AU2020101908A4

AU2020101908A4 - Sleep pouch for a mattress

Info

Publication number: AU2020101908A4
Application number: AU2020101908A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jay Cheng
Original assignee: Bubba Blue Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Bubba Blue Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-20
Filing date: 2020-08-20
Publication date: 2020-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-20

Abstract

There is disclosed a sleep pouch for a mattress. The sleep pouch comprises an upper cover portion and a lower cover portion attached to the upper cover portion so as to define an interior with an open end and a closed end. The open end is configured to receive a portion of the mattress into the interior such that the upper cover portion fittingly covers a length of the mattress. The sleep pouch further comprises an attachment mechanism configured to removably attach the closed end to the lower cover portion and thereby adjust the length of the mattress covered by the upper cover portion. The upper cover portion may also comprise a mesh portion adjacent the open end with multiple mesh layers for allowing airflow therethrough, thus reducing the risk of a baby or infant overheating when covered by the upper cover portion. 4/7 100 106 114 104 9 118b 118b -118b 120c - 0 s- --c10 120c 9 -118a l 118a 118a 120b---||| | 1(--31120b 11 116 108 Fig. 5 16b14 102 14a 100lo 110 102 112 108 120c 120b 120a Fig. 6

Description

4/7

100

106

114

104

9 118b 118b -118b

120c - 0 s- -- c10 120c 9 -118a l118a 118a 120b---||| | 1(--31120b

11 116

108

Fig. 5

16b14

102

14a 100lo

110 102 112 108

120c 120b 120a

Fig. 6

SLEEP POUCH FORAMATTRESS

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to asleep pouch for a mattress, such as an infant mattress.

Background

[0002] Traditional bedding, such as blankets, sheets and quilts are typically used in cots to keep babies or infants warm when sleeping on a mattress. Such bedding is generally designed large enough to cover the torso and legs of the baby or infant and also be tucked between the sides of the cot mattress and the cot and/or underneath the cot mattress. Firmly tucked bedding provides security and comfort to the baby as it simulates the gentle compression when in utero or swaddling.

[0003] Firmly tucked bedding can also assist with retaining the baby or infant in the 'feet-to foot' position, in which the feet of the baby or infant is at or adjacent an end of the cot, so as to prevent the baby or infant from moving under the bedding, which can cause suffocation.

[0004] Bedding that is not properly tucked into the cot can however pose significant risks to the baby. For example, loose bedding may be kicked-off by the baby, thus resulting in the baby waking up from the cold. Further, loose bedding can also place significant pressure on the baby and may also lead to entanglement, suffocation, strangulation and potentially even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Moreover, traditional bedding can also be space consuming due to their large size, making them cumbersome to pack during travel.

Object

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to substantially overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[0006] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sleep pouch for a mattress, the sleep pouch comprising: an upper cover portion; a lower cover portion attached to the upper cover portion so as to define an interior with an open end and a closed end, the open end being configured to receive a portion of the mattress into the interior such that the upper cover portion fittingly covers a length of the mattress; and an attachment mechanism configured to removably attach the closed end to the lower cover portion and thereby adjust the length of the mattress covered by the upper cover portion.

[0007] Attachment of the closed end to the lower cover portion may reduce the length of the mattress covered by the upper cover portion.

[0008] The upper cover portion may comprise a mesh portion adjacent the open end, the mesh portion may comprise: an upper cotton mesh layer; a lower cotton mesh layer; and a polyester three-dimensional spacer mesh disposed between the upper and lower cotton mesh layers, the spacer mesh comprising an upper mesh layer, a lower mesh layer and a monofilament core layer disposed between the upper and lower mesh layers.

[0009] The attachment mechanism may comprise hook and loop fasteners.

[0010] A transverse edge of the lower cover portion at the open end maybe elastic.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described hereinafter, byway of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a sleep pouch for a mattress;

[0013] Fig. 2 is atop perspective view of a mattress;

[0014] Fig. 3 is a side view of the sleep pouch of Fig. 1;

[0015] Fig. 4 is a top view of the sleep pouch of Fig. 1;

[0016] Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the sleep pouch of Fig. 1;

[0017] Fig. 6 is a top perspective view of the sleep pouch of Fig. 1 fitted to the mattress;

[0018] Fig. 7 is a top view of the of the sleep pouch of Fig. 1 fitted to the mattress, and with a baby or infant therebetween;

[0019] Figs 8(a) to 8(c) are side views of sleep pouch of Fig. 1 fitted to the mattress at various covered lengths;

[0020] Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a sleep pouch fitted to the mattress; and

[0021] Fig. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the sleep pouch of Fig. 9.

Description of Embodiments

[0022] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a sleep pouch 100 for a mattress 10. The mattress 10 is an infant mattress suitable for use in an infant bed, such as a cot or crib, used by babies, infants or young children. With reference to Fig. 2, the mattress 10 is generally rectangular in shape, with a top 12 on which a baby or infant would be placed, a bottom, two opposed sides 14a, 14b and opposed first and second ends 16a, 16b. The mattress 10 shown in Fig. 2 is of standard sizing with a width Wmof 69 cm, a length Lm of 130 cm and a height H of 10 cm. However, it will be appreciated that the sleep pouch 100 may be suitable for mattresses that are smaller or larger than the standard size.

[0023] Turning to Figs. 3 to 5, the sleep pouch 100 comprises an upper cover portion 102 and a lower cover portion 104. The lower cover portion 104 is attached, by stitching along multiple seams, to the upper cover portion 102 so as to define an interior with an open end

106 and a closed end 108. The open end 106 is configured to receive a portion of the mattress into the interior. In this embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, the sleep pouch 100 has a length L,of about 70 cm between the open and closed ends 106, 108.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 4, the upper cover portion 102 is in the form of a blanket having a mesh portion 110 and a quilted portion 112 attached to the mesh portion 110. The mesh portion 110 is adjacent the open end 106 and comprises an upper cotton mesh layer, a lower cotton mesh layer and a three-dimensional (3D) spacer mesh disposed between the upper and lower cotton mesh layers. The 3D spacer mesh is formed from a polyester material and comprises an upper spacer mesh layer, a lower spacer mesh layer, and a monofilament core layer disposed between the upper and lower spacer mesh layers. In this embodiment, a distance from the upper spacer mesh layer to the lower spacer mesh layer is approximately 5 mm. In other embodiments, the distance may be less than 5 mm. Each of the upper and lower spacer mesh layers is of an open weave knit construction having a plurality of spaced-apart pores. Each of the pores defines an area of approximately 6 mm 2 and may be of any suitable shape that allows airflow therethrough.

[0025] The upper and lower cotton mesh layers of the mesh portion 110 are the layers a baby or infant would be in contact with, in use. Each of the cotton mesh layers is formed from a combed cotton material and is of a weft knitted construction having a plurality of spaced apart pores. Each of the pores defines an area of approximately 0.5 mm 2 and may be of any suitable shape that allows airflow therethrough. In this embodiment, each of the pores is spaced at approximately 4 mm from an adjacent pore, however, it will be appreciated that the spacing between adjacent pores may be smaller or larger than 4 mm. Further, in this embodiment, the combed cotton material has a yam count of 40s, which provides a soft feel should a baby or infant touch or press against the mesh portion 110. In other embodiments, the combed cotton material may have a yarn count of 32s or any other yarn count that provides a similarly soft or softer feel. Preferably, the combed cotton material is of the type that is non-static and tear resistant.

[0026] Preferably still, the cotton material of the upper and lower cotton mesh layers is a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified material. The GOTS covers the processing, labelling, trading and distribution of all textiles made from at least 70% certified organic fibres. Under the GOTS, certified organic fibres must meet certain processing and manufacturing criteria. Key criteria for processing and manufacturing include, for example, that organic fibres are free from critical inputs such as toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nano particles, genetically modified organisms and their enzymes, and azo dyes that release carcinogenic amine compounds; the use of synthetic sizing agents is restricted; knitting and weaving oils must not contain heavy metals; raw materials, intermediates, final textile products as well as accessories must meet stringent limits regarding unwanted residues; and key conventions of the International Labour Organisation must be met by all processors and manufacturers.

[0027] The mesh portion 110 allows for airflow therethrough, making it breathable, thus reducing the risk of a baby or infant overheating when covered by the mesh portion 110.

[0028] The quilted portion 112 of the upper cover portion 102 is composed of multiple layers of fabrics. The fabrics may be the same fabric or may be different types of fabric. Fabric layers may be selected to provide the desired thermal characteristics, such as a desired Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) rating. For example, fabric layers having a higher TOG rating can be used for colder climes compared to fabric layers having a lower TOG rating, which would be more suited for warmer climes. The choice of fabric layers can be selected depending on the climate in which the sleep pouch 100 is to be used. In this embodiment, the quilted portion 112 comprises upper and lower cotton interlock layers and a cotton filling between the upper and lower layers. This results in a 2.5 TOG rating, which provides a baby or infant with a cosy feel when covered by the quilted portion 112. The cotton fill and cotton interlock layers also allow airflow therethrough, thus also reducing the risk of a baby or infant overheating when covered by the quilted portion 112.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 5, the lower cover portion 104 is in the form of a sheet made from cotton interlock. Cotton interlock has natural stretch properties which allows the lower cover portion 104 to be stretched in use. Further, the lower cover portion 104 has an elastic transverse edge 114 at the open end 106. In this embodiment, the elastic edge 114 of the lower cover portion 104 has a width of 2 cm.

[0030] The sleep pouch 100 also comprises an attachment mechanism in the form of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, stitched to the lower cover portion 104. In this embodiment as shown in Fig. 5, the hook and loop fasteners includes a row of three spaced- apart Velcro@ hooks 116 adjacent the closed end 108, a first row of three spaced-apart Velcro@ loops 118a and a second row of three spaced-apart Velcro@ loops 118b. In other embodiments, the hook and loop fasteners may include a row of spaced-apart Velcro@ loops adjacent the closed end, a first row of spaced-apart Velcro@ hooks and a second row of spaced-apart Velcro@ hooks.

[0031] The sleep pouch 100 further comprises a plurality of tabs 120a, 120b, 120c that are spaced at predetermined positions between the open end 106 and the closed end 108. Each tab 120a, 120b, 120c includes markings that guide a user when positioning the sleep pouch 100 relative to the mattress 10 during use. In this embodiment, the markings include age ranges of the baby or infant. The tabs 120c positioned furthest from the closed end 108 are marked with the lowest age range, for example "0-3 months", and the tabs 120a positioned adjacent the closed end 108 are marked with the highest age range, for example "6-12 months". It will be appreciated the markings may include any other indicator that guides a user when positioning the sleep pouch 100 relative to the mattress 10 during use.

[0032] In use, the open end 106 of the sleep pouch 100 receives a portion of the mattress 10 into the interior such that the upper cover portion 102 fittingly covers a length Le of the mattress 10. The elastic edge 114 of the lower cover portion 104 ensures that the upper cover portion 102 fits snugly over the top 12 and sides 14a, 14b of the covered portion of the mattress 10. It will be appreciated that the lower cover portion 104 may be stretched to widen the open end 106 so as to facilitate insertion. Fig. 6 shows the mattress 10 at full insertion such that the length Le of the mattress 10 covered by the upper cover portion 102 is at its maximum. In this position, the closed end 108 of the sleep pouch 100 is positioned adjacent the first end 16a of the mattress 10 and the length Le of the mattress 10 covered by the upper cover portion 102 is about 70 cm. A baby or infant can then be placed between the mattress and the upper cover portion 102 such that the torso and legs of the infant are covered, as shown in Fig. 7, and in the 'feet-to-foot' position. The elastic edge 114 of the lower cover portion 104 ensures that the upper cover portion 102 fits snugly over the baby or infant.

[0033] It may be desirable to reduce the length of the mattress 10 covered by the upper cover portion 102 for smaller babies or infants. To reduce the length Le of the mattress 10 covered by the upper cover portion 102, the closed end 108 of the sleep pouch 100 is withdrawn from the mattress 10, tucked under the mattress 10 and attached to the lower cover portion 104 by the hook and loop fasteners. In this regard, the row of Velcro@ hooks 116 are fastened to the first row of Velcro@ loops 118a or the second row of Velcro@ loops 118b to secure the closed end 108 to the lower cover portion 104. Attachment of the closed end 108 to the lower cover portion 104 ensures that the portion of the upper cover portion 102 that no longer covers the mattress 10 is secured under the mattress 10.

[0034] It will be appreciated that the length Le of the mattress 10 covered by the upper cover portion 102 may be adjusted based on the size of the baby or infant so as to achieve proper 'feet-to-foot' positioning. The tabs 120a, 120b, 120c may be used as a guide to indicate various covered lengths Le of the mattress 10 based on the age range of the baby or infant. In this regard, the closed end 108 may be withdrawn from the mattress 10 such that the tabs 120a, 120b, 120c corresponding to a desired age range are positioned adjacent the first end 16a of the mattress 10. Fig. 8 shows various predefined lengths Le of the mattress covered by the upper cover portion 102, in which (a) a 0-3 month old baby or infant corresponds to a length Le of 50 cm, (b) a 3-6 month old baby or infant corresponds to a length Le of 60 cm, and (c) a 6-12 month old baby or infant corresponds to a length Le of 70 cm.

[0035] Figs. 9 and 10 show another embodiment of asleep pouch 200. The sleep pouch 200 is substantially similar to the sleep pouch 100 of Fig. 1 and like features have been indicated with like reference numerals. However, in this embodiment, the hook and loop fasteners includes a longitudinally-extending Velcro@ loop strip 202 disposed on the lower cover portion 104 and a Velcro@ hook 204 disposed on the upper cover portion 102. The closed end 108 of the sleep pouch 200 may be attached to the lower cover portion 104 in a similar manner described above.

[0036] The above described embodiments have numerous advantages. The sleep pouches 100, 200 are easy to use and versatile as they can be used to cover various lengths of the mattress 10 depending on the size of the baby or infant and also fits to various mattress sizes. Further, the upper cover portion 102 fits snugly over the baby or infant and the mattress 10 to provide the baby or infant with a breathable cosy feel when covered by the upper cover portion 102 as well as to retain the baby or infant in the 'feet-to-foot' position, thus preventing the baby or infant from moving under the upper cover portion 102, which can cause suffocation. Further still, the attachment mechanism allows the closed end 108 to be attached to the lower cover portion 104, which ensures that the portion of the upper cover portion 102 that no longer covers the mattress 10 is secured under the mattress 10, leaving no loose portions of the sleep pouches 100, 200, thus reducing the risk of entanglement, suffocation, strangulation and SIDS associated with loose bedding. Moreover, the sleep pouches 100, 200 are portable and compact, making them easy to pack during travel.

[0037] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A sleep pouch for a mattress, the sleep pouch comprising: an upper cover portion; a lower cover portion attached to the upper cover portion so as to define an interior with an open end and a closed end, the open end being configured to receive a portion of the mattress into the interior such that the upper cover portion fittingly covers a length of the mattress; and an attachment mechanism configured to removably attach the closed end to the lower cover portion and thereby adjust the length of the mattress covered by the upper cover portion.

2. The sleep pouch of claim 1, wherein attachment of the closed end to the lower cover portion reduces the length of the mattress covered by the upper cover portion.

3. The sleep pouch of claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper cover portion comprises a mesh portion adjacent the open end, the mesh portion comprising: an upper cotton mesh layer; a lower cotton mesh layer; and a polyester three-dimensional spacer mesh disposed between the upper and lower cotton mesh layers, the spacer mesh comprising an upper mesh layer, a lower mesh layer and a monofilament core layer disposed between the upper and lower mesh layers.

4. The sleep pouch of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises hook and loop fasteners.

5. The sleep pouch of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a transverse edge of the lower cover portion at the open end is elastic.