BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present general inventive concept is directed to a garment for infants or babies with integrated straps for improved security and ease of swaddling.
Description of the Related Art
Infants are born with a startle reflex also known as the Moro reflex until about the age of 6 months. Swaddling reduces the startle reflex and makes infants feel more secure. The American Association of Pediatricians (AAP) advises that babies should always sleep on their back for the first year, and that parents follow safe swaddling techniques with the upper body securely swaddled and the lower body free to bend at the hips for healthy hip development. Secure swaddles are the safest swaddles, eliminating the risks associated with loose blankets, entanglement, and rolling over. Secure swaddles also improve the infant's contentedness and sleep. Pediatricians recommend babies sleep 15 to 17 hours per day for proper brain growth and development. Single blanket swaddling is insufficient to retain a baby in a comfortable compression to maintain sleep. This approach is known to become loose resulting in the waking of the infant and increased danger from loose blankets.
The prior art contains numerous methods and materials for swaddling an infant. However, the prior art is insufficient in maintaining a swaddled configuration and prior attempts to solve this problem have been insufficient in securing the infant's arms from movement. In particular, previous attempts have utilized hook and loop fasteners, however this kind of fastener creates noise when detached and does not wash well, accumulating lint and fabric.
What is needed is an easy to use garment that has arm binding straps built into the interior of the garment and provides a persistent retention of the straps and the swaddling pressure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved garment with integrated swaddling structure. A garment that can provide an internal binding for the arms of an infant in addition to a swaddling compression wrap around the upper body of the infant can reduce wriggling of the arms of the infant and the infant's startle reflex, and increase contentedness of the infant and improve retention of the swaddling garment.
The above aspects can be obtained by a swaddling garment comprising a sack configured to receive an infant where the sack comprises an inner surface and an exterior surface, an interior strap affixed to the sack inner surface with a first side configured to form a loop to retain a first arm of an infant and a second side configured to form a loop to retain other arm of an infant; an exterior strap affixed to said sack and configured to extend around the sack and exterior to the infant and the interior strap to bind an infant in a reliable swaddle.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a positioning mechanism to maintain placement of an infant in a swaddling garment relative to a sleeping surface. This can be obtained by a swaddling garment for positioning an infant comprising a sack configured to receive an infant, said sack comprising a sack inner surface and a sack exterior surface, an interior strap affixed to the sack inner surface, the interior strap having a first side and a second side where the interior strap first side is configured to form a loop to hold an arm of an infant and the interior strap second side is configured to form a loop to hold another arm of an infant, an exterior strap affixed to said sack and configured to extend around the sack exterior surface to bind an infant; and a positioning mechanism comprising a retaining loop configured to surround a sleeping surface such as a mattress, and a wrap connected to the retaining loop comprises a wrap first side and a wrap second side; the retaining loop is rotatable about a sleeping surface to locate the wrap; and the wrap is configured to encircle the sack and retain an infant in a location on said sleeping surface.
Another aspect of the invention provides a swaddling garment for compressing an infant comprising a sack, a first strap attached to an interior of the sack, a second strap attached to the interior of the sack, a third strap attached to an exterior of the sack, wherein said first strap is configured loop around a first arm of an infant, said second strap is configured to loop around a second arm of an infant; and said third strap is configured to encircle said first strap and said second strap and an exterior of said sack at least one circumference to swaddle an infant.
These together with other aspects and advantages which will be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a swaddling garment in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a swaddling garment in an embodiment of the invention partially applied to an infant.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a swaddling garment in an embodiment of the invention partially applied to an infant.
FIG. 4 is a rear view of a swaddling garment in an embodiment of the invention partially applied to an infant.
FIG. 5 is a front view of a swaddling garment in an embodiment of the invention partially applied to an infant.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a positioning mechanism surrounding a mattress in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an infant in a swaddle garment with a positioning mechanism partially applied to the infant.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an infant in a swaddle garment with a positioning mechanism applied to the infant in an embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
FIG. 1 presents a front view of a swaddling garment with integrated restraining members. The present inventive concept relates to a swaddling garment 100 for swaddling an infant or baby that provides at least one swaddling strap interior to a closable one-piece garment as well as at least one strap fixed to the exterior of the garment. It is generally understood that the term infant refers to the years from zero to one while the term baby refers to the years from zero to four. Herein, the terms baby, and infant, can be used to refer to the function of the device of the invention as infants are also considered babies. An interior strap 30 can comprise a first side and a second side and be attached to the swaddling garment. In an embodiment of the invention, a single material element, interior strap 30, can be fixed to the sack 10 in a central location, for example interior strap attachment 32, to provide an interior strap first side 34 and an interior strap second side 36. Interior strap attachment 32 can comprise known or novel attachment methods including sewing. Sack 10 can comprise a sack outer surface 16 and a sack inner surface 18. Sack 10 can be configured to open widely to accept placement of an infant and can comprise a zipper. Zipper first side 12 and zipper second side 14 can be connected by moving a zipper handle (not shown) to close sack 10. Swaddling garment 100 is configured to receive an infant placed on sack inner surface 18. Exterior strap 50 can be attached to swaddling garment 100 by known or novel means, including sewing attachment of a proximal end to sack outer surface 16. Exterior strap 50 is preferably elongated to wrap around the entire garment once or twice or more. In an embodiment, exterior strap 50 begins at a side of the swaddling garment 100 as shown in FIG. 1. Exterior strap 50 is shown with a rectangular shape, but can comprise rounded edges in various embodiments. Other shapes can be utilized in the spirit of the invention which provides interior arm restraints in addition to a circumferential exterior strap 50 that comprises exterior strap first surface 51 and exterior strap second surface 61.
FIG. 2 presents a front view of an infant 200 being placed in the swaddling garment 100. One benefit of the invention is that it is configured to utilize gravity and the mass of the infant to retain the straps of the swaddling garment. In a preferred method of using the swaddling garment 100, an infant can be placed inside open sack 10. Interior strap first side 34 can be used to wrap around the infant's arm extending around the exterior of the arm and the distal end of interior strap first side 34 can be placed under the infant so that the weight of the infant secures the placement of the strap. As shown, interior strap first side forms a loop around the arm of the infant and the distal end of the strap terminates under the infant. Similarly, interior strap second side 36 can be used to loop around the infant's other arm and the distal end of interior strap second side 36 can be secured under the infant. In this way, movement of the infant's arms are limited, and this reduces the infant's startle reflex and when applied to an infant, interior strap 30 helps prevent the infant from moving its arms or wiggling free of the swaddle. Utilizing the baby's weight to retain the position of interior strap 30 relative to the baby's arms provides a resilient and safe method to comfortably retain an infant in the swaddling garment 100. Interior strap first side 34 is configured to form a loop to retain an arm and terminate at a distal end under the infant. Interior strap second side 36 is configured to form a loop to retain an arm and terminate at a distal end under the infant. The loop formed by each side of the interior strap binds the arm in a manner more secure than a pass of fabric around the infant. The interior strap forms a loop that encircles the circumference of the arm of the infant and each distal end of the interior strap can be wrapped from the back of the infant, around the arm, and then back under the infant for a smooth placement. The advantages of the invention combine to reduce movement of the infant and maintain the swaddle on the infant for a longer period of time. One of the many benefits of the structure of the invention is that it binds the arms of the infant in a fabric loop without fastening mechanisms that are noisy or that can become loose or disconnected. Interior strap 30 can be made of material similar to a baby blanket or swaddle blanket so that in the event that the interior strap 30 does become loose, it is no more harmful or abrasive than a swaddling blanket.
In a preferred embodiment, interior strap 30 can be approximately 7 to 8 inches wide and 27 to 30 inches long, but may vary depending on the size of the baby. Other dimensions and ranges are suitable for the device to function as intended. For example, interior strap 30 can be from 6 to 10 inches wide and from 20 to 37 inches long. Other lengths can be utilized in various embodiments of the invention. In an alternate embodiment, two interior straps can be provided where interior strap first side 34 is not continuous with interior strap second side 36. When fitting the garment to a baby, interior strap first side 34 can be tucked under the baby by pushing or pulling to apply light tension to interior strap first side 34 to remove slack and press the baby's arm against sack inner surface 18. Similarly interior strap second side 36 can be lightly tensioned to press the baby's other arm against the sack inner surface 18. This feature of the device keeps the arms of the baby pressed against the garment and limits arm movement.
With the arms secured, the sack 10 can be closed to keep the baby inside. FIG. 3 present a front view of the garment 100 with the zipper closed shown as zipper 15. Hook and loop fasteners are less desirable because of the noise caused by opening these kinds of closures and the degradation of the hook and loop function through washing cycles and use. Zipped sacks can be convenient for changing a baby as the entire garment can be opened quickly and then closed to provide warmth with one simple movement. In an alternate embodiment, zipper 15 can be inverted so that the zipper handle is positioned at the base of the garment, near the baby's feet, when closed. In this way, the metal or plastic parts of the zipper handle do not contact the baby's face. Exterior strap 50 can then be wrapped around the sack 10 to secure the baby further with gentle compression flexible to the baby's growing size
Exterior strap 50 is shown in FIG. 3 comprising additional securing features in an embodiment of the invention. Exterior strap 50 can be retained by the baby's weight or alternately secured with additional structures. Exterior strap 50 can comprise first strap fastener set and second strap fastener set where the strap fastener sets are characterized by a pair of fastener elements positioned one each on opposite surfaces of exterior strap 50 so that the fastener sets can be joined when exterior strap 50 is wrapped about an infant. In an embodiment where the strap fastener sets comprise snap fasteners, first strap fastener set comprises first fastener receiver 52 and first fastener protrusion 62, and second strap fastener set comprises second fastener receiver 54 and second fastener protrusion 64. First fastener receiver 52 is shown on exterior strap first surface 51. Second fastener receiver 54 is shown spaced apart both vertically and horizontally from first fastener receiver 52. First fastener receiver 52 can comprise one or more snap female sections, and in an embodiment, comprises three snap female sections. Second fastener receiver 54 can comprise one or more snap female sections, and in an embodiment, comprises three snap female sections. The snap female sections can be arranged to provide varying connection points for the distal end of exterior strap 50. First fastener receiver 52 is configured to receive first fastener protrusion 62 and second fastener receiver 54 is configured to receive second fastener protrusion 64. Fastener protrusions can comprise one or more snap male sections, and in an embodiment, comprise three snap male sections to be inserted into the snap female sections of first fastener receiver 52 and second fastener receiver 54. In an embodiment, first fastener protrusion 62 and second fastener protrusion 64 can be sewn onto exterior strap second surface 61 and covered with first fastener cover 53 and second fastener cover 55. Fastener covers can also comprise an informative or decorative label. In an embodiment of the invention, fastener sets can comprise one or more female snap sections and one or more male snap sections. The sections can be provided in a convenient number and one desirable configuration is to provide a single male snap section configured to be inserted into one of several female snap sections arranged in a line to provide a flexible amount of circumference of the exterior strap 50 when fastened. By pulling the fabric of exterior strap 50, the fastener male section can be positioned over the desired female section before being inserted. In alternate embodiments, the location of the male and female sections can be reversed. The fastener sets can be configured to correspond to the length of exterior strap 50 so that loose ends are avoided and the distal end of exterior strap 50 is held securely by one or more fastener sets. Fastener sets can also comprise buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and other fastener set suitable for use with clothing. A decorative label 69 can be attached to exterior strap first surface 51.
In an embodiment of the invention additional fasteners can be provided such as first garment fastener set and second garment fastener set. In an embodiment shown in the figures, first sack fastener 23 and third sack fastener 25 are disposed on sack outer surface 16 of the swaddling garment 100 and can comprise one or more male snap protrusions. Second sack fastener 22 and fourth sack fastener 24 are shown disposed on exterior strap second surface 61 and can comprise female snap receiver portions. First sack fastener 23 is configured to releasably connect to second sack fastener 22 disposed on exterior strap second surface 61. Third sack fastener 25 is configured to releasably connect to fourth sack fastener 24 disposed on exterior strap second surface 61. First and second sack fasteners 23, 22 can provide a first garment fastener set configured to fasten exterior strap 50 to swaddling garment 100. Third and fourth sack fasteners 25, 24 can provide a second garment fastener set configured to fasten exterior strap 50 to swaddling garment 100. The fastener sets can comprise one or more snap sets or corresponding hook and loop fasteners, buttons, or other fastener sets suitable for use with clothing.
The sack 10 can comprise a V-neck as shown in the figures, not numbered, to provide for terminal end of the zipper 15 both spaced away from the face of the baby, and configured to be covered by the fabric of exterior strap 50. In this way, the skin of the baby will not contact the components of zipper 15 covered by exterior strap 50. Exterior strap 50 is configured to be spaced away from the baby's face and wrap around the torso of the baby and restrain the arms of the baby. Placement of the exterior strap 50 at a position spaced apart from the face of the infant avoids contact with the infant's face or head and avoids difficulties with bunching or obstructing breathing. The fastener sets allow exterior strap first surface 51 to be fastened to exterior strap second surface 61. Additionally, exterior strap 50 can be configured for releasable attachment to sack outer surface 16. Attachment of the exterior strap 50 to fasteners 23, 25 on sack outer surface 16 retains the vertical position of exterior strap relative to the infant's face. Attachment of exterior strap 50 to sack 10 prevents the exterior strap 50 from riding up towards the infant's face or the head of the infant. The infant position relative to the swaddling garment 100 is maintained by the interior strap 30 engaging the arms of the infant. Swaddling garment 100 provides for attachment of the exterior strap 50 to itself as well as attachment to sack 10 to provide secure retention of the swaddle with adjustable tension to suit the size of the infant. The elements of the garment of the invention work together to maintain the position of the infant relative the sack 10 and the position of the exterior strap 50 relative the sack 10.
FIG. 4 presents a rear view of the swaddling garment 100 in an embodiment of the invention. First fastener protrusion 62 and second fastener protrusion 64 shown on exterior strap second surface 61 at distal end of exterior strap 50. Interior strap attachment 32 is shown as stitching visible through the rear of the garment. Various configurations of stitching can be utilized to secure interior strap 30 to sack 10. In alternate embodiments, two pieces of fabric can be used to provide the ends of strap 30 and can be sewn separately or together. It has been found that a single continuous material for interior strap 30 provides a smooth surface for an infant to sleep upon. Exterior strap 50 extends off one side of the garment, but it will be understood that the exterior strap 50 can originate from either side, or at any point of the garment configured to engage an upper body of an infant. It is advantageous to initiate exterior strap 50 at the side of the garment so that any irregularity from attachment of the proximal end of strap 50 to sack 10 will not be underneath the baby to cause an uneven surface, and avoiding the front of the garment that will be opened when applying the garment or removing the garment from the baby.
FIG. 5 presents a view of the swaddling garment 100 applied to an infant. Exterior strap 50 has been wrapped around the infant and a portion of outer surface 16. Ideally, the upper body of the infant will be restrained from the shoulders to the torso while the hips and legs are free to move within the sack 10 for a hip healthy design as recommended by pediatricians. In an embodiment, exterior strap 50 can be about 8 inches wide and 27 inches long, and this provides enough length to wrap around the infant one or two times. In another embodiment, exterior strap 50 can be configured to wrap around the entire garment one and a half times traveling under the infant, over the front, and finishing under the infant's back. These dimensions may be scaled according to infant size. The distal end of exterior strap 50 can comprise additional fastening methods to secure the distal end as shown with first fastener protrusion 62 and second fastener protrusion 64 with exterior strap 50 comprising a length of about 26 to 28 inches. Fastening mechanisms including a snap fastening mechanism can be utilized, but exterior strap 50 also can be retained by gravity, friction, and the weight of the infant to retain the position of the end of exterior strap 50. The interior arm binding of interior strap 30 restrains the arms against the garment. Exterior strap 50 presses the arms against the torso. The combination of the straps and the closed sack helps secure the infant from wriggling free. Although exterior strap 50 can be configured to terminate under the infant, fastener sets can be provided to allow exterior strap 50 to be fastened in place at a desired amount of tension as well as position relative to the infant's face. Fastening exterior strap first surface 51 to exterior strap second surface 61 can prevent migration of exterior strap 50 towards the infant's face or loosening that would reduce the effectiveness of the swaddle.
