PROTECTIVE CANOPY COVER

Abstract

A protective cover for use in connection with seated persons or pets in a moving conveyance protects the seated person from the effects of environmental elements, such as sun, rain and wind, motion effects, noise, interaction with other people and airborne contaminants, while providing a calming and restful environment for rest or sleep. The protective cover may incorporate antimicrobial treatments or materials to reduce organic load on the exposed side of the cover and the number of washings.

Claims

1. A protective cover for use by a person or with a pet in a car, train, boat, plane or other moving conveyance, comprising: a. a fabric body that is substantially oval, having a semi-minor axis at a shorter diameter of the oval and a semi-major axis at a longer diameter of the oval body; b. two pairs of fabric-covered straps, each pair positioned on opposite sides of the semi-minor axis of the oval body; c. a multipurpose, deep pocket with elastic band top edge positioned on one side of the oval body positioned under one pair of fabric-covered straps; d. a mesh window or screen with a movable window cover positioned at a center of the oval body along the semi-minor axis and under the multipurpose deep pocket; and e. a plurality of securing means on each strap of the pair of straps, the movable cover of the mesh window, edges of both sides of the cover on the semi-major axis, and at various locations on the oval body to allow various parts of the protective cover to attach to each other or a support structure of a moving conveyance, wherein the securing means are Velcro, straps, snaps, or magnets, wherein the protective cover is secured to seat in a car, train, plane or other moving conveyance through the pairs of fabric-covered straps positioned on opposite sides of the semi-minor axis of the oval body or through one set of straps and the multipurpose deep pocket, and wherein the attachment of the cover creates two side panels on the semi-major axis that may be left down or lifted up and fastened to the cover by securing means located on the side panels and oval body of the cover.

2. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the securing means on each strap of the pair of straps comprise at least two pieces of Velcro and wherein for each strap within the pair of straps hook and loop configured Velcro is placed on the opposite sides of the strap.

3. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the securing means for the movable cover of the mesh window are Velcro.

4. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the securing means for the movable window cover of the mesh window are magnets.

5. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the securing means on edges of both sides of the semi-major axis are magnets positioned in seam at an edge of the side panels and wherein the side panels are fastened in an upward position by connecting the magnets positioned on the edge of the side panels to magnets positioned on the body of the cover.

6. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the securing means on edges of both sides of the semi-major axis are Velcro pieces positioned at an edge of the side panels and wherein the side panels are fastened in an upward position by connecting the Velcro pieces positioned at the edge of the side panels to Velcro pieces positioned on the body of the cover.

7. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the side panels may be connected together under or around a seat of a moving conveyance by securing means.

8. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover is attached to corresponding front and rear headrests of a car or other vehicle through the pairs of fabric-covered straps or through use of both the multipurpose deep pocket with elastic band and one pair of fabric covered straps.

9. A protective cover for use by a person or with a pet in a car, train, boat, plane or other moving conveyance, comprising: a. a fabric body that is substantially oval, having a semi-minor axis at a shorter diameter of the oval and a semi-major axis at a longer diameter of the oval body, wherein the fabric body is treated, coated or otherwise incorporates antimicrobial compositions or materials; b. two pairs of fabric-covered straps, each pair positioned on opposite sides of the semi-minor axis of the oval body; c. a multipurpose, deep pocket with elastic band top positioned on one side of the oval body positioned under one pair of fabric-covered straps; d. a mesh window or screen with a movable window cover positioned at a center of the oval body along the semi-minor axis and under the multipurpose deep pocket; and e. a plurality of securing means on each strap of the pair of straps, the movable cover of the mesh window, both sides of the semi-major axis, and at various locations on the oval body to allow various parts of the protective cover to attach to each other or a support structure of a moving conveyance, wherein the securing means are Velcro, straps, snaps, or magnets, wherein the protective cover is secured to seat in a car, train, plane or other moving conveyance through the pairs of fabric-covered straps positioned on opposite sides of the semi-minor axis of the oval body or through one set of straps and the multipurpose deep pocket, and wherein the attachment of the cover creates two side panels that may be left down or lifted up and fastened to the cover by securing means located on the side flaps and oval body of the cover.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The attached figures illustrate the invention and its various embodiments and uses.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a view of the front (outward exposed side) of the protective cover, showing a multipurpose storage pouch (deep pocket) that may be used to store items, attach to a headrest or seat back, and store the cover when not in use; a mesh window; a window flap or cover to cover the mesh window for greater sensory reduction and protection; magnets or other securing means along the length of the mesh window and window flap and in the side panels to flip up and secure the window flap and side panels of the cover to other areas on the body of the cover; side strap for connecting the two sides of the cover around a seat in a moving conveyance, if needed; and a pair of top and bottom fabric covered attachment straps to attach the cover as required, depending on use.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a view of the back (inward non-exposed side) of the protective cover, showing placement of the side strap and securing/attachment means to connect the two sides of the cover in use.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows the protective cover attached to a pushchair, with window flap rolled up and attached to the cover exposing the mesh window and the bottom pair of attachment straps on the wheel axel having two front wheels.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows the top front of the protective cover when attached with the top pair of straps to the handle of a pushchair and showing an exploded view of the multipurpose storage pouch.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows the top rear view of the protective cover showing an exploded view of the top pair of attachment straps attached to the pushchair handle.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a bottom front view of the cover showing an exploded view of the bottom pair of attachment straps secured around the base of a pushchair having one front wheel.

[0034] FIG. 7 shows the protective cover attached to a front and rear head rest when used in a car to cover a passenger in a rear seat. The same configuration can be used for train or plane seats.

[0035] FIG. 8 shows the protective cover with one side flipped back and attached to the body of the cover when used over a child car seat or booster seat. The same configuration is used for a person seated directly on the rear seat.

[0036] FIG. 9 shows the protective cover with the other side flipped back and attached to the body of the cover as used over a child car seat or booster seat. The same configuration is used for a person seated directly on the rear seat.

[0037] FIG. 10 shows the top of the protective cover attached to the headrest of a rear seat in car by slipping the multipurpose storage pouch with elastic band over the headrest of a rear seat, which may also be used to attach the protective cover to a seatback of a train or airplane seat.

[0038] FIG. 11 shows the bottom of the protective cover attached to a headrest of the front seat of a car in front of the user by connecting the bottom pair of straps.

[0039] FIG. 12a shows the front of the multipurpose storage pouch with elastic band and male snap for connecting to a small strap on the cover placed in between the top pair of straps, and FIG. 12b shows the multipurpose storage pouch in a purse or bag-like configuration to hold and transport the protective cover when not in use.

[0040] FIG. 13 shows the orientation of the Velcro hook/loop arrangement on one strap of the pair of straps.

[0041] FIG. 14 shows the side panels of the cover connected behind the seat of a moving conveyance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The invention is directed to an easy-to-attach and remove protective canopy-, shield-, or fort-like cover for use by adults, children, and pets when seated in a car, train, boat, or plane seat, or in a seat of a pushchair, buggy, carriage, cart, carrier, or stroller, or other moving conveyance, to protect against or block the effects of environmental elements, such as wind, rain, and sun, motion, noise, sensory stimuli and environmental or airborne contaminants. The inventive protective cover is provided in a variety of sizes, all of which are one-piece, with securing means on a top and bottom edge of the semi-minor axis of the cover, which may be used to secure the cover to a headrest of a car, seat back or other support structure of a train, boat or plane seat, or handle, axel, footrest, foot bar, wheel or wheel base of a pushchair, carriage, buggy, cart, stroller or other moving conveyance used to transport a person or pet from place to place.

[0043] The inventive cover also provides a way for a user to exit a seat quickly or to access a child or pet without removing the cover from the seat or other moving conveyance by flipping or raising a side panel of the cover and fastening it to the body of the cover through attachment means. Either or both side panels of the cover may be raised and fastened to the body of the cover allowing the user to exit or interact with the environment.

[0044] The protective cover is intended for use in all types of moving conveyances that transport people or pets from place to place. For purposes of the invention, “conveyance” or “moving conveyance” includes without limitation transportation means for moving something or someone from one place to another. A moving conveyance includes without limitation a car or other motor vehicle, a train, a plane, a boat, a pushchair, buggy, carriage, jogging cart, bike cart, other carts, carriers, or strollers, all of which contain seats and are intended to transport a person or pet.

[0045] For purposes of the invention, “support structure” or “structural support component” includes without limitation a handle, axel, footrest, foot bar, other bar, wheel, wheelbase, seatback, headrest, and other components of a moving conveyance to which the protective cover may be attached when in use with a seated person or pet.

[0046] The inventive protective cover (1) is substantially oval in shape. Two sets (pairs) of fabric-covered straps (2) (attachment straps) are located on either side of the semi-minor axis (shorter diameter) of the oval for securing the cover to structural components of a moving conveyance, such as handle, wheel, axel, footrest, or bar of a pushchair, buggy, carriage, cart, or stroller, or a headrest, seatback, spindle or other support structure on a seat in a car, train or plane. The straps within each set are positioned in close proximity to each other but are not required to be right next to each other. Preferably, each strap within the pair is spaced at least six inches from the other strap to allow the straps to be joined or fastened to each other around structural support component of the moving conveyance as described above to secure or attach the protective cover in place. Alternatively, each strap may be used individually to attach the protective cover to a structural support of a moving conveyance. The fabric covered attachment straps may also include elastic bands for more flexibility.

[0047] Each strap of the pair of attachment straps has two pieces of Velcro arranged vertically on the strap (FIGS. 1 and 13)—one piece a hook and the other a loop configuration—to allow attachment of the strap individually (to itself) around a structural support component of a moving conveyance or to each other. Within each set of straps, the hooks and loops of the Velcro are positioned on the opposite side of each strap so that the straps of the set may be connected to each other. The Velcro hook/loop configuration of each strap in the set (pair) of straps (2) allows for smooth connection (attachment) of the strap to itself or the straps to each other when securing the cover to a moving conveyance or car, train or plane seat, through the Velcro pieces. The configuration also provides a means to adjust the tension of the attachment when interlocking different orientations (hook/loop) of the pieces of Velcro on each strap.

[0048] On each side, end and various parts of the semi-major axis of the oval are other securing means, including magnets, Velcro, snaps and straps, or combinations thereof (3) to allow a side panel (4) of the cover to be flipped, raised, moved or lifted upward and secured to other magnets, Velcro, snaps, straps, or other securing means on the body of the protective cover. The Velcro, magnet, straps, snaps or other securing means can be used in combination to achieve the cover configuration desired. All securing means can be undone with a gentle pull for easy release.

[0049] Magnets, when used, may be located in seam in the cover or attached to the cover by other means. The polarity of the magnets is arranged so that there are multiple connections (negative/positive polarity) that can be made when the side panels (4) are flipped upward for attachment to the cover. In a preferred embodiment, securing means on the edges of both sides of the semi-major axis are magnets positioned in seam, wherein the side panels are fastened in an upward position by connecting the magnets on the edge of the side panels to magnets positioned on the body of the cover.

[0050] Alternatively, the securing means on edges of both sides of the semi-major axis are Velcro pieces positioned at an edge of the side panel (4), wherein the side panels are fastened in an upward position by connecting the Velcro pieces positioned at the edge of the side panels (flaps) to Velcro pieces positioned on the body of the cover.

[0051] The cover also comprises a multipurpose, deep pocket with elastic band (5) on one side of the oval shaped cover positioned on the semi-minor axis, at or below the position of the top set of straps and above the mesh window (6) (FIG. 1), typically the “top” of the cover. This deep pocket provides a storage pocket when used on a moving conveyance (FIG. 4), such as a pushchair, carriage, buggy, cart, or stroller and also provides a means to attach the cover to the headrest of a rear car seat when the cover is used in a car (FIGS. 8, 9 and 10). A preferred attachment in a car is to secure the deep pocket over the corresponding rear headrest (FIG. 10) so that the cover is positioned higher near the user's head and lower for the driver's line of vision to the rear window. The multipurpose deep pocket is also a purse-like storage pouch for the cover when not in use (FIG. 12b). The multipurpose deep pocket has a male snap (7) positioned on the elastic band (FIG. 1 and FIG. 12b) to close the pouch during storage by connecting to a small strap having a female snap (8) located between the top set of the fabric covered attachment straps, which connection facilitates securing the multipurpose deep pocket (5) to a headrest or seatback so that it is not easily moved or pulled off.

[0052] The protective cover also includes a mesh window (6) positioned at approximately the center of the oval on the semi-minor axis of the cover to allow a user to look out and/or communicate with others or provide additional ventilation or airflow. The mesh window has a flip up cover (9) (window cover) that may be folded, rolled or raised and secured with magnets or Velcro when in use. Or, for greater privacy, sensory reduction and protection, the flip-up cover may be left closed.

[0053] When used with a moving conveyance such as a pushchair, buggy, carriage, stroller or cart, the cover attaches to the handles and the wheel, wheel axel, footrest or lower foot bar near the wheels through the two sets of straps at the bottom of the cover. As described above, a strap within each set may attach individually to a handle, bar or other support structure on the conveyance, or the straps may connect to each other directly, depending on the moving conveyance being covered. For a one-wheel moving conveyance, the straps of each set may be attached to each other. (FIG. 3). For a two-wheel moving conveyance, the straps may be used individually to attach the cover to the wheels, wheel axel, footrest or foot bar near the wheels or bottom of the conveyance. (FIG. 6).

[0054] In a car, the cover is attached to the headrest, seatback or other support structure of a front seat in front of the user (FIG. 11) and a headrest, seatback or other support structure of a rear seat through the set of straps on each end of the cover, or through one set of straps attached to the support structures on the front seat of the car and the above-noted deep pocket with elastic band attached to a support structure on the rear seat. (FIG. 10). The unique and novel strap design comprises “reversed” hook/loop orientations of the Velcro positioned on opposite straps of the set, meaning the hook portion of one strap is aligned with a corresponding loop portion on the other strap of the set. This configuration allows both straps of the set to fasten around the bottom of the headrest or other support structure of the front seat by making a loop of the interlocked straps that fully circles the headrest. Alternatively, each strap individually may be used to attach around spindles or support structures of a front seat headrest. For the rear seat attachment, preferably, the multipurpose deep pocket with elastic band is slipped over the rear headrest or seatback and the small strap with female snap on the cover connects to the male snap on the elastic band of the multipurpose deep pocket to hold the pocket into place. Alternatively, depending on the size and space in the particular car or vehicle or other moving conveyance, the opposite set of attachment straps are fastened to the adjacent rear seat's headrest or other support structure of the rear seat in the same manner as the attachment of the cover to the front seat headrest. Similar attachment configurations may be used when traveling on a train, boat or airplane. The cover is easily attached through its sets of straps, or through one set of straps and the multipurpose deep pocket to a headrest, seatback or other support structures in front of the user and on the user's seat.

[0055] The cover functions as a protective device for the user. Its “fort like” design makes it particularly appealing to young children. The protective cover blocks the environmental elements, such as sun, rain and wind, dampens noise, reduces the sensation of movement and hence motion sickness, reduces sensory stimuli, reduces or eliminates exposure to airborne contaminants, and creates a barrier between other people and the user. The unique cover design in use creates side panels (small wings or flaps) on each side that may be flipped, moved, raised or lifted down and up, together, or separately. The side panels (4) can be rolled or folded up and attached to the body of the cover with Velcro or magnets or other securing means (3) in a variety of configurations, creating an opening on either side or both sides depending on the desired or required blocking.

[0056] In addition to adult use, the protective cover is suitable and desirable for use with children and young adults. Parents can easily peek at their child by keeping one side panel up while traveling or driving or by securing the side panels according to their liking when used on other moving conveyances. The protective cover can be arranged to have both side panels left down (closed) or one or both side panels open by lifting the panel, folding or rolling it, and fastening it through magnets or other securing means to the body of the cover in various ways. The ability to move the side panels allows easy exit and quick access to a child or pet without having to remove the cover from the seat of the moving conveyance.

