U.S. patent application number 11/197940 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for weighted baby blanket.
Invention is credited to Bryant William Field, Caitlin Nerrie Field, Campbell Elizabeth Field.
Application Number | 20070028382 11/197940 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37716272 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070028382 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Field; Caitlin Nerrie ; et
al. |
February 8, 2007 |
Weighted baby blanket
Abstract
A weighted baby blanket and methods for using the same are
provided. A feature of the weighted baby blanket is the presence of
at least one weight stably associated with at least one edge of the
blanket, where the weight may or may not be readily separable from
the blanket.
Inventors: |
Field; Caitlin Nerrie; (Palo
Alto, CA) ; Field; Campbell Elizabeth; (Palo Alto,
CA) ; Field; Bryant William; (Palo Alto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bret Field
1435 Parkinson Avenue
Palo Alto
CA
94301
US
|
Family ID: |
37716272 |
Appl. No.: |
11/197940 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/482 ;
5/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/0223 20130101;
A47G 9/068 20130101; A47D 15/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/482 ;
005/655 |
International
Class: |
A47D 15/00 20070101
A47D015/00; A47G 9/04 20070101 A47G009/04 |
Claims
1. A baby blanket comprising: a cloth dimensioned to be used with a
baby; and a weight stably associated with at least one edge of said
cloth.
2. The baby blanket according to claim 1, wherein said weight is
separable from said cloth.
3. The baby blanket according to claim 1, wherein said weight is
present in a sealed element of said cloth.
4. The baby blanket according to claim 1, wherein said cloth is a
woven material
5. The baby blanket according to claim 1, wherein said woven
material includes cotton.
6. The baby blanket according to claim 1, wherein said cloth is a
rectangle.
7. The baby blanket according to claim 6, wherein said rectangle is
a square.
8. The baby blanket according to claim 1, wherein said baby blanket
includes at least two distinct weights positioned along an edge of
said blanket or along an entire edge of said blanket.
9. The baby blanket according to claim 1, wherein said baby blanket
includes a clasping element.
10. The baby blanket according to claim 9, wherein said clasping
element is positioned at an edge of said blanket that is different
from said edge that includes said weight.
11. The baby blanket according to claim 10, wherein said clasping
element is positioned at an edge of said blanket opposite said edge
that includes said weight.
12. The baby blanket according to claim 1, wherein said baby
blanket includes a viewing window.
13. The baby blanket according to claim 12, wherein said viewing
window comprises a flap in said blanket.
14. The baby blanket according to claim 13, wherein said flap
includes a fastening element to secure said flap to the remainder
of the blanket.
15. The baby blanket according to claim 14, wherein said fastening
element is a hook and loop fastening element.
16. A method comprising: positioning a child in a child
transporter; and placing a baby blanket according to claim 1 over
said child in said child transporter.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said child is an
infant.
18. The method according to claim 16, wherein said child
transporter is an infant carrier.
19. The method according to claim 16, wherein said child
transporter is a stroller.
20. A kit comprising: a baby blanket having at least one pocket for
holding a weight; and a weight configured to fit in said at least
one pocket.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Baby blankets are well-known consumer items that are made of
soft materials and dimensioned to be used with children,
particularly infants, babies and toddlers. As is known in the art,
baby blankets may be fabricated from materials having decorative
prints.
[0002] While baby blankets are employed for traditional uses such
as covers during sleeping, oftentimes baby blankets are placed over
strollers or infant carriers to prevent sun, rain or light from
reaching a child placed therein. However, in such applications, the
blankets are prone to shift and even separate from the stroller or
carrier, causing the child's care giver to have to reposition the
blanket.
[0003] As such, there is a need in the art for a baby blanket that
can be stably positioned over a child in a carrier or stroller,
where the blanket is not susceptible to shifting and yet is easy to
use. Of particular interest would be such a blanket, where the
blanket was not specifically fitted for covering a stroller or
carrier, such that the blanket could also be employed for
traditional uses.
[0004] The present invention provides such a baby blanket.
Relevant Literature
[0005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,513,164; 6,457,193; 6,266,821; and
6,145,932, as well as United States Published Application Nos.
