Patent Grant
10779579
The disclosure generally pertains to the field of infant swaddling.
Archaeological records indicate that infant swaddling was first used around 4000 B.C. in the desert regions of Central Asia in combination with a back-pack cradle board. As time progressed, the migration of people from region to region became a relatively permanent way of life. Swaddling subsequently also became a common part of child-rearing.
Early swaddling used a square piece of cloth. The infant was laid on the cloth diagonally and the corners of the cloth were folded over the feet, body and under the head, and the corners were tied to hold the cloth in position. Swaddling typically formed the clothing for an infant until the infant was about a year old. The confinement provided by the swaddling provided warmth and security for the infant who had recently left the mother's womb.
Even today, swaddling is a standard newborn care practice in most hospitals.
Current infant swaddling makes it easier to swaddle an infant than with traditional square cloths. Nevertheless, a wakeful infant can loosen the swaddling and kick the swaddling off. Accordingly, a need remains for swaddling that is more readily maintained in place on an infant.
Infant swaddling and methods of swaddling are disclosed in various embodiments. The swaddling includes a pouch. In certain embodiments, the swaddling can further include a blanket.
In addition, the swaddle can be produced from various materials that will not gather at the infant's neck, can be produced in various dimensions to accommodate infants of various sizes, can be made of various colors such as a pink or a blue color to identify the sex of the infant, can simulate a “womb-like” environment that is less traumatic on the infant, can keep the infant better positioned so the infant is less likely to turn, suffocate, and reduces the risk of SIDS, can provide breathability and rapid moisture wicking capabilities so that the infant does not overheat, can provide a pressure around the infant which is imperative for drug-exposed infants, and is cost effective from both a consumer's and manufacturer's point of view.
Certain embodiments include the inventive realization that it is desirable to incorporate swaddling materials that can draw sweat away from the skin of an infant, making the infant skin dry and more comfortable. Such transfer of moisture, called wicking, happens when fabric fibers channel moisture along the filament through “capillary action,” pulling moisture to the fabric surface. When moisture has moved from the skin to the surface of the material, it can evaporates. Moisture wicking is typically achieved by using one of two methods. The first way to promote moisture wicking is to apply a hydrophilic chemical surface treatment, such as silica, to a fabric. This treatment allows the fabric's fibers to attract water and pull it into the fabric and away from the skin. The second way is to use a knit structure that facilitates capillary action. The first method is referred to herein as chemical wicking, and the second method is referred to herein as mechanical wicking.
Moisture wicking is different from breathability. A breathable fabric, such as cotton, linen, or wool, absorbs moisture and holds the moisture against the skin. For example, highly breathable materials such as 100% cotton can quickly absorb moisture due to perspiration on the infant's skin, but retains the excessive moisture, which does not evaporate quickly from the skin or the fabric. As a result, the infant's skin and the cotton fabric are damp for extended periods of time after the infant perspires, making it uncomfortable for the infant.
As discussed above, some commercially available fabrics are coated with chemicals that give the fabrics moisture wicking capabilities by allowing the treated fibers to attract or pull moisture away from skin. However, such topologically treated materials tend to lose their wicking capabilities when the chemical coating starts to wear off after repeated washing cycles. Infant swaddling normally undergoes frequent washing for hygiene purposes. Accordingly, certain embodiments include the inventive realization that a non-chemically treated moisture-wicking fabric or a fabric with both mechanical and chemical wicking properties is more desirable than a material that gets its wicking capabilities only from the chemical coating.
In addition, fabrics with good wicking properties, such as polyester blends, tend to have poor stretchability. Poor stretchability can be a problem, as overly rigid swaddling material could lead to problems such as infant hip dysplasia. Accordingly, certain embodiments include the inventive realization that the swaddling material should still be stretchable and allow small movements of an infant while allowing the swaddling to be maintained in place on the infant.
Accordingly, various embodiments provide infant swaddling with a mechanical wicking fabric or a combination chemical-mechanical wicking fabric that is also stretchable.
Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, the swaddling may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
In at least one embodiment, the swaddling comprises a pouch. The swaddling can have one, some, or all of the following properties. The pouch can comprise an inner surface and an outer surface. The pouch can comprise a lower end. The lower end can be opened and closed to allow a diaper to be easily removed and replaced or to take a rectal temperature.
