U.S. patent application number 12/044991 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-18 for kick-off proof all weather stroller blanket.
Invention is credited to Cameron F. Okell.
Application Number | 20080222809 12/044991 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39761170 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080222809 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okell; Cameron F. |
September 18, 2008 |
Kick-off Proof All Weather Stroller Blanket
Abstract
A blanket particularly well suited for use with children seated
in strollers, a blanket including a upper, middle, and lower
section, the upper section has straps that attaches to the stroller
frame so it doesn't slide off, the middle section is narrow
relative to other sections to fit over the knee area and seat edge,
and the lower section has an adjustable foot pocket to keep legs
and feet covered.
Inventors: |
Okell; Cameron F.; (Seattle,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Cameron Okell
3011 61st Ave SW
Seattle
WA
98116
US
|
Family ID: |
39761170 |
Appl. No.: |
12/044991 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60918187 |
Mar 15, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/502 ;
5/482 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/068 20130101;
B62B 9/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/502 ;
5/482 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/04 20060101
A47G009/04 |
Claims
1) A blanket for use with a seat comprising: a) An upper section
containing a means for attaching to said seat supporting structure.
b) A middle section for a contoured fit over a seated person
without excess folds or substantial fabric bunching around the area
of the said seated person's knees. c) a lower section containing a
means for securing the blanket around the said seated person's feet
to keep said person's feet and lower legs covered.
2) The blanket of claim 1, wherein the upper, middle and lower
sections comprise a sheet of fabric material.
3) The blanket of claim 1, wherein the upper, middle and lower
sections comprise a plurality of sheets of fabric material.
4) The blanket of claim 1, wherein the means for attaching to said
seat structure comprises of a strap material a) attaches to the
said blanket front face upper section, b) extends outwards from
left and right sides c) loops around said seat's supporting
structure d) connects to form a secure loop around the said seat's
supporting structure.
5) The blanket of claim 1, wherein the means for attaching to said
stroller structure comprises of a cord material a) attaches to the
said blanket front face upper section b) extends outwards from left
and right sides c) loops around said seat's supporting structure d)
connects to form a secure loop around the said seat's supporting
structure.
6) The blanket of claim 1 wherein the middle section is shaped
narrower than the overall blanket width reducing fabric surface
area in the approximate area of the said seated person's knees.
7) The blanket in claim 1 wherein the lower section means for
securing the blanket around a pair of feet comprising a) an
additional layer of fabric attached to the back side, lower
section, forming a pocket with a single opening to receive feet. b)
The blanket contains a means for adjusting the said pocket opening
size.
8) The blanket in claim 7 wherein the said means for adjusting the
said pocket opening size comprises of cord material fed through
sleeves contained in the pocket rim and the blanket front side
lower face, and plurality of openings where cord material feeds
through from front to back sides.
9) The blanket in claim 7 wherein the said means for adjusting the
said pocket opening size comprises of strap material fed through
sleeves contained in the pocket rim and the blanket front side
lower face, and plurality of openings where strap material feeds
through from front to back sides.
10) A blanket adapted for a child's seat comprising: a) An upper
section containing a means for attaching to said seat supporting
structure. b) A middle section for a contoured fit over a seated
child without excess folds or substantial fabric bunching around
the area of the said seated child's knees. c) a lower section
containing a means for securing the blanket around the said seated
child's feet to keep said child's feet and lower legs covered.
11) The blanket of claim 10, wherein the upper, middle and lower
sections comprise a sheet of fabric material.
12) The blanket of claim 10, wherein the upper, middle and lower
sections comprise a plurality of sheets of fabric material.
13) The blanket of claim 10, wherein the means for attaching to
said seat structure comprises of a strap material a) attaches to
the said blanket front face upper section. b) extends outwards from
left and right sides. c) loops around said seat's supporting
structure. d) connects to form a secure loop around the said seat's
supporting structure.
14) The blanket of claim 10, wherein the means for attaching to
said stroller structure comprises of a cord material a) attaches to
the said blanket front face upper section b) extends outwards from
left and right sides c) loops around said seat's supporting
structure d) connects to form a secure loop around the said seat's
supporting structure.
15) The blanket of claim 10 wherein the middle section is shaped
narrower than the overall blanket width reducing fabric surface
area in the approximate area of the said seated child's knees.
16) The blanket in claim 10 wherein the lower section means for
securing the blanket around a pair of feet comprising a) an
additional layer of fabric attached to the back side, lower
section, forming a pocket with a single opening to receive feet. b)
The blanket contains a means for adjusting the said pocket opening
size.
17) The blanket in claim 16 wherein the means for adjusting the
said pocket opening size comprises of cord material fed through
sleeves contained in the pocket rim and the blanket front side
lower face, and plurality of openings where cord material feeds
through from front to back sides.
18) The blanket in claim 16 wherein the means for adjusting the
said pocket opening size comprises of strap material fed through
sleeves contained in the pocket rim and the blanket front side
lower face, and plurality of openings where strap material feeds
through from front to back sides.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application 60/918,187 filed Mar. 15, 2007 by the present
inventor.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates generally to a blanket, and more
particularly to a stroller blanket designed to cover a child seated
in a stroller without being kicked off or sliding off. This blanket
is weatherproof and insulated for outdoor use.
[0006] 2. Prior Art
[0007] Parents and caregivers use strollers when taking small
children outside for walks. For parents and children it is
important to get outside regardless of the weather. A child sitting
in a stroller needs to stay warm and dry. Blankets provide an extra
layer of insulation to cover and keep children warm. An effective
blanket must stay on and cover a seated child's feet up to their
torso. When a child wiggles or moves a lot, blankets can fall off.
Parents are often required to stop to adjust or pick up fallen
blankets. Therefore a challenge existed for a blanket that doesn't
fall or slide off, and keeps a seated child covered. For outdoor
use the blanket should also be weatherproof and insulated.
[0008] There are lots of baby blankets available made of different
knits and fabrics. Baby blankets are intended for swaddling babies
to keep them warm while indoors. The same baby blankets are often
used for covering babies and toddlers while outside in strollers.
This poses several challenges as baby blankets are not intended for
outside use. A baby blanket doesn't provide adequate weather
protection. Nor is it fitted to cover a child sitting upright in a
moving stroller. When a seated child is covered with a typical baby
blanket they will often wiggle it free. It then needs to be
reapplied or adjusted so that it again adequately covers the
child.
[0009] An alternative to a baby blanket is a bunting bag style
blanket. It covers the front and back of children from the feet to
the torso resembling a miniature sleeping bag. U.S. Pat. No.
6,012,189 The Multi-Purpose Bunting Bag issued Jan. 11, 2000 to
Dudley et al is an example of such. This is a two piece front and
back device. The back piece is placed in the stroller seat with
stroller restraining straps fed through slits. After the child is
seated, the front piece covers the child. Then the two pieces are
zipped together. The result is the child being completely wrapped
from feet to torso. Such devices are useful for keeping warm
however they are restricting. The child may not be able to move
their feet. While suitable for infants; when children reach toddler
age, they grow less tolerant of confinements over their entire
body. The age range to use a bag style blanket is normally up to
one year. Another problem with the bag style blanket is the parent
must apply the back piece before the child sits in the stroller. If
the child is already seated in the stroller the back piece cannot
be applied. Applying the back piece requires that the child be
taken out of the stroller. Getting an active child seated and
secured in the stroller can require great effort from the parent.
Struggles to get the child into the stroller can distract the
parent. Unless the parent thinks ahead, they may realize a blanket
is needed only after they are outside with the child in stroller.
Considering the effort already put forth, the parent may opt to go
without the blanket rather than repeat the struggle.
[0010] Other devices have been developed to accomplish one or more
of these problems. For example U.S. Pat. No. 3,962,738, issued Jun.
15, 1976 to Mendito, U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,724, issued Sep. 14, 1993
to Barnes, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,226 issued Oct. 22, 1991 to
Crosby. These have pockets for receiving legs as well and sections
that fit under or around a seated child. They also require openings
for passing through stroller restraining straps. A concern among
all these devices is the seated child will likely sit on part of
the blanket. Under load of the child's weight the fabric can bind
or clump creating an uncomfortable sitting surface. The child may
express discomfort. Removing binds or clumps will involve removing
or repositioning the blanket and child. Again this can require
great effort on behalf of the child and parent. Additional
disadvantage of such devices is feeding through built-in
restraining straps. This task can be difficult to impossible while
the child is seated. If the child is uncooperative, this task will
again require great effort on behalf of the parent.
[0011] Therefore it is the object of this invention to provide a
blanket designed specifically for stroller use that provides
warmth, weather protection, and is simple in its application. It is
a further object of the invention to provide a blanket that
connects to the stroller so that movements of the child or forces
of the weather will not cause the blanket to blow off or slide off.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a blanket that
keeps children's feet covered without their legs being fully
confined.
[0012] Further objects will become apparent from the drawings,
description, and claims that follow.
SUMMARY
[0013] Disadvantages of previously designed devices have been
reduced or eliminated with the various embodiments of the present
invention. This invention relates to a blanket having a distinct
shape; front and back facing sides; with upper, middle, and lower
sections; and inner and outer facing fabric layers.
[0014] The front face of the blanket is entirely outer layer
fabric. Outer layer fabric is comprised of weather resistant
material that provides a barrier from outdoor elements such as
rain, wind or sun. At present I contemplate the use of coated nylon
fabric for the outer layer but other materials are suitable.
[0015] The back side of the blanket is a combination of inner and
outer layer fabric. The back side of the blanket body is a
continuous piece of inner layer fabric. The foot pocket piece is
comprised of outer layer fabric. Inner layer fabric is soft
insulating fabric for providing warmth and comfort. At present 1
contemplate the use of fleece fabric for the inner layer but other
materials are suitable.
[0016] The blanket's shape allows it to contour with a seated child
and provide a snug tuck around their upper and lower body. The
upper section is wide, providing sufficient surface area for a snug
tuck into the sides between the child and the stroller structure.
The upper section can cover the child to shoulder level. How the
upper section is applied will depend on weather and the child's
preference. It can also fold forward. A strap runs across the upper
section. The strap is attached by a sleeve. Each end of the strap
has clips for connecting the blanket to the stroller.
[0017] The middle section covers the general area of the child's
knees. It is narrow in width relative to the upper and lower
section widths. This reduces bulky fabric folds around the child's
knees. The narrow middle section separates the blanket edges
between the upper and lower sections. This allows upper or lower
sections to tuck snug without tension in the fabric between these
sections.
[0018] The lower section includes a foot pocket for receiving the
child's feet and lower legs. The pocket ensures the feet and lower
legs stay covered while still offering freedom to move. A
drawstring cord helps keep feet in the foot pocket. The cord passes
from the blanket front to back through cord sleeves and grommet
holes. The cord forms a loop around the lower legs. Adjusting the
drawstring secures the blanket front and rim of the foot pocket
around the child's lower legs. This creates resistance against the
foot pocket sliding off. The lower section width provides
sufficient surface area to tuck snug around the child's lower
legs.
[0019] The blanket is to be used in conjunction with restraining
straps included on strollers, bike trailers, or car seats. Because
the blanket fits over an already seated child, it will not
interfere with other restraining straps. Restraining straps can be
applied before the blanket is applied. The blanket may be
manufactured in various sizes to accommodate children of different
size, dimensions, and age. Alternatively the blanket may be sized
to accommodate adults of different size, dimensions, and age; for
use in chairs or wheelchairs. The blanket may be manufactured using
any variety of materials and colors.
[0020] From the figures, the descriptions, and claims; the present
invention's technical advantages are apparent.
DRAWINGS--FIGURES
[0021] Embodiments of the present invention may be understood
further by referring to the following descriptions and accompanying
drawings.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a front side view of the blanket fully
open.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a back side view of the blanket fully open,
including the opening for the foot pocket.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a view of the foot pocket piece.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the blanket with representation
of how the blanket is applied to a seated child.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the blanket applied to a
seated child in a jogging stroller.
DRAWINGS--REFERENCE NUMERALS
TABLE-US-00001 [0027] 1. Upper Section 2. Middle Section 3. Lower
Section 4. Upper Section Side 5. Middle Section Side 6. Lower
Section Side 7. Strap 8. Clip Hardware 9. Strap Sleeve 10. Cord
Sleeve 11. Grommet Hole (Blanket Body) 12. Draw Cord 13. Cord Lock
Hardware 14. Stitching (Vertical) 15. Rounded Corner 16. Sleeve
Stitching 17. Stitching (Edge) 18. Foot Pocket Piece 19. Stitching
(Foot Pocket) 20. Foot Pocket Opening 21. Inner Facing Fabric 22.
Foot Pocket Cord Sleeve 23. Grommet Hole (Foot Pocket) 24. Side
Tuck Contour Lines 25. Knee Bend Contour Lines
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are understood best
while referring to FIGS. 1 though 5 of the accompanying drawings.
Like numerals are used to show corresponding parts between the
following descriptions and the drawing.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows the front side view of a blanket in an open
position. Combined upper 1, middle 2, and lower 6 sections are wide
and long enough to cover a seated child from the feet level up to
shoulder level. General shape of the blanket is rectangular in a
continuous piece of outer layer fabric with rounded corners 15.
Rounded corners 15 reduce risk of sharp corners poking the child or
snagging on passing objects. The blanket width is sufficient to
cover the child with have ample surface area to tuck around the
child. The strap sleeve 9 is positioned horizontally across the
upper section. The strap 7 has sufficient length to loop around the
stroller structure to attach clip hardware 8 as shown in FIG. 5.
The strap 7 runs through the strap sleeve 9 and allows for limited
range of movement for the blanket sliding along the strap 7. This
is less constricting for the child. The strap 7 ends are threaded
through the clip hardware 8, keeping the clip on the strap.
Placement of the clip hardware 8 adjusts by sliding along the strap
7. The ability to slide the clip hardware 8 along the strap 7 makes
the blanket compatible with different stroller types and sizes. For
double strollers where children sit side-by-side, moving the clip
hardware 8 along the strap 7 makes it easy to attach blankets
together. The strap sleeve 9 also serves as a fold line for folding
the upper blanket section 1 forward. Folding the upper section 1
forward over the strap sleeve 9 provides the child with a soft
surface for resting their arms. In inclement weather the upper
section 1 can cover the seated child to the shoulder level as shown
in FIG. 5. Inner and outer fabric layers are sewn together with
stitching along the edge 17. Vertical stitching 14 mates the inner
and outer fabric layers together.
[0030] The middle section 2 narrows relative to the upper 1 and
lower 3 sections in the proximity of the knee bend FIG. 4 23. The
reduced blanket surface area prevents a bulky fold of excess
fabric. The narrow middle section edge 5 also separates any
opposing tension that could occur along a uniform edge. The lower
section 3 width is the same as the upper section 1 width for
sufficient surface area to tuck the blanket sides 4, 5, 6. Parts of
the foot pocket feature including the cord sleeve 10, grommet holes
11, and draw cord 12 are on the front side lower section 3. Pulling
the draw cord 12 reduces slack and draws in the blanket along the
cord sleeves 10, 21 reducing the foot pocket opening FIG. 2 20.
Cord lock hardware 13 near the draw cord 12 ends prevents slippage
in the draw cord 12, and maintains the adjusted size of the foot
pocket opening 20.
[0031] The back side of the blanket is shown in FIG. 2. The upper
1, middle 2, and lower 3 sections consist of a continuous piece of
inner layer fabric 21. Corners are rounded 15 and the middle
section 2 is narrow relative to other sections for the reasons
mentioned above. The back side, lower section 3 foot pocket piece
18 is made from the same outer layer fabric as the front side. FIG.
3 shows the inside view of the foot pocket piece 18. The top is
folded over and stitched 19 closed making a cord sleeve 22. The
draw cord 12 feeds into the cord sleeve 22 through grommet holes
23. The foot pocket piece 18 is the same shape and width as where
it mates with the main blanket body.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows how the draw cord 12 feeds through the cord
sleeves 10, 22 and grommet holes 11, 23 to circle the seated
child's legs. The foot pocket opening 20 sits near the lower part
of the middle section where it is narrower than the overall blanket
width. The reduced opening reduces water leaking into the foot
pocket 20 during inclement weather. The draw cord 12 and grommet
holes 11, 23 are placed in from the blanket outer edges. Pulling
the draw cord 12 will draw in the blanket along the cord sleeves
10, 22 while leaving outer edge areas free to tuck. Grommet
placement in the blanket main body 11 and foot pocket 23 are
vertically offset with the foot pocket grommet holes 23 higher. The
grommet hole 11, 23 offset accounts for the seated child's lower
leg angle and resulting position of the lower blanket section 3.
Diagonal lines 24, 25 in FIG. 3 represent where the blanket would
tuck along the sides 24 and fold over the knees 25 of the
child.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a seated child in a
stroller with the blanket applied. The vertical stitch lines 14
emphasize the blanket contouring with the seated child. Straps 7
loop around the stroller structure to keep the blanket on. The
lower section 3 sides 6 tuck around the lower legs for a snug fit.
Middle section 2 edges 5 tuck in neatly without bulk fabric
gathering at the knee bend or seat edge. Upper section 1 sides 4
similarly tuck in between seated child's upper legs, hips, torso
and the stroller structure. How sides are tucked will vary;
depending on weather and personal preference. The blanket will
still function if leaving the sides out and not tucked.
[0034] Although the blanket of present invention has been described
and illustrated with reference to use for seated children in
strollers, it is of course understood that the blanket may be
easily configured for various other persons and seats. For example
the blanket may be sized for adults. The upper 1, middle 2, and
lower 3 sections may be shaped and configured for different types
of seats including wheelchairs or armchairs. It is to be understood
that the described embodiments of the invention are illustrative
only and that modifications there may occur to those skilled in the
art. Accordingly this invention is to be regarded as limited to the
embodiments disclosed, but is to be limited only as defined by the
appended claims herein.
* * * * *