US20100072793A1

US20100072793A1 - Baby Seat With Detachable Cover

Info

Publication number: US20100072793A1
Application number: US12/571,245
Authority: US
Inventors: Alisa K. Kress
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-11
Filing date: 2009-09-30
Publication date: 2010-03-25

Abstract

An infant carrier seat with removable cover to provide an adjustable protection to infants from physical surrounding such as sunlight, wind and insects, the carrier seat having a base portion, a sun shade and a handle portion, the removable cover for infant carriers consists essentially of a bunting portion having a top end, a bottom end and a flat face portion formed integrally with a skirt portion, the flat face portion having an opening for providing access to an infant's head portion, the skirt portion having a lower edge, the lower edge of the skirt portion further comprising an elastic tape or band and an elongated overlay having a proximal end mechanically secured at the top end of the bunting portion, the overlay further having a distal end, the overlay further having retaining means located adjacent the proximal end of the overlay, whereby when deployed the overlay can be unrolled to cover an infant in a seat and when not in use the overlay can be rolled up from the distal end and retained together by the retaining means in a roll when not in use.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation-in-part of related pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/137,474 filed Jun. 11, 2008 entitled BABY SEAT COVER, Attorney Docket No. AKK-101, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a removable protective cover for baby car seats, strollers and carriers, and more particularly to a baby seat with a detachable cover which further has a retractable overlay that covers the baby seat and baby partially or entirely.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some of the main reasons to cover an infant in a carrier or portable bed is for sunlight, wind and cold protection. Unlike adults and children, infants often cannot/or have difficulties turning their head away from direct sunlight or other adverse weather condition exposure when they are in carriers such as strollers and car seats. Moreover, they cannot easily alert their caretakers even when they are suffering from cold, heat, etc. Moreover, prolonged direct exposure to sunlight can be very harmful to infants' skin and eyes.
While many infant carriers provide a sun visor which can be pulled to partially cover the infants face, the repeated changes of direction of an automobile will often prevent the visor from being effective for this purpose. Thus, there is a need for a cover which will shield an infant from the glare of the sun while traveling in a stroller, car or other such vehicle. Additionally, such a visor should be able to be used with the carrier or a portable bed when the carrier is removed from the stroller, automobile seat, or other.
Another need exists to cover infants with breathable materials, such as over a sun viser canopy, to protect them from insects. Flies, mosquitoes or other insects can often carry diseases and/or bite or sting which can harm infants.
Still another concern with infant carriers without cover is that infants are not protected from wind or precipitation. Infants are subject to cold weather, rain, snow, etc. when they are outdoor. Thus, it is desirable to have a cover for an infant carrier which will protect the child from the elements without the need for dressing and undressing the child with bulky blankets, jackets or sweaters every time the child is moved into and out of a vehicle or elsewhere outdoors.
There are many other advantages of covering an infant with lightweight, breathable materials when they are inside carriers such as car seats, stroller, etc. Thus, some infant carriers are equipped with a cover. Additionally, caretakers sometimes use a blanket to drape over the handle portion and/or sun visor canopy of infant carriers in front of the infant's face to keep sun out of the infants's eyes. However, caretakers must keep an eye on the blanket to make sure it does not slide down on to the infant's face and interfere with his breathing, etc.
Prior art teaches a cover for infant carriers such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,153 patented Feb. 11, 2003 to Brewer. Others add a canopy to the infant carriers such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,224073 patented May 1, 2001 to Au, U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,279 patented Mar. 11, 1997 to O'Shea, U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,261 patented May 1, 1990 to Sandler, Jr. et al. and commercially available devices such as Nuzzler® cover convertible car seats. However, those infant carriers with covers or canopies either do not cover infants snugly or those covers/canopies cannot be retracted.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,325, issued Apr. 15, 2003 to Drost et al., teaches a child protecting outer cover for an infant car seat. However, the overlay only covers the face hole of the embodiment and not the bunting portion. Moreover, the overlay does not roll up and is not organized and tied up by a securing means such as a loop. U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,184, issued Jan. 11, 2000 to Childers, also discloses a warming cover to cover animate objects. It however does not disclose a car seat portion which further consisting a handle and a sun shade portion. Other patents or publications, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,032, issued Aug. 2, 1988 to Sanchez et al., disclose seat cover for infants, they however do not possess all features including removable seat cover further consisting an overlay which can be rolled up and organized, securing means to tie up rolled up overlay and a car seat portion.