20050125960; 20040026965 and 20020125747.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A weighted baby blanket and methods for using the same are
provided. A feature of the weighted baby blanket is the presence of
at least one weight stably associated with at least one edge of the
blanket, where the weight may or may not be readily separable from
the blanket. In certain embodiments, the blanket includes a viewing
window, e.g., made up of a flap, which flap may be secured relative
the remainder of the blanket. Also provided are kits that include a
blanket having a pocket for holding a weight, e.g., positioned
along an edge of the blanket, and a weight configured to be
positioned in the pocket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0007] FIG. 1 provides a view of a baby blanket according to a
representative embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A weighted baby blanket and methods for using the same are
provided. A feature of the weighted baby blanket is the presence of
at least one weight stably associated with at least one edge of the
blanket, where the weight may or may not be readily separable from
the blanket. In certain embodiments, the blanket includes a viewing
window, e.g., made up of a flap, which flap may be secured relative
the remainder of the blanket. Also provided are kits that include a
blanket having a pocket for holding a weight, e.g., positioned
along an edge of the blanket, and a weight configured to be
positioned in the pocket.
[0009] Before the present invention is further described, it is to
be understood that this invention is not limited to particular
embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to
be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose
of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to
be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be
limited only by the appended claims.
[0010] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that
each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper
and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening
value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention.
The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may
independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also
encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically
excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes
one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those
included limits are also included in the invention.
[0011] Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of
the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the
recited order of events.
[0012] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, the preferred methods and materials are now
described.
[0013] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by
reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in
connection with which the publications are cited.
[0014] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended
claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural
referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is
further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any
optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as
antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as "solely,"
"only" and the like in connection with the recitation of claim
elements, or use of a "negative" limitation.
[0015] The publications discussed herein are provided solely for
their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present
application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that
the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication
by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication
provided may be different from the actual publication dates which
may need to be independently confirmed.
[0016] As summarized above, the subject invention provides a
weighted baby blanket, as well as methods of using the same and
kits thereof. In further describing the subject invention,
representative embodiments of the baby blanket are reviewed first
in greater detail, followed by review of methods of using the
subject blankets and a description of representative kits of the
invention.
Weighted Baby Blankets
[0017] As summarized above, the invention provides weighted baby
blankets. The subject weighted baby blankets includes a piece of
cloth dimensioned to be used with a child, particularly a child
under 5 years of age, such as a child under 4 years, of age,
including but not limited to an infant (i.e., 0 to about 6 months),
baby (i.e., about 6 months to about 1.5 years) and toddler (i.e.,
about 1 year to about 2 years). In representative embodiments, the
piece of cloth has a length ranging from about 1.5 to about 6.5,
such as from about 2 to about 5 feet, including from about 2 to
about 4 feet, and a width ranging from about 2 to about 8 feet,
such as from about 2.5 to about 6 feet. The cloth may have any
convenient shape, including but not limited to rectangular
(including square), oval, circular, triangular and even irregular,
where in representative embodiments, the cloth has a rectangular
shape, such as a square.
[0018] The cloth may vary considerably, as is known in the art,
where the cloth may be a structure of a single material or a
composite of 2 or more different fabric layers, such as an outer
layer of a first, soft material, encasing an inner layer of an
insulative material. In representative embodiments, the cloth is a
woven material, e.g., that includes cotton, such as a 100% cotton
blanket or a cotton blend blanket. The cloth may be fabricated from
natural or synthetic fibers, or a composite of both as is known in
the art. The cloth may also be fabricated from a material such as
Pertex or Solarweave, which blocks out the sun's harmful rays or of
a waterproof material. The cloth may be monochromatic (such as
blue, pink, yellow, white), or have a decorative print, e.g., a
print suitable for a young child, e.g., a print of teddy bears,
stars, angles, clowns, puppies, kittens, ducks, flowers and the
like.
[0019] A feature of the invention is that stably associated with at
least one side of the cloth is at least one weight. A weight is
considered to be associated with a given side of the blanket if it
is proximal to the side. In representative embodiments, a weight is
considered to be proximal to a side if it is no more than about 6
inches from the side, such as no more than about 3 inches from the
side, including no more than about 2 or even 1 inches from the
side, e.g., no more than about 0.5 inches from the side, including
immediately at the side. By stably associated with the at least one
side is meant that the weight has a fixed position relative to the
side, such that the weight does not separate from the side with
which it is associated without intervention by a user of the
blanket. While the subject blankets include at least one weight,
depending on the particular embodiment, a given blanket may include
two or more distinct weights, e.g., three or more distinct weights,
four or more distinct weights, etc. Furthermore, the one or more
weights may be stably associated with a single side of the blanket,
or multiple sides of the blanket, including all sides of the
blanket. In representative embodiments, the weight(s) is not
associated with all sides of the blanket.
[0020] The weight may be permanently fixed to the cloth or
removable from the cloth. For example, the weight may be present in
a sealed enclosure of the cloth, such as being sewn into the
structure of the cloth. Alternatively, the weight may be positioned
in a re-sealable pocket located proximal to an edge of the cloth,
where the pocket can be opened and closed with a fastening element,
such as a button, tie, zipper or a hook and loop fastener e.g.,
such as those sold under the registered trademark of Velcro.RTM.,
to provide for readily placing the weight in the pocket and then
removing the weight from the pocket, e.g., for washing the blanket.
Where the fastener is a hook and loop fastener, as is known in the
art such a fastener includes of two layers: a "hook" side, which is
a piece of fabric covered with tiny plastic hooks, and a "loop"
side, which is covered in even smaller and "hairier" plastic loops.
There are many variations to this structure which include hooks on
both sides, for example. As is known in the art, the two sides may
be referred to as "posi-cro and neg-cro". When the two sides are
pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and hold the pieces
together. When the layers are separated, the strips make a telltale
ripping sound.
[0021] The weight(s) component of the subject blankets may vary
greatly, depending on the particular embodiment. While the mass of
a given weight may vary, the collective mass of the weight or
weights of a given blanket should be sufficient to substantially if
not completely prevent a blanket, or at least the edge thereof that
is associated with the weights, from shifting relative to a
stroller or carrier on which the blanket is placed, at least under
standard conditions, such as carrying at a walking pace, strolling
at a walking pace, in the presence of wind and wind gusts having
speeds ranging up to about 10 mph or higher, e.g., up to about 15
mph or higher, such as up to about 25 mph or higher, and even up to
about 35 mph or higher. In representative embodiments, the mass of
a given weight ranges from about 5 to about 250 grams, such as from
about 10 to about 100 grams, including from about 25 to about 75
grams. A given weight may have a variety of different
configurations, such as but not limited to disc shaped, block
shaped, ovoid shaped, spherical shaped, cylindrically shaped,
irregularly shaped, etc., as desired. The weight(s) may be
fabricated from any convenient material or materials (i.e., where
the weight is a composite structure), where representative
materials include, but are not limited to: metals, plastics,
ceramics, etc, where in certain embodiments the weights may
comprise a solid but pliable casing which encloses a fluid or gel
like material. In certain embodiments, the weights should be
fabricated from a material that can withstand washing or other
forces associated with routine use, and in certain embodiments the
material of the weights is inert, at least with respect to the
cloth of the blanket.
[0022] In certain embodiments, the baby blanket includes a clasping
element for clasping or fastening the blanket to a structure, such
as a child transporter, e.g., an infant carrier, a stroller, etc.
The blanket may include a single clasping element or multiple
clasping elements, e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, etc., as
desired. The clasping element may be associated with any side of
the blanket, where in representative embodiments the clasping
element(s) is associated with a side that is different from the
side having one or more associated weights, e.g., a side opposite
the side having the associated weight(s). A clasping element is
considered to be associated with a given side of the blanket if it
is proximal to the side. In representative embodiments, a weight is
considered to be proximal to a side if it is no more than about 6
inches from the side, such as no more than about 3 inches from the
side, including no more than about 2 inches or even 1 inch from the
side, e.g., no more than about 0.5 inches from the side, including
immediately at the side. The fastening element may be any
convenient element that is capable of securing the edge of the
blanket to a part of the child transporter, where representative
fastening elements include, but are not limited to: buttons, ties,
zippers, compression fasteners, e.g., clips, or a hook and loop
fasteners, e.g., such as those sold under the registered trademark
of Velcro.RTM., where the fasteners may or may not include fanciful
decorations, e.g., of baby animals, princesses, frogs, sports
items, and the like, which decorations may or may not be separable
from the clasping element with which they are associated.
[0023] In certain embodiments, the blanket may further include a
viewing window, which may also be referred to herein as a
"peak-a-boo" window, where the viewing window provides for the
ability to view the child in a child transporter that is covered
with the blanket without removing the blanket from the child
transporter. The viewing window may or may not be closable. For
example, the viewing window may be made up of a clear piece of
material positioned in the blanket, e.g., a transparent polymeric
material, such as plastic, where the material is secured on all
sides to the blanket and cannot be removed from the blanket. In yet
other embodiments, the viewing window can be opened and closed. For
example, the viewing window may be made up of a flap in the
blanket, where the flap can be opened or closed, e.g., rolled up
when it is desired to view the child and then rolled down when one
desires to completely cover the child with the blanket, e.g., while
the child is sleeping. In these embodiments, a fastening element(s)
may be associated with the flap or analogous structure, which
provides for the ability to secure the window in the open or closed
position. Fasteners of interest include, but are not limited to,
those reviewed above.
[0024] The subject blankets having been described in general terms,
a representative embodiment of the subject blankets is now reviewed
in greater detail with reference to FIG. 1. In the representative
baby blanket shown in FIG. 1, blanket 10 includes pockets 11
associated with a first side of the blanket, e.g., in the corners
of the blanket. Present in each pocket 11 is a disc shaped weight
12. The pockets may be sealed, or include a fastening element that
provides for the ability to open and close the pockets to remove
and insert the weights, as reviewed above. Located at a second side
of the blanket opposite the pockets and weights are ties 16 which
can be employed to secure the second side of the blanket to a child
transporter. Also present in the middle of the blanket is a viewing
window (i.e., "peek-a-boo" element) that is made up of a foldable
flap 14 which can be rolled up in the direction of arrow 15 and
secured with hook and loop fastening elements 17 and 18 to provide
for ready viewing of a child positioned under the blanket 10. It is
noted that the blanket depicted in FIG. 1 is merely representative
of a blanket according to the invention, with many other
configurations coming within the scope of the present
invention.
[0025] As reviewed above, the subject blankets include a weight
that substantially, if not completely, reduces shifting of the
blanket from a child transporter when the blanket is used as a
cover on a child transporter. However, because of the integrated
feature of the weight(s) and the otherwise conventional design of
the blanket, e.g., no fitted or tailored features to secure around
an element of a child transporter, the blanket may readily be
employed in traditional applications, such as for warmth, e.g.,
during sleeping, etc. As such, the subject blankets are extremely
versatile and find use in a variety of different applications,
including the applications of providing protection to a child from
the elements while the child is in a child transporter, as reviewed
in greater detail below.
Methods
[0026] As indicated above, the subject baby blankets find use in a
variety of different applications. In representative applications,
the subject blankets provide protection for a child from the
elements, e.g., sun, wind, rain, snow, etc., while the child is
present in a child transporter. The term child transporter, as
indicated above, refers to any device or structure that is
configured from moving a child from one location to another, where
representative child transporters include, but are not limited to:
infant carriers, car seats, strollers, perambulators, child
carriers, e.g., such as carriers sold under the mark Baby
Biorn.TM., etc., and the like.
[0027] In these representative applications, the methods generally
include positioning the child in the child transporter, and then
placing the blanket over the child in the transporter such that the
blanket is held in place relative to the transporter by the
associated weight(s) and fasteners. For example, whether a given
blanket includes weights associated with one side and fasteners
associated with another, such as the representative blanket shown
in FIG. 1, the blanket may be placed over a stroller such that the
weighted side of the blanket is proximal to the feet of the child
and fasteners secure the blanket to the stroller proximal to the
head of the child.
[0028] As indicated above, the above method of using a blanket
according to the invention is merely representative of the numerous
diverse ways in which the blanket may be employed. For example,
blankets of the subject invention may also be employed in
traditional manners, e.g., for providing warmth to a child, e.g.,
during sleep, etc.
Kits
[0029] Also provided by the subject invention are kits. The kits
may include a complete blanket or components thereof, packaging in
a suitable packaging material. In representative embodiments, the
kits include a complete and fully assembled blanket, as described
above. In yet other embodiments, the kits may include a blanket
without one or more weights present therein, but with sealable
locations for the placement of such weights (as reviewed above) as
well as one or more weights for placing in the sealable
location(s). Advantages of these embodiments include providing the
user of the kit with the ability to tailor the amount of weight
that is associated with the blanket for a given particular use.
[0030] In addition to above-mentioned components, the subject kits
typically further include instructions for using the subject baby
blankets. The instructions are generally recorded on a suitable
recording medium. For example, the instructions may be printed on a
substrate, such as paper or plastic, etc. As such, the instructions
may be present in the kits as a package insert, in the labeling of
the container of the kit or components thereof (i.e., associated
with the packaging or subpackaging) etc. In other embodiments, the
instructions are present as an electronic storage data file present
on a suitable computer readable storage medium, e.g. CD-ROM,
diskette, etc. In yet other embodiments, the actual instructions
are not present in the kit, but means for obtaining the
instructions from a remote source, e.g. via the internet, are
provided. An example of this embodiment is a kit that includes a
web address where the instructions can be viewed and/or from which
the instructions can be downloaded. As with the instructions, this
means for obtaining the instructions is recorded on a suitable
substrate.
[0031] It is evident from the above discussion that the subject
invention provides for dramatically improved baby blankets.
Advantages of the subject baby blankets include the ability to
readily secure a blanket to a child transporter in a manner that
does not shift under normal conditions. As such, the subject
invention represents a significant contribution to the art.
[0032] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this
specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same
extent as if each individual publication or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference.
[0033] The invention now being fully described, it will be apparent
to one of skill in the art that many changes and modifications can
be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *