US20090295204A1

US20090295204A1 - Disposable, Lightweight, Protective Germ Barrier for Infant Carriers

Info

Publication number: US20090295204A1
Application number: US12/428,790
Authority: US
Inventors: Erica Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-24
Filing date: 2009-04-23
Publication date: 2009-12-03

Abstract

A barrier element for an infant carrier inhibits germs from getting into contact with an infant within the carrier while allowing for air passage and thus ease of infant breathing. The protective element comprises a cover formed of substantially germ-blocking material, preferably a sandwich-like composite of spunbond, meltblown and spunbond polypropylene material with a BFE of no less than about 95% with a differential pressure of no more than about 4. It is breathable to allow air to pass therethrough, preferably has a transparent window and is provided with an elastic to secure the barrier element to the infant carrier and allow for selective and easy/quick removal. The device is lightweight, inexpensive, easy to put on and over the infant carrier and after use is intended to be discarded.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority upon US provisional utility patent application Ser. No. 61/125,386 filed Apr. 24, 2008, the content of which is expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the field of protection of young children, principally newborns, infants, and toddlers (hereinafter often collectively referred to as “newborns” or “infants”) from airborne germs, viruses, disease, bacteria, dirt and/or infection as a consequence of coming into contact with air-borne pathogens, other children, newborns, toddlers, infants, even adults, etc. More specifically, the present invention is a disposable, hopefully inexpensive, preferably lightweight barrier or cover for an infant carrier, baby carriage, stroller, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as “infant carrier”) which barrier serves to protect the child from exposure to the germs or potential disease of the surroundings.
The importance of reducing newborns and infant exposure to germs and diseases during their first few months of life or years, due to immature immune systems, is well documented in medical journals and parenting journals. The current invention relates to a disposable, preferably lightweight cover adapted for a tight/secure fit to an infant carrier which will serve to help decrease an infant's premature exposure to disease and germs. This can be especially important as the newborn travels within and through otherwise, relatively highly contaminated public areas (like shopping malls; schools (dropping off an elder sibling); pediatrician's offices for well-care checkups, etc.). Often, the newborn is transported or carried in an infant carrier, a shell-like piece of hard plastic that has a handle which allows the device to convert from a) a simple carrying cradle with handle extending upwardly for the adult to hold to b) a reclining seat for the infant when the handle swings back behind the shell to provide a support for the device. The present invention is expected to be especially useful in highly contaminated public areas, as, for example, hospitals, pediatrician offices, malls, restaurants, schools, day care centers, etc.
2. Additional Background and Description of the Prior Art
When newborns are first born they are often placed in tiny incubators within the hospital's nursery. The newborns are often substantially isolated from the general population for at least a few hours, if not days, to ensure that they are not prematurely exposed to the germs, viruses, bacteria, dirt, pathogens, etc. of the general population. The newborn's immunity systems are not yet “mature” so that the isolation from the general population is highly desirable so that the germs, diseases, dirt, etc. of the outside world is slowly introduced to the newborn, over time and as the newborn ages and physically matures. The initial isolation is generally accomplished by the use of a simple separate room in the hospital, often with other newborns, with a glass wall separating the newborns from adults and other children (parents, siblings, and other visitors). The barrier wall is intended to isolate the newborns and, yet, the window feature allow the others to still see them and for the newborns to view outwardly, i.e., be visually stimulated. The glass window of the wall allows the newborns to see the outside environment and to experience some initial visual interaction with people and things.
The present invention is intended to provide a disposable, lightweight, inexpensive, protective barrier for newborns, even after they leave the hospital after birth, which barrier also allows the child to see the outside environment. The protective and preferably disposable germ barrier is, of course, air permeable and does not impact on the breathing of the child but otherwise blocks the passage of air-borne pathogens, disease, germs, dirt, etc. The barrier is intended to elastically surround and be secured to an infant carrier. It is preferably lightweight, inexpensive and disposable. It should be adapted to snugly fit over the infant carrier to provide a germ-free environment for the infant. Yet, after the child leaves the potentially contaminating environment (pediatrician's office, mall, day care center of a sibling, etc.) the protective barrier can be disposed of so that any germs entrapped in the isolating mesh will be discarded and not come into contact with the infant when he/she is removed from the infant carrier.
Young children are often held in strollers, baby carriages, and portable infant carriers. The strollers and baby carriages have been provided in the past with elastically-secured mesh nets to separate the children within the strollers and carriages from aspects of the environment.
More specifically the nets are intended to ensure that animals, bugs, and, to some extent, people do not encroach on the child's safety and space. These nets are intended to protect the child and, yet, are sufficiently open-meshed as to allow the child to see out and be visibly engaged with the outside environment. The open mesh, while serving the dual purpose as described of allowing the child to see out and yet being small enough as to ensure that bugs do not come through, do not prevent the passage of bacteria, germs, pathogens (hereinafter often collectively referred to as “germs” }, and thus disease from the outside world may easily come into contact with the child. Those nets, as mentioned, are not meant to block germs from contact with newborns. They are not meant to be disposable. Disposal of a protective barrier is an important feature when one is dealing with germs, especially where the infant will be taken out of the infant carrier, at some point after he/she is in the risky environment. Thus there appears to be a very real need for a device which is inexpensive, disposable, lightweight and, yet, capable of being used with newborns in their personal carriers, all of different shapes and sizes, and which prevents germs from gaining access to the newborn, whether by direct contact or even through the air and into the newborn's respiratory system and, yet, the child still gets the benefit of being able to see the world and the outside world is able to see the child. Such a device, to be practical, needs to allow easy breathing of air by the child and also be capable of entrapping or blocking germs from gaining access to the newborn within the carrier. The device also needs to be sufficiently easy and flexible in placement so as to allow it to be capable of being quickly secured and removed, i.e., used with infant carriers of differing sizes and shapes. The present invention accomplishes the desired goals and objects of such a germ barrier for an infant carrier.
Surgical face masks to prevent the passage of germs from patient to physician and from physician to patient, as for example, between people within the operating room are currently available and in use. Those surgical face-covering-only masks have also been used by parents, siblings and visitors to protect newborns when they are first visited by others, whether the newborns are still in the hospital and/or initially moved into their home. The mesh of the surgical masks is open to allow easy breathing of air yet sufficiently tight (provided with small openings) to block air-borne germs from reaching the wearer. The pathogens or germs are not expected to pass through to the wearer since the germs will be prevented from passing through the mask as they are trapped by the mesh of the surgical mask. Those surgical masks generally cover only the mouth and nose of the wearer and are held on the wearer's head by ribbons of fabric or paper which tie the mask to the wearer's head or, alternatively, the sides of the mask are provided with elastic loops which are stretched over and behind the wearer's ears. Those surgical masks would not be satisfactory for a newborn child. There is thus a need for a disposable, protective device which can easily be placed on and removed from an infant carrier and protect the infant from germs and, yet, allows for quick removal from the infant carrier and disposal.
Hazmat workers have been provided with germ protective suits and hoods comprising over-the-head gear and a clear plastic window for allowing the wearer to see out and for others to see the wearer's face. However, those suits are very bulky and expensive. Also, the Hazmat suits are meant, clearly, to fit over the torso of the individual and thus need to be somewhat form-fitted to the wearer. Those suits, even if downsized for an infant, would not be practical for use with newborns. There seems a real need for a protective device capable of being easily secured to an infant carrier to protect an infant contained therein from airborne germs. The device should be disposable and thus needs to be inexpensive. It should be capable of being easily placed on the carrier and then removed so that the infant can be removed, as desired for holding, fondling, eating, etc. without contaminating the child with the germs entrapped in the barrier. The device should also be capable of being secured to a variety of differently sized and shaped infant carriers as there are many manufacturers and a one size fits all approach seems to be practical for a barrier manufacturer. Of paramount importance, however, the device needs to be effective in preventing airborne pathogens from coming into contact with the infant and yet allow the infant to breath air normally, all at the same time allowing the infant to be viewed and the infant to see out of the protective device. The present invention accomplishes these objects and others.
Providing such a device will allow the parents of the newborns to be confident about moving the infant outside of the hospital and home without fear of the newborn unnecessarily coming into contact with the germs of others. This will allow the child to safely and conveniently be moved about, even into those environments which are considered risky in so far as the probable presence of unhealthy germs. For example, the parents can take the newborn to the pediatrician's offices for a well-care visit even though the same waiting room is filled with older children, some of which may be sick or even ill with communicable diseases. The device should be inexpensive so that it can be disposed after the visit to the otherwise risky location. The device needs to be lightweight, allow for easy donning on the infant carrier, easy removal, and yet allow for ease of breathing. As mentioned, the device needs to allow the baby to be viewed and the baby to view the world from within the protective cover.
In view of the recommendation of pediatricians to limit newborn exposure to germs (0 to 8 weeks) to prevent infection and risk of complications associated with fever and infections, parents and caregivers use various methods to protect babies when their presence in germ-rich environments is unavoidable. The common use of baby blankets, covers, wraps, and geographical manipulation (moving in the waiting room of the doctors' offices to the farthest corner, away from the other children and their parents and/or waiting in the car outside the office until one's name is called for seeing the pediatrician) are just not always practical. Nor do these methods provide adequate filtration from dangerous germs when the baby is moved into and through the risky environment, i.e., the waiting room. This often leaves caregivers and medical personnel nervous and uncomfortable about the possible germ exposure and resulting risk of infections in such situations. Evidence of this concern can be seen in medical offices (especially pediatrician's offices) where infants and sick children are held in separate waiting rooms, those for the ill and those at the offices for well-care visits. Alternatively, the physicians try to schedule visits of healthy yet newborn children at different times than the sick children. Also, some caregivers actually choose to wait outside medical offices instead of waiting with their newborns inside of traditional waiting rooms. These methods are often impractical and difficult to implement. They are not always effective.
There are, at present, infant carrier covers on the market. However, the present invention is considered a significant and patentable improvement in comparison to the commercially available barriers/protective covers in that the present invention is inexpensive, desirably disposable, made of high efficiency bacteria and germ filtering material, and elastically maintained over and around the carrier. The present invention is intended for single use. Cross contamination will not occur between sick or ill or merely germ-carrying individuals and these otherwise healthy newborns. The present invention provides fewer openings for introduction of germs, is compact, lightweight and can be easily transported. The user-friendly design allows for quick application about the infant carrier and for easy and quick removal for discarding, after use. The viewing window allows for constant visual monitoring and visual interaction with the infant and allows the infant to see the outside world even while being protected from germs.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method to reduce the exposure of infants to germs which seemingly has few if any of the disadvantages of the prior art. It is an improvement over the prior art in that the protective barrier is desirably and preferably made from a high efficiency composite filtering media designed to impede the movement of small particles and germs from one side of the barrier material to the other side. The inexpensive, disposable and lightweight nature of the present invention discourages and minimizes cross contamination in that a new cover/protective barrier will be used in each new germ-rich or risky environment. Prior art and available related devices were made of cotton, plastic, and other materials which have not provided for air passage for ease of breathing and do not provide the combination of breathability, light-weight design and yet germ filtration i.e., preventing the passage of air-borne pathogens and germs.
It is an important aspect of the present invention that the protective barrier for the infant carrier be made of breathable material, allowing for the easy and plentiful passage of air, so that the child can breath normally and the temperature of the environment within which the infant is located when held within the infant carrier is comfortable, and, yet, the mesh of the material, while allowing for air to pass through for comfort, blocks the passage of germs.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,421 to Roh issued in 2000 and shows a protective cover for a baby seat of the infant carrier type. Turning attention to Column 7 of the written specification, line 42+ a protective cover is described as having a canopy 11, a sealing element 24 (which can include an elastic band or a drawstring to seal the canopy about the baby seat (see Column 4, lines 47+), mesh 15 serving as a window, and a hood 20 (see FIGS. 11 and 2d). The mesh is described as insect resistant. There is neither a teaching nor suggestion of having the mesh sufficiently small or tight so as to allow for air passage but block the passage of airborne pathogens or germs. Indeed, in Column 10, lines 57+ the description indicates that an open portion of the side mesh can provide air flow. That is, however, accomplished by uncovering the side of the carrier. Clearly that device is not concerned with a germ barrier. The opaque portion of the layer 41 is described as being durable and washable which is distinct from the present invention which is intended to be lightweight, disposable, and inexpensive. Furthermore, the present invention is substantially breathable i.e., allows for air passage in both directions (except for the clear window). Column 11, lines 6+ of the '421 Patent to Roh also describes that the nylon canopy can be breathable and yet still resist inclement weather, such as rain, sleet and snow. Thus, the Roh patent suggests the mesh being large enough for breathing and yet small enough to prevent rain from passing through. However, there is neither a teaching nor suggestion of a multi-ply or composite material (like a sandwich) barrier, with a stretch/elastic for securing the same to an infant carrier, which is adapted for one-time usage, and allows for breathing and yet prevents air-borne pathogens, germs and dirt from passing therethrough.
U.S. Pat. No 6,056,355 relates to an infant seat cover. It shows an elasticized opening 28 (see FIG. 5) formed with elastic 16. This holds the cover to the baby carrier. As can be seen in the drawings, the centrally located opening 18 on the top of the cover (as opposed to the large opening on the bottom which allows the device to slip over the top and down and over the infant carrier) is covered by a flap 20 which has a smaller opening 22 therein. The opening 22 has a meshed screen material 24 over the opening 22 for air circulation to the infant. Removal of the flap provides full exposure of the baby to the air (see Column 5, lines 48+). Here, again, there is no teaching nor suggestion of any mechanism for blocking germs from gaining access to the entire torso of a baby held in an infant carrier while allowing for air passage for ease of breathing.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,374 issued in 2004 to Kams. It shows another protective cover for a baby carrier but this shield is rigid with openings that are deliberately large to permit air flow while the “cover” (like a baseball cage) shields the child from large projectiles.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,953 issued to Mackay et al. in 2001. It shows a cover for an infant carrier which fully encloses the baby within the carrier. The cover has an opening which is selectively closeable with a flap that can be removed from being secured across the opening. In this manner, according to that inventor, the opening will allow the child to breath easily and see out of the cover while others can see in. The '953 patent indicates that flap 14 can be fleece or another material and could include a transparent window. When the flap is closed the baby is fully protected from cold, wind, precipitation, and the sun. Here, too, there is no mention of making the entire cover disposable, nor mention of use of breathable material which, however has sufficiently small mesh openings to block the passage of germs, bacteria, and pathogens and still providing a window for viewing in and out through the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,505 relates to an infant diaper changing pad which can be folded into a variety of shapes, one of which is a cover for an infant carrier (really a stroller; see FIGS. 5 and 6).
U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,184 relates to a warming cover for a child seat which has a removable window cover 40 to allow for an opening 25.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,791 to Facchini issued in 2002 and shows a child seat cover for protecting the child from the elements of the environment. The covers includes a sheet of material (not apparently further defined) having a hole near the top and allowing a “user” (really an adult or child care attendant) to extend his/her hand therethrough. The opening 13 is adapted to allow a child 21 to see through the hole 12. The elastic band 14 provides for tightly fitting the sheet of material 11 about the car seat/carrier.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,153 to Brewer, issued in 2003, shows an all weather protective cover for infants traveling within an infant carrier. The cover comprises an inner layer and an outer layer and the inner layer forms mesh windows while the outer layer selectively covers the windows. FIGS. 10 and 11 show how the cover can be retracted, in part, to reveal a mesh to allow for air flow into the chamber defined between the infant carrier and the cover. The patent recites that the cover is made from light weight, washable, breathable, non-shear (opaque) water resistant/repellant textile fabric. There is neither a discussion nor suggestion of making the device disposable nor to allow for air passage but not air borne particles to pass therethrough, nor is there a suggestion of providing such a cover with a plastic viewing window. There is no teaching of an inexpensive, disposable, multi-ply or composite material as the germ-protective barrier for a child carrier.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,7790 also to Brewer (issued in 2007) shows another infant carrier cover made from water repellant nylon and in FIG. 4 shows the same cover with another layer of textile material placed on top of the first to form a pocket when attached together at the perimeter. This allows for the selective carrying of diapers.
U.S. Design Patent D 559022 shows a design for an infant carrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a protective barrier for use with an infant carrier. The barrier is preferably made of a three layer or composite of non-woven fabric-like material, preferably in a pleated configuration. The use of pleats is intended to increase the filtering efficiency of the device. The configuration or shape is adapted to easily fit over an infant carrier and, yet, the bottom edge of the barrier device is elasticized to allow for a quick tight fit around the edge of the carrier and, yet, to allow for easy removal of the same, when desired (as when the infant is to be removed from the carrier or after the infant has visited the risky environment). The elastic edge wraps under or is held around the perimeter of the infant carrier and helps seal the cover over the carrier. The elastic also eases the application and removal of the barrier/cover. In an alternate embodiment, one or more resilient rods or battens (forming the barrier into a canopy or billowing it into an arc-like shape (like that used for children's easily collapsible and erectable tents)) are provided into pockets on the inside of the barrier (extending across the barrier from side to side) to ensure that the device when covering the child within the carrier is extended or held above the child and does not cause any discomfort. This will ensure that the barrier not directly come into contact with the baby's face.
The present invention is an inexpensive, disposable, multi-ply barrier which allows for easy air passage therethrough and, yet, the outside and inside plies are of sufficiently tight mesh (like a surgical mask) so as to block the passage of air-borne germs, pathogens or dirt. The device is preferably provided with a viewing window.
The present invention serves to reduce exposure for newborns to germs in potential contaminating environments. The invention, in its preferred embodiment, is made of two separated plies of non-woven, filtering material (preferably 100% water impervious, spunbond polypropylene material) with a middle ply (preferably of 100% meltblown polypropylene filter media). The multiple plies will provide a protective barrier between the infant, housed or seated in the infant carrier, and the surrounding areas. This will reduce the infant's exposure to airborne germs. The protective barrier/cover is provided with a rectangular viewing window (preferably a clear flexible plastic, more preferably vinyl of about 10 mil thickness or polyethylene) which will be “used” by the adult carrying the infant for monitoring and visually interacting with the infant and by the baby to maintain visual contact with the “outside” world. The barrier, even with the viewing window, prevents the undesired introduction of germs into the baby's environment and is still considered inexpensive for disposal after use in a risky environment.
The present invention is preferably comprised of a breathable composite material or fabric (3 layers preferred; outside layers of spunbond polypropylene and the middle layer of meltblown polypropylene). The middle layer has high absorbency, a reasonable wet strength and is a good barrier to microscopic particles. The outside layers are non-woven fabric, they, too, provide good germ filtration properties (while allowing for the passage of air) and provide the composite with sufficient tensile strength needed for such a device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a protective barrier or cover, showing the viewing window;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the invention of the protective barrier or cover for an infant carrier, showing the inwardly recessed, elastic peripheral band, useful for holding the barrier onto and around the edge of an infant carrier; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view of the protective barrier or cover as it is placed onto an infant carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As seen in the Figures, a protective barrier element or infant carrier cover is provided. The protective barrier element 10 is generally rectangularly shaped but can be formed in any suitable shape to fit and cover a transporter or infant carrier. In this embodiment, the protective barrier element 10 has four outside edges 12, 14, 16 and 18 (12 and 14 are the sides and 16 and 18 the top and bottom, respectively) and opposed and rounded corners 20, 22, 24, and 26 (proceeding clockwise from the top left corner) which connect between a side and its adjacent top or bottom. Basically, the protective barrier element is in the shape and structure of a fitted bed sheet or a shower cap in that it also includes a continuous, recessed inwardly from the sides, top and bottom, elastic edge 30 (see FIG. 2). The elastic edge 30 (preferably provided by a sewn in or otherwise secured piece of elastic material) is intended to allow the protective barrier element to be easily and quickly placed over the opening of an infant carrier (see FIG. 3) and tightly and securely hold the same in place. The elastic of the edge 30 should be resilient, flexible and loose enough to allow for ease of application and, yet, tight enough to substantially secure the barrier tightly about the carrier, to prevent substantially all air from gaining access into the interior environment (defined by the inside of the barrier element 10) of the infant carrier by means other than through the material of the barrier. Alternatively, a drawstring (not shown) held within a peripheral or perimeter pocket can be located at edge 30 which will similarly allow the caregiver to place the protective barrier element 10 over the infant carrier IC (See FIG. 3) and then the caregiver can pull and secure the ends of the drawstring to tighten and secure the same. Various other methods of securing the protective barrier to the infant carrier can be employed and are considered within the scope of the present invention.
In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the selvage or extra flap area 50, extending between the perimeter or outside edge 52 and the elastic edge 30 is but a few inches of overlap. In the preferred embodiment, the extra flap area 50 extends inwardly from the outside edge 52 by about a total of about 10 to 30% of the overall width of the protective barrier element. Preferably the extra flap area when the device is lain flat extends inwardly about the perimeter of the barrier to overlap the surface area of the front of the device.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the finished product is made from a three-ply non-woven composite material. The non-woven composite is spunbond, meltblown and spunbond (SMS) polypropylene material. The weight of the composite makes the overall device lightweight, the expense is kept small so that the device is considered one-time use and disposable, and, yet, the device is quite efficient for its intended purpose.
The device is preferably first cut from a rectangular piece of composite material (SMS) polypropylene of 30 inches wide and 42 inches in height. The composite structure can be formed by sewing the sheets together about the edge, by the sewing of the elastic to the edge, or heat bonding, or other means. A window area is cut of about 9 inches in height and 7.5 inches in width. The window is preferably located with its top edge at about 12 inches from the top edge 16 and about 10 inches in from side edges 12 and 14. It is preferably intended that the window be horizontally centered. The finished window's specifications are intended to be about 7.5 inches in width and about 9 inches in height. The window is preferably transparent vinyl of about 10 mil. thickness. That, too, allows the device to be lightweight, flexible, and substantially financially disposable.
The outside dimensions of the finished product are intended to be about 27 inches in width and 39 inches in height. The elastic is preferably sewn or otherwise secured to the inside edge of the structure at about ¼ to ½ inch inwardly from the edge 30 of the product.
The window is preferably transparent, optically clear and thus even high clarity polyethylene film can be used; however, currently vinyl is the preferred material.
The SMS composite or multi-ply is formed by layering polypropylene nonwoven meltblown material within two opposed outside layers of nonwoven spunbond polypropylene material. The composite can be formed from sheets (spunbond polypropylene white preferred) obtained from Superior Felt & Filtration of Ingleside, Ill. (Product Code PPM62083) and sheets of meltblown polypropylene fabric (sold under tradenames Delpore, Delguard, Desorbs meltblown fabrics, for example) also available from Superior Felt & Filtration of Ingleside, Ill. Preferably the middle layer is 20 gsm polypropylene and the outer layers made of 14 gsm polypropylene (weights).
When formed into the composite or sandwich-like construction—spunbond polypropylene, meltblown polypropylene, and spunbond polypropylene—the combined BFE (bacterial filtering efficiency) is thought to be 95% or better. This is believed to be effective at allowing air to easily pass through it for ease of infant breathing and, yet, will serve to prevent the passage of many germs, pathogens, bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, etc. The preferred and identified composite is preferably of a BFE of 95% or better for filtering purposes and allows for a differential pressure equal to or less than 4 (preferably 2). Differential pressure is a measure of the ease of air to pass from one side to the other with the lower the number the easier passage of air.
The composite fabric is capable of absorbing about 10 to 25 times its weight, is incinerable in that it provides only about 0.02% of ash (and thus disposal is relatively eco-friendly) and has energy value of about 14 kwh/kg. The composite has a chemical resistance to degradation; has a reasonable shelf or storage life which ought not to result in rot or suffer mildew, can float and is relatively inexpensive. Air passes easily through it and yet air-borne germs and particles are blocked from passage (Staphylococcus and E. Coli are too big to penetrate the mesh of the composite).
The protective barrier element 10 is easily placed on and removed from the infant carrier IC (see FIG. 3). This is easily accomplished by first placing one corner over one corner of the infant carrier and then placing either an adjacent or an opposed corner over its corresponding corner of the infant carrier IC. In turn all four corners are placed over the comers of the infant carrier and the elastic 30, being resilient, will be initially stretched around and then snap back to hold and secure the barrier 10 directly against (at least there is a non-insignificant degree of direct contact) and over the outside perimeter of the infant carrier. Alternatively, i.e., in an alternate embodiment, the caregiver will pull a drawstring and secure the same (by knotting or a mechanism for holding the drawstring, as are available in connection with laundry bags) tightly such that the barrier 10 is secured over and around the infant carrier IC.
A viewing window 40 is provided to the protective barrier element. The viewing window is optically clear, transparent, and preferably plastic (even more preferably made from venyl although polyethylene can be used, too) and thus does not allow for air or germs to pass through and, yet, it allows for the caregivers to monitor and visually interact with the infant and the infant to see out of and through the protective barrier element. The viewing window is preferably sewn into and covers an opening of the fabric composite, is horizontally centered and preferably is located more towards the top of the barrier than the bottom. The window is of preferred rectangular shape (with slightly curved comers) although other shapes can be employed. Its added expense is not significant and allows the device to be considered one-time-use and disposable.
Thus the protective barrier element is comprised of three basic elements: the body of the cover made from a composite of preferably polypropylene, spunbond, meltblown and spunbond; the viewing window of vinyl; and the elastic band (preferably ¼ inch width) means of attachment. A long piece of thin rubber, like an elongated rubber band can be employed as the elastic if secured to the inside edge of the device. The device is preferably manufactured by attaching all layers via a heat seal, a sealed stitch, or other securing means or a combination thereof. All attachments and connections will be secure and completed in such a way that the integrity of the fabric and plastic window, as well as the elastic are held in place, while minimizing holes and/or exposure between layers and components.
Preferably, the body of the cover is made of three layers of non-woven filtering media, which increases the overall Bacterial Filtration Equivalent (BFE). The non-woven material can be pleated to further increase the BFE without decreasing breathability. This composite material is flexible enough and constructed to fit over substantially all standard infant carriers. The amount of material is provided so that the barrier fits over the top, concave cavity or opening of the infant carrier yet with some distance between it and the infant in the infant carrier. Although not preferred, the amount of material used can allow it, when placed over the Infant Carrier IC, to even extend and thus hang over the carrier's handles providing a draping effect. Using this configuration, the baby/infant benefits from all of the filtering aspects of the device as a face mask and, yet, no portion of the device will come into direct contact with the skin of the infant nor are any materials secured too closely to the infant's face.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the outside layer is provided with one or more width-wise extending pockets or battens which are adapted to selectively hold flexible, arc-shaped rods to provide the device with a positive displacement up and above the infant carrier. The use of the battens and the rods is similar to that employed in connection with canopies on infant strollers and also has had use in connection with easily collapsible and erectable thin sheet/nylon fabric, child-friendly tents. The use of the battens or pockets and the short rods will bow the barrier outwardly away from the infant's face. These rods can be inexpensively made of resilient plastic and thus disposable or they can be slid into and out of the pockets and reusable.
The outer layer and innermost layer of the protective barrier element 10 are preferably made of 100% spunbond polypropylene which is a versatile fabric. It is substantially moisture resistant, and will help to resist/repel moisture droplets naturally found in the air and generated from the hand of the adult carrying the carrier. That layer of material is very light weight, flexible for folding and transporting in a small volume, and durable. Spunbond polypropylene is difficult to accidentally puncture during normal wear and tear and is light enough to not add too much weight relative to the infant carrier and the infant. Since the material is made of 100% polypropylene with no fillers or added ingredients, it is not harmful to the environment and when discarded after use, it is easily recycled.
The middle layer of the three layer composite material for the protective barrier element 10 is preferably made of 100% meltblown polypropylene, which is often used as the filtering layer in surgical face masks. This non-woven material provides added filtration capability and moisture absorbency. It is thin, lightweight, and difficult to puncture with normal wear and tear. It is free of additives and is therefore also an environmentally-friendly material.
Sturdy elastic is preferably attached to the inside edge of the device (See FIG. 2). The elastic being inherently resilient is intended to allow for a snug fit of the protective barrier element 10 to many infant carriers. The elastic ensures that there are minimal if any air gaps between the infant carrier and the protective barrier element when the device is placed over the carrier, even with an infant or newborn placed within the carrier. The use of elastic will ensure a proper fit, which will aid in limiting unintended direct exposure to the air and therefore reduce contact with the airborne germs of the outside environment.
Preferably, the viewing window is made of clear, flexible material, preferably vinyl of about 10 mil thickness. It does not allow for air to pass therethrough (hence its small relative size) and, yet, of course, it is a window and thus allows for light to pass through it. The plastic viewing window is attached to the fabric via the use of a non-toxic glue or suitable adhesive or sewing procedure. It can be sealed, heat sealed or stitched, too.
In use, a child is placed into the infant carrier. When the child is to be transported into a potentially contaminating or perceived risky (from a contaminants or germ perspective) environment and the caregiver wants to take advantage of the protective aspects of the present invention, he/she will then place the protective barrier element over the infant carrier with the child therein. The elastic will allow the caregiver to quickly and easily place the protective barrier element over the infant within the infant carrier. When properly placed, the viewing window will basically align and be superimposed over the head and eyes of the infant held within the carrier. The handle of the infant carrier is conventionally capable of assuming two positions, one where the handle forms a back-supporting leg to hold the carrier on a flat surface (the child being held in a recliner-like seat) and the other where the handle swings into a position over and above the infant so that the caregiver can use the handle of the carrier as a transporting handle, i.e., the caregiver holds it at its center and can easily carry infant carrier and infant, laying or sitting in the carrier, from location to location—the carrier being a mini-cradle. According to the invention, the protective barrier element is large enough to extend fully over the shell of the carrier. In an alternate embodiment the carrier can even extend above the handle when the handle is in its above-the-carrier (serving as a handle) position. Alternatively, of course, the user can simply drape the barrier element below the handle and thus the handle can swing from one position to the other without difficulty. In this configuration, however, it may be desirable, to keep the barrier away from the face of the child, for one or more of the discussed battens and flexible, arc shaped rods to be employed. This provides the device with an outwardly bowed or convex configuration (the latter as seen by the caregiver) and thus the window and the barrier are positively separated from the baby's face.
In the preferred embodiment, the barrier rests above the infant in the infant carrier but is not so bulky as to extend over the handle. However, in an alternate embodiment, the barrier extends above the handle. The tension of the elastic of the protective barrier element can be adjusted either by the manufacturer to size the same for a particular model or make of infant carrier or the elastic can be sufficient so that the device accommodates different size and shape infant carriers. Also, a mechanism can be provided to the consumer to adjust the resiliency of the elastic so that it is basically flat and snug against the outside and bottom of the carrier. If there is extra material, it is then pulled upwardly and adjusted so that it is bunched below or near the handle, allowing for a secure grip around the excess fabric (if provided) which is now near the handle. Of course, the preferred embodiment has the right amount of material, no more no less, for enveloping the opening of the infant carrier, with no excess to be bunched up and yet enough material to keep the same away from the child's face. With the child within the infant carrier and the protective barrier element protecting the child, the carrier, infant and protective barrier element can be carried into the potentially contaminating or risky environment. Once the visit to that environment is completed, the caregiver can simply and quickly remove the protective barrier element and it can be disposed of in a proper receptacle. The present invention is intended to be used short term, is inexpensive, and thus intended to be disposable from environment to environment.
With respect to the materials, construction, and dimensions, the above described device is that of the preferred embodiment. However, it should be appreciated that the optimum dimensions, weight, BFE of materials, construction, etc. can vary as required for costs, durability, function, disposability, etc. Those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that there are many changes which can be implemented beyond those described herein which, nevertheless, still fall within the scope of the invention.
The above description of the preferred embodiments and the device illustrated in the Figures is meant to be illustrative only of the principles of the invention and its construction, manufacture, use and disposal. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those of skill in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to that described herein nor to the exact construction and materials, dimensions, etc., it should clearly be understood that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims of the invention as interpreted by the Courts.

Claims

1. A protective barrier element for an infant carrier comprising:

a) an infant carrier cover comprised of substantially germ-impervious, non-woven material which allows for air passage therethrough;

b) a viewing window; and

c) a holding mechanism for selectively and resiliently securing said cover to an infant carrier to substantially provide a sealed environment for an infant carried by said infant carrier.

2. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding mechanism is elastic, secured proximal to the edge of said cover.

3. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover is made of a three layered composite of nonwoven material formed of polypropylene.

4. A protective element as claimed in claim 3 wherein the top and bottom layer of said composite is spunbond polypropylene.

5. A protective layer as claimed in claim 3 wherein the middle layer of said composite is meltblown polypropylene.

6. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said viewing window is vinyl.

7. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover is provided with an inwardly extending overlap of material in comparison to the perimeter edge.

8. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover is provided with sufficient material to allow said cover to extend around the edge of an infant carrier and over the carrying handle thereof.

9. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said viewing window is horizontally centered and configured closer to the top of said cover than the bottom.

10. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said non-woven material provides a BFE of no less than about 95%.

11. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said holding mechanism is a drawstring secured in a perimeter pocket and provided with a tightening mechanism which allows for tightening of the element around an infant carrier and selective loosening for removal.

12. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 further comprising one or more battens and corresponding rods held in said batten(s) for providing a bowed-out configuration to said barrier element when the same is provided over an infant carrier.

13. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said substantially germ-impervious, non-woven material comprises a sandwich-like composite of spunbond, meltblown, and spunbond polypropylene material with a BFE of no less than about 95%.

14. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 13 wherein the composite has a differential pressure of no more than about 4.

15. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said non-woven material has a differential pressure on no more than about 4.

16. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said non-woven material has a differential pressure of about 2.

17. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 15 wherein said non-woven material has a BFE of about 95%.

18. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 16 wherein said non-woven material has a BFE of about 95%.

19. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 12 wherein said batten(s) extend across the width of said material.

20. A protective barrier element as claimed in claim 12 wherein said rods are removable from said battens.