-gait-belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11A is a rear view of a gait belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11B is a rear view of a garment-with-gait-belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12A is a left-side view of a gait belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12B is a left-side view of a garment-with-gait-belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13A is a right-side view of a gait belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13B is a right-side view of a garment-with-gait-belt, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of a gait belt on a garment on a patient, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14B is a front perspective view of a garment-with-gait-belt on a patient, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of a garment-with-gait-belt in an unfastened configuration; and

FIG. 16 is a front view of a garment-with-gait-belt in an unfastened configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a garment-with-an-integrated-gait-belt 100 (referred to as garment-with-gait-belt 100 or garment-with-belt 100) constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Now referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, including FIGS. 1 and 2, the garment-with-gait-belt 100 includes a body 10 that is constructed to be worn by a user on the torso thereof. The body 10 is manufactured from a suitable durable cloth material and is constructed similarly to a conventional hospital gown wherein the rear 11 of the body 10, in an embodiment, includes edges or seams 12, which in an embodiment, and as depicted, are non-joining seams. In an embodiment, edges or seams 12 define a vertically-extending gap G. The body 10 includes arm apertures 13,14 and in an embodiment is manufactured of a suitable length so as to extend to approximately the mid-thigh region of a user. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be manufactured in alternate sizes so as to accommodate different size users.

Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4, the garment-with-gait-belt 100 includes a belt member 20. The belt member 20 is configured to provide an engagement point or points for an individual that is wearing the garment-with-gait-belt 100. The belt member 20 is circumferentially disposed on the body 10 and is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as, but not limited to, a synthetic polymer, such as nylon, or a natural material, such as cotton. Synthetic materials and polymers may provide a benefit over natural materials, in that synthetic materials have a lower elasticity and are limited in the amount that they stretch when subjected to a pulling force.

The belt member 20 includes a first portion 22, which may be a front portion, and a second portion 24, which may be a rear portion, wherein in an embodiment, the first portion 22 and second portion 24 are contiguously formed. The first portion 22 is adjacent to, and may be secured to, the front 9 of the body 10 utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to stitching. In an embodiment, the first portion 22 is secured to the front 9 of the body 10 in a manner wherein no void or space is intermediate the first portion 22 and the body 10. In another embodiment, the first portion 22 may be attached at one or more locations to front portion 22, or at sides of body 10, forming one or more voids or spaces intermediate the first portion 22 and the body 10.

The first portion 22 functions as a point of leverage during use of the garment-with-gait-belt 100. As is further discussed herein, in an embodiment, the second portion 24 of the belt member 20 provides one or more engagement points for an individual assisting the wearer of the garment-with-gait-belt 100 and during use thereof the first portion 22 of the belt member 20 and its secured position provides leverage for assistance of the user.

Referring specifically to FIG. 4, in an embodiment, the first portion 22 of the belt member 20 includes a plurality of connection members 30 integrally formed thereon. The connection members 30 are vertically oriented on the first portion 22 extending intermediate the upper peripheral edge 27 and lower peripheral edge 28. The connection members 30 are secured to the first portion 22 utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to stitching or chemical adhesion. The connection members 30 include a fastener 35 that is configured to be mateably secured to the fastener 45 on the end 50 of the second portion 24. In an embodiment the fasteners 35, 45 are zippers but it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the fasteners 35, 45 could be formed from alternate elements such as, but not limited to, snaps or hook and loop material. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first portion 22 could have present thereon as few as one connection member 30 or a plurality of connection members 30.

The second portion 24 of the belt member 20 is movable intermediate a first position and a second position. FIG. 4 herein illustrates the second portion 24 in its first position. In the first position, the second portion 24 of the belt member 20 is placed such that it is generally adjacent the first portion 22. In the first position the second portion 24 does not extend around the rear 11 of the body 10. The second portion 24 of the belt member 20 is releasably secured in its first position utilizing suitable materials such as but not limited to hook and loop material (not particularly illustrated herein).

