Patent Abstract:
In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses include a shell surface comprising: a front portion having a continuous surface for protecting a user from contamination, wherein the continuous surface provides a barrier between the contamination and the user, wherein the front portion protects a chest and abdomen area of the user from the contamination; an arm portion connected to the front portion, wherein the arm portion protects the arm from contamination; and a leg portion connected to the front portion, wherein the leg portion is configured to protect a leg of the user; a first fastener coupled to the leg portion for fastening the leg portion around the leg of the user; and a second fastener coupled to the front portion for fastening the front portion to the user wherein the second fastener is configured to attach the front portion to a side portion of the user, wherein the shell surface is configured to attach to the user through the first fastener and the second fastener while a portion of a back of the user is blocked.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to protecting a child from spills and, more particularly, to protecting a child from spills by use of a protective garment.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Clothes for children are difficult to keep clean and tidy. When children are infants, they frequently soil their clothes by spitting up, drooling, and dripping milk onto their clothes. Older children typically soil their clothes by spilling food and drinks on them and by participating in arts and crafts activities.  
         [0003]     Frequently changing soiled clothes for both infants and older children are often times very inconvenient. For example, many times changing an infant&#39;s clothes disrupts the natural sleep cycle of the infant. Additionally, by changing an infant&#39;s clothes, the infant can wake up causing unnecessary disruption for both the infant and the caregiver.  
         [0004]     In another example, changing an older child&#39;s clothes is inconvenient because at least one extra set of clothes is packed and transported by the care-giver while traveling. Further, attempting to change an older child&#39;s clothes is sometimes difficult when the child is actively participating in an activity.  
         [0005]     By preventing the clothes from becoming soiled in the beginning, stress to the caregiver and infant is avoided, and time and energy is saved by not needing to change a child&#39;s outfit and wash the child&#39;s clothes as often. Further, costs for replacing permanently stained and soiled clothes is also saved.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]     In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses include a shell surface comprising: a front portion having a continuous surface for protecting a user from contamination, wherein the continuous surface provides a barrier between the contamination and the user, wherein the front portion protects a chest and abdomen area of the user from the contamination; an arm portion connected to the front portion, wherein the arm portion protects the arm from contamination; and a leg portion connected to the front portion, wherein the leg portion is configured to protect a leg of the user; a first fastener coupled to the leg portion for fastening the leg portion around the leg of the user; and a second fastener coupled to the front portion for fastening the front portion to the user wherein the second fastener is configured to attach the front portion to a side portion of the user, wherein the shell surface is configured to attach to the user through the first fastener and the second fastener while a portion of a back of the user is blocked.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate and explain one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. In the drawings,  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front view consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills;  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is a back view consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills;  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view consistent with another embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills;  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view consistent with yet another embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills;  
         [0012]      FIGS. 5A, 5B ,  5 C, and  5 D illustrate a fastener consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills;  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills;  
         [0014]      FIGS. 7A, 7B , and  7 C are perspective views of the protective garment consistent with the flow diagram of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0015]      FIGS. 8A, 8B , and  8 C are perspective views of the protective garment consistent with the flow diagram of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 9  illustrates a patch consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills; and  
         [0017]      FIGS. 10A, 10B , and  10 C illustrate additional embodiments of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0018]     The following detailed description of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills refers to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description is not intended to limit the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. Instead, the scope of the methods and apparatuses protecting a child from spills are defined by the appended claims and equivalents. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other implementations are possible, consistent with the present invention.  
         [0019]     References to a “child” include a newborn child, an infant child, and an older child.  
         [0020]     References to “clothes” include any undergarments, shirts, pants, dresses, jumpers, and outer wear worn by a child.  
         [0021]     References to “caregiver” include any persons taking care of a child.  
         [0022]     In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills allows the caregiver to protect the child from soiling the child&#39;s clothes. For example, the invention prevents food and drinks from staining and soiling the child&#39;s clothes at feeding time, and prevents paints and dirt from soiling the child&#39;s clothes at play time.  
         [0023]     In another embodiment, the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills allows the child wearing the apparatus to move freely while still protecting the child&#39;s clothes from spills.  
         [0024]     Further, the methods and apparatuses provide air circulation for the child while still protecting the child&#39;s clothes. In one embodiment, a portion of the back side of the child is left open, thus allowing air circulation to prevent the child from becoming too warm.  
         [0025]     In yet another embodiment, the caregiver is able to place apparatus for protecting a child from spills onto the child without disturbing the child. For example, access to the back portion of the child is not needed to securely place the apparatus onto the child. The child can be sitting or laying down while the securing the apparatus onto the child.  
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a front view of a garment  100  that is one embodiment consistent with the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. The garment  100  is configured to protect a child&#39;s clothes from being soiled. The garment  100  is also designed to enable a caregiver to easily affix the garment  100  to the child and to remove the garment  100  from the child. In one embodiment, the garment  100  includes a front surface  110 , a pair of sleeves  120 , a pair of elastic bands  125 , a neck opening  130 , and a pair of legs  140 .  
         [0027]     In one embodiment, the front surface  110 , the pair of sleeves  120 , and the pair of legs  140  are made of a water resistant material. In one embodiment, the water resistant material includes a water resistant fabric, a plastic coated fabric, a wax coated fabric, goretex, non-woven materials such as DuPont®, Tyvek®, or Sontara®, material used for disposable diapers, and material used in disposable, temporary protection garments in the food industry or in medical garments.  
         [0028]     In one embodiment, the front surface  110  is configured to protect the front torso area of the child from spills or soiling. For example, when the garment  100  is worn by the child, the front surface  110  protects the child&#39;s torso area from being splattered by food, drinks, mud, or other substances.  
         [0029]     In one embodiment, the neck opening  130  is configured to accommodate a child&#39;s neck. Further, the pair of sleeves  120  are connected to the front surface  110  and configured to accept the arms of a child. The pair of elastic bands  125  are positioned on the pair of sleeves  120  to securely fit the pair of sleeves  120  against the user&#39;s arms and to prevent contaminants from reaching the user&#39;s arms through the pair of sleeves  120 . The pair of legs  140  are connected to the front surface  110  and configured to accept the legs of a child.  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a back view of the garment  100  that is one embodiment consistent with the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. The garment  100  is configured to protect a child&#39;s clothes from being soiled. The garment  100  is also designed to enable a caregiver to easily affix the garment  100  to the child and to remove the garment  100  from the child. In one embodiment, the garment  100  includes the front surface  110 , a back surface  210 , a pair of sleeves  120 , a neck opening  130 , a pair of legs  140 , a back fastener  220 , leg fasteners  230 , and a body fastener  250 .  
         [0031]     In one embodiment, the back surface  210  is connected to the back fastener  220 . The back surface  210  in conjunction with the back fastener  220  are configured to attach the upper portion of the garment  100  to the child. In one embodiment, the back fastener  220  is configured such that the upper portion of the garment  100  can be attached the child while the child&#39;s back is obstructed. In one example, the child&#39;s back is obstructed when the child is laying on his/her back or when the child is seated in a high chair, a car seat, a chair with a back rest, and the like.  
         [0032]     A back opening  260  is shown within the back surface  210 . The back opening  260  provides the child with sufficient air circulation. Further, the back opening  260  allows the upper portion of the garment  100  to be attached to the child without needing access to the back side of the child.  
         [0033]     In one embodiment, the leg fasteners  230  are each connected to one of the pair of legs  140 . In one embodiment, the pair of legs  140  in conjunction with the leg fasteners  230  are configured to secure the pair of legs  140  around the child&#39;s legs without having complete access to the back portion of the child&#39;s legs. For example, if the child is seated or laying down, the pair of legs  140  of the garment  100  can be secured to the legs of the child without having complete access to the back portion of the child&#39;s legs.  
         [0034]     In one embodiment, the inside portion of the front surface  110  is connected to the body fastener  250 . In one embodiment, the body fastener  250  is configured to help retain the front surface  110  of the garment  100  against the upper portion of the child. For example, the body fastener  250  attaches to the clothes of the child and helps keep the upper portion of the garment  100  attached to the upper body of the child in conjunction with the back fastener  220 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the garment  300  that is another embodiment consistent with the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. The garment  300  is configured to protect a child&#39;s clothes from being soiled. The garment  300  is also designed to enable a caregiver to easily affix the garment  300  to the child and to remove the garment  300  from the child without having any access to the back portion of the child. In one embodiment, the garment  300  includes the front surface  310 , a pair of sleeves  320 , a neck opening  330 , a pair of legs  340 , a back fastener  350 , leg fasteners  360 , and a body fastener  370 .  
         [0036]     In one embodiment, the front surface  310 , the pair of sleeves  320 , and the pair of legs  340  are made of a water resistant material. In one embodiment, the water resistant material includes a water resistant fabric, a plastic coated fabric, a wax coated fabric, goretex, non-woven materials such as DuPont®, Tyvek®, or Sontara®, material used for disposable diapers, and material used in disposable, temporary protection garments in the food industry or in medical garments.  
         [0037]     In one embodiment, the front surface  310  is configured to protect the front torso area of the child from spills or soiling. For example, when the garment  300  is worn by the child, the front surface  310  protects the child&#39;s torso area from being splattered by food, drinks, mud, or other substances.  
         [0038]     In one embodiment, the neck opening  330  is configured to accommodate a child&#39;s neck. Further, the pair of sleeves  320  are connected to the front surface  310  and configured to accept the arms of a child. The pair of legs  340  are connected to the front surface  310  and configured to accept the legs of a child.  
         [0039]     In one embodiment, the front surface  310  is connected to the back fastener  350 . The front surface  310  in conjunction with the back fastener  350  are configured to attach the upper portion of the garment  300  to the child. In one embodiment, the back fastener  350  is configured such that the upper portion of the garment  300  can be attached the child while the child&#39;s back is completely obstructed. The back fastener  350  is configured to attach to the side of the child. In one embodiment, the back fastener  350  is configured to attach to the child&#39;s clothes. In one example, the child&#39;s back is completely inaccessible while the child is strapped into a car seat.  
         [0040]     In one embodiment, the back of the child is open and not covered by the garment  300 . By not covering the back portion of the child, the child has sufficient air circulation. Further, the back fastener  350  allows the upper portion of the garment  300  to be attached to the child without needing access to the back portion of the child.  
         [0041]     In one embodiment, the leg fasteners  360  are each connected to one of the pair of legs  340 . In one embodiment, the pair of legs  340  in conjunction with the leg fasteners  360  are configured to secure the pair of legs  340  around the child&#39;s legs without having any access to the back portion of the child&#39;s legs. For example, if the child is strapped into a car seat, the pair of legs  340  of the garment  300  can be secured to the legs of the child without having access to the back portion of the child&#39;s legs. For example, the leg fasteners  360  are configured to attach to the side portion of the child&#39;s legs.  
         [0042]     In one embodiment, the inside portion of the front surface  310  is connected to the body fastener  370 . In one embodiment, the body fastener  370  is configured to help retain the front surface  310  of the garment  300  against the upper portion of the child. For example, the body fastener  370  attaches to the clothes of the child and helps keep the upper portion of the garment  300  attached to the upper body of the child in conjunction with the back fastener  350 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the garment  400  that is another embodiment consistent with the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. The garment  400  is configured to protect a child&#39;s clothes from being soiled. The garment  400  is also designed to enable a caregiver to easily affix the garment  400  to the child and to remove the garment  400  from the child without having any access to the back portion of the child. In one embodiment, the garment  400  includes the front surface  410 , a pair of sleeves  420 , a neck opening  430 , a pair of legs  440 , a back fastener  450 , leg fasteners  460 , a body fastener  470 , a neck fastener  480 , and arm fasteners  485 .  
         [0044]     In one embodiment, the front surface  410 , the pair of sleeves  420 , and the pair of legs  440  are made of a water resistant material. In one embodiment, the water resistant material includes a water resistant fabric, a plastic coated fabric, a wax coated fabric, goretex, non-woven materials such as DuPont®, Tyvek®, or Sontara®, material used for disposable diapers, and material used in disposable, temporary protection garments in the food industry or in medical garments.  
         [0045]     In one embodiment, the front surface  410  is configured to protect the front torso area of the child from spills or soiling. For example, when the garment  400  is worn by the child, the front surface  410  protects the child&#39;s torso area from being splattered by food, drinks, mud, or other substances.  
         [0046]     In one embodiment, the neck opening  430  is configured to accommodate a child&#39;s neck. In addition, the neck fastener  480  securely attaches the neck opening  430  to the child&#39;s neck without requiring access to the back portion of the child. In one embodiment, the neck fastener  480  attaches to the front portion of a child&#39;s clothing.  
         [0047]     Further, the pair of sleeves  420  are connected to the front surface  410  and configured to accept the arms of a child. The pair of legs  440  are connected to the front surface  410  and configured to accept the legs of a child.  
         [0048]     In one embodiment, the front surface  410  is connected to the back fastener  450 . The front surface  410  in conjunction with the back fastener  450  are configured to attach the upper portion of the garment  400  to the child. In one embodiment, the back fastener  450  is configured such that the upper portion of the garment  400  can be attached the child while the child&#39;s back is completely obstructed. The back fastener  450  is configured to attach to the side of the child. In one embodiment, the back fastener  450  is configured to attach to the child&#39;s clothes. In one example, the child&#39;s back is completely inaccessible while the child is strapped into a car seat.  
         [0049]     In one embodiment, the back of the child is open and not covered by the garment  400 . By not covering the back portion of the child, the child has sufficient air circulation. Further, the back fastener  450  allows the upper portion of the garment  400  to be attached to the child without needing access to the back portion of the child.  
         [0050]     In one embodiment, the leg fasteners  460  are each connected to one of the pair of legs  440 . In one embodiment, the pair of legs  440  in conjunction with the leg fasteners  460  are configured to secure the pair of legs  440  around the child&#39;s legs without having any access to the back portion of the child&#39;s legs. For example, if the child is strapped into a car seat, the pair of legs  440  of the garment  400  can be secured to the legs of the child without having access to the back portion of the child&#39;s legs. For example, the leg fasteners  460  are configured to attach to the side portion of the child&#39;s legs.  
         [0051]     In one embodiment, the inside portion of the front surface  410  is connected to the body fastener  470 . In one embodiment, the body fastener  470  is configured to help retain the front surface  410  of the garment  400  against the upper portion of the child. For example, the body fastener  470  attaches to the clothes of the child and helps keep the upper portion of the garment  400  attached to the upper body of the child in conjunction with the back fastener  450 .  
         [0052]     In one embodiment, the arm fasteners  485  are each connected to one of the pair of sleeves  420 . In one embodiment, the pair of sleeves  420  in conjunction with the arm fasteners  485  are configured to secure the pair of sleeves  420  around the child&#39;s arms without having complete access to the back portion of the child&#39;s arms. For example, if the child is seated or laying down, the pair of sleeves  420  of the garment  400  can be secured to the arms of the child without having complete access to the back portion of the child&#39;s arms.  
         [0053]     The elements shown in  FIGS. 1-4  are shown for illustrative purposes showing multiple embodiments of the invention. Elements can be added, deleted, or combined without departing from the invention.  
         [0054]      FIGS. 5A, 5B ,  5 C, and  5 D illustrate fastener devices for use with the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. In one embodiment, the fasteners as shown in  FIGS. 5A, 5B ,  5 C, and  5 D are utilized within the garments  100 ,  300 , and  400 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a hook and loop fastener  500 . A first surface  510  is coupled to a first garment surface  505 . The first surface  510  includes a hook surface  515  that is configured to removably attach to the second surface  520 . The second surface is coupled to a second garment surface  507 . For example, the first surface  510  selectively mates with the second surface  520  through the hook surface  515 . Since the first surface  510  is coupled to the first garment surface  505  and the second surface  520  is coupled to the second garment surface  507 , the first garment surface  505  selectively attaches to the second garment surface  507  via the hook and loop fastener  500 .  
         [0056]     In one embodiment, the first garment surface  505  represents a portion of a garment such as the garments  100 ,  300  and  400 . Further, the second garment surface  507  represents another portion of the same garment. In another embodiment, the second garment surface  507  represents a child&#39;s clothing worn by the child such that the garment is selectively attached to the child&#39;s clothing through the hook and loop fastener  500 .  
         [0057]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a hook and loop fastener  520 . A first surface  510  is coupled to a first garment surface  505 . The first surface  510  includes a hook surface  515  that is configured to removably attach to a second garment surface  507 . For example, the first surface  510  selectively mates with the second garment surface  507  through the hook surface  515 . Since the first surface  510  is coupled to the first garment surface  505 , the first garment surface  505  selectively attaches to the second garment surface  507  via the hook and loop fastener  520 .  
         [0058]     In one embodiment, the first garment surface  505  represents a portion of a garment such as the garments  100 ,  300  and  400 . Further, the second garment surface  507  represents another portion of the same garment. In another embodiment, the second garment surface  507  represents a child&#39;s clothing worn by the child such that the garment is selectively attached to the child&#39;s clothing through the hook and loop fastener  520 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 5C  illustrates a button fastener  525 . A tab  530  is coupled to a first garment surface  505 . A receptacle  535  is coupled to the second garment surface  507 . The tab  530  is configured to be inserted and selectively retained by the receptacle  535 . For example, the first surface  510  selectively mates with the second garment surface  507  through the tab  530  and receptacle  535 . In one embodiment, the first garment surface  505  represents a portion of a garment such as the garments  100 ,  300  and  400 . Further, the second garment surface  507  represents another portion of the same garment.  
         [0060]     The hook and loop fastener are utilized in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  as one embodiment of a fastener. Other fasteners that attach to itself and other objects such as a child&#39;s clothes can be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0061]      FIG. 5D  illustrates an adhesive fastener  540 . An adhesive layer  545  is coupled to a first garment surface  505 . The adhesive layer  545  is configured to selectively mate with the second garment surface  507 . For example, the first surface  510  selectively mates with the second garment surface  507  through the adhesive layer  545 .  
         [0062]     In one embodiment, the first garment surface  505  represents a portion of a garment such as the garments  100 ,  300  and  400 . Further, the second garment surface  507  represents another portion of the same garment. In another embodiment, the second garment surface  507  represents a child&#39;s clothing worn by the child such that the garment is selectively attached to the child&#39;s clothing through the adhesive fastener  540 .  
         [0063]     The flow diagram as depicted in  FIG. 6  is one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. The blocks within the flow diagram can be performed in a different sequence without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. Further, blocks can be deleted, added, or combined without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills.  
         [0064]     The flow diagram in  FIG. 6  illustrates placing a protective garment onto a child according to one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0065]     In Block  610 , the arms of the child are place within the pair of sleeves on the protective garment.  
         [0066]     In Block  620 , the upper portion of the protective garment is fastened to the upper body of the child. In one embodiment, a back fastener attaches the protective garment to the child. In another embodiment, fasteners attach the protective garment to the sides of the child. In yet another embodiment, a body fastener attaches the front surface of the protective garment to the front portion of the child. In one embodiment, once attached the upper portion of the protective garment is attached to the child, the upper portion of the child is protected from spills and stains.  
         [0067]     In Block  630 , the legs of the protective garment are attached to the legs of the child. In one embodiment, a leg fastener attaches the protective garment to the child. In one example, the leg fastener attaches a portion of the protective garment with another portion of the protective garment with the child&#39;s leg wrapped within the protective garment. In another example, the leg fastener directly attaches the leg portion of the protective garment to the back portion of the child&#39;s leg. In another embodiment, leg fastener attaches the protective garment to the sides of the child&#39;s leg. In yet another embodiment, a body fastener attaches the front surface of the leg portion of the protective garment to the front portion of the child&#39;s leg.  
         [0068]      FIGS. 7A, 7B , and  7 C illustrate exemplary stages of utilizing the garment  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  within the context of the flow diagram shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7A  shows the sleeves of the garment  100  being placed through the arms of the child.  FIG. 7B  shows the upper portion of the garment  100  being fastened to the child.  FIG. 7C  shows the legs of the garment  100  being fastened to the child.  
         [0069]      FIGS. 8A, 8B , and  8 C illustrate exemplary stages of utilizing the garment  400  shown in  FIG. 4  within the context of the flow diagram shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 8A  shows the sleeves of the garment  400  being placed around the arms of the child.  FIG. 8B  shows the upper portion of the garment  400  being fastened to the child.  FIG. 8C  shows the legs of the garment  400  being fastened to the child.  
         [0070]      FIG. 9  illustrates a patch  900  for use with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. The patch  900  is configured to provide extra protection against staining and soiling by preventing localized soiling of the child, the child&#39;s clothes, and/or the garments  100 ,  300 , and  400 . In one embodiment, the patch  900  includes a fastener  910  and a surface  920 . The fastener  910  is configured to attach to the child, the child&#39;s clothes, and/or the garments  100 ,  300 , and  400 . In one embodiment, the patch  900  is configured to be utilized in conjunction with the garments  100 ,  300 , and  400  as protection in areas not covered by the garments  100 ,  300 , and  400  or to provide additional protection to prevent soiling of the garments  100 ,  300 , and  400 . In one embodiment, the fastener  910  includes a hook and loop fastener, an adhesive fastener, and a combination thereof.  
         [0071]      FIGS. 10A, 10B , and  10 C illustrate additional embodiments.  
         [0072]      FIG. 10A  is a diagram illustrating a back view of a garment  1000  that is another embodiment consistent with the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. The garment  1000  is configured to protect a child&#39;s clothes from being soiled. The garment  1000  is also designed to enable a caregiver to easily affix the garment  1000  to the child and to remove the garment  1000  from the child without having any access to the back portion of the child. In one embodiment, the garment  1000  includes the front surface  1001 , a pair of sleeves  1002 , a neck opening  1003 , a pair of legs  1004 , shoulder fasteners  1005 , leg fasteners  1020 , body fasteners  1015 , and arm fasteners  1010 .  
         [0073]     In one embodiment, the neck opening  1003  is configured to accommodate a child&#39;s neck. In addition, the shoulder fasteners  1005  securely attaches the neck opening  1003  and upper portion of the garment  1000  to the child&#39;s neck and upper body without requiring access to the back portion of the child. In one embodiment, the shoulder fasteners  1005  attach to the front portion of a child&#39;s clothing.  
         [0074]     Further, the pair of sleeves  1002  are connected to the front surface  1001  and configured to accept the arms of a child. The pair of legs  1004  are connected to the front surface  1001  and configured to accept the legs of a child.  
         [0075]     In one embodiment, the front surface  1001  is connected to the body fasteners  1015 . The front surface  1001  in conjunction with the body fasteners  1015  are configured to attach the torso portion of the garment  1000  to the torso portion of the child. In one embodiment, the body fasteners  1015  are configured such that the upper portion of the garment  1000  can be attached the child while the child&#39;s back is completely obstructed. The body fasteners  1015  are configured to attach to the front surface of the child. In one embodiment, the body fasteners  1015  are configured to attach to the child&#39;s clothes.  
         [0076]     In one embodiment, the leg fasteners  1020  are each connected to one of the pair of legs  1004 . In one embodiment, the pair of legs  1004  in conjunction with the leg fasteners  1020  are configured to secure the pair of legs  1004  to the front surface of the child&#39;s legs without having any access to the back portion of the child&#39;s legs. For example, if the child is strapped into a car seat, the pair of legs  1004  of the garment  1000  can be secured to the legs of the child without having access to the back portion of the child&#39;s legs. For example, the leg fasteners  1020  are configured to attach to the front portion of the child&#39;s legs.  
         [0077]     In one embodiment, the arm fasteners  1010  are each connected to one of the pair of sleeves  1002 . In one embodiment, the pair of sleeves  1002  in conjunction with the arm fasteners  1010  are configured to secure the pair of sleeves  1002  around the child&#39;s arms without having complete access to the back portion of the child&#39;s arms. For example, if the child is seated or laying down, the pair of sleeves  1002  of the garment  1000  can be secured to the arms of the child without having complete access to the back portion of the child&#39;s arms.  
         [0078]      FIG. 10B  is a diagram illustrating a back view of a garment  1030  that is another embodiment consistent with the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. The garment  1030  is configured to protect a child&#39;s clothes from being soiled. The garment  1030  is also designed to enable a caregiver to easily affix the garment  1030  to the child and to remove the garment  1030  from the child without having any access to the back portion of the child. In one embodiment, the garment  1000  includes the front surface  1001 , a pair of sleeves  1002 , a neck opening  1003 , a pair of legs  1004 , and a body fastener  1035 . In one embodiment, the body fastener  1035  is configured to attach the garment  1030  to the body of the child.  
         [0079]      FIG. 10C  is a diagram illustrating a back view of a garment  1000  that is another embodiment consistent with the methods and apparatuses for protecting a child from spills. The garment  1040  is configured to protect a child&#39;s clothes from being soiled. The garment  1040  is also designed to enable a caregiver to easily affix the garment  1040  to the child and to remove the garment  1040  from the child without having any access to the back portion of the child. In one embodiment, the garment  1040  includes the front surface  1041 , a pair of sleeves  1002 , a neck opening  1003 , a pair of legs  1004 , leg fasteners  1060 , body fasteners  1055 , and arm fasteners  1050 .  
         [0080]     Further, the pair of sleeves  1002  are connected to the front surface  1041  and configured to accept the arms of a child. The pair of legs  1004  are connected to the front surface  1041  and configured to accept the legs of a child.  
         [0081]     In one embodiment, the front surface  1041  is connected to the body fasteners  1055 . The front surface  1041  in conjunction with the body fasteners  1055  are configured to attach the torso portion of the garment  1040  to the torso portion of the child. In one embodiment, the body fasteners  1055  are configured such that the upper portion of the garment  1040  can be attached the child while the child&#39;s back is completely obstructed. The body fasteners  1055  are configured to attach to the front surface of the child. In one embodiment, the body fasteners  1055  are configured to attach to the child&#39;s clothes.  
         [0082]     In one embodiment, the leg fasteners  1060  are each connected to one of the pair of legs  1004 . In one embodiment, the pair of legs  1004  in conjunction with the leg fasteners  1060  are configured to secure the pair of legs  1004  to the front surface of the child&#39;s legs without having any access to the back portion of the child&#39;s legs. For example, if the child is strapped into a car seat, the pair of legs  1004  of the garment  1040  can be secured to the legs of the child without having access to the back portion of the child&#39;s legs. For example, the leg fasteners  1060  are configured to attach to the front portion of the child&#39;s legs.  
         [0083]     In one embodiment, the arm fasteners  1050  are each connected to one of the pair of sleeves  1002 . In one embodiment, the pair of sleeves  1002  in conjunction with the arm fasteners  1050  are configured to secure the pair of sleeves  1002  around the child&#39;s arms without having complete access to the back portion of the child&#39;s arms. For example, if the child is seated or laying down, the pair of sleeves  1002  of the garment  1040  can be secured to the arms of the child without having complete access to the back portion of the child&#39;s arms.  
         [0084]     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The invention may be applied to a variety of other applications.  
         [0085]     They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, and naturally many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0