CHILD BODYSUIT RESTRAINING APPARATUS

Abstract

A bodysuit assembly and strapping system for restrainingly holding an occupant to a variety of different objects which includes a bodysuit which substantially covers said occupant and which the occupant enters feet first. The bodysuit assembly further includes a row of snaps at the bottom of the bodysuit, which enables quick removal of the bodysuit, as well as expansion of the bodysuit. The bodysuit assembly and strapping system further includes a color coded four set strapping system which connects the occupant to the bodysuit and the bodysuit to the intended object. The bodysuit assembly and strapping system further includes a bib detachably carried on the front of the torso covering vestment for facilitating clean up.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to safety garments and restraining devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of restraint systems have been developed for children. For example, US Patent # US 2008/0246326, Safety Garment and Method of Using the Same, U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,866, Child Safety Harness and U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,737, Support Harness. However, none of the restraint systems which have been devised substantially cover the occupant's torso, thus continuing to make the occupant subject to hazardous conditions, such as flopping over to the front or to the side, or sliding out of said restraint system, and puts the occupant at risk of harming himself or herself when making sudden movements, particularly while holding a utensil, and could potentially lead to the toppling over of an object the occupant is restrainingly held to, such as a household chair. None of the restraint systems previously devised have a feet first design, which allows the system to easily slip off over the occupant's body without having to pass over the occupant's head, thus avoiding the risk of getting anything into the occupant's eyes, nose, mouth or ears. Further, none of the restraint systems previously devised have functional snaps at the bottom of the bodysuit, facilitating quick diaper changes, removal from the restraint system and assurance of proper fit. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a restraint system which is versatile and enables the occupant to be restrainingly held to a variety of different objects, from a chair to a human torso.

Based on this related art, constant surveillance is the only way to positively prevent the occupant from falling out of a chair or otherwise hurting himself or herself. However, surveillance usually decreases as the learning process of the occupant progresses, but the dangers associated with different varieties of objects remains.

Moreover, none of the aforementioned restraint systems has achieved any significant degree of commercial success. It is believed that the lack of appreciable commercial success of this related art is due, at least in part, to the difficulty in using such systems. Therefore, improved safety devices for children are desired, and a need exists for a new and improved restraint system which includes an easy, safe, reliable and comfortable way in which to place the occupant in the restraint system and subsequently to an object, and even more importantly, an easy, safe, reliable and comfortable way in which to remove the occupant from the restraint system and object, should an emergency such as choking occur. A way to also keep the occupant in the restraint system should the occupant fall asleep and to attach the restraint system to an adult is desirable. A detachable bib attached to the bodysuit of said restraint system which, although detachable, is not detachable by the occupant, also adds to the ease in which to use said system. Therefore, the present invention, which encompasses that which is detailed above, overcomes some of the problems and shortcomings of the related art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved bodysuit assembly and strapping system with detachable bib is disclosed for restraining the occupant to a variety of different objects. In some embodiments, the assembly preferably comprises a bodysuit which can extend from the upper portion of the torso of an occupant and can end past the lower portion of the torso of the occupant, preferably substantially covering all of the occupant's torso. The bodysuit preferably includes an opening at the top of the bodysuit, where the occupant can be placed feet first, as well as an opening on the left side of the bodysuit for the occupant's left arm, an opening on the right side of the bodysuit for the occupant's right arm, an opening on the left side of the bodysuit for the occupant's left leg and an opening on the right side of the bodysuit for the occupant's right leg. In some embodiments, the bodysuit assembly further can include a row of snaps at the bottom of the bodysuit to facilitate quick diaper changes, removal from the restraint system and assurance of proper fit. A first inner shoulder strap, preferably made out of nylon or other suitable material, can be attached to the front portion of the bodysuit for placement around one of the occupant's shoulders and can be connected to the bodysuit preferably by a button snap that can attach to the back portion of the bodysuit near the occupant's arm, although the snap can be replaced by a button or hook or other attachment device. A second inner shoulder strap, preferably made out of nylon or other suitable material, can be attached to the front portion of the bodysuit for placement around the occupant's other shoulder and connection to the bodysuit preferably by a button snap that can be attached to the back portion of the bodysuit near the occupant's arm, although the snap can be replaced by a button or hook or other attachment device. Each inner shoulder strap can be color coded, and each inner shoulder strap preferably includes an expansion joint. In addition, a differently colored adjustable inner waistband can be attached to the waist portion of the bodysuit for placement around the occupant's waist. The waistband can include two pieces of preferably reinforced and/or padded fabric or similar material, which can join together mid torso behind the occupant. Each piece of waistband can be attached to the other preferably by Velcro. In some embodiments, a waterproof bib can be attached to the front portion of the bodysuit, and the bib preferably includes a scooped bottom and a Velcro strip, which can be substantially the length of the bib.

In some embodiments, the strapping system of the present invention can include differently colored outer shoulder straps, including a first outer shoulder strap, preferably made out of nylon or other suitable material, which can attach to the front portion of the bodysuit, for placement above the object the occupant is restrainingly held to, and a second outer shoulder strap, preferably made out of nylon or other suitable material, can attach to the front portion of the bodysuit, for placement above the object the occupant is restrainingly held to. Each shoulder strap preferably contains an expansion joint, and the shoulder straps can be connected to one another via elastic connectors in two different locations and run in a generally perpendicular fashion. Once connected, the shoulder straps preferably create a V-shape along the back of the object and can form preferably a single loop along the outer waistband. Alternatively, the shoulder straps can be separate straps connected to one another. The outer waistband preferably includes an expansion joint and can be attached to the bodysuit midtorso. The two pieces of the outer waistband preferably connect and join behind the object with a button snap, although the snap can be replaced by a button or hook or other attachment device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system, as worn by an occupant while placed in a chair.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the bodysuit assembly, as worn by an occupant.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system, as worn by an occupant while placed in a chair.

FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system, as worn by an occupant while being strapped to an adult.

FIG. 4B is a rear elevation view of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system, as worn by an adult.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the removable bib.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an occupant being placed into the bodysuit assembly and strapping system feet first.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are front elevation views used to illustrate the compactness of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as front or back should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 show two embodiments of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system, with said assembly and strapping system being indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 20. FIG. 1 shows a household or restaurant chair 10 which includes the usual seat portion 12, back rest portion 14 and supporting legs 16. This is a non-limiting example of uses for this same assembly and strapping system. The assembly and strapping system 20 can be used for all types of chairs, including but not limited to movie theater seats, airplane seats, armchairs, dentist's chairs and barber's chairs.

FIG. 1 further shows an occupant 18 which is safely and comfortably seated in the chair 10 while being restrainingly held by the bodysuit assembly and strapping system 20 of the present invention. As best seen in FIG. 1, the bodysuit assembly 22 includes a full torso covering means 24, formed of any suitable fabric or similar material, in the preferred form of a jumpsuit-like garment in which the occupant 18 is placed in feet first, as FIG. 6 illustrates, to easily slip the system over the occupant's body without having to pass over the occupant's head, thus avoiding the risk of getting anything into the occupant's eyes, nose, mouth or ears. The feet first embodiment of the assembly 20 also enables the jumpsuit-like garment to be rolled down, thereby preventing the soiling of any of the occupant's garments or the occupant itself. As best seen in FIG. 1, the bodysuit assembly 22 further includes a row of snaps or buttons 26, at the bottom of the bodysuit assembly 22, facilitating quick diaper changes and removal of the bodysuit assembly, as well as assurance of proper fit.

Although the example described above includes a jumpsuit, the bodysuit assembly 22 is not limited to jumpsuits, and may alternatively take the form of a harness system. The full torso covering means 24, unlike garments that end at the waist, ensures that the occupant will not flop over in the seated position, thus preventing both superficial and permanent injuries to the occupant's head, or other body parts should the chair 10 tip. In the preferred embodiment, the full torso covering means 24 has a smooth, uninterrupted front portion 28 and preferably has arm openings 30 and 32 on the opposite sides thereof and extends downwardly to cover the occupant's 18 torso and stops at the upper portion of the occupant's 18 thighs with leg openings 34 and 36 on opposite sides thereof as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the full torso covering means 24 has one layer of soft, sturdy, breathable material, preferably organic in nature, that prevents the assembly 22 from stretching out. Preferably, the material is lightweight and durable, and may be worn by the occupant 18 in hot weather, but can also be worn over several layers of clothing in cooler weather. The preferred material also enables the user to wash the said bodysuit assembly 22 multiple times, and also enables the user to fold the assembly and strapping system 20 multiple times upon itself, thereby making the assembly and strapping system 20 compact and easy to carry in a pouch 84 with a zipper 86 as best seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

In addition, as best seen in FIG. 1, the full torso covering means 24 further includes a detachable bib 38 which is preferably formed of a lightweight, durable water repellant material, or similar material, and cut or otherwise formed to run horizontally the length of the bodysuit assembly 22 and vertically to the midportion 50 of the bodysuit assembly 22.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the bib 38 further includes a Velcro strip 40 which is substantially the length of the bib 38 and is preferably placed on the smooth uninterrupted front portion 28 of the torso covering means 24 of the bodysuit assembly 22 (as seen in FIG. 1). As the Velcro strip 40 runs substantially the length of the bib 38, the occupant cannot detach the bib 38 from the torso covering means 24. The bib 38 preferably includes a scooped bottom or pocket 42 which enables for the collection of both liquids and solids the occupant 18 may spill and thereby shields the occupant 18 from being soiled.

As best seen in FIG. 3, preferably the assembly 20 further includes a safe, different color coded convenient strapping system, which is indicated in its entirety by the reference number 44, thereby making the assembly user friendly. The strapping system 44 comprises, as best seen in FIG. 2, a first inner shoulder strap 46 and a second inner shoulder strap 48 of one color, preferably made out of nylon or other suitable material, which are sewn or otherwise attached to the front of the torso covering means 24, extend out from the torso covering means 24 and snap on with snaps 56 to the back of the torso covering means 24, near the occupant's 18 arms 52 and 54, at different and opposed sides of the torso covering means 24. In alternative embodiments, the snaps 56 are replaced by buttons or hooks (not shown) or other fasteners. The first inner shoulder strap 46 preferably includes at least one sliding tightener or expansion joint 58 which enables the user to expand or contract the shoulder strap 46, allowing varying lengths to fit whatever size the occupant 18 is and thus ensuring the occupant 18 is secure within the assembly 20, and that the occupant's 18 upward and lateral movement is limited, decreasing the risk of fall and tippage. The second inner shoulder strap 48 preferably includes at least one sliding tightener or expansion joint 58 which enables the user to expand or contract the shoulder strap 48, allowing varying lengths and thus ensuring the occupant 18 is secure within the assembly 20. The first inner shoulder strap 46 and the second inner shoulder strap 48 are, as indicated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, for placement around the occupant's 18 shoulders after initial placement in the bodysuit assembly 22. The strapping system 44 further comprises an adjustable inner waistband 60 (as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3), preferably of another color, which includes two pieces of preferably reinforced and/or padded suitable fabric or similar material, which connect both outer portions of the bodysuit assembly 22 and join together mid torso behind the occupant. The inner waistband 60 connects to the waist of the bodysuit assembly 22 for placement around the occupant's 18 waist, and each piece of waistband attaches to the other with Velcro 62. The bands of the inner waistband 60 serve as additional back/torso support as well as more importantly guarantee a secure fit for the occupant 18 in the bodysuit assembly 22, regardless of the size of the occupant 18, as it eliminates any excess material.

As best seen in FIG. 3, one embodiment of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system is for restrainingly holding the occupant 18 to a chair 10. The strapping system 44 further includes a first outer shoulder strap 64 and a second outer shoulder strap 66, preferably of another color, and preferably made of nylon or other suitable material, for placement above the seat portion 12 of the chair 10. The first outer shoulder strap 64 and second outer shoulder strap 66 create a V-shape 68 along the back rest portion 14 of the chair 10 and connect at the center of the V-shape 68 with two elastic connectors 70 and at the bottom of the V-shape 68 along the back rest portion 14 of the chair 10 to fowl a single loop 72 along the outer waistband 74. Alternatively, shoulder straps 64 and 66 can be separate straps connected to one another. The first outer shoulder strap 64 preferably includes one sliding tightener or expansion joint 76 which enables the user to expand or contract the first outer shoulder strap 64, thus ensuring the occupant 18 is secure within the bodysuit assembly 22 and to the chair 10. The second outer shoulder strap 66 preferably includes one sliding tightener or expansion joint 76 which enables the user to expand or contract the second outer shoulder strap 66, thus ensuring the occupant 18 is secure within the bodysuit assembly 22 and to the chair 10.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the strapping system 44 further comprises an outer waistband 74, preferably of another color, which includes two pieces of preferably reinforced and/or padded suitable fabric or similar material, which connect to the bodysuit assembly 22 midtorso, for placement around the seat portion 12 of the chair 10, and each piece of waistband attaches to the other with a snap 78. In alternative embodiments, the snaps 78 are replaced by buttons or hooks (not shown) or other fasteners. The outer waistband 74 preferably includes at least one buckle or expansion joint 80 which enables the user to expand or contract the waistband, thus ensuring the occupant 18 is secure within the bodysuit assembly 22 and to the chair 10.

As best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, one embodiment of the bodysuit assembly and strapping system 20 is for restrainingly holding the occupant 18 to an adult 82. The strapping system 44 further includes a first outer shoulder strap 64 and a second outer shoulder strap 66, preferably of another color, and preferably made of nylon or other suitable material, for placement above the shoulders of the adult 82. The first outer shoulder strap 64 and second outer shoulder strap 66 create a V-shape 68 along the back of the adult 82 and connect at the center of the V-shape 68 with two elastic connectors 70 and at the bottom of the V-shape 68 along the back of the adult 82 to form preferably a single loop 72 along the outer waistband 74. The first outer shoulder strap 64 preferably includes at least one sliding tightener or expansion joint 76 which enables the user to expand or contract the first outer shoulder strap 64, thus ensuring the occupant 18 is secure within the bodysuit assembly 22 and to the adult 82. The second outer shoulder strap 66 preferably includes at least one sliding tightener or expansion joint 76 which enables the user to expand or contract the second outer shoulder strap 66, thus ensuring the occupant 18 is secure within the bodysuit assembly 22 and to the adult 82. The strapping system 44 further comprises an outer waistband 74, preferably of another color, which includes two pieces of preferably reinforced and/or padded suitable fabric or similar material, which connect to the bodysuit assembly 22 midtorso, for placement around the adult 82, and each piece of waistband attaches to the other with a snap 78. In alternative embodiments, the snaps 78 are replaced by buttons or hooks (not shown) or other fasteners. The outer waistband 74 preferably at least includes one buckle or expansion joint 80 which enables the user to expand or contract the waistband, thus ensuring the occupant 18 is secure within the bodysuit assembly 22 and to the adult 82.

From the above, it will be apparent that the bodysuit assembly and strapping system 20 are configured to be a simple and easy way to comfortably and positively restrain an occupant 18 against excessive movements both vertically and horizontally. Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

Claims

1. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system for restrainingly holding an occupant to an object, said assembly comprising:

a) a bodysuit extending from an upper portion of a torso of an occupant and ending past a lower portion of a torso of the occupant;

b) A first inner shoulder strap attached to a front portion of the bodysuit for placement around one of the occupant's shoulders and connection to the bodysuit;

c) A second inner shoulder strap attached to the front portion of the bodysuit for placement around the occupant's other shoulder and connection to the bodysuit;

d) An adjustable inner waistband attached to a waist portion of the bodysuit for placement around the occupant's waist;

e) A first outer shoulder strap, attached to the front portion of the bodysuit, for placement above the object;

f) A second outer shoulder strap, attached to the front portion of the bodysuit, for placement above the object; and

g) An outer waistband, wherein said waistband connects to the bodysuit midtorso, for placement around the object.

2. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system for restrainingly holding an occupant to an object, said assembly further including a bib attached to a front portion of the bodysuit.

3. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said bodysuit further includes an opening at the top of the bodysuit, where the occupant is placed in said opening feet first.

4. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said bodysuit further includes a snap opening at the bottom of the bodysuit.

5. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said bodysuit covers substantially all of the occupant's torso.

6. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bodysuit further includes an opening on the left side of the bodysuit for the occupant's left arm.

7. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bodysuit further includes an opening on the right side of the bodysuit for the occupant's right arm.

8. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bodysuit further includes an opening on the left side of the bodysuit for the occupant's left leg.

9. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bodysuit further includes an opening on the right side of the bodysuit for the occupant's right leg.

10. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first inner shoulder strap and second inner shoulder strap each further include a button snap that attaches to a back portion of the bodysuit near the occupant's arm.

11. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first inner shoulder strap and second inner shoulder strap each further include an expansion joint.

12. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first inner shoulder strap and second inner shoulder strap are color coded.

13. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner waist band further includes two pieces of material which connect and join together mid torso behind the occupant.

14. The inner waistband as claimed in claim 13, wherein said pieces of waistband are further attached to each other by Velcro.

15. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first outer shoulder strap and second outer shoulder strap are connected to each other by two elastic connectors.

16. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first outer shoulder strap and second outer shoulder strap create a V-shape along the back of the object and connect at a bottom section of the V-shape to form a single loop along the outer waistband.

17. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first outer shoulder strap and second outer shoulder strap each further include an expansion joint.

18. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer waistband further includes two pieces of material which connect and join together behind the object.

19. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer waistband further includes an expansion joint.

20. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bib is waterproof.

21. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bib has a scooped bottom.

22. A bodysuit assembly and strapping system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bib further has a Velcro strip substantially the length of the bib.