Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Nov., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 29th July, 1898-Accepted, 1st Oct., 1898
THOMAS DONNELLY, M.D., M. & O., F.R.C.S.I., 14, Rutland Square East, Dublin,
Doctor in Medicine, MARY DONNELLY, 14, Rutland Square East, Dublin, Wife
of above, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:
An undergarment for maintaining an infants napkin in position and ensuring
perfect cleanliness and comfort combining the advantages of both pilch and
drawers and avoiding the disadvantages of either.
It consists of a back and front piece joined by an arched seam between the legs.
It has short legs and a long upper portion to admit of a napkin.
It opens down both outer sides and is fastened by means of buttons on the back
piece and buttonholes on the front ditto or else by strings. A running string
or piece of ribbon through insertion draws in the lower ends closely round the
childs legs. To the top of the back piece is a band which is continued round
the child's waist till it meets in front; to this band when the napkin has been
put on the upper portion of front piece is buttoned. When on the child it
resembles a pair of drawers.
It will be made in various sizes and of swansdown, Turkish towelling or any
other similar suitable material.
THOMAS DONNELLY, M.D., M. & O., Univ. Dubl., F.R.C.S.I., 14, Rutland Square,
Dublin, Doctor in Medicine, MARY DONNELLY, 14, Rutland Square, Dublin, Wife
of above, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
Our invention consists of an undergarment for maintaining an infant's napkin
in position and securing perfect cleanliness and comfort, combining the advan-
tages of both pilch & drawers and avoiding the disadvantages of either.
It is made in two parts:--a front and larger back piece joined by an arched
seam between the legs. It has short legs and a long upper portion to admit of a
napkin. It opens down both outer sides where it is fastened by means of buttons
[Price 8d.]

page_text: on the back piece and buttonholes on the front ditto or by strings or any other
similar suitable method. A running string or ribbon through insortion or similar
suitable device draws the lower ends closely round the child's legs. To the top
of the back piece is a band which is continued in some manner round the child's
waist till it meets and is fastened in front; this band need not be unfastened
when the napkin is being changed and may itself be secured to the other garments
of the child, and to it, when the napkin has been put on, the upper portion of the
front piece may be buttoned or fastened in a suitable manner.
When on the child and closed this garment resembles a pair of drawers.
It will be made in various sizes and of swansdown, Turkish towelling, calico
or similar suitable material.
The above description will be readily understood on reference to the accom-
panying drawings.
No. 1. Represents the garment on the infant with the napkin inclosed.
No. 2. Represents the garment on the infant opened to allow change of napkin.
No. 3. Garment open shewing band to fix round waist, also means of closing
sides and tightening ends round infant's legs.
No. 4. Garment closed shewing ample space for napkin and means of regulating
size of waist &c. and looking like an ordinary child's drawers.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is: -
1. That it opens down the sides all the way thereby allowing perfect ease in
changing the napkin rapidly and avoiding lengthened exposure of the infant.
2. That it's capability of being drawn in round the legs secures perfect cleanli-
ness, warmth and comfort without in the least impeding the child's movements.
3. That the curved seam between the legs admits of the napkin being held up
securely and evenly without undue pressure on any part of the child's body.
4. That the peculiar shape of the garment makes it possible for the child to
wear a napkin without any of the usual clumsiness and unsightliness, and enables
a person to carry about and nurse an infant with comfort & security.
5. That the band round the child's waist prevents the garment getting out of
position while the napkin is being changed.
Doted this 28th day of July 1898 (eight).
THOMAS DONNELLY.
MARY DONNELLY.