CA2204070C - Infant support apparatus - Google Patents
Infant support apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2204070C CA2204070C CA 2204070 CA2204070A CA2204070C CA 2204070 C CA2204070 C CA 2204070C CA 2204070 CA2204070 CA 2204070 CA 2204070 A CA2204070 A CA 2204070A CA 2204070 C CA2204070 C CA 2204070C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- infant
- support
- support apparatus
- pillow
- sleeping
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47D—FURNITURE SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
- A47D15/00—Accessories for children's furniture, e.g. safety belts
- A47D15/005—Restraining devices, e.g. safety belts, contoured cushions or side bumpers
- A47D15/008—Restraining devices, e.g. safety belts, contoured cushions or side bumpers in beds, play-pens or cradles
Abstract
A support apparatus for maintaining an infant on its side while sleeping is attachable to the vertical bars of a crib.
The support apparatus includes a back support having a base for maintaining the back support flat on a sleeping surface and a support surface for maintaining an infant securely on its side while sleeping. The support apparatus also includes attachment means for attaching the back support to the vertical bars of a crib, belts for securing an infant to the support surface, and pillow fastening means for allowing the attachment of a pillow alongside the support surface so that the infant can rest its head and support its neck while sleeping. Preferably, the back support and pillow are made of foam and fitted with removable covers.
The support apparatus includes a back support having a base for maintaining the back support flat on a sleeping surface and a support surface for maintaining an infant securely on its side while sleeping. The support apparatus also includes attachment means for attaching the back support to the vertical bars of a crib, belts for securing an infant to the support surface, and pillow fastening means for allowing the attachment of a pillow alongside the support surface so that the infant can rest its head and support its neck while sleeping. Preferably, the back support and pillow are made of foam and fitted with removable covers.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an infant support apparatus, and more particularly to a support apparatus for maintaining an infant on its side while sleeping.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sudden infant death syndrome or "SIDS" refers to a fatal condition caused by an infant moving onto its stomach while sleeping. On its stomach, it is not possible for the infant to regulate its body temperature properly. As a result, the infant can not maintain respiratory control and suffocation often occurs.
It is common for parents to wrap their infants tightly in a cloth, or "swaddle" the infant, so that the infant does not have free mobility of their arms and legs in order to move around while sleeping. It is also common to place a pillow or rolled up towel behind the back of the infant to prop it on its side to restrict its movement further. This technique may be uncomfortable for the infant. There is also the concern that if the infant becomes unwrapped in this position, the presence of a loose swaddling cloth, pillow and/or rolled towel within the crib may provide additional means for the infant to move to a position, on its stomach or otherwise, where the chances of suffocation are increased.
There is also available a device to maintain an infant on its side while sleeping which wedges the infant between two foam triangles. The larger triangle rests by the back of the infant, extending from about the base of the skull to the tailbone, and the smaller triangle rests by the front of the infant, extending from the chest to the belly. The triangles are joined by a strap which rests underneath the infant. The infant is wedged between the triangles so that the triangles serve as physical barriers to movement of the infant onto its stomach or back. The device, while allowing for free movement of the infant's arms and legs while sleeping, is somewhat uncomfortable for the infant, and becomes more uncomfortable as the infant grows and the sleeping space becomes more restrictive. In addition, as this device is not secured within the sleeping area, the danger of providing loose obj ects within the sleeping area remains.
Thus, a device, not itself dangerous to the infant, that would keep the infant on its side while sleeping while allowing the infant the comfort of free arm and leg movement would be desirable.
The present invention relates to an infant support apparatus, and more particularly to a support apparatus for maintaining an infant on its side while sleeping.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sudden infant death syndrome or "SIDS" refers to a fatal condition caused by an infant moving onto its stomach while sleeping. On its stomach, it is not possible for the infant to regulate its body temperature properly. As a result, the infant can not maintain respiratory control and suffocation often occurs.
It is common for parents to wrap their infants tightly in a cloth, or "swaddle" the infant, so that the infant does not have free mobility of their arms and legs in order to move around while sleeping. It is also common to place a pillow or rolled up towel behind the back of the infant to prop it on its side to restrict its movement further. This technique may be uncomfortable for the infant. There is also the concern that if the infant becomes unwrapped in this position, the presence of a loose swaddling cloth, pillow and/or rolled towel within the crib may provide additional means for the infant to move to a position, on its stomach or otherwise, where the chances of suffocation are increased.
There is also available a device to maintain an infant on its side while sleeping which wedges the infant between two foam triangles. The larger triangle rests by the back of the infant, extending from about the base of the skull to the tailbone, and the smaller triangle rests by the front of the infant, extending from the chest to the belly. The triangles are joined by a strap which rests underneath the infant. The infant is wedged between the triangles so that the triangles serve as physical barriers to movement of the infant onto its stomach or back. The device, while allowing for free movement of the infant's arms and legs while sleeping, is somewhat uncomfortable for the infant, and becomes more uncomfortable as the infant grows and the sleeping space becomes more restrictive. In addition, as this device is not secured within the sleeping area, the danger of providing loose obj ects within the sleeping area remains.
Thus, a device, not itself dangerous to the infant, that would keep the infant on its side while sleeping while allowing the infant the comfort of free arm and leg movement would be desirable.
" CA 02204070 2005-O1-04 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide an inherently safe support apparatus to maintain an infant on its side while sleeping.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a support apparatus which supports the infant's neck while sleeping. This apparatus will also ensure that the infant will breathe properly and comfortably, and will prevent it from choking on its vomit when sleeping (when vomit occurs).
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a support apparatus for the infant which removes the danger of loose objects in the sleeping area.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an infant support apparatus for maintaining an infant on its side when lying on a sleeping surface, the apparatus comprising: a back support for supporting the back of an infant, the back support comprising a base and an upwardly extending support surface; attachment means for securing the back support to a sleeping surface; at least one infant belt for securing an infant to the back support; and at least one crib belt for securing the back support to a crib having vertically oriented side bars.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an infant support apparatus for maintaining an infant on its side when lying on a sleeping surface, the apparatus comprising: a back support for supporting the back of an infant, the back support comprising a rectangular parallelepiped constructed of foam and having a first long vertical surface for attachment to a crib having vertically oriented side bars, a second long vertical surface for supportably receiving the back of an infant, and a flat horizontal base; at least one first belt for securing the back support to vertically oriented side bars; and at least one second belt for securing an infant to the second long vertical side.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the base of the back support is fastened to a pillow so that the infant's neck can be supported while sleeping, without the worry that the pillow may become a dangerous loose object in the sleeping area.
The support apparatus disclosed and claimed herein has several advantages: it maintains an infant securely on its side while sleeping by providing a back support to which the infant can be secured; it supports the infant's neck while sleeping through the use of a pillow which can be placed under the infant's head; and it removes loose objects from the sleeping area by fastening the back support to the crib and fastening the pillow to the back support.
The object of the present invention is to provide an inherently safe support apparatus to maintain an infant on its side while sleeping.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a support apparatus which supports the infant's neck while sleeping. This apparatus will also ensure that the infant will breathe properly and comfortably, and will prevent it from choking on its vomit when sleeping (when vomit occurs).
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a support apparatus for the infant which removes the danger of loose objects in the sleeping area.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an infant support apparatus for maintaining an infant on its side when lying on a sleeping surface, the apparatus comprising: a back support for supporting the back of an infant, the back support comprising a base and an upwardly extending support surface; attachment means for securing the back support to a sleeping surface; at least one infant belt for securing an infant to the back support; and at least one crib belt for securing the back support to a crib having vertically oriented side bars.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an infant support apparatus for maintaining an infant on its side when lying on a sleeping surface, the apparatus comprising: a back support for supporting the back of an infant, the back support comprising a rectangular parallelepiped constructed of foam and having a first long vertical surface for attachment to a crib having vertically oriented side bars, a second long vertical surface for supportably receiving the back of an infant, and a flat horizontal base; at least one first belt for securing the back support to vertically oriented side bars; and at least one second belt for securing an infant to the second long vertical side.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the base of the back support is fastened to a pillow so that the infant's neck can be supported while sleeping, without the worry that the pillow may become a dangerous loose object in the sleeping area.
The support apparatus disclosed and claimed herein has several advantages: it maintains an infant securely on its side while sleeping by providing a back support to which the infant can be secured; it supports the infant's neck while sleeping through the use of a pillow which can be placed under the infant's head; and it removes loose objects from the sleeping area by fastening the back support to the crib and fastening the pillow to the back support.
Other advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawing and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figure 1, a support apparatus 1 includes a back support 5, a crib belt 10 and two infant belts 15. The back support 5 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.
The back support 5 has a rectangular support surface 20, a rectangular back surface 25, a rectangular top surface 30, a rectangular base surface 35, and two square rectangular ends 40. The base surface 35 is a flat, horizontal surface that allows the back support 5 to be placed flat on a sleeping surface (not shown), such as a crib mattress. The support surface 20 extends vertically upward from the base surface 35 providing a flat, rectangular surface to support the back of an infant. The support surface 20 is perpendicular to the sleeping surface. The top surface 30 is horizontal and extends posteriorly from the support surface 20 to the back surface 25.
The back surface 25 extends vertically downward from the top surface 30, sharing its bottom edge with the base surface 35.
The square rectangular ends 40 extend vertically downward from the top surface 30 to the base surface 35.
The back support 5 is made of foam, and is fitted with a removable cover 45 which is made of fabric, plastic, nylon, or other suitable material. The cover 45 can be removed from the back support 5 by way of a slit 60. The location of the slit is not important. The cover 45 is maintained on the back support 5 by at least one fastening strap 65, which may have a hook and loop fastener such as VELCROT"', or some other fastening means.
Attached to the back surface 25 is the crib belt 10 which can be wrapped around the vertically extending bars of the crib (not shown) so that the back support 5 can be secured to the crib. The back surface 25 is also fitted with the two infant belts 15. One end of each infant belt 15 can be pulled over the top surface 3 0 and around the support surf ace 2 0 , and the other end of each infant belt 15 can be pulled underneath the base surface 35 and around the support surface 20, so that the back of the infant can be secured against the support surface 20.
A pillow 85 can be placed beside one end of the support surface 20 to provide a flat surface for the infant to rest its head and to support its neck. The pillow 85 includes a base 90 that is fastened to the base surface 35 by a fastening strap 95, which may have a hook and loop fastener such as VELCRO", or some other fastening means. Fastening the pillow 85 to the back support 5 removes the danger of loose articles in the sleeping area.
The pillow 85 is made of foam and fitted with at least one removable cover which is made of fabric, plastic, nylon, or other suitable materials. The covers) can be removed from the back support 5.
In operation, the back support 5 is placed on the sleeping surface so that it lies flat on the base surface 35 and so that it lies lengthwise alongside the side of the crib. The crib belt 10 which is attached to the back surface 25 can then be wrapped around the vertically extending bars of the crib, fastening the back support 5 to the crib by a hook and loop fastener 120. Other attaching means can also be used to secure the back support 5 to the crib.
The infant can be placed on its side on the sleeping surface with its back resting up against the support surface 20. One end of each infant belt 15 can then be pulled over the top surface 30 and around the infant on the support surface 20, and the other end of each infant belt 15 can be pulled underneath the base surface 35 and around the support surface 20, so that the two ends of each infant belt 15 can be fastened around the infant by at least one hook and loop fastener 100 so that the infant is secured to the support surface 20 and so that the infant is maintained on its side while sleeping. The ends of the infant belts 15 can be adjusted to the size of the infant.
The infant' s neck can be supported by the pillow 85 placed on the sleeping surface, alongside one end of the support surface 20 and under the head of the infant. The base of the pillow 85 is fastened to the base surface 35 with the fastening strap 95 so that there are no loose articles within the sleeping area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figure 1, a support apparatus 1 includes a back support 5, a crib belt 10 and two infant belts 15. The back support 5 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.
The back support 5 has a rectangular support surface 20, a rectangular back surface 25, a rectangular top surface 30, a rectangular base surface 35, and two square rectangular ends 40. The base surface 35 is a flat, horizontal surface that allows the back support 5 to be placed flat on a sleeping surface (not shown), such as a crib mattress. The support surface 20 extends vertically upward from the base surface 35 providing a flat, rectangular surface to support the back of an infant. The support surface 20 is perpendicular to the sleeping surface. The top surface 30 is horizontal and extends posteriorly from the support surface 20 to the back surface 25.
The back surface 25 extends vertically downward from the top surface 30, sharing its bottom edge with the base surface 35.
The square rectangular ends 40 extend vertically downward from the top surface 30 to the base surface 35.
The back support 5 is made of foam, and is fitted with a removable cover 45 which is made of fabric, plastic, nylon, or other suitable material. The cover 45 can be removed from the back support 5 by way of a slit 60. The location of the slit is not important. The cover 45 is maintained on the back support 5 by at least one fastening strap 65, which may have a hook and loop fastener such as VELCROT"', or some other fastening means.
Attached to the back surface 25 is the crib belt 10 which can be wrapped around the vertically extending bars of the crib (not shown) so that the back support 5 can be secured to the crib. The back surface 25 is also fitted with the two infant belts 15. One end of each infant belt 15 can be pulled over the top surface 3 0 and around the support surf ace 2 0 , and the other end of each infant belt 15 can be pulled underneath the base surface 35 and around the support surface 20, so that the back of the infant can be secured against the support surface 20.
A pillow 85 can be placed beside one end of the support surface 20 to provide a flat surface for the infant to rest its head and to support its neck. The pillow 85 includes a base 90 that is fastened to the base surface 35 by a fastening strap 95, which may have a hook and loop fastener such as VELCRO", or some other fastening means. Fastening the pillow 85 to the back support 5 removes the danger of loose articles in the sleeping area.
The pillow 85 is made of foam and fitted with at least one removable cover which is made of fabric, plastic, nylon, or other suitable materials. The covers) can be removed from the back support 5.
In operation, the back support 5 is placed on the sleeping surface so that it lies flat on the base surface 35 and so that it lies lengthwise alongside the side of the crib. The crib belt 10 which is attached to the back surface 25 can then be wrapped around the vertically extending bars of the crib, fastening the back support 5 to the crib by a hook and loop fastener 120. Other attaching means can also be used to secure the back support 5 to the crib.
The infant can be placed on its side on the sleeping surface with its back resting up against the support surface 20. One end of each infant belt 15 can then be pulled over the top surface 30 and around the infant on the support surface 20, and the other end of each infant belt 15 can be pulled underneath the base surface 35 and around the support surface 20, so that the two ends of each infant belt 15 can be fastened around the infant by at least one hook and loop fastener 100 so that the infant is secured to the support surface 20 and so that the infant is maintained on its side while sleeping. The ends of the infant belts 15 can be adjusted to the size of the infant.
The infant' s neck can be supported by the pillow 85 placed on the sleeping surface, alongside one end of the support surface 20 and under the head of the infant. The base of the pillow 85 is fastened to the base surface 35 with the fastening strap 95 so that there are no loose articles within the sleeping area.
Claims (23)
1. An infant support apparatus for maintaining an infant on its side when lying on a sleeping surface, the apparatus comprising:
a back support for supporting the back of an infant, the back support comprising a base and an upwardly extending support surface;
attachment means for securing the back support to a sleeping surface;
at least one infant belt for securing an infant to the back support; and at least one crib belt for securing the back support to a crib having vertically oriented side bars.
a back support for supporting the back of an infant, the back support comprising a base and an upwardly extending support surface;
attachment means for securing the back support to a sleeping surface;
at least one infant belt for securing an infant to the back support; and at least one crib belt for securing the back support to a crib having vertically oriented side bars.
2. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the base is substantially flat.
3. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein the base is substantially horizontal.
4. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the support surface is substantially flat.
5. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein the support surface is substantially vertical.
6. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the back support is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.
7. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein the back support is constructed of foam.
8. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 7,
9 wherein the back support is fitted with a removable cover.
9. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein there are two infant belts.
9. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein there are two infant belts.
10. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one crib belt is adjustable.
11. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein there are two adjustable crib belts.
12. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the infant belt is an adjustable belt that can be fitted around the infant such that the back of the infant is secured against the back support.
13. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the base is fastened to a pillow.
14. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein the pillow is made of foam.
15. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein the pillow is fitted with at least one removable cover.
16. An infant support apparatus for maintaining an infant on its side when lying on a sleeping surface, the apparatus comprising:
a back support for supporting the back of an infant, the back support comprising a rectangular parallelepiped constructed of foam and having a first long vertical surface for attachment to a crib having vertically oriented side bars, a second long vertical surface for supportably receiving the back of an infant, and a flat horizontal base;
at least one first belt for securing the back support to vertically oriented side bars; and at least one second belt for securing an infant to the second long vertical side.
a back support for supporting the back of an infant, the back support comprising a rectangular parallelepiped constructed of foam and having a first long vertical surface for attachment to a crib having vertically oriented side bars, a second long vertical surface for supportably receiving the back of an infant, and a flat horizontal base;
at least one first belt for securing the back support to vertically oriented side bars; and at least one second belt for securing an infant to the second long vertical side.
17. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein the first and second belts secure by adjustable fasteners.
18. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein the back support is fitted with a removable cover.
19. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein the base is fastened to a pillow.
20. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein the pillow is made of foam.
21. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 20, wherein the pillow is fitted with at least one removable cover.
22. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein there are two first belts.
23. An infant support apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein there are two second belts.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2204070 CA2204070C (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-04-30 | Infant support apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2204070 CA2204070C (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-04-30 | Infant support apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2204070A1 CA2204070A1 (en) | 1998-10-30 |
| CA2204070C true CA2204070C (en) | 2005-11-08 |
Family
ID=29274801
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2204070 Expired - Fee Related CA2204070C (en) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-04-30 | Infant support apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2204070C (en) |
-
1997
- 1997-04-30 CA CA 2204070 patent/CA2204070C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2204070A1 (en) | 1998-10-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |