U.S. patent application number 11/706769 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for child's garment for use with carrier.
Invention is credited to Donna Eng.
Application Number | 20080196139 11/706769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39705356 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080196139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eng; Donna |
August 21, 2008 |
Child's garment for use with carrier
Abstract
A garment is provided which may be worn by a child, and easily
adapted for use in a carrier. A child wearing the garment can be
rapidly placed into a carrier, e.g., car seat without accumulating
materials between the child and the car seat straps. A method is
also provided for use of the garment.
Inventors: |
Eng; Donna; (Milburn,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOXIE & ASSOCIATES LLC
75 MAIN STREET , SUITE 301
MILLBURN
NJ
07041
US
|
Family ID: |
39705356 |
Appl. No.: |
11/706769 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/80 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2300/322 20130101;
A41D 2200/20 20130101; A41D 11/00 20130101; B62B 9/142 20130101;
A47G 9/068 20130101; A41D 3/08 20130101; B60N 2/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/80 |
International
Class: |
A41D 11/00 20060101
A41D011/00 |
Claims
1. A garment comprising: a material forming a front panel and rear
panel, said front and rear panels sharing a top portion, said front
panel extending to a front bottom; a neck opening at the top
portion sized to be disposed over and receive a child's head; an
opening between said front bottom and neck opening to form left and
right panels, said left and right panels joined with reversible
joining means to allow variable length communication between said
left and right panels, said reversible joining means bound between
a first and second variable length continuous opening wherein said
left and right panels are not in communication, said first variable
length continuous opening in communication with said neck opening
and bound between said neck opening and reversible joining means,
said second variable length continuous opening bound between said
front bottom and said reversible joining means, said rear panel
sized to fit over a child's back when worn as a garment.
2. The garment of claim 1 wherein said reversible joining means
comprises a zipper comprising a top slider bound between the
variable length of communication and the neck opening.
3. The garment of claim 2 wherein said reversible joining means
further comprises a bottom slider proximal the front bottom
relative to the top slider, said bottom slider bound between the
variable length communication and the front bottom.
4. A garment comprising: a material forming a front panel and rear
panel, said front and rear panels sharing a top portion, a neck
opening at the top portion for disposition over a child's head,
said front panel extending to a front bottom and comprising left
and right panels, said left and right panels joined with reversible
joining means to allow communication between said left and right
panels, said reversible joining means bound between a first and
second variable length continuous opening wherein left and right
panels are not in communication, said first variable length
continuous opening in communication with said neck opening and
bound between said neck opening and reversible joining means, said
second variable length continuous opening bound between said front
bottom and said reversible joining means, said rear panel sized to
fit over a child's back when worn as a garment.
5. The garment of claim 4 further comprising first and second
reversible joining means, wherein communication between left and
right panels is a variable length of communication bound between
said first and second reversible joining means.
6. The garment of claim 5 wherein said first and second reversible
joining means comprise first and second zipper sliders.
7. The garment of claim 6 wherein the first zipper slider varies
communication between left and right panels between the variable
length of communication and the neck opening.
8. The garment of claim 6 wherein the second zipper slider varies
the communication between left and right panels between the
variable length communication and the front bottom.
9. The garment of claim 5 wherein said joining means causes left
and right panels to be in continuous communication between said
neck opening and front bottom when said first slider is extended to
the neck opening and said second slider is extended to said front
bottom.
10. The garment of claim 5 further comprising a hood affixed to
said rear panel around said neck opening.
11. The garment of claim 5 wherein said reversible means is a
two-way zipper.
12. The garment of claim 5 wherein said rear panel is sized to fit
over the back panel of a carrier when the child is placed in the
carrier, said carrier comprising a seat portion for receiving a
child, a back panel posterior to the child to communicate with the
child's back, and a harness for securing said child to said seat
and back panel.
13. The garment of claim 12 wherein said carrier is a car seat.
14. A method of transporting a child comprising: dressing a child
in the garment of claim 5, arranging the child in a carrier
comprising a back panel, seat portion and harness, draping said
rear panel on the back panel, decreasing communication between left
and right panels, securing said child in said seat without
collecting said garment between said child and said harness, and
increasing the communication between said left and right
panels.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising draping the rear
panel over the back panel.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein said carrier is a car seat.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is a garment suitable to be worn by a
child while being transported in a carrier, and methods for use
thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A child safety seat, child restraint system, or a "car
seat," is a restraint equipped with one or more safety harnesses to
hold a child secured to an automobile. Car seats are ubiquitous, as
all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.
territories have child passenger safety laws requiring the use of
car seats for children below a certain age, weight, or height.
Although the use of car safety seats has decreased overall death
and injury of children, an average of 7 children under the age of
15 are killed and about 800 are injured in motor vehicle crashes
every day. A portion of these injuries and deaths are attributed to
improper use of child safety seats. Child safety seats are either
improperly installed in vehicles, and/or children are improperly
secured in car safety seats. A common problem, in terms of safety
and convenience, is children wearing coats while riding in car
seats.
[0003] Parents usually dress their infants and children in coats to
keep them warm during travel in a vehicle. However, coats can
compromise a child's safety when worn in a car seat. According to
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in order for a
car seat or toddler booster seat to function properly, the straps
need to remain tight against the child's chest. Coats interfere
with car seat safety because they change the way a child fits into
the car seat. For example, when coat material collects between the
child and the straps, the car seat straps don't properly fit the
child, and there is a chance the child could be ejected from the
car seat during a collision, resulting in serious injury or death.
Thus, the car seat strap needs to stay close to the child's body at
all times. A recent study found that up to 57% of car seats are
misused because of loose harness straps. Decina, L., and Lococo,
K., Misuse of Child Restraints, Publication No. DOT HS 809 671, May
2003, U.S. Department of Transportation/National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, Washington, D.C. Additionally, it is unsafe
to put a coat or blanket between the child's back and a car seat,
as the coat or blanket could compress, resulting in the child being
ejected from the car seat. This leaves parents with few
alternatives in transporting their child in cold weather.
[0004] Parents may have been advised to remove their child from a
coat, put the child into the car seat, and then cover the car seat
with the coat, or a blanket. However, this is quite inconvenient as
millions of parents have discovered that it takes much time to deal
with squirmy limbs, putting on a coat and removing the coat every
time the child is put into the car seat. Forcing a child to shed
their coat prior to being put into the car seat obviates the intent
of dressing them warmly in the first place.
[0005] Even if a coat is safe for use in a car seat, the straps
pull the coat tightly against the child. This can cause the child
can become overheated and uncomfortable. Thus, new garments and
methods are also needed which provide a parent with greater
convenience when putting a child into a car seat.
[0006] Various blankets and garments have attempted to address
these problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,248 discloses a
blanket for use in a car seat; however, the blanket is not placed
on the child until the child is strapped in a car seat. A child
utilizing such a blanket is still forced to remove its coat prior
to being strapped into the car seat. U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,686
discloses a child's bunting for use in an infant carrier; however,
bunting material remains collected between the infant and infant
carrier, compromising the infant's safety. U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,061
discloses a protective garment for a child on a carriage; however
the garment does not provide a parent sufficient access to straps
and buckles to secure a child into a car seat. As current
alternatives are less than ideal, new garments are needed to
address these and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A garment is provided for use by a child in a carrier.
[0008] The garment of the present invention generally comprises a
flexible material forming a front panel and rear panel, which share
a common top portion which rests over a child's shoulders. The
front panel extends to a front bottom. A neck opening is provided
at the common top portion to receive a child's head. An opening
between the front bottom and neck opening is provided to form left
and right panels. The left and right panels are joined with
reversible means for variable length communication between the left
and right panels. In one embodiment, the reversible means is a
two-way zipper.
[0009] The reversible means is bound between a first and second
variable length continuous opening. The first variable length
continuous opening is bound between the neck opening and reversible
means. The second variable length continuous opening is bound
between the front bottom and the reversible means. The reversible
means may include one or more means for causing or maintaining
communication between the left and right panels.
[0010] The rear panel is sized to cover a child's back and
preferably also over the back panel of a carrier.
[0011] The garment of the present invention may also have a hood
affixed to said rear panel around said neck opening.
[0012] Other advantages of the present invention will be apparent
to those of skill in the art.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 3a is a rear view of an embodiment of the present
invention
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 6. is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7. is a top view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 8. illustrates use of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The term "carrier" as used in connection with the present
invention, is used in a broad sense to encompass essentially any
type of carrier for a child, whether or not that child is the age
of an infant or older. Thus, and for purposes of the invention, the
term "carrier" would include, but is not limited to, car seats,
infant carrier seats, baby strollers, bicycle seats and the like.
Preferably, a carrier is a car seat. Carriers generally have a seat
portion for receiving a child, a back panel posterior to the child
to communicate with the child's back, and a harness for securing
said child to said seat and back panel.
[0023] The terms "child" and "infant" generally refer to humans
being of a weight, height, or age which requires that they be
transported in a carrier, e.g., a car seat. The requirement for
transportation in a car seat may be mandated by law, regulation,
custom, or preference by the child or parent.
[0024] The term "parent" is not limited to the biological status of
a person with respect to a child. The term "parent" is used herein
as a term of convenience, encompassing anyone who, e.g., puts a
child into a carrier, removes a child from a carrier, or dresses a
child. This may include relatives, teachers, caretakers, health
care providers, emergency response personnel, or any one else
associated with the care and transportation of a child.
[0025] The garment of the present invention is suitable to be worn
by anyone, so long as the garment is appropriately sized for the
person, as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. As
described in the methods of the present invention, the garment is
particularly useful for transporting a child in a carrier.
[0026] As shown in the accompanying drawings, a garment 2 is
provided which is shaped from one or more pieces of fabric. The
fabric is generally folded over itself to form a front panel 4 and
a rear panel 6, each having an external and internal surface. The
front and rear panel share a top edge 10, in which a neck opening
12 is provided to receive a child's head. The neck opening may be
centrally located, or slightly offset from the top portion.
Generally, when a child's head is disposed through the opening 12,
the front panel 4 will be situated across the child's chest, and
the rear panel 6 will cover the child's back so that the child's
torso resides between the front and rear panel. The front and rear
panels are sized to extend over a child, such that the shared top
portion 10 can rests over the child's shoulders. Additional
material of the top portion which extend beyond a child's shoulders
may form side portions, which may extend, e.g., to the child's
hands, wrists, or elbows, or beyond the child's elbows, including
beyond the child's wrists, including beyond the child's hands.
Front panel 4 terminates in front bottom 8, and rear panel 6
terminates in a rear base 18.
[0027] An opening 20 is provided on the front panel between front
bottom 8 and neck opening 12, such that the front panel forms a
left panel 14, and a right panel 16. The edges of the left and
right panels are attached to each other with reversibly joining
means such that the left and right panels may be reversibly
attached along a variable length of communication.
[0028] "Reversibly joining" refers to the left and right panels
being able to be attached and separated from each other. Means for
reversibly joining the left and right panel include all means known
in the art, such as a zipper, button, buckle, snap fasteners,
toggles, Velcro, or magnets. The left and right panels may be
reversibly joined to form a continuous panel without substantial
gaps, e.g., gaps greater than one inch in length.
[0029] "Variable length of communication" refers to the left and
right panels being in communication with one another along a
length, and the length of the communication may be varied, i.e.,
the length of communication may be increased or decreased.
[0030] Preferably, the left and right panels are easily and rapidly
joined and can be easily and rapidly separated. Preferably, the
left and right panels are joined with a zipper, more preferably a
two-way zipper.
[0031] Zippers are known in the art. Generally, two strips of
fabric, containing metal or plastic teeth, are affixed to edges to
be joined. Alternatively, the teeth may be directly joined to the
garment. A slider, operated by hand, moves along the rows of teeth.
