Patent Application
20230309635
The present disclosure relates to infant sleepwear, more specifically, but not by way of limitation to sleepwear, in the form of pajamas, sleepers, swaddles, sleep bands, and sleep sacks, more particularly to sleepwear that includes a reflective embellishment, coating, patch or design.
Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
The single biggest concern of parents is if their baby is safe during sleep, given the prevalence of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) education that all expectant and new parents receive. Many parents will go in to check if the child is breathing, which sometimes results in inadvertently waking the child. This is especially common around 4 months old, when babies are first learning to roll, and start sleeping on their stomach. The market has been flooded with technology over the years, to help monitor and detect breathing and heart rate in infants, in order to give reassurance to parents.
Numerous devices are available to parents with the intention of providing reassurance that their baby is breathing, some of these devices are linked to or monitored by a variety of wireless or BlueTooth apps. However, not all devices use apps, some are monitored using computing software and linked via the camera.
U.S. Application No: 2021/0137419 (Glazer) discloses a respiration monitor. The system for respiration monitoring includes a garment, which is configured to be fitted snugly around a body of a human subject, and which includes, on at least a portion of the garment that fits around a thorax of the subject, a pattern of light and dark pigments having a high contrast at a near infrared wavelength. A camera head is configured to be mounted in proximity to a bed in which the subject is to be placed, and includes an image sensor and an infrared illumination source, which is configured to illuminate the bed with radiation at the near infrared wavelength, and is configured to transmit a video stream of images of the subject in the bed captured by the image sensor to a processor, which analyzes movement of the pattern in the images in order to detect a respiratory motion of the thorax. The shortcomings of this system is that it requires placement of both a camera and a source if infrared radiation in close proximity to the subject.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,660 (Mesibov) discloses a position monitor and alarm apparatus for reducing the possibility of sudden infant death syndrome. The device for reducing the possibility of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) comprises a position-indicating device effectively coupled to a signal-producing circuit and attached to the clothing of the infant. The position-indicating device provides signals varying in response to prone and other positions assumed by the infant during sleep, allowing an associated alarm device to be activated in response to the infant assuming a SIDS-dangerous prone or side-lying position. In one embodiment, the position of the infant can be determined by an optical sensor interacting with a reflective or other marker adhered to the infant. Gravity or pressure switches may also be used to provide position-responsive signals. A signal generated upon assumption of the SIDS-dangerous prone or side-lying positions is transmitted to a remote receiver located proximate the infant's care-giver whereupon an alarm is generated to indicate the need to reposition the infant. A constant low-level or intermittent maintenance signal can be produced to assure the continued and proper operation of the apparatus. An additional awakening alarm can be produced near the sleeping infant to further reduce the likelihood of a SIDS event. A particularly preferred alternative discussed in detail below includes implementing the marker as an optical target, e.g., a reflective surface, on the infant's clothing, coupled with a video or optical sensor for measuring the amount of reflected light, determining the infant's position responsive thereto, and alerting a care-giver upon assumption of a SIDS-susceptible position. The apparatus comprises a video scanner or camera or optical detector focused on a bright, perhaps luminescent, patch or marker attached to the infant's torso or clothing, the marker may conveniently be provided as a patch of light-colored, infrared-reflective material on the front of a garment, with the remainder of the garment made of an infrared-absorptive material. The limitations of this apparatus is that it generates a signal when a sleeping infant adopts a prone or side lying position as opposed to indicating when an infant is not breathing.
