Abstract:
A cover for an infant carrier or car seat comprises a flexible enclosing member having dimensions so as to fully enclose the top opening of the carrier or seat. The cover may be formed from a material engineered to inhibit the transmission of airborne pathogens. Pictures and images may be mounted on the bottom side of the cover to provide stimulation and entertainment to a child occupying the carrier or seat.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates generally to a child car-seat or carrier cover and more particularly to a new child car-seat/carrier cover that protects the child from adverse weather and air-borne pathogens, while also providing a stimulating environment for the child. 
         [0003]    2. Background Information and Prior Art 
         [0004]    Infants and small children are often carried in hand by means of an infant seat or carrier. Typically, such carriers can be fastened to a cradle which is belted into an automobile, thus forming a convenient car seat. Car seats for infants are legally required in many jurisdictions to reduce the infant&#39;s chance of injury in case of an accident. 
         [0005]    Infant seat-carriers are produced and sold by a number of manufacturers and are available in a number of different sizes and shapes. A typical seat-carrier consists generally of a frame the shape of a basket, into which the child is placed while lying on its back, and into which the child is then secured using straps. Such carriers typically include a lower seat portion serving to support the child&#39;s legs and lower torso, and an upper back portion serving to support the child&#39;s head and upper torso. Opposing sides are formed along the edges of the lower and upper portions, completing the basket-like shape of the carrier. Typically, a substantially U-shaped arm forming a handle is pivotally attached to the sides of the basket so that it can be carried by hand to and from an automobile, or placed on a wheeled stroller frame. 
         [0006]    While in the carrier, children are generally either inside an auto or outside, where they are exposed to the elements—sun, wind and cold—as well as air-borne contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and dust. It is often necessary, therefore, to bundle the child in a snowsuit and/or blankets, which increases the difficulty of traveling with the child, and also leaves the child susceptible to air-borne disease. 
         [0007]    Numerous covers for infant carriers have been developed for the protection and comfort of infants. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,231, issued 5 Mar. 1991 to Smith; U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,639, issued 4 Jun. 1996 to Jaime; U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,490, issued 24 Mar. 1998 to Mortenson; U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,184, issued 11 Jan. 2000 to Childers; U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,393, issued 21 Mar. 2000 to Roh; U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,355, issued 2 May 2000 to Klassen; U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,953, issued 3 Apr. 2001 to Mackay et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,791, issued 19 Nov. 2002 to Facchini et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,153, issued 11 Feb. 2003 to Brewer; U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,325, issued 15 Apr. 2003 to Drost et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,258, issued 15 Jul. 2004 to Leikin; U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0006711, published 12 Jan. 2006 by Rich; U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,228, issued 1 Aug. 2006 to Al Sawan; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,499, issued 19 Dec. 2006 to McGregor, all describe covers for such infant carriers. 
         [0008]    Although generally useful, these devices, and others of the prior art, have several drawbacks. Some do not provide adequate protection from cold temperatures or precipitation, or from dust or insects. Others do not provide protection from air-borne pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. Some do not allow for ventilation. Others hinder free use of the handle, or cannot be easily stored when not in use. None offer the infant stimulation through visual imagery. There is, therefore, a need for a new infant carrier cover. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is directed toward an improved protective cover for an infant carrier. The invention generally comprises a flexible blanket-like material shaped and formed so that it can be removably attached to an infant car seat or carrier. 
         [0010]    The cover is preferably made of a pliable cloth or textile material that is substantially opaque to sunlight, water resistant and resistant to air-borne pathogens. The perimeter of the cover includes a closure mechanism, such as elastic edging, to enable the cover to fit snugly around many different designs of infant car seats and carriers. The cover may have a window for viewing the child, over which may be a removable flap that shields the child from direct sunlight, but is easily lifted for viewing. The cover may additionally comprise images, characters or graphics mounted on the side facing the child in order to stimulate and entertain the child. These images, characters and graphics may be permanently or removably fixed to the cover. 
         [0011]    The cover protects an infant in several ways. It provides protection from the sun, precipitation, insects, air-borne pathogens and unwanted touching by strangers. It also provides mental stimulation for infants. It is also easy to fold and store in its storage pocket. Other advantages of the invention include low cost and ease of use, and the improved quality of its detectable features. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a removable infant carrier cover made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention about to be mounted on an infant carrier, the infant carrier being shown in phantom lines. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 1  mounted on the infant carrier of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a removable infant carrier cover made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention mounted on an infant carrier, the cover being shown with its window flap in an open configuration. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 1  mounted on the infant carrier of  FIG. 1 , as viewed from the opposite corner of the infant carrier. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 1  mounted on the infant carrier of  FIG. 1 , the cover being shown in an open configuration, with the lower portion of the cover detached from the carrier and raised to the position of the carrier handle, revealing the interior of the carrier as well as the underside of the upper portion of the cover. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the cover shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the cover shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a section of the perimeter of the cover of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    Since the invention has particular application to infant carriers, it will be generally explained in relation thereto. However, within the broadest aspects of the concepts presented, it can be applied to other similar devices, such as infant car seats and strollers. The following description is only exemplary of the principles of the present invention, and should not be viewed as narrowing the pending claims. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. Shown is an infant carrier cover  100  about to be mounted on an infant carrier  150  of conventional design. The carrier  150  comprises a bottom shell  155  having peripheral edges  160  and a carrying handle  165 . Inside the bottom shell  155  are optional straps  170  for restraining the infant. 
         [0022]    The carrier cover  100  comprises a flexible enclosing member  105  having dimensions so as to fully enclose the concave top opening of the infant carrier  150 , and a perimeter  110  configured for wrapping around the edges  160  of the carrier and holding the cover  100  closely to the carrier  150 . The carrier cover also comprises an optional window  120  and optional air vents  125 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows the cover  100  of  FIG. 1  now mounted on the infant carrier  150 . 
         [0024]    The enclosing member  105  is generally circular in shape and is made from a flexible, pliable, protective material, for example and without limitation, a weather-resistant, opaque material to protect the infant against precipitation and direct sunlight. The material may be thin to protect against heat in warm environments, thick and blanket-like to protect against cold in cool environments, or of medium thickness and thermal properties to protect against moderate ranges in temperature. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the enclosing member  105  is made from a material that is resistant to air-borne pathogens, germs and dust. Such materials, which are available commercially and commonly used for air filters, medical dressings and hospital linens, are constructed with air permeability reduced to a predetermined level sufficient to prevent airborne contaminants from passing through the material, and are typically non-woven materials made from synthetic fibers. Fabrics containing or coated with an anti-microbial agent that either inhibits the growth of or kills micro-organisms can also be used. 
         [0026]    The perimeter  110  of the cover is fitted with a closure mechanism, such as an elastic band or a drawstring, to permit the perimeter  110  of the cover to be drawn tightly against the peripheral edges  160  (shown in  FIG. 1  but not visible in  FIG. 2 ), enclosing the carrier bottom shell  155 . Snaps, buttons or hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO® can also be used to fasten the cover perimeter  110  to the carrier. 
         [0027]    Optionally, openings may be cut into the enclosing member  105  for windows or vents. Openings may be fitted with a water-resistant, transparent material such as a plastic sheet (forming a window), screen or insect netting (forming a vent) or may be simply be left open.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show an embodiment of the invention that includes a single rectangular window  120  and four vents  125 , but of course any number of openings of any shape may be effectively used. 
         [0028]    Windows may optionally be fitted with removable covers, for example the window covering flap  115  shown in  FIG. 3 . Such a flap allows a parent or caretaker to selectively open or close the window, allowing or blocking sunlight from reaching the infant and controlling exposure of the infant to public view. Similarly, vents and simple openings may be optionally fitted with removable covering flaps (not shown) to allow a parent or caretaker to adjust and control the airflow volume through the vents  125  to the infant without removing the cover  100  from the carrier  150 . 
         [0029]    Covering flaps for windows and vents may be constructed of any material that effectively blocks the transmission of light and air respectively, and that can be conveniently attached to the carrier cover to block the window or vent. The flaps may be constructed of the same material as the carrier cover, but need not be. The flaps may be attached to the carrier cover with any convenient fastening system that allows for easy removal, for example and without limitation, hook and loop devices, buttons, hooks, snaps and ribbons may be used. 
         [0030]    Covering flaps may be completely removable from the carrier cover, or they may be designed to remain attached to the carrier cover when they are in the open configuration.  FIG. 3  shows a window covering flap  115  that is permanently fastened to the carrier cover along one edge so that when the flap is open it remains attached to the carrier cover. 
         [0031]    Means may be also provided for fastening each covering flap to the carrier cover so as to hold it in its open position. Such means may include, without limitation, hook and loop devices, buttons, hooks, snaps and ribbons. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  shows the same carrier cover  100  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , mounted on an infant carrier  150 , from a reverse perspective. Two vents  125  are located in an area where the child&#39;s head would be when the carrier is occupied. The window is not visible from this perspective. The location of vents and windows is, of course, not limited to those shown in this example embodiment. 
         [0033]    For carriers with carrying handles, the handle offers a useful alternative location for fastening the perimeter of the cover.  FIG. 5  shows a cover  500  mounted on an infant carrier  550  in an alternative fashion. Half of the carrier  550  is left open to the elements by attaching the perimeter  510  of half of the enclosing member  505  to the peripheral edges  560  of only that part of the bottom shell  555  that lies on one side of the handle  565 , and the perimeter  510  of the other half of the enclosing member  505  directly to the handle  565 . This “open” configuration allows for easy placement and removal of the child into and from the carrier  550 , and also allows for public viewing of the child while shading the child&#39;s face from direct sunlight. In this configuration, the cover  500  acts as a sunshade. 
         [0034]    Studies have shown that visual stimulation of infants can advance their neurological development. In one embodiment of the invention, visually stimulating indicia are provided for this purpose. Stimulating indicia can also entertain children and help keep them occupied.  FIG. 5  shows optional indicia  540  mounted on the bottom side (inside) of the cover  500 . Such indicia may be, for example, in the form of pictures, designs, drawings, shapes or alphanumeric characters. Indicia  540  are preferably positioned within the child&#39;s view, and may be permanently, or preferably removably, attached to the cover  500 , using any convenient fastening method, for example and without limitation, hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO®, so that they can be periodically interchanged to keep the child&#39;s attention. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show top and bottom views respectively, of a carrier cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 6  shows a carrier cover  600  comprising a flexible enclosing member  605  having dimensions sufficient to fully enclose the concave top opening of an infant carrier. The carrier cover  600  also comprises a window covering flap  615  in its closed configuration covering a transparent window (not shown), and four vent covering flaps  630  which cover four screened vents (not shown). 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  shows the bottom side of the carrier cover shown in  FIG. 6 . The cover  600  comprises a flexible enclosing member  605  having dimensions sufficient to fully enclose the concave top opening of an infant carrier, which has a perimeter  710  configured for snugly fitting around the edges of the carrier so as to enclose the child. 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  shows a detail of the enclosing member perimeter  810  in one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the outside edge of the enclosing member  805  is folded in on itself and fastened by stitching with thread or yarn  837 . An elastic band  835  is sewn inside the fold of the enclosing member  805  and functions to hold the perimeter  810  snugly against the edges of the infant carrier. 
         [0038]    Referring again to  FIG. 7 , a transparent window  720  permits light when desired, and four vents  725  permit air when desired. Stimulating indicia  740  are mounted on the enclosing member  605  in a location where the indicia  740  will be easily viewed by the child. 
         [0039]    For ease in storing the carrier cover when it is not deployed on an infant carrier, a storage pocket may be provided.  FIG. 7  shows a storage pocket  745  provided on the bottom side of the enclosing member  605 . In this embodiment, the enclosing member  605  is constructed of a pliable material that can easily be folded or stuffed into the pocket  745 . After removal from the infant carrier, the carrier cover is stored by folding or gathering the enclosing member  605  into a bunch that is then inserted into the storage pocket  745 . 
         [0040]    The storage pocket may be positioned in any convenient location on the carrier cover, and is not limited to the position shown in the example of  FIG. 7 . For example and without limitation, it may be located on the top or bottom side of the carrier cover, in the center or off-center in any direction. 
         [0041]    While the embodiments of the invention described have been of relatively simple construction, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those embodiments could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.