In various embodiments, the swaddling can further comprise a blanket. The foregoing swaddling can have one, some, or all of the following properties, as well as properties described elsewhere in this disclosure. The blanket can comprise an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface can comprise a pouch attachment area. The pouch attachment area can be marked. The pouch attachment area can comprise a first side and a second side. A first blanket flap can extend laterally from the first side of the pouch attachment area. A second blanket flap can extend laterally from the second side of the pouch attachment area. The first blanket flap can have a lateral length that is greater than the lateral length of the second blanket flap. The outer surface of the pouch can be fixed to the blanket. The outer surface of the pouch can be removably attached to the inner surface of the blanket. The outer surface of the pouch can be removably attached to the pouch attachment area of the blanket.
A method of using a swaddling is also disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises wrapping a first blanket flap and a second blanket flap around a pouch holding an infant. In various embodiments, the foregoing method has one, some, or all of the following properties. To utilize the swaddling, the second blanket flap is initially wrapped around the outer surface of the pouch and is attached thereto by an attachment means. After the second blanket flap is attached, the first blanket flap is wrapped around the second blanket flap and is attached thereto by the attachment means.
In at least one embodiment, infant swaddling comprises a blanket comprising a laterally extending first blanket flap and a laterally extending second blanket flap, and further comprising a first blanket surface comprising one or more pouch attachments, and a second blanket surface opposite the first blanket surface. The swaddling also comprises a pouch comprising a laterally extending first pouch flap and a laterally extending second pouch flap, and further comprising a first pouch surface comprising one or more first attachments near a side of the first pouch surface, the one or more first attachments extending vertically downward from an upper portion of the first pouch surface that, in use, is near the infant's head, neck, or upper torso toward a lower portion of the first pouch surface that, in use, is lower than the upper portion and near the infant's feet, and a lower attachment that, in use, is lower than the one or more first attachments, and a second pouch surface opposite the first surface comprising a plurality of second attachments that are recloseable with and complementary with the one or more first attachments and with the lower attachment and one or more blanket attachments complementary with the one or more pouch attachments, at least one of the blanket attachments being recloseable with at least one of the pouch attachments.
The foregoing swaddling can have one, some, or all of the following properties, as well as properties described elsewhere in this disclosure. The blanket can comprise a retainer for retaining the second blanket flap in a position when the blanket is in use on the infant. Each of the plurality of second attachments can be spaced laterally along the second pouch surface and extend vertically downward from the upper portion toward the lower portion. In use, the pouch can be configured such that the infant is placed on the first pouch surface, the one or more first attachments are configured to be recloseably attached to at least one of the plurality of second attachments such that the pouch is recloseably secured around the infant, the lower portion of the first pouch surface is configured to be gathered at the lower portion of the infant's body, the lower attachment is configured to recloseably attach to one of the plurality of second attachments, the first blanket flap is configured to be wrapped over the front of the infant, and the second blanket flap is configured to be wrapped over the first blanket flap. In use, the second blanket flap can be retained with the retainer. The retainer can comprise an elastic loop fixed to the second blanket surface and the second blanket flap can pass through the loop, which thereby retains the second blanket flap. At least one of the pouch attachments can be configured in use to be near the front of the infant and near the infant's head or neck. The one or more first attachments and the lower attachment can comprise hook or loop fabric. The one or more first attachments and the lower attachment can comprise tabs of hook or loop fabric. The lower attachment can be laterally offset from the one or more first attachments. The plurality of second attachments can comprise hook or loop fabric. The plurality of second attachments can comprise strips of hook or loop fabric. The one or more pouch attachments and the one or more blanket attachments can comprise tabs of hook or loop fabric.
In at least one embodiment, infant swaddling comprises a pouch configured to open to lay flat, the pouch comprising an outward-facing surface that, when an infant is placed on the open pouch, faces away from the infant and an inner-facing surface that, when an infant is placed on the open pouch, faces toward the infant. The pouch comprises an upper portion with an upper edge that, when in use, is proximal the infant's head region, the upper portion comprising an upper section that, when in use, is near the nape of the infant's neck, and a lower section, at least a part of which, when in use, is the under the infant's chin region. The pouch also comprises a lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion that, when in use, is proximal the infant's feet, a laterally extending first flap integral with the upper portion and lower portion, the inner-facing surface of the first flap comprising one or more first attachments extending vertically downward from the upper portion toward the lower portion, and a laterally extending second flap integral with the upper portion and lower portion. The outward-facing surface comprises one or more second attachments that are recloseable with and complementary with the one or more first attachments and a retainer configured to receive and recloseably retain the lower portion of the pouch when in use.
The foregoing swaddling can have one, some, or all of the following properties, as well as properties described elsewhere in this disclosure. At least a part of the upper edge of the lower section can be lower than at least a part of the upper edge of the upper section when the pouch is open. The upper section can be between the lower section and a sloped section that forms part of an edge of the first flap. The one or more first attachments can comprise a plurality of hook or loop fabric elements. The one or more second attachments can comprise a plurality of hook or loop fabric elements. At least one of the hook and loop fabric elements of the one or more second attachments can have a surface area at least about 8 times larger than at least one of the hook or loop fabric elements of the one or more first attachments. The retainer can be an elastic loop.
In at least one embodiment, infant swaddling comprises a sheet configured to open to lay flat. The sheet comprises an outward-facing surface that, when an infant is placed on the open sheet, faces away from the infant, an inner-facing surface that, when an infant is placed on the open sheet, faces toward the infant, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The sheet also comprises an upper portion that, when in use, is near the infant's head region, the upper portion comprising an upper section that, when in use, is near the nape of the infant's neck, a first lower section comprising an upper edge that slopes downward toward a side edge of the first side, and a second lower section comprising an upper edge that slopes downward toward a side edge of the second side. At least a part of the first lower section or at least a part of the second lower section, when in use, is under the infant's chin region. The sheet also comprises a lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion that, when in use, is proximal the infant's feet; a laterally extending first flap integral with the upper portion and lower portion, the inner-facing surface of the first flap comprising one or more first attachments extending vertically downward from the upper portion toward the lower portion; and a laterally extending second flap integral with the upper portion and lower portion, the outward-facing surface of the second flap comprising one or more second attachments that are recloseable with and complementary with the one or more first attachments. The outward-facing surface comprises a retainer configured to receive and recloseably retain the lower portion of the pouch when in use.
The foregoing swaddling can have one, some, or all of the following properties, as well as properties described elsewhere in this disclosure. The one or more first attachments can comprise a plurality of hook or loop fabric elements and the one or more second attachments can comprise a plurality of hook or loop fabric elements. At least one of the hook and loop fabric elements of the one or more second attachments can have a surface area at least about 8 times larger than at least one of the hook or loop fabric elements of the one or more first attachments. A junction between an upper edge of the first sloped section and the side edge of the first side can comprise a fillet. The one or more first attachments can comprise one or more hook or loop fabric elements near the fillet. The retainer can be an elastic loop. The inner-facing surface can be configured such that, when an infant is placed on the open sheet, the infant is substantially vertically centered on the open sheet.
In some embodiments, infant swaddling comprises a blanket configured to open to lay flat. The blanket comprises an outward-facing surface that, when an infant is placed on the open blanket, faces away from the infant, and an inner-facing surface that, when an infant is placed on the open blanket, faces toward the infant. The blanket comprises an upper portion with an upper edge that, when in use, is proximal the infant's head region, the upper portion comprising an upper section that, when in use, is near the nape of the infant's neck, and a lower section, at least a part of which, when in use, is the under the infant's chin region. The blanket also comprises a lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion that, when in use, is proximal the infant's feet, a laterally extending flap integral with the upper portion and lower portion. The inner-facing surface of the flap comprises one or more first attachments extending vertically downward from the upper portion toward the lower portion, and a laterally extending region integral with the upper portion and lower portion. The outward-facing surface of the region comprises one or more second attachments that are recloseable with and complementary with the one or more first attachments and a retainer configured to receive and recloseably retain the lower portion of the blanket when in use.
The foregoing swaddling can have one, some, or all of the following properties, as well as properties described elsewhere in this disclosure. At least a part of the upper edge of the lower section can be lower than at least a part of the upper edge of the upper section when the blanket is open. The upper section can be between the lower section and a sloped section that forms part of an edge of the first flap. The one or more first attachments can comprise a plurality of hook or loop fabric elements. The one or more second attachments can comprise a plurality of hook or loop fabric elements. At least one of the hook and loop fabric elements of the one or more second attachments can have a surface area at least about 6 times larger than at least one of the hook or loop fabric elements of the one or more first attachments. The retainer can be an elastic loop.
In some embodiments, infant swaddling comprises a sheet configured to open to lay flat. The sheet comprises an outward-facing surface that, when an infant is placed on the open sheet, faces away from the infant, an inner-facing surface that, when an infant is placed on the open sheet, faces toward the infant, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The sheet also comprises an upper portion that, when in use, is near the infant's head region, the upper portion comprising an upper section that, when in use, is near the nape of the infant's neck, a first lower section comprising an upper edge that slopes downward toward a side edge of the first side, and a second lower section comprising an upper edge that slopes downward toward a side edge of the second side. At least a part of the first lower section or at least a part of the second lower section, when in use, is under the infant's chin region. The sheet also comprises a lower portion spaced apart from the upper portion that, when in use, is proximal the infant's feet and a laterally extending flap integral with the upper portion and lower portion. The inner-facing surface of the flap comprises one or more first attachments extending vertically downward from the upper portion toward the lower portion, and a laterally extending region integral with the upper portion and lower portion. The outward-facing surface of the region comprises one or more second attachments that are recloseable with and complementary with the one or more first attachments. The second side comprises a retainer configured to receive and recloseably retain the lower portion of the pouch when in use.
The foregoing swaddling can have one, some, or all of the following properties, as well as properties described elsewhere in this disclosure. The one or more first attachments can comprise a plurality of hook or loop fabric elements and the one or more second attachments can comprise a plurality of hook or loop fabric elements. At least one of the hook and loop fabric elements of the one or more second attachments can have a surface area at least about 6 times larger than at least one of the hook or loop fabric elements of the one or more first attachments. A junction between an upper edge of the first sloped section and the side edge of the first side can comprise a fillet. The one or more first attachments can comprise one or more hook or loop fabric elements near the fillet. The retainer can be an elastic loop. The inner-facing surface can be configured such that, when an infant is placed on the open sheet, the infant is substantially vertically centered on the open sheet.
The swaddling of this disclosure can comprise any of the foregoing embodiments and also can include constructions of the following examples.
Example embodiments that implement the various features of the disclosed swaddling and associated methods will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments and not to limit the scope of the disclosure.
Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are frequently reused to indicate correspondence between referenced (or similar) elements. Nevertheless, the use of different numbers to indicate certain elements does not necessarily indicate that these elements are dissimilar or do not correspond with each other.
The following detailed description discloses swaddling and corresponding methods of use. It should be appreciated that the embodiments discussed below represent examples of suitable configurations, and the components can be resized and/or reconfigured as desired to produce a desired embodiment or effect. For example, the figures may show certain features on a left side or a right side of the swaddling. These features can be reversed so that features are placed on the opposite side of the swaddling. Such modifications are within the scope of the invention.
Swaddling
The swaddling 10 comprises a pouch 70. “Pouch” is a broad term and includes, without limitation, structures that, in use on an infant, generally resemble bags, pockets, sacks, tubes, or cylinders. The term “pouch” further contemplates that such structures can be closed, open, or reclosable at the lower end. “Recloseable” means that the structure can be quickly and reversibly closed and opened during normal use without requiring disassembly and reassembly, destructive interference, or application of a substantial external force sufficient to damage the structure. In certain embodiments, the swaddling 10 can further comprise a blanket 12. “Blanket” is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (that is, it is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning). It should be understood, however, that the blanket 12 is optional and the embodiments discussed in this disclosure can be modified for use without a blanket, for example, by omitting any described attachment between the pouch 70 and the blanket 12.
As used herein, and unless otherwise indicated, the term “lower” refers to a location that, in use, is nearer to the feet or bottom of an infant; the term “upper” refers to a location that, in use, is nearer to the head or neck of an infant; the term “front” refers to a location that, in use, is nearer to the belly of an infant; the term “back” refers to a location that, in use, is nearer to the spinal region of an infant.
Blanket
With reference first to
As shown in
With reference to
In certain configurations, and as shown in
The first blanket flap 28 and second blanket flap 46 of the blanket 12 can be configured in several different shapes.
In a first example shape, as shown in
In a second example shape, as shown in
In a third example shape, as shown in
In a fourth example shape, as shown in
Additional suitable shapes for the blanket are also discussed in this disclosure.
The blanket 12 is attached to pouch 70 at attachment 88. In certain configurations, attachment 88 represents a single attachment. In other configurations, attachment 88 represents multiple attachments. Attachment 88 is also described below in more detail.
Pouch
As shown in
In use, the pouch 70 comprises a first side 82 proximal the first blanket flap 28 and a second side 84 proximal the second blanket flap 46. The pouch further comprises an inner section 72 (disposed in use near the back of the infant 100) near attachment 88 and an outer section 74 (disposed in use near the chest of the infant 100) opposite the inner section 72. The inner section 72 is dimensioned to be attached to an area bordered by the first and second pouch border attachment marks 20, 22 on the blanket 12. The pouch 70 has a length that preferably places an open upper end 76 of the pouch adjacent to the chest area of an infant. The pouch 70 further comprises a lower end 78 opposite the open upper end 76. The lower end 78 of the pouch 70 is preferably located adjacent to the lower edge 18 of the blanket 12. As shown in
The pouch 70 can be made of a variety of suitable materials. Desirably, the pouch 70 is made of a resilient soft material that maintains a comfortable pressure on the infant 100 placed into the pouch 70, as shown in
In at least one embodiment, the blanket 12 is fixed to the pouch 70 at attachment 88. As used herein, the term “fixed” means that the attached components are attached during normal use such that disassembly, destructive interference, or a substantial external force sufficient to damage the components is needed in order to separate them. For example, the blanket 12 can be fixed to the pouch 70 by a sewn seam, sewn stitches, adhesive, glue, and the like.
In certain configurations, the blanket 12 can be removably attached to the pouch 70 at attachment 88. The term “removably attached” means that the attached components can be quickly and reversibly attached and detached during normal use without requiring disassembly and reassembly, destructive interference, or application of a substantial external force sufficient to damage the components. The inner section 72 of the pouch 70 can be attached to the pouch attachment area 14 by means for removably attaching the pouch 70 to the swaddling blanket 12, such as hook and loop fasteners, male and female detents, buttons, zippers, strings, ties, and equivalents thereof. In at least one embodiment, the inner section 72 of the pouch 70 is attached to the pouch attachment area 14 by hook and loop fasteners.
In at least one embodiment, the pouch 70 is recloseable. In such embodiments, a first flap portion of the pouch 70 is configured to interface with a second flap portion 80 of the pouch 70 such that the first flap portion and the second flap portion can be quickly and reversibly joined and separated during normal use without requiring disassembly and reassembly, destructive interference, or application of a substantial external force sufficient to damage the flap portions. As demonstrated in
Infant Head Cover
As shown in
The cover 96 can extend from the open upper end 76 located on the pouch 70 or from the upper edge 16 of the blanket 12. Suitable means for removably attaching the cover 96 to the pouch 70 or the blanket 12 include hook and loop fasteners, male and female detents, a zipper, one or more buttons, strings, ties, and equivalents thereof. The head cover 96 can also comprise a low-resistance elastic band 98 that provides additional security to the cover 96.
Method of Using the Blanket and Pouch Combination
An example method of using the swaddling 10 is next described. In general, as shown in
Next, the first blanket flap 28 commencing from the first pouch border attachment mark 20 is wrapped sequentially around the second blanket flap 46 and around the outer and second side section 74, 84 of the pouch 70. In certain configurations, means for removably attaching the outer edge 32 of the first blanket flap 28 to the second blanket flap 46 can provide a secure but easily removable connection between the first blanket flap 28 and the second blanket flap 46. Suitable means for removable attachment include hook and loop fasteners, male and female detents, one or more buttons, strings, ties, and equivalents thereof.
Additional Swaddling Configurations
Again, it should be appreciated that the embodiments of
An example pouch 800 is shown in
Although the embodiment is shown without a head cover, a head cover can be incorporated, if desired, as discussed herein. In addition, although the embodiment is shown with a blanket, the blanket can be omitted, if desired.
In at least one example method of positioning the pouch 800 on a baby, the first surface 801 of
As discussed below, the configuration of
Referring again to
Referring now to
After the second side 807 of the first surface 801 is folded over the first side 805, as shown in
The example embodiment comprises three second attachments 815, 817, 819. Nevertheless, more or fewer second attachments can be used. For example, one or more additional second attachments can be offset from (e.g., placed to the left of) second attachment 815 to accommodate even larger infants. One or more additional second attachments can be offset from (e.g., placed to the right of) second attachment 819 to accommodate even smaller infants. Fewer than three second attachments can be used to provide less adjustability in sizing. A single second attachment (e.g., only second attachment 817) also can be used in certain embodiments. It should be appreciated that, although the configuration of
The configuration of
For example, when first attachment 809 (
Closing access through the lower portion 823 can be desirable to keep the infant's feet warm and/or to minimize movement of the infant's feet. If desired, to close access through the lower portion 823 (
To complete a swaddling, a blanket can be attached to the pouch 800. An example blanket 829 is shown in
It should be appreciated that, although the shape of the blanket 829 shown in
In the example embodiment of
The blanket 829 can be wrapped around the infant. In the embodiment of
The configuration of the first surface 801 of pouch 800 in
The configuration of the second surface of the pouch 800 in
To complete a swaddling, a blanket can be attached to the pouch 800. Nevertheless, as discussed above, the blanket can be omitted, if desired, in certain embodiments. An example blanket 829 is shown in
In the example embodiment of
The blanket 829 can be wrapped around the infant.
As shown in
In
Also in the example of
The upper edge of first sloped section 820 extends between and slopes upward from the side edge of second side 807 to the upper edge of upper section 830. In certain embodiments, the angle between the upper edge of first sloped section 820 and the upper edge of upper section 830 is an obtuse angle, such as about 140° and for example 136°. The upper (or outer) edge of first sloped section 820 also can be a generally vertical line, such that the slope=∞ or the slope≈∞.
The upper edge of second sloped section 840 extends between and slopes downward from the upper edge of upper section 830 to the upper edge of lower section 850. In certain embodiments, the angle between the upper edge of second sloped section 840 and the upper edge of upper section 830 is an obtuse angle, such as about 160° and for example 161°. The upper (or outer) edge of second sloped section 840 also can be a generally vertical line, such that the slope=∞ or the slope≈∞.
Desirably, the nape of the baby's neck is proximal the top portion 802 of the first surface 801 near upper section 830. Preferably, the baby's head extends beyond the top portion 802 at upper section 830. The baby's feet extend toward the lower portion 803 of the first surface 801. To use the pouch 800, a first side 805 of the first surface 801 is folded over the baby's chest such that the lower section 850 of the top portion 802 is positioned under the baby's chin region. A second side 807 of the first surface 801 is folded over the first side 805. First sloped section 820 is positioned under the baby's chin region when in use. Certain embodiments include the realization that incorporating the upper section 830, lower section 850, and first sloped section 820 can help keep the nape of the baby's neck warm and secure while keeping the baby's mouth and/or nose clear of fabric.
As discussed below, the configuration of
Referring again to
In this example, two first attachment 809 elements are near the upper edge of first sloped section 820, and two first attachment 809 elements are near the side edge of second side 807. Nevertheless, other positions are contemplated. For example, all elements can be positioned near the side edge of second side 807. One element can be positioned near the upper edge of the first sloped section 820 and another element can be positioned near the side edge of second side 807. Other configurations are possible.
Referring now to
After the second side 807 of the first surface 801 is folded over the first side 805, as shown in
Certain embodiments include the realization that the laterally elongated tabs of the second attachment 815 (
In various embodiments, the maximum lateral length of a member of the second attachment 815 is at least 2 (or at least about 2), at least 3 (or at least about 3), at least 4 (or at least about 4), or at least 5 (or at least about 5) times longer than the maximum lateral length of a member of the first attachment 809. For example, the maximum lateral length of a member of the second attachment 815 can be 6 in (or about 6 in) (15 cm (or about 15 cm)). The maximum lateral length of a member of the first attachment 809 can be 1.5 in (or about 1.5 in) (3.75 cm (or about 3.75 cm)).
The maximum vertical length of a member of the second attachment 815 can be at least 1.25 (or at least about 1.25), at least 1.5 (or at least about 1.5), at least 2 (or at least about 2), or at least 3 (or at least about 3) times longer than the maximum vertical length of a member of the first attachment 809. For example, the maximum vertical length of a member of the second attachment 815 can be 3 in (or about 3 in) (7.5 cm (or about 7.5 cm)). The maximum vertical length of a member of the first attachment 809 can be 1.5 in (or about 1.5 in) (3.75 cm (or about 3.75 cm)).
The surface area of a member of the second attachment 815 can be at least 6 times (or at least about 6 times), at least 8 times (or at least about 8 times), at least 10 times (or at least about 10 times), or at least 12 times (or at least about 12 times) larger than the surface area of a member of the first attachment 809. For example, the surface area of a member of the second attachment 815 can be 18 in2 (or about 18 in2) (116 cm2 (or about 116 cm2)). The surface area of a member of the first attachment 815 can be 1.77 in2 (or about 1.77 in2) (11.4 cm2 (or about 11.4 cm2)).
The foregoing dimensions are provided as examples of suitable configurations. Other dimensions are possible and are within the scope of the invention.
The configuration of
For example, when first attachment 809 (
If desired, to close access through the lower portion 823 (
As shown in
In
Also in the example of
In this example, the upper edge of first lower section 870 extends between and slopes upward from the side edge of second side 807 to the upper edge of first sloped section 820. In certain embodiments, the angle between the upper edge of first lower section 870 and the upper edge of first sloped section 820 is an obtuse angle, such as about 160° and for example 161°. Nevertheless, other configurations are contemplated. For example, the upper (or outer) edge of first lower section 870 also can be a generally horizontal line extending from the side edge of second side 807 to the upper edge of first sloped section 820, such that the slope=0 or the slope≈0. Also in this example, the upper edge of first sloped section 820 extends between and slopes upward from the upper edge of first lower section 870 to the upper edge of upper section 830. In certain embodiments, the angle between the upper edge of first sloped section 820 and the upper edge of upper section 830 is an obtuse angle, such as about 150° and for example 153°. The upper (or outer) edge of first sloped section 820 also can be a generally vertical line, such that the slope=∞ or the slope≈∞.
Also in this example, the upper edge of second sloped section 840 extends between and slopes downward from the upper edge of upper section 830 to the upper edge of second lower section 880. In certain embodiments, the angle between the upper edge of second sloped section 840 and the upper edge of upper section 830 is an obtuse angle, such as about 150° and for example 153°. The upper (or outer) edge of second sloped section 840 also can be a generally vertical line, such that the slope=∞ or the slope≈∞. Also in this example, the upper edge of second lower section 880 extends between and slopes downward from the upper edge of second sloped section 840 to the side edge of first side 805. In certain embodiments, the angle between the upper edge of second lower section 880 and the upper edge of second sloped section 840 is an obtuse angle, such as about 160° and for example 1610. Nevertheless, other configurations are contemplated. For example, the upper (or outer) edge of second lower section 880 also can be a generally horizontal line extending from the upper edge of second sloped section 840 to the side edge of first side 805, such that the slope=0 or the slope≈0.
Desirably, the nape of the baby's neck is proximal the top portion 802 of the first surface 801 near upper section 830. Preferably, the baby's head extends beyond the top portion 802 at upper section 830. The baby's feet extend toward the lower portion 803 of the first surface 801. To use the pouch 800, a first side 805 of the first surface 801 is folded over the baby's chest such that at least a portion of the upper edge of second lower section 880 is positioned under the baby's chin region. Optionally, at least a portion of the upper edge of the second lower section 880 can be positioned over the baby's shoulder. A second side 807 of the first surface 801 is folded over the first side 805. At least a portion of first lower section 870 is also positioned under the baby's chin region when in use. Optionally, at least a portion of the upper edge of the first lower section 870 can be positioned over the baby's opposite shoulder. Certain embodiments include the realization that the foregoing configuration can help keep the nape of the baby's neck warm and secure while keeping the baby's mouth and/or nose clear of fabric.
As discussed below, the configuration of
Referring again to
Referring still to
After the second side 807 of the first surface 801 is folded over the first side 805, as shown in
Certain embodiments include the realization that the laterally elongated tabs of the second attachment 815 (
In various embodiments, the maximum lateral length of a member of the second attachment 815 is at least 2 (or at least about 2), at least 3 (or at least about 3), at least 4 (or at least about 4), or at least 5 (or at least about 5) times longer than the maximum lateral length of a member of the first attachment 809. For example, the maximum lateral length of a member of the second attachment 815 can be 6 in (or about 6 in) (15 cm (or about 15 cm)). The maximum lateral length of a member of the first attachment 809 can be 1.5 in (or about 1.5 in) (3.75 cm (or about 3.75 cm)).
The maximum vertical length of a member of the second attachment 815 can be at least 1.25 (or at least about 1.25), at least 1.5 (or at least about 1.5), at least 2 (or at least about 2), or at least 3 (or at least about 3) times longer than the maximum vertical length of a member of the first attachment 809. For example, the maximum vertical length of a member of the second attachment 815 can be 3 in (or about 3 in) (7.5 cm (or about 7.5 cm)). The maximum vertical length of a member of the first attachment 809 can be 1.5 in (or about 1.5 in) (3.75 cm (or about 3.75 cm)).
The surface area of a member of the second attachment 815 can be at least 6 times (or at least about 6 times), at least 8 times (or at least about 8 times), at least 10 times (or at least about 10 times), or at least 12 times (or at least about 12 times) larger than the surface area of a member of the first attachment 809. For example, the surface area of a member of the second attachment 815 can be 18 in2 (or about 18 in2) (116 cm2 (or about 116 cm2)). The surface area of a member of the first attachment 815 can be 1.77 in2 (or about 1.77 in2) (11.4 cm2 (or about 11.4 cm2)).
The foregoing dimensions are provided as examples of suitable configurations. Other dimensions are possible and are within the scope of the invention.
It should be appreciated that, although the configuration of
The configuration of
For example, when first attachment 809 (
If desired, to close access through the lower portion 823 (
Desirably, the material of the infant swaddling is selected to be soft, durable, hypoallergenic, and/or easily launderable with a standard washing machine and dryer. The materials are moisture wicking, which can reduce excess heat, and thus the possibility of a swaddled infant overheating, and can keep the infant skin dry. A non-limiting example of the materials of the infant swaddling 900 is polyester fibers. In some embodiments, the polyester fibers are uncoated so that the moisture-wicking property of the materials is substantially mechanical. Specifically, the moisture-wicking property of the material is due substantially to one or more of twist of the polyester fibers, sizes of gaps formed in a woven pattern of the polyester fibers, or how the fibers are woven. Wicking occurs when fibers channel moisture along the gaps through “capillary action,” pulling the moisture to the fabric surface facing away from the infant to promote evaporation at the surface.
In some embodiments, a surface drying time of the material of the infant swaddling can be measured. Under controlled temperature, humidity, and wind condition, distilled water drops can be placed on the material. A surface drying time of the material of the infant swaddling can be measured from a time point when the distilled water is dropped onto the material to a time point when the surface of the fabric is dry. For example, a piece of tissue with water-absorbing property can be pressed onto a surface of the material of the infant swaddling periodically to determine if the surface of the material is dry. The surface of the material is dry when the piece of tissue no longer absorbs any moisture.
In some embodiments, when the room temperature is between about 70 to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (about 21 to about 27 degrees Celsius) and the relative humidity is between 30% and 70%, a piece of the fabric of the infant swaddling (for example, with a surface area are of about 4″×4″ (about 10 cm×10 cm)) can dry in less than about 50 seconds after having absorbed about 2-5 ml of liquid. In some embodiments, under similar room temperature and relative humidity, the same piece of fabric can dry in less than about 40 seconds after having absorbed about 2-5 ml of liquid.
In another embodiment, the woven material of the baby swaddling that has moisture wicking capabilities that are substantially mechanical in nature can also be treated with one or more chemicals to prevent moisture from soaking into the fabric to further enhance the moisture-wicking property of the fabric. In this embodiment, the material has both mechanical and chemical moisture-wicking properties.
In addition, the materials of the infant swaddling allow for small movements of the infant inside the swaddling when the swaddling is maintained in place on the infant. In some embodiments, the woven material can include both fibers to provide rapid moisture-wicking and spandex (sold under the trademark LYCRA® or other brand names) to provide stretchability to the fabric. The weight percentage of the polyester fibers can be about 80% to about 95%. The weight percentage of the spandex fibers can be about 5% to about 15%. In one embodiment, the material of the infant swaddling 900 comprises 92% polyester and 8% spandex jersey fabric. In another embodiment, the material of the infant swaddling 900 comprises 87% polyester and 13% spandex jersey fabric.
Referring again to
Referring to
Use of the swaddling 900 will now be described. A longitudinal axis A-A can be defined along the first side 905. After the second side 907 of the first surface 901 is folded over the first side 905 and rotated about the longitudinal axis A-A, the first attachments 909 will face the complementary second attachments 915. In some embodiments, each of the first attachments 909 can be removably attached to each of the second attachments 915 aligned with the particular first attachment 909. In other embodiments, at least some of the first attachment 909 can be removably attached to the second attachments 915 that are offset from the particular first attachment 909.
If desired, to close access through a lower portion 923 (
The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.
Through the description and the claims, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, that is, in the sense of “including but not limited to,” unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Furthermore, where reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents, such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.
Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field anywhere in the world.
Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/345,260, filed Nov. 7, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/045,408, filed Oct. 3, 2013, which references various features of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/571,009, filed Aug. 9, 2012, which is an application for reissue for U.S. Pat. No. 7,774,875, which issued on Aug. 17, 2012, from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/381,131, filed Mar. 6, 2009. The entirety of each is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 15345260 | Nov 2016 | US |
| Child | 16257447 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 14045408 | Oct 2013 | US |
| Child | 15345260 | US |
