U.S. patent application number 11/182623 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-19 for baby wrap blanket.
Invention is credited to Cheryl M. Kendy.
Application Number | 20060010600 11/182623 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35597834 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060010600 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kendy; Cheryl M. |
January 19, 2006 |
Baby wrap blanket
Abstract
A blanket having a receiving region and a plurality of panels
that are foldable and connectable in a predetermined sequence is
provided. A blanket having a receiving region, a first, a second
and a third panel; wherein each panel is connectable to another of
the panels or the receiving region in a predetermined sequence is
provided. A method of folding a blanket by connecting a first
fastener on a first panel to a second fastener on a receiving
region by folding the first panel over the receiving region is
provided. The method of folding includes connecting a third
fastener on a second panel to a fourth fastener on the first panel
by folding the second panel over the first panel and connecting a
fifth fastener on a third panel to a sixth fastener on the first
panel by folding the third panel over the second panel and the
first panel.
Inventors: |
Kendy; Cheryl M.; (Monroe,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul D. Greeley, Esq.;Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero & Perle, L.L.P.
10th Floor
One Landmark Square
Stamford
CT
06901-2682
US
|
Family ID: |
35597834 |
Appl. No.: |
11/182623 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60588681 |
Jul 16, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/482 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 15/005 20130101;
A41B 2300/32 20130101; A41B 13/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/482 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/08 20060101
A47G009/08 |
Claims
1. A blanket comprising: a receiving region; and a plurality of
panels that are foldable and connectable in a predetermined
sequence.
2. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein said receiving region
is surrounded by said plurality of panels to form eight sides.
3. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality
of panels and said receiving region further comprise at least one
fastener that is connectable to a corresponding fastener on another
of said plurality of panels or said receiving region.
4. The blanket according to claim 2, wherein one of said plurality
of panels is connectable to said receiving region.
5. The blanket according to claim 3, wherein each said fastener is
labeled to match each said corresponding fastener on either said
receiving region or one of said plurality of panels to indicate a
folding sequence of said plurality of panels.
6. The blanket according to claim 3, wherein each of said plurality
of panels is labeled to correspond to another of said plurality of
panels.
7. The blanket according to claim 2, wherein said receiving region
further comprises a built-in pillow.
8. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein said plurality equals
three.
9. The blanket according to claim 3, wherein each said fastener and
corresponding fastener are either a hook or a loop fastener.
10. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein said receiving region
is sized to receive a human baby.
11. A blanket comprising: a receiving region; and a first panel; a
second panel and a third panel; wherein each of said panels is
connectable to another of said panels or said receiving region in a
predetermined sequence.
12. The blanket according to claim 11, wherein said first panel,
said second panel and said third panel are labeled to indicate a
predetermined sequential folding sequence.
13. The blanket according to claim 12, wherein said predetermined
sequential folding sequence uses either sequential numerals or
letters.
14. The blanket according to claim 11, wherein said first panel,
said second panel and said third panel each further comprise at
least one fastener that is labeled to match a corresponding
fastener on another of said panels or said receiving region to
indicate a predetermined sequential connecting sequence.
15. The blanket according to claim 14, wherein said predetermined
sequential connecting sequence uses either sequential numerals or
letters.
16. A blanket comprising: a receiving region; and a first panel, a
second panel and a third panel; wherein each of said panels and
said receiving region has at least one labeled fastener that
corresponds to another of said at least one labeled fasteners on
another of said panels or said receiving region to indicate a
folding sequence of said panels and a connecting sequence of said
fasteners.
17. A method of folding a blanket comprising: connecting a first
fastener on a first panel of a blanket to a second fastener on a
receiving region of said blanket by folding said first panel over a
receiving region; connecting a third fastener on a second panel to
a fourth fastener on said first panel by folding said second panel
over said first panel; and connecting a fifth fastener on a third
panel to a sixth fastener on said first panel by folding said third
panel over said second panel and said first panel.
18. The method of folding a blanket according to claim 17, wherein
said first fastener and said second fastener further comprise a
first matching label to indicate a connecting sequence; said third
fastener and said fourth fastener further comprise a second
matching label to indicate said connecting sequence; and said fifth
fastener and said sixth fastener further comprise a third matching
label to indicate said connecting sequence.
19. The method of folding according to claim 17, wherein said first
panel, said second panel and said third panel are labeled to
indicate a folding sequence.
20. The method of folding according to claim 17, wherein said first
fastener, said second fastener, said third fastener, said fourth
fastener, said fifth fastener and said sixth fastener are hook and
loop fasteners.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/588,681, filed on Jul. 16, 2004, the
contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a baby wrap blanket for swaddling
a baby.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Currently, there are many swaddling blankets or receiving
blankets available on the market for infants and newborn babies.
Many of these blankets offer beautiful and soft fabrics and
patterns that befit the occasion. While the aesthetics of the
blankets are very important, existing blankets do not provide the
necessary function for such a blanket.
[0004] Available blankets fail to meet the needs of infants in
specific ways. For example, designs often have a square or
rectangular shape. These shapes are not conducive to proper
wrapping of the baby and are uncomfortable for the baby and
inconvenient for the caregiver. Square or rectangular shaped
blankets cannot be properly tucked to secure the babies so that
they feel firmly wrapped. Additionally, these shapes leave
extraneous material dangling that is both uncomfortable and
hazardous to the baby and unsafe for the caregiver. Further, such
blankets do not offer a safe and secure method of securing the
blanket that avoids the use of safety hazards such as pins, snaps,
buttons or zippers.
[0005] Therefore, there exists a need for a baby blanket that is
safe and provides a comfortable and firm fit for the baby as well
as quick and easy use for the caregiver.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A blanket providing a receiving region and a plurality of
panels that are foldable and connectable in a predetermined
sequence.
[0007] A blanket providing a receiving region, a first panel; a
second panel and a third panel; wherein each of the panels is
connectable to another of the panels or the receiving region in a
predetermined sequence.
[0008] A blanket providing a receiving region, a first panel, a
second panel and a third panel wherein each of the panels and the
receiving region has at least one labeled fastener that corresponds
to another of the at least one labeled fasteners on another of the
panels or the receiving region to indicate a folding sequence of
the panels and a connecting sequence of the fasteners.
[0009] A method of folding a blanket by connecting a first fastener
on a first panel of a blanket to a second fastener on a receiving
region of the blanket by folding the first panel over the receiving
region. The method of folding further includes connecting a third
fastener on a second panel to a fourth fastener on the first panel
by folding the second panel over the first panel. The method of
folding additionally provides for connecting a fifth fastener on a
third panel to a sixth fastener on the first panel by folding the
third panel over the second panel and the first panel.
[0010] The above-described and other features and advantages of the
present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description,
drawings, and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of the blanket on which the baby is
placed.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a back view of the blanket if FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of the blanket in which a first
portion is folded.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front view of the blanket in which a second
portion is folded.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view of the blanket in which the third
portion is folded.
[0016] FIG. 6a is a front view of the blanket having labeled
fasteners.
[0017] FIG. 6b is a back view of the blanket of FIG. 6a also having
labeled fasteners.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a blanket 1 of the present
invention includes a side 4, an integral pillow 2 and a series of
fasteners 6, 8, 10 and 12 having a pre-determined position and
orientation. Blanket 1 also has a side 20, opposite side 4 of
blanket 1, and a series of fasteners 22 and 24, having a
pre-determined position and orientation. Side 4 has a receiving
region 15 to receive a human baby's torso. Blanket 1 has a built-in
pillow 2 containing a soft material to cushion a baby's head.
Blanket 1 has an approximately eight-sided shape for optimal
swaddling of the baby.
[0019] Built-in pillow 2 is sewn between side 4 and side 20 of
blanket 1 to create a perimeter 3 having a slightly rounded upper
portion. Pillow 2 has an approximately square shape. The baby will
be placed on side 4 at receiving region 15 with the back of his or
her head on pillow 2. Pillow 2 will provide a cushion when the baby
is initially placed on the pillow and cushioning during transport
and rest.
[0020] Fasteners 6, 8, 10 and 12 on side 4 and fasteners 22 and 24
on side 20 are loop and hook type fasteners. Each fastener will
mate with a corresponding fastener to securely and firmly wrap
blanket 1 around the baby. The loop and hook fasteners will ensure
that the baby will not be harmed when he or she is placed in or
removed from blanket 1 during transport. Additionally, by using a
hook and loop type fastener, pins, snaps, zippers and buttons are
avoided. Pins could become unsecured when the baby moves and could
potentially stick the baby. Snaps and buttons could become unsewn
and present a choking hazard. Zippers could easily catch the flesh
and harm a baby.
[0021] The approximately eight-sided shape of blanket 1 ensures
that the blanket can be neatly folded around the baby. Were a usual
square or rectangular blanket used, loose edges would result. These
loose edges would need to be tucked around the baby creating
uncomfortable sources of pressure that would cause discomfort to
the baby. Alternatively, were the excess material left untucked, it
would either flap into the baby's face or dangle and potentially
trip the caregiver. With squares or rectangular blankets, there is
also not a predetermined folding pattern for the blanket. Thus, by
quickly folding such blankets, there is a greater likelihood of the
blanket being either too tight or too loose. Likewise, the
pre-determined placement of the fasteners ensures that the baby
will be firmly held in place yet still be allowed to move.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, blanket 1 has panels 14, 16
and 18 that surround baby receiving region 15. When panels 14, 16
and 18 are folded, corresponding fasteners 8 and 10, 12 and 22 and
6 and 24, are sized to provide adequate overlap when they are
connected to ensure a firm fit around the baby. Thus, panels 14, 16
and 18 can be adjusted during folding to accommodate the baby's
growth without compromising the swaddling firm fit of blanket 1
around the baby. Fasteners 6, 8, 10, 12, 22 and 24 are sized and
oriented to accommodate the baby's growth and to provide an optimal
fit. Additionally, corresponding fasteners 8 and 10, 12 and 22 and
6 and 24 are oriented to ensure that maximum overlap is achieved.
The maximum overlap of the fasteners will maintain the firm
swaddling fit of blanket 1 around the baby during rest and
transport. Blanket 1 can be made of a soft material such that sides
4 and 20 are comfortable and offer an aesthetically pleasing
appearance.
[0023] The method of using blanket 1 will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 3 through 6b. The baby's back is initially
placed on side 4 of blanket 1 at receiving region 15 and his or her
head is placed on pillow 2. In FIG. 3, panel 14 is folded over the
baby and fastener 10 from side 4 is secured to fastener 8 also from
side 4. Panel 14 is secured in such a fashion that the baby's face
will not be obstructed. When panel 14 is in the folded position,
fasteners 22 and 24 from side 20 are in view of the caregiver.
Panel 14 has a fastener 10 on side 4, and two fasteners 22 and 24
on side 20. Alternatively, additional fasteners could be provided
on each side of panel 14 for added security.
[0024] In FIG. 4, panel 16 is folded towards the baby's face and
fastener 12 from first side 4 will be connected to fastener 22 from
second side 20. When panel 16 is in the folded position, fastener
24 from side 20 is in view of the caregiver. Panel 16 has a
fastener 12 on side 4. Alternatively, additional fasteners could be
provided on each side of panel 16 for added security.
[0025] In FIG. 5, panel 18 is folded over panels 14 and 16, and
fastener 6 from first side 4 is connected to fastener 24 from
second side 20. Panel 18 has a fastener 6 on side 4. Alternatively,
additional fasteners could be provided on each side of panel 18 for
added security.
[0026] By folding the blanket in this predetermined method, the
baby will be firmly secured in the blanket. The baby is
particularly comfortable and feels as if he or she is still in the
mother's womb. In a looser blanket, the baby would feel insecure
and uncomfortable would become upset and agitated.
[0027] Additionally, the panels 14, 16 and 18 and/or fasteners 6,
8, 10, 12, 22 and 24 can be further labeled to simplify the folding
process of blanket 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 6a, fastener 10
is labeled with numeral 1 to signify that it is first to be
connected to corresponding fastener 8 also labeled with a numeral
1. Similarly, fastener 12, labeled with a numeral 2 is then
connected to fastener 22 of side 20, which also labeled with a
numeral 2. Then fastener 6 which is labeled with a numeral 3 is
connected to fastener 24, which is also labeled with a numeral 3 to
signify that they correspond in the folding sequence. Fasteners 6,
8, 10, 12, 22 and 24 could also be labeled with corresponding
letters A, B and C to signify the sequential connection of the
fasteners.
[0028] Alternatively, panel 14 could have a letter A adjacent to
fastener 10 and fastener 8 could also have a corresponding letter A
on cushioning region 15 to signify that they correspond during the
folding procedure. Similarly, panel 16 could have a letter B
adjacent to fastener 12 and fastener 22 could have an adjacent
letter B to signify that they correspond during the folding
procedure. Panel 18 could have a letter C adjacent to fastener 18
and fastener 24 could have an adjacent letter C to signify that
they correspond during the folding procedure. By labeling panels
14, 16, 18 and cushioning region 15, the user is provided with the
proper folding order of the panels and the corresponding fasteners
to connect. The letters A, B and C could be alternatively be
replaced with numerals 1, 2, and 3 to indicate the proper folding
sequence.
[0029] While the instant disclosure has been described with
reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many
modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or
material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from
the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure
not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the
best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that
the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *