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This application claims the priority rights of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/637,715 filed Dec. 19 (20), 2004 entitled “Baby Carrier Cover System” listing the co-inventors hereof.
The present invention relates to baby carriers, for example, those made of cloth or other fabric material worn on the front of an adult and secured by, for example, shoulder straps, waist straps, etc., as well as those that are rigid (e.g., made of plastic) and carried by hand or used as car seats or strollers, etc., and more particularly to a cover therefor for supplemental covering and protection of the baby to protect the baby from the ambient or undesirable environmental conditions. Various features of the cover of the invention and its cooperative relationships with the carrier, the baby and the adult user are described below.
A list of prior patents based on a search done by one of the co-inventors which may be of some general interest, although it is noted that some of them are not from the field to which the present invention pertains, is provided below:
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| D 485,676 | Simpson | Jan. 27, 2004 | |
Only D 485,676 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,434,750 are directed to covers for use with front carried and adult user supported carriers in a fashion having some similarity with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
With respect to the cover of D 485,676, which is a two-dimensional cover (vs. three dimensions as in the invention providing the invention's freedom ofmovement), it uses only two thin straps and does not allow for front or vertically spaced, waist strap attachments. Additionally, there are no side pockets for the adult user and no pouch for storing essentials. The Simpson cover also has no hood/collar arrangement, no way to adjust the cover's effective length and has limited wiggle room for the child, etc.
With respect to the cover of U.S. Pat. No. 6,434,750, it attaches directly to the adult user, and has only a single strap which is extended around the adult user's neck, which uncomfortably goes around the adult user's neck. It has a bulky design with no way to adjust length (i.e., effective height), is not designed to be used on devices other than soft front infant carriers, and has no form of hood, etc.
Examples of some of the products with which the exemplary embodiment of the present invention might be used include:
Other products on the market that perform a similar function to that of the exemplary embodiment, but offer less sophisticated or otherwise less advantageous design and without the patentable features of the present invention, include:
[Copies of all of the above web sites as they existed as of the filing of the previously filed, provisional patent application are included in the USPTO file record of this utility patent application.]
As will become clear from the below disclosures, the preferred embodiment of the carrier cover of the present invention is designed to provide a much better, more adaptable in use, baby carrier cover system for the baby and the adult user than that achieved in the prior art and is believed to be a significant, patentable addition to the “useful arts.”
As previously noted, the present invention relates to a cover for use with baby or young child carriers and the like (e.g., car seats, hand-carried carriers, baby carriers attached on the front of the body of the adult users, strollers, bouncers, etc.).
Part of the problems resolved by the exemplary embodiment of the present carrier cover invention include:
Functionality—the exemplary embodiment of the invention is designed to protect a child from the elements (sun, wind, cold weather, etc.) when the child is seated in an infant carrying device, stroller or bouncy seat.
In contrast with the prior art and with respect to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is noted that the currently preferred, exemplary carrier cover of the invention preferably is affixed to the carrier itself and not to the adult user, and the adult users do not have to wear the cover's straps around themselves. In the preferred embodiment of the invention front straps are used to prevent sagging and to distribute the combined weight of the carrier cover and the contents of the pouch beyond the shoulder straps, while preferably waist straps allow the adult user or parent to remove the carrier cover from the child, while still keeping it attached to the carrier. This means that the adult users do not have to worry about carrying the cover around while doing, for example, errands. They, for example, simply tuck the cover into itself and allow it merely to hang.
It is noted that the shoulder straps preferably are extensions of a horizontal band of heavy duty fabric. This horizontal band provides structure and ensures that the cover may be fastened such that the cover does not sag. In contrast the competing products typically use only a “Velcro”™ type tab which does not provide such structure and results in sagging.
The exemplary embodiment of the carrier cover of the present invention includes front, rear and side panels which are assembled to encase a child's body. When the exemplary embodiment of the carrier cover of the invention is used on a front carrier (such as, for example, the “Baby Björn®” baby carrier), side slit pockets preferably are included to provide parents or other adult users with a way to keep their own hands warm, easy access to the baby, and access to preferably an interior, storage pouch, which preferably has a zippered or other appropriate closure. The front portion of the cover preferably is topped by two, generally triangular panels, which form a divided collar which is simply wrapped around the sides of the child's neck and over the child's shoulders to help seal out the elements and which, alternatively, may be snapped or otherwise affixed together (for example, alternatively using “Velcro”® type material, etc.) to form a hood fully surrounding the child's head, including the child's head's sides.
The right and left sides of the exemplary embodiment of the carrier cover preferably each include inverted box pleats or the like with a rectangular bottom. This design provides a nice tailored look while at the same time allows enough fabric and “give” so that the child can freely move his/her arms and legs. The currently preferred cover thus preferably has a squared-off, laterally expandable, paper grocery bag-like interior with the inverted box pleat or accordion-fold sides (or the like) providing a side expandable interior resulting in additional room for the child to comfortably move about, flail about, kick and the like.
Within the inverted box pleat side panels preferably is, among other items, a cinching system which allows one to adjust the carrier cover's effective length to best accommodate the baby's height.
The exemplary, currently preferred carrier cover of the invention can be attached using several, different strap sets, which preferably are located at the shoulder, front and waist areas. By providing multiple means by which to secure the carrier cover, this design ensures a snug, secure fit and also allows a parent to decrease coverage while allowing the carrier cover to remain affixed to the carrying device. For example, when in a store, a parent can undo the top shoulder straps and the front straps to remove the carrier cover from the child's shoulders and torso, while keeping the waist straps attached so that the child's legs remain covered.
The cover's shoulder straps and its waist straps preferably provide a “vertically” spaced and at least a three-point (preferably a four-point as illustrated) carrier attachment, using preferably at least two, vertically spaced strap sets (shoulder and waist) to connect the cover directly to the carrier's body attachment straps (shoulder-strap-to-shoulder-strap and waist-strap-to-waist-strap) and not directly to the user. This results in a very stable fastening of the cover to the carrier, vertically spaced a significant distance (at least about six or more inches) and spaced side-to-side by the width separation distance(s) of the carrier's shoulder and waist straps. However, although a four-point, vertically spaced arrangement is much preferred, one could use just a two-point attachment at the carrier's should straps, if so desired, while enjoying other ones of the patentable, independent features described herein.
Additionally and preferably, an interior pouch, preferably closeable by zipping or hook-and-loop, etc., arrangement, provides the adult users with secure but ready access to their essentials, such as, for example, wallet, keys, cell phone, etc.
Also, side, slit “pockets” preferably are included to allow the adult users' hands to be inserted to be kept warm and preferably also offer easy access to the baby and the interior storage pouch, but using over-lapping, “J” configured, interior flaps initially isolating the “pocket” openings from the baby until the adult user's hands have been more completely inserted into the interior.
Likewise, a preferred hood/collar arrangement provides a further seal against the environment whether the child is facing in (as a hood) or out (over the child's shoulders), preferably along with inverted box pleats or the like providing expandable sides with extra material and “give” for the child to freely move about, yet maintain a tailored appearance.
Preferably side cinch straps are included to allow the effective length (depth/height) of the carrier cover to be adjusted to best fit the size of the child.
Also elastic loop members preferably are included above the cinch straps in the side panels of the cover.
It is further noted that the preferred embodiment of the cover can be used with multiple devices, including, for example, soft infant carriers, car seat carriers, hand-held carriers, strollers, etc. Thus, it should be understood that the term “carrier” as used herein includes a baby's or young child's car seat, hand-carried carriers, baby carriers attached on the front of the body of the adult users, strollers, bouncers, and the like.
Currently the most preferred embodiment of the invention described in detail below includes all of the foregoing features but other embodiments of the invention can include fewer features and still incorporate patentable features of the invention as defined by the claims presented below in light of this specification.
For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous reference numbers, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a frontal, perspective view of, for example, the baby's mother holding her baby (facing towards the mother) using an exemplary, prior art baby carrier, attached to and positioned at the front of the mother, with the exemplary embodiment of the cover of the present invention in its final disposition covering the baby but with the “hood” panels unfastened and hanging down at the top front of the cover and with the mother's hands (one side seen) inserted into the side, slit pockets of the cover.
FIG. 1A is a view similar in perspective to that of FIG. 1 but without the cover embodiment of the invention added, that is, showing just the prior art “Baby Björn” type, front carrier alone.
FIG. 2 is a rear, partially inside view of the baby carrier cover; and
FIG. 3 is a front/exterior view of the baby carrier cover with dashed lines used to indicate features of the cover which can not be directly seen and with the two, sidewardly facing, dashed “Js” outlining additional fabric that creates overlaps associated with side slit or slash “pockets” so that, when a parent uses the slash pockets, the baby is not immediately subjected to the outside air; thus, when a parent places their hands in the slash pockets, their palms pass over those “J” shaped panels which cover the baby; while
FIG. 3A is a front/outside, perspective view ofthe baby carrier cover without the hood/collar (to simplify viewing) and better see the cover's rear “cut-out” area.
FIG. 4 is a frontal, perspective view of the mother with the baby positioned looking forward (away from the mother) and with the substantially triangular “hood” panels in their collar disposition covering around the baby's neck and over its shoulders; while
FIG. 5 is a side view of the mother with the baby positioned alternatively looking rearward (toward the mother) and with the hood panels raised and snapped together so that the baby is completely covered for maximum ambient protection and with the mother's hands (one side seen) inserted into the side, slit pockets, as in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a side, perspective view showing the cover used on a baby (positioned looking toward the mother and wearing its own clothing's hood) with the “hood” panels unfastened and hanging down;
FIGS. 7A & 7B are side, frontal views showing the cover cinched up and then un-cinched, respectively, about the baby varying the cover's effective length in the “vertical” direction or height, with the baby positioned looking toward the adult, it being further noted that the “hood” panels are not illustrated for simplicity purposes; and
FIG. 8 is a frontal, perspective view showing the baby positioned in an exemplary (prior art) rigid car seat with the baby sitting in this type of hand-carried carrier and with the front of the cover applied over the baby and the rear of the cover positioned under the baby's legs and above (on) the carrier's upper surface.
The currently preferred, exemplary embodiment 10 of the baby carrier cover will be described in connection with the figures hereof in connection with two types of exemplary baby or infant carriers, namely,
As is known, the flexible front carrier 100 of the prior art of FIG. 1A (e.g., a “BabyBjörn” baby carrier) includes a set of shoulder straps 101 from which is suspended a baby holder 102 into which the baby is placed and supported, along with a set of side straps 103 which go around to the back of the adult user securing the front carrier to the adult's body in association with the shoulder straps. Of course, other fasteners can be used, if so desired, to further attach the carrier 100 to be supported at the front, chest area of the adult user.
The baby can be put into the interior of the carrier holder 102 either facing forward or rearwardly (compare, for example, FIGS. 4 & 5). As can be seen, in such a prior art carrier 100, the prior art carrier leaves the baby exposed to the ambient at the legs, arms and head areas, all of which extend out of the carrier or are otherwise exposed, a problem solved by the baby carrier cover embodiment of the present invention.
The over-all, basic structure of the currently preferred, exemplary embodiment 10 of the carrier cover of the present invention can best be seen in FIGS. 2, 3 & 3A and includes:
The longer, central portion of the shoulder straps 31 which forms a long band of heavy duty material provides structure to the cover and ensures that the cover may be fastened such that it does not sag.
The main body of the exemplary embodiment 10 of the carrier cover can be box-like in shape as illustrated in its disposition in FIG. 3 (note also FIG. 3A). The rear 71 of the cover 10 has a “cut-out” area 72 (see also FIG. 3A) that allows it to fit up around the soft front infant carrier 100. The rear, cut-out area 72 dips down to accommodate the bottom part of the prior art carrier 100 when the cover 10 is slipped up over the bottom of the carrier and its inhabitant and attached to the carrier (preferably not directly to the adult user) with the cover's straps being used to connect directly to the juxtaposed, respective straps of the carrier.
To better illustrate this rear, cut-out area 72, note FIG. 3A which illustrates the carrier cover 10 without the hood/collar (to simplify viewing). The cover's front 70, back 71, sides 73, the latter with their inverted box pleats 74, and rectangular bottom 78 together providing a squared off, box-like interior, as well as the various strap sets 31, 41 &51, all can be seen in FIG. 3A.
The exemplary, currently preferred baby carrier cover 10 does not require any folding in its being applied and connected to the baby carrier. For example, to attach it to the carrier 100 with the baby in the carrier, one simply slides the cover 10 up and around the bottom of the carrier with the infant supported in it, and then affixes one or more or all of the three pairs of fastening straps 31, 41 &51 to the juxtaposed parts of the carrier 100, as needed or desired. For example, the cover's shoulder straps 31 are merely inserted around the carrier's shoulder straps 101 and snapped back to the mating snaps on the longer, band portion of the shoulder straps on the cover, or otherwise appropriately fastened (using, for example, “Velcro,”® etc.), thereby affixing the upper part of the cover 10 directly to the carrier 100 and thus preferably not directly to the adult user.
If the adult user chooses, he/she can snap the collar panels 21 together using the snaps 22, or other appropriate fasteners, to form a hood 21″, as shown in FIG. 5. It should be noted, in comparing FIGS. 4 & 5, that in the former the baby is positioned looking forward away from the mother, while in the latter the baby preferably is positioned alternatively looking rearward (toward the mother) with the hood panels 21″ raised and snapped or otherwise appropriately fastened together so that the baby effectively is completely covered for maximum ambient protection, particularly when the adult user is moving forward into, for example, a falling snow or blowing wind, etc.
Of course, the baby with its own clothing may already have a hood (note FIG. 6), in which case the panels 21 can merely be left hanging down over the front 70 of the cover 10. Of course, if so desired as an alternative arrangement, the “hood” panels 21 could be constructed in association with the top of the cover 10 so that they may be completely removed from the rest of the body of the cover 10, when so desired, and then later reattached using, for example, snaps, “Velcro®” type hook and loop material, etc., when needed. However, it is important in the most preferred embodiment that the “hood/collar” panels be properly contoured or configured to alternatively be used as a hood and, alternatively, a collar for covering over the shoulders of the baby.
Additionally, the adult can, if so desired, cinch up the sides 73 to appropriately adjust the baby carrier cover's length, that is, its depth or height (note effective lengths (depth/height of cover) indicated in comparing the side view of FIGS. 7A & 7B) using the well known type of illustrated cinch mechanism 75, with its belt and its mating, fixed loop, provided preferably on both side panels 73 but at least on one of them.
Preferably side slit “pockets” 76 are included at a mid-level at the side, front edges of the side panels 73 (note FIG. 7B) where they contact the side edges of the front panel 70, allowing, for example, the adult user to insert his/her hands (note FIGS. 1 & 5) into the interior of the cover 10 to, for example, keep warm and/or to access the interior pouch 61 or touch the child, etc.
Further in regard to applying the cover 10 to the front carried carrier 100, the adult user attaches the carrier 100 to the front of his/her body and the baby secured in the carrier 100, all in accordance with the carrier's manufacturer's instructions, which can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and carrier to carrier. The cover 10 is held so that the hanging collar/hood panels 21 are facing out and the cover then pulled up so that the baby's legs and body are encased.
The cover attachment, shoulder and waist strap sets 31, 51 are attached around the carrier's shoulder 101 and waist straps 103 (note FIGS. 5 & 6), respectively. To prevent sagging in front, the front straps 41 preferably are secured through the standard infant armholes on the carrier as well.
Preferably the cover's straps should only encircle portions of the carrier 100 and never the baby's limbs or around the adult user's shoulders or limbs. When not using the front straps 41, they should be stowed in the interior, vertically disposed, pockets or sleeves 42 having closure snaps or other appropriate fasteners, thus keeping the front straps away from the baby to prevent any entanglement with the baby.
When being used in association with, for example, a stroller or car seat or hand-carried carrier 200 (where the child is facing out or forward, as shown in FIG. 8), one simply slides the rear panel 71 of the carrier cover 10 up so that the child's legs rest directly on the back 71 of the cover, with the cover not going under the carrier 200 as was done with the carrier 100 but placed on the carrier's top surface. In this process the front 70 of the cover is slid up over the top of the body of the baby.
The weight of the child's legs typically should be sufficient to hold the cover 10 in place. The front straps 41 are stowed in the sleeves 42, preventing the possibility that the covered baby/child could get entangled in them, while the shoulder straps 31 are closed and tucked to the side or behind the child's shoulders. The waist straps 51 preferably are looped around the carrier's harness's waist straps for still greater securement.
As can be seen in FIGS. 7A & 7B, the cover 10 preferably has elastic loops 77 above the cinching mechanism 75 in the inverted box pleats 73 (74) which can be used to hook the cover 10 onto some models of infant car seats. It is noted, however, that not all infant car seats have an area where this particular approach can be used. Other fastenings could, of course, be provided for other types of car seats, bouncers, etc, if so desired.
Exemplary approximate dimensions of the various cover panels are:
The rear dimensions (71) generally may be the same as the front panel 70, but with the cut-out 72 being deleted, which “cut-out” can be an exemplary approximately about six and a half(6.5″) inches across and extending about ten (10″) inches down from the top, with the “hood” panels 21 each being an exemplary about ten by eleven (10″×11″) inches, appropriately contoured.
Exemplary materials for making the cover 10 include, for example, fleece, woven cotton, cotton corduroy, supplex, faux fur, etc.
It should be understood, however, that the exemplary dimensions and particular materials and configurations of the various baby carrier cover parts are subject to great variation.
It should be understood that, in the context of this specification, the term “adult” or “parent” refers to any sufficiently old user, not necessarily one of the age of majority or eighteen or twenty-one plus, but also including a younger, sufficiently strong and tall user who can accommodate baby carriers such as those of the types illustrated herein, as well as others to which the carrier cover of the present invention may be applied. Additionally, the term “baby” as used herein likewise includes young children who are young enough and small enough to be accommodated in baby carriers of the types such as those illustrated herein, as well as others to which the carrier cover of the present invention may be applied.
It is noted that the embodiment described herein in detail for exemplary purposes is of course subject to many different variations in structure, size, design, application and methodology. Because many varying and different, additional embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concepts herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense unless called for in one or more of the following claims and only to the extent as dependently claimed below.