Patent Application
20160113331
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to consumer baby products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a combination pajamas and swaddling system designed for babies or small children.
2. Related Art
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that babies, and in particular young infants, often feel more secure and more comfortable when swaddled. There are many theories regarding the reasons behind this propensity by infants to prefer being swaddled, or otherwise tightly held, but it has become common knowledge that most infants are less fussy and more relaxed when swaddled. As such many different methods and systems have been developed which are intended to provide a sensation of being swaddled to the intended infant. Such systems can include simply wrapping in a blanket and appropriately tucking the blanket into itself around the infant. Other systems can include providing hook and loop fastener components about the blanket such that the blanket can effectively “stick” to itself so as to make it more difficult for the infant to work themselves, or their arms, out of the swaddle.
It will be further appreciated that providing more secure and convenient comfort to infants and their caretakers is a continuing endeavor. The present invention overcomes many of the deficiencies present in the products presently available. Such advantages will be discussed in detail below.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein:
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a child pajama swaddling system. The pajama swaddling system includes multiple components, typically including a pajama component and a swaddling component, as well as an optional bib component. The pajama component, the pajama can include a body portion having a front panel and a rear panel. The front panel can have a separable aperture which allows access to an interior of the pajama component. The rear panel can have at least one component of a rear hook and loop fastener system provided at a top portion of the back panel of the body portion. The pajama portion can also have first and second leg portions located at a lower portion of the body portion as well as first and second arm portions located at an upper portion of the body portion. The first and second arm portions can further be provided with first and second underarm hook and loop fastening systems. These first and second underarm hook and loop fastening system being positioned in a location under the respective first and second arm portions between the arm portions and the body portion when the first and second arm portions are folded downward toward the body portion, thus causing the first and second arm portions to adhere to the body portion of the pajama component.
The second component of the child pajama swaddling system includes a swaddle component. The swaddle component can be formed of an elongated piece of fabric material. The swaddle component can include an interior surface, the interior surface being provided with a second component of the rear hook and loop fastening system. This interior surface can be configured to face inwardly toward an infant wearing the pajama when the swaddle component is wrapped around the infant to swaddle the infant. The swaddle component can also include an exterior surface, the exterior surface being configured to face outwardly away from an infant when the swaddle component is wrapped around the infant to swaddle the infant. The swaddle component can be provided with a first tapered end and a second end being located opposite from the first tapered end. A first component of a swaddling hook and loop fastening system can be provided on the interior surface close to the second end.
A third component of the child pajama swaddling system can include a bib which is capable of being affixed to a rear panel of the pajama component, or the swaddle component, and extend to the front of, and underneath the chin of, an infant placed therein.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of swaddling a child is contemplated. The method of swaddling a child can include providing swaddling system including a pajama component and a swaddle component, as outlined above. The pajama component can include a body portion with a front panel, the front panel having a separable aperture so as to allow access to an interior of the pajama component, the body portion also having a rear panel. The method can further include providing at least one component of a rear hook and loop fastener system to the rear panel at a top portion of the back panel of the body portion. Also included in the method the step of providing first and second leg portions at a lower portion of the body portion can be included as well as providing first and second arm portions at an upper portion of the body portion. The method can further include providing first and second underarm hook and loop fastening systems, the first underarm hook and loop fastening system being positioned in a location under the first arm portion between the first arm portion and the body portion when the first arm portion is folded downward toward the body portion, and wherein the second underarm hook and loop fastening system being positioned in a location under the second arm portion and between the second arm portion and the body portion when the second arm portion is folded downward toward the body portion. Then the method can include configuring the first arm portion to adhere to the body portion of the pajama component, and configuring the second arm portion to adhere to the body portion of the pajama component. Then the swaddle component can be provided and wrapped around a child within the pajama component. The swaddle component can formed of an elongated piece of fabric material. Further, the swaddle component can have an interior surface, the interior surface being provided with a second component of a rear hook and loop fastening system; the interior surface being configured to face inwardly toward the infant when the swaddle component is wrapped around the infant to swaddle the infant. Also, the swaddle can also be provided with an exterior surface, the exterior surface being configured to face outwardly away from an infant when the swaddle component is wrapped around the infant to swaddle the infant. The swaddle can also be provided with a first tapered end, and a second end being located opposite from the first tapered end. The swaddle also having a first component of a swaddling hook and loop fastening system provided on the interior surface proximate the second end.
Any parent who has ever had a child and has had the opportunity to put a newborn baby to sleep will recognize that swaddling a child and keeping that child swaddled for prolonged periods of time can present a particular challenge. Infants, age zero through approximately five months of age, are normally presented with what is called by the medical community as the “Moro reflex.” This is an uncontrollable jerking motion, primarily of the hands and arms that causes the infants to suddenly wake themselves from a sleep. Swaddling provides a secure position of the arms against the infant's body to keep this reflex from disrupting their sleep. However, infants are generally very squirmy and can “break out” of traditional swaddling methods.
Some products presently in the marketplace utilize oversized blankets, blankets with hook and loop fastening systems which wrap the child's arms while the body is contained in a sack or pajama style swaddle which acts as a strait jacket keeping the arms fixed to the sides of the body. Some of the deficiencies recognized in the prior art involve the insufficient swaddling capability, lack of proper ergonomic condition, lack of versatility and inability to change diapers without removing the child from the swaddle.
The present invention involves the use of a pajama component used in conjunction with a swaddle component to overcome these and many other deficiencies which exist in the presently available systems that attempt to keep the child's arms tightly wrapped. The present invention involves a pajama component that can include a hook and loop fastening system under a portion of each arm of the pajama, the hook and loop fastening system under each arm functions to hold at least the upper portion of the arm against the child's torso/chest and helps hold the child's arm's in an ergonomic hands-to-heart position wherein the hands are folded or close together on the child's chest.
Upon placing the child's arms into the hands-to-heart position, or any other desired position, a separate swaddle portion can then be used to swaddle the child within the pajamas and further constrain the arms into the desired orientation. The pajama portion can be provided with one component of a rear hook and loop fastening system on a back panel which is configured to engage or otherwise adhere to a corresponding second component on the swaddle portion. In this manner the swaddle portion can actually be “stuck” to the pajamas, thus ensuring a relative positioning between the two components. Further the swaddle can have another swaddling hook and loop fastening system about at least one end which allows the swaddle component to “stick” to itself. Using this swaddling hook and loop fastening system allows a user to wrap the swaddle component around the child and ensure, to a certain degree, that the swaddle component will stay tightly wrapped around the child, and will not work free in the same manner as simple tucking of a normal blanket often does upon squirming or other shifting by the child within the swaddle. The swaddle portion wraps only around the torso of the infant allowing the hips and legs free to be in flexion, which is the natural and safe position for infants.
There are several more advantages the present invention has over swaddles currently available. The present invention has the ability to be used in the transitional stage of weaning the infant from the swaddle. The hook and loop fastening system which secures the arm to the torso/chest of the infant can be used without the addition of the swaddle component in a less secure fashion. This method will reduce the uncontrollable arm movements while allowing the infant to adjust to the less confined sleeping arrangement. Also, the bib component allows the parent or caregiver to adhere and remove a bib without lifting or disrupting the sleeping position of the infant. Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to hold the infant in a baby carrier or harness the infant into a three or five point harness system such as a swing or bouncer seat while swaddled.
The pajama portion 100 can further be provided with first and second leg portions, 144 and 150 respectively, the leg portions being located at a lower portion of the body portion 110. The leg portions 144 and 150 can be provided as closed footed type pajama feet or alternatively have open feet with ankle cuffs. It will be recognized by one of ordinary skill that choosing between one versus the other style of foot is a matter of personal preference and can be chosen based on the comforts or preferences of the child wearing the pajama portion.
The pajama portion 100 can also be provided with first and second arm portions, 156 and 170 respectively, the arm portions 156 and 170 being located at an upper portion of the body portion 110. Each of the first and second arm portions 156 and 170 can be provided with a respective underarm hook and loop fastening system 250 and 260 respectively, the first underarm hook and loop fastening system 250 being positioned in a location under the first arm portion 156 and between the first arm portion 156 and the body portion 110 when the first arm portion 156 is folded downward toward the body portion. In this manner the first arm portion 156 can be caused to adhere to the body portion 110 of the pajama component 100. The second underarm hook and loop fastening system 260 can be similarly positioned in a location under the second arm portion 170 and between the second arm portion 170 and the body portion 110 when the second arm portion 170 is folded downward toward the body portion 110, thus causing the second arm portion 170 to adhere to the body portion 110 of the pajama component 100.
