U.S. patent application number 12/878975 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-15 for versatile canopy for a child seating device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graco Children's Products Inc.. Invention is credited to Christine D. Krasley.
Application Number | 20120062001 12/878975 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45805939 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120062001 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krasley; Christine D. |
March 15, 2012 |
Versatile Canopy for a Child Seating Device
Abstract
A child seating device has a seat with spaced apart sides, a
seat back part, a seat bottom part terminating at a front edge, and
a seating surface defined by the seat back and seat bottom parts. A
canopy has a hood with an open front end, a plurality of sections,
and a pair of canopy sides positioned adjacent the sides of the
seat. The hood extends above and is positionable to cover the seat
back part of the seating surface. A privacy screen has a perimeter
with an extendable portion and an attachment portion, which
removably attaches the privacy screen to the canopy near the open
front end. The privacy screen can be extended forward from the open
front end to a deployed position above and covering the seat bottom
part of the seating surface. The extendable portion of the
perimeter can be pulled forward and secured to the front edge of
the seat.
Inventors: |
Krasley; Christine D.;
(Glenmoore, PA) |
Assignee: |
Graco Children's Products
Inc.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
45805939 |
Appl. No.: |
12/878975 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/184.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/2845 20130101;
B62B 9/142 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/184.13 |
International
Class: |
A47D 15/00 20060101
A47D015/00 |
Claims
1. A child seating device comprising: a seat with spaced apart
sides, a seat back part, a seat bottom part terminating at a front
edge, and a seating surface defined by the seat back and seat
bottom parts; a canopy with a hood having an open front end, a
plurality of sections, and a pair of canopy sides positioned
adjacent the sides of the seat, the canopy hood extending above and
positionable to cover the seat back part of the seating surface; a
privacy screen having a perimeter with an extendable portion and an
attachment portion that removably attaches the privacy screen to
the canopy near the open front end, wherein the privacy screen can
be extended forward from the open front end to a deployed position
above and covering the seat bottom part of the seating surface, and
wherein the extendable portion of the perimeter can be pulled
forward and secured to the front edge of the seat.
2. A child seating device according to claim 1, wherein the canopy
has a plurality of bows that are curved upwardly from and
interconnect the canopy sides and differentiate the plurality of
sections from one another.
3. A child seating device according to claim 1, wherein one of the
plurality of sections is a window section.
4. A child seating device according to claim 3, wherein a shade
flap is secured to the hood and is movable between a blocking
position covering part of the window section on a top of the hood
and a stowed position exposing the window section.
5. A child seating device according to claim 1, wherein the
plurality of sections include a visor section at the open front end
of the hood, a top panel section immediately rearward of the visor
section, and a window section immediately rearward of the top panel
section.
6. A child seating device according to claim 5, wherein a shade
flap is secured to the hood and is movable between a blocking
position covering part of the window section and a stowed position
exposing the window section
7. A child seating device according to claim 6, wherein the shade
flap rests on the top panel section in the stowed position.
8. A child seating device according to claim 1, wherein the
extendable portion of the perimeter includes an elastic band.
9. A child seating device according to claim 1, wherein the
attachment portion includes a first part of a fastener and the hood
includes a complimentary second part of a fastener that can be
joined to attach the privacy screen to the canopy.
10. A child seating device according to claim 1, wherein the
attachment portion includes a zipper part and the hood includes a
zipper part, whereby the privacy screen can be zipped to the
canopy.
11. A child seating device according to claim 1, wherein one of the
plurality of sections is a perforate mesh window section having a
top part extending over a top of the hood and side parts extending
down along the canopy sides of the hood.
12. A child seating device according to claim 11, wherein a shade
flap is secured to the hood and is movable between a stowed
position exposing the window section and a blocking position
covering the top part of the window section while leaving the side
parts exposed.
13. An infant carrier comprising: a seat shell with a seat bounded
by a perimeter edge, the seat having a seat back part and a seat
bottom part, the perimeter edge having a front edge on the seat
bottom part and an upper edge on the seat back part; a canopy
coupled to the seat shell and having opposed canopy sides, the
canopy having a hood extending between the opposed canopy sides
above the seat back part of the seating surface, the hood having an
open front end and including a first section near the open front
end, a second section, and a third section between the first and
second sections, a window in one of the first, second, or third
sections, a shade flap coupled to the fabric hood and movable
between a blocking position lying over the window and a stowed
position lying over one of the other of the first, second, or third
sections and exposing the window; and a privacy screen having a
perimeter with an attachment portion removably attachable to the
canopy near the open front end and an extendable portion being
elastically resilient and stretchable over the front end of the
perimeter edge on the seat to be positioned above the seat bottom
part of the seat.
14. An infant carrier according to claim 13, wherein the window is
in the third section.
15. An infant carrier according to claim 14, wherein the shade flap
is positioned between the first and third sections and can be
flipped between the blocking and stowed positions.
16. An infant carrier according to claim 13, wherein the window is
a perforate mesh material.
17. An infant carrier according to claim 13, further comprising a
visor section extendable forward from the first section and
repositionable under the first section.
18. An infant carrier according to claim 13, wherein the privacy
screen can, while attached to the canopy, be rolled up and stowed
under the first section above the visor section.
19. An infant carrier according to claim 13, wherein the privacy
screen can, while attached to the canopy, be pulled rearward over
and stowed on top of the hood.
20. An infant carrier according to claim 13, wherein the attachment
portion of the privacy screen can be detached from the canopy and
the privacy screen can be stowed separately from the infant
carrier.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present invention is generally directed to child seating
devices, and more particularly to a child seating device with a
versatile canopy.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Various child seating devices are known to include a seat on
which a child can sit or rest. Such devices are also known to often
include a canopy that can be positioned over a portion of the seat.
A typical canopy is provided to offer shade from direct sunlight
and/or privacy for a child seated in the seat. A typical canopy can
also be used to minimize or reduce external visual stimulation to a
child seated in the seat so the child can rest comfortably.
[0005] These types of canopies typically have a number of bows and
hood sections supported by the bows. The bows are very often
connected to one another at their respective ends at a pivot point
and can be pivoted toward and away from one another to increase or
decrease the dimensions of the canopy. The hood sections are
typically made of a flexible material such as a fabric and can
expand or fold as the canopy is extended or retracted.
[0006] Conventional canopies of this type are open in a forward
facing direction so that a caregiver can see their child seated in
the seat and so that the child has a field of vision when seated in
the seat. Many canopies of this type can be pivoted at the pivot
point, which is located where the canopy is mounted to the child
seating device. Thus, such a canopy is sometimes positionally
adjustable as a unit forward or rearward as well as being
extendable and foldable or collapsible.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one example according to the teachings of the present
invention, a child seating device has a seat with spaced apart
sides, a seat back part, a seat bottom part terminating at a front
edge, and a seating surface defined by the seat back and seat
bottom parts. A canopy has a hood with an open front end, a
plurality of sections, and a pair of canopy sides positioned
adjacent the sides of the seat. The canopy hood extends above and
can be positionable to cover the seat back part of the seating
surface. A privacy screen has a perimeter with an extendable
portion and an attachment portion that removably attaches the
privacy screen to the canopy near the open front end. The privacy
screen can be extended forward from the open front end to a
deployed position above and covering the seat bottom part of the
seating surface. The extendable portion of the perimeter can be
pulled forward and secured to the front edge of the seat.
[0008] In one example, the canopy can have a plurality of bows that
are curved upwardly from and that can interconnect the canopy sides
and that can differentiate the plurality of sections from one
another.
[0009] In one example, the child seating device can have a window
section as one of the plurality of sections.
[0010] In one example, a shade flap can be secured to the hood and
can be movable between a blocking position covering part of the
window section and a stowed position exposing the window
section.
[0011] In one example, the plurality of sections can include a
visor section at the open front end of the hood, a top panel
section immediately rearward of the visor section, and/or a window
section immediately rearward of the top panel section.
[0012] In one example, a shade flap can be secured to the hood and
can be movable between a blocking position lying over part of a
window section and a stowed position lying on an adjacent section
and exposing the window section
[0013] In one example, a shade flap can rest on a top panel section
in a stowed position and can rest on a window section adjacent the
top panel section in a blocking position.
[0014] In one example, the extendable portion of the perimeter on
the privacy screen can include an elastic band.
[0015] In one example, the attachment portion of the privacy screen
perimeter can include a first part of a fastener and the hood can
include a complimentary second part of a fastener that can be
joined to attach the privacy screen to the canopy.
[0016] In one example, the attachment portion can include a zipper
part and the hood can include a zipper part, whereby the privacy
screen can be zipped to the canopy.
[0017] In one example, one of the plurality of sections can be a
perforate mesh window section and can have a top part extending
over a top of the hood and side parts extending down along the
canopy sides of the hood.
[0018] In one example, a shade flap can be secured to the hood and
can be movable between a stowed position exposing a window section
and a blocking position covering a top part of the window section
while leaving side parts of the window section exposed.
[0019] In one example according to the teachings of the present
invention, an infant carrier has a seat shell with a seat bounded
by a perimeter edge. The seat can have a seat back part and a seat
bottom part and the perimeter edge can have a front edge on the
seat bottom part and an upper edge on the seat back part. A canopy
is coupled to the seat shell and can have opposed canopy sides. The
canopy can have a hood extending between the opposed canopy sides
above the seat back part of the seating surface. The hood can have
an open front end and can include a first section near the open
front end, a second section, and a third section between the first
and second sections. A window can be provided in one of the first,
second, or third sections. A shade flap can be coupled to the
fabric hood and can be movable between a blocking position lying
over the window and a stowed position lying over one of the other
of the first, second, or third sections and exposing the window. A
privacy screen can have a perimeter with an attachment portion
removably attachable to the canopy near the open front end and an
extendable portion being elastically resilient and stretchable over
the front end of the perimeter edge on the seat to be positioned
above the seat bottom part of the seat.
[0020] In one example, a window can be in the third section.
[0021] In one example, a shade flap can be positioned between the
first and third sections and can be flipped between the blocking
and stowed positions.
[0022] In one example, the window can be a perforate mesh
material.
[0023] In one example, the infant carrier can include a visor
section extendable forward from the first section of the canopy and
can be repositionable under the first section.
[0024] In one example, a privacy screen can, while attached to the
canopy, be rolled up and stowed under the first section above a
visor section attached to and movable relative to the first
section.
[0025] In one example, a privacy screen can, while attached to the
canopy, be pulled rearward over and stowed on top of the hood.
[0026] In one example, an attachment portion of a privacy screen
can be detached from the canopy and the privacy screen can be
stowed separately from the infant carrier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a
versatile canopy constructed in accordance with the teachings of
the present invention, mounted on an infant carrier, and with a
privacy screen removed.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows the infant carrier and versatile canopy of FIG.
1 with the privacy screen partially attached to the canopy.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a portion of the versatile
canopy taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2, but with the mesh screen
completely attached to the versatile canopy.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the infant carrier and versatile
canopy of FIGS. 1-3 and with a user securing the privacy screen in
a fully deployed position.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows the infant carrier and versatile canopy of FIG.
4 but with a shade flap moved to a stowed position exposing the
viewing window.
[0033] FIG. 6 shows the infant carrier and versatile canopy of FIG.
5 but with the shade flap returned to a blocking position covering
part of a viewing window on the versatile canopy.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows the infant carrier and versatile canopy of FIG.
6 and with a user rolling up or folding the privacy screen.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows the infant carrier and versatile canopy of FIG.
7 and with the privacy screen rolled up or folded under a portion
of the canopy.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows a partial cut away view of the infant carrier
and versatile canopy of FIG. 8 with the privacy screen in a first
optional stowed position.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of a portion of the versatile
canopy in FIG. 9, taken along the same line 3-3 depicted in FIG.
2.
[0038] FIG. 11 shows the portion of the versatile canopy shown in
FIG. 10, but with a visor section of the canopy in a stowed
position and the privacy screen unrolled or unfolded from the first
stowed position.
[0039] FIG. 12 shows the infant carrier and versatile canopy of
FIG. 1 with the privacy screen attached to the canopy as in FIG. 3,
but in a second optional stowed position.
[0040] FIG. 13A shows a cross-section of a portion of the versatile
canopy in FIG. 12 and taken along the same line 3-3 depicted in
FIG. 2.
[0041] FIG. 13B shows the portion of the versatile canopy in FIG.
13A, but in an alternate configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0042] A versatile canopy for a child seating device is disclosed
and described herein. In one example, the versatile canopy has a
privacy screen that can be attached to and detached from the
canopy. In one example, the privacy screen can be moved, when
attached to the canopy, between a deployed position and a stowed
position. In one example, the deployed privacy screen covers an
open portion of the seating area or surface of the child seating
device that is left open or uncovered by the hood of the versatile
canopy. In one example, the privacy screen can be stowed in more
than one optional location or position. In one example, the
versatile canopy also includes a window section formed in a portion
of the canopy hood. In one example, a shade flap can be moved
between a blocking position covering at least a portion of the
window section and a stowed position exposing the window
section.
[0043] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows one example of a
child seating device employing a versatile canopy 20 constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In the
disclosed example, the child seating device is depicted as an
infant carrier or infant car seat 22 that has a seat 24 facing
upward and a base section 26 under the seat. The infant carrier 22
in this example is of a typical construction. The infant carrier
has a pivotable handle 28 that can be used to carry the infant
carrier as is known in the art. Though not shown herein, the base
section 26 can be configured to attach to a seat base resting on a
seat in a vehicle, whereby the infant carrier 22 is an infant car
seat.
[0044] In general, the infant carrier 22 can be constructed having
a plastic seat shell that defines both the base section 26 and an
under-structure of the seat 24. Soft goods 30 are commonly used to
cover the hard plastic under-structure material of the seat 24, as
is known in the art. The seat 24 generally has a pair of spaced
apart sides 32, a seat back part 34, and the seat bottom part 36.
The seat back and seat bottom parts 34, 36 meet one another at a
seat bight region 38 of the seat 24. The seat back part 34
terminates at a rear or upper edge 40 of the seat 24 and the seat
bottom part 36 terminates at a forward edge 42 of the seat.
Together, the seat back and seat bottom parts 34, 36 create a
seating surface 44 between the sides 32 and the upper and front
edges 40, 42 of the seat.
[0045] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the
art, the configuration and construction of the infant car seat or
carrier 22, and in particular the seat 24, can vary within the
spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the child
seating device need not be an infant carrier or infant car seat,
but instead can be a stroller seat or a seat on another type of
device such as a child motion device, swing, orbital motion device,
or the like. The disclosed versatile canopy 20 can be utilized on a
child seating device other than an infant carrier, though only an
infant carrier 22 is shown and described herein.
[0046] The versatile canopy 20 in this example has several features
that provide a significant improvement over prior art canopies for
these types of seating devices. Again with reference to FIGS. 1 and
2, the versatile canopy 20 has a hood 50, an open front end 52, and
a pair of spaced apart sides 54. The hood 50 also has a rear end
56, which in this example is closed off and connected to or slipped
over the upper edge 40 of the seat back part 34 (see FIG. 4). The
spaced apart sides 54 of the versatile canopy 20 have lower ends
that terminate in a respective hub 58. A plurality of bows 60 (see
FIG. 3) are provided that form a skeleton structure for the canopy
20 to support the hood 50 as is known in the art. Each of the bows
60 can be sewn or slid into a sewn tunnel 61 in the material of the
hood 50. Each bow 60 is an elongate structure that can be flexible
and that are upwardly curved to define the side-to-side contour of
the versatile canopy 20. The free ends of the bows 60 can be
attached to the hub 58 as generically shown in this example. The
hubs 58 in turn can be attached to the seat sides 32 of the infant
carrier 22. The skeleton structure including the bows 60 can be
coupled to one another at their free ends and/or to the child
seating device in a variety of different, ell known, alternative
ways. Thus, these aspects of the versatile canopy are not disclosed
or described herein in any detail and are only generically
shown.
[0047] The hood 50 in this example has a plurality of panels or
sections that are separated from one another by the bows 60. With
reference to FIGS. 1-3, the hood 50 or the versatile canopy 20 can
have a forward most visor section 62, a top panel section 64
immediately rearward of the visor section, a window section 66
immediately rearward of the top panel section, and a rear section
68 immediately rearward of the window section. In this example, the
rear section 68 is shaped and configured to define the rear end 56
of the hood 50. The size, position, location, and terminology used
to describe the various sections of the hood can vary within the
spirit and scope of the present invention. Also, the number and
arrangement of the different sections of the canopy or hood can
also vary from the example shown.
[0048] In this example, the visor section 62, top panel section 64,
and window section 66 each have a wider central section and
narrower, tapering width opposed ends 69. The ends 69 meet,
respectively, at the terminal ends of the bows 60 adjacent the
corresponding hub 58 on each side of the versatile canopy 20. The
rear section 68 takes on a different configuration in this example
in order to close off the rear end 56 of the canopy 20. In an
alternate example, the rear section can be shaped similarly to the
other sections 62, 64, and 66 defining a rear open end on the
versatile canopy 20, similar to the front open end 52 in this
example. Such a rear open end would cover the upper edge 40 of the
seat back part 32 when the versatile canopy is pivoted to a
rearward most position. The rear open end would be closed off by
bearing against the perimeter of the seat back part.
[0049] As is known in the art, the hood 50 can be formed from one
or more flexible or pliable materials such as thin plastic or
fabric. Such a fabric material can be synthetic, natural, or a
blend of both fabric types. The material of the hood 50 can also be
water resistant or waterproof. The hood material can also be
relatively opaque or completely opaque, if desired, in order to
provide the shading characteristics intended of a typical canopy.
Also as is known in the art, the bows 60 can pivot toward and away
from one another allowing the canopy to be extended to a fully
deployed configuration as depicted in FIG. 1 and collapsed to a
stowed or out of the way configuration (not shown). In the collapse
configuration, the material of the hood 50 between each of the bows
60 can fold or bunch up allowing the versatile canopy 20 to be
collapsed. The versatile canopy 20 can also be configured to be
easily and readily removable from the child seating device, though
also not shown or described herein. The hubs 58, the free ends of
the bows 60, or some other structure can be provided to permit
quick and easy detachment of the versatile canopy 20 from the child
seating device.
[0050] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention,
the versatile canopy 20 has a privacy screen 70 that is removable
from and attachable to the hood 50 or some other part of the
versatile canopy. In this example, a privacy screen 70 is formed of
a perforate mesh material that is flexible. The mesh material can
be plastic, fabric, or some other material as long as the privacy
screen 70 is capable of folding, rolling, or the like. The privacy
screen 70 is also perforate to permit air to pass through the
screen as well as some light. The screen thus can allow a child to
breathe fresh air and yet provide some privacy. The size and
density of the perforations and the thickness and color of the grid
of the mesh material can be altered to achieve a desired air
exchange capability as well as light emitting or blocking
capability.
[0051] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the privacy screen 70 has a
perimeter 72 with an extendable portion 74 and an attachment
portion 76. In this example, the extendable portion 74 is
resiliently elastic so as to be capable of stretching. The
extendable portion 74, for example, can include an elastic strip or
band 78 sewn into the extendable portion of the perimeter. The
elasticity can allow a user to easily and quickly secure the
privacy screen 70 to the infant carrier 22. A fastening strip can
be provided on the attachment portion 76 and on some part of the
versatile canopy 20 for attaching the privacy screen 70 to the
versatile canopy. In one example, a first zipper part 80a can be
sewn or otherwise attached to the attachment portion 76 on the
perimeter of the privacy screen 70. With reference to FIGS. 3 and
4, a compatible second zipper part 80b can be sewn or otherwise
attached to an underside of the hood 50. In this example, the visor
section 62 is sewn to the tunnel 61 on a forward end of the top
panel section 64 and projects forward. The second zipper part 80b
is sewn to the same joint beneath the tunnel 61 between the visor
section 62 and the top panel section 64.
[0052] As represented in FIGS. 1-4, the privacy screen 70 can be
completely removed from the versatile canopy 20. When removed, the
privacy screen 70 can be folded or rolled up and stowed or anywhere
that a user desires. This configuration represents a first optional
stowed position or configuration for the privacy screen 70. As
shown in FIG. 2, a user need only zip the first zipper part 80a on
the attachment portion 76 of the privacy screen 72 to the second
zipper part 80b on the canopy 20. When connected, the zipper parts
80a, 80b form a completed zipper 80 and secure the privacy screen
70 to the hood 50. The zipper 80 can be replaced by other suitable
fasteners or attachment devices, such as snaps or hook and loop
fastener strips for securing the privacy screen 70 to the hood 50.
Once the privacy screen 70 is secured to the versatile canopy 20, a
user can grasp the free extendable portion 74 of the perimeter 72
on the privacy screen 70 and pull forward. The user can pull the
extendable portion over the sides 32 and front edge 42 of the seat
24, stretching the elastic band 78 beyond the seat edges as
depicted in FIG. 4. The seat perimeter edges can be provided with a
lip or undercut. The elastic band 78 of the extendable portion 74
can seat in such an undercut and will apply tension to the
perimeter 72, securing the privacy screen 70 in a fully deployed
position. In this position, the privacy screen 70 completely covers
the open seating area of the seating surface 44 that is not covered
by the hood 50. When fully deployed, the privacy screen 70, in
combination with the hood 50, can thus completely cover the seat
24.
[0053] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, another improvement over
prior known canopies is shown and described. In the disclosed
example, the window section 66 of the hood 50 can be formed of a
transparent, translucent, or partially transparent material, such
as a mesh material similar to that of the previously described
privacy screen 70. Providing a section of the hood 50 in this
manner allows a seat occupant to receive more light, to receive
more fresh air (if a mesh material is used), and to have an upward
viewing space similar to a vehicle sunroof. The window section 66
can alternatively be formed of a clear plastic, non-perforate
material. In another example, the window section 66 can be formed
in part of a mesh, translucent, or transparent material and in part
of an opaque material such as the same fabric used for other
portions of the hood 50. In the disclosed example, the window
section 66 is formed of a mesh grid material similar to or
substantially the same as that of the privacy screen 70.
[0054] In the disclosed example, a shade flap 90 is provided and
secured to the outside of the hood 50. The disclosed shade flap 70
has a semi-circular configuration with a linear edge 92 sewn or
otherwise attached to the hood 50. In this example, the linear edge
92 is secured to the hood 50 along a seam or location of a bow 60
between the top panel section 64 and the window section 66.
Alternatively, the shade flap can be secured to the rear seam
between the window section 66 and the rear section 68. The
remaining perimeter on the shade flap 90 is a curved edge 94 and is
not secured to any part of the hood 50 or versatile canopy 20. The
shade flap 90 can be flipped or pivoted about the linear edge 92 in
the direction of the arrow S to lie on top of the top panel section
64. In this stowed position depicted in FIG. 5, the shade flap 90
exposes the entire window section 66. In bright sunlight or
inclement weather, a user may wish to cover or close off at least
the top portion of the window section 66 to protect the seat
occupant. When a user wishes to do so, the user can flip the shade
flap 90 in the direction of the arrow B onto the window section 66
as depicted in FIG. 6. In this blocking position, the shade flap 90
obscures and covers at least a portion of the window section
66.
[0055] The size, location, and configuration of the shade flap 90
and the pertinent part of the window section 66 can be altered to
change how much or how little of the window section is blocked by
the shade flap in the blocking position. The width of the shade
flap 90 can be altered to extend more or less across the width of
the hood 50 in order to block more or less of the window section 66
as well. The front-to-back depth or length of the shade flap 90 can
also be altered, as can the contour of the curved portion 94. In
the disclosed example, the shade flap 90 covers only a top part of
the window section 66 in the blocking position, leaving side
portions 96 of the window section 66 open and exposed. If the
window section 66 is made of mesh material, these exposed side
portions 96 can allow additional fresh air into the versatile
canopy 20, even when the shade flap 90 is in the blocking
position.
[0056] Instead of removing the privacy screen 70 for accessing a
seat occupant or for storing the screen, the privacy screen can be
temporarily stowed in one or more optional stowed positions while
remaining secured or attached to the hood 50. With reference to
FIGS. 7-10, a user can grasp the extendable portion 74 of the
privacy screen 70 (see FIG. 4) and extend the elastic band 78. In
this manner, the user can free the extendable portion 74 of the
privacy screen 70 from the front edge 42 on infant carrier seat 24.
The user can then fold or roll up the privacy screen 70 as shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8. Once the privacy screen 70 is rolled up, the user
can tuck the privacy screen under the open front end of the hood 50
beneath the top panel section 64. The user can then flip the visor
section 62 in the direction of the arrow V from its extended
position shown in FIG. 8 to an inverted position shown in FIGS. 9
and 10 beneath the top panel section 64. The rolled up privacy
screen 70 can be trapped or captured between the underside of the
top panel section 64 and the inverted visor section 62. The visor
section 62 will retain the privacy screen 70 in this optional
second stowed position.
[0057] The free edge 100 of the visor section 62 can include a bow
102 that will hold or bias the visor section in its extended
position and that will also hold or bias the visor section in its
inverted position when either position is selected. This can be
accomplished by tautness in the material of the visor section,
resiliency of the bow, and/or a biasing mechanism at the hub to 58.
Having the visor section 62 biased to the inverted position when
moved to that position will help retain the visor section and the
rolled up privacy screen 70 in the second optional stowed
position.
[0058] Sometimes a user may wish to quickly access the seating area
or seating surface 44 to either place a child in the seat, remove a
child from the seat, or contact or communicate with a seat
occupant. This can be accomplished by removing the privacy screen
70 and storing the screen in the first optional stowed position of
FIG. 1. This can also be accomplished by rolling up the privacy
screen 70 and storing the screen tucked between the visor section
62 and top panel section 64 in the second optional stowed position
of FIGS. 9 and 10. However, the disclosed versatile canopy 20 also
permits another third optional stowed position for the privacy
screen 70 that may be faster and easier for a user to achieve.
[0059] With reference to FIG. 11, the privacy screen 70 can remain
attached to the hood 50 while not being rolled up under the visor
62 and not being secured to the front edge 42 of the seat 24. In
this configuration, a user can grasp the extendable portion 74 of
the privacy screen 70, raised the extendable portion above the open
front end 52, and pull the extendable portion 74 over the top of
the hood 50 and back toward the rear section 68, as depicted in
FIG. 12. In this third optional stowed position, the privacy screen
70 is easily moved out of the way so that a user can access the
seating surface 44 of the seat 24. Having the visor 62 inverted
inward under the top panel section 64, as in FIGS. 11-13A, provides
additional clearance for the user. Though not shown herein, the top
panel section 64 can also be collapsed rearward toward the window
section 66 to create further clearance. Similarly, both the top
panel section 64 and the window section 66 can be collapsed toward
the rear section 68 creating additional clearance, all the while
having the privacy screen 70 pulled over on top of the hood 50.
[0060] FIG. 13B shows that the privacy screen 70 can be moved to
this third optional stowed position over the top of the hood 50
even though the visor 62 is in its fully extended position. A user
may wish to choose this stowed position for the privacy screen
simply because it is easier and faster to accomplish.
[0061] The disclosed versatile canopy 20 offers a number of
improvements over prior known canopies. The detachable privacy
screen 70 is very easy to attach or remove from the canopy
structure and also is easy to deploy over the seating area of the
child seating device. The disclosed privacy screen 70 is also easy
to move from the deployed position to a stowed position. The
disclosed privacy screen 70 can also be stowed in a variety of
different ways. This creates versatility allowing the user a number
of options, depending on their particular circumstances. The
disclosed versatile canopy 20 also offers a sunroof-like feature
with a shade flap that can be moved to block and inhibit the
benefits of the sunroof or window feature or to enjoy the benefits
by completely exposing the sunroof or window feature when desired.
The shade flap is extremely easy to use and can be easily
incorporated into the design and construction of the canopy
structure.
[0062] The disclosed versatile canopy 20 can enhance the enjoyment
and comfort of a seat occupant seated in a child seating device.
The seat occupant can rest comfortably when the disclosed privacy
screen 70 is deployed and yet can be exposed to fresh air at all
times. Even with the privacy screen deployed, a caregiver will be
able to hear the child if distressed or talking because the screen
is a perforate mesh material. The seat occupant can also be easily
accessible to the caregiver when desired. The caregiver can look in
on the seat occupant through the window section of the hood without
having to step around to the front open end of the canopy. The seat
occupant also has side viewing capability through the window
section of the hood as well as upward or vertical viewing
capability through the window section. If the window section is
mesh, the open side portions can also allow a caregiver to hear any
noises made by the seat occupant. The window section can be
provided as any one of the sections of the hood, if desired. The
window can be provided on the visor section, the top section, or
the rear section and yet function as intended. The shade flap can
be appropriately positioned on the hood to function as described
above. The window section can have a top part extending over the
top of the hood and side parts extending down along the canopy
sides, as in this example. The window section can instead include
only the top part or one or more of the side parts.
[0063] The disclosed versatile canopy 20 is not intended to be
limited to only the embodiment shown and described herein. The
versatile canopy 20 is also not intended to be limited to any
particular type of material used for the construction of the canopy
components including the hood and its various sections, the
skeleton structure, and that the privacy screen.
[0064] The hood is configured to extend over and above at least
part of the seating surface, enclosing or covering that part of the
seating surface. The hood is positionable to cover the seat back
part of the seat. The privacy screen is configured to extend
forward over and above the remaining part of the seating surface,
enclosing or covering the part of the seat not covered by the hood.
The combination of the canopy hood and the privacy screen create a
cocoon environment whereby the entire seating area of the seat is
enclosed when the privacy screen is deployed.
[0065] Although certain versatile canopy configurations and
arrangements have been described herein in accordance with the
teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this
patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers
all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall
within the scope of permissible equivalents.
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