Behavior control suit

Abstract

A security suit to contain the wearer and prevent removal. The suit comprises a body that extends over the torso of the wearer and includes an opening formed by a first edge and a second edge. A plurality of receivers are positioned on the edges adjacent to the opening. A strap is sized to fit through the receivers and secure the strap. The suit is positionable between open and closed orientations. In the open orientation, the opening is enlarged with the edges separated to allow the wearer to enter and exit the suit. In the closed orientation, the opening is closed with the edges adjacently positioned. In the closed orientation, the receivers align such that the strap can extend through. The strap is secured in the closed orientation by lock, knot, or other manner.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Institutional facilities handle numerous individuals that exhibit conduct that may be a threat to institutional security persons and outside persons. This conduct includes individuals exposing themselves which is offensive to other persons, and may potentially lead to claims of sexual harassment and employee driven litigation. Institutional facilities thus have need for clothing that prevents individuals from engaging in such offensive conduct.

[0002] The clothing should cover the torso of the individual to prevent the individual from exposing themselves. The term torso is used herein to be the trunk of a human body. The clothing should be designed such that it is straight-forward for the individual to put onto their body. Because these individuals are often resisting any assistance, the design should also allow for other persons to place the clothing on the individuals. Once placed on the individual, the clothing should be secure and unable to be removed.

[0003] Further, the clothing should be relatively comfortable such that the individual does not injure themselves, or rightly complain that they are being injured by the clothing.

SUMMARY

[0004] A security suit includes a secure fastening system that prevents removal of the suit by the wearer. In at least one embodiment, the suit comprises at least a torso section to cover the trunk and pelvic areas of the wearer. An opening in the suit, such as a slit or otherwise separable seam, provides entry by the wearer, and, preferably, the opening is sized to ease placement of the suit by authorized personnel onto an uncooperative person. In an exemplary embodiment, the secure fastening system includes a plurality of spaced-apart receivers, such as looped tabs, fixed in an alternating arrangement along edges of the opening such that a strap may be threaded within them, thereby securing the opening and preventing removal of the suit by the wearer.

[0005] In at least one embodiment, the opening is formed as a vertical slit in a back side of the suit, and extends from a lower portion of the suit vertically upward to a neck opening, which provides ease of entry by allowing the wearer to essentially “step into” the suit. The receivers are arrayed in alternating fashion along the opening's edges such that their tab loops come into vertical alignment when the suit's opening is closed. In addition to the receivers, the opening may have one or more fasteners positioned along the opening edges, such as one or more mechanical fasteners or VELCRO strips, which may be configured to maintain the opening in a closed configuration.

[0006] With the suit thus closed, a strap or the like is then threaded through the receivers to secure the opening and prevent removal of the suit. The strap may be separate from the suit, such that its two ends are locked or tied after the strap is threaded through the receivers. Alternately, one end of the strap may be fixedly anchored to the suit, such as at a point adjacent the lower extent of the suit's opening. In that exemplary embodiment, the free end of the strap may then be threaded through the receivers and tied or locked to a topmost receiver, or to an optional tab fixed to the suit at, for example, the suit's neck opening. One or both ends of the strap may include an aperture, such as a metal eyelet to facilitate tying or locking the strap ends to the aforementioned tab, which tab may include a complementary aperture for anchoring a strap end to the tab by insertion of a locking device through both strap and tab apertures.

[0007] The present invention contemplates a wide range of suit styles and configurations. However, as noted, there may be some advantage in preserving ease of entry such that that suit is practical for use in institutional facilities, where it may be necessary to place the suit on uncooperative or even combative individual. As such, the suit in one embodiment the suit is constructed of a rugged, tear-resistant material, which may be padded as needed or desired. While an exemplary embodiment includes full-length legs and at least partial sleeves, variations include short-pant and sleeveless embodiments. Additionally, the suit may include additional security features, such as one or more additional tabs for anchoring bellychains or other restraint devices intended to further control the wearer's range of movement. Other advantages, features, and opportunities for variation will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description in combination with the exemplary illustrations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in a closed orientation;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in an open orientation;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention being worn by an individual;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a partial side view of one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0012] FIG. 5 is a partial side view of one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present invention is directed to a security suit 10 that prevents indecent exposure by the wearer and prevents removal. The suit 10 comprises a body 40 that extends over the torso of the wearer and includes an opening 50 formed by a first edge 52 and a second edge 54. A plurality of receivers 20 are positioned on the edges 52, 54 adjacent to the opening 50. A strap 30 is sized to fit through the receivers 20 and secure the strap 30. The suit 10 is positionable between open and closed orientations. In the open orientation, the opening 50 is enlarged with the edges 52, 54 separated to allow the wearer to enter and exit the suit 10. In the closed orientation, the opening is closed with the edges 52, 54 adjacently positioned. In the closed orientation, the receivers 20 align such that the strap 30 can extend through. The strap 30 is secured in the closed orientation by lock 60, knot 38, or other manner.

[0014] In one embodiment, the suit 10 comprises a torso section 40, shoulders 42, and legs 44 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The torso section 40 includes a chest section, back section, and waist section. A neck section 46 is sized for receiving the neck and head of the wearer. In one embodiment, long sleeves cover the entire length of the wearer's arm. In another embodiment, short sleeves terminate between the shoulder and elbow of the wearer. In one embodiment the legs 44 are long enough to substantially cover the wearer's leg. In another embodiment, the legs 44 are shorter and terminate between the thigh and knee of the wearer. In one embodiment, each leg includes a foot section to cover the wearer's foot.

[0015] The opening 50 is positioned for the user to enter and exit the suit 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, opening 50 comprises a first edge 52 and a second edge 54. In one embodiment, the first edge 52 and second edge 54 converge at an opening end 56. Opening 50 may be placed at a variety of positions within the suit 10 including the back, front, right, or left sides of the torso section 40. Opening 50 may have a variety of lengths. In one embodiment, opening 50 extends between the neck 46 and the waist of the torso section 40. In another embodiment, opening 50 starts and terminates on the torso section 40 at an area away from the neck 46.

[0016] In one embodiment, fasteners 55 extend outward from the first and second edges 52, 54 for securing the opening 50 in the closed orientation. In one embodiment, fasteners 55 include VELCRO to attach the edges 52, 54 together such that the receivers 20 are substantially aligned. In one embodiment, fasteners are a zipper adjustable between open and closed configurations. In one embodiment, zipper includes a separate locking mechanism for securing the fasteners in the closed configuration. In one embodiment, the fasteners 55 extend the entire length of the edges 52, 54. In another embodiment, the fasteners 55 extend a distance less than the entire length of the edges 52, 54. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, fasteners 55 are attached to an inner side of the suit 10. In the closed orientation as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first and second edges 52, 54 converge to visibly obscure the fasteners 55. In one embodiment, first and second edges 52, 54 overlap. In one embodiment, fasteners 55 are attached to an outer side of the suit 10.

[0017] Receivers 20 are aligned along the opening 50 to receive the strap 30. Each receiver 50 includes an aperture 52 through which the strap 30 extends when the suit 10 is in the closed orientation. In one embodiment, receivers 20 comprises a strip of material folded together. A first section 22 comprising the two ends are aligned and securely attached to the suit 10. A second section 24 comprising the folded end remains open and forms the aperture 52 for receiving the strap 30. In one embodiment, the strap is constructed of a nylon material. In other embodiments, strap 30 is constructed of a leather strap. One skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of materials may be used for the strap 30. In one embodiment, receivers 20 are constructed of a single-ply material having an aperture for receiving the strap 30. In one embodiment, the apertures include a metal eyelet.

[0018] The receivers 20 are securely attached to prevent the wearer from removing them from the suit 10. In one embodiment, the receivers 20 are stitched to the suit 10. In other embodiments, the receivers 20 are secured to the suit by glue, mechanical fasteners, or some combination thereof. In one embodiment, the receivers 20 are integral with the suit 10 (i.e., constructed from the same piece of material as the torso section 40).

[0019] The receivers 20 are fixed at staggered positions along the lengths of the first and second edges 52, 54. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the receivers 20 are alternated one at a time between the first and second edge 52, 54 with a first receiver attached to the first edge 52, a second receiver attached to the second edge 54, a third receiver attached to the first edge 52, a fourth receiver attached to the second edge 54, etc. In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, receivers 20 are alternated two at a time on the first and second edges 52, 54 with the first two receivers 20 attached to the first edge 52, the second two receivers 20 attached to the second edge 54, the third two receivers 20 attached to the first edge 52, etc. It is understood that a variety of patterns may be used for placing the receivers 20 on the first and second edges 52, 54. In one embodiment, receivers 20 are attached to the outer side of the suit 10 and are visible when the suit 10 is in the closed orientation. In another embodiment, receivers 20 are positioned on the inner side of the suit 10 and are obscured when the suit 10 is in the closed orientation.

[0020] In one embodiment, a tab 29 is positioned at a top of the opening 50. Tab 29 includes an aperture for receiving the strap 30. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, tab 29 extends from the suit 10 at the neck 46. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the tab 29 is attached to one side of the opening 50, and a top-most receiver 20 is attached opposite to the second side of the opening 50. In one embodiment, tab 29 has the same construction as the receivers 20.

[0021] Strap 30 extends through the receivers 20 to secure the suit 10 in the closed orientation. In one embodiment, strap 30 includes a first end 32 securely fastened to the suit 10 at a point beyond the receivers 20. In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, first end 32 is positioned below a lower end of the opening 50 such that it threads upward through the receivers 20. In one embodiment, strap 30 is attached above an upper end of the opening and threaded downward through the receivers 20. Strap 30 may be secured to the suit 10 by a variety of manners including stitching, mechanical fasteners, glue, and others. Strap 30 has a length such that a second end 34 can be threaded through each receiver 20. In the embodiment with tab 29, strap 30 threads through the receivers 20 and attaches to the tab 29. An aperture 36 adjacent to the second end 34 is sized for receiving a lock member 60 that locks end 34.

[0022] In one embodiment, locking member 60 includes a clasp 62 for insertion through the aperture 36. In one embodiment, locking member 60 is operated by a key. In one embodiment, locking member 60 is combination lock operated by a spinning dial. In one embodiment, strap 30 has a sufficient length to be tied to the suit 10 to prevent its withdrawal from the receivers 20. In one embodiment, strap 30 is tied to the tab 29 to prevent its withdrawal from the receivers 20. In one embodiment, strap 30 is tied to a receiver 20. In another embodiment, suit 10 includes an anchor for tying the strap 30 and preventing movement. In one embodiment, strap 30 is of a sufficient length to be knotted and form a knot 38 to prevent movement through the tab and receivers.

[0023] In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 5, strap 30 is not attached to the suit 10. In this embodiment, strap 30 has a length that allows its two ends 32, 34 to be tied or locked after being threaded through the receivers 20. The first and second ends 32, 34 includes either apertures for receiving a locking member 60, are of a sufficient length to be tied into a knot 38 to prevent movement through the receivers 20, are of a sufficient length to be tied to the suit, or combination thereof. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the first end 32 includes an aperture 36 for receiving a locking member 60, and the second end 34 is formed in a knot 38 of a size to prevent being movement through the tab 29 and the receivers 20. In one embodiment, strap 30 is of a length that ends 32, 34 are tied together after strap 30 is threaded through the receivers 20.

[0024] In use, the suit 10 is placed in the open orientation with the first edge 52 separated from the second edge 54. The opening 50 is extended for the wearer to easily place their body within the suit 10, or if necessary, for security personnel to place the wearer within the suit 10. Once the suit is placed on the wearer, the edges 52, 54 are positioned together. In one embodiment, the fasteners 55 attach to together to lightly hold the suit 10 in the closed position. In this position, the receivers 20 are aligned and the strap 30 is threaded through the receivers 20. In one embodiment, strap 30 is further threaded through the tab 29. Once threaded, the strap 30 is secured in position by a locking member 60, knotting the strap in a knot 38, or tying the strap 30 to the suit 10. With the strap 30 thus secured, the wearer is unable to take the suit 10 off.

[0025] In one embodiment, loops 69 are attached to the suit 10 for receiving security devices 70 that bind the wearers arms. Loops 69 are securely fastened to the suit 10 by stitching, mechanical fasteners, glue, or the like. In one embodiment, loops 69 have the same construction as receivers 20. In one embodiment, loops 69 are attached to the suit 10 at a waist area for receiving bellychains as illustrated in FIG. 3. In another embodiment, loops 69 are attached to the torso section 40 in a front or back section for binding the wearer's hands to the suit 10.

[0026] Suit 10 may be constructed of a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the material is tear-resistant to prevent the user from ripping the suit 10. In one embodiment, the suit is constructed of heavy-duty fabric having a denier range of between about 300 and 1,000. In one embodiment, the suit is constructed of a 500-denier fabric. Embodiments of the type of material used in the construction include polyester, nylon, CORDURA, and a combination thereof. In one embodiment, suit 10 is constructed of a single ply of material. In one embodiment, suit 10 is constructed of a double ply material. In one embodiment, suit 10 has a quilted construction with a polyester batting positioned between the plies. The material may also be treated, with embodiments including a water-repellant, anti-microbial, and fire retardant. In one embodiment, suit 10 is constructed entirely from the same material. In another embodiment, suit 10 is constructed of sections of different materials.

[0027] The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. In one embodiment, strap 30 extends through each of the receivers 20 in the closed orientation. In another embodiment, strap 30 extends through less than all of the receivers 20 in the closed orientation. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A security suit comprising:

a. a body comprising arms, legs, a torso section, and a neck;

b. an opening extending from the neck along the torso section;

c. a plurality of receivers attached to the body along the opening and aligned when the suit is in a closed orientation, the plurality receivers comprising a first portion attached to a first side of the opening and a second portion attached to a second side of the opening; and

d. a strap having a first end attached to the body at a point adjacent to the opening and having a length to extend through each of the plurality of receivers when the suit is in the closed orientation.

2. The suit of claim 1, wherein the opening is positioned on a back of the torso section.

3. The suit of claim 1, wherein the opening comprises a first edge and a second edge each having a fastener extending outward therefrom and connecting together in the closed orientation.

4. The suit of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of receivers is constructed of an elongated material having a folded construction, each of the plurality of receivers comprising a first end of a two-ply attached to the body, and a second fold end that extends from the body.

5. The suit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of receivers are aligned along the opening in an alternating arrangement.

6. The suit of claim 5, wherein the alternating arrangement comprises odd-numbered receivers attached to the first side and even-numbered receivers attached to the second side.

7. The suit of claim 1, further comprising a tab attached to the body at the neck, the tab comprising an aperture for receiving the strap in the closed orientation.

8. The suit of claim 7, wherein the tab is attached to the first side and a top-most fastener is attached to the second side.

9. The suit of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a second end having an aperture to receive a lock to prevent the strap from being removed from the receivers.

10. The suit of claim 1, wherein the first end of the strap is attached to the body beyond the plurality of receivers.

11. A security suit comprising:

a. a body portion to cover at least a trunk of the wearer;

b. an opening in the body portion to enter into and exit from the suit by the wearer;

c. a secure fastening system comprising a plurality of receivers fixed to the body portion and arranged along the opening, and positioned such that the receivers are brought into alignment with each other when the opening is closed, and a strap to through the plurality of receivers.

12. A suit for confining an individual comprising:

a. a body having a front section and a back section, the body further comprising a neck;

b. an opening extending from the neck along a portion of the back section and terminating at a bottom point, the opening comprising a first edge and a second edge;

c. a plurality of receivers positioned on the back section along the opening between the neck and the bottom point, each of the plurality of receivers having a first section for attaching to the body and a second section having an aperture, the plurality of receivers aligned along the opening with at least one of said plurality of receivers attached at a first side of the opening and at least one of said plurality of receivers attached at a second side of the opening opposite the first side; and

d. a strap having a first end secured to the body below a lowermost fastener and having a length to extend through each of said plurality of receivers.

13. The suit of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of receivers is constructed of an elongated material having a folded orientation with the first end being two plies, and a second fold end that extends from the body.

14. The suit of claim 12, wherein the plurality of receivers are aligned along the opening in an alternating arrangement.

15. The suit of claim 14, wherein the alternating arrangement comprises odd-numbered receivers attached to the first side and even-numbered receivers attached to the second side.

16. A suit comprising:

a. a torso section and a neck;

b. an opening positioned within the body comprising a first edge and a second edge;

c. a first receiver attached to the body on the first edge, the first receiver comprising a first aperture that extends beyond the first edge;

d. a second receiver attached to the body on the second edge, the second receiver comprising a second aperture that extends beyond the second edge, the second receiver positioned from the neck a distance greater than the first receiver; and

e. a strap having a first end attached to the body adjacent to the opening beyond the second receiver, the strap having a length to extend through the first aperture and the second aperture.

17. The suit of claim 16, further comprising a tab attached to the body at the neck, the tab being positioned opposite from the first edge.

18. A method of confining a person within a suit, the method comprising the steps of:

a. placing the suit in an open orientation with a first edge distanced from a second edge;

b. placing the suit on the person with a torso section covering a torso of the individual;

c. moving the suit to a closed orientation with the first edge positioned adjacent to the second edge and eliminating an opening between the first edge and the second edge;

d. aligning a first fastener positioned on the first edge with a second fastener positioned on the second edge;

e. inserting a strap through each of the first fastener and the second fastener; and

f. securing a first end of the strap beyond the first fastener and securing a second end of the strap beyond the second fastener to prevent the suit from being reorientated to the open orientation.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of securing the first end of the strap beyond the first fastener comprises permanently attaching the first end to the suit.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of securing the second end of the strap beyond the second fastener comprises attaching a locking member to the second end.