It will be appreciated that a first component 252 of the first underarm hook and loop fastening system 250 can be located beneath un upper arm portion of the first arm portion 156 leaving the forearm section of the first arm portion 156 free to bend upwards toward the chest of the child. The first component 252 can be configured to engage a second component 254 of the first underarm hook and loop fastening system 250 located on the side or flank of the body portion 110. Similarly a first component 262 of the second underarm hook and loop fastening system 260 can be located beneath un upper arm portion of the second arm portion 170 leaving the forearm section of the second arm portion 170 free to bend upwards toward the chest of the child. The first component 262 can be configured to engage a second component 264 of the second underarm hook and loop fastening system 260 located on an opposing side or flank of the body portion 110.
It will be appreciated that as an infant grows, that often they might outgrow the necessity of keeping the infant's arms completely contained. For this purpose the pajama component can be provided with first and second underarm covers 266 and 270 respectively. The underarm covers being attached to the body portion 110 of the pajama component, the covers being configured to cover their respective component of each of the first and second underarm hook and loop fastening systems 250 and 260 respectively. In this manner covers can prevent the first and second underarm hook and loop fastening systems 250 and 260 from engaging with their respective first and second arm portions 156 and 170 respectively. These underarm covers 266 and 270 covers can permanently affixed about a portion of their perimeters and releasably affixed about another portion of each of their perimeters such that they can be folded away to expose their respective components of each of the first and second underarm hook and loop fastening systems 250 and 260.
It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments of the present invention utilize one of two methods for releasably affixing a flap portion of the covers 266 and 270. The first method being a series of button snaps wherein each of the first and second underarm covers 266 and 270 is provided with a series of first components 276 of a plurality of snap fasteners, the series of first components 276 being located about a portion of the perimeter of each of the underarm covers 266 and 270, and wherein the body portion 110 of the pajama component 100 has a series of second components 280 of the plurality of snap fasteners located about the underarm hook and loop fastening system such that engaging the snaps will cause the cover to cover one or more component of the underarm hook and loop fastening system. The second method includes providing a third component 268 and 272 of the underarm hook and loop fastening system on an interior portion of each respective cover, such that the user need merely separate or attach the hook and loop fastening components so as to cover up the component located on the flank of the body portion 110. Additionally, it will be appreciated that other methods of releasably attaching a flap or cover might be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, but such variations would not depart from the scope of the present invention. The depicted methods are for exemplary purposes only.
While the depicted embodiment of the present invention shows the underarm hook and loop fastening systems 250 and 260 under only an upper portion of each arm, it would also be within the scope of the present invention to provide hook and loop fastening systems along the entire length, a majority, or any desirable portion, of both arm portions 156 and 170 and along the front panel 114 as well as along the flanks of the body portion 110. However, some advantage has been realized by placing the underarm hook and loop fastening system along a majority of the arm from the cuff of the wrist to above the elbow.
The swaddle component 200 can be provided with an interior surface 210, the interior surface being provided with a second component 238 of the rear hook and loop fastening system 138. It will be appreciated that the interior surface is configured to face inwardly toward an infant when the swaddle component 200 is wrapped around the infant to swaddle the infant, or in other words radially inward. In this manner the second component 238 of the rear hook and loop fastening system 138 can engage the first component 140 of the rear hook and loop fastening system so as to provide a secure connection between the swaddle component 200 and the pajama component 100 such that the swaddle component 200 stays fixed in relative position to the pajama component 100. The rear hook and loop fastening system 138 thus prevents the swaddle component 200 from creeping upward and presenting a smothering or choking hazard to the child/infant as the infant moves while swaddled. This hook and loop system is of great advantage over loose blankets which loose blankets rely merely on friction to resist the shifting up and around the neck or over the mouth of the infant and thus presenting a suffocation risk
It will be appreciated that the swaddle component 200 will also have an exterior surface 214, the exterior surface 214 being configured to face outwardly away from an infant when the swaddle component 200 is wrapped around the infant to swaddle the infant, or in other words radially outward.
The swaddle component 200 can further be provided with a first tapered end 222; The tapered end 222 can be configured to taper down and away from the top edge in such a manner that a point of the tapered end 222 will have a portion which extends below the first and second components of the rear hook and loop fastening system when engaged one with another, i.e. 140 and 238 respectively, such that the tapered end 222 is securely tucked between the pajama component 100 and the swaddle component 200 when swaddling the infant and does not interfere with the engagement of the rear hook and loop fastening system.
Additionally the swaddle component 200 can include a second end 226 being located opposite from the first tapered end 222. The second end 226 can be provided with a first component 232 of a swaddling hook and loop fastening system 230 provided on the interior surface proximate the second end 226.
One of the major drawbacks from using a normal blanket as a swaddle is that in order to secure itself, the blanket must be tucked into itself and can often work itself free through struggling or other motion from the child.
It will be appreciated, that with certain non-looped types of fabric, that a second component 234 of the swaddling hook and loop fastening system 230 can be provided on the exterior surface 214 of the swaddle component 200, the second component 234 of the swaddling hook and loop fastening system 230 can be configured to engage the first component 232 of the swaddling hook and loop fastening system when the swaddling component 200 is wrapped around the infant so as to prevent the swaddle component 200 from unwrapping.
The present invention also contemplates the use of a bib accessory 300, as shown in
The bib extensions 308 extend over the infants shoulders and engage the second component 234 of a swaddle hook and loop fastening system which is located on the exterior surface 214 of the central portion 218 of the swaddle 200. In this manner the bib 300 can be easily provided as a cover to the swaddling system while is still easily removable.
The bib extensions also include third component 318 of a bib hook and loop fastening system wherein the first and third components can be engaged one with another such that neither component is exposed during the laundering process, so as to prevent one or the other component from engaging other garments in a washing machine for example, and thus damaging itself or the other garment with any exposed components. When not in use, the bib can be attached to the rear panel of the pajama component and thereby stored in a secure location via the bib hook and loop fastening system for later use.
Another common problem encountered by parents or caretakers and infants is that once the infant is swaddled, it is not advantageous to remove the infant from the swaddle while the infant is sleeping or falling asleep. Such a need often arises if the infant soils the diaper being worn under the pajama component 100. Applicant has therefore recognized that providing the ability to access lower end of the pajama portion 100 without removing the infant from the swaddle component 200 and the pajama component, and thus increasing the likelihood of waking the infant is highly desirable. Another advantage realized by having unhindered, or otherwise separable legs includes allowing the child to be properly placed or buckled into 3-point harness systems which are standard in child safety seats in automobiles or alternatively many child carrier systems, i.e. wraps, backpacks, chest backs, require the legs of the child to extend into separated holes. The present invention allows for the child to be swaddled and safely placed into such harnesses and carriers, while further decreasing the likelihood of waking while in such systems.
Therefore, another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention includes the use of a closing mechanism of the separable aperture 118 which allows access from the bottom of the aperture 118. The present embodiment includes the use of a zipper closure 122 that operates to open and close the separable aperture 118 of the pajama component 100. The zipper closure can be provided with one or more slider 126 and 128. It will be further appreciated that at least one of these sliders, i.e. 128, is closed when pulled to a bottom portion of the separable aperture 118. The separable aperture 118 can then be opened by sliding the slider 128 in an upward direction. It will be appreciated that the separable aperture 118 can also be opened by sliding slider 126 from the top in a downward direction. Alternatively only a single slider 128 can be provided at a bottom side and the wherein the slider 128 must be zipped all the way to the top in order to fully separate the two sides of the zipper closure 122. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that similar functionality can be achieved by providing snap buttons to close the separable aperture 118 or typical buttons and button holes. Either method would allow for bottom access into the pajama component 100.
Another aspect of the present embodiment of the present invention involves the use of the swaddle component 200. More particularly, the swaddle portion 200 is provided as an elongated length of fabric having a first tapered end 222. The tapered end of the swaddle component tapers from a top portion and terminates in a wedge or a point toward the central or lower portion of the swaddle component. This tapered end is configured to be used in conjunction with the second component 238 of the rear hook and loop 138 fastening system located on the central portion 218 of the interior surface 210 of the swaddle component. In the embodiment shown, the second component 238 can be provided as an elongated strip located about a top edge of the swaddle. This allows for the first tapered end 222 of the swaddle component 200 to be tucked under and behind the infant and avoid interfering with the engagement of the first and second components, 140 and 238 respectively, of the rear hook and loop fastening system 138.
Yet another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention involves a set of hand protectors or envelope covers, 166 and 180, which can be provided on the distal ends, 160 and 174 respectively, of the first and second wrist portions, 162 and 176 respectively. Such envelope covers are provided such that the hands of the infant can be easily covered or uncovered, such that the envelope covers 166 and 180 can be pulled across the hand openings, 164 and 178), about their respective wrist portions 162 and 176 respectively and over the hands so as to prevent the infant from scratching his/her face. and also keep the hands warm and insulated.
