Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a bib and connector and in particular to a bib for use in feeding infants, as well as a connector for connecting a bib.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with a bib and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[3] Breast and bottle feeding of babies can lead to milk spills on their clothes or skin, therefore wearing a baby bib is required in order to avoid the need to change their clothes after a feed.

[4] At present, current baby bibs attach via a free loop around their neck, secured by buttons, hooks, press studs, or velcro, or a closed loop that is moved over the top of the child’s head to extend around the neck.

[5] Babies often fall asleep during a breast or bottle feed, and parents often want to put them straight into bed, but the activity of taking off their bib, in the current form, requires two hands and can often wake them up. Many parents also choose to ‘dream feed’ their baby, which involves carefully getting them out of bed at night and feeding them while they’re still asleep, then putting them back into bed without waking them, to help them learn to sleep through the night. This circumstance also requires the use of a bib that won’t wake them when removed.

[6] Further, such traditional bibs normally require the use of two hands to loop the webbing of the bib around the infant’s neck. This is difficult to accomplish while holding the child’s head up and/or supporting the child in a reclining position. It is desirable to have a connector that is operable with a single hand.

[7] The present invention seeks to provide a bib, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, orto at least provide an alternative. [8] The present invention further seeks to provide a connector, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art or to at least provide an alternative.

[9] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[10] According to a first aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a connector for connecting at least two items to be connected, the connector including: a. an anchor connector portion including a shaft; b. a reconfigurable connector portion, the reconfigurable connector portion defining an aperture for receiving the shaft of the anchor connector portion there through, the reconfigurable connector portion being configurable between i. an opened condition in which the shaft is receivable through the aperture, and ii. a closed condition in which the shaft is more restricted from movement through the aperture.

[11] In one embodiment, the reconfigurable connector portion includes a pair of resilient arms.

[12] In one embodiment, the pair of resilient arms are connected to a base.

[13] In one embodiment, the base defines a central aperture.

[14] In one embodiment, the base is disc shaped.

[15] In one embodiment, the pair of resilient arms are curved .

[16] In one embodiment, the pair of resilient arms together extend substantially around the periphery of the aperture.

[17] In one embodiment, each of the arms includes a gripping formation configured for manual manipulation by a user. [18] In one embodiment, at least one or more of the pair of resilient arms are movable between an open condition and a closed condition.

[19] In one embodiment, the open condition of the pair of resilient arms corresponds to the open condition of the reconfigurable connector portion.

[20] In one embodiment, the closed condition of the pair of resilient arms corresponds to the closed condition of the reconfigurable connector portion.

[21] In one embodiment, manual manipulation of the gripping formations by a user to squeeze the gripping formations together causes the will resilient arms to move to their open condition.

[22] In one embodiment, the anchor connector portion includes a secondary anchor connector portion configured for connecting the anchor connector portion to another item to be connected.

[23] In one embodiment, the secondary anchor connector portion is configured for connection to a planar item.

[24] In one embodiment, the planar item is a textile sheet.

[25] In one embodiment, the pair of disc shaped members are configured for securely connecting to each other through an aperture in a planar item.

[26] In one embodiment, the secondary anchor connector portion includes a clamping arrangement.

[27] In one embodiment, the clamping arrangement includes a pair of disc shaped members.

[28] In one embodiment, the pair of disc shaped members are configured for securely connecting to each other.

[29] In one embodiment, the pair of disc shaped members include fixing formations configured for fixing the pair of disc shaped members together.

[30] In one embodiment, the fixing formations on the pair of disc shaped members together form a fixing arrangement. [31] In one embodiment, the pair of disc shaped members are configured for connecting to each other by one or more selected from: a. a snap fit arrangement; b. are bayonet type arrangement; c. bonding; d. a fastener; e. a thread arrangement; and f. any other connecting arrangement.

[32] In one embodiment, the reconfigurable connector portion includes a secondary reconfigurable connector portion configured for connecting the anchor connector portion to another item to be connected.

[33] In one embodiment, the secondary reconfigurable connector portion is configured for connection to a planar item.

[34] In one embodiment ,the planar item is a textile sheet.

[35] In one embodiment, the secondary reconfigurable connector portion includes a clamping arrangement.

[36] In one embodiment, the secondary reconfigurable connector portion includes a connecting disc.

[37] In one embodiment, the connecting disc is configured for secure connection to the base.

[38] In one embodiment, the connecting disc defines a central aperture.

[39] In one embodiment, the base and the connecting disc are configured for securely connecting to each other.

[40] In one embodiment, the base and the connecting disc are configured for securely connecting to each other by fixing formations. [41] In one embodiment, the fixing formations on the base and the connecting disc form a fixing arrangement.

[42] In one embodiment, the base and the connecting disc are configured for securely connecting to each other through an aperture in a planar item.

[43] In one embodiment, the fixing arrangement is one or more selected from: a. a snap fit arrangement; b. are bayonet type arrangement; c. bonding; d. a fastener; e. a thread arrangement; and f. any other connecting arrangement.

[44] In one embodiment, the anchor connector portion includes a shaft.

[45] In one embodiment, the anchor connector portion includes a head formation.

[46] In one embodiment, the head formation is disposed at or towards an end of the shaft.

[47] In one embodiment, the shaft includes at least one or more barb formations.

[48] In one embodiment, the barb formations are configured for engaging with the secondary anchor connector portion.

[49] In one embodiment, the head formation is configured so that the head formation is not receivable through the aperture when the reconfigurable connector portion is in its closed condition.

[50] In one embodiment, the head formation is configured so that the head formation is receivable through the aperture when the reconfigurable connector portion is in its opened condition.

[51] In one embodiment, the connector includes a tether ring.

[52] In one embodiment, the tether ring is configured to be received over the head formation. [53] In one embodiment, the tethering is configured to be engaged by the reconfigurable connector portion to retain the tether ring on the shaft.

[54] In one embodiment, the tether ring is toroidally shaped.

[55] In one embodiment, the tether ring includes a tether.

[56] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to consist of a bib for feeding an infant who is asleep, or who has fallen asleep during feeding, the bib including: a. a substantially planar cover member configured for covering a substantial portion of an infant’s chest; b. at least one or more connectors for connecting the cover member to the neckline of an infant’s garment.

[57] In one embodiment, the bib includes a reconfigurable cover flap.

[58] In one embodiment, the reconfigurable cover flap is reconfigurable between a deployed position and a retracted position.

[59] In one embodiment, the reconfigurable cover flap is configured to extend to under an infant’s chin in operation when it is in its deployed position.

[60] In one embodiment, at least one of the connectors are hooks.

[61] In one embodiment, the hooks are covered in an insulative material.

[62] In one embodiment, the connector is a connector as described below.

[63] In one embodiment, the planar cover member includes a stiffened portion.

[64] In one embodiment, the stiffened portion includes a stiff backing layer.

[65] In one embodiment, the stiff backing layer is sewn into the cover member.

[66] In one embodiment, the cover member is one or more selected from a. a textile; b. a plastic; c. any other suitable flexible material.

[67] In one embodiment, the cover member is moulded.

[68] In one embodiment, the at least one or more hooks are movable between an open position and a closed position.

[69] In one embodiment, the at least one or more hooks are biased between their open position and the closed position.

[70] In one embodiment, the at least one or more hooks are biased to their closed position.

[71 ] In one embodiment, the stiff backing layer is composed of a waterproof material.

[72] In one embodiment, the cover member includes a rounded neck portion configured for extending closest to the neck of an infant in use.

[73] In one embodiment, the at least one or more connectors are arranged around the neck portion.

[74] In one embodiment, the at least one or more connectors are arranged on an edge of the neck portion.

[75] In one embodiment, the at least one or more connectors are located in a position spaced inwardly from the neck portion.

[76] In one embodiment, the stiff backing layer is composed of one or more selected from: a. cardboard; b. plastic; and c. any other suitable material.

[77] According to a further aspect, the invention may be said to broadly consist in a bib including a connector as described above.

[78] In one embodiment, the bib includes a plurality of connectors.

[79] In one embodiment, the bib includes a neck strap adapted for extending at least partially around a infant’s neck in use.

[80] In one embodiment, the bib includes a cover member for covering an infant’s torso. [81] In one embodiment, the bib includes a connector at each end of the neck strap for removably connecting the neck strap to the cover member.

[82] In one embodiment, the neck strap is permanently connected to the cover member at a proximal end.

[83] In one embodiment, the neck strap is removably connectable to the cover member at a distal end by the connector.

[84] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[85] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[86] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[87] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[88] Figure 1 shows a rear view of a first embodiment of a bib;

[89] Figure 2 shows a close-up side view of the rear of the bib of figure 1 ;

[90] Figure 3 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a bib including a cover flap in a deployed position;

[91] Figure 4 shows a front view of the bib of figure 3 with the cover flap in a retracted position; [92] Figure 5 shows a rear view of a third embodiment of a bib that includes hooks that are located inwardly from the neck portion;

[93] Figure 6 shows a front right perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a bib including a connector according to the invention;

[94] Figure 7 shows a close-up cutaway view of an anchor connector portion of a connector according to the invention with a tether ring and tether;

[95] Figure 8 shows figure 6 without the tether ring and tether;

[96] Figure 9 shows an end of a neck strap of a bib of figure 5 including a reconfigurable connector portion;

[97] Figure 10 shows a perspective exploded assembly view of a connector, tether and tether ring;

[98] Figure 11 shows a front right perspective view of a connector, tether ring and tether, with the anchor connector portion being disengaged from the reconfigurable connector portion;

[99] Figure 12 shows a fifth embodiment of a bib including a pair of connectors;

[100] Figure 13 shows the bib of figure 12, with the neck strap removed from the cover member;

[101 ] Figure 14 shows a top perspective view of a tether ring and tether;

[102] Figure 15 shows a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a tether ring;

[103] Figure 16 shows the second embodiment of the tether ring and a second embodiment of a tether with the anchor connector portion;

[104] Figure 17 shows the second embodiment of the tether ring and tether with the anchor connector portion; and

[105] Figure 18 shows the second embodiment of the tether ring and tether in a first configuration and a second configuration. Description of Embodiments

[106] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[107] A baby bib according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000, or a multiple thereof. A connector according to a further aspect is generally indicated by the numeral 1200.

[108] In one embodiment now described with reference to figures 1 - 4, a baby bib 1000 is provided. The bib 1000 is preferably intended for feeding an infant during the night or while sleeping, without stimulating the infant enough to wake it up, although it is envisaged that it could be used in other scenarios. The bib 1000 preferably includes a substantially planar cover member 1100, and at least one or more connectors 1200 that are configured for connecting the cover member to the neckline of an infant’s garment.

[109] The cover member 1100 is configured for covering a substantial portion of an infant’s chest or torso, to prevent messing onto the child’s garments. The cover member 1100 is preferably composed of an absorbent textile material, although in other embodiments, the cover member could be composed of a resilient plastic or silicon, and could be integrally formed in a moulding process.

[110] The cover member 1100 preferably defines a rounded neck portion 1110 that is configured to extend around the infant’s neck in use. The cover member 1100 can also include a stiffened portion 1110 that preferably follows the rounded neck portion 1110. The stiffened portion 1120 is preferably sewn into the cover member, and stiffens the cover member around the rounded neck portion, so that it can be more easily inserted into position under a child’s chin. The stiffened portion 1120 preferably comprises a thin plastic layer that allows for flexibility and resilience, while providing stiffness and improved waterproofing, however it could be composed of cardboard or any other suitable material. The bib 1000 further includes a reconfigurable cover flap 1300 on the front of the cover member 1100. The reconfigurable cover flap can be moved between a deployed position in which it extends underneath an infant’s chin in use, and a retracted position in which it is moved away from the rounded neck portion 1110, to allow for better visibility of the rounded neck portion.

[111] As shown in figures 1 - 4, the connectors 1200 are preferably in the form of hooks 1210, although alternative connectors are envisaged. Further, a connector 2200 as described in more detail below is also envisaged. [112] The hooks 1210 are preferably covered by an insulative material, in order to prevent the inadvertent waking up of a child caused by a cold metal hook touching their skin. It is further envisaged that in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the hooks may be reconfigurable between an open position and a closed position, and may also be biased by a biasing arrangement (not shown) such as a spring, between their open position and the closed position, and preferably to a closed position.

[113] In the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2, the hooks 1210 are located on a rear side of the cover member 1100 closest to the infant in use. The hooks 1210 are aligned around the edge of the neck portion 1110 to be able to slip over and engage with the neckline of a child’s garment (not shown).

[114] In the embodiment shown in figure 5, the hooks are shown located in a position spaced inwardly or downwardly from the neck portion. By providing books located in this position, when the hooks are fastened over the neckline of an infant’s garment, the neck portion will extend further underneath the infant’s chin.

[115] Another embodiment of a bib 2000 is shown in figures 6 - 14. The bibs 2000 shown in these embodiments include and make use of a connector 2200 provided in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

[116] The bib 2000 includes a cover member 2100 figured for covering a substantial portion of an infant’s torso, in order to prevent milk or food from messing onto their garments. The bib 2000 further includes a neck strap 2300 configured for extending around an infant’s neck in use.

[117] In the embodiment shown in figure 6, the neck strap is permanently connected to the cover member 2100 at a proximal end 2310, and is configured for removable attachment to the cover member 2100 by connector 2200 at a distal end 2320. In the embodiment shown in figure 6, the neck strap is cut from the same textile as the cover member 2100. In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the neck strap could be integrally moulded with the cover member.

[118] In the embodiment shown in figures 13 and 14, the neck strap 2300 is removably attachable at both ends to the cover member 2100 by a pair of connectors 2200.

[119] The connector 2200 is shown in more detail in figures 7 - 12. The connector 2200 includes an anchor connection mechanism or anchor connection portion 2210 and a reconfigurable connector mechanism or reconfigurable connector portion 2230. The anchor connection portion 2210 includes a shaft 2212 topped by a head formation 2214, preferably located at a distal end of the shaft.

[120] The reconfigurable connector portion 2230 is reconfigurable between an open condition and a closed condition. The reconfigurable connector portion 2230 includes a pair of curved and substantially semicircular resilient arms 2234 that extend around the periphery of an aperture 2232. Each of the arms 2234 are connected in close proximity to each other at a proximal end to a base 2233. The arms 2234 extend from the connection with the base 2233 along opposed edges of the periphery of the aperture 2232, defining an aperture 2232 between them. The distal ends of the arms 2234 overlap each other. Each of the arms 2234 include a gripping formation 2236 located at their distal end.

[121] The gripping formations 2236 of the arms can be squeezed together by a manual manipulation by a user, to cause the resilient arms to flex to an open condition and thereby increase the size of the aperture defined between the arms 2234. When the gripping formations 2236 are released, the resilient arm 2234 return to their original closed position, thereby reducing the size of the aperture defined between the arms 2234.

[122] When the resilient arms 2234 are in their open condition, the aperture 2232 defined between the resilient arms is large enough to extend over the head formation 2214 of the anchor connector portion 2210. When the resilient arm 2234 are in their closed condition, the aperture 232 defined between the resilient arms is not large enough to allow the head formation 2214 to fit through the aperture.

[123] In order to connect the reconfigurable connector portion 2230 and the anchor connector portion 2210, the gripping formations 2236 are squeezed together, causing the resilient arms 2234 to move to their open position. In this open position, the reconfigurable connector portion 2230 can be fitted over the head formation 2214 of the anchor connector portion 2210, to preferably clamp onto shaft 2212. When the gripping formations are released, the reconfigurable connector portion 2230 will be in a closed condition, the resilient arms 2234 will be in their closed condition, and will not easily be able to be pulled off the shaft 2212 and over the head formation 2214.

[124] Now as detailed in figure 10, the anchor connector portion 2210 further includes a secondary anchor connector mechanism or secondary anchor connector portion 2216 that is configured for connecting the anchor connector portion to a preferably planar item such as a textile sheet, plastic sheet, or similar, such as either the cover member 2100 or the neck strap 2300. [125] The secondary anchor connector portion 2216 includes a pair of annular members or disc shaped members 2218. The disc shaped members 2218 are configured to securely connect to each other, preferably through an aperture (not shown) in the cover member 2100 or the neck strap 2300. The disc shaped members 2218 together form a clamping arrangement by which the mirror disc shaped members 2218 can be clamped to the cover member 2100 or the neck strap 2300.

[126] The disc shaped members 2218 each include fixing formations for engagement with each other as a fixing arrangement. In the figures, the disc shaped members 2218 include snap fit type fixing formations 2215 that together create a snap fit type fixing arrangement. However, alternative fixing arrangements could include a bayonet type arrangement, adhesive bonding, or a threaded fixing arrangement; and/or the use of fasteners such as a screws or bolts (although this would not be preferable due to swallowing or choking risk to the infant or toddler), or any other suitable fixing arrangement.

[127] The disc shaped members 2218 both define a central aperture 2217. Shaft 2212 includes barb formations 2213 that allow for the shaft 2212 to be inserted into central aperture 2217, to fix shaft 2212 in position relative to the disc shaped members 2218. It is envisaged that the barb formations may be configured for engagement with either of the disc shaped member 2218, although in the embodiment shown in the figures, the barb formations 2213 are configured for engagement with a ridge 2211 on the disc shaped member 2218 on an opposed side from the shaft 2212. In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that shaft 2212 can be integrally moulded together with one of the disc shaped members.

[128] The disc shaped members can be fixed together from opposed sides of the cover member 2100 or the neck strap 2300, causing the disc shaped members 2218 to clip together and clamp onto the planar cover member 2100 or the neck strap 2300. The shaft 2212 can then be pushed into central aperture 2217, thereby fixing the shaft in position on the cover member 2100 or the neck strap 2300.

[129] Similarly, the reconfigurable connector portion 2230 includes a secondary reconfigurable connector mechanism or secondary reconfigurable connector portion 2238 that functions to connect the reconfigurable connector portion 2232 the other of the cover member 2100 or the neck strap 2300. In the embodiment shown, the secondary reconfigurable connector portion 2238, comprises a connecting disc 2231 that is configured for connecting to base 2233 through an aperture in the cover member or the neck strap 2300. [130] It will be appreciated that where discs are mentioned these could include annular members including toroidal, elliptical or other suitably shaped members.

[131 ] The base 2233 and connecting disc 2231 each define a central aperture 2232 through which the shaft 2212 and head formation 2214 of the anchor connector portion 2210 can be received in use.

[132] The base 2233 and connecting disc 2231 together form a clamping mechanism or clamping arrangement for clamping onto either the cover member 2100 or the neck strap 2300.

[133] It is envisaged that a connector as shown that utilises a secondary reconfigurable connector portion and a secondary anchor connector portion similar to the ones described could be used for connecting a wide variety of preferably planar items, and not just for a baby bib. For example, a connector similar to the one described could be used to connect textiles in clothing, linen, or alternatively to cardboard for example used in packaging, as well as to plastic sheeting, and may be used in a wide variety of industries.

[134] The connecting disc 2231 and the base 2233 similarly include fixing formations 2242 that are engageable with each other through an aperture (not shown) in the cover member 2100 and/or neck strap 2300 to act as a fixing arrangement to fix the connecting disc 2231 and the base 2233 together, preferably in a manner that cannot be removed by an infant or toddler.

[135] The fixing formations 2242 of the base 2233 and the connecting disc 2231 together form a fixing mechanism or fixing arrangement. The fixing arrangement shown in figure 10 is a snap fit type fixing arrangement. Similarly to the anchor connector portion 2210, a wide variety of alternative fixing arrangements are possible, including a bayonet type fixing arrangement, adhesive bonding, a threaded fixing arrangement, the use of fasteners, or any other suitable fixing arrangement.

[136] While the connector 2200 is shown being used for attaching a neck strap to a cover member of a bib, will be appreciated by person skilled in the art that the connector 2200 could be used for connecting a wide variety of items that may need to be connected.

[137] Further, as shown in figure as 7, 10, 11 and 14, there is provided a tether ring 2260 that is connectable to a flexible tether 2270. The tether ring 2260 is toroidally shaped and defines an endless formation with a central aperture 2262 that is large enough for receiving the head formation there through, but is dimension to be engageable by the reconfigurable connector portion, in order to retain the tether ring on the shaft 2212. The flexible tether 2270 preferably includes a tether loop 2272 disposed at a distal end to the tether ring 2260. The tether loop 2272 can be used to attach to infant and/or toddler accessories as described below.

[138] The reconfigurable connector portion 2230 can be removed from the shaft 2212 and head formation 2214, the tether ring 2260 can be placed over the shaft 2212 and head formation 2214 to receive the head formation and shaft through central aperture 2262. The reconfigurable connector portion 2230 can then be placed back over the head formation and shaft to retain the tether ring 2260 in position on the anchor connector portion 2210. In this way, infant ortoddler accessories such as dummies, teethers, silicone feeders, rattles, bottles, or the like can be securely connected by the tether 2270 to the connector 2200 and barb 2000, preventing these from being lost or the like.

[139] Figures 15 to 18 show a second embodiment of a tether ring 2260 and tether 2270. Like numbering has been used for the second embodiment as the parts are the same as the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment of the tether ring 2260 and tether 2270, the tether 2270 is permanently connected to the tether ring 2260 by feeding one end of the tether through an aperture 2263 and sewing the end to the tether 2270 to form a loop, as shown more clearly in figures 15 and 17. An alternative means of permanently connecting the tether to itself may be via adhesive bonding. Another difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the tether 2270 is shown more clearly in figure 18 where the tether loop 2272 is created via a snap fastener 2271 such as a press stud, instead of a permanent loop. The snap fastener 2271 allows a user to easily connect and release the infant or toddler accessories described above.

Interpretation

Markush Groups

[140] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Chronological sequence

[141] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence. Embodiments:

[142] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[143] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[144] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[145]

Different Instances of Objects

[146] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second", “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details

[147] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[148] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[149] For the purposes of this specification, the term “plastic” shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

[150] As used herein the term “and/or" means “and” or “or”, or both.

[151] As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Comprising and Including

[152] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[153] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Scope of Invention

[154] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[155] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[156] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the childcare, children’s clothing and other accessories industries.

[157] Additionally, the invention is intended to be applied by the applicant to other products and industries, including (but not limited to): a. the broader children’s retail industry; b. the adult fashion retail industry; c. the disability industry (apparel - e.g. ‘adaptive-wear’, sportswear and other products); d. hospitality apparel and equipment; e. medical garments and equipment; and/or f. the travel and outdoors equipment and apparel industry.