EP2615934B1

EP2615934B1 - Wearable article for support of a baby

Info

Publication number: EP2615934B1
Application number: EP11824273.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Chiara Maria Mazzanti
Original assignee: Doc & Doc Ltd
Current assignee: Doc & Doc LLC
Priority date: 2010-09-17
Filing date: 2011-09-19
Publication date: 2016-04-13
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-19
Also published as: ITPI20100022U1; EP2615934A1; US20160143371A1; EP2615934B8; WO2012076996A1; ES2582317T3

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an article that can be worn on a user's arm, for supporting a baby for lulling/breast-feeding purposes in contact with a comfortable surface.

Description of the prior art

Various types of wearable articles are known, such as sleeves or cushions, for holding a baby and preventing a direct contact with the garments or the skin of whom holds the baby. In particular, these articles make more comfortable the rest of the head of the baby. Articles of this kind are described, for example, in US20070203443 US4393520 , US5159727 , US5239717 , US5440769 , US6381786 , US6918148 , US7131156 , US20060179574 .
In particular, in US2006/0179574 a wearable pillow to is described with tubular shape and end having narrowed ends, for example by buttons or zip-fasteners. The tubular pillow can provide a fixed cross section or a tapered shape. In addition, an end can be extendable, substantially like an accordion, in order to adapt to the different conformations of the person who wears it. Furthermore, it provides a pocket near an end, that is adapted to hold a dummy, and a ring ribbon for a bib or handkerchief.
In US7131156 , another type of wearable pillow is described which is also of tubular shape, with rubber bands arranged respectively at the wrist and forearm. In particular, the pillow provides an inner padding that extends for all the length, in addition to a cloth that can be extracted to provide a support surface for the baby. More precisely, the cloth may have different functions. Firstly, when the pillow is not worn by the user, the cloth can form a support surface on which to lay the baby, for example, for changing the diaper, or to let the baby rest, etc. On the other hand, when the pillow is worn by the user the cloth can be used as covering when breast feeding the baby.
In US2007/0203443 , another wearable pillow is described that has an elongated length that extends beyond the wrist of the user, covering in part the hand of the same.
The above described types of wearable cushions have some drawbacks. Firstly, such cushions are uncomfortable to carry and relatively bulky. In fact, if transported in a common bag, they take a considerable space. On the other hand, when carrying them in a bag, they unavoidably contact other objects, which can dirty the surface where the head of the baby will rest.
In addition, padded cushions are difficult to wear and do not permit perspiration. In fact, they cause an excessive increase of the temperature and then cause sweating to the user's skin.
Another wearable pillow is disclosed in US5159727 . It is mounted on a bed sheet, which provides two longitudinal Velcro® strips which can be connected to make a sleeve. This way, the sleeve can be worn on the forearm for holding the head of a baby. However, a bed sheet is not adapted to form a sleeve that can be worn bridging the elbow, and then it has a limited applicability.
Furthermore, as above said, wearable cushions have a padding that makes them bulky, and then uncomfortable to carry in a bag of a normal size. Even providing, as described in US4393520 , a central folding line to assist bending at the height of the elbow, they have a considerable encumbrance and cannot be folded book-like into a flat configuration.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a wearable article for supporting a baby that is practical and comfortable to carry and is not cumbersome.
It is another feature of the present invention to provide a wearable article for supporting a baby that allows perspiration, is hygienic and at the same time comfortable for the baby.
It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a wearable article for supporting a baby, which is easy to wear and maintains a steady arrangement once worn.
It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a wearable article for supporting a baby that is easy and not expensive to make and is aesthetically valuable to wear.
These and other objects are achieved through a wearable article, for supporting a baby for lulling/breast-feeding purposes, comprising:

a flexible sleeve with elongated shape having a first and a second open ends, opposite to each other, which define a channel for introduction of a user's arm, said first and second open ends having a diameter that is configured to fit said user's arm at opposite sides with respect to the user's elbow, said sleeve defining an inner surface that touches said user's arm and an outer surface on which a baby can rest,
wherein said sleeve comprises at least one folding line that extends transversally, in order to define a first and a second sleeve portions separated by said folding line, said folding line positioned to allow folding said sleeve from a use configuration, in which said sleeve is completely unfolded and wearable, to a compact configuration, in which said sleeve is folded along said folding line and can assume a reduced size and flat shape.

This way, through the folding line it is possible to fold the sleeve, such that it is compact and practical to carry occupying a minimum space. Furthermore, this allows to fold book-like the support surface of the head of the baby such that it is protected when the sleeve is put away, maintaining the two inner faces always protected from contact with foreign objects.
This solution, furthermore, prevents the sleeve from contamination by foreign smells. In fact, the sleeve worn repeatedly by the user allows creating a comfortable environment for the baby because it maintains a typical smell, giving the child a familiar and calming sensation.
Advantageously, said sleeve comprises a resting portion applied to said outer surface, in order to provide a more comfortable support surface where the baby can rest.
Preferably, said resting portion is obtained by an adsorbing and/or soft contact material selected from the group consisting of: cotton, kapok fibres, sponge cloth for wipers, chenille, etc. More in particular, the resting portion can be made of spongy material having a predetermined thickness and then with a predetermined stiffness for keeping the sleeve in a steady position once worn.
In particular, the resting portion provides a boundary edge that gives to the resting portion a predetermined stiffness. This way, when the sleeve is worn, such a portion with stiff edge allows the sleeve to have a steady position bridging the arm and the user's forearm. The enlarged portion prevents the portion of the sleeve that is located on the user's arm from sliding down and limiting the user's movements. Furthermore, a stiffened resting portion avoids oversizing of the elastic band of end that is tied around the user's arm such that it can have a low resilient force, thus increasing the comfort for the user who wears the sleeve.
In particular, the resting portion is a portion protruding with respect to said the sleeve outer surface and to it integral. In this case, the resting portion is arranged fixed to the sleeve outer surface. It can be, for example, coupled to the sleeve by means of a seam.
Advantageously, the resting portion is releasably applied by means of fastening means to the outer surface to be easily replaced. In this case, it is possible to apply/replace the resting portion and providing different types, for example one type for the summer season, for keeping fresh the support surface, and another for the winter, for keeping warmer the support surface.
In particular, said fastening means can be a zip fastener or buttons or Velcro®.
In particular, the sleeve comprises said resting portion releasably applied on the sleeve outer surface, through a plurality of buttons integral to the sleeve arranged to enter respective elongated holes obtained on the resting portion. In detail, the fastening buttons comprise two buttons arranged transversally to the sleeve, in order to define said folding line.
Advantageously, said resting portion has a transversal dimension larger than 10%, preferably 20% with respect to the transversal diameter of said sleeve. This way, there is a wide and encircling support for the head. Furthermore, by folding the two open ends of the sleeve within the resting portion it is possible to then fold the same resting portion along the folding line to achieve a compact configuration. In the latter configuration the sleeve and the resting portion folded on each other form a compact object that can be carried easily in a bag, directly, or that can be put in a case or sachet envelope for its protection.
In particular, said sleeve comprises an upper portion and a lower sleeve portion coupled to each other according to a longitudinal line. Such solution allows to differentiate the two sleeve parts. For example, it is possible to provide two types of material, where the first part is made with a soft material on which the resting portion is present, whereas the lower portion has the object of making more comfortable the sleeve to the user.
In particular, a upper support portion is provided made of fabric, in particular cotton, whereas said lower portion can be made of a perspiration material, in order to reduce sweating of whom wears it. This way, the sleeve is much more hygienic for the baby.
Preferably, said lower sleeve portions is a net having a predetermined mesh size to allow a high perspiration suitable for keeping always dry the support surface of the baby.
Advantageously, said upper portion and said lower sleeve portions are releasably coupled to each other through a connection means. Said connection means is selected from the group consisting of: a zip fastener, hook-loop fastener, buttons or other types.
Preferably, said sleeve provides at least at one end a band of resilient material, in order to ensure a stable position of the sleeve once worn. This way, the band avoids undesired extraction of the sleeve from the user's arm.
Preferably, opposite to said band a fixing means is provided made by a further elastic band or alternatively, by a flexible strap that comprises a base end integrally connected to the sleeve and a free head end having a fastening hook-loop portion. This way, the flexible strap can be wound about the user's arm and connected to the base end by the fastening hook-loop portion. Such solution allows adjusting the tension of the strap, and, furthermore, allows applying or removing the strap, simply tightening or pulling away the head end of the strap with respect to the sleeve. Advantageously, a housing is provided for the elbow. This way, rotations are avoided of the sleeve about its own axis.
Preferably, a sachet envelope is provided containing the sleeve in said compact configuration for carrying easily the sleeve in it preventing contact with other objects.
Advantageously, said sleeve provides a pocket that is configured to receive for example a dummy for keeping it at hand in addition to create a space protected from the outside.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be now shown with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a wearable article, according to the invention, worn by a user, for supporting a baby,
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the article of Fig. 1, in a use configuration that depicts the elongated structure of the sleeve;
Fig. 3 shows a top plan view of the sleeve that shows the resting portion on which the baby can lay and depicts the folding lines;
Fig. from 4 to 6 show a succession of steps for folding the sleeve from a use configuration to a compact configuration;
Fig. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment that provides a different resting portion;
Fig. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of the sleeve with a differentiation of material between an upper support portion and a lower portion for improving the comfort and the practicality of the article, according to the invention;
Fig. 9 shows a sachet envelope for containing the sleeve in the compact configuration, which assists its transportation in a bag along with other objects;
Figs. 10 and 11 show a further exemplary embodiment of the sleeve that provides a removable resting portion of spongy material;
Figs. from 12 to 14 show the step of folding the sleeve of Fig. 10 from the use configuration to the compact configuration, in particular Fig. 12 shows a rear view of the sleeve that depicts a central folding line defined by a means for hanging the resting portion.

Description of a preferred exemplary embodiment

With reference to Fig. 1, a wearable article 100 is described, according to the invention, for supporting a baby 200 for lulling/breast-feeding purposes. In particular, as better shown in Figs. 2 and 3, wearable article 100 comprises a flexible sleeve 10 with elongated shape with a first end open 25a and a second open end 25b, opposite to each other, which define an introduction channel 30 that is configured to receive an arm 105 of a user 300, inserted through first end 25a or second end 25b. In particular, first 25a and second 25b open ends have a diameter that is configured to fit the user's arm at opposite sides with respect to the user's elbow.
In detail, the diameter of the introduction channel is configured in such a way that sleeve 10 is easily wearable also on other garments.
In particular, as shown in Fig. 2 and 3, sleeve 10 defines an outer surface 11 in introduction channel 30, which can contact directly user's arm 105 and an outer surface 12 oriented towards the baby 200 and on which the baby head can rest.
In particular, sleeve 10 comprises at least one folding line 13, in particular two folding lines 13 and 13a, which extend transversally with respect to sleeve 10, in order to define a first 14, a second 15 and a third 16 sleeve portion. More precisely, as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, folding lines 13/13a are configured to make it possible folding sleeve 10 between a use configuration to (Fig.4), where the sleeve is completely unfolded and wearable, and a compact configuration B (Fig.6) where sleeve 10 is flat and folded on itself along folding line/s 13/13a, in order to form a compact object and of small size.
More in particular, sleeve 10 is folded according to first folding line 13, in order to overlap portion 14 substantially to portion 15 (Fig.4 and 5). Then, the two portions 14 and 15 coupled to each other are folded along folding line 13a above portion 16, in order to form the folded compact sleeve 10' (Fig.6). In other words, on folding lines 13/13a it is possible to fold on itself sleeve 10, such that it is compact and practical to carry occupying a minimum space. Such solution solves, furthermore, another problem present in wearable cushions of the prior art, since it allows to fold the support surface, i.e. outer surface 12 and resting portion 20, such that it remains inside protected by the folded wings. Such solution, furthermore, allows that sleeve 10 is not contaminated by extraneous smells. In fact, the sleeve worn repeatedly by the user allows creating a comfortable environment for the baby, since it keeps the smell of the same, giving to the child a familiar and calming sensation.
In addition, as better shown in Fig. 3, on the outer surface 12 a resting portion 20 is made of determined thickness, in order to obtain a more comfortable support surface where the baby can rest. Resting portion 20 is preferably obtained from kapok or cotton. In particular, kapok is a hollow fibre with the capacity of keeping the heat - ca. 80% of the volume of the fibres comprises air, which gives to the material a good insulating effect with a low weight. Both features of the kapok fibres or good for sensitive skins for keeping heat without using wool, to which some people can be allergic. It has an antibacterial effect, self-cleaning, it allows good perspiration and spreads uniformly the heat.
In particular, resting portion 20 is a portion protruding with respect to the outer surface 12 and to it integral. In this case, resting portion 20 is arranged fixed to the outer surface 12 of the sleeve. Such can be, for example, coupled to sleeve 10 by means of seams. Preferably, the portion 20 is needled as shown in Fig. 2.
Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 7, resting portion 20 can be releasably applied to the outer surface 12 of sleeve 10, by means of dedicated fastening means, in order to be replaced. This way, it is possible to apply/to replace a variety of types of padded portions, for example one for the summer and one for the winter season. In particular, the fastening means is a hook-loop fastener straps 27 applied opposite to each other for the application of resting portion 20.
A further exemplary embodiment, with removable resting portion 20, is described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11.
More in particular, as shown in Fig. 8, sleeve 10 comprises a first sleeve part 18 and a second sleeve part 19 coupled to each other according to a longitudinal midplane 17. This way, it is possible to differentiate functionally the two sleeve parts, into an upper support portion 19, and a lower portion 18. Furthermore, it is possible to provide two types of material, such that in the resting portion 19 a soft material is used in which resting portion 20 is present, whereas on the lower portion 18 a perspiration material is provided for making more comfortable to user 300 the use of sleeve 10. This way, lower portion 18 of perspiration material reduces sweating, so that sleeve 10 is much more hygienic for the baby 200.
For example, always as shown in Fig. 8, lower sleeve portion 18 is a resilient net having a predetermined mesh size to allow a high perspiration suitable for keeping always dry the inner surface 11 and therefore the support surface 19 where the baby can rest 200. In particular, this solution prevents transmission of sweat and of bacteria from the lower portion 18 towards the upper portion 19.
In an exemplary embodiment, not shown, the upper support portion 19 and the lower portion 18 of sleeve are releasably coupled to each other through a connection means. The latter are chosen for example among a zip fastener, a hook-loop fastener, buttons or other types. This way, it is possible to replace and exchange between each other upper support portion 19 and lower portion 18, in order to obtain different configurations, which can be adapted for different seasons. For example, lower net portion 18 (Fig.8) can be used during the summer, whereas a lower portion 18 of fabric (Fig.8A) can be used during the winter.
Such solutions with the two portions of sleeve 18/19 differentiated from each other provide more types of complete sleeves.
Further particular embodiments provide, as shown in Fig. 2, at one end 25a a band 23 of resilient material, in order to give to the sleeve a steady position once worn. Associated with band 23, furthermore, at opposite end 25b a fixing means is provided, for example made by a further elastic band 24 (Fig. 3 and 3) or alternatively, by a flexible strap 26 that comprises a base end 26a integrally connected to sleeve 10 and a free head 26b having a fastening hook-loop portion 27 (Fig.8 and 8A). This way, the flexible strap can be wound about the user's arm 105 and connected by the fastening hook-loop portion 27. Such solution allows adjustably tightening the strap, and, furthermore, allows applying or removing the strap, simply tightening or pulling away the head end 26b of strap 26 with respect to sleeve 10. The combination between band 23 and resilient portion 24 or strap 26 prevents sleeve 10 from sliding along arm 105 of user 300.
In addition, as shown in Figs. 8 and 8A, to block the rotation along the longitudinal axis of sleeve 10 about the arm, a housing 40 is provided at the elbow height with the additional function of working as reference when wearing sleeve 10.
Finally, as shown in Fig. 9, a sachet envelope is provided 50 for containing sleeve 10', when it is bent into compact configuration B. This allows carrying easily the sleeve in it, preventing contact with other objects. The sachet envelope 50 is also preferably of fabric, in particular cotton, in order to have an aesthetically pleasant shape.
A further embodiment provides, furthermore, prearranging a pocket 60 that is configured to receive for example a dummy 62 (Fig.2). This allows keeping it at hand and housing it in a space protected from the outside.
In a further exemplary embodiment, sleeve 10 comprises resting portion 20 releasably applied on the outer surface 12 of sleeve 10, through a plurality of buttons 27a integral to sleeve 10 that are adapted to engage respective elongated holes 27b obtained on resting portion 20.
More in particular, resting portion 20 is made of spongy material having a predetermined thickness and then with a predetermined stiffness for keeping the sleeve in a steady position once worn.
In particular, resting portion 20 provides a boundary edge 29 that gives to resting portion 20 a predetermined stiffness. This way, when the sleeve is worn, such a portion with stiff edge allows the sleeve to have a steady position bridging the arm and the user's forearm. The enlarged portion prevents the portion of the sleeve that is located on the user's arm from sliding down and limiting the user's movements. Furthermore, the stiff edge of the resting portion avoids to oversize elastic band 24 that is tied around the user's arm can be resized and have a lower resilient force, thus increasing the comfort for the user who wears the sleeve.
In particular, resting portion 20 has a transversal dimension larger than 10%, preferably 20% with respect to the transversal diameter of sleeve 10, as shown in Fig. 12.
In detail, always as shown in Fig. 12, fastening buttons 27' arranged transversally to the sleeve define folding line 13.
After folding the two wings 11a and 11b of sleeve 10 within resting portion 20 (Fig.13) it is possible to fold the same resting portion 20 along folding line 13 (Fig.14) achieving compact configuration B. In the latter configuration the sleeve can be put in a case or sachet envelope (Fig.9) for carrying easily in a bag.
The foregoing description of an embodiment of the method and of the apparatus according to the invention will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt for various applications such embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realize the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology the is employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Claims

A wearable article (100) for supporting a baby (200) for lulling/breast-feeding purposes comprising:
- a flexible sleeve (10) with elongated shape having a first and a second open ends (25a,25b), opposite to each other, which define a channel (30) for introduction of a user's arm (105), said first and second open ends (25a,25b) having a diameter that is configured to fit said user's arm (105) at opposite sides with respect to the user's elbow, said sleeve (10) defining an inner surface that touches said user's arm (105) and an outer surface (12) on which a baby can rest,
characterised in that said sleeve (10) comprises at least one folding line (13,13a) that extends transversally, in order to define a first and a second sleeve portions (14,15) separated by said folding line (13,13a), said folding line (13,13a) positioned to allow folding said sleeve (10) between a use configuration, in which said sleeve (10) is completely unfolded and wearable, to a compact configuration, where said sleeve (10) is folded along said folding line (13,13a) and can assume a reduced size and flat shape.
A wearable article (100), according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve (10) provides two transversal folding lines (13,13a) at a same distance from each other and from the sleeve ends (25a,25b).
A wearable article (100), according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve (10) comprises a resting portion (20) applied to said outer surface (12), in order to provide a more comfortable support surface where the baby can rest.
A wearable article (100), according to claim 3, wherein said resting portion (20) is obtained by an adsorbing and/or soft contact material selected from the group consisting of: cotton, kapok fibers, sponge cloth for wipers, chenille, etc., in particular, said resting portion (20) can be made of spongy material having a predetermined thickness and then with a predetermined stiffness for keeping the sleeve in a steady position once worn.
A wearable article (100), according to claim 3, wherein said resting portion (20) provides a boundary edge (29) that gives to the resting portion (20) a predetermined stiffness.
A wearable article (100), according to claim 3, wherein said resting portion (20) is a portion protruding with respect to said the sleeve outer surface (12) to which it is integral.
A wearable article (100), according to claim 3, wherein said resting portion (20) is releasably applied by means of fastening means (27) to said outer surface (12), to be replaced, in particular said fastening means (27) is a zip fastener or buttons or Velcro®.
A wearable article (100), according to claim 3, wherein said resting portion (20) is releasably applied on the sleeve outer surface through a plurality of buttons integral to the sleeve (10) arranged to enter respective elongated holes (27b) obtained on the resting portion (20), in particular the fastening buttons (27a) comprise two buttons arranged transversally to the sleeve (10), in order to define said folding line.
A wearable article (100), according to claim 3, wherein said resting portion (20) has a transversal dimension larger than 10%, preferably 20% with respect to the transversal diameter of said sleeve (10).
A wearable article (100), according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve (10) comprises an upper portion (19) and a lower sleeve portion (18) coupled to each other according to a longitudinal symmetry line, in particular said upper support portion (19) can be made of tissue, in particular cotton, whereas said lower portion (18) can be made of a perspiration material, in order to reduce sweating, in particular said lower sleeve portions (18) is a net having a predetermined mesh size to allow a high perspiration to the user, which is suitable for keeping always dry the support surface of the baby.
A wearable article (100), according to claim 10, wherein said upper portion (19) and said lower sleeve portions (18) are releasably coupled to each other through a connection means, in particular said connection means is selected from the group consisting of: a zip fastener, hook-loop fastener, buttons or other types.
A wearable article (100), according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve (10) comprises, at least at one end, a band (23) of resilient material, in order to ensure a stable position of the sleeve (10) once worn, in particular associated with said band (23), at the opposite ends, a fixing means is provided made by a further elastic band (24) or by a flexible strap (26) that comprises a base end (26a) integrally connected to the sleeve (10) and a free head (26b) end having a fastening hook-loop portion (27).
A wearable article (100), according to claim 1, wherein a housing (40) is provided for the elbow that is configured to avoid a possible rotation of the sleeve (10) along its own longitudinal axis.
A wearable article (100), according to claim 1, wherein a sachet envelope (50) is provided containing the sleeve (10) in said compact configuration for carrying easily the sleeve (10) in it preventing contact with other objects.