Another aspect of the present invention involves the use of additional loop fastener components located near or around each of the hook components of the various hook and loop fastening systems. One of ordinary skill will recognize that when laundering hook and loop fastening systems, i.e. Velcro™, that the hook side can engage and damage other pieces of clothing during normal laundering processes. Therefore, in the present embodiment, Applicant has provided third loop components 242 and 246 for attaching the hook components of each of the rear hook and loop fastening systems and the swaddling hook and loop fastening systems. These third components provide a place to which each of the hook components of the hook and loop fastening systems can be “stuck” so that they are already engaged to something rather than being exposed so as to prevent them from interfering with other garments or fabrics laundered alongside them.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method 400 of swaddling a child using the system of the present invention is contemplated. This method can include providing a pajama component having a body portion with a front panel. The front panel can be provided with a separable aperture so as to allow access to an interior of the pajama component. The body portion can also have a rear panel 410. The child being placed inside the pajama between the front and rear panels
Further, the method can include the step of, providing at least one component of a rear hook and loop fastener system to the rear panel at a top portion of the rear panel of the body portion 412. This method can include a step of, providing first and second leg portions at a lower portion of the body portion 414 and providing first and second arm portions at an upper portion of the body portion 416.
Then the pajama portion can be provided with first and second underarm hook and loop fastening systems 418, the first underarm hook and loop fastening system being positioned in a location under the first arm portion between the first arm portion and the body portion when the first arm portion is folded downward toward the body portion, and wherein the second underarm hook and loop fastening system being positioned in a location under the second arm portion and between the second arm portion and the body portion when the second arm portion is folded downward toward the body portion. The first arm portion can then be configured to adhere to the body portion of the pajama component 420 and also the second arm portion can be configured to adhere to the body portion of the pajama component 422.
The method can further include providing a swaddle component being formed of an elongated piece of fabric material 424, the swaddle component having an interior surface, the interior surface being provided with a second component of a rear hook and loop fastening system. It should be noted that the interior surface is configured to face inwardly toward an infant when the swaddle component is wrapped around the infant. Also then, the swaddle also will have an exterior surface, the exterior surface being configured to face outwardly away from an infant when the swaddle component is wrapped around the infant.
The swaddle can also be provided with a first tapered end, and a second end being located opposite from the first tapered end. The swaddle also having a first component of a swaddling hook and loop fastening system provided on the interior surface proximate the second end.
The method can then include placing a child into the pajama component 426; closing the separable aperture 428; folding the arms of the infant against the infants body such that the first and second underarm hook and loop fastening systems are engaged holding a portion of the infants arms against the pajama component 430, and thereby fastening the infant's arms to the infant's body; affixing the swaddle component to the pajama component by engaging the first and second components of the rear hook and loop fastening system 432; and wrapping the swaddle around the infant by wrapping the first tapered end over the arms and around the back of the infant and tucking the first tapered end behind and below the first and second components of the rear hood and loop fastening system, then wrapping the second end over the first tapered end over the arms of the infant and around to a rear side of the infant and engaging the first component of the swaddling hook and loop fastening system to the swaddle component on the rear side of the infant 434.
If the infant needs to have his/her diaper changed, then the method of swaddling a child can further include opening the separable aperture of the pajama component while the infant is still swaddled 436 by lifting a slider of a zipper closure from a distal end of one of the leg portions of the pajama component thus separating a lower portion of the separable aperture.
As discussed above, in order to prevent the infant from scratching his/her face, the method can further include the step of closing first and second wrist portions having hand openings at distal ends of the respective first and second arm by pulling respective envelope covers provided at each wrist portion by pulling the envelope covers across the hand openings thus covering the hands of the infant wearing the pajama 438.
Alternative steps, depending on the embodiment of the system employed can further include: neutralizing the first and second under arm hook and loop fastening systems by providing a first and second respective covers over the first and second under arm hook and loop fastening systems which adhere to the pajama portion 440.
Additionally, as discussed above, a method of preparing and cleaning the swaddling system for further use can include the steps of removing the swaddle component from the pajama component 442; adhering the second component of the rear hook and loop fastening system to a third component rear loop fastener component 444; and adhering the first component of a swaddling hook and loop fastening system to a third swaddle loop fastener component 446.
It will be appreciated that the pajama swaddling system of the present invention also enables the child to grow, and as the child gains more command and control over their limbs that the pajama component can be used with only the bib, and eliminate the need for the swaddle, while maintaining the ability to give some feeling of swaddling by using only the underarm hook and loop fastening system of the pajama component.
While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
Priority is claimed to copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/011,781, filed Jun. 13, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
