ES2808129T3 - Infant sleeping bag, apparatus and diaper - Google Patents

Abstract

An infant sleeping bag (100, 300, 400), comprising: a main body (101, 401) for receiving a baby's torso and legs, the main body includes openings (103, 105, 215, 217, 305 , 307, 605) for the arm holes provided on each side of the main body (101, 401) and include the respective arm closing mechanisms (102, 104) to allow the openings (103, 105, 215, 217, 305, 307, 605) of the arm holes to be in an open configuration in which an infant's arms can pass through the openings (103, 105, 215, 217, 305, 307, 605) of the holes of the arms, or a closed configuration in which the arms of an infant are held within the sleeping bag, wherein the arm closure mechanisms (102, 104) comprise mechanisms (211, 213, 603a-c) closure provided on flaps or wings (212, 214, 603) that are integrated or joined with the rear part (203) of the sleeping bag and the mechanisms (601a-c) of c Corresponding closure on the front portion (201) of the main body of the sleeping bag, wherein when the openings (103, 105, 605) of the arm holes are in the closed configuration, the flaps or wings (212, 214 , 603) fold to allow the latch mechanisms (211, 213, 603a-c) provided on the flaps or wings (212, 214, 603) to engage with the corresponding latch mechanisms on the front (201) of the main body (101, 401), wherein when the openings (103, 105, 605) of the arm holes are in the open configuration, the flaps or wings (212, 214, 603) fold back on themselves to maintain the locking mechanisms (211, 213, 603a-c) provided on the flaps or wings (212, 214, 603) behind the main body (101, 401) so that they do not come into contact with a baby or their arms, and wherein the fins or wings (212, 214, 603) are skewed or configured to remain in the position in which they have been folded.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Infant sleeping bag, apparatus and diaper

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to an infant sleeping apparatus, and more particularly, though not exclusively, to infant sleeping bags and diapers.

Background

Baby sleeping bags, and in general baby and child sleeping bags, are a convenient and safe alternative to traditional blankets, and are generally recognized as safer alternatives compared to more traditional beds, as they prevent the baby's head is covered with the bedding. In addition, they prevent the baby from kicking the bedding and waking up because he is cold, for example.

Diapers can be used to swaddle a baby for warmth and security, and they can prevent a baby from being disturbed by his own startle reflex. However, if a baby is swaddled too tight, there is a risk of overheating and / or risk of hip dysplasia, for example.

Document U.S. 2013/139290 A1 discloses a prior art baby sleeping bag.

Summary

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a baby sleeping bag according to claim 1. An upper region of the main body may be composed of a material with a relatively higher thermal rating than the material of a lower region of the bag. and / or is composed of multiple layers of material.

Each layer can be composed of the same material or in which at least one of the multiple layers is composed of a different material than the other layers. The main body may include a portion with an air-permeable cover material. The main body can be narrower at the neck end than the opposite end, thus allowing freedom of movement for the legs in use.

The main body can include front and rear portions to define an interior region to accommodate the baby. The front portion may include a closure mechanism that extends from an opening in the neck of the main bag to a lower region of the front.

The closure mechanism may include one of a zipper and / or snaps. The closure mechanism may extend over the front of an upper region of the main body, through the restrictive / enveloping zone defined by the upper region, and extend around the side of the main body / side seam of a lower region. The closure mechanism can follow a curved, sinuous or straight path over the front of an upper region of the main body. The closing mechanism can be a two-way zipper. The arm closure mechanisms may include one of a zipper or snaps or other suitable closure to allow the arm openings to be opened and closed as desired. The rear may include one or more openings to receive, in use, a harness or strap, to allow an infant to be secured while in situ in the sleeping bag to a seat or other device on which the harness is mounted. or the strap. At least one of the front and rear portions of the bag can be comprised of multiple sections. The respective sections can be profiled to define a cavity within the lower region of the pouch that forms the inner region to allow free movement of an infant's legs in multiple directions. Multiple sections can be sewn together.

The respective openings for the arm holes include closure mechanisms provided on flaps or wings that are integral with or attached to the main body of the bag. The fins or wings can be folded from back to front and vice versa. The flaps or wings can be attached or integrated with the back of the bag and can be folded to engage with the front, allowing the arm hole openings to be closed while ensuring that while the openings are open, the locking mechanism does not come into contact with a baby or their arms. The closure mechanisms may be provided on the flaps or wings and suitable corresponding closure means are provided at the front of the bag to engage with the closure mechanisms. The locking mechanisms can be male or female snap portions and the locking means can be corresponding female or male snap portions.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a children's sleeping bag according to one example;

Figure 2a is a schematic representation of the front of a children's sleeping bag according to one example;

Figure 2b is a schematic representation of the rear of a children's sleeping bag according to one example;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a baby in an infant sleeping bag in an open configuration according to one example;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a baby in an infant sleeping bag in a closed configuration according to one example;

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an arm hole opening according to one example; Y

Figure 6 is a side view of a bag according to an example.

Description

The exemplary embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to allow those skilled in the art to incorporate and implement the systems and processes described herein. It is important to understand that the embodiments can be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, although the embodiments can be modified in various ways and take various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intention to limit the particular forms disclosed. Rather, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Items in example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

The terminology used in this document to describe the embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles "a", "an" and "the" are unique in the sense that they have a single referent, however, the use of the singular form in this document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, the elements mentioned in the singular may be one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "which includes", when used in this document, specify the presence of characteristics, items, steps, operations, elements and / or components. established, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, items, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this document should be construed as is customary in the art. It will further be understood that commonly used terms are also to be construed as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a children's sleeping bag according to an example. An infant sleeping bag 100, diapers or apparatus for swaddling a baby, comprises a main body 101 for receiving the torso and legs of a baby. The main body 101 includes arm hole openings 103, 105 disposed on each side of the main body 101. The openings 103, 105 include respective arm closure mechanisms 102, 104 to allow each arm hole opening 103, 105 to be in an open configuration in which an infant's arms can pass through the arm hole openings. arm, or a closed configuration in which an infant's arms are held within the sleeping bag 100. Each arm hole opening can be independently opened or closed and can also be in a partially open configuration in which the opening is not fully open, thereby allowing hot air to be vented from the arm hole opening (s), for example. example. In this configuration, the partial opening can be configured to be too small to allow an infant to pass his arm. As such, a hybrid sleeping / diaper bag is provided that offers infants, such as newborns, for example, the benefits of swaddling, but without the risks of swaddling them too tightly. For example, the risk of hip dysplasia is reduced / minimized, as is the risk associated with overheating, for example.

An upper region 107 of the main body 101 may be composed of a material with a relatively higher thermal rating than the material of a lower region 109 of the bag. The material used for the upper region of the main body may be the same material that is used for the lower region 109 of the main body of the bag, or it may be a different material or fabric. In one example, a multiple (eg, double) layer of material may be provided in region 107, with a single layer (or fewer layers) of the same or different material or fabric used for region 109. In one example, a Upper region 107 may be composed of multiple layers of fabrics, which may be the same fabric or which may be respective different types of fabric. For example, an inner layer can use a brushed cotton-like fabric, or the like, an outer layer of cotton can be formed, while one or more intermediate layers between the inner and outer layers can use cotton, brushed cotton, bamboo, etc. The different layers can be selected to provide the desired thermal and / or cocoon / wrap characteristics and / or protection. For example, an outer layer can use a fabric that is resistant to wear or has an elastic property, to increase the wrapping effect. An inner fabric can use a soft and warm fabric like the brushed cotton, for example, which can also be stretchy or have elastic or stretch characteristics. Intermediate layers, if present, can use materials or fabrics that impart a desired thermal and / or elastic characteristic to the bag, such as brushed cotton, bamboo cloth, etc.

Alternatively, different types or thicknesses of the same material can be used. The boundary between region 107 and 109 can be placed at any desired location. For example, region 107 may comprise substantially the upper half of bag 100, with lower region 109 substantially comprising the lower half of bag 100. Other alternatives are possible. For example, upper region 107 may comprise substantially the upper quarter or third of bag 100 with lower region 109 comprising the remainder, and so on. The choice of material and the location of the regions can be selected based on the climate in which the bag 100 will be used. For example, in colder climates, a higher thermal rating of the material can be used for one or both regions in comparing to a material selected for a relatively warmer climate and / or a portion of the bag with a higher thermal rating can define a higher proportion of bag and so on. In one example, bag 100 can be made of a material with no deviation in thermal rating or material used. That is, there may be a region in an example.

In one example, a top region 107 of the bag can be lined and / or manufactured from a material that is different from the rest of the bag. For example, the upper region can be lined and / or manufactured from a material to provide additional stability and / or result in a more restrictive environment for a baby in the pouch. This can have a cocoon effect, similar to diapers, which is known to soothe and comfort babies. A liner can be used to reduce the internal space of the bag in the upper region. Alternatively, or in addition to a liner, a material such as an elastic or "stretchable" material can be used. Consequently, the upper region 107 can provide a tighter fit for an infant compared to the rest of the bag.

The upper region 107 can be "pocketed", that is, where all the edges are enclosed. A flap 127 may be provided to accommodate a zipper pull to avoid injury or discomfort, and a closed-end sliding zipper may be used as will be described in more detail below.

The lower region 109 of the bag may be widened, as shown. This effectively provides a pocket in the lower region that allows freedom of movement for a baby in this region. In particular, the lower region can allow freedom of movement for a baby's legs, which can reduce the occurrence of problems such as hip dysplasia, for example. Seams 115, 117 may be provided to provide more space in the lower region 109. A displacement opening 221 may be provided as will be explained in more detail below.

In one example, the main body 101 may include a portion with an air-permeable covering material, thereby allowing ventilation of hot air, for example. The main body 101 may be narrower at one end 111 of the neck than the opposite end 113, thereby allowing freedom of movement for a baby's leg within the pouch in use. Alternatively, the main body 101 can be more restrictive along its length.

In the example of Figure 1, the arm hole openings 103, 105 can be closed using snaps (such as nickel-free snaps, for example), which are placed in a side seam at the respective openings. The arm hole openings "pocket" into the side and shoulder seams of the bag to form wings that can be folded back to front and vice versa, according to the opening configuration, as further described. detail below with reference to Figure 5. In accordance with the invention, the closure mechanism for the arm hole openings, such as the clasps, are arranged on the bag and on a wing so that, when not in use , can be folded out of the way of the arm hole opening so as not to cause injury or discomfort. That is, when folded back, the two halves of the respective clasps (for example) will project outward and away from the bag. The same considerations apply to other forms of closure, such as a zipper or hook and loop closure, for example.

Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, which are schematic representations of the front and rear of an infant sleeping bag according to one example, the main body 101 includes front 201 and rear 203 portions that are joined to define an interior region. to accommodate a baby. The front portion 201 may include a closure mechanism 205 that extends from a neck opening 207 of the main bag to a lower region 209 of the front portion 201. The closure mechanism 205 may include one of a zipper, as mentioned above, or snaps, for example, or a combination of the two.

The closure mechanism 205 may extend around the bag 100. For example, referring to Figure 2a, a closure 205, such as a zipper, for example, may extend from the neck opening of the bag and around the side of the bag. bag, such as a point A, or around (that is, the exact location of the termination point is not intended to be limited to that depicted; rather, the location is indicative of the position for a suitable end point of a closure mechanism, like a zipper). In one example, the closure extends over the front of the upper region from the neck area to the intersection between the upper and lower regions (eg, point B in Figure 2a). Consequently, the closure extends over the front of the bag through the area restrictive / enveloping defined by the upper region and extends around the side of the bag / side seam (B to A, for example) of the lower, bulky region of the bag.

The path taken by closure 205 from the neck region to reach the edge of bag (B) as shown in Figure 2a can be straight or curved. For example, when the closure 205 traverses the top region of the bag toward the side seam, it may follow a curved path that can be quite steep (as represented by the dotted line 230). In this way, when the closure 205 is open, the front of the bag can be effectively folded to expose a baby, which can be useful for changing diapers / clothes, etc. The position of the latch 205 means that it does not interfere with the arm hole openings.

In one example, the closure 205 may be a two-way zipper that allows access from the top or bottom. Consequently, and with reference to Figure 2a, for example, the zipper can be opened from point A around the opposite side of the bag, as to point B, for example, allowing the lower region of the bag to be opened. without interfering with the upper region (diaper area). Thus, a baby can remain swaddled, for example, while the lower region is opened to allow change, etc.

A suitable fabric chin / face shield 218 may be provided to protect an infant from a zipper of another closure mechanism when part of that mechanism is in a position where it could contact the infant.

As shown in FIG. 2a, a closure mechanism 205 may allow the front portion of the bag to open relative to the rear to allow the baby to change. For example, to change a baby's diaper or clothes, the closure mechanism 205 can be opened so that the front of the bag can be moved to allow easy access to the baby without having to completely remove the bag. That is, the front can be opened and "shaken" to allow easy access to a baby inside the bag.

As shown in the figures, like Figure 1, for example, seams 115, 117 may be provided in a lower portion 109 of the bag. The seams may be arranged to extend substantially vertically from the bottom of the lower region 109 of the bag to the intersection 119 between the upper107 and lower 109 regions of the bag.

In one example, the seams 115, 117 are shaped / curved. That is, the seams are profiled to create more volume in the lower region 109 of the bag. This allows the baby's legs to be in the natural position, with the hips bent up as they were when the baby was born, with room for the legs to move freely. The seams leave room for the legs, not only allow the width, but also the height of the knees.

In one example, a lower portion 109 of a bag may be composed of different sections 121, 123, 125 that are joined using the seams 115, 117. Accordingly, the sections can be profiled to allow the lower portion 109 to form a cavity. bulky within which a baby's legs can move freely. Such movement can be wide and tall (for example, on and off the page with reference to Figure 1). In this regard, Fig. 6 is a side view of a bag according to an example. As can be seen, the lower region 109 of the bag defines a cavity having a relatively larger volume than the upper region 107 of the bag. The rear of the lower region of the bag may be provided with seams / sections similar to those shown with respect to the front of the lower region 109, or it may be a single section or two sections joined along the center of the bag. back of the bag and so on. As such, sections 123, 125 as depicted in Figure 1 may form part of the rear of the lower region of the bag. That is, these sections can extend around the rear of the bag and join in the central region of the rear of the bag, or join one or more intermediate rear sections (similar to the way the sections meet join at the front through intermediate section 121).

In accordance with the invention, arm closure mechanisms 211, 213 may be provided on flaps 212, 214 that are integral with or otherwise attached to the main body of the bag, for example, by stitching to the openings of the bag. arm. The closure mechanisms 211, 213 may include one of a zip or snap buttons or other suitable closure to allow the arm openings to be opened and closed as desired. In accordance with the invention, the closure mechanisms 211, 213 allow the arm openings to be temporarily provided in an open or closed configuration. That is, the latch mechanisms 211, 213 allow the arm opening to be opened or closed as desired, and are suitably robust to prevent an infant from accidentally opening or closing them or by rubbing the latch mechanisms 211, 213 against other items. such as a bed or crib, for example.

According to the invention, the flaps or wings 212, 214 can be folded back to front and vice versa. That is, the flaps may be attached or integrated with the rear portion 203 of the bag and may be bent to engage with the front portion 201 to allow the arm openings to close while ensuring that while the opening is open , the closure (for example, snaps) do not come into contact with the baby or his arms. That is, when in an open configuration, the flaps or wings, when folded, are arranged so as to keep the clasps folded behind the bag. In this regard, portions 250, 251 as depicted in Figures 2a, 2b they can be connected (eg, sewn) to the back 203 of the bag to form a "pocket" or bag that is skewed or configured to remain in the position in which it has been folded (ie , open or closed) similar to, for example, the inner portion of the flap on a pillowcase or a hood on a coat. That is, because the wings or fins are connected at points 250 and 251, they will remain folded back in an open configuration and forward folded when in a closed configuration.

In accordance with the invention, the closure mechanisms 211, 213 may be located on the flaps 212, 214 and suitable corresponding closure means may be provided at the front of the bag to engage with the closure mechanisms 211,213. For example, in the case of snaps, the male or female snap portions may be provided on fins 212, 214, with corresponding female or male portions, as appropriate, on front portion 201 to allow the portions to engage. when a closed bag configuration is desired. In one example, which is not part of the invention, fins 212, 214, or the like, may be provided on front portion 201 instead, as will be appreciated.

The rear portion 203 may include one or more openings 219 to receive, in use, a harness or strap, to allow an infant to be secured while in situ in the sleeping bag to a seat or other device on which the device is mounted. harness or leash. A similar opening 221 may be provided in the front portion 201 to allow part of a harness or strap to pass through the entirety of the bag. A chin guard 218 may be provided to protect the baby's chin from a zipper or the like 205. In one example, the bag may be devoid of openings 219, 221.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a baby in an infant sleeping bag in an open configuration according to an example. It can be seen that the baby's arms 301, 303 pass through the arm openings 305, 307. Lock mechanisms 309, 311 are provided. These engage with the corresponding locking mechanisms on the flaps 313, 315, which are not visible as they are hidden by the flaps or wings 313, 315, which fold back into the open configuration of Figure 3. In the example of Figure 3, snaps are used, although it will be appreciated that any other suitable means, such as zippers, can be used. Any number of clasps can be used as desired.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a baby in an infant sleeping bag in a closed configuration according to an example. The baby's arms are kept within the main body 401 of the bag 400. Therefore, the baby can be swaddled. The flaps 403, 405 are shown in a closed configuration, and the male / female portions of the clasps are brought together and clamped to close the openings.

In the example of Figure 4, the bag arm hole openings are in a closed configuration in which fasteners, such as snaps, etc. described above, they are used to close (substantially, partially or completely) the hole openings for the arms of the bag. Consequently, a baby in the pouch may have his arms confined within an upper region of the pouch 400. This can have the effect of swaddling a baby, since his arms are confined in an upper region, which, as described Previously, it can be lined and / or made of a material to provide additional stability and / or result in a more restrictive environment for a baby in the pouch, with the baby's legs (generally speaking the lower half) of the baby being able to move freely within the limits of the lower region of the bag, which is widened and / or more spacious than the upper region. Therefore, a bag as shown in Figure 4 can function as a hybrid sleeping / wrap bag, in which the upper part of the baby is swaddled, confined, or partially restricted from moving, and in which the lower part of the baby, just as at least the baby's legs can move more freely.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a portion of the arm hole opening of an infant sleeping bag according to one example. Figure 5 shows an arm hole opening, but of course it will be appreciated that two such openings with corresponding features described with reference to Figure 5 are provided for an infant sleeping bag according to one example.

An opening 605 is shown through which a baby's arm can pass. A front portion 601 and a rear portion 603 of the opening 605 are shown. The front and rear portions may be flaps or flaps of material that can be folded to close the aperture using closures 601a-c and 603a-c. In the example of Figure 6, the clasps are snaps, and with the opening 605 in an open configuration as shown, the clasps 601a-c are arranged on top of the portion 601 and are therefore visible in the example shown, and the fasteners 603a-c are below the portion 603 and are therefore hidden from view (and are therefore represented by a dashed line).

To close the opening 605, the parts 601 and 603 are joined so that the closures 601a-c and 603a-c can engage and lock together. For example, part 603 can be folded over on itself so that fasteners 603a-c are visible and part 601 can be positioned on top of part 603 so that corresponding fasteners of part 601 engage with the fasteners. of portion 603. With opening 605 in an open configuration, having fasteners 603a-c arranged in the manner shown means that the fasteners will not come into contact with a baby's arm and therefore will not cause discomfort or injury.

A closure mechanism for opening 605 can be a zipper or hook and loop fasteners, for example, and the use of snaps as shown with reference to Figure 5 is not intended to be limiting.

The words baby and child are used interchangeably here, and the use of one over the other is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, the use of a sleeping or sleeping bag is also used interchangeably, and again the use of one term over the other is not intended to be limiting.

As used herein, the term tog refers to a unit of measure for the heat or thermal resistance of a fabric or material in question. Typically, the higher the tog rating, the warmer the material or fabric (the more thermally insulating).

Claims (9)

1. An infant sleeping bag (100, 300, 400), comprising: a main body (101, 401) for receiving the torso and legs of a baby, the main body includes openings (103, 105, 215, 217, 305, 307, 605) for the arm holes arranged on either side of the main body (101, 401) and include respective arm closure mechanisms (102, 104) to allow the openings (103, 105, 215, 217, 305, 307, 605) of the arm holes to be in a configuration open in which a baby's arms can pass through the openings (103, 105, 215, 217, 305, 307, 605) of the arm holes, or a closed configuration in which the baby's arms are held. a baby inside the sleeping bag, wherein the arm closing mechanisms (102, 104) comprise closing mechanisms (211, 213, 603a-c) provided on fins or wings (212, 214, 603) that are integrated or attached to the rear (203 ) of the sleeping bag and the corresponding closure mechanisms (601a-c) at the front (201) of the main body of the sleeping bag, wherein when the arm hole openings (103, 105, 605) are in the closed configuration, the flaps or wings (212, 214, 603) are folded to allow the mechanisms (211, 213, 603a-c latch) provided on the flaps or wings (212, 214, 603) engage with the corresponding latch mechanisms on the front (201) of the main body (101, 401), wherein when the arm hole openings (103, 105, 605) are in the open configuration, the flaps or wings (212, 214, 603) fold back on themselves to hold the mechanisms (211, 213, 603a-c ) closure provided on the flaps or wings (212, 214, 603) behind the main body (101, 401) so that they do not come into contact with a baby or their arms, and wherein the fins or wings (212, 214, 603) are skewed or configured to remain in the position in which they have been folded. 2. An infant sleeping bag (100, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the main body (101, 401) includes a portion with an air-permeable cover material. An infant sleeping bag (100, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (101,401) is narrower at the neck end than the opposite end so that, in use, allows freedom of movement of the legs. 4. An infant sleeping bag (100, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front portion (201) of the main body (101, 401) includes a closure mechanism (205) that It extends from an opening (207) in the neck of the main bag to a lower region (109, 209) of the front portion (201). 5. An infant sleeping bag (100, 300, 400) according to claim 4, wherein the closure mechanism (205) extends over the front of an upper body region (107) (101, 401 ) main, through an envelope / restrictive zone defined by the upper region (107), and extends around the main body / side seam side of a lower region. An infant sleeping bag (100, 300, 400) according to claim 5, wherein the closure mechanism (205) follows a curved, sinuous or straight path over the front of an upper region (107) of the main body (101, 401). An infant sleeping bag (100, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the openings (103, 105, 215, 217, 305, 307, 605) of the arm holes they can be in a partially open configuration to allow warm air to be ventilated and be too small to allow a baby to pass their arm. 8. An infant sleeping bag (100, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper region (107) of the main body (101,401) is lined and / or made of a material to provide additional stability. An infant sleeping bag (100, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper region (107) of the main body (101,401) comprises an outer layer of a fabric that is resistant or it has an elastic property.