U.S. patent application number 12/372075 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for sleep aid.
This patent application is currently assigned to Summer Infant (USA), Inc.. Invention is credited to John Lord.
Application Number | 20090217458 12/372075 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41012050 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090217458 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lord; John |
September 3, 2009 |
SLEEP AID
Abstract
A cushion for supporting an infant on a support surface includes
a reticulated foam pad having a base surface and an upper surface
that extends upwardly therefrom, the pad being fluid permeable. The
cushion also includes a covering surrounding the pad that includes
an upper layer constructed, at least partially, from a breathable
polyester sandwich fabric confronting the upper surface whereby
fluid introduced onto the covering permeates through the covering
and through the pad to the support surface. The reticulated foam
has a porosity of between 5 and 20 pores per cubic inch, thereby
being sufficiently resilient to support the infant above the
support surface and sufficiently permeable to allow fluid to move
through the pad.
Inventors: |
Lord; John; (Denver,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOLLAND & HART, LLP
P.O BOX 8749
DENVER
CO
80201
US
|
Assignee: |
Summer Infant (USA), Inc.
Woonsocket
RI
|
Family ID: |
41012050 |
Appl. No.: |
12/372075 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12014645 |
Jan 15, 2008 |
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12372075 |
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12013382 |
Jan 11, 2008 |
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12014645 |
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60897740 |
Jan 24, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/655 ;
5/657 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/065 20130101;
A47D 15/008 20130101; A47D 15/003 20130101; A61G 7/0525 20130101;
A47D 13/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/655 ;
5/657 |
International
Class: |
A47C 20/02 20060101
A47C020/02; A47C 27/08 20060101 A47C027/08; A47C 17/86 20060101
A47C017/86 |
Claims
1. A cushion, comprising in combination: (A) a fluid permeable
reticulated foam pad having a base and an upper surface; and (B) a
layer of breathable polyester sandwich fabric covering at least a
portion of said upper surface.
2. A cushion according to claim 1 wherein said pad is
resilient.
3. A cushion according to claim 1 wherein said pad is sized as a
standard crib pad.
4. A cushion for supporting an infant on a support surface,
comprising: (A) a reticulated foam pad having a base surface and an
upper surface that extends upwardly therefrom, said pad being fluid
permeable; and (B) a covering surrounding said pad that includes an
upper layer constructed, at least partially, from a breathable
polyester sandwich fabric confronting said upper surface whereby
fluid introduced onto said covering permeates through said covering
and through said pad to the support surface.
5. A cushion according to claim 4 wherein said reticulated foam has
a porosity of between 5 and 20 pores per cubic inch, thereby being
sufficiently resilient to support the infant above the support
surface and sufficiently permeable to allow fluid to move through
said pad.
6. In a cushion for supporting an infant upon a support surface,
wherein said cushion includes, a pad 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
inclines upwardly 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; and a top panel
disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface of said pad,
the improvement comprising: (A) said pad constructed from fluid
permeable reticulated foam; and (B) said top panel is comprised of
polyester sandwich fabric.
7. A formable sleep positioner, comprising; (A) an outer covering
comprising a breathable polyester sandwich fabric; (B) an inner pad
formed, at least partially, of reticulated foam and received in
said outer covering, said inner pad, including: (i) an upper
surface; (ii) a bottom surface; and (iii) a forming member embedded
in said pad between said upper surface and said bottom surfaces,
said forming member manually conformable into a formed state so
that side portions of said positioner flare upwardly to form a
trough-shaped channel for placing an infant; and (C) a head portion
selectively conformable to change the elevation of the infant's
head.
8. A formable sleep positioner according to claim 7 wherein said
outer covering and inner pad of said head portion are in close
confronting relation to one another.
9. A formable sleep positioner according to claim 8 wherein said
reticulated foam has a porosity of between 5 and 20 pores per cubic
inch.
10. A bedding system for supporting an infant in a dry environment,
comprising: (A) a mattress having a lower surface and an upper
surface defining a support surface; (B) a cushion supported upon
said support surface, said cushion including a reticulated foam pad
having a base surface and an upper surface, said pad having a
porosity of between 5 and 20 pores per cubic inch, thereby to allow
fluid permeation through said pad; and (C) an absorbent layer
interposed between said support surface and said cushion operative
to collect fluid permeating through said pad.
11. A bedding system according to claim 10 including a barrier
layer interposed between said support surface and said absorbent
layer.
12. A bedding system according to claim 10 wherein said mattress is
a crib mattress.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to sleep aids and,
more particularly, to cushions, sleep positioners, and bedding
systems that include reticulated foam pads and breathable polyester
coverings.
BACKGROUND
[0002] According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden unexplained death of an
infant under one year of age. SIDS is sometimes referred to as crib
death and strikes nearly 5,000 babies in the United States every
year. While much research has been conducted to understand what
causes SIDS, there are no clear answers. However, the American
Academy of Pediatrics recommends, among other things, that a baby
should be put to sleep on his or her back. One theory that has been
proposed to explain SIDS is that small infants with little or no
control over their heads may, while face down, smother themselves
on their own bedding. With that in mind the academy also recommends
that babies sleep on a firm mattress or other firm surface and
without overly soft or fluffy blankets, pillows, or toys, as an
infant may be smothered by these items.
[0003] Infant sleep positioners have been developed in an effort to
reduce the risk of SIDS. One example is the INFANT SUPPORT SYSTEM
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,176 issued Apr. 12, 2005 to
Houghteling. This infant sleep positioner includes a cushion for
supporting an infant and includes positioning support members for
maintaining the infant in a safe sleeping position. Houghteling
provides a head panel made of a material that enhances the
breathability for an infant, since the head panel serves as the
general location for the infant's head. Thus, the enhanced
breathability of the head panel may provide some help in the event
an infant is incorrectly placed on the cushion by providing an air
permeable buffer between the infant and the underlying foam pad of
the cushion.
[0004] The underlying foam pad in many types of sleep positioners
has historically been formed of regular closed or open cell foam.
Closed cell foam is comprised of cell membranes that are completely
closed. Open cell foam, on the other hand, is typically comprised
of both open and closed cell membranes with varying degrees of air
and liquid permeability. In both cases the air and liquid
permeability characteristics of these types of foams is less than
ideal when one considers the need for a cushion with improved
breathability. Closed cell foam is particularly unsuited for this
application because the closed cell membranes provide very low air
permeability. While open cell foam has somewhat better air
permeability characteristics, it has the disadvantage of allowing
liquids to pass through the open cell membranes and become trapped
in other partially closed cell membranes.
[0005] While it is believed that current products may be helpful in
reducing the instances of SIDS by maintaining an infant in a safe
sleeping position, there is still room for improvement in the area
of sleep aids and in particular infant sleep positioners and
cushions. It is believed, for instance that the breathability
features of infant sleep positioners can be enhanced to further
reduce cases of SIDS. Furthermore, it is believed that infant sleep
positioners can be improved with respect to their ability to
maintain a dry environment for an infant as well as their ability
to be easily cleaned. Accordingly, there is a need for cushions,
sleep positioners, and bedding systems that have enhanced
breathability and/or cleanability.
SUMMARY
[0006] Provided herein is a cushion generally comprised of the
combination of a fluid permeable reticulated foam pad having a base
and an upper surface along with a layer of breathable polyester
sandwich fabric covering at least a portion of the upper surface.
Preferably the foam pad is resilient and is sized as a standard
crib pad.
[0007] In one embodiment a cushion for supporting an infant on a
support surface includes a reticulated foam pad having a base
surface and an upper surface that extends upwardly therefrom, the
pad being fluid permeable. The cushion also includes a covering
surrounding the pad that includes an upper layer constructed, at
least partially, from a breathable polyester sandwich fabric
confronting the upper surface whereby fluid introduced onto the
covering permeates through the covering and through the pad to the
support surface. The reticulated foam has a porosity of between 5
and 20 pores per cubic inch, thereby being sufficiently resilient
to support the infant above the support surface and sufficiently
permeable to allow fluid to move through the pad.
[0008] An improvement is contemplated for a cushion that supports
an infant upon a support surface. Such a cushion includes a pad
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 inclines upwardly relative to the support
surface along an axis extending between the first and second end
portions. The pad has a width extending transversely of the axis. A
top panel is disposed on at least a portion of the upper surface of
the pad. The improvement is comprised of the pad being constructed
from fluid permeable reticulated foam and the top panel being
comprised of polyester sandwich fabric.
[0009] In another embodiment, a formable sleep positioner includes
an outer covering comprising a breathable polyester sandwich
fabric. An inner pad is formed, at least partially, of reticulated
foam and received in the outer covering. The inner pad includes an
upper surface, a bottom surface, and a forming member embedded in
the pad between the upper surface and the bottom surfaces. The
forming member is manually conformable into a formed state so that
side portions of the positioner flare upwardly to form a
trough-shaped channel for placing an infant. The positioner also
includes a head portion selectively conformable to change the
elevation of the infant's head. The outer covering and inner pad of
the head portion may be in close confronting relation to one
another.
[0010] A bedding system for supporting an infant in a dry
environment is also provided herein. The bedding system includes a
mattress, such as a crib mattress, having a lower surface and an
upper surface defining a support surface. A cushion is supported
upon the support surface, the cushion includes a reticulated foam
pad having a base surface and an upper surface, the pad has a
porosity that allows fluid permeation through the pad. An absorbent
layer is interposed between the support surface and the cushion
that is operative to collect fluid permeating through the pad. A
barrier layer may be interposed between the support surface and the
absorbent layer.
[0011] The foregoing and other features, utilities, and advantages
of the invention will be apparent from the following more
particular description of the embodiments of the invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the present invention and together with the description, serve to
explain the principles thereof. Like items in the drawings are
referred to using the same numerical reference.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sleep aid according to a
first exemplary embodiment in the form of a cushion, partially
cutaway to show its interior construction;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sleep aid according to a
second exemplary embodiment in the form of an infant sleep
positioner, with a portion of the top panel peeled back to expose
the interior;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a positioning support member
shown in FIG. 2 with a portion of its covering peeled back to
expose the interior;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view in elevation
of the support cushion taken about line 4-4 in FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sleep aid according to a
third exemplary embodiment in the form of a formable infant sleep
positioner;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sleep aid according to a
fourth exemplary embodiment in the form of an infant sleep
positioner;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view in elevation
of a sleep aid according to a fifth exemplary embodiment in the
form of a bedding system; and
[0020] FIG. 8 is a partially exploded side-view in elevation of a
sleep aid according to a sixth exemplary embodiment in the form of
a bedding system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The detailed description with reference to the accompanying
drawings describe the exemplary embodiments of sleep aids in the
form of cushions, sleep positioners, and bedding systems that have
enhanced breathability and/or cleanability.
[0022] Referring first to FIG. 1, a sleep aid, according to a first
exemplary embodiment, in the form of cushion 10 is introduced.
Cushion 10, preferably, includes a fluid permeable reticulated foam
pad 40 surrounded by an outer covering 20. Outer covering 20
includes top panel 22, lower panel 26, and surrounding sidewall 24
extending therebetween. Top panel 22 and lower panel 26 may be
stitched, or otherwise joined, about their respective peripheries
to sidewall 24. Covering 20 may be joined entirely around pad 40 or
include an opening for insertion and removal of pad 40. The opening
may include a suitable closure, such as a zipper or cooperative
hook and loop materials, for example. While cushion 10 is
illustrated in this example with a surrounding covering, outer
covering 20 could be comprised of top panel 22 alone.
[0023] Foam pad 40 is preferably a reticulated foam material.
Reticulated foam is a particular foam structure that may be formed
by one of at least two methods described below. Conventional foam
is formed of thousands, if not millions, of plastic bubbles called
cells. These cells intersect with each other creating a lattice or
framework of interconnecting ligaments with window membranes
extending therebetween. Reticulation involves removing the window
membranes from between the ligaments leaving only the framework.
The resulting foam structure is a framework having completely open
cells. This type of foam has a high degree of breathability and
permeability. In other words, air and fluids may flow easily
through the foam structure. The foam's permeability is of course
affected by the number of cells in a given volume, known as
porosity, which is generally measured in pores per cubic inch
(PPI). The porosity of the foam can range from about 5 to 100 PPI.
In this embodiment, the preferred range of porosity for the
reticulated foam is between about 5 and 20 PPI. Reticulated foam
may be made of various materials such as polyether polyurethanes
and polyester, for example. One example of a suitable reticulated
foam material is available from Foamasters located in China and
marketed under the part number NF264040. This foam has a density of
23-25 kh/m.sup.3, a hardness of 7.5-9.5, and a porosity of
11.55.
[0024] One method of creating reticulated foam is a thermal process
known as zapping. Zapping involves placing a selected quantity of
closed cell foam in a chamber that is evacuated of air and
subsequently filled with an explosive gas mixture. The gas is
ignited and the resulting explosion passes through the foam melting
the window membranes and leaving the framework structure intact.
Zapping results in smooth, clean, and polished ligaments. Another
method of reticulation is a chemical process known as quenching. In
quenching, a quantity of conventional foam is exposed to a caustic
bath that attacks and dissolves the window membranes of the foam
thereby leaving only the framework of interconnected ligaments.
[0025] With continuing reference to FIG. 1, top panel 22 is
preferably a 100% polyester sandwich fabric. The sandwich fabric
includes an upper layer 32 and a lower layer 34 both comprising a
polyester construction. The remainder of covering 20 (i.e. bottom
panel 26 and sidewall 24) may be formed of another suitable
material such as a tri-layer polyester construction, which includes
an outer layer that is 100% polyester tricot, a bottom layer that
is 100% polyester fine mesh, and an intermediate layer that is 100%
polyester fiber. Alternatively, the remainder of the cover could be
formed of a fabric that is 50% cotton and 50% polyester, for
example.
[0026] As is discussed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/014,645 entitled SLEEP AID ALONG WITH METHOD INCORPORATING
SAME, which was filed Jan. 15, 2008, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, utilizing such a
breathable fabric casing in conjunction with a reticulated foam pad
allows bodily fluids to pass through cushion 10, which helps to
provide a dry support surface for an individual, such as an infant,
to lie on. Cleaning reticulated foam is also much easier because
fluids do not absorb into the pad, given the nature of the
interconnected ligament framework. It has been found that when
reticulated foam is used in conjunction with a 100% polyester
sandwich fabric, or other similar material, there is an additional
advantage of breathability which can help prevent suffocation.
Accordingly, one of the aspects of the teachings herein is the
provision of a sleep aid which exhibits one or a combination of the
characteristics of breathability to help reduce the risk of
suffocation, fluid absorption, and relatively fast drying, as
compared to other sleep aid products. The ordinarily skilled
artisan will appreciate that various articles of manufacture having
suitable configurations could be designed to accomplish such
objectives including, but not limited to, pads, blankets, mats,
positioning members, sleep positioners for individuals such as
infants, support systems, and bedding systems for infants and other
individuals. The additional embodiments that follow are examples of
such articles of manufacture that may fall into one or more of the
above listed categories.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a sleep aid according to a second
exemplary embodiment in the form of infant sleep positioner 205.
Sleep positioner 205 is sized and adapted for use with an infant 5
and broadly comprises a support, shown here to be in the form of
wedge-shaped cushion 210, and a pair of wedge shaped positioning
members 215. This support system is constructed similarly to the
INFANT SUPPORT SYSTEM discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,176 issued
Apr. 12, 2005 to Houghteling, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0028] The infant sleep positioner's cushion 210 is generally
constructed of an outer covering 220, which receives a resilient
reticulated foam pad 240 in a close-fitted relationship. Outer
covering 220 can be constructed of various panel sections including
a head panel 223 and foot panel 225, which have respective
confronting edges and are stitched or otherwise joined (permanently
or releasably) together. Head and foot panels 223 and 225, thus,
form a continuous, two-piece top panel 222 which may be joined to a
surrounding sidewall 224, which is in turn joined to bottom panel
226. Wedge shaped positioning members 215 (see FIG. 3) each include
a wedge shaped reticulated foam pad 230. Surrounding reticulated
foam pad 230 is casing 237, which is preferably formed of a 100%
polyester sandwich fabric.
[0029] The construction of cushion 210 may be better appreciated
with reference to FIG. 4, which is a partial cross-section of
cushion 210 shown in FIG. 2. As described above with respect to the
first embodiment, foam pad 240 is preferably comprised of
reticulated foam. Head panel 223 is a 100% polyester or sandwich
fabric comprising upper layer 232, lower layer 234, and
intermediate layer 235 interposed therebetween. Foot panel 225 may
be formed of a tricot material as described above. The combination
of a 100% polyester sandwich fabric 223 with the reticulated foam
pad 240 allows air to flow into and out of cushion 210 as
represented by arrow F.sub.A. The ordinarily skilled artisan will
appreciate that this characteristic of cushion 210 could help
prevent an infant from suffocating if inadvertently coming to rest
in a face down position on the cushion.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a sleep aid according to a third exemplary
embodiment, in the form of a formable sleep positioner 310.
Formable sleep positioner 310 is constructed similarly to the
formable sleep positioner discussed in co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/013,382 entitled FORMABLE SLEEP POSITIONER
ALONG WITH METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE SAME, which was filed Jan. 11,
2008, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety. Sleep positioner 310 comprises an inner pad 340
that is at least partially formed from reticulated foam and is
received in outer covering 320. Outer covering 320 is comprised of
breathable polyester sandwich fabric and includes zipper 321, or
other suitable closure mechanism or construction, which provides a
closable opening for insertion of pad 340 therein. Inner pad 340
corresponds to the inner pad 128 as discussed in the incorporated
disclosure. As described more fully in the incorporated disclosure,
a forming member may be embedded in the pad between the upper and
lower panels. Positioner 310 also includes head portion 323 which
is covered with breathable polyester sandwich fabric and is
conformable to change the elevation of the infant's head as
desired.
[0031] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a sleep aid, according to a
fourth exemplary embodiment, in the form of an infant positioner
410. Infant positioner 410 may be constructed similarly to the
infant positioner discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,281 entitled
INFANT SAFETY SYSTEM, which was issued May 8, 2007 to Hahn et al,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety. In this embodiment, sleep positioner 410 includes a
reticulated foam pad 440, which corresponds to positioner 10 from
the incorporated disclosure. Foam pad 440 may be covered, at least
partially, by breathable polyester sandwich fabric panel 423.
[0032] FIG. 7 represents a sleep aid, according to a fifth
exemplary embodiment, in the form of a bedding system 505 shown in
partial cross-section. Bedding system 505 comprises a mattress 530
including a lower surface 534 and an upper or support surface 532.
In this case mattress 530 could be a typical crib mattress with
standard dimensions of approximately 52.times.27.times.6 inches.
Cushion 510 is supported by support surface 532. Here again,
cushion 510 includes a reticulated foam pad 540 and breathable
polyester sandwich fabric 523 as described above. An absorbent
layer 525 may be interposed between support surface 532 and cushion
510. Also, a barrier or waterproof layer 521 may be interposed
between cushion 510 and mattress 530. Because the polyester
sandwich fabric material 523 and reticulated foam 540 are fluid
permeable, liquid introduced onto layer 523 is allowed to permeate
through the layer and through pad 540, as represented by arrow
F.sub.L, to be collected by absorbent layer 525. Optional barrier
layer 521 protects mattress 530 from any fluids that may permeate
through all of the layers.
[0033] FIG. 8 represents a sleep aid, according to a sixth
exemplary embodiment, in the form of a bedding system 605 installed
in a typical crib frame 601. Bedding system 605 is shown partially
exploded and the crib frame is shown with one end of the frame's
rungs removed for clarity. Bedding system 605 comprises a mattress
630 that is supported by frame cross-members 603. Crib sheet 627 is
disposed between mattress 630 and cushion 610. Crib sheet 627 has
an upper absorbent layer 625 and a lower barrier layer 621. Crib
sheet 627 is secured to at least the corner posts 607 with loops
613. Cushion 610 may be constructed substantially as described
above with respect to cushion 10.
[0034] 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.
* * * * *