Abstract:
A safety device for children, specifically a cover for use with a variety of surfaces that provides a barrier to protect a child from the heat and/or contamination of a surface. In some embodiments, the device can prevent a child from being burned or uncomfortable by the heat of a swing seat or car seat by minimizing thermal transfer between a child&#39;s skin and the swing seat for an adequate amount of time. In some embodiments, the cover can be used in a planar configuration as a changing pad or play mat.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The following application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/163,568, filed Mar. 26, 2009, the complete contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to the field of protective equipment for children, specifically a cover that can be used as a protective barrier between a child and a hot and/or unsanitary surface. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    Each day, children come into contact with multiple surfaces, whether they are at home, in restaurants, on playgrounds, in parks, at school, or in cars. However, the surfaces on which children sit or play are often soiled, germ-filled, and/or too hot for a child&#39;s delicate skin. Thus, it is often necessary to cover surfaces with a protective barrier to shield a child and protect their skin and health. However, many protective products are not designed for use outdoors, over surfaces that become extremely hot, and/or are difficult to clean. Moreover, many products that are currently on the market are unable to be configured for various uses, such as for use with bucket swing seats, high chairs, stroller, car seats, and shopping carts. Therefore, it is necessary to buy multiple products for each individual use. Additionally, many products on the market are not adapted for use as changing pads or play mats, and/or they are multi-part designs rather than one-piece products. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a portable protective cover that can be used in a variety of applications. The cover should be lightweight, easy to clean, and in some embodiments should be a single unit having insulating properties to minimize thermal transfer between a hot surface and a child&#39;s skin for an adequate amount of time. The cover should be adapted to substantially conform to the interior surface geometry of a bucket-style swing seat, a high chair, and various other child seats. The cover should also be adapted for use as a changing pad and play pad. In some embodiments, the protective cover should also adequately shield all parts of a child&#39;s body that would normally come into contact with a swing seat or high chair seat without a cover. In some embodiments, the cover should be disposable after a single use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  depicts a top view of one embodiment of a protective cover. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  depicts a bottom view of one embodiment of a protective cover. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the layers of a protective cover. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  depicts one embodiment of a protective cover being used with a bucket swing seat. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  depicts an alternate embodiment of a protective cover being used with a high chair. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  depicts an alternate embodiment of a protective cover being used with a shopping cart. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  depicts an alternate embodiment of a protective cover being used with a car seat. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  depicts a top view of an alternate configuration of a protective cover having multiple extension members. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]      FIG. 1  depicts a top view of one embodiment of a protective cover  100  in a fully extended, open position. A cover  100  can comprise a substantially planar body  102  having a top surface  104  and a bottom surface  106 , at least one extension member  108 , and a plurality of fastening components  110 . In some embodiments, a cover  100  can further comprise a seat fastener  112 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 ; however, in alternate embodiments, such as that shown in  FIG. 8 , a cover  100  can be devoid of a seat fastener  112 . 
         [0016]    A substantially planar body  102  can be substantially rectangular, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , or can be circular, ovular, triangular, or can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. In some embodiments, a substantially planar body  102  can have a perimeter edge that can be coupled with piping material or any other type of decorative edge material. In some embodiments, a perimeter edge can be semi-rigid or stiff and/or can be formable and/or elastomeric. In other embodiments, a perimeter edge can be weighted and/or can have non-skid properties. 
         [0017]    A substantially planar body  102  can comprise a plurality of substantially planar layers, as depicted in  FIG. 3 . In the embodiment depicted, a substantially planar body  102  has three layers: two outer layers  302  and  306 , and one inner layer  304 . The top side of an outer layer  302  can at least partially form the top surface  104  of a cover  100 , and the underside of an outer layer  302  can be at least partially coupled with the top side of an inner layer  304 . The underside of an inner layer  304  can be at least partially coupled with the top side of an outer layer  306 , and the underside of an outer layer  306  can at least partially form the bottom surface  106  of a cover  100 . However, in alternate embodiments, a substantially planar body  102  can have any other known and/or convenient number and/or types of layers. 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an outer layer  302  and/or outer layer  306  can be flexible and can be made of woven or non-woven fabric, polymer, silicone, vinyl, paper products, nylon or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials, and/or can be machine or hand-washable. In alternate embodiments, a substantially planar body  102  can be made of elastomeric material, such as Lycra® or Versalloy®. In yet other embodiments, a substantially planar body  102  can be made of disposable material appropriate for single-use, such as but not limited to polyethylene resin or any other known and/or convenient material. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , an outer layer  302  comprises woven fabric and an outer layer  306  comprises polyester interlock fabric coated with 1-2 millimeters of polyurethane to allow for easy clean-up in case of soiling. In other embodiments, an outer layer  302  can be at least partially made of oilcloth. In yet other embodiments, layers  302  and/or  306  can comprise any other known and/or convenient type of material. Moreover, layers  302  and/or  306  can have decorative prints or patterns, can be solid colors, or can have any other known and/or convenient visual properties. 
         [0019]    An outer layer  302  and/or  306  can have ridges or can be smooth, or can have any other known and/or convenient surface characteristics. In some embodiments, a layer  302  and/or  306  can have intrinsic anti-bacterial properties. In alternate embodiments, a layer  302  and/or  306  can have anti-bacterial and/or ultraviolet protective coating. A layer  302 ,  304  and/or  306  can be formed by injection molding or any other known and/or convenient manufacturing process. In some embodiments, at least one layer  302 ,  304  or  306  can be at least partially waterproof or water-resistant, and/or can be resistant to body fluids and/or substances. 
         [0020]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , an inner layer  304  can be an insulator. An insulator  304  can be a material that can minimize thermal transfer between a surface and a child for a desired amount of time. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , an insulator  304  can be comprised of Insul-Bright® material, comprising hollow, polyester fibers needle-punched through a nonwoven substrate and through a reflective metalized poly film. The hollow fibers resist conduction while the reflective metalized poly film resists radiant energy. (Needle-punching is the process of compacting and tying together fibers with or without a base material. Hundreds of needles punch a sheet of processed fibers into a substrate to hold the batting together.) 
         [0021]    In alternate embodiments, an insulator  304  can be a permanent or removable pouch filled with insulating gel or any other known and/or convenient fluid with desired insulating properties. In such an embodiment, a substantially planar body  102  can have a pocket whereby it can accept a removable pouch of insulating material. In other embodiments, an insulator  304  can be at least partially made of polyester film such as Mylar®, Melinex®, and/or Hostaphan®, and/or can be comprised of disposable material suitable for one-time use. In yet other embodiments, an insulator  304  can be suitable for multiple uses. An insulator  304  can have any known and/or convenient geometry, and can have geometry different from that of layers  302  and  306 . In other embodiments, a layer  304  can be made of non-insulating material. 
         [0022]    Layers  302 ,  304 , and  306  can be coupled with each other using various methods. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , substantially the entire underside of outer layer  302  is bonded to substantially the entire upper side of insulator layer  304  using adhesive. Likewise, substantially the entire underside of layer  304  is bonded to substantially the entire upper side of outer layer  306  using adhesive. Adhesive can be any known and/or convenient adhesive suitable for bonding the material of an inner layer  304  to an outer layer  302  and/or  306 , such as but not limited to gel adhesive, fabric glue, fusible webbing, spray adhesive, laminate, or any other known and/or convenient bonding agent. In other embodiments, layers  302 ,  304  and  306  can be coupled with each other via stitching or bonding around their respective perimeters and/or at any other known and/or convenient location on a cover  100 . 
         [0023]    At least one extension member  108  can extend from a perimeter edge of a substantially planar body  102 , can be substantially planar, and/or can lie in substantially the same plane as the substantially planar body  102  when a cover  100  is in a fully extended, open configuration, as depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 . In other embodiments, at least one extension member  108  can extend from a substantially planar body  102  in any other known and/or convenient manner. An extension member  108  can be a continuous extension of the material and/or layers that comprise a substantially planar body  102 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, an extension member  108  can be coupled with a substantially planar body  102  via a bonding agent, sewing, or any other known and/or convenient type of permanent attachment. In yet other embodiments, an extension member  108  can be removably coupled with a substantially planar body  102  via snaps, hook and loop members, buttons, or any other known and/or convenient mechanism that can allow an extension member  108  to be selectively removed from a substantially planar body  102 . 
         [0024]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , an extension member  108  has a mushroom shape, however in other embodiments an extension member  108  can have geometry similar to one of the extension members  108  depicted in  FIG. 8 . In other embodiments, an extension member  108  can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. In some embodiments, a cover  100  can comprise a single extension member  108 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 . However, in alternate embodiments a substantially planar body  102  can comprise a plurality of extension members  108  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, a cover  100  can be used in conjunction with a bucket swing seat  400  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), a high chair  500  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ), and/or any other known and/or convenient type of child&#39;s seat that has leg openings through which a child&#39;s legs can pass. Thus, a substantially planar body  102  and at least one extension member  108  can have geometries to likewise accommodate a child&#39;s legs when in use. In yet other embodiments, an extension member  108  can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. 
         [0026]    An extension member  108  can be flexible and can be made of woven or non-woven fabric, polymer, silicone, vinyl, nylon, paper product or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. In alternate embodiments, at least one extension member  108  can be made of elastomeric material, such as Lycra® or Versalloy®. In yet other embodiments, at least one extension member  108  can be made of disposable material suitable for one-time use. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , an extension member  108  can be comprised of the same materials and/or layers as a substantially planar body  102 . In alternate embodiments, an extension member  108  can comprise one layer, or can comprise multiple layers that are at least partially different from the materials and/or properties of a substantially planar body  102 . An extension member  108  can be any known and/or convenient color or combination of colors and can be a different color or combination of colors than that of a substantially planar body  102 . 
         [0027]    A cover  100  can further comprise a plurality of complementary fastening components  110  that can be used to selectively configure a cover  100  depending on the desired application. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , a substantially planar body  102  can have ten fastening components  110  coupled with the top surface  104  of a substantially planar body  102 , and two fastening components  110  coupled with the bottom surface  106  of an extension member  108 . As shown, some of the fastening components  110  coupled with the top surface  104  of a substantially planar body  102  are positioned proximate to the perimeter edge of a substantially planar body  102 , while others are positioned further toward the center of the substantially planar body  102 . This placement of a plurality of fastening components  110  can allow an extension member  108  to be selectively and temporarily coupled with the top surface  104  of a substantially planar body  102  in multiple configurations, depending on user preference and application. However, in alternate embodiments, a plurality of fastening components  110  can be coupled with a substantially planar member  102  and/or extension member  108  in any other desired placement configuration. 
         [0028]    In  FIG. 1 , fastening components  110  are complementary hook and loop members. However, in alternate embodiments, fastening components  110  can be snaps, reusable or single-use adhesive, aperture and protrusion, or any other known and/or convenient type of fastening components or combination of types of fastening components. Moreover, in some embodiments, a cover  100  can have any other known and/or convenient number of complementary fastening components  110 . For example, in the embodiment of a cover  100  depicted in  FIG. 8 , extension members  108   a  and  108   c  have a plurality of apertures  110 , and an extension member  108   b  can have a plurality of protrusions  110 , such that extension members  108   a  and  108   c  can be selectively mated with extension member  108   b . In other embodiments, any convenient number of fastening components  110  can be located at any other known and/or convenient locations on an extension member  108  and/or substantially planar body  102 , such that a cover  100  can be configured to adapt to children of different body types and/or surfaces having different geometries. 
         [0029]    A cover  100  can further comprise a seat fastener  112 , as depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 . When used in conjunction with a swing seat  400 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 , a seat fastener  112  can temporarily secure a cover  100  to the part of the seat  400  that lies between the leg openings, thus preventing slippage or excessive movement of the cover  100  when in use. A seat fastener  112  can also be used in conjunction with a high chair  500 , shopping cart  600 , or any other known and/or convenient surface or seat. 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , a seat fastener  112  can be coupled with an extension member  108 . In the embodiment shown, an extension member  108  comprises layers and an elongated seat fastener  112  can extend through and be secured by the layers. In alternate embodiments, a seat fastener  112  can be coupled with an extension member  108  in any other manner, or can be coupled with a surface  104   106  and/or layers  302   304   306  of a substantially planar member  102 . As depicted, a seat fastener  112  can be an elongated piece of hook and loop material, but in other embodiments, a seat fastener  112  can comprise snaps, aperture and protrusions, hook and eye closures, or any other known and/or convenient type of fastening mechanism, and can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, fastening components  110  and/or a seat fastener  112  can be used to temporarily fasten toys, keys, and/or other accessories to a cover  100 . In yet other embodiments, fastening components  110  can be mated with complementary fastening members located on a seat, stroller, or any other convenient surface such that a cover  100  can be selectively coupled with a desired surface, thereby preventing excessive movement of a cover  100  when in use. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a cover  100  can further comprise a plurality of slits  114  that can be adapted to accept high-chair safety straps, which are common on many high chairs  500 . Slits  114  can be positioned and have the appropriate dimensions to accommodate high chair safety straps. In some embodiments, a cover  100  can comprise more than two slits  114  to account for different high chairs  500  having safety straps in different locations. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, a cover  100  can further comprise a storage pocket  202 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 . A cover  100  can be stuffed into a pocket  202 , thus providing compact storage of a cover  100  when not in use. In alternate embodiments, a pocket  202  can be used to store keys, toys, pacifiers, and/or any other known and/or convenient accessory. A pocket  202  can be a separate component that can be permanently or removably attached to a cover  100 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , or can alternately be integral with a surface  104  or  106  of a substantially planar body  102  and/or an extension member  108 . 
         [0034]    In use, the cover  100  shown in  FIG. 1  can be placed on a horizontal surface in a fully planar position, with a top surface  104  facing upward and a bottom surface  106  in contact with the horizontal surface. A user can then raise an extension member  108  toward a substantially planar body  102 , and vice versa, bringing the fastening components  110  of an extension member  108  in contact with the fastening components  110  of the substantially planar member  108 . Complementary fastening components  110  can then be mated such that a “bucket” configuration is achieved and the cover  100  is configured to substantially conform to a swing seat  400 , high chair  500 , shopping cart  600  seat, or any other known and/or convenient seat. The cover  100  can then be placed in a seat such that the leg openings of a cover  100  are aligned with the leg openings of the seat. A child can then be placed in the seat, with a cover  100  providing a protective barrier between the child and the seat. 
         [0035]    In alternate embodiments, a cover  100  can be placed on a horizontal surface in a planar position and a child can sit on the cover  100 . Exposed portions of a substantially planar body  102  and an extension member  108  can then be joined together via fastening components  110  to substantially conform to the child&#39;s body. The child with cover  100  attached can then be picked up and placed in a seat  400 ,  500 ,  600  or any other child&#39;s seat. In yet other embodiments, any other known and/or convenient method can be employed to configure a cover  100  for a desired application. 
         [0036]    A cover  100  can also be used in other applications. In some embodiments a cover  100  can be draped over a car seat  700  when the car seat  700  is not in use, as shown in  FIG. 7 , thus preventing the car seat  700  from getting too hot when exposed to the sun or extreme heat. In some embodiments, a cover  100  can also be used on the seat of a car seat  700  to provide a protective barrier between a child and the car seat surface  700 . In other embodiments, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , a cover  100  can be draped over the handle bars of a shopping cart  600 , thereby providing a protective surface on which a user can place food, toys, pacifiers, or any other known and/or convenient item. In yet other embodiments, a cover  100  can be used in conjunction with a stroller, either as a barrier between a child and the seat of a stroller, or as a cover to drape over the top of a stroller to block harmful UV rays, rain, or other elements from a child. Moreover, a cover  100  can be used in a substantially planar configuration as a diaper changing pad, a play mat, or a placemat. A cover  100  can also be used in any other known and/or convenient manner or configuration. 
         [0037]    Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.