Abstract:
The present invention provides a convertible garment that has a play-wear configuration and an activity game configuration. The garment includes a garment body and can be a skirt, pants, a shirt, surgical gown or the like. A pocket is positioned on the garment body and the pocket is defined by at least one flap. The flap has a side hidden within the pocket and a garment side that is configured to complement the garment body. The flap is movable between a first position in which the pocket is defined and a second position in which a play surface is defined on at least the pocket side of the flap. Portions of the play surface can also be defined on the garment body. A toy is tethered to the garment body or the flap and is removably attachable to the play surface.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to clothing and activity boards for children and more specifically to a garment that incorporates an activity game therein. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Activity games are known to provide young children with entertainment and opportunities to develop various skills. Such games are configured such that the child has an opportunity to be learning new skills and practice others. Some known activity games include a rack or frame that supports toys and interesting items such as mirrors or bells. Other known activity games include a playing surface defined on an item such as a table, mat, or board. Such games often include playing pieces or tokens that can be associated with various areas by a given characteristic. Such characteristics can include color, texture, shape, words, letters, and numbers. 
         [0003]    A problem with known activity games is that they are often not accessible to children when the children are interested in playing with them. In this regard, an adult must obtain the activity game and put it out so that a child can play with it. 
         [0004]    Another problem with known activity games is that a child might have difficulty maintaining the position of the game. 
         [0005]    Another problem with known activity games is that they are not easily stored, i.e., “put away”, by a child. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention addresses the foregoing problems by providing a garment that incorporates an activity game and associated pieces. The game includes a playing surface board and playing pieces such as tokens or dolls. The board and playing pieces are movable between a storage position and a play position. 
         [0007]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a garment that is convertible to an activity game. The garment includes a garment body and a first flap that is movable between a play position and a storage position. The first flap is positioned on the garment body such that when the first flap is positioned in the storage position. A clothing pocket is defined between the first flap and the garment body. When the first flap is in its play position, the first flap defines a playing surface that is accessible to a wearer of the garment. 
         [0008]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the garment includes a primary section such that the playing surface is defined by at least one of the primary section and the first flap when the first flap is in the playing position. 
         [0009]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second flap that is movable between a storage position and a playing position in which the first flap and the second flap define at least a portion of the playing surface. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first flap, the second flap and the primary section are components of an integrated panel. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, toys are tethered to the play surface. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the tethered toys are also removably attachable to the play surface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a convertible garment that has a play-wear configuration and a activity game configuration. The garment includes a garment body and an activity panel. The activity panel is connected to the garment body and includes a first flap and a second flap. The activity panel can be moved between a storage position in which the garment is suitable playwear for children and a play position wherein the activity panel defines a play surface. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the play surface includes decorative images. 
         [0015]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, toys are attached to the play surface. 
         [0016]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the toys are three dimensional figures. 
         [0017]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the toys are three dimensional figures. 
         [0018]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the toys are thematically consistent with a theme defined by the decorative images. 
         [0019]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the toys are attached to the play surface by a tether. 
         [0020]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the toys can be removably attached to a plurality of predetermined positions on the play surface. 
         [0021]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the toys can be removably attached to a plurality of predetermined positions on the play surface. 
         [0022]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a convertible garment that has a play-wear configuration and a activity game configuration. The garment includes a garment body. A pocket is positioned on the garment body and the pocket is defined by at least one flap. The flap has a first side hidden within the pocket and a second side that is configured to complement the garment body. The flap is movable between a first position in which the pocket is defined and a second position in which a play surface is defined on at least the pocket side of the flap. 
         [0023]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a toy is attached to the garment by a tether. 
         [0024]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the toy is configured to be received within the pocket when the flap is in the first position and the toy is configured to be removably attached to the play surface when the flap is in the play position. 
         [0025]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the play surface includes at least one decorative image with which the toy is thematically consistent. 
