U.S. patent application number 10/428245 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-14 for infant support system.
Invention is credited to Houghteling, Barbara S..
Application Number | 20050076444 10/428245 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33551214 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050076444 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
Houghteling, Barbara S. |
April 14, 2005 |
Infant Support System
Abstract
A cushion for supporting an infant is provided. The cushion
includes a pad that may be formed of a resilient foam material. The
pad includes a lower surface and an upper surface oriented at an
acute angle thereto such that the upper surface is inclined
relative to a support surface. The acute angle formed thereby may
be between 20.degree. and 30.degree.. The cushion may be received
within a polyester casing, but may simply include a top panel to be
disposed on the pad`s upper surface. The cushion includes at least
one positioning member, but preferably two positioning members,
with means for releasably fastening to the top panel to support the
infant. Preferably, the positioning member includes a filaform
strip for releasably attaching to a fabric material such as 100%
polyester tricot and is formed of a resilient foam material.
Inventors: |
Houghteling, Barbara S.;
(Loveland, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TIMOTHY J MARTIN, PC
9250 W 5TH AVENUE
SUITE 200
LAKEWOOD
CO
80226
US
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 0000022 A1 |
January 6, 2005 |
|
|
Family ID: |
33551214 |
Appl. No.: |
10/428245 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/08 20130101;
A47D 15/008 20130101; A47D 15/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/655 |
International
Class: |
A47D 005/00 |
Claims
What is Claimed is:
1. (Currently Amended) A cushion for supporting an infant upon a
support surface, comprising: (A) a pad of selected size and
configuration and having a lower surface adapted to confront the
support surface and an upper surface opposite the lower surface and
oriented at an acute angle from a first end portion to a second end
portion such that the upper surface is inclined relative to the
support surface along an axis extending between said first and
second end portions, said pad having a width extending transversely
of said axis; (B) a top panel adapted to be disposed on at least a
portion of the upper surface of said pad, said top panel including
a first section extending transversely of said axis for a majority
of the width of said pad and formed of a first material and a
second section extending transversely of said axis for a majority
of the width of said pad and formed of a second material that is
different from the first material; (C) at least one infant
positioning member of a selected size and configuration adapted to
be supported by the upper surface of said pad; and (D) means for
releasably fastening said positioning member to the top panel of
said casing.
2. (Original) A cushion according to claim 1 wherein said pad is
constructed of foam.
3. (Original) A cushion according to claim 1 wherein the acute
angle is in a range between about 20.degree. to 35.degree..
4. (Original) A cushion according to claim 1 wherein the lower
surface of said base and the bottom panel of said casing each have
a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of circles,
ovals, and polygons.
5. (Original) A cushion according to claim 1 wherein the upper
surface of said pad is planar.
6. Canceled.
7. (Currently Amended) A cushion according to claim 1 wherein the
first section of said top panel is formed of a polyester
material.
8. (Original) A cushion according to claim 7 wherein said polyester
material includes (A) a top layer that faces the exterior to form
an upper surface for said casing that is polyester tricot; (B) a
bottom layer that confronts said pad that is polyester mesh; and
(C) an intermediate layer interposed between said top layer and
said bottom layer that is polyester fiber.
9. (Currently Amended) A cushion according to claim 1 wherein said
second section of said top panel is constructed of polyester
sandwich fabric.
10. (Original) A cushion according to claim 1 wherein said
positioning member has a cross section of a geometric shape
selected from ellipses, ellipses truncated by a plane parallel to
the central axis thereof, polygons, circles, and ovals.
11. (Original) A cushion according to claim 1 including two infant
positioning members spaced apart a selected distance from one
another.
12. (Original) A cushion according to claim 1 wherein said means
for fastening said positioning member to the top panel of said
casing is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop
fasteners, buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, and hooks.
13. (Original) A cushion according to claim 1 including a filaform
strip disposed on a portion of said positioning member and adapted
to releasably secure to polyester fabric.
