Baby wrap

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to baby wraps.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally blankets are used to wrap a baby in order to recreate an environment that the baby was accustomed to prior to birth, so as to encourage the baby to sleep. However, using a blanket in this manner can suffer from a number of disadvantages.

One problem that can arise is that the baby may attempt to scratch their face whilst wrapped in the blanket, or attempt to grasp an object with one or more of their free hands. Therefore, the blanket may be tightly wrapped around the baby, generally encircling the baby a plurality of times, such that the arms are tightly restrained within the baby wrap. However, tightly wrapping the baby wrap may not necessarily be comfortable for the baby, and may discourage the baby from sleeping. In some instances, the baby wrap may be wrapped too tight, which could lead to breathing problems for the baby.

Another additional or alternate problem that can exist using wrapped blankets is that the baby may be more likely to suffer from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is generally encouraged that babies should not have too many blankets placed upon them as overheating can lead to SIDS. As such, due to the wrapped blanket encouraging the baby to sleep, parents may leave the baby wrapped within the blanket within a cot or the like. However, as the baby is free is roll within the cot whilst wrapped in the blanket, the baby is still at risk of suffering from SIDS.

Another additional or alternate problem which exists using wrapped blankets is that the wrapped blanket must be totally unwrapped in order to access the napkin worn by the baby. Unwrapping the baby from the blanket so to check whether the napkin needs to be changed, and then re-wrapping the baby in the blanket can be a tedious task.

Therefore there is a need for a baby wrap which overcomes or at least alleviates one or more of the above mentioned problems.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In one broad form there is provided a baby wrap including a body of wrappable material for wrapping a baby, the baby wrap including limb receiving compartments, each limb receiving compartment being adapted for receiving at least a portion of a limb of the baby therewithin to thereby restrict free movement of the baby's limbs.

In one particular form, the limb receiving compartments are configured to receive corresponding limbs of the baby whilst the baby wrap is in an unwrapped state.

In another particular form, the limb receiving compartments includes arm receiving compartments, each arm receiving compartment being adapted for receiving at least a portion of an arm of the baby.

In one aspect, wherein the limb receiving compartments includes a leg receiving compartment adapted for receiving at least a portion of each leg of the baby.

In another aspect, webbing is located between at least some of the limb receiving compartments.

In one optional form, the webbing is located between the arm receiving compartments and the leg receiving compartment.

In another optional form, the baby wrap includes a torso receiving compartment adapted for receiving at least a portion of the baby's torso.

In one embodiment, the limb receiving compartments branch from the torso receiving compartment.

In another embodiment, the torso receiving compartment includes an adjustable opening.

In an optional embodiment, the adjustable opening includes an adjustable fastening assembly.

In another optional embodiment, the adjustable fastening assembly includes a zipper arrangement.

In one particular form, the baby wrap includes an access portion, wherein when the baby is wrapped in the baby wrap, the access portion is positioned substantially adjacent a napkin worn by the baby, wherein the access portion is openable to allow access to the napkin whilst the baby is wrapped in the baby wrap.

In another particular form, the adjustable opening is the access portion.

In one aspect, the wrappable material includes at least one fastener for fastening the baby wrap in a wrapped state.

In another aspect, the at least one fastener includes a first fastener including a pair of straps, and a second fastener including a zipper.

In one optional form, the baby wrap includes a first overlapping portion and a second overlapping portion, wherein the first overlapping portion is releasably fastened in a wrapped state using the first fastener, and the second overlapping portion is releasably fastened in a wrapped state using the second fastener.

In another optional form, wherein the baby wrap includes a covering flap which substantially covers a hand-operative element of the second fastener whilst the baby wrap is wrapped.

In one embodiment, the covering flap is secured in a covered position via a securing assembly.

In another embodiment, the securing assembly is a hook and loop arrangement.

In an optional embodiment, at least some of the limb receiving compartments are open ended.

In another optional embodiment, at least some of the limb receiving compartments are configured as a pocket having a closed end.

In one particular form the baby wrap releasably secures one or more members which extend at least partially from side portions of the wrapped baby wrap, thereby restricting the baby rolling.

In another particular form, the baby wrap includes a first securing portion which is configured to releasably secure a second securing portion located on the one or more members.

In one aspect, the first securing portion is a loop arrangement which releasably secures a hook arrangement of the one or more members.

In another aspect, the baby wrap includes the one or more members.

In one optional form, each member includes a wedge portion which is securable to a rear portion of the baby wrap, and a protruding member which protrudes from the side portion of the baby wrap.

In another optional form, the baby wrap includes an aperture located between the limb compartments to receive therethrough a car restraint.

In a second broad form there is provided a baby wrap for wrapping a baby, wherein the baby wrap includes a body of wrappable material for wrapping the baby, the wrappable material including an access portion positioned substantially adjacent a portion of a napkin worn by the baby when wrapped in the baby wrap, wherein the access portion is openable to allow access to the napkin whilst the baby remains wrapped within the baby wrap.

In one particular form, the baby wrap includes limb receiving compartments, each limb receiving compartment being adapted for receiving at least a portion of a limb of the baby therewithin to thereby restrict free movement of the baby's limbs

In another particular form, the limb receiving compartments are configured to receive corresponding limbs of the baby whilst the baby wrap is in an unwrapped state.

In one aspect, the limb receiving compartments includes arm receiving compartments, each arm receiving compartment being adapted for receiving at least a portion of an arm of the baby.

In one optional form, wherein the limb receiving compartments include a leg receiving compartment adapted for receiving at least a portion of each leg of the baby.

In another optional form, webbing is located between at least some of the limb receiving compartments.

In one embodiment, wherein the webbing is located between the arm receiving compartments and the leg receiving compartment.

In another embodiment, the baby wrap includes a torso receiving compartment adapted for receiving at least a portion of the baby's torso.

In an optional embodiment, the limb receiving compartments branch from the torso receiving compartment.

In another optional embodiment, the torso receiving compartment includes an adjustable opening.

In one particular form, the adjustable opening includes an adjustable fastening assembly.

In another particular form, the adjustable fastening assembly includes a zipper arrangement.

In one aspect, the adjustable opening is the access portion.

In another aspect, the wrappable material includes at least one fastener for fastening the baby wrap in a wrapped state.

In one optional form, the at least one fastener includes a first fastener including a pair of straps, and a second fastener including a zipper.

In another optional form, the baby wrap includes a first overlapping portion and a second overlapping portion, wherein the first overlapping portion is releasably fastened in a wrapped state using the first fastener, and the second overlapping portion is releasably fastened in a wrapped state using the second fastener.

In one embodiment, the baby wrap includes a covering flap which substantially covers a hand-operative element of the second fastener whilst the baby wrap is wrapped.

In another embodiment, the covering flap is secured in a covered position via a securing assembly.

In an optional embodiment, the securing assembly is a hook and loop arrangement.

In another optional embodiment at least some of the limb receiving compartments are open ended.

In one particular form, at least some of the limb receiving compartments are configured as a pocket having a closed end.

In another particular form, the baby wrap releasably secures one or more members which extend at least partially from side portions of the wrapped baby wrap, thereby restricting the baby rolling.

In one aspect, the baby wrap includes a first securing portion which is configured to releasably secure a second securing portion located on the one or more members.

In another aspect, the first securing portion is a loop arrangement which releasably secures a hook arrangement of the one or more members.

In one optional form, the baby wrap includes the one or more members.

In another optional form, each member includes a wedge portion which is securable to a rear portion of the baby wrap, and a protruding member which protrudes from the side portion of the baby wrap.

In another optional form, the baby wrap includes an aperture located between the limb compartments to receive therethrough a car restraint.

In a third broad form there is provided a baby wrap for wrapping a baby, wherein the baby wrap includes a body of wrappable material for wrapping the baby; and a plurality of members which extend from side portions of the wrappable material whilst the baby wrap is in a wrapped state, thereby restricting the baby rolling whilst wrapped within the baby wrap.

In another particular form, the limb receiving compartments are configured to receive corresponding limbs of the baby whilst the baby wrap is in an unwrapped state.

In one aspect, the limb receiving compartments includes arm receiving compartments, each arm receiving compartment being adapted for receiving at least a portion of an arm of the baby.

In another aspect, the limb receiving compartments include a leg receiving compartment adapted for receiving at least a portion of each leg of the baby.

In one optional form, webbing is located between at least some of the limb receiving compartments.

In another optional form, the webbing is located between the arm receiving compartments and the leg receiving compartment.

In one embodiment, the baby wrap includes a torso receiving compartment adapted for receiving at least a portion of the baby's torso.

In another embodiment, the limb receiving compartments branch from the torso receiving compartment.

In an optional embodiment the torso receiving compartment includes an adjustable opening.

In another optional embodiment the adjustable fastening assembly includes a zipper arrangement.

In another particular form, the adjustable opening is the access portion.

In one aspect, the wrappable material includes at least one fastener for fastening the baby wrap in a wrapped state.

In another aspect, the at least one fastener includes a first fastener including a pair of straps, and a second fastener including a zipper.

In another optional form, the baby wrap includes a covering flap which substantially covers a hand-operative element of the second fastener whilst the baby wrap is wrapped.

In one embodiment, the covering flap is secured in a covered position via a securing assembly.

In another embodiment, the securing assembly is a hook and loop arrangement.

In one optional embodiment, at least some of the limb receiving compartments are open ended.

In another optional embodiment, at least some of the limb receiving compartments are configured as a pocket having a closed end.

In one particular form, the baby wrap includes a first securing portion which is configured to releasably secure a second securing portion located on the one or more members.

In another particular form, the first securing portion is a loop arrangement which releasably secures a hook arrangement of the one or more members.

In one aspect, each member includes a wedge portion which is securable to a rear portion of the baby wrap, and a protruding member which protrudes from the side portion of the baby wrap.

In another optional form, the baby wrap includes an aperture located between the limb compartments to receive therethrough a car restraint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

An example embodiment of the present invention should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an example of a baby wrap in an unwrapped state;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the baby wrap of FIG. 1 in the unwrapped state;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the baby wrap of FIG. 1 in a partially wrapped state;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the baby wrap of FIG. 1 in a wrapped state;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of another example of the baby wrap including an aperture for receiving a seat belt or restraint;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of another example of the baby wrap, in an unwrapped state, for restricting rolling of the baby whilst wrapped within the baby wrap;

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of an example member for attachment to the baby wrap of FIG. 6 for restricting the wrapped baby rolling;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the baby wrap of FIG. 6, in a wrapped state, with a plurality of members attached to the side portions of the baby wrap;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of another example of a baby wrap in the unwrapped state;

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of the baby wrap of FIG. 9 in the unwrapped state;

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the baby wrap of FIG. 9 with the access portion in an open position;

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the baby wrap of FIG. 9 in the wrapped state; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a rear view of the baby wrap of FIG. 9 in the wrapped state.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9 there is shown examples of a baby wrap 10. In particular, the baby wrap 10 includes a body of wrappable material 20 for wrapping the baby.

The body of wrappable material 20 generally include a first overlappable portion 21, a second overlappable portion 22, and a central portion 23, as indicated in FIG. 1.

In one form, the wrappable material 20 includes limb receiving compartments 30 which are adapted for receiving at least a portion of a limb of the baby therewithin to thereby restrict free movement of the baby's limbs.

The limb receiving compartments 30 can be provided in the form of arm receiving compartments 40, wherein each arm receiving compartment 40 is adapted to receive at least a portion of an arm of the baby. In an additional or alternate form, the limb receiving compartments 30 can be provided in the form of one or more leg receiving compartments 50, wherein each leg receiving compartment 50 is adapted to receive at least a portion of one or more legs of the baby. At least some of the limb receiving compartments can be provided in the form of pockets, wherein each pocket includes a closed end. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the limb receiving compartments can be open ended.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, a single leg receiving compartment is provided to receive both legs of the baby. However, it will be appreciated that separate leg receiving compartments can also be provided, wherein each leg receiving compartment receives an individual leg of the baby. The separate leg receiving compartments may be defined by a central length of stitching to separate the leg receiving compartments. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, webbing material 31 can be located between at least some of the limb receiving compartments 30. In particular, webbing 31 can be located between at least one of the arm receiving compartments 40 the leg receiving compartment 50. In an additional or alternate embodiment,, webbing can be provided between the leg receiving compartment 50. The webbing 31 defines a relatively fixed position and orientation within which the baby can reside within the wrap 10.

The body of wrappable material 20 can be provided in the form of an envelope including a front panel 60 which extends from a back panel 70. The front panel 60 includes a cut-away section 80 which defines, with the back panel 70, a torso receiving compartment 90. In one form, the front panel 60 is joined, using stitching, to the perimeter of the back panel 70, except for the edge of the recess 80.

The torso receiving compartment 90 is adapted to receive at least a portion of the baby's torso. The cut-away section 80 can be provided in the form of an arc. The cut-away section 80 provides a region which the baby's head can be located. When the baby wrap 10 is wrapped around the baby, as will be discussed in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4, the face of the baby is substantially uncovered.

Portions of the front panel 60 may extend from the back panel 70, thereby defining the limb receiving compartments 30. In one form, portions of the front panel 60 may be stitched to the back panel 70, thereby defining limb receiving compartments 30. In one form, the limb receiving compartments 30 branch off from the torso receiving compartment 90.

The arm receiving compartments 40 can be formed by two lines of stitching 41, 42 which join the front panel 60 to the back panel 70. The lines of stitching 41, 42 can run parallel to each other, and can be orientated in a diagonally downward direction. Each arm receiving compartment 40 may have an open end such as to allow various baby arm lengths to be accommodated. Each line of stitching 41, 42 of each arm receiving compartment 40 extends from a portion of the edge of the cut-away section 80 to an inner region of the respective overlappable portion 21, 22 of the baby wrap 10.

The leg receiving compartment 50 can be formed by lines of stitching 51 which extend from the perimeter of the baby wrap 10 to an inner region of the baby wrap 10. In one form, the line of stitching 51 extends in a substantially vertical direction. The leg receiving compartment 50 is defined between the lines of stitching 51 and the base portion of the joined perimeter portion between the front panel 60 and back panel 70 which extends between the joins of the stitching 51 with the perimeter.

The baby wrap 10 can include a number of fasteners to fasten the baby wrap in a wrapped state. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the baby wrap has a first fastener 100 for securing the first overlappable portion 21 in a wrapped state. The first fastener can be provided in the form of straps, wherein a first strap 101 extends from the first overlappable portion 21, and a second strap 102 extends from the second overlappable portion 22 or the central portion 23. In one particular form, the first strap 101 extends from the perimeter of the first overlappable portion 21, and the second strap 102 extends from the perimeter of the recess 80.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first overlappable portion 21 is wrapped, as shown by arrow 300, so as to overlap the central portion 23 of the body of material 20. The first overlappable portion 21 is then secured in an overlapped state by tying the first strap 101 to the second strap 102, as shown in FIG. 3.

The baby wrap 10 can also be provided with a second fastener 110. The second fastener 110 is adapted to secure the second overlappable portion 22 in a wrapped state, as shown in FIG. 4. In one form, the second fastener 110 is provided in the form of a zipper. A first portion 111 of the zipper is located along a side portion of the perimeter of the second overlappable portion 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9. A complementary second portion 112 of the zipper is located on the rear of the back panel 70, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 10.

When the second overlappable portion 22 is wrapped over, as indicated by arrow 400 in FIG. 4, the first and second zipper portions 111, 112 are engagable such as to secure the second overlappable portion 22 in a wrapped state. The zipper 110 can be actuated in a downward direction, for safety reasons, such that a handle of the zipper is located in a midsection of the baby wrap in the wrapped state. This wrapping technique effectively turns the baby wrap into a secured parcel, keeping the baby snug.

Due to the first and second fasteners 100, 110 being located in predefined positions on the baby wrap 10, the first and second fasteners 100, 110 act as guides regarding the folding of the overlappable portions 21, 22 of the baby wrap.

The baby wrap 10 can also include a covering portion 120 which covers an initial engagement portion of the first and second zipper portions 111, 112 of the second fastener. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the covering portion 120 can be provided in the form of a flap which overhangs the initial engagement portion of the second portion of the zipper 112 in the unwrapped state. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 12, the covering portion 120 covers the start of the engagement between the first and second zipper portions 111, 112 or a hand operative element, such as a the hand operative element of a zipper, of the second fastener. In one form, the rear of the back panel 70 includes a fastening portion 130 provided in the form of a hook and/or loop patch, and the cover portion 120 includes a corresponding fastening portion provided in the form of a hook and/or loop patch 121 which are engagable in the wrapped state to secure the cover portion 120 in a covered position. In another form, the exposed side of the cover portion 120, in the covered position, provides a surface area to display advertising indicia.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 12, the body of wrappable material 20 includes an access portion 140. When the baby is wrapped within the baby wrap 10, the access portion 140 is positioned substantially adjacent a portion of a napkin worn by the baby. The access portion 140 is openable, as shown in FIG. 11, to allow access to the napkin whilst the baby remains wrapped within the baby wrap 10. The access portion 140 can be provided in the form of a fastener, such as a series of press studs, or a zipper, which is openable to allow access to the portion of the napkin worn by the wrapped baby, and closable to reseal the baby wrap 10. The access portion can include two flaps 141, 142 which are openable via the fastener.

A method which the baby wrap 10 can be applied to a baby will now be described with relation to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. Dotted outlines (other than stitching) indicates the previous position of a portion of the baby wrap 10 between steps of the method.

In particular, an adjustable opening of the access portion 140 is opened to allow easy insertion of the baby's torso within the torso receiving compartment 90. Next, limbs of the baby are placed within limb receiving compartments 30. In particular forms, the legs of the baby are placed within the leg receiving compartment 50, and in additional or alternate forms, the arms of the baby are placed within arm receiving compartments 40. The access portion 140 is then closed.

Next, the first overlappable portion 21 is wrapped over the central portion 23, as shown by arrow 300 in FIG. 3. The first fastener 100 is then secured to thereby secure the first overlappable portion 21 in the overlapped state. Next the second overlappable portion 22 is wrapped over the central portion 23 such that first and second fastener portions 111, 112 of the second fastener 110 are in alignment, as shown by arrow 400 in FIG. 4. Then, the second fastener 110 is secured to thereby secure the second overlappable portion 22 in the wrapped state. The baby wrap 10 is now in the wrapped state, as shown in FIG. 4.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an alternative example of the baby wrap 10. In particular, the wrap 10 includes one or more apertures 500 which are located in the bottom portion of the central portion 23 for receiving a seat belt or restraint. In one form, the one or more apertures 500 is located in both the front and back panels 60, 70, os that the seat belt or restraint can protrude the baby wrap. As such, the baby, whilst in the baby wrap 10, can be secured in a car seat or restraint.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, there is shown an alternative example of the baby wrap 10. In particular, the baby wrap 10 includes a plurality of members 700 which each extend from a side portion 810 of the baby wrap 10 whilst in the wrapped state. The plurality of members 700 restrict the baby rolling over onto their stomach whilst wrapped within the baby wrap 10, thereby reducing the likelihood that the baby may suffer from SIDS.

In one form, as shown in FIGS. 6, the rear of the back panel 70 includes a fastener assembly portion 600, provided in the form of a plurality of hook and loop strips 600, which extend in a generally vertical direction along the back panel. Each strip 600 is positioned such that it is located at the side portion 810 of the baby wrap 10 whilst in the wrapped state, as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of one of the members 700 which extends from the side portion 810 of the baby wrap 10. In this example, the members 700 are attachable and detachable to the baby wrap 10 using the 730. However, it will be appreciated that in other examples the members 700 may be integral with the baby wrap 10.

The member 700 includes a complementary fastener assembly portion 730 which is securable to the fastener assembly portion 600 on the back panel 70. The fastener assembly portion 600, 730 secure the members 700 to the side portions 810 of the baby wrap 10 in the wrapped state.

As shown in FIG. 7, the member 700 includes an attachment portion 720 which includes the fastening assembly portion 730. The member 700 can also include an extending portion 710 which extends outward from the side portion 810 of the wrapped baby. In one form, the extending portion 710 may be provided in the form of a cylinder, or a planar surface. In an additional or alternate form, each member 700 may be formed from foam. In an additional or alternate form, the attachment portion 720 is relatively thin to be able to be securely attached under the side portion 810 of the baby wrap 10. In a further form, the attachment portion may be tapered to form a wedge shape to snugly fit under the side portion 810 of the baby wrap 10 in the wrapped state.

As shown in FIG. 8, the members 700 are shown extending from the side portions 810. The extending portions 710 of the baby wrap 10 are adapted to rest against the surface which the wrapped baby is resting upon. The attachment portions 730 are shown in dotted outline which extend from the side portions 810. Due to the extending portions 710 of the plurality of members 700 extending from the sides portion 810 of the baby wrap in the wrapped state, an increased rotational force is required in order for the baby to roll over onto their stomach. Therefore, due to the required increase in rotational force, the members 700 restrict the baby rolling onto their stomach.

Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/AU2007/001064	Jul 2007	US
Child	12656516		US

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Continuation in Parts (1)