Patent Publication Number: US-2011062764-A1

Title: Child bodysuit restraining apparatus

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to safety garments and restraining devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A variety of restraint systems have been developed for children. For example, US Patent # US 2008/0246326, Safety Garment and Method of Using the Same, U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,866, Child Safety Harness and U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,737, Support Harness. However, none of the restraint systems which have been devised substantially cover the occupant&#39;s torso, thus continuing to make the occupant subject to hazardous conditions, such as flopping over to the front or to the side, or sliding out of said restraint system, and puts the occupant at risk of harming himself or herself when making sudden movements, particularly while holding a utensil, and could potentially lead to the toppling over of an object the occupant is restrainingly held to, such as a household chair. None of the restraint systems previously devised have a feet first design, which allows the system to easily slip off over the occupant&#39;s body without having to pass over the occupant&#39;s head, thus avoiding the risk of getting anything into the occupant&#39;s eyes, nose, mouth or ears. Further, none of the restraint systems previously devised have functional snaps at the bottom of the bodysuit, facilitating quick diaper changes, removal from the restraint system and assurance of proper fit. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a restraint system which is versatile and enables the occupant to be restrainingly held to a variety of different objects, from a chair to a human torso. 
     Based on this related art, constant surveillance is the only way to positively prevent the occupant from falling out of a chair or otherwise hurting himself or herself. However, surveillance usually decreases as the learning process of the occupant progresses, but the dangers associated with different varieties of objects remains. 
     Moreover, none of the aforementioned restraint systems has achieved any significant degree of commercial success. It is believed that the lack of appreciable commercial success of this related art is due, at least in part, to the difficulty in using such systems. Therefore, improved safety devices for children are desired, and a need exists for a new and improved restraint system which includes an easy, safe, reliable and comfortable way in which to place the occupant in the restraint system and subsequently to an object, and even more importantly, an easy, safe, reliable and comfortable way in which to remove the occupant from the restraint system and object, should an emergency such as choking occur. A way to also keep the occupant in the restraint system should the occupant fall asleep and to attach the restraint system to an adult is desirable. A detachable bib attached to the bodysuit of said restraint system which, although detachable, is not detachable by the occupant, also adds to the ease in which to use said system. Therefore, the present invention, which encompasses that which is detailed above, overcomes some of the problems and shortcomings of the related art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved bodysuit assembly and strapping system with detachable bib is disclosed for restraining the occupant to a variety of different objects. In some embodiments, the assembly preferably comprises a bodysuit which can extend from the upper portion of the torso of an occupant and can end past the lower portion of the torso of the occupant, preferably substantially covering all of the occupant&#39;s torso. The bodysuit preferably includes an opening at the top of the bodysuit, where the occupant can be placed feet first, as well as an opening on the left side of the bodysuit for the occupant&#39;s left arm, an opening on the right side of the bodysuit for the occupant&#39;s right arm, an opening on the left side of the bodysuit for the occupant&#39;s left leg and an opening on the right side of the bodysuit for the occupant&#39;s right leg. In some embodiments, the bodysuit assembly further can include a row of snaps at the bottom of the bodysuit to facilitate quick diaper changes, removal from the restraint system and assurance of proper fit. A first inner shoulder strap, preferably made out of nylon or other suitable material, can be attached to the front portion of the bodysuit for placement around one of the occupant&#39;s shoulders and can be connected to the bodysuit preferably by a button snap that can attach to the back portion of the bodysuit near the occupant&#39;s arm, although the snap can be replaced by a button or hook or other attachment device. A second inner shoulder strap, preferably made out of nylon or other suitable material, can be attached to the front portion of the bodysuit for placement around the occupant&#39;s other shoulder and connection to the bodysuit preferably by a button snap that can be attached to the back portion of the bodysuit near the occupant&#39;s arm, although the snap can be replaced by a button or hook or other attachment device. Each inner shoulder strap can be color coded, and each inner shoulder strap preferably includes an expansion joint. In addition, a differently colored adjustable inner waistband can be attached to the waist portion of the bodysuit for placement around the occupant&#39;s waist. The waistband can include two pieces of preferably reinforced and/or padded fabric or similar material, which can join together mid torso behind the occupant. Each piece of waistband can be attached to the other preferably by Velcro. In some embodiments, a waterproof bib can be attached to the front portion of the bodysuit, and the bib preferably includes a scooped bottom and a Velcro strip, which can be substantially the length of the bib. 
     In some embodiments, the strapping system of the present invention can include differently colored outer shoulder straps, including a first outer shoulder strap, preferably made out of nylon or other suitable material, which can attach to the front portion of the bodysuit, for placement above the object the occupant is restrainingly held to, and a second outer shoulder strap, preferably made out of nylon or other suitable material, can attach to the front portion of the bodysuit, for placement above the object the occupant is restrainingly held to. Each shoulder strap preferably contains an expansion joint, and the shoulder straps can be connected to one another via elastic connectors in two different locations and run in a generally perpendicular fashion. Once connected, the shoulder straps preferably create a V-shape along the back of the object and can form preferably a single loop along the outer waistband. Alternatively, the shoulder straps can be separate straps connected to one another. The outer waistband preferably includes an expansion joint and can be attached to the bodysuit midtorso. The two pieces of the outer waistband preferably connect and join behind the object with a button snap, although the snap can be replaced by a button or hook or other attachment device. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system, as worn by an occupant while placed in a chair. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of the bodysuit assembly, as worn by an occupant. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system, as worn by an occupant while placed in a chair. 
         FIG. 4A  is a front elevation view of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system, as worn by an occupant while being strapped to an adult. 
         FIG. 4B  is a rear elevation view of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system, as worn by an adult. 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the removable bib. 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of an occupant being placed into the bodysuit assembly and strapping system feet first. 
         FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  are front elevation views used to illustrate the compactness of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as front or back should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. 
     Referring more particularly to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-4  show two embodiments of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system, with said assembly and strapping system being indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral  20 .  FIG. 1  shows a household or restaurant chair  10  which includes the usual seat portion  12 , back rest portion  14  and supporting legs  16 . This is a non-limiting example of uses for this same assembly and strapping system. The assembly and strapping system  20  can be used for all types of chairs, including but not limited to movie theater seats, airplane seats, armchairs, dentist&#39;s chairs and barber&#39;s chairs. 
       FIG. 1  further shows an occupant  18  which is safely and comfortably seated in the chair  10  while being restrainingly held by the bodysuit assembly and strapping system  20  of the present invention. As best seen in  FIG. 1 , the bodysuit assembly  22  includes a full torso covering means  24 , formed of any suitable fabric or similar material, in the preferred form of a jumpsuit-like garment in which the occupant  18  is placed in feet first, as  FIG. 6  illustrates, to easily slip the system over the occupant&#39;s body without having to pass over the occupant&#39;s head, thus avoiding the risk of getting anything into the occupant&#39;s eyes, nose, mouth or ears. The feet first embodiment of the assembly  20  also enables the jumpsuit-like garment to be rolled down, thereby preventing the soiling of any of the occupant&#39;s garments or the occupant itself. As best seen in  FIG. 1 , the bodysuit assembly  22  further includes a row of snaps or buttons  26 , at the bottom of the bodysuit assembly  22 , facilitating quick diaper changes and removal of the bodysuit assembly, as well as assurance of proper fit. 
     Although the example described above includes a jumpsuit, the bodysuit assembly  22  is not limited to jumpsuits, and may alternatively take the form of a harness system. The full torso covering means  24 , unlike garments that end at the waist, ensures that the occupant will not flop over in the seated position, thus preventing both superficial and permanent injuries to the occupant&#39;s head, or other body parts should the chair  10  tip. In the preferred embodiment, the full torso covering means  24  has a smooth, uninterrupted front portion  28  and preferably has arm openings  30  and  32  on the opposite sides thereof and extends downwardly to cover the occupant&#39;s  18  torso and stops at the upper portion of the occupant&#39;s  18  thighs with leg openings  34  and  36  on opposite sides thereof as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the full torso covering means  24  has one layer of soft, sturdy, breathable material, preferably organic in nature, that prevents the assembly  22  from stretching out. Preferably, the material is lightweight and durable, and may be worn by the occupant  18  in hot weather, but can also be worn over several layers of clothing in cooler weather. The preferred material also enables the user to wash the said bodysuit assembly  22  multiple times, and also enables the user to fold the assembly and strapping system  20  multiple times upon itself, thereby making the assembly and strapping system  20  compact and easy to carry in a pouch  84  with a zipper  86  as best seen in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
     In addition, as best seen in  FIG. 1 , the full torso covering means  24  further includes a detachable bib  38  which is preferably formed of a lightweight, durable water repellant material, or similar material, and cut or otherwise formed to run horizontally the length of the bodysuit assembly  22  and vertically to the midportion  50  of the bodysuit assembly  22 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 5 , the bib  38  further includes a Velcro strip  40  which is substantially the length of the bib  38  and is preferably placed on the smooth uninterrupted front portion  28  of the torso covering means  24  of the bodysuit assembly  22  (as seen in  FIG. 1 ). As the Velcro strip  40  runs substantially the length of the bib  38 , the occupant cannot detach the bib  38  from the torso covering means  24 . The bib  38  preferably includes a scooped bottom or pocket  42  which enables for the collection of both liquids and solids the occupant  18  may spill and thereby shields the occupant  18  from being soiled. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 3 , preferably the assembly  20  further includes a safe, different color coded convenient strapping system, which is indicated in its entirety by the reference number  44 , thereby making the assembly user friendly. The strapping system  44  comprises, as best seen in  FIG. 2 , a first inner shoulder strap  46  and a second inner shoulder strap  48  of one color, preferably made out of nylon or other suitable material, which are sewn or otherwise attached to the front of the torso covering means  24 , extend out from the torso covering means  24  and snap on with snaps  56  to the back of the torso covering means  24 , near the occupant&#39;s  18  arms  52  and  54 , at different and opposed sides of the torso covering means  24 . In alternative embodiments, the snaps  56  are replaced by buttons or hooks (not shown) or other fasteners. The first inner shoulder strap  46  preferably includes at least one sliding tightener or expansion joint  58  which enables the