Sun cover for an infants

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-function sun cover for the protection of infants in, for example, car seats, pushchairs, strollers and prams. The sun-cover (1) comprises a web (10) of material which limits the transmission of sunlight to the infant. The web includes a viewing window (12). Resiliently stretchable portions (14, 16) are included at the perimeter (18) of the web, to assist in mounting the web on a seat or pram etc. Additional fastening means (24) are also provided.

Description

The present invention relates to protective covers and shades for infants, especially for use when transporting infants and most especially for protecting infants from harm from exposure to the sun. The present invention relates in particular to a protective cover which is adaptable for use in a plurality of applications.

Various protective covers for infants are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,953 describes a cover for an infant's car seat which fits closely around the seat and which includes a removable flap for viewing the infant and for allowing the infant to see out. U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,756 describes a cover for mounting on a pushchair or stroller for protecting an infant from the sun. CA 1 255 565 describes a sun shade for an infant which is attachable to a infant's car seat and to the interior of the car itself.

None of the above prior art presents a truly flexible solution to the problem of providing a single device which is adaptable to protect an infant in a variety of circumstances, for example, when travelling in a car, a carry-cot (bassinet), pram, pushchair or stroller, taking account also of the different lying or seated positions of the infant as he or she grows. Also, not all of the prior art devices are collapsible into a compact form for storage when not in use. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sun cover for an infant comprising:

• • a web of material which is substantially non-transmissive of, or at least limits the transmission of, harmful components of sunlight;
  • a window, defined in the web, which comprises a fabric which is partially transmissive of light, through which the infant can see and be seen, said window being so positioned as to be proximate the infant's face in use;
  • a resiliently stretchable region defined at a first end portion of said web; and
  • at least one of at least a first type of fastening means disposed at a second end portion of said web distant from said first end portion, for attachment of the web to a supporting structure.

Preferably said cover comprises a resiliently stretchable region at said second end portion of said web.

In one preferred variation said cover comprises a stretchable region defined about substantially the whole of its perimeter.

In another preferred embodiment preferably said sun cover comprises at least one of at least a first type of fastening means disposed at said first end of said web for attachment of the web to a supporting structure.

Most preferably the longitudinal dimension of the web is substantially greater than the lateral dimension thereof. Typically the longitudinal dimension of the web is at least twice the lateral dimension thereof.

Preferably the sun cover further comprises at least one of at least a first type of fastening means disposed at approximately the midpoint of each respective side of the web.

Preferably said fastening means are selected from one or more of ties, ribbons, tapes, straps, strings, buckles, buttons, press-studs and hook and -loop-fasteners.

In preferred embodiments the sun cover further comprises one or more flaps of shading material depending from respective sides of said web. Similarly, the sun cover may comprise flaps depending from respective ends of the web. Fastening means may alternatively or additionally be disposed on said flaps. The flaps are most preferably foldable, able to be rolled or otherwise stowable into a non-use position.

In a further preferred embodiment the sun cover further comprises at least a pair of laterally or longitudinally extending passageways each adapted to accommodate a stiff or substantially rigid curved rod, whereby the cover may be retained in a curved conformation.

In another preferred embodiment the sun cover further comprises at least a pair of laterally or longitudinally extending passageways and a corresponding number of stiff or substantially rigid curved rods each accommodated in a respective said passageway, whereby the cover is retained in a curved conformation. The “corresponding number” may be the same number as the number of passageways, or may be less than the number of passageways, but is at least two.

According to a second embodiment of the invention there is provided a sun cover for an infant comprising:

• i) a web of material which is substantially non-transmissive of, or at least limits the transmission of, harmful components of sunlight;
• ii) a window, defined in the web, which comprises a fabric which is partially transmissive of light, through which the infant can see and be seen, said window being so positioned as to be proximate the infant's face in use;
• iii) a resiliently stretchable region defined at a first end portion of said web;
• iv) a resiliently stretchable region at a second end portion of said web distant from said first end;
• v) at least one of at least a first type of fastening means disposed respectively at or proximate said first and second ends of said web, for attachment of the web to a supporting structure
  wherein said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least two configurations selected from the following configurations (a) to (e):
  • (a) in a vehicle, over a forward or rearward facing infant car seat which is mounted on a seat of the vehicle by retaining one said resiliently stretchable region on a forward-most portion (that is, generally forwardly extending or forwardly directed portion with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle) of said infant car seat and retaining the other said resiliently stretchable region on a part of the vehicle interior;
  • (b) on a bassinet mounted on a pram chassis and including a hood at the head end thereof, by retaining one said resiliently stretchable region over a foot end portion of the bassinet and the other said resiliently stretchable region over said hood;
  • (c) on a bassinet mounted on a pram chassis and including a hood at the head end thereof, by retaining said resiliently stretchable region at a first end of the web over said hood and attaching the second end of the web to the pram chassis by said fastening means;
  • (d) on a pushchair or stroller comprising a frame, a child carrying seat and a hood, by retaining one said resiliently stretchable region over a forward-most part of said child carrying seat and the other said resiliently stretchable region over said hood; and
  • (e) on a pushchair or stroller comprising a frame, a child carrying seat, a child footrest and a hood, by retaining one said resiliently stretchable region over a forward-most part of said footrest and the other said resiliently stretchable region over said hood.

In a preferred embodiment the sun cover further comprises at least a pair of laterally or longitudinally extending passageways and a corresponding number (as defined above) of stiff or substantially rigid curved rods each removably insertable in a respective said passageway, whereby the cover can be retained in a curved conformation, and wherein said at least two configurations are selected from the group comprising said configurations (a) to (e) and configurations (f) and (g):

• • (f) on a pushchair or stroller comprising a frame, a child carrying seat and a hood, by supporting said cover, in its curved configuration, on or over said hood such that the cover projects forwardly of the hood; and
  • (g) on a bassinet mounted on a pram chassis and including a hood at the head end thereof, by supporting said cover, in its curved configuration, on or over said hood such that the cover projects forwardly of the hood.

Preferably when in said configuration (f) or (g) the sun cover is secured by at least one said fastening means respectively to the frame of the pushchair of to a chassis member of the pram chassis at a location near to the handle

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention the longitudinal dimension of the web is substantially greater than the lateral dimension thereof. Preferably said longitudinal dimension is at least twice said lateral dimension.

Preferably the sun cover further comprises one or more flaps of shading material depending from respective sides of said web.

Preferably said fastening means are selected from one or more of ties, ribbons, tapes, straps, strings, buckles, buttons, press-studs and hook and-loop-fasteners.

In one preferred embodiment said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least three configurations selected from configurations (a) to (e).

In another preferred embodiment said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least three configurations selected from configurations (a) to (g).

In a further preferred embodiment said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least four configurations selected from configurations (a) to (e).

In yet another preferred embodiment said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least four configurations selected from configurations (a) to (g).

In a particularly preferred embodiment said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least two configurations selected from the group comprising configuration (a) and at least one of configurations (b) to (e).

In another particularly preferred embodiment said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least two configurations selected from the group comprising configuration (a) and at least one of configurations (b) to (g).

In a further particularly preferred embodiment, said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least two configurations selected from the group comprising configuration (f) or configuration (g) and at least one of configurations (a) to (e).

Other aspects of the invention relate to a pushchair, stroller, bassinet or pram having a sun cover as defined above fitted thereto, and to a sun cover as defined above when fitted to a pushchair, stroller, bassinet or pram.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a sun cover according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top plan view of the sun cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a sun cover according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic top plan view of the sun cover of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a sun cover of the invention in a curved conformation;

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate fastening means for the sun cover of the invention;

FIG. 8A shows a sun cover according to the invention in a first configuration, mounted on a forward facing infant's car seat;

FIG. 8B shows a sun cover according to the invention in a second configuration, mounted on a rearward facing infant's car seat;

FIG. 9 shows a sun cover according to the invention in a third configuration, mounted on a bassinet on a pram chassis;

FIG. 10 shows a sun cover according to the invention in a fourth configuration, mounted on a bassinet on a pram chassis;

FIG. 11 shows a sun cover according to the invention in a fifth configuration, mounted on a pushchair or stroller;

FIG. 12 shows a sun cover according to the invention in a sixth configuration, mounted on a pushchair or stroller; and

FIG. 13 shows a sun cover according to the invention in a seventh configuration, mounted on a pushchair or stroller.

Referring now to the drawings the sun cover 1 of the invention comprises a web of fabric 10 which preferably has an approximately rectangular shape. The web 10 is made from a material which limits the transmission of (e.g. reflects) harmful rays from the sun—primarily those components of sunlight which potentially cause sunburn due to over-exposure or promote the occurrence of skin cancers or other skin disorders—so that the infant covered by the sun cover is protected from the harmful effects of sunlight, even when spending prolonged periods outside. It will be understood that the fabric of the web 10 is not required to block all sunlight from reaching an infant protected by the fabric. The blocking effect of the fabric must be sufficient to render the infant safe from harm due to exposure to the sun. Suitable fabrics are well known in the art and a typical example is a white or coloured cotton fabric. If required, the fabric may be treated with an opacifying or light reflecting agent or coating or the like. The web is provided with a window 12 which enables an infant to see out from under the cover and also allows the infant to be seen by a parent or other carer. The window 12 is formed from a semi-transparent open weave or mesh material such as a gauze, muslin, tulle, netting material or like material. The window 12 has some inherent transparency in order to allow the infant to see and to be seen, but the material of the window, and its size, are each selected to minimise exposure of the infant to sunlight.

In order to assist in retaining the cover 1 of the invention in its various configurations of use at least on end 14 of the web 10 is made to be resiliently stretchable. Preferably both opposite ends 14, 16 of the web 10 are made resiliently stretchable and most preferably the entire perimeter 18 of the web 10 is made resiliently stretchable. Preferably the entire perimeter 18 of the web 10 includes an elastic material. For example, the perimeter 18 may be stitched and somewhat gathered with an elasticated thread or a band of elastic material may be sewn into the perimeter, by techniques well known in the art. Such a band of elastic material is indicated schematically at 20 in FIG. 3.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the web 10 is provided with one or more depending flaps 22a-22d comprising a material effective to shade the infant from incident sunlight. The flaps 22 are shown in the drawings using dotted (ghost) lines. The material of the flaps 22a-22d may preferably be the same as the fabric of the web 10. The flaps 22a-22d may be formed integrally with the web 10 or may be sewn onto the web 10. The flaps 22a-22d may be rolled or folded away into a non-use position when not required at a given time. Securing means such as tapes or hook-and loop fasteners (such as Velcro™) may be provided to secure the flaps in their non-use position.

The cover 1 is most preferably provided with a plurality of fastening means 24 to assist in securing the cover in its positions of use. Preferably fastening means 24 may be provided at or close to the respective ends 14, 16 of the web, such as near the corners C of the web 10. Fastening means 24 may also be provided on the flaps 22. The fastening means 24 are preferably adapted to secure the web 10 to frame or chassis members of a pushchair, stroller pram or perambulator, as will be explained further below. Fastening means may also be provided in one or more convenient locations along the longitudinal edges of the web 10, such as at approximately the mid point of said edges or at a spacing of about one third and two thirds of the length of the side. A wide range of fastening means 24 is in principle useable with the web 10, such as ties, ribbons, tapes, straps, strings, buckles, buttons, press-studs and hook and-loop-fasteners. Preferred fastening means 24 are hook-and-loop fasteners, tapes and buckles. Preferably also, the fastening means 24 may comprise or include a stretchable material or stretchable portion, such as of an elasticated material. In this way, the fastening means can be used to tension or stretch out the web 10 if required.

An example of a hook-and-loop fastener is shown in FIG. 6. The fastener comprises a tape 24a which is attached to the web 10. The tape may be of an elastic or elasticated material. Towards its free end 24b the tape 24a is provided with hook-and-loop fastener parts 24c and 24d. One of the parts 24c, 24d comprises the hook portion and the other of the parts 24d, 24c comprises the loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener. In use, the tape 24a is passed around an adjacent frame or chassis member so that the parts 24c, 24d are juxtaposed and so releasably joined together.

An alternative fastener is shown in FIG. 7. This fastener comprises a tape 24e which is secured to the web 10. The tape may be of an elastic or elasticated material. At respective ends of the tape 24e are disposed a head portion 24f and a loop portion 24g. The head portion 24f and the loop portion 24g are so sized that the head portion 24f will pass through the loop portion 24g only in a certain orientation, whereby the head portion 24f can be retained by the loop portion 24g until the head portion 24f is moved by a user into that certain orientation from where it can be released. In use, the respective ends 24f, 24g are passed around a frame or chassis member and then secured. In an alternative form part 24g comprises a substantially rigid bar and head portion 24f includes an orifice 24f′. To secure the bar 24g to the head portion 24f, the bar 24g is passed through the orifice 24f′.

In preferred embodiments the cover 1 can be formed into a curved, arched or tunnel-like conformation as shown in FIG. 5. To this end, the web 10 is provided with at least two channels or passageways 26 preferably extending laterally, and in parallel, across the web. The passageways 26 may be formed by any suitable means, such as by stitching additional bands of material onto the web, or by stitching a piping-like fold into the web 10. At least two rods are provided for insertion into the passageways 26. The rods are formed in a curved configuration so that, on insertion of the rods into the passageways 26, the web 10 is caused to adopt and retain the curved conformation. The rods may be made from a wire, plastic coated wire or shatterproof plastic material. The rods are preferably substantially rigid so that they retain their curved conformation. The rods may desirably have some resilience so that they can resiliently deform and return to their original conformation when subjected to the normal knocks and shocks of everyday use. To provide an increased variety of usage options more than two passageways 26 may be provided

The sun cover 1 of the invention is adaptable, at the choice of the user, for use in a variety of configurations determined by the location of use. A selection of configurations and uses is shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9 to 13.

In FIG. 8A, the cover 1 is applied to a forward facing infant car seat 28 mounted on the seat 30 of a vehicle. One end 14 of the web 10 is stretched around a generally forwardly extending or forwardly directed portion of the lower part 32 of the infant seat 28 and the other end 16 of the web 10 is stretched around a convenient part of the car interior, in this case a head restraint 34, utilising the resiliently stretchable properties of the respective ends. In alternative embodiments, fastening means may be used to secure the end 16 to the head restraint 34, for example by attaching the fastening means 24 to the posts 34a of the head restraint 34. The same general principles can be used to mount the cover 1 to a rearward facing car seat, such as is commonly used for newborn and very young infants. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8B, the cover 1 is attached to a generally forwardly extending or forwardly directed (with respect to the direction of travel) portion 32A of the upper part of the infant seat 28 and to a location such as a head restraint 34. Fastening means 24 may alternatively or additionally be used to attach the cover 1 to the seat 28.

In FIG. 9, the cover 1 is applied to a carry cot or bassinet mounted on a pram chassis 40. Typically the bassinet is removeably attached to a chassis 40, the chassis also being design to accept a pushchair when the infant is too old for the bassinet. The illustrated configuration is equally applicable to a perambulator with a fixed bassinet part. The bassinet 36 comprises a “cot” portion 38 for supporting a recumbent infant and a hood 42 which is conventionally fitted to the bassinet for providing a certain amount of weather protection. The chassis 40 includes handle portion 44 by means of which the pram (perambulator) can be pushed along by a carer. One end of the web 10 is stretched around the hood 42 and the other end is attached to the chassis, most preferably by suitable fastening means 24 adjacent to the handle portion 44. In the illustrated example, the fastening means 24 are attached to a conveniently adjacent chassis member 40a.

The configuration of FIG. 10 is similar to that of FIG. 9 and like parts have been given like numbers. In FIG. 10, one end 14 of the web 10 is stretched around the hood 42 and the other end 16 is stretched around a foot-end portion 38a of the “cot” portion 38 of the bassinet. If desired, fastening means may be used to secure the cover 10 to a convenient chassis member, such as member 40b. In the embodiment illustrated, the cover 1 is provided with depending flaps 22 which provide additional shading by substantially closing the gap between the lower edge of the web 10 and the upper edge of the cot portion 38.

FIG. 11 shows a cover 1 of the invention applied to a stroller or pushchair 46 in a form generally more suitable for a younger infant. The stroller or pushchair may be of the three-wheeled or four wheeled sort. The stroller 46 has a frame 48 on which a seat 50 for the infant is mounted. The stroller also includes a hood 52. One end 16 of the web 10 is stretched around a forward-most end of the lower part 50a of the seat 50 and the other end 14 of the web 10 is stretched around the hood 52. Securing means 24 may be used to secure the cover 1 to a conveniently located frame member such as member 48a. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 1 also includes depending flaps 22 attached to the web 10.

FIG. 12 shows a configuration similar to that of FIG. 11 and like components have been given like reference numbers. In FIG. 12 the pushchair or stroller (which may also be of the three-wheeled or four wheeled sort) is in a form more suitable for an older infant and includes a footrest 54. One end 14 of the web 10 is stretched around the hood 52 and the other end 16 of the web 10 is stretched around a leading part 54a of the footrest 54.

FIG. 13 illustrates the curved conformation of the cover 1 in which rods are disposed in the passageways 26. In this conformation, the cover 1 may primarily be supported by the hood 52 of the stroller. The cover 1 is attached to a frame member 49 near to a handle portion 44, or at another convenient location depending on the particular design of the stroller or pushchair. A portion 56 of the cover 1 extends forwardly of the hood 52 and provides additional shading to the occupant of the pushchair. Flaps 22 provide further shading. The cover 1 may also be used in an analogous configuration on the hood 42 of a bassinet.

Claims

1. A sun cover for an infant comprising:

a web of material which is substantially non-transmissive of harmful components of sunlight;

a window, defined in the web, which comprises a fabric which is partially transmissive of light, through which the infant can see and be seen, said window being so positioned as to be proximate the infant's face in use;

a resiliently stretchable region defined at a first end portion of said web; and

at least one of at least a first type of fastening means disposed at a second end portion of said web distant from said first end portion, for attachment of the web to a supporting structure.

2. A sun cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover comprises a resiliently stretchable region at said second end portion of said web.

3. A sun cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover comprises a stretchable region defined about substantially the whole of its perimeter.

4. A sun cover as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one of at least a first type of fastening means disposed at said first end of said web for attachment of the web to a supporting structure.

5. A sun cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein the longitudinal dimension of the web is substantially greater than the lateral dimension thereof.

6. A sun cover as claimed in claim 5 wherein the longitudinal dimension of the web is at least twice the lateral dimension thereof.

7. A sun cover as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one of at least a first type of fastening means disposed at approximately the midpoint of each respective side of the web.

8. A sun cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fastening means are selected from one or more of ties, ribbons, tapes, straps, strings, buckles, buttons, press-studs and hook and-loop-fasteners.

9. A sun cover as claimed in claim 1 further comprising one or more flaps of shading material depending from respective sides of said web.

10. A sun cover as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least a pair of laterally or longitudinally extending passageways each adapted to accommodate a stiff or substantially rigid curved rod, whereby the cover may be retained in a curved conformation.

11. A sun cover as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least a pair of laterally or longitudinally extending passageways and a corresponding number of stiff or substantially rigid curved rods each accommodated in a respective said passageway, whereby the cover is retained in a curved conformation.

12. A sun cover for an infant comprising:

i) a web of material which is substantially non-transmissive of harmful components of sunlight;

ii) a window, defined in the web, which comprises a fabric which is partially transmissive of light, through which the infant can see and be seen, said window being so positioned as to be proximate the infant's face in use;

iii) a resiliently stretchable region defined at a first end portion of said web;

iv) a resiliently stretchable region at a second end portion of said web distant from said first end;

v) at least one of at least a first type of fastening means disposed respectively at or proximate said first and second ends of said web, for attachment of the web to a supporting structure

wherein said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least two configurations selected from the following configurations (a) to (e):

(a) in a vehicle, over a forward facing infant car seat which is mounted on a seat of the vehicle by retaining one said resiliently stretchable region on a generally forward-most portion of said infant car seat and retaining the other said resiliently stretchable region on a part of the vehicle interior;

(b) on a bassinet mounted on a pram chassis and including a hood at the head end thereof, by retaining one said resiliently stretchable region over a foot end portion of the bassinet and the other said resiliently stretchable region over said hood;

(c) on a bassinet mounted on a pram chassis and including a hood at the head end thereof, by retaining said resiliently stretchable region at a first end of the web over said hood and attaching the second end of the web to the pram chassis by said fastening means;

(d) on a pushchair or stroller comprising a frame, a child carrying seat and a hood, by retaining one said resiliently stretchable region over a forward-most part of said child carrying seat and the other said resiliently stretchable region over said hood; and

(e) on a pushchair or stroller comprising a frame, a child carrying seat, a child footrest and a hood, by retaining one said resiliently stretchable region over a forward-most part of said footrest and the other said resiliently stretchable region over said hood.

13. A sun cover as claimed in claim 12 further comprising at least a pair of laterally or longitudinally extending passageways and a corresponding number of stiff or substantially rigid curved rods each removably insertable in a respective said passageway, whereby the cover can be retained in a curved conformation, and wherein said at least two configurations are selected from the group comprising said configurations (a) to (e) and configurations (f) and (g):

(f) on a pushchair or stroller comprising a frame, a child carrying seat and a hood, by supporting said cover, in its curved configuration, on or over said hood such that the cover projects forwardly of the hood; and

(g) on a bassinet mounted on a pram chassis and including a hood at the head end thereof, by supporting said cover, in its curved configuration, on or over said hood such that the cover projects forwardly of the hood.

14. A sun cover as claimed in claim 13 wherein in said configuration (f) or (g) the sun cover is secured by at least one said fastening means respectively to the frame of the pushchair of to a chassis member of the pram chassis at a location near to the handle.

15. A sun cover as claimed in claim 12, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the web is substantially greater than the lateral dimension thereof.

16. A sun cover as claimed in claim 12 further comprising one or more flaps of shading material depending from respective sides of said web.

17. A sun cover as claimed in claim 12 wherein said fastening means are selected from one or more of ties, ribbons, tapes, straps, strings, buckles, buttons, press-studs and hook and-loop-fasteners.

18. A sun cover as claimed in claim 12 wherein said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least three configurations selected from configurations (a) to (e).

19. A sun cover as claimed in claim 13 wherein said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least three configurations selected from configurations (a) to (g).

20. A sun cover as claimed in claim 12 wherein said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least four configurations selected from configurations (a) to (e).

21. A sun cover as claimed in claim 13 wherein said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least four configurations selected from configurations (a) to (g).

22. A sun cover as claimed in claim 12 wherein said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least two configurations selected from the group comprising configuration (a) and at least one of configurations (b) to (e).

23. A sun cover as claimed in claim 13 wherein said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least two configurations selected from the group comprising configuration (a) and at least one of configurations (b) to (g).

24. A sun cover as claimed in claim 13 wherein said cover is operatively adapted for use in at least two configurations selected from the group comprising configuration (f) or configuration (g) and at least one of configurations (a) to (e).

25. A pushchair, stroller, bassinet or pram having a sun cover as claimed in claim 1 fitted thereto.

26. A sun cover as claimed in claim 1 when fitted to a pushchair, stroller, bassinet or pram.

27. (canceled)