The second position of the second portion 24 of the belt member 20 is illustrated herein in FIGS. 2 and 6 herein. In the second position of the second portion 24 the second portion 24 is circumferentially extended around the body 10 wherein end member 50 is secured to one of the connection members 30. The second portion 24 has a void 60 intermediate the rear 11 of the body 10. The void 60 extends substantially across the rear 11 of the body intermediate the opposing attachment points 71,72. In an embodiment, attachment points 71 and 72 are opposite one another, each at a side of the body 10, at the point where the front 9 and rear 11 meet. In another embodiment, attachment points 71 and 72 may be offset slightly so that an attachment point 71, 72 is on the front 9 or rear 11. In the depicted embodiment, attachment point 71 is located at the point where front 9 and rear 11 meet, and attachment point 72 is shifted slightly to be attached to front 9. Having the attachment points 71, 72 at the points where front 9 meets rear 11, or on front 9 only avoids attachment points being on rear 11 of the garment, which may provide certain benefits as described below, and which includes increasing comfort to the patient when in a prone position on their back.

The void 60 provides an individual assisting a user wearing the garment-with-gait-belt 100 with access to belt member 20, including second belt portion 24. The location of the void 60 and the positioning/attachment of the first portion 22 provides the leverage needed for the individual assisting the wearer of the garment-with-gait-belt 100.

While the garment-with-gait-belt 100 is illustrated herein as having one belt member 20, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the garment-with-gait-belt 100 could have more than one belt member 20 circumferentially disposed around the body 10. For the aforementioned, the additional belt members could be located above or below the belt member 20 illustrated herein. It is additionally contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be configured to provide vertical movement of the belt member 20 wherein the belt member 20 could be transitioned intermediate desired positions on the body and subsequently secured in place. Those skilled in the art will understand that various alternate elements could be utilized to achieve the aforementioned movable function of the belt member 20.

Illustrated herein in FIG. 2, the garment-with-gait-belt 100 includes secondary belt members 80, 85. Secondary belt members 80, 85 are present in order to provide additional leverage and engagement points for an individual assisting a user wearing the garment-with-gait-belt 100. In an embodiment, the secondary belt members 80,85 are manufactured from a similar material as belt member 20. The secondary belt members 80, 85 extend intermediate the upper peripheral edge 27 of the first portion 22 and the upper peripheral edge 87 of the second portion 24. The secondary belt members 80,85 are secured to the body 10 in the front 9 thereof utilizing suitable durable techniques. A void 89 is present intermediate the rear 11 of the body and the secondary belt members 80, 85 wherein the void 89 provides an engagement point for an individual assisting a wearer of the garment-with-gait-belt 100. While two secondary belt members 80,85 are illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the garment with gait belt 100 could be provided with no secondary belt members 80,85 or only one secondary belt members 80,85.

While the body 10 of the garment-with-gait-belt 100 has been illustrated herein as being formed to be worn on the torso of the wearer, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the garment-with-gait-belt 100 could be formed as alternate styles of clothing in order to be donned on different parts of the body such as but not limited to the lower part of a wearer's body.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 14B, another embodiment of a garment-with-gait-belt is depicted. In this embodiment, garment-with-gait-belt 200 includes gait belt 202 attached to garment 204. Garment-with-gait-belt 200 is depicted in a first, or closed-garment/fastened configuration, i.e., a position in which gait belt 202 is wrapped about a patient 206 with ends joined together to from a closed loop about garment 204. Garment-with-gait-belt 200 may also be configured in a first or fastened configuration, i.e., a position in which gait belt 202 is not fastened, cinched or closed, as described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 15-17.

For the sake of illustrative clarity, FIGS. 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A, 12A, 13A and 14A depict only garment belt 202, with only a dashed-line outline of garment 204 depicted; FIGS. 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B, 12B, 13B, and 14B depicted garment-with-gait-belt 200, including gait belt 202 and garment 204. FIGS. 14A and 14B depict a patient or user 206 wear garment-wit-gait-belt 200, with patient 206 depicted in dashed lines for illustration purposes.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B, in an embodiment, and as depicted, gait belt 202 includes a belt member 206 and fastener 208. Gait belt 202, including belt member 206, is attached to garment 204.

