U.S. patent application number 11/311978 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for baby carrier cover system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Brooks Pond, Inc. (MA corp.). Invention is credited to Susan B. Forbes, A. Mitra Morgan.
Application Number | 20060130220 11/311978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36593833 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060130220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morgan; A. Mitra ; et
al. |
June 22, 2006 |
Baby carrier cover system
Abstract
Cover (10) for baby held in front-carried carrier (100; or car
seat/carrier 200, FIG. 8, etc.) suspended at adult user's front
including two, top, substantially triangular, front (70) sub-panels
(21) forming, alternatively, sealing collar (21') when positioned
about baby's neck (FIG. 4), or hood (21'') about baby's head when
pulled up and snap connected (22, FIG. 5). The cover includes
shoulder straps (31), front straps (41), stowing sleeves (42),
waist straps (51) providing four-point carrier attachment, interior
zippered pouch (61), cinches (75), side "pocket" slits (76) &
elastic bands (77) in expandable, accordion sides (74). A central
band (31) of heavy duty material provides structural support.
Cover's rear (71) has "cut-out" (72) allowing cover to be slipped
under front-carried carrier and over baby in carrier, with two,
vertically spaced, strap sets connecting cover directly to
carrier's body attachment straps (e.g., 101, 103) and not directly
to user.
Inventors: |
Morgan; A. Mitra;
(Brookline, MA) ; Forbes; Susan B.; (Medfield,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
C. EMMETT PUGH
82 N. MAIN ST.
SUFFIELD
CT
06078-2102
US
|
Assignee: |
Brooks Pond, Inc. (MA
corp.)
|
Family ID: |
36593833 |
Appl. No.: |
11/311978 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60637715 |
Dec 19, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/456 ; 2/88;
224/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 13/00 20130101;
A45C 3/14 20130101; A47D 13/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/456 ;
002/088; 224/160 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/12 20060101
A41D013/12 |
Claims
1. A baby carrier cover system used by an adult user for a
baby/child carrier and the like, comprising: a cover having a
bottom, a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels, one being
a right side panel and the other side being a left side panel
together at least partially forming a top, all of which are made of
flexible material and are assembled into an integral body forming
an interior into which the baby/child can be placed being of a size
and configuration to encase and cover over a baby/child's body,
with the baby/child's feet directed toward said bottom and his/her
head directed up out of said top; and wherein-- said right and left
side panels each includes at least one, inverted,
box/accordion-like pleat, with said bottom being at least generally
rectangular, allowing in combination enough material and "give" so
that the baby/child can freely move his/her arms and legs within
the interior of said cover, said side panels providing a side
expandable interior resulting in added room for the baby/child to
comfortably move about, flail about, kick and the like.
2. The baby carrier cover system of claim 1, wherein said cover has
shoulder, front and waist areas; and wherein there is further
included: several, different, attaching strap sets attached to said
cover, located at said shoulder, front and waist areas of said
cover, respectively; said front straps being useable to prevent
sagging and to distribute the combined weight of the carrier cover
and the baby/child beyond said shoulder straps, while said waist
straps allow the adult user to remove the carrier cover from the
baby child, while still keeping said cover attached to the carrier
via said waist straps.
3. The baby carrier cover system of claim 2, wherein: said strap
sets allow an adult user to undo said shoulder straps and said
front straps to remove the carrier cover from the baby/child's
shoulders and torso, while keeping the waist straps attached so
that the baby/child's legs remain covered.
4. The baby carrier cover system of claim 2, wherein: said shoulder
straps are extensions of a horizontal, elongated band of heavy duty
material extending at least from said right side panel to said left
side panel, said horizontal band providing side-to-side structure
and support to said cover.
5. The baby carrier cover system of claim 2, wherein the carrier
has a body and attachment straps including shoulder and waist
straps; and wherein: said cover's shoulder straps and said waist
straps in combination provide a "vertically" spaced carrier
attachment, using preferably at least two, vertically spaced strap
sets, said shoulder straps and said waist straps, to connect said
cover directly to the carrier's body attachment straps,
cover-shoulder-strap-to-carrier-shoulder-strap and
cover-waist-strap-to-carrier-waist-strap, without needing any cover
attachment directly to the adult user, resulting in a stable
fastening of said cover to the carrier, vertically spaced a
significant distance, of at least about six or more inches, and
spaced side-to-side by the width separation distance(s) of the
carrier's shoulder and waist straps.
6. The baby carrier cover system of claim 1, wherein there is
further included: at least one side slit pocket in said cover,
providing an adult user with a way to keep their own hands warm and
have easy access to the covered baby/child.
7. The baby carrier cover system of claim 6, wherein there is
included: an interior, storage pouch having its own interior and is
located within said interior of said cover and in proximity to said
side slit pocket, said side slit pocket providing access to said
interior of said storage pouch by the adult user.
8. The baby carrier cover system of claim 7, wherein: said storage
pouch has an access opening into the interior of said pouch of a
size to allow access of an adult size hand and a closure device
allowing said opening to be quickly and easily opened and
closed.
9. The baby carrier cover system of claim 1, wherein: said front
panel of the cover is topped by two, generally triangular panels,
which form a divided collar which has the capability to be wrapped
around the sides of the covered baby/child's neck and over the
covered baby/child's shoulders to help seal out the elements and
which, alternatively, may be reconfigured to be fastened together
forming a hood fully surrounding the covered baby/child's head,
including the child's head's sides.
10. The baby carrier cover system of claim 1, wherein said side
panels include: a cinching system which allows the adult user to
adjust the carrier cover's effective length to accommodate a
covered baby/child's particular height.
11. A baby carrier cover system for use by an adult user to be used
in association with a child carrier and the like, in which the
carrier has shoulder and waist attachment straps for a baby/child
in the carrier, comprising: a cover having a bottom, a front panel,
a rear panel and two side panels, one being a right side panel and
the other side being a left side panel together at least partially
forming a top, all of which are made of flexible material and are
assembled into an integral body forming an interior into which the
baby/child can be placed being of a size and configuration to
encase and cover over a baby/child's body, with the baby/child's
feet directed toward said bottom and his/her head directed up out
of said top, said cover further having shoulder, front and waist
areas; and several, different, attaching strap sets attached to
said cover, including shoulder straps, front straps and waist
straps located at said shoulder, front and waist areas of said
cover, respectively, and connected to the attachment straps on the
carrier, said front straps being useable to prevent sagging and to
distribute the combined weight of the carrier cover and the
baby/child beyond said shoulder straps, while said waist straps
allow the adult user to remove the upper portion of said cover from
the baby child, while still keeping said cover attached to the
carrier via said waist straps.
12. The baby carrier cover system of claim 11, wherein the carrier
has a body and associated attachment straps, including shoulder and
waist straps; and wherein: said cover's shoulder straps and said
waist straps in combination provide a "vertically" spaced carrier
attachment, using preferably at least two, vertically spaced strap
sets, said shoulder straps and said waist straps, to connect said
cover directly to the carrier's body attachment straps,
cover-shoulder-strap-to-carrier-shoulder-strap and
cover-waist-strap-to-carrier-waist-strap, without needing any cover
attachment directly to the adult user, resulting in a stable
fastening of said cover to the carrier, vertically spaced a
significant distance, of at least about six or more inches, and
spaced side-to-side by the width separation distance(s) of the
carrier's shoulder and waist straps.
13. The baby carrier cover system of claim 11, wherein: said strap
sets allow an adult user to undo said shoulder straps and said
front straps to remove the carrier cover from the baby/child's
shoulders and torso, while keeping said waist straps attached so
that the baby/child's legs remain covered.
14. The baby carrier cover system of claim 11, wherein: said right
and left side panels each includes at least one, inverted,
box/accordion-like pleat, with said bottom being at least generally
rectangular, allowing in combination enough material and "give" so
that the baby/child can freely move his/her arms and legs within
the interior of said cover, said side panels providing a side
expandable interior resulting in added room for the baby/child to
comfortably move about, flail about, kick and the like.
15. The baby carrier cover system of claim 14, wherein said side
panels include: a cinching system which allows the adult user to
adjust the carrier cover's effective length to accommodate a
covered baby/child's particular height.
16. A baby carrier cover system for a child carrier and the like,
comprising: a cover having a bottom, a front panel, a rear panel
and two side panels, one being a right side panel and the other
side being a left side panel together at least partially forming a
top, all of which are made of flexible material and are assembled
into an integral body forming an interior into which the baby/child
can be placed being of a size and configuration to encase and cover
over a baby/child's body, with the baby/child's feet directed
toward said bottom and his/her head directed up out of said top,
said cover further having shoulder, front and waist areas; an
elongated band of heavy duty material attached to said cover and
extending at least from said right side panel to said left side
panel, said horizontal band providing side-to-side structure and
support to said cover; and a set of shoulder straps attached to
said cover at said shoulder area, said shoulder straps being
extensions of said horizontal band.
17. The baby carrier cover system of claim 16, wherein there is
further included: several, different, attaching strap sets attached
to said cover including shoulder straps, front straps and waist
straps, located at said shoulder, front and waist areas of said
cover, respectively; said front straps being useable to prevent
sagging and to distribute the combined weight of the carrier cover
and the baby/child beyond said shoulder straps, while said waist
straps allow the adult user to remove the carrier cover from the
baby child, while still keeping said cover attached to the carrier
via said waist straps.
18. The baby carrier cover system of claim 16, wherein: said right
and left side panels each includes at least one, inverted,
box/accordion-like pleat, with said bottom being at least generally
rectangular, allowing in combination enough material and "give" so
that the baby/child can freely move his/her arms and legs within
the interior of said cover, said side panels providing a side
expandable interior resulting in added room for the baby/child to
comfortably move about, flail about, kick and the like.
19. A method of covering a child/baby with a cover by an adult user
while the baby/child is in a baby carrier or the like, comprising
the following steps: (a) providing a cover having a bottom, a front
panel, a rear panel and two side panels, one being a right side
panel and the other side being a left side panel together at least
partially forming a top, all of which are made of flexible material
and are assembled into an integral body forming an interior into
which the baby/child can be placed being of a size and
configuration to encase and cover over a baby/child's body, with
the baby/child's feet directed toward said bottom and his/her head
directed up out of said top, said cover further having shoulder,
front and waist areas, with there being included several,
different, attaching strap sets attached to said cover, including
shoulder straps, front straps and waist straps, located at said
shoulder, front and waist areas of said cover, respectively; (b)
initially connecting said shoulder straps, front straps and waist
straps; to attachment straps on the carrier; and (c) thereafter the
adult user undoing said shoulder straps and said front straps to
remove the carrier cover from the baby/child's shoulders and torso,
while keeping said waist straps attached so that the baby/child's
legs remain covered.
20. The baby covering method of claim 19, wherein there is included
in replacement of step "c" above, the step of: (c) the adult user
undoing said shoulder straps and said front straps to remove the
carrier cover from the baby/child's shoulders and torso, while
keeping the waist straps attached so that the baby/child's legs
remain covered.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority rights of Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/637,715 filed Dec. 19 (20), 2004
entitled "Baby Carrier Cover System" listing the co-inventors
hereof.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to baby carriers, for example,
those made of cloth or other fabric material worn on the front of
an adult and secured by, for example, shoulder straps, waist
straps, etc., as well as those that are rigid (e.g., made of
plastic) and carried by hand or used as car seats or strollers,
etc., and more particularly to a cover therefor for supplemental
covering and protection of the baby to protect the baby from the
ambient or undesirable environmental conditions. Various features
of the cover of the invention and its cooperative relationships
with the carrier, the baby and the adult user are described
below.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] A list of prior patents based on a search done by one of the
co-inventors which may be of some general interest, although it is
noted that some of them are not from the field to which the present
invention pertains, is provided below: TABLE-US-00001 Patent No.
Inventor(s) Issue Date 336,124 Levy February, 1886 1,940,224 Munro
December, 1933 2,036,175 Hollander Mar. 31, 1936 2,227,751 Idelman
Jan. 7, 1941 2,324,665 Ayres Jul. 20, 1943 2,378,434 Robinson Jun.
19, 1945 2,659,086 McGrath Nov. 17, 1953 3,034,132 Landsberger et
al May 15, 1962 3,370,303 Tempelhof February, 1968 4,009,808 Sharp
Mar. 1, 1977 4,241,458 Lesesne Dec. 30, 1980 4,254,900 Wheeler Mar.
10, 1981 4,333,591 Case June, 1982 4,402,440 Purtzer et al
September, 1983 4,434,920 Moore March, 1984 4,492,326 Storm
January, 1985 4,579,264 Napolitano April, 1986 4,606,078 Tkacsik
Aug. 19, 1996 4,773,101 Kapp et al Sep. 27, 1988 4,778,091 Barto
Oct. 18, 1988 4,886,315 Johnson December, 1989 4,897,885 Lunt Feb.
6, 1990 4,912,818 Meeker April, 1990 4,946,221 Livingston Aug. 7,
1990 4,987,612 Middleton January, 1991 4,989,268 Stolhand Feb. 5,
1991 4,993,090 Ranalli Feb. 19, 1991 4,995,116 Beauchamp et al Feb.
26, 1991 5,031,962 Lee July, 1991 5,034,999 Lubbers July, 1991
5,046,204 Mohler Sep. 10, 1991 5,058,226 Crosby Oct. 22, 1991
5,205,451 Manzer April, 1993 5,222,641 Medeiros, Jr. June, 1993
5,243,724 Barnes Sep. 14, 1993 5,246,152 Dotseth September, 1993
5,259,068 Carroll November, 1993 5,309,586 Sies et al May 10, 1994
5,437,061 Kenner Aug. 1, 1995 5,490,620 Bergqvist February, 1996
5,509,590 Medeiros, Jr. et al April, 1996 5,535,449 Dickey Jul. 16,
1996 5,609,279 O'Shea Mar. 11, 1997 5,611,095 Schneider Mar. 18,
1997 5,626,271 Messey et al May, 1997 5,690,258 Kataoka November,
1997 5,692,257 Albertieri Dec. 2, 1997 5,692,655 Fair et al
December, 1997 5,722,094 Ruefer Mar. 3, 1998 5,730,490 Mortenson
Mar. 24, 1998 5,732,861 Jakobson March, 1998 5,781,946 McEntire et
al Jul. 21, 1998 5,791,535 Roan et al August, 1998 5,813,580 Fair
September, 1998 5,848,741 Fair December, 1998 5,868,292 Stephens et
al February, 1999 5,897,164 Kagan et al Apr. 27, 1999 5,946,725
Shatzkin et al Sep. 7, 1999 5,950,261 Hay et al Sep. 14, 1999
5,956,766 Benway Sep. 28, 1999 5,956,767 Imm Sep. 28, 1999
6,009,576 Gramme et al Jan. 4, 2000 6,012,189 Dudley Jan. 11, 2000
6,055,686 Knight May 2, 2000 6,056,355 Klassen May 2, 2000
6,145,932 Hamel-Nyhus et al Nov. 14, 2000 6,158,641 Eyman et al
December, 2000 6,272,683 Symms et al Aug, 14, 2001 6,341,397 Kliegl
et al Jan. 29, 2002 6,389,597 Henegan May 21, 2002 6,394,543 Dunne
et al May 28, 2002 6,401,248 Christensen Jun. 11, 2002 6,408,439
Garforth-Crippen Jun. 25, 2002 6,409,060 Donine June, 2002
6,434,750 Hunter June, 2002 6,547,325 Drost et al Apr. 15, 2003
6,598,771 Norman Jul. 29, 2003 6,736,299 Bergkvist May 18, 2004
6,817,033 Bailey Nov. 16, 2004 D 116,907 Friedman September, 1939 D
120,718 Friedman May, 1940 D 132,469 Murphy May 19, 1942 D 255,952
Goldstone Jul. 22, 1980 D 260,695 Brookfield September, 1981 D
267,284 Andrews Dec. 21, 1982 D 269,658 Bor Jul. 12, 1983 D 277,811
Moore March, 1985 D 282,596 Bangert February, 1986 D 301,796 Sildva
Jun. 27, 1989 D 313,723 Rankin et al Jan. 15, 1991 D 325,113
O'Loughlin Apr. 7, 1992 D 334,253 Balzarini March, 1993 D 355,068
Prendergast February, 1995 D 376,505 O'Brien Dec. 17, 1996 D
380,589 Westman Jul. 8, 1997 D 384,188 Imm Sep. 30, 1997 D 395,188
