Baby poncho

Abstract

A versatile poncho preferably for a child is provided. By its unique configuration, the poncho of the present invention allows for convenient and safe use for a child while fastened in a car safety seat. The preferred embodiment of the poncho includes an opening on a moveable panel and includes, under the opening, a flap, such that the moveable panel can be moved over the child's head so that the child may be strapped into a car safety seat more safely and comfortably because the child may be placed directly against the seat and the straps may be placed directly against the child without a bulky winter garment between the seat and the child, and the flap covers a portion of the child to provide thermal protection while being strapped in. A method of using the poncho and of fabricating and assembling the poncho is also disclosed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 192,387, filed Sep. 18, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002][Not Applicable]MICROFICHE / COPYRIGHT REFERENCE[0003][Not Applicable]BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Thick winter coats or snowsuits can compromise a child's car seat or booster seat safety because the straps of the car seat or booster seat must be tightened against the child's chest in order for the safety device to function properly. Because of their bulk, winter coats and snowsuits decrease car seat safety because the child does not fit properly into the car seat. Additionally, if the car seat straps do not fit the child properly, there is a chance the child could be ejected from the car seat. All coats and clothing will compress in a crash, but thicker winter coats and snowsuits could compress enough to make the straps too loose al...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a poncho for keeping a child or an infant warm in cooler weather. The preferred embodiment of the device of the invention includes a fixed front panel, a rear flap, and a movable panel. The movable panel contains an opening near the top allowing the panel to be flipped over the child's head, such that it can be arranged behind the child or in front of the child. When the movable panel is flipped behind the child, the poncho resembles a standard poncho. The movable panel may also be flipped in front of the child, so that the movable panel rests on top of the front panel. When the movable panel is flipped forward, the child may be placed in a car seat or stroller without having the bulk of the poncho between the child and the car seat. This allows the child to be buckled underneath the poncho with the car seat straps snug against the child's body.

[0008]Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for placing a child safely into a car seat while the child is wearing a poncho. The preferred such method includes placing the child into the poncho, flipping the moveable panel in front of the child, placing the child into the car seat, and buckling the child into the car seat underneath the poncho. Once the child is buckled safely into the car seat, the poncho can be tucked around the child to keep the child warm.

Problems solved by technology

Thick winter coats or snowsuits can compromise a child's car seat or booster seat safety because the straps of the car seat or booster seat must be tightened against the child's chest in order for the safety device to function properly.

Because of their bulk, winter coats and snowsuits decrease car seat safety because the child does not fit properly into the car seat.

Additionally, if the car seat straps do not fit the child properly, there is a chance the child could be ejected from the car seat.

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