U.S. patent application number 12/812953 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-16 for baby clothing comprising a thermochromic material.
Invention is credited to Christopher Ebejer.
Application Number | 20100313325 12/812953 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39204196 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100313325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ebejer; Christopher |
December 16, 2010 |
BABY CLOTHING COMPRISING A THERMOCHROMIC MATERIAL
Abstract
Baby clothing (2) comprising a thermochromic material which
changes colour if a baby wearing the clothing get too hot and which
thereby provides a visual indication that the baby is too hot, and
the baby clothing (2) being such that the thermochromic material
extends all over the baby clothing (2), and the baby clothing (2)
fits at least over the baby's body, arms and legs so that illnesses
causing localised heating on the baby's body, arms and legs are
able to be detected.
Inventors: |
Ebejer; Christopher;
(Suffolk, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BYIP, LTD.
P.O. BOX 1484, GENERAL POST OFFICE
HONG KONG
HK
|
Family ID: |
39204196 |
Appl. No.: |
12/812953 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
December 19, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2008/004241 |
371 Date: |
July 15, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/80 ; 2/200.1;
2/243.1; 2/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/1272 20130101;
G01K 11/12 20130101; D06P 1/004 20130101; A61B 5/6804 20130101;
G01K 1/14 20130101; G01K 2217/00 20130101; A41B 13/005 20130101;
A41D 31/00 20130101; A61B 5/015 20130101; A41D 13/1281
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/80 ; 2/83;
2/200.1; 2/243.1 |
International
Class: |
A41D 11/00 20060101
A41D011/00; A41D 10/00 20060101 A41D010/00; A42B 1/00 20060101
A42B001/00; A41D 27/00 20060101 A41D027/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 1, 2008 |
GB |
0802020.8 |
Claims
1-17. (canceled)
18. Baby clothing comprising a thermochromic material which changes
colour if a baby wearing the clothing get too hot and which thereby
provides a visual indication that the baby is too hot, and the baby
clothing being such that the thermochromic material extends all
over the baby clothing, and the baby clothing fits at least over
the baby's body, arms and legs so that illnesses causing localised
heating on the baby's body, arms and legs are able to be
detected.
19. Baby clothing according to claim 18 in which the baby clothing
also fits over the baby's feet.
20. Baby clothing according to claim 18 in which the baby clothing
also fits over the baby's hands.
21. Baby clothing according to claim 18 in which the baby clothing
also fits on the baby's head.
22. Baby clothing according to claim 18 in which the thermochromic
material is applied to fabric from which the baby clothing is
made.
23. Baby clothing according to claim 22 in which the thermochromic
material is applied to the fabric as a thermochromic slurry.
24. Baby clothing according to claim 18 in which the thermochromic
material comprises: (i) formaldehyde; (ii) co-polymerised
acrylonitrile butadiene; (iii) sulfated fatty ester; (iv)
polyethylene polyamide; (v) acetic acid; and (vi) ammonium
salt.
25. Baby clothing according to claim 18 and including retainer
means on a part of the baby clothing that covers the baby's back,
the retainer means comprising one part of a two-part fastener
system of the type comprises a matrix of interlocking plastics
members which push together for fastening and which pull apart for
unfastening.
26. Baby clothing according to claim 25 in which the matrix of
interlocking plastics members is a matrix of interlocking hook and
loop plastics members.
27. Baby clothing according to claim 25 in which the fastener
system is such that one part of the fastener system is softer than
the other part, and in which the retainer means comprises the
softer part.
28. Baby clothing according to claim 25 in which the retainer means
is stitched to the baby clothing.
29. Baby clothing according to claim 18 and including a pair of
ties.
30. Baby clothing according to claim 29 in which the ties are
positioned on a body portion of the baby clothing.
31. Baby clothing according to claim 18 in which the baby clothing
is in the form of a sleep suit or pyjamas.
32. The combination of baby clothing according to claim 25 and a
sheet for a cot or a bed, the sheet being provided with the other
part of the two-part fastener system.
33. The combination according to claim 32 in which the other part
of the two-part fastener system is provided on the sheet at a
position which in use of the sheet is at a foot part of the cot or
bed.
34. The combination of baby clothing according to claim 18 and a
separate item of headwear, the separate item of headwear being such
that it comprises the thermochromic material, and the thermochromic
material extends all over the separate item of headwear.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to baby clothing and, more
especially, this invention relates to baby clothing comprising a
thermochromic material.
[0002] The crying of babies is well known. A baby may cry because
it is irritable or because it is unwell. For example, a baby may
cry because it has fever, colic, a wet nappy, teething problems or
some kind of illness. The baby is unable to talk and parents or
other persons looking after a baby may not realise sufficiently
soon that the baby is crying due to an illness which may be serious
and possibly life threatening.
[0003] Baby clothing is known comprising a thermochromic material
which changes colour if a baby wearing the clothing overheats above
body temperature, and which thereby provides a visual indication
that the baby is too hot. The known thermochromic material is
provided as a patch on the baby clothing. The patch occupies only a
small area of the baby clothing. There may be circumstances in
which the baby becomes too hot but in an area or areas remote from
the patch, with the result that the patch does not provide the
required visual indication that the baby is too hot. The illness
causing the baby to become hot may thus remain undetected, with
serious or possible fatal consequences to the baby, or example
resulting in cot death by overheating, fever, meningitis or heat
rash.
[0004] It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce
the above mentioned problem.
[0005] Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention there is provided baby clothing comprising a
thermochromic material which changes colour if a baby wearing the
clothing get too hot and which thereby provides a visual indication
that the baby is too hot, and the baby clothing being such that the
thermochromic material extends all over the baby clothing, and the
baby clothing fits at least over the baby's body, arms and legs so
that illnesses causing localised heating on the baby's body, arms
and legs are able to be detected.
[0006] Many illnesses cause localised heating on different parts of
a baby's body, arms and legs, but with the baby clothing of the
present invention, these illnesses are advantageously able to be
detected due to the visual indication afforded by the baby
clothing. Thus remedial action can be taken sooner rather than
later, with the baby being saved unnecessary discomfort and
possibly with the baby having its life saved. The baby clothing of
the present invention is also advantageous in that it gives parents
and other carers peace of mind because, if the baby clothing has
not changed colour, then the parents or other carers know that the
baby is at a normal temperature and they do not have to worry about
the baby being ill even if the baby is crying.
[0007] Preferably, the baby clothing also fits over the baby's
feet. In this case, localised heating on the baby's feet is also
able to be detected. By way of example, it is mentioned that
meningitis is an illness which starts with spots at the bottom of a
baby's feet, and these spots are hotter than the baby's surrounding
skin. Thus with baby clothing fitting over the baby's feet, an
early indication that the baby has meningitis is able to be
achieved.
[0008] Advantageously, the baby clothing may also fit over the
baby's hands. Any localised heating on the baby's hands is then
also able to be detected by the visual indication afforded by the
baby clothing changing colour in the vicinity of the baby's
hands.
[0009] If desired, the baby clothing may also fit on the baby's
head.
[0010] The thermochromic material may be applied to fabric from
which the baby clothing is made. For example, the baby clothing may
first be made as a garment from the fabric. The fabric may then be
treated with the thermochromic material. Alternatively, if desired,
the thermochromic material may be applied to the fabric before the
fabric is made into a garment. The thermochromic material may be a
dye. The thermochromic material may change from any appropriate
colour to any other appropriate colour.
[0011] The thermochromic material may be applied to the fabric as a
thermochromic slurry. The slurry may appear to be like a wax.
[0012] Any suitable and appropriate thermochromic material may be
employed. The thermochromic material should be one to which babies
are not allergic. By way of example, the thermochromic material may
comprise: [0013] (i) formaldehyde; [0014] (ii) co-polymerised
acrylonitrile butadiene; [0015] (iii) sulfated fatty ester; [0016]
(iv) polyethylene polyamide; [0017] (v) acetic acid; and [0018]
(vi) ammonium salt.
[0019] The baby clothing may include retainer means on a part of
the baby clothing that covers the baby's back, the retainer means
comprising one part of a two-part fastener system of the type
comprising a matrix of interlocking plastics members which push
together for fastening and which pull apart for unfastening.
[0020] The use of the retainer means is advantageous in ensuring
that the baby does not turn over and suffocate. The use of the
retainer means is also advantageous in ensuring that the baby does
not wriggle from where it is placed, and possibly get under a cover
and suffer breathing problems. The use of the retainer means is
also advantageous in that the baby's arms and legs are free so that
the baby is still able to move its arms and legs.
[0021] The matrix of interlocking plastics members is preferably a
matrix of interlocking hook and loop plastics members. Other types
of interlocking plastics members may be employed. Preferably, the
matrix of interlocking plastics members is that sold under the
Registered Trade Mark Velcro.
[0022] The baby clothing may be one in which the fastener system is
such that one part of the fastener system is softer than the other
part, and in which the retainer means comprises the softer part.
Such an arrangement ensures that the baby suffers no discomfort due
to the presence of the retainer means on the baby clothing.
[0023] The retainer means will usually be stitched to the baby
clothing. Other ways of securing the retainer means in position may
however be employed so that, for example, the retainer means may be
stuck in position on the baby clothing.
[0024] The retainer means may be positioned anywhere on the back of
the body part of the baby clothing. Thus, for example, the retainer
means may be positioned in a shoulder area, a bottom area, or all
over the back of the body part of the baby clothing.
[0025] The baby clothing may advantageously include a pair of
ties.
[0026] The ties may be for securing to a strap across a cot or bed.
Alternatively the ties may be for tying to other anchor points. The
ties provide additional safety means for ensuring that the baby
remains in a desired position, whilst at the same time being able
to move as appropriate.
[0027] The ties are preferably positioned on a body portion of the
baby clothing. Thus, for example, the ties may be positioned one on
either side of the body portion adjacent hips parts of the baby
clothing.
[0028] The baby clothing may be in the form of a sleep suit or
pyjamas. The baby clothing may be in other forms if desired.
[0029] The baby clothing may be made of usually used fabrics,
including cotton, nylon, toweling, and mixtures of synthetic and
natural fibres.
[0030] The present invention also extends to the combination of the
baby clothing with the retainer means, and a sheet for a cot or a
bed, the sheet being provided with the other part of the two-part
fastener system.
[0031] The other part of the two-part fastener system is preferably
provided on the sheet at a position which in use of the sheet is at
a foot of the cot or bed. Other positions for the second part of
the fastener system on the sheet may however be employed.
[0032] The present invention also extends to the combination of the
baby clothing and a separate item of headwear, the separate item of
headwear being such that it comprises the thermochromic material,
and the thermochromic material extends all over the separate item
of headwear. Thus any localised heating on any covered part of the
baby's head will be able to be detected.
[0033] The baby clothing of the present invention may include an
indicator to indicate that it is an original and genuine article.
The indicator may be any suitable and appropriate indicator. The
indicator may be a colour change indicator. The indicator may be
placed in any suitable and appropriate part of the baby clothing,
for example in a collar of the baby clothing.
[0034] Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by
way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a front view of the baby clothing of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the baby clothing shown in FIG. 1;
and
[0037] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a sheet for a cot or a
bed.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown baby clothing 2
comprising a thermochromic material which changes colour if a baby
wearing the clothing gets too hot and which thereby provides a
visual indication that the baby is too hot. The baby clothing 2 is
such that the thermochromic material extends all over the baby
clothing 2. The baby clothing 2 fits over the baby's body, arms,
legs and feet so that illnesses causing localised heating on the
baby's body, arms, legs and feet are able to be detected. The baby
clothing 2 comprises a body portion 4, arm portions 6, leg portions
8 and feet portions 10.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the baby clothing 2 also comprises
retainer means 12. The retainer means 12 is on a part of the baby
clothing 2 that covers the baby's back. The retainer means 12
comprises one part of a two-part fastener system of the type
comprising a matrix of interlocking plastics members which push
together for fastening and which pull apart for unfastening. The
matrix of interlocking plastics members is a matrix of interlocking
hook and loop plastics members. Preferably, the matrix of
interlocking plastics members is that sold under the Registered
Trade Mark Velcro.
[0040] The fastener system is such that one part of the fastener
system is softer than the other part. The retainer means 12
comprises the softer part of the fastener system. The retainer
means 12 is stitched in position.
[0041] As will be appreciated from FIG. 2, the retainer means 12
ensures that a baby in the baby clothing 2 stays in a safe and
secure position on its back on a bed or a cot. The baby is able to
move its arms and legs as desired, but the baby's parents or other
carers will be secure in the knowledge that the baby will not
inadvertently turn over and possibly suffocate.
[0042] The baby clothing 2 further comprises a pair of ties 14. The
pair of ties 14 form additional safety means for retaining in
position the baby in the baby clothing 2. The ties 14 may be
clipped, tied or otherwise secured to a strap extending across the
cot or bed. Alternatively, the ties 14 may be secured to other
appropriate retainer means. The ties 14 are positioned on the body
portion 4 of the baby clothing 2.
[0043] The baby clothing 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is in the form of
a sleep suit. The baby clothing 2 may be in other forms, for
example pyjamas.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a sheet 16 for a cot
or a bed. The sheet 16 is provided with the other part 18 of the
two-part fastener system. The other part 18 is provided on the
sheet 16 at a position 20 which in use of the sheet 16 is at a foot
of the cot or the bed.
[0045] The sheet 16 is also provided with an adjustable strap 22
for securing to the ties 14 on the baby clothing 2.
[0046] It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the
invention described above with reference to the accompanying
drawings have been given by way of example only and that
modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the baby clothing
2 may be such that it does not have the retainer means 12. In this
case, the baby clothing 2 simply gives an indication of illnesses
causing localised or overall heating on the baby's body, arms, legs
and feet. If the baby clothing 2 is to have the retainer means 12,
then the retainer means 12 may be of a different shape to that
shown in FIG. 2. For example, the retainer means 12 could be simply
at a shoulder part of the body portion 4, or at a bottom part of
the body portion 4. If desired, the retainer means may be in two or
more separate parts so that, for example, there may be a separate
part of the retainer means 12 at a shoulder portion of the body
portion 4, and a separate part of the retainer means 12 at the
bottom portion of the body portion 4.
* * * * *