CA2244146A1 - Protective cover for baby seats - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention describes a protective cover (10) that can be interchanged among a variety of baby seats. It includes a canopy (11) and a sealing element (22) that can interchangeably and flexibly seal around a variety of baby seats. It may also contain a removable hood (20) that may shield a portion of an insect-resistant mesh (15) so that a side mesh (15b) remains open for air and viewing of the occupant under the protective cover (10). Furthermore, the hood (20) may be attached at an approximate midpoint (26) of the canopy (11) to allow versatility in deploying the hood in a rearward direction and fastening the hood with attachment element (38). Likewise, the hood (20) may be folded in a forward direction and attached with attachment element (38) to a forward contour of a baby seat. The protective cover may include a protective foot shield (14) located under the hood (20) that may protect, for instance, feet of an occupant from a stinger or biting proboscis of a flying insect when the feet may touch the inside surfaces of the cover. Another feature of the present invention may include the ability of the present invention to be folded to a reduced state for easy storage and held in the reduced state by an integral restraining element which could be the hood (20). Another feature could be an inclement weather filtering configuration of mesh that could be located on the side to filter light, for instance, to a reduced level for the occupant's comfort.

Description

W O 97/27788 PCTrUS96/15553 - PROllECll~E CO~ER FO R BABY SEATS

L llECH NICAL FIELD

This invention relates to accessories for baby seats. More specifically, it relates to a protective cover for babv seats.

Babies are routinely ~ u, Led from one lor~ti- n to another in baby seats. Vehicle seats, generically referred to as car seats. are used to protect babies while ridin_ in automobiles. Iarge and small trucks. recrea~ional vehicles, and aircraft, and other such transportation devices.
1~
Babies are placed in ~ o...,.l;c swings and gliders for ~ n and tllLc.li.;....l ..l Sw ngs di~er from gliders in that swings traverse an arc while gliders Ll~v~e a level plane. Seats used with automatic swings and gliders are similar to vehicle and baby seats.

Towels and blankets are often placed over a baby or vehicle seat to protect the o~cl-p~t from ~lPm~mc such as sun, rain, and snow. This practice is comrnon when babies are hand-ca~.~ied out-of-doors while seated in a ca~.~ier. Covering a seated baby with a towel or blanlcet may reduce the baby s ventilation, visibility, and comfort. Many baby seats now offer as standard equipm~nt or as an option a half domed sun shade that provides protection from the sun.
Child care product suppliers have addressed the need for sun shades for many years. More recentlv, U.S. patent 5,301.999 to Thon~ on and Thompson ~1994) addresses protection against sun for a baby car seat; however, the Thompsons' patented apparatus may be considered impractical and consists of a complex support structure that positions a sun shade between the sun and the babv. In a moving vehicle the Tho.llpsons' appa.a~ls may need continuous adjustment to keep the sun shade positioned between the seated baby and the sun. U.S. patent 4,997,231 to Smith (1991) t1iccloses a sl-nch~de appal~L.ls that may require a seat e.luil.~,ed with a U-shaped handle. However, the Smith patent appears to only addresses sun protection, and W O 97/27788 PCTrUS96/lr~553 .

- when inct~lled on the seat, the s~-nch~Ae partially blocks the grip area of the handle. Partial blocking of the handle does not appear to allow for the snnch~n7e~s use on several type handle equipped autc m~tic swing and glider seats. Several m~n~lf~ctllrers seat and carrier designs allow the handle to be folded below the seat to vary the seat's angle relative to a supporting surface.
When a handle is used below the seat, a handle ~tt~rhmPnt of a s7~lnch~rle or cover is not convenient. U.S. Patent 4,947,883 to Mayo (1990) ~lic-lOsPc a 5--nch~flP apparatus that addresses protection agsinst sun for a seated baby by providing a wrap around channel of photochromic material mollnted between the baby and the sun. The Mayo ap?aldl~ls appears complex, bulky, and seems to address only sun p,-)tecLion.

While many present day configurations have ~mph~ci7ed the shading from the sun, few have apyiecia~ed the overail need to shield from ;~ weatherwhile allowing airflow through side mesh vents. Fu. ILt;ln~ol e, by providing side mesh vents, increased visibility of the occupant is enh~n~e~ Prior to the present invention, no invention appears to have col~bil~ed the overall 15 protection from incl~nlPnt weather while providing side v~ntii~tion. Furthermore, prior to the present invention, no solution offered a sperifir~lly Pnh~nre~ foot shield to shield the feet of an occ~lp~nt from biting or stinging insects. Appa~ ly, it has not been conc;~i~red that the feet of a typical occ~p ~nt touch the inside surface of the cover such that a proboscis of a mosquito or other insects could be inserted through the cover to actually sting or bite the oc(~ur~nt 20 Furthermore, until the present invention, it was simply not considered that the locuion for the ofthe hood could actually ~h~l~ce the versatility ofthe protective cover. Also, prior to the present invention, it was not considered that the portability and ffexibility of the protective cover could be co"~ d within an integral I e~LI~ll..P, element such that the user of the protective cover could carry the cover in a variety of positions and places. While the elPmPntc and the 75 m~t~ lc have long been available and certainly the long felt nnc~ticfi~(~ need existed, appa~

the various features have simply not been appl ~ci~ed. Those skilled in the art have al~pl e-iiated that the problem existed. but simply directed their efforts away from the focuses of the present invention. While they made substantial attempts. in attempting to fi.llfill the need, they failed to understand the various intricate problems and particularly with combinin the features into the ,0 particular invention. As r~icc~csed above, many of the protective covers taught away from the direction of the present invention in that they focused on avoiding direct sunlight via shades or _ providing a cover that essPnti~liy duplicated the function of the typical towel that is draped over a seat.

Thus, until the present invention, there renn~ined a need for a collapsible, reducible state 5 protective cover that could be interchangeably affixed to various ~aby seats that could provide coverage in inclement weather as well as adeq--~fe ventilation even while the inclemçnt weather hood covered the protective cover. Likewise, there existed a need for a versatile hood that could be removably ~ ched in a variety of positions and included a protective foot shield that would protect an ocçllr~nt from stings that could occur through a mesh where parts of the body touched 10 the mesh.

m. DISCLOSURE OF TElE INVI~NTION

Thus, the present invention fulfills a long felt but lm.c~ti~fied need in protecting infants and 15 small children in baby seats. It generally provides a weather cover to transport the baby in sun, rain, snow, wind, and other inclement weather conditions and yet may provide a well v~ d way to transport the baby. Touching by pets and strangers is discouraged when using it while sllo~ ing or outdoors. It may include a fine weave mesh that keeps out even small flying insects.
Furthermore, it may fold into itself for easy storage, may install in seconds over baby seat, arld 20 may be universally configured to be used on a wide variety of shapes and sizes of baby seats such as car seats, carriers, swings, bouncers, and so forth. Additionally, in some seats used in vehicles, many m~mlf~hlrers recommend lowering a seat handle. Thus, a handle might be unavailable to support the protective cover. This invention in a preferred embodiment supplies a self-supporting cover. Furthermore, in the pl~rt;-l~d embodiment, it typically does not i"le.refe with many vehicle 25 restraints in~lllded in vehicles.

One aspect of the present invention is that it provides for a side venting enclosure such that the ventilation continues while an ;""~ r~ ll weather hood is in place to protect the baby from the inclement weather. Another advantage of the side vented window is while the infant is 3 0 protected, the infant still may be viewed and thus give a peace of mind to the mother or other care taker ofthe baby or other occupant that could typically be situated in these type of seats. Because W O 97/27788 PCT~US96115553 of this versatility, the protective cover may be used outside such as with a swing where insects might bite or sting the infant, and yet the infant might see outside the cover and more likely enjoy the time in the cover. Compared to the general state of art prior to this invention, the occupant was covered with a opaque cover so that the occupant could not see outside.
Another advantage ofthe present invention is that it provides a hood that may be ~tt~hed to approximately the midpoint of the canopy so that the hood may be retained in an unhooded direction thus opening the screen for viewing, and with the same hood, be easily retained in a forward direction to protect the baby from incl~ment weather.
Another major aspect of the present invention is to provide a protective foot shield that resists the entry of an insect, such as a mosquito proboscis or stinging insect. This is an advantage over other inventions in that the baby still may be viewed from the outside through the mesh or screen, and yet be protected where its feet might touch the cover and thus the insect proboscis 15 could otherw se protrude through the mesh.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is able to be retained in a reduced state through an integral le~LIai~ g element for easy portability such as pl~cto.m.ont in ~ac ~p~
purses, grocery shopping carts, and so forth.
Accordingly, several obJects and advantages ofthe present protective cover invention are:
a) to provide a cover that surrounds a seated occupant with a dome-shaped enclosure;
b) to provide a cover that offers a seated occupant significant protec~ion from primarily flying insects, c) to provide a cover that provides a seated occupant shade from the sun;
d) to provide a cover that incorporates an inclement weather feature for plo~ecLil~
a seated occupant from co~ ioll~ such as cold, rain, wind, and snow while a seatis being carried out-of-doors;
3 0 e) to provide a cover that affords protection for a seated occupant from lightweight, windblown debris, such as leaves and seed pods.

CA 02244l46 l998-07-23 W O 97/27788 PCTrUS96/15553 fJ to provide a cover that discourages unauthorized h~nrllin~ or touching of a seated occupant by passersby or animals when a baby seat is temporarily lln~tt~n-~ed bya guardian;
g) to provide a cover that offers a seated occupant a degree of protection against disease-causing saliva aerosol when someone sneezes or coughs outside of the cover's protective environment;
h) to provide a cover that is well-v~ntil~te~, i) to provide a cover that does not applc~,iably ~ttrnll~te or distort sound;j) to provide a cover that allows good visibility for both a seated occupant and guardian;
k) to provide a cover that fits most baby seats inçlu~ling baby carriers, vehicle seats, and automatic swing or glider seats;
I) to provide a cover that installs and removes quickly and easily;
m) to provide a cover that is lightweight, attractive, and compact when stowed;
n) to provide a cover that is adaptable for use in cold, moderate, and tropical rlim~tes.

One goal of the invention is to provide a protective cover for a baby seat holding an 20 c!r,cl~r~nt that inrhld~oc an enclosing canopy where the ~nr~ in~ canopy inrllld~o$ at least a portion of some insect resistant mesh, a sealing element to seal the canopy around the baby seat with a supporting element ~ rhed to the canopy and a hood that may be ~tt~rht?d to the canopy in the vicinity of a midpoint of the canopy with an att~rhmrnt element that retains the hood in an unhooded le~uw,ud direction away from the insect ~~si~La--L mesh. When the hood is being used, 25 the ~tt~chm~nt element may retain it in a partially hooded r~., ward direction over the mesh. One object ofthis goal is to provide at least two canopy sections where a supporting element may be located in the vicinity of the juncture between the canopy sections. The canopy sections may be - located in the vicinity of the middle of a longit~l-1in~1 direction of a canopy. Furthermore, the hood may originate along a length of the supporting element to establish a hood base width. This 30 base width, if less than the length of the supporting element, may provide an unhooded portion ofthe insect resistant mesh when the hood is in use and ovc;,lapping the rrm~in-ler ofthe mesh.

W O 97/27788 PCTrUS96/lS5S3 If the cover generaJly is flexible, it may be colnpl e~,~,ed into a reduced state. Thus, one object of the goal would be to provide an integral lC;~7tl~illg element that typically could be attached to the cover so that when the cover is in a reduced state it retains it into the reduced state. Another aspect of this goal would be to provide a supporting element that is resilient and may also be 5 folded to a reduced state so that when the integral, e~7~l~ining element overlaps the cover, it also overlaps the supporting element in the reduced state. Another object of this goal is to provide a cover that may be retained in a substantially planer configuration when it is not in use for easy storage. Another object may be to provide an insect resistant mesh that is a fine weave, resistant to even small insects. A mesh of this style provides a very fine weave that even small flying l0 insects have difficulty penetrating.

Another goal of the present invention is to provide a protective cover for a baby seat holding an occ~ nt that includes a flexible supported canopy with a top, a sealing ~ m~nt, a top mesh, a side mesh, and a side venting hood. The sealing element may seal the canopy around the 15 baby seat so that flying insects would have difficulty penetrating the seal. Small crawling insects, however,-such as ants, could penet}ate the seal. This protective cover may include a top mesh to resist insects ~tt~ched to the canopy on the top. By ~ çh~, the mesh may be sewn to the canopy (and in a more general sense, the prolecti~/e cover), bonded to the canopy, integral to the canopy, or any other ~ qchm~nt means known to those in the art. Generally, the top mesh may 20 be located so that others outside the canopy may view the occ lp~nt under the canopy. A side mesh may also be included in the protective cover to likewise resist the entry of flying insects.
It may be ~tt~rllPd to one of the sides or all of the sides. It may be integral to the top mesh or it may be physically separated from the top mesh. By the term side mesh, it is meant to include a portion of the canopy that is more vertical than ho,iGol.tal. Another part of the canopy may 25 include a side venting flexible hood that would cover the top mesh to protect from inr.l~ml?nt weather, but leave a l~?.n~ g portion of the side mesh open generally for ventilation and viewing. One object of this goal is to provide a flexible hood that may terminate at an a~plu~..aLe boundary, im~gin~ry or real, between the top mesh and side mesh. Another object ofthis goal is to provide a supported canopy that is supported by a SL~ppO~ Li~-g baby seat element.
3 0 A further object is to provide a supporting element that provides a supporting length having end points, such that a hood may nrigin~tf~ along the sul)l)u, ~illg length to establish a base hood width.

CA 02244l46 l998-07-23 W O 97/27788 PCT~US96/15~S3 In one embodiment, the base hood width may be }ess than the supporting length so that a hood in use may leave an unhooded portion of the side mesh. Another object of this goal is to provide a hood with a base which is aligned transversely with respect to a long ~lim~n~ion of the cover.
Likewise, the hood could be aligned lon~it~l-lin~lly with respect to the long dim~n~ion Another 5 object ofthis goal is to provide a self-venting flexible hood ~tt~h~d to the canopy in the vicinity ofthe mirlroint ofthe canopy. Likewise, another object is to provide a foot shield to protect the feet of the occ~lp~nt Another object is to provide a hood having two sections that may each independently be deployed to cover at least a portion of the mesh. Another object of this goal is to provide a hood that provides a plurality of layers. The layers could include, for in.ct~nc~, a 10 translucent layer and an opaque layer. Another object is that the supported flexi~le canopy insllldes at least one supporting member which could be resilient.

Another goal of the present invention is to provide a protective foot shield in a plo~e(i~ e cover. This embodiment could inc}ude a supported canopy with a top inside, a sealing element 15 to seal the canopy around the baby seat, an insect ~ L~ mesh att~ch~d to the canopy, and a protective foot shield located at least on a portion of the top and sides of the canopy, and a terminus point. The terminus point would affect the length of the protective foot shield so that it would cover the feet touching the canopy and terminate the foot shield in an app-,,p,idt~
~oc~tion to cover the feet. One object ofthis goal is to include an insect resistant mesh that would 20 include at least a portion of one of the sides of the cover. A hood could be provided that could surround the whole of the insect resistant mesh or a portion of it by leaving open one of the sides of mesh, as an example. Another object of this goal would be to allow air flow into the canopy even if the hood covered a significant portion of the ;nsect ~ anl mesh through, for hlsLallce, a venting side mesh.
A further goal of the present invention is to provide an integral l~Lldining element to restrain the cover in a folded, reduced state when the cover was not being used as a protective - cover over an occ. ~p~nt This embodiment may provide a flexible canopy with a top and at least one side, a sealing element to seal the canopy around the baby seat, an insect resistant mesh ~ 30 ~tt~.h~d to a canopy, and an integral re~L,~Iillg element that may restrain the cover in the folded, reduced state. Likewise, one object of this goal may be to provide a protective foot shield to W O 97127788 PCT~US96/lS553 protect the feet of the occupant. If the flexible canopy were supported, it could be provided with a supporting resilient element that could likewise be folded to the reduced state such that the integral lesLI~inillg element would restrain it as well. Another object of this goal would be to provide an insect resistant mesh on at least one side of the canopy in a position so that a flexible hood might not hood at least a portion of the mesh on the side. Another object could be to provide a hood that is att~h.?d in the vicinity of the ~ ~oi,.~ of the canopy. Still, a further object could be to provide an integral hood to fim~tion partly as an integral l~s~l~h~lg element such that the protective cover could be restrained within the reduced state using the integral hood.
Alternatively, another object could be to provide an integral pocket to function partly as an integral ,e~L,~ g element such that the cover could be ,~L-~i"ed in the integral pocket in the reduced state. A f~rther goal could be to provide at least one securing element such as snaps or hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro~, to secure the integral, ~ i"".g f~l~mf~nt Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification and claims.

IV. BRIEF DESCR~TION OF THE DRAWINGS

Flgure I is a perspective of the general aspects of the present invention showillg a hood in a partial covering mode with at least a portion of a side mesh still exposed and the hood attached approximately in the middle of the protective cover.
Figure 2 shows the hood in a leL.~;Led rearward direction with the mesh fully exposed and cont~in~ more details showing the goals of the present invention.
Figure 2a shows a separate view of the hood.
Figure 2b shows, from an inside perspective, portions of various components of the present invention, incl~lrling a hood ~tt~rhed in the vicinity of a supporting member ~ cPnt to a section of mesh.
Figure 2c shows one embodiment of an ~ttz~chm~.nt means, which can include an elastic band or draw string.
Figure 2d shows a hood ~tt~ched in a longit~lrlin~l orientation.

CA 02244l46 l998-07-23 .
Figure 2e shows a hood ~tt~r~çd leal W~ 1 of a supporting member and intersecting the supporting member along a line of sight to establish an intersection length.
Figure 2f shows the hood ~tt~eh~d f~l w~rd of the supporting member, yet intersecting along a line of sight to establish an intersection length.
S Figure 2g shows an ~hton~te embodiment ofthe hood with a plurality of layers for various purposes inclu~ing a tr~n~ cent and opaque layer; it also shows an integral poclcet for storage ofthe pr~Le.ilive cover in a reduced state when the cover is not in use as a protective cover over the occupant.
Figure 2h shows a window in a hood that may o~er additional protection over the hood embodiment shown in Figure 2a.
Fig~re 2i shows a side elevation view of a portion of side mesh shown in Figure 2 att~.hed to a section of top mesh shown in Figure 2 and a portion of mesh used in a window in Figure 2h.
Figure 2i shows a cut away view of one embodiment of a possible relationship between a side striped mesh shown in Figure 2 overlapped by a window striped mesh shown in Figure 2h.
Figure 2k shows a cross-sectional assembly view of Figure I combined with Figures 2h and Figure 2i in~ ding a side striped mesh in Figure 2 overlapped by a window striped mesh in Figure 2h when a cover is init~ d on a seat and a hood is deployed over the rOI w~ld portion of the cover.
Figure 3a-c illustrate typical types of seats used such as vehicle, carrier, swing, or glider seats which the present invention may fit in an illLel~ gP~ble manner.
Figure 4 shows how the present invention may work independently of an ~tt~ ed handle found on a typical baby seat.
Figure S shows an alternate embodiment for entert~inm~nt purposes of the presentinvention.
Figure ~ shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention with a larger mesh section eYt~n~ling to the outer periphery of the protective cover.
Figure 7 shows another alternate embodiment of the present invention with a reduced - mesh section and I eal W~l ~;1 side viewing window.
Figure 8 shows a cross-section of a canopy of an in~ul~ted covered embodiment.
Figure 9 shows an integral restraining element surrounding the protective cover in a reduced state and secured by a securing element.

CA 02244l46 l998-07-23 Figure 10 shows an embodiment using a supporting baby seat element from a baby seat to support a protective cover.
Figure 11 shows another embodiment ofthe present invention showing a partially hooded protective cover embodiment.
Figure 11 a shows a protective cover canying element used to carry and conveniently place the cover when not in use.
Figure 12 shows an embodiment that covers the mesh for generally more severe inclement weather.
Figure 13 shows another embodiment that is a supported cover using a cover ~ chm~nt support to secure the cover to a supporting baby seat elçm~nt such as an ~tt~ched handle.

V. BEST MODE FOR CARRY~NG O~T TE~E INVENTION

As can be easily understood, the basic concep~ of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both methr rlc and devices to accomplish the apl)l u~lia~e method.
In this application, the methods are disclosed as part of the resu~ts shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps that are illhel~nl to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utili7in~ the devices as inten~ed and described. In addition, while some devices are rlose~l~ it would be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in many ways. Importantly, as to the roregoillg, all these facets should be understood to be encomra~sed by this disclosure.

As mentioned earlier, the present invention inrllldes a variety of coll-pol elll~ that may be used in dirre~ combinations, depending on the application that needs to be addressed. The invention is designed primarily to take advantage of a unique protective cover a~l)a~ s and method of protecting occ~ of baby seats and combine and modify it as needed for a variety of shapes, sizes, and orientations, as will be explained in more detail as the figures are described.
This invention is inten~led to encompass a wide variety of uses in the goals and objects of the pl.,le~lil.g cover. Elomrnt~ functions, and procedures that ~ ting7li~h the present invention will be noted where appropriate.

W O 97/27788 PCTrJS96/15553 As broadly shown in Figure 1, the protective cover (10) shown and described as the present invention may be a composite ofthe canopy (11), sealing elemen~ (24), mesh (15), and sometimes the hood (20) and supporting element (22), spe~tfif~lly shown in Figure 2. The protective cover (10) may be suited for cold weather where the canopy (11) may have an 5 in~ ti~n layer in the cover and offer, perhaps, less screen mesh for exposure. Al~ aLivt;ly, the protective cover (10) may be less insulative and more open col~lh;l~ g more mesh in warm weather. It is int~n~e(~ to be interchangeable between a wide variety of seats. It is also in~?n~1ed to discourage touching ~om strangers or pets by an enclosing protective cover.

Its interchangeability is seen for in~t~nr.e in Figures 3a-c. In Figure 3a, a typical non-handle equipped baby seat is shown for infants and is basically a turtle shell-like basket having an open top perimeter with cllchions Figure 3b illustrates a typical infant th~ough toddler seat which has a slightly larger head at the top and may sit more upright when installed in a vehicle. In Figure 3 c, the seat is similar to Figure 3 a with the exception of the handle (3 1 ) which pivots about a 15 pivot point (34) and is found on many seats for carrying the baby seat. The terrn "baby seat" as used herein is inten-ied to include those shown in Figures 3a-c as well as a wide variety of various seats such as car seats, vehicle seats, baby seats, glider seats, automatic swing seats, and so forth enComr~s1n~ any suitable seat which may be a place where babies and infants or even toddlers (generally referred to as occup~ntc) may be placed.
Figure 2 shows the invention in more detail. In that figure, the hood (20) is folded back in an unhooded manner. The insect resistant mesh (15) may include at least two parts. The first part is a top mesh (15a). The top mesh (1 5a) may be located on the top (1 la). The top (1 la) is generally a more ho-i~o"lal or lateral surface conlpa-c~d to the side (1 lb). An advantage ofthe 25 mesh of side (1 lb) may be a low sun angle such that the occ ~p~nt is not exposed to intense sun rays from a top angle that could more directly affect the top mesh. The canopy (11) generally may consist of the majority of fabric or material (flexible or non-flexible) used to create the present invention other than the insect resistant mesh (15). A first enclosing canopy section (12) may be ~tt~ch~d to a second enclosing canopy section (13). Located between the first enclosing 30 canopy section and second enclosing canopy section may be the supporting element (22) to support the enclosing canopy (1 1). Surrounding the canopy (11~ may be a sealing element (24).

W O 97/27788 PCTrUS96tl5553 The sealing element (24) is shown in more detail in Figure 2c. The sealing element (24) may be an elastic band enclosed in the canopy (11) or it may be a simple dl~w~Llil-g or other applu~,liale sealing element to seal the canopy. The first enclosing canopy section (12) and second ~nr,losin~
canopy section (13) may join in the vicinity of a midpoint of the canopy (26). Also, at this location, the supporting element (22) may be used. The supporting element (22) has a length.
I.lL~ e-;Lil~g that length may be a hood (20) which may have a base hood width (23) that may be less than the length of the supporting element (22). An advantage of this embodiment is that when the hood (20) is deployed in a r.,l Wdl d direction to cover the top mesh ( 1 5a), then the side mesh (15b) remains open to air flow inside. The side mesh (15b) also allows side viewing ofthe 10 occupant from outside the plote~ e cover. Yet, the cover still assists in protecting the occupant from inclement weather such as snow, rain, or the heat ofthe sun from slmlight, or other bright light.

Additionally, the hood may terminate at an app-..x;.-.~te boundary (27) between the top 15 mesh and side mesh, as shown in Figure 2. The a~ l .,~maLe boundary may be defined as a line sepalalillg the pl~l~ily ho. ;~J~ top portion from the primarily vertical side section. Thus, the top portion would primarily be a horizontal section from one side of the cover to the other as shown by the top (1 la), while the side section could primarily be the vertical section shown as side (1 Ib). The cover may have a length from front to back as shown by long ~im~nc ion (1 lc).

In the vicinity of a midpoint of the long dimension (1 lc), the hood (20) may be ~ttaçhed to the cover. The term "vicinity" as used herein is intended to mean that the location could vary by a few inches so that, as in this case, the hood could still be used in a l eal ward direction and in 25 a forward direction. While this ~imPn~ion could vary a few inches, it would typically be less than a one foot variance. An att~çhment element (38) of the hood (20) may be used to restrain the hood in place in a rearward direction, as shown in Figure 2, and likewise in a rc,l wal-l direction, as shown in Figure 1. The attat hm~nt element could be an elastic band or dl~w~llh~g~ or other approp,ia~e le~Ll~inillg element similar to sealing element (24).

CA 02244146 1998-07-23 P C T ~ S 9 6 / 1 5 ~ ~ 3 IPEA/~lS O 8 SEP 1997 Also shown in Figure 2 is a protective foot shield (14). The protective foot shield may terminate at a terminus point (19). One useful attribute ofthe foot shield (14) is that it may be made from a material that would reduce the proboscis penetration of flying insects such as mosquitos or the stinger penetration of bees, and so forth. For in~t~nce, mosquitos have a long S proboscis that may be inserted through even a fine mesh. While the mesh may resist the penetration of the flying insect itself, the mesh perhaps might not resist the proboscis penetration or stinger penetration of the fiying insect (a harmful portion of anatomy of an insect). An occupant under the protective cover (10) might have its feet, hands, or some e~ ly touching the mesh. Thus, the proboscis of a mosquito might penetrate to still draw blood or the stinger of 10 a bee might penc l,~te to sting. The p,vtevli~te foot shield could be made of d~ "~ material than mesh to reduce this penetration. Lilcewise, the concept could be equally applicable to other stinging insects or even mandibles of other insects. Because the protective foot shield (14) may ~, t~ . m;l~Ale at the ~e~ .. \;. " ~ point (19), the feet of the occup~nt could be protected. Yet the rest of the oc~.p~nt's body, that typically might not touch the actual cover material, might not need the pn~l~L~e foot shield and only need the insect resistant mesh (15). Obviously, variations ofthe shape, size, and length ofthe mesh are available commens--rate with the objects and the goals of the present invention.

Figure 2a shows a detail of the hood (20) separated from the canopy. In some embo-lim~ntc, the hood could be a separate item from the canopy (11) that could be removable, temporarily attached through such items as snaps, hooks and loops, or even simply a partially separate cover.

Flgure 2b shows an inside view of the protective cover det~iling a juncture (40) at which the hood (20) might be atta~hed to the canopy (11). Also shown in Figure 2b is a supporting element (22) to support the canopy. The SU~I~)Ol~ , element (22) is shown as a round SUppOl ling member. The supporting element may be used to support the cover away from the occupant. By the term "away," it is intended that the cover not simply lay on the occupant in an unsupported manner. This round supporting member may afford an advantage in being resiliently folded to a reduced state when the cover is not in use. Alternatively, other shapes could be elliptical, rect~n~ r, square, or other cross-sectional shapes. It may be integrated with the canopy (11) and may be ~it~l~ted at the juncture (40) between the first enclosing canopy section (12) and thc AM~NDED SI~EET

WO 971277P,8 PCTrUS96/15553 second enclosing canopy section (13). While the location ofthe mesh is variable, one embodiment shows ~he second enclosing canopy section (13) as co~ il-;l-g a portion of the insect resistant mesh (15).

Figure 2c shows how the protective cover may be sealed about the baby seat of Figure 3a-c as a typical example. The sealing element (24) that may seal the canopy about the oc(;u~ L's feet may include an elastic band that may be incorporated into the canopy (11) or a d~w.,~ling or other sealing elements. The sealing element is primarily int~?nded to resist the entry of flying insects and large ~ IWIillg insects. Also, the location of the sealing element (24) is shown toward the bottom of the side edges. Naturally, other locations of sealing could be obtained. For inet~nce, the side edge could be sealed at a place other than the lower edges.

Figure 2d shows an ~It~.rn~te variation of the ~tt~hmPnt of the hood (20). Along the long dirnension (1 lc?, of the canopy (11), the hood (20) may be ~tt~ched in a lon~it~ in~l fashion so that a lon~it~ in~l base (28) may be aligned with the long ~imen.ei~n (l lc). This embodiment could have some plGfe.~llce by some consumers in allowing them to view the occupant more freely while only partially covering the top mesh (15a). Obviously, it could be located at a point closer to the side mesh (15b) as well. Thus, perhaps it could cover the top and opposite side to the side mesh (15b), leaving exposed only one side mesh. Alternatively, it could be ~tach~d in the middle Ic n~tlldin~lly where the hood was made in two facing pieces (sirnilar to a book cover) where one face could be deployed to the left and another face deployed to the right to cover the top section (lSa) and leave a portion of either or even both side meshes open. Thus, the hood (20), even ~tta~.he~l lon~it~l~lin~lly at a lon~it~ in~l base, could provide side venting c~p~hilitie-e for air flow into the canopy (11).
Figures 2e and 2f show alternate locations for the hood (20). For inet~ncP, if supporting element (22) has a length and a hood is attached transverse to the long rlim-o.neiQn (11c), then generally the hood side edges (25) would intersect, through a line-of-sight (29), the supporting element (22). Figure 2e shows the hood (20) att~ h~d leal w~d of the supporting element (22).
Naturally, a~e shown in Figure 2f, the hood could be placed forward of the supporting element (22) such that the hood side edges (25) physically did not intersect or cross over the supporting element (22). However, in either case (and others), through the line-of-sight (29), the side edges (25) could intersect the supporting element (22). Generally speaking, in the preferred - embodirnent, the i,lle,~e~;lion length (36) could be less than the length ofthe supporting member (22) so that when the hood (20) was deployed in a forward direction, there remained an open S portion ofthe side mesh (ISb).

Figure 2g shows an alternate embodiment of the hood (20). The hood ~20) may include a plurality of layers. For inct~n~, Figure 2g shows two layers. One layer may be a tr~ncll-c~.nt layer (39) that may be tinted or clear and may be some flexible plastic or material. It could be some other suitable material including a more solid sheet of material. Its ~lsPfi-lness may be seen in inct~n~f~s where the weather was somewhat cold, but clear, in which the occ~lp~nt could be shielded with a tr~n.cl~.c~nt layer (39) that would allow sun to radiate into the volume of the protective cover and also allow the occupant to be viewed from the outside. Either in conjunction with tr~ncluc~nt layer (39) or independent oftr~n.~ c~nt layer (39), an opaque layer (41) could be used. The opaque layer (41) could be a bright white for heat reflective properties. In the plerelled embodiment, if one layer were used for the hood (20), it may be preferable to use the opaque layer (41) which could shield the occupant from undesirable bright s-~nlight as well as other inclement weather. Each layer could have an ~tt~chm~nt ~If mP.nt, similar to att?~ mPnt element (38) o} securing element (24), which are dçcign~ted as opaque ~tt~r.hm~nt element (38a) and tr~n.cl~lcent ~ chm~nt element (38b). Also shown in Figure 2g is an integral pocket (44).
The integral pocket (44) may be used to retain the protective cover when the pl otecLi~e cover is folded to a reduced state when the cover is not in use for easy storage. Obviously, other locations could be effective. For inct~nce, the pocket (44) could be used as an acces~oly holder and could be located to the l eal w~ld end of the canopy, behind the first enclosing canopy section (12), for convenience.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2d-f, by leaving open a portion ofthe side mesh when the hood - (20) is in use, the hood acts as a side-venting hood in that it allows venting through the ~ g open side mesh for air flow. The air flow may be important in the physical comfort and health of the occ -r~nt It may also be beneficia~ to the psychological piece of mind of the guardian or other person caring for the Occ~lp~nt The opaque layer (41 ) may be made from nylon material. Nylon W O 97/27788 PCTrUS96/15553 material may have some advantages in that it may be durable, washable, and flexible.
Additionally, the nylon may be used for the protective foot shield in certain grades to reduce the ~lubos~;;s pent;LI~lion described above. For inet~nc~, a grade for nylon could be 200 denier nylon packcloth although other nylon grades could apply. Certainly, other materials than nylon could 5 be suitable. Likewise, the canopy (11~ can be made out of the same m~teri~l This may add to m~nllf~ctllring ease and efflciency by using similar mz~t.oris~l.c. Nylon may offer an ad-~ition~l benefit in that it may be ble~ll.al)lc material and yet still resist the inclement wea~hel such as rain, sleet, and snow and light. Obviously, to be effective, it would generally be more impermeab~e to inclement weather than the insect resistant mesh (15). One important feature of the present 10 invention as opposed to other prior inventions is that the present invention may continue to resist the entry of insects into the inside volume and provide air flow in the inside volume even while the hood (20) is protecting the occupant from inclement weather. The supporting member (22) may be made from any resilient material that can be self-supporting such as nylon tubing or General Electric Lexan~ rod, among others. The mesh may be a 100 percent polyester fine 15 weave mesh with a porosity of 40 denier that still could allow ~-leq-~te air flow for the health of the occupant while re~;~lillg the entry of even small ~ying insects, as well as large crawling insects.

Figure 2h shows an alternative embodiment of a hood. A side opening ( 17) of the hood 20 (20) may coincide with an opening on the side mesh (l~b) such that the hood could cover the canopy in a varied fashion. This might have an advantage if, for inet~nce, severe wind was an issue, so that a lower area of the hood below the side opening could include securing elçm~ntC
such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or other applol,liate securing ~ m~onte known to those in the art. Additionally, if the side openil.~ (17) included a mesh layer this might offer an 25 ~ ition~l layer of protection. Likewise, the ~tt~chm~rlt element (38) could ~ullound more fully the hood (20) in the embodiment shown in Figure 2h which might offer ~rlrlitit~n~l security and ~tt~f.hment to a baby seat such as shown in Figures 3a-c.

Fu~lhellnore, by oliellLi-lg the mesh in di~le ll orientations, a filtenng effect could occur, 30 resulting in further sun shielding or other inclement weather shielding, while allowing air flow.
Figures 2i-2k detail an alternate embodiment that may use a hc)liGollLal striped pattern version of .

the side mesh (15) shown in Figure 2 and the side opening (17) shown in Figure 2h. One advantage ofthis embodiment could be to filter any inrlem~nt weather inc~ ing sun rays through any side mesh (15b) le~ g open and perhaps uncovered by the hood (20). While this embodiment, shown in Figures 2i-2k, is tli~cuceed in "ho,i~ lal stripe" terms, obviously other S variations could filter or reduce the intensity of the inclement weather by using such filtering mesh. This could include mesh of differing patterns, vertical stripes, polarizing screen or plastic fflm, and so forth. This striped mesh, as shown in Figure 2j, is labeled side stripe mesh (15b') and window stripe mesh (17') ~ e-,Li\/ely to di~re~ ia~e striped mesh from non-striped mesh. Figure 2i shows that striped mesh could typically be used in the side striped mesh (lSb') and not in the top mesh (15a), also shown in Figure 2, ffir this embodiment. In Figure 2, the side striped mesh (lSb') may not be needed over boundary (~7) also depicted in Figure 2. Figure 2j shows a possible overlapping relationship between the side striped mesh (15b') and the window striped mesh (17'). l:)epending upon the vertical relationship of side striped mesh (15b') and window striped mesh (17'), a filtering relationship for inclement weather such as light may exist. This filtering relationship can be manually adjusted by the custodian ofthe seat and occ~lp~nt by, for instance moving the hood (203, to allow more or less light to enter the protective enclosure formed when the hood (20) in Figure 2h is deployed. Figure 2k provides a cross-sectional view with window striped mesh (17) deployed over cover (10) which is installed on seat (30). Figure 2k also shows a possible relationship between the sealing element (24) for cover (10) and attachment element (38~ for hood (20) to seat (30). Also Figure 2k illustrates a possible relationship between the side striped mesh (15b'), top mesh (15a), and window striped mesh (17') along the boundary (27). Figure 2k depicts inclement weather, such as outside light, as broad arrows (65) penetrating window striped mesh (17') and side striped mesh (15b'). Inside the enclosure are slight arrows (65') illustrating that a reduced amount of inrlem~nt weather, such as light, may enter the inside volume or space formed over the seated occnp~nt Air flow arrows (66) illustrate that ~dequ~te air flow may exist even though light could be .ci~nific~ntly atten-l~ted by passing between the interstitial space between the side striped mesh (15b') and the window - striped mesh (17') on the hood (20).

Figure 4 shows a typical in~t~ sion of the protective cover over a baby seat having an attached handle (31) rotating about a pivot point (34). The embodiment sho~,vn may be a self-W O 97/27788 PCTrUS96/15553 supporting canopy. Such a canopy could be supported by a supporting element (22), such as shown in Figure 2b. One advantage of this embodiment is that the handle may be held, used, or even retracted independently of the self-supporting feature of the protective cover. Additionally, the protective cover could be supported by a supporting baby seat element (48), such as shown 5 in Figure 10. The supporting feature may offer significant advantages over various other inventions in conjunction with the unique features of the present invention as described herein.
This feature may be particularly true when using a h~n~lled baby seat in a vehicle. Many m~mlf~lrers of baby seats recommend lowering the handle (31), generally leal w~d, for safety.
Thus, an unsupported cover could simply lay on the occupant and may seem obtrusive to the 10 occ~lr~nt A supporting protective cover could operate independently of the handle (31) or other external supports.

Figure S shows that the plule~iLi~/e cover can be embodied in various shapes and patterns.
These shapes may be used to attract the occupant who may resist being enclosed in the inside 15 volume. The shape as shown could include various ~tt~rhm~ntc and could be modeled after animals or in~nim~te objects or other devices, inr.lllrlinp~ airplanes, as suitable. Generally, the shape or pattern of this invention may be such that the occ~rant could recognize and to which the occup~nt was attracted.

Figure 6 shows yet another embodiment that contains a larger percentage surface area of the insect resistant mesh. Although the air flow is deemed to be adequate in ~igure 2, this embodiment may be applopliate for more warmer clim~te~c to increase the air flow. The embodiment, as shown, does not have a hood integral with the embodiment, although certainly a hood could either be temporarily f~tenecl or perm~nently ~tt~çhed to the canopy (11), such as in Figure 2.

Figure 7 shows yet another embodiment of the pl~ ive cover. The protective cover has a smaller insect resistant mesh area. For inct~nçe7 it might be more suitable for colder çiim~tes ~lthollgh a hood (20) is not shown, it certainly could be used as in other disclosed embo~limf.ntc.
Likewise, the canopy section (11) in colder climates could be made from in.cnl~tin~ material. This insulating material is shown in more detail in Figure 8 and Figure ~0. It could include, for W O 97/27788 PCTrUS96/lS5~3 inct~n~e, a top sheet (58), a bottom sheet (60) -with in~ ti~ln (62) interposed between the sheets, as a typical cross-section of the canopy ~11). Also shown in Figure 7 could be a side viewing window (54). This side viewing window (54) could include a translucent plastic window or it could be made from similar insect resistant mesh as has been described above.
Figures 9 and 9a show the present invention in a reduced state. If the m~teri~l~ in the protective cover are flexible or otherwise capable of being reduced in size, the protective cover may be brought to a reduced state when the cover is not in use as a protective cover for the occllp~nt For convenience, an integral ~ g element (42) may be att~ched to the protective 10 cover (10) that may function to retain the cover (10) in the reduced state. Similarly, if the supporting element (22) is resilient or at least made to be reduced in size (by folding, for loY~mple) the supporting element (42) could also be brought to a reduced state such that the integral ~e~Lld;~ g element could overlap it as well. In the p,e~l,ed embodiment, the protected cover (10) may be reduced to a substantially planer configuration, as shown in Figure 9a. This 15 confi~-ration may offer some advantages for ease of storage. To assist the integral re~L.,lin,l,g element (42) to remain in a restrained state, a securing element (46) may be in~ ed and located at some a~ iale location. Obviously, securing elem~ont~ may vary; however, in the ~cr~ed embodiment, it appears that one set of snaps or even hook and loop type fasteners may be sl~ffici~nt to restrain the integral lesl,~inil,g element (42) For convenience, the hood (20) may 20 also fim~ion as the integral le~ g element (42). Also, as described in Figure 2g, an integral pocket (44) may also function as an integral l~ll~ni~lg element (42) and may be positioned at a variety of places, in~ ing to the leal w~ld of the cover. At that location (and others), it may additionally serve as an accessory pocket.

25Another embodiment is shown in Figure 10 where the protective cover is not nec~ ily self-supporting. In this embodiment, the protective cover could be supported by a supporting baby seat element (48). This baby seat element (48) may include s-ln~h~des that may be in-.k~(led ~ with baby seats, straps, frame members, or other supporting devices.

30Figure 11 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention that incl~ldes the insect resistant mesh (15) and the canopy ~l 1) with a partially covering hood (20). One advantage of W O 97127788 PCTrUS96/15553 a fiexible hood is that it may be used in a variety of positions so that a variety of protection from inclement weather may be obtained for the given conditions. Also shown in Figure 11 is a protective cover carrying e}ement (~0), as shown in Figure 1 la.

Figure 1 la shows one use of a protective cover C~lyill~3, element (50). It may be a lanyard or a clip or some other suitable device to carry the protective cover in a convenient place when the cover is not in use. This pL~te~;Li~e cover carrying elf~nn~nt (50) could be, for in~t~nce~ attach the protective cover to a stroller or automobile seat for temporary storage.

In some instances, it might not be p~efelable to have a side venting embodiment. This situation could occur, for in.~t~nce, in colder çlim~t~c One example is shown in ~igure 12 where the hood removably covers the insect l~;S;, L~llL mesh.

Yet, another embodiment is shown in Figure 13 where the protective cover is not necessarily self-supporting. In this embodiment, the protective cover could be supported by a supporting baby seat element (48). For in.ct~nr.e, in this embodiment, the supporting baby seat element (48) may include a handle (31 ) as well as other sllppol Ling devices. The protective cover (10) may be f~ten~d to the supporting baby seat ~lemPnt (48) by a cover support ~tt~.hm~nt (56). A cover support ~tt~r.hm~,nt (~i6) could include for in~t~nce, a hook and loop type of ~tt~-~hmPnt or snaps or other suitable devices known to those in the art.

The methods that may be claimed in this invention are natural ouLglowLI,s of the appa, aluS
claims and could include, for in~t~ncP, suspending the canopy over a baby seat, sealing the canopy, supporting the canopy, uti~i7ing a hood and allowing the hood to be retained in a rearward direction and alternative allowing the hood to be capable of hooding in a forward direction. It could also include resisting the entry of insects, (primarily flying insects), allowing an occupant to be viewed from an inside volume, and removably protecting from in~ m~nt weaLllel while allowing air flow in the volume through a side vent in the canopy, for ;~ e. It could also include protecting the feet of an occupant with a foot shield to reduce the proboscis penetration of such insects as mosquitoes or stinging insects that might penetrate through a mesh to feet that could touch the mesh or other parts of the body. It could also include integrally W O 97/27788 PCTrUS96/15553 re~ ng the protective cover in a reduced state for easy transportation and storage, and other steps as would naturally occur with the above disclosure. Therefore, no separate rlicc~leeif)ne of the methods are deemed n~cess~ry as they may claim steps that are implicit in the use and m~mlf~ctllre of the apparatus claims. Furthermore, although the steps may be o,g~ ed in a - 5 logical fashion, however, other se~ nr~.e can and do occur. Therefore, any method claims should not be construed to include only the order of the sequence of steps pres~nte~l The foregoing discussion and claims that may follow describe only the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention. While particular embodiments ofthe invention have been des~;l.bed, it will be obvious that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. Particularly with respect to the claims, it should be understood that a number of changes may be made without departing from its essence. In this regard, it is intPnded that such changes--to the extent that they substantially achieve the same results in ~ul~ ly the same way--would still fall within the scope of the present invention.
It is simply not practical to describe and claim all possible revisions and claims to the present invention that may be accompliehed. To the extent such revisions utilize the essence of the present invention, each would naturally fall within the breath of protection by any patent granted.
This is particularly true for the present invention since most of the basic concepts are fundamental in nature and it can be properly applied.

2~
Specifically, any references mentioned in the application for this patent as well as all references listed in any inforrnation disclosure originally filed with the application are hereby il~cOl~Olaled by reference in their entirety to the extent such may be deemed ee.e~nti~l to support the enablement of the invention(s). However, to the extent st~t~m~nte m-ight be coneidered inco~ with the p~tenting of this/these invention(s) such st~tPm~nti are c~A,ul ~:ssly not to be considered as made by the applicant.

Claims

I claim:
1. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant comprising:
a. an enclosing canopy wherein said canopy comprises at least a portion of insect resistant mesh;
b. a sealing element to seal said canopy around said baby seat;
c. a supporting element to support said enclosing canopy;
d. a hood attached to said canopy in the vicinity of a midpoint of said canopy; and e. an attachment element designed to retain said hood in an unhooded rearward direction from said insect resistant mesh and at least a partially hooded forward direction over said insect resistant mesh.
2. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 1 wherein said canopy comprises a first enclosing canopy section and a second enclosing canopy section and wherein said supporting element is located in the vicinity of a juncture between said first enclosing canopy section and said second enclosing canopy section.
3. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 1 further comprising a protective foot shield to protect feet of said occupant.
4. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 1 wherein said cover does not appreciably distort sound from and into said cover.
5. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 1 wherein said insect resistant mesh comprises fine weave mesh.
6. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 5 wherein said insect resistant mesh comprises such porosity as to resist the entry of small flying insects and still maintain adequate air flow for said occupant.
7. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 1 wherein said insect resistant mesh comprises a filtering mesh to reduce the intensity of inclement weather into said protective cover.
8. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 1 wherein said supporting element supports said enclosing canopy substantially away from said occupant.

9. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 1 wherein said hood originates along a length of said supporting element to establish a base hood width that is less than said length of said supporting element wherein said hood in use leaves an unhooded portion of said insect resistant mesh.
10. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 1 further comprising an integral restraining element attached to said cover to restrain said cover in a reduced state when said cover is not is use as said protective cover.
11. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 10 wherein said supporting element is resilient and designed to be folded to a reduced state and wherein said integral restraining element overlaps said supporting element in said reduced state.
12. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 11 wherein said integral restraining element restrains said cover in a substantially planar configuration when said cover is not is use as said protective cover.
13. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat with a protective cover comprising the steps of:
a. suspending an enclosing canopy comprising at least a portion of insect resistant mesh over said baby seat;
b. sealing said canopy around said baby seat;
c. supporting said canopy with a supporting element;
d. utilizing a hood to cover said insect resistant mesh wherein said hood originates in the vicinity of a midpoint of said canopy; and e. allowing said hood section to be retained in an unhooded rearward direction and at least a partially hooded forward direction over said insect resistant mesh.
14. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 13 wherein said step of supporting said canopy comprises the step of positioning a supporting element in the vicinity of a midpoint of said canopy.
15. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 13 further comprising the step of protecting feet of said occupant.

16. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 13 wherein said step of supporting said canopy with a supporting element comprises the step of supporting substantially away from said occupant.
17. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 13 further comprising the step of folding said cover to a reduced state when said cover is not is use as said protective cover.
18. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 17 further comprising the step of integrally restraining said cover in said reduced state.
19. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 18 further comprising the step of folding said supporting element to a reduced state and wherein said step of integrally restraining said cover comprises the step of overlapping said supporting element in said reduced state.
20. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 19 wherein said step of restraining said cover comprises the step of restraining in a substantially planar configuration when said cover is not is use as said protective cover.
21. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant comprising:
a. a flexible supported canopy with a top and sides having edges;
b. a sealing element to seal said canopy around said baby seat;
c. a top mesh to resist insects wherein said top mesh is attached to said canopy on said top and located to allow said occupant to be viewed from outside said cover;
d. a side mesh to resist insects attached to said canopy on at least one of said sides;
and e. a deployable side-venting flexible hood to cover said top mesh to protect from inclement weather wherein said hood does not cover at least a portion of said side mesh.
22. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said side-venting flexible hood terminates when covering said canopy at an approximate boundary between said top mesh and said side mesh.
23. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said supported canopy further comprises a supporting baby seat element.

24. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said supported canopy comprises a supporting element having a supporting length and endpoints.
25. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 24 wherein said hood originates along said supporting length to establish a base hood width that is less than said supporting length wherein said hood in use leaves an unhooded portion of said side mesh.
26. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said cover has a long dimension and said hood has a base which is transversely aligned with respect to said long dimension.
27. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said cover has a long dimension and said hood has a longitudinal base which is aligned longitudinally with said long dimension.
28. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 24 wherein said hood originates along said supporting length to establish a base hood width that is less than said supporting length wherein said hood in use leaves an unhooded portion of said side mesh.
29. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 24 wherein said hood in use comprises two side edges that intersect said supporting element through a line-of-sight to establish an intersection length that is less than said supporting length.
30. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 24 wherein said hood originates along said supporting length at other than said endpoints of said supporting element.
31. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said side-venting flexible hood is attached to said canopy in the vicinity of a midpoint of said canopy.
32. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said canopy comprises a foot shield to protect feet of said occupant.
33. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said supported canopy further comprises at least one support located in the vicinity of a midpoint of said canopy.

34. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 33 wherein said side-venting flexible hood attaches in the vicinity of said midpoint.
35. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said hood comprises two sections wherein said two sections may independently be deployed to cover at least a portion of said top mesh.
36. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said hood comprises a plurality of layers.
37. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 36 wherein said plurality of layers comprises at least a translucent layer and an opaque layer.
38. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said side mesh comprises a section of said mesh attached to each of two sides.
39. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said cover comprises a cover support attachment.
40. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said insect resistant mesh comprises a filtering mesh to reduce the intensity of inclement weather into said protective cover.
41. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein supported flexible canopy comprises at least one resilient supporting element.
42. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein sealing element comprises an elastic band.
43. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein sealing element comprises a drawstring.
44. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said cover comprises patterns to attract said occupant.
45. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 21 wherein said cover comprises recognizable shapes to attract said occupant.
46. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat with a protective cover comprising the steps of:
a. engaging a supported canopy over a baby seat;
b. sealing said canopy over said baby seat;
c. resisting an entry of flying insects throughout an inside volume created by said canopy over said baby seat wherein said baby seat is sealed in a flying insect resistant manner;
d. allowing said occupant to be viewed from outside said inside volume;
e. providing air flow in said inside volume through at least a portion of one side while resisting said entry of said flying insects throughout said inside volume; and f. deployably protecting said occupant from inclement weather while said step ofallowing air flow in said inside volume occurs by leaving open at least a portion of a side vent of said canopy to allow said air flow.
47. A method of protecting an occupant of an baby seat as described in claim 46 wherein said step of engaging said supported canopy further comprises the step of resiliently supporting said canopy with a resilient support element.
48. A method of protecting an occupant of an baby seat as described in claim 46 wherein said step of sealing comprises the step of sealing elastically.
49. A method of protecting an occupant of an baby seat as described in claim 46 wherein said step of resisting said entry of flying insects comprises the step of utilizing screen mesh.
50. A method of protecting an occupant of an baby seat as described in claim 46 wherein said step of providing air flow comprises the step of utilizing screen mesh.
51. A method of protecting an occupant of an baby seat as described in claim 46 further comprising the steps of:
a. continuing to resist said entry of said flying insects throughout said inside volume created by said canopy over said baby seat; and b. continuing to provide air flow in said inside volume through said side while said step of deployably protecting said occupant from inclement weather occurs.
52. A method of protecting an occupant of an baby seat as described in claim 46 further comprising the step of continuing to allow said occupant to be viewed while said step of deployably protecting said occupant from inclement weather occurs.
53. A method of protecting an occupant of an baby seat as described in claim 46 wherein said step of engaging said supported canopy further comprises the step of supporting said canopy with at least one support located in the vicinity of a midpoint of said canopy.
54. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant comprising:
a. a supported removable canopy with a top and sides with edges;

b. a sealing element to seal said canopy over said baby seat wherein said baby seat is sealed in a flying insect resistant manner;
c. an insect resistant mesh attached to said canopy;
d. a protective foot shield located at least on said top and sides of said canopy to protect feet of said occupant wherein said protective foot shield comprises different material than said insect resistant mesh and is adapted to reduce the penetration through said different material of a harmful portion of anatomy of an insect; and e. a terminus point that terminates said protective foot shield in the vicinity of a location that said feet touch said canopy.
55. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 54 wherein said insect resistant mesh is attached to at least a portion of at least one of said sides.
56. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 54 wherein said insect resistant mesh comprises a filtering mesh to reduce the intensity of inclement weather into said protective cover.
57. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat with a protective cover comprising the steps of:
a. supporting a canopy having a top and sides with edges over said baby seat to establish an inside volume;
b. sealing said canopy around said baby seat;
c. allowing said occupant to be viewed from outside said inside volume;
d. allowing air flow in said inside volume;
e. resisting an entry of flying insects through said canopy through a first material while said step of allowing said air flow in said inside volume occurs through said first material; and f. protecting feet of said occupant with a foot shield comprising a second material different than said first material on said top and sides of said canopy while the following said steps occur:
i. allowing said air flow in said inside volume;
ii. resisting said entry of insects through said canopy;
iii. resisting the entry of a harmful portion of anatomy of said insects through said second material; and g. terminating said foot shield in the vicinity of a location where said feet touch said canopy.
58. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 57 wherein said step of protecting feet of said occupant with a foot shield comprises the step of protecting from proboscis penetration through said second material.
59. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 57 wherein said step of protecting feet of said occupant with a foot shield comprises the step of protecting from stinger penetration through said second material.
60. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 57 wherein said step of allowing said air flow comprises the step of allowing said air flow in at least one side vent.
61. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant comprising:
a. a canopy with a top and sides having edges;
b. a top mesh to resist insects wherein said top mesh is attached to said canopy on said top and located to allow said occupant to be viewed from outside said cover;
c. a side mesh to resist insects attached to said canopy on at least one of said sides;
d. a deployable side-venting hood to cover said top mesh to protect from inclement weather wherein said hood does not cover at least a portion of said side mesh;
e. a filtering mesh attached to said protective cover to reduce said inclement weather allowed into an inside volume formed by said protective cover covering said babyseat.
62. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 61 wherein at least of portion of said hood comprises said filtering mesh.
63. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 61 wherein at least of portion of said side mesh comprises said filtering mesh.
64. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat with a protective cover comprising the steps of:
a. covering said baby seat with said protective cover;
b. allowing air flow into an inside volume created by said step of covering said baby seat with said protective cover;

c. filtering inclement weather to a reduced level through a filtering mesh comprising variably reducing the amount of inclement weather inside said volume by overlapping at least two layers of mesh to create an overlapping relationship between the layers.
65. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 64 further comprising the step of resisting an entry of insects into said inside volume through at least a portion of one side of said protective cover.
66. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 64 further comprising the step of allowing said occupant to be viewed from outside said inside volume.
67. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 64 further comprising the step of deployably protecting said occupant from inclement weather while said step of allowing air flow in said inside volume occurs by leaving open at least a portion of a side vent of said protective cover to allow said air flow.
68. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 67 wherein said step of filtering said inclement weather comprises the step of filtering through a hood attached to said protective cover in conjunction with said side vent.
69. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant comprising:
a. a removable flexible canopy adapted for use with a variety of baby seats with a top and at least one side with edges;
b. a sealing element to seal said canopy over said baby seat wherein said baby seat is sealed in a flying insect resistant manner, c. an insect resistant mesh attached to said canopy; and d. a flexible, foldable, integral restraining element to restrain said cover in a folded reduced state when said cover is not installed on said seat.
70. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 69 further comprising a protective foot shield to protect feet of said occupant wherein said protective foot shield comprises a different material than said insect resistant mesh and is adapted to reduce a penetration through said different material of a harmful portion of anatomy of an insect.
71. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 69 further comprising a supporting resilient element to support said flexible canopy over said baby seat wherein said supporting resilient element may be folded to a reduced state.72. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 69 wherein said side of said canopy at least partially comprises insect resistant mesh and wherein said cover further comprises a flexible hood that does not hood at least a portion of said insect resistant mesh on said side when said flexible hood covers said canopy.
73. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 72 wherein said hood attaches to said canopy in the vicinity of a midpoint of said canopy.
74. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 69 wherein said integral restraining element comprises an integral hood.
75. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 69 wherein said integral restraining element comprises an integral pocket in said cover.
76. A protective cover for a baby seat holding an occupant as described in claim 69 wherein said integral restraining element comprises at least one securing element.
77. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat with a protective cover comprising the steps of:
a. removably and flexibly covering said baby seat with a flexible canopy having a top and sides with edges;
b. sealing said canopy about said baby seat;
c. resisting an entry of flying insects throughout an inside volume created by said canopy over said baby seat wherein said baby seat is sealed in a flying insect resistant manner;
d. reducibly folding said cover to a reduced state when said cover is not installed on said seat;
e. foldably, flexibly, and integrally restraining said cover in said reduced state.
78. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 77 further comprising the step of protecting feet of said occupant with a protective foot shield while said step of flexibly covering said baby seat occurs.
79. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 77 further comprising the step of deployably protecting said occupant from inclement weather while maintaining air flow comprising the step of leaving open at least a portion of a side vent of said canopy to allow said air flow while said step of deployably protecting occurs.
80. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 77 further comprising the step of attaching a deployable hood at a location on said canopy that enables said hood to be retained in an unhooded rearward direction and at least a partially hooded forward direction over said enclosing canopy.
81. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 80 further comprising the step of attaching said hood in the vicinity of a midpoint of said canopy.
82. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 77 wherein said step of integrally restraining comprises the step of restraining with an integral hood.
83. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 77 wherein said step of integrally restraining comprises the step of restraining within an integral pocket attached to said cover.
84. A method of protecting an occupant of a baby seat as described in claim 77 wherein said step of integrally restraining comprises the step of securing with at least one securing element.