[0057] The inventive protective cover is a safe and comfortable cover designed for use by adults and children while traveling in a car, train, plane or other moving conveyance. It may also be used for pets to cover pet carts, pet baskets or pet seats in a car to protect the pet and reduce the effects and influence of external stimulants. The main functions of the protective cover are to block all forms of sensory stimuli and environmental elements, reduce noise, reduce or eliminate exposure to airborne contaminants, and create a dark cozy space for users when rest is desired or needed. In use, the cover creates a fort-like or shield-like appearance pleasing to children and young adults. A darkened space is particularly useful with children as it allows a restful environment for children to nap and parents to drive or travel long distances with less stress from overly tired children. The cover facilitates privacy for the user, keeps children and pets sheltered away from the happenings around them and discourages other persons from interacting with the user.

[0058] The inventive protective cover preferably is made out of cotton/spandex blend material and the window/vent of utility mesh, such as that used for a window screen. It is substantially oval in shape (FIG. 1). The inventive cover may be sized to fit the person and most types of cars, SUV's, and other moving conveyances, such as pushchairs, carts, buggies, carriages and strollers. The window flap or window cover over the mesh window is the same cotton/spandex blend used for the body of the cover. In one embodiment, the materials used to make the protective cover may be treated or coated with, or otherwise have incorporated, antimicrobial materials or fibers to provide additional protection from airborne contaminants and to reduce the organic load on the exterior of the cover when used. Use of antimicrobial materials may reduce the number of washings required to clean the cover after use.

[0059] The unique cover design has a wide variety of uses and is highly adaptable to the user's circumstances. It may be used in a car, train, plane, and with other moving conveyances, including without limitation a pushchair, buggy, carriage, stroller or other type of cart, such as a jogging or bike cart. There is no need to have two different types of covers or shields to achieve blocking or reduction of exposure to sun, wind, rain, noise, motion, sensory stimuli, or airborne contaminants or to isolate an adult, child or pet from others. When leaving the car, train, boat, plane, or other moving conveyance, the cover is easily detached and may be stored in the multi-purpose deep pocket or then attached to another moving conveyance.

[0060] When used with a pushchair, stroller, buggy or carriage, the protective cover may be used in conjunction with awnings, or it can be used alone to create a cozy, safe restful environment and reduce exposure of a child to environmental elements, sensory stimuli or airborne contaminants. The flaps or side panels created by attaching the cover with both sets of the attachment straps can be left down or secured for fuller coverage by pulling each side around and behind the seating area and securing the side panels together with straps, snaps, Velcro, magnets, or other securing mechanisms. As in a car, train, boat or plane, the same options exist to block only one side of the particular moving conveyance from environmental elements, such as the sun, rain, or wind, sensory stimuli, motion effects or airborne contaminants, by lifting up either or both side panels and using Velcro or magnets to attach the side to the top or body of the cover.

[0061] The invention is further described by the preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0062] Preferred Embodiment Research.

[0063] The unique protective cover was initially designed to block the sun for children in a car so they can sleep. However, based on in field use and research, it achieved a variety of functions for adults, children and pets, as follows: [0064] 1. Blocked sun so the user could fall asleep more easily. [0065] 2. Blocked out sensation of movement for adults, children or pets with motion sensitivity issues and thus reduced motion sickness. [0066] 3. Reduced interactions between children and/or pets and other people or pets and limited distractions to parents while driving. [0067] 4. Prevented motion sickness. [0068] 5. Insulated seats from the sun when away from a car. [0069] 6. Had a calming and restful effect. [0070] 7. Prevented sunburn, particularly when used on moving conveyance with a child. [0071] 8. Blocked out triggers and sensory issues for children with special needs. [0072] 9. Attracted and facilitated use by children who love and enjoy forts as their own personal space. [0073] 10. Reduced or eliminated exposure to airborne contaminants in crowded spaces.