Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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2. INVENTION DESCRIPTION
2.a. Title
AI"IACHABLE BABY & TODDLER BLANKET
2.b. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a baby and toddler blanket. More
particularly, it relates to a baby and
toddler blanket which can be attached to various items.
2.c. Background of the Invention (Prior Art)
This invention is an attachable baby blanket for use with infants and
toddlers. The blanket can be
attached to various infant/toddler items, such as, and not limited to, cribs,
strollers, high chairs, bouncy
chairs and car seats. It can also be used to swaddle an infant or wrap around
a toddler.
Baby blankets are widely used and needed by all parents, from infancy to the
toddler years. A blanket
is used daily in many configurations, from the crib, to the car, to the
stroller, and so on. A current
problem with baby blankets is that they are easily dropped, lost or blown
away, while being potentially
hazardous in cribs. This is because they are loose blankets which are placed
in position and relied
upon to simply stay put. Parents often try to find solutions, for example, by
attempting to use safety
pins to attach a blanket to a stroller. or resorting to sleep sacks for the
crib. However, the problem
continues as complex products still leave parents frustrated. Also, many baby
blankets are only useful
in a few seasonal configurations or sizes, calling for multiple products to be
purchased.
Numerous inventors in the past have attempted to design a product which can be
used in various
configurations, is easy to use and practical. This invention is very different
from these past designs,
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which do not successfully meet the needs of a true multi-use blanket. This
invention is a product
which addresses the common issues of baby blankets not being secured in place
and not being multi-
functional for enough practical uses. This product can also aid in the
prevention of SIDS (Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome) when used in a crib configuration.
As seen in Canadian patent 1/2585254 (Jennifer Armstrong), a blanket is
designed as a 5 in I product,
converting into other products, such as a toddler sleeping bag and pillow. The
blanket itself, only
has three practical configurations, being a blanket, car seat bag and stroller
bag. This is because the
need for a toddler sleeping bag and pillow (which Ms.Armstrong suggests can be
used into the teen
years) is not entirely practical or necessary. Most baby blankets are not in
use by the teen years,
except for keepsake use. After spit-up and spills, it is unlikely that a teen
would continue using the
blanket as a pillow. It is also unlikely that most parents would have a need
for a toddler sleeping bag,
as most toddlers would still be sleeping in a secured crib or bed, using
blankets. Ms.Armstrong states
the importance of a product growing with a child, but as demonstrated above,
practicality overrides
longevity when speaking of baby blanket products.
The above invention also includes zippers, slits, numerous flaps and layers.
There is a top, bottom,
front and back to be adhered to when using the blanket. This makes the product
complicated and
time consuming to use and configure. Most parents, especially with infants, do
not have the time or
capability to assemble such a product when moving a baby from one location to
another.
The above invention does not have enough practical uses. It is important that
parents can use a baby
blanket in a variety of configurations, adapting to different circumstances.
Ms.Armstrong's invention
can only be used in three configurations as a blanket: a blanket, in a car
seat or stroller. To be used as
a blanket, the product would have two slits in the middle, zippers and flaps.
The zippers could prove
to be dangerous to babies or toddlers who are eager to discover things.
Parents need blankets that are
comfortable and cozy against a child's skin in all. configurations.
In a car seat or stroller, the blanket converts into a bag design, proving to
be impractical for varying
weather or warmer temperatures. For example, only a light cover might be
needed in spring weather,
which may need to be removed partially or altogether. A bag design would
hinder a parent's freedom
to choose a lighter cover, or to remove the cover easily. If a baby falls
asleep in a stroller, and the
stroller bag becomes unnecessary, it would be difficult to remove without
disturbing the baby.
Lastly, the invention attaches to the baby (in a bag form), as opposed to the
item the baby is sitting
in. In blanket form, it is likely to fall off of the infant or toddler. This,
along with the reasons stated
above, makes it impractical, hard to use, and seasonal, while limiting the
uses to a blanket, car seat or
stroller. Especially with a toddler, it is much more convenient and useful to
have a choice of attaching
the blanket to the baby or toddler, or any item they may be using.
