Patent Publication Number: US-8973163-B1

Title: Infant caregiver protective garment having an athletic shoulder pad appearance

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/636,235 filed Apr. 20, 2012. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/636,235 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The field relates to infant caregiver protective garments and, more specifically, to infant caregiver protective garments having the appearance of an athletic shoulder pad. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is routinely necessary for an infant caregiver to hold, or cradle, an infant with the caregiver&#39;s arms and body and to gently, but securely, hold the infant. During this cradling, the infant&#39;s head and neck typically rest over and against the caregiver&#39;s shoulder while the infant&#39;s torso rests against the caregiver&#39;s chest.  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate an infant being cradled by an infant caregiver. Cradling and gentle rocking of an infant are commonly undertaken by the caregiver to assist the infant with food digestion after feeding. And, gentle cradling of the infant by the caregiver may calm the infant and help the infant with sleep. 
     In order to cradle the infant in a manner most comfortable for the infant, it is important that the infant&#39;s body be protected from contact with hard objects that may be worn by the caregiver. Also for the infant&#39;s comfort, it is desirable that the infant rest against a soft, cushioned surface when being held by the caregiver. 
     From the caregiver&#39;s perspective, it is important that the caregiver is both comfortable while cradling the infant and that the caregiver is protected from contact with any undigested food, bile or other material that might be discharged from the infant&#39;s mouth, particularly after feeding. For example, the caregiver will typically cradle the infant after feeding to assist the infant with food digestion. The caregiver will attempt to gently rock the infant and pat the infant&#39;s back in an effort to “burp” the infant to release digestive gasses from the infant&#39;s stomach. The process of burping the infant can result in discharge of food, bile and other material from the infant&#39;s mouth and onto the caregiver. Such discharged material can undesirably soil the caregiver&#39;s clothing and can come into contact with the infant thereby making the infant uncomfortable and requiring that the infant be washed. 
     While various garments and cloths exist to assist the caregiver in cradling an infant, such garments and cloths may not be as effective as possible in both providing comfort for the infant and caregiver and in protecting the caregiver from contact with materials that might be discharged from the infant&#39;s mouth. Moreover, such garments in particular may be perceived by men as maternity-type products more suitable for use by women. And, women may perceive such maternity-type garments as unfashionable. 
     It would be an advance in the art to provide an infant caregiver protective garment which would improve the comfort of an infant cradled by the caregiver, which would be comfortable to wear by the caregiver, which would protect the caregiver from contact with materials that might be discharged by the infant and which would be perceived by the caregiver and others as an attractive and fashionable garment. 
     SUMMARY 
     Protective garments for use by an infant caregiver are shown and described herein. Exemplary protective garments very generally have an appearance creating the impression of an athletic shoulder pad. As just one example of use, the exemplary protective garments could be worn by a sports-enthusiast caregiver while viewing a sporting event and holding an infant. Protective garments may be enjoyable and attractive to wear and comfortable for both an infant and infant caregiver, all while protecting the caregiver and infant from contact with any substances which might be discharged from the infant. 
     In embodiments, a protective garment comprises a body for wearing over a caregiver&#39;s shoulders and upper torso and at least two soft epaulets, or pads, each overlying one of the right and left shoulder regions. Preferably, the body comprises a back portion of soft material and right and left front portions of soft material. Preferably, each front portion meets the back portion to provide right and left shoulder regions and the back and front portions form a neck opening and right and left outer arm openings. 
     In embodiments, each epaulet preferably has an upper surface of soft material and is secured with respect to the body overlying one of the right and left shoulder regions. In embodiments generally resembling certain football-type athletic shoulder pads, the epaulets may include a pair of epaulets overlying each of the right and left shoulder regions, each pair of epaulets including an inner epaulet closer to the neck opening and an outer epaulet closer to the arm opening. In embodiments, the inner epaulet at least partially overlies the outer epaulet. The body preferably defines an upright axis and the epaulets are symmetrical about the axis like the epaulet arrangement of certain football-type athletic shoulder pads. 
     Preferably, the inner and outer epaulets are secured with respect to the body by at least one fastener. The at least one fastener may be selected from the group consisting of thread, at least one hook-and-loop fastener and combinations thereof. Epaulets may be permanently and/or removably secured with respect to the body which can facilitate cleaning of the protective garment. 
     In embodiments, each of the inner and outer epaulets includes a plurality of layers. Layering provides an opportunity to construct or build up the epaulets to have a three-dimensional appearance like that of an athletic shoulder pad epaulet. In certain embodiments, two, three, four or more layers may be provided based on the material selected for each layer and appearance desired. 
     Indicia may be provided on the protective garment to enhance the protective garment&#39;s appearance and to customize the protective garment for the owner. Such indicia may include, for example, team colors, team logos, player names and player numbers. 
     Other aspects of infant caregiver protective garments are described and illustrated herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Examples of infant caregiver protective garments having the appearance of an athletic shoulder pad may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements throughout the different views. In certain of the drawings, broken lines are provided to illustrate certain hidden elements to facilitate understanding. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the accompanying 
       DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary protective garment and an infant caregiver wearing the protective garment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view showing use of the exemplary protective garment of  FIG. 1  and an infant cradled by the infant caregiver; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view showing use of the exemplary protective garment of  FIG. 1  and an infant cradled by the infant caregiver; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the exemplary protective garment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the exemplary protective garment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear elevation view of the exemplary protective garment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a left side elevation view of the exemplary protective garment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a right side elevation view of the exemplary protective garment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the exemplary protective garment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partially exploded view of the exemplary protective garment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a section view of exemplary epaulets and a right side shoulder portion taken along section  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a section view of a further embodiment of exemplary epaulets and a right side shoulder portion taken along a section such as section  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of another exemplary protective garment embodiment for wearing by an infant caregiver; and 
         FIG. 14  is a rear elevation view of the exemplary protective garment of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1-11 , there is shown one embodiment of an infant caregiver protective garment  10 .  FIGS. 13-14  illustrate a further embodiment of an infant caregiver protective garment  10 ′. Exemplary protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ are provided with an ornamental appearance very generally resembling that of an athletic shoulder pad. For convenience and brevity, like reference numbers are used for parts shared by protective garments  10 ,  10 ′. 
     The exemplary protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ provide comfort and protection for the infant  11  and infant caregiver  13 . Exemplary protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ preferably include soft, non-rigid materials which are comfortable to the touch of infant  11  and caregiver  13 . The crisscross surface indicia  14  are indicative of soft, non-rigid materials. 
     The ornamental appearance of each protective garment  10 ,  10 ′ as being generally like that of an athletic shoulder pad would be attractive to both male and female “sports fan” caregivers  13  with infant children. Exemplary protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ could, for example, be worn by a caregiver  13  while simultaneously cradling an infant  11  and watching a sporting event on television. Protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ combine the novelty of wearing a piece of “athletic equipment” like players of the sporting event with improved infant  11  care and protection for the caregiver  13 . The fashion and attractiveness of exemplary protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ may be enhanced by customization of the protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ to include indicia  15  ( FIGS. 6 ,  14 ), such as team colors, team logos, player names and player numbers. 
     As used herein, “athletic shoulder pad” means or refers to the appearance of the entire protective garment  10 ,  10 ′, rather than to an individual part or pad of the protective garments  10 ,  10 ′. While protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ are each illustrated as having an ornamental appearance somewhat resembling a shoulder pad of the type worn by a football player, it should be understood that protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ may be made to very generally resemble other types of athletic shoulder pads. By way of example only, protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ may be made to somewhat resemble an athletic shoulder pad worn by an ice hockey player. As described herein, the general structure of an athletic shoulder pad is well suited for use as an infant caregiver protective garment  10 ,  10 ′. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-11  and  13 - 14 , each protective garment  10 ,  10 ′ comprises a body  17 , or vest, which is worn over the caregiver&#39;s  13  shoulders and upper torso. Exemplary body  17  very generally provides the ornamental appearance of arch portions of an athletic shoulder pad. Body  17  comprises a back portion  19  and right and left front portions  21 ,  23 . Portions  19 ,  21  and  23  may be thought of as panels of the protective garment  10 ,  10 ′. Each front portion  21 ,  23  meets back portion  19  to provide right and left shoulder regions  25 ,  27  which rest on the caregiver&#39;s  13  shoulders when worn. 