Garment 204, in an embodiment, is substantially similar to the garment with body portion 10 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-7. In the embodiment depicted, garment 204 includes body portion 210 with front body portion 209, rear body portion 211, top portion 213 and portion 215. Garment 204, in an embodiment, also includes sleeves 212, including left sleeve 212a and right sleeve 212b.

Front body portion 209 and rear body portion 211 meet at garment body sides 214a (left side) and 214b (right side). Top portion 213 with front and rear body portions 209 and 211, define head opening 216.

In an embodiment, front portion 209 defines a front portion 216a of head opening 216 and rear portion 211 defines a rear portion 216b of head opening 216. More specifically, head opening 216 is defined by a garment head opening perimeter 227. Perimeter 227 is formed by top-front edge 229 having first edge 229a and second edge 229b, and by first top-rear edge 231a and second top-rear edge 231b. In an embodiment, top-front edge 229 forming front portion 216a in a shape that is different than a shape of formed by top-rear edge 231. In the depicted example, top-front edge 229 forms a “V” shape, and top-rear edge 231 forms an arcuate or semi-circular shape.

Garment bottom portion 215 defines bottom opening 217, through which a patient's legs may extend.

In an embodiment, front body portion 209 of garment 204 substantially comprises a single panel devoid of openings or gaps that would allow a patient to put on garment 204 in a rear-to-front manner (opposite to how one would put on a known, typical front-button-down shirt). In other words, garment 204 is a rear-opening garment, not a front-opening garment, and is a garment that generally requires assistance in fastening.

Referring to 9B, 10B, and 11B, rear body portion 211 includes first or left rear edge 218a on rear-portion left side 219a and second or right rear edge 218b on rear-portion right side 219b. rear-portion right side 219b may be configured to be folded over rear-portion left side 219b, or vice versa. First and second edges 218a, 218b extend continuously from garment top portion 213 to garment bottom portion 215, such that rear body portion 211 may be “opened” so that patient 206 may don garment 204 with gait belt 202, by inserting arms into and through openings defined by sleeves 212a and 212b. In an embodiment, when placed on, or worn by, a user 206, and as depicted, first edge 218a is on the outside of garment 204, and second edge 218b is on an inside edge. The relative position of edges 218a and 218b may change with the size of the garment, and fitment of garment 204 on patient 206. In an embodiment, edges 218a and 218b may be spaced apart, leaving a gap G, similar to gap G depicted in FIG. 1.

As described above, garment 204 is thusly configured to open or close at a rear portion 211 of garment 204, rather than at a front portion 209 of garment 204.

Garment 204 may vary in relative length and width to accommodate patients of varying sizes, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-7.

Belt member 206 of belt 202 wraps around body portion 210 of garment 204, and includes first or front portion 222, second or rear portion 224, and side portions 226. Rear portion 224 includes outer side 225 and inner side 227 (see also FIG. 16). Side portions 226 include first or left side portion 226a and second or right side portion 226b. Side portions 226a and 226b are generally between front and rear portions 209 and 211 of body portion 210, such that they are located on the sides of the garments, near a patient's hip area when the garment is worn. It will be understood that “side” portions 226a and 226b may each include portions of front and rear portions 209 and 211 in the respective left and right regions where the front and rear portions 209 and 211 meet.

Further, it will be understood that “rear portion” 224 of belt member 206 may comprise first or left portions 224a and second or right portions 224b, having respective first and second belt ends 230a and 230b. In an embodiment, and as described further below with respect to FIGS. 15 and 16, rear portion 224 may include belt-member fasteners 252 near belt member ends on first or outer side 225.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 11A to 13B, belt member 206 also includes a first end 230a, which may also be a fastener end, and a second end 230b, which may also be a free end. First and second ends 230a and 230b may comprise portions of rear portion 224 of belt member 206 since they are positioned generally at rear portion 211 of garment 204.

As described above with respect to belt member 20, belt member 206 may comprise any number of suitable materials, including a synthetic polymer, such as nylon, or a natural-fiber material, such as cotton.

Belt fastener 208 may comprise a buckle as depicted, but in other embodiments, may comprise a hook-and-loop system, buttons, zipper, or other suitable fasteners capable of connecting portions of belt member 206, such as ends 330a and 330b, to form a closed loop around garment 204 in a second or closed/fastened configuration. In an embodiment, fastener 208 is connected to first end 330a, and second or free end 330b is inserted through, and connected with, fastener 208.

In an embodiment, and as depicted, belt fastener 208 is positioned adjacent rear portion 211 of body portion 210 of garment 210 in the depicted closed/fastened configuration.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 8A to 10B and 12A-13B, belt member 206 may be attached to garment 204 at multiple attachment points or regions 240. In the depicted embodiment, belt member 206 is attached to garment 204 at three regions 240, namely, left attachment region 240a, right attachment regions 240b, and front attachment region 240c. Although three attachment regions 240 are depicted and described, it will be understood that more or fewer attachment regions may be used.

Each attachment region 240 is an area of the garment-with-gait-belt 200 where a portion of belt member 206 is attached or fastened to garment 204. Belt member 206 may be permanently attached or affixed to garment 204, such as by being sewn or stitched, or otherwise permanently attached. In other embodiments, belt member 206 may be detachably connected in a manner that causes belt member 206 to be very strongly secured to garment 204 such that belt member 206 is not easily dislodged or removed during use and without intention.

In an embodiment, and as depicted, each attachment region is formed by belt member 206 being attached or fastened to garment 204 via stitching or sewing a portion of belt member 206 to garment 204, such that belt member 206 is permanently attached to garment 204.

In other embodiments, belt member 206 may be securely, but detachably attached to garment 204 at attachment regions 240 via hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, or other fastening or attachment means capable of securing a positon of belt member 206 at a particular portion of garment 204.

In the embodiment depicted, each attachment region 240 forms a generally rectangular shape, with a length longer than a width, so as to securely fasten belt 206 to garment 204.

In the embodiment depicted, attachment region 240a is where left-side portion 226a of belt member 206 is attached to left-side portion 214a of garment 204, and attachment region 240c is where a front portion of belt member 206 is attached to a center front portion 209 of garment 204.

In the embodiment depicted, and referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, belt member 206 is not attached or fastened to rear portion 211 of garment 204. More specifically, belt member 206 is not attached to rear portion 211 of garment 204 from attachment region 240a to attachment region 240b, circumferentially along rear portion 211 of garment 204. As such, in the fastened position as depicted, a void or space 250 may be defined between belt member 206 and rear portion 211 between attachment regions 240a and 240b. It will be understood that although the term “void” and “space” are used, belt member 206 may actually be touching rear portion 211, such that a void or space is not formed without an assisting individual, such as a therapist inserts a hand between the belt member 206 and rear portion 211 so as to grasp belt member 206.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, garment-with-gait-belt 200 is depicted in a second, unfastened configuration. In this configuration, fastener 208 is not fastened in front of garment 204, but rather is unfastened, and belt member 206 and fastener 208 are positioned in front of garment 204. In an embodiment, and as depicted, none, or substantially none, of belt 202, or belt member 206 is positioned adjacent rear portion 211 of garment 204. Rather, all, or substantially all, of belt 202, including belt member 206 and belt fastener 208 are positioned at front portion 209 or sides 214 of garment 204 via belt-member fasteners.

In an embodiment, belt member 206 may include one or more belt-member fasteners 252, as described very briefly above, that are configured to attach either or both of first and second rear portions 224a and 224b of rear belt-member portion 224, to front portion 209 of garment 204.

