BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be disclosed, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a representative infant carrier car-seat showing a main sunshade having a forward lip cover, the main sunshade being located in a partially stowed position with respect to the infant carrier car-seat, according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the infant carrier car-seat of FIG. 1 showing the main sunshade in a deployed (upright) position, according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the main sunshade, showing details of a forward edge, a lip cover shown in a pulled-back position revealing an extension pocket and a sunshade extension panel in a rolled and stowed position within the extension pocket, according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the infant carrier of FIG. 2 showing deployment of the sunshade extension as a user pulls along a front edge of the sunshade extension, according to the invention;
FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the infant carrier of FIG. 2 showing the main sunshade and the sunshade extension fully deployed, according to the present invention;
FIG. 6
a is a top view of the infant carrier of FIG. 2 wherein the main sunshade is deployed and the sunshade extension remains stowed, according to the invention; and
FIG. 6
b is a top view of the infant carrier of FIG. 5 showing both the main sunshade and the sunshade extension fully deployed, according to the present invention, wherein the sunshade extension conforms to the shape of the front edge of the infant carrier car-seat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a representative car-seat (e.g., an infant carrier) 10 is shown having a base 12 into which a child may sit and a pivotally attached main sunshade 14. Main sunshade 14 is, in its basic function, somewhat conventional in that it includes at least 1, but typically 3 or 4, curved semi-rigid members 16 (not clearly shown under the fabric covering). The curved members 16 are pivotally attached to opposing sides of base 12 and support a fabric covering 18, defining a rim 19. Fabric covering 18 is preferably made from a water resistant/repellant textile material, such as canvas or a synthetic blend and is sufficiently flexible to allow free pivotal movement of the curved member 16 between a stowed position, shown in FIG. 1 and a deployed position, as shown in FIG. 2. In use, a child seated in car-seat 10 may be somewhat protected from the environment by deploying the main sunshade 14 to its deployed position (FIG. 2), or may be fully accessible by moving the sunshade 14 to its stowed position, perhaps when placing or removing the child from the car seat 10.
As shown in FIG. 3, main sunshade 14 includes a rim cover 20 that is preferably formed integrally with the fabric covering 18. Rim cover 20 is sized and shaped to define a pocket or compartment 22, which, in turn, is sufficiently sized and shaped to accommodate the volume of a sunshade extension 24. Sunshade extension 24 is a predetermined shape and includes a rear secured edge 26 and a forward elastic edge 28.
Sunshade extension 24 is preferably made from a thin stretch fabric, but may be made of non-stretch fabric. It may be made opaque, translucent or clear and may be made from an elastic mesh or a tighter weave, but in either case, it should be breathable. Regardless, rear-secured edge 26 of sunshade extension 24 is preferably secured to fabric covering 18 of main sunshade 14 within pocket 22. Sunshade extension 24 may be sewn permanently to fabric covering 18 of main sunshade 14, or alternatively may be secured to fabric covering 18 within pocket any appropriate fasteners such as snaps, Velcro (loop/hook fastener), clips, zippers, buttons, ties, and magnets.
Furthermore, rim cover 20 may be secured to a closed position, when sunshade extension 24 is stowed within pocket 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, using a variety of fasteners, including snaps, Velcro (loop/hook fastener), clips, zippers, buttons, ties, and magnets.
As shown in FIG. 4, sunshade extension 24 may be selectively deployed (unrolled) from its stowed position within pocket 22 to a fully extended position, as shown in FIG. 5 by grasping forward elastic edge 28 of sunshade extension 24 and positioning the elastic edge 28 around a front edge 30 of base 12. Sunshade extension 24 is sized and shaped to create a spring-tight fit when fully deployed and secured to front edge 30 so that the elastic sunshade extension 24 conforms to the shapes defined by the rim 19 of main sunshade 14 and the shape of the front edge 28 of base 12, creating a tent-like structure in which a child may comfortably and safely reside. In other words, the fabric panel that makes up the sunshade extension 24 is smaller than its coverage area and must be stretched in order to secure to its intended location. The coverage of sunshade extension 24 is independent of the geometry of the main sunshade 14 and can therefore conform to the shape of the object (such as base 12) to which it extends and effectively envelopes.
Since the sunshade extension 24 includes forward elastic edge 28, it is self fitting and requires no additional fasteners. It is quickly and easily deployed from pocket 22 and secured about base 12, and since it normally resides within pocket 22, it will always be readily available when needed, but is normally hidden from view when stowed so that it does not otherwise detract from the overall appearance of the car seat. Also, rim cover 20 protects sunshade extension 24 when it is in the stowed position.
According to another embodiment of this invention, instead of sunshade extension 24 being mechanically secured to rim 19 of main sunshade 14, it may alternatively be secured to the side portions of base 12 or the front edge 30.
In use, when needed, a user may easily access pocket 22 by moving back rim cover 20 (first unfastening any fasteners used to secure rim cover closed) and thereafter unrolling or deploying the stowed sunshade extension 24 so that its front edge 28 may be grasped. The user then simply pulls the elastic front edge 28 of the sunshade extension 24 forward so that it extends around the front edge 30 of base 12. The user then releases the elastic edge so that it draws back tightly against the front edge of base 12.
Once in place, sunshade extension 24 keeps inclement weather, sunlight, wind, and even insects from disturbing the child. And, because the child is totally enclosed in his/her own little protective shell, he/she is not easily accessible to touching by strangers or other well meaning people. Thus, people (and animals) can easily “look but not touch.”
Patent Application
20070257526
