US20070228228A1

US20070228228A1 - Drop stop

Info

Publication number: US20070228228A1
Application number: US11/396,801
Authority: US
Inventors: Jon Korbonski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-03
Filing date: 2006-04-03
Publication date: 2007-10-04

Abstract

A device for holding a baby's implements and preventing them from dropping to the floor comprising a strap having a first end for attachment to an object associated with the baby; and a second end terminating in an adjustable catch loop for securing an object, and a strap for attachment to a closed loop object.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the field of securing bottles or other items with straps. In particular, the present invention is directed towards a strap design that attaches to a child's seat and then to a bottle, toy or other object associated with a toy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the more annoying problems which face parents is children dropping and losing drinking cups, toys, rattles and pacifiers. This frequently can happen at inconvenient places such as at parks and malls. When such objects fall, they can get lost, but worse, they can come in contact with germs, thus creating a health risk for the child or baby. Lost objects such as bottles, pacifiers, etc., also means wasted money.
There have been a number of inventions directed to the area of securing baby bottles and the like with straps. U.S. Patent No. 20030121944, dated Jul. 3, 2003 to Scabkab et al. discloses a tether that addresses the above and other deficiencies in the art, that is efficient to manufacture, and attractive in use. More specifically, the invention is directed to a tether including a ring, a first strap connected to the ring at a first point, a second strap coupled to one of the first strap and ring, and a releasable connector. The releasable connector is operable to releasably couple the first strap to the ring at a second point such that the first strap forms a variable sized opening for receiving an object or container. The invention is also directed to a tethered container assembly including the aforementioned tether and a container.
U.S. Patent No. 20050132462 to Archambault, dated Jun. 23, 2005 discloses a multi-purpose burp cloth (1) which allows parents or care-givers to perform other activities while feeding his or her baby by bottle that also acts as a baby diaper changing pad and pacifier holder. The burp cloth (1) has a front side (3) and a back side (8) that are attached to one another by stitching (16). A pillow is located at an upper portion of the burp cloth (1) and a clip (5) is located just below the pillow (2) on the front component (3) while an elasticized strap (4) is attached on one end to the front side (3). To use the cloth (1), the user simply wraps the strap (4) around the bottle and attaches the fastening means (14) on the strap (4) to the front side (3). An alternate embodiment includes an adjuster (7) located on a strap pair (18) wherein the user feeds the end portion of the strap (4) through the adjuster (7) and pulls the strap (4) so as to make the strap (4) tight against the bottle (10). To use the cloth (1) as a baby diaper changing pad, the user simply flips the cloth (1) so that the back side (8) is face up, places the baby's head onto the pillow (2) and changes the diaper. The user may then wipe the back side (8) with a disinfecting wipe to kill the germs.
U.S. Patent No. 20050103954 to Touma, dated May 19, 2005, discloses a baby bottle holder secures the bottle in a convenient hands-free position and allows a baby to receive liquid. The baby bottle holder is removably attached to a bib or other suitable article of clothing worn by the baby. The bottle is removably engaged by the baby bottle holder. At least one strap may be employed to fasten the bottle to the baby bottle holder.
U.S. Patent No. 20030127478 to Villarral, dated Jul. 10, 2003, discloses a bottle or utility holder for the supported transportation of a plastic beverage bottle or utility device by the user or for the support from a stationary member that is easy to manufacture and use, low in cost and is comprised of a o-ring with a pull tab (1), a fastener (2) for attaching the o-ring with pull-tab to a support member e.g. a belt (3 a), belt loop (3 b), shoulder strap (3 d) or belt clip (3 c), the o-ring with a pull tab is attached to the support member with a fastener (2) through a hole (6) this assembly allows for the transport of a plastic bottle or utility device by the user, the plastic bottle is adapted by engaging the annular rim flange at the base of the screw cap by stretching the o-ring with the pull tab over around and down the screw cap where it is released and held in place under the rim at the base of the screw cap along side the neck of the bottle, a utility device e.g. flashlights, billy clubs or similar shaped articles maybe dropped into the o-ring and held in place in a similar manner as the before mentioned, an optional bushing installed between the support member and the o-ring with pull-tab will stand off the article being suspended allowing for better clamping of the o-ring around the article.
U.S. Patent No. 20010032867 to Silbert, dated Oct. 25, 2001, discloses a decorative thermally insulated beverage bottle holder having a detachable carrying strap, a bottle opener, and a bottle cap. The bottle holder is made of a flexible insulating material such as neoprene. A vertically disposed zipper allows for the easy opening and closing of the contour fitting holder. Indicia can be placed on the holder to enhance its appearance.
U.S. Patent No. 20040061031 to Lange, dated Apr. 1, 2004, discloses a baby bottle holder that includes a stuffed toy body and a sleeve extending through the stuffed toy body to form at least one opening in the stuffed toy body. The baby bottle holder further includes a bottle retainer that is positioned within the sleeve and spaced from a first end and a second end of the sleeve. The bottle retainer may be positioned such that only a nipple of a baby bottle is exposed outside a mouth of the stuffed toy body when the baby bottle is secured within the bottle holder. Another aspect relates to a baby bottle holder that includes a tether attached to the stuffed toy body to secure the baby bottle holder to an object.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,112 to Lange, dated Nov. 30, 2004, discloses a baby bottle holder that includes a stuffed toy body and a sleeve extending through the stuffed toy body to form at least one opening in the stuffed toy body. The baby bottle holder further includes a bottle retainer that is positioned within the sleeve and spaced from a first end and a second end of the sleeve. The bottle retainer may be positioned such that only a nipple of a baby bottle is exposed outside a mouth of the stuffed toy body when the baby bottle is secured within the bottle holder. Another aspect relates to a baby bottle holder that includes a tether attached to the stuffed toy body to secure the baby bottle holder to an object.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,837 to Howard et al., dated Jul. 29, 2003, discloses an infant nursing bottle holder includes a substantially U-shaped clamping member, a substantially Y-shaped nursing bottle-retaining member, a strap for securing an infant nursing bottle to the bottle-retaining member, multiple elongate members, interconnected end-to-end and, together, coupling the bottle-retaining member to the U-shaped clamping member, and a rotatable hinge joint at the interconnection of each pair of elongate members, each hinge joint having a geared resilient pivot that permits angular positioning of the joined elongate members at discrete arcuate intervals through a range of at least 180 degrees.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,768 to Henry, dated Aug. 19, 2003 discloses a strap device is provided for holding objects held by infants, for preventing the object from falling to the ground if released by the infant. The strap device includes a flexible strap having a first end with a first securing means, a second end with a second securing means, a first attachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the first end, and a second attachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the second end. The attachment means each can be releasably secured to a position on the flexible strap, forming a primary loop for securing the flexible strap to the object or to a support structure. The first securing means preferably is an elastic loop, which can attach the object to the strap device regardless of the object's shape and dimensions, while the second securing means attaches to a support near the infant for his use.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,039 to Parcelles, dated Mar. 14, 1995, discloses a baby bottle holder including a pouch formed of flexible, preferably washable material wherein the bottle extends into the hollow interior of the pouch and is removably maintained therein through the existence of a gripping portion formed on the pouch in somewhat surrounding relation to the baby bottle. An elongated connector strap which also may be elastic has one end affixed to the pouch and an opposite end including an attachment member designed to be removably secured to some type of supporting object such as but not limited to a baby chair, stroller, attendant person, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,811 to Millis et al., dated Feb. 5, 1991, discloses a baby bottle holder according to the present invention is composed of a sleeve of foam rubber material having a circular bottom piece of the same material which together form a cylindrical jacket for holding the bottle. In addition, one end of an elastic strap is attached to the sleeve near its top while a hoop and hook fastener arrangement is attached to the other end of the strap. The jacket and bottle may be thus secured to any suitable nearby object having an unobstructed or free cross-sectional area by the strap and fastener. The jacket thus serves to both thermally insulate and protect the bottle while the strap restricts the movement of the jacket and bottle whenever it is released by the baby using it thereby greatly simplifying the bottle's retrieval.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,972 to O'Neill, dated Dec. 28, 1999, discloses a device for attaching baby bottles to strollers or car seats having constraining bars. The device contains a holding mechanism for attaching the device to a stroller or car seat; an angular stem leading away from the holding mechanism; a hollow cylinder attached to the angular stem, the cylinder containing a connector held in place near the stem, a circular cap at the end away from the stem, and a coil spring connecting the connector and the cap; a bottle holder attached to the cap; and an adjustable strap connected to the bottle holder. The angular stem is adjustable relative to the constraining bar. Also, the coil spring allows the bottle holder to swivel around the cylinder so that when the bottle is in use, it may easily be held with the nipple at a downward angle and when not in use, it automatically positions the nipple at an upward angle.
U.S. Design Pat. No. D443,933 to Schindler, dated Jun. 19, 2001, discloses an ornamental design for a baby bottle holder. U.S. Design Pat. No. D417,778 to Karlin, dated Dec. 21, 1999, discloses an ornamental design for a baby bottle holder. U.S. Design Pat. No. D502,311 to Ellis, dated Mar. 1, 2005, discloses an ornamental design for an article holder with clip. U.S. Design Pat. No. D447,872, dated Sep. 18, 2001, discloses an ornamental design for a baby bottle holder. U.S. Design Pat. No. D426,699 to Dickerson, dated Jun. 20, 2000, discloses an ornamental design for a toy holder, substantially. U.S. Design Pat. No. D337,133 to Olsen, dated Jul. 6, 1993, discloses an ornamental design for a toy strap. U.S. Design Pat. No. D356,379 to Ibinger, dated Mar. 14, 1995, discloses an ornamental design for a bottle holder.
While there have been devices and holders for the objects of small children, there have been no easy to use devices for easily gripping or holding objects associated with a baby or toddler and which prevent them from falling on the floor. There is a need for a device which can be easily attached and secured by a parent.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel system for affixing or holding a number of objects associated with a child or toddler and preventing them from falling on the ground.
It's a further object of the present invention to provide a device which can attach to an object including a cup with a handle or any item with a closed loop.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system including an adjustable strap for holding small objects and including an adjustable cord for holding and securing objects without a handle.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view of the invention which illustrates the object holders.
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the invention.
FIGS. 4 and 4 a illustrate the an adjustable strap of the invention as a cup holder.
FIGS. 5 and 5 a illustrate the invention secured to a stroller.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for holding a baby's implements and preventing them from dropping to the floor comprising a strap having a first end for attachment to an object associated with the baby; and a second end terminating in an adjustable catch loop for securing an object, and a strap for attachment to a closed loop object.
In yet a further embodiment, the present invention is a device for holding baby's objects and preventing them from dropping to the floor comprising a nylon strap having a first end for attachment to an object associated with the baby; a second end terminate in a polymeric catch loop adjustable by a locking device to secure an object; and a Velcro strap for securing a closed loop object.
In still yet a further embodiment, the present invention is a device for holding baby's objects and preventing them from dropping to the floor comprising an elastic strap having a first end for attachment to an object associated with the baby and having an appropriate length to prevent secured objects from reaching the floor; a second end terminate in a polymeric catch loop adjustable by a locking device to secure an object; and said second end further comprising a strap for securing a closed loop object and including a Velcro locking system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described with referenced to the enclosed Figures wherein the same numbers are used where applicable. Referring to FIG. 1, the invention comprises a strap 10 which is configured to attach to a stroller, high chair, tricycle, or other object associated with a baby, toddler or small child. The strap should be of appropriate length so as to hold any secured objects above the floor. The strap 10 may be constructed from a variety of materials including nylon, cotton, wool and may have elastic.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5, the strap has a Velcro attachment or similar mechanism 22 to attach the strap to a baby carriage, high chair or the like.
The strap has a second end 13 which terminates in two connection systems 16, 18. The first connection system is an adjustable cord 16 which can surround and be secured to an object such as a cup or baby bottle as shown in FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 5 b. The cord 16 can be adjusted and locked in place by a locking mechanism 12. The cord 16 will preferably be elastic or have a rubber or polymer outer surface to provide friction to hold an object such as a baby bottle 31 as shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b.
The non-loop end of the cord 16 a is pulled through the locking mechanism. The cord can then be locked in place by a spring activated catch. The catch is released when the button 26 is depressed. It can be appreaciated by one skilled in the arts that the locking mechanism can be completed in a variety of ways.
The second connector is a foldable fabric strap 18, 20 with attachment means. In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises Velcro attachment system 19 a, 19 b. The second strap 18, 20 attachment slips through a closed hoop object such as a coffee cup or handle 30 as shown in FIG. 5 b, folds over and is secured by the Velcro 19 a, 19 b.
The present invention provides a system for parents to easily attach and secure objects for a baby or toddler, which prevents the object from falling to the floor and being lost.
The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. The true nature and scope of the invention is to be determined with reference to the claims attached hereto.

Claims

1. A device for holding a baby's implements and preventing them from dropping to the floor comprising:

a strap having a first end for attachment to an object associated with the baby; and

a second end terminating in an adjustable catch loop for securing an object, and a strap for attachment to a closed loop object.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the closed loop object is a cup handle.

3. A device for holding baby's objects and preventing them from dropping to the floor comprising:

a nylon strap having a first end for attachment to an object associated with the baby;

a second end terminate in a polymeric catch loop adjustable by a locking device to secure an object; and

a Velcro strap for securing a closed loop object.

4. A device for holding baby's objects and preventing them from dropping to the floor comprising:

an elastic strap having a first end for attachment to an object associated with the baby and having an appropriate length to prevent secured objects from reaching the floor;

said second end further comprising a strap for securing a closed loop object and including a Velcro locking system.