Protective Sleeve For Baby Carrier

Abstract

The invention provides an interactive sleeve for protecting at least a portion of a baby carrier. The sleeve includes a multiplicity of openings to secure the sleeve to the baby carrier such that it can easily be placed or removed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a sleeve adapted for covering and protecting at least a portion of a baby carrier.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A "baby carrier" (also called a "child carrier") is a device typically used to carry an infant or small child on an adult's person. In its most common usage, the baby carrier holds the child next to the body of an adult without requiring the adult to physically support the child with their arms or hand. This arrangement keeps the child secure and in close contact with an adult while allowing the adult to maintain two free arms and hands to perform desired actions or activities. Baby carriers are designed in various forms such as slings, backpack carriers, and soft front or hip carriers, with varying materials and degrees of rigidity, decoration, support and confinement of the child. One of the most popular baby carriers is called a Baby Bjorn.TM., generally shown in prior art FIG. 1 as reference number 34. The Baby Bjorn.TM. includes lower portion 42 and upper winged extension 12 connected by winged extension connector 8. Upper winged extension 12 includes opposing tips 36 and 38.

[0003] One problem with baby carriers is that they can get worn or tarnished during use. This can occur in many ways, including from the baby itself, who may bite, drool on, or otherwise dirty the carrier. This is especially apparent in winged extension portion 12 of the baby carrier reachable to the baby's mouth, shown FIG. 1. Frequent biting or drooling by the baby can wear down, discolor, stain, or tarnish the baby carrier. This damage cannot always be rectified simply by washing or cleaning the baby carrier. The result is the inconvenience of a baby carrier that either must be frequently washed or the costly circumstance of a baby carrier that is permanently damaged and should be replaced.

[0004] A second issue is that baby carriers are not interactive with the baby. A baby held within a carrier typically does nothing other than sit there. There are no toys or attractive patterns to entertain the baby. This can cause problems for the wearer of the carrier if the baby demands too much attention, thereby making moot the entire reason the wearer is wearing the carrier in the first place.

[0005] As a further issue, portions of the baby carrier exposed to a baby's face may be harsh to the baby's chin or mouth. For example, babies have been known to have chafed skin underneath there chin where it rubs against the baby carrier. Similarly, biting the baby carrier may not be pleasing to the baby. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a sleeve covering at least of portion of a baby carrier that is accessible by the baby's mouth that can be replaced, cleaned and is pleasing to the touch and bite of a baby. There is a further need for such a device that is easy to secure to and remove from the baby carrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides an interactive protective sleeve for a baby carrier having a winged extension, wherein the sleeve includes a winged body portion having a front surface, a back surface, a top side, a bottom side, side openings on opposing sides of the sleeve and a bottom opening on the bottom side. The front and back surface of the sleeve form a flexible cavity therein. The sleeve covers at least a portion of a winged extension of a baby carrier when the winged extension is placed within the flexible cavity such that the bottom side is transverse a winged extension connecter.

[0007] The present invention further contemplates a protective sleeve for a baby carrier having a winged extension, wherein the sleeve includes means for securing a portion of the winged extension within a flexible cavity of the sleeve.

[0008] The present invention further contemplates a method for protecting a portion of a baby carrier including the steps of providing a winged shaped sleeve having a bottom opening adapted to conform to a shape of a winged extension of the baby carrier, entering a first tip of winged extension through the bottom opening and into the winged shaped covering, sliding the first tip to a first side of the winged shape covering; entering a second tip of winged extension through the bottom opening and into the winged shaped covering, and sliding the second tip to an opposing second side of the winged shape covering.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Without restricting the full scope of the present invention, various preferred forms of the invention and its related articles are illustrated in the following drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a flat view of a prior art Baby Bjorn.TM..

[0011] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a winged sleeve with an extension.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a patterned side view of a winged sleeve with an extension.

[0013] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a winged sleeve secured on a winged extension portion.

[0014] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a winged sleeve secured on a winged extension portion.

[0015] FIG. 6a-6d shows a method for securing the sleeve to the baby carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a winged sleeve 10 that substantially protects a winged extension portion 12 of the baby carrier shown in FIG. 1. Sleeve 10 has an upper side 14, a first side opening 16, and second side opening 18, a bottom opening 20 between two bottom sides 22 and 24. Winged guard 10 further has a flexible front surface 26 and a flexible back surface 28. Back surface 28, not pictured, is substantially the same size and shape as front surface 26. A flexible cavity 30 can be potentially formed between front and back surface 26 and 28, wherein the flexible cavity can be accessed by side openings 16 and 18 or bottom opening 20. As can be readily understood, if the sleeve 10 is laying flat such that front surface 26 touches and lies directly on back surface 28, flexible cavity 30 may not be present but can easily be recreated through simple manipulations. Note that while different parts of sleeve 10 are being referred to in segments, e.g. front surface 26, back surface 28 and upper side 14, it would be understood from one skilled in the art that the structure of the sleeve may be continuous as one moves, for example, from the front surface, around upper side 14 and onto back surface 28.

[0017] In a first preferred embodiment, the general shape of sleeve 10 is a general winged shape having two generally opposing wings terminating at side openings 16 and 18 as shown in FIG. 2. The shape of winged sleeve 10 is substantially adapted to conform to the shape of winged extension portion 12 such that winged extension portion 12 can be secured within winged sleeve 10 without substantial movement within the sleeve. Winged sleeve 10 protects the winged portion 12 and provides interaction and a soft surface for any baby or child held in the baby carrier.

[0018] Sleeve 10 is preferably made of a material to allow for efficient securing on and off of winged extension portion 12. In preferred embodiments, the material is a soft, flexible material such as minke. The flexibility makes it easier to manipulate the sleeve 10 when in the process of covering the winged extension 12. The softness of the a material such as minke provides a soft covering that substantially prevents chafing to a baby. Particularly when the baby is facing inward, the material of sleeve 10 provides a soft, warm, padding for the back of the baby's head. The material also protects the winged extension by covering substantially all of it. This protection prevents significant tarnishing of the winged extension 12 by protecting from the wear and bitings of a child. To the extent any sleeve 10 is damaged, it can be easily replaced by a different sleeve. This process costs considerably less than purchasing a new baby carrier. As shown in FIG. 3, various patterns may be placed on front and/or back surface 26 and 28.

[0019] Upper side 14 is adapted to conform to the shape of a corresponding upper side on winged extension portion 12. In the shown embodiment of FIG. 2, upper side 14 is substantially arcuate in shape, but different general shapes can be manufactured depending on the shape of the winged extension portion 12. It is also understood that if a child being carried in a carrier chews or drools on a portion of winged protector, it would likely be on upper side 14 as this is the side closest to the child's mouth.

[0020] In preferred embodiments, sleeve 10 contains one or a multiplicity of couplers 32 to which devices may be attached. The couplers provide a level on interactivity to sleeve 10 by allowing attachment of entertaining devices for a baby held within the carrier. In further preferred embodiments, the devices coupled to couplers 32 are toys for the child to play with as shown in FIG. 4. Devices are preferably removable attached to couplers 32 such that they can be replaced or exchanged for other devices. In preferred embodiments, the couplers 32 are a strap that can fit through a hoop or other hole on the devices and then fasten back upon itself with a fastener known in the art. In other embodiments, however, other couplers can be used.

[0021] Couplers 32 are shown attached at or near upper side 14 but can be placed at any suitable location on sleeve 10, for example, near the center of front surface 26. As shown in FIG. 3, coupler 32 may be arch-shaped straps of flexible or non-flexible material, but one skilled in the art would contemplate a wide variety of shapes and materials could be used.

[0022] In preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes openings to secure sleeve 10 to winged extension portion 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, openings 16, 18 and 20 are adapted to accept tips 36 and 38 of baby carrier 34 such that sleeve 10 is securely attached to the winged extension 12 of the baby carrier. Note that the precise shape of tips 36 and 38 may vary depending on the type of baby carrier used.

[0023] In alternate embodiments, sleeve 10 may not include side openings 16 and/or 18. Instead, sleeve 10 includes an upper side 14 that extends directly into bottom sides 22 and/or 24. In this embodiment, the upper side 14, bottom sides 22 and/or 24, and front and back surface 26 and 28 can be extended further in a planar direction such that tips 36 and 38 of the winged extension are fully covered. As a result, tips 36 and/or 38 of winged extension portion 12 would be within cavity 30 and would not be outwardly visible when the sleeve is secured.

[0024] A method of protecting a winged extension portion 12 of a baby carrier with sleeve 10 is shown in FIGS. 6a-6d. As seen in FIG. 6a, tip 36 of winged extension portion 12 is entered into cavity 30 through bottom opening 20 and then out of cavity 30 through opening 18 such that it extends past and through opening 18. Opposing tip 38 is then entered through opening 20 and opening 16 as shown in FIGS. 6b and 6c, such that tip 38 extends past and through opening 16, thereby securing winged sleeve 10 on winged extension 12 as shown in FIG. 6d. As can be seen in FIG. 6d, a majority of winged extension 12 is contained within cavity 30, save for the tips. Opening 20 is transverse winged extension connector 8, although it is understood that this description includes situations where the precise location of opening 20 may actually be just above winged extension connector 8 and technically transverse to the winged extension itself. The location of opening 20 provides a quick and easy way to cover the winged extension.

[0025] In alternate methods, if no side openings are included, tip 36 of winged extension portion 12 is entered into cavity 30 through bottom opening 20 and to one side of sleeve 10. Opposing tip 38 is then entered through opening 20 and moved to the opposing side of sleeve 10. The sleeve can then be substantially straightened such that it lays flat.

[0026] In further embodiments, a lower extension 40 is provided, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. Lower extension 40 extends bottom opening 20 such that more of baby carrier 34 is covered.

[0027] Securing sleeve 10 to winged extension portion 12 is preferably achieved without physical fastening, thereby allowing the sleeve to be secured or removed without damaging the sleeve or the baby carrier. In alternate embodiments, however, an additional physical fastener, including but not limited to snaps, buttons, zippers, Velcro.TM. or locking tabs, can be used to provide additional fastening of sleeve 10 to winged extension portion 12.

[0028] Once the winged extension is secured within the sleeve, an interactive and removable covering is provided for a baby carrier that can entertain a baby when the baby is facing forward and provide a soft, warm, padding for the back of the baby's head when the baby is facing inward. The sleeve can be easily removed and cleaned or replaced. This ease is more concentrated by the fact that the sleeve only substantially covers the winged extension or the winged extension and a portion of the winged extension carrier, providing an easy on and off.

[0029] The present invention creates an method and apparatus for protecting a baby carrier and providing a more interactive and pleasing environment for the baby being carried. Various changes and modifications can be made in the invention without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, side openings 16 and 18 are shown to be on opposing sides of the winged formation. In alternate embodiments, the side openings can be in different locations if tips 36 and 38 of the winged extension are in different locations.

[0030] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An interactive protective sleeve for a baby carrier having a winged extension and a winged extension connector, the sleeve comprising a winged body portion having a front surface, a back surface, a top side and a bottom side, wherein the front and back surface form a flexible cavity therein at least one side opening on each side of the winged body portion, a bottom opening on the bottom side of the winged body portion, such that the sleeve is adapted to substantially cover the winged extension and the bottom opening is transverse the winged extension connector, and one or a multiplicity of couplers for attaching devices to the sleeve.

2. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the top side and the bottom side of the winged body portion terminate at the side openings.

3. The sleeve of claim 1, further comprising a lower extension that extends the bottom opening.

4. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the one or a multiplicity of couplers are arch-shaped straps.

5. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein a majority of the winged extension can fit within the flexible cavity.

6. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the winged body portion is imprinted with a pattern.

7. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is substantially made of minky [other materials].

8. The sleeve of claim 1, further comprising reinforcing material on the upper side.

9. A sleeve for a baby carrier having a winged extension, the sleeve comprising a winged body portion having a front surface, a back surface, a top side and a bottom side, the front and back surface forming a flexible cavity therein, means for securing at least a portion of the winged extension within the flexible cavity.

10. The sleeve of claim 9, further wherein the bottom opening is transverse the winged extension connector.

11. The sleeve of claim 9, further comprising one or a multiplicity of couplers for attaching devices to the sleeve.

12. The sleeve of claim 11, wherein the one or a multiplicity of couplers are arch-shaped straps.

13. The sleeve of claim 9, wherein a majority of the winged extension can fit within the flexible cavity.

14. The sleeve of claim 9, wherein the winged body portion is imprinted with a pattern.

15. The sleeve of claim 9, wherein the sleeve is substantially made of minky [other materials].

16. A method for protecting a portion of a baby carrier comprising the steps of: providing a winged shaped sleeve adapted to conform to a shape of a winged extension of the baby carrier, wherein the winged shape sleeve has a bottom opening and the winged extension has a first and a second tip, attaching devices to the winged shaped covering, entering the first tip of the winged extension through the bottom opening and into the winged shaped covering, sliding the first tip to a first side of the winged shape covering entering the second tip of winged extension through the bottom opening and into the winged shaped covering, and sliding the second tip to a second side of the winged shape covering.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein sliding the first tip to a first side of the winged shape covering comprises sliding the first tip through a first opening in the first side.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein sliding the second tip to a second side of the winged shape covering comprises sliding the second tip through a second opening in the first side.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of adding a pattern to the winged shaped covering.