U.S. patent application number 10/798704 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-15 for advanced infant reflux wedge for infant.
Invention is credited to Elkin, Robynne R., Troop, Craig.
Application Number | 20050198739 10/798704 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34838866 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050198739 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elkin, Robynne R. ; et
al. |
September 15, 2005 |
ADVANCED INFANT REFLUX WEDGE FOR INFANT
Abstract
A reflux wedge for supporting an infant suffering from acid
reflux is disclosed. The reflux wedge includes a wedge-shaped main
body having a top side and a bottom side. In addition the reflux
wedge includes a torso support section providing a substantially
flat incline of approximately 25 to 45 degrees to receive and
support the torso of the infant in a prone position. The torso
support section is located on the top side of the wedge-shaped main
body. The reflux wedge also includes a head support section
adjoining the torso support section for receiving and supporting
the head of the infant. An arch runs down a longitudinally aligned
midline on the top side for receiving and supporting the infant and
encouraging protraction of the shoulders. A crater is optionally
located on the bottom side for receiving an infant in a supine
position.
Inventors: |
Elkin, Robynne R.; (Plano,
TX) ; Troop, Craig; (Frisco, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael L. Diaz
Suite 200
555 Republic Drive
Plano
TX
75074
US
|
Family ID: |
34838866 |
Appl. No.: |
10/798704 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/655 ;
5/632 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/08 20130101;
A61G 7/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/655 ;
005/632 |
International
Class: |
A47C 027/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A reflux wedge for supporting an infant, said wedge comprising:
a wedge-shaped main body having a top side and a bottom side; a
torso support section providing a substantially flat incline to
receive and support the torso of the infant lying in a prone
position, the torso support section located on the top side of the
wedge-shaped main body; a head support section adjoining the torso
support section for receiving and supporting the head of the prone
infant, the head support section being curvilinear and
substantially horizontal and located on the top side of the
wedge-shaped main body; and an arch running down a longitudinally
aligned midline on the top side for receiving and supporting the
prone infant and encouraging protraction of the shoulders.
2. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 1 further
comprising: a shallow concave crater positioned on the bottom side
of the wedge-shaped main body; and the bottom side being flipped to
an upward position to support the infant in a supine position and
encourage protraction of the shoulders of the infant.
3. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 2 wherein the
crater is sloped to a depth of between approximately one and three
inches.
4. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 2 wherein the
crater is positioned along a second midline running longitudinally
down the bottom side of the wedge-shaped main body.
5. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 2 wherein the
head support region provides a pivot region allowing the
wedge-shaped main body to rock when the bottom side is positioned
upward.
6. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 1 further
comprising a horizontal cut positioned on a portion of the
wedge-shaped main body for receiving straps of a retaining
apparatus for retaining the infant on the wedge-shaped main
body.
7. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 1 wherein the
top side and the bottom side are constructed of a foam
material.
8. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 7 wherein the
foam material is fire retardant.
9. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 1 wherein the
incline is between 5 and 40 degrees.
10. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 1 wherein
the arch runs the entire length of the top surface.
11. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 1 wherein
the arch runs approximately 3/4 of the length of the top
surface.
12. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 1 wherein
the arch slopes down from the midline to each side of the top side
between approximately one and three inches.
13. A reflux wedge for supporting an infant, said wedge comprising:
a wedge-shaped main body having a top side and a bottom side; a
torso support section providing a substantially flat incline to
receive and support the torso of the infant lying prone, the torso
support section located on the top side of the wedge-shaped main
body; a head support section adjoining the torso support section
for receiving and supporting the head of the prone infant, the head
support section being curvilinear and substantially horizontal and
located on the top side of the wedge-shaped main body; an arch
running down a longitudinally aligned midline on the top side for
receiving and supporting the prone infant and encouraging
protraction of the shoulders; a shallow concave crater positioned
on the bottom side of the wedge-shaped main body; the bottom side
being flipped to an upward position to support the infant in a
supine position and encouraging protraction of the infant's
shoulders; and wherein the head support region provides a pivot
region allowing the wedge-shaped main body to rock when the bottom
side is positioned upward.
14. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 13 wherein
the crater is sloped to a depth of between approximately one and
three inches.
15. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 13 wherein
the crater is positioned along a second midline running
longitudinally down the bottom side of the wedge-shaped main
body.
16. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 13 further
comprising a horizontal cut positioned on a portion of the
wedge-shaped main body for receiving retaining straps of a device
for retaining the infant on the wedge-shaped main body.
17. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 13 wherein
the top side and the bottom side are constructed of a foam
material.
18. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 17 wherein
the foam material is fire retardant.
19. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 13 wherein
the incline is between 15 and 45 degrees.
20. The reflux wedge for supporting an infant of claim 13 wherein
the arch runs the entire length of the top surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to support devices, and more
particularly, to a device for supporting and elevating a recumbent
infant.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also know as GERD, is a
common ailment which involves a back flow of acid from the stomach
into the esophagus. This acid can irritate or even damage the
delicate lining on the inside of the esophagus. The usual symptom
is heartburn, which is an uncomfortable burning sensation behind
the breastbone. In some individuals this reflux is frequent enough
to cause more significant problems, resulting in GERD. Thus, GERD
is a clinical condition that occurs when reflux of stomach acid
into the esophagus is severe enough to impact the patient's life
and/or damage the esophagus. Infants are susceptible to GERD and
suffer tremendously from its effects.
[0005] Standard protocol for alleviating the symptoms of GERD for
infants is to elevate a recumbent infant approximately 30 to 45
degrees. A wedge-shaped mattress is commonly used to rest an infant
upon. The infant is positioned at an inclined angle to reduce the
reflux action common with GERD. The infant is held in place by a
sling or harness device. The elevated positioning of the infant is
very helpful. Typically, the infant is laid face down in a prone
position for more effective results. For infants not afflicted with
GERD, it is not recommended to lay an infant on their stomachs. It
has been found that laying infants on their stomachs results in a
higher incidence of infant deaths. In any event, laying an infant
on either his back or stomach results in some very significant
musculoskeletal problems associated with prolonged use of the
elevated mattress. In particular, the shoulders of the infant tend
to retract the shoulder muscles backwards. However, because of the
prolonged use of the elevated mattress, the infant is not able to
protract (move forward) his shoulders. The lack of an ability for
the infant to protract his shoulders is detrimental to the
musculoskeletal development of the infant. A device is needed which
enables the infant to enjoy the benefits of the inclined
positioning on a wedge apparatus without positioning the infant in
such a manner as to encourage protraction of the shoulders.
[0006] Thus, it would be a distinct advantage to have an apparatus
to alleviate the symptoms of GERD while encouraging the protraction
of the infant's shoulders. This apparatus would provide for good
positioning and allow proper musculoskeletal development. It is an
object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect, the present invention is a reflux wedge for
supporting an infant. The wedge includes a wedge-shaped main body
having a top side and a bottom side. The wedge includes a torso
support section providing a substantially flat incline to receive
and support the torso of the infant lying in a prone position. The
torso support section is located on the top side of the
wedge-shaped main body. Additionally, the wedge includes a head
support section adjoining the torso support section for receiving
and supporting the head of the prone infant. The head support
section is curvilinear and substantially horizontal and located on
the top side of the wedge-shaped main body. An arch runs down a
longitudinally aligned midline on the top side for receiving and
supporting the prone infant and encouraging protraction of the
shoulders.
[0008] In another aspect, the present invention is a reflux wedge
for supporting an infant. The wedge includes a wedge-shaped main
body having a top side and a bottom side. On a top side is located
a torso support section providing a substantially flat incline to
receive and support the torso of the infant lying prone and a head
support section adjoining the torso support section for receiving
and supporting the head of the prone infant, the head support
section being curvilinear and substantially horizontal. An arch
runs down a longitudinally aligned midline on the top side for
receiving and supporting the prone infant and encouraging
protraction of the shoulders. On the opposite or bottom side is
located a shallow concave hollow or crater. When the wedge is
flipped over, thus positioning the bottom side on top, an infant
may be positioned in a supine position within the crater. When
positioned in the crater, the shoulders of the infant are
encouraged to protract upward. While having the bottom side facing
upward, the head support region provides a pivot region allowing
the wedge-shaped main body to rock, providing vestibular input to
the infant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will be better understood and its numerous
objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled
in the art by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction
with the accompanying specification, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1, a side view of an infant reflux wedge in the
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the infant reflux wedge
10 of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a view form the head end section 20 of FIG. 1 in
the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of the infant reflux wedge flipped
over with a bottom side 50 facing upward;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of the bottom side of the infant reflux
wedge; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of a top side 70 of the infant reflux
wedge 10 in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Preferred embodiments of the invention are now described
below with reference to various examples of how the invention can
best be made and used. Like reference numerals are used throughout
the description and several views of the drawings to indicate like
or corresponding parts.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view of an infant reflux
wedge 10 is illustrated. The reflux wedge 10 includes a head
support region 12 and a torso support region 14 located on a top
side 16. In the preferred embodiment, the reflux wedge is
dimensioned with a bottom end section 18 having a height A of
between one and two inches. On an opposite head end section 20, the
head reaches a height B of approximately 12 inches. Approximately
halfway down the height B is optionally provided a horizontal cut
22 running the width of the wedge. Preferably, the horizontal cut
has a length or depth of approximately 12 inches.
