CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119 to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/673,893, filed Jul. 20, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND Child carriers, such as infant car seats, stroller seats, bassinets, and modular seats for use with car seat bases or strollers, are often used to transport infants or small children. Due to changes in weather, unwanted touch, shade for sleeping, strong sun rays, etc., there may be times when the parent needs to provide the child in the carrier with additional protection, for example, from the elements.
SUMMARY According to an embodiment, a shade for attachment to a child carrier between a foot portion of the child carrier and a canopy portion of the child carrier includes a first cuff adapted to receive the foot portion of the child carrier and secure the shade to the foot portion; an edge located opposite to the first cuff and adapted to secure to the canopy portion of the child carrier; and a cover extending between the first cuff and the edge, wherein the cover defines opposed first and second sides.
According to another embodiment, a shade for attachment to a child carrier includes a first cuff adapted to receive a foot portion of the child carrier and secure the shade to the foot portion; an edge located opposite to the first cuff; a cover extending between the first cuff and the edge, wherein the cover defines opposed first and second sides; and a reinforcement member extending from at least one of the first and second sides of the cover, the reinforcement member adapted to connect at least one of the first and second sides to the child carrier.
According to yet another embodiment, a method for attaching a shade to a child carrier includes placing a first cuff of the shade over a foot portion of the child carrier; stretching the shade away from the foot portion of the child carrier toward a canopy portion of the child carrier; and securing at least one of a first side and a second side of the shade to the child carrier using at least one reinforcement member. As an addition or alternative to using the reinforcement member, the method can comprise securing the edge of the shade opposite to the first cuff to a canopy portion or a handle portion of the child carrier handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following drawings wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shade attached to a child car seat;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the shade and child car seat of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the shade and child car seat of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the shade and child car seat of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the shade and child car seat of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the shade of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a top view of the shade of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the shade of FIG. 7, shown having a different window configuration;
FIGS. 9A and 9B are front and back perspective views, respectively, of the shade of FIG. 1, shown attached to the handle of the car seat;
FIGS. 10A and 10B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the shade attached to a child car seat, depicting alternative versions of the back strap;
FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 12, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, and 15C depict alternative embodiments of the shade of FIG. 1, incorporating various mechanisms to attach the shade to the child car seat;
FIGS. 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B, 19A, and 19B depict alternative embodiments of the shade of FIG. 1, incorporating various forms of windows in the shade;
FIGS. 20A and 20B depict an alternative embodiment of the shade of FIG. 1 that incorporates accessories into the underside of the shade;
FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C depict an alternative embodiment of the shade of FIG. 1 that incorporates yet another mechanism to attach the shade to the child car seat;
FIGS. 22A and 22B depict an alternative embodiment of the shade of FIG. 1 that includes an accessory pocket;
FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C depict alternative embodiments of the shade of FIG. 1 attached to a stroller bassinette, a stroller toddler seat, and a stroller with child tray, respectively;
FIGS. 24A and 24B depict an alternative embodiment of the shade of FIG. 1, where the cover portion is truncated to cover only a portion of the child occupying the car seat; and
FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D depict an alternative embodiment of the shade of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other equivalent parts can be employed and other methods developed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shade 10 attached to a child carrier, such as a child car seat 12. FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 are front, rear, side, and top views of the shade 10 and car seat 12. The shade 10 can attach to the car seat 12, as shown, and provide the child occupying the car seat with shelter from the sun or other elements, bugs, falling debris, or unwanted touching. Due to the manner in which embodiments of the shade 10 attach to the car seat 12, or other child carrier, the shade 10 is unlikely to accidently fall off the child carrier or fall down onto the child occupant, for example, in the event of strong winds or rapid movement of the child carrier. The shade 10 is described and shown herein in conjunction with a car seat 12, however, as described in more detail later, the shade 10 can alternatively be used with other types of child carriers, such as stroller seats or portable bassinettes, provided they have the necessary structures to secure the shade 10.
Referring to FIGS. 1-5, various parts of the car seat 12 will be described for reference purposes. The car seat 12 can include a seat base 14, for example, made of plastic, that defines a foot portion 16 at the lower, front end of the car seat 12 (e.g., near the child occupant's feet). The car seat 12 can also include a canopy 18 that may, for example, be moved between an extended position (shown) where it covers a portion of the child occupying the car seat 12, and a retracted position (not shown), in which the canopy 18 is folded toward the rear of the car seat 12 to expose some or all of the child. The canopy 18 can define a leading edge 18A, for example, at the forward-most border of the canopy 18. The car seat 12 can also include a handle 20 that can pivot with respect to the seat base 14 between a variety of predefined positions for different uses, as is known in the art.
Still referring to FIGS. 1-5, the shade 10 can comprise a fabric cover that extends between the canopy 18 and the foot portion 16 of the car seat 12. The shade 10 can be constructed from a single piece of material, or alternatively, can comprise multiple pieces of material joined together, such as by stitching or bonding. Further details of the material(s) used for the shade 10 will be provided later.
One end of the shade 10 can be shaped into a first cuff 24, shown more clearly in FIG. 6, that fits securely over the foot portion 16 of the car seat 12. The opposite end of the shade 10 can include an edge 26 that is shaped to securely fit over the leading edge 18A of the canopy 18. A cover portion 28 extends between the first cuff 24 and the edge 26. According to an embodiment, the shade 10 can be formed all or partially from a stretchy or elastic material, and can have dimensions with respect to the child carrier that cause the cover portion 28, or other portion of the shade 10, to stretch when the first cuff 24 and edge 26 are attached to the foot portion 16 and leading edge 18A, respectively, thereby creating tension in the fabric and increasing the connection strength of the first cuff 24 and edge 26 on the foot portion 16 and leading edge 18A, respectively. To further secure the shade 10 to the car seat 12, a reinforcement member, such as a back strap 30, can extend from one lateral side of the shade 10 to the other, such that it can extend snugly around the back of the car seat 12 when the shade 10 is in place. The back strap 30 can be made from an elastic material. Additionally or alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 10B, a buckle, clip, cooperating hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®), cooperating hooks, or other releasable break-away connector can be included in the back strap 30 itself, or at the connection of the back strap 30 to the remainder of the shade 10. Alternative embodiments can omit the back strap 30 completely. Since the shade 10 can attach to the car seat 12 underneath, and independently of, the handle 20, in various embodiments, the handle 20 can be moved through its full range of motion unimpeded when the shade 10 is in place on the car seat 12.
Referring to FIG. 6, the shade 10 is shown separate from a child carrier. As shown, the first cuff 24 can generally define a pocket for the foot portion of the child carrier. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first cuff 24 can originate at the cover portion, curve around, and have at least a portion that overlaps back in the general direction of the edge 26, forming a pocket for the foot portion of the carrier. This configuration can define a first cuff opening 32 that receives the foot portion of the child carrier. Stitching can be included in the first cuff 24, such as stitching 22, in order to provide structure and/or definition to the shape of the first cuff 24. The first cuff 24 and the cover portion 28 can comprise a single (e.g., unitary) piece of material, or alternatively, the first cuff 24 can be defined at least partially by a separate piece of material 24A that is joined to the cover portion 28, for example, by stitching 22, bonding, or other techniques known in the art. The use of separate pieces of material, such as item 24A, can further assist in defining the pocket-like shape of the first cuff 24.
As shown in FIG. 6, an elastic reinforcement band 34 can be included in, on, or near the first cuff opening 32 to increase the grip of the first cuff 24 on the foot portion of the child carrier. Additionally or alternatively, an elastic reinforcement band 36 can be included in, on, or near the edge 26 to increase the grip of the edge 26 on the canopy 18 of the child carrier. According to the embodiment shown, the elastic reinforcing bands 34, 36 are sewn into the hem of the first cuff 24 and elastic edge 26, respectively, however, other embodiments are possible. According to embodiments, the shade 10 can also include a pocket-like second cuff 28 proximate the edge 26, which fits onto and securely attaches to the leading edge 18A of the canopy 18, and, optionally, a portion of the canopy 18 itself, as will be described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 25A-25D.
Still referring to FIG. 6, the cover portion 28 can include first and second sides 28A, 28B. According to an embodiment, each side 28A, 28B can define the lateral border of the shade 10, and can extend from the first cuff 24 to the edge 26. With reference to FIG. 6 in conjunction with FIG. 4, one or both of the lateral sides 28A, 28B can be dimensioned such that an access port 37 exists between the side 28A or 28B and the child carrier, such that the parent can reach through the access port 37 and see or touch the child sitting in the car seat 12, without having to significantly move the shade 10, if at all.
Referring to FIG. 7, some exemplary, non-limiting dimensions are shown for the shade 10. According to an embodiment, the shade 10 can define an overall length Y (when in a relaxed, non-stretched position) of between about 17 and about 23 inches, or more specifically, about 20 inches. Still referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment can define a first width X1 proximate the first cuff 24 (when in a relaxed, non-stretched position) of between about 9 and about 15 inches, or more specifically, about 12 inches. Further, an embodiment can define a second width X2 proximate the edge 26 (when in a relaxed, non-stretched position) of between about 10 and about 16 inches, or more specifically, about 13 inches. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure, however, that other dimensions are possible. The configuration of the shade 10, such as the configuration of the first cuff 24 and the back strap 30, as well as the elastic nature of the fabric, can allow the shade 10 to work universally and simply with a variety of car seats (and child carriers in general) having a wide variety of shapes and dimensions.
Still referring to FIG. 7, a window 40 can be located in the shade 10, for example, to allow the child occupant to see outside. The window 40 can comprise an unobstructed opening, or alternatively, can include a clear plastic panel or a mesh screen. According to an embodiment, a cover 42 can be provided to close the window 40, if desired. For example, the cover 42 can be secured shut using cooperating hook-and-loop fastener 44a, 44b, as shown, or other fasteners known in the art, such as snaps, magnets, zippers, etc.
Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of the window 40 is shown. According to this embodiment, the cover 42 can be secured shut using a zipper 46 located around the perimeter of the window 40. As shown, the cover 42 can be rolled up when open, and secured above the window 40 using cooperating hook-and-loop tabs 48a, 48b, a hook, bungee, or other structure known in the art. The window 40 can comprise an unobstructed opening, or alternatively, can include a clear plastic panel or a mesh screen.
FIGS. 9A and 9B show an alternative way for attaching the shade 10 to a child carrier, e.g., car seat 12. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the shade 10 secured to the car seat 12 between the handle portion 20 and the foot portion 16 of the car seat 12. Attaching the shade 10 to the car seat 12 in this manner can be accomplished by securing the edge 26 and/or second cuff 38 (if provided, see FIGS. 25A-25D) to the handle 20 instead of the leading edge 18A of the canopy portion 18. According to an embodiment, the edge 26 and/or second cuff 38 can be attached to the handle 20 and the canopy portion 18 interchangeably, based, for example, on the user's needs and desires.
FIGS. 10A and 10B depict alternative embodiments of the reinforcement member, or back strap 30. Referring specifically to FIG. 10B, according to embodiments, a connector 50 can releasably join two segments 30A, 30B of the back strap 30. For example, referring to the enlarged detail view of FIG. 10B, the connector 50 can comprise cooperating pieces of hook-and-loop fastener (see 50A), cooperating hooks (see 50B), a buckle or clip (see 50C), or other releasable connectors known in the art.
Referring to FIGS. 11A-11C, an alternative method of securing the shade 10 to the child carrier is shown. More specifically, according to this embodiment, a cord 52 can extend around the perimeter of the shade 10 to retain the shade 10 on the car seat 12. For example, according to the embodiment shown, the shade 10 can define a channel 54 extending around all, or portions, of its perimeter. The cord 52, such as an elastic cord, can extend through the channel 54 and around the perimeter of the shade 10. One or more locking mechanisms 56, such as barrel locks, can be used to tighten the cord 52 within the channel, and thereby, cinching all or a portion of the shade's perimeter around the child carrier, thereby increasing the shade's grip on the child carrier. The cord 52 can be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, the previously described reinforcement members.
Referring to FIG. 12, an embodiment of the shade 10 is shown where the reinforcing member comprises a connector, such as a plastic hook 56, extending from the side 28A of the cover 28. The hook 56 can be adapted to connect to the child carrier, for example, by latching to the handle hub 58 of the car seat 12, however, other connection points are possible. A similar hook (not shown) can extend from the other side 28B of the cover 28, and can cooperate with hook 56 to secure the sides 28A, 28B of the shade 10 to the car seat 12. Referring to FIGS. 13A-13C, plastic clips 60 can alternatively be used to secure the sides 28A, 28B of the shade 10 to car seat 12. According to this embodiment, the clips 60 can hook underneath the flange 62 of the car seat 12, as demonstrated by arrow 64 in FIG. 13A, however other connection points are possible. The hooks 56 and/or clips 60 can be attached to the cover 28 by stitching, bonding, or other techniques known in the art. Also, the hooks 56 and/or clips 60 are not limited to plastic material, but alternatively, can be made from metals, composites, and other materials known in the art.
Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, an alternative embodiment of the shade 10 is shown where the edge 26 of the shade 10 attaches to the leading edge 18A of the car seat 12 using cooperating magnets. For example, referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 14B, the edge 26 can include a plurality of magnets 66 fastened along edge 26, e.g., sewn into an outside seam in edge 26. Tabs 68 can be secured to the underside of edge 26, and can contain magnets 70 in registry with magnets 66. The aligned pairs of magnets 66, 70 can connect to one another above and below the leading edge 18A of the canopy 18, by attracting one another by magnetic force through the canopy. The clamping force of the magnets 66, 70 applied to the leading edge 18A can retain the edge 26 of the shade 10 on the canopy 18. To remove the shade 10 from the canopy, the user can apply sufficient force the shade 10, or parts of the shade 10, to overcome the magnetic force between the paired magnets 66, 70, to release the edge 26 from the canopy 18.
FIGS. 15A-15C depict an alternative embodiment of the shade 10 that uses clips, such as spring-loaded clips 72, to attach the edge 26 to the leading edge 18A of the car seat. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the user can spread the jaws of the clips 72 apart, as is known in the art, and slide the open jaws over the leading edge 18A of the canopy 18, as represented by arrows 74. Once the shade 10 is in place, the user can release the clips 72, allowing the jaws to engage the leading edge 18A and secure the edge 26 of the shade 10 on the canopy 18. The shade 10 can be removed by either pulling the shade 10 backwards away from the canopy 18, or by manually spreading the jaws of the clips 72 and releasing them from the leading edge 18A. The clips 72 can be connected to the edge 26, for example, by stitching, bonding, or by using fasteners such as rivets or screws.
Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the shade 10 can include a window 74 formed by overlapping layers of material. For example, the cover 28 can include a lower layer 76, and an upper layer 78. The upper layer 78 can at least partially overlay the lower layer 76 (or vice versa) when in a relaxed position, as shown in FIG. 16B. When either the lower layer 76 or the upper layer 78 is stretched, as shown in FIG. 16A, the upper layer 78 and lower layer 76 can separate from one another, creating the window 74. When open, the window 74 can be used, for example, to provide visual access to the baby. Due to the elastic nature of the fabric, the window 74 will close when the user releases the stretched layer to its relaxed position.
FIGS. 17A and 17B depict an embodiment where the window 74 includes a mesh covering 80. According to this embodiment, the lower layer can include a solid portion 76A and a mesh portion 76B, for example, formed of mesh 80. The solid portion 76A and mesh portion 76B can be joined together, for example, by sewing along a line extending substantially transversely across the shade 10. The upper layer 78, when in the closed position of FIG. 17B, can cover the mesh portion 76B, thereby closing the window 74. To open the window 74, the user can retract the upper layer 78 up and over the leading edge 18A of the canopy 18 in direction 82, thereby exposing the mesh portion 76B. Due to the elastic nature of the material, the upper layer 78 will remain in the retracted position until returned to its relaxed and closed position by the user.
FIGS. 18A and 18B depict a variation having a mesh portion 76B that spans over substantially the entire shade 10. According to this embodiment, the upper layer 78 can include top and bottom portions that retract upwards and downwards (see directions 84 and 86, respectively) to expose the mesh portion 76B. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this description that various combinations of upward, downward, sideways, etc., movement of the upper layer 78 can be utilized to provide a desired product configuration. According to an alternative embodiment, a clear plastic panel can be used in place of the mesh 80.
FIGS. 19A and 19B depict an alternate embodiment of the shade 10 similar to that of FIGS. 17A and 17B, which can include one or more fasteners 88 to releasably hold the upper layer 78 in place over the window 74 when in the closed configuration of FIG. 19B. As shown in the enlarged, detail view of FIG. 19B, the fasteners 88 can comprise cooperating magnets 88A located in or on the fabric where the edges overlap, cooperating pieces of hook-and-loop fastener 88B, cooperating portions of a zipper 88C, or other fasteners known in the art. The fasteners 88 can provide an additional element of protection to retain the upper layer 78 in the closed position until the time arises when the user intends to retract the upper layer 78 to expose the window 74.
FIGS. 20A and 20B depict an alternate embodiment of the shade 10 including a variety of accessories or toys associated with the shade 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, lights 90, such as battery-powered LED lights, can be secured to the underside of the shade, for example, by stitching or bonding. The lights 90 can provide a way to illuminate the interior of the child carrier to check on the baby. As also shown in FIG. 20A, images 92 (such as pictures, text, or combinations thereof) can be provided on the underside of the shade 10, for example, by stitching or printing onto the fabric. The images 92 can provide entertainment value for the child located in the carrier and covered by the shade. FIG. 20B shows an embodiment where toys 94, educational items, or other entertainment features can be suspended from the underside of the shade 10, for example, by hanging from tabs sewn or bonded to the underside of the shade 10.
Referring to FIGS. 21A-21C, an alternative embodiment of the shade 10 is shown where the edge 26 of the shade 10 attaches to the leading edge 18A of the car seat 12 using a substantially C-shaped channel 96 having an opening extending along the edge 26 (see FIG. 21A). The channel 96 can resiliently slide over and clip onto the leading edge 18A of the canopy 18, to retain the edge 26 on the canopy 18. According to an embodiment, the channel 96 can comprise a resilient member, formed, for example, of plastic, having a pair of mating jaws 96A and 96B that define the opening in the channel. The jaws 96A, 96B can deflect away from one another in response to a force, for example, in response to the channel 96 being pressed over the leading edge 18A of the canopy 18. The resilient property of the channel 96 can press the jaws 96A, 96B against the canopy 18, to provide a clamping force that secures the channel 96, and as a result, the edge 26, on the canopy 18. In the embodiment shown, the channel 96 is attached to the exterior of the shade 10, for example, by stitching or bonding, and is visible to a user. However, in alternative embodiments, the channel 96 can be sewn into the fabric of the shade and concealed from view, for example, by sewing the channel 96 into a seam or elongated pocket along the edge 26 of the shade 10.
Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21C, the shade 10 can include retainers 98, such as cooperating pieces of hook-and-loop fastener or a bungee cord, located near the edge 26. According to an embodiment, the shade 10 can be released from the foot portion 16 of the car seat 12, and rolled up or folded onto the canopy 18, where it is out of the child's way. In this position, the retainers 98 can be used to releasably retain the rolled up/folded shade on top of the canopy 18, as shown in FIG. 21C.
Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, an embodiment of the shade 10 can include an accessory pocket 100 formed in or on the shade 10. According to an embodiment, the pocket 100 can be sewn to the cover portion 28 of the shade 10, however, other configurations are possible. The accessory pocket 100 can be used to store accessories, such a pacifier 102, diaper cream, baby food, a hat, or the like. As shown in FIG. 22A, the accessory pocket 100 can also provide storage for the shade 10 itself. For example, as shown, the shade 10 can be folded into the pocket 100, for example, in the direction of arrows 104, to store all or substantially all of the shade's fabric within the pocket 100, as shown by reference 106 in FIG. 22A. The shade 10 can include hook-and-loop tabs 108, or other fasteners, that can be used to attach the stowed shade 106 to a portion of the child carrier, such as shown in FIG. 22B.
As mentioned previously, the shade 10 is not limited to use on a car seat 12. Rather, as shown in FIG. 23A, embodiments of the shade 10 can be used on a bassinette 110 (e.g., a bassinette attached to a stroller) where the shade 10 can attach over the canopy 112 and lower-front rim 114 in the same or similar ways as previously described. As shown in FIG. 23B, embodiments of the shade 10 can be used on a stroller toddler seat 116, where the shade 10 can attach over the canopy 118 and foot rest 120 in the same or similar ways as previously described. Referring to FIG. 23C, embodiments of the shade 10 can be used on child carriers including a child tray 122 (hidden from view), in which case the shade 10 can attach over the canopy 124 and child tray 122 in the same or similar ways as previously described. On of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that embodiments of the shade 10 can be used on other types of child carriers than those described herein.
FIGS. 24A and 24B depict a truncated version of the shade, referred to as shade 120. According to this embodiment, the shade 120 can include a first cuff 124 that can secure to the foot portion 16 of the child carrier in the same or similar manner as previously described herein. In contrast to previously-described embodiments, the shade 120 does not attach to the canopy portion 18 of the child carrier. Instead, the cover portion 126 extends only partially over the seat in which the child occupant sits, and can include an edge 128 that extends substantially transversely across the child compartment. As a result, the shade 120 may cover the child occupant's legs and torso, but may leave the head exposed. Blankets and other items can be tucked underneath the shade 120 to protect them from being kicked or blown off.
Since the shade 120 of FIGS. 24A and 24B lacks a connection to the canopy portion 18 of the child carrier, the shade 120 can include a reinforcement member 130 to retain the sides of the shade 120 on the child carrier. For example, the reinforcement member 130 can comprise a back strap that extends around the child carrier, as described in previous embodiments. Alternatively, the reinforcement member 130 can comprise hooks, clips, or elastic cords, that secure the shade 120 to the child carrier, as also described in previous embodiments (see FIGS. 11, 12, and 13). The materials and construction techniques used to make shade 120 can be the same or similar to those described herein with respect to shade 10.
Referring to FIGS. 25A-25D, an embodiment of the shade 10 similar to that of FIGS. 17A and 17B is shown. As shown, the shade 10 can include a second cuff 38 that defines a pocket-like space for receiving the leading edge 18A and/or a portion of the canopy 18. The second cuff 38 can extend generally from the cover portion 28, and curve abruptly around and down, creating a pocket that fits on the canopy 18. The pocket can have an opening that receives the leading edge 18 and/or a portion of the canopy 18.
As best seen in FIGS. 25B-25D, the second cuff 38 include a line of stitching 140 that helps define the shape of the second cuff 38. A cuff extension 141 can extend from the stitching 140 in a substantially downward direction, and provide force against the canopy 18. The second cuff 38 can include an elastic reinforcement band 36 along the cuff opening, as described in previous embodiments.
Referring to FIG. 25B, the upper layer 78 can extend upward toward and stop at the line of stitching 140, or alternatively, can extend beyond the line of stitching 140 and continue to the edge 26 of the shade 10. The line of stitching 140, if provided, can extend through all, or a subset, of the fabric layers of the shade 10.
In embodiments including the line of stitching 140, the stitching can isolate movement of the upper layer 78 (e.g., during movement into the retracted position) from movement of the second cuff 38, thereby reducing the risk of the user accidentally pulling the shade 10 off of the canopy 18. However, the line of stitching 140 is not limited to embodiments of the shade 10 having the upper and lower layers 78, 76. Rather, the line of stitching 140 can be incorporated into the other embodiments described herein, for example, to provide further definition to the shape of the second cuff 38. Moreover, the second cuff 38 and related details shown in FIGS. 25A-25D can be used on any of the embodiments of the shade 10 shown in FIGS. 1-23 and described herein.
The present invention also relates to a method of attaching the shade to a child carrier. Referring for discussion purposes to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 24A/24B, the user can place the first cuff 24, 124 of the shade 10, 120 over a foot portion 16 of the child carrier 12, thereby hooking the lower end of the shade 10, 120 onto the child carrier. The user can also stretch the shade 10, 120 away from the foot portion 16 of the child carrier 12, for example, in the general direction of the canopy portion 18. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the user can secure the edge 26 of the shade to the leading edge 18A of the canopy portion 18 of the child carrier, for example, using the edge 26, a second cuff 38, or any of the connectors described herein. Alternatively, the user can interchangeably secure the edge 26 or second cuff 38 to a handle portion 20 of the child carrier, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
The method can also include securing the sides of the shade 10, 120 to the child carrier, for example, using at least one reinforcement member 30, 130. This may be particularly important with the truncated shade 120, which lacks a connection to the canopy portion 18 of the child carrier. As described above, the reinforcement member 30 can include the back strap 30, which the user can secure around the child carrier from the first side 28A to the second side 28B of the shade 10. Alternatively, the reinforcement member can include the hooks 56 or clips 60 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively, or other structures that may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on this description. The method can also include removing the shade 10, 120 from the child carrier when not needed or desired.
According to embodiments, all or portions of the shade can be made from a material that blocks transmission of a portion of the sun's dangerous UVA and UVB rays. Additionally or alternatively, the material can be absorbent to liquids and quick-drying, and/or can have wicking properties. Additionally or alternatively, the material can have an anti-microbial additive or coating. Some materials that can be used for the shade include spandex, lycra, rayon, cotton, mesh, and Microfibers (such as Micropoly). The shade can be made in a variety of colors and patterns.
Unless stated otherwise, the various parts of the shade described herein can be made from individual pieces of material that are connected together, for example, by sewing, bonding, fasteners, ultrasonic welding, or other techniques known in the art. Alternatively, the individual pieces can be made from one piece of material.
Furthermore, one of ordinary skill the art will appreciate that many of the features described herein are interchangeable, and can be used in various combinations; as such the various features described herein are not limited to use with the specific embodiment(s) with which they are described and shown. For example, windows 40 of FIGS. 7 and 8, and/or the windows 74 of FIGS. 16-19 can be used on any of the embodiments of the shade 10 described herein. Likewise, the toys, accessories, and/or lights, as well as similar concepts, of FIGS. 20A and 20B can be used on any of the embodiments of the shade 10 described herein. The same applies to the pocket 100 of FIGS. 22A and 22B.
The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. Nothing in this specification should be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. All examples presented are representative and non-limiting. The above-described embodiments of the invention may be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