When exterior strap 50 is wrapped about the upper body, babies will find it difficult to roll over. As babies grow and become more active and mobile, additional aspects of the invention can reduce movement. Additional features are provided in an embodiment comprising a positioning mechanism 400 to further aid in preventing an infant or baby from rolling over and keeping a baby safely positioned in the middle of the crib away from edges of mattress. In an alternate embodiment, a positioning mechanism shown in FIG. 6 can prevent an infant from breaking free of a swaddle and helping to keep the baby from waking. Positioning mechanism 400 can keep an infant sleeping on its back and centered on a sleeping surface. FIG. 6 presents a perspective view of a sleeping surface comprising a mattress 300 shown with retaining loop 95 surrounding mattress 300. Retaining loop 95 can be made with flexible fabric, for example cotton with spandex, or other fabric or materials known in the art. Wrap 40 can be formed of similar materials and can be attached to retaining loop 95 by methods including sewing and positioned to be centered from all four sides of mattress 300. The position and orientation of retaining loop 95 can be altered by a user to place the center of wrap 40 at a desired location on mattress 300. For example, retaining loop 95 could be moved towards the top of the mattress and the top of the Figure to position an infant towards a top side of mattress 300. Centering wrap 40 can prevent an infant from moving to the edge of the mattress or otherwise encountering devices such as crib walls. Application of wrap 40 can secure an infant against rotation relative to a surface such as a mattress or crib mattress. Retaining loop 95 can be positioned as desired around a mattress or crib mattress and wrap 40 is connected to the retaining loop which is fixed relative the mattress by compression and friction. By connecting the swaddling garment to the retaining loop 95 by wrapping the infant in wrap 40, positioning of the infant is achieved. Where wrap 40 is applied exterior to swaddling garment 100, the infant is conveniently both swaddled and securely located. The swaddling garment 100 can prevent an infant from waking up while the positioning mechanism 400 can prevent an infant from rolling over or moving to a side of a crib mattress. The swaddling garment 100 and positioning mechanism 400 can work together to both swaddle and position a baby to feel secure.
Wrap 40 can comprise a set of fasteners to secure and position an infant. A set of fasteners can comprise hook and loop or snap fastener sets with corresponding features on wrap first side 92 and wrap second side 94. In an embodiment first fastener protrusion 72 and second fastener protrusion 74 are disposed near the edge of wrap first side 92. In FIG. 7, an infant is shown dressed in swaddling garment 100 and placed on retaining loop 95. Wrap second side 94 is turned up at the side of the infant showing first fastener receiver 82 and second fastener receiver 84. In an embodiment, fastener receivers 82 and 84 can comprise snaps, for example one or more snap female sections, for example 3 snap female sections for receiving fastener protrusions 72 and 74.
In this alternate embodiment of swaddling garment 100, exterior strap 50 is longer than the embodiment in FIG. 5, distal end of exterior strap 50 extends to the infant's chest, and fastener protrusions 62 and 64 are fastened near the center of the infant's chest covered by first fastener cover 53 and second fastener cover 55.
In FIG. 8, the wrap 40 has been wrapped about the torso of the infant to engage the fastener sets and keep the baby secure and positioned. The baby can be placed on the wrap 40 at a desired location. The baby is preferably placed so that wrap 40 will encircle the sack 10 of the garment, the torso of the baby, and the majority of exterior strap 50 to reinforce the swaddling function of the swaddling garment 100.
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an infant in a swaddling garment 100 that is connected to a positioning mechanism 400. Retaining loop 95 is shown as a continuous loop configured to encircle a mattress and facilitate connection of a swaddling garment 100 to retaining loop 95 to maintain position of the baby 200 and swaddling garment 100 relative to the mattress 300. The combination of the features of the swaddling garment maintain the baby inside the swaddle. The positioning mechanism features additionally prevent the baby from rolling over and can keep an infant safely positioned in the middle of the crib away from edges of mattress. The features of the invention provide for increased security and comfort and allow an infant or baby to enjoy a longer duration of sleep. The baby can be changed by accessing sack 10 without removing all of the restraining or positioning features of the swaddling garment.
The invention provides improved retaining features such as the ability to independently limit the movement of the arms of the baby. Prior swaddle devices and methods have an inferior approach that allows for the movement of the baby's arms which in many cases results in the baby removing the compression of the swaddle and reducing the effectiveness of the swaddle. As a result, the baby would continue to wake up and require attention. The device of the invention retains the baby effectively within the device by reducing individual arm movements, reducing the need for attention. The increased sleep duration allows parents and caregivers to enjoy more uninterrupted sleep, and allows the parents and caregivers more continuous sleep. It also improves safety from rollovers with a more secure swaddle and improved design where interior straps do not rely on mechanical fasteners or hook and loop or Velcro.
The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20220117319
