U.S. patent application number 13/860606 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-15 for dual-use blanket for infant car seat carrier.
The applicant listed for this patent is Felix Montano, Jr., Lorely Janneth Montano. Invention is credited to Felix Montano, Jr., Lorely Janneth Montano.
Application Number | 20140130255 13/860606 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50680251 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140130255 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Montano, Jr.; Felix ; et
al. |
May 15, 2014 |
Dual-Use Blanket for Infant Car Seat Carrier
Abstract
Disclosed is a dual-use blanket for covering an infant car seat
carrier, and for use as a conventional infant blanket. The device
comprises a blanket having a built-in aperture that extends over
the handle on an infant carrier, a flap being attached to the
blanket on a first side, and removably attached on a second side by
a fastener, and a drawstring for attaching the blanket to the
infant carrier. When the carrier handle is extended, the blanket
can be placed thereover, allowing the handle to extend through the
aperture. This provides a cover for the carrier that prevents the
infant or child contained therein from being exposed to the
elements. The blanket can be removed from the carrier and used as a
conventional blanket. In this configuration, the flap is closed
with the fastener, which prevents exposure to the elements through
the aperture.
Inventors: |
Montano, Jr.; Felix; (Costa
Mesa, CA) ; Montano; Lorely Janneth; (Costa Mesa,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Montano, Jr.; Felix
Montano; Lorely Janneth |
Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50680251 |
Appl. No.: |
13/860606 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61660494 |
Jun 15, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/496 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/2845 20130101;
A47G 9/068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/496 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/06 20060101
A47G009/06 |
Claims
1) A covering for an infant car seat carrier containing a handle,
comprising: a blanket having a border and a built-in aperture that
extends over said handle on said infant carrier; a flap being
attached to said blanket on a first side, and removably attached on
a second side by a fastening means; and a fastening means for
attaching said blanket to said infant carrier.
2) The device of claim 1, wherein said aperture is formed from an
opening on said blanket.
3) The device of claim 2, wherein said aperture provides access to
said handle on said infant carrier.
4) The device of claim 1, wherein said fastening means for
attaching said blanket to said infant carrier comprises a
drawstring that surrounds said border of said blanket.
5) The device of claim 4, wherein said drawstring is secured in a
tightened position with a cord lock.
6) The device of claim 4, wherein said drawstring can be released
to allow said blanket to lie in an extended or flat position, or
tightened around said border to prevent inadvertent removal
thereof.
7) The device of claim 1, wherein said fastening means for
attaching said blanket to said infant carrier comprises elastic
rubber strips in each corner of said border.
8) The device of claim 1, wherein said fastening means for
attaching said blanket to said infant carrier comprises an elastic
rubber strip surrounding said border of said blanket.
9) The device of claim 1, wherein said fastening means for
attaching said blanket to said infant carrier comprises reinforced
triangles in each corner of said border, said triangle including a
hook that can be tucked between said triangle and said blanket when
not in use, and extended from between said triangle and said
blanket for attachment to said infant carrier.
10) The device of claim 1, wherein said fastening means for said
flap comprises hook and loop material that is sewn into said
blanket.
11) A covering for an infant car seat carrier, comprising: a
blanket having a built-in aperture that extends over a handle on
said infant carrier; and a flap being attached to said blanket on a
first side, and removably attached on a second side by a fastening
means.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/660,494 filed on Jun. 15, 2012, entitled "Cover
Me Safe." The above identified patent application is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of
disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of blankets. More
specifically, the present invention pertains to a dual-use blanket
for covering an infant car seat carrier, and for use as a
conventional infant blanket.
[0004] Infant car seat carriers, otherwise known as child safety
seats, are seats designed specifically to protect infants and small
children from injury or death during automobile collisions. Many
automobile manufacturers integrate attachment systems for child
safety seats directly into the vehicle design, which provides a
secure connection between the carrier and the vehicle. Most states
require children, as defined by age, weight, and/or height, to use
a government-approved child safety seat when riding in a vehicle.
In the United States, baby car seats are legally required to
transport children up to the age of 2 in a motor vehicle.
[0005] Experts often warn that parents use car seats incorrectly,
making them unnecessarily dangerous to the child. During the
winter, many infants wear added layers of clothing, such as
sweaters and heavy winter coats. These extra layers, however, can
impair the proper use of the car seat. One of the basics of proper
car seat installation is that the child is buckled snugly into the
car seat itself. When a child is wearing a thick sweater or winter
coat, it is difficult to determine if the harness straps are
adjusted properly. The extra layers can add a significant amount of
slack, reducing the level of protection in a crash. If the harness
straps are loose, the child can be injured or can even fly out of
the car seat in the event of a collision.
[0006] In addition to use in vehicles, many infant car seat
carriers are adapted for use outside of a vehicle without removing
the child from the seat. The open top of the carrier, however,
often presents a problem when it starts raining or the sun is
shining brightly. Many parents and caretakers place a blanket over
the entire car seat to protect the child, but that eliminates
access to the carrying handle for the adult. If a user attempts to
pick up the seat with a blanket covering the handle, he or she may
quickly lose their grip and drop the seat, which can lead to injury
for the baby.
[0007] The present invention overcomes the problems inherent in
conventional blankets with a device specifically adapted for use on
an infant car seat carrier. The device comprises a blanket with a
built-in aperture that extends over the carrier to allow a parent
or caretaker access to the handle. The aperture includes a
fastening means for use as a conventional infant blanket. When the
carrier handle is extended, the blanket can be placed thereover,
allowing the handle to extend through the aperture. The blanket may
also include an elastic drawstring around the perimeter that allows
the blanket to fit snugly around the carrier.
[0008] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0009] Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to
infant blankets. These include devices that have been patented and
published in patent application publications. These devices
generally relate to infant blankets specially tailored for use with
an infant car seat carrier. The following is a list of devices
deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein
described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the
unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting
the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
[0010] Specifically, Espinoza, U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,965 discloses an
infant blanket for use in combination with an infant carrying seat
having a handle. The blanket includes a border strip at its
perimeter and a handle reception slit spaced from the perimeter so
as to receive the handle of an infant carrying seat therethrough.
The blanket further includes fastening strips, such as hook and
loop type pieces attached thereto so that the blanket can be
secured about an infant. The blanket is placed over an infant
carrying device and the infant is then covered with the blanket.
The slit in the blanket allows the user to fully access the handle,
while the infant still retains the benefits of having the blanket
wrapped around his or her carrier. While this device includes a
blanket having a built-in aperture, the Espinoza device is intended
for use only with an infant carrier, and is not adapted for use as
a conventional blanket. The present invention includes a fastening
means to secure the aperture in a closed position for use as a
conventional blanket. Additionally, the present invention provides
an elastic drawstring around the perimeter thereof that can secure
the blanket to the car seat carrier when tightened, and allows the
blanket to retain its square or rectangular shape when
released.
[0011] Similar to Espinoza, Mortenson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,490
discloses a cover for an infant carrier seat that is supported by
the carrier's handle and creates a protective tent-like enclosure
for the seated infant. The cover allows the carrier handle to be
accessible to the caregiver while the cover protects the infant.
The cover is flexibly attached to the carrier's handle, which
supports the cover with straps. The handle attachment system and
elastic perimeter edging adjustably attaches the cover to the
infant car seat carrier enabling the cover to fit many brands of
carriers. The use of breathable textile cover material combined
with ventilation panels and windows provide ventilated,
water-resistant protection and visibility between the infant and
the caregiver. The '490 device, while providing a cover for an
infant carrier, does not disclose a blanket, but instead functions
as a tent or canopy to cover the carrier. The present invention can
be removed from the infant carrier and utilized as a conventional
infant blanket.
[0012] Roh, U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,393 discloses a protective canopy
and a sealing element that can interchangeably and flexibly seal
around a variety of baby seats. The device may also contain a
removable hood that shields a portion of an insect resistant mesh
so that side mesh remains open for air and viewing of the occupant
under the protective cover. The hood may be attached at an
approximate midpoint of the canopy to allow versatility in
deploying the hood in a rearward direction and fastening the hood
with an attachment element. The protective cover may include a
protective foot shield located under the hood that protects the
feet of an occupant from a biting or flying insect. The Roh device,
similar to Mortenson, discloses an apparatus for covering an infant
or small child within an infant carrier. This device, however, does
not fold flat for use as a conventional infant blanket for use
apart from the infant carrier.
[0013] Additionally, Ranalli, U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,090 discloses a
blanket for covering a child in a car seat fitted with a harness
for restraining the child in the seat. The blanket comprises a
plurality of apertures through which restraining members of the
harness can be passed, thus enabling the harness to be fastened
tightly around the child, and the blanket then to be wrapped around
the child and the harness. The Ranalli device is intended for
placement between the infant and the carrier, and includes
apertures to allow the harness to pass through the blanket and
attach to the child. The present invention covers over a child
sitting in an infant carrier, and is not positioned between the
child and the seat.
[0014] Finally, Kagan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,164 discloses a blanket
comprising a blanket panel having an interior region, a first major
surface, a second major surface, and an outer perimeter. A throat
aperture is positioned in the interior region of the blanket panel,
which provides open communication between the first and second
major surfaces of the blanket panel. The aperture is of a
sufficient size to allow the obstruction to be positioned in the
throat aperture in a manner such that the obstruction can pass
through the throat aperture from one major surface of the blanket
panel to the other. A channel extends from the throat aperture to
the outer perimeter of the blanket panel. When used with a child
supporting structure having an interfering obstruction, the blanket
covers the child in a manner such that the obstruction is
positioned in the throat aperture, and the channel is in the closed
configuration. The Kagan device provides an infant blanket that is
adapted for use with a child sitting in an infant carrier or infant
swing. Similar to Ranalli, this device is positioned between the
carrier and the infant. The present invention is positioned over an
infant carrier to allow the handle to extend through the aperture.
It is not positioned between the infant and the carrier.
[0015] The devices disclosed in the prior art provide covers for
use with a conventional infant carrier. These devices are adapted
for use only when an infant or small child is within the carrier.
The present invention is adapted for use apart from the carrier.
The aperture within the blanket can be closed with a fastening
means, and the elastic surrounding the perimeter of the blanket can
be released, which allows the present invention to retain a square
or rectangular shape. If attachment to a carrier is desired, the
aperture can be opened, and the elastic can be tightened around the
carrier. This provides a dual use blanket that prevents the need
for carrying additional blankets for use independent of the
carrier.
[0016] In light of the prior art and the disclosed elements of the
present invention, it is submitted that the present invention
substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art.
Consequently, it is clear that the present invention is not
described by the art and that a need exists for a dual-use blanket
for covering an infant car seat carrier, and for use as a
conventional infant blanket. In this regard, the instant invention
substantially fulfills these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of blankets now present in the prior art, the present
invention provides a new blanket wherein the same can be utilized
for providing convenience for the user when covering an infant car
seat carrier, and when used as a conventional infant blanket.
[0018] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved dual-use blanket device that has all of
the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
dual-use blanket for covering an infant car seat carrier, and for
use as a conventional infant blanket.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
blanket having a built-in aperture that extends over the carrier to
allow a parent or caretaker access to the handle.
[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
blanket having a fastening means for the built-in aperture to allow
the aperture to open and close as desired.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
blanket having an elastic drawstring around the perimeter that
allows the blanket to fit snugly around the carrier.
[0023] A final object of the present invention is to provide a
blanket that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit
relative economy and are commensurate with durability.
[0024] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Although the characteristic features of this invention will
be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and
manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood
after a review of the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are
provided throughout.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infant carrier with the
present invention in a pre-installation position.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention
installed over an infant carrier with the elastic drawstring
tightened.
[0028] FIG. 3a is a view of an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the blanket includes elastic rubber strips in
each corner.
[0029] FIG. 3b is a view of an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the blanket includes a triangle and hook in each
corner.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of the aperture
fastening means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like
reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like
or similar elements of the blanket. For the purposes of presenting
a brief and clear description of the present invention, the
preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for covering an
infant car seat carrier, and for use as a conventional infant
blanket. The figures are intended for representative purposes only
and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view
of an infant carrier with the present invention in a
pre-installation position. The device is comprised of a blanket 11
having a border that is designed to fit over top of an infant
carrier 51. The blanket 11 resembles a conventional infant blanket,
and is constructed from cotton, polyester, nylon, water proof
material or a combination thereof. The blanket 11 can be
manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes, and can further
include rounded corners. The center of the blanket 11 includes a
built-in aperture 12 that extends over the handle 52 in order to
allow the user to firmly grip the carrier handle 52. The aperture
12 includes a fastening means for use apart from the carrier 51.
When the handle 52 is moved into position for carrying, the blanket
11 can be placed thereover so that the handle 52 extends through
the aperture 12. The blanket 11 may also include an elastic
drawstring (not shown) around the perimeter that allows the blanket
to fit snugly around the carrier 52. The device allows parents and
caretakers to easily grip the handle 52 while shielding the infant
or small child from the elements.
[0033] The aperture 12 is formed from a slit/opening near the
center of the blanket 12 that can be accessed by a fastening means,
or can optionally remain open at all times. The aperture 12 is
large enough to provide access to the handle 52. A parent or
caretaker can place his or her hand through the aperture 12 to
access the handle 52. This allows a parent or caretaker to apply
the blanket 11 over the carrier 51 while ensuring that the carrier
51 is being transported with a firm grip on the handle 52. The
aperture 12 allows the parent or caretaker to access the handle 52
while the blanket 11 is in position and covering the carrier 51 to
provide protection to the infant or child therein.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view
of the present invention installed over an infant carrier, with the
elastic drawstring tightened. The blanket 11 can optionally include
a fastening means for attachment to the carrier. In a first
embodiment, the fastening means comprises a drawstring 13 that
surrounds the border of the blanket 11. The drawstring 13 is
preferably comprised of elastic or another suitable material that
can stretch and flex. This ensures that the blanket 11 remains in
position on the carrier. The drawstring 13 is secured in a
tightened position with a fastener, such as a cord lock 14 or
similar device. When extended, the drawstring 13 allows the blanket
11 to lie in an extended or flat position. When pulled tight, the
drawstring 13 secures the border of the blanket 11 around the base
of the carrier. This prevents the blanket 11 from inadvertently
being removed from the carrier, and additionally prevents wind,
rain, or snow from entering between the blanket 11 and carrier.
[0035] In addition to a drawstring 13, the blanket 11 can include a
variety of other fastening means. As shown in FIG. 3a, the blanket
11 can alternatively include elastic rubber strips 15 in each
corner or all along the outer border of the blanket 11 to secure
the blanket 11 over the portable car seat. In a second embodiment,
as shown in FIG. 3b, the blanket 11 can include triangles 16 in
each corner. The triangles 16 include a small hook 17 that can be
tucked under the blanket 16 when not in use, and extended therefrom
for attachment to an infant carrier. This is particularly
beneficial for parents or caretakers when transporting an infant or
child outside the vehicle. The hooks 17 allow the blanket 11 to be
quickly attached and removed from the carrier.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a close-up
perspective view of the aperture fastening means. The aperture 12
is positioned in near the center of the blanket 11. The aperture 12
includes a flap 18 that is sewn or attached to the blanket 11 at a
first side, and attached at a second side by a fastening means. The
fastening means can comprise hook 19 and loop 20 material that is
sewn into the blanket 11. The fastening means can also comprise
snaps, buttons, magnets, zippers, or any other suitable fastener.
The fastening means can be attached to the upper or lower side of
the blanket 11. In either location, the parent or caretaker can
fold the flap 19 under and back towards the blanket 11 for access
to the carrier handle.
[0037] The flap 18 is sewn in one side of the blanket 11 and held
in position on the opposite side by the fastening means. When the
blanket 11 is being used, the flap 18 can be opened for access to
the handle for transport. If access to the handle not needed, the
aperture 12 can be closed with the fastening means, which enables
the blanket 11 to be used with the flap 18 secured in position on
the blanket 11. In this configuration, the flap 18 prevents
exposure to the elements through the aperture 12.
[0038] The blanket may be constructed for use in various
configurations. The blanket can act as a protective cover for an
infant or small child when placed in an infant carrier. The blanket
can be constructed of an insulating material to retain warmth,
and/or can include a waterproof exterior for protection from rain
or snow. The blanket can alternately be constructed of a
lightweight material for providing protection from the sun in the
summer months. The blanket can additionally be formed of a mesh
material to afford protection from flying or stinging insects,
while providing visibility for the infant sitting inside the
carrier. The blanket may additionally be constructed of multiple
layers, with an insulating layer, waterproof layer, lightweight
layer, mesh layer, or a combination thereof. Regardless of the
materials used, the present invention provides a protective barrier
for an infant or child sitting inside a carrier, and allows a
parent to conveniently cover the infant or child while carrying him
or her with a secure grip to or from a vehicle.
[0039] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has
been shown and described in what is considered to be the most
practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however,
that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and
that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the
art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0040] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *