The inventive technology disclosed herein generally relates to improved apparatus, systems and methods of infant swaddling. In certain preferred embodiments, the inventive technology may include both improved practical as well as decorative elements. These elements may be combined to provide not only an infant swaddling system that may have improved functionality but also consumer-centric design elements, further enhancing the inventive technology's commercial appeal. In some preferred embodiments, the inventive technology may provide for one or more swaddling arms that may provide a variable compressive force. Further, an infant compartment may help secure the infant in an optimal position for swaddling as well as provides for additional warmth and padding in instances where one or more swaddling arms may provide a variable loose and/or tight swaddle. Additional functional aspects, as well as decorative embodiments will become apparent from the discussion below.
Traditional infant swaddling techniques have been known for thousands of years. While different regions of the world employ variations on traditional swaddling techniques, the practice generally includes tightly wrapping a newborn or infant in a blanket or similar material such that movements of limbs is restricted. Controlled studies have demonstrated that this restriction of the extremities and compressive force exerted on the infant produces a motorically calming effect. Swaddled infants exhibit calmer and a more steady heart rate, increased REM sleep duration, as well as decreased bouts of agitation and crying. Despite these advantages, tight swaddling of infants, in particular traditional forms, have been shown to increase the risk of hip dysplasia, as well as incidents of hyperthermia where the infant is unable to regulate body temperate. In extreme cases, severe brain injury and even death have been reported. The foregoing problems regarding traditional infant swaddling may represent a long-felt need for an effective solution to the same.
The present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed with initial embodiments, however it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.
Generally referring to
Referring back to
As an additional element, the inventive technology may be adapted to a variety of configurations. For example, a user may employ a variety of infant compartments, which may be secured to one or more swaddling arms through one or more couplers discussed above. Additionally, one or more swaddling arms (1) may be used to swaddle an infant without an associated infant compartment (2). Again referring to
In the specific embodiment shown in
1.) Bubble body
2.) Bubble Body With Attached Hood
3.) Jumpsuit
4.) Jumpsuit with Attached Hood
5.) Onesie
Again referencing the preferred embodiment
As shown in
In yet another embodiment, the invention may be configured so as to include an infant support (5). As shown in
Now referring to
Generally referring to
As noted above, in certain embodiments, an infant compartment (2) as well as one or more swaddling arms may form an integral unitary swaddling system. For example, as shown in
In still further embodiments, the invention may include one or more arm apertures (7) positioned internally within a swaddling arm (1). As demonstrated in
As shown in
As shown in
Referring to
In this, and other preferred embodiments, additional design embellishments may be embodied in the inventive technology. As shown generally, such design elements may form a variety of personalized and themed features. As shown in the figures, such design elements may include both integral design elements including color and fabric selections and arrangements, as well as varying shapes and design configurations, and various design elements. Such design elements may include, but not be limited to:
1.) Appliqués
2.) Embroidery
3.) Burn Out
4.) Print (Sublimation/Screen Print)
5.) Ribbon
6.) Ric-Rac
7.) Lace
8.) Fringe
9.) Braids
10.) Piping
11.) Tassels
12.) Pom-poms
13.) Felt
14.) Pacifier
15.) Pacifier holder
16.) Patches
17.) Stuffed appendage(s)
Additionally, as shown throughout the figures, the inventive technology may further include a variety of accessory elements that may further the functional as well as design goals of the disclosure. Such accessory elements may include, but not be limited to:
1.) Hat/Hood (attached and detachable)
2.) 2 piece diaper cover with shirt
3.) 2 piece pant with shirt
4.) Booties
5.) Socks
6.) Headband/Head Piece
7.) Mittens
8.) Face Accessory (ex: Beard)
9.) Blanket with multiple sections of different fabric
10.) Blanket with multiple layers of different fabric
Moreover, the inventive technology may further include a variety of fabric elements that may yet further the functional as well as design goals of the disclosure. Such fabric elements may include, but not be limited to:
1.) Jersey
2.) Flannel
3.) Fleece
4.) Low/High Pile Plush (Velboa)
5.) Faux Fur
6.) Terry Cloth
7.) Chenille
8.) Quilted
9.) Mesh
10.) Tulle, Satin, Crinoline
11.) Lame
12.) Velvet
13.) Velour
14.) Embossed Fabric
15.) Faux Suede
16.) Woven Cotton
17.) Tricot
18.) Crochet/Hand Knit
19.) Matelassé
20.) Damask
21.) Brocade
22.) Corduroy
Naturally, all embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed to limit the scope of the inventive technology consistent with the broader inventive principles disclosed. As may be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present inventive technology may be embodied in a variety of ways. It generally involves systems, methods, techniques as well as devices to accomplish providing an Improved Decorative Infant Swaddling System and the like. In this application, the techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some apparatus are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.
The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the inventive technology and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the inventive technology is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the inventive technology and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.
It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the inventive technology. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this inventive technology. A broad disclosure encompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the inventive technology both independently and as an overall system.
Further, each of the various elements of the inventive technology and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the inventive technology, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this inventive technology is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a “wrap” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “wrapping”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “wrapping”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “wrapping method and/or technique, and or device” and even a “means for wrapping and.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
Any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Finally, all references listed in the list of References To Be Incorporated By Reference In Accordance With The Patent Application or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiii) all inventions described herein.
With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.
Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the terra “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. The use of the phrase, “or any other claim” is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, and the like. It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.
Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the inventive technology, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62138163 | Mar 2015 | US |