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. An optional zipper extends from ankle-to-ankle and is configured for enabling the diaper to be changed without removing the garment.

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.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes an ankle-to-ankle zipper for comfort and convenience in conducting diaper changes without removing the garment.

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.

FIG. 3 is a front, elevational view of a garment comprising a first modified or alternative embodiment of the present invention, including an ankle-to-ankle zipper.

FIG. 4 is a rear, elevational view thereof.

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. Preferred 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, including both footed and unfooted onesies.

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 observation purposes, the panel 4 preferably comprises lightweight, white, see-through knit fabric.

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.

III. Modified or Alternative Embodiment Garment 102

FIGS. 3 (front) and 4 (back) show a modified or alternative embodiment of the present invention comprising a garment 102 with an observation panel 104. The observation panel 104 includes front and back portions 104a, 104b formed in a garment front 108 and a garment back 110, respectively.

The observation panel front and back portions 104a, 104b cover corresponding front and back openings 105a, 105b in a crotch 106 of the garment 102. The observation panel 104 preferably comprises A diaper 112 with a wetness indicator 114 is shown in the breakaway area in FIG. 3. The wetness indicator 114 can comprise various suitable compositions configured for changing appearance upon exposure to moisture, e.g., from urine. The indicator 114 appearance change can be easily observed through the observation panel 104 without removing the garment 102.

A zipper 116 extends from ankle-to-ankle and enables accessing the diaper 112 without removing the garment 102. A sliding tab 118 is provided for opening and closing the zipper 116. Infant comfort and caregiver convenience are thus enhanced with the zipper 116. For observation purposes, the panel 104 preferably comprises lightweight, white, see-through knit fabric. An optional cover panel, which can comprise the same material as the rest of the garment 102, can be detachably mounted over the observation panel 104.

The garment 104 is scalable for infant through adult sizes. It can be configured for sleepwear, activewear, shorts, pants, coveralls (“onesies”), overalls, etc. In addition to the infant sleeper or jumper garments 2 and 102 shown, the present invention also encompasses adult size diapers and clothing. For example, incontinence is a common problem with the elderly, which can be addressed with the present invention.

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 wetness indicator having first and second colors corresponding to dry and wet conditions of said diaper respectively, which garment includes: a front;a back;legs with ankles;a crotch area;a zipper extending from ankle-to-ankle and across said crotch area;front and back openings in said garment front and back respectively;said front and back openings being adjacent to said crotch area;an observation panel with front and back portions fixedly attached to said garment, front and back in said front and back openings respectively; andsaid observation panel portions comprising lightweight, white, see-through knit fabric configured for displaying wet and dry conditions of said diaper.

2. The garment according to claim 1, which is configured as one of a sleepwear or activewear coverall, overall, pants and shorts.

3. The garment according to claim 1, which is configured for changing a diaper without removing the garment with the zipper in an open configuration.

4. The garment according to claim 1, which includes a panel comprising a similar material to the rest of the garment and removably attached over the observation panel.

5. In combination with a diaper including a wetness indicator having first and second colors corresponding to dry and wet conditions of said diaper, respectively, the improvement of a diaper inspection garment, which comprises: a front;a back;a crotch area extending between said garment, front and back; a continuous opening in the garment, front, back and crotch area;said opening having corresponding, generally circular configurations in the garment front and back;an observation panel affixed to said garment over said opening; andsaid observation panel comprising a lightweight, white, see-through knit fabric configured for displaying wet and dry conditions of said diaper.