US20140298564A1

US20140298564A1 - Children's wrap

Info

Publication number: US20140298564A1
Application number: US14/247,720
Authority: US
Inventors: Allison Miller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-08
Filing date: 2014-04-08
Publication date: 2014-10-09

Abstract

The present invention includes an apparatus for protecting a baby or toddler from the elements. The apparatus is a blanket having an interior surface, an exterior surface. The perimeter of the blanket is includes a base edge with opposite ends, two side edges extending from opposite ends of the base edge, and a pair of intersecting top edges, with one top edge extending from each side edges. A hood is disposed on the interior surface of the blanket in an area where the top edges intersect, and an adjustable length strap secured to the blanket and disposed along the bottom edge.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application depends from and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/853,528 filed Apr. 8, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of comforters and blankets. More particularly, the present disclosure is in the field of comforters and blankets for babies, toddlers and other small humans.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Human beings have been using blanket type apparatuses to provide comfort and protection from the elements for hundreds of years. For example, early cave people likely used the skin and fur from animals to make the first forms of blankets.
As society and technology advanced, so too did blanket technology. People began knitting and weaving them out of string, which was greatly accelerated with development of mechanical looms and the cotton gin.
Blankets in modern society continued to advance with high technology textiles, such as microfibers, and with increased diversity in their shape and design. For example, one recently popular blanket device is the Snuggie™ which is a wearable type blanket with sleeves.
Although there have been many advancements in blanket technology sense its initial inception, it is apparent that continued development exists for specific applications. One such application is the development of a blanket specifically designed for a baby or small human to be used in conjunction with various baby or small human transporting apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure includes an apparatus for protecting a baby or toddler from the elements. The apparatus is a blanket having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A perimeter of the blanket may include a base edge with opposite ends, two side edges extending from opposite ends of the base edge, and a pair of intersecting top edges, with one top edge extending from each side edges.
A hood may be disposed on the interior surface of the blanket in an area where the top edges intersect, and a bottom strap is secured to the blanket and disposed along the bottom edge.
The blanket may further include one or more fasteners affixed to the blanket along the side edge(s).
One method to use the above described apparatus to protect from the elements includes placing the blanket over a baby or small human transporting device. The apparatus may then be secured to the transporting device with the fasteners and enclosed around a portion of the transporting device and/or human with the bottom strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the front of the apparatus;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the back of the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the front of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the front of another embodiment of apparatus;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the front of the apparatus in an enclosed position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus showing adjustment of the bottom strap;

FIG. 7 is and perspective view of a portion of the apparatus having Velcro fastening straps;

FIG. 8 is and perspective view of a portion of the apparatus having clip member fastening straps;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus in a rolled up state;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus applied to a stroller;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus applied to a car seat; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the apparatus applied to a front carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed is an apparatus for protecting a baby or toddler from the elements. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus may be a blanket 20 having an interior surface 25, an exterior surface 30. The perimeter of the blanket may include a base edge 35 with opposite ends 36, two side edges 40 extending from opposite ends 36 of the base edge 35, and a pair of top edges 45, with one top edge 45 extending from each side edges 40.
In one embodiment, the base edge 35 with opposite ends 36, the two side edges 40 extending from opposite ends 36 of the base edge 35, and the pair of top edges 45, give the perimeter of the blanket 20 a shape similar to that of home plate on a baseball field. To form this shape, the side edges 40 extend generally perpendicular to the base edge 35, and a point of intersection 46 of the top edges 45 is generally equidistant from the side edges 40. The blanket 20 of this embodiment is about 36″ tall and 36″ wide.
The blanket 20 may be made from a single sheet of material, or from a first sheet of material overlaid onto a second sheet of material. Additionally a third layer, or other type of insulation, such as cotton batting, could be sandwiched between the first and second sheets of material. It will be appreciated, however, that other constructions known to those skilled in the art may be used to practice the invention.
If a first and second sheet of material is used to form the blanket, then the materials can be of different type. In one embodiment the first layer of material may form the interior surface 25, and is made from a soft material, such as fleece, cotton, flannel, terry cloth, polyester or any other material known to those skilled in the art which would feel comfortable against a user's skin. The second layer of material may form the outer surface 30, and is made from a more durable material that is water resistant or water proof, such a polyester, polyurethane, or any other material, or combinations of materials, known to those skilled in the art which would provide additional protection from the elements.
A hood 50 may be disposed on the interior surface 25 of the top of the blanket 20 in an area where the top edges 45 intersect, and a bottom strap 55 is secured to the blanket 20 and disposed along the bottom edge 35. The hood 50 begins at the point of intersection of the top edges 46, and extends part way down the top edges 45, thereby forming a generally triangle shaped hood 50. With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the hood 50 can take other forms, for example if instead of forming a sharp corner, the side edges 40 meet in such a manner as to create a rounded top 47 to the blanket 20, and the hood 21. Another alternate example would be the top edges 45 abutted a short edge 48 on the top on the blanket 20, forming a flat top to the hood 52. The hood 50 of the preferred embodiment is generally less than 10″ tall and less than 20″ wide.
The hood 50 may be made with the same material as the blanket, or from a different type of material. The hood 50 can be an additional layer secured to the other layers, or it can be an extension of one or more of the other layers that is folded over and secured. The hood 50 can be used to receive a child's head and protect it from inclement weather or avoid exposure to the sun.
The bottom strap 55 secured to the blanket along the bottom edge 35 may be oriented generally parallel to the bottom edge 35. As shown in FIG. 5, the ends 56 of the bottom strap 55 may be connectable to each other to form a closed loop, for example by utilizing a male 57 and female 58 clip member at the respective ends 56 of the bottom strap 55. As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom strap 55 of one embodiment is adjustable in length, for example by attaching one of the clip members 57 to the bottom strap 55 in a fashion that allows selective movement (as shown by arrow M) of the clip member 57 along the length of the bottom strap 55, as is known by those skilled in the art. The moveable member may be able to be selective movable when the bottom strap 55 is attached to itself to from the closed loop, such that the size of the loop can be adjust to tighten or loosen the fitting of the blanket 20 without removal.
Alternatively, the bottom strap 55 may be connected to itself to form the closed loop by tying, hook and loop style fasteners, buckles, or any other means known to those skilled in the art. The bottom strap 55 can be made from a combination of materials, such as nylon and/or elastic, depending on the desired properties of the bottom strap 55. The ability to connect and tighten the bottom strap 55 provides the ability to create a custom fit around the child, adult and various accessory items, including over a car seat.
In one embodiment, the bottom edge 35 of the blanket 20 may include a sleeve 37. The sleeve 37 runs along the bottom edge 35 of the blanket 20, and is formed by attaching an additional sheet of material, or by folding over the blanket 20 onto itself. In one embodiment, the bottom strap 55 is disposed within the sleeve 37 running along the bottom edge 35.
One or more fastening straps 60 may be attached to the blanket 20. The fastening straps 60 may be located along the top edges 45, close to hood 50. The fastening straps 60 may be used to secure the blanket 20 to a baby or small human transporting device such as a stroller, car seat, front infant carrier, or any other transporting device known to those skilled in the art.
The fastening straps 60 may be tied around various portions of the transporting device to secure the blanket 20 to the device. As shown in FIG. 7, the fastening straps 60 straps could secure to each other with one strap having Velcro hooks 61, and the other strap having Velcro loops 62. As shown in FIG. 8, the fastening straps 60 could feature a male 63 and female 64 clip end. Additionally, the fastening straps 60 could utilize a male and female snap portion, a button and slit, a hook and receiving loop or area, or any other means known to those skilled in the art capable of forming a closed loop around a portion of the transporting device. The fastening straps 60 can be sewn to the blanket, be an extension of the blanket material, or can be attached using any other means known by those skilled in the art.
One or more handles 65 may be attached to the blanket along, and may be oriented generally parallel to, the side edge(s). The handles 65 may be used by a user when wearing the blanket in a cap type manner. The handles 65 can be made of a similar material to the blanket, any elastic material, or could be made from any other suitable flexible material. The handles 65 can be attached by sewing the handle at each of its ends to the blanket 20, or by any other means known to those skilled in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the handles 65 are generally less than 6″ long.
The blanket 20 can further include an elastic loop 70 secured to one of the side edges 40. As shown in FIG. 9, the elastic loop 70 is used to maintain the blanket 20 in a folded or rolled position when the blanket 20 is folded or rolled for storage.
With reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, one method for using the apparatus is as follows: a blanket 20 as described above is provided, and a transporting device is provided. The transporting device can be a stroller 75, car seat 80, front infant/child carrier 85, or any other similar device known to those skilled in the art. The blanket 20 is placed over transporting device, and secured with the fastening straps 60. The blanket 20 is wrapped around a portion of the transporting device, and enclosed with the bottom strap 55.
When a stroller 75 is used as the transporting device, the blanket 20 may be oriented such that the hood is near a head end 76, or top, of the stroller, and the bottom edge 35 is near a foot end 77, or bottom, of the stroller 75. The fastening straps 60 attach to side rails 78 of the stroller 75 to maintain the blanket 20 in the proper position, and prevent a child 90 from kicking off the blanket 20 their lap. The bottom strap 55 can be used to enclose the feet of the child 90 to further protect from the elements.
When a car seat 80 is used as the transporting device, the blanket 20 may be oriented such that the hood 50 is positioned near a foot end 81 of the car seat, and the bottom edge 35 of the blanket is positioned near a head end 82 of the car seat 80. The hood 20 can be used to receive the child's feet, and the bottom strap 55 can be brought over the canopy of the car seat to completely protect the child from harsh weather. The fastening straps 60 can be secured to a handle 83 of the car seat 80 to maintain the blanket 20 in the proper position.
When a front infant/child carrier 85 is used as the transporting device, the blanket 20 may be oriented such that the hood 50 is near a head end 86, or top, of the carrier 85, and the bottom edge is near a foot end 87, or bottom, of the carrier. The fastening straps 60 attach to shoulders straps 88 of the carrier 85 to maintain the blanket in the proper position. The hood 50 can be brought up over the head of the child 90 in the carrier 85, to protect the child 90 from the elements. The bottom strap 55 can be used to enclose the bottom of the carrier, the adult wearing the carrier, and feet of the child to further protect from the elements.
The disclosed apparatus is not restricted to the illustrated examples and embodiments described above. The embodiments are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Methods, apparatus, and the like described herein are exemplary and not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a blanket having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a base edge with opposite ends, two side edges extending from opposite ends of the base edge, and a pair of intersecting top edges, one top edge extending from each side edges;

a hood disposed on the interior surface in an area where the top edges intersect; and

a bottom strap secured to the blanket and disposed along the bottom edge.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one fastener affixed to the blanket along each of the top edges.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising at least one handle attached to the inside surface of the blanket proximate to where the one of the top edges extends from of the side edges.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the at least one fastener is a pair of straps.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the pair of straps includes a male clip portion on one strap, and a female clip portion on the other strap, the male clip portion attachable to the female clip portion so as to from the pair of straps into a closed loop.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the handle is a strip of elastic material with opposite ends, the strip being secured to the blanket at the opposite ends, and aligned generally parallel to the side edges.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sleeve extending along the bottom edge of the blanket, the bottom strap being disposed within the sleeve, and the bottom strap being adjustable in length.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the bottom strap is made from as elastic material.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the interior surface in formed from an insulating material and the exterior surface is formed from a weather resistant material.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an elastic loop disposed along one of the two side edges.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the two side edges extend generally perpendicular to the base edge.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hood is generally triangular in shape, and is secured along the extending top edges.

13. A method of protecting a baby or toddler from the elements comprising the steps of

a) providing a blanket having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a base edge, two side edges extending from opposite ends of the base edge, and an intersecting top edge extending from each side edges;

a hood disposed on the interior surface in an area where the top edges intersect;

at least one fastener affixed to the blanket along each of the top edges; and

a bottom strap secured to the blanket and disposed along the bottom edge.

b) providing a device for transporting a baby or toddler;

c) placing the blanket over the transporting device;

d) securing the blanket to the transporting device with the fasteners; and

e) enclosing the blanket around a portion of the transporting device with the bottom strap along the extending top edges.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the baby transporting device is a stroller.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the baby transporting device is a car seat.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein the baby transporting device is a front infant carrier worn by an adult.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of

orienting the blanket before placing the blanket, such that the hood is near a head end of the stroller, and the bottom edge is near a foot end of the stroller.

18. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of

orienting the blanket before placing the blanket, such that the hood is near a foot end of the car seat, and the bottom edge is near a head end of the car seat.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of

orienting the blanket before placing the blanket, such that the hood is near a head end of the infant carrier, and the bottom edge is near a foot end of the infant carrier.