U.S. patent application number 13/892279 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-14 for versatile cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to Munchkin, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Adlin Aslan, Katharine Gray Buford, Steven Bryan Dunn, Andrea Beatriz Montes. Invention is credited to Adlin Aslan, Katharine Gray Buford, Steven Bryan Dunn, Andrea Beatriz Montes.
Application Number | 20130302555 13/892279 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49548832 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130302555 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunn; Steven Bryan ; et
al. |
November 14, 2013 |
VERSATILE COVER
Abstract
A cover adapted to calm and comfort an infant. The cover has two
panels layered on top of each other. The first panel is disposed at
a substantially central position on a second panel. An outer
thinner layer is defined around the periphery of the first panel
and is a breathable material thin enough to provide ample
ventilation to the wearer of the cover. The cover may include a
fastener for attaching the cover to an object.
Inventors: |
Dunn; Steven Bryan; (Beverly
Hills, CA) ; Buford; Katharine Gray; (Santa Monica,
CA) ; Montes; Andrea Beatriz; (Los Angeles, CA)
; Aslan; Adlin; (Jakarta, ID) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dunn; Steven Bryan
Buford; Katharine Gray
Montes; Andrea Beatriz
Aslan; Adlin |
Beverly Hills
Santa Monica
Los Angeles
Jakarta |
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
ID |
|
|
Assignee: |
Munchkin, Inc.
North Hills
CA
|
Family ID: |
49548832 |
Appl. No.: |
13/892279 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61646189 |
May 11, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/78 ; 2/49.1;
2/69.5; 297/184.13; 5/494; 5/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 13/06 20130101;
A47G 9/068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/78 ; 5/494;
297/184.13; 5/655; 2/69.5; 2/49.1 |
International
Class: |
A41B 13/06 20060101
A41B013/06 |
Claims
1. A cover comprising: a first panel; and a second panel, the first
panel layered on top of the second panel, wherein the first panel
is disposed at substantially a central position on the second
panel, the second panel defines an outer layer that is disposed
around the periphery of the first panel.
2. The cover recited in claim 1, further comprising a fastener for
securing the cover to an object.
3. The cover recited in claim 2, wherein the fastener is selected
from at least one of a cloth band, an elastic band, a snap
connection, and a hook and loop fastener connection.
4. The cover recited in claim 1, wherein the second panel is
comprised of a breathable material allowing ample ventilation
there-through.
5. The cover recited in claim 1, wherein the first panel and the
second panel are comprised of different material weights.
6. The cover recited in claim 1, wherein the first panel or the
second panel is comprised of one or more material layers.
7. The cover recited in claim 1, wherein the first panel identifies
a location of placement for an infant to be swaddled by the
cover.
8. The cover recited in claim 1, wherein the cover is used as at
least one of the following: a swaddle, an infant carrier cover, an
infant placemat, a wearable garment and a burp cloth.
9. The cover recited in claim 1, wherein: an area where the first
panel is layered on top of the second panel has a first material
weight thickness associated with a first thermal property; and
another area defining the outer layer of the second panel has a
second material weight thickness associated with a second thermal
property, different from the first thermal property.
10. The cover recited in claim 1, wherein the second panel is a
breathable material.
11. The cover recited in claim 10, wherein the outer layer is
contiguously disposed completely around the first panel.
12. An infant swaddle blanket comprising: a first panel; and a
second panel, the first panel is fastened to the second panel and
defines a location to position an infant, wherein the first panel
is disposed at substantially a central position on the second
panel, an outer layer of the second panel extends beyond the first
panel defining an outer border that surrounds an outer edge of the
first panel.
13. The infant swaddle blanket recited in claim 12, wherein the
cover includes a fastener adapted to be connected to an object.
14. The infant swaddle blanket recited in claim 12, wherein the
cover includes an opening through which a caregiver can grasp a
handle of an infant carrier.
15. The infant swaddle blanket recited in claim 12, wherein the
second panel is a breathable material.
16. The infant swaddle blanket recited in claim 12, wherein the
outer border is contiguously disposed completely around the first
panel.
17. An infant swaddle blanket comprising: a first panel; a second
panel, wherein the first panel is fastened to the second panel at
substantially a central position on the second panel such that an
outer layer of the second panel extends beyond the first panel
defining an outer border; and a fastener.
18. The infant swaddle blanket recited in claim 17, wherein the
first panel and the second panel are comprised of different
material weights.
19. The infant swaddle blanket recited in claim 17, wherein the
second panel is a breathable fabric such as cotton, and the outer
border is contiguous and completely surrounds an outer edge of the
first panel.
20. The infant swaddle blanket recited in claim 17, wherein: an
area where the first panel is layered on top of the second panel
has a first material weight thickness associated with a first
thermal property; and another area defined by the outer border of
the second panel has a second material weight thickness associated
with a second thermal property, different from the first thermal
property.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/646,189, filed May 11, 2012; the contents
of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety into this disclosure.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The subject disclosure relates generally to a garment cover
for infants, and more specifically to a versatile swaddle blanket
cover.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In an effort to keep an infant comforted and warm, swaddling
of newborns has been provided for a number of years. Most infants
are typically swaddled for three to four months after birth in
order to allow the baby to sleep more soundly. The snugness and
binding of the arms in a swaddle is thought to be comforting to the
newborn, much like the confinement of the womb. The swaddle
provides a sense of security to the infant. It is also believed
that pressure across the abdominal and chest area has a calming
effect and is thought to relieve colic. Likewise, in a swaddle, a
caregiver is able to handle and carry the infant more easily.
[0004] It is suggested that swaddling of the infant and positioning
them on their back will reduce the risk of SIDS when the infant is
sleeping. Overheating can contribute to an increased risk of SIDS.
Unfortunately, overheating is also a risk related to swaddling
since newborns have difficulties regulating their body temperature.
That is, the infant can dangerously overheat and not be able to
cool their body temperature down. Unfortunately, conventional
swaddle designs have failed to address this problem.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be
described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to
identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the
following figures, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary cover according to the
subject disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the cover.
[0008] FIG. 3 depicts another configuration for cover.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a folded view of the cover.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the cover.
[0011] FIG. 6 demonstrates an enlarged application view of a
fastener attached to the cover.
[0012] FIGS. 7-10 depict a method for swaddling an infant with the
cover according to the subject disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 11 shows the cover being used as a protective covering
over an infant may lie.
[0014] FIGS. 12-13 illustrate the cover being utilized with an
infant carrier according to the subject disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 14-15 show the cover being implemented as a protective
covering for a stroller according to the subject disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 16 depicts the cover being utilized as a burp cloth
according to the subject disclosure.
[0017] FIGS. 17-18 illustrate the cover being utilized as a nursing
shield according to the subject disclosure.
[0018] FIGS. 19-21 depict the cover utilized as a wearable garment
according to the subject disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be
described in greater detail with reference to the figures.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary cover 10. The cover 10 shown
is a multi-panel construction having at least a first panel 12 and
a second panel 14. The first panel 12 is attached to the second
panel 14 at approximately a central position as shown in FIG. 1.
The second panel 14 is substantially larger than the first panel
12.
[0021] In position, an outer layer 15 is formed that surrounds the
inner first panel 12. The inner first panel 12 is layered by the
second panel 14. As such, the inner portion of the cover 10 is
thicker than the outer layer 15 which surrounds the first panel 12
because of the layering of the first panel 12 on top of the second
panel 14 as shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the outer layer 15 of the
second panel 14 is contiguously disposed completely around the
first panel 12. In this case, the outer layer 15 may be thinner as
it is comprised of only the thickness of the second panel 14.
[0022] In FIG. 2, although described as a first panel and a second
panel, it is to be understood that the first panel 12 and the
second panel 14 may independently include a one or more plurality
of various additional panels. As such, a first area defined by the
area of the first panel 12 layered on top of the second panel 14
will have a first combined material weight thickness associated
with a first thermal property. Likewise, a second area defined by
the outer layer 15 of the second panel 14, not considering the
overlapping portion of the first panel 12 and second panel 14, has
a second material weight thickness associated with a second thermal
property, different from the first thermal property. In one
instance, the second area of the outer layer 15 may have a material
thickness that is thinner than the material thickness defined by
the inner panel 12 area allowing the first area to keep the infant
warmer while not being overly heated by the outer layer 15 portion
of the cover 10 when used as a swaddle, or the like.
[0023] FIGS. 3-4 demonstrate that the shape of the first panel 12
and/or the second panel 14 may take a variety of different sizes
and shapes in accordance with the cover 10 of this subject
disclosure. For example, as shown, the first panel 12 in this
illustration is in the shape of a cross. Although, only the first
panel 12 is shown modified in shape, it is to be understood that
the size or shape of either the first panel 12, or the second panel
14 may take any number of various sizes and/or shapes.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, when the cover 10 is folded over for use
as a swaddle, the cross shape of the first panel 12 folds over into
a flattened "angel-like" configuration resembling a pair of
out-stretched wings 12a, 12b and a caped torso 12c. The angel-like
figure may serve as a positioning template for placing the infant's
torso and arms onto the cover 10 to be swaddled. That is, the
infant's torso may be aligned with the torso caped-shape of the
angel-like torso and the infant's arms may be aligned with the
extending angel-like wings.
[0025] Various material and fabrics may be used in accordance with
the subject disclosure. For example, various natural and/or
man-made fabrics may be employed, such as knits and woven fabrics
selected from at least one of a light weight, medium weight, and/or
heavy weight fabric and/or other suitable material fabric. The
cover 10 can also be made from a light, stretchable material, such
as elasticized cotton, muslin, fleece, blended materials and/or
other suitable material. Other materials may include the use of
organic and/or unbleached materials which are suitable for infant
care.
[0026] Alternatively, the cover 10 may be made from sheet material.
Many fabrics known in the art may be used depending on the desired
characteristics such as elasticity, warmth, weight, breathability,
stain resistance, absence of allergens, visual appeal and other
factors. The cover may be made of a single or multiple layer
material or parts of different materials. Flexible, non-fabric
materials may also be used to provide special characteristics.
Likewise, the various materials may be made of the same or
different material weight.
[0027] The first panel 12 and the second panel 14 may be attached
to each other in a variety of different ways, such as for example,
by stitching with a thread, an adhesive, bonding, fusing, and/or
other suitable method for attaching various material fabrics to
each other in accordance with the subject disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 5 depicts a rear view of the cover 10. As shown,
various fasteners 17 may be employed around the peripheral edge of
the cover 10. The fasteners 17 may be provided to attach the cover
10 to various objects 11, such as the handle of a stroller as shown
in FIG. 6.
[0029] Although the object 11 is shown as a handle, it is to be
understood that the fastener 17 may be attached at various
locations of the object. Likewise, the fastener 17 may be used to
attach an edge of the cover 10 to another portion of the cover 10
itself as will be described in more detail later.
[0030] A variety of different types of fasteners 17 may be employed
on the cover 10. For example, the fastener 17 may be a cloth band,
an elastic band, a snap connection, a hook and loop fastener
connection and/or any other suitable fastener capable of securing
and/or connecting the cover 10 to an object and/or to itself.
[0031] In a weave construction of the fabric for the cover 10, the
first panel 12 portion may be constructed to be thicker or thinner
in material weight than the second panel 14 portion of the cover
10. The finished material is preferably an ultra soft fabric so
that when placed against a baby's skin, the material is extremely
soft and soothing to the infant. In order to obtain a soft fabric
construction, various softening processes may be applied to the
fabric, such as for example, using silicon to soften the fabric,
washing the material, mechanically brushing the fabric to soften
the material fabric and/or any other suitable type of softening
process in accordance with the subject disclosure.
[0032] FIGS. 7-10 illustrate an exemplary process for swaddling an
infant 8 in accordance with the subject disclosure. In particular,
FIG. 7 shows the infant's arms placed downward, along the sides of
the body. As shown, the cover 10 may be folded into a triangular
shape forming a wider body portion 20, a narrowing left-side wing
21, a narrowing right-side wing 22 and a lower tail 23 section. In
this configuration, the body of the infant 8 may be positioned
substantially over the first panel 12 so that the thinner outer
layer 15 of the second panel 14 is positioned around the infant 8
and the peripheral edge of the first panel 12.
[0033] The first panel 12 is located adjacent to the body of the
infant 8 to provide the most coverage over the body to keep the
infant 8 comfortably warm. The outer layer 15 of the second panel
14 may be comprised of a thinner construction to allow ample
ventilation of the infant 8 and to prevent the infant 8 from
overheating when completely swaddled.
[0034] One exemplary method of using the cover 10 may be to
position the infant 8 centrally on top of the folded first panel 12
as shown in FIG. 7. A first wing, such as the left-side wing 21
shown in FIG. 8 is snugly wrapped over the torso of the infant 8 in
a first direction.
[0035] In FIG. 9, the lower tail 23 portion of the cover 10 may
then be snugly folded upward just below the legs of the infant 8 to
comfortably, albeit firmly secure the legs of the infant 8.
[0036] In FIG. 10, the second wing, such as the right-side wing 22
is snugly wrapped back over the torso of the infant 8 in a second
opposite direction. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, a substantial
portion of the left-side wing 21, the right-side wing 22 and the
lower tail 23 are comprised of the thinner outer layer 15. As such,
when the infant 8 is wrapped in the swaddle cover 10, the thickness
of the swaddle is substantially reduced outside of the location of
the center first panel 12 portion so that the body temperature of
the infant 8 can be better controlled. The advantage being that the
thinner outer layer 15 provides ample ventilation to the infant 8
when snugly wrapped in the swaddle cover 10.
[0037] FIG. 10 portrays the infant 8 being swaddled with her arms
at her side, while maintaining an even, gentle pressure across the
chest and abdominal area. The snug swaddle encourages comforting
support and allows the infant 8 to be less restless by minimizing
any disturbing reflex jerks that can interrupt her sleep when an
infant is not comfortably swaddled. Likewise, the snug swaddle can
otherwise prevent a loose blanket from migrating over their face
causing a risk of suffocation, or strangulation. Unlike
conventional swaddles that put an infant at risk for overheating
and an increased risk of SIDS, the thinner outer layer 15 of the
cover 10 dramatically reduces that risk of SIDS by allowing the
infant 8 to moderate their body temperature.
[0038] In accordance with this subject disclosure, the size and
shape of the wings in the first panel 12 or second panel 14 may be
varied. That is, the cover can be configured so that one of the
wings is shorter than the other. As such, the shorter wing may be
first wrapped across the infant 8, and the longer wing may then be
folded over the shorter wing. A similar process can be used if both
wings are of the same or similar length.
[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates the versatility of the cover 10
according to this subject disclosure. That is, the cover 10 may be
employed for a variety of different purposes. For example, in FIG.
11, the cover 10 may be used as a blanket onto which an infant can
explore and spend some "tummy time" in a safe, comfortable, padded
and soft feeling environment. The thicker first panel 12 provides
greater protection from objects disposed on the surface immediately
below the cover 10 just beneath the infant 8.
[0040] FIG. 12 shows the cover 10 adapted for use with an infant
carrier 11a. According to this embodiment, the cover 10 may include
an opening 18 through which a caregiver can grasp on to a handle 19
of the infant carrier 11a unimpeded by the cover 10.
Conventionally, it has been difficult to carry an infant carrier
11a with a cloth draped there-over. This construction of the cover
10 eliminates this problem and allows the caregiver to make a more
secure grip directly onto the handle 19 of the infant carrier
11.
[0041] FIG. 13 shows the cover 10 placed over the infant carrier
11a with the handle 19 of the infant carrier 11b protruding through
the opening 18 in the cover 10. The cover 10 is situated over the
infant carrier 11a so that the first panel 12 is primarily
positioned to provide the most coverage from the sun and
ultraviolet rays over the infant 8 in the infant carrier 11b.
Likewise, the thinner outer layer 15 is positioned just below the
first panel 12 and adapted to ventilate the space just under the
cover 12. In this way, the infant 8 will be able to receive
ventilated air through the thinner outer portion 15 of the cover
10, while avoiding the danger of direct sun light exposure by the
sun.
[0042] FIGS. 14 and 15 depict the cover 10 being used with an
infant stroller 11b. As shown in FIGS. 5-6 and in hidden line in
FIG. 14, the cover 10 may include various fasteners 17 along the
edge of the cover 10. When the cover 10 is placed over the stroller
11b, the edges of the cover 10 may be strategically positioned so
that they can be secured to various locations on the stroller 11b.
For example, FIGS. 6 and 15 show the fastener 17 being secured to
the handle 19 of the stroller 11b. Other fasteners 17 may be
secured to various parts of the stroller 11b, such as near the
front wheels or anywhere else on the frame of the stroller 11b.
Likewise, the cover 10 may be wrapped around the various objects so
that the cover 10 is wrapped and secured back on to itself.
[0043] As mentioned above with respect to FIGS. 12-13, the cover 10
in FIGS. 14-15 may be selectively positioned over the stroller 11b
to provide the most coverage from the sun and ultraviolet rays over
an infant 8 in the infant stroller 11b. Likewise, the thinner outer
layer 15 is positioned just below the first panel 12 and adapted to
provide ventilation just under the first panel 12. In this way, the
infant 8 is able to receive a cool breeze through the thinner
surrounding outer layer 15 while avoiding the danger of direct sun
light exposure.
[0044] FIG. 16 shows the cover 10 being adapted for use as a
burping or shoulder blanket. In FIG. 16, the thicker first panel 12
area of the cover 10 may be positioned to cover the caregivers
shoulder area just under the infant's 8 mouth to prevent any
soilage onto the caregivers clothing should the infant express his
food. In another embodiment, the first panel 12 may be lined with a
water resistant material, such as a polymer sheet and/or other
suitable water resistant material to prevent soiling across the
cover 10.
[0045] FIGS. 17 and 18 show the cover 10 being used as a nursing
blanket. In FIG. 17, the fastener 17 may be used to conveniently
tie a first end of the cover 10 back around another portion of the
cover 10 to create a nursing apron covering with the cover 10.
[0046] As shown in use in FIG. 18, the cover 10 can be selectively
shifted so that the darker first panel 12 strategically covers more
sensitive areas of the nursing infant and mother. That is, the
thicker opaque first panel 12 area can be maneuvered to cover the
caregiver's chest area and to provide a level of privacy to the
nursing mother and infant in a convenient and secure manner. The
nursing mother can conveniently shift the cover 10 around so that
they will be able to view their infant 8 nursing through the
thinner outer layer 15 viewable only to them from above, while
positioning the opaque first panel 12 over so that passerby's
cannot see through to the nursing infant or the mothers'
breast.
[0047] FIGS. 19-21 illustrate the cover 10 being utilized as a
wearable garment. In FIGS. 19 and 20, the cover may be wrapped as a
sarong or skirt. Likewise, in FIG. 21, the cover may be worn as a
dress. As mentioned before, the darker first panel 12 may be
selectively positioned to privately conceal a portion of the body
while the thinner outer layer 15 provides ample ventilation on
warmer days.
[0048] The illustrations and examples provided herein are for
explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the
appended claims. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art
that changes or modifications may be made to the above described
embodiment without departing from the broad inventive concepts of
the invention. It is understood therefore that the invention is not
limited to the particular embodiment which is described, but is
intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope
and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *