AU741953B3 - Baby sleep safety apparatus - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PETTY PATENT Invention Title: BABY SLEEP SAFETY APPARATUS Name of Applicant: JOHN MAURICE HANNA The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 2 INFANT SLEEPING APPARATUS The present invention relates to infant sleeping apparatus for use with a cot, bassinette or the like. The apparatus has been primarily developed for babies, especially as a prevention mechanism for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and will be described primarily in this context. However, the apparatus can be used with infants of various ages, and may even be modified for use with adults who have sleeping disorders etc.

Background Art Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), more commonly known as "cot death" was originally defined in 1969. The syndrome concerns the sudden death of an infant or child, usually during sleep in a cot.

There has been much research into the cause of SIDS.

For example, it is known that when a baby sleeps on its stomach this increases the risk of SIDS, and that the best position for babies to sleep is on their backs. Also, if a baby's head becomes covered during sleep, the risk of SIDS is increased.

Summary of the Present Invention In a first aspect the present invention provides infant sleeping apparatus for use with a cot, bassinette or the like, the apparatus including: a generally planar support portion for supporting the infant in use; connecting means extending laterally out from and for connecting the support portion to the cot, bassinette or the like to suspend the support portion above a base of the cot, bassinette or the like.

Such an arrangement allows for the circulation of air under the infant, and increased circulation means that the incidence of infant suffocation (and thus SIDS) is likely 39861 3 to be reduced. When the term "infant" is used in this specification, it includes very young babies through to children of various ages. Also, by employing a generally planar support portion and laterally extending connecting means, the apparatus can be rapidly erected and positioned within various cot and bassinette types.

Preferably the support portion includes a headrest for supporting the infant's head in use. The headrest can be in the form of a pillow. Most preferably, the headrest is pervious to airflow therethrough, thus even if the infant rolls over onto their stomach in use, they may still breath through the headrest and not be suffocated thereby.

Usually the headrest protrudes above the planar support portion, but may optionally also protrude below the support portion, so that the apparatus can be inverted if it becomes soiled or dirtied during the night).

Typically the headrest is internally padded with a porous support media to provide for infant head comfort.

The headrest may also be located at both ends of the support portion, to provide for maximum flexibility of use of the apparatus.

Preferably the support portion is adapted for having a detachable cover section connected thereto, with the cover section typically being connected along one end of the support portion to be displaced therearound such as in a loose hinging type arrangement). The cover section connection to the support portion edge at this end can be of a detachable type using a zipper, a hook and loop fastening system (Velcro"), buttons or press studs, ties etc), and preferably the cover section can be moved between infant uncovered and infant covered positions.

Alternatively the cover section can be a fixed, integral part of the support portion and permanently in the infant covered position.

Typically in the infant covered position, the cover 39861 4 section can be (or is) connected to the support portion along lateral edges thereof. Thus, the cover section can provide a restraint to infant roll over when in the covered position.

Preferably the connecting means is a plurality of tapes and/or loops extending laterally out from side edges around the periphery of the support portion. Preferably the tapes or loops are connectable to brackets or permanent tapes mounted on the cot, bassinette or the like, to make for easy attachment and detachment of the apparatus. The tapes or loops may also extend under the support portion to provide for maximum infant support in use.

In a second aspect the present invention provides infant sleeping apparatus for use with a cot, bassinette or the like, the apparatus including: a support portion for supporting the infant in use; a headrest section located in the support portion and pervious to airflow in use; and connecting means for connecting the support portion to the cot, bassinette or the like to suspend the support portion above a base of the cot, bassinette or the like.

Typically the support portion, headrest and connecting means are as defined for the first aspect.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for supporting an infant in a cot, bassinette or the like, including the steps of: suspending the infant on a support above a base of the cot, bassinette or the like; providing for airflow across the support adjacent to the head of the infant when lying on the support.

Typically this method makes use of the apparatus of the first and second aspects as defined above.

39861 5 Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a first infant sleeping apparatus embodiment in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional side elevation through the apparatus of Figure 1 taken on the line 2-2; Figure 3 shows a plan elevation of a second infant sleeping apparatus embodiment in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional side elevation through the apparatus of Figure 3 taken on the line 4-4.

Modes for Carrying out the Invention Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, an infant sleeping apparatus is shown in the form of a sleeper device 10. The sleeper device includes a support portion in the form of generally planar base 12, with connecting means in the form of tapes 14 and loops 16 projecting laterally out from the base 12.

Incorporated within the base 12 is a headrest in the form of a head support section (or pillow) 18. The head support 18 is shown in greater detail in Figure 2. The head support has protruding dome portions 20 (ie which protrude upwardly and downwardly from the base 12 in use).

The cover material of the head support is typically perforated or pervious to airflow thereacross. Also, padding is provided within the dome portions 20 that is also porous or pervious to airflow therethrough.

The base further includes an infant body support section 22, which is padded and typically has a low or negligible diffusion capacity for airflow thereacross (ie to insulate the infant's body, and to catch body exudate 39861 6 etc).

Attached to (and/or detachable from) the base at support section 22 is a cover section in the form of infant overlay cover 24. The cover 24 is attached to an end edge 25 of base 12, typically via a fastening mechanism 26, such as a zipper, hook and loop fastening system (Velcro

M

press studs, buttons, ties etc.

Alternatively the cover section can be made integral with the base permanently attached thereto).

The cover 24 can be generally pivoted around end and fastening 26, from a non-covering position (ie as shown in Figure 1) to an infant covering position (not shown). When in the infant covering position, the cover overlays body support section 22 to cover an infant's body when lying thereon. Different overlay covers can be attached to base 12 for different seasons. When the cover section is integral with base 12, it is typically of a thinner, sheet-like configuration for summer use) and additional covering elements can be attached thereto as the seasons change.

For example, a quilt or doona type overlay cover can be employed in winter, a slightly thinner cover can be employed in autumn and spring, and a thin sheet type cover can be employed in summer. Interchanging of covers is readily facilitated by the fastening mechanism 26.

The overlay (or underlay) cover also has a plurality of laterally extending connection tapes 28. In the infant covering position, the tapes can be threaded through corresponding slots 30 defined in the base 12, adjacent the body support section 22. The tapes 28 can be threaded though these slots and then attached to the underside of the body support section (eg using a hook and loop fastening system such as Velcro

TM

press studs, etc).

Velcro M is most preferred because of its ease of adjustability (eg the engaged length of tapes 28 can be rapidly adjusted). The tapes can also extend completely under the body support section 22 to provide additional 39861 7 support under the infant's body in use.

Also, when additional covering elements are employed, these can be provided with slots at their side edges which align with slots 30 when the elements are e.g. positioned under cover 24. The tapes 28 can thus also be threaded through those slots to attach the additional cover elements to the device In accordance with the present invention, the tapes can also be pulled as tightly as appropriate, so that the overlay cover acts as a type of restraint on the infant (ie to prevent infant roll over). Thus, the infant can be laid on the base on their back, the overlay cover laid over the infant, the tapes threaded through their respective slots, and then pulled down as tightly as appropriate to restrain the infant in that position, but without compromising the infant's comfort or safety.

The head support section 18, immediately adjacent to the body support section 22, also ensures that the infant's head is adjacent to a region of high airflow, ensuring that the infant does not suffocate or experience breathing difficulty.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, it will be noted that the base 12 in this embodiment has rounded ends. It will also be noted that extra tapes 14 are provided, and those tapes may have loop 16 (not shown) located at the ends thereof for connecting with appropriate fittings or fastenings mounted on the cot upright etc. It will also be seen how intermediate tapes 14' extend completely under the body support section 22, to enhance infant body support in use.

In this embodiment, the head support section 18 is in the form of a round pillow, and also head support sections are provided at each end of the base. Thus, the infant can sleep at either end of the sleeper device as appropriate or two infants can be located on the one sleeper device.

39861 8 The overlay cover is not shown in Figures 3 and 4, but can be readily attached thereto (eg using the tapes 14', or appropriate slots formed in those tapes or in the base etc).

The use and function of the sleeper device of Figures 3 and 4 is in all other respects the same as that in Figures 1 and 2.

In use, the sleeper device is generally suspended or slung from the ends, sides and corners of a standard cot, bassinette, etc. The device allows the passage of air thereunder, thereby allowing air to circulate around the sleeping infant. The ventilated head support section ensures that the infant receives maximum airflow whilst its head is still fully supported.

The overlay cover system allows for infant positional containment and appropriate immobilisation. The body support section is typically padded and of low air diffusion capability, to maintain the infant's warmth and to prevent air draughts around the infant's body.

As an additional improvement, the sleeper device can be provided with integral pockets mounted at the body support section and into which the infant's feet can be received to further prevent the infant from rolling over, and to ameliorate the tendency for the infant to slide in the device.

The fittings or fastenings on the cot, bassinette, etc can be left permanently in place so that the device can simply be detached therefrom for washing, replacement, etc. Also, the tapes 14 or loops 16 can be adjustable in length, but set at an optimum length for the particular cot or other support system in which the device is used.

Typically low allergenic, natural materials are used in the construction of the device, such as cotton, with the head support section being formed from a cotton gauze, having a natural padding material of high porosity located therein.

The fixing of the overlay cover to the device also 39861 9 ensures that the infant cannot smother itself with loose coverings, potentially leading to suffocation, etc.

Also, the padding material in the head support section can be interchangeable (eg accessible by appropriate openings, and may be impregnated with suitable herbs or remedial or medical oils or substances, such as eucalyptus oil, lavender, etc to assist with infant breathing, sleeping, etc.) The entire device 10 (or various components thereof) can be manufactured to be of a disposable type, to thus enable its ready disposal and replacement in case of soiling, damage, contamination, etc.

A number of advantages are apparent with the preferred sleeping device as described above. These include: The suspension of the infant away from traditional cot mattresses and pillows (where present cot deaths occur).

With such suspension, the increase in the circulation of air around the infant.

A ventilated head support section, which maximises the amount of air available to the infant, and prevents the infant from burying his/her face in the pillow and suffocating or severely restricting breathing.

The capacity to have natural medicaments and oils impregnated or located in the head support section to assist with infant breathing, sleeping, sleep apnoea and other sleep disorders.

The restraint of the infant on the sleeping device, to prevent its rolling over, thus increasing its risk of

SIDS.

The ready interchanging of different overlay covers for different seasons, and the adjustability of such a cover to improve infant restraint capabilities.

Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.

39861

Claims (3)

1. A disposable infant sleeping apparatus for use with a cot, bassinette or the like, the apparatus including: an integral,generally planar support portion including a body portion and leg portion, said body portion having a head portion which has a window or aperture wherein said window or aperture has a covering thereon formed from an air permeable material, said body and leg portion being formed from a single sheet formed from a material which is not permeable to air and in use, said planar support portion support(s)the infant, said planar support portion having a fold over cover which has integral straps that enter conforming slots in the base of the body of the planar support to tie off and to hold the infant from turning or slipping under the cover, said generally planar support portion adapted to be removably attached to the cot bassinette or the like to suspend the support portion above the base or mattress of the cot, bassinette or the like by a plurality of attachment means, said attachment means includes a plurality of adjustable straps extend laterally out from said planar support portion or from the cot, bassinette or the like, said adjustable straps comprises a plurality of tapes and/or loops which are connectable to brackets or permanent tapes mounted on the cot, bassinette or the like for easy attachment and detachment of the apparatus. said generally planar support formed from a disposable material. -11-

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said generally planar support portion includes a headrest for supporting the infant's head in use, the headrest being pervious to airflow and using materials which may be treated with a variety of inhalants that will facilitate ease of infant breathing therethrough and which protrudes above the generally planar support portion.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein said generally planar support portion includes a series of separate thermally graded under cover disposable blankets also formed with corresponding slots will be used during the cooler seasons and which will be held in place by said integral straps of fold over cover which pass through slots in the base of the planar support portion. Dated this 28 th day of August 2001 JOHN MAURICE HANNA