14. (Original) A cushion for supporting an infant upon a support
surface, comprising: (A) a pad of selected size and configuration
and having a lower surface adapted to confront the support surface
and an upper surface opposite the first surface oriented at an
acute angle thereto and sloping upwardly from a front end to a rear
end such that the upper surface is inclined relative to the support
surface, said pad formed of a resilient foam; (B) a casing sized
and adapted to receive said inclined pad therein, said casing
including (1) a top panel formed of a first panel piece and a
second panel piece, said first and second panel pieces further
including respective confronting edges that are joined together so
that said top panel is a continuous two-piece construction; (2) a
bottom panel joined to said top panel around a periphery thereof to
form a casing interior; and (3) a mouth to permit access to the
casing interior; (C) two infant positioning members of a selected
size and configuration adapted to be supported by said pad; and (D)
means for releasably fastening a portion of each of said
positioning member to said first panel piece at a selected
orientation relative to the upper surface of said pad.
15. (Original) A cushion according to claim 14 wherein the acute
angle is in a range between about 20.degree. to 35.degree..
16. (Original) A cushion according to claim 14 wherein said first
panel piece is disposed proximate to the front end of said pad when
received in said casing and is formed of a polyester fabric.
17. (Original) A cushion according to claim 16 wherein the
polyester fabric of said first panel piece includes (A) a top layer
that faces the exterior to form an upper surface for said casing
that is polyester tricot; (B) a bottom layer that confronts said
pad that is polyester mesh; and (C) an intermediate layer
interposed between said top layer and said bottom layer that is
polyester fiber.
18. (Original) A cushion according to claim 14 wherein said second
panel piece is disposed proximate to the rear end of said pad when
received in said casing and is formed of polyester sandwich
fabric.
19. (Original) A cushion according to claim 14 wherein said top and
bottom panels each have a respective margin which overlap with one
another to form the mouth of said casing.
20. (Original) A cushion according to claim 19 wherein the
overlapping margins of said top and bottom panels are formed of a
fabric material selected from the group consisting of polyester,
cotton, cotton/synthetic blend, and synthetic blend.
21. (Original) A cushion according to claim 14 including
cooperative fasteners associated with the mouth of said casing to
form a closure that is operative to releasably close the mouth
thereby to retain the pad when received therein.
22. (Original) A cushion according to claim 21 wherein said
fasteners are selected from a group consisting of hook and loop
fasteners, buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, and hooks.
23. (Original) A cushion according to claim 14 wherein said
positioning member has a cross section of a geometric shape
selected from ellipses, ellipses truncated by a plane parallel to
the central axis thereof, polygons, circles, and ovals.
24. (Original) A cushion according to claim 14 wherein said means
for fastening said positioning members to the top panel of said
casing is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop
fasteners, buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, and hooks.
25. (Original) A cushion according to claim 14 including a filaform
fastening strip disposed on a portion of each said positioning
member and adapted to releasably secure to polyester tricot.
26. (Original) In an infant support system including an inclined
pad adapted to elevate an infant`s head and torso while in the
supine position, the improvement comprising: (A) a casing sized and
adapted to receive the pad therein, including (1) a top panel
joined to a bottom panel around a periphery thereof to form a
casing interior wherein a portion of said top panel is formed of a
first material and said bottom panel is formed of a second material
that is different from said first material; and (2) a mouth to
permit access to the casing interior; (B) two infant positioning
members of a selected size and configuration adapted to be
supported by the pad; and (C) means for releasably fastening said
infant positioning members to the first material of said top
panel.
27. (Original) An infant support system according to claim 26
wherein the first material is polyester fabric.
28. (Original) An infant support system according to claim 27
wherein the polyester fabric includes (A) a top layer that faces
the exterior to form an upper surface for said casing that is
polyester tricot; (B) a bottom layer that confronts said pad that
is polyester mesh; and (C) an intermediate layer interposed between
said top layer and said bottom layer that is polyester fiber.
29. (Original) An infant support system according to claim 27
wherein said polyester fabric is polyester sandwich fabric.
30. (Original) An infant support system according to claim 26
wherein said positioning members have a cross section of a
geometric shape selected from ellipses, ellipses truncated by a
plane parallel to the central axis thereof, polygons, circles, and
ovals.
31. (Original) An infant support system according to claim 26
wherein said positioning members are arcuate.
32. (Original) An infant support system according to claim 26
wherein said positioning members are constructed of a resilient
foam material encased in a polyester sandwich fabric.
33. (Original) An infant support system according to claim 26
wherein said means for fastening said positioning members to the
top panel of said casing is selected from the group consisting of
hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, and
hooks.
34. (Original) An infant support system according to claim 26
including a filaform fastening strip disposed on a portion of each
said positioning member and adapted to releasably secure to
polyester tricot.
35. (Original) An infant support system according to claim 26
including a blanket.
36. (Original) An infant support system according to claim 35
including means for releasably attaching said blanket to said
casing.
37. (New) A cushion for supporting an infant upon a support
surface, comprising: (A) a pad of selected size and configuration
and having a lower surface adapted to confront the support surface
and an upper surface opposite the lower surface and oriented at an
acute angle from a first end portion to a second end portion such
that the upper surface is inclined relative to the support surface
along an axis extending between said first and second end portions,
said pad having a width extending transversely of said axis; (B) a
cover including a top panel adapted to be disposed on the upper
surface of said pad; (C) a pair of infant positioning members each
of a selected size and configuration adapted to be supported by the
upper surface of said pad; and (D) means for releasably fastening
said positioning members to the top panel whereby said positioning
members may be selectively spaced apart at different selected
distances laterally from one another in a direction transverse to
said axis across a majority of the width of said pad.
38. (New) A cushion according to claim 37 wherein the acute angle
is in a range between about 20.degree. to 35.degree..
39. (New) A cushion according to claim 37 wherein said means for
releasably fastening said positioning members to the top panel of
said cover is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop
fasteners, buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, and hooks.
40. (New) An infant support system according to claim 37 wherein a
portion of said top panel is constructed of a polyester fabric and
wherein said means for releasably fastening said positioning
members is a hook fastening strip.
41. (New) An infant support system according to claim 40 including
a plurality of loop fastening strips disposed on said top panel and
wherein said means for releasably fastening said positioning
members is a hook fastening strip.
42. (New) An infant support system for elevating an infant`s head
and torso while in the supine position, comprising: (A) an inclined
pad, including (1) a first end having a first thickness; (2) a
second end having a second thickness that is greater than the first
thickness; (3) a lower surface extending between said first and
second ends and adapted to confront the support surface; (4) an
upper surface in spaced relation to said lower surface and oriented
at an acute angle thereto, said upper surface extending between
said first and second ends along an axis, said pad having a width
extending transversely of said axis; (B) a top panel extending
transversely of said axis for a majority of the width of said pad
in confronting relation with said upper surface; and (C) a pair of
infant positioning members each of a selected size and
configuration and each including a fastener adapted to releasably
secure said positioning members to said top panel so as to be
selectively oriented at desired locations across a majority of the
width of said pad.
43. (New) An infant support system according to claim 42 wherein
the acute angle is in a range between about 20.degree. to
35.degree..
44. (New) An infant support system according to claim 42 wherein
said top panel is constructed of a polyester fabric and each said
fastener is adapted to releasably secure said positioning members
to said polyester fabric.
45. (New) An infant support system according to claim 42 including
a plurality of loop fastening strips disposed on said top panel and
wherein said infant positioning member fasteners are hook
fasteners.
46. (New) An infant support system for elevating an infant`s head
and torso while in the supine position, comprising: (A) an inclined
pad, including (1) a first end having a first thickness; (2) a
second end having a second thickness that is greater than the first
thickness; (3) a lower surface extending between said first and
second ends and adapted to confront the support surface; and (4) an
upper surface in spaced relation to said lower surface and oriented
at an acute angle thereto, said upper surface extending between
said first and second ends along an axis, said pad having a width
extending transversely of said axis; (B) a cover including a top
panel extending transversely of said axis for a majority of the
width of said pad and in confronting relation with said upper
surface; and (C) an infant positioning member of a selected size
and configuration and including a fastener adapted to releasably
secure said positioning member to said top panel so as to be
selectively oriented at desired locations across a majority of the
width of said pad.
Description
Detailed Description of the Invention
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to support cushions.
More particularly, the present invention relates to inclined
support cushions for elevating an infant`s head and torso while in
the supine position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One of the strongest human instincts involves the care and
nurturing of offspring. Parents provide for their children in a
wide variety of ways. At a basic level, however, most parents
provide their children with the necessities of food, clothing and
shelter. While the needs of children last from birth through later
years, the care and nurturing of newborns and young infants present
special issues.
[0003] In response to these special issues, the infant/baby
industry continues to grow with new and innovative products that
are continuingly made available to expectant mothers and fathers
for the care of their children. Presently, the infant industry
offers a vast number of products ranging from bedding products,
travel products, feeding products, toys, bathing and health
products, clothing, and the like. More specifically, for example,
numerous cushion devices, such as sleep positioners are sometimes
used to create a better sleeping environment for a young child. Of
these products, perhaps the most sought after items are those that
improve the comfort of an infant while sleeping to both maximize
their time asleep and keep them safe.
[0004] There are various kinds of infant sleep aids that accomplish
these goals. For example, some products play soothing sounds to
help lull an infant to sleep and may even be sound activated so
that if the infant awakes, the soothing sounds may again return the
infant to sleep. Sleep aids may also come in the form of sleep
supports to support an infant in a particular sleeping position.
For example head supports position a sleeping infant`s head in a
manner that helps prevent Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly).
[0005] Oftentimes, infant sleep aid products are developed in
response to pediatrician recommendations. For example, some
pediatricians recommend that an infant be placed either on his/her
back while others recommend that the infant be placed on his/her
side in an effort to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome, commonly referred to as SIDS. As a result, various infant
sleep positioners have been developed and typically take the form
of support pillows or wedges that may be positioned about the
infant to maintain the infant in the desired sleeping position.
[0006] Some pediatricians have also recommended that an infant`s
overall sleep may be improved if the infant`s head is elevated.
According to some pediatricians, elevating an infant`s head makes
breathing easier and improves digestion, particularly for nasal
congestion and digestive problems. An example of an infant sleep
aid directed toward elevating an infant`s head is sometimes
referred to as a crib wedge. Crib wedges may be in the form of an
inclined pad are typically designed to fit within a crib. Some crib
wedges are configured to fit underneath a standard crib sheet while
others remain above the crib sheet similar to a pillow.
[0007] While crib wedges may improve the overall comfort of an
infant while sleeping, infants tend to roll out of position due to
the slope of the wedge. As a result, the infant is unable to
realize the benefits of the crib wedge and, perhaps more
importantly, may shift into a position that is potentially harmful
to the infant`s health. Accordingly, there is a need for an infant
sleep aid that both elevates an infant`s head and maintains the
infant in a safe position while sleeping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a new and
useful infant sleep aid to improve the overall comfort of an infant
while sleeping.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
infant sleep aid that elevates the infant`s head and torso while
maintaining the infant in a safe sleeping position.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
infant sleep aid that has positioning support members to maintain
the infant in a safe sleeping position that are adjustable to
accommodate the change in the infant`s size as he/she grows.
[0011] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide an infant sleep aid that is portable and that may be used
in a crib, cradle, infant carrier, or other support surface that is
safe for a sleeping infant.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
infant sleep aid for an infant that is comfortable against the
infant`s skin and that maximizes airflow to prevent
suffocation.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
infant sleep aid that is machine washable.
[0014] According to the present invention, then, an infant sleep
aid is provided that is adapted to elevate the infant`s head and
torso as well as to maintain the infant in a safe sleeping
position.
[0015] According to the present invention, then, an infant sleep
system is provided that broadly includes a cushion and at least one
positioning member. The cushion may include a resilient foam pad
received within a casing. The foam pad is of a selected size and
configuration and has a lower surface adapted to confront a support
surface, and an upper surface oriented at an acute angle thereto,
so as to be inclined relative to the support surface and sloping
upwardly from a front end to a rear end. The acute angle formed by
the upper and lower surfaces is preferably in a range between about
20.degree. to 35.degree.. The lower surface of the foam pad may
have a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of
circles, ovals, and polygons and preferably has a planar upper
surface.
[0016] The foam pad may be received within a casing in a close
fitted relationship, which, in an exemplary embodiment, may have a
top panel joined to a bottom panel to form a casing interior. A
mouth, formed by overlapping portions of the top and bottom panels,
permits access to the casing interior so that the foam pad may be
removed if desired. The mouth may also be associated with
cooperative fasteners selected from the group consisting of hook
and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, and hooks to
form a closure therefore to retain the foam pad when received
therein.
[0017] Preferably, the top panel of the casing includes a first
panel piece disposed proximate to the front end of the foam pad.
This first panel piece may be formed of a polyester material that
includes a top layer that faces the exterior to form an upper
surface that is polyester tricot, a bottom layer that confronts the
pad that is polyester mesh, and an intermediate layer interposed
therebetween that is polyester fiber. The top panel may further
include a second panel piece, joined to the first panel piece to
form a continuous two-piece top panel and disposed proximate to the
rear end of the pad when received therein. This second panel piece
is preferably formed of polyester sandwich fabric. In an
alternative construction, the foam pad may simply include a top
panel adapted to be disposed on at least a portion of the upper
surface thereof.
[0018] The cushion may further be provided with at least one
positioning member, but preferably two positioning members, with
means for releasably fastening to the top panel of the casing. The
means for fastening the positioning member to the top panel may be
selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners,
buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, and hooks. Preferably, the
positioning member has a filaform strip disposed thereon that can
releasably attach to polyester tricot. The positioning member may
be arcuate and have a cross-section of a geometric shape selected
from ellipses, ellipses truncated by a plane parallel to its
central axis, polygons, circles, and ovals.
[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, the infant support system
may further be provided with a blanket with means to attach to the
top panel of the casing.
[0020] These and other objects of the present invention will become
more readily appreciated and understood from the consideration of
the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when
taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an infant asleep on an
infant sleep aid according to the present invention;
[0022] Figure 2 is a front view in elevation of the infant sleep
aid shown in Figure 1;
[0023] Figure 3 is an exploded side view in elevation of an infant
positioning member detached from the inclined cushion;
[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the inclined cushion shown
without the infant positioning members;
[0025] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the casing that
receives the inclined pad therein;
[0026] Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of the inclined
cushion taken about lines 6(a)-6(a) of Figure 4;
[0027] Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the inclined
cushion taken about lines 6(b)-6(b) of Figure 4;
[0028] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the infant positioning
member that is supporting the sleeping infant shown in Figure 1
showing the bottom panel thereof;
[0029] Figure 8 is cross-sectional view of the infant positioning
member taken about lines 8-8 of Figure 7;
[0030] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the inclined cushion with
an alternative infant positioning member construction;
[0031] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the inclined support
cushion in use with another infant positioning member construction;
and
[0032] Figure 11 is a front view in elevation of the infant sleep
aid according to the present invention in use with a detachable
blanket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The present invention is directed to an infant support
system to provide the infant with the benefits derived from
elevating the infant`s head while in a supine position while
maintaining the infant safely thereon. As used herein, the term
infant shall be understood to mean any child at the beginning of
its life, including a newborn up through the age of a toddler. As
shall be understood in view of the following description of the
figures below, the infant support system contemplated by the
present invention is preferably portable and constructed for use in
a variety of different infant environments, such as the crib,
bassinet, or simply on a safe support surface even the floor.
[0034] In order to understand the unique versatility provided by
the infant support system of the present invention, reference is
first made to Figure 1, which shows infant support system 10 in use
by infant 2. Broadly, infant support system 10 includes inclined
support cushion 20 and infant positioning members 60. As shown,
cushion 20 is generally rectangular in shape and has a planar top
surface 22. However, as contemplated, cushion 20 may have a variety
of different geometric shapes. For example, top surface 22, and
correspondingly bottom surface 24, may have a geometric shape of
any regular or irregular polygon, circle, ellipse, oval, or any
other desired shape. Preferably though, cushion 20 has a top
surface 22 of a suitable dimension and shape that can support the
infant`s head an a majority of the infant`s torso thereon. In
addition, cushion 20 may have a concave top surface to provide a
channel for the infant to lie within.
[0035] Infant positioning members 60 are generally positioned
beneath the infant`s arms and on either side of infant 2. Locating
infant positioning members 60 beneath the infant`s arms supports
the infant so as to reduce the risk of the infant rolling off of
the inclined pad. This is especially helpful for young infants that
are acquiring mobility and are beginning to move their heads. If
desired, an additional positioning member, such as a head support,
may be used in combination with the support system described herein
without departing from the inventive concepts contemplated by the
present invention.
[0036] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, cushion 20 can generally
be divided into two sections, first section 26 and second section
28. As perhaps best shown in Figure 3, first section 26 has a
general thickness that is greater than the thickness of section 28
and thus forms the desired location for the infant`s head and
because it is elevated. Positioning members 60, on the other hand,
are preferably located in section 28 of cushion 20 and include a
bottom surface 62 adapted to be seated on top surface 22 of cushion
20. Positioning members 60 are shown to have a slight arcuate
shape, which offers comfortable support for the infant lying
therebetween. Of course, as should be understood, the positioning
members can accomplish adequate support for the infant without
being arcuate.
[0037] It is desirable that the positioning members be detachable
from cushion 20 so that they may be arranged in any desired
orientation relative to the top surface. Accordingly, positioning
members 60 are not limited to being aligned parallel to one
another, as shown in Figure 2, but may also be positioned at any
desired angle with respect to one another on top surface 22. For
example, positioning members 60 could be positioned to form a
V-shape if so desired. The mechanism by which the positioning
members may be releasably detached to top surface 22 will be
described in further detail below.
[0038] Turning now to Figures 4-6(a) and (b), support cushion 20 is
generally constructed of a casing 30, which receives a resilient
foam pad 90 in a close-fitted relationship. Casing 30 may be
constructed of various panel sections including head panel 32 and
foot panel 34. Head panel 32 and foot panel 34 have respective
confronting edges 33 and 35, which are stitched, or otherwise
joined together to form junction 36. In this way, head panel 32 and
foot panel 34 form a continuous, two-piece top panel 40. Top panel
40 may be joined to a one-piece bottom panel 50 about the majority
of its peripheral margin. More specifically, as shown in Figure 5,
corners 42 and 44 of top panel 40 are aligned with corners 52 and
54 of bottom panel 50, while corners 46 and 48 of top panel 40 are
aligned with corners 56 and 58 of bottom panel 50. In this way, top
panel 40 is stitched, or otherwise joined along sides 43 and 45 and
end 49 to bottom panel sides 53 and 55, and end 59
respectively.
[0039] Top panel 40 and bottom panel 50 may further include
respective overhanging margins 41 and 51, which are not stitched
together, but rather overlap with one another to form a mouth 99,
which is shown in Figure 6(a). Mouth 99 permits access into the
interior of the casing 30 so that foam pad 90 may be removed from
the casing if desired.
[0040] Casing 30 is not limited to the construction described
above, but rather may have a variety of different constructions
that allow for a close-fitted relationship around the foam pad. For
example, top panel 40 may be a one-piece construction that is
joined to a two-piece bottom panel. Alternatively, the casing may
be formed of one folded panel piece, that folds about the foam pad.
Further, as is also contemplated by the present invention, foam pad
90 need not include casing 30, but may simply include a top panel
adapted to be disposed on a portion of upper surface 94. In this
way, a bottom panel, casing interior, and casing mouth would not be
necessary.
[0041] Now that the construction of casing 30 has been described in
some general detail, a more detailed look at its construction in
association with foam pad 90 can now be explained with reference
Figures 6(a) and 6(b). Turning first to Figure 6(a), foam pad 90
has a bottom surface 92 and top surface 94. Bottom surface 92 is
adapted to be supported by any suitable support surface such as a
table, crib, bassinette, and the like while top surface 94 is
adapted to support the infant thereon. Also, as shown, top surface
94 is oriented at an acute angle "a" relative to bottom surface 92.
Preferably, acute angle "a" is an angle large enough to elevate the
infant`s head and at least a portion of the torso so as to derive
the benefits therefrom, but not so large that it poses a risk to
the infant, especially a newborn infant. Preferably, acute angle
"a" is in a range between about 20.degree. and 35.degree.. Foam pad
90 may be made of any resilient or compressible material known in
the art, but is preferably memory foam.
[0042] With continued reference to Figure 6(a), it is preferred
that casing 30 include a head panel 32, overhanging margins 41 and
51, and bottom panel 50 may be formed from any suitable material
appropriate for lying an infant thereon, such as, for example,
silk, polyester, cotton, cotton blends, synthetics, synthetic
blends, and the like. With respect to head panel 32, it is
desirable that the fabric material be one that enhances the
breathability for the infant, since head panel 32 serves as the
general location for the infant`s head (as shown in Figure 1). For
example, head panel 32 may be 100% polyester sandwich fabric.
Overhanging margins 41 and 51, as well as bottom panel 50 may also
be formed of 100% polyester sandwich fabric, but are preferably a
fabric that is 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
[0043] As described above, foam pad 90 may be removed from casing
30 via mouth 99 that is formed by overhanging margins 41 and 51 of
top panel 40 and bottom panel 50 respectively. Mouth 99 may be
releasably fastened to secure foam pad 90 therein by any suitable
fastening means such as, a zipper, button, snaps, ties, as well as
cooperating hook and loop fasteners. Preferably, as shown in Figure
6(a), bottom panel 51 includes a filaform strip 93 which may be
releasably secured to overhanging margin 41. Filaform strip 93 may
either attach to a loop fastening strip, if provided, or simply to
the fabric of panel 41 itself. Preferably, the fabric of panel 41
is 50% cotton and 50% polyester, which cooperates with filaform
strip 93.
[0044] Turning now to Figure 6(b), the cross-section of cushion
section 28 is shown again illustrating that casing 30 envelopes
foam pad 90 in a close fitting relationship. Similarly to cushion
section 26 described in reference to Figure 6(a), the top surface
94 extends at an acute angle a relative to bottom surface 92 of the
foam pad at acute angle "a". Further, foot panel 34 may be formed
from any suitable material appropriate for lying an infant thereon,
such as, for example, silk, polyester, cotton, cotton blends,
synthetics, synthetic blends, and the like. Further, since foot
panel 34 is generally associated with the main body portion of the
infant (as shown in Figure 1), it may be constructed of a
hydrophobic material. However, it is desirable that that foot panel
34 be formed of a polyester material such as 100% polyester tricot.
Further, it is desired that foot panel 34 be formed as a tri-layer
polyester construction that includes an outer layer 80 that is 100%
polyester tricot, a bottom layer 82, that is 100% polyester fine
mesh, and an intermediate later 81 that is 100% polyester
fiber.
[0045] Turning now to Figures 7 and 8, a more detailed description
of the positioning member according to the present invention may be
described. As shown, positioning member 60 is triangular in
cross-section and includes a foam piece 190 enveloped by casing
130. Foam piece 190 may be formed of any suitable resilient foam
material such as the memory foam which forms the foam material of
the cushion.
[0046] Positioning member 60 preferably has a flat bottom surface
62 that serves as a location for a means of fastening the
positioning member to the cushion. Such fastening means may include
zippers, buttons, snaps, ties, and the like. Alternatively, it may
be desirable to provide a positioning member without any fastening
means to cooperate with the cushion.
[0047] Preferably, though, and as shown in Figures 7 and 8,
positioning member 60 is provided with a filaform strip 64, which
is adapted to releasably attach to a cooperative loop fastener,
such as the 100% tricot polyester material described in reference
to outer layer 80 in Figure 6(b). Alternatively, filaform strip 64
may cooperate with a separate loop strip that may be provided on
the cushion. The casing 130 of positioning member 60 may be again
of any suitable fabric material that is comfortable against an
infant`s skin such as, silk, polyester, cotton, cotton blends,
synthetics, synthetic blends, and the like. Preferably though,
casing 130 is constructed of 100% polyester sandwich material, such
as that described above with respect to head panel 32 to provide
improved breathability.
[0048] The present invention also contemplates the use of
positioning members having different geometric shapes than that
shown in Figures 7 and 8. For example, positioning member 160,
shown in Figure 9, has a cross-sectional geometric shape of an
ellipse truncated by a plane that is parallel to the bottom surface
162. Alternatively, positioning members 260, as shown in Figure 10
may have a cross-sectional geometric shape be constructed as a
truncated prism. As should be understood, any variety of shapes of
positioning members may be used such that they provide support
suitable to maintain an infant in a supine position. Accordingly,
the present invention contemplates positioning members that have a
geometric shape that is circular, ovular, elliptical, and polygonal
in cross-section. Further, it is not required that the positioning
members have a flat base to be useful to support the infant.
[0049] Finally, the infant support system of the present invention
may further include a cooperating blanket such as blanket 398 shown
in Figure 11. Blanket 398, similar to the positioning members
described above, may include means by which it may be fastened to
support cushion 20. For example, blanket 398 may be constructed so
as to have filaform strips 364 that may either adhere cooperatively
to a loop fastening strip on cushion 20 or, as described above, may
be adapted to releasably affix to a fabric material of the top
surface 22 of the cushion, such as 100% polyester tricot.
[0050] Accordingly, the present invention has been described with
some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments
of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that
the present invention is defined by the following claims construed
in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be
made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without
departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.
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