[0018] The head support region 12 is curvilinear-shaped starting at
distance C of approximately 10 inches from the head end section 20.
The head support region, at an intersection point 30 is
approximately a height D of approximately 10 inches above a
horizontal surface on which the reflux wedge lies. FIG. 1 depicts a
dashed line to illustrate that the head support region curves to a
relatively horizontal orientation rather than continuing the
angular inclination of the top side of the torso support region.
The head of an infant is positioned in a prone (stomach/abdomen
down) position upon the head support region.
[0019] The torso support region 14 is sized and shaped to provided
an incline between approximately 15 and 45 degrees. The torso and
legs of the infant (prone position) are positioned on the torso
support region.
[0020] The reflux wedge 10 preferably comprises a structural
plastic foam such as a foam polyurethane material, urethane foam,
or other elastomeric material. The foam used may consist of a
variety of colors and may comprise a variety of different densities
that determine the hardness or softness of the wedge 10. The foam
may also possess anti-static properties and may be latex free.
[0021] More specifically, Indentation Force Deflection (IFD)
measures the firmness of a piece of foam. The test involves placing
a 4".times.15".times.15" piece of foam on a flat surface. A round
metal piece, 8" in diameter, pushes down on the piece of foam. The
amount of pounds of pressure required to squeeze the piece of foam
from 4" to 3" is the IFD. Preferably, the reflux wedge 10 of the
present invention has an IFD of between about 22 and 42.
[0022] Additionally, the State of California Bureau of Home
Furnishings Technical Bulletin #117 (bulletin #117) requires that
all foam sold in retail in the state of California must pass a fire
retardant test. The test involves exposing a piece of foam to an
open flame until the foam is burning. Once the foam is burning, the
foam is removed from the flame. Fire retardant foam ceases to burn
once removed from the flame. Preferably, since California is such a
large market, the wedge 10 meets bulletin #117. Likewise, it is
desirable that the foam type meets or exceeds the requirements of
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) 25.853(a) App. F Part
I(a)(1)(ii). This section refers to a 12 second vertical hang burn
test.
[0023] It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the
reflux wedge 10 may comprise a variety of elastomeric materials.
For example, a white J32 foam type having a density of 0.90-0.95
and an IFD of 29.0-36.0 may be employed. Alternatively, a blue
L32XB foam type having a density of 1.20-1.26 and an IFD of
32.0-37.0 that exceeds California Bulletin #117 flammability
requirements may be employed. Alternatively, a pink P25T foam type
having a density of 1.20-1.26 and an IFD of 24.0-29.0 may be
employed.
[0024] The reflux wedge is preferably constructed of the
above-referenced foam. The foam allows a soft surface for an infant
to lie upon. In the preferred embodiment, the foam is dense enough
to support the weight of the infant at an inclined angle. However,
in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a core frame
may be constructed of a rigid material and foam applied to the
outside surface of the core frame.
[0025] The infant reflux wedge 10 may be constructed in a variety
of different ways. Preferably, the structural plastic foam is
manufactured from a low pressure injection mold process. However,
the molding can be manufactured by any conventional polymer
fabrication method. For example, the fabrication method may involve
compression molding using heat and pressure to force the molten
polymer or resin, introduced between the mating surfaces of a
moveable mold, into the shape of the mold. In another embodiment,
the fabrication method can be comprised of injection molding where
a molten polymer is compressed into a closed mold cavity. Other
fabrication method s include reaction injection molding and
extrusion filament spinning.
[0026] Preferably, the reflux wedge 10 is constructed as an
integral piece of moldable material. However, it should be apparent
to one skilled in the art that the reflux wedge 10 may be
constructed of several pieces that are assembled into one piece by
any known or unknown method. For example, the pieces may be affixed
to one another by an adhesive such as an epoxy or glue.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the infant reflux wedge
10 of FIG. 1. The reflux wedge is constructed with an arch 40
running down a midline 42 of the wedge. The arch slopes downward
from the midline to sides 44 and 46. Preferably, the arch slopes
downward from the midline to each side of the wedge by a height of
approximately one to two inches. The arch may run the full length
of the width or approximately 3/4 of the length of the wedge. In
addition, the arch may or may not be located on the head support
region.
[0028] The length E of the wedge is preferably between 26 and 30
inches. The width F of the wedge is preferably about 24 inches. The
dimensions are preferred. It should be understood that the wedge
may be decreased or increased in size and still provide the same
function. In addition, the angle of the wedge is preferably
configured to incline the torso of the infant between 30 and 40
degrees, however the incline may range from 15 degrees to 45
degrees.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a view form the head end section 20 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates the arch 40 located at the midline 42. The arch
slopes down from the midline to the sides 42 and 44 a distance G,
which is approximately between one and three inches.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a side view of the infant reflux wedge flipped
over with a bottom side 50 facing upward. The infant reflux wedge
may optionally include a shallow concave crater section 52 upon the
bottom side of the wedge. When the infant reflux wedge is flipped
over and the bottom side is facing upward, the crater section 52 is
exposed.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a top view of the bottom side of the infant reflux
wedge 10. The crater section is a hollowed out area preferably
having the shape of an oval and having a gradual sloping from a
midline 60 to its outer sides 62 and 64. The deepest portion of the
crafter is at the midline 60 where the depth is approximately one
to three inches. The crater is preferably positioned a distance H
of approximately four inches from the head end section 20. The
crater also preferably has a length of approximately 16 inches and
a width of 8 inches. However, the size and placement of the crater
may vary. With the bottom side facing upward (FIG. 5), the infant
is positioned in a supine position (face up) within the crater
section 52.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the operation of the infant
reflux wedge 10 will now be explained. To alleviate symptoms from
GERD, infants are inclined at an angle between 30 and 45 degrees.
The infant may be positioned in a prone (stomach/abdomen down)
position on the top side 16. The infant is positioned so that the
infant's head lies to either side on the head support region 12.
The remaining portion of the infant (torso and legs) is positioned
on the torso support region 14. The infant is positioned so that
the infant essentially straddles the arch, thereby allowing or
encouraging the shoulders of the infant to lie in a forward or
protracted position. In addition, since the head support region is
curvilinear, the infant may comfortably lay his head upon the head
support region. Utilization of such a wedge usually requires a
harness or sling to ensure the infant does not slide down the
wedge. The harness or sling may be affixed to the wedge by straps
or cords running within the horizontal cut 22.
[0033] Although it is recommended that an infant suffering from
GERD be positioned in a prone position, parents may wish to
position the infant on his back. If it is desired to lay the infant
on his back (supine position), the infant reflux wedge may be
flipped over to a position where the bottom side 50 is facing
upward (FIGS. 4 and 5). The infant is positioned in the crater
section 52, allowing the infant to "nest" within the crater
section. In such a position, the infant's shoulders are lifted
upward into a protracted position which promotes slight flexion of
the upper and lower extremities. The crater will also provide the
infant with a boundary for comfort and containment. In addition,
with the head support region contacting the horizontal surface on
which the wedge is placed, a rocking motion of the wedge may be
initiated (similar to a rocking chair). Also, a harness or sling
may be utilized by wrapping cords or straps through the horizontal
cut 22.
[0034] Utilization of either side of the infant reflux wedge
encourages protraction of the infant's shoulders, slight flexion of
the upper and lower extremities and discourages retraction of the
shoulders. With the infant reflux wedge, the infant can comfortably
utilize an inclined surface to alleviate symptoms associated with
GERD while simultaneously reducing or eliminating the problems
associated with prolonged use of an inclined surface and the
infant's muscular development. The present invention allows the
infant to be positioned on either his back or his stomach. In
addition, the infant reflux wedge allows the infant to rest his
head comfortable upon the curvilinear-shaped head support
region.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a top view of a top side 70 of the infant reflux
wedge 10 in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The
top side 70 may still include the arch 40 running down the midline
42. In addition, the top side includes a ridge portion 72 running
across the width F of the wedge. The ridge portion is sloped
downward from a transverse line 74. The ridge portion and the arch
form a "T" shape.
[0036] In reference to FIG. 6, the infant may be positioned in the
prone position straddling the arch 40. The shoulders of the infant
are allowed to protract forward. The infant's head is positioned
upon the ridge portion 72.
[0037] It is thus believed that the operation and construction of
the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing
description. While the apparatus shown and described has been
characterized as being preferred, it will be readily apparent that
various changes and modifications could be made therein without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *