Safety garment and method of using the same

A safety device includes a garment shaped to be worn on a torso of a user. A flexible strap is attachable to the garment and extends from the garment on first and second sides. The strap has first and second ends. An elongated first fastener component is attached at or near the first end of the strap. An elongated second fastener component is attached at or near the second end of the strap. The first and second fastener components can be rotated to be aligned with, or oblique to, the strap. The first and second fastener components are capable of locking engagement with each other, and are shaped for being used individually as anchors while separated from each other.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to safety garments and devices.

BACKGROUND

A variety of restraint systems have been developed for children. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,725 to Wood describes a child restraint strap for a shopping cart.

The Consumer Product Safety Alert, concerning Shopping Cart Safety Alert, from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC #5075), indicates that an annual average of 21,600 children ages 5 years and under, are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for falls from shopping carts during the years 1985-1996, including 22,200 falls in 1996 alone.

In July 2004, a voluntary standard for shopping carts was published to prevent falls. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) issued a voluntary standard, Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Shopping Carts (F2372.04) addressing this fall risk. The Standard applies to children ages 6 months. (15 lbs+) up to 48 months (up to 35 lbs).

Improved safety devices for children are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a safety device, comprises a garment shaped to be worn on a torso of a user. A flexible strap is attachable to the garment and extending from the garment on first and second sides thereof, the strap having first and second ends. An elongated first fastener component is attached at or near the first end of the strap. The first fastener component has a longitudinal direction and is positionable in either a first orientation with the longitudinal direction of the first fastener component oblique or substantially normal to a portion of the strap at or near the first end thereof, or a second orientation with the longitudinal direction of the first fastener component aligned or nearly aligned with a portion of the strap at or near at the first end thereof. An elongated second fastener component is attached at or near the second end of the strap. The second fastener component has a longitudinal direction and is positionable in either a first orientation with the longitudinal direction of the first fastener component oblique or substantially normal to a portion of the strap at or near the second end thereof, or a second orientation with the longitudinal direction of the second fastener component aligned or nearly aligned with a portion of the strap at or near at the second end thereof. The first and second fastener components are capable of locking engagement with each other while joined in the first orientation, and are shaped for being used individually as anchors while in the first orientation and separated from each other.

In some embodiments, a method comprises: placing a garment on a torso of a user; providing a flexible strap attached to the garment, the strap having first and second ends extending from the garment on first and second sides thereof, the strap having an elongated first fastener component attached at or near the first end of the strap at an attachment location part way along a length of the first fastener component, the strap having an elongated second fastener component attached at or near the second end of the strap at an attachment location part way along a length of the second fastener component, wherein the first and second fastener components are capable of locking engagement with each other; inserting each of the first and second fastener components through respective first and second openings in at least one wall or frame of a vehicle in which the user is located, wherein each of the first and second fastener components has a length that is greater than a dimension of the first and second openings, respectively; and rotating the first and second fastener components to orientations substantially parallel to portions of the at least one wall or frame of the vehicle having the respective first and second openings, to anchor the first and second fastener components to the frame.

In some embodiments, a method comprises: placing a garment on a torso of a user; providing a flexible strap attached to the garment, the strap having first and second ends extending from the garment on first and second sides thereof, wherein the first and second fastener components are capable of locking engagement with each other; securing the user to a first object by joining the first and second fastener components to each other to form a closed loop for attachment to the first object; and anchoring the garment to walls or a frame of a second object by inserting the first and second fastener components through respective first and second apertures in the walls or frame of the second object, and positioning the first and second ends substantially parallel to the walls or frame having the apertures, the first and second fastener components being longer than a dimension of the apertures.

In some embodiments, a method comprises: placing a garment on a torso of a user; providing a first flexible strap attached to the garment, the first flexible strap having first and second ends extending from the garment on first and second sides thereof, wherein the first and second fastener components are capable of locking engagement with each other; securing the user to a first object by joining the first and second fastener components of the first strap to complementary first and second fastener components of a second strap, to form a closed loop for attachment to the first object; and anchoring the garment to walls or a frame of a second object while the user is not secured to the first object, by inserting the first and second fastener components through respective first and second apertures in the walls or frame of the second object, and positioning the first and second ends substantially parallel to the walls or frame having the apertures, the first and second fastener components being longer than a dimension of the apertures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows a safety garment100. The exemplary garment100includes a child safety vest110, which limits the upward and lateral movement of a child, thereby restraining a child safely and comfortably while seated in a household or restaurant high chair300(shown inFIG. 21) and also shopping carts200(shown inFIGS. 16-19and23). The vest110can also be utilized as a part of a tether system for ambulatory children when a separate attachment strap440(as shown inFIGS. 20 and 24) is used.

