U.S. patent application number 09/837743 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-15 for baby support wrap.
Invention is credited to Ragen, Frank J..
Application Number | 20020108176 09/837743 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23210621 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020108176 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ragen, Frank J. |
August 15, 2002 |
Baby support wrap
Abstract
A baby support system directed to providing improved support for
a baby, particularly for its head and back, while being held and
carried. The baby support system includes two support structures.
The first support structure is adjacent to the second support
structure which is made of a flexible, resilient, material which at
least partially conforms to the baby's body, providing support for
the baby. The second support structure is positioned on the first
support structure such that when the first support structure is
wrapped about the baby it maintains the second support structure in
a desired position with respect to the baby, thereby providing the
desired support for the baby.
Inventors: |
Ragen, Frank J.; (La Jolla,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Don E. Erickson
Law Office, PMB 182
3830 Valley Center Drive, # 705
San Diego
CA
92130-2331
US
|
Family ID: |
23210621 |
Appl. No.: |
09/837743 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09837743 |
Dec 27, 2001 |
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09312260 |
May 14, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/482 ;
2/69.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 15/003 20130101;
A47D 13/08 20130101; A47D 15/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/482 ;
2/69.5 |
International
Class: |
A47G 009/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A baby support comprising: a piece of fabric; and a support pad
positioned adjacent to the fabric, wherein the support pad provides
support for a baby's head and back when the fabric is wrapped about
the baby.
2. The baby support of claim 1, further comprising a piece of
material secured to the fabric about the periphery of the piece of
material so as to form a pouch, said pouch configured to receive
the support pad therein so as to maintain the support pad in a
desired position with respect to the fabric.
3. The baby support of claim 1, further comprising a cover for
receiving the support pad.
4. The baby support of claim 3, wherein the cover has an opening
allowing the support pad to be inserted and removed from the
cover.
5. The baby support of claim 3, additionally comprising: at least
one snap connected to the cover; and at least one receiving snap
connected to the fabric which engages the at least one snap on the
cover, so as to attach the cover to the fabric.
6. The baby support of claim 3, additionally comprising: at least
one strip of Velcro connected to the cover; and at least one
receiving strip of Velcro connected to the fabric which engages the
at least one strip of Velcro on the cover so as to attach the cover
to the fabric.
7. The baby support of claim 3, additionally comprising: a zipper
connected to the cover; and a receiving zipper connected to the
fabric which engages the zipper on the cover so as to attach the
cover to the fabric.
8. The baby support of claim 1, further comprising: at least one
snap located on a first side of the fabric; and at least one
receiving snap located on a second side of the fabric in a
configuration such that when the fabric is wrapped about the baby
the at least one snap engages the at least one receiving snap,
securing the fabric in position.
9. The baby support of claim 1, further comprising: at least one
strip of Velcro located on a first side of the fabric; at least one
receiving strip of Velcro located on a second side of the fabric in
a configuration such that when the fabric is wrapped about the baby
the at least one strip of Velcro engages the at least one receiving
strip of Velcro, securing the fabric in position.
10. The baby support of claim 1, wherein the support pad is wider
across a portion positioned under the baby's shoulder area and
narrower across a portion positioned under the baby's foot
area.
11. The baby support of claim 1, wherein the support pad is
substantially the same length as the baby's head and trunk along a
portion positioned under the baby.
12. A baby support comprising: a piece of fabric; a support pad;
means for maintaining the support pad in a desired position with
respect to the fabric such that when the fabric is wrapped about a
baby the support pad provides support for a baby's head and
back.
13. The baby support of claim 12, wherein the means for maintaining
the support pad in a desired position with respect to the fabric
further comprises a cover configured to receive the support pad
such that the support pad is inserted into the cover, and the cover
attaches to the fabric in a desired position.
14. The baby support of claim 13, wherein the cover has an opening
allowing the support pad to be inserted and removed.
15. The baby support of claim 13, additionally comprising: at least
one snap connected to the cover; and at least one receiving snap
connected to the fabric which engages the at least one snap on the
cover, so as to attach the support pad to the fabric.
16. The baby support of claim 13, additionally comprising: at least
one strip of Velcro connected to the cover; and at least one
receiving strip of Velcro connected to the fabric which engages the
at least one strip of Velcro on the cover, so as to attach the
support pad to the fabric.
17. The baby support of claim 13, additionally comprising: a zipper
connected to the cover; and a receiving zipper connected to the
fabric which engages the zipper on the cover, so as to attach the
support pad to the fabric.
18. The baby support of claim 12, wherein the means for maintaining
the support pad in a desired position with respect to the fabric
further comprises a piece of material secured about its periphery
to the piece of fabric forming a pouch for receiving the support
pad, wherein the pouch has an opening for inserting and removing
the support pad.
19. The baby support of claim 12, further comprising means for
securing the fabric about the baby.
20. The baby support of claim 19, wherein the means for securing
the fabric about the baby comprises at least one snap located on a
first side of the fabric, and at least one receiving snap located
on a second side of the fabric which engages the snap on the first
side of the fabric so as to secure the fabric about the baby.
21. The baby support of claim 19, wherein the means for securing
the fabric about the baby comprises at least one piece of Velcro
located on a first side of the fabric, and at least one receiving
strip of Velcro located on a second side of the fabric which
engages the at least one strip of Velcro on the first side of the
fabric so as to secure the fabric about the baby.
22. A baby support comprising: a blanket; and a resilient support
pad positioned adjacent to the blanket wherein the support pad
provides support for a baby's head and back when the blanket is
wrapped about the baby and wherein the profile of the resilient
support pad is broader than the baby and substantially the same
length as the baby.
23. The baby support of claim 22, wherein the resilient support pad
comprises Tempur-Pedic foam.
24. The baby support of claim 22, additionally comprising a piece
of material secured to the blanket about the periphery of the piece
of material so as to form a pouch, said pouch configured to receive
the support pad therein so as to position the support pad in a
desired position with respect to the fabric.
25. The baby support of claim 22, further comprising: a support pad
cover configured to receive the support pad such that the support
pad is inserted into the cover, and maintaining the cover in a
desired position on the blanket.
26. The baby support of claim 25 further comprising means for
maintaining the cover in a desired position on the blanket.
27. The baby support of claim 26, wherein the means for maintaining
the cover in a desired position on the blanket comprises: at least
one snap connected to the cover; and at least one receiving snap
connected to the blanket which engages the at least one snap on the
cover so as to attach the cover to the blanket.
28. The baby support of claim 26, wherein the means for maintaining
the cover in a desired position on the blanket comprises: at least
one strip of Velcro connected to the cover; and at least one
receiving strip of Velcro connected to the blanket which engages
the at least one strip of Velcro on the cover so as to attach the
cover to the blanket.
29. The baby support of claim 26, wherein the means for maintaining
the cover in a desired position on the blanket comprises: at least
one zipper connected to the cover; and at least one receiving
zipper connected to the blanket which engages the zipper on the
cover so as to attach the cover to the blanket.
30. The baby support of claim 22, further comprising: at least one
snap located on a first side of the blanket; and at least one
receiving snap located on a second side of the blanket which
engages the snap on the first side of the blanket so as to secure
the blanket about the baby.
31. The baby support of claim 22, further comprising: at least one
strip of Velcro located on a first side of the blanket; and at
least one receiving strip of Velcro located on a second side of the
blanket which engages the at least one strip of Velcro on the first
side of the blanket so as to secure the blanket about the baby.
32. A method of manufacturing a baby support, comprising:
configuring a support pad into a desired shape; and positioning the
support pad adjacent to a piece of fabric.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising configuring the
support pad to be of a size such that when a baby is laid upon the
support pad, the support pad is broader under the baby's shoulder
area and narrower under the baby's foot area and approximately the
same length as the baby;
34. The method of claim 32, further comprising: securing a first
piece of material to the fabric about the periphery of the first
piece of material so as to form a pouch; and inserting the support
pad into the pouch so as to maintain the support pad in a desired
position with respect to the fabric.
35. The method of claim 32, further comprising securing at least
one piece of fabric about the periphery so as to form a cover for
receiving the support pad, said cover having an opening for
inserting and removing the support pad
36. The method of claim 35, further comprising: attaching at least
one snap on the cover; and attaching at least one receiving snap on
the fabric which engages the at least one snap on the cover so as
to secure the cover in a desired position with respect to the
fabric.
37. The method of claim 35, further comprising: attaching at least
one strip of Velcro on the cover; and attaching at least one
receiving strip of Velcro on the fabric which engages the at least
one strip of Velcro on the cover so as to secure the cover in a
desired position with respect to the fabric.
38. The method of claim 35, further comprising: attaching a zipper
on the cover; and attaching a receiving zipper on the fabric which
engages the zipper on the cover so as to secure the cover in a
desired position with respect to the fabric.
39. The method of claim 32, further comprising: attaching at least
one snap on a first side of the fabric; and attaching at least one
receiving snap on a second side of the fabric which engages the
snap on the first side of the fabric so as to secure the fabric
about the baby.
40. The method of claim 32, further comprising: attaching at least
one strip of Velcro on a first side of the fabric; and attaching at
least one receiving strip of Velcro on a second side of the fabric
which engages the at least one strip of Velcro on the first side of
the fabric so as to secure the fabric about the baby.
41. A baby support system comprising: a first support structure
configured to be wrapped about a baby; and a second support
structure positioned with respect to the first support structure in
a configuration such that when the first support structure is
wrapped about the baby, the second support structure is located in
proximity to at least the head and back of a baby so as to provide
support to the head and back when the baby is being carried or held
or laying.
42. The baby support system of claim 41, wherein the first support
structure comprises a piece of fabric.
43. The baby support system of claim 41, wherein the first support
structure comprises a blanket.
44. The baby support system of claim 41, wherein the second support
structure comprises a resilient pad that at least partially
conforms to the baby's body.
45. The baby support system of claim 41, wherein the second support
structure comprises Tempur-Pedic foam.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to child care products, and more
particularly, a system for providing support for a baby while it is
being held or carried.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Babies and particularly infants, can be difficult to support
while being held and carried. In particular, due to the fragile
nature of babies, there is concern on the part of the person
holding the baby as to whether proper support for the babies head
and back is being provided. Inadequate support can lead to
discomfort for the baby. Also if the baby is jostled while being
held, the lack of support can result in injury to the baby. Because
of these concerns, a person who is not used to holding a baby may
be apprehensive and uncomfortable while doing so, and will likely
not enjoy the experience.
[0003] People attempt to provide support for babies they are
holding by positioning the baby in their arms so that the baby's
back is supported by the person's forearm, and the baby's head is
cradled between the person's forearm and biceps. While this does
provide some support it is not optimal since a person's arm does
not conform to the baby's body. In this circumstance, if the baby
moves or the person changes arm position, the location and quality
of support also change. Furthermore, there is no such support
provided while the baby is handed from one person to another.
Observation of parents, particularly new parents, reveals the
concern and apprehension they have when transferring a young infant
to each other or to someone else. Moreover, the person receiving
the baby may not be accustomed to holding young children and is
often uncomfortable in doing so since they are not sure if they are
providing adequate support. While support for a baby may be
provided in a baby seat, these devices are not always useful for
carrying the baby. Also, although baby carriers may provide support
for a baby, they do not allow for the close intimate contact that
holding a baby in your arms provides.
[0004] Furthermore, if a parent is carrying a baby and has to
momentarily sit the baby down for some reason, this may be
disconcerting for the parent and uncomfortable for the baby.
Typically a baby may be placed for a brief period on a flat
surface. When the baby is laid on a flat surface, there is no
support provided under portions of the babies head or back, which
can lead to discomfort for the baby. This discomfort is troubling
to the parent. Moreover, placing the baby on a flat, hard, surface
exposes the baby to bumps and bruises when being laid down, or when
wiggling about without significant padding between the baby and the
surface.
[0005] Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
that all healthy infants be placed for sleep on their backs in
order to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome, (See
Pediatrics, Vol. 89, No. 6, 1120, June 1992; See also Pediatrics,
Vol. 93, No. 5, 820, May 1994.).
[0006] Therefore a baby support system is needed which will provide
adequate support to protect the baby and make it comfortable while
it is being held and carried by a person. The support should also
allow intimate contact between the baby and the person holding it.
Furthermore, such a support system should provide support and
comfort for a baby while it is resting or being laid upon a hard
surface, or maintaining a supine position while sleeping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention is directed to providing improved support for
a baby, and particularly the baby's head and back, while it is
being held and carried. The invention also provides support if the
baby must be momentarily laid down on a hard surface. Additionally,
promotion of supine positions during sleep is provided. The baby
support system includes two support structures for supporting a
baby. The first support structure wraps about the baby and thereby
secures the baby adjacent to a second support structure. The second
support structure provides additional support for the baby's head
and back by conforming to portions of the baby's body. The first
support structure, after being wrapped around the baby, may be
secured in place if desired.
[0008] The baby support system may also be adapted for babies of
various sizes. This allows the support system to be used
continuously as the baby grows. The support system is adapted for
use with babies of different sizes by changing the size of the
second support structure, which is positioned adjacent to the
baby.
[0009] The baby support system also provides that the second
support structure may be secured to the first support structure by
various methods such as inserting the second support structure in a
pouch in the first support structure. Additionally the second
support structure may be inserted into a separate cover which is
attached to the first support structure using Velcro strips, snaps,
or other means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the baby
support system.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the baby
support system with a baby positioned thereon.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a baby laying on a support
pad used in one embodiment of the baby support system of the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a baby secured in one
embodiment of the baby support system of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the
baby support system.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the
baby support system.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the baby
support system, illustrating components thereof in their
disassembled state.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a cover for the
support pad.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
baby support system, illustrating components thereof in their
disassembled state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with
reference to accompanying Figures, wherein like numerals refer to
like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description
presented herein is intended to be interpreted in its broadest
reasonable manner, even though it is being utilized in conjunction
with a detailed description of certain, specific embodiments of the
invention.
[0020] It will be appreciated that a baby support system which
incorporates the spirit of the invention may embody many
alternative configurations, and may include many optional
components including components currently used in other
applications. A specific example of one embodiment of the invention
is described in conjunction with FIG. 1.
[0021] A baby support system, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a piece
of fabric 100, and a support pad 102. In one embodiment, the
support pad 102 is removably positioned adjacent to the piece of
fabric in a manner such that the pad 102 will maintain the desired
position on the fabric. In another embodiment the support pad 102
need not be removable. During use, the support pad 102 will be
positioned under the baby in such a way as to support the baby's
head and back. While the piece of fabric 100 in this embodiment is
rectangular, other shapes can be used such as, for example,
triangular, circular, oval, or an irregular shape. Although the
term fabric is used, the invention contemplates any type of
material which can provide for securing the support pad 102
adjacent to a baby. Additionally, the fabric may be made of
waterproof or water resistant material. Furthermore, although the
support pad 102 is illustrated as defining a generally oval shape,
other shapes can be used such as, for example, rectangular,
circular, or an irregular shape. Moreover, it is contemplated that
the support pad may be fabricated from many different materials,
composed of multiple types of materials, or be in multiple pieces
and still remain within the spirit of the present invention.
Additionally, although this embodiment shows the support pad 102 on
the side of the fabric 100 which comes into contact with the baby,
it will be appreciated that the support pad 102 can also be
positioned on the opposite side of the fabric.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a baby 104 positioned in a desired
location on the baby support system. This illustration shows that
the baby 104 is positioned on top of the support pad 102. The
portion of the support pad 102 located near the babies shoulders is
wider than the width of the babies shoulders as indicated by
.alpha.. Additionally the support pad 102 is longer than the babies
head and trunk as indicated by .mu.. When the baby 104 is laid on
the support pad 102 the babies weight causes the support pad 102 to
conform to the adjacent contour of the baby's body, thereby
providing support for those adjacent portions of the baby 104. In
particular, the support pad 102 provides support under the baby's
head and back. To keep the baby 104 on the support pad 102 the
fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby 104. In this embodiment the
support pad 102 is sized in relation to the baby 104 so that the
support pad 102, being wider than the width of the baby, will
extend upwardly along the sides of the baby 104 when the fabric 100
is wrapped about the baby 104. With the support pad 102 extending
along the sides of the baby 104, the baby is more easily retained
in its relative position with respect to the support pad 102.
[0023] Also shown in FIG. 2 is a first attachment member 103, which
may be used for positively maintaining the fabric 100 in its
wrapped position. The first attachment member 103 can be located,
in one embodiment, on the edge of the fabric 100. The first
attachment member 103 may engage with a second attachment member,
not shown, which is located on the opposite side of the fabric so
as to removably attach different portions of the fabric 100 and
thus hold the fabric in a desired configuration. For example, when
the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby 104 the first attachment
member 103 may engage the second attachment member, not shown,
securing the fabric 100 in a wrapped position. Since the support
pad 102 extends upwardly along the sides of the baby 104, if the
fabric 100 is secured around the baby 104 then the baby 104 will
remain in approximately the same relative position in the support
system while being held, carried, transferred between two people,
or laid on a surface.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a baby 104 on the support
pad 102 of the baby support system. When the baby 104 is laid on
the support pad 102, the support pad 102 at least partially
conforms to the contour of the baby's body due to the weight of the
baby 104. In particular the support pad 102 provides support under
the babies head 105, and the baby's back 106. This supporting
function alleviates the concern of the person holding the baby 104
as to whether they are providing adequate support for the baby 104.
The baby 104 can be held or carried with the support system
providing adequate support at all times and the person holding the
baby 104 can feel more confident and relaxed about whether they are
holding the baby 104 correctly.
[0025] Furthermore if the support pad 102 is made from a resilient,
memory-foam material, such as Tempur-Pedic foam, manufactured by
Tempur-Pedic Inc., it will return to its original shape when the
baby 104 is removed. This resilient feature of the support pad will
allow the pad to conform to the contour of the baby's body each
time the baby 104 is placed on the support pad 102. Thus the
support system will be able to provide support even though the baby
104 is placed on the support pad 102 in a slightly different
location. Additionally, a resilient pad allows its continued use as
the baby 104 grows larger, until the pad is no longer sufficient in
size and can be replaced with another larger pad.
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates the baby support system as it appears
when wrapped about the baby 104. When the fabric 100 is wrapped
about the baby 104, it applies force to the support pad 102 which
causes the support pad 102 to wrap around at least a portion of the
sides of the baby's body and head. As the support pad 102 wraps
around the sides of the body of the baby 104, the pad provides
support to keep the baby 104 on the pad. Therefore, as the fabric
100 is wrapped about the baby 104 the support pad 102 remains in
proximity to the body of the baby 104. The support pad 102 may be
made of a resilient, memory-foam, material so that it will recover
its original form when the support system is unwrapped and the baby
104 is removed.
[0027] In one embodiment the fabric is wrapped about a baby with no
securing means. In another embodiment, while the fabric 100 is
wrapped around a baby the first attachment member, 103 in FIG. 2,
may be used for securing the fabric 100 in place by mating with a
second attachment member, not shown, located on the opposite side
of the fabric. The first attachment member 103 and the second
attachment member, when mated, maintain the fabric 100 in a desired
position about the baby 104. With the fabric 100 wrapped about the
baby 104 and maintained in a desired position, the support pad 102
extends at least partially up the sides of the baby 104 providing
support to the baby 104 both when the baby 104 is being held and
when the baby 104 is placed on a surface. Additionally, securing
the baby in the support system ensures that the baby maintains a
supine position during sleep. This is advantageous, given the
recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics "that healthy
infants, when being put down for sleep, be positioned on their side
or back. (See, Positioning and SIDS, in PEDIATRICS, Vol. 89, No. 6,
1120, June 1992. The Academy has subsequently reaffirmed its
recommendation stating "[W]e strongly endorse the practice of
placing healthy infants on their sides or backs when putting them
down to sleep." (See, Infant Sleep Position and Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS) in the United States: Joint Commentary from the
American Academy of Pediatrics and Selected Agencies of the Federal
Government, PEDIATRICS, Vol. 93, No. 5, 820, May 1994).
[0028] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment a pouch 120 is formed by securing a
selected piece of material 122, about its periphery to the fabric
100. In one embodiment the selected material 122 is connected to
the fabric 100 to form the pouch 120 by sewing the periphery of the
selected piece of material 122 to the fabric 100. It is anticipated
that in other embodiments the selected piece of material 122 may be
connected to the fabric 100 by other methods such as, for example,
Velcro strips, snaps or zippers. The pouch 120 defines an open
space or pocket between the selected piece of material 122 and the
adjacent face of the fabric 100, within the periphery of the
selected piece of material 122. The support pad 102 is placed
within the pocket in the pouch 120 and is thus maintained in
position on the fabric 100.
[0029] In the embodiment of FIG. 5 the surface of the pouch 120
protrudes from the front side of fabric 100 which comes into
contact with the baby. With the pouch 120 formed on this side of
the fabric 100, as the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby the
fabric 100 provides a force against the support pad 102, causing
the support pad 102 to wrap around at least a portion of the sides
of the baby and to be maintained in proximity thereto.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the
baby support system of FIG. 5. As was noted above, the pocket of
the pouch formed between the selected piece of material 122 and the
fabric 100 receives the support pad 102 and maintains it in a
desirable position on the fabric 100. An opening 130, such as a
slit formed in the fabric 100 adjacent the selected piece of
material 122 provides access to the pocket of the pouch 120. This
opening 130 is configured to allow the support pad 102 to pass
there through and thus to be inserted and removed from the pocket
of the pouch 120.
[0031] In one embodiment a flap of fabric 134 is provided to cover
the opening 130. The flap 134 is comprised of a first edge 135, and
a second edge 136. The flap 134 is connected to the fabric 100
along the first edge 135 by conventional means such as stitching.
In other embodiments the flap 134 may be connected to the fabric
100 by other means such as, for example, Velcro strips, snaps or
zippers. The second edge 136 of the flap 134 extends over the
opening 130 in the fabric. The flap 134 may optionally be secured
in position over the opening 130 by use of a Velcro strip, not
shown, located on the side of the flap 134 facing the fabric 100
and mating with a Velcro strip 137 on the fabric 100. Other methods
of securing the flap 134 over the opening 130 may be used such as,
for example, snaps and zippers.
[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the support pad 102 can
be easily removed from the pouch, not shown, through the opening
130 in the fabric 100. Removal of the support pad 102 from the
fabric 100 allows each to be cleaned independently in a manner
appropriate for each. Also shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 is an
attachment member 138 which may be used to secure the fabric 100
when the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby. The attachment
member 138 engages with a first attachment member 103 located on
the opposite side of the fabric 100, as was discussed in reference
to FIG. 2. As the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby the two
attachment members 103 and 138 are aligned with each other and are
mated. It is contemplated that the attachment members may comprise
various types of attaching devices such as, for example, Velcro
strips, snaps and zippers.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In
this embodiment the support pad 102 is secured within a separate
cover 140. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the cover 140, which
comprises a first piece of fabric 300 and a second piece of fabric
302. The first piece of fabric 300 is secured to the second piece
of fabric 302 joining them about their periphery 304. In one
embodiment the first piece of fabric 300 and the second piece of
fabric 302 may be made of a waterproof or water resistant material.
The two pieces of fabric are joined so as to make a receptacle
which receives the support pad 102. In this embodiment, the two
pieces of fabric which make up the cover 140 are joined by sewing.
However it is contemplated that other means for joining can be used
such as, for example, Velcro strips, zippers, a combination of
stitching and zippers a combination of stitching and Velcro strips
or a combination of Velcro and zippers. It is contemplated that the
cover may be formed using a single piece of fabric which is folded
and then secured about the periphery. In one embodiment the support
pad 102 may be permanently fixed inside the cover 140. In other
embodiments, the support pad may be removably inserted into the
cover 140 through an opening 306 in the cover 140. The opening 306
may be closed by a cover securing member 308. It is contemplated
that the cover opening 306 may be secured through various securing
members 308 such as, for example a zipper or Velcro strips.
[0034] Located on one side of the cover 140 are attachment members
445. The attachment members 445 are used to secure the cover to the
piece of fabric 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the
attachment members 445 located on the cover 140 engage mating
attachment members 446 located on the fabric 100. The attachment
members maintain the cover 140 in a desired position in relation to
the fabric 100. An advantageous feature of this embodiment is that
it allows the cover 140 containing the support pad 102 to be easily
removed from the fabric 100. Removal of the cover 140 from the
fabric 100, and the support pad 102 from the cover 140 allows each
to be cleaned independently in a manner appropriate for each.
Additionally, the attachment members 445 allow use of different
size support pads 102 and covers 140 on the same fabric 100. This
allows the size of the support pad 102 and cover 140 to change,
allowing for changes in size as the baby grows, or for use with
babies of various sizes. To allow different size support pads 102
to be attached to the fabric 100, the cover attachment members 445
on the different sized covers engage the attachment members 446 on
the fabric 100. One skilled in the art would appreciate that there
are many available methods and devices that can be used for
attachment of the cover 140 to the fabric 100 such as, for example,
Velcro strips, or snaps, that would be within the spirit of the
described invention.
[0035] In another embodiment the support pad 102 and cover 140 are
not attached to the fabric 100, but rather placed on the fabric 100
with no attachment means. In this embodiment the texture of the
surface of the support pad cover 140 adjacent to the fabric 100 is
configured to minimize sliding of the support pad 102 on the fabric
100 surface. Accordingly, the interaction between the surface of
the support pad cover 140 and the fabric 100 is such that the
support pad 102 maintains a desired position on the fabric 100. In
another embodiment the support pad 102 without a cover may be
placed on the fabric 100 with no attachment means. In this
embodiment the texture of the surface of the support pad 102
adjacent to the fabric 100 is configured to minimize sliding of the
support pad 102 on the fabric 100 surface. The interaction between
the surface of the support pad 102 and the fabric 100 is such that
the support pad 102 maintains a desired position on the fabric
100.
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates still another embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment the support pad 102 is secured within
in a separate cover 140. This embodiment includes a cover
attachment member comprising a zipper 447 located on the periphery
of the cover 140. The zipper 447 engages a mating zipper 448
located on the fabric 100. The zipper 447 allows attachment or
removal of the cover 140 from the fabric 100. As described in
relation to FIG. 8, the support pad 102 may be removable from the
cover 140. Separating the baby support system into its various
components allows each to be cleaned independently in a manner
appropriate for each.
[0037] The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the
invention and describes the best mode contemplated. It will be
appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing
appears, the invention can be practiced in many ways. As is also
stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular
terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the
present invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology
is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any
specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the
invention with which that terminology is associated. The scope of
the present invention should, therefore, be construed in accordance
with the Claims and any equivalents thereof.
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