         [0026]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the toy has a plurality of different characteristics which each correlate to predetermined positions on the play surface. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a partial front view of a child wearing a garment according to the present invention that incorporates an activity game, wherein the activity game is generally in a storage position with a portion folded to reveal an attachment system; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a child wearing the garment shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the activity game is in a position between a storage position and a play position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a partial overhead view of a section of the garment shown in  FIG. 1  taken along line  3 - 3  and showing the activity game in the storage position; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a garment according to the present invention showing the activity game in the play position oriented such that the garment is upside down relative to  FIG. 4  such that the game board is oriented right-side-up relative to a child wearing the garment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a child wearing a garment according to the present invention that incorporates an activity game, wherein the activity game is generally in a storage position and the garment is a pair of pants; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is an overhead view of a child wearing a garment according as shown in  FIG. 5  and playing with the activity board that is in an open, play, position; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a partial overhead view of a section of the garment shown in  FIG. 5  taken along line  7 - 7  and showing the activity game in the storage position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same,  FIG. 1  shows a partial front view of a child  14  wearing a garment according to one embodiment of the present invention, more specifically,  FIG. 1  shows child  14  wearing a skirt  10 . Skirt  10  includes a garment body  22  that extends from a waist band  24  to a lower hem  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, a decorative trim  28  is attached to lower hem  26 . An activity panel  40  is attached to garment body  22  and positioned such that it is accessible by child  14 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , panel  40  includes a primary section  42 , a first flap  44  and a second flap  46  positioned on opposing sides of primary section  42 . First flap  44  and second flap  46  are each configured to move between a storage position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a playing position, shown in  FIG. 4 . When in the storage position, first flap  44  and second flap  46  are positioned such that they cover primary section  42 . In some embodiments, flaps  44  and  46  cover only a portion of primary section  42 . First flap  44  defines a first outer surface  54  and second flap  46  defines a second outer surface  56 . In one embodiment, first outer surface  54  and second outer surface  56  are configured to match or coordinate with portions of garment body  22 . In this regard, fabric that defines such surfaces is chosen such that it is consistent across first outer surface  54 , second outer surface  56  and garment body  22 . In a preferred embodiment, first flap and  44  and second flap  46  form a pocket or recess  48 . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , first flap  44  is attached to primary section  42  along a first hinge  72 . Second flap  46  is attached to primary section  42  along a second hinge  74 . By way of example and not limitation, first hinge  72  and second hinge  74  can be one of the following: stitched, mechanical hinge, folded, laced, or a combination thereof. Together with primary section  42 , first flap  44  and second flap  46  define a playing surface  70 . In the illustrated embodiment, playing surface  70  includes at least one decorative element  76 . In one embodiment, decorative element  76  is printed on playing surface  70 . By way of example and not limitation, decorative element  76  can be defined on play surface  70  by printing, embroidering, painting, drawing, appliqueing, quilting, and a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one three-dimensional play item  78  is associated with play surface  70 . In a preferred embodiment, a three-dimensional play item  78  is a toy. Play item  78  is tethered to at least one of primary section  42 , first flap  44 , and second flap  46  by a tether  79 . 
         [0038]    Continuing to refer to  FIG. 4 , play items  78  include a first local fastener  82  attached thereto. First local fastener  82  is configured to engage with at least one of a plurality of second local fasteners  84  positioned on play surface  70 . In a preferred embodiment, first local fasteners  82  and second local fasteners  84  are cooperative components of a hook and loop fastener system, i.e., first local fasteners  82  are hooks and second local fasteners  84  are loops. Stated another way, first local fasteners  82  and second local fasteners  84  are configured to engage each other such that play item  78  attached to first local fastener  82  can be positioned at a predetermined location on play surface  70  as defined by a selected second local fastener  84 . By way of example and not limitation, first local fasteners  82  and second local fasteners  84  can be components of one of the following types fastening systems: magnetic, hook and loop fastener, other friction type mechanical fastener, a tab and recess system, threaded screw, buttons, snaps, adhesive, other fastening system, and a combination thereof. 
         [0039]    Play item  78  depicts an object that is thematically related to decorative elements  76 . In this regard, decorative elements  76  include background images and foreground images related to a common theme such as a garden or farm. In the illustrated embodiment play items  78  depict vegetables, fruits, garden implements, and associated items such as seed packets. By way of example and not limitation, the theme can be one of the following: farm, garden, cars, trucks, building equipment, princesses, fairy tale, animals, fire engine, aircraft, any theme interesting to children, and a combination thereof. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , play surface  70  is oriented so that the upper portion of the scene is located near an edge  91 . Activity panel  40  is attached to garment body  22  such that edge  91  is near lower hem  26 . In this regard, words appearing on surface  70  panel would be upside down when viewed by a person facing child  14 . However, words and other decorative elements  76  would appear upright to child  14 . 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , as indicated above, first flap  44  and second flap  46  are each movable between a first, storage positions as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , and a second, play position as shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 2  depicts first flap  44  and second flap  46  in the process of being moved from the storage position to the play position shown in  FIG. 4 . It should be appreciated that an effective play position is achieved whenever the flaps  44  and  46  are not in their respective storage postion and the pla When in the play position, as shown in  FIG. 4 , first flap  44  and second flap  46  are positioned such that child  14  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) has access to play surface  70 . When moving from the storage position, second flap  46  is pivoted about a fold or hinge  74  such that second flap  46  is positioned adjacent primary section  42  as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . First flap  44  is pivoted about a fold or hinge  72  such that a portion of first flap  44  is positioned adjacent primary section  42 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a fastener system  97  is configured to retain first flap  44  is the storage position when the fastener system is engaged. Fastener system  97  is configured to be disengaged such that first flap  44  can be moved to the playing position. Fastener system  97  includes a first fastening component  94  and a second fastening component  96 . First fastening component  94  is configured to engage second fastening component  94 . In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of fastener systems  97  are positioned such that, when first flap  44  and second flap  46  are in the storage position, the fastener systems are operable to secure first flap  44  and second flap  46  to primary section  42  and to secure first flap  44  to second flap  46 . In the illustrated embodiment, fastener system  97  is a hook and loop system. In this regards, first fastening component  94  includes hooks and second fastening component  96  includes loops. 
         [0043]    In a preferred embodiment, attachment system  97  is a hook and loop fastener systems. By way of example and not limitation, attachment system  97  can be one of the following types of fastening systems: magnetic, hook and loop fastener, other friction type mechanical fastener, a tab and recess system, threaded screw, buttons, snaps, adhesive, other fastening system, and a combination thereof. 
         [0044]    When in the storage position, first flap  44  and second flap  46  define a recess or pocket  48 . In the illustrated embodiment, recess or pocket  48  is configured to receive at least one play item  78  between first flap  44  and primary section  42 . In an alternate embodiment, pocket  48  is defined between first flap  44  and garment body  22 . In another alternate embodiment, pocket  48  is formed between first flap  44  and primary section  42 . 
         [0045]    In the illustrated embodiment, the garment is made of woven fabric. It should be understood that the garment can be formed of other structures useful as costume or dress. By way of example and not limitation, materials that can form the garment are one of the following: polyester, cotton, natural fibers, man-made fibers, wood, shell, beads, minerals, and a combination thereof. 
         [0046]    The present invention can be better understood through a description of its operation. In this regard, a child  14  is first dressed in skirt  10 . For illustration purposes, activity panel  40  is assumed to be in the storage position when skirt  10  is put on, but it should be understood that activity panel  40  can be in the open position when put on by Child  14 . Child  14  can move as they would normally when activity panel  40  is in the storage position. When child  14  wishes to play with activity panel  40 , they separate fastener systems  97  and  98  and move first flap  44  and second flap  46  from the storage position to the play position. It is believed that child  14  will prefer to play with activity panel  40  while seated, but this is not required. When activity panel  40  is in the play position, child  14  can reposition play items  78  to be associated with appropriate colors, words, categories, theme, and setting, for example: a shovel might be positioned over a decorative image  76  that depicts a soil or a row in a vegetable garden. Tethers  79  retain play items  78  such that they are in reach of child  14  and not misplaced when first local fastener  82  and second local fastener  84  are not engaged. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5-7 , in an alternative embodiment pants  110  are provided. Features of the alternative embodiment are indicated by reference numbers in the 100 series. Features of the alternative embodiment are substantially similar to features of the primary embodiment described above having similar reference numbers and can be understood from the description of same.  FIG. 5  shows a front view of a child  114  wearing a pair of pants  110 . Pants  110  includes a garment body  122  that extends from a waist band  124  to lower hems  126 . An activity panel  140  is attached to garment body  122  and positioned such that it is accessible by child  114 . 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , activity panel  140  includes a primary section  142  flanked by a first flap  144  and a second flap  146  positioned on opposing sides of primary section  142 . First flap  144  and second flap  146  are configured to move between a storage position, as shown in  FIG. 5 , and a playing position, shown in  FIG. 6 . In the storage position, first flap  144  and second flap  146  are positioned such that they cover primary section  142 . It should be noted that first flap  144  defines a first outer surface  154  and second flap  146  defines a second outer surface  156 . In one embodiment, first outer surface  154  and second outer surface  156  are configured to match or complement garment body  122 . 
         [0049]    First flap  144  is attached to primary section  142  along a first hinge  172 . Second flap  146  is attached to primary section  142  along a second hinge  174 . Together with primary section  142 , first flap  144  and second flap  146  define a playing surface  170 . In the illustrated embodiment, playing surface  170  includes at least one decorative element  176 . In one embodiment, decorative element  176  can be depicted on playing surface  170 . At least one three-dimensional play item  178  is associated with play surface  170 . Play item  178  is tethered to at least one of primary section  142 , first flap  144 , and second flap  146  by a tether  179 . 
         [0050]    As indicated above, first flap  144  and second flap  146  are movable between a first, storage position as shown in  FIG. 5 , and a second, play position as shown in  FIG. 6 . When in the storage position, second flap  146  is folded multiple times such that it is covered and contained by first flap  144 . A fastener system  197  is positioned such first flap  144  can be removably attached to garment body  122  by a first fastening component  194  and second fastening component  194  and  196 . 
         [0051]    The present invention is an article of clothing that includes an integrated activity panel or play area. In one embodiment, the activity panel includes a central section that is defined on an article of clothing and defines a playing surface. In this embodiment, two flaps are attached along opposite sides of the central panel. Each flap is independently movable between a first position in which the flap covers a portion of the central section and a second position in which an area of the central section is exposed. In this manner the activity panel can be configured for storage or use. Each flap has a side that is configured to thematically match the central section when it is exposed, and each flap has another side configured to correspond to other portions of the article of clothing. For example, if the article of clothing is made of pink corduroy, then pink corduroy is visible when the activity panel is closed. While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made and the Invention can be practiced in other environments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, set forth in the accompanying claims.