U.S. Application No: 20210121133 (Pollard) discloses a system and method for risk detection and intervention to prevent sudden death. The system provides a wearable device configured for monitoring a wearer and/or his environment, identifying and/or assessing death risk to the wearer, initiating communications to a caregiver that might provide an intervention or other treatment, and/or itself performing an action acting as an intervention to prevent death of the wearer. The wearable device includes particular sensors for gathering data from the wearer and/or the wearer's environment. Optionally, the wearable device may further include stimulators for delivering a death-preventing intervention stimulus to the wearer. In certain embodiments, the headpiece may include one or more reflective fields positioned on an outer surface of the headpiece, near the rear portion of the headpiece, opposite any face shield, or microphone, so that the reflective fields are positioned at the back of the head when the headpiece is worn properly. These reflective fields are useful for video-based monitoring of the patient's body, as they may be relatively easily observed in a video display of the patient when the patient is in a face-down position and the back of the head is exposed. This can facilitate video-based confirmation of problematic and non-problematic head positions. This invention requires a network environment including conventional computing hardware and software for communicating via a communications network.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,403,638 (Jeung) discloses a method and system for monitoring breathing activity of a subject. A method and system for monitoring breathing movement of a subject is disclosed. A method and system for detecting and predictably estimating regular cycles of breathing movements is disclosed. Another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to detect and report irregularity of breathing activity of an infant, such as cessation and non-periodicity, which suggests a likelihood of SIDS. According to one embodiment, one or more passive markers are located on the infant in the area to be detected for breathing movement. Each marker preferably comprises a reflective or retro-reflective material that can reflect light, whether in the visible or invisible wavelengths. If the illumination source is co-located with camera, then marker preferably comprises a retro-reflective material that reflects light mostly in the direction of the illumination source. Alternatively, each marker comprises its own light source. The marker is used in place of or in conjunction with physical landmarks on the infant's body that is imaged by the camera to detect breathing movement of the infant. Markers are preferably used instead of body landmarks because such markers can be detected and tracked more accurately via the video image generated by camera. Because of the reflective or retro-reflective qualities of the preferred markers, the markers inherently provide greater contrast in a video image to a light detecting apparatus such as camera. The shortcomings of this invention include the fact that the reflective markers are attached to a relatively rigid block, and when the infant moves it results in the reflective markers not being visible to the camera.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,506,952 (Auerbach) discloses a motion monitor. A system for monitoring the respiratory activity of a subject, which comprises: two or more signal generating elements being inertial sensors, or light emitting elements, applied to the thorax of a subject, for generating signals that are indicative of displacement of the thorax of the subject throughout a predetermined time period; a receiver for receiving the generated signals during breathing motions of the subject; and one or more computing devices in data communication with the receiver, for analyzing the breathing motions. The system is applicable to various settings such as monitoring subjects who are undergoing sedative or pain killing treatment that can depress respiration, monitoring deterioration in the critically ill, monitoring infants to protect against SIDS and diagnostic tools for sleep testing such as for obstructive sleep apnea. Markers are applied either directly to the subject's body or integrated to a covering of the subject such as his clothing, his blanket, an elastic strap, or a bandage for example. The markers can be for example patches made from retro-reflective material, geometric patterns on the blanket or nightgown, or low voltage LED lights embedded or attached to clothing or patches. The limitations of this device are that two or more image sensors are required to move the camera along a rail in order to obtain stereo paired imaging, also the LED lights are distracting for sleep.
U.S. Application No: 2017/0245555 (Karp) discloses a sleep sack for infant calming/sleep aid. The infant calming/sleep-aid device is provided that includes a sleep sack into which an infant can be placed, the sleep sack having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion adapted to enclose the infant's torso and arms, the lower portion adapted to enclose the infant's hips, legs, and feet, wherein the upper portion of the sleep sack is wider than the lower portion to allow for infant to be swaddled while wearing a sleeper garment. This disclosure relates to an infant calming, sleep promoting and SIDS preventing device. The device relies on swaddling an infant in a position that reduces the ability of the infant to be able to roll into sleep positions having a higher incidence of SIDS. Sensors then vibrate when an interruption in breathing is encountered and an alert is sent to the caregiver.
U.S. Application No: 2020/0060590 (Gibbons) discloses a wireless infant health monitor. A system for wirelessly monitoring the health of an infant comprising a sensing module removably disposed within a wearable article. At least a portion of the sensing module can be in contact with an infant's foot. The sensing module can include a processing unit configured to receive and process health readings received by the sensing module. A wireless transmitter can also be in communication with the processing unit. The wireless transmitter can be configured to transmit the processed health readings to a receiving station. The receiving station can indicate an alarm if the processed health readings indicate a health trend that falls outside of a particular threshold. A limitation of this device is that it requires that a sensor be attached to an infant's foot.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,199 (Lau) discloses a sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS, monitor which monitors the infant to determine oxygen desaturation and movement. No alarm indication is produced if movement is detected, a low alarm condition is produced if desaturation occurs while movement is detected and a high condition is produced if desaturation occurs and no movement is detected. A video monitor is provided to bring the image of the infant into the presence of the caregiver when either alarm is produced. The substantially reduced number of false alarms, due for example to motion artifacts, improves the level of alarm response over the long term that can reasonably be provided by parents and caregivers.
U.S. Application No: 2014/0249382 (Bhat) discloses a motion detection system for detecting movement and/or breathing from a subject, e.g., for preventing SIDS, can incorporate a sensor in communication with a fluid-filled chamber while optionally combining audio and/or video monitoring systems. The sensor module may have a housing which can be attached, e.g., to an article of clothing worn by the subject. The sensor may be entirely enclosed within the housing which may also be filled with a vibrationally transmissive medium which transmits movements from the subject such that these signals impinge upon the sensor which captures these signals (or the absence of these signals) for processing and possibly alerting a parent or caretaker.
All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference.
The market has been flooded with technology over the years, to help monitor and detect breathing and heart rate in infants, in order to give reassurance to parents. None of the above cited documents, alone or in combination satisfy the need for a device that cannot be misread, malfunction, or set off false alarms. In fact the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using many commercially available monitoring devices due to the false alarms, but also due to the false sense of security they may bring, which could put babies into more harm. A simple and affordable solution, as disclosed herein, would be extremely accessible, as well as supported by all governing bodies and parents alike. The solution would also provide more sleep for babies, which is something the above described methods and devices do not provide due to false alarms.
It is an object of the invention to provide reflective infant sleepwear.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a reflective infant sleepwear garment, comprising: a sleepwear garment selected from the group consisting of: pajamas; sleepsuit; sleep sac; sleep band; and swaddle; one or more reflective elements forming, or attached to, an outer surface of said garment; wherein said one or more reflective elements reflect light having wavelengths in the range 2500-380 nm.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of the reflective infant sleepwear garment as described above to prevent sudden infant death, wherein viewing movement of said one or more reflective elements, via a video monitor, indicates a breathing rhythm of a sleeping infant.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of protecting an infant from sudden infant death, said method comprising: dressing an infant is the reflective infant sleepwear garment as described above; placing the infant in a cot, crib or bassinette with said one or more reflective elements visible; activating and positioning a video monitor to capture images of said one or more reflective elements; and viewing said images of said one or more reflective elements on a mobile device.
To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.
In the figures, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and figures are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding.
Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures.
The single biggest concern of parents is if their baby is safe during sleep, given the prevalence of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Many parents will inadvertently wake their child, when checking to see if the child may have stopped breathing. This is especially common around 4 months old, when babies are first learning to roll, and start sleeping on their stomach. Online content about safe sleep consistently ranks as one of the most significant concerns parents have in the first year of their child's life.
There are numerous different systems available, that monitor breathing including Nanit™, Owlet™, Angel Care™, and Snoo™. Breathing may be monitored via sensors in a sleep pad, or via patterns on abdominal sleep bands that expand and contract with the abdomen as the infant inhales and exhales. Most of these systems are linked to some form of alarm linked to a phone or tablet. Some of the known devices and garment combinations rely on changes in shape of a pattern as the fabric expands and contracts with the abdomen of the infant.
The present invention provides numerous embodiments of reflective infant sleepwear. The embodiments include, but are not limited to onesies, sleep suits, sleep sacks, swaddles, sleep/breathing bands, and pajamas for infants and babies. The reflective coating is highly visible on baby video monitors, and shifts as the infant's torso rises and falls with each breath, resulting in a constant sparkling image on the baby monitor as the infant breathes. This allows parents to check on their infant's status with a glance of the video monitor. This visual cue helps to prevent SIDS, especially when the infant's face is not visible to the camera (i.e. they are sleeping face down). Various different reflective coatings or inks or glitters can be used to embellish these sleepwear garments.
Numerous different embodiments of the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of protection sought. Various different glitter particles can cause light to be reflecting light, each particle essentially acting as a mirror. Within the structure of glitter particles is an extremely thin layer of metal such as aluminum, that causes reflection of light. Glitter is an assortment of small, reflective particles that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Glitter particles reflect light at different angles, causing the surface to sparkle or shimmer. Glitter is similar to confetti, sparkles and sequins, but somewhat smaller.
Alternative embodiments of the invention relate to reflective screen-printing inks. Numerous different types of reflective inks that can be used in the practice of embodiments of this invention will be known to workers skilled in the field. One such example is pure grey/metallic reflective inks, as well as a reflective ink which has some additional silver shimmer added for extra reflective properties, especially when viewed in regular daylight. The metals that are typically used in reflective inks include, but are not limited to: copper; bronze; zinc; and aluminum. These inks may contain microscopic glass beads that have been partially coated with a reflective metal.
There are other types of reflective inks, such as a clear inks or glitter particles comprising a variety of reflective particles. However, such specialized inks are somewhat less reflective than the coated metalized types described above. Some inks have colored reflectives, where pigment is added to the ink, the reflective property of this ink is also less than coated metalized inks, because the colored pigments mask the reflective coating of the beads.
Typically, reflective ink comes as a two-part system comprising an additive or coupler. The additive or coupler helps the ink stick to the garment, but it also promotes better adhesion of the ink to the glass beads. Inks are flexible, but the glass beads are not; so without the addition of the additive/coupler, after multiple washes and normal wear and tear, the glass beads can fall off and the reflectivity of the print will diminish at a faster rate. The coupler/additive acts to attach the ink to the garment and the inks to the beads.
Other embodiments of the ink may use a nylon catalyst instead of the coupler/additive. The nylon catalyst, once mixed with the ink, produced a more viscose ink.
When directly printing a reflective ink, it is recommended not to use underbase and never print-flash-print. This is because part of the process in printing reflective inks directly onto a garment is that the clear part of the ink, the vehicle or carrier of the glass beads, should be pushed into the garment, thus allowing the beads to ‘float’ on top of the garment and allow the most reflectivity. If an underbase is used, the absorption of the bead carrier into the garment cannot happen and the print cannot achieve the optimal reflectivity. This is also true if the reflective ink is printed, flashed, and printed again. One suitable process involves stroking the ink twice without flashing and always using as much pressure as possible, which is the opposite to correctly printing standard inks.
Yet another embodiment of the invention relates to the use of reflective threads that can either be woven into the material or fabric that is used to make the infant sleepwear or they can be used to embroider a pattern on a garment. Typically, reflective threads comprise a polyester thread, coated in microscopic glass beads. It is the beads creating the reflective effect, as described above in relation to reflective inks.
Other embodiments of the invention include using a combination of reflective inks along with specialty glitters and metallic inks to achieve unique designs. Most plastisol inks, regardless of the manufacturer, are pretty much interchangeable and will work together. These reflective inks offer excellent printability, wash fastness, print enhancement and very high reflectivity when lights are directed onto them.
Some embodiments of the invention may include garments having combinations of reflective inks, reflective fabrics and reflective embroidery patterns.
All embodiments of the reflective sleepwear are capable of functioning with any of the baby monitors on the market. When there is sufficient ambient or natural light in the room, the reflective inks, coatings, or threads on the infant sleepwear reflect the visible light spectrum (760-380 nm) into the baby monitor. Movement of the infant as it breaths results in sparkles and flashes of visible light being received by the monitor which are displayed on the baby's caretaker's iOS device, Smart phone, tablet, computing device or mobile handset.
When the ambient or natural light in the room falls below a certain threshold, baby monitors can be set to automatically turn on the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the camera body. When electricity passes through the LED wires, near-infrared light (having a wavelength of 2500 to 750 nm) is produced. The reflective inks, coatings, or threads on the infant sleepwear similarly reflect the near infra red light into the baby monitor. The movement of the infant again resulting in sparkles and flashes of visible light being received by the monitor as the infant moves which are displayed on the baby's caretaker's iOS device, Smart phone, tablet, computing device or mobile handset.
The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
The reflective pattern or reflective embellishment 102 or the fabric 204 when reflective, illustrated in
The infant swaddle 302 can similarly be made from fabric 204 that is reflective, or it can have a reflective pattern or reflective embellishment 102 printed on it using reflective inks or embroidered using reflective thread or threads.
The hook and loop fasteners 402 can be oriented in the opposite configuration.
The reflective element includes patterns, designs or embellishments provided via coatings, inks, threads, tapes, or ribbons. The reflective element in some embodiments of the invention can be the fabric that is used to make the sleepwear garment, having reflective threads woven into the fabric. The sleepwear can be manufactured with the reflective exterior or can be applied via printing, adhesives, sown on or other methods of adhesion known in the art. The reflective portion of the sleepwear is ideally situated around the torso such that the reflection of the incident light from the monitor can be detected across several types of sleeping positions. The various embodiments of the invention does not require monitoring and processing by a computing device.
The various embodiments of the invention help ease parent's anxiety around infant sleep. They help prevent against SIDS. They also prevent against unnecessary waking of the child, therefore helps babies attain healthy sleep
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. As can be understood, the examples described above are intended to be exemplary only.
The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