FIGS. 1-7show one embodiment of the safety garment100. The exemplary safety garment100is a child safety vest, which may be manufactured in different sizes to fit children of ages six months to four years. Although the example described below includes a vest110, the garment100is not limited to vests, and may alternatively take the form of a jacket, coat, shirt, jump suit, or harness system.

The garment100is preferably made of a lightweight, durable water repellant material. The garment100may include a vest110having a contoured neck114a,114b,116with a midline zipper closure111(FIG. 5) on sides118aand118b, allowing the garment to be placed on the child with the closure facing towards the child's front or back. In alternative embodiments, the zipper111is replaced by hook113aand loop113bclosures (FIG. 6) or buttons or snaps115a,115b(FIG. 7), or ties (not shown).

A strap120of a durable material, such as nylon or polyester, is sewn across the face119of the vest110opposite the closure111, to run parallel to the bottom edge of the vest110, and about four to about eight inches (preferably about six inches) above the bottom edge of the vest. The strap120extends out from the vest110on each side and may optionally have a sliding tightener150on each side, allowing both attached strap extensions122a,122bto vary in lengths from about nine inches to about 17 inches, preferably from about 11 inches to about 13 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the strap120is made short enough so that the child cannot trip over straps122a,122bwhile walking, even if the strap extensions122a,122bare hanging freely. Both attachment strap extensions122a,122bare also equipped with a locking fastener system130,140described below.

In some embodiments, the vest110has at least two layers of material, preferably keeping the combination soft and flexible. In some embodiments, absorbent material is used on the outside, and an inner layer composed of water repellant material. The absorbent outer layer serves as a bib which the child cannot remove. In some embodiments, an absorbent bib panel is provided in the front of the vest110at or near its top, while the remainder of the garment100may have a moisture repellant outer fabric material layer. In other embodiments, the outer layer is water repellant, and an absorbent or insulating material is included in the inner layer.

The garment100may be provided in two forms, both a durable and a disposable form. Both could be used for the purposes of advertising by printing logos102etc. on the face of the vest itself, as shown inFIG. 1.

Either the inner or outer layer may be made of a soft, absorbent material, such as cotton or a polyester/cotton blend, and the inner layer composed of a water-repellant material, such as nylon, polyester or polypropylene, and may be a solid fabric or an open net or mesh. Preferably, the material is lightweight, durable and breathable. It may be worn by children in hot weather as well as washed multiple times, for example, due to food/fluid spills. The vest can preferably be placed on a child ahead of time (before fastening the child to a chair or shopping cart), but this is not a requirement. As many children snack while out and about, this will protect the clothes worn underneath.

Shape: In some embodiments, the shape of the vest110may be as such, a blank side119with a contoured neckline116and armhole borders112, allowing for a sleeveless opening. It will cover the upper torso and may end distally with a straight edge border at the waistline. The size of119will be relative to the sizing chart, whether it be for an infant, 2T, 3T or 4T size. In some embodiments, the armholes112may have a means for attaching sleeves.

The opposing side may be made up of two half panels118a,118b, allowing for a midline opening. Again, the borders of this side118a,118bwill allow for a contoured neckline114a,114band sleeveless arm openings112on either side. The vest110can be manufactured so that each half panel of118a,118bwill be sewn on either side of Side119or could be manufactured as one piece, depending on manufacturing preference.

The contoured neckline114a,114b,116allows the midline opening to be placed posteriorly or anteriorly, for reasons explained below.

Strap

A length of strap120(which may be, for example, a webbing), may be formed from a length of cotton, nylon, or polyester material, but is not limited thereto. The strap120, is attached to vest110and reinforced by stitching parallel to and about 6″ above the bottom border of side119. In some embodiments, a ¾″ webbing is used to form the strap120, keeping the garment100lightweight but durable, to reduce bulk and weight of the end product. The strap may be placed 6″ above the bottom border of the vest to decrease the child's leverage in shopping carts200and high chairs300.

