Abstract:
A loss prevention mechanism may be attached to an article of clothing to prevent the removal of the article and/or at least one covering worn by the child. One implementation has a first connector coupled to a first covering, the first connector having a connector capable of forming a connection with a second covering, and a second connector coupled to the first connector and the first covering, wherein the second covering is positioned in a proximity to the first covering. The covering(s) may be any number of type of covering including socks, shoes, gloves, mittens, hats, and the like. The coupling mechanism is easy to operate yet requires a combination of skills not often exhibited by young children. Further, the components are all interconnected thereby preventing separation of and choking on any of the components.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 62/158,292 filed on May 7, 2015, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0002]    The field of the embodiments of the present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing the removal of a covering from a body, namely preventing the removal of an article of clothing and/or footwear from an appendage. In particular, the embodiments pertain to a strap fastening connection mechanism that may be employed to prevent young children from dislodging or otherwise removing and causing loss of an article of clothing and/or footwear. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0003]    It is of vital importance that young children, especially infants and babies, wear assorted coverings such as gloves, mittens, socks, shoes, hats, and the like on various bodily appendages. Such coverings can protect the child from the environment and help maintain normothermia. However, these coverings can be lost in a number of fashions as a child squirms, kicks, or otherwise moves about. 
         [0004]    As a baby ages they begin to become more aware of the surroundings. This typically leads to a baby playing with the hands and feet often times pulling and grabbing at individual fingers and toes. As the baby&#39;s motor skills increase, they become more adept at removing these various coverings by their own deliberate actions, however, they lack the skills to put them back on or prevent their loss. In many instances, for example a shoe, may become lost without the parent or caregiver realizing the loss until it is too late. This, as noted, is not only undesirable for the child but can also impart monetary hardships on a new parent as these various coverings can be expensive to replace. 
         [0005]    Additionally, it is important that any such implementation be safe for use. Young children, as noted, are particularly inquisitive about their surroundings. As they “discover” new senses, abilities, and the like, the likelihood of injury becomes greater. Young children, especially babies, can be quite adept at biting or otherwise separating parts from toys, clothing, etc. In fact, federal law dictates that warnings pertaining to choking hazards must be placed on such products. Thus, it is of great importance that any system designed for children be devoid of small parts or parts that may be separated from larger parts that could result in choking and/or serious injury to a child. 
         [0006]    There have been attempts to rectify this potential loss of clothing items but have been met with tepid results as they can be difficult to implement and may be uncomfortable for the baby. These solutions may involve using cords, wraps, straps, and the like to secure a covering to another article of clothing or to the baby itself. A more prudent solution takes advantage of a baby&#39;s natural inability to interact with their surroundings on a grander scale. Typically children three years of age or less have many individual skills, but may not have the capability to combine skills to solve a problem. Thus, while a child may have great manual dexterity, finger strength, and problem-solving skills, these are often exhibited in a disjointed manner. 
         [0007]    The present invention and its embodiments provides for an apparatus that can be used to couple a covering such as a shoe and sock combination to one another to prevent removal of both covering items. The simple, yet innovate apparatus, is easily manipulated by adults, however, cannot be operated by young children. The apparatus, in one embodiment, prevents the shoe from being removed over the heel thereby preventing removal of the shoe. Clearly, a sock cannot be removed without first having removed the shoe. Further, the apparatus is intended to be of a unitary construction thereby preventing choking or other harm from befalling a child. 
       Review of Related Technology: 
       [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,619 pertains to an anklet that includes a strap that encircles an ankle of a child, a quick disconnect buckle that is affixed to, and selectively maintains, the strap around the ankle, and a leash that depends from the strap and engages a foot covering worn by the child so as to prevent loss of the foot covering if unintentionally removed. The strap includes an ankle-facing layer that is made of an elastomer with a modulus of elasticity, and an ambient-facing layer that directly overlies the ankle-facing layer and is made of a fabric that has a limited modulus of elasticity so as to prevent the ankle-facing layer from passing the modulus of elasticity thereof and failing. The leash is an endless loop that extends through the foot covering and then extends back through itself, and in so doing, becomes self-fastened to the foot covering. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,187,619 pertains to a connector which can be detachably fastened at one end to the rear of a sock at or above the heel region and which can be detachably fastened at the other end to the outside of the rear or heel region of a shoe. This connector, when fastened, completely restrains riding or sliding of the sock into the shoe. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,169,324 pertains to a sock having a flap protruding from its rear or heel area, which flap can be fastened to the outside of the rear or heel area of a shoe to prevent the sock from riding, slipping or otherwise working into the heel cavity of the shoe as the person wearing the sock and shoe moves about. 
         [0011]    U.S. Application 2011/0011902 pertains to a baby sling with foot support shoes, which is capable of supporting a baby&#39;s feet so that the baby&#39;s knees are bent and legs are not dangling when the baby is held on a holder&#39;s chest by the baby sling, so as to prevent the baby&#39;s thighs from being pressed and chafed between the holder and the baby sling, while improving the baby&#39;s health and stability by allowing smooth blood circulation. 
         [0012]    Thus, various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. The other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. The present invention provides for an apparatus that may be used with various articles of clothing to prevent their separation. The apparatus can be easily manipulated by adults, while preventing children from completing the same task. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    The present invention and its embodiments generally describe an apparatus that can be used to couple more than one article of clothing and/or footwear to another. This is achieved via a multi-layer system that employs various combinations of motor skills to operate. Such skills are present in children, teens, and adults but not easily operated by young children. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a sock that is capable of interacting with an article of footwear wherein the footwear is coupled to the sock thereby preventing removal of the article of footwear. In other instances, when the article of footwear is not used the sock, in accordance with the present invention, further prevent removal of the sock itself. However, the same principles described herein may be equally applicable to mittens, hats, gloves, and the like or any combination thereof. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment of the present invention there is an apparatus to prevent the removal of at least one covering, the apparatus having a first connector coupled to a first covering, the first connector having a connector capable of forming a connection with a second covering, and a second connector coupled to the first connector and the first covering, wherein the second covering is positioned in a proximity to the first covering. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment of the present invention there is an apparatus to prevent the removal of at least one covering, the apparatus having a first connector coupled to a first covering, the first connector having a connector capable of forming a connection with a second covering, wherein a channel covering is disposed on a surface of the first covering; a second connector coupled to the first connector and the first covering, the second connector having a first section and a second section; and wherein the second covering is at least partially disposed over the first covering, wherein the connector has a first coupling channel and a second coupling, the first coupling channel capable of removably coupling to the second covering. 
         [0016]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is an apparatus to prevent the removal of at least one covering, the apparatus having a first strap connector coupled to a first covering, the first strap connector having a first end and a second end with a hinged connector disposed on the first end and being capable of forming a connection with a second covering, wherein a channel covering is disposed on a surface of the first covering, and wherein the hinged connector has a first coupling channel and a second coupling channel, the first coupling channel being capable of hingeably coupling to the second covering; and a second strap connector coupled to the second end of the first strap connector and the first covering, the second strap connector having a first strap section and a second strap section and at least one coupling mechanism and at least one complementary coupling mechanism, wherein the second strap connector passes through the channel covering and the at least one coupling mechanism is coupled to the at least one complimentary coupling mechanism. 
         [0017]    In another aspect of the invention there is a method of retaining at least one covering to prevent removal and/or loss of the at least one covering, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first covering having a first connector disposed thereon, the first connector having a connector coupled thereto; coupling a first end of a second connector to a second end of the second connector, wherein the second connector is positioned around and coupled to the first covering; providing a second covering in a proximity to the first covering; and coupling the connector of the first covering to the second covering thereby securing the first covering to the second covering. 
         [0018]    In a preferred embodiment, there is a sock and an article of footwear capable of being coupled to one another to prevent removal of both covering items. In the preferred embodiment, there is a channel cover disposed on a surface of the sock. This channel cover provides for an opening at each end of the channel formed between the channel cover and the sock. A strap or securement strap passes through this channel. Each end of the strap has a connection mechanism disposed thereon. On an opposing side of the sock, the strap passes through a second channel member of the first connector and may further be secured by a second strap. The ends of the strap are then brought together and coupled thereby securing the sock to the foot of the young child. 
         [0019]    A connector coupled to the sock passes through an aperture in the cuff of the sock. The cuff is folded down and secured by the passing of this connector through the aperture. This prevents access to the channel formed by the connector, as the sock cuff has been folded down thereover and secured in position. The connector is then used to couple a heel loop or other comparable structure of the article of footwear to the sock. The set-up is now complete and a parent or caregiver can feel confident that neither the sock nor the footwear will become separated from one another. 
         [0020]    Further, the system is designed and intended to be safe for use by children, especially young children. Every component is intended to be adhered to one another in a way that prevents separation of any one component from another. Not only does this create an effective set up for preventing the removal of an article but also serves to prevent any component or the invention as a whole from becoming a choking hazard to the young child. 
         [0021]    In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives. 
         [0022]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that couples one covering item to another covering item. 
         [0023]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is safe for use by young children. 
         [0024]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is comprised of various interconnected components giving rise to a solitary construction. 
         [0025]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that prevents removal and/or loss of an article of footwear. 
         [0026]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is easily manipulated by adults but cannot be operated by young children. 
         [0027]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that has multiple levels of securement preventing easy removal of any of the components. 
         [0028]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is lightweight and comfortable to wear. 
         [0029]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is non-intrusive. 
         [0030]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that saves a consumer money by preventing and/or limiting the loss of certain items. 
         [0031]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can accommodate children of various shapes and sizes. 
         [0032]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be used with multiple styles and types of coverings including socks, footwear, mittens, gloves, hats, and the like. 
         [0033]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is discreet. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the first covering with the channel exposed. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the first covering with a top folded down covering the channel. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  is a back view of the first covering with the top folded down. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4A  is a back perspective view of the first covering with the top extended and the first connector coupled thereto. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4B  is a back perspective view of the first covering with the top folded down and the first connector coupled thereto. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5A  is a front view of the first covering with the second connector passing through the channel. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5B  is a front view of the first covering with the second connector coupled thereto. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is a back perspective view of the first covering with the second connector passing through the first connector. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7A  is a first embodiment of the connector. 
           [0043]      FIG. 7B  is a second embodiment of the connector. 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the first covering coupled to the second covering. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0045]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. 
         [0046]    Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is a first covering  100  depicted as a sock. The first covering  100 , however, may be virtually any type of covering including but not limited to a hat, glove, mittens, stockings, and the like or non-clothing items or any combination thereof. 
         [0048]    The first covering  100  generally has a first or top area  134  and a second or bottom area  136 . These may or may not be a physical top or bottom and may just refer to the relationship of one section to the other section. A channel covering  108  is located approximately where the top area  134  ends and the bottom area  136  begins. However, in other embodiments alternate positions of the channel covering  108  may be available. The channel covering  108  may be a strip of material that is the same or different from the material comprising the first covering  100 . The channel covering  108  is preferably adhered to the covering  100  along at least one point along the channel covering  108 . The channel covering  108  preferably defines a channel having channel openings  140  which enable a material to be passed between the channel covering  108  and the first covering  100  and secured or otherwise held therein. In order to allow the first covering  100  to be positioned over an object there is at least one opening  138  disposed on the first covering  100 . 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 2 , the first covering  100  is shown with the top area  134  folded down covering a portion of the first covering  100 . The uncovered portion may comprise only the bottom area  136  or a combination of the top area  134  and the bottom area  136 . As shown, it is preferable to have the channel covering  108  covered by the top area  134  once folded and positioned as shown. In other embodiments this channel covering  108  may remain exposed. 
         [0050]    From the back of the first covering  100 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , there is an aperture  132  residing in the top area  134 . The aperture  132  may be aligned with a second aperture (not shown) in another section of the first covering  100 . The aperture  132  may be oriented in a number of fashions including vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or the like. The aperture  132  may also be located in other positions besides the back of the covering including but not limited to the front, sides, bottom, top, or the like or some combination thereof. Further, in  FIG. 3 , the bottom area  136  and the opening  138  are also shown. 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 4A , the first connector  102  is shown coupled to the first covering  100 . At an end of the first connector  102  there is a connector  104 . The first connector  102  preferably passes through the aperture  132  where it terminates with the connector  104 . The connector  104  preferably has at least a first coupling channel  124  and a second coupling channel  126 . The connector  104  may further have a securement mechanism  142  to secure the position of at least one of the coupling channels and a hinge  128  or other comparable mechanism to allow movement of at least one of the coupling channels and in some cases movement of at least one of the coupling channels respective to one another. 
         [0052]    The top area  134  of the first covering  100  has been folded down, in  FIG. 4B , in accordance with the previous description herein. The first connector  102  has been positioned to pass through the aperture  132 . The connector  104  is then allowed or positioned to hang in a downward position from the aperture  132 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 5A , the first covering  100  is shown with a second connector  106  passing between the channel covering  108  and the first covering  100 . The second connector  106  passes through the channel covering  108  via the channel openings  140 . The second connector  106  has a first end and a second end with at least one coupling mechanism  112  disposed on one end and at least one complementary coupling mechanism  120  disposed on the other end. The complementary coupling mechanism(s)  120  is capable of being coupled to the coupling mechanism(s)  112 . The coupling mechanisms  112  and complimentary coupling mechanisms  120  may be any number of mechanisms including but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, clasps, snaps, buttons, clips, and the like or any combination thereof. 
         [0054]    In  FIG. 5B , the two ends of the second connector  106  have been coupled via the coupling mechanisms  112  and complimentary coupling mechanisms  120  as described. The second connector  106  can then be positioned (see  FIG. 6 ) in order to have the two secured ends positioned of the second connector under the channel covering  108 . When this is accomplished, one can fold down the top area as shown in  FIG. 4B  thereby covering the channel covering  108  and second connector  106 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the second connector  106  is shown in more detail from the rear and generally comprises a first section  114  and a second section  116 . The first section  114  is coupled to the second section  116  in such a manner as to allow a gap to remain therebetween for some length. This enables the second connector  106  to be rotatably adjustable about the first covering  100 . The first section  114  is coupled to the second section  116  along at least two points. The coupling at these points may be permanent or removable. If the coupling is removable, the first section  114  or second section  116  can be passed through the second channel  118  of the first connector  102  to join the two components. The second channel  118  is formed between the two connection points (see  FIG. 4A ) on the first covering, however, the second connector  106  partially obscures one of the points in this particular view. Alternatively, and preferably, the first section  114  and the second section  116  are permanently joined and sold with the first covering  100  as a single “unit.” The permanent configuration operates in the same manner as described above with regard to the removable configuration. Such a single unit (permanent) composition ensures no part is lost as well as promotes safety for the child by removing any choking hazard. The connector  104  can then passed through the aperture  132  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0056]    In  FIGS. 7A and 7B , two alternative embodiments of the connector  104  are shown. While these two embodiments are shown, it should be noted that any number of embodiments of the connector  104  may exist and the two embodiments shown are exemplary only. 
         [0057]    Each of the connectors  104  is shown being connected to a first connector  102 . The first connector  102 , as previously described, is preferably coupled to the first covering  100  as shown in at least  FIG. 6 . The connector  104  is generally comprised of a member, which may be circular or generally polygonal or non-polygonal, comprising a first section and a second section and having a hinge  128  and a securement mechanism  142 . The hinge  128  may be any mechanism that is capable of causing movement of one of the first section or the second section with relation to the other section. In some instances, the hinge  128  allows for movement of both sections. 
         [0058]    The securement mechanism  142  preferably enables the two sections of the connector  104  to be brought together and secured thereto. The securement mechanism  142  may provide for a locking element or may use a friction fit to removably secure the two sections to one another. A first coupling channel  124  and a second coupling channel  126  further are embodied by the connector  104 . 
         [0059]    In  FIG. 7A , the first coupling channel  124  and the second coupling channel  126  both reside in the interior area of the connector  104 . However, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the second coupling channel  126  comprises the interior of the connector  104  and the first coupling channel  124  resides within one of the first section or second section of the connector  104 . In either instance, the location, orientation, and the like may vary with respect to the actual configuration. 
         [0060]      FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of an arrangement between a first covering  100  and a second covering  200 . The first covering  100  has been positioned as intended with the top area  134  folded down covering the second connector  106  and the first channel  108 . The first connector  104  is passing through the aperture  132  and, via the second coupling channel  126 , is coupled to the second covering  200 . The second covering  200  may have a coupling channel  130  or other suitable connection mechanism. Here, for example, the coupling channel  130  is a loop. However, other mechanisms including cuffs, snaps, buttons, apertures, and the like may be used. 
         [0061]    The present invention and its embodiments described in  FIGS. 1-8  is preferably used to prevent the removal of an article of footwear and a covering for the bodily appendage from a young child. In use, the first covering is placed and positioned on the child&#39;s hand, head, foot, or other bodily appendage. The first covering preferably has a first connector and a connector coupled thereto. 
         [0062]    The first covering may be secured to the appendage by way of the second connector. The second connector has coupling mechanism(s) and complimentary coupling mechanism(s) that allow for selectively adjusting the “tightness” or “looseness” of the first covering around the appendage. In turn, this can help to prevent removal of the first covering from the appendage. The second connector may then be covered by a portion of the first covering with a first connector pulled through an aperture therein. This may restrict access to the second connector and add an additional layer of dexterity to remove the apparatus and system as a whole. 
         [0063]    The first connector, being pulled through the aperture in the first covering, is now available to interact with the second covering. The second covering may then be positioned near or in a proximity to the first covering. In some instances, the second covering is positioned on the body before the first covering. In other instances, the second covering does not reside on or is not fully on the body yet remains coupled to the first covering. 
         [0064]    The second covering can then be coupled to the first covering by way of a coupling channel or similarly situated structure. In at least one embodiment, the connector is coupled to a loop present on the second covering. In some instances, this is the loop on the back of a shoe or other article of footwear. The connector should be removably coupled in such a way that prevents unintentional uncoupling of the connector to the coupling channel of the second covering. 
         [0065]    Further, the first covering and the second covering should be positioned such that the second covering cannot be removed when coupled to the first covering. In one potential embodiment, there is an article of footwear coupled to a sock. The sock is further coupled to the foot by way of the second connector, as well as the sock&#39;s natural form fitting qualities. When the shoe is attempted to be removed while coupled to the sock, the first connector is prevented from being pulled past the second connector. This length prevents the shoe from being brought past the bottom of the heel. Thus, the shoe cannot be removed while coupled to the sock. 
         [0066]    Similar mechanisms can be used in order to, for example, couple a coat to a pair of mittens, whereby a child cannot removed the mittens while coupled to the coat, and the child is incapable of possessing the motor skills to remove the mittens. The overall invention is intended to comprise multiple interconnected components providing a safety component for the young child. Since parts cannot be removed from one another, any individual component cannot comprise a choking hazard. Other such embodiments exist and are contained under the purview of this invention. 
         [0067]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.