Abstract:
A garment and restraining device is provided comprising an attachment for attaching a leash or tether and a tether attached to the attachment of the garment for controlling or restraining a child.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/197,289 filed Oct. 24, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure generally relates to garments to be worn by a child, and more particularly to garments having safety features. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Anyone who has cared for small children knows the difficulties that may be encountered in attempting to lead or control a child when they do not wish to be controlled, or in attempting to grasp a child that has wandered away. In addition, anyone who has a child can relate to the fear of a child being kidnapped. 
         [0004]    Even if a caregiver is able to grasp the child by the arm or hand, a child is still free to undergo considerable range of movement because the caregiver often lacks sufficient leverage to control the child. Conventional clothing fails to restrain the person wearing the clothing when it is necessary to do so, for example, to prevent a child from running out into traffic. 
         [0005]    It is therefore desirable to provide an article of clothing for restraining the person wearing the article of clothing. It would be further desirable if the article of clothing included a restraining device that is removable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Accordingly, an article of clothing is provided for controlling the child wearing the clothing in which the restraining device is easily removable. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment of the child&#39;s garment and restraining device of the present invention, the garment includes a restraint or control having one or more handles or loops incorporated into the garment, such that the one or more handles or loops are positioned approximately on the exterior surface of the garment on the person&#39;s back. It is envisioned that the handle or loop may include material which is stitched directly to the garment or is removable. Alternatively, the handle or loop may be eyelets or rings which are integrated into the garment or is removable. 
         [0008]    In particular, the one or more handles are used as a point of attachment for at least one leash or tether, which a caregiver can manipulate to control or restrain a child wearing the garment. It is envisioned that the garment can be a shirt, blouse, jacket, or the like, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is also envisioned that the garment of the present invention may include a handle or loop which is positioned approximately on one or more shoulders of the person wearing the garment. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the garment of the present invention may include at least one handle or loop which is positioned approximately on the back of the person wearing the garment as well as at least one handle or loop which is positioned approximately on one or more shoulders of the person wearing the garment. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the child&#39;s garment and restraining device includes at least one removable strap, such that the strap is positioned approximately on the back of the person wearing the garment. In particular, the strap provides a point of attachment for a leash or tether, which a caregiver can manipulate to control or restrain a child wearing the garment. Alternatively, the strap may provide an area which the child&#39;s caregiver may grab to control or restrain the child. It is envisioned that the garment of the present invention may include a removable strap which is positioned approximately on one or more shoulders of the person wearing the garment. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the garment of the present invention may include at least one (1) removable strap which is positioned approximately on the back of the person wearing the garment as well as at least one removable strap which is positioned approximately on one or more shoulders of the person wearing the garment. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the garment has a first piece of material, such that the material is positioned around a child&#39;s chest, stomach and/or back, under the arms of the child. The garment includes a second piece of material which is inserted into the first piece of material to secure the first piece of material around the child&#39;s chest, stomach and/or back. The second piece of material further includes a stop, such as a cord stop, which is positioned on the child&#39;s back. The second piece of material is inserted into the first piece of material, such that pulling the second piece of material locks the second piece of material in place. After locking the second piece of material in place, the caregiver may attach a leash or tether to the stop of the second piece of material, which a caregiver can manipulate to control or restrain a child wearing the garment. In one particular embodiment, both the first material and the second material are on the inside of the garment and the cord stop is a buttonhole type opening, thus allowing for a full design on the front of the garment. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the garment includes a first piece of material having a hook or loop, such that the first material is positioned around a child&#39;s chest, stomach and/or back, under the arms of the child and the hook or loop is positioned approximately on the back of the child. The garment includes a second piece of material which is tied such that the first piece of material is maintained around the child&#39;s chest, stomach and/or back. The caregiver may attach a leash or tether to the hook or loop of the first piece of material, which a caregiver can manipulate to control or restrain a child wearing the garment. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the garment includes eyelets or rings on each side of the garment. It is envisioned that the eyelets or rings may be disposed on each side of the garment and may be used as a point of attachment for at least one leash or tether, which a caregiver can manipulate to control or restrain a child wearing the garment. When the caregiver uses the leash to restrain the child they will pull the eyelets or rings which will tighten the garment, thereby providing for better control around the child&#39;s body. Preferably, the eyelets or rings will be discrete, such that they will be tight against the article of clothing, thereby avoiding the possibility that the eyelets or rings will catch another object. The eyelets or rings may be sewn inside the article of clothing and/or covered with material such as Velcro or otherwise hidden. In an alternative embodiment, the tether is connected approximately in the middle of the tether and is attached to at least one eyelet or ring on each side of the garment. Following attachment of the tether to at least one eyelet or ring on each side of the garment, a second tether is connected to the first tether, which a caregiver can manipulate to control or restrain a child wearing the garment. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the garment is a jacket having a piece of material sewn around the jacket. A heavy-weight strap containing slide-release buckles is inserted into the material. The buckle is closed over the jacket zipper. A caregiver can secure the child by hooking the leash into the heavy-weight loop that is sewn through all layers of the jacket. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the description below with reference to the drawings wherein: 
           [0015]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are front and rear views, respectively of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of first and second strips attached to a garment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a detailed view of a cord stop connected to the first and second strips; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are front and rear views, respectively, of a second embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6A  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates a snap clip leash; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are front and rear views, respectively, of another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates a twin snap dip leash; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 11 and 12  are front and rear views, respectively, of yet another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 13 and 14  are, respectively, front and rear views of yet another embodiment of the invention; and, 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a partly sectional, perspective detail view of a portion of the embodiment of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
       
    
    
       [0026]    Like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    The exemplary embodiments of the child&#39;s garment and restraining device disclosed are discussed in terms of garments for children and more particularly, in terms of children&#39;s garments which may be used as restraining devices or safety devices. It is envisioned that the child&#39;s garment and restraining device disclosed provide for facile control or restrain of a child. It is further envisioned that the present disclosure may be employed to control or restrain individuals of all sizes, including adults. 
         [0028]    The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 
         [0029]    The following discussion includes a description of a child&#39;s garment and restraining device and related components of the child&#39;s garment and restraining device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. The garment of the present invention, and the components thereof, may be fabricated from materials suitable for children&#39;s garments, including cotton, polyester, spandex, nylon, or a combination thereof, depending on preference. The garment of the present invention may be one of a variety of different types of garments including but not limited to upper garments such as T-shirts, polo shirts, dresses, jackets, and tank tops without departing from the spirit of the invention. Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the child&#39;s garment and restraining device  100  of the present invention includes a garment  101  having a restraining band assembly  110  positioned around a child&#39;s stomach or chest and back, under the arms of the child, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The restraining band assembly  110  preferably includes flexible outer first band  111  defining an interior channel  111   a  in which a second flexible band  112  is disposed as shown in  FIG. 3 . Preferably, outer first band  111  is securely attached to garment  101  by, for example, sewing, stitching or any means suitable for the purposes described herein. Alternatively, outer first band  111  is removable and can be used in conjunction with any suitable garment of a child&#39;s wardrobe. Outer first band  111  can be fabricated from grosgrain fabric in any suitable width or color. Preferably, outer first band  111  has a highly visible, bright color, fluorescent color and/or is made of highly reflective material such as that commonly available material to make clothing more accessible at night in the headlights of oncoming motor vehicles. The second flexible band  112  can be fabricated from grosgrain fabric, or any other fabric. Optionally, second band  112  can be fabricated from an elastic or stretchable material such as spandex. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the restraining band assembly  110  includes a cord stop  113  fixedly attached to the first band  111 . The second band  112  extends out of the interior channel  111   a  and over middle bar  113   a  of the cord stop. The cord stop  113  can be fabricated from any material suitable for the purposes described herein such as plastic, metal, ceramic and the like. 
         [0032]    The restraining band assembly  110  is used in connection with a leash such as leash  120  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Leash  120  includes a tether  121  of suitable length and preferably of slash resistant material, which is held at one end by the child&#39;s caretaker and may include a hand loop (not shown) to facilitate secure holding of the tether  121 . The other end of the leash includes a swivel attached snap link mechanism  122  including a loop  123  defining a gap, an activation slide button  124 , and a spring mounted projection  125  extending across the gap in loop  13 . To employ the restraining band assembly  110 , the caretaker opens the snap link  122  by using the slide button  124  to move the projection  125 . The caregiver then clips the open loop  123  onto the exposed portion of the second band  112  extending across the cord stop  113 , and then allows the snap link to close. The leash can then be held to restrain the child wearing the garment and restraining device  100 . Various leashes such as described herein and other leashes with alternative snap link connectors are well known and commercially available. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 to 7 , in an alternative embodiment  200  which includes garment  101  and restraining band assembly  210 , the restraining band assembly  210  includes flexible outer first band  111  and second flexible band  112  disposed inside of outer first band  111  as described above. As with embodiment  110  flexible band  111  of the assembly  210  can be fixedly attached to the garment or optionally removable therefrom. However, in the restraining band assembly  210 , the second flexible band  112  extends out of the flexible outer first band  111  in the front of the garment  101  and thereby exposes two end portions, which can be pulled to tighten the restraining band assembly  210 , and tied into a knot  115 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the restraining band assembly includes a link  213  to which a snap link  122  of a leash  120  can be removably attached. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 6A , the restraining band assembly  210  can be sewn into the inside of the garment  101 . At the back of the garment the second flexible band  112  can be exposed through a hole  102  in the garment and link  213  disposed around the second band  112  to permit snap link attachment by a leash  120 . Moreover, garment  101  can optionally include a fabric flap  105  positioned above hole  102  with a Velcro® hook and loop type fastener  106  on an inner surface of the flap  105  and a corresponding Velcro® fastener  107  positioned below hole  102 . Flap  105  can be lifted to gain access to link  213  or closed over hole  102  to prevent rain or debris from entering the hole  102 . Also, in the closed position, flap  105  prevents the link  213  from catching on branches or other obstructions. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , yet another embodiment  300  of the invention includes a restraining band assembly  310  connected to garment  101 . Restraining band assembly  310  includes a flexible outer first band  111  and a second flexible band  112  disposed therein as described above. The restraining band assembly  310  extends across the front of the garment  101  at around the chest level of the garment. However, as seen in the rear view of the garment  101  as shown in  FIG. 9 , the restraining band assembly terminates in two eyelets or links  311   a  and  311   b  located at opposite left and right sides of the garment. These rings serve as connection points for a two-snap link leash as shown in  FIG. 10 . Alternatively, or in addition, one or more loops  320  can be fixed to garment  101  at the shoulders, and the snap links of the leash attached thereto. 
         [0037]    More specifically, leash  130  includes a tether  131  attached to a first snap link mechanism  132 . Snap link mechanism  132  is connected to two other tethers  133  and  135 , each terminating with snap links  134  and  136 , respectively. For use in connection with restraining band assembly  310 , snap link  134  is connected to ring  311   a  and snap link  136  is connected to link  311   b . Alternatively, leash  130  can be employed to restrain two children using the previously described embodiments of the invention. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , embodiment  400  of the invention includes garment  101  having a front closure  402  such as a zipper, buttons, Velcro® type closure and the like. Restraining band assembly  410  includes flexible outer first band  111  and a second flexible band  112  disposed therein as described above. The restraining band assembly  410  extends around garment  401  at about the chest level. The second flexible band  112  extends outside the flexible outer first band  111  at the front of the garment. Each exposed end of the second flexible band  112  is connected to a respective piece of a two-piece snap-together buckle  413 . As can be seen from the rear view shown in  FIG. 12 , restraining band assembly  410  includes a link  414  attached to the rear of the flexible outer first band for connection to a snap link of a leash as described above with respect to the embodiment  210 . Also, the restraining band assembly  410  can be sewn into the interior of the garment  401  with an opening in the rear for exposure of the second flexible band  112  and connection of a link thereto, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , and also can optionally include a protective flap  105  such as shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 13 to 15  illustrates an embodiment  500  of the invention wherein the outer first band  111  is sewn or otherwise secured to the inside surface of garment  101  (e.g., a shirt) with the second flexible band  112  slidably disposed within the space between the outer first band  111  and the inside surface of the garment  101 . Two eyelets  103  are positioned at the back of the garment and the second flexible band  112  extends outside the garment passing through the eyelets  103  as shown. The exposed portion of the second flexible band  112  between the eyelets  103  can be grasped by the snap link of the leash. The outer first band is preferably sewn along its edges to the inside surface of the garment with fine stitching so that it is essentially seamless with the shirt. That is, the joining of the outer first band  111  to the inside of garment  101  presents no seam or other aspect which is readily visible from the outside. The outer first band  111  and the inside surface of the garment define a channel  118  through which second flexible band  112 , for example a grosgrain ribbon, is moveable so as to provide adjustability and better control of the child. More specifically, when the leash is clipped onto the second flexible band  112  tension on the leash draws some of the second flexible band  112  out of the channel  118 . This gently constricts the restraining device around the child for greater control. For example, if the child suddenly tries to dart away from the caregiver, the restraining device will automatically provide added restraint. Also, the adjustability of the restraining device can accommodate children of different sizes by the caregiver drawing out some of the second flexible band  112  to take up slack in the event the garment is too loose fitting. 
         [0040]    The components of the child&#39;s garment and restraining device are fabricated from materials suitable for such a garment, depending on the particular application and/or preference. One skilled in the art, however, will realize that such materials and fabrication methods suitable for assembly and manufacture, in accordance with the present disclosure, would be appropriate. 
         [0041]    It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.