Magnetic valance for hanging toys from infant carriers

Abstract

The present invention is a magnetic valance for attachment to baby carriers, strollers, infant car seats and other baby travel systems, to which an array of toys can be easily secured for the baby's enjoyment and stimulation. The valance comprises a fabric panel having an array of magnets sewn directly into the margins of the material allowing the margins to attract one another magnetically and grasp any object about which it is wrapped, and an array of tie-straps for supporting the attachable toys. The valance can be wrapped around the sunshade of infant carriers, and strollers, and attached onto itself via the internal magnets, with the tie-straps exposed in front of the baby for attaching infant toys.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application derives priority from provisional patent application No. 60 / 919,669 filed Mar. 23, 2007.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to infant carrier / stroller / travel seat accessories and, more particularly, to a portable fabric toy hanger or “valance” that attaches by magnets to the sunshade of infant carriers and strollers, to provide an easily adjustable hanger for attaching infant toys.[0004]2. Description of the Background[0005]Baby carriages have been in use since Victorian times and have only become more popular as society has become more mobile. Modern strollers are more compact, lightweight and easier to use such that parents rarely travel with a child without a stroller as well. Increased mobility has also meant more time spent by small children in cars, and hence more recognition of the specific risks to children involved in automobile accidents....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]It is still yet another objective of this invention to allow a parent to quickly and easily change the toys attached to the valance in order to continually stimulate an infant visually and physically and thus prevent unwanted behaviors and encourage mental growth during transport in an infant carrier, car seat or stroller with a visor.

[0012]It is still yet another objective of this invention to allow the fabric to be quickly and easily removed from the car seat or stroller visor to be used with an infant in an alternate setting, such as on the floor during play time or to be cleaned.

[0013]It is still yet another objective of this invention to prevent toys from falling onto the ground thereby becoming unsanitary for baby's play as babies are inclined to place such objects in their mouth.

[0015]It is still another object to provide a toy-hanging device as described above that is inexpensive, durable, lightweight, flexible, compact, washable, and portable.

[0016]It is still another object to provide a mounting solution for infant travel seats that is capable of detaching without disturbing a sleeping baby.

[0017]According to the present invention, the above described and other objects are accomplished with a magnetically-attachable valance for hanging toys from the sunshade of infant carriers, strollers and the like, which includes a magnetic self-clamping system to securely affix the valance to a variety of sunshade designs. Adjustable ribbon loops are sewn or otherwise attached to the valance to adjustably position an array of toys in front of the child for their amusement. The valance is constructed of a highly colorful and durable cloth or other flexible material. The entire device is easy to attach and remove, is durable, flexible, and lightweight, and provides enjoyment for infants and ease-of-use and convenience for parents.

Problems solved by technology

Such seats are often paired by manufacturers with a stroller to create a travel system such that infants spend considerable amounts of time in their stroller, car seat or carrier.

One drawback of the safety minded designs of strollers, car seats and carriers is that there is little to stimulate or entertain babies while in the seat.

Babies of an age to be in such seats lack developed depth perception and ability to focus.

Consequently, they cannot generally focus on passing people or objects outside the seat while being pushed or carried.

As most carriers are bland, babies are often un-stimulated and bored.

Even those that do notice the toy generally lack the motor skills and hand-eye coordination “play” with it.

Unfortunately, while the devices disclosed in these patents fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, they do not present a solution that can universally fit all sizes and variations of baby carriers, car seats and strollers.

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