Inside the slider is a "Y"-shaped channel that meshes together the
opposing rows of teeth to join them together, or separates the
opposing rows of teeth. Whether the teeth are joined or separated
is dependent on the direction of the movement of a slider, e.g.,
movement in one direction joins teeth, and movement in the opposite
direction separates the teeth. The teeth of a zipper are located
between the beginning point, and a point of termination. Generally,
beginning point 26 is proximal front bottom 8, and point of
termination 28 is proximal neck opening 12.
[0032] Preferably, the zipper will have two sliders. This is
commonly known as a two-way zipper. Two-way zippers are known in
the art. Generally, a top slider 22 is provided which is proximal
the neck opening 12, and a bottom slider 24 is provided which is
proximal the front bottom 8. When desiring to join the left and
right panels, the top slider 22 is brought into contact with bottom
slider 24 at the bottom of the front panel. Zipper teeth are
brought into contact in the two sliders, and top slider 8 is moved
along the length of the teeth to "zip" the teeth together, forming
a continuous panel between left and right front panels as the
bottom slider is held in place at bottom 8. When desiring to
separate the left and right panels, the top slider is brought back
down to bottom 8, whereby the top and bottom sliders contact so
that the teeth may be removed from the sliders. Thus, when using a
two-way zipper, two separate reversible joining means (top and
bottom sliders) are provided to increase or decrease communication
between the left and right panels. Preferably, the zippers are be
provided with top and bottom stops to prevent the slider from
running off the zipper teeth. Preferably the zipper is close ended
proximal the neck opening so that the left and right panels are in
communication with each other when the top slider is brought to the
top. Preferably the zipper is open ended in the bottom so that left
and right panels may be separated from each other when the top and
bottom slider are brought to the bottom of the zipper. It is
understood that the bottom of the zipper need not be at the
junction of front bottom 8, and right and left panels, and the
zipper point of termination need not be at the junction of neck
opening 12, and right and left panels. Rather, the beginning point
and point of termination in the figures is merely provided as
points of reference.
[0033] In the garment of the present invention, the reversible
joining means is bound between a first and second variable length
continuous opening. "Continuous opening" refers to a length where
the left and right panels are not in communication with one
another. A "variable length" continuous opening means that the
length of the continuous opening may be increased or decreased.
[0034] As shown in the drawings, a first variable length continuous
opening 94 is in open communication with the neck opening. The
first variable length continuous opening 94 is generally bound
between top slider 22 and neck opening 12. The length of the
continuous opening may be increased or decreased by moving top
slider 22. As can be seen, the relationship between the first
variable length continuous opening 94 and variable length
communication 96 is dependent on the position of top slider 22. As
top slider 22 is moved proximal open neck 12, the first variable
length continuous opening 94 reduces in length and variable length
communication 96 increases in length, causing greater communication
between the left and right panels. When the top slider moves to a
point where the zipper teeth terminates proximal the neck opening,
the first variable length continuous opening 94 is effectively
reduced to zero. As top slider is moved distal the neck opening and
proximal the front bottom, the first variable length continuous
opening 92 increases in length, and variable length communication
length 96 decreases, causing communication between the left and
right panels to be reduced. When the top slider is moved in
communication with the bottom slider, then variable length
communication 96 is effectively reduced to zero, the left and right
panels only being in communication where top and bottom sliders
meet.
[0035] The second variable length continuous opening 98 is
generally bound between the bottom slider and front bottom 8. As
can be seen, the relationships between the second variable length
continuous opening 98 and variable length communication 96 is
dependent on the position of bottom slider 24. As bottom slider 24
is moved proximal the front bottom, communication between the left
and right panels increases, and the second variable length
continuous opening decreases. When bottom slider 24 is moved to the
point where the zipper begins, the second variable length
continuous opening 98 is effectively reduced to zero. As it is
understood, the left and right panels may not be in complete
communication due to the positioning of teeth beginning 26, which
may be positioned, e.g., above the front bottom. When the bottom
slider is moved proximal the neck opening along the length of
teeth, the second variable length continuous opening 98 increases,
and communication between left and right panels decrease.
[0036] As can be seen, the left and right panels may be completely
separated from one another by bringing the top and bottom sliders
together at the teeth beginning, and separating the teeth from
between the sliders.
[0037] The variable length communication is bound between the first
and second variable length continuous openings, generally between
the top slider and the bottom slider, wherein the left and right
panels are in communication. As previously stated, the variable
length communication area enlarged or shortened as the top and
bottom sliders are moved up and down the length of the teeth on the
zipper.
[0038] As can be seen, the benefit of the 2-way zipper is that it
enables a parent to effect communication between the left and right
panels from either direction, e.g., from the neck opening, and from
the bottom of the front panel. The top slider moved towards the
neck opening causes greater communication between the left and
right panels, and reduces communication as it is moved toward the
front bottom. The bottom slider moved towards the neck opening
causes less communication between the left and right panels, and
greater communication as it is moved toward the front bottom.
[0039] The garment of the present invention may be made of any
fabric known to those of skill in the art. Such fabric may be
flexible, so that it may be easily folded. For example, the fabric
may be constructed of natural materials, such as cotton, wool or
silk, or synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, nylon, or
lycra. Alternatively, the fabric may be a blend of such materials.
The fabric may also be water proof, wind impervious, and/or
breathable. The fabric may also contain more than one layer, such
as a quilt. Preferably, the fabric is washable.
[0040] The garment of the present invention have more than one
layer of fabric, such as an external waterproof/breathable shell,
such as GORTEX.RTM., and an inner fleece lining. For garments
having more than one layer of fabric, the layers of fabric may be
attached and separated from each other as known by those of skill
in the art. Thus, a GORTEX.RTM. shell may be separated from the
fleece lining so that either the shell or fleece lining may be worn
by a child.
[0041] In one embodiment, a hood 30 may be attached on or around
neck opening 12 to fully or partially receive a child's head.
Preferably the hood is attached to the rear panel around the neck
opening. The hood may also be attached to the front panel, e.g.,
left and right panels around the neck opening. The hood may be
integral with the fabric, or may be removable by methods known by
those of skill in the art, e.g., with buttons, snaps, zippers, etc.
A drawstring 32 may also be provided for extending around the hood
opening in order to tighten the hood about the child face.
[0042] The garment is provided in various sizes. Preferably, the
garment is sized to fit on a child having an age, weight or height
which requires the use of a carrier, e.g., car seat, while
transporting the child. An appropriate garment size can be easily
determined by a parent, or one of skill in the art.
[0043] As shown, the front and rear panels are of similar size and
shape. However, the front and rear panels may be of different
shapes and different sizes, so long as the rear panel has
sufficient material to fit over a child's back. Preferably the rear
panel has sufficient material to be disposed over the back panel of
a carrier, as later discussed. For example, one panel may be a
polygon, and the other panel semi-circular, the top portion of the
garment being sized and formed by one side of the polygon and the
straightedge of the semi-circle. Alternatively, both panels may be
polygonal, or semi-circular. Other shapes contemplated include
circular segments, ellipses, super ellipse. It is to be understood
that as the front and rear panel may be formed of one or more
pieces of fabric, the fabric may be of one shape, and when folded
to produce front and rear panels, the front and rear panels may be
the same or different shape as the fabric. For example, the fabric
may be shaped as a circle, thus when the fabric is folded to form
front and rear panels, the front and rear panels are semi-circular
or circular segments. For example, the fabric may be shaped as
oval, thus when the fabric is folded to form front and rear panels,
the front and rear panels are elongated circular segments. For
example, the fabric may be shaped as a square or rectangle, thus
when the fabric is folded to from front and right panels from
opposing sides, the front and rear panels are rectangular. For
example, the fabric may be shaped as a square or rhombus, thus when
the fabric is folded to form front and rear panels from opposing
corners, the front and rear panels are triangular.
[0044] Preferably, the panels are shaped to cover a child's front
and back. As shown in FIG. 4, the front and rear panels are
rectangular or square. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 3a, and 5, the front
and rear panels are triangular. As shown in FIG. 6, the front and
rear panels are semi-circular. Preferably, the front and rear
panels are triangular. In one embodiment, the garment is shaped as
a cape, or cloak, whereby the child can be wrapped within the
material of the rear panel. In this embodiment, the front panel
still has a bottom, an opening between the neck opening and bottom
to form left and right panels, and means for reversible
communication between left and right panels. As shown in FIG. 7, a
garment assumes a frusto-conical shape when left and right panels
are brought in communication to form front and rear panels. As the
left and right panels are brought together, a rear panel 6 is
formed, along with shoulders and side panels.
[0045] The garment of the present invention may also have one or
more pockets. As shown, external pockets 50 may be attached to, or
formed from, or integral with the exterior of front panel 4.
Alternatively, internal pockets 52 may be attached to, formed from,
or integral with the interior of front panel 4. The number, size,
shape and location of the pockets may be easily designed by one of
skill in the part. One or more pockets may also be attached to, or
integral with the rear panel 6. Such pockets are intended to keep
the child's hands warm, and/or store items which may be of use to
the child or parent, e.g., cloth, diapers, and equipment associated
with changing diapers and the care and feeding of a child.
[0046] The garment may also be provided with a single or pair of
arm openings (not shown) through the front panels, which allow the
arms of the child to project through the front panel.
[0047] Other fabric material may also be affixed to the exterior or
interior of the front or rear panels. For example, one or more long
stretches of fabric 36 may be affixed to the exterior or interior
of the front panel so that a child may put their arms into the
fabric for warmth. The garment of the present invention may also
have one or more accessories for use by the child or a parent. In
one embodiment, Velcro, buttons, snaps, toggles or magnets may be
attached to the front panel's external surface. The Velcro,
buttons, snaps, toggles or magnets may be used to attach devices
for a child's amusement, e.g., pacifiers or toys, and devices for
the care of the child to be used by a parent, e.g., face cleaning
devices, such as cloth.
[0048] Reversible joining means may also be added to the interior
portion of the garment to join front and rear panels. This may be
accomplished, e.g., by placing a portion of a joining means on the
interior of the front panel, and the corresponding portion of the
joining means on the interior of the rear panel. Thus, when the
garment is worn by the child, the front and rear panels may be
joined together to form, e.g., closed sides or sleeves.
[0049] A pouch (not shown) may be provided, which is detachable or
integral with the garment for storage of the garment. The pouch may
be provided with a closing means, such as buttons, snaps, zipper,
or Velcro to secure the garment in the pouch when the garment is
placed into it.
[0050] The garment of the present invention is extremely versatile
as it may also function as a blanket, nap "pad," and diaper
changing pad. The external or internal panels may be lined with a
water resistant material as appropriate for use as a changing pad.
In another embodiment, one or more panels may be provided with
sufficient padding to form a pillow for the child's head to rest on
during diaper changing, or during a nap.
[0051] In one embodiment, the garment may be provided with multiple
layers for different functions. As shown in FIG. 4, a supplemental
panel 40 is attached to rear panel 6, which may swing 42 open or
closed. The base of supplemental panel 40 may be reversibly
attached to the base of rear panel 6 by any number of methods known
by those skilled in the art, such as by buttons, snaps, toggles,
Velcro, or magnets. The supplemental panel may have one or more
pockets attached to, or integral with the supplemental panel. Such
pockets are intended to store items which may be of use to the
parent, e.g., extra cloth, diapers, and equipment associated with
changing diapers. The lining between the supplemental panel and
rear panel may be constructed of a water resistant material. Thus,
when a diaper needs to be changed, the child is removed from the
garment, the supplemental panel is swung open, and the diaper may
be changed on the garment. If pockets are provided, diapers and
diaper changing materials may be stored in those pockets, obviating
the need for the parent to carry extra packages containing such
material. As will be shown, the presence of the supplemental panel
will not affect operation of the garment while in use.
[0052] The garment may also have various articles of ornamentation,
including tassels and cords 88, which e.g., may be integral or
attached to the hood, front panel, or rear panel. The tassels may
also be used to secure devices to the garment. The garment may be
lined with fringes or other decorative border 90 along the
periphery of the front panel bottom and rear panel bottom. The
fringes may be made of the same or different material as the
garment, and may be the same or different color as the garment.
[0053] Having described the garment of the present invention, it is
now desirable to discuss use of the garment, e.g., in dressing and
transporting a child.
[0054] Preferably, the left and right panels are in communication
when dressing a child so that the child's head only needs to be put
through neck opening 12. The entire left and right panels do not
need to be in communication, rather, only a portion, e.g., variable
length of communication, is necessary to provide for communication
between the left and right panels.
[0055] The two way zipper can be adjusted by the parent or child
according to the temperature, the child's comfort, or preference,
e.g., aesthetic or fashionable appearance. Generally, the garment
is worn like a "poncho."
[0056] As shown in FIG. 8., as a child is placed in a carrier 60,
e.g., a car seat, the rear panel 6 of the garment is draped over
the top 62 of the carrier 60. This prevents the garment material
from collecting between the child's back and the car seat, which
may cause a child to be ejected from the car seat in the event of a
collision. The bottom slider 24 is used to increase the length of
the second variable length continuous opening to decrease
communication between the left and right panels. Portions of the
left and right panels are thus no longer in communication with each
other, and those portions are moved to the child's left and right
side respectively. As the left and right panels are moved to the
child's left and right sides, the carrier buckle(s) 66 and strap(s)
64 are exposed. If the parent requires greater access to the straps
and buckles, the length of variable continuous communication 96 may
be decreased by movement of top slider 22 to increase the first
variable continuous opening length 94, or bottom slider 24 to
increase the second variable continuous opening length 98. The
straps are tightened against the child's body, and the buckle(s)
are engaged. The bottom slider is then moved towards the front
bottom to increase communication between the left and right panels.
The child's comfort may be adjusted by altering the length of the
first variable continuous opening 98 by moving the top slider
proximal or distal the neck opening. Thus, a child has been placed
into a carrier without the need to shed the garment before bucking
the child into the carrier. No excess material is present between
the child and straps, and no excess material is present between the
child's back and carrier. The garment thus adequately protects the
child from cold, and the child's comfort can be easily accommodated
by varying the length of the first or second variable length
continuous opening. Finally, because the garment is still fitted on
the child and draped over the back panel of the carrier, it will
not fall off the child during operation of the car.
[0057] If the garment has pockets on the rear panel or supplemental
panel, it is easy to see how the garment can be used without such
pockets or supplemental panels interfering with the use of the rear
panel, as the rear panel is merely draped over the carrier.
[0058] In another embodiment, the back panel may not have
sufficient material to be draped over the back panel of the
carrier, as different carriers have back panels of varying lengths.
If this is the case, the rear panel may be draped on the back panel
just posterior the child's head.
[0059] When removing the child from the carrier, the bottom slider
is used to reduce the communication length between the left and
right panels. The left and right panels are moved to the child's
left and right side respectively. The parent can then loosen the
straps and remove the buckle so that the child is no longer secured
in the car seat. If the parent needs additional access to the
straps and buckles, length 96 may also be decreased by increasing
length 94 by movement of top slider 22. After the carrier's straps
and buckles have been removed from the child, the bottom slider may
then be moved downwards to close the length of area 98. The child
is then removed from carrier. As the child is being removed from
the carrier, the rear panel is concurrently undraped from the back
of the carrier. Thus, there is no need to re-dress a child
following removal from a carrier.
[0060] A garment is provided which allows a parent to place a child
in a car seat without removing the child from the garment. No
material from the garment collect between the child and car seat,
or between the child and straps, which provides added safety. The
garment of the present invention is highly versatile in that it is
effectively useable with essentially all sizes and shapes of
commercially available carriers.
[0061] The matters set here are offered by way of illustration only
and not as limitations. While particular embodiments have been
shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that changes and modifications may be made without departing
from the broader aspects of invention. The actual scope of the
protection sought is defined in the following claims:
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