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When analyzing Canadian patent #2089947 (Evelyn Barnes), it is apparent that
there is a continuing
need for improvement regarding baby blankets. Ms.Barnes' invention is a baby
wrap which converts
to a bunting, pad or carrier sling. The wrap has only three configurations,
which are not fully useful
to most parents. The bunting configuration poses the same issues as the above
mentioned patent
(#2585254). It is not meant for all seasons or warmer temperatures, where a
baby may need a lighter
blanket that only covers part of the body, such as the legs, or does not
completely surround the body.
If the baby falls asleep in the wrap, and is transported to the crib, it would
be difficult to remove the
wrap without disturbing the baby. Also, the fasteners could be a choking
hazard if the wrap was left on
a sleeping baby in a crib, as plastic becomes brittle over time. The carrier
sling would be difficult to
use for a heavier or older infant, and therefore would only be useful for a
very short amount of time.
As with Canadian patent #(2585254), Ms.Barnes' invention is too complicated
for the fast paced world
of parenthood. There are four fasteners, a detachable, bifurcated pocket and
multiple straps. There is a
top, bottom, front and back to be adhered to in order to configure the
product. For example, if a baby
is in a car seat where the wrap is not needed, and transported outdoors where
the wrap is needed, a
parent would have a difficult time assembling the wrap and putting the baby in
it, all while remaining
in the vehicle. This would prove to be especially difficult if the baby is
sleeping. Many parents can
agree that not waking a sleeping baby or toddler is very important, and
therefore, buntings, wraps and
bags only add to the problem. These issues could render the invention
ineffective at times, and only
frustrate a parent in need of a true multi-use, reliable and secure product.
When focusing on baby blankets for crib use, Canadian patent #2289901
(Margaret Chwialkowska),
demonstrates a baby blanket which only has one configuration. The invention is
meant to safely and
securely cover a baby's body while in a crib, and prevent a baby from pulling
the blanket over its face.
As with Canadian patents #(2585254) and #(2089947), the invention is not
entirely practical.
Most parents can attest that placing a sleeping infant inside of a hag type
product is not an easy task, as
many infants would awaken. Most parents would agree that infants in need of
this invention (aged 0-6
months, where the risk of suffocation is highest) would likely already be
sleeping when placed in the
crib. Also, placing the baby in the wrap while awake may not always be
practical. Ms.Chwialkowska
also states that her product allows for easy access to check on the baby's
diaper without disturbing the
baby. However, it would be difficult for a parent to lift the baby out of the
crib, move the blanket out
of the way (likely flip it underneath and above the baby) to change a diaper.
It would also likely get in
the way of a diaper change, especially on an older baby that has mobile limbs.
Also, this blanket design proves to be impractical if an infant is transported
from the crib, as the
blanket would have to be removed in many cases, such as switching to the car
seat.
With only one configuration, this product strengthens the continuing need for
a multi-use, secure and
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practical baby blanket.
US patent #5,692,257 (Liz Albertieri) is a combination of a baby blanket,
bunting and bag, which
proves to be impractical and. complicated. In order to utilize each
configuration, a parent would
need to adhere to the blanket having a top, bottom, front, back, left, right,
inside and outside. Baby
products are designed to be stored on the interior of the blanket, which can
then be wrapped around
an infant. This would be uncomfortable for the infant, in the blanket and
bunting configurations, alike
Canadian patents #(2585254) and #(2089947). The blanket needs to be
comfortable for the baby in all
configurations, without zippers, fasteners, products and such.
Ms.Albertieri's invention also states that it can be used as a change cloth.
This, in most cases, would
not be useful, as a change cloth often becomes dirty, and therefore cannot be
used to then wrap a baby
in. With that, this product does not have enough practical uses. A parent
would likely still need a bag
to carry belongings in, as the bunting would not provide enough room for
numerous diapers, products,
extra clothing, food, etc. They also may not choose to use it as a change
cloth for the above stated
reason, and therefore it would only serve as a bag. So it would not be fully
functional, comfortable
or convenient. Parents need a blanket that is easy to use, quick to configure
and adapts to various
situations, temperatures and items. This product is not attachable to any
items when not in the bunting
configuration, and would easily fall off an in infant in the blanket form.
Another example of the need for improvement is US patent #5,611,095 (Dena
Schneider).
Ms.Schneider's invention is a multi-purpose baby wrap. While recognizing the
need for a multi-use
blanket, the product is a baby wrap which converts to a blanket, bunting, pad,
fitted wrap or shoulder
wrap. However, the wrap presents the same issues as the patents above
#(2585254), #(2089947),
#(2289901) and #(5,692,257), such as practicality and convenience.
When used in a blanket form, the product would not be as useful or comfortable
as possible, as it has
a detachable hood, while slits and holes remain. The blanket would be likely
to fall off of the baby if
not in the bunting configuration. The product has a top, bottom, front and
back to be adhered to when
converting it to the different configurations. As with the above patents, this
makes it inconvenient and
impractical for parents to use. The invention also contributes to the common
problem of not disturbing
the baby when parents need to transport an infant from the car seat to the
crib, for example. Especially
in varying weather, where the infant does not need a bunting indoors, making
the product seasonal in
the bunting form. Although Ms.Schneider states it would be easy to wrap the
child prior to placing
him or her in a car seat, the same cannot be said for wrapping the child if he
or she is already in the
car seat. She also suggests that removing the bunting from the baby's
shoulders would allow for
temperature variances; in many cases, this may not be enough, therefore,
hindering a parent's freedom
to completely remove the bunting when needed.
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This product is not functional for different sizes and ages of infants or
toddlers. Ms.Schneider states
that the invention would be produced in a variety of sizes, meaning that
parents would have to purchase
more than one depending on the size, age and growth of a child. This raises
the costs and decreases
the economic value of the invention. Parents need a baby blanket that will
adapt to the size, age and
growth of an infant and toddler, while still remaining functional and useful
in a blanket form.
Lastly, this invention is not attachable to any items when in blanket form.
Parents are left to depend
on the blanket to stay in place, whether being used in a stroller, shopping
cart or swing, as the product
is intended for. It would likely fall off, be blown away by outdoor elements,
or be kicked off by the
baby. This makes the blanket configuration impractical and in many cases,
ineffective. Parent needs
a baby blanket that adapts to the above items without the risk of being
accidently removed, yet being
easily removable if needed.
On a brief note, US patents #4,993,090 and #5,309,586 are further examples of
the need for improved
baby blanket products. Following the above, each of these inventions are
examples of car seat bags
which are difficult to use, time consuming, and impractical, while lacking
functionality.
Along with these examples of prior art exists expired Canadian patent #524396
(Harry Goldberg).
This product is a baby blanket garment which attaches to a crib. The garment
is comprised of a
rectangular blanket made of waterproof fabric, two armholes, a bag, zippers,
snap fasteners and a
drawstring. The product is designed with a top, bottom, front and back to be
adhered when in use, as
the blanket is placed over the baby, and the baby placed in the bag portion
with the armholes leaving
the arms exposed.
Although Mr.Goldberg addresses the need for a blanket which does not cover a
baby's face for
risk of suffocation, the invention is not entirely practical for numerous
reasons. Firstly, it has to be
noted that the positioning of the baby, when used with this invention, is
incorrect when aiding in the
prevention of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). According to the National
Institute of Child
Health and Development, a baby is to be placed feet first at the end of the
crib. The blanket should
reach no higher than the baby's chest, therefore, rendering this invention
oppositional to the Institute's
recommendations, and possibly dangerous. This is because the invention leaves
no other options but
to place the baby head first at the end of the crib, because of the garment
design, while the armholes
force the blanket above chest level. The blanket does not allow for a
different sleeping position or
blanket level on the baby's chest. This alone, proves the invention to be
possibly hazardous, and
solidifies the need for improvement.
Secondly, the invention only has two configurations: crib use and a cradle.
When being used in the
crib, along with the above mentioned patents, disturbing a sleeping baby
remains to be a problem.
CA 02683107 2009-10-13
The baby must be placed into a bag which is attached to the back of the
blanket, arms put through the
armholes, a drawstring closed, turned right side up and placed in the crib.
Most parents can attest that
this procedure would cause the baby to awaken if already asleep, which many
babies are, when being
placed in a crib. Once in the crib, the parent must secure the ties to the
crib in four corners. These ties
(made of fabric) would need to be double knotted to ensure they could not
loosen. Undoing the knots,
especially in the darkness, if the baby awakens before morning, would be
inconvenient, frustrating
and impractical. These ties could also prove to be a strangulation hazard for
infants should they come
undone.
This invention proves to be complicated, impractical and possibly hazardous,
while lacking
functionality. The need for improvement in all of these fields is essential.
Having researched the above prior art, it can be seen that an improved baby
blanket is necessary. In
order to be usable and economical, the blanket must be practical and multi-
functional, with various
configurations and adaptations, safe, easy to use and durable. It must also be
comfortable, convenient
and simple. Simplicity is the key to developing a successful baby blanket
product which parents can
rely on and children can enjoy.
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2.d. Summary of the Invention
it is the object of the present invention to overcome deficiencies of the
prior art by providing a baby
blanket which is functional, practical, secure, simple and economical.
The present invention is an attachable baby and toddler blanket (Fig. 1,2)
which attaches to various
items (Fig.] -10, 15-20), as well as to an infant or toddler as a wrap (Fig.]
l - 14). It consists of a fabric
body which is a variation of a super ellipse shape, more commonly described as
a square with inward
curving sides and outward curving corners. Alternate shapes can be used, as
long as they are functional
in serving the purpose of this invention. Each corner of the body has an
attachment (Fig.3. 4, 22).
The present invention is functional in various configurations and situations
as needed by the parent.
This invention is one piece, with four elastic attachments, each having a
paired Velcro k end. The
blanket can attach to items used by parents for infants such as, and not
limited to, a crib (Fig.7), infant
car seat (Fig.15), bouncy chair (Fig.18), automated swing (Fig.20) or stroller
(Fig.8). It can also
be used as a wrap to swaddle an infant in (Fig.] 1). As well, the blanket can
attach to items used by
parents for toddlers, such as, and not limited to, wagons, swings, shopping
carts, high chairs (Fig.19),
strollers (including umbrella strollers (Fig.10)) and toddler car seats. It
can also be used as a wrap for
a toddler, being secured around the waist or chest (Fig.] 3). Additionally,
this invention can be used by
an adult when wearing a baby or toddler carrier. The invention can be attached
to the carrier elements,
such as the shoulder harnesses, to securely cover the infant or toddler while
outdoors. The invention
is comfortable for infants and toddlers alike in any configuration. Previous
inventions listed in section
2.c. attempt to create a baby blanket which is functional, but do not have
enough configurations, are
too complicated to use and are not fully attachable. Parents are in need of a
blanket which can adapt to
any situation and is easy to use. This blanket can be used from the crib, to
the car seat, to the stroller
and so on. It does not require complicated folding, attachment or detachment
of parts, fasteners or
zippers. It is easily attached and removed, and does not disturb a sleeping
baby, unlike car seat bags
or buntings.
The present invention is practical as it adapts to various items in different
situations for infants and
toddlers of any size and age. The invention is convenient for a parent to use
at home, during errands or
in the car. It can be used in all seasons and temperatures, and is truly multi-
functional. The inventions
analyzed in section 2.c. do not include a sufficient number of practical uses
for parents. Canadian patent
#(2585254) stresses the need for product longevity, by including a toddler
sleeping bag and a pillow in
its five possible configurations. These configurations would not likely be
commonly used, therefore,
leaving the product with only two practical configurations. Other listed
patents include carrier sling
and diaper bag configurations which are not entirely practical either. The
present invention is a blanket
with many different possible configurations in blanket form, as well as a
wrap. The product does not
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need to convert to items such as bags and pillows as it is practical in its
original form, and will last
throughout the infant and toddler years, when most parents would have such a
need.
The present invention is extremely easy to use, as it is one piece which is
the same on all sides. It does
not have a top, bottom, front, back, left or right side, inside or outside to
adhere to, in order to use or
configure it. It isn't complicated, does not require folding, and does not
have any parts to detach. It
also does not have any kind of pocket that a baby must be put into, a hood or
any flaps. The blanket's
attachments are coloured coded for easy identification. Each elastic strip
which has a male Velcro
piece is one colour (using coloured elastic), while the elastic strips with
female Velcro pieces are
another. This allows the parent to easily pair the attachments together,
without having to feel the
VelcroC ) in order to identify the male and female pieces.
The present invention eliminates the frustration experienced by parents when
transporting infants
from one location to another, such as the car seat to the crib. Car seat bags
and buntings would have
to be removed, which in most cases, would awaken a sleeping baby. The present
invention can be
removed by simply undoing the four attachments, and while keeping the blanket
on the baby, moved
to another location and reattached. There are also times when a parent may
choose to put a cover on
their baby while outside of the house. For example, if the weather suddenly
becomes cooler and the
infant is sleeping in a car seat and needs to be transported to a crib
indoors, a car seat bag or bunting
would prove to be difficult to use, if not already on the baby. The present
invention would take its
place as a car seat cover and blanket for the crib.
While being functional, practical and user friendly, the present invention is
also secure. As it is an
attachable blanket, it can be secured to numerous baby and toddler related
items. A common problem
with baby blankets is that they are easily lost, dropped or blown away while
outdoors or in establishments
such as shopping malls. A baby often kicks blankets off while in a crib or
tosses them out of strollers.
Parents often attempt to tuck blankets into the sides of baby or toddler
carriers (worn by an adult) in
frustration. A blanket often falls off of a baby or toddler in a travel
stroller or umbrella stroller, or is
blown away in windy weather. At home, blankets usually slip off of a baby in
an automated swing or
bouncy chair, and toddlers are capable of simply removing them. Most parents
can attest to similar
experiences of having to replace and re-tuck baby blankets.
The present invention eliminates the need to replace and re-tuck them, and
gives parents peace of
mind that the blanket is secured in place. This is especially important in
regards to crib use. The
National Institute of Child Health and Development advises parents to remove
loose bedding from a
baby's crib in order to reduce the risk of SIDS. The Institute also suggests
that if a blanket is used, to
tuck the sides in between the mattress and crib; however, most parents would
agree that this method
does not always work as the blanket can become loose as the baby moves,
causing concern. Also, the
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baby is to sleep on his or her back, feet first at the end of the crib, with
the blanket reaching no higher
than chest level. The present invention allows for these guidelines to be
followed, while replacing the
need for sleep sacks, such as Canadian patent #(2289901). The shape of the
present invention, being a
variation of a super ellipse, allows for maximum coverage, comfort and warmth
for the baby, while still
encouraging air flow through the inward curving sides. This can aid in the
prevention of overheating,
which is a possible contributor to SIDS. The inward curving sides also allow
the blanket to easily
conform to common items such as car seats and strollers, fitting around
handles and similar elements.
The present blanket can be used for any sized infant or toddler. While being
used in the crib, the
blanket can be folded in half (still using all four attachments) to create an
envelope-like product for a
very small infant, or the top may be rolled down and attached at an
appropriate level, to accommodate
varying sizes and heights. The attachments would reduce the risk of
suffocation and air recirculation by
keeping the blanket in place below chest level. It would also reduce the risk.
of overheating or cooling,
by allowing air to circulate around the baby, through the inward curving
sides, (unlike a sleep sack), yet
keeping the baby warm by staying in place, It has also been said that loose
blankets in a crib can cause
an active toddler to become entangled, trip or fall, causing bumps and
bruises. The present invention
eliminates these possible hazards by using the attachments to keep the blanket
in place. In this case, a
parent may choose to only use one or two attachments at the bottom, allowing
the toddler to move about
and cuddle with the blanket.
The simple design of the present invention minimizes the risk to an infant or
toddler who uses it, while
making it easy to use for the parent. The present blanket is one piece, and
does not include any flaps, pockets
or detachable pieces. It does not contain any zippers, buttons, fasteners or
loose parts. There is minimal
stitching in the fabric, reducing the risk of threads coming loose and
becoming possible strangulation
hazards. The elastic attachments are soft and stretchy, unlike the ties used
in expired Canadian patent
#(524396), while the Velcro ends allow for detachment from each other should
the they be pulled on or
wrapped around something accidently. The attachments are securely sewn to the
blanket, and would. not
pose a hazard should a baby chew on them. Safety is a key issue when designing
baby related products,
as well as for parents who are the consumers of such products.
Along with functionality, practicality, safety and design, the present
invention is also economical,
which is an important factor for parents. The market is flooded with so many
baby related products
to choose from, many of them not being multi-functional. This leaves parents
spending money on
numerous items, which may only be used for a short amount of time. Instead of
purchasing numerous
blankets, a car seat cover, buntings, wraps and more, parents need a reliable
and useful product that
can adapt to various situations. The present product is a `one-size-fits-all'
item, and can be used in
numerous situations for infants and toddlers of many sizes. Therefore, this
lowers the cost for parents,
as they would only need to purchase one product instead of numerous products.
Also, the present
invention would last from birth through the toddler years.
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2.e. Detailed Description
The present blanket consists of a fabric body which is one piece, in the shape
of a super ellipse
variation, more commonly described as a square with inward curving sides and
outward curving
corners (Fig.1,2). The body is approximately 36" by 36" in size. The fabric
body can be made of many
different fabrics, including cotton, fleece, flannelette and more, as long as
they are machine washable,
durable and comfortable. It would be preferable that the chosen fabric pass
respective flammability
laws, with the possibility of being fire proof. The edges may be turned under
with a seam finish with
a single needle machine, or overlock stitched, to prevent fraying and sustain
the strength of the seam.
The fabric body may be single layered or double layered.
Each corner has an attachment, which is comprised of two strips of elastic,
each with a paired Velcro
piece sewn on the end (Fig.3). It is preferable that the elastic be knitted or
woven for softness, and
may be gripper elastic, so that one side grips the item it is attached to. The
Velcro pieces are stitched
onto the elastic with a straight seam of approximately 1/8". The pieces are
sewn approximately 1/4"
from the end of the elastic strip, which is folded down approximately 1/2"
under the Velcro piece to
avoid fraying (Fig.4). The attachments are colour coded for ease of use:
coloured elastic is used, which
appropriately coordinates with the fabric body. The four male Velcro pieces
would be attached to
elastic strips of one colour, for example, pink. The four female Velcro
pieces would be attached to
elastic strips of a different colour, for example, white. This allows parents
to easily identify the male
and female ends in order to connect them.
The strips of elastic are approximately 5" in length and 1" wide, while the
Velcro pieces are
approximately 2" in length and 3/4" wide. The attachments are sewn between the
two pieces of
the fabric body, if double layered, with the fabric turned under, completed
with a seam finish. If an
overlock stitch is used, this stitch would start and stop where the attachment
is affixed to the blanket
body, using the same method as above to connect them.. If the body is single
layered, an extra piece
of fabric would be attached to the corners to create a small pocket, and add
reinforcement (Fig-5),
approximately 5" in length, matching the curve of the corner of the body. The
attachments would be
sewn into the seam using the same method as above. These pockets could be used
to attach the blanket
to any applicable element on a baby item, such as the bottom of a leg on a
chair (Fig.6), by inserting
the leg into the fabric pocket.
When the strips of elastic are attached to each other (each attachment
contains a strip with a male
and female Velcro piece), a loop is formed. The blanket would therefore have
four loops in this
configuration of the attachments (Fig.7).
Each loop can be used individually to attach the blanket to items such as crib
spindles or slats (Fig.7)
CA 02683107 2009-10-13
or structural elements on an umbrella stroller (Fig.10). This is referred to
as singular attachment for
the purposes of this description. All four loops would be used individually in
the crib configuration,
when used with an infant, in order to ensure security. It is possible that
only two loops might be used
in a configuration such as travel or umbrella stroller use: two loops could be
attached under the baby's
arms and to the support bars on each side of the stroller.'The remaining loops
might be left unattached,
to allow for air circulation, or the remaining loops might be attached to the
bottom support bars of the
stroller to cover a baby's legs (Fig.8). They could also be attached to upper
support bars, below the
snack tray level, to ensure security from the knees up on a toddler (Fig.9).
The parent has complete
freedom as the blanket provides numerous possible configurations.
The loops can also attach to other loops, which is referred to as group
attachment for the purposes of
this description (Fig.21,22). This is done to form a wrap to swaddle an infant
in (Fig.l 1,12), when the
blanket is wrapped around a toddler, either around the waist or chest
(Fig.13,14) or when wrapped
around an item such as an automated swing (Fig.20). This is done by attaching
one elastic strip with a
male Velcro end to an elastic strip with a female VelcroC end, using a
different corner of the blanket
for each (Fig.21.). Combining the separate attachments allows for more
configurations and uses of
the blanket. Group attachment could also be used to attach the blanket to an
item such as an infant
car seat (Fig.15) or swing (Fig.20), which may not have sufficient structural
elements to use singular
attachment. For example, an infant car seat usually has a carrying handle
mounted on the sides, in
the middle of the seat. If the handle does not allow for singular attachment,
because of its placement,
group attachment may be used underneath the seat for a secure fit, by wrapping
the blanket around the
seat and connecting the attachments to each other. In some cases, singular and
group attachment may
be used together in order to secure the blanket, such as high chair use. The
parent may choose to attach
the blanket around the toddler's waist using group attachment (as seen in
Fig.14), while attaching the
remaining two attachments to the high chair legs using singular attachment
(Fig. 19).
An optional extender may be used for items which are too large to accommodate
the width of the
blanket. The extender, which is comprised of two elastic attachments on either
end of a rectangular
piece of fabric (Fig. 16), would act as a bridge between the blanket
attachments. The rectangular piece
of fabric is approximately 7" in length and 2" wide. The fabric is double
layered, with the edges turned
under with a seam finish. The elastic strips of the attachments are
approximately 5" in length and
1" wide, while the Velcro pieces are approximately 2" in length and 3/4"
wide. This would elongate
the wrapping capabilities of the blanket to be used with larger items
(Fig.17). Also, if an item that is
commonly used does not allow for the blanket to wrap around it using singular
or group attachment
methods, paired adhesive Velcro pieces could simply be adhered to the item in
the appropriate
positions (for example, on the sides of a toddler car seat), and the blanket
attached to these separate
Velcro pieces. This allows for numerous items to be used with the invention.
While the above description is the preferred form of this invention, it is
understood that various
11
CA 02683107 2009-10-13
modifications or changes to the invention within the scope of the above
description are possible, such
as using snaps instead of Velcro, using a shape other than a super ellipse or
adding a pocket to the
blanket body.
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CA 02683107 2009-10-13
2.f. Description of the Figures
Fig.1: Shows the front of the blanket (I) and four attachments on the corners
(2).
