Disposable, Lightweight, Protective Germ Barrier for Infant Carriers

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.

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.