U.S. patent application number 11/265930 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-10 for heat reflective cover for infant or child car seat.
Invention is credited to Merilyn Joan Billock.
Application Number | 20070102079 11/265930 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38002539 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070102079 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Billock; Merilyn Joan |
May 10, 2007 |
Heat reflective cover for infant or child car seat
Abstract
A protective cover is disclosed that can be interchanged among a
variety of infant or child car seats. It includes heat reflective
fabric with fastening device to hold it securely to the car seat.
This is a heat reflective device made to cover an infant or child
car seat to reflect the heat of the sun and prevent the car seat
fabric and fasteners from becoming hot enough cause discomfort or
injury to an infant or child. Another feature of the present
invention may include the ability of the present invention to be
folded to a reduced state for easy storage .
Inventors: |
Billock; Merilyn Joan;
(Pittsburgh, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Merilyn J. Billock
410 Kingston Dr.
Pittsburgh
PA
15235
US
|
Family ID: |
38002539 |
Appl. No.: |
11/265930 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
150/154 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/6063
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/154 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/02 20060101
B65D065/02; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A reflective cover comprising a. a heat reflective material cut
into an appropriate shape b. to fit snugly over an article to be
kept cool, with c. a means for gathering the perimeter of the
material, placed around the perimeter of said material, d. which
device can be removably placed around said article to shield said
article from heat in its environment. 1a. The covering of claim 1,
where said means of gathering said reflective material is an
elastic element. 1b. The covering of claim 1, where said means of
gathering said reflective material is a drawstring. 1c. The
covering of claim 1, where said means of gathering said reflective
material is a rigid hoop or hoops. 1d. The covering of claim 1,
where said device is semi-permanently attached to an enclosing
structure or automobile. 1e. The covering of claim 1, where said
device is permanently attached to an enclosing structure or
automobile.
2. A reflective cover for a car seat comprising a. a heat
reflective material cut into an appropriate shape for covering an
infant or child car seat b. to fit snugly over said car seat, with
c. a means for gathering the perimeter of said material, placed
around the perimeter of said material, d. which device can be
removably placed around said car seat to shield it from heat in its
environment. 2a. The covering of claim 2, where the snug fit is
achieved by a rectangular shape with square fitted corners. 2b. The
covering of claim 2, where the snug fit is achieved by a
rectangular shape with rounded fitted corners. 2c. The covering of
claim 2, where the snug fit is achieved without fitted comers, but
is reliant on said means for gathering the material snugly. 2d. The
covering of claim 2, where said means of gathering said reflective
material is an elastic element. 2da. The covering of claim 2d,
where the snug fit is achieved by a rectangular shape with square
fitted corners. 2e. The covering of claim 2, where said means of
gathering said reflective material is a drawstring. 2f. The
covering of claim 2, where said means of gathering said reflective
material is a rigid hoop or hoops. 2g. The covering of claim 2f,
where the rigid hoop or hoops are comprised of metal. 2h. The
covering of claim 2f, where the rigid hoop or hoops are comprised
of plastic. 2i. The covering of claim 2, where said covering is
attached snugly to said car seat by a means for semi-permanently
attaching a portion of said covering to said car seat. 2j. The
covering of claim 2i, where said means for attaching said covering
to said car seat is comprised of buckles, straps, hook and loop
closures, or snaps. 2k. The covering of claim 2i, where said means
of gathering said reflective material is a rigid hoop or hoops. 2l.
The covering of claim 2i, where said covering is attached to said
covering on one portion of its perimeter, and a rigid hoop is
attached to the remaining portion of the perimeter, which enables
said covering to be deployed over said car seat in a canopy.
3. A reflective cover for groceries comprising a. a heat reflective
material cut into an appropriate shape for covering a means for
collecting and enclosing said groceries b. and fit snugly over said
groceries, with c. a means for gathering the perimeter of said
material, placed around the perimeter of said material, d. which
device can be removably placed around said groceries to shield said
groceries from heat in the environment. 3a. The covering of claim
3, where said means of gathering said reflective material is an
elastic element. 3b. The covering of claim 3, where said means of
gathering said reflective material is a drawstring. 3c. The
covering of claim 3, where said means of gathering said reflective
material is a rigid hoop or hoops. 3d. The covering of claim 3,
where said covering is semi-permanently attached to an enclosing
structure by a means of buckles, straps, hook and loop closures, or
snaps. 3e. The covering of claim 3d, where said covering is
permanently attached to an enclosing structure or automobile and is
deployed over said groceries.
4. A reflective automobile steering wheel cover comprising a. a
heat reflective material cut into an appropriate shape for covering
a steering wheel b. and fit snugly over said steering wheel, with
c. a means for gathering the perimeter of said material, placed
around the perimeter of said material, d. which device can be
removably placed around said steering wheel to shield said steering
wheel from heat inside an automobile. 4a. The covering of claim 4,
where said covering is cut to a circular shape. 4b. The covering of
claim 4a, where said means of gathering said reflective material is
an elastic element. 4c. The covering of claim 4a, where said means
of gathering said reflective material is a drawstring.
5. The covering of claim 1, where the article to be shielded is
picnic items.
6. The covering of claim 1, where the article to be shielded is
electronic items.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of Invention
[0004] This invention generally relates to car seats, specifically
to comfort and safety enhancements for infant or child car
seats.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prior Art
[0005] Car seats are effective safety systems which protect infants
and small children from death and injury when involved in car
crashes. The importance of car seats to child safety is so widely
recognized that all fifty states have enacted laws requiring
infants and small children to ride in car seats while in the car.
Car seats are not an unalloyed benefit, however. Car seats are
sometimes improperly installed, and sometimes children do not wish
to ride in car seats due to the discomfort and boredom they
experience in the seats. The present invention discloses a device
for reducing the discomfort infants and children feel when riding
in car seats.
[0006] When a car in which the car seat is installed is sitting in
the sun, the interior of the car including the car seat heats up,
the fasteners and fabric of the car seat get very hot. When the
child is placed back in the car seat, the heat is very
uncomfortable, and the hot fasteners may burn the child.
[0007] There are several approaches to addressing this problem with
car seats as currently used. One simple approach is to leave the
windows of the car open. In many situations, however, this solution
is not adequate for security reasons: the car seat or other items
in the car may be stolen. A related approach is to remove the car
seat from the car while it is parked in the sun. This solution is
unsuitable for many situations, when it is awkward to carry the car
seat, and when the design of the car seat makes it hard to
re-install in the car after every removal, and may lead to improper
re-installation
[0008] Another solution is to tint the windows of the car to reduce
the amount of heat entering the car. This has the disadvantage of
reducing visibility while driving, however. A less permanent
modification is a removable screen attached to the window of the
car and partially shielding the car seat from direct sun. Such a
device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,548 issued Jul. 31, 1990
to G. Payne et al. This solution has the disadvantage of reducing
visibility while driving as well as reducing the utility of the
window to which the screen is attached. Also, any approach which
reduces visibility may make the child less comfortable while
riding.
[0009] Yet another solution is a complicated hood made as part of
the car seat to provide shade for the infant while riding in the
car seat. U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,268 issued Mar. 14, 1995 to Chang,
et. al. discloses such a device. A disadvantage to this approach is
that the sun shield apparatus can be a crash risk for the infant,
thus reducing the effectiveness of the car seat as a safety device.
Additionally, such a device can be complicated for care givers to
adjust and manipulate.
[0010] Another simple solution is to put a blanket over the car
seat. This solution helps to keep the seat cool, but a reflective
material and a snug fit keeps significantly more heat from the car
seat.
[0011] What is needed is a heat reflective covering that would fit
snugly over the car seat to decrease the heat of the fasteners and
fabric of the car seat, so a baby can be placed in it comfortably
and safely.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Objects and Advantages
Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
[0012] 1) To provide a covering for an infant or child car seat
that would diminish the impact to the occupants comfort and safety
caused by the heat of the sun by keeping the fasteners and fabric
cool.
[0013] 2) To provide such a covering in a form that is simple and
easy for care givers to use.
[0014] 3) To provide maximum heat resistance by incorporating heat
reflective material.
[0015] 4) To provide flexible patterns of use. Since the cover is
not a part of the car seat, it can be left in the car if the car
seat is temporarily removed from the car. The cover can also be
removed and used with a car seat installed in a separate car.
In addition, further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
SUMMARY
[0016] The present invention consists of a removable device which
covers an infant or child car seat and reflects the light and heat
of the sun. The device maintains a cooler temperature of the fabric
and fasteners of the seat which provides for improved comfort of
the infant or child.
DRAWINGS
[0017] Figures
[0018] FIG. 1 shows the diagram of the piece of fabric used for the
preferred embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows the diagram of the pattern used to make the
fitted corners of the preferred embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows the diagram of the sewing of the fitted
corners.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of attaching the elastic element to
the car seat cover, after the corners have been sewn.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of an oblique view of the finished
preferred embodiment, including the tab.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows a diagram of the alternate embodiment, the
fabric cut with the elastic element attached.
[0024] FIG. 7 shows a diagram of the car seat cover installed on
the car seat.
DRAWINGS
[0025] Reference Numerals
[0026] 5. Indicates a heat reflective fabric out of which the
covering is constructed. This fabric is cut into a rectangle with
dimensions a few inches larger than the width and length of the car
seat for which the covering is to be used.
[0027] 10. Indicates the longer dimension of the heat reflective
fabric.
[0028] 20. Indicates the shorter dimension of the heat reflective
fabric.
[0029] 30. Indicates a four inch cut four inches from each corner
on the side of the shorter dimension.
[0030] 40. Indicates a four inch cut four inches from each corner
on the side of the longer dimension.
[0031] 45. Indicates the fold lines for the finished product of the
preferred embodiment.
[0032] 50. Indicates the shorter dimension with the four inch
corners removed.
[0033] 55. Indicates the sewn seam.
[0034] 60. Indicates the longer dimension with the four inch
corners removed.
[0035] 70. Indicates the elastic element.
[0036] 80. Indicates the tab.
[0037] 90. Indicates the long dimension of the heat reflective
fabric with rounded corners.
[0038] 95. Indicates the short dimension of the heat reflective
fabric with rounded corners.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0040] A preferred embodiment of the present invention consists of
a rectangle of heat reflective fabric with fitted corners, with an
elastic band sewn around the perimeter to hold it snugly against
the car seat. A universally configured cover that could be used on
a wide variety of baby seats could be approximately thirty two
inches wide and forty inches long with an elastic element attached
around the perimeter to hold it snugly against the car seat. The
best fabric for this covering would be a lightweight aluminized
fabric with the highest possible reflectivity. The fabric would be
non-toxic, be able to be folded easily and repeatedly without
wearing or degrading the reflectivity.
The fabric would be easily sewn, durable and rip-proof.
[0041] A preferred embodiment of the child car seat cover of the
present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 2, 3, 4 and 5. The
device is constructed as follows: A heat reflective fabric 5 will
be cut to a rectangle (FIG. 1) of about forty inches 10 by about
thirty-two inches 20. In the preferred embodiment, squares, about
four inches on a side 30 and 40 (FIG. 2) will be cut out of each of
the comers of the fabric rectangle. The two respective sides near
each corner 30-40 (FIG. 3) approximately four inches long, will be
placed together, right sides facing each other, with edges of
fabric 50 and 60 placed together. A seam will be sewn about three
eights of an inch from the edges of 30-40 to make a fitted corner
in the fabric, this will be repeated on all four comers of the
fabric (FIG. 2). These seams will all be sewn on the back side of
the fabric in the manner of a fitted bed sheet. These seams will be
finished.
[0042] This fabric will be finished all the way around the edge. An
elastic element 70 (FIG. 4) about three eighths of an inch wide,
will be sewn to the fabric along the perimeter, gathering the
fabric. At the same time that the elastic is attached to the edge
of the fabric, a tab 80 (FIG. 5) will be attached to the center of
the top edge. A good elastic band for this purpose is one which
maintains its elasticity over a large number of uses, sews easily,
and is not too wide to easily snug under the comers of the car
seat.
FIG. 4. ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0043] An alternate embodiment of the present invention of the
child car seat cover is illustrated in FIG. 1 and 6. A heat
reflective fabric will be cut into a rectangle, about thirty two
inches 20 by about forty inches 10. The corners will be rounded 90
and 95 (FIG. 6) taking off approximately 2 inches of fabric on the
corner. The fabric will be finished all the way around the edge.
Elastic 70 will be sewn along the perimeter of the fabric,
gathering the fabric. At the same time that the elastic is attached
to the edge of the fabric, a tab 80 will be attached to the center
of the top edge.
Operation
[0044] The manner of using the invention is: grasp the cover at the
tab, and place the tab at the middle of the top of the child car
seat. The elasticized edge of the top of the cover will then be
secured around the top edge of the child car seat. Then the
elasticized edge of the bottom of the cover will be secured around
the bottom of the child car seat. The sides of the cover are to be
outside the car seat, but not necessarily under the edges of the
car seat. If the child car seat is facing the rear of the car, as
for an infant, the application can start at the bottom of the car
seat and repeat the above steps in reverse. An illustration of the
fully installed child car seat cover is shown in FIG. 7.
[0045] The manner of using the alternate embodiment of the
invention is the same as the preferred embodiment, the difference
is that the fitted corners on the preferred embodiment allow for a
closer fit on certain car seats.
[0046] This child car seat cover is intended to keep the fabric and
fasteners of the child car seat cooler than the ambient temperature
of the interior of the car, when the car seat is sitting in the
sun.
[0047] The car seat cover disclosed in this invention is not
intended to be used while the car seat is occupied.
Advantages
[0048] From the description above, a number of advantages of my
heat reflective car seat covering become evident:
[0049] a) This car seat cover would provide a needed way to keep
infant or child car seats cool when the sun is shining in the
window of the car. Prototypes constructed of a suitable heat
reflective fabric have been demonstrated to provide an environment
under the covering which is up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than
the ambient environment inside the car. This maintains the fabric
and fasteners at a cooler temperature, decreasing the possibility
of discomfort or heat injuries to the child.
[0050] b) The car seat cover is simple to attach to a car seat and
can easily be removed with one hand while holding the child or
infant in the other arm.
[0051] c) The covering is more effective than a towel, blanket or
other multi-purpose fabric which could be used to shield a car seat
from the sun.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0052] As has been described, the covering disclosed in the
invention provides an enhancement to the safety and comfort of an
infant or child occupying a car seat by maintaining the fabric and
fasteners of the seat cool when the vehicle in which the seat is
installed is parked in the sun.
[0053] Since this situation occurs very frequently during the
summer months in parking lots, outside a residence, or at a place
of employment, the invention will greatly improve the experience of
infants and children while being placed back into the car seat and
reducing the possibility of being burned or discomfited by the
extremely hot fabric and fasteners of the car seat. It does this
by:
[0054] being constructed of a heat reflective fabric,
[0055] being easily attached and detached from the car seat, so
that it can be easily operated by care givers,
[0056] being configured for use on a variety of shapes of car
seats.
In addition, the covering can be folded and compactly stored while
not in use, as well as removed and used in multiple vehicles.
[0057] While my above description contains many specifics, these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but as merely providing an exemplification of one
presently preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are
possible. For example, a covering made of a non-reflective material
would be cheaper to construct, while not as effective.
[0058] The covering could lack an elastic element and simply hang
loose, which would also be not as effective. The corners can be cut
in a variety of different fashions so as to more closely fit
particular models of infant or child car seats. The covering can be
fitted with closures which attach tightly to particular attachments
on a given model of car seat, thus providing for better insulation,
while limiting the reusability and versatility of the covering. The
covering can be used for other similar purposes, such as keeping a
bag of groceries in a vehicle cooler while on another errand. A
pocket could be sewn to the underside of the covering, which could
hold an ice pack to maintain a cooler temperature, or for the
covering to fold up and stow within. The covering could have one
edge attached permanently, or semi-permanently to the top or bottom
of the car seat in an integrated way, to allow for retractable
deployment of the covering.
[0059] Thus the scope of the invention should by determined by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the
examples given.
* * * * *