user to expand or contract the shoulder strap  46 , allowing varying lengths to fit whatever size the occupant  18  is and thus ensuring the occupant  18  is secure within the assembly  20 , and that the occupant&#39;s  18  upward and lateral movement is limited, decreasing the risk of fall and tippage. The second inner shoulder strap  48  preferably includes at least one sliding tightener or expansion joint  58  which enables the user to expand or contract the shoulder strap  48 , allowing varying lengths and thus ensuring the occupant  18  is secure within the assembly  20 . The first inner shoulder strap  46  and the second inner shoulder strap  48  are, as indicated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , for placement around the occupant&#39;s  18  shoulders after initial placement in the bodysuit assembly  22 . The strapping system  44  further comprises an adjustable inner waistband  60  (as best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ), preferably of another color, which includes two pieces of preferably reinforced and/or padded suitable fabric or similar material, which connect both outer portions of the bodysuit assembly  22  and join together mid torso behind the occupant. The inner waistband  60  connects to the waist of the bodysuit assembly  22  for placement around the occupant&#39;s  18  waist, and each piece of waistband attaches to the other with Velcro  62 . The bands of the inner waistband  60  serve as additional back/torso support as well as more importantly guarantee a secure fit for the occupant  18  in the bodysuit assembly  22 , regardless of the size of the occupant  18 , as it eliminates any excess material. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system is for restrainingly holding the occupant  18  to a chair  10 . The strapping system  44  further includes a first outer shoulder strap  64  and a second outer shoulder strap  66 , preferably of another color, and preferably made of nylon or other suitable material, for placement above the seat portion  12  of the chair  10 . The first outer shoulder strap  64  and second outer shoulder strap  66  create a V-shape  68  along the back rest portion  14  of the chair  10  and connect at the center of the V-shape  68  with two elastic connectors  70  and at the bottom of the V-shape  68  along the back rest portion  14  of the chair  10  to fowl a single loop  72  along the outer waistband  74 . Alternatively, shoulder straps  64  and  66  can be separate straps connected to one another. The first outer shoulder strap  64  preferably includes one sliding tightener or expansion joint  76  which enables the user to expand or contract the first outer shoulder strap  64 , thus ensuring the occupant  18  is secure within the bodysuit assembly  22  and to the chair  10 . The second outer shoulder strap  66  preferably includes one sliding tightener or expansion joint  76  which enables the user to expand or contract the second outer shoulder strap  66 , thus ensuring the occupant  18  is secure within the bodysuit assembly  22  and to the chair  10 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the strapping system  44  further comprises an outer waistband  74 , preferably of another color, which includes two pieces of preferably reinforced and/or padded suitable fabric or similar material, which connect to the bodysuit assembly  22  midtorso, for placement around the seat portion  12  of the chair  10 , and each piece of waistband attaches to the other with a snap  78 . In alternative embodiments, the snaps  78  are replaced by buttons or hooks (not shown) or other fasteners. The outer waistband  74  preferably includes at least one buckle or expansion joint  80  which enables the user to expand or contract the waistband, thus ensuring the occupant  18  is secure within the bodysuit assembly  22  and to the chair  10 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , one embodiment of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system  20  is for restrainingly holding the occupant  18  to an adult  82 . The strapping system  44  further includes a first outer shoulder strap  64  and a second outer shoulder strap  66 , preferably of another color, and preferably made of nylon or other suitable material, for placement above the shoulders of the adult  82 . The first outer shoulder strap  64  and second outer shoulder strap  66  create a V-shape  68  along the back of the adult  82  and connect at the center of the V-shape  68  with two elastic connectors  70  and at the bottom of the V-shape  68  along the back of the adult  82  to form preferably a single loop  72  along the outer waistband  74 . The first outer shoulder strap  64  preferably includes at least one sliding tightener or expansion joint  76  which enables the user to expand or contract the first outer shoulder strap  64 , thus ensuring the occupant  18  is secure within the bodysuit assembly  22  and to the adult  82 . The second outer shoulder strap  66  preferably includes at least one sliding tightener or expansion joint  76  which enables the user to expand or contract the second outer shoulder strap  66 , thus ensuring the occupant  18  is secure within the bodysuit assembly  22  and to the adult  82 . The strapping system  44  further comprises an outer waistband  74 , preferably of another color, which includes two pieces of preferably reinforced and/or padded suitable fabric or similar material, which connect to the bodysuit assembly  22  midtorso, for placement around the adult  82 , and each piece of waistband attaches to the other with a snap  78 . In alternative embodiments, the snaps  78  are replaced by buttons or hooks (not shown) or other fasteners. The outer waistband  74  preferably at least includes one buckle or expansion joint  80  which enables the user to expand or contract the waistband, thus ensuring the occupant  18  is secure within the bodysuit assembly  22  and to the adult  82 . 
     From the above, it will be apparent that the bodysuit assembly and strapping system  20  are configured to be a simple and easy way to comfortably and positively restrain an occupant  18  against excessive movements both vertically and horizontally. Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.