Seam closure using magnetic fasteners

Abstract

An improved adaptive garment has a shoulder seam closure of (1) a first panel containing one or more magnetic fasteners or a magnetic strip of a positive or negative polarity, and (2) a second panel containing one or more magnetic fasteners or a magnetic strip of opposite polarity. The magnetic elements of the first and second panels are attracted and attach to each other, such that the second panel overlaps the first panel and closes the shoulder seam. This improved adaptive garment permits those with limited dexterity or mobility, youngsters, or those with disabilities and/or other health conditions get dressed more easily and quickly, with or without the assistance of others. This shoulder seam closure further permits the adaptive garment not to use a back seam closure of magnetic fasteners, thereby eliminating their pressure against the wearer's back and the discomfort, pain or irritation they might cause, and permitting to contain a back vent or pleat.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION FOR WHICH A PRIORITY BENEFIT IS CLAIMED UNDER 35 U.S.C. § 119[0001]The present patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 571,651, filed Oct. 12, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to shirts, blouses, and other tops having at least one seam closure, especially at least one shoulder seam closure, using one or more magnetic fasteners.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Shirts, blouses and other tops have openings located in various places, for example, the front, the back, the sleeve, the shoulder and the cuff, which are typically closed by conventional buttons and zippers.[0004]Recently, the apparel industry has recognized the need to develop and design adaptive clothing for persons with disabilities, limited dexterity or limited mobility, and youngsters, including those who have great difficulty us...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]One object of the invention is to provide an improved adaptive garment, in particular, an adaptive shirt, blouse or other top, which is not only easy to put on and take off, but also maintains a high level of comfort, wearability and style.

Problems solved by technology

Nevertheless, when these alternative closures are used on shirts, blouses and other tops, problems still exist.

For example, like conventional buttons and zippers, snap fasteners and hook and loop fasteners may still be too difficult to fasten or unfasten, especially if the wearer has limited hand dexterity caused by, for example, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, pervasion developmental disorders, Down's syndrome, ataxia, diabetes with neuropathy, stroke (CVA), paraplegics, Lou Gehrig's disease, Parkinson's disease or head injury.

And although magnetic fasteners tend to be easier to fasten and unfasten than snap fasteners and hook and loop fasteners, they are bulkier, harder and heavier, and in certain cases can press against the wearer causing pain, discomfort or irritation.

Over time (and a disabled person may be sitting in the chair or wheelchair for a substantial time), the pressure of the magnetic fasteners against the back is likely to cause the wearer discomfort, pain or irritation.

This problem may be exacerbated if the wearer has neuralgia, neuropathy or otherwise is sensitive to the pressure caused by the magnetic fasteners.

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