Child Safety Coat With Precompressed Fill

Abstract

An outer garment configured for a child safety car seat includes a front portion and a back portion. The front portion includes two front panels and two shoulder covers. The back portion is attached to the front panels and includes back shoulder portions. The back portion includes an insulation material that comprises paper interlining outer layers an inner layer comprising an organic-polyfiber material. A garment fastener releasably attaches the front panels. A pair of shoulder fasteners releasably attach the shoulder covers to the respective back shoulder portions. Wherein when the outer garment fastener is in the detached state and the shoulder fasteners are in a detached state, a child can be secured in a child safety car seat without obstruction by the front panels and the shoulder covers.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application relates generally to outwear garments for children.BACKGROUND

[0002] Child safety car seats include a 5-point harness to secure a child. In cold weather, children often wear warm jackets that are bulky with insulating materials. These materials are generally not compatible with child safety car seats due to their high compressibility, which makes them unsafe in crash tests and on the road.SUMMARY

[0003] Example embodiments described herein have innovative features, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. The following description and drawings set forth certain illustrative implementations of the disclosure in detail, which are indicative of several exemplary ways in which the various principles of the disclosure may be carried out. The illustrative examples, however, are not exhaustive of the many possible embodiments of the disclosure. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized. Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosure will be set forth in the following detailed description of the disclosure when considered in conjunction with the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, not limit, the invention.

[0004] An aspect of the invention is directed to an outer garment configured for a child safety car seat, comprising a front portion that covers a front of a child's torso, the front portion including first and second front panels, the first front panel including first and second shoulder covers configured to cover the child's shoulders; a back portion having a first side attached to a first side of the first front panel and a second side attached to a first side of the second front panel, and first and second back shoulder portions that are aligned with the child's shoulders, the back portion including an insulation material that comprises: first and second outer layers comprising a paper interlining; and an inner layer disposed between the first and second outer layers, the inner layer comprising an organic-polyfiber material; an outer garment fastener that releasably attaches a second side of the first front panel to a second side of the second front panel, the outer garment fastener having an attached state in which the second side of the first front panel it attached to the second side of the second front panel and a detached state in which the first front panel can swing away from the second front panel and / or the second front panel can swing away from the first front panel; a first shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the first shoulder cover and the first back shoulder portion; and a second shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the second shoulder cover and the second back shoulder portion, wherein when the outer garment fastener is in the detached state, the first shoulder fastener is in a detached state, and the second shoulder fastener is in a detached state, the child can be secured in a five-point harness of the child safety car seat without obstruction by the first and second front panels and the first and second shoulder covers.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the first and second outer layers consist of the paper interlining, and the inner layer consists of the organic-polyfiber material. In one or more embodiments, the organic-polyfiber comprises pulverized oyster shells and polyethylene terephthalate. In one or more embodiments, the insulation material includes stitching that at least partially compresses the insulation material. In one or more embodiments, the paper interlining in the first and second outer layers at least partially compresses the organic-polyfiber material in the inner layer.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the outer garment fastener comprises a zipper and the first and second shoulder fasteners comprise hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention is directed to an outer garment configured for a child safety car seat, comprising a front portion that covers a front of a child's torso, the front portion including first and second front panels, the first front panel including a first shoulder cover, the second front panel including a second shoulder cover, the first and second shoulder covers configured to cover the child's shoulders; a back portion having a first side attached to a first side of the first front panel and a second side attached to a first side of the second front panel, and first and second back shoulder portions that are aligned with the child's shoulders, the back portion including an insulation material that comprises: first and second outer layers comprising a paper interlining; and an inner layer disposed between the first and second outer layers, the inner layer comprising an organic-polyfiber material; an outer garment fastener that releasably attaches a second side of the first front panel to a second side of the second front panel, the outer garment fastener having an attached state in which the second side of the first front panel it attached to the second side of the second front panel and a detached state in which the first front panel can swing away from the second front panel and / or the second front panel can swing away from the first front panel; a first shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the first shoulder cover and the first back shoulder portion; and a second shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the second shoulder cover and the second back shoulder portion, wherein when the outer garment fastener is in the detached state, the first shoulder fastener is in a detached state, and the second shoulder fastener is in a detached state, the child can be secured in a five-point harness of the child safety car seat without obstruction by the first and second front panels and the first and second shoulder covers.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the first and second outer layers consist of the paper interlining, and the inner layer consists of the organic-polyfiber material. In one or more embodiments, the organic-polyfiber comprises pulverized oyster shells and polyethylene terephthalate. In one or more embodiments, the insulation material includes stitching that at least partially compresses the insulation material. In one or more embodiments, the paper interlining in the first and second outer layers at least partially compresses the organic-polyfiber material in the inner layer.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the outer garment fastener comprises a zipper and the first and second shoulder fasteners comprise hook-and-loop fasteners. In one or more embodiments, the zipper is aligned with a center of the front portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the concepts disclosed herein, reference is made to the detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of a child safety coat according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of the child safety coat in which the first and second front panels are in a detached state and the first front panel is in an opened state.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the back portion of the child safety coat.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a front view of an example section of the insulation material illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the child safety coat illustrated in FIG. 1 in which the first and second shoulder fasteners in an attached state.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the child safety coat illustrated in FIG. 1 in which the first and second shoulder fasteners in the and in a detached state.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a front view of a child safety coat according to another embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a front view of the child safety coat illustrated in FIG. 7 in which the first and second front panels are in a detached state and the first and second front panels are in an opened state.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] A child safety coat includes a front portion, a back portion, and sleeves. The front portion includes left and right front panels that are releasably attached with a garment fastener such as a zipper. The front portion also includes left and right shoulder covers that are configured to cover a child's shoulders. The back portion includes left and right shoulder portions that are configured to be releasably attached, via respective left and right shoulder attachments, to the left and right shoulder covers.

[0020] When the garment fastener and the left and right shoulder attachments are in detached states, the left and right front panels and the left and right shoulder covers can be moved out of the way so that a child wearing the child safety coat can be safely secured with a harness (e.g., a 5-point harness) in a child safety car seat. The child wearing the child safety coat can be secured without the harness straps passing over the left and right front panels and the left and right shoulder covers, which include bulky and highly compressible insulating materials.

[0021] The back portion includes an insulation material that includes an inner layer and first and second outer layers. The inner layer 420 includes an organic-polyfiber material that can include pulverized oyster shells and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The first and second outer layers include a paper interlining. The insulation material can be stitched, such as in a pattern, to at least partially compress the organic-polyfiber, allowing the child to be secured with the harness straps at the same settings as they are when the child is not wearing the child safety coat.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a front view of a child safety coat 10 according to an embodiment. The child safety coat 10 has a front portion 100, a back portion 200, and sleeves 301, 302.

[0023] The front portion 100 includes a first front panel 101 and a second front panel 102 that are physically separate and releasably attachable to each other. The first and second front panels 101, 102 are shown in a closed and attached state. A garment fastener 120 is disposed on the first and second front panels 101, 102 to releasably attach the first and second front panels 101, 102. Examples of the garment fastener 120 means include a zipper, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), buttons, snaps, magnetic fasteners, and / or other garment fastener means.

[0024] The first and second front panels 101, 102 include first and second shoulder covers 111, 112, respectively, that are configured to cover a child's shoulders when the child wears the coat. The first and second shoulder covers 111, 112 are releasably attached to respective back shoulder portions 211, 212 (FIG. 2) on the back portion 200. A neck opening 130 is defined between the first and second shoulder covers 111, 112.

[0025] The first panel 101 is wider than the second panel 102, as measured with respect to an axis 140 that extends between the sleeves 301, 302. In other embodiments, the second panel 102 is wider than the first panel 101. In other embodiments, the first and second panels 101, 102 have the same or about the same width in which case the garment fastener 120 can be located along (or approximately along) the center of the front portion 100.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a front view of the child safety coat 10 in which the first and second front panels 101, 102 are in a detached state and the first front panel 101 is in an opened state.

[0027] A first side 151 of the first front panel 101 and a first side 161 of the second front panel 102 are attached to the back portion 200. A first garment fastener portion 121 is disposed on a second side 152 of the first front panel 101. A second garment fastener portion 122 is disposed on a second side 162 of the second front panel 102. The first and second garment fastener portions 121, 122 form the garment fastener 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment fastener 120 comprises a zipper and the first and second garment fastener portions 121, 122 include first and second sides (e.g., teeth and tape) of the zipper.

[0028] A first front shoulder fastener portion 131 on the first shoulder cover 111 is configured to releasably engage a first back shoulder fastener portion 231 on the first back shoulder portion 211. A second front shoulder fastener portion 132 on the second shoulder cover 112 is configured to releasably engage a second back shoulder fastener portion 232 on the second back shoulder portion 212. The first front shoulder fastener portion 131 and the first back shoulder fastener portion 231 form a first shoulder fastener 221. The second front shoulder fastener portion 132 and the second back shoulder fastener portion 232 form a second shoulder fastener 222. The first and second shoulder fasteners 221, 222 can comprise hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), buttons, snaps, magnetic fasteners, and / or other shoulder fastener means. The first and second back shoulder fastener portions 231, 232 can be aligned with the top and / or the back of the child's shoulders.

[0029] When the garment fastener 120, the first shoulder fastener 221, and the second shoulder fastener 222 are detached, the first front panel 101 can pivot and / or swing away from the second front panel 102. The second front panel 102 can also pivot and / or swing away from the first front panel 101 when the garment fastener 120 is detached. When the first and / or second front panels 101, 102 pivot and / or swing away from each other, the child's torso and shoulders are exposed, allowing the child to be secured to a 5-point harness 250 or another harness in a child safety car seat without obstruction from the first and second front panels 101, 102 and the first and second shoulder covers 111, 112. The first and second front panel 101, 102 and the first and second shoulder covers 111, 112 can include bulky and / or highly compressible insulation materials such as cotton, polyester, polyfill, down, wool, and / or fleece.

[0030] As such, the 5-point harness 250 (or other harness) can be placed directly against (e.g., in direct physical contact with) the child and / or the child's clothing while the child wear's the child safety coat 10. The first and second back shoulder portions 211, 212 can be between the harness 250 and the child and / or the child's clothing while the child wear's the child safety coat 10. After the child is secured in the 5-point harness 250 (or other harness), the garment fastener 120, the first shoulder fastener 221, and / or the second shoulder fastener 222 can be attached (e.g., such that the child safety coat 10 is in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 and the 5-point harness 250 is between the child and the child safety coat 10) to keep the child warm.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the back portion 200 through plane 30 in FIG. 2. The back portion 200 includes an insulation material 410 disposed between an inner liner 401 and an outer liner 402. The insulation material 410 includes an inner layer 420 and first and second outer layers 431, 432.

[0032] The inner layer 420 consists of or comprises an organic-polyfiber material that consists of or comprises fibers formed from an organic material and a polymer material. The organic material can comprise or consist of pulverized oyster shells and the polymer can comprise or consist of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). An example of the organic-polyfiber material is SMAWARM®, available from Creative Tech Textile Co., LTD. (Taiwan). The first and second outer layers 431, 432 comprise or consist of a paper interlining.

[0033] The inner layer 420 can comprise a range of about 60 grams per square meter (GSM) to about 100 GSM of the organic-polyfiber material, including about 70 GSM, 80 GSM, 90 GSM, and any value or range between any two of the foregoing values. The first and second outer layers 431, 432 can comprise or consist of a range of about 15 GSM to about 25 GSM of the paper interlining, including about 20 GSM and any value or range between any two of the foregoing values. As used herein, “about” means plus or minus 10% of the relevant value.

[0034] The organic-polymer material has a low compressibility, allowing it to be used safely in a child safety car seat. The organic-polymer material also has high thermal insulation properties to provide warmth without sacrificing safety. When used together, a child can wear a winter coat that is warmer than a traditional packable coat that has less fill to keep it compressible but still remain compressible enough to be used safely in car seats.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a front view of an example section of the insulation material 410 with the inner liner 401 removed. The insulation material 410 can be quilted into a pattern 500. The pattern 500 can comprise rectangles, square, circles, ovals, triangles, and / or other shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the pattern 500 comprises or consists of squares 510. Each square 510 has a border defined by stitching 520. Each square 510 has a pocket 530 in the region between the stitching 520. The pockets 530 create space for warmth while the stitching 520 flattens and / or partially or fully compresses the insulation material 410 before the child safety coat 10 is used in a child safety car seat to reduce the compressibility of the insulation material 410. Each side of a square 510 can in a range of about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches including about 1 inch and any value or range between any two of the foregoing values. In other embodiments, the stitching 520 does not form a pattern.

[0036] For example, the stitching 520 causes the paper interlining in the first and second outer layers 431, 432 to at least partially compress the organic-polyfiber material in the inner layer 420 to allow the child safety coat 10 to be worn safely by a child in a child safety car seat (e.g., as determined through crash testing). The at least partial compression of the organic-polyfiber material allows a child to be secured in a 5-point harness 250 for a child safety car seat with the same settings (e.g., strap tension) that the child would be secured with without wearing the child safety coat 10 (or any other coat).

[0037] FIGS. 5 and 6 are rear views of the child safety coat 10 to further illustrate the first and second shoulder fasteners 221, 222 in the attached state (FIG. 5) and in the detached state (FIG. 6).

[0038] FIG. 7 is a front view of a child safety coat 70 according to another embodiment. The child safety coat 70 is the same as the child safety coat 10 except that in the child safety coat 70 the width of the first and second front panels 101, 102 is the same or approximately the same such that the garment fastener 120 is in the center of the front portion 100. The first and second front panels 101, 102 in FIG. 7 are shown in a closed and attached state.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a front view of the child safety coat 70 in which the first and second front panels 101, 102 are in a detached state and the first and second front panels 101, 102. are in an opened state.

[0040] A cross section of the back portion 200 through plane 80 in FIG. 8 is the same as the cross section of the back portion 200 through plane 30 in FIG. 2, which is shown in FIG. 3.

[0041] The invention should not be considered limited to the particular embodiments described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the invention may be applicable, will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention is directed upon review of this disclosure. The claims are intended to cover such modifications and equivalents.

[0042] Also, as described, some aspects may be embodied as one or more methods. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019]A child safety coat includes a front portion, a back portion, and sleeves. The front portion includes left and right front panels that are releasably attached with a garment fastener such as a zipper. The front portion also includes left and right shoulder covers that are configured to cover a child's shoulders. The back portion includes left and right shoulder portions that are configured to be releasably attached, via respective left and right shoulder attachments, to the left and right shoulder covers.

[0020]When the garment fastener and the left and right shoulder attachments are in detached states, the left and right front panels and the left and right shoulder covers can be moved out of the way so that a child wearing the child safety coat can be safely secured with a harness (e.g., a 5-point harness) in a child safety car seat. The child wearing the child safety coat can be secured without the harness straps passing over the left and right front panels and the left and r...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application relates generally to outwear garments for children.BACKGROUND

[0002] Child safety car seats include a 5-point harness to secure a child. In cold weather, children often wear warm jackets that are bulky with insulating materials. These materials are generally not compatible with child safety car seats due to their high compressibility, which makes them unsafe in crash tests and on the road.SUMMARY

[0003] Example embodiments described herein have innovative features, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. The following description and drawings set forth certain illustrative implementations of the disclosure in detail, which are indicative of several exemplary ways in which the various principles of the disclosure may be carried out. The illustrative examples, however, are not exhaustive of the many possible embodiments of the disclosure. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized. Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosure will be set forth in the following detailed description of the disclosure when considered in conjunction with the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, not limit, the invention.

[0004] An aspect of the invention is directed to an outer garment configured for a child safety car seat, comprising a front portion that covers a front of a child's torso, the front portion including first and second front panels, the first front panel including first and second shoulder covers configured to cover the child's shoulders; a back portion having a first side attached to a first side of the first front panel and a second side attached to a first side of the second front panel, and first and second back shoulder portions that are aligned with the child's shoulders, the back portion including an insulation material that comprises: first and second outer layers comprising a paper interlining; and an inner layer disposed between the first and second outer layers, the inner layer comprising an organic-polyfiber material; an outer garment fastener that releasably attaches a second side of the first front panel to a second side of the second front panel, the outer garment fastener having an attached state in which the second side of the first front panel it attached to the second side of the second front panel and a detached state in which the first front panel can swing away from the second front panel and / or the second front panel can swing away from the first front panel; a first shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the first shoulder cover and the first back shoulder portion; and a second shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the second shoulder cover and the second back shoulder portion, wherein when the outer garment fastener is in the detached state, the first shoulder fastener is in a detached state, and the second shoulder fastener is in a detached state, the child can be secured in a five-point harness of the child safety car seat without obstruction by the first and second front panels and the first and second shoulder covers.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the first and second outer layers consist of the paper interlining, and the inner layer consists of the organic-polyfiber material. In one or more embodiments, the organic-polyfiber comprises pulverized oyster shells and polyethylene terephthalate. In one or more embodiments, the insulation material includes stitching that at least partially compresses the insulation material. In one or more embodiments, the paper interlining in the first and second outer layers at least partially compresses the organic-polyfiber material in the inner layer.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the outer garment fastener comprises a zipper and the first and second shoulder fasteners comprise hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention is directed to an outer garment configured for a child safety car seat, comprising a front portion that covers a front of a child's torso, the front portion including first and second front panels, the first front panel including a first shoulder cover, the second front panel including a second shoulder cover, the first and second shoulder covers configured to cover the child's shoulders; a back portion having a first side attached to a first side of the first front panel and a second side attached to a first side of the second front panel, and first and second back shoulder portions that are aligned with the child's shoulders, the back portion including an insulation material that comprises: first and second outer layers comprising a paper interlining; and an inner layer disposed between the first and second outer layers, the inner layer comprising an organic-polyfiber material; an outer garment fastener that releasably attaches a second side of the first front panel to a second side of the second front panel, the outer garment fastener having an attached state in which the second side of the first front panel it attached to the second side of the second front panel and a detached state in which the first front panel can swing away from the second front panel and / or the second front panel can swing away from the first front panel; a first shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the first shoulder cover and the first back shoulder portion; and a second shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the second shoulder cover and the second back shoulder portion, wherein when the outer garment fastener is in the detached state, the first shoulder fastener is in a detached state, and the second shoulder fastener is in a detached state, the child can be secured in a five-point harness of the child safety car seat without obstruction by the first and second front panels and the first and second shoulder covers.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the first and second outer layers consist of the paper interlining, and the inner layer consists of the organic-polyfiber material. In one or more embodiments, the organic-polyfiber comprises pulverized oyster shells and polyethylene terephthalate. In one or more embodiments, the insulation material includes stitching that at least partially compresses the insulation material. In one or more embodiments, the paper interlining in the first and second outer layers at least partially compresses the organic-polyfiber material in the inner layer.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the outer garment fastener comprises a zipper and the first and second shoulder fasteners comprise hook-and-loop fasteners. In one or more embodiments, the zipper is aligned with a center of the front portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the concepts disclosed herein, reference is made to the detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of a child safety coat according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of the child safety coat in which the first and second front panels are in a detached state and the first front panel is in an opened state.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the back portion of the child safety coat.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a front view of an example section of the insulation material illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the child safety coat illustrated in FIG. 1 in which the first and second shoulder fasteners in an attached state.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the child safety coat illustrated in FIG. 1 in which the first and second shoulder fasteners in the and in a detached state.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a front view of a child safety coat according to another embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a front view of the child safety coat illustrated in FIG. 7 in which the first and second front panels are in a detached state and the first and second front panels are in an opened state.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] A child safety coat includes a front portion, a back portion, and sleeves. The front portion includes left and right front panels that are releasably attached with a garment fastener such as a zipper. The front portion also includes left and right shoulder covers that are configured to cover a child's shoulders. The back portion includes left and right shoulder portions that are configured to be releasably attached, via respective left and right shoulder attachments, to the left and right shoulder covers.

[0020] When the garment fastener and the left and right shoulder attachments are in detached states, the left and right front panels and the left and right shoulder covers can be moved out of the way so that a child wearing the child safety coat can be safely secured with a harness (e.g., a 5-point harness) in a child safety car seat. The child wearing the child safety coat can be secured without the harness straps passing over the left and right front panels and the left and right shoulder covers, which include bulky and highly compressible insulating materials.

[0021] The back portion includes an insulation material that includes an inner layer and first and second outer layers. The inner layer 420 includes an organic-polyfiber material that can include pulverized oyster shells and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The first and second outer layers include a paper interlining. The insulation material can be stitched, such as in a pattern, to at least partially compress the organic-polyfiber, allowing the child to be secured with the harness straps at the same settings as they are when the child is not wearing the child safety coat.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a front view of a child safety coat 10 according to an embodiment. The child safety coat 10 has a front portion 100, a back portion 200, and sleeves 301, 302.

[0023] The front portion 100 includes a first front panel 101 and a second front panel 102 that are physically separate and releasably attachable to each other. The first and second front panels 101, 102 are shown in a closed and attached state. A garment fastener 120 is disposed on the first and second front panels 101, 102 to releasably attach the first and second front panels 101, 102. Examples of the garment fastener 120 means include a zipper, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), buttons, snaps, magnetic fasteners, and / or other garment fastener means.

[0024] The first and second front panels 101, 102 include first and second shoulder covers 111, 112, respectively, that are configured to cover a child's shoulders when the child wears the coat. The first and second shoulder covers 111, 112 are releasably attached to respective back shoulder portions 211, 212 (FIG. 2) on the back portion 200. A neck opening 130 is defined between the first and second shoulder covers 111, 112.

[0025] The first panel 101 is wider than the second panel 102, as measured with respect to an axis 140 that extends between the sleeves 301, 302. In other embodiments, the second panel 102 is wider than the first panel 101. In other embodiments, the first and second panels 101, 102 have the same or about the same width in which case the garment fastener 120 can be located along (or approximately along) the center of the front portion 100.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a front view of the child safety coat 10 in which the first and second front panels 101, 102 are in a detached state and the first front panel 101 is in an opened state.

[0027] A first side 151 of the first front panel 101 and a first side 161 of the second front panel 102 are attached to the back portion 200. A first garment fastener portion 121 is disposed on a second side 152 of the first front panel 101. A second garment fastener portion 122 is disposed on a second side 162 of the second front panel 102. The first and second garment fastener portions 121, 122 form the garment fastener 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment fastener 120 comprises a zipper and the first and second garment fastener portions 121, 122 include first and second sides (e.g., teeth and tape) of the zipper.

[0028] A first front shoulder fastener portion 131 on the first shoulder cover 111 is configured to releasably engage a first back shoulder fastener portion 231 on the first back shoulder portion 211. A second front shoulder fastener portion 132 on the second shoulder cover 112 is configured to releasably engage a second back shoulder fastener portion 232 on the second back shoulder portion 212. The first front shoulder fastener portion 131 and the first back shoulder fastener portion 231 form a first shoulder fastener 221. The second front shoulder fastener portion 132 and the second back shoulder fastener portion 232 form a second shoulder fastener 222. The first and second shoulder fasteners 221, 222 can comprise hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), buttons, snaps, magnetic fasteners, and / or other shoulder fastener means. The first and second back shoulder fastener portions 231, 232 can be aligned with the top and / or the back of the child's shoulders.

[0029] When the garment fastener 120, the first shoulder fastener 221, and the second shoulder fastener 222 are detached, the first front panel 101 can pivot and / or swing away from the second front panel 102. The second front panel 102 can also pivot and / or swing away from the first front panel 101 when the garment fastener 120 is detached. When the first and / or second front panels 101, 102 pivot and / or swing away from each other, the child's torso and shoulders are exposed, allowing the child to be secured to a 5-point harness 250 or another harness in a child safety car seat without obstruction from the first and second front panels 101, 102 and the first and second shoulder covers 111, 112. The first and second front panel 101, 102 and the first and second shoulder covers 111, 112 can include bulky and / or highly compressible insulation materials such as cotton, polyester, polyfill, down, wool, and / or fleece.

[0030] As such, the 5-point harness 250 (or other harness) can be placed directly against (e.g., in direct physical contact with) the child and / or the child's clothing while the child wear's the child safety coat 10. The first and second back shoulder portions 211, 212 can be between the harness 250 and the child and / or the child's clothing while the child wear's the child safety coat 10. After the child is secured in the 5-point harness 250 (or other harness), the garment fastener 120, the first shoulder fastener 221, and / or the second shoulder fastener 222 can be attached (e.g., such that the child safety coat 10 is in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 and the 5-point harness 250 is between the child and the child safety coat 10) to keep the child warm.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the back portion 200 through plane 30 in FIG. 2. The back portion 200 includes an insulation material 410 disposed between an inner liner 401 and an outer liner 402. The insulation material 410 includes an inner layer 420 and first and second outer layers 431, 432.

[0032] The inner layer 420 consists of or comprises an organic-polyfiber material that consists of or comprises fibers formed from an organic material and a polymer material. The organic material can comprise or consist of pulverized oyster shells and the polymer can comprise or consist of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). An example of the organic-polyfiber material is SMAWARM®, available from Creative Tech Textile Co., LTD. (Taiwan). The first and second outer layers 431, 432 comprise or consist of a paper interlining.

[0033] The inner layer 420 can comprise a range of about 60 grams per square meter (GSM) to about 100 GSM of the organic-polyfiber material, including about 70 GSM, 80 GSM, 90 GSM, and any value or range between any two of the foregoing values. The first and second outer layers 431, 432 can comprise or consist of a range of about 15 GSM to about 25 GSM of the paper interlining, including about 20 GSM and any value or range between any two of the foregoing values. As used herein, “about” means plus or minus 10% of the relevant value.

[0034] The organic-polymer material has a low compressibility, allowing it to be used safely in a child safety car seat. The organic-polymer material also has high thermal insulation properties to provide warmth without sacrificing safety. When used together, a child can wear a winter coat that is warmer than a traditional packable coat that has less fill to keep it compressible but still remain compressible enough to be used safely in car seats.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a front view of an example section of the insulation material 410 with the inner liner 401 removed. The insulation material 410 can be quilted into a pattern 500. The pattern 500 can comprise rectangles, square, circles, ovals, triangles, and / or other shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the pattern 500 comprises or consists of squares 510. Each square 510 has a border defined by stitching 520. Each square 510 has a pocket 530 in the region between the stitching 520. The pockets 530 create space for warmth while the stitching 520 flattens and / or partially or fully compresses the insulation material 410 before the child safety coat 10 is used in a child safety car seat to reduce the compressibility of the insulation material 410. Each side of a square 510 can in a range of about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches including about 1 inch and any value or range between any two of the foregoing values. In other embodiments, the stitching 520 does not form a pattern.

[0036] For example, the stitching 520 causes the paper interlining in the first and second outer layers 431, 432 to at least partially compress the organic-polyfiber material in the inner layer 420 to allow the child safety coat 10 to be worn safely by a child in a child safety car seat (e.g., as determined through crash testing). The at least partial compression of the organic-polyfiber material allows a child to be secured in a 5-point harness 250 for a child safety car seat with the same settings (e.g., strap tension) that the child would be secured with without wearing the child safety coat 10 (or any other coat).

[0037] FIGS. 5 and 6 are rear views of the child safety coat 10 to further illustrate the first and second shoulder fasteners 221, 222 in the attached state (FIG. 5) and in the detached state (FIG. 6).

[0038] FIG. 7 is a front view of a child safety coat 70 according to another embodiment. The child safety coat 70 is the same as the child safety coat 10 except that in the child safety coat 70 the width of the first and second front panels 101, 102 is the same or approximately the same such that the garment fastener 120 is in the center of the front portion 100. The first and second front panels 101, 102 in FIG. 7 are shown in a closed and attached state.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a front view of the child safety coat 70 in which the first and second front panels 101, 102 are in a detached state and the first and second front panels 101, 102. are in an opened state.

[0040] A cross section of the back portion 200 through plane 80 in FIG. 8 is the same as the cross section of the back portion 200 through plane 30 in FIG. 2, which is shown in FIG. 3.

[0041] The invention should not be considered limited to the particular embodiments described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the invention may be applicable, will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention is directed upon review of this disclosure. The claims are intended to cover such modifications and equivalents.

[0042] Also, as described, some aspects may be embodied as one or more methods. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0019]A child safety coat includes a front portion, a back portion, and sleeves. The front portion includes left and right front panels that are releasably attached with a garment fastener such as a zipper. The front portion also includes left and right shoulder covers that are configured to cover a child's shoulders. The back portion includes left and right shoulder portions that are configured to be releasably attached, via respective left and right shoulder attachments, to the left and right shoulder covers.

[0020]When the garment fastener and the left and right shoulder attachments are in detached states, the left and right front panels and the left and right shoulder covers can be moved out of the way so that a child wearing the child safety coat can be safely secured with a harness (e.g., a 5-point harness) in a child safety car seat. The child wearing the child safety coat can be secured without the harness straps passing over the left and right front panels and the left and r...

Claims

1. An outer garment configured for a child safety car seat, comprising:a front portion that covers a front of a child's torso, the front portion including first and second front panels, the first front panel including first and second shoulder covers configured to cover the child's shoulders;a back portion having a first side attached to a first side of the first front panel and a second side attached to a first side of the second front panel, and first and second back shoulder portions that are aligned with the child's shoulders, the back portion including an insulation material that comprises:first and second outer layers comprising a paper interlining; andan inner layer disposed between the first and second outer layers, the inner layer comprising an organic-polyfiber material;an outer garment fastener that releasably attaches a second side of the first front panel to a second side of the second front panel, the outer garment fastener having an attached state in which the second side of the first front panel it attached to the second side of the second front panel and a detached state in which the first front panel can swing away from the second front panel and / or the second front panel can swing away from the first front panel;a first shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the first shoulder cover and the first back shoulder portion; anda second shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the second shoulder cover and the second back shoulder portion,wherein when the outer garment fastener is in the detached state, the first shoulder fastener is in a detached state, and the second shoulder fastener is in a detached state, the child can be secured in a five-point harness of the child safety car seat without obstruction by the first and second front panels and the first and second shoulder covers.

2. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein:the first and second outer layers consist of the paper interlining, andthe inner layer consists of the organic-polyfiber material.

3. The outer garment of claim 2, wherein the organic-polyfiber comprises pulverized oyster shells and polyethylene terephthalate.

4. The outer garment of claim 3, wherein the insulation material includes stitching that at least partially compresses the insulation material.

5. The outer garment of claim 4, wherein the paper interlining in the first and second outer layers at least partially compresses the organic-polyfiber material in the inner layer.

6. The outer garment of claim 1, wherein the outer garment fastener comprises a zipper and the first and second shoulder fasteners comprise hook-and-loop fasteners.

7. An outer garment configured for a child safety car seat, comprising:a front portion that covers a front of a child's torso, the front portion including first and second front panels, the first front panel including a first shoulder cover, the second front panel including a second shoulder cover, the first and second shoulder covers configured to cover the child's shoulders;a back portion having a first side attached to a first side of the first front panel and a second side attached to a first side of the second front panel, and first and second back shoulder portions that are aligned with the child's shoulders, the back portion including an insulation material that comprises:first and second outer layers comprising a paper interlining; andan inner layer disposed between the first and second outer layers, the inner layer comprising an organic-polyfiber material;an outer garment fastener that releasably attaches a second side of the first front panel to a second side of the second front panel, the outer garment fastener having an attached state in which the second side of the first front panel it attached to the second side of the second front panel and a detached state in which the first front panel can swing away from the second front panel and / or the second front panel can swing away from the first front panel;a first shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the first shoulder cover and the first back shoulder portion; anda second shoulder fastener that releasably attaches the second shoulder cover and the second back shoulder portion,wherein when the outer garment fastener is in the detached state, the first shoulder fastener is in a detached state, and the second shoulder fastener is in a detached state, the child can be secured in a five-point harness of the child safety car seat without obstruction by the first and second front panels and the first and second shoulder covers.

8. The outer garment of claim 7, wherein:the first and second outer layers consist of the paper interlining, andthe inner layer consists of the organic-polyfiber material.

9. The outer garment of claim 8, wherein the organic-polyfiber comprises pulverized oyster shells and polyethylene terephthalate.

10. The outer garment of claim 9, wherein the insulation material includes stitching that at least partially compresses the insulation material.

11. The outer garment of claim 10, wherein the paper interlining in the first and second outer layers at least partially compresses the organic-polyfiber material in the inner layer.

12. The outer garment of claim 7, wherein the outer garment fastener comprises a zipper and the first and second shoulder fasteners comprise hook-and-loop fasteners.

13. The outer garment of claim 7, wherein the zipper is aligned with a center of the front portion.

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