GARMENT WITH OBSERVATION PANEL FOR UNDERLYING DIAPER

Abstract

A garment includes a front, a back and a crotch area extending between the front and the back. An opening is formed in the crotch area and is covered by an observation panel comprising a semi-transparent material. The garment is configured for wearing over a diaper with a wetness indicator visible through the semi-transparent material.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to garments for diapered individuals. More specifically, a semi-transparent panel is sewn into a crotch area of a garment whereby an underlying diaper can be observed. A caretaker can easily observe the wet or dry condition of a diaper from external observation.

2. Description of the Related Art

Incontinent individuals commonly wear diapers, which require periodic changes. Diaper changes are preferably performed as soon as possible. Otherwise, wet and soiled diapers can cause skin irritation, rashes and other problems.

The prior art includes diapers with witness indicators. For example, Timmons et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,211 discloses a witness indicator for absorbent pads, which can be formed as diapers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,211 is incorporated herein by reference. A coloring agent can fade when wetted, e.g., by urine. Other wetness indicators change colors to indicate a wet condition and alert caregivers that a diaper change is needed.

Many sleepwear designs make it difficult to assess whether a diaper is soiled or clean without disturbing a sleeping infant. Heretofore there has not been available a garment for externally observing a wet or dry condition of a diaper with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally consists of a garment with a semi-transparent panel in a crotch area for observing an underlying diaper with a wetness indicator. Applications of the invention include sleepwear and daily wear for incontinent individuals, including infants and the elderly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the current invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front, elevational view of a garment with an inspection panel for observing an underlying diaper with a wetness indicator, which embodies an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear, elevational view of the garment, which also shows the location of a semi-transparent observation panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Embodiment Garment 2 with Observation Panel 4

Referring to the drawings more detail, a garment 2 with an observation panel 4 is shown in FIG. 1 (front) and FIG. 2 (back). Without limitation on the generality of useful applications of the present invention, the garment 2 can comprise infant sleepwear.

The observation panel 4 covers an opening 5 in a crotch 6 of the garment 2. The opening 5 extends generally between a garment front 8, and a garment back 10. A diaper 12 with a wetness indicator 14 is shown in the breakaway area in FIG. 1. The wetness indicator 14 can comprise various suitable compositions configured for changing appearance upon exposure to moisture, e.g., from urine. The indicator 14 appearance change can be easily observed through the observation panel 4 without removing the garment 2.

The observation panel 4 can comprise various shear materials, including fabrics made from natural and synthetic fibers. For semi-transparency purposes, the fabrics can be relatively lightweight.

In addition to the infant sleeper or jumper garment 2 and the diaper 12 embodiment shown, the invention can be adapted to various other garments, including activewear, shorts, pants, etc. For example, incontinence is a common problem with the elderly. The present invention also encompasses adult size diapers and clothing.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Claims

1. A garment configured for use with a diaper including a visible wetness indicator, which garment comprises: a front;a back;a crotch area;an opening in the crotch area extending from the front to the back;a semi-transparent fabric panel covering said opening; andsaid panel configured for displaying a wet or dry condition of said diaper.

2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said diaper wetness indicator is configured for changing color to indicate a wet or dry condition of said diaper.