ADVANTAGES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a removable protective cover for baby car seats, strollers and carriers with a retractable overlaying canopy.
An objective and advantage of the present invention is provide easy adaptability to infant carriers of any regular size and reasonable shape.
Another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide optional coverage for infants.
Another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a temporary additional feature to any infant carrier and is washable.
Yet another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a system to organize the canopy overlay when it is not in use.
Further details, objects and advantages of the present invention will be come apparent through the following descriptions, and will be included and incorporated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a representative side view of an embodiment of the baby seat cover 100 of the present invention in the roll-up mode.

FIG. 1B is a representative side view of an embodiment of the baby seat cover 100 of the present invention in the extended mode.

FIG. 2 is a representative top view of an embodiment of the baby seat cover 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a representative isometric view of method of use of the baby seat cover 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a representative isometric view of an embodiment of the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention with the.

FIG. 4B is a representative isometric view of an embodiment of the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention in the extended mode.

FIG. 5A is a representative isometric front view of an embodiment of the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention in the cover mode.

FIG. 5B is a representative isometric view of method of use of the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is another representative view of method of use of the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The description that follows is presented to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principals discussed below may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but the invention is to be given the largest possible scope which is consistent with the principals and features described herein.
It will be understood that in the event parts of different embodiments have similar functions or uses, they may have been given similar or identical reference numerals and descriptions. It will be understood that such duplication of reference numerals is intended solely for efficiency and ease of understanding the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting in any way, or as implying that the various embodiments themselves are identical.
FIG. 1A is a representative side view of an embodiment of the baby seat cover 100 of the present invention in the rolled-up mode 102. FIG. 1B is a representative side view of an embodiment of the baby seat cover 100 of the present invention with the overlay portion 112 in the extended mode. As best shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the baby seat cover 100 of the present invention consists essentially of main body portion 104, securing loop tapes 110 and overlay 112. Main body portion 104 consists of an infant bunting with an elastic bias binding base 114. Main body portion 104 is made of a variety of garment materials such as cotton, wool, silk, polyester, and a combination thereof, to provide adequate heat insulation and ventilation for infant 90. The purpose of the bias binding base 114 is to temporarily install baby seat cover 100 of the present invention on top of infant carriers such as baby car seats, cradles etc., of different shapes. As shown in FIG. 1A and 1B, there is head opening 108 to expose infant's head and body zipper 106 for easy access to the infant 90.
As shown in FIG. 1A, overlay 112 can be optionally rolled up at the top and underneath of baby seat cover 100 of the present invention. Users can roll overlay 112 up as much as they desire to determine how much they would like to cover their infant 90. When overlay 112 is not required, it can simply to be rolled up completely 102 and secured by securing loop tapes 110. As shown in FIG. 1B, when overlay 112 is completely deployed, it will cover the entire baby seat cover 100 of the present invention and hence provide protection from sunlight, insects, wind, etc. to infants. Optionally, overlay 110 can be partially rolled up to provide desirable coverage to infant 90. In one embodiment, overlay 110 is made of breathable and non-allergenic garments. Optionally, additional Velcro tapes 204 can be added on top of main body portion 104 and in the underside of overlay 112 to secure position of overlay 112.
FIG. 2 is a representative top view of the baby seat cover 100 of the present invention. Overlay 110 is a piece of material attached at the top of main body portion 104 of baby seat cover 100 of the present invention. As best shown in FIGS. 1B and 2, securing loop tapes 110 are elongated strips of fabric with matching pieces of Velcro tape 122 on either end. One end of securing loop tape 110 is sewed to the top of main body 104. Another end of securing loop tape 111 is sewed at the base of overlay 112. When overlay 112 is extended, both ends of securing loop tapes 110 and 111 will be disconnected. When overlay 112 is not in use and in the rolled-up mode 102, securing loop tapes 110 and 111 will be wrapped around rolled-up overlay 112 to secure the overlay roll-up position 102.
It will be understood that securing loops 110 and 111 can effectively be replaced with simple material strips or end ties, material loops, rope ends or loops, other mechanical fastening means including plastic loops, buttons, snaps, matching Velcro portions, etc.
Since the overlay 112 is long enough to cover the entire main body portion 104, it can be pretty bulky when it is not in use to cover main body portion 104. Being rolled up 102 keeps it from being dragged on the ground to collect dirt. Moreover, unless the overlay 112 is kept securely in place, it might accidentally pile up on the infant's 90 face and cause breathing difficulty. As shown best in FIG. 1A, overlay 104 of baby seat cover 100 of the present invention is neatly organized and rolled up at the top and away from infant 90 when it is not in use to avoid those hazardous situations.
Optional connecting portions of Velcro, buttons or snaps 200 located along edge portions of the overlay 112 can couple to correspondingly positioned connecting means 202. It will be understood that the connecting means will include but not be limited to snaps, buttons, buckles, mating Velcro portions, etc. In another embodiment, zipper portions couple together to zip all the way along the bottom of the cover can also be added. It will be understood that the overlay can be secured into place across the top of the main body portion 104, as desired, using any of optionally provided side coupling means 200 and 202 or additional Velcro tape 204. Likewise, it will be understood that the additional Velcro tape 204 can be replaced with hook and loop material, slot and groove material, other linear fastening mechanism, etc.
Further optional viewing window portion 210 can be adhered, sewn, stitched or otherwise mechanically placed with connecting means 212 within the overlay portion 112 at an operative location. Thus, while the overlay 112 is deployed and in the extended position, it will be able to view the infant 90, and the infant will be able to view his caretaker.
FIG. 3 is a representative isometric view of a method of use of the baby seat cover 100 of the present invention. As best shown in FIG. 3, after infant 90 is placed securely inside a carrier such as car seat, user can cover infant 90 entirely with baby seat cover 100 of the present invention. Bias binding base 114 of main body portion 104 wraps around the rim of carrier snugly to keep the seat cover 100 neatly and firmly in place. In one embodiment, the user can adjust the degree of coverage of infant 90 by selectively deploying overlay 112 to the desired position.
Additionally, the overlay can be secured to the desired position along seat cover 100 main body portion 104, such as by attaching the coupling points 202 at the sides or ends of overlay 112 to the side attachment coupling points 200. Additionally, the overlay can be zipped into place fully deployed by engaging zipper or similar coupling means 204.
FIG. 4A is a representative isometric view of an embodiment of the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention in the roll-up mode. FIG. 4B is a representative isometric view of an embodiment of the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention in the extended mode. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention consists essentially of baby seat cover portion 100, baby seat portion 402, carry handle portion 80 and sun shade portion 400. In one embodiment, baby seat cover portion 100 can be easily attached or removed from baby seat portion 402. As shown in FIG. 4A, when overlay 112 of baby seat cover 100 of is not in use, overlay 112 is neatly organized as a roll up 102 at the top and away from infant 90 (not shown) and behind baby seat portion 402. When overlay 112 is in use, it is released from the roll up 102 and can go over the sun shade portion 400. For a closer cover, the overlay 112 can go under the sun shade 400.
FIG. 5A is a representative isometric front view of an embodiment of the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention in the cover mode. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5A, when overlay 112 is in use, it is released from the roll up 102 and can go above the sun shade portion 400 for a much looser coverage of infant 90 (not shown).
FIG. 5B is a representative isometric view of method of use of the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention. Optionally, convenient features such as pacifier 506 attachment can be added to the present invention 100′ as best shown in FIG. 5B. In one embodiment, a tape 502 and loop portion 504 can be added on the main body 104 of the baby seat cover 100 for attachment of loose objects such as a pacifier, little toys, etc. for infant 90 or handler 50 (not shown).
FIG. 6 is another representative view of method of use of the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention is in the roll-up mode. However, when desired, handler 50 can easily deployed roll up 102 and extend overlay 112 over the sun shade portion 400 but under the handle portion 50 while covering infant 90 either partially or completely. In one embodiment, handler 50 can still carry the entire baby seat with detachable cover 100′ of the present invention by the handle 80 when it is in an extended mode.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications and patent documents referenced in the present invention are incorporated herein by reference.
While the principles of the invention have been made clear in illustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover and embrace any and all such modifications, with the limits only of the true purview, spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An infant carrier seat with removable cover to provide adjustable protection to infants from adverse conditions including but not limited to sunlight, wind, rain and insects, the seat with removable cover comprising:

an infant carrier seat having a seat portion base, a sun shade portion and a handle portion, the sun shade and the handle both connected to the seat portion base;

a bunting portion having a top end, a bottom end and a flat face portion formed integrally with a skirt portion, the flat face portion having an opening for providing access to an infant's head portion, the skirt portion having a lower edge, the lower edge of the skirt portion further comprising an elastic tape or band, the skirt portion of the bunting fitting operatively over the seat portion and retained thereon by the elastic tape; and

an elongated overlay having a proximal end mechanically secured at the top end of the bunting portion, the overlay further having a distal end, the overlay further having retaining means located adjacent the proximal end of the overlay, the overlay disposed between the sun shade portion and the handle portion, whereby when deployed the overlay can be unrolled to cover an infant in a seat and when not in use the overlay can be rolled up from the distal end and retained together by the retaining means in a roll when not in use.

2. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 wherein the overlay retaining means comprise one or more pairs of fabric strips.

3. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 wherein the overlay retaining means comprise one or more matching portions of hook and loop material.

4. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 wherein the overlay retaining means is selected from the group consisting of hooks, buttons, snaps, buckles, and hook and loop material.

5. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 in which the flat face portion further having a face opening in the shape of an oval.

6. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 in which the bunting portion further having a zipper opening lengthwise along the middle of the bunting portion.

7. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 in which the bunting portion further having a zipper opening having one end connected to the face opening.

8. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 in which the bunting portion is made of materials selected from the group consisting of cotton, silk, polyester, wool and combinations thereof.

9. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 in which the elastic tape is bias tape.

10. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 in which the overlay garment is made of materials selected from the group consisting of cotton, silk, polyester, wool and combinations thereof.

11. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 in which the elongated strips are made of materials selected from the group consisting of cotton, silk, polyester, wool and combinations thereof.

12. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 in which the overlay garment has a length longer than the length of the bunting portion.

13. The infant seat carrier with removable cover of claim 1 in which the bunting portion further having an attachment hook for fastening a pacifier.

14. An infant seat carrier with removable cover to provide adjustable protection to infants from adverse conditions including but not limited to sunlight, wind, rain and insects, the removable cover comprising:

a bunting portion having a top end, a bottom end and a flat face portion formed integrally with a skirt portion, the flat face portion having an opening for providing access to an infant's head portion, the skirt portion having a lower edge, the lower edge of the skirt portion further comprising an elastic tape or band, the skirt portion of the bunting fitting operatively over the seat and retained thereon by the elastic tape; and

an elongated overlay disposed between the sun shade portion and the handle portion, the overlay having one proximal end mechanically secured at the top end of the bunting portion, the overlay further having two slits positioned at the proximal end; two elongated fabric strips and each having one proximal end mechanically secured at the top end of the bunting portion and above the overlay, the two elongated fabric strips positioned and spaced correspondingly to the two slits on the overlay, the elongated fabric strips further having a Velcro patch positioned on each end for forming a temporary loop when adhered together.

15. A method for caring for an infant, the method comprising the following steps:

Placing an infant inside an infant carrier and securing its position, the infant carrier seat comprising a seat portion base, a sun shade and a handle, the sun shade and the handle both coupled to the seat portion base;

Obtaining a removable cover for infant carriers comprising a bunting portion further having a flat face portion formed integrally to a skirt portion, the edge of the entire skirt portion lined with an elastic tape, an elongated overlay garment having one proximal end mechanically secured at the top end of the bunting portion, the overlay garment further having two slits positioned at the proximal end, a couple of elongated garment strips having one proximal end mechanically secured at the top end of the bunting portion and above the overlay garment, the two elongated garment strips positioned and spaced correspondingly to the two slits on the overlay garment, the elongated garment strips further having a Velcro patch positioned on each end for forming a temporary loop when adhered together;

Covering the infant with the flat face portion of the bunting portion of the removable cover for infant carriers;

Wrapping the skirt portion of the removable cover for infant carriers around the rim of the infant carrier;

Detaching the two Velcro patches on each of the two elongated garment strips;

Deploying the rolled up overlay garment; and

Flipping over the overlay garment and covering the infant, such that the overlay for the removable cover for infant carriers fits between the sun shade and the handle and will protect the infant from physical surrounding such as sunlight, wind and insects.

16. The method for caring an infant in claim 15 further comprising the step of:

Rolling up desirable portion of the overlay garment when the protection from the overlay garment is not required;

Wrapping the rolled up overlay garment with the couple of elongated garment strips; and

Attaching the two Velcro patches on each of the elongated garment strips, such that the rolled up overlay garment will not be undone and be placed neatly on behind the bunting portion of the removable cover for infant carriers.