U.S. patent application number 14/729704 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for adjustable infant swaddle.
This patent application is currently assigned to ME FIRST! DESIGN, INC. The applicant listed for this patent is Loren T. Taylor, Louise White. Invention is credited to Loren T. Taylor, Louise White.
Application Number | 20150342263 14/729704 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54700307 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150342263 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; Loren T. ; et
al. |
December 3, 2015 |
ADJUSTABLE INFANT SWADDLE
Abstract
An adjustable swaddle for an infant is described. The adjustable
swaddle is made from a lightweight, breathable, stretchable fabric.
The swaddle has an adjustable chest flap that can be used to
increase or decrease the pressure felt by the infant. An adjustable
foot flap can be used to increase or decrease the length of the
swaddle. The foot flap further has an opening which allows for
diaper changes without removing the swaddle.
Inventors: |
Taylor; Loren T.; (Chatham,
NJ) ; White; Louise; (Long Branch, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Taylor; Loren T.
White; Louise |
Chatham
Long Branch |
NJ
NJ |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ME FIRST! DESIGN, INC
Long Branch
NJ
TAYLORED CONCEPTS, LLC
Chatham
NJ
|
Family ID: |
54700307 |
Appl. No.: |
14/729704 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62007169 |
Jun 3, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 13/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41B 13/06 20060101
A41B013/06 |
Claims
1. An adjustable garment for swaddling an infant comprising: a
first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel and the
second panel form a swaddle body, wherein the first panel is
coupled to the second panel forming a body receiving area
therebetween, a chest flap having a plurality of adjustable chest
flap fastening mechanisms, wherein the chest flap longitudedly
crosses the midline of the swaddle body wherein the plurality of
adjustable chest flap fastening mechanisms are variably positioned
thereby allowing for a width adjustment of the adjustable garment;
a foot flap having a plurality of adjustable foot flap fastening
mechanisms, wherein the foot flap changes the overall length of the
swaddle body, wherein the plurality of adjustable foot flap
fastening mechanisms are variably positioned thereby allowing for a
length adjustment of the adjustable garment; and wherein the
swaddle body has elastomeric sides.
2. The adjustable garment of claim 1 further comprising a foot flap
opening; wherein the foot flap opening provides access to the body
receiving area.
3. The adjustable garment of claim 1 further comprising at least
one opening in the top of the swaddle body, wherein the at least
one opening is contoured to receive appendages therethrough.
4. The adjustable garment of claim 3 wherein there are two openings
on each of the elastomeric sides and one opening at a top of the
swaddle body.
5. The adjustable garment of claim 4 wherein the opening at the top
of the swaddle body forms a V-shape between the first panel and the
chest flap, when the chest flap is closed.
6. The adjustable garment of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric sides
compress the swaddle body lengthwise and inwards.
7. A garment for swaddling an infant comprising: a first panel
having a first inside surface and a first outside surface and a
second panel with a second inside surface and a second outside
surface, wherein the first panel and the second panel form a
swaddle body, wherein the swaddle body has a top, bottom, and two
sides and a plurality of openings, wherein there are two arm
openings and a neck opening for receiving arms and a head
therethrough respectively, wherein the first panel is coupled to
the second panel forming a body receiving area therebetween, a
chest flap having at least one chest flap fastening mechanism,
wherein the chest flap longitudedly crosses the midline of the
swaddle body and couples to the chest flap fastening mechanism; and
a foot flap having at least one foot flap fastening mechanism,
wherein the foot flap fastening mechanism is located above the
position of the foot flap, where coupling the foot flap to the foot
flap mechanism changes the overall length of the swaddle body.
8. The garment of claim 7 wherein the first panel and the second
panel are made from a breathable lightweight, material.
9. The garment of claim 7 wherein the sides are stretchable.
10. The garment of claim 7 wherein the swaddle body has a flared
shape with the top being narrower than the bottom and the sides
possessing a concave quality.
11. The garment of claim 10 wherein the swaddle body flares
outwards at the position of the infant's hips.
12. The garment of claim of 7 wherein the neck opening has a
variable dimensioned V-shape depending on the position of the chest
flap.
13. The garment of claim 7 wherein the two arm openings are
disposed one each on each side of the medial plane of the swaddle
body and each arm opening has a concave structure.
14. The garment of claim 7 further comprising a foot flap opening,
wherein the foot flap opening is resealable via a hook and loop
fastener.
15. The garment of claim 14 wherein the foot flap opening provides
access to the body receiving area.
16. The garment of claim 15 wherein the foot flap provides a
rounded bottom to the swaddle body.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No.
62/007,169 filed on Jun. 3, 2014, the contents of which are fully
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0002] This field of the invention and its embodiments relates to
infant garments, namely garments that restrict an infant's
movement. In particular, the present invention relates to
form-fitting, adjustable garments that sooth, comfort, and protect
an infant.
BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0003] The practice of tightly wrapping infants in cloths or bands,
known as swaddling, is thought to be hundreds and maybe thousands
of years old. It is postulated that the practice arose out of a
belief that it was necessary for an infant to develop proper
posture. Although swaddling was by and large abandoned in the
17.sup.th century, the practice has found a resurgence as a result
of a number of medical studies outlining the favorable benefits of
the practice.
[0004] Such studies have shown that swaddling assists infants in
remaining in restful sleep by preventing the moro reflex, a
response characterized by an involuntary spreading/unspreading of
the arms and crying. By restricting the movement of the feet and
arms, the effects of the moro reflex can be limited thereby
decreasing the chances of a sleeping infant waking. Additionally,
it appears swaddling can reduce the risk of sudden infant death
syndrome ("SIDS"). While the practice can be extremely beneficial,
there are potential drawbacks to swaddling an infant.
[0005] For example, swaddling presents the risk that the infant
will become overheated if the ambient temperature is too high or
the swaddle material is too thick. This actually increases the risk
of SIDS or cause hyperthermia. If looser, more breathable material
is used for the swaddle, such loose wrappings may present a
suffocation hazard by impeding the flow of air through the nose and
mouth. As a result, proper swaddling techniques generally take a
length of time, make diaper checks and changes more arduous, and
increase the chance of completely waking a sleeping infant.
[0006] Further, swaddles typically come in three sizes: small,
medium, or large. These sizes do not take into account children of
atypical sizes where a small size swaddle may be too small and a
medium size swaddle may be too large. Some infants also grow more
quickly than others, in either height or weight, which makes a
swaddle not fit correctly.
[0007] Thus, there is a need for a swaddle that can readily fit
infants of varying sizes while providing a lightweight breathable
material. The present invention and its embodiments meets and
exceed these needs. Review of related technology:
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 8,607,364 pertains to an ergonomic garment for
swaddling an infant with an elongate retractable fabric shell
having an outer surface and inner surface defining an interior
volume for receiving the arms, legs and trunk of an infant therein.
Garments have a head end for receiving the arms of said infant, a
foot end for receiving the legs of said infant, and a mid-section
for receiving the trunk of said infant that is narrower than said
head end and said foot end, and a neck opening at the head end for
receiving a neck of said infant. The garment has an ergonomic
peanut-like shape. The garments have a reversible closure means
accessing said interior volume of said fabric shell extending
longitudinally along the central axis of said fabric shell from
said head end to said foot end, a chin protector closure means and
optionally a means for accepting an automotive seat belt.
Detachable arms and/or leggings and attached retractable arms
and/or leggings garments are shown. Porous light-permeable and
antimicrobial fabric embodiments are described.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,620 pertains to a baby swaddle apparatus
comprising generally a torso portion, a blanket portion, and a
pouch portion. The torso portion having a plurality of panels and
containing a torso waist opening and neck opening to receive a baby
inside of the torso portion. The front panel of the torso also
comprising at least one fastener. The blanket portion coupled to
the torso rear panel comprising of a blanket panel containing an
exterior and interior side and at least one fastener. The pouch
portion can contain a pouch opening which receives the baby's legs.
The pouch comprising of a pouch front and rear panel and a pouch
front panel which contains a plurality of fasteners which allow the
pouch to be modified in a way to allow for at least one leg
opening.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,774,875 pertains to a swaddling blanket and
pouch combination (SBPC) that allows an infant to be comfortably
and easily swaddled. The blanket is comprised of a right blanket
flap and a left blanket flap and includes a designated area to
which is removably attached the pouch. The pouch features a lower
end which includes an opening and closing means that allows an
infant's soiled diaper to be easily removed and replaced or to take
a rectal temperature. The SBPC is used by first placing the left
blanket flap over the pouch, which is then followed by placing the
right blanket flap over the pouch. The right and left blanket flaps
as well as the pouch are preferably held in place by hook and loop
fasteners.
[0011] U.S. Patent Application 2012/0125347 pertains to a garment
for selective swaddling of an infant that includes an upper body
portion for enclosing the torso region of the infant, a pair of
sleeves extending outward from the upper body portion and crotch
portion. Each of the outwardly extending sleeves is selectively
closable such that a respective arm of the infant is precluded from
passage therethrough and the crotch portion is selectively openable
such that access is thereby provided to the interior of the
garment. The upper body portion is provided with a selectively
closable vertical opening extending downward from a collar of the
upper body portion across a front portion of the upper body
portion, thereby providing access into the upper body portion for
tucking the infant's arms therein. A zipper is provided for
selective opening and closing of the vertical opening. Snaps are
provided for selective closure of the sleeves and selective opening
of the crotch portion.
[0012] Various devices are known in the art. However, their
structure and means of operation are substantially different from
the present disclosure. The other inventions fail to solve all the
problems taught by the present disclosure. The present invention
and its embodiments provide for an adjustable swaddle that limits
the amount of fabric employed and is shaped to provide natural
restriction to an infant. Further, the fabric has elastomeric
properties enabling the fabric to provide natural pressure rather
than having to apply artificial pressures by heavy wrapping. At
least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings
below and will be described in more detail herein.
SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0013] A garment for swaddling an infant is described and taught
having a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel
and the second panel form the swaddle body, wherein the first panel
is coupled to the second panel forming a body receiving area
therebetween, a chest flap having at least one chest flap fastening
mechanism, wherein the chest flap longitudedly crosses the midline
of the swaddle body; a foot flap having at least one foot flap
fastening mechanism, wherein the foot flap changes the overall
length of the swaddle body, wherein the swaddle body has a top, a
bottom, and elastomeric sides.
[0014] The garment is generally constructed from a lightweight,
breathable, stretchable material. This provides warmth without
overheating an infant. The garment may further have a foot flap
opening, and at least one other opening to receive arms and
head/neck therethrough. The openings may be resealable via snaps,
latches, buttons, hook and loop fasteners and the like or any
combination thereof. The foot flap opening provides access to the
body receiving area, or the internal area that receives the torso
and legs of the infant.
[0015] The particular shape of the swaddle body is important
because it takes a number of measures into account in order to
ensure the health and safety of the infant while providing the
beneficial aspects of a swaddle. There is an opening at the top of
the swaddle body that provides for a variable V-shape. This
V-shaped opening allows for adjustable tightness of the swaddle
body while preventing an impingement of the chin area of the
infant. Further, the elastomeric sides provide extra compression
and give the swaddle a form fitting, yet expandable quality. The
elastomeric properties provide for a more natural pressure and
prevent too great a pressure from being exerted on an infant due to
careless wrapping.
[0016] Overall, the swaddle body has a flared shape with the top
area of the swaddle body being narrower (lateral diameter) than the
bottom area of the swaddle body. The sides of the swaddle body have
a slightly concave design which begins just below the arm area and
ends at about the position of the infant's hips. At the infant's
hips, the swaddle body flares outwards to provide excess space for
the legs of the infant. The foot flap provides a rounded bottom to
the swaddle body.
[0017] In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the
following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives.
[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
garment that forms to an infant's body.
[0019] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
garment that has an adjustable sizing component.
[0020] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
garment that is made of a lightweight, breathable, stretchable
fabric.
[0021] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
garment that provides soothing pressure for an infant.
[0022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
garment that is shaped to accommodate the hips and legs of an
infant.
[0023] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
garment that does not cover the infant's mouth or nasal area.
[0024] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
garment that does not use zippers or other fastening mechanisms
which may injure an infant.
[0025] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
garment that provides warmth to an infant.
[0026] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
garment that is adaptable to be worn by infants of varying
sizes.
[0027] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
garment that minimizes fabric while maintaining the warmth of an
infant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of the present invention with the chest flap in a closed
position.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a back view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a side view taken from the left side of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a side view taken from the right side of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of the present invention with the chest flap in an open
position.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention with a baby contained therein and the chest flap
and foot flap closed.
[0037] FIG. 10 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention with a baby contained therein and the chest flap
closed with the foot flap open.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now
be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in
the various figures are identified with the same reference
numerals. Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment
of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of
explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be
limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may
appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the
present drawings that various modifications and variations can be
made thereto.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is an adjustable swaddle 100
with a first panel 112 and a second panel 114. The two panels 112,
114 are adhered to one another with stitching or other comparable
adherence mechanisms. In some instances, the first panel 112 and
the second panel 114 are a unitary element formed from a contiguous
piece of fabric. The first panel 112 has a first panel upper
surface 111 and a first panel lower surface 113 (see FIG. 8). The
second panel 114 has a second panel upper surface 115 and a second
panel lower surface 117. In some embodiments, there is a central
layer between the upper and lower surfaces of each of the panels
that may be used for padding or insulation.
[0040] The adjustable swaddle 100 generally has a top area 101,
middle area 105, and a bottom area 103. The top area 101 is
oriented to be located where the head and arms of the infant
protrude, the middle area 105 extends from just below the arm
openings 108 to about the end of the elastomeric sides 116, and the
bottom area 103 comprises the remaining material and is located
where the infant's legs and feet would preferably be situated.
[0041] Preferably, the adjustable swaddle has a number of openings
to accommodate appendages and provide ease of access to the infant
in the swaddle. There are two arm openings 108 and a head/neck
opening 106 located in the top area 101 of the adjustable swaddle
100. Further, there is a foot flap opening 118 in the foot flap 104
of the adjustable swaddle 100. The foot flap opening 118 is
preferably resealable as necessary with a hook and loop fastener.
The foot flap opening 118 provides access to the interior of the
adjustable swaddle 100 without having to have first removed the
infant from the adjustable swaddle 100. This can be especially
useful with the changing of the infant's diapers or to check on the
status of the infant's diaper without waking them if they are
sleeping.
[0042] The chest flap 102 is positioned to provide adjustable
pressure to the infant contained within the swaddle 100. The chest
flap 102 may have any number of chest flap fastening mechanisms 120
which may include but are not limited to buttons, snaps, clasps,
hook and loop fasteners, and the like or any combination thereof.
On an under side of the chest flap 102, which is the same as the
first panel lower surface 113 (see FIG. 8) there may be additional
fastening mechanism(s). The chest flap 102 is designed to cross the
longitudedly cross the midline of the swaddle 100. The chest flap
does so on a diagonal and then preferably, after crossing the
midline, continues lengthwise down the swaddle 100.
[0043] The positioning and shape of the chest flap 102 provides for
adjustable pressure or compression to be placed on an infant.
Additionally, the chest flap 102 forms a V-shape with the first
panel 112. This shape prevents the pinching of skin on or beneath
the chin area of a child as is the case with many types of
swaddles. The lack of a zipper or other fastening mechanism that
may pinch, along with the provided shape formed by the chest flap
102 provides a much more preferable structure for a swaddle.
[0044] The elastomeric sides 116 help to provide a form fitting
swaddle 100. The elastomeric sides 116 have a rutching type pattern
that causes the sides to compress inwards thereby holding the
material more closely to the infant's skin. This also is a key
factor in the distinctive shape of the swaddle 100. The elastomeric
sides 116 provide a "natural" pressure on the infant, as opposed to
the artificial pressures employed on a typical swaddle when an
infant is tightly wrapped. The elastomeric sides 116 may provide
for a lengthwise (2-way) compression or lengthwise and widthwise
compression (4-way). The elastomeric nature of the present
invention prevents heavy wrapping thereby decreasing the layers of
fabric and the chance of injury caused by careless wrapping.
[0045] The swaddle 100 ends with a foot flap 104. The foot flap 104
generally comprises the bottom area 103 of the swaddle 100. The
foot flap 104 has any number of foot flap fastening mechanisms 110.
By employing the foot flap fastening mechanisms 110, one can change
the length of the swaddle 100. The foot flap 104 is folded upwards
in order to bring the male and female fasteners together. Once
secured, the length of the swaddle 100 has been shortened by the
distance between the fastening mechanisms. One swaddle 100 may have
varying levels by which the foot flap fastening mechanisms 110 can
be attached thereby resulting in varying levels of length of
comfort.
[0046] The swaddle 100 is shown from a front view in FIG. 2. Here,
the shape of the swaddle 100 is evident. The top area 101, middle
area 105, and the bottom area 103 form a shape reminiscent of a
teardrop with a flattened top and bottom. In the bottom area 103,
is the foot flap 104 and foot flap opening 118.
[0047] The swaddle 100 has the chest flap 102 closed and coupled to
the chest flap fastening mechanism 120 across the midline of the
swaddle 100. The foot flap fastening mechanisms 110 are shown in
two distinct rows. There is an upper row and a lower row. The foot
flap fastening mechanism 110 in each column couples to the other in
the column. In some instances, there may be more than two rows
giving more flexibility in terms of length adjustments.
[0048] Further, the shape of the head/neck opening 106 is more
delineated in this view. The rear of the head/neck opening 106
follows area between the infant's neck and back, whereas the front
of the opening has a pronounced V-shape. Further, there may be a
chest flap fastening mechanism 120 located at the terminal point of
the juncture thereby preventing any slippage of the fabric from
this shape. This prevents the fabric from shifting to a position
over the mouth and from pinching the head/neck area as the infant
moves about.
[0049] In FIG. 3 the swaddle 100 is shown from the back. The top
area 101 is shown having the arm openings 108 and head/neck opening
106. The middle area 105 has the elastomeric sides 116 and the
bottom area 103 has the foot flap (see FIG. 2). The second panel
114 and namely the second panel upper surface 115 are visible. The
second panel 114 is a continuous panel of fabric to provide comfort
when an infant is laying on their back as there is no seams,
fastening mechanisms, or the like to press into the infant's skin
and cause discomfort.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the swaddle 100 is shown
from a side view. In FIG. 4 the view is taken from the left side
placing the first panel 112 on the left of the drawing and in FIG.
5 the view is taken from the right side placing the first panel 112
on the right side of the drawing. The first panel 112 and the
second panel 114 are shown coming together forming the swaddle 100.
At the terminal end, or bottom area 103, of the swaddle 100 there
is a foot flap opening 118. The foot flap opening 118 preferably is
sized to provide access to the infant without the need for removal
of the swaddle 100.
[0051] Each of the arm openings 108 are shown to be virtually
symmetrical and identical to one another. The arm openings 108 are
preferably rounded to conform to the infant's arms. The arm
openings 108 may have some elastic qualities to cling to dimensions
of the infant's arm. Additionally, the arm openings 108 may be
adjustable to provide increased or decreased amounts of tension on
the infant. The elastic sides 116 is preferably uniform as well in
order to provide an even amount of tension to each side of the
garment thereby properly securing the garment in place. The chest
flap fastening mechanisms 120 and the foot flap fastening mechanism
100 round out the design.
[0052] In FIGS. 6 and 7, there is a top view (FIG. 6) and a bottom
view (FIG. 7) of the swaddle 100. The foot flap fastening
mechanisms 110, foot flap opening 118, and first panel 112 and
second panel 114 are visible, as is the arm openings 108 and the
head/neck opening 106. Additionally, in FIG. 6 the shape of the
swaddle 100 is shown. From this "top-down" view, the elastic sides
116 is clearly visible as the swaddle 100 flares outwards to
accommodate the infant, namely the infant's hips. This shape of the
swaddle 100 helps to prevent injuries or cause afflictions related
to the restrictive nature of the material.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is a perspective view of the
swaddle 100 with the chest flap 102 opened exposing the first panel
lower surface 113 and hook and loop fastener 109 disposed thereon.
Visible are the elements named and described at least above in FIG.
1.
[0054] Further, the structure of the chest flap 102 is shown. The
chest flap 102 is essentially a split in the fabric of the first
panel 112 rather than making the first panel 112 a contiguous
piece. This makes the chest flap 102 ideal for increasing or
decreasing the pressure or accommodating the size of the
infant.
[0055] As shown, the chest flap 102 has a number of chest flap
fastening mechanisms 120. The arrangement of the chest flap
fastening mechanisms 120 may vary and may include chest flap
fastening mechanisms located in proximity to one another on the
first panel lower surface 113 of the chest flap 102. This enables
fixed fastening mechanisms such as snaps or buttons to be
incrementally tightened or loosened depending on one's needs.
Additionally, there is a hook and loop fastener 109 which comprises
a portion of the first panel lower surface 113 and the first panel
upper surface 111. On the first panel upper surface 111, there is
preferably a strip that can be used for adherence and on the
underside of the chest flap 102, or the first panel lower surface
113, there is a hook and loop fastener 109 covering the surface.
This, in turn, provides greater flexibility in adjustments rather
than the having individual strips of such a fastener.
[0056] In FIGS. 9 and 10, an infant 122 is shown positioned within
and wearing the swaddle 100. In each instance, the infant's
head/neck 126 is positioned and placed through the head/neck
opening 106. Additionally, the arms 124 are positioned and placed
through the arm openings 108. The chest flap 102 has been secured
via the chest flap fastening mechanisms 120 and potentially the
hook and loop fastener 109 (see FIG. 8). The elastomeric sides 116
are shown lightly constricting on the infant's body. In FIG. 9, the
foot flap 104 has been secured to the foot flap fastening
mechanisms 110, whereas in FIG. 10, the foot flap 104 is unsecured
tot eh foot flap fastening mechanism(s) 110. This can be used to
change the length of the swaddle 100 or to constrict the movements
of the infant 122. If the foot flap 104 is secured to the foot flap
fastening mechanisms 110, then access to the foot flap opening 118
may be obscured. As a result, the foot flap 104 may be unsecured
and then the foot flap opening 118 may be properly accessed.
[0057] The swaddle as described in FIGS. 1-10 can comprise a number
of materials including but not limited to woven or unwoven fabric,
cloth, terrycloth, woven or woven fibers of wool, flax, cotton,
and/or yarn, mineral textiles, and synthetic textile including but
not limited to nylon, polyester, and/or acrylic, or any
combinations thereof. Preferably, the materials selected provide a
natural compression on the infant's body as opposed to requiring
the swaddle 100 to be tightly wrapped around them. Materials
exhibiting compression properties may further be used for the
elastomeric sides 116 such as spandex and spandex in combination
with other fibers including those named above. This reduces the
chance for bodily injury from improper swaddling, as well as allows
the fabric to conform to the infant thereby reducing the amount of
fabric required. By limiting the amount of fabric, the likelihood
of material obstructing the infant's airways and chances of
overheating are greatly diminished.
[0058] Overall the dimensions of the swaddle 100 can vary with the
particular sizing for an infant but should range from about 38 cm
(15 inch) to about 76 cm (30 inch) in length to accommodate an
infant up to the age of about 4-5 months and about 9 kg (20 lbs.).
The foot flap 104 may have foot flap fastening mechanisms 110
variably positioned to change the overall length of the swaddle 100
by about 2.5 cm (1 inch) to about 13 cm (5 inch).
[0059] Although this invention has been described with a certain
degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present
disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that
numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of
parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *