U.S. patent application number 13/445099 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-13 for infant swaddling arrangement.
This patent application is currently assigned to MATTEL, INC.. Invention is credited to Brian L. Aiken, Erica Golub.
Application Number | 20120311762 13/445099 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47009954 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120311762 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aiken; Brian L. ; et
al. |
December 13, 2012 |
Infant Swaddling Arrangement
Abstract
The present invention discloses an infant swaddling arrangement
including an infant receiving portion and a blanket portion. The
infant receiving portion may be a pocket or a bodysuit. The blanket
portion is adapted to wrap around the infant, swaddling the infant.
The blanket portion includes cinch mechanism that secures the
blanket in its wrapped configuration.
Inventors: |
Aiken; Brian L.; (East
Aurora, NY) ; Golub; Erica; (Kimberly, WI) |
Assignee: |
MATTEL, INC.
El Segundo
CA
|
Family ID: |
47009954 |
Appl. No.: |
13/445099 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61475720 |
Apr 15, 2011 |
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61534514 |
Sep 14, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69.5 ;
5/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 13/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/69.5 ;
5/494 |
International
Class: |
A41B 13/06 20060101
A41B013/06; A47G 9/08 20060101 A47G009/08 |
Claims
1. A swaddling arrangement for an infant comprising: a blanket
portion configured to surround the infant, the blanket portion
including: a central member, a first lateral member extending
distally from a first lateral side of the central member, the first
lateral member adapted to be folded over at least a portion of the
central member, and a second lateral member extending distally from
a second lateral side of the central member, the second lateral
member being adapted to be folded at least a portion of the central
member, wherein the blanket portion defines an interior,
child-facing surface and an exterior surface; and an infant
receiving portion configured to receive an infant, the infant
receiving portion coupled to the interior surface of the blanket
portion proximate the central section, wherein the first lateral
member further includes connection material and a fastener
configured to engage the connection material, wherein each of the
fastener and the connection material is disposed on the exterior
surface of the first lateral member.
2. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein: the first lateral
member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion; and the
fastener is disposed within the distal portion of the first lateral
member.
3. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein: the second
lateral member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion;
and the aperture is disposed within the proximal portion of the
second lateral member.
4. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein the aperture is an
elongated slot extending along the second lateral member in a
transverse direction.
5. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein: the fastener is a
hook portion of the hook and loop fastener; and the connection
material is texture material that interconnects with hooks of the
hook portion.
6. The swaddling arrangement of claim 5, wherein the connection
material is tricot.
7. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein one of the first
lateral member comprises expansion material adapted to expand when
a predetermined force is applied.
8. The swaddling arrangement of claim 7, wherein the expansion
material comprises a plurality of ribs connected via resilient
webbing that permits movement of one rib with respect to another
rib.
9. The swaddling arrangement of claim 8, wherein: the first lateral
member includes a longitudinal dimension and a transverse
dimension; and the expansion material is a unidirectional expansion
fabric adapted to permit longitudinal expansion of the first
lateral member effective to increase a length of the first lateral
member.
10. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein the infant
receiving portion is selected from the group consisting of a
bodysuit and a pocket.
11. A swaddling arrangement for an infant comprising: a blanket
portion configured to surround the infant, the blanket portion
including: a central member, a first lateral member extending
distally from a first lateral side of the central member, the first
lateral member adapted to be folded over at least a portion of the
central member, and a second lateral member extending distally from
a second lateral side of the central member, the second lateral
member being adapted to be folded at least a portion of the central
member, wherein the blanket portion defines an interior,
child-facing surface and an exterior surface; and an infant
receiving portion configured to receive an infant, the infant
receiving portion coupled to the interior surface of the blanket
portion proximate the central section, wherein the second lateral
member further includes an aperture configured to permit passage of
the first lateral member, and the first lateral member is
configured to pass trough the aperture to secure the first lateral
member to the second lateral member.
12. The swaddling arrangement of claim 11, wherein the first
lateral member further includes: a proximal portion and a distal
portion; and a fastener is disposed within the distal portion of
the first lateral member.
13. The swaddling arrangement of claim 11, wherein the second
lateral member further includes an aperture configured to permit
passage of the first lateral member.