Fig.2: Shows the back of the blanket (3), with the upper right corner flipped
over exposing
the front of the blanket (1) and four attachments on the corners (2).
Fig.3: Shows an enlarged frontal view of one corner of the blanket (1), with
an attachment,
consisting of two elastic strips (2) and a Velcro piece (4).
Fig.4: Shows an enlarged view of an elastic strip (2) with a Velcro piece
attached (4).
Fig.S: Shows an enlarged back view of one corner of a single layered blanket
(3), with an
attachment, consisting of two elastic strips (2) and a Velcro piece (4). It
also shows an
optional fabric pocket (6).
Fig.6: Shows an enlarged back view of one corner of a single layered blanket
(3), with an
attachment, consisting of two elastic strips (2), which are not connected. It
also shows an
optional fabric pocket (6) in use with a furniture leg.
Fig.7: Shows the blanket in crib use (1), with the elastic strips (2) attached
to the crib spindles
or slats.
Fig.S: Shows the blanket in travel stroller use (1), with two of the
attachments visible,
consisting of elastic strips (2), attached to the bottom portion of the
stroller legs.
Fig.9: Shows the blanket in travel stroller use (1), with one of the
attachments visible,
consisting of elastic strips (2), attached to the stroller legs below snack
tray level,
leaving the child's feet exposed.
Fig.10: Shows the blanket in umbrella stroller use (1), with three of the
attachments visible,
consisting of elastic strips (2), attached to the bottom portion of the front
stroller legs
and upper portion of the rear stroller legs.
Fig.11: Shows the blanket in infant swaddle use (1) from the front. The back
of the blanket is
visible around the infant's head (3).
Fig.12: Shows the blanket in infant swaddle use (1) from the back, with two of
the
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CA 02683107 2009-10-13
attachments, consisting of elastic strips (2) wrapped around the infant and
attached,
using group attachment, at the back. One attachment, consisting of elastic
strips (2), is
folded over (3) and left unattached.
Fig. 13: Shows the blanket in toddler wrap use (1), with two of the
attachments visible,
consisting of elastic strips (2) and Velcro pieces (4).
Fig. 14: Shows the blanket in toddler wrap use (1) (3), with four attachments,
consisting of elastic strips (2) and Velcro pieces (4). Two are attached
using group
attachment around the child's waist while two are left unattached.
Fig. 15: Shows the blanket in car seat use (1), with two of the attachments
visible,
consisting of elastic strips (2). The attachments are wrapped beneath the car
seat.
Fig. 16: Shows the extender, consisting of a fabric piece (5), and two
attachments, each
consisting of elastic strips (2) and VelcroO pieces (4).
Fig. 17: Shows the blanket (1) in use with a large item and an extender (5).
The blanket and
extender each include two visible attachments, consisting of elastic strips
(2) and
Velcro pieces (4).
Fig. 18: Shows the blanket in bouncy chair use (1) (3), with three of the
attachments visible,
consisting of elastic strips (2) which are attached to the structural elements
of the chair.
Fig. 19: Shows the blanket in high chair use (1), with two of the attachments
visible,
consisting of elastic strips (2), which are attached to the lower portion of
the high chair
legs.
Fig. 20: Shows the blanket in automated swing use (1), with three of the
attachments visible,
consisting of elastic strips (2). Two of the attachments are left unattached
while two are
wrapped beneath the seat of the swing.
Fig. 21: Shows an enlarged frontal view of two corners of the blanket (1),
with both sets of
attachments, each consisting of two elastic strips (2), attached to each other
using
Velcro(k) pieces (4).
Fig. 22: Shows the interior (back) of the blanket (3) with two corners folded
inward,
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exposing the exterior (front) (1).. All four corners include attachments, each
consisting
of two elastic strips (2), and two Velcro pieces (4). The two corners which
are folded
are attached to each other using group attachment of the elastic strips and
Velcro .
