BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
FIG. 1 is a top planar view of the infant support system according to the invention, wherein the support system comprises a support base surrounded by a wall with a repositionable panel.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the the wedge-shaped infant supports in the re-configurable section, with the repositionable panels folded away from the recess.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the fastening means.
FIG. 4 illustrates the support base with infant supports removed, to provide access to the recess.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will now be described more fully in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention should not, however, be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an infant support system 100 according to the invention. The infant support system 100 has a support base 101 surrounded by a protective wall 102. The wall 102 includes a repositionable panel 103. Also shown is a reconfigurable section 105, which is a recess 106 formed in the support base 101 that is filled in with a removable infant support 200.
As seen in FIG. 2, the repositionable panel 103 includes two panels 103 and 104, which are folded away from the reconfigurable section 105. The repositionable panels 103, 104 may be sub-divided into sections, to reduce the sweep needed when folding them off to the side. Although two panels 103 and 104 are shown, it is understood that one or more panels 103 may be provided as needed to provide an opening in the protective wall 102 that allows the mother to pull the support base 101 close about her torso.
FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrates detail of the reconfigurable section 105. In the particular embodiment shown, the infant support 200 includes two wedge-shaped infant supports 201, 202 which, placed one on top of the other, form a flat surface that is substantially contiguous and even with the surface of the support base 101. Removing both infant supports 201202 opens the recess 106 and allows the mother to pull the support base 101 close around her body. FIG. 4 shows the recess 106 exposed. It is understood that handles 203 and pockets 204 may be provided on the wall in any suitable location.
FIG. 3 shows fastening means 300 used to hold the repositionable panels 103,104 in the open or closed position. In the embodiment shown, the fastening means 301 are straps with a closure 302 that secures the repositionable panels 103,104. The fastening means are not limited to a pair of straps; rather, any suitable fastening means 300 may be provided. For example, the fastening means 300 may comprise fabric straps with touch-fasteners or elastic bands, simple ties, snaps, buckles, etc. An additional closure 302 is shown on the outer surface of the protective wall 102 for securing the repositionable panels 103,104 in the opened position.
It is understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention. Variations in the construction of the infant support system may be contemplated by one skilled in the art without limiting the intended scope of the invention herein disclosed and as defined by the following claims.
Patent Application
20080052833