14. The swaddling arrangement of claim 13, wherein: the second
lateral member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion;
and the aperture is disposed within the proximal portion of the
second lateral member.
15. The swaddling arrangement of claim 11, wherein the aperture is
an elongated slot extending along the second lateral member in a
transverse direction.
16. The swaddling arrangement of claim 15, wherein the first
lateral member further includes connection material and a fastener
configured to engage the connection material, wherein each of the
fastener and the connection material is disposed on the exterior
surface of the first lateral member.
17. The swaddling arrangement of claim 16, wherein: the fastener is
a hook portion of the hook and loop fastener; and the connection
material is texture material that interconnects with hooks of the
hook portion.
18. The swaddling arrangement of claim 11, wherein the first
lateral member includes expansion material adapted to expand when a
predetermined force is applied, the expansion material comprising a
plurality of ribs connected via resilient webbing that permits
movement of one rib with respect to another rib.
19. The swaddling arrangement of claim 19, wherein: the first
lateral member includes a longitudinal dimension and a transverse
dimension; and the expansion material is a unidirectional expansion
fabric adapted to permit longitudinal expansion of the first
lateral member effective to increase a length of the first lateral
member.
20. The swaddling arrangement of claim 11, wherein the infant
receiving portion is selected from the group consisting of a
bodysuit and a pocket.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention claims priority to Provisional
Application No. 61/475,720, filed Apr. 15, 2011 and entitled
"Infant Swaddling arrangement," and to Provisional Application No.
61/534,514, filed Sep. 14, 2011 and entitled "Infant Swaddling
arrangement." Each of the disclosures of the aforementioned
provisional applications is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an infant swaddling
arrangement and, in particular, to a combination bodysuit and
swaddling blanket with a cinch connection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Swaddling devices are commonly used by hospitals, parents,
and infant caretakers. These devices typically consist of a blanket
of fabric wrapped around at least a portion of an infant's body to
prevent the infant's arms and/or legs from moving. If unrestrained,
an infant can move its arms and/or legs in an uncontrolled manner.
This unrestrained movement can cause the limbs, particularly the
arms, to hit the newborn's face or other areas of the newborn's
body, causing bruises, scratches, and/or other injury. Once the
infant is swaddled, the blanket often quickly becomes loose or
unraveled due to transporting the infant or by the infant's own
movements. If swaddled improperly, moreover, an infant can easily
work out of the swaddle, creating a loose blanket. Even if the
infant does not completely free himself, the swaddle may migrate
over their face, creating an equally dangerous situation.
[0004] Thus, it would be desirable to provide a swaddling blanket
capable of being secured firmly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention discloses an infant swaddling
arrangement including a garment portion and a blanket portion. The
garment portion may be a one-piece bodysuit. The blanket portion is
adapted to wrap around the infant, swaddling the infant. The
blanket portion includes coupling mechanism that secures the
blanket in its wrapped configuration around the infant.
Specifically, the blanket includes an integrated tongue and groove
fastener. The tongue includes a hook-and-loop type fastener;
moreover, selected portions of the blanket may be formed of
connection material adapted to mate with the hook of the
hook-and-loop fastener. In operation, the infant is positioned
within the garment portion, and the blanket portion is wrapped
around the infant. The blanket is secured in its wrapped position
by drawing the tongue through the groove and adhering the hook
fastener to the connection material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1A illustrates a front plan view of an infant swaddling
arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic diagram of the infant
swaddling arrangement of FIG. 1A
[0008] FIG. 1C illustrates a rear plan view of the infant swaddling
arrangement shown in FIG. 1A.
[0009] FIG. 2A illustrates a front plan view of the infant
swaddling arrangement shown in FIG. 1A, showing the positioning of
an infant within the garment.
[0010] FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate close-up views of the coupling
mechanism for the blanket.
[0011] FIG. 3A illustrates a top plan view of the infant swaddling
arrangement, showing an infant wrapped within the arrangement.
[0012] FIG. 3B illustrates a side perspective view of the swaddling
arrangement shown in FIG. 3A.
[0013] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the front side a
swaddling arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0014] FIGS. 4B-4F illustrate the operation of the swaddling
arrangement shown in FIG. 4A.
[0015] FIG. 4G illustrates a perspective view of the back side of
the swaddling arrangement shown in FIG. 4A.
[0016] FIG. 4H illustrates a close-up view of connection material
secured to the exterior surface of the swaddling arrangement.
[0017] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a reinforcement
member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 5B illustrates a top plan view of a reinforcement
member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate cross-sectional views of
expansion fabric, showing the fabric in its contracted (FIG. 6A)
and expanded (FIG. 6B) configurations.
[0020] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like
elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a swaddling arrangement in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring
to FIG. 1A, the swaddling arrangement 10 includes a garment portion
105 and a blanket or wrap portion 110. The garment portion 105 may
include a bodysuit having a body defined by a torso portion 115 and
a leg portion 120. The body includes a front body panel 125A and
back body panel 125B joined to each other along lateral body sides
127 via, e.g., stitching. The torso portion 115 includes a neck
opening 130 disposed centrally within the upper body end, as well
as shoulder portions 135A, 135B extending laterally outward from
each of the opposite sides of the neck opening. The shoulder
portions 135A, 135B may be integral with the back body panel
125B.
[0022] The front body panel 125A may further include a longitudinal
slit 131 that divides the front body panel into a first
longitudinal section 132A and a second longitudinal section 132B.
The slit 131 provides an access opening that permits an infant to
be inserted into and removed from the garment portion 105. The
sides of the slit 131 may be selectively secured together by a slit
fastener 133 such as a zipper. A neck fastener may be further be
disposed on the front body panel 125A proximate the neck opening
130. By way of example, the neck fastener may include a flap 136
extending distally from front body panel 125A with a first mating
connection 137 disposed on the interior surface of the flap,
proximate flap distal end (shown in phantom in FIG. 1A). The second
section 132B of the front body panel 125A further includes a second
mating connection 138 (FIG. 2A) positioned such that it mates with
the first mating connection. By way of specific example, the first
137 and second 138 mating connections include the mating portions
of a hook-and-loop fastener. In operation, the flap 136 is drawn
across the front body panel 125A such that it extends from the
first longitudinal section 132A, across the slit 131, and to the
second longitudinal section 132B.
[0023] In the embodiment illustrated, the garment portion 105 is
sleeveless, including arm apertures 140A, 140B defined by openings
formed into front body panel 125A that extend angularly from the
shoulder portion 135A, 135B to the lateral body side 127. The
garment portion 105 may further include one or more elastic bands
145 disposed at preselected locations, being secured to its
corresponding portion via a seam (formed, e.g., via stitching).
[0024] The leg portion 120 receives the legs of the infant. In the
illustrated embodiment, the leg portion includes a first leg and
foot enclosure 150A and a second leg and foot enclosure 150B. It is
important to note that while enclosed leg portions are illustrated,
open leg receptacles may further be utilized.
[0025] The garment portion 105 may be formed of any material
suitable for its described purpose. In an embodiment, the garment
portion 105 is formed of expansion material configured to expand in
a predetermined direction (or to expand significantly more in a
first direction than in a second direction). By way of example, the
material may be adapted to expand in a vertical direction (e.g.,
along the y-axis from the viewpoint of the figures) or a lateral
direction (e.g., along the x-axis from the viewpoint of the
figures). In an embodiment, the garment portion 105 is formed of
unidirectional expansion fabric configured to expand transversely
(crosswise) from a normal, contracted configuration to an expanded
configuration when a predetermined outward lateral force is applied
(indicated by arrow L). Once the outward force is removed, the
fabric returns back to its normal (contracted) position.
[0026] By way of specific example, the fabric includes a plurality
of projecting ribs 151 running longitudinally along the garment
portion 105 (see FIG. 1B) (i.e., vertically, from neck to feet such
that the ribs are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the garment portion 105). The ribs 151 are connected by
resilient webbing that defines valleys 152 between the ribs. The
webbing is resilient, permitting the separation of adjacent ribs
(seen best in FIGS. 6A and 6B). The ribs 151, moreover, may be
structurally more rigid than the resilient webbing. Thus, applying
an outward force (e.g., pulling transversely in direction L) on the
fabric generates an accordion-like motion that separates adjacent
ribs 151, expanding the dimensions (e.g., width) of the fabric
along the pulling direction (e.g., the girth of the garment portion
105 increases). Once the force is no longer applied, the fabric
contracts, with the ribs being drawn inward, toward each other.
[0027] By way of specific example, the unidirectional expansion
fabric may be two-wale cotton. This unidirectional expansion fabric
permits lateral expansion L (expansion in a direction transverse to
the wale), but minimizes expansion in the longitudinal direction
(expansion along the wale). Stated another way, the fabric permits
greater lateral expansion than longitudinal expansion (e.g., the
fabric may permit substantially no longitudinal expansion).
[0028] With this above described configuration, the garment portion
105 will expand should the infant received in the bodysuit possess
a girth larger than that accommodated by the fabric in its normal
(contracted) position. As such, the garment portion 105
accommodates infants of various sizes by permitting lateral
expansion (to accommodate infants of various girths).
[0029] The blanket portion 110 is configured to wrap around the
infant, swaddling the infant. The blanket portion 110 defines an
interior (baby facing) surface 122 and an exterior (outward facing)
surface 124. The blanket portion 110 may be any size and possess
any dimensions suitable for its described purpose. In the
embodiment illustrated, the blanket portion 110 is generally
rectangular, having a first or left lateral side 155A, a second or
right lateral side 155B, a first or upper transverse side 160A and
a second or lower transverse side 160B. The blanket portion 110 is
secured to the back body panel 125B of the garment portion 105,
e.g., via stitching 162.
[0030] The blanket portion 110 further includes a coupling
mechanism adapted to secure the blanket portion 110 in its closed
or wrapped configuration. In an embodiment, the coupling mechanism
includes first and second coupling members operable to selectively
mate to each other. Specifically, the first lateral side 155A of
the blanket portion 110 includes a first coupling member 165 in the
form a tongue or flap protruding laterally from the first lateral
side 155A and terminating in a distal end 167. The first coupling
member 165, formed integrally with the blanket, is sized to fit
within a groove formed into the first coupling member (discussed in
greater detail below). The exterior surface 124 of the first
coupling member 165 further includes a mating fastener 170. By way
of example, the mating fastener 170 may be the hook portion of a
hook-and-loop fastener. A hook-and-loop fastener is typically a
sheet of woven synthetic material having raised loop threads
wherein the loops of one member are cut at their outer extremities
to form hook-type elements and/or loop threads that are uncut to
form loop-type elements. When one loop-type element is pressed
together in a face-to-face relationship with a hook-type element,
substantial engagement between the two elements results. It should
be understood, however, that the mating fastener 170 may be any
fastener suitable for its described purpose
[0031] In addition, the second lateral side 155B of the blanket
portion 110 includes a second coupling member 175 in the form a
generally enlarged flap protruding laterally from the second
lateral side 155B of the blanket portion 110 and terminating in a
distal end 177. The second coupling member 175 includes a slot or
groove 180 formed therein. The groove 180 may be an elongated,
structurally reinforced groove oriented generally parallel to
second lateral side 155B and disposed proximate flap distal end
177.
[0032] The second coupling member 175 may be formed of connection
material operable to mate with the fastener 170 disposed of the
first coupling member 165. By way of example, the connection
material 185 may be textured material configured to interconnect
with the hooks of a hook-and-loop fastener. Specifically, the
connection material 185 may be a warp knitted fabric. In warp
knitting, the yarn zigzags vertically along the length of the
fabric such that it follows adjacent columns (wales) of knitting
(rather than a single row (course) of knitting). As a result,
warp-knit fabric includes a plurality of fibers that extend along
the length (the warp) of the fabric (rather than the width) in a
zigzag pattern. This configuration results in one side of the
fabric including a plurality of fine (non-expandable) vertical ribs
running longitudinally along the fabric, and the opposite side
including a plurality of horizontal or crosswise ribs. The vertical
ribs define a smooth fabric side, while the horizontal or crosswise
ribs define a textured fabric side. The material forming the warp
knitted fabric is not particularly limited. By way of example, the
fabric may be formed of any natural or synthetic fibers (e.g.,
cotton, wool, silk, rayon, nylon, or a combination thereof)
suitable for its described purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the
warp knit fabric is tricot.
[0033] Selected sections of the blanket portion 110 may also
include (e.g., be formed of) connection material. As seen best in
FIG. 1C, the blanket portion 110 includes a swatch 190 of
connection material disposed at a predetermined location along the
blanket portion exterior surface 124. The swatch 190 is positioned
to provide a supplemental securing surface for the mating fastener
170 (the hook portion of the hook-and-loop fastener) disposed on
the first coupling member 165. In the illustrated embodiment, the
connection material 185 may be positioned along the exterior
surface 124 of the blanket portion at a location that is proximate
the blanket center and/or oriented slightly toward first lateral
side 155A.
[0034] Thus, the connection material 185 forming the second
coupling member 175 or the swatch 190 has a textured surface
including fiber loops sufficient to grab the hooks of the
hook-and-loop fastener 170. As a result, the fastener 170 (and thus
the first coupling member 165) may be secured to any location of
the second coupling member 175 or swatch 190 (since it is formed of
connection material).
[0035] Sections of the blanket portion 110 not formed of connection
material may be formed of any material suitable for its described
purpose. In an embodiment, the blanket portion 110 is formed of
expansion material as described above. Specifically, the one or
more sections of the blanket portion 110 may be configured to
expand in a predetermined direction (or to expand significantly
more in a first direction than in a second direction). In an
embodiment, the garment portion 105 is formed of unidirectional
expansion fabric as described above. Such material may be
configured to expand transversely (crosswise, along the x-axis as
indicated by arrow L) from a normal, contracted configuration to an
expanded configuration when a predetermined outward lateral force
is applied. Once the outward force is removed, the fabric returns
back to its normal lateral position. By way of specific example, as
illustrated in FIG. 1C, the expansion fabric includes a plurality
of projecting ribs 191 running longitudinally along the blanket
portion 110. The ribs 191 are separated by webbing or valleys 192
that permit the separation of adjacent ribs (seen best in FIGS. 6A
and 6B). Thus, pulling outward on the fabric along direction L
separates the ribs 191, altering the dimensions of the blanket
portion (e.g., its length or width).
[0036] By way of specific example, the unidirectional expansion
fabric may be two-wale cotton. This unidirectional expansion fabric
permits lateral expansion (expansion in a direction transverse to
the wale), but minimizes expansion in the longitudinal direction
(expansion along the wale). Stated another way, the fabric permits
greater lateral expansion than longitudinal expansion (e.g., the
fabric may permit substantially no longitudinal expansion).
[0037] With this configuration, the blanket portion 110 will expand
should the parent apply a lateral force to the blanket (e.g., when
wrapping the blanket around the infant). The blanket portion 110
will expand, furthermore, should the infant move his hands while
wrapped in the blanket. This permits very limited infant movement
while minimizing the likelihood of the infant loosening the blanket
portion 110 secured around the infant.
[0038] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate the operation of the infant swaddling
arrangement 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. As shown, an infant is placed within the garment portion
105, with legs positioned within leg enclosures 150A, 150B and the
arms extending out from the arm apertures 140A, 140B. The infant
can be secured within the garment portion 105 as described above
utilizing the slit fastener 133 (e.g., a zipper) and the neck
fastener (flap 136, first mating connection 137, and a second
mating connection 138). The first 155A and second 155B lateral
sides are wrapped around the sides of the infant (indicated by
arrows A and B, respectively) until the distal ends 167, 177 of the
sides meet and/or overlap. As seen in FIG. 2B, the first coupling
member 165 is then inserted into and drawn through the groove 180
of the second coupling member 175. The first coupling member 165 is
drawn through the groove until the desired level of tautness is
achieved. In addition, since the first coupling member 165 is
formed of expansion fabric, it may be expanded (indicated by arrow
L) to ensure appropriate placement of the fastener within the
connection material swatch 190. The first coupling member 165 is
then folded back onto itself, and the fastener 170 is pressed into
contact with the connection material swatch 190 disposed on the
exterior surface 124 of the blanket portion (FIG. 2C). Stated
another way, the first coupling member 165 is placed at selected
longitudinal positions along the swatch 190 such that the coupling
members 165, 175 longitudinally overlap at a predetermined
distances in accordance with the size of the infant and/or the
desired snugness level of fit.
[0039] As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, with the above described
configuration, an infant is securely swaddled by the arrangement,
with his arms and legs safely restrained. Should a parent desire to
remove the blanket portion 110, the reverse of the above process is
followed, with the fastener 170 detached from the swatch 190, and
drawn through the groove 180. The expansion material, moreover,
accommodates infants of various lengths and girths by, e.g.,
widening the garment portion 105 or lengthening the reach of the
blanket portion 110.
[0040] FIGS. 4A-4E illustrates an infant swaddling arrangement in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Referring to
FIG. 4A, the swaddling arrangement 400 includes a base or blanket
portion 405 and an infant receiving portion 410 coupled to the base
portion (e.g., connected via stitching). The base portion 405
includes a first (left) lateral section or panel 415A (also called
a lateral member), an intermediate section or panel 415B (also
called a central member), and a second (right) lateral section or
panel 415C (also called a lateral member). The sections 415A-415C
(and thus the blanket portion) each has an interior I, child-facing
surface and an exterior surface E (FIG. 4G).
[0041] In an embodiment, the base 405 is not continuous. That is,
the sections 415A-415C of the base 405 are not integral with each
other. For example, the first lateral section 415A is connected to
a first lateral side of the intermediate section 415B along a first
lateral seam 420A (i.e., via stitching). Similarly, the second
lateral section 415C is connected to a second lateral side of the
intermediate section 415B along a second lateral seam 420B (i.e.,
via stitching). The lateral sections 415A, 415C are positioned
along the intermediate section 415B such that each section is
oriented offset/inboard from intermediate section top edge 425. By
way of example, the top edge 430A, 430B of each lateral section
415A, 415C (measured at the seam 420A, 420B) may be offset from the
top edge 425 of the intermediate section 415B by at least three (3)
cm. In one embodiment, the offset value is the same for both
lateral sections. In another embodiment, the value of the offset
for the one lateral section differs from that of the other lateral
section.
[0042] The first lateral section 415A and the second lateral
section 415C may each taper as the section extends distally from
the lateral sides of the intermediate section 415B. The degree of
taper for the lateral sections 415A, 415C may be similar or may
differ from each other. For example, the first lateral section 415A
may have a more defined taper than the second lateral section 415C.
In other embodiments one or more the sections 415A, 415C possess no
taper.
[0043] The length of the lateral sections 415A, 415C (measured from
seam 420A, 420B to the farthest distal point the section) is not
particularly limited. In an embodiment, the length L1 of the first
lateral section 415A may be substantially equal to the length L2 of
the second lateral section 415C. In another embodiment, the lengths
L1, L2 differ. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the second
lateral section 415C may possess a length L2 that is slightly
smaller than the length L1 of the first lateral section 415A. For
example, L1 is 1.5 times as long as L2. In any event, the lateral
sections 415A, 415C typically do not possess a length L1, L2 that
would enable encirclement of an infant disposed within the
arrangement 400. As discussed above, the when the expansion fabric
forms the lateral sections 415A, 415B, the lengths L1, L2 of the
sections may be altered (increased) by applying an outward,
transverse force to the sections to expand separate the ribs
forming the fabric.
[0044] A first panel fastener 435 (FIG. 4D) may be disposed
proximate the distal end of the first lateral section 415A on the
exterior surface E of the section. The first panel fastener 435
mates with a second panel fastener 437 (FIGS. 4D, 4G, and 4H)
disposed on the exterior surface E of the intermediate base section
415B. In other embodiments, the second panel fastener 437 may be
disposed on either the exterior E surface of the second lateral
section 415C, or on the exterior surface of the first lateral
section 415A at a position inboard from the first panel fastener
435. The mating panel fasteners 435, 437 may include, but are not
limited to, complementary portions of a hook-and-loop fastener. In
a preferred embodiment, the first panel fastener 435 is the hook
portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, and the second panel fastener
437 is connection material (e.g., warp knitted fabric) similar to
that described above (seen best in FIGS. 4G and 4H). As explained
above, the connection material engages the hooks of a hook-and-loop
fastener, securing the lateral sections 415A, 415C together.
[0045] The infant receiving portion 410 is secured to the
intermediate portion of the base 405 (e.g., via stitching). As
shown, the infant receiving portion 410 may be a pocket including a
left side 440A, a bottom side 440B, a right side 440C, and a top
side 440D. Each of the left 440A, bottom 440B, and right 440C sides
are secured to the intermediate section such that the sides are
completely closed. The top side 440D is opened, thereby forming a
cavity capable of receiving an infant therein. In the illustrated
embodiment, the pocket may further include a loose flap 445 that is
folded upward to cover the infant positioned within the pocket.
[0046] The second lateral side 415C of the blanket portion 405
includes an aperture 450 (e.g., an eye or slit) configured to
permit the passage of the first lateral side 415A therethough. As
seen in FIG. 5A, the aperture 450 may be defined by a reinforcement
member 500 including a slightly tapered body 510 having a widened
base 515 and a narrow end 517. The body 510 includes an elongated
slot 520 formed therein. In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the
reinforcement member 500 includes a body 510 possessing a generally
rectangular shape. An elongated slot 520, centrally disposed along
the longitudinal axis of the body, is configured to permit the
passage of the first lateral section therethrough (i.e., the slot
520 forms the eye 450 of the section lateral section). The body 510
further includes a recess or slit 530 surrounding the slot 520 to
define a rib disposed 540 about the slot perimeter. The opposite
side of the reinforcement member 500 includes a similar recess 530
and rib 540 structure (not illustrated).
[0047] The reinforcement member 500 may be embedded within the
fabric forming the second lateral section 415C such that the base
faces the intermediate portion 425B. When the embodiment of FIG. 5B
is utilized and the rib 530 and slot 540 are exposed (i.e., the
remaining body portion may be embedded/sandwiched within the
lateral section). By way of example, the reinforcement member 500
may be directly sewn within and to the fabric forming the second
lateral section 415C.
[0048] The operation of the swaddling arrangement is explained with
reference to FIGS. 4B-4E. An infant 490 is placed within the pocket
section 410 (FIG. 4B), and the flap 445 is drawn over the infant
(FIG. 4C). The lateral sections 415A, 415C are folded over the
infant and the first lateral section 415A is drawn through the eye
450 of the second lateral section 415C (FIGS. 4D and 4E). Once
threaded through the eye 450, the first lateral section 415A is
folded back on itself, over the infant 490. The first panel
fastener 435 is then mated with the second panel fastener 437
(FIGS. 4E and 4F).
[0049] The base 405 and/or pocket 410 portions may be formed of any
material suitable for its described purpose. In an embodiment, one
or more of the first lateral section 415A, the intermediate section
415B, the second lateral section 415C, and the pocket portion 410
is formed completely or partially of the expansion material
operable to permit expansion in a predetermined direction, as
described above. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral sections
415A, 415C are formed of expansion material configured to permit
the expansion of each section along its x-axis (the length of the
section), indicated by arrows L in FIG. 4C and further illustrated
in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0050] The above-described embodiments provide an easily adjustable
swaddling arrangement that accommodates infants of various sizes,
as well as permits limited movement of the infant within the
arrangement due to the expansion characteristic of the fabric.
[0051] While the present invention has been described in detail and
with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent
to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications
can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof. For example, the material forming the swaddling
arrangement or portions thereof may be any suitable for its
described purpose. Similarly, the connection material may cover any
area of the swaddling arrangement suitable for its described
purpose. Thus, although the disclosed inventions are illustrated
and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples,
it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown,
since various modifications and structural changes may be made
therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and
within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In
addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be
incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is
appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a
manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in
the following claims
[0052] It is to be understood that terms such as "left," "right,"
"top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "side," "height," "length,"
"width," "upper," "lower," "interior," "exterior," "inner," "outer"
and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or
portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any
particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as
"first," "second," "third," etc., merely identify one of a number
of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed
herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular
configuration or orientation.
* * * * *