Protective cover for a stroller
The present invention is a cover for a stroller. The preferred embodiment of the cover comprises a first panel having a top edge, first and second side edges and a bottom edge. The top edge of the first panel has a curved profile and the bottom edge has a straight profile. A second panel of the cover has a top end, first and second side ends and a bottom end. The first side end of the second panel is sewn to a left side of the bottom edge of the first panel. The second side end of the second panel is sewn to a right side of the bottom edge of the first panel. The cover preferably comprises a pocket and an opening between the first and second panels to slip over a stroller handle. The cover also has a mesh panel for ventilation and fasteners to configure the panels.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/368,191, filed Jul. 27, 2010, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF INVENTIONAt least one feature of the invention pertains to covers for strollers.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTIONBabies and small children enjoy going for walks in strollers. Such walks are beneficial in many ways to not only the child but also to the caregivers. These walks not only stimulate and provide socialization to the child; they also provide caregivers with needed exercise. Unfortunately, problems with the weather, such as sun, rain and wind, as well as insects, can limit the ability of caregivers taking children for walks.
One way that caregivers have tried to overcome these problems is by draping a blanket over the stroller. Although this provides more shade to the child, the blanket tends to come loose and fall off resulting in the caregiver frequently having to rearrange it. If the blanket does fall off, it can get caught in the wheels of the stroller or the caregiver can trip over it. In addition to having to re-arrange the blanket to prevent it from falling off, the blanket must also be re-arranged whenever the angle of the sun changes. For example, if the caregiver is not walking in a straight path and is frequently turning corners, the cover may need to be re-arranged often. The blanket also blocks the child's view and limits ventilation provided to the child, causing the inside of the stroller to become unbearably hot in hot weather.
Another way that has been used to overcome these problems is by using a stroller that has a large fabric sunshade. Although these sunshades provide more shade, they also block the child's view. In addition to blocking the child's view, these sunshades do not protect the entire body of the child, often leaving the feet and legs exposed to the sun, rain, wind and insects. Furthermore, these sunshades do not extend sufficiently to make a dark enclosure within which a child can nap. However, since the fabric blocks circulation, such an enclosure can quickly become unbearably hot in hot weather.
Consequently, a cover for a stroller, which alleviates the problems inherent in conventional stroller covers as described, previously is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a cover for a stroller. The preferred embodiment of the cover comprises a first panel having a top edge, first and second side edges and a bottom edge. The top edge of the first panel has a curved profile and the bottom edge has a straight profile. A second panel of the cover has a top end, first and second side ends and a bottom end. The first side end of the second panel is sewn to a left side of the bottom edge of the first panel. The second side end of the second panel is sewn to a right side of the bottom edge of the first panel. The cover preferably comprises a pocket and an opening between the first and second panels to slip over a stroller handle. The cover also has a mesh panel for ventilation and fasteners to configure the panels.
The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying figures.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.
In one aspect, a one piece slip on stroller cover is provided. The one piece slip on stroller cover may be comprised of one or more panels or fabric pieces cut out from patterns and sewn or attached together. The stroller cover allows children to ride in comfort and style while being protected from the elements, such as sunlight, wind and rain, as well as from insects.
In another aspect, the stroller cover may include fastening means (or a lift and snap feature) that allows children to see the world while still being shielded from the elements. Furthermore, pocket members may be integrally attached to the stroller cover for convenience and extra storage for the caregiver. The novel stroller cover of the present invention not only stays in place but is also easy to install by simply slipping it over the handlebar of any stroller. The cover may also include a piece of mesh material to ensure that proper ventilation is maintained within the stroller, under the cover.
In yet another aspect, the one piece slip on stroller cover may be utilized for any type of stroller, including, but not limited to, a single stroller, a side-by-side double stroller, a tandem double stroller, a side-by-side-by-side triple stroller and a tandem triple stroller. The same patterns, as described below in more detail, may be utilized for creating the covers for each of these strollers. The only difference being that for the tandem (or front and back) stroller is that the cover is longer in length for the front and back and for the side-by-side strollers, the cover is wider.
In yet another aspect, the outer design of each stroller cover may be uniquely designed or customized for the purchaser. As shown in the accompanying figures, different artwork and/or logos may be utilized for the stroller covers. For example, the stroller cover may reflect, for example, a particular company, a particular sport, a particular sports team and a particular school.
The cover 100 may generally comprise one or more panels or fabric pieces sewn or attached together. According to one aspect, patterns (or templates) may be utilized to create all of the panels for the cover 100. For example, a first pattern (or template) 104, shaped with a top edge 106, sides 108, 110 and a bottom edge 112 (see
In one aspect, a second pattern 124 may be provided for a first panel liner for the first panel.
The third pattern 126, as described above, may generally be a square or rectangular shape. In one aspect, the third pattern 126 may comprise of one or more sections 128-132. For example, the third pattern 126 may include a main section 128 and side sections 130 and 132. Although the third pattern 126 is shown comprising three (3) sections, this is by way of example only.
In one aspect, a fourth pattern 134 may be provided for a second panel liner for the second panel.
According to one aspect, a front portion of the cover may be adjustable to control the amount of light and air reaching the child. For example, the cover may include one or more fastening means, such as snaps, for retaining the front portion of the cover in an up position allowing more light and/or air into the stroller. The fastening means may include a first fastener 160 located on an inner portion of the cover (See
Materials which may comprise the cover 100 may include, but are not limited to, fleece, cotton, flannel or any other natural or synthetic material suitable for a cover on a stroller. In any embodiment, the material may be washable and may be treated with an organic or synthetic bacteria-resistant compound.
Advantageously, a stroller cover according to aspects of the invention as described previously provides a child protection from the weather as well as insects. Furthermore, the stroller cover according to aspects of the invention is constructed to provide a light-weight one-piece slip on cover for any type of stroller.
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention is not to be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A cover for a stroller, comprising:
- a first panel having a top edge, first and second side edges and a bottom edge, the top edge having a curved profile and the bottom edge have a straight profile;
- a second panel having a top end, first and second side ends and a bottom end;
- wherein the first side end of the second panel is sewn to a left side of the bottom edge of the first panel; and
- wherein the second side end of the second panel is sewn to a right side of the bottom edge of the first panel.
2. The cover of claim 1, further comprising an opening, the opening located between the unsecured top end of the second panel and the bottom edge of the first panel.
3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the opening slips over a handle of a stroller.
4. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a pocket member attached to the first panel.
5. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a pocket member attached to the second panel.
6. The cover of claim 1, further comprising an elongated mesh portion located in the first panel allowing for ventilation.
7. The cover of claim 1, further comprising fastening means for adjusting a front portion of the cover to control light and air reaching inside a stroller.
8. The cover of claim 7, wherein the fastening means includes a first fastener located on an inner portion of the first panel and one or more second fasteners located on an outer perimeter of the top edge of the first panel.
9. The cover of claim 8, wherein one of the one or more second fasteners is secured to the first fastener lifting the front portion of the cover in an upwardly direction.
10. The cover of claim 9, wherein the fastening means are snaps.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 27, 2011
Publication Date: May 10, 2012
Inventors: Suzanne Hanks (Capistrano Beach, CA), Michael Edward Foster (Dana Point, CA)
Application Number: 13/136,300