Rush June, 1998 D 399,676 Gerlach Oct. 20, 1998 D 448,914 Caudill
Oct. 9, 2001 D 485,676 Simpson Jan. 27, 2004
[0004] Only D 485,676 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,434,750 are directed to
covers for use with front carried and adult user supported carriers
in a fashion having some similarity with the exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0005] With respect to the cover of D 485,676, which is a
two-dimensional cover (vs. three dimensions as in the invention
providing the invention's freedom ofmovement), it uses only two
thin straps and does not allow for front or vertically spaced,
waist strap attachments. Additionally, there are no side pockets
for the adult user and no pouch for storing essentials. The Simpson
cover also has no hood/collar arrangement, no way to adjust the
cover's effective length and has limited wiggle room for the child,
etc.
[0006] With respect to the cover of U.S. Pat. No. 6,434,750, it
attaches directly to the adult user, and has only a single strap
which is extended around the adult user's neck, which uncomfortably
goes around the adult user's neck. It has a bulky design with no
way to adjust length (i.e., effective height), is not designed to
be used on devices other than soft front infant carriers, and has
no form of hood, etc.
[0007] Examples of some of the products with which the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention might be used include: [0008]
Soft infant carriers such as, for example, the "Baby Bjorn.RTM."
baby carrier (see
www.babybjorn.com/TemplatesWeb/Productlnfo.asp?itemid=24 and FIG.
1A hereof), [0009] "Snugli.RTM." soft carriers
(www.snugli.com/pr/pr.phtml), and [0010] "maclaren" baby carrier
(www.maclarenbaby.com/US/pages/babycarrier.html), etc.; [0011]
Infant car seats such as, for example, the "Graco.RTM.
SnugRide.RTM."
(www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=8647CAP&CategoryI
D=1), which web site was working in 2004 but currently (Dec. 19,
2005) is not, and [0012] "Evenflo.RTM. Discovery"
(www.evenflo.com/pr/in/prin_disc.phtml), etc.; [0013] Strollers;
and [0014] Infant bouncy seats, such as, for example, the
"Fisher-Price.RTM. Soothing Massage Bouncer"
(www.fisher-price.com/us/babygear/product.asp?id=27467&c=bgb),
etc.; etc.
[0015] Other products on the market that perform a similar function
to that of the exemplary embodiment, but offer less sophisticated
or otherwise less advantageous design and without the patentable
features of the present invention, include: [0016] "Mugwumps--The
Cozy Topper" (www.mugwumps.biz/fleece.htm), which apparently merely
is a cover comprised of two panels (front/rear) sewn together along
their side and bottom edges, leaving no side expandable, extra
interior room for the baby to easily move around in, kick, and the
like, does refer to tucking the cover in around the baby, which is
not required in the present invention, and does attach at its top
to the carrier's shoulder straps with top straps on the cover but
only there and not at the waist or elsewhere, and has a top,
rectangular, flip-up flap for loosely covering (not like a hood)
the baby's head but which is not capable of effectively,
alternatively forming a sealing collar about the baby's neck and
over the baby's shoulders as in one aspect of the present
invention, etc., and is noted as being "patent pending" and
apparently is possibly related to the above cited D485,676 patent
(also note comments above with respect to this patent), and a
similar product for protection from the sun termed the "Sun Topper"
(www.mugwumps.biz/solar.htm#Topper), [0017] "Walk with Me.TM."
(www.cc3design.com/) baby carrier cover, patent pending according
to its website, [0018] "Kiddopotamus.RTM."
(www.kiddopotamus.com/prod_fw_main.html, or, more recently,
http://www.kiddopotamus.com/p_flee.php) fleece warmer which
includes side openings for the adult user to insert his or hands
and a pop-out hood stored in a hidden pocket, [0019] "Kukuku.RTM."
outnabout hands-free carrier covers
(www.helpmelicense.com/kukuku.html), U.S. Pat. 6,434,750, both
showing side pockets (note comments above with respect to this
patent), [0020] "Kangaroo Kuddler.RTM."
(www.mobilemoms.com/kankud.html) cover for front carriers, car
seats, infant seats, strollers, etc., has a hand warmer pocket in
the front for keeping the adult user's hands warm and snug as well
with an easy "Velcro.RTM." attachment and a zippered pocket that
contains a hood for the baby's head, and [0021] "Baby Capes"
(www.babycapes.com/pages/1/index.html) attachable wraps appear to
be completely & snugly wrapped around the adult user's body, as
well as the baby in a front-type carrier, "fasten in four easy
steps," etc., etc.
[0022] [Copies of all of the above web sites as they existed as of
the filing of the previously filed, provisional patent application
are included in the USPTO file record of this utility patent
application.]
[0023] As will become clear from the below disclosures, the
preferred embodiment of the carrier cover of the present invention
is designed to provide a much better, more adaptable in use, baby
carrier cover system for the baby and the adult user than that
achieved in the prior art and is believed to be a significant,
patentable addition to the "useful arts."
GENERAL DISCUSION OF INVENTION
[0024] As previously noted, the present invention relates to a
cover for use with baby or young child carriers and the like (e.g.,
car seats, hand-carried carriers, baby carriers attached on the
front of the body of the adult users, strollers, bouncers,
etc.).
[0025] Part of the problems resolved by the exemplary embodiment of
the present carrier cover invention include: [0026] In cold weather
eliminating the need to, for example, dress a child in a snowsuit
prior to placing the child in an infant carrier. It dramatically
simplifies traveling or doing errands with a small child. In
addition to being far more comfortable for the child by allowing
them greater freedom of movement, it allows, for example, a parent
to remove the covering without having to remove the child from the
carrier. Use of the exemplary embodiment also is believed to be
safer since it decreases the amount of clothing between the child
and the safety harness on the transportation device and [0027] In
sunny weather providing a simple, breathable means to protect a
child from the sun without having to worry about the coverage
slipping off as it might when using, for example, a standard
blanket.
[0028] Functionality--the exemplary embodiment of the invention is
designed to protect a child from the elements (sun, wind, cold
weather, etc.) when the child is seated in an infant carrying
device, stroller or bouncy seat.
[0029] In contrast with the prior art and with respect to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is noted that the
currently preferred, exemplary carrier cover of the invention
preferably is affixed to the carrier itself and not to the adult
user, and the adult users do not have to wear the cover's straps
around themselves. In the preferred embodiment of the invention
front straps are used to prevent sagging and to distribute the
combined weight of the carrier cover and the contents of the pouch
beyond the shoulder straps, while preferably waist straps allow the
adult user or parent to remove the carrier cover from the child,
while still keeping it attached to the carrier. This means that the
adult users do not have to worry about carrying the cover around
while doing, for example, errands. They, for example, simply tuck
the cover into itself and allow it merely to hang.
[0030] It is noted that the shoulder straps preferably are
extensions of a horizontal band of heavy duty fabric. This
horizontal band provides structure and ensures that the cover may
be fastened such that the cover does not sag. In contrast the
competing products typically use only a "Velcro".TM. type tab which
does not provide such structure and results in sagging.
[0031] The exemplary embodiment of the carrier cover of the present
invention includes front, rear and side panels which are assembled
to encase a child's body. When the exemplary embodiment of the
carrier cover of the invention is used on a front carrier (such as,
for example, the "Baby Bjorn.RTM." baby carrier), side slit pockets
preferably are included to provide parents or other adult users
with a way to keep their own hands warm, easy access to the baby,
and access to preferably an interior, storage pouch, which
preferably has a zippered or other appropriate closure. The front
portion of the cover preferably is topped by two, generally
triangular panels, which form a divided collar which is simply
wrapped around the sides of the child's neck and over the child's
shoulders to help seal out the elements and which, alternatively,
may be snapped or otherwise affixed together (for example,
alternatively using "Velcro".RTM. type material, etc.) to form a
hood fully surrounding the child's head, including the child's
head's sides.
[0032] The right and left sides of the exemplary embodiment of the
carrier cover preferably each include inverted box pleats or the
like with a rectangular bottom. This design provides a nice
tailored look while at the same time allows enough fabric and
"give" so that the child can freely move his/her arms and legs. The
currently preferred cover thus preferably has a squared-off,
laterally expandable, paper grocery bag-like interior with the
inverted box pleat or accordion-fold sides (or the like) providing
a side expandable interior resulting in additional room for the
child to comfortably move about, flail about, kick and the
like.
[0033] Within the inverted box pleat side panels preferably is,
among other items, a cinching system which allows one to adjust the
carrier cover's effective length to best accommodate the baby's
height.
[0034] The exemplary, currently preferred carrier cover of the
invention can be attached using several, different strap sets,
which preferably are located at the shoulder, front and waist
areas. By providing multiple means by which to secure the carrier
cover, this design ensures a snug, secure fit and also allows a
parent to decrease coverage while allowing the carrier cover to
remain affixed to the carrying device. For example, when in a
store, a parent can undo the top shoulder straps and the front
straps to remove the carrier cover from the child's shoulders and
torso, while keeping the waist straps attached so that the child's
legs remain covered.
[0035] The cover's shoulder straps and its waist straps preferably
provide a "vertically" spaced and at least a three-point
(preferably a four-point as illustrated) carrier attachment, using
preferably at least two, vertically spaced strap sets (shoulder and
waist) to connect the cover directly to the carrier's body
attachment straps (shoulder-strap-to-shoulder-strap and
waist-strap-to-waist-strap) and not directly to the user. This
results in a very stable fastening of the cover to the carrier,
vertically spaced a significant distance (at least about six or
more inches) and spaced side-to-side by the width separation
distance(s) of the carrier's shoulder and waist straps. However,
although a four-point, vertically spaced arrangement is much
preferred, one could use just a two-point attachment at the
carrier's should straps, if so desired, while enjoying other ones
of the patentable, independent features described herein.
[0036] Additionally and preferably, an interior pouch, preferably
closeable by zipping or hook-and-loop, etc., arrangement, provides
the adult users with secure but ready access to their essentials,
such as, for example, wallet, keys, cell phone, etc.
[0037] Also, side, slit "pockets" preferably are included to allow
the adult users' hands to be inserted to be kept warm and
preferably also offer easy access to the baby and the interior
storage pouch, but using over-lapping, "J" configured, interior
flaps initially isolating the "pocket" openings from the baby until
the adult user's hands have been more completely inserted into the
interior.
[0038] Likewise, a preferred hood/collar arrangement provides a
further seal against the environment whether the child is facing in
(as a hood) or out (over the child's shoulders), preferably along
with inverted box pleats or the like providing expandable sides
with extra material and "give" for the child to freely move about,
yet maintain a tailored appearance.
[0039] Preferably side cinch straps are included to allow the
effective length (depth/height) of the carrier cover to be adjusted
to best fit the size of the child.
[0040] Also elastic loop members preferably are included above the
cinch straps in the side panels of the cover.
[0041] It is further noted that the preferred embodiment of the
cover can be used with multiple devices, including, for example,
soft infant carriers, car seat carriers, hand-held carriers,
strollers, etc. Thus, it should be understood that the term
"carrier" as used herein includes a baby's or young child's car
seat, hand-carried carriers, baby carriers attached on the front of
the body of the adult users, strollers, bouncers, and the like.
[0042] Currently the most preferred embodiment of the invention
described in detail below includes all of the foregoing features
but other embodiments of the invention can include fewer features
and still incorporate patentable features of the invention as
defined by the claims presented below in light of this
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the
present invention, reference should be had to the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous
reference numbers, and wherein:
[0044] FIG. 1 is a frontal, perspective view of, for example, the
baby's mother holding her baby (facing towards the mother) using an
exemplary, prior art baby carrier, attached to and positioned at
the front of the mother, with the exemplary embodiment of the cover
of the present invention in its final disposition covering the baby
but with the "hood" panels unfastened and hanging down at the top
front of the cover and with the mother's hands (one side seen)
inserted into the side, slit pockets of the cover.
[0045] FIG. 1A is a view similar in perspective to that of FIG. 1
but without the cover embodiment of the invention added, that is,
showing just the prior art "Baby Bjorn" type, front carrier
alone.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a rear, partially inside view of the baby carrier
cover; and
[0047] FIG. 3 is a front/exterior view of the baby carrier cover
with dashed lines used to indicate features of the cover which can
not be directly seen and with the two, sidewardly facing, dashed
"Js" outlining additional fabric that creates overlaps associated
with side slit or slash "pockets" so that, when a parent uses the
slash pockets, the baby is not immediately subjected to the outside
air; thus, when a parent places their hands in the slash pockets,
their palms pass over those "J" shaped panels which cover the baby;
while
[0048] FIG. 3A is a front/outside, perspective view ofthe baby
carrier cover without the hood/collar (to simplify viewing) and
better see the cover's rear "cut-out" area.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a frontal, perspective view of the mother with the
baby positioned looking forward (away from the mother) and with the
substantially triangular "hood" panels in their collar disposition
covering around the baby's neck and over its shoulders; while
[0050] FIG. 5 is a side view of the mother with the baby positioned
alternatively looking rearward (toward the mother) and with the
hood panels raised and snapped together so that the baby is
completely covered for maximum ambient protection and with the
mother's hands (one side seen) inserted into the side, slit
pockets, as in FIG. 1.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a side, perspective view showing the cover used on
a baby (positioned looking toward the mother and wearing its own
clothing's hood) with the "hood" panels unfastened and hanging
down;
[0052] FIGS. 7A & 7B are side, frontal views showing the cover
cinched up and then un-cinched, respectively, about the baby
varying the cover's effective length in the "vertical" direction or
height, with the baby positioned looking toward the adult, it being
further noted that the "hood" panels are not illustrated for
simplicity purposes; and
[0053] FIG. 8 is a frontal, perspective view showing the baby
positioned in an exemplary (prior art) rigid car seat with the baby
sitting in this type of hand-carried carrier and with the front of
the cover applied over the baby and the rear of the cover
positioned under the baby's legs and above (on) the carrier's upper
surface.
EXEMPLARY, CURRENT, BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0054] The currently preferred, exemplary embodiment 10 of the baby
carrier cover will be described in connection with the figures
hereof in connection with two types of exemplary baby or infant
carriers, namely, [0055] the exemplary, prior art, front worn
carrier 100 (e.g., the "Baby Bjorn" commercial product) made of
flexible, fabric materials and shown by itself in FIG. 1A and in
connection with the exemplary embodiment 10 of the cover of the
present invention in FIGS. 1-7, and [0056] the exemplary
hand-carried, rigid, car seat type of carrier 200 (made, for
example, of plastic) of the prior art shown in FIG. 8 in connection
with the exemplary embodiment 10 of the cover of the present
invention.
[0057] As is known, the flexible front carrier 100 of the prior art
of FIG. 1A (e.g., a "BabyBjorn" baby carrier) includes a set of
shoulder straps 101 from which is suspended a baby holder 102 into
which the baby is placed and supported, along with a set of side
straps 103 which go around to the back of the adult user securing
the front carrier to the adult's body in association with the
shoulder straps. Of course, other fasteners can be used, if so
desired, to further attach the carrier 100 to be supported at the
front, chest area of the adult user.
[0058] The baby can be put into the interior of the carrier holder
102 either facing forward or rearwardly (compare, for example,
FIGS. 4 & 5). As can be seen, in such a prior art carrier 100,
the prior art carrier leaves the baby exposed to the ambient at the
legs, arms and head areas, all of which extend out of the carrier
or are otherwise exposed, a problem solved by the baby carrier
cover embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] The over-all, basic structure of the currently preferred,
exemplary embodiment 10 of the carrier cover of the present
invention can best be seen in FIGS. 2, 3 & 3A and includes:
[0060] two, top, substantially triangular, downwardly extending,
sub-panels 21 on the front side 70 forming alternatively a
protective collar 21' when the two panels are placed around the
baby's neck as in FIG. 4 or, alternatively, a hood 21'' about the
baby's head when pulled up and snapped or otherwise fastened
together using snaps 22 (or, alternatively, for example, using
"Velcro,".RTM. etc.) as in FIG. 5; [0061] a pair of distal end,
encircling, cover shoulder straps 31, the longer, central part of
which forms a band of heavy duty material, which, as can be seen,
extends around most of, if not all, of the side-to-side, top of the
cover, with the encircling end portions being connected around the
carrier's shoulder straps 101 using, for example, the snap sets
shown in FIG. 2 or other appropriate fasteners; [0062] a pair of
encircling, cover front straps 41; [0063] a pair of "vertically"
disposed sleeves 42, with each one located adjacent to and below a
respective one of the front straps 41 for stowing the front straps,
with the front strap 41 to the left in FIG. 2 being loose ready to
be looped through the front infant armholes of the carrier 100 and
the one to the right being stored in its respective sleeve 42 for
illustrative, comparative purposes; [0064] a pair of encircling,
cover waist straps 51 located right above and adjacent to the
bottom level of the rear cut-out 72 for looping around the
carrier's waist straps; and [0065] an interior, zippered, storage
pouch 61 with zipper pulls 62.
[0066] The longer, central portion of the shoulder straps 31 which
forms a long band of heavy duty material provides structure to the
cover and ensures that the cover may be fastened such that it does
not sag.
[0067] The main body of the exemplary embodiment 10 of the carrier
cover can be box-like in shape as illustrated in its disposition in
FIG. 3 (note also FIG. 3A). The rear 71 of the cover 10 has a
"cut-out" area 72 (see also FIG. 3A) that allows it to fit up
around the soft front infant carrier 100. The rear, cut-out area 72
dips down to accommodate the bottom part of the prior art carrier
100 when the cover 10 is slipped up over the bottom of the carrier
and its inhabitant and attached to the carrier (preferably not
directly to the adult user) with the cover's straps being used to
connect directly to the juxtaposed, respective straps of the
carrier.
[0068] To better illustrate this rear, cut-out area 72, note FIG.
3A which illustrates the carrier cover 10 without the hood/collar
(to simplify viewing). The cover's front 70, back 71, sides 73, the
latter with their inverted box pleats 74, and rectangular bottom 78
together providing a squared off, box-like interior, as well as the
various strap sets 31, 41 & 51, all can be seen in FIG. 3A.
[0069] The exemplary, currently preferred baby carrier cover 10
does not require any folding in its being applied and connected to
the baby carrier. For example, to attach it to the carrier 100 with
the baby in the carrier, one simply slides the cover 10 up and
around the bottom of the carrier with the infant supported in it,
and then affixes one or more or all of the three pairs of fastening
straps 31, 41 & 51 to the juxtaposed parts of the carrier 100,
as needed or desired. For example, the cover's shoulder straps 31
are merely inserted around the carrier's shoulder straps 101 and
snapped back to the mating snaps on the longer, band portion of the
shoulder straps on the cover, or otherwise appropriately fastened
(using, for example, "Velcro,".RTM. etc.), thereby affixing the
upper part of the cover 10 directly to the carrier 100 and thus
preferably not directly to the adult user.
[0070] If the adult user chooses, he/she can snap the collar panels
21 together using the snaps 22, or other appropriate fasteners, to
form a hood 21'', as shown in FIG. 5. It should be noted, in
comparing FIGS. 4 & 5, that in the former the baby is
positioned looking forward away from the mother, while in the
latter the baby preferably is positioned alternatively looking
rearward (toward the mother) with the hood panels 21'' raised and
snapped or otherwise appropriately fastened together so that the
baby effectively is completely covered for maximum ambient
protection, particularly when the adult user is moving forward
into, for example, a falling snow or blowing wind, etc.
[0071] Of course, the baby with its own clothing may already have a
hood (note FIG. 6), in which case the panels 21 can merely be left
hanging down over the front 70 of the cover 10. Of course, if so
desired as an alternative arrangement, the "hood" panels 21 could
be constructed in association with the top of the cover 10 so that
they may be completely removed from the rest of the body of the
cover 10, when so desired, and then later reattached using, for
example, snaps, "Velcro.RTM." type hook and loop material, etc.,
when needed. However, it is important in the most preferred
embodiment that the "hood/collar" panels be properly contoured or
configured to alternatively be used as a hood and, alternatively, a
collar for covering over the shoulders of the baby.
[0072] Additionally, the adult can, if so desired, cinch up the
sides 73 to appropriately adjust the baby carrier cover's length,
that is, its depth or height (note effective lengths (depth/height
of cover) indicated in comparing the side view of FIGS. 7A &
7B) using the well known type of illustrated cinch mechanism 75,
with its belt and its mating, fixed loop, provided preferably on
both side panels 73 but at least on one of them.
[0073] Preferably side slit "pockets" 76 are included at a
mid-level at the side, front edges of the side panels 73 (note FIG.
7B) where they contact the side edges of the front panel 70,
allowing, for example, the adult user to insert his/her hands (note
FIGS. 1 & 5) into the interior of the cover 10 to, for example,
keep warm and/or to access the interior pouch 61 or touch the
child, etc.
[0074] Further in regard to applying the cover 10 to the front
carried carrier 100, the adult user attaches the carrier 100 to the
front of his/her body and the baby secured in the carrier 100, all
in accordance with the carrier's manufacturer's instructions, which
can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and carrier to carrier.
The cover 10 is held so that the hanging collar/hood panels 21 are
facing out and the cover then pulled up so that the baby's legs and
body are encased.
[0075] The cover attachment, shoulder and waist strap sets 31, 51
are attached around the carrier's shoulder 101 and waist straps 103
(note FIGS. 5 & 6), respectively. To prevent sagging in front,
the front straps 41 preferably are secured through the standard
infant armholes on the carrier as well.
[0076] Preferably the cover's straps should only encircle portions
of the carrier 100 and never the baby's limbs or around the adult
user's shoulders or limbs. When not using the front straps 41, they
should be stowed in the interior, vertically disposed, pockets or
sleeves 42 having closure snaps or other appropriate fasteners,
thus keeping the front straps away from the baby to prevent any
entanglement with the baby.
[0077] When being used in association with, for example, a stroller
or car seat or hand-carried carrier 200 (where the child is facing
out or forward, as shown in FIG. 8), one simply slides the rear
panel 71 of the carrier cover 10 up so that the child's legs rest
directly on the back 71 of the cover, with the cover not going
under the carrier 200 as was done with the carrier 100 but placed
on the carrier's top surface. In this process the front 70 of the
cover is slid up over the top of the body of the baby.
[0078] The weight of the child's legs typically should be
sufficient to hold the cover 10 in place. The front straps 41 are
stowed in the sleeves 42, preventing the possibility that the
covered baby/child could get entangled in them, while the shoulder
straps 31 are closed and tucked to the side or behind the child's
shoulders. The waist straps 51 preferably are looped around the
carrier's harness's waist straps for still greater securement.
[0079] As can be seen in FIGS. 7A & 7B, the cover 10 preferably
has elastic loops 77 above the cinching mechanism 75 in the
inverted box pleats 73 (74) which can be used to hook the cover 10
onto some models of infant car seats. It is noted, however, that
not all infant car seats have an area where this particular
approach can be used. Other fastenings could, of course, be
provided for other types of car seats, bouncers, etc, if so
desired.
Exemplary Dimensions
[0080] Exemplary approximate dimensions of the various cover panels
are: [0081] Front Panel (70): about 12.5''.times.18.5'' [0082] Side
Panel (73): about 5.5''.times.18.5'' or, for a further, currently
more preferred example: [0083] Front Panel (70): about
12.5''.times.23'' [0084] Side Panel (73): about
5.5''.times.23''
[0085] The rear dimensions (71) generally may be the same as the
front panel 70, but with the cut-out 72 being deleted, which
"cut-out" can be an exemplary approximately about six and a
half(6.5'') inches across and extending about ten (10'') inches
down from the top, with the "hood" panels 21 each being an
exemplary about ten by eleven (10''.times.11'') inches,
appropriately contoured.
[0086] Exemplary materials for making the cover 10 include, for
example, fleece, woven cotton, cotton corduroy, supplex, faux fur,
etc.
[0087] It should be understood, however, that the exemplary
dimensions and particular materials and configurations of the
various baby carrier cover parts are subject to great
variation.
[0088] It should be understood that, in the context of this
specification, the term "adult" or "parent" refers to any
sufficiently old user, not necessarily one of the age of majority
or eighteen or twenty-one plus, but also including a younger,
sufficiently strong and tall user who can accommodate baby carriers
such as those of the types illustrated herein, as well as others to
which the carrier cover of the present invention may be applied.
Additionally, the term "baby" as used herein likewise includes
young children who are young enough and small enough to be
accommodated in baby carriers of the types such as those
illustrated herein, as well as others to which the carrier cover of
the present invention may be applied.
[0089] It is noted that the embodiment described herein in detail
for exemplary purposes is of course subject to many different
variations in structure, size, design, application and methodology.
Because many varying and different, additional embodiments may be
made within the scope of the inventive concepts herein taught, and
because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein
detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the
law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense unless
called for in one or more of the following claims and only to the
extent as dependently claimed below.
* * * * *
References