The strap120may be stitched to side119only, as one continuous piece, having extensions122a,122bextending out about 12″ to about 13″ on either side of the vest110. Both lateral strap extensions122a,122bmay be fitted with a sliding buckle150, allowing the strap extensions122a,122bto be shortened or lengthened. Both strap extensions122a,122bwould also be fitted at their respective end points with a fastener or clasp component, comprised of a male fastener component130and a female fastener component140, described below.

For typical infant sizes, these strap lengths should allow for a 11-13″ maximum extension, but are not limited to this length. One advantage to keeping the lengths as short as possible is to limit the risk of a child tripping or inadvertently becoming tangled up on an object, causing harm, while the male and female fastener components130,140are not locked together.

Fastener System

Preferred embodiments include a safe, convenient fastener130,140, making the garment100extremely versatile.

FIGS. 8-15show an exemplary fastener system.FIGS. 8-11are different views showing the male fastener component130, andFIGS. 12-15show the corresponding female fastener component140. The locking fastener (e.g., buckle or clasp) system130,140may be made of a strong, hard plastic. The exemplary fastener has a male component130and female component140which slide together to form a lock. The male component130has a solid, cylindrical tube134which runs along the undersurface of the body132of the male component.

The cylindrical tube134of the male fastener component130has a member131supporting the cylinder134, and the casing144of the female fastener component140has a corresponding groove141along their entire lengths which may be aligned to allow the tube134of male fastener component130to enter the casing144of the female fastener component140.

Each of the male and female fastener components130,140should have a length that is longer than a smaller dimension of the openings202of a frame of a shopping cart200(FIGS. 16-19), and a width W and height H that are smaller than the smaller dimension of the openings202. This will ensure that the male and female fastener components130,140can be inserted through the opening202, and can subsequently act as anchors when rotated.

In some embodiments, the dimensions of the male component130are about ¾″ or less in width W (preferably from about ⅝″ to about ¾″) and about ¾″ or less in height H (preferably from about ⅝″ to about ¾″). The length L of the male component130can vary in range between about 2″ and about 3½″. In some embodiments, the body132of the male component is rectangular in shape and incorporates a raised, solid cylindrical tube or projection134which runs medially, along the length of the rectangular body132.

The male fastener component130should be manufactured without seams to increase strength.

Referring again toFIGS. 12-15, the female fastener component140may have a concave shaped casing144, which accepts the cylindrical tube134of the male fastener component130, allowing tube134to slide the entire length of the casing144of the female fastener component140. The female casing144has an end cap (not shown) at trailing end147and a retaining means143(FIG. 12) or145(FIG. 13) at the leading end149, which prevents the leading end139of the male component134from sliding out of the casing144of the female fastener component140and disengaging.

The female fastener component140of the system should have dimensions of about ¾″ or less in width W and ¾″ or less in height H. Similarly, the length L of the female fastener component140can vary in range between about 2 and about 3½″, but of a length which should match the male fastener component130. The rectangular body142of the female fastener component140should incorporate a recessed channel144along the midline of the body, which may include a cap or fixed wall at one end. The dimensions of the male and female fastener components130,140should compliment each other, allowing the cylindrical projection134of the male fastener component130to slide along the recessed channel144of the female fastener component140. The cap (item143inFIG. 12or item145inFIG. 13) at one end149, prevents the male fastener component130from passing completely through the recess144, effectively locking the fastener system together. The size of the cylinder134and recessed channel144should be large enough to allow this union, keeping within the ¾″ height.

FIGS. 12 and 13show two versions of the female fastener component. InFIG. 12, the female fastener component140has a sliding end cap143. The end cap143(FIG. 12) slides over the end of the opening144, to lock the male and female fastener components together, and may have a detent (not shown) to retain the end cap143in place. InFIG. 13, the female fastener component140′ has a pivoting end cap145. The end cap145(FIG. 13) pivots over the end of the opening144, to lock the male and female fastener components together, and may have a living hinge to connect the end cap145to the female fastener component140.

Referring now toFIGS. 25 and 26, in some embodiments of the male fastener component530, about ⅔ of the length away from the end of the cylinder534, a spring-loaded nipple or protuberance536(FIG. 25) may optionally be provided to lock the male530and female540fastener components together.

Located about ⅔ of the length away from the receiving end of the casing544of the female fastener component540, an optional hole546(FIG. 26) will accept the spring-loaded nipple536projecting from the side of the tube534of male fastener component530. By sliding the male and female fastener components530,540completely together, the spring-loaded nipple536on the male component530will protrude through the hole546in the casing544of the female fastener component540, thus locking the system. The system530,540is unlocked by depressing the nipple and sliding the components apart.

The male and female fastener components130,140of the fastener system, to be referred to as the fastener for brevity, should be made of a durable, hard material, possibly of a plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polyethylene, polybutylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, polyamide, or polypropylene, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members (not shown) are included with the fastener componenets130,140. For example, a plurality of metal (e.g., aluminum) reinforcing rods may be embedded within the fastener components.

The fastener130,140could be further locked together using additional means. A compact, locking mechanism could be secured to the receiving end of the female fastener component140. The fastener130,140would be joined together by sliding the cylinder134of the male fastener component along the recessed channel144of the female fastener component140, until it lines up with the capped end147of the female fastener component140. The compact locking mechanism143or145would then twist or slide up, securing the fastener130,140as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13.

As best seen inFIGS. 10 and 14, each of the male and female fastener components130,140has a bar or member136,146to which the ends of strap120are attached. In some embodiments, it is advantageous to recess the members136,146on the back sides of the male and female fastener components130,140, to which the extension straps122a,122bare attached. In some embodiments, the rear surfaces of the male and female fastener components130,140have a shallow recess138,148on one side, against which the strap120can lay flat when inserting the fastener components130,140through the openings in the wall or frame of the shopping cart200. This allows the overall width W and height H of the fastener components130,140to be as large as possible (for increased durability) while still being capable of fitting through the openings202in the shopping cart200. The strap120, which may be about ¾″ wide, loops around a plastic bar or member136,146running across the recessed attachment point. By recessing the loop of strap120, the height H of the male and female fastener components130,140can be maintained within a desired size (e.g., ¾″) that permits the male and female fastener components130,140to be inserted through an opening202in the side wall204or frame of a shopping cart200(best seen inFIGS. 18 and 19).

FIGS. 11 and 15are side elevation views showing how the recessed attachment members136(FIG. 10) and 146(FIG. 14) in male/female components130,140, respectively, allow the strap extensions122aand122bto loop onto themselves and form connections.

The garment100is designed to keep children safe and seated in all restaurant/domestic highchairs300and all shopping carts200. It may also be used in other types of seats and other types of vehicles, such as a toy wagon or tricycle. In some embodiments, the garment100also serves as a tether by utilizing the looped end422of the extension strap420and also acts as a bib. Some embodiments include a means of carrying contact and identity information hidden on the inside, which can be of assistance should a child get lost while wearing the garment. The garment100may also be used as an advertising tool for retailers who can print their logo102on the front or rear (or other regions) of the vest110itself.

In some embodiments, there is an advantage to keeping the recessed attachment members136,146for the strap extensions122a,122bcloser to the bottom of the fastener components130,140than the top. For example, inFIGS. 10 and 14, the recessed attachment members are positioned at a distance L1from the trailing end137,147of the fastener components130,140, and at a distance L2from the ends139,149, where L2is greater than L1.

When manufacturing the male fastener component130of the buckling system, grippers should be placed on the looping bar136of the recessed attachment point. This way, when a male fastener component130is placed on one end of the “separate attachment strap”420, it can slide along the length of the strap420, yet anchor at a suitable spot when desired. This allows for the different extension points for use with all types of domestic and restaurant highchairs300.

Although an exemplary fastener system is described above, other types of fastener systems may be substituted, having two corresponding components capable of locking engagement with each other, each capable of passing through and opening in a wall of a shopping cart, and of being placed in an anchoring position.

For example,FIG. 27shows one alternative toggle-type anchor640that may be used for the shopping cart application, instead of male and female fastener components. The anchor640includes a toggle mechanism642having two spring mounted pivoting arms644, which are biased by a spring (not shown) towards the open position as shown. The arms644can be folded down manually during insertion through the shopping cart openings202, and then released to return to the open position. The toggle mechanism642is connected by a member646to a sliding fastener648, to which strap extension122a,122bmay be connected. Although two anchor components640as shown inFIG. 27are not adapted to be locked together to secure the child in a chair, other embodiments are contemplated in which two different toggle anchors are used, which are capable of locking to each other to secure the child in a chair, and also capable of providing the toggle function for anchoring the child to a shopping cart.

Separate Attachment Strap Assembly

Referring now toFIG. 20, a nylon extension strap assembly400has a strap420with a fixed fastener component (e.g., a female fastener component440) at one end. The extension strap400may have any of a variety of lengths, such as about two feet, about three feet, about four feet or about six feet. A corresponding fastener component (e.g., a male fastener component430) capable of mating with the fixed fastener component440is included. In some embodiments, the male fastener component430can move and secure itself at any point along the extension strap. This allows the male and female components430,440to be set apart at varying distances. At the end422near the male fastener component430, the strap420folds back upon itself to form a loop. In other embodiments, the male component is fixed, and the female component is movable.

FIGS. 20,21and24show the separate attachment strap assembly400that can be used in combination with the garment100, for securing a child to a seat300(FIG. 21), or to form a secure tether for the garment100(FIG. 24). The attachment strap assembly400includes an attachment strap420and fastener components430,440described below. The use of a separate attachment strap420made out of the same material as strap120(webbing or other strong, flexible material) can greatly increase the versatility of the vest110. The strap420can vary in lengths from about 35 inches to about 45 inches but not limited to this range. On one side, there should be a fixed (e.g. female) fastener component440substantially the same dimensions and shape as female fastener component140. At the opposite end, the attachment strap420should loop upon itself to form a handle422, allowing an adult's hand to grasp the strap420more securely. A mating (e.g., male) component430should be attached at or near this end, optionally using a recessed attachment member similar to member136shown inFIG. 10. In some embodiments, the male component is free to slide along the length of the attachment strap.

Following are non-limiting examples of uses for this same attachment strap assembly400:

1. A child wearing the vest110can be placed in a domestic or restaurant highchair300, of any make or type (as shown inFIG. 21). The female fastener component440of the separate attachment strap420may be locked together with the male fastener component130of the child's garment100. The separate attachment strap420would then be placed to run along the undersurface of the seat302of the highchair300. The male fastener component430of the attachment strap420would then lock with the female fastener component140of the child's vest100. The attachment strap420would now be shortened using the sliding male fastener component430, such that the child is secured in a sitting position.

As shown inFIG. 22, the vest's restraining system can be used for older highchairs300′ only fitted with lap belts (not shown). The male and female fastener components130,140connect directly to each other to secure the child to the back of the chair300′, below the head rest, and the strap420is not needed. Also, having the benefit of an unmovable absorbant vest front—which the child cannot pull off—in place, caregivers may opt to use the vest110regardless of the presence of an available restraint system on the chair300, due to the advantage of protecting their child's clothes during mealtime.

Some types of plastic restaurant highchairs are molded such that the outer surface of the seat is rounded. For these chairs, the backrest of the child's seat typically have contoured edges, allowing the extension straps122a,122bof the vest100itself to lock in place behind the seat. This provides an alternative securing method that can also be used in any type of seat that does not easily lend itself to wrapping the extension straps122a,122baround the bottom of the seat.

Placing the strap120about 6″ above the bottom edge of the vest110, positions it to be approximately level with the top of the seat220of a shopping cart or seat302of a highchair300, decreasing the child's leverage and ability to stand.

2. As shown inFIG. 24, the looped ending422of the separate attachment strap420can expand the use of the garment100to also serve as a tether. An optional additional male fastener component130′ can be attached to Side118a,118bof the vest110for this purpose. This should be in a mid scapular region and to one side of the midline closure for best ease of use and caregiver control. The additional male fastener component130′ may be configured similarly to male fastener component130, as described above. By locking the female fastener component440of the separate attachment strap420to this male fastener component130′ on side118a,118bof the vest110, a tether is formed. (Alternatively, the female fastener component440of the separate attachment strap420can be attached to the male fastener component130on strap extension122a.) The adult then holds the loop422of the now connected “separate” attachment strap420. The garment100may be placed on the child before leaving home, making it a routine for the child, decreasing the reluctance to wear the vest110while out running errands or eating. Preferably, the fastener components130,140are sized at a minimum size consistent with anchoring the strap extensions122a,122bto the type of shopping cart200in which the garment100is to be used, to decrease bulk without decreasing durability or function. Thus, if shopping carts200are developed having openings of a new size, one of ordinary skill can readily adapt the size of the male and female fastener components130,140consistent with the teachings provided herein. The fastener components130,140can be locked together behind the child when not in use, avoiding tripping.

The exemplary vest110and safety system100can be used for all shopping carts200, domestic and restaurant highchairs300, as a tether and as a secure bib.

Operation

FIGS. 16-19show the garment vest being used to secure a child in a seat220of a shopping cart200. For ease of viewing inFIGS. 16 and 17, portions of the vest110are omitted from these two figures, but are understood to be present. For use as an anchor on typical shopping carts200, the length of each fastener component130,140should include a length L2of ¾″ or more above the attachment member136,146and a length L1of ½″ or more below the attachment member. When the fastener components130,140are anchored against side walls204of the shopping cart200, the fastener components130,140tend to align themselves, so that projections of the fastener components130,140and the strap120along the side wall of the cart are substantially parallel to each other. In the discussion below, the term “superior end” refers to the larger end139,149of each fastener component130,140that is inserted through the opening202in the shopping cart200first (the leading end). The “inferior end”137is the smaller end inserted through the opening202last (the trailing end). When the fastener components130,140are anchored, the superior end139is oriented in the distal direction, facing away from the child, and the “inferior” end137,147faces the proximal direction approximately toward the child. More specifically, when anchored, the projections of the fastener components on the walls of the cart will be substantially aligned with the inferior end137,147pointing towards the child, and the superior end139,149pointing away from the child.

Referring now toFIGS. 16-19, when used in shopping carts200, the vest110is preferably placed on the child with the zipper111opening to the rear of the child. The attachment straps122a,122bof the vest110are extended in length so that the fastener components130,140on either side can be inserted through respective openings202of the crisscross framework204on each side of the shopping cart200. Preferably, the male and female fastener components130,140are to be inserted fully through openings202which are located behind and approximately 4 inches below the level of the seat on which the child is sitting. This locates the fastener components130,140out of reach of the child, so that the child cannot let himself or herself out. Once one of the fastener components130,140fits entirely through the opening202, the fastener component is then turned so that it wedges against the outer surface of the shopping cart200, forming an anchor. The same process is then repeated on the other side of the cart. The system is secured by using the sliding tighteners150on both attachment straps122a,122b.

In some embodiments of the method, the fastener components130,140can both be anchored on the same side wall204of the shopping cart200; or one fastener component can be anchored to a side wall while the other fastener component is anchored to the floor of the cart; or both fastener components can be anchored to the floor or front of the basket of the cart. However, it is believed to be preferable to anchor the fastener components on respective side walls.

It is preferred to provide a longer length L2for anchorage of the superior end139,149of each fastener component130,140for attaching the system to the frame of a metal cart200. The crisscross framework of the cart200is so narrow that, if the attachment member136,146for the strap is medially placed along the length of the fastener components130,140, there is a risk of the fastener components130,140pulling free. The inferior end137,147of the fastener component130,140anchors easily against the wall/wire when the strap extension122a,122bis pulled, however providing the ½″ extra length (L2−L1) superiorly ensures that the superior end139,149anchors against the adjacent bar of the cart frame200, as most metal carts have openings that are ¾-1¼″ plus wide.

The width W and height H of the male/female fastener components130,140are selected to be below a predetermined value. The extensions straps122a,122bof the webbing can be lengthened using the sliding fastener150. This enables their end points to reach areas on either side of the basket210of the shopping cart which are behind and below the levels of the seat220in which the child is sitting, usually 10-11″ away from the vest110itself. On one side, the male fastener component130is fed through an opening of the crisscross framework. On the other side, the female fastener component140is also fed through an opening in the crisscross framework, behind and below the level of the child's seat220within the shopping cart200.

A caregiver places a child in the collapsible seat220of the shopping cart200. The vest110, optimally in this situation, is worn such that sides118a,118bis facing posteriorly. The strap extensions122a,122b, extending from side119are lengthened using the sliding buckles150. The respective ends with the male and female fastener components130and140are fed through the grid backrest222of the child's seat220and directed to an area of the inner wall204on either side of basket210. The male fastener component130, attached to the extension122aof strap120, is directed through a hole202in the inner surface of the basket210of the cart, at a point behind and below the level of the child's seat220. After inserting the male fastener component130through the hole202, and pushing the component130through the hole202in its entirety, component130is then turned and anchored against the outer wall of the cart's basket210. The same steps are performed for the female fastener component140so the two sides are balanced. The system is secured by shortening the lengths of the strap extensions122a,122b, such that a child's upward and lateral movement is limited. This prevents a child from standing up or leaning over in the cart, decreasing the risk of fall or tippage.

The vest110may be placed on a child with the midline opening of side118a,118b, facing posteriorly, and the side119on the child's front. This limits the child's ability to reach back and remove the vest110. In some embodiments, a hook and eye may optionally be added to the top of vest110(e.g., those suited for 3T and 4T sizes), to further limit a child with improving dexterity to remove the vest.

Also, by placing the vest110in the above-described position, the strap120stitched to side119, is under less stress and tension, as the length of strap120is aligned: from the fastener component130anchored on one side of the cart, through the back of the child's seat220, around the anterior waist of the child, through the back of the seat on the opposite side and anchored by fastener component140on the opposite side of the cart's framework. It is one continuous curve. The downward pull of the anchoring male and female fastener components130,140keeps the child seated. If the child strains against the strap120, there is no tendency to pull the garment110away from the strap120(because the child would be pushing the side119of the vest against the strap120). This means that the overall integrity of the system is not limited by the integrity of the joint between the strap120and the garment100, but only by the strength of the strap120and the male and female fastener components130,140.

FIG. 21shows the garment being100used to secure a child in a high chair300. Children are placed approximately 6″ into the seats300of these equipment. This means the level of the strap120is close to being flush with the upper boundaries of these seats. This decreases the amount of leverage a child can use to raise their body, reducing the chance of the child freeing himself or herself.

In a highchair300, the child wearing the garment100is placed in the seat with the zipper closure111to the front or back.FIG. 21shows the garment100with the zipper facing the back (not visible inFIG. 4). The extension strap assembly400is placed along the undersurface of the highchair's seat and the strap420comes up along each side of the seat so that the appropriate component of the extension strap's locking fastener slides in place with the corresponding locking component of the garment100(male to female).FIG. 21only shows the male fastener component130of the garment connected to the female fastener component440of the extension strap assembly400. The female fastener component140of the garment100is connected to the male fastener component430of the extension strap assembly400in a similar manner on the other side of the chair (not shown inFIG. 21). The system is secured by tightening the movable (e.g., male) fastener component430of the extension strap420. The sliding tighteners150of the attachment straps122a,122bof the vest110can also be shortened if desired.

Because of the configurations of high chairs, booster seats and other chairs vary, the garment100may be used to secure the child by wrapping the extension straps122a,122band/or the attachment strap assembly400around, under or through the seat to provide appropriate locking engagement while securing the child.

Other Variations

The design of the vest, shirt, coat, jacket component110of garment100allows for it to be made in a disposable form. The separate attachment strap420could continue to be used repeatedly with different types of garments100and/or differently sized garments, as the child grows.

As shown inFIGS. 23A-23C, in some embodiments, a durable (reusable) garment100may have a means for attaching a disposable or washable hygienic panel117in the front or back or both sides of the vest, for hygienic purposes. This can protect the child from contaminated surfaces of shopping carts and restaurant high chairs, by forming a barrier between the child and a dirty surface. This attaching means may be hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, ties, adhesive tapes, zippers or the like. The hygienic panel may have a variety of shapes.FIG. 23Bshows a hygienic lap portion117a.FIG. 23Bshows a relatively small panel117awhich widens to form an attachment panel117b. The panel117arests on the child's thighs, and end117bis placed directly on top of the grab bar of the cart200or highchair300. The end117bof lap panel117amay have an attachment means at its bottom, such as hook and loop fasteners117c, to attach the hygienic panel to the handle bar206of the shopping cart200(FIG. 23C) or the grap bar of a highchair300. The bottom fasteners117callow the lap portion117ato be attached to the handle bar206of a shopping cart200(FIG. 23C) or grab-bar of a stroller (not shown). The separate hygienic panel117allows use of a water repellant fabric for the outside of the durable portions118a,118b,119of vest110, and a less expensive, more absorbent disposable material for the hygienic panel117. It also allows the hygienic panel117to be removed temporarily, for example, if the garment is to be worn in a more formal setting. Although a particular exemplary shape of panel117is shown, the shape may be varied. For example, a trapezoidal lap portion may be provided, with a narrower end at the connecting portion.

In other embodiments, an integrally attached flap may serve as the hygienic panel117. The flap117may be joined to the side119of garment100by stitching, adhesives, or the like. The flap117may be made of the same or different material as the outer layer of the vest110. The flap may include a lap portion117a.

FIG. 23Ashows an optional narrow storage pouch160that may be included at the bottom of side119′ of the vest110′. Other components of vest110′ may be the same as described above, and descriptions thereof are not repeated. The pouch may have fasteners, such as snaps161, hook and loop, buttons, ties or the like. The hygienic panel117may be stowed inside the pouch160when not in use. The panel117may be unfurled from the pouch160for use, as shown inFIG. 23B. One end (not shown) of the hygienic panel117is secured (e.g., by snaps, hook and loop, or by sewing) to the inside of the pouch160. In some embodiments, only the lap portion117of the hygienic panel is included.

In other embodiments, an optional bib portion (not shown) may be included, and may be sewn into pouch160above the lap portion117. The bib portion would be unfurled upwardly and its top would connect (e.g., by snaps or hook and loop fasteners) to the front of the vest110, whereas the lap portion117is unfurled downwardly. Either or both the bib portion and/or the lap portion117may be unfurled as appropriate in any given situation. The lap portion117and the bib portion (not shown) by be connected to each other by a connecting strip (not shown) that serves as the point of attachment to the inside of the pouch160.

In some embodiments, contact information can be written on a panel104(FIG. 2) within the lining of the vest110, e.g. caregiver's house/cell phone number, allergies and any pertinent medical information, which would be useful should a child become lost while wearing the vest110.

By adding a panel104(shown in phantom inFIG. 2to indicate hidden lines) to the inner lining of the vest110, optionally with a transparent plastic cover panel, a location is provided where contact and pertinent health information can be written. Such information would be valuable, should a child become lost while wearing the vest110. Information such as a caregiver's land and/or cell phone number, child's name, medical information and allergies could be written on the panel. The information would not be visible while the garment is being worn, protecting privacy, when written on the vest's inner lining.

Optionally, a pocket106(shown inFIG. 2) could be placed on Side119of the vest110. The vest110, being of a soft, flexible material could be folded on itself by turning the pocket inside out. A short strap or webbing, or cord or ribbon108with a snap fastener could be attached to the inner lining of the pocket. When the vest110is being worn, a pacifier107could be attached using the snap fastener, keeping it accessible and convenient for the child. The length of the a webbing/cord/ribbon108for attaching the pacifier107should be short enough as not to pose a strangulation threat. When the pocket106is turned inside out and the vest110is contained within, the webbing/ribbon/cord with snap fastener could be used to attach the system to a diaper bag etc. for future use, keeping the system accessible. Alternatively, the hygienic panel117may be stored in the pocket, when the hygienic panel117is not being used.

The vest110may be provided, in a disposable form. Rather than a durable material, a paper or disposable diaper material could be used to form the vest, lightweight webbing and the same male/female fastener components130,140could be used. It could then be used on shopping carts200and as a disposable form of vest in domestic/restaurant highchairs300when connected to the reusable attachment strap420. Retailers' logos102could be printed on Side119and used as an advertising tool. By printing the advertising information on a disposable portion of the garment, opportunities are created to solicit repeat advertisements from advertising clients, to restock the supply of disposable vests.

In some embodiments, either or both of the fastener system components130,140may slide along the length of the attachment strap120to change its operative length.