U.S. patent application number 12/656516 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-02 for baby wrap.
Invention is credited to Elizabeth Mulheron.
Application Number | 20100218314 12/656516 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42040747 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100218314 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mulheron; Elizabeth |
September 2, 2010 |
Baby wrap
Abstract
In one form there is provided a baby wrap including a body of
wrappable material for wrapping a baby. In one form the baby wrap
includes limb receiving compartments, each limb receiving
compartment being adapted for receiving at least a portion of a
limb of the baby therewithin to thereby restrict free movement of
the baby's limbs. In another form, the baby wrap includes an access
portion positioned substantially adjacent a portion of a napkin
worn by the baby when wrapped in the baby wrap, wherein the access
portion is openable to allow access to the napkin whilst the baby
remains wrapped within the baby wrap. In another form, the baby
wrap includes a plurality of members which extend from side
portions of the wrappable material whilst the baby wrap is in a
wrapped state, thereby restricting the baby rolling whilst wrapped
within the baby wrap.
Inventors: |
Mulheron; Elizabeth;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 8910
RESTON
VA
20195
US
|
Family ID: |
42040747 |
Appl. No.: |
12/656516 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/AU2007/001064 |
Jul 31, 2007 |
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12656516 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 13/06 20130101;
A47G 9/068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/494 |
International
Class: |
A41B 13/06 20060101
A41B013/06 |
Claims
1. A baby wrap including a body of wrappable material for wrapping
a baby, the baby wrap including limb receiving compartments, each
limb receiving compartment being adapted for receiving at least a
portion of a limb of the baby therewithin to thereby restrict free
movement of the baby's limbs.
2. The baby wrap according to claim 1, wherein the baby wrap
includes an access portion, wherein when the baby is wrapped in the
baby wrap, the access portion is positioned substantially adjacent
a napkin worn by the baby, wherein the access portion is openable
to allow access to the napkin whilst the baby is wrapped in the
baby wrap.
3. The baby wrap according to claim 1, wherein the limb receiving
compartments are configured to receive corresponding limbs of the
baby whilst the baby wrap is in an unwrapped state.
4. The baby wrap according to claim 1, wherein the limb receiving
compartments includes arm receiving compartments, each arm
receiving compartment being adapted for receiving at least a
portion of an arm of the baby.
5. The baby wrap according to claim 1, wherein the limb receiving
compartments include a leg receiving compartment adapted for
receiving at least a portion of the legs of the baby.
6. The baby wrap according to claim 1, wherein webbing is located
between at least some of the limb receiving compartments.
7. The baby wrap according to claim 6, wherein the webbing is
located between each of the arm receiving compartments and the leg
receiving compartment.
8. The baby wrap according to claim 1, wherein the baby wrap
includes a torso receiving compartment adapted for receiving at
least a portion of the baby's torso.
9. The baby wrap according to claim 8, wherein the limb receiving
compartments branch from the torso receiving compartment.
10. The baby wrap according to claim 8, wherein the torso receiving
compartment includes an adjustable opening.
11. The baby wrap of claim 10, wherein the adjustable opening
includes an adjustable fastening assembly.
12. The baby wrap according to claim 1, wherein the wrappable
material includes at least one fastener for fastening the baby wrap
in a wrapped state.
13. The baby wrap according to claim 12, wherein the at least one
fastener includes a first fastener including a pair of straps, and
a second fastener including a zipper.
14. The baby wrap according to claim 13, wherein the baby wrap
includes a first overlapping portion and a second overlapping
portion, wherein the first overlapping portion is releasably
fastened in a wrapped state using the first fastener, and the
second overlapping portion is releasably fastened in a wrapped
state using the second fastener.
15. The baby wrap according to claim 14, wherein the baby wrap
includes a covering flap which substantially covers a
hand-operative element of the second fastener whilst the baby wrap
is wrapped.
16. The baby wrap according to claim 15, wherein the covering flap
is secured in a covered position via a securing assembly.
17. The baby wrap according to claim 1, wherein at least some of
the limb receiving compartments are configured as a pocket having
one of an open or closed end.
18. The baby wrap according to claim 1, wherein the baby wrap
releasably secures one or more members which extend at least
partially from side portions of the wrapped baby wrap, thereby
restricting the baby rolling.
19. The baby wrap according to claim 18, wherein the baby wrap
includes a first securing portion which is configured to releasably
secure a second securing portion located on the one or more
members.
20. The baby wrap according to claim 19, wherein each member
includes a wedge portion which is securable to a rear portion of
the baby wrap, and a protruding member which protrudes from the
side portion of the baby wrap.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to baby wraps.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Generally blankets are used to wrap a baby in order to
recreate an environment that the baby was accustomed to prior to
birth, so as to encourage the baby to sleep. However, using a
blanket in this manner can suffer from a number of
disadvantages.
[0003] One problem that can arise is that the baby may attempt to
scratch their face whilst wrapped in the blanket, or attempt to
grasp an object with one or more of their free hands. Therefore,
the blanket may be tightly wrapped around the baby, generally
encircling the baby a plurality of times, such that the arms are
tightly restrained within the baby wrap. However, tightly wrapping
the baby wrap may not necessarily be comfortable for the baby, and
may discourage the baby from sleeping. In some instances, the baby
wrap may be wrapped too tight, which could lead to breathing
problems for the baby.
[0004] Another additional or alternate problem that can exist using
wrapped blankets is that the baby may be more likely to suffer from
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is generally encouraged
that babies should not have too many blankets placed upon them as
overheating can lead to SIDS. As such, due to the wrapped blanket
encouraging the baby to sleep, parents may leave the baby wrapped
within the blanket within a cot or the like. However, as the baby
is free is roll within the cot whilst wrapped in the blanket, the
baby is still at risk of suffering from SIDS.
[0005] Another additional or alternate problem which exists using
wrapped blankets is that the wrapped blanket must be totally
unwrapped in order to access the napkin worn by the baby.
Unwrapping the baby from the blanket so to check whether the napkin
needs to be changed, and then re-wrapping the baby in the blanket
can be a tedious task.
[0006] Therefore there is a need for a baby wrap which overcomes or
at least alleviates one or more of the above mentioned
problems.
[0007] The reference in this specification to any prior publication
(or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known,
is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission
or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or
information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the
common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this
specification relates.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0008] In one broad form there is provided a baby wrap including a
body of wrappable material for wrapping a baby, the baby wrap
including limb receiving compartments, each limb receiving
compartment being adapted for receiving at least a portion of a
limb of the baby therewithin to thereby restrict free movement of
the baby's limbs.
[0009] In one particular form, the limb receiving compartments are
configured to receive corresponding limbs of the baby whilst the
baby wrap is in an unwrapped state.
[0010] In another particular form, the limb receiving compartments
includes arm receiving compartments, each arm receiving compartment
being adapted for receiving at least a portion of an arm of the
baby.
[0011] In one aspect, wherein the limb receiving compartments
includes a leg receiving compartment adapted for receiving at least
a portion of each leg of the baby.
[0012] In another aspect, webbing is located between at least some
of the limb receiving compartments.
[0013] In one optional form, the webbing is located between the arm
receiving compartments and the leg receiving compartment.
[0014] In another optional form, the baby wrap includes a torso
receiving compartment adapted for receiving at least a portion of
the baby's torso.
[0015] In one embodiment, the limb receiving compartments branch
from the torso receiving compartment.
[0016] In another embodiment, the torso receiving compartment
includes an adjustable opening.
[0017] In an optional embodiment, the adjustable opening includes
an adjustable fastening assembly.
[0018] In another optional embodiment, the adjustable fastening
assembly includes a zipper arrangement.
[0019] In one particular form, the baby wrap includes an access
portion, wherein when the baby is wrapped in the baby wrap, the
access portion is positioned substantially adjacent a napkin worn
by the baby, wherein the access portion is openable to allow access
to the napkin whilst the baby is wrapped in the baby wrap.
[0020] In another particular form, the adjustable opening is the
access portion.
[0021] In one aspect, the wrappable material includes at least one
fastener for fastening the baby wrap in a wrapped state.
[0022] In another aspect, the at least one fastener includes a
first fastener including a pair of straps, and a second fastener
including a zipper.
[0023] In one optional form, the baby wrap includes a first
overlapping portion and a second overlapping portion, wherein the
first overlapping portion is releasably fastened in a wrapped state
using the first fastener, and the second overlapping portion is
releasably fastened in a wrapped state using the second
fastener.
[0024] In another optional form, wherein the baby wrap includes a
covering flap which substantially covers a hand-operative element
of the second fastener whilst the baby wrap is wrapped.
[0025] In one embodiment, the covering flap is secured in a covered
position via a securing assembly.
[0026] In another embodiment, the securing assembly is a hook and
loop arrangement.
[0027] In an optional embodiment, at least some of the limb
receiving compartments are open ended.
[0028] In another optional embodiment, at least some of the limb
receiving compartments are configured as a pocket having a closed
end.
[0029] In one particular form the baby wrap releasably secures one
or more members which extend at least partially from side portions
of the wrapped baby wrap, thereby restricting the baby rolling.
[0030] In another particular form, the baby wrap includes a first
securing portion which is configured to releasably secure a second
securing portion located on the one or more members.
[0031] In one aspect, the first securing portion is a loop
arrangement which releasably secures a hook arrangement of the one
or more members.
[0032] In another aspect, the baby wrap includes the one or more
members.
[0033] In one optional form, each member includes a wedge portion
which is securable to a rear portion of the baby wrap, and a
protruding member which protrudes from the side portion of the baby
wrap.
[0034] In another optional form, the baby wrap includes an aperture
located between the limb compartments to receive therethrough a car
restraint.
[0035] In a second broad form there is provided a baby wrap for
wrapping a baby, wherein the baby wrap includes a body of wrappable
material for wrapping the baby, the wrappable material including an
access portion positioned substantially adjacent a portion of a
napkin worn by the baby when wrapped in the baby wrap, wherein the
access portion is openable to allow access to the napkin whilst the
baby remains wrapped within the baby wrap.
[0036] In one particular form, the baby wrap includes limb
receiving compartments, each limb receiving compartment being
adapted for receiving at least a portion of a limb of the baby
therewithin to thereby restrict free movement of the baby's
limbs
[0037] In another particular form, the limb receiving compartments
are configured to receive corresponding limbs of the baby whilst
the baby wrap is in an unwrapped state.
[0038] In one aspect, the limb receiving compartments includes arm
receiving compartments, each arm receiving compartment being
adapted for receiving at least a portion of an arm of the baby.
[0039] In one optional form, wherein the limb receiving
compartments include a leg receiving compartment adapted for
receiving at least a portion of each leg of the baby.
[0040] In another optional form, webbing is located between at
least some of the limb receiving compartments.
[0041] In one embodiment, wherein the webbing is located between
the arm receiving compartments and the leg receiving
compartment.
[0042] In another embodiment, the baby wrap includes a torso
receiving compartment adapted for receiving at least a portion of
the baby's torso.
[0043] In an optional embodiment, the limb receiving compartments
branch from the torso receiving compartment.
[0044] In another optional embodiment, the torso receiving
compartment includes an adjustable opening.
[0045] In one particular form, the adjustable opening includes an
adjustable fastening assembly.
[0046] In another particular form, the adjustable fastening
assembly includes a zipper arrangement.
[0047] In one aspect, the adjustable opening is the access
portion.
[0048] In another aspect, the wrappable material includes at least
one fastener for fastening the baby wrap in a wrapped state.
[0049] In one optional form, the at least one fastener includes a
first fastener including a pair of straps, and a second fastener
including a zipper.
[0050] In another optional form, the baby wrap includes a first
overlapping portion and a second overlapping portion, wherein the
first overlapping portion is releasably fastened in a wrapped state
using the first fastener, and the second overlapping portion is
releasably fastened in a wrapped state using the second
fastener.
[0051] In one embodiment, the baby wrap includes a covering flap
which substantially covers a hand-operative element of the second
fastener whilst the baby wrap is wrapped.
[0052] In another embodiment, the covering flap is secured in a
covered position via a securing assembly.
[0053] In an optional embodiment, the securing assembly is a hook
and loop arrangement.
[0054] In another optional embodiment at least some of the limb
receiving compartments are open ended.
[0055] In one particular form, at least some of the limb receiving
compartments are configured as a pocket having a closed end.
[0056] In another particular form, the baby wrap releasably secures
one or more members which extend at least partially from side
portions of the wrapped baby wrap, thereby restricting the baby
rolling.
[0057] In one aspect, the baby wrap includes a first securing
portion which is configured to releasably secure a second securing
portion located on the one or more members.
[0058] In another aspect, the first securing portion is a loop
arrangement which releasably secures a hook arrangement of the one
or more members.
[0059] In one optional form, the baby wrap includes the one or more
members.
[0060] In another optional form, each member includes a wedge
portion which is securable to a rear portion of the baby wrap, and
a protruding member which protrudes from the side portion of the
baby wrap.
[0061] In another optional form, the baby wrap includes an aperture
located between the limb compartments to receive therethrough a car
restraint.
[0062] In a third broad form there is provided a baby wrap for
wrapping a baby, wherein the baby wrap includes a body of wrappable
material for wrapping the baby; and a plurality of members which
extend from side portions of the wrappable material whilst the baby
wrap is in a wrapped state, thereby restricting the baby rolling
whilst wrapped within the baby wrap.
[0063] In one particular form, the baby wrap includes limb
receiving compartments, each limb receiving compartment being
adapted for receiving at least a portion of a limb of the baby
therewithin to thereby restrict free movement of the baby's
limbs
[0064] In another particular form, the limb receiving compartments
are configured to receive corresponding limbs of the baby whilst
the baby wrap is in an unwrapped state.
[0065] In one aspect, the limb receiving compartments includes arm
receiving compartments, each arm receiving compartment being
adapted for receiving at least a portion of an arm of the baby.
[0066] In another aspect, the limb receiving compartments include a
leg receiving compartment adapted for receiving at least a portion
of each leg of the baby.
[0067] In one optional form, webbing is located between at least
some of the limb receiving compartments.
[0068] In another optional form, the webbing is located between the
arm receiving compartments and the leg receiving compartment.
[0069] In one embodiment, the baby wrap includes a torso receiving
compartment adapted for receiving at least a portion of the baby's
torso.
[0070] In another embodiment, the limb receiving compartments
branch from the torso receiving compartment.
[0071] In an optional embodiment the torso receiving compartment
includes an adjustable opening.
[0072] In another optional embodiment the adjustable fastening
assembly includes a zipper arrangement.
[0073] In one particular form, the baby wrap includes an access
portion, wherein when the baby is wrapped in the baby wrap, the
access portion is positioned substantially adjacent a napkin worn
by the baby, wherein the access portion is openable to allow access
to the napkin whilst the baby is wrapped in the baby wrap.
[0074] In another particular form, the adjustable opening is the
access portion.
[0075] In one aspect, the wrappable material includes at least one
fastener for fastening the baby wrap in a wrapped state.
[0076] In another aspect, the at least one fastener includes a
first fastener including a pair of straps, and a second fastener
including a zipper.
[0077] In one optional form, the baby wrap includes a first
overlapping portion and a second overlapping portion, wherein the
first overlapping portion is releasably fastened in a wrapped state
using the first fastener, and the second overlapping portion is
releasably fastened in a wrapped state using the second
fastener.
[0078] In another optional form, the baby wrap includes a covering
flap which substantially covers a hand-operative element of the
second fastener whilst the baby wrap is wrapped.
[0079] In one embodiment, the covering flap is secured in a covered
position via a securing assembly.
[0080] In another embodiment, the securing assembly is a hook and
loop arrangement.
[0081] In one optional embodiment, at least some of the limb
receiving compartments are open ended.
[0082] In another optional embodiment, at least some of the limb
receiving compartments are configured as a pocket having a closed
end.
[0083] In one particular form, the baby wrap includes a first
securing portion which is configured to releasably secure a second
securing portion located on the one or more members.
[0084] In another particular form, the first securing portion is a
loop arrangement which releasably secures a hook arrangement of the
one or more members.
[0085] In one aspect, each member includes a wedge portion which is
securable to a rear portion of the baby wrap, and a protruding
member which protrudes from the side portion of the baby wrap.
[0086] In another optional form, the baby wrap includes an aperture
located between the limb compartments to receive therethrough a car
restraint.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0087] An example embodiment of the present invention should become
apparent from the following description, which is given by way of
example only, of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, described
in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0088] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an example of a baby wrap
in an unwrapped state;
[0089] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the baby wrap of FIG. 1 in
the unwrapped state;
[0090] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the baby wrap of FIG. 1
in a partially wrapped state;
[0091] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the baby wrap of FIG. 1
in a wrapped state;
[0092] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of another example of the
baby wrap including an aperture for receiving a seat belt or
restraint;
[0093] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of another example of the
baby wrap, in an unwrapped state, for restricting rolling of the
baby whilst wrapped within the baby wrap;
[0094] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of an example member
for attachment to the baby wrap of FIG. 6 for restricting the
wrapped baby rolling;
[0095] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the baby wrap of FIG. 6,
in a wrapped state, with a plurality of members attached to the
side portions of the baby wrap;
[0096] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of another example of a baby
wrap in the unwrapped state;
[0097] FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of the baby wrap of FIG. 9
in the unwrapped state;
[0098] FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the baby wrap of FIG. 9
with the access portion in an open position;
[0099] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the baby wrap of FIG. 9
in the wrapped state; and
[0100] FIG. 13 illustrates a rear view of the baby wrap of FIG. 9
in the wrapped state.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0101] The following modes, given by way of example only, are
described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the
subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.
[0102] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an
example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify
like parts throughout the figures.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9 there is shown examples of a baby
wrap 10. In particular, the baby wrap 10 includes a body of
wrappable material 20 for wrapping the baby.
[0104] The body of wrappable material 20 generally include a first
overlappable portion 21, a second overlappable portion 22, and a
central portion 23, as indicated in FIG. 1.
[0105] In one form, the wrappable material 20 includes limb
receiving compartments 30 which are adapted for receiving at least
a portion of a limb of the baby therewithin to thereby restrict
free movement of the baby's limbs.
[0106] The limb receiving compartments 30 can be provided in the
form of arm receiving compartments 40, wherein each arm receiving
compartment 40 is adapted to receive at least a portion of an arm
of the baby. In an additional or alternate form, the limb receiving
compartments 30 can be provided in the form of one or more leg
receiving compartments 50, wherein each leg receiving compartment
50 is adapted to receive at least a portion of one or more legs of
the baby. At least some of the limb receiving compartments can be
provided in the form of pockets, wherein each pocket includes a
closed end. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the
limb receiving compartments can be open ended.
[0107] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, a single leg receiving
compartment is provided to receive both legs of the baby. However,
it will be appreciated that separate leg receiving compartments can
also be provided, wherein each leg receiving compartment receives
an individual leg of the baby. The separate leg receiving
compartments may be defined by a central length of stitching to
separate the leg receiving compartments. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9,
webbing material 31 can be located between at least some of the
limb receiving compartments 30. In particular, webbing 31 can be
located between at least one of the arm receiving compartments 40
the leg receiving compartment 50. In an additional or alternate
embodiment,, webbing can be provided between the leg receiving
compartment 50. The webbing 31 defines a relatively fixed position
and orientation within which the baby can reside within the wrap
10.
[0108] The body of wrappable material 20 can be provided in the
form of an envelope including a front panel 60 which extends from a
back panel 70. The front panel 60 includes a cut-away section 80
which defines, with the back panel 70, a torso receiving
compartment 90. In one form, the front panel 60 is joined, using
stitching, to the perimeter of the back panel 70, except for the
edge of the recess 80.
[0109] The torso receiving compartment 90 is adapted to receive at
least a portion of the baby's torso. The cut-away section 80 can be
provided in the form of an arc. The cut-away section 80 provides a
region which the baby's head can be located. When the baby wrap 10
is wrapped around the baby, as will be discussed in relation to
FIGS. 3 and 4, the face of the baby is substantially uncovered.
[0110] Portions of the front panel 60 may extend from the back
panel 70, thereby defining the limb receiving compartments 30. In
one form, portions of the front panel 60 may be stitched to the
back panel 70, thereby defining limb receiving compartments 30. In
one form, the limb receiving compartments 30 branch off from the
torso receiving compartment 90.
[0111] The arm receiving compartments 40 can be formed by two lines
of stitching 41, 42 which join the front panel 60 to the back panel
70. The lines of stitching 41, 42 can run parallel to each other,
and can be orientated in a diagonally downward direction. Each arm
receiving compartment 40 may have an open end such as to allow
various baby arm lengths to be accommodated. Each line of stitching
41, 42 of each arm receiving compartment 40 extends from a portion
of the edge of the cut-away section 80 to an inner region of the
respective overlappable portion 21, 22 of the baby wrap 10.
[0112] The leg receiving compartment 50 can be formed by lines of
stitching 51 which extend from the perimeter of the baby wrap 10 to
an inner region of the baby wrap 10. In one form, the line of
stitching 51 extends in a substantially vertical direction. The leg
receiving compartment 50 is defined between the lines of stitching
51 and the base portion of the joined perimeter portion between the
front panel 60 and back panel 70 which extends between the joins of
the stitching 51 with the perimeter.
[0113] The baby wrap 10 can include a number of fasteners to fasten
the baby wrap in a wrapped state. In particular, as shown in FIGS.
1 and 9, the baby wrap has a first fastener 100 for securing the
first overlappable portion 21 in a wrapped state. The first
fastener can be provided in the form of straps, wherein a first
strap 101 extends from the first overlappable portion 21, and a
second strap 102 extends from the second overlappable portion 22 or
the central portion 23. In one particular form, the first strap 101
extends from the perimeter of the first overlappable portion 21,
and the second strap 102 extends from the perimeter of the recess
80.
[0114] As shown in FIG. 3, the first overlappable portion 21 is
wrapped, as shown by arrow 300, so as to overlap the central
portion 23 of the body of material 20. The first overlappable
portion 21 is then secured in an overlapped state by tying the
first strap 101 to the second strap 102, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0115] The baby wrap 10 can also be provided with a second fastener
110. The second fastener 110 is adapted to secure the second
overlappable portion 22 in a wrapped state, as shown in FIG. 4. In
one form, the second fastener 110 is provided in the form of a
zipper. A first portion 111 of the zipper is located along a side
portion of the perimeter of the second overlappable portion 22, as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 9. A complementary second portion 112 of the
zipper is located on the rear of the back panel 70, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 10.
[0116] When the second overlappable portion 22 is wrapped over, as
indicated by arrow 400 in FIG. 4, the first and second zipper
portions 111, 112 are engagable such as to secure the second
overlappable portion 22 in a wrapped state. The zipper 110 can be
actuated in a downward direction, for safety reasons, such that a
handle of the zipper is located in a midsection of the baby wrap in
the wrapped state. This wrapping technique effectively turns the
baby wrap into a secured parcel, keeping the baby snug.
[0117] Due to the first and second fasteners 100, 110 being located
in predefined positions on the baby wrap 10, the first and second
fasteners 100, 110 act as guides regarding the folding of the
overlappable portions 21, 22 of the baby wrap.
[0118] The baby wrap 10 can also include a covering portion 120
which covers an initial engagement portion of the first and second
zipper portions 111, 112 of the second fastener. In particular, as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the covering portion 120 can be provided in
the form of a flap which overhangs the initial engagement portion
of the second portion of the zipper 112 in the unwrapped state. As
shown in FIGS. 4 and 12, the covering portion 120 covers the start
of the engagement between the first and second zipper portions 111,
112 or a hand operative element, such as a the hand operative
element of a zipper, of the second fastener. In one form, the rear
of the back panel 70 includes a fastening portion 130 provided in
the form of a hook and/or loop patch, and the cover portion 120
includes a corresponding fastening portion provided in the form of
a hook and/or loop patch 121 which are engagable in the wrapped
state to secure the cover portion 120 in a covered position. In
another form, the exposed side of the cover portion 120, in the
covered position, provides a surface area to display advertising
indicia.
[0119] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 12, the body of wrappable
material 20 includes an access portion 140. When the baby is
wrapped within the baby wrap 10, the access portion 140 is
positioned substantially adjacent a portion of a napkin worn by the
baby. The access portion 140 is openable, as shown in FIG. 11, to
allow access to the napkin whilst the baby remains wrapped within
the baby wrap 10. The access portion 140 can be provided in the
form of a fastener, such as a series of press studs, or a zipper,
which is openable to allow access to the portion of the napkin worn
by the wrapped baby, and closable to reseal the baby wrap 10. The
access portion can include two flaps 141, 142 which are openable
via the fastener.
[0120] A method which the baby wrap 10 can be applied to a baby
will now be described with relation to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. Dotted
outlines (other than stitching) indicates the previous position of
a portion of the baby wrap 10 between steps of the method.
[0121] In particular, an adjustable opening of the access portion
140 is opened to allow easy insertion of the baby's torso within
the torso receiving compartment 90. Next, limbs of the baby are
placed within limb receiving compartments 30. In particular forms,
the legs of the baby are placed within the leg receiving
compartment 50, and in additional or alternate forms, the arms of
the baby are placed within arm receiving compartments 40. The
access portion 140 is then closed.
[0122] Next, the first overlappable portion 21 is wrapped over the
central portion 23, as shown by arrow 300 in FIG. 3. The first
fastener 100 is then secured to thereby secure the first
overlappable portion 21 in the overlapped state. Next the second
overlappable portion 22 is wrapped over the central portion 23 such
that first and second fastener portions 111, 112 of the second
fastener 110 are in alignment, as shown by arrow 400 in FIG. 4.
Then, the second fastener 110 is secured to thereby secure the
second overlappable portion 22 in the wrapped state. The baby wrap
10 is now in the wrapped state, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0123] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an alternative
example of the baby wrap 10. In particular, the wrap 10 includes
one or more apertures 500 which are located in the bottom portion
of the central portion 23 for receiving a seat belt or restraint.
In one form, the one or more apertures 500 is located in both the
front and back panels 60, 70, os that the seat belt or restraint
can protrude the baby wrap. As such, the baby, whilst in the baby
wrap 10, can be secured in a car seat or restraint.
[0124] Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, there is shown an
alternative example of the baby wrap 10. In particular, the baby
wrap 10 includes a plurality of members 700 which each extend from
a side portion 810 of the baby wrap 10 whilst in the wrapped state.
The plurality of members 700 restrict the baby rolling over onto
their stomach whilst wrapped within the baby wrap 10, thereby
reducing the likelihood that the baby may suffer from SIDS.
[0125] In one form, as shown in FIGS. 6, the rear of the back panel
70 includes a fastener assembly portion 600, provided in the form
of a plurality of hook and loop strips 600, which extend in a
generally vertical direction along the back panel. Each strip 600
is positioned such that it is located at the side portion 810 of
the baby wrap 10 whilst in the wrapped state, as shown in FIG.
8.
[0126] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of one of the members 700
which extends from the side portion 810 of the baby wrap 10. In
this example, the members 700 are attachable and detachable to the
baby wrap 10 using the 730. However, it will be appreciated that in
other examples the members 700 may be integral with the baby wrap
10.
[0127] The member 700 includes a complementary fastener assembly
portion 730 which is securable to the fastener assembly portion 600
on the back panel 70. The fastener assembly portion 600, 730 secure
the members 700 to the side portions 810 of the baby wrap 10 in the
wrapped state.
[0128] As shown in FIG. 7, the member 700 includes an attachment
portion 720 which includes the fastening assembly portion 730. The
member 700 can also include an extending portion 710 which extends
outward from the side portion 810 of the wrapped baby. In one form,
the extending portion 710 may be provided in the form of a
cylinder, or a planar surface. In an additional or alternate form,
each member 700 may be formed from foam. In an additional or
alternate form, the attachment portion 720 is relatively thin to be
able to be securely attached under the side portion 810 of the baby
wrap 10. In a further form, the attachment portion may be tapered
to form a wedge shape to snugly fit under the side portion 810 of
the baby wrap 10 in the wrapped state.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 8, the members 700 are shown extending from
the side portions 810. The extending portions 710 of the baby wrap
10 are adapted to rest against the surface which the wrapped baby
is resting upon. The attachment portions 730 are shown in dotted
outline which extend from the side portions 810. Due to the
extending portions 710 of the plurality of members 700 extending
from the sides portion 810 of the baby wrap in the wrapped state,
an increased rotational force is required in order for the baby to
roll over onto their stomach. Therefore, due to the required
increase in rotational force, the members 700 restrict the baby
rolling onto their stomach.
[0130] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be
said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features
referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in
any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or
features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which
have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates,
such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if
individually set forth.
[0131] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in
detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill
in the art without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
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