     Back  19  and front portions  21 ,  23  further define and form a neck opening  29  and right and left outer arm openings  31 ,  33 . The caregiver&#39;s  13  neck fits through neck opening  29  and the caregiver&#39;s  10 ,  10 ′ right and left arms fit through a respective arm opening  31 ,  33  when the protective garment  10 ,  10 ′ is worn. In the examples, back portion  19  and right and left front portions  21 ,  23  are separated beneath the right and left outer arm openings  31 ,  33 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 13-14 , the exemplary protective garment  10 ′ neck opening  29  may further include an ornamental neck roll  30 . Neck roll  30  very generally creates the impression of a football-type athletic shoulder pad neck roll. 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 13-14 , front portions  21 ,  23  may optionally include an ornamental soft overlying panel  34 ,  36  secured over front portions  21 ,  23  by stitching, adhesive or any suitable form of attachment. In the example, overlying panels  34 ,  36  are smaller than a respective front portion  21 ,  23  and very generally create the impression of a football-type shoulder pad arch while the portions of front portions  21 ,  23  extending beyond overlying panels  34 ,  36  create a very general impression of football-type shoulder pad arch padding. 
     Back portion  19  and right and left front portions  21 ,  23  and optional overlying panels  34 ,  36  are made of any suitable soft material. As used herein, “soft” means or refers to a material which yields readily to touch or pressure and is not rigid or stiff. Use of a soft material for back  19 , and right and left front portions  21 ,  23  provides a comfortable surface which is pleasing to the infant  11  when held or cradled by caregiver  13 . Preferably, the soft material is a woven, knitted or felted material. Representative soft materials may include natural and synthetic materials. By way of example only, representative soft materials may include cotton cloth, diaper cloth, cotton velour, polyester, polyester fleece, suede cloth, rayon, nylon, micro fleece and combinations thereof. Various types of weaving may be utilized. For example, the cotton cloth or diaper cloth may have a bird&#39;s-eye dobby weave containing very small diamonds in the weaving to resemble a “bird&#39;s eye.” 
     Persons of skill in the art will appreciate that diaper cloth is a well-known material used for manufacture of cloth diapers. Diaper cloth is commonly made of cotton material (as much as 100% cotton content) and may include two or more plies. Two-ply diaper cloth is a particularly useful grade of diaper cloth capable of use in the manufacture of body  17 . Diaper cloth may be a bird&#39;s eye weave material woven from small, fine yarns which creates a very soft and comfortable material. Diaper cloth is lightweight, absorptive, fast drying, strong, durable, pleasing and comfortable to the touch and may be dyed easily to provide a desired color. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8  and  14 , body  17  may further include right and left straps  35 ,  37  extending between back portion  19  and right and left front portions  21 ,  23  for securing body  17  to a caregiver  13 . If provided, straps  35 ,  37  have front and rear ends  39 ,  41 . In the examples, one end (e.g., rear end  41 ) is fixedly attached to back portion  19  of body  17  and the other end (e.g., front end  39 ) is removably attached to a corresponding front portion  21 ,  23  of body  17  by a suitable fastener that permits connection and disconnection of the strap  35 ,  37 . Preferably, the fastener comprises a hook-and-loop fastener  43 ,  45 , but other suitable fasteners such as buttons, snaps and cooperating rings may be utilized to secure straps  35 ,  37  to body  17 . In the examples of  FIGS. 5-8  and  13 - 14 , the rear end  41  of each strap  35 ,  37  is permanently (i.e., fixedly) attached to body  17  rear portion  19  by means of any suitable fastener such as thread, a button, a rivet, a staple, a snap and combinations thereof. 
     To assist the caregiver  13  in donning (i.e., to put on) protective garment  10 ,  10 ′, the right and left front portions  21 ,  23  may be capable of being separated, or opened, to enable the caregiver&#39;s torso to fit between right and left portions  21 ,  23 . In such embodiments, right and left front portions  21 ,  23  are separated along respective inner edges  47 ,  49  to permit spreading and opening of right and left front portions  21 ,  23 . 
     To hold right and left front portions  21 ,  23  together once garment  10 ,  10 ′ is donned, a suitable fastener or fasteners permitting opening and closing of right and left front portions  21 ,  23  may be provided. Preferably, the fastener comprises a hook-and-loop fastener (collectively indicated by  51  in  FIGS. 5 and 13 ) but other suitable fasteners such as buttons, snaps, laces and combinations thereof may be utilized to hold right and left front portions  21 ,  23  together once the protective garment  10 ,  10 ′ is donned by the caregiver  13 . In the examples, laces  55  threaded through grommets (not shown) in right front portion  21  are ornamental. In other embodiments, laces  55  could serve as the fasteners used to close right and left front portions  21 ,  23  and to hold right and left front portions  21 ,  23  together. In such embodiments, laces  55  could be threaded through and between grommets (not shown) in both the right and left front portions  21 ,  23  to hold right and left portions  21 ,  23  together, much as the upper part of a shoe (i.e., the vamp) is laced together. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-14 , epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  are secured with respect to body  17  overlying one of the right and left shoulder regions  25 ,  27 . Two pair  57 ,  61  and  59 ,  63  of epaulets are illustrated to provide an appearance somewhat like that of a football-type athletic shoulder pad. Epaulets  57 ,  59  are referred to herein as “inner epaulets” because inner epaulets  57 ,  59  are arranged closer to neck opening  29  than are epaulets  61 ,  63  which are referred to herein as “outer epaulets.” In the examples, each epaulet  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  is an elongate type of pad and has an inner end  65  closest to neck opening  29  and an outer end  67  closest to one of the outer arm openings  31 ,  33 . In the examples, each epaulet  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  extends away from neck opening  29 . Preferably, each inner epaulet  57 ,  59  at least partially overlies a respective outer epaulet  61 ,  63  and outer epaulets  61 ,  63  extend beyond (i.e., overhang) a respective one of the outer arm openings  31 ,  33 . Preferably, body  17  defines an upright axis  66  and epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  are symmetrical laterally about axis  66  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  5 - 6  and  13 - 14 . Such lateral symmetry further creates the impression of athletic shoulder pads which are also symmetrical to provide protection for a player equally on both the right and left sides of the shoulder pad. 
     As used herein, “epaulet” means or refers to a piece of material, or pad, overlying shoulder region  25 ,  27  of body  17 . In the example, inner epaulets  57 ,  59  have a general ornamental appearance somewhat like that of football-type shoulder pad shoulder-covering plates and outer epaulets  61 ,  63  each have a general ornamental appearance somewhat like that of football-type shoulder pad deltoid-covering caps or cups. At least two epaulets are required, one on each shoulder region  25 ,  27 , to provide the appearance of an athletic shoulder pad. More than two epaulets may be provided on each shoulder region  25 ,  27 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-8  and  11 - 12 , epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  overlie a respective shoulder region  25 ,  27  and have a curvature which generally follows and wraps around the curvature of the caregiver&#39;s  13  shoulders. As shown in  FIGS. 1-8 ,  10 , and  13 - 14 , exemplary epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  extend over an upper part of back portion  19  and an upper part of front portions  21 ,  23 , again very generally providing an ornamental appearance somewhat like that of a football-type athletic shoulder pad. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-12 , epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  may be fixedly or removably secured with respect to body  17  by means of a suitable fastener. The example of  FIGS. 9-11  illustrate an embodiment in which each epaulet  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  is fixedly secured with respect to body  17 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , each epaulet inner end  65  may be stitched with thread  69  to body  17  and, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10-11 , may be further secured with respect to body  17  with a hook-and-loop fastener  71 ,  73 . Use of a fastener permitting separation of epaulets, such as a hook-and-loop fastener  71 ,  73 , would facilitate access to the epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  for cleaning. Other suitable fasteners to secure epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  with respect to body  17  may include a button, a rivet, a staple a snap, a lace and combinations thereof. 
     The example of  FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment in which each epaulet  57 ′,  61 ′ is removably secured with respect to body  17 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the epaulets represented by reference numbers  57 ′,  61 ′ are removably secured with respect to body  17  entirely by hook-and-loop fasteners  71 ,  73 . The unshown epaulets overlying shoulder region  27  could be secured to body  17  in the same manner. Other suitable fasteners to removably secure epaulets (e.g., epaulets  57 ′,  61 ′) with respect to body  17  may include a button, a snap, a lace and combinations thereof. An advantage of removably secured epaulets (e.g., epaulets  57 ′,  61 ′) is that the epaulets can be completely removed from body  17  and washed separately from body  17 . For example, the epaulets (e.g., epaulets  57 ′,  61 ′) could be placed in a washing machine for washing separate from body  17  to provide for thorough automatic cleaning. 
     The relationship of exemplary epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  with a respective shoulder region  25 ,  27  make epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  ideal for comfortable support of an infant&#39;s  11  head and neck on the caregiver&#39;s  13  shoulder as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3 . Such relationship includes the overlying relationship of epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  with a respective shoulder region  25 ,  27 , the curvature of epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  about the caregiver&#39;s  13  shoulder and the extension of epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  over the upper parts of back portion  19  and front portions  21 ,  23 . In addition, the preferred overlying relationship of epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and the epaulet  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  relationship with shoulder regions  25 ,  27  of body  17  position epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and body  17  as a broad multi-layered barrier to any food, bile or other material  75  ( FIG. 3 ) which may be discharged from the infant&#39;s  11  mouth during burping or cradling of infant  11  by caregiver  13 . 
     The exemplary construction of epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  also make exemplary epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  ideal for use in comfortably cradling an infant  11  by a caregiver  13  with the infant&#39;s  11  head and neck on the caregiver&#39;s  13  shoulder. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-14 , each epaulet  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  is of a soft material and has an upper surface  77  providing a cushioned pillow-like support on which the infant&#39;s  11  head can rest comfortably. Such exemplary epaulet  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  structure further distributes the weight of infant  11  on caregiver  13  making it more comfortable for caregiver  13  to hold infant  11 , particularly over an extended amount of time. 
     Preferably each of the inner  57 ,  61  and outer  59 ,  63  epaulets includes a plurality of layers. Reference will now be made to  FIGS. 11 and 12  which are section views of epaulets  57 ,  61  and  57 ′,  61 ′, it being understood that the description of epaulets  57 ,  61  would apply to epaulets  59  and  63  and the description of epaulets  57 ′,  61 ′ would apply to mirror image epaulets (not shown) overlying the opposite shoulder region  27 . In the examples of  FIGS. 11-12 , epaulets  57 ,  61  and  57 ′,  61 ′ each include four layers, but fewer or more layers may be provided. In the examples, exemplary epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and epaulets  57 ′,  61 ′ comprise a first or outer layer  79  (which includes upper surface  77 ), a second or inner layer  81  adjacent and inside of the outer layer  79 , a third or outer padding layer  83  adjacent and inside of the second layer  81  and a fourth or inner padding layer  85  adjacent and inside of the third layer  83 . 
     As illustrated in the examples of  FIGS. 11-12 , the first or outer layer  79  completely surrounds layers  81 ,  83  and  85 , inner layer  81  completely surrounds layers  83  and  85  and the third or outer padding layer  83  completely surrounds the fourth or inner padding layer  85 . Second and third layers  81  and  83  are intermediate outer layer  79  and fourth layer  85  in the examples. While this surrounding or concentric relationship of layers  79 ,  81 ,  83 ,  85  is preferred, persons of skill in the art will appreciate that other types of layered relationships may be provided. For example, each layer may simply rest upon another layer with no surrounding relationship. Each successive layer would be inside of the other. And, each layer may be of material folded onto itself. 
     The layers  79 ,  81 ,  83 ,  85  may be stitched together along the periphery of each epaulet  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ or as otherwise desired (as in a quilt) to provide discrete, modular epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 10 . If surrounding layers are utilized, each layer  79 ,  81 ,  83  may be stitched to itself with stitching  87 ,  89  to form a type of case or sack in which each inner layer is located as illustrated in  FIGS. 11-12 . 
     In the examples, each layer  79 ,  81 ,  83 ,  85  is preferably of a soft material as previously defined. Use of layers of soft material provides a comfortable cushioned surface for contact by infant  11  when held or cradled by caregiver  13  and provides a complete barrier between caregiver  13  and any food, bile or other material  75  which may be discharged from the infant&#39;s  11  mouth. Use of plural layers, such as layers  79 ,  81 ,  83 ,  85 , represents an improvement over single layer arrangements of prior garments and cloths which provide less cushioning for an infant  11  and may provide an incomplete barrier to food, bile and other materials  75  between the infant  11  and caregiver  13 . Further, use of layers as described permits epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ to be quilted or built up with plural joined-together layers to provide a three-dimensional appearance more akin to football-type athletic shoulder pads than a single sheet of material. 
     Use of soft materials for each epaulet  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ further provides for a protective garment  10 ,  10 ′ which is flexible and drapes easily over the caregiver&#39;s  13  shoulders and torso and is comfortable to wear by the caregiver  13  when cradling an infant  11 . This is unlike the case with an actual athletic shoulder pad which would be far more rigid and restrictive of movement by the caregiver  13  and would include hard surfaces unsuitable for contact by an infant  11 . 
     Preferably, the soft material used for layers  79 ,  81 ,  83 ,  85  ( FIGS. 11-12 ) is a woven, knitted or felted material and may include combinations thereof. Such material for layers  79 ,  81 ,  83 ,  85  may be natural or synthetic. A wide range of materials and pads may be utilized based on the needs of the caregiver  13 . 
     By way of non-limiting example only, an exemplary first or outer layer  79  may comprise diaper cloth, cotton cloth, cotton velour, organic cotton cloth, terry cloth, flannel, chenille, polyester cloth, polyester fleece, sherpa, felt, suede cloth, rayon, nylon and micro fleece. Combinations of these exemplary materials, and other materials, may be utilized. Diaper cloth is a particularly preferred material for outer layer  79  because such material is very comfortable and pleasing to the touch for both infant  11  and caregiver  13  as previously described. The absorptive and breathability properties of diaper cloth helps to wick moisture away from infant  11 , thereby keeping infant  11  comfortable. Two-ply diaper cloth is highly preferred for use as outer layer  79 . 
     With respect to second or inner layer  81 , that layer  81  may comprise, without limitation, diaper cloth, bamboo and cotton blend batting (a blend of the two materials), cotton batting, soy blend batting, hemp, cotton-polyester blends, polyester cloth. Combinations of such exemplary materials may be utilized as desired. 
     Bamboo and cotton blend batting is a particularly preferred material for inner layer  81 . As is also known to those of skill in the art, bamboo and cotton batting may comprise a combination of bamboo fiber and cotton. Bamboo and cotton blend batting is available, for example, in grades comprising 50-60% bamboo fiber and 40-50% cotton fiber, although other grades may be used. Bamboo and cotton blend batting is an ideal fabric for use in manufacture of multi-layer garments. Bamboo and cotton batting is easy to work with and is available in sheet form. Bamboo and cotton blend batting is absorbent, soft, breathable and lightweight. The softness of bamboo and cotton batting yields ideal comfort for an infant  11  and for a caregiver  13 . In addition, bamboo and cotton batting has desirable thermal properties meaning that the material wicks away moisture from the body in warmer temperatures, while providing warmth for an infant  11  resting against or near such material in cooler temperatures. Bamboo and cotton batting has excellent wicking properties generally which is advantageous to wick any food, bile or other material  75  on epaulet  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ inward and away from and out of contact with infant  11  and caregiver  13 . Bamboo and cotton blend batting further has natural anti-microbial properties which can be desirable to maintain hygiene for both infant  11  and caregiver  13 . 
     Turning next to exemplary third or outer padding layer  83 , that outer padding layer  83  may comprise, without limitation, diaper cloth, cotton cloth, organic cotton, sherpa, bamboo and cotton blend batting, polyester cloth. Outer padding layer  83  is not limited to any single material and combinations of the foregoing materials, and other materials, may be provided. Diaper cloth including two-ply diaper cloth, is a preferred material for outer padding layer  83  because the soft properties of such material provide excellent cushioning and comfort for the infant  11 . 
     Exemplary fourth or inner padding layer  85  may comprise, without limitation, polyester padding. It is desirable that inner padding layer  85 , or another layer  79 ,  81 ,  83 , include a low-density padding with compressive and rebound properties to provide additional cushioning and three-dimensionality to facilitate production of epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ that have the general appearance of athletic shoulder pads. 
     It has been surprisingly found that wicking of any discharged food, bile or other material  75  into epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ and away from the infant&#39;s  11  head and body can be improved through the combination of layering of epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ and use of certain material combinations. This wicking effect helps keeps epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ drier so that infant  11  can rest comfortably on an epaulet  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ during cradling and holding by caregiver  13 . 
     Specifically, it has been found that the use of diaper cloth for outer layer  79  and use of bamboo and cotton blend batting for the inner layer  81  are highly absorptive and are quite effective at wicking food, bile and other materials  75 , especially of a liquid type, away from an epaulet upper surface  77  and into the affected epaulet  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′. Two-ply diaper cloth is particularly preferred in such embodiments of outer layer  79 . The bamboo and cotton blend fabric attracts and retains liquid-type food, bile and other material  75 , keeping such materials away from an infant  11  and caregiver  13 . This wicking effect further serves to protect the caregiver  13  from contact with the food, bile and other materials  75 . An outer padding layer  83  of highly-preferred diaper cloth can also facilitate this wicking effect, helping to move liquid-type food, bile and other materials  75  further from the infant  11 . 
     Use of a highly-preferred polyester padding for inner padding layer  85  provides a highly effective barrier which generally prevents movement of any food, bile and other materials  75  toward caregiver  13 , thereby protecting the caregiver&#39;s  13  clothing from being soiled. Thus, the highly-preferred combination of layers  79 ,  81 ,  83  and  85  and the respective materials provides epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ for garments  10 ,  10 ′ which are both comfortable and protective for both the infant  11  and caregiver  13 . 
     The appearance of protective garment  10 ,  10 ′ generally as an athletic shoulder pad may be enhanced by use of certain preferred materials. For example, cotton diaper cloth exhibits excellent drapeability and the supple and flexible characteristics of the diaper cloth material when combined with bamboo and cotton blend batting and polyester padding allow for the layering of the epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ to take on the shape of epaulets used for an athletic shoulder pad. The combination of diaper cloth, bamboo and cotton blend batting and polyester padding used in the layers of the epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  and  57 ′,  61 ′ combine to improve the handle, appearance and performance of the epaulets. 
     From the foregoing it may be clearly understood that the exemplary protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ effectively eliminate the possibility that food, bile and other material  75  discharged by an infant  11  cradled and held by caregiver  13  will contact and soil the caregiver&#39;s  13  clothing and body. And, unlike actual athletic shoulder pads, exemplary protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ are comfortable to wear by the caregiver  13 . The general appearance of the exemplary protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ as athletic shoulder pads provides a fun and novel way for sports fan caregivers  13  to both view a sporting event and care for an infant  11 . 
     It can also be understood that exemplary protective garments  10 ,  10 ′ provide the opportunity to improve infant  11  comfort. The soft and broad cushions and ample upper surfaces  77  of exemplary epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  provide surfaces ideally comfortable for resting of an infant&#39;s  11  head and neck while cradled by caregiver  13  for burping or just for holding. Infant  11  comfort may be further improved by selection of materials for epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  which wick away from the infant  11  any discharged food, bile or other material  75 . Thus, epaulets  57 ,  59 ,  61 ,  63  also protect the infant  11 . 
     While the principles of this invention have been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood clearly that these descriptions are made only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.