In an embodiment, belt-member fasteners 252 may comprise hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, clips and so on. Belt-member fasteners 252 may each be a single part or portion, such as a one-piece clip, connected to either a rear portion 224 or connected to front portion 222. Alternatively, each belt-member faster 252 may include multiple parts or portions, one portion connected to a rear portion 224a or 224b, and another portion connected to front portion 222 of belt member 206. In such an embodiment, belt-member fastener 252 may comprise a hook portion on the front or rear of the belt, and a loop portion, on the rear or front of the belt; in another embodiment, belt member fastener 252 may comprise a button and buttonhole; in another embodiment, belt-member fastener 252 may comprise a clip portion and a clip-receiving portion. The above descriptions and embodiments of belt-member fastener 252 are not intended to be limiting.

In the second, unfastened configuration, rear portion 224a may be folded back over part of front portion 222, and rear portion 224b may also be folded back over another part of front portion 222. The folding point may be at or near an attachment region 240, such as at or near attachment region 240a or 240b.

This second, unfastened configuration, wherein one or both of rear portions 224a and 224b are secured to front portion 222, may result after an assisting individual, such as a therapist, has already assisted a patient in moving position or location while wearing the garment-with-gait-belt, and unfastens gait belt 202. In particular, the unfastened configuration with rear portions 224a and 224b with belt ends 230 secured to front portion 209 of garment 204 may be particularly useful after a patient has been moved to a seated position, such as in a chair or bed, so that the patient may continue wearing garment 204 with belt 202 while being fully seated against a chair back, or lying fully or partially prone on a bed without rear portions 224a, 224b, and belt fastener 208 becoming trapped or positioned between the patient and the chair or bed, or otherwise tangled. Such an unfastened configuration with rear portions 224a and 224b of belt member 206 secured to front portion 209 of garment 204 not only avoids causing discomfort or pain to the patient, but also allows the assisting individual to more easily remove (or conversely put on) the garment-with-gait-belt 200.

Embodiments of the present invention also includes methods of using garment-with-gait-belt 100 and 200.

In an embodiment, a method of using a garment-with-gait-belt 100 or 200 includes one or more of the following steps:

1) Providing a garment 204 with an integrated gait belt 202, such as garment-with-gait-belt 100 or 200;

2) Instructing an assisting individual on use of the garment-with-gait-belt 100 or 200, including how to assist a patient with putting on or donning the garment-with-gait-belt 100 or 200;

3) Assisting the patient with inserting the patient's arms into sleeves of the garment-with-gait-belt 100 or 200;

4) Releasing a first rear portion 224a and/or a second rear portion 224b of a belt member 206 with an attached belt fastener 208, from front portion 209 of garment 204;

5) Positioning first and second rear portions 219a and 219b so as to close a gap between first and second rear portions 219a and 219b;

6) Fastening a first rear portion 224a of belt member 206 to a second rear portion 224b using belt fastener 208;

7) Inserting a hand between rear portion 224 of belt member 206 and grasping rear portion 224 so as to assist the individual wearing garment-with-gait-belt 100 or 200.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A garment with an integrated gait belt, comprising: a rear-opening garment, including: a top portion,a bottom portion,a front portion,a first side portion,a second side portion, anda rear portion having a first side and a second side, the first side including a first edge that extends from the top portion of the garment to the bottom portion of the garment, the second side including a second edge that extends from the top portion of the garment to the bottom portion of the garment; anda gait belt permanently attached to the garment, the gait belt including: a belt member having a front portion, a first rear portion and a second rear portion; anda belt fastener connected to the first rear portion of the belt member;wherein the front portion of the belt member is attached to at least one of the front portion, the first side portion and the second side portion, of the garment, at one or more attachment regions, such that the front portion of the belt member is unable to move relative to the garment at the one or more attachment regions; andwherein in a fastened configuration, the belt fastener connects the first rear portion of the belt member to the second rear portion of the belt member, and the belt fastener is located adjacent to the rear portion of the garment.

2. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 1, wherein the front portion of the belt member is attached to the first and second side portions of the garment and is sewn to the garment.

3. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 1, wherein the wherein the first rear portion of the belt member and the second rear portion of the belt member are not attached to the rear portion of the garment.

4. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 1, wherein the garment defines a head opening forming a “V” shape in the front portion of the garment.

5. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 1, further comprising a belt-member fastener configured to connect the first rear portion of the belt member to the front portion of the belt member, the belt-member fastener connected to the first rear portion of the belt member or connected to a front portion of the belt member.

6. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 5, wherein in an unfastened configuration, the first rear portion of the belt member is connected to the front portion of the belt member at the front portion of the garment.

7. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 6, wherein in the unfastened configuration, the first rear portion of the belt member is folded over a portion of the front portion of the belt member.

8. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a natural-fiber material and the belt member comprises a synthetic material.

9. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 1, wherein the belt member has an outer side and an inner side, and the inner side of the front portion of the belt member is in contact with the front portion of the garment, and the inner side of the rear portion of the belt member is configured to be in contact with the rear portion of the garment in the fastened configuration, and the outer side of the rear portion of the belt member is configured to be in contact with the outer side of the front portion of the belt member in an unfastened configuration.

10. A garment with an integrated gait belt, comprising: a rear-opening garment, including: a front portion, anda rear portion; anda gait belt attached to the garment, the gait belt including:a belt member having a front portion secured to the front portion of the garment such that the belt member is immovable relative to the garment, and having a first rear portion and a second rear portion;a belt fastener connected to the first rear portion of the belt member, the belt fastener configured to fasten the first rear portion of the belt member to the second rear portion of the belt member; anda belt-member fastener configured to connect the first rear portion of the belt member to the front portion of the belt member, the belt-member fastener connected to the first rear portion of the belt member or connected to a front portion of the belt member.

11. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 10, wherein in a fastened configuration, the belt fastener connects the first rear portion of the belt member to the second rear portion of the belt member, and the belt fastener is located adjacent to the rear portion of the garment.

12. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 10, wherein in an unfastened configuration, the first rear portion of the belt member is connected to the front portion of the belt member at the front portion of the garment.

13. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 12, wherein in the unfastened configuration, the first rear portion of the belt member is folded over a portion of the front portion of the belt member.

14. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 10, wherein the front portion of the belt member is attached to at least one of the front portion, the first side portion and the second side portion, of the garment, at one or more attachment regions, such that the front portion of the belt member is unable to move relative to the garment at the one or more attachment regions.

15. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 10, wherein the rear portion includes a first side and a second side, the first side having a first edge that extends from the top portion of the garment to the bottom portion of the garment, the second side including a second edge that extends from the top portion of the garment to the bottom portion of the garment.

16. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 10, wherein the belt-member fastener is one of a hook-and-loop fastener, a clip and a button.

17. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 10, wherein the first rear portion of the belt member and the second rear portion of the belt member are not attached to the rear portion of the garment.

18. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 10, wherein the belt member is permanently attached, and no portion of either the first rear portion of the belt member and the second rear portion of the belt member are attached to the rear portion of the garment.

19. The garment with an integrated gait belt of claim 10, wherein the garment comprises a natural-fiber material and the belt member comprises a synthetic material.

20. A garment with an integrated gait belt, comprising: a rear-opening garment, including: a top portion,a bottom portion,a front portion,a first side portion,a second side portion, anda rear portion having a first side and a second side, the first side including a first edge that extends from the top portion of the garment to the bottom portion of the garment, the second side including a second edge that extends from the top portion of the garment to the bottom portion of the garment; anda gait belt detachably attached to the garment, the gait belt including: a belt member having a front portion, a first rear portion and a second rear portion; anda belt fastener connected to the first rear portion of the belt member;wherein the front portion of the belt member is attached to at least one of the front portion, the first side portion and the second side portion, of the garment, at one or more attachment regions, such that the front portion of the belt member is unable to move relative to the garment at the one or more attachment regions; andwherein in a fastened configuration, the belt fastener connects the first rear portion of the belt member to the second rear portion of the belt member, and the belt fastener is located adjacent to the rear portion of the garment.