Magnetic Closure System for a Onesie

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a field of infant or baby apparel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a field of single-piece garments or onesies with magnetic fasteners for easy and quick securing or loosening of the onesie near the infant's pelvic area thereby allowing a parent or guardian to easily change the infant's diaper. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other similar applications.

More specifically, a baby onesie is a one-piece garment generally worn by infants. Most infant or toddler onesies connect together near the infant's pelvic region via a series of buttons, zippers, snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, or the like. Unfortunately, parents and other caregivers, such as siblings, grandparents, babysitters, day care providers, relatives, etc., may struggle to snap all of the buttons, zippers, snap fasteners, and hooks together, especially if the infant is moving or squirming around. As a result, the onesie can come undone as infants and toddlers are playing and crawling around, thereby creating a tripping hazard for themselves and potentially ripping the onesie.

Various onesie fasteners are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,709 discloses an adjustable “romper” for infants that can be lengthened or shortened via a pair of drawstrings which pass through the inner portion of the sides of the torso and/or sleeves of the garment. The set of drawstrings operate in a fashion similar to a pair of shoelaces. When tightened, the drawstrings cause the body portion of the romper to “bunch up” thereby reducing the effective length of the garment. The '709 Patent also contemplates incorporating a crotch panel connecting the front and back of the garment with buttons, but does not contemplate using the panel to accomplish a safe, quick, easy or adjustable closure that only requires one of the user's hands to accomplish. Furthermore, the use of drawstrings on a device worn by infants makes this design unsafe.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,317 relates generally to a T-shirt with snaps located along the edges of the front and back of the garment, which connect between the legs at the narrowest portion of the crotch, and may be replaced with hook and loop fasteners. However, the device disclosed in the '317 Patent does not provide the advantages of adjustability and safety, and does not provide the user with the ability to quickly and easily attach two portions of the garment with a single hand.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an infant or baby garment that can be used by parents and other caregivers to save a considerable amount of time, effort and frustration in dressing/undressing an infant to, for example, change a diaper. There is also a long felt need in the art for an infant or baby garment that eliminates the need for one person to hold down the baby while a second person buttons up the onesie. There is also a long felt need in the art for an infant or baby garment that is resistant to coming undone as a result of the activity of the infant or toddler. Finally, there is a long felt need for an improved infant or baby garment, such as a onesie having a magnetic closure system, for easily and quickly securing the onesie together, and that is both safe and easy to use.

The magnetic closure system for a onesie of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby improving the ease of dressing/undressing an infant, for example, to change the infant's diaper. The magnetic closure system for a onesie of the present invention also effectively prevents babies and infants from crawling around with an unclosed or otherwise opened onesie. The magnetic closure system for a onesie of the present invention also saves parents and other caregivers a considerable amount of time and frustration, eliminates the need for one person to hold down the infant while a second person connects the onesie's buttons, and ensures that the garment remains in place, especially on active infants and toddlers. Finally, the magnetic closure system provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their child is properly clothed.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a garment having a magnetic closure system. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of single-piece infant garments or onesies with a plurality of magnetic fasteners for easy and quick securing and loosening of the panels on a onesie to allow, for example, for easy access to the infant's diaper to check or change the same.

Additionally, the magnetic closure system of the present invention effectively prevents babies and infants from crawling around with an unbuttoned or half-buttoned onesie. More specifically, the fastening system comprises a plurality of magnetic strips or magnets that can be easily and removably fastened to one another and that can save parents and other caregivers a considerable amount of time and frustration, eliminate the need for one person to hold down a baby while a second person engages the onesie buttons, and ensure that the garment remains in place, especially on active infants and toddlers. The magnetic closure system also provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their infant or toddler is properly clothed.

Further, the magnetic closure system of the present invention offers parents and other caregivers a quicker and more convenient way to dress and undress their infant or toddler in a onesie. The innovative product features a onesie, made from soft cotton or other suitable material and offered in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes. Along the bottom of the onesie can be a plurality of magnetic fasteners for easily and quickly securing the onesie flaps or panels together. Further, the magnetic onesie of the present invention may be available in various sizes and colors to accommodate all user needs and preferences. Exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary upon further development and manufacturing.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the magnetic closure system for a onesie of the present invention with a plurality of magnets attached to each of a first flap and a second flap and in an opened condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment of the magnetic closure system for a onesie depicted in FIG. 1 in a closed or secured condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the magnetic closure system for a onesie of the present invention with an elongated magnetic strip attached to each of a first flap and a second flap and in an opened condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment of the magnetic closure system for a onesie depicted in FIG. 3 in a closed or secured condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an infant in a diaper and wearing the embodiment of the magnetic closure system for a onesie depicted in FIG. 1 in an opened or unbuttoned condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of an infant in a diaper and wearing the embodiment of the magnetic closure system for a onesie depicted in FIG. 1 in a closed or secured condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

Reference to a singular item or element includes the possibility that there are more than one of the same item or element present. Examples of singular and plural forms that have been used herein include toddler and toddlers; baby and babies; infant and infants; onesie and onesies; fastener and fasteners, etc. It should be understood that all references to a child or a baby or babies may include infants and toddlers or any child between birth and full growth which require assistance in dressing and/or undressing. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As noted above, it is oftentimes difficult and frustrating to dress and undress infants and toddlers, which may be necessary for purposes of, for example, changing a soiled diaper. More specifically, most infants and toddlers will cry, wiggle, resist and generally fidget when being dressed or undressed. Accordingly, the faster the outfit change or diaper change, the less frustrating it is for both the child and the parent or caregiver. The magnetic closure systems of the present invention for use with a onesie disclosed herein offer a quicker and more convenient way for parents and other caregivers to dress or undress their infant or toddler, for example, as part of a diaper change.

As also noted above, there exists in the art a long felt need for a quick and convenient fastener system for onesies which aids a user in achieving complete securing of the onesie. There also exists in the art a long felt need for a onesie garment that is both easily wearable and securable, and that can remain secured for a longer time when subjected to disruptive forces such as the movement of the child or infant wearing the onesie garment. The innovative product of the present invention features a onesie that is preferably made from a soft cotton or other suitable material and offered in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes, and a unique magnetic closure system positioned in the pelvic region of the onesie for easily and quickly securing the panels of the onesie together.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the magnetic closure system 130 for a onesie 100 of the present invention in an open or unsecured condition and in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the onesie 100 is preferably comprised of an upper portion 110 and a bottom portion 120. The upper portion 110 comprises a pair of sleeve portions 112 each having a sleeve opening 114 therein, a neck opening 116, and an internal cavity 118 for receipt of an infant 10. The bottom portion 120 comprises a first or front panel 122, a second or back panel 124, and a pair of leg openings 126. Each of the sleeve openings 114, neck opening 116 and leg openings 126 on onesie 100 are in fluid communication with internal cavity 118 and with each other.

In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, magnetic closure system 130 is comprised of a first plurality of magnets 132 sewn into or otherwise attached to an exterior surface of front panel 122 or a reinforcement strip 123 attached thereto, and a second plurality of magnets 134 sewn into or otherwise attached to an interior surface of back panel 124 or a reinforcement strip 125 attached thereto. First plurality of magnets 132 are preferably positioned in a generally linear, spaced apart fashion as best shown in FIG. 1, and magnetically attracted to the second plurality of magnets 134, as described more fully below. Similarly, the second plurality of magnets 134 are preferably positioned in a generally linear, spaced apart fashion as also best shown in FIG. 1, and magnetically attracted to the first plurality of magnets 132.

More specifically, the outwardly facing surface of the first plurality of magnets 132 may be of either positive or negative polarity, and the inner facing surface of the second plurality of magnets 134 (i.e., the surface of the second plurality of magnets 134 that will come into contact with the outward surface of the first plurality of magnets 132) may be of the opposite polarity to create the magnetic connection therebetween. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of first magnets 132 and the spacing therebetween is generally equal to the number of second magnets 134 and the spacing therebetween so as to avoid bunching up of the front and back panels 122, 124 when first and second plurality of magnets 132 and 134 are magnetically attached to one another, which could cause discomfort for the infant 10 wearing the onesie 100 and/or an unkempt appearance.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment of the magnetic closure system 130 for the onesie 100 depicted in FIG. 1 in a closed or secured condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As noted above, the onesie 100 is comprised of a front panel 122, a back panel 124, and a magnetic closure system 130 for removably attaching the front panel 122 to the back panel 124 when, for example, dressing the infant 10 in the onesie 100 after a diaper change. More specifically, the first plurality of magnets 132 of the front panel 122 are brought into contact with, and are magnetically attracted to, the second plurality of magnets 134 of the back panel 124. In this manner, a user can easily and quickly attach the front panel 122 to the second panel 124 with a single hand, and without the presence or assistance of a second individual.

The removable connection of the front panel 122 to the second panel 124 helps to form the leg openings 126 in the bottom portion 120 for receipt of an infant's legs 16. Additionally, because the number of first magnets 132 and the spacing therebetween is generally equal to the number of second magnets 134 and the spacing therebetween, bunching up of the front and back panels 122, 124 when first and second plurality of magnets 132, 134 are magnetically attached to one another is avoided, as is the discomfort to the infant 10 wearing the onesie 100.

As best shown in FIG. 1-2, onesie 100 may comprise a pair of sleeves 112 each having a sleeve opening 114 in fluid communication with the interior cavity 118 and to accommodate the baby's arms 114. In one embodiment, the sleeves 112 may be relatively short to cover only an upper portion of the baby's arms 14 to prevent overheating of the baby 10, for example, on a relatively hot or humid day. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the sleeves 112 may be of sufficient length to cover the entirety of the infant's arms 14 to prevent the infant 10 from becoming chilled on a cool day. In still another embodiment, the projection of the sleeves 112 from the upper portion 110 may be eliminated altogether, and only sleeve openings 114 may exist to accommodate the arms 14 of the infant 10 (i.e., a sleeveless embodiment of onesie 100).

As described above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front and back panels 122, 124 of the bottom portion 120 of onesie 100 are removably connected to one another by magnetic closure system 130. In this particular embodiment, the magnetic closure system 130 is comprised of a first and second plurality of magnets 132, 134 connected to an edge or reinforcement strip 123, 125 of the front and back panels 122, 124, respectively, such that the first plurality of magnets 132 on the front panel 122 are magnetically attracted to the second plurality of magnets 134 on the rear panel 124. More specifically, the exterior surface of the first plurality of magnets 132 will have either a positive or negative polarity and the exterior surface of the second plurality of magnets 134 (i.e., the surface that will contact the exterior surface of the first plurality of magnets 132) will have the opposite polarity so that the two will attract and attach to each other (through the cloth of the front and back panels 122, 124) when brought in close proximity, thereby closing the opening and forming a secured seam. A cartoon character, animal, or any other design may also be sewn onto the front and/or back of the onesie 100, and a sound producing module 140 may also be incorporated into the onesie 100 to produce a pre-recorded sound, song or message to entertain the infant or toddler 10, for example, during a diaper change.

In one embodiment, each of the front and back panels 122, 124 preferably have between one and twenty magnetic fasteners, more preferably between two and eight magnetic fasteners, and even more preferably about three or four magnetic fasteners. FIGS. 1-2 shows each of front and back panels 122, 124 containing three magnetic fasteners 132, 134 correspondingly positioned along the edges of the front and back panels 122, 124, respectively. However, a different number of pairs of magnetic fasteners can also be used. For example, it is also contemplated that the magnetic closure mechanism 130 of onesie 100 may be comprised of multiple rows of magnets on each of the front and back panels 122, 124 for added security. Additionally, the presence of more than one row of magnets on each of front and rear panels 122, 124 assists the user in being able to adjust the overall length of the onesie 100 to accommodate the ever changing size of a growing infant 10 thereby prolonging the useful life of the onesie 100.

Each of the first and second plurality of magnets 132, 134 can be in any suitable size or shape including, without limitation, round, square, rectangular, annular, oval, etc., and may be comprised of any material which, in general, creates a magnetic field and falls under the common definition of a magnet. Additionally, each of the first and second plurality of magnets 132, 134 may also be encapsulated in a rubber, nylon, fabrics, plastics (such as ABS or PVC), synthetic resin or waterproofed-cloth pouch, which is sewn, glued to or otherwise attached to a flap or pocket at the edge of each of front and back panels 122, 124 or a reinforcement strip 123, 125 attached thereto. The edge of panels 122, 124 may comprise two layers of fabric sewn, glued or otherwise attached to each other to form the pouch or pocket. Alternatively, the fabric at the panel edge may be folded and sewn, glued or otherwise attached to itself to create the pouch or pocket. As explained above, multiple pairs of magnetic fasteners 132, 134 may be used along the length of the front and back panels 122, 124 to provide full closure.

In one embodiment, the pouch or pocket gives aesthetic appearance to the magnetic fasteners 132, 134 by providing a cover of decorative design to the magnetic member which usually has a monotonous and dull metallic appearance, as well as providing a weathering shield to the magnetic material to slow down or retard undesirable rusting, for example, from the moisture present in the infant's sweat and/or a leaky diaper. In this regard, the magnet enclosure is preferably water- or air-tight so that even if the magnet member is oxidized, the enclosure still provides a cosmetic cover to hide the rusted surfaces from the outside, thereby making magnets 132, 134 suitable for applications in which product presentation and appearance are important.

To further enhance the convenience and aesthetics of the magnetic closure system 130, the corresponding magnets 132, 134 are preferably always made to have identical shapes and/or dimensions. As a result of the substantially similar shape and dimensions, the complementary magnets 132, 134 will come into substantially automatic alignment once they come into contact and no external help is therefore required in general for the initial contact and the subsequent engagement.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the magnetic closure system 130 for a onesie 100 of the present invention with a first elongated magnetic strip 136 attached to the front panel 122 and a second elongate magnetic strip 138 attached to the back panel 124 in an opened condition and in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Similarly, FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment of the magnetic closure system 130 for a onesie depicted in FIG. 3 in a closed or secured condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Each of first and second elongated magnetic strips 136, 138 function essentially the same as first and second plurality of magnets 132, 134, and all of the attributes and benefits of the first and second plurality of magnets 132, 134 described herein are equally applicable to first and second elongated magnetic strips 136, 138.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an infant 10 in a diaper 200 and wearing the embodiment of the magnetic closure system 130 for a onesie 100 depicted in FIG. 1 in an opened or unbuttoned condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture, and FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of an infant 10 in a diaper 200 and wearing the embodiment of the magnetic closure system 130 for a onesie 100 depicted in FIG. 1 in a closed or secured condition in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, when properly adorned, the infant's 10 torso is positioned within the interior cavity 118 on onesie 100 and the infant's head 12 extends outwardly from the neck opening 116. Similarly, the infant's arms 14 extend outwardly from the sleeve openings 114 and his or her legs 16 extends outwardly from the leg openings 126.

In order to engage the magnetic closing mechanism 130, the user (not shown) simply pulls the back panel 124 between the legs 16 of infant 10, such that the back panel 124 comes into contact with the front panel 122 and the first plurality of magnets 132 magnetically engage with the corresponding second plurality of magnets 134. Further, as the front and rear panels 122, 124 are magnetically engaged, leg openings 126 are formed around the legs 16 of the infant 10. In any of the embodiment of the present invention, the lining of the leg openings 126 may be optionally lined with an elastic material to improve comfort, fit and/or to assist in keeping the onesie garment 100 in proper placement on the infant 10. Furthermore, at least a portion of the back panel 124 of the garment may be made out of elastic or flexible material, so that it can be easily brought in proximity of the front panel 122 and affixed thereto. This connection permits optimal comfort and fit of the onesie 100 on the infant 10.

The magnetic closure system 130 of the present invention has been shown in connection with a onesie 100 and in particular positioned beneath the diaper portion. It should be further noted that this invention is not limited to onesies only, but rather extends to other garments for toddlers and infants including, without limitation, jumpsuits, swimsuits, bodysuits, and other one-piece garments where the fastening convenience is needed by caregivers. It can be easily seen that the system has usefulness in a variety of clothing garments, or with two separate garments to be joined together. There are no limits on the placement of the magnetic closure system 130 on the garment, beyond the ease of the user and/or the comfort of the infant 10. Accordingly, the magnetic closure system 130 of the present invention can also be placed, for example, on the waistband of an infant's garment, on the shoulder of a toddler's dress, on the front panel of a coat or wherever it is convenient and practical to place the magnetic closure system for the ease of the user.

Also, the configurations relayed herein that relate to the onesie 100 should not be construed as to negate the possibility that this design contemplates sleeves of different lengths, dresses, hoods, elastic or other ornamentation from being affixed on said garment. As previously discussed, elastic or an elastic-quality material may be included around a portion or all of the leg openings 126. Further, the anterior, posterior and/or shoulder/neck area of the garment as depicted herein may contain additional openings for ease in dressing/undressing, decorative purposes or for comfort that can also be secured by the magnetic closure system 130 of the present invention.

It should be further noted that the magnetic force of the magnetic fasteners (i.e., 132, 134, 136 and 138) is strong enough to keep a garment closed, but weak enough that it is easier to open and close the garment compared to presently used closures, such as buttons, snaps or zippers, to the advantage of users with reduced manual dexterity or in situations otherwise limiting the use of their hands. Further, the magnetic fasteners are preferably safely sewn into the fabric or material of the onesie 100 or other garments to be inaccessible to infants or their siblings to prevent the possibility of a choking hazard.

The use of the magnetic fasteners 132, 134, 136 and 138 of the present invention allows the caregivers to secure and open the onesie 100 more easily and quickly, as compared to onesies with conventional buttons, snap or zippers as closure mechanisms. From the description, it is evident that the onesie magnetic closure system 130 of the present invention has many advantages over other fastening systems now in use including, without limitation, the following: (a) it can be made absolutely invisible either when the onesie 100 is in the opened or closed position; (b) its use is more convenient for the parent or caregiver when either closing or opening the onesie panels 122, 124; (c) it is adjustable to a considerable degree as the magnets 132, 134, 136 and 138 will hold the garment panels 122, 124 at any originally set position; (d) it can be produced as less expense that many other apparel fasteners; and (e) it will eliminate the above referenced inconveniences and limitations associated with prior art closure systems.

It is also an advantage of the present invention that the magnetic force of the fastener assemblies is strong enough to keep a onesie closed, but weak enough that it is easier to open and close the onesie compared to presently used closures, such as buttons, snaps or zippers, to the advantage of users with reduced manual dexterity or in situations limiting the parents and caregivers of their hands. Additionally, since the magnets used in the magnetic closure system 130 of the present invention have generally flat surfaces, there is no additional force or dexterity required to join the magnets, such as is required by the male and female sides of snaps or buttons that are required to be pushed together or pushed through a hole in the onesie fabric which is an additional advantage for parents and caregivers with low or reduced manual dexterity or in situations limiting the use of their hands. Since the magnets used in the assemblies have flat surfaces and do not require the additional force or dexterity required to close the male and female sides of snaps or required to push buttons through holes, the assemblies will save the users time in the dressing or undressing process.

Throughout this specification the terms “layers”, “panels”, “flaps” and “sides” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more sides of the garments of toddlers such as jumpsuits, swimsuits, onesies and other one-piece garments. Also, the terms “magnetic fasteners” and “magnetic buttons” are used interchangeably.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the magnetic closure system 130 and onesie 100 of the present invention and its various structural components can be of any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the magnetic closure system 130 and onesie 100 and its various components, as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the magnetic closure system 130 and onesie 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the magnetic closure system 130 and onesie 100 are important design parameters for good performance, the magnetic closure system 130 and onesie 100 and its components may be of any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Magnetic Closure System for a Onesie

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Provisional Applications (1)