BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
This invention generally relates to the technical field of infant and baby blankets, and more specifically relates to the technical field of infant and baby blankets that can be used interchangeably as a blanket, as a nursing privacy cover, and as a stroller or carrier cover.
2. Prior Art
Three important functions a parent or caregiver has regarding an infant or baby is to feed, protect, and keep the infant or baby warm. Each of these can require the use of a blanket or other wrap. For example, when breastfeeding an infant or baby in public, many women prefer to cover themselves and typically use a common baby blanket to do so. For another example, when pushing an infant or baby in a stroller, many parents or caregivers place a blanket over the stroller or carrier to protect the infant or baby from the sun, elements, or weather and also typically use a common baby blanket for this purpose. For yet another example, when carrying an infant or baby or when letting an infant or baby nap or sleep, many parents or caregivers typically cover the infant or baby with a common baby blanket.
Thus, it can be seen that the common baby blanket is an important accessory. However, common baby blankets are simply pieces of material that can easily slide off of a nursing mother, fall off of a stroller or carrier, or be kicked off by a sleeping infant or baby. While some parents or caregivers tie the corners of a baby blanket together to keep a baby blanket in place, most parents or caregivers simply replace the baby blanket over the infant or baby each time the baby blanket falls to the floor. Other parents or caregivers use clips not made for the purpose to secure the baby blanket in place, which can create a safety hazard. Still other parents or caregivers carry a separate nursing cover, stroller or carrier cover, and baby blanket, thereby filling up valuable space in a diaper bag and adding extra weight to be carried.
The inventor is unaware of and there does not appear to be any product on the market that securely attaches to baby stroller or carrier so as to prevent the baby blanket from falling off and uncovering the baby. Therefore, there is a need for a convenient multi-purpose blanket or cover that can be used interchangeably as a nursing privacy cover, a stroller or carrier cover, and a baby blanket. It is to such a need and others that the present invention is directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly described the invention is a multi-purpose piece of fabric that can be used interchangeably as, and converted between, a nursing privacy cover, a stroller or carrier cover, and a baby blanket. The invention comprises a rectangular piece of fabric having strategically placed grommets, button holes, or the like. Using links, such as the plastic links favored as toys by children, the blanket can be attached via the grommets, button holes, or the like to any child seat, stroller, swing, carrier, etc. to keep a draft off of the baby despite the baby's movement. The links also can be used as a supporting necklace to support the blanket around a nursing mother's neck. The links also can be removed and a fabric strap or band can be attached to the blanket so that the blanket can hang around a nursing mother's neck, like an apron, creating a breastfeeding cover.
An embodiment of the invention can be a rectangular blanket between approximately two to three feet on each side, with one lower grommet or button hole at each of the two adjacent lower corners and two upper grommets or button holes located more centrally along the upper side opposite the lower side located between the lower grommets or button holes. The two upper grommets or button holes can be approximately six to twelve inches from each corner with approximately ten to twenty-four inches separating the two upper grommets or button holes.
The links are typically C-shaped or split oval comprising a small slit or space between the arms of the C or split oval such that links can be attached to each other and to other structures. Preferably, the links are somewhat flexible so that they can be attached to and detached from each other, a stroller or carrier, and the blanket with relative ease and/or with one hand, as the parent may need to do so while holding the infant or baby.
The fabric strap can be a one-part or two-part component attached to the upper side of the blanket and is structured to be of a length sufficient to allow the blanket to hang around the parent's neck while covering the infant or baby and the parent's chest area to allow privacy during breastfeeding. The strap can be sewn, riveted, releasably attached, or otherwise attached to the blanket and can comprise securing means such as clips, snaps, hook and link materials, buttons, magnets, etc., to secure the strap about the parent's neck. The strap also can be secured to the blanket via clips, snaps, hook and link materials, etc.
The present invention also solves the problem of having to pack both a baby blanket and a nursing cover for an outing with baby as the present invention serves both purposes effectively. While secured, the present invention will not drag on the floor or fall off the baby onto the dirty ground. Additionally, the present invention can be worn with the nursing strap as a means of covering the baby while the baby is secured in an upright baby carrier strapped about a parent's chest. This is most useful when protecting a young infant from the sun, as sunscreen often is not recommended for use on infants younger than six months of age.
These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the blanket of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of the blanket of the present invention with links attached.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of the blanket of the present invention with a separate strap for hanging around the parent's neck.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of another embodiment of the blanket of the present invention with a separate strap for hanging around the parent's neck.
FIG. 5 is perspective view of the invention in use as a nursing privacy cover with links.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention in use as a nursing privacy cover with a separate strap.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention in use as a stroller or carriage cover on a stroller.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the invention in another use as a stroller or carriage cover on a stroller.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the invention in use as a stroller or carriage cover on a carrier.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the invention in use as another stroller or carriage cover on a carrier.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the invention in use as a baby blanket.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the invention in another use as a baby blanket.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of the blanket of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Throughout this specification the terms infant and baby will be used interchangeably along with child or small child, and is meant to include all children for which the present invention can be used. Likewise, the term parent will be used interchangeably with adult and caregiver, and is meant to include all persons caring for a child for which the present invention can be used. The term blanket will be used to refer to the inventive concept and is meant to include all fabrics and materials from which the present invention can be produced.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention comprising eyelets or grommets 12, with holes therethrough, for attaching links 14. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention comprising button holes 18 for attaching links 14, and with links 14 attached to the blanket 10. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention comprising a separate strap 20 for hanging around the parent's neck 52. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention with a separate strap 20 for hanging around the parent's neck 52.
FIG. 5 is perspective view of the blanket 10 in use as a nursing privacy cover 22 using links 14 for hanging around the neck 52 of a parent 50. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the blanket 10 in use as a nursing privacy cover 22 with a separate strap 20 for hanging around the neck 52 of a parent 50.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the blanket 10 in use as a stroller or carrier cover 24 on a stroller 28 attached to the stroller 28 so as not to fall off of the stroller 28. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the blanket 10 in use as another stroller or carrier cover 24 on a stroller 28 attached to the stroller 28 so as to cover the baby 54. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the blanket 10 in use as a stroller or carrier cover 24 on a carrier 30 so as not to fall off of the carrier 30. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the blanket 10 in another use as a stroller or carrier cover 24 on a carrier 30 so as to cover the baby 54.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the blanket 10 in use as a baby blanket 26 to cover the baby 54. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the blanket 10 in another use as a baby blanket 26 on which the baby 54 can be placed. FIG. 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention illustrating that the blanket 10 can be different and various shapes.
Referring now to FIG. 1, the blanket 10 of the present invention is a multi-purpose piece of fabric 32 that can be used interchangeably as, and converted between, a nursing privacy cover 22, a stroller or carrier cover 24, and a baby blanket 26. The blanket 10 comprises a piece of fabric 32 having strategically placed grommets 12 proximal to the sides of the blanket 10.
In illustrative embodiments, the blanket 10 is approximately two to three feet square, which is a common size for a baby blanket of the type preferred in use as the present invention, with an upper side 38, a lower side 40 opposite the upper side 38, and a right side and a left side extending between the upper side 38 and the lower side 40. The blanket 10 can be manufactured out of any material suitable for use as a blanket, such as, for illustrative purposes, cotton, cotton blends, polyester, polyester blends, polyester/cotton blends, wool, wool blends, NYLON®, RAYON®, etc., and blends and combinations thereof.
A lower grommet 12 is located at or proximal to each of the two adjacent lower corners 34, 36 of the blanket 10. Two upper grommets 12 are located generally centrally along or proximal to the upper side 38. In illustrative embodiments, the two upper grommets 12 can be located along or proximal to the upper side 38 approximately six to fifteen inches, and more preferably nine to twelve inches, inwardly from each upper corner 42, 44 with approximately ten to twenty-four inches, and more preferably ten to fifteen inches, separating the two upper grommets 12 from each other. The actual distances of the grommets 12 from the upper corners 42, 44 can be varied depending on the size of the blanket 10 and the size of the adult 50 or baby 54 that will use the blanket 10. Additional grommets 12 can be located about the blanket 10 in strategic places for allowing the blanket to be attached in different manners to accessories.
Referring now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention is shown with links 14 attached through button holes 18. The button holes 18 can be located at locations similar to the locations disclosed above in connection with the grommets 12. For example, a lower button hole 18 can be located at or proximal to each of the two adjacent lower corners 34, 36 of the blanket 10. Two upper button holes can be located generally centrally along or proximal to the upper side 38 approximately six to nine inches inwardly from each upper corner 42, 44 with approximately ten to twenty-four inches between the two upper button holes 18. The actual distances of the button holes 18 from the upper corners 42, 44 can be varied depending on the size of the blanket 10 and the size of the adult 50 or baby 54 that will use the blanket 10. Additional button holes 18 can be located about the blanket 10 in strategic places for allowing the blanket to be attached in different manners to accessories.
The links 14 are typically C-shaped or a split oval comprising a small slit or space 62 between the arms 60 of the C or the split oval such that links 14 can be attached to each other and to other structures, such as a stroller 28, carrier 30, swing, etc. Preferably, the links 14 or the arms 60 are somewhat flexible so that they can be attached to and detached from each other, a stroller 28 or carrier 30, and the blanket 10 with relative ease and/or with one hand, as the parent 50 may need to do so while holding the infant or baby 54. For example, it may be desirable or necessary to flex the arms 60 away from each other to enlarge the slit or space 62 to fit over or around a larger structure, such as a handle, tube, truss, or other feature of a stroller 28, carrier 30, or other accessory.
A number of links 14 can be lined together in a chain-like manner to obtain a length of links sufficient for the desired purpose. For example, a single-link or two-link length may be sufficient to attach the blanket 10 to a stroller 28, while a ten-link length may be necessary to hang the blanket 10 about the neck 52 of a parent 50. The ability of the user to choose the length of the link chain is an important convenience feature of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention is shown with a separate one-part strap 20 for hanging around the neck 52 of a parent 50. A strap 20 or band can be attached to the blanket 10 so that the blanket 10 can hang around a nursing mother's neck 52, like an apron, creating a breastfeeding nursing or privacy cover 22. The strap 20 can be a one-part, two-part component, or multi-part component attached to the upper side 38 of the blanket 10 and is structured to be of a length sufficient to allow the blanket 10 to hang around the neck 52 of the parent 50 while covering the infant or baby 54 and the parent's chest area to allow privacy during breastfeeding. The strap 20 can be attached to the blanket 10 by various means, including permanent and releasable means. Permanent means include for example riveting, sewing and adhesives. Releasable means are preferable to reduce any strangulation hazard and include for example clips, snaps, hook and link materials, buttons, magnets, etc. The strap also can comprise securing means such as clips, snaps, hook and link materials, buttons, magnets, etc., to secure the strap about the parent's neck. In FIG. 3, one end of the strap 20 is sewn to the blanket 10 and the other end of the strap 20 comprises one component of a hook and loop fastener as the securing means 56, with a cooperating component of the hook and loop fastener attached to the blanket 10. The strap 20 can be made of a fabric, a flexible plastic, or other suitable materials. Alternatively, links 14 can be used to hang the blanket 10 about the neck 52 of the parent 50. The strap 20 can be used in addition to links 14 for added security.
Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention is shown with a separate two-part strap 20 for hanging around the neck 52 of the parent 50. One end of the first part of the strap 20 is sewn to the blanket 10 and the other end of the first part of the strap 20 comprises one component of a clip as the securing means 56. Similarly, one end of the second part of the strap 20 is sewn to the blanket 10 and the other end of the second part of the strap 20 comprises a cooperating component of the clip as the securing means 56.
Referring now to FIG. 5, an embodiment the blanket 10 of the present invention is shown in use as a nursing privacy cover 22 using links 14 to hang around the neck 52 of the parent 50. In this embodiment, the links 14 are used as a supporting necklace to support the blanket 10 around the neck 52 of a nursing mother 50. At least one additional grommet 12 or button hole 18 can be arranged on the upper side 38 for attaching the links 14 for customizing how the blanket 10 hangs about the neck 52 of the parent 50. In FIG. 5, three button holes 18 are shown on the upper side 38.
Referring now to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention is shown in use as a nursing privacy cover 22 using a separate strap 20 to hang around the neck 52 of the parent 50. In this embodiment, the strap 20 is used as a supporting necklace to support the blanket 10 around the neck 52 of a nursing mother 50.
Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 10, using links 14, such as the plastic links favored as toys by children, the blanket 10 can be attached via the grommets 12 or button holes 18 to any child seat, stroller 28, swing, carrier 30, etc. to keep a baby 54 warm or to keep a draft off of the baby 54 despite the baby's 54 movement.
Referring now to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention in use as a stroller or carriage cover 24 on a stroller 28 is shown. In this embodiment, the blanket comprises grommets 12. The blanket 10 is laid over the stroller 28 and links 14 are used to attach the blanket 10 to the stroller 28. One or more links 14 can be used to attach each grommet 12 to a structural element of the stroller 28, in this view, a tube 58 extending between the stroller handle 64 and stroller wheel 66. If it is only desired to hold the blanket 10 onto the stroller 28, then only one attachment point may be necessary. That is, only one grommet 12 need be linked to the stroller 28. In this view, only one grommet 12 is used to secure the blanket 10 to the stroller 28.
Referring now to FIG. 8, if it is desired to have the blanket 10 remain over the baby 54, then two or more attachment points may be necessary. That is, two or more grommets 12 may need to be linked to the stroller 28. In this view, two grommets 12 are used to secure the blanket 10 to the stroller 28, specifically, to tubes 54 on either side of the stroller 28. Also in this view, both ends of the strap 20 are attached to the blanket 10 using a hook and loop material as the securing means 56.
Referring now to FIG. 9, an embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention in use as a stroller or carriage cover 24 on a carrier 30 is shown. In this embodiment, the blanket comprises button holes 18. In a manner similar to above, the blanket 10 is laid over the carrier 30 and links 14 are used to attach the blanket 10 to the carrier 30. One or more links 14 can be used to attach each button hole 18 to a structural element of the carrier 30, in this view, a side molding 68. If it is only desired to hold the blanket 10 onto the carrier 30, then only one attachment point may be necessary. That is, only one button hole 18 need be linked to the carrier 30. In this view, although two button holes 18 are used to secure the blanket 10 to the carrier 30, only one is necessary.
Referring now to FIG. 10, if it is desired to have the blanket 10 remain over the baby 54, then two or more attachment points may be necessary. That is, two or more button holes 18 may need to be linked to the carrier 30. In this view, at least two button holes 18 are used to secure the blanket 10 to the carrier 30, specifically, to restraints 72 for securing the baby 54 in the carrier 30. Also in this view, both ends of the strap 20 are attached to the blanket 10 using buttons 74 as the securing means 56.
Referring now to FIG. 11, an embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention in use as a baby blanket 26 is shown. In this embodiment, the blanket 10 can be used as is and placed over the baby 54 in a common manner.
Referring now to FIG. 12, an embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention in another use as a baby blanket 26 is shown. In this embodiment, the blanket 10 can be used as is and placed underneath the baby 54 in a common manner to help protect a baby 54 from an unsanitary surface during such activities as a diaper change or when the baby is resting on its stomach and unable to hold its head off of the surface.
Referring now to FIG. 13, another embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention is shown having a non-rectangular shape. For illustrative purposes, the blanket 10 has an arched shape with a neck scoop 16 and a crumb catcher pocket 70. The crumb catcher pocket 70 can be a separate piece of material sewn on three sides to the blanket 10 with an upward opening unsewn side, and can be used for catching food crumbs the baby 54 may drop.
In use, the present invention can be used interchangeably as a nursing or privacy cover 22, a stroller or carrier cover 24, or a baby blanket 26, and serves the purpose of all three.
As a nursing or privacy cover 22, the parent 50 can hang the blanket 10 about her neck 52 using links 14 or the strap 20 with the blanket 10 over the parent's chest and the baby 54 underneath the blanket 10. The blanket can be positioned to cover the baby 54 and the parent's chest so as to, for example, make breastfeeding more discrete.
As a stroller or carrier cover 24, the blanket 10 can be attached by the parent 50 to a stroller 28 or carrier 30 simple by linking the grommet 12 or button hole 18 to a structural element of the stroller 28 or carrier 30 with one or more links 14. By having grommets 12 or button holes 18 of sufficient size, and links 14 of sufficient flexibility, attaching and unattaching the links to the blanket 10 and the stroller 28 or carrier 30 is a simple matter using one hand or two hands.
As a baby blanket 26, the blanket 10 can be used as is, that is without links 14 and without strap 20, and placed over, under, or wrapped around a baby 54.
It will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather, the foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the appended figures have been presented only for illustrative and descriptive purposes. They are not intended to be exhaustive and are not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. One skilled in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 Blanket
12 Grommets
14 Links
16 Crumb catcher pocket
18 Button holes
20 Strap
22 Nursing or privacy cover
24 Stroller or carrier cover
26 Baby blanket
28 Stroller
30 Carrier
32 Fabric
34 Lower corner
36 Lower corner
38 Upper side
40 Lower side
42 Upper corner
44 Upper corner
50 Parent, adult, or caregiver
52 Neck
54 Infant, baby, child, or small child
56 Securing means
58 Tube
60 Arms
62 Slit or space
64 Stroller handle
66 Stroller wheel
68 Side molding
70 Crumb catcher pocket
72 Restraints
74 Button
Patent Application
20140013509
