U.S. patent application number 10/367803 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-12 for infant car seat cover.
Invention is credited to Haney, Michelle.
Application Number | 20040026965 10/367803 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31193637 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040026965 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haney, Michelle |
February 12, 2004 |
Infant car seat cover
Abstract
The present invention discloses a cover 10 for an infant car
seat 12 having an elasticized opening 28 on its bottom which has an
elastic hem 16 for being slipped over and secured around the infant
car seat 12 without disengaging the safety belts of the seat. A
second opening 18 is provided on the top of the cover for allowing
access to the infant 14. This second opening 18 is equipped with a
flap 20 which attaches to the cover 10 using mating hook and loop
material 26 for selectively opening and closing the flap 20. The
flap 20 also has an additional opening 22 in it having a meshed
cover 26 so that when the flap 20 is closed over the infant 14 the
meshed opening 22 allows air circulation and ventilation to the
infant 14 for breathing and cooling.
Inventors: |
Haney, Michelle; (Brandon,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADE & COMPANY
1700-360 MAIN STREET
WINNIPEG
MB
R3C3Z3
CA
|
Family ID: |
31193637 |
Appl. No.: |
10/367803 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/184.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/6009 20130101;
B60N 2/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/184.13 |
International
Class: |
A47C 007/62 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 12, 2002 |
CA |
2,397,441 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An apparatus for covering an infant and infant car seat,
comprising: (a) means for covering an infant car seat; (b) said
means for covering having a first opening on its bottom side for
being attached to the infant car seat; (c) said first opening
having means for attachment to an underside of an infant car seat;
(d) said means for covering having a second opening in its upper
side centrally positioned to be over a head and arms of an infant
in said car seat; (e) a flap means for covering said second
opening; (f) said flap means for covering said second opening
having a ventilation means therein, whereby an infant is allowed
air for ventilation; and (g) flap attachment means for attaching
and securing said flap to said covering means to close said second
opening completely or partially and secure said flap in
position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for covering the
infant car seat further comprises cloth.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, said means for attachment to the
infant car seat further comprising elastomeric means.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said elastomeric means further
comprises the hem of said means for covering the infant car
seat.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said elastomeric means further
comprises means for placement over and around the infant car
seat.
6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said flap
means for covering said second opening further comprises cloth.
7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said flap
attachment means comprises hook and loop material.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said flap attachment means is
placed on the periphery of said flap means and the periphery of
said second opening.
9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said
ventilation means comprises a mesh covering.
10. An apparatus for covering an infant and infant car seat,
comprising: (a) a first cover; (b) said first cover having a first
opening in its bottom side; (c) said first opening having an
elastic hem for being secured to the car seat; (d) said first cover
having a second opening centrally located in an upper portion to be
positioned over the head and arms of an infant; (e) said second
opening having a second cover for closing said second opening; (f)
said second cover having means for attachment to said first cover,
said means for attachment permitting said second cover to
completely or partially close said second opening and securing said
second cover in position; and (g) said second cover having an
aperture therein whereby the infant is allowed air for
ventilation.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, said means for attachment further
comprising hook and loop material
12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, wherein said means for
attachment is located on the periphery of said second opening and
said second cover.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said means for attachment
further comprises hook and loop material.
14. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 13, said aperture
further comprising a mesh cover whereby the infant is allowed air
for ventilation.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to covers for infant
car seats and, more particularly, to an infant and infant car seat
cover having an elastic band enclosed within the hem of the cover
and having a flap centrally located within the upper half of the
cover with means for closure of said flap in the form of engaging
mating pieces of hook and loop material located on the periphery of
the flap and the centrally located opening of the infant cover and
further said flap having an aperture located at the base of the
flap providing air circulation within the infant cover when said
flap is in the fully closed position thereby said flap selectively
provides means for protecting newborns and infants from adverse
conditions, such as rain and snow, while being transported between
controlled environments, such as from the house to the car or any
similar circumstance.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] There are numerous infant car seat covers designed to
provide for the comfort and protection of newborns and infants.
Typical of these covers is U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,090 issued to
Ranalli on Feb, 19, 1991.
[0005] Another patent was issued to Aupperlee et al on Sep. 29,
1992 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,945. Yet another U.S. Pat. No.
5,243,724 was issued to Barnes on Sep. 14, 1993. Still yet another
U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,095 was issued to Schneider on Mar. 18, 1977.
Another patent was issued to McEntire et al on Jul. 21, 1998 as
U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,946. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,453 was
issued to Schutz on Oct. 23, 1984 and still yet another U.S. Pat.
No. 4,891,454 was issued to Perdelwitz, Jr. et al on Jan. 2,
1990.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,090
Inventor: Tracey L. Ranalli
Issued: Feb. 19, 1991
[0006] A blanket for covering a child in a car seat fitted with a
harness for restraining the child in the seat. The blanket
comprises a plurality of apertures through which restraining
members of the harness can be passed, thus enabling the harness to
be fastened tightly around the child, and the blanket then to be
wrapped around the child and harness.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,945
Inventor: Patricia C. Aupperlee et al.
Issued: Sep. 29, 1992
[0007] A vehicular safety seat for a child may be exposed to the
sun to such an extent that certain portions will be hot enough to
burn a child. A removable cover is provided that covers all areas
of the seat when unoccupied. Because the cover must be applied and
removed while holding the child, special structure is provided so
that these tasks may be performed with one hand. A combined storage
pouch/pillow is attached to the upper or backrest portion of the
cover. While the upper portion of the cover remains attached to the
safety seat, the balance of the cover may be removed from the seat
and stuffed into the pouch with one hand to form a soft pillow for
the cover since the upper portion remains attached to the child
seat in both the covered and uncovered mode. Arrangements for
holding the cover in place on the child seat are provided.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,724
Inventor: Evelyn R. Barnes
Issued: Sep. 14, 1993
[0008] A multi-purpose baby wrap which converts to a blanket, a
bunting, a pad or a carrier sling. The wrap comprises two major
parts: a full sized baby blanket and a large detachable, bifurcated
pocket. The pocket covers the lower half of tile blanket and is
sized to fit children from birth to about two years, with the
pocket covering the child's legs and torso up to the waist. A
baby's diaper may be changed without removing the baby from the
wrap by simply unfastening the buttom and sides of the pocket and
lifting it to expose the lower half of the baby. For use of the
wrap as a bunting. The baby is placed feet first in the pocket; the
blanket is then rolled around the baby and secured snugly about his
or her midriff with one or two short straps. With the blanket so
secured, the apparatus in plan view presents the appearance of a
rectangle. At each corner of the rectangle a fastener is provided
for attaching a pair of elongated straps to the wrap. Crossed in
the center, these elongated straps, with the wrap, form a sling for
carrying the baby. Alternately, for transport of an infant in a car
seat or stroller, the wrap is equipped with overlapping openings
formed in the blanket and in the pocket, respectively. These
openings allow a safety belt for the car seat or stroller to be
inserted between the baby's legs.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,095
Inventor: Dena Schneider
Issued: Mar. 18, 1997
[0009] This invention relates to a multi-purpose baby wrap which
converts to a blanket, a bunting, a pad, a fitted wrap, or a
shoulder wrap, to provide warmth and/or protection from the
elements. A hood (either detachable or integral) may also be
provided. It is adaptable for use with a child's car seat (or the
like) which is fitted with a restraint system, a front or back
carrying pack for carrying infants or toddlers, a stroller or
walker, a swing or jumping unit which contains a child, a grocery
cart, a high chair, or like equipment in which the infant's legs
must be separated.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,946
Inventor: Wanda M. McEntire, et al
Issued: Jul. 21, 1998
[0010] A novel blanket/seat cover (7) for portable infant car seat
or apparatus comprising of a flat cross-shaped member (8) having a
mid section area (9). A right side extension (10). A left side
extension (11), a lower extension (12) and an upper extension (13)
each extension having a fold line (24) common to said mid section
area (9) allowing each extension to be folded, a strap (14) located
on each side of said mid section area (9), a leg pocket member (15)
having an attachment means to said flat cross-shaped member (8)
with upper edge unattached, a slit (20) at center of said leg
pocket member (15), a central opening (16) to accommodate
shoulder-body strap locking device, a storage pocket member (17)
having an attachment means to said flat cross-shaped member (8)
with lower edge unattached, a storage pocket closure member (19)
having an attachment means to said flat cross-shaped member (8)
with upper edge and both sides unattached of said storage pocket
closure member (19) having an attachment means for storage pocket
(18) allowing said storage closure member (19) to engage and
disengage with said storage pocket member (17), a filler (21) is
used when a double layer of said flat cross-shaped member (8) is
employed, no filler (21) if single layer, said flat cross-shaped
member (8) having an edge (22) typical at all edges with an
attachment means for edging (23).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,453
Inventor: Bernard R. Schutz
Issued: Oct. 23, 1984
[0011] The cover has front and rear sections joined along the top
to form a recess into which the upper part of the back and the
forwardly extending sides (if present) of the infant car seat are
received. The rear section has spaced first portions partially
defining the ends of the recess. Each first portion has a set of
outwardly extending, spaced connecting strips to permit alteration
of the effective size and shape of the respective recess ends. If
no forwardly extending sides are present, the strips interconnect
to fold each of the first portions over itself and hold some
adjacent the rear of the seat. A second portion, situated between
the first portions, has differently spaced pairs of interengaging
snaps for altering the effective length thereof. An elastic strip,
situated along the edge of the rear section, permits expansion of
the recess to facilitate mounting of the cover and to maintain the
edge of the rear section adjacent the back of the seat.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,454
Inventor: Lee E. Perdelwitz, Jr. et al.
Issued: Jan. 2, 1990
[0012] A disposable infant seat liner is described with shoulder
strap receiving slotways and leg or crotch strap receiving slotways
designed to fit infant seat liners having various strap placements.
Infant carrier handle or strap receiving slotways may also be
included, and may be of an arcuate shape, for receiving infant
carrier handles or waists straps. The strap receiving slotways may
be selectively opened by a user and may also be perforated to
facilitate this selective opening.
[0013] While these infant and infant car seat covers may be
suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would
not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as
hereinafter described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention discloses a cover for an infant car
seat having an elasticized opening on its bottom which has an
elastic hem for being slipped over and secured around the infant
car seat without disengaging the safety belts of the seat. A second
opening is provided on the top of the cover for allowing access to
the infant. This second opening is equipped with a flap which
attaches to the cover using mating hook and loop material for
selectively opening and closing the flap. The flap also has an
additional opening in it having a meshed cover so that when the
flap is closed over the infant the meshed opening allows air
circulation and ventilation to the infant for breathing and
cooling.
[0015] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the
prior art by providing, in preferred arrangements, an infant cover
and infant seat cover which can be easily installed and removed
from various types of car seats without disengaging the safety
harness of the car seat. Further, the infant cover provides a large
flap centrally located on the top half of the infant cover which
can be easily engaged or disengaged using the tabs of hook and loop
material located on the periphery of the opening and the flap which
provided full or partial closure of the flap to protect the newborn
or infant from adverse conditions and wherein said flap provides
means for air circulation by having an aperture located at the base
of said flap and wherein said aperture may be covered by a
mesh-like material.
[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
there is provided an apparatus for covering an infant car seat,
comprising: (a) means for covering an infant car seat; (b) the
means for covering having a first opening on its bottom side for
being attached to the infant car seat; (c) the first opening having
means for attachment to an underside of an infant car seat; (d) the
means for covering having a second opening in its upper side
centrally positioned to be over a head and arms of an infant in the
car seat; (e) a flap means for covering the second opening; (f) the
flap means for covering the second opening having a ventilation
means therein, whereby an infant is allowed air for ventilation;
and (g) flap attachment means for attaching and securing the flap
to the covering means to close the second opening completely or
partially and secure the flap in position.
[0017] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention there is provided an apparatus for covering an infant car
seat, comprising: (a) a first cover; (b) the first cover having a
first opening in its bottom side; (c) the first opening having an
elastic hem for being secured to the car seat; (d) the first cover
having a second opening centrally located in an upper portion to be
positioned over the head and arms of an infant; (e) the second
opening having a second cover for closing the second opening; (f)
the second cover having means for attachment to the first cover,
the means for attachment permitting the second cover to completely
or partially close the second opening and securing the second cover
in position; and (g) the second cover having an aperture therein
whereby the infant is allowed air for ventilation.
[0018] The foregoing and other features and advantages will appear
from the description to follow. In the description reference is
made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in
which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which
the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described
in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying
drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar
parts throughout the several views.
[0019] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be
taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention
is best defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it
will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infant in a car seat with
the present invention in a pre-installation position.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention
installed over an infant in a car seat with the flap in its fully
open position.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention
installed over an infant in a car seat with the flap in its fully
closed position.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention. Shown is the
infant car seat cover which is placed over the infant car seat
after the infant has been securely placed within the car seat.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the present invention. Shown is
the elastomeric member which is used to keep the infant car seat
cover securely in place over various types of car seats.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a top view of the present invention. Shown is the
infant car seat cover with the flap in the fully open position.
Also shown are the mating tabs of hook and loop material which are
used to securely fasten the flap in a partial open to a fully
closed position.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a top view of the present invention. Shown is the
infant car seat cover with the flap in the fully closed position.
Also shown is a vent which can be covered by a mesh material which
provides ventilation to the newborn or infant while the flap is
securely closed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0028] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate the present invention. With
regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is
used throughout the various drawings.
1 10 cover of present invention 12 car seat 14 infant 16 elastic
hem 18 upper opening for infant 20 flap 22 ventilation opening 24
mesh 26 hook and loop material 28 bottom opening
[0029] Turning to FIG. 1, therein is shown a perspective view of
the cover of the present invention 10 along with a car seat 12
having an infant 14 strapped therein. The present invention 10 is
shown as it would appear in a pre-installation position. The cover
of the present invention 10 has a first opening (not shown) on its
bottom or lower side having an elastomeric member sewn within the
hem 16 around its periphery which can be stretched to allow the
cover 10 to be slipped over and secured to the car seat 12 without
disengaging the child restraint harness. On the top or upper side
of the present invention the cover has a second generally centrally
located opening 18 which is covered by a flap 20, which flap 20 has
a third smaller opening therein 22. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the
opening 22 has a meshed screen material 24 over the opening 22 for
air circulation to the infant.
[0030] Turning to FIG. 2, therein is shown a perspective view of
the present invention 10 installed over an infant 14 in a car seat
12 with the flap 20 in its fully opened position. Shown therein is
the upper opening 18 of the cover which allows the infant to see,
take a bottle, eat, breathe and have access to and be accessed from
the outside. Also shown therein is the opening 22 on the flap 20
and the mesh 24 within the opening 22. Further shown is the hook
and loop fastening means 26 for attaching the flap 20 to the cover
10. Note there are multiple attachment points 26 and that the hook
and loop material 26 is located on the periphery of the opening 18
and the flap 20. By selectively attaching or mating the hook and
loop material 26 full to partial closure of the flap 20 can be
accomplished
[0031] Turning to FIG. 3, therein is shown a perspective view of
the present invention 10 installed over an infant 14 shown in
outline only. Also shown therein is the car seat 12 with the flap
20 in its fully closed position. Also shown therein is the opening
22 of the flap along with the mesh 24 of the flap opening. In the
closed position the flap 20 protects the infant 14 from the
elements, such as rain, sleet or snow, while transporting the
infant between controlled environments, such as from the outside of
the home to the interior of the home.
[0032] Turning to FIG. 4, therein is shown a side view of the
present invention 10. Shown is the infant car seat cover 10 which
is placed over the infant car seat (not shown) after the infant
(not shown) has been secured in place in the car seat. Also shown
therein is the elastic hem 16 along with the flap 20 shown in a
closed position. It should be clear that the cover 10 can be placed
over the car seat by stretching the elastic hem 16 over and around
the car seat in such a manner so as not to disengage the child
restraint harness.
[0033] Turning to FIG. 5, therein is shown a perspective view of
the present invention 10. Shown is the elastomeric member 16 which
is used to keep the infant car seat cover securely in place over
various types of car seats (not shown). It should be clear that the
elastic hem 16 allows the cover 10 to be used with many different
and varying styles of infant car seats. Also shown is the bottom
opening 28 along with the upper opening 18 shown in outline and the
flap 20. Also shown is the second opening 22 on the flap 20, along
with the mesh 24 covering the opening 22.
[0034] Turning to FIG. 6, therein is shown a top view of the
present invention 10. Shown is the infant car seat cover 10 with
the flap 20 in the fully opened position. Also shown are the mating
tabs of hook and loop material 26 which are used to secure the flap
20 in a partially opened to a fully closed position by selectively
attaching the mating hook and loop material 26. This is
accomplished in operation by attaching only the lower pieces of the
hook and loop material to leave the upper part of the opening
unattached and therefore open. Also shown therein is the opening 18
for the infant along with the elastic hem 16 and the bottom opening
28. Also shown therein is the opening 22 on the flap 20 having the
meshed material 24 in the opening 22.
[0035] Turning to FIG. 7, therein is shown a top view of the
present invention 10. Therein is shown the infant car seat cover 10
with the flap 20 in a fully closed position. Also shown is the
opening 22 which can be covered by a mesh material 24 which
provides ventilation to the newborn or infant (not shown) while the
flap 20 is securely closed.
* * * * *