U.S. patent application number 12/005406 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-02 for blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seat and method of use.
Invention is credited to Margaret A. Davis.
Application Number | 20090165206 12/005406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40796351 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090165206 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Margaret A. |
July 2, 2009 |
Blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seat and method
of use
Abstract
A blanket for placement upon an infant in a seat and method
having sleeves and an open back construction as well as
stabilization means is provided that it can be readily donned upon
an infant buckled within a seat without the need to adjust safety
straps. The travel blanket includes a base section constructed with
a base periphery integrated with base stabilization means therein
for securing the base section of the blanket onto an outer,
exterior bottom portion of the seat. Lateral sections of the travel
blanket further include lateral perimeters appointed for aiding in
securing the lateral sections over the infant, without wrapping the
torso of the infant. Construction of the travel blanket ensures a
significant amount of coverage over the entire body of the infant
that does not lend to shifting, zero wrapping of the infant's
body/torso, and minimal jostling of the infant when applied.
Inventors: |
Davis; Margaret A.;
(Bernardsville, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ERNEST D. BUFF;ERNEST D. BUFF AND ASSOCIATES, LLC.
231 SOMERVILLE ROAD
BEDMINSTER
NJ
07921
US
|
Family ID: |
40796351 |
Appl. No.: |
12/005406 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 15/006 20130101;
A47G 9/068 20130101; A47G 9/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/494 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02 |
Claims
1. A travel blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seat,
comprising: a. a central section, lateral sections, a base section,
and a collar member arranged to form an open back construction so
that said blanket is appointed to be placed upon said infant
secured within said seat by way of safety straps; b. left and right
sleeve members constructed within said central section of said
blanket adjacent to each of said lateral sections; c. said base
section comprising a base periphery having a base stabilization
means integrated therein appointed for securing said base section
of said blanket on an outer bottom portion of said seat; and d.
said lateral sections each comprising a lateral perimeter appointed
for aiding in securing said lateral sections; wherein said left and
right sleeve members receive arms of said infant and said collar
member and said central section rest against said infant's neck,
chest, front torso, legs and feet, while said lateral sections and
said base section extend over said infant and said seat and are
appointed to be secured onto said seat, thereby avoiding any need
for adjusting said safety straps and jostling or otherwise
disturbing said infant.
2. A blanket as recited by claim 1, wherein said collar member
further comprises an abutting neck segment providing extra
thickness to said collar member for comfort and added warmth to
said infant.
3. A blanket as recited by claim 2, wherein said abutting neck
segment is in a rolled condition.
4. A blanket as recited by claim 2, wherein said abutting neck
segment includes cushion integrated therein.
5. A blanket as recited by claim 1 comprising elongated shoulder
flaps located adjacent to and between said lateral sections and
said collar member for enhanced coverage of shoulders of said
infant.
6. A blanket as recited by claim 1, wherein said base stabilization
means located on said base periphery of said base section comprises
a dense weighted cord and said base section extends over and
weights on said outer bottom portion of said car seat so that legs
and feet of said infant are not lifted or moved when said blanket
is secured around said outer bottom of said car seat.
7. A blanket as recited by claim 1, wherein said base stabilization
means located on said base periphery of said base section comprise
an elastic band so that said base section is merely stretched to
extend over and clasped on said outer bottom portion of said car
seat so that legs and feet of said infant are not lifted or moved
when said blanket is secured around said outer bottom of said car
seat.
8. A blanket as recited by claim 1, wherein said lateral perimeter
of each of said lateral sections include a lateral stabilization
means further arranged to engage with said outer side portions of
said car seat to aid in retaining said lateral sections so that
said infant does not kick or jostle said blanket from position.
9. A blanket as recited by claim 8, said lateral stabilization
means located on said lateral perimeter of each of said lateral
sections comprises a dense weighted cord and said lateral sections
extend over and weight on outer side portions of said car seat so
that said infant's torso, legs and feet are not moved when said
blanket is secured around said outer side portions of said car
seat.
10. A blanket as recited by claim 8, wherein said lateral
stabilization means located on said lateral perimeter of each of
said lateral sections comprises an elastic lateral band so that
said lateral sections are merely stretched to extend over and
clasped on outer side portions of said car seat so that said
infant's torso, legs and feet are not moved when said blanket is
secured around said outer side portions of said car seat.
11. A blanket as recited by claim 1, wherein said blanket includes
attachment means appointed to removably attach and/secure items,
such as pacifiers and toys, to said blanket so that said infant can
easily reach and access said item while preventing said item from
becoming lost or dropped.
12. A blanket as recited by claim 11, wherein said attachment means
is located on said central section of said blanket and comprises
loops for clipping or temporarily attaching said item to said
blanket.
13. A blanket as recited by claim 1 comprising an outer water proof
shell covering said blanket for preventing water penetration onto
said infant.
14. A blanket as recited by claim 13, wherein said outer water
proof shell covering said blanket is removable.
15. A blanket as recited by claim 1, wherein said central section
of said blanket includes a closable elongated opening for accessing
said infant without removing said blanket from said infant.
16. A blanket as recited by claim 15, wherein said closable
elongated opening of said central section extends into and is
integrated within said base section of said blanket so that said
blanket can be substantially opened for access to said infant.
17. A method of keeping an infant warm when traveling secured in a
seat, comprising steps of: a. placing an infant in a seat, such as
a car seat or stroller, and securing said child within said seat by
way of safety straps; b. covering said infant with a travel
blanket, said travel blanket comprising: i. a central section,
lateral sections, a base section, and a collar member arranged to
form an open back construction so that said blanket is appointed to
be placed upon said infant secured within said seat by way of
safety straps; ii. left and right sleeve members constructed within
said central section of said blanket adjacent to each of said
lateral sections; iii. said base section comprising a base
periphery having a base stabilization means integrated therein
appointed for securing said base section of said blanket on an
outer bottom portion of said seat; and iv. said lateral sections
each comprising a lateral perimeter appointed for aiding in
securing said lateral sections; c. inserting each arm of said
infant within each of said sleeve members, respectively, and
pressing said collar member against said infant's neck and said
central section against said infant's chest so that said lateral
sections and said base section extend proximate to outer side
portions and an outer bottom portion of said seat, respectively;
and d. securing said lateral sections and said base section to said
outer side portions and said outer bottom portion of said seat,
respectively, while avoiding any need for adjusting said safety
straps and jostling or otherwise disturbing said infant.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a blanket for placement
upon an infant buckled in a seat and method of using same; and more
particularly, to a travel blanket having sleeves and an open back
construction as well as stabilization means so that the blanket can
be placed upon and worn by an infant buckled in a seat and secured
to the exterior sides and bottom of the seat to prevent shifting
while avoiding any need for adjusting the safety straps and
disturbing the infant.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Laws involving installation and use of child car seats are
quite complex and rigorously enforced. Proper installation and fit
compel that only one or two finger widths of leeway separate the
car seat straps from the body of a child positioned therewithin.
This rather "tight" fit is required to assure the safety of a child
riding in a car seat. During winter months or cold, damp
conditions, it is difficult to properly place a child within a car
seat, owing to the presence of winter clothing such as jump suits,
jackets and the like. When positioning the child in a car seat
during cold weather, the straps must painstakingly be adjusted to
compensate for the additional outer garments worn.
[0005] Several blanket-sacs, buntings and bag-like articles have
been provided for keeping infants warm when sleeping in a crib or
cradle, but these blanket-sacs are not and can not readily function
as travel blankets in car seats and strollers. For example(s): U.S.
Pat. No. 782,819 to Bikle discloses a fold over sleeping blanket;
U.S. Pat. No. 2,374,299 to O'Hara discloses a sleeping bag for
infants; U.S. Pat. No. 2,441,900 to Oswald discloses a child's
garment having sleeve-like portions and a body portion; U.S. Pat.
No. 2,496,922 to Virtue discloses an infant's sleeping garment (bag
like); U.S. Pat. No. 2,530,464 to Haman discloses an infant's
sleeping bag; U.S. Pat. No. 2,578,323 to Sillaway discloses an
envelope-shaped garment having sleeves and being closed entirely
along its bottom and sides; U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,371 to Christians
discloses a baby bag garment; U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,406 to Magnusen
et al. discloses an infant garment comprised of a saclike body with
sleeves; U.S. Pat. No. 5,418,979 to Senderowicz discloses an infant
sac including sleeves; and U.S. Design Pat. No. D296,378 to Coates
discloses an ornamental design for a sac like structure having a
front opening and sleeves. These garments, sac/bag-like articles
are not capable of functioning in conjunction with a car seat or
stroller and would interfere with proper safety strapping
procedures. Generally, in operation of these bag-like articles a
child is laid onto the back section of the garment/blanket and is
then encased or enclosed therein via an opening in the front. As a
result, attempting to utilize these sacs/bag-like articles during
travel in a car seat (or stroller) would require the child to be
inserted into the blanket, placed into the car seat, and the safety
straps of the car seat adjusted for awkward and improper buckling
as these bag-like articles do not adequately provide entry pointes
for proper placement of the safety straps.
[0006] Other infant blankets have been provided that generally
include constructs as a garment/robe wherein sleeve portions and a
panel for wrapping an infant. For example(s): U.S. Pat. No.
5,131,096 to Olson discloses a versatile child's garment including
a torso portion, an attachable hood and sleeves; U.S. Pat. No.
6,240,561 to Mc Ginnis discloses disposable infant garments; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,450,168 to Nguyen discloses an infant's sleep
blanket/garment for use with medical monitoring devices, which is
offered as either a sleep sack or a sleep shirt; and U.S. Design
Pat. No. D510,792 to Vazquez et al. discloses an ornamental design
for an attached infant sleeper and blanket. Again, these articles
are arranged to be utilized in a crib or cradle and are not capable
of functioning, or adequately constructed, in conjunction with a
car seat or stroller as these articles would interfere with safety
straps. When donning these articles, a child is laid onto the back
section of the garment/blanket and is then wrapped therein via an
opening in the front. As a result, attempting to utilize these
articles during travel in a car seat (or stroller) would require
the child to be inserted into the garment, placed into the car
seat, and the safety straps of the car seat adjusted for awkward
and improper buckling as these articles do not adequately provide
entry pointes for proper placement of the safety straps and are not
travel blankets.
[0007] Various bib articles have been provided, which include a
panel, a collar, and sleeves and are appointed to be placed
frontward on an infant sitting in a high-chair for feeding. For
example(s): U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,923 to Marks discloses an extended
bib having cuffed sleeves and a free bottom edge having fasteners
provided for engaging a bottom edge to a food tray; U.S. Design
Pat. No. D59,555 to Ladd discloses an ornamental design for a bib
having a pair of sleeves and a collar with a neck tie; and U.S.
Design Pat. No. D288,022 to Marconi discloses an ornamental design
for a bib with long sleeves provided with a pocket in front for
collecting food or holding items/food. These sleeved-bib articles
do not extend to cover an infant's legs and feet. Therefore, any
application of the sleeved-bib articles as a blanket would be
thwarted as a bib does not cover an infant's legs and does not
provide a large enough surface area on lateral edges to offer
blanket coverage to an infant's torso.
[0008] Some travel blankets have been provided integrate within a
car seat covering. For example: U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,543 to Dunne et
al. discloses a seat covering that includes a main body portion
forming a pocket that fits over a seating device, and at least one
blanket flap portion foldably coupled to the main body portion.
Such car seat coverings must be applied to the seat before the
infant is placed therein, and cannot be removed from the seat when
the infant is lifted out. Further, the infant can readily kick or
pull on the blanket flap portion and expose himself/herself to the
cold, or cause pooling of the flap near the infant's face thereby
posing a suffocation risk to which the parent would not be aware of
during driving.
[0009] Even where various travel blankets have been provided, these
travel blankets fail to provide the ability to secure the blanket
to the outer sides and bottom edges of a car seat/stroller seat,
and as a result, a child can easily kick these travel blankets off
from their feet, exposing the child to the cold. Moreover, the
disheveled blanket may fold or shift towards the child's face and
pose a suffocation hazard. For example(s): U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,248
to Christensen discloses a travel blanket including a front cover
(may include sleeves) with a hood having a front opening and a back
opening designed to receive a child's head therethrough when the
blanket is received on the child already strapped into a car seat,
a stroller and other child carriers; U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,439 to
Garforth-Crippen discloses a garment that can be donned while the
wearer is seated, such as in a child car seat, having an upper
portion that wraps around the wearer's torso from the front to
cover the sides and back of the child's torso, a pair of sleeves, a
neck opening having fasteners to secure behind the wearer's neck,
and a lower portion extends downward and configured as a pouch for
enclosing both of the wearer's legs from approximately the hips to
the feet; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,200 to Wyman discloses a blanket
appointed to be wrapped around a user in a sitting or semi-prone
position, including a lower portion and a top portion, the lower
portion having a pouch to cover feet and legs of the user and the
top portion to wrap around the user.
[0010] Although these aforementioned disclosed travel blankets are
provided with sleeves and portions to cover the infant in the car
seat, these travel blankets require substantial manipulation and
movement of the infant when they are being applied, and as a result
the infant may awaken and/or become agitated and annoyed. Moreover,
wherein the infant is a newborn or very young, such movement may
require less than delicate maneuverings. That is to say, in
application of these variously disclosed travel blankets, where:
(i) those having hoods require that after the infant's arms are
received in the sleeves, the infant's head must be elevated and
angled acutely forward from the seat to be inserted in the hood;
(ii) those having portions that must wrap around to the back of the
wearer's/infant's torso from the front operate to cause the
parent/care giver to substantially lean the child's body forward
while still strapped in the seat, tending to result in a need to
adjust the safety straps to provide ample room to extend the side
extension/wraps behind the child's back--otherwise, the child would
be in discomfort while the parent's hands are jammed behind the
child's spine. Surely, resulting in a cumbersome task, ultimately
waking any sleeping baby and annoying any contented baby; and (iii)
those having pouches or other leg and feet containment sections for
receiving and housing the infant's legs and feet require the parent
to literally lift the infant's legs and feet, bend or otherwise
contort the infant's legs to force (which, if the infant is kicking
can be quite traumatic) them into the pouch. Such encasement of the
infant's legs, while preventing the blanket from shifting
therefrom, results not only in mass manipulation of the infant's
legs and feet, but an infant likely feeling overly constrained and
agitated as the legs and feet become bound within the pouch or
pocket.
[0011] None of the blankets, garments or travel blankets heretofore
disclosed provide a travel blanket that is frontward donned on an
infant strapped in a car seat (or stroller, etc.) by inserting an
infant's arms into sleeves, covering the infant's entire torso and
legs without moving same and simply securing the blankets
perimeters to the exterior sides and bottom portions of the seat.
Such a construct would provide a travel blanket that requires
minimal manipulation and movement of the infant, while ensuring
that the travel blanket does not shift and expose the infant to the
cold or pose a suffocation risk.
[0012] There remains a need in the art for a travel blanket having
sleeve members and an open back construction so that the blanket
can be readily donned upon an infant buckled within a seat without
the need to adjust safety straps. Also needed is a travel blanket
having a base section constructed with a base periphery integrated
with base stabilization means therein for securing the base section
of the blanket onto an outer, exterior bottom portion of the seat
so that the blanket is secured over the infant without the need to
move the infant's body or legs, thus eliminating struggling with
the infant and unwanted shifting of the blanket. Moreover, there is
a need in the art for a travel blanket having lateral sections
including a lateral perimeter appointed for aiding in securing the
lateral sections of the blanket over the infant. In summary, there
is a need in the art for a travel blanket that ensures a
significant amount of coverage over the entire body of the infant,
secure coverage that does not lend to shifting of the blanket, and
minimal jostling or moving of the infant when the blanket is being
applied onto the infant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention provides a travel blanket that is
frontward donned on an infant strapped in a car seat (or stroller,
etc.) by inserting an infant's arms into sleeves, covering the
infant's entire torso and legs without moving same and simply
securing the blankets perimeters to the exterior sides and bottom
portions of the seat. Accordingly, the travel blanket's
construction functions require minimal manipulation and movement of
the infant when the blanket is being applied, while ensuring that
the travel blanket does not shift and expose the infant to the cold
or pose a suffocation risk. The travel blanket comprises sleeve
members and an open back construction so that it can be readily
donned upon an infant buckled within a seat without the need to
adjust safety straps. What is more, the travel blanket includes a
base section constructed with a base periphery integrated with base
stabilization means therein for securing the base section of the
blanket onto an outer, exterior bottom portion of the seat so that
the blanket is secured over the infant without the need to move the
infant's body or legs, thus eliminating struggling with the infant
and unwanted shifting of the blanket. Lateral sections of the
travel blanket further include lateral perimeters appointed for
aiding in securing the lateral sections over the infant, without
wrapping the torso of the infant. Construction of the travel
blanket ensures a significant amount of coverage over the entire
body of the infant, secure coverage that does not lend to shifting
of the blanket, zero wrapping of the infant's body/torso, and
minimal jostling or moving of the infant when the blanket is being
applied onto the infant.
[0014] The travel blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a
seat comprises a central section, lateral sections, a base section,
and a collar member arranged to form an open back construction so
that the blanket is appointed to be placed upon the infant
secured/buckled within the seat by way of safety straps/seat belts.
Additionally, left and right sleeve members are constructed within
the central section of the blanket adjacent to each of the lateral
sections for receiving the infant's arms. The base section of the
travel blanket further comprises a base periphery having a base
stabilization means integrated therein. Base stabilization means
function to secure the base section of the blanket over the infant
and seat to secure onto an outer, exterior bottom portion of the
seat. The lateral sections of the travel blanket each comprise a
lateral perimeter appointed for aiding in securing the lateral
sections of the travel blanket over the infant.
[0015] In operation, the left and right sleeve members receive the
arms of the infant and the collar member and the central section
rest against the infant's neck, chest, front torso, legs and feet.
The lateral sections and base section extend over the infant and
the seat and, in a first aspect of the invention, become disposed
over the exterior and sides of the seat. In a second, optional,
aspect of the invention, the lateral sections and base section are
adapted to be secured onto the exterior or outside of the seat. The
latter construction facilitates avoiding any need for adjusting the
safety straps and jostling, struggling with or otherwise disturbing
the infant, while providing a warm, safe environment for the infant
during travel.
[0016] A method of keeping an infant warm when traveling secured in
a seat is provided. The method includes the steps of: (i) placing
an infant in a seat, such as a car seat or stroller, and securing
the child within the seat by way of safety straps; (ii) covering
the infant with a travel blanket, the travel blanket comprising: a
central section, lateral sections, a base section, and a collar
member arranged to form an open back construction so that the
blanket is appointed to be placed upon the infant secured within
the seat by way of safety straps; left and right sleeve members
constructed within the central section of the blanket adjacent to
each of the lateral sections; the base section comprising a base
periphery having a base stabilization means integrated therein
appointed for securing the base section of the blanket on an outer
bottom portion of the seat; and the lateral sections each
comprising a lateral perimeter appointed for aiding in securing the
lateral sections; (iii) inserting each arm of the infant within
each of the sleeve members, respectively, and pressing the collar
member against the infant's neck and the central section against
the infant's chest so that the lateral sections and the base
section extend proximate to outer side portions and an outer bottom
portion of the seat, respectively; and (iv) securing the lateral
sections and the base section to the outer side portions and the
outer bottom portion of the seat, respectively, while avoiding any
need for adjusting the safety straps and jostling or otherwise
disturbing the infant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] The invention will be more fully understood and further
advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the
following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0018] FIG. 1a is a schematic top-front view of an embodiment of
the travel blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a
seat;
[0019] FIG. 1b shows a sectional top view of an optional neck
segment of the collar member along with optional elongated shoulder
flaps provided adjacent to and between the lateral sections and
collar member for enhanced covering of the infant's shoulders;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of the travel blanket donned on an
infant strapped in a car seat with the lateral sections and base
section secured on the exterior, outer portions of the seat;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a top view of the travel blanket donned on an
infant strapped in a car seat with the lateral sections and base
section secured on the exterior, outer portions of the seat;
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the travel blanket for
placement upon an infant secured in a seat, wherein the base
stabilization means includes an elastic band so that it can be
merely stretched to extend over and clasped onto the exterior,
outer bottom portion of the car seat without the need to move the
infant; and
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the travel
blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seat, wherein
both the base stabilization means and lateral stabilization means
include an elastic band so that they can be merely stretched to
extend over and clasped onto the shoulders, feet and legs of the
infant without the need to move the infant.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] This invention relates to a travel blanket that is frontward
donned on an infant strapped in a car seat (or stroller, etc.) by
inserting an infant's arms into sleeves, covering the infant's
entire torso and legs without moving same and simply securing the
blankets perimeters to the exterior sides and bottom portions of
the seat. When using the travel blanket, an infant/child can be
placed in a car seat and kept warm while riding therein during
winter months without having to further adjust the car seat straps.
The infant, wearing clothing of the type worn indoors during summer
or winter, is placed in the car seat and the straps are fastened
about the infant. Thereafter, when traveling during late fall or
winter, the travel blanket is placed about the infant. In a second
embodiment, the travel blanket is tucked around the back of the car
seat. Optionally, in a third embodiment, the travel blanket is
secured to the exterior outer side and bottom portions of the car
seat. The travel blanket has two sleeve-like members into which the
arms of the infant can be placed. Once the infant's arms are
securely positioned within the sleeves of the travel blanket, the
remaining portion is placed atop the trunk and legs of the infant;
or tucked behind the car seat. In the third embodiment, the
remaining portion of the travel blanket is secured on the exterior
of the car seat. The infant is thereby kept warm while riding in
the car without need to adjust the car seat straps to accommodate
the additional thickness of a jump suit, jacket, or the like. When
traveling to a mall or other like venue, the infant can be lifted
from the car seat with the travel blanket still in tact around the
infant, and placed in a stroller, with the lateral sections and
base sections secured to the exterior or outer portions of the seat
of the stroller. The travel blanket will keep the infant warm while
riding in the stroller to an indoor venue, such as a mall, grocery
store, or the like. Once inside the indoor venue, the travel
blanket can be readily removed from the infant to prevent the
infant from becoming too warm. This advantageously eliminates the
need for putting a jump suit on and off of an infant and for
adjusting the car seat straps to accommodate the type of outer wear
used on specific occasions.
[0025] The travel blanket can be made of fleece, cotton, or other
warm fibrous materials, and may include a single layer or double
insulated and/or reversible layers. Heavy fleece or light fleece
blankets can be constructed for fall or winter travel. An outer
water proof and/or wind proof shell (having the same corresponding
structure as the travel blanket and appointed to intimately fit
there over) is preferably provided to cover the travel blanket and
prevent water (or winds) from penetrating onto and through fleece,
cotton, etc., to keep the infant dry and warm during inclement
weather. Preferably, this water proof shell (and/or wind proof
shell) is composed of a polymeric, vinyl, or a Teflon.RTM. coated
material, or the like. Moreover, preferably the water proof shell
is removable, such as connected by way of a zipper with traverses
the edges of the blanket (i.e. the lateral perimeters and base
periphery) and traversing to abut the collar member. This water
proof shell may be removable by way of hook and loop fastener
portions (such as Velcro.RTM.) mating on the corresponding edges of
the water proof shell and the shell to the edges of the blanket
(i.e. the lateral perimeters and base periphery) and traversing to
abut the collar member. The travel blanket can come in different
sizes, such as small (to fit newborn to one year old infants),
medium (to fit one year to three year old toddlers) or large (to
fit three year to five year old children). Larger, children and/or
adult sized blankets can also be provided for keeping an older
child/adult warm while at home or during travel (especially
elderly), and having particular significance in keeping an adult
who is in a wheelchair warm.
[0026] FIG. 1a shows a schematic top-front view of an embodiment of
the travel blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seat,
shown generally at 5. FIG. 1b shows a sectional top view of an
optional neck segment of the collar member along with optional
elongated shoulder flaps provided adjacent to and between the
lateral sections and collar member for enhanced covering of the
infant's shoulders. FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the travel
blanket donned on an infant strapped in a car seat with the lateral
sections and base section secured on the exterior, outer portions
of the seat, shown generally at 20.
[0027] In referring to FIGS. 1a, 1b and 2, travel blanket 5
comprises a central section 6, lateral sections 7, and a base
section 8. A collar member 12 is constructed within central section
6. Central section 6, lateral sections 7, base section 8, and
collar member 12 are arranged to form an open back construction so
that blanket 5 is appointed to be placed upon an infant 21 secured
within a seat 22 by way of safety straps. A left and right sleeve
member 13 is provided, each constructed within central section 6
and being adjacent to each of lateral sections 7, left and right,
respectively. An infant's arms are received within sleeve members
13 while collar member 12 rests against the infant's neck when
infant 21 is placed in an infant car seat 22/stroller on a vehicle
seat 23.
[0028] Base section 8 comprises a base periphery having a base
stabilization means 10 arranged to engage with an outer bottom
portion 24 of car seat 22 so that base section 8 is appointed to
extend and tuck around outer bottom portion 24 of seat 22. Base
section 8 covers the legs and lower torso of infant 21 and drapes
over seat 22 to extend over and be tucked under/engage or secured
with outer bottom portion 24 of seat 22 via base stabilization
means 10. Lateral sections 7 each comprise a lateral perimeter 11
and are arranged to engage with respective outer side portions 25
of car seat 22 so that lateral sections 7 are each appointed to
extend and tuck around each of outer side portions 25 of seat 22.
Lateral perimeter 11 of each of lateral sections 7 may further
comprise a securing means/lateral stabilization means 28 further
arranged to engage with outer side portions 25 of car seat 22 to
aid in retaining lateral sections 7 so that infant 21 does not kick
or jostle blanket 5 from its position over infant 21 and seat 22.
In operation, left and right sleeve members 13 receive the arms of
infant 21 and collar member 12 and central section 6 rests against
infant's 21 neck, chest, front torso, legs and feet. Lateral
sections 7 and base section 8 extend over infant 21 and seat 22
and, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, are appointed to
be secured onto the exterior or outside of seat 22. Such
construction minimizes any need for adjusting the safety straps and
jostling, struggling with or otherwise disturbing infant 21, while
providing a warm, safe environment during travel.
[0029] Base stabilization means 10 located on the base periphery of
base section 8 may comprise a dense weighted cord (or cushioned
rim) integrated in the base periphery so that when base section 8
extends over and weights on an exterior, outer bottom portion 24 of
car seat 22 so that the legs and feet of infant 21 are not lifted
or moved when blanket 5 is secured around outer bottom portion 24
of car seat 22. Alternatively, base stabilization means 10
comprises an elastic band integrated within the base periphery so
that base section 8 is merely stretched to extend over and clasped
on outer bottom portion 24 of car seat 22. Lateral perimeter 11 of
each of lateral section 7 includes a lateral stabilization means 28
further arranged to engage with outer side portions 25 of car seat
22 to aid in retaining lateral sections 7 so that infant 21 does
not kick or jostle blanket 5 from position. Alternatively, lateral
stabilization means 28 located on lateral perimeter 11 comprises a
dense weighted cord so that lateral sections 7 extend over and
weight on outer side portions 25 of car seat 22 so that infant's 21
torso, legs and feet are not moved when blanket 5 is secured around
outer side portions 25 of car seat 22. Alternatively, lateral
stabilization means 28 comprises an elastic lateral band so that
lateral sections 7 are merely stretched to extend over and clasped
on outer side portions 25 of car seat 22.
[0030] Collar member 12 has an optional abutting neck segment 9 for
providing warmth and comfort, preferably via extra thickness, to
the neck area and collar bones of an infant 21. Preferably,
abutting neck segment 9 is a bulk of material configured in a
rolled condition. More preferably, abutting neck segment 9 includes
a cushion or thicker fleece/fabric swatch integrated therein. Thus
abutting neck segment 9 enhances stabilization of the head and neck
of infant 21 during travel while providing warmth properties.
Abutting neck segment 9 extends only slightly upward from collar
member 12 so as to avoid interfering with breathing of infant 21.
Elongated shoulder flaps 27 may be provided adjacent to and between
lateral sections 7 and collar member 12 for enhanced covering of
the infant's shoulders. Elongated shoulder flaps 27 extend
substantially parallel with the collar bone and shoulders of child
21, thereby covering to top of the shoulder of child 21. Herein,
blanket 5 (particularly central section 6) is provided with
optionally loops or attachment means 29 appointed to removably
attach and/secure items to blanket 5, such as pacifiers 30 and
toys, so that infant 21 can easily reach and access the item while
preventing the item from becoming lost or dropped in the car or
outside.
[0031] Application of the blanket 5 is initialized with placing the
arms of child 21 into each of the respective left and right sleeve
members 13 and pushing central section 6 onto the front torso of
the child so that neck segment 9 of collar member 12 rests against
infant's 21 neck. Lateral sections 7 and base section 8 are
extended and allowed to lay adjacent to or tucked around each of
outer side portions 25 and outer bottom portion 24 of seat 22,
respectively, thereby avoiding any need for adjusting safety straps
26 and jostling or otherwise disturbing infant 21.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a top of the travel blanket donned on an infant
strapped in a car seat with the lateral sections and base section
secured on the exterior, outer portions of the seat, particularly
by way of an elastic band located on the lateral perimeter and base
periphery, shown generally at 200. In reference to FIG. 3, travel
blanket 200 comprises a central section 206, lateral sections 207,
and a base section 208. A collar member 212 is constructed within
central section 206. Collar member 212 has an optional abutting
neck segment 209 for providing warmth and comfort to the neck area
and collar bones of an infant 221. A left and right sleeve member
213 are provided, each constructed within central section 206 and
being adjacent to each of lateral sections 207, left and right,
respectively. An infant's arms are received within sleeve members
213 while collar member 212 rests against the infant's neck when
infant 221 is placed in an infant car seat 222/stroller on a
vehicle seat. Base section 208 comprises a base periphery/base
perimeter having a base stabilization means arranged to engage with
an outer bottom portion 224 of car seat 222 so that base section
208 is appointed to extend and tuck around outer bottom portion 224
of seat 222. In this embodiment, base section 208 and lateral
sections 207 are arranged having a lateral perimeter 211 with
lateral stabilization means 251 comprised of an elastic rim/band
integrated therein. That is, lateral perimeter 211 of lateral
sections 207 each comprise lateral stabilization means 251
comprised of an elastic rim/band that extends into base periphery
of base section 208 to perform as lateral and base stabilization
means, respectively.
[0033] Application of blanket 200 is initialized with placing the
arms of child 221 into each of the respective left and right sleeve
members 213 and pushing central section 206 of blanket 200 onto the
front torso of the child 221 so that neck segment 209 of collar
member 212 rests against infant's 221 neck. Lateral sections 207
and base section 208 are extended and elastic rim 251 hugs and
secures around each of outer side portions 225 and outer bottom
portion 224 of seat 222, respectively, thereby avoiding any need
for adjusting safety straps and jostling or otherwise disturbing
infant 221 and providing a warm encasing for child 221 without the
risk of child 221 kicking or jostling blanket 200. Shoulder members
253 are provided that do not include any elastic band, but are
utilized to stretch over a small sector of outer side portions 225.
Blanket 200 may include a closable elongated opening 255 located in
central section 206 for accessing infant 221 without removing
blanket 200 from infant 221. Preferably, closable elongated opening
255 extends from collar member 212 (and abutting neck segment 209),
extends down into central section 206 and into a portion of base
section 208 so that blanket 200 can be substantially opened for
access to infant 221 for various reasons, such as for changing the
infant's diaper.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the travel blanket for
placement upon an infant secured in a seat, wherein the base
stabilization means includes an elastic band so that it can be
merely stretched to extend over and clasped onto the exterior,
outer bottom portion of the car seat without the need to move the
infant, shown generally at 400. Travel blanket 400 comprises
central section 406, lateral sections 407, base section 408, collar
member 412, and left and right sleeve member 413. An infant's arms
are received within sleeve members 413 while collar member 412
rests against the infant's neck when placed in an infant car
seat/stroller on a vehicle seat. Base section 408 comprises a base
periphery/base perimeter having a base stabilization means 451
comprised of an elastic rim/band integrated therein. Lateral
perimeter 411 are provided for aiding in securing lateral sections
407, and may comprise a weighted cord, a malleably weighted cord
with a flexible wire incorporated therein, or an elastic band.
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the travel
blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seat, wherein
both the base stabilization means and lateral stabilization means
include an elastic band so that they can be merely stretched to
extend over and clasped onto the shoulders, feet and legs of the
infant without the need to move the infant, shown generally at 300.
Herein, travel blanket 300 is constructed with both the base
section and lateral sections having the elastic rim or band
integrated therein as the base and lateral stabilization means,
respectively, in a manner that allows blanket 300 to snug against
the body of the infant, rather than around the outside of the car
seat. Despite the contact with the stabilization means (lateral and
base) against the body of the infant rather than the exterior of
the car seat, the construction still provides that minimum
manipulation of the infant is needed. In keeping with minimizing
manipulation and movement of the infant during placement of the
blanket the lateral sections and base section only have a minor
shelf that extends very shallowly over the shoulders, hugs the
torso sides, sides of the legs, and feet only, and does not encase
the feet and legs and does not travel substantially behind the
shoulder and torso.
[0036] Continuing with FIG. 5, in this embodiment blanket 300
comprises a central section 306, lateral sections 307, and a base
section 308. A collar member 312 is constructed within central
section 306. Collar member 312 has an optional abutting neck
segment 309 for providing warmth and comfort to the neck area and
collar bones of an infant. Left and right sleeve members 313 are
provided. An infant's arms are received within sleeve members 313
while collar member 312 rests against the infant's neck when infant
is placed in an infant car seat. Base section 308 comprises a base
periphery having a base stabilization means via an elastic rim 351
arranged circumferentially to form a shallow shelf 361 that is
appointed to receive the legs and feet of the infant. In this
manner, the infant's legs and feet do not have to be disturbed;
rather shallow shelf 361 is simply stretched and collapsed under
the feet of the infant.
[0037] Additionally, in this embodiment, lateral sections 307
include a lateral perimeter each comprising a lateral elastic rim
371 constructed to form a shallow ridge 372 for hugging the
infant's shoulders and a small part of their back. Cut-outs 373,
located generally between base section 308 and lateral sections
307, may be provided for lap piece of the safety of the car seat.
Application of blanket 300 is initialized with placing the arms of
child into each of the respective left and right sleeve members 313
and pushing central section 306 of blanket 300 onto the front torso
of the child so that neck segment 309 of collar member 312 rests
against the infant's neck. Lateral sections 307 and base section
308 is extended and lateral elastic rim 371 in the lateral
perimeter of lateral sections 307 are stretched and gently released
to embrace the infant's shoulders and part of the infant's shoulder
blades within shallow ridge 372. Base section 308 is extended and
elastic rim 351 of base periphery 309 is stretched and gently
released to embrace the infant's feet and legs within shallow shelf
361. The infant is not disturbed when blanket 300 is being placed
upon him/her as the blanket does not require placement behind the
infant's back; rather, the elastic rims 371, 351 gently hug the
proximate shoulder area and back area, as well as legs and feet and
secure same in the shallow shelf or ridge.
[0038] Having thus described the invention in rather full detail,
it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered
to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest
themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope
of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.
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