GB2510423A

GB2510423A - A baby protector

Info

Publication number: GB2510423A
Application number: GB1301989.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sian Allen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-05
Filing date: 2013-02-05
Publication date: 2014-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 2033-02-05
Also published as: GB201301989D0; GB2510423B

Abstract

A bed device for an infant comprises a sheet 1 arranged in use with at least one detachable bolster 2,3 & 4. The bolster is secured in use with the sheet so as to define a raised periphery bounding a protected area for the infant. The raised periphery is capable of bounding at least two substantially orthogonal sides wherein a third and fourth side maybe displaced in use for breastfeeding, providing a baby protector which defines a safe sleeping area for the baby on a shared sleeping space and allows breastfeeding through displacement of the sides. The sheet may be provided with at least one pocket 5 shaped and dimensioned to receive a bolster. The bolster/s may be releasably secured to the sheet using hook and loop fastenings. The device may include a U-shaped bolster 3. A blanket (8, figure 3) maybe detachably secured to the device.

Description

A BABY PROTECTOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a baby protector, more particularly but not exclusively a baby protector for use for protection of an infant from an adjacent user.

Background

Evidence suggests bed sharing between a baby and its mother or carer is beneficial in enhancing bonding and in particular between mother and child can also be less disruptive when breastfeeding; as the mother does not need to get out of bed to feed the baby and the baby does not need to be lifted to be fed. Furthermore bed sharing of mother and child has been shown to be safer than them sleeping separately as it promotes awareness of the child's general wellbeing, breathing and any untoward events or changes. Children also often settle quickly when relaxed by another presence leading to more sleep for both carer or user and child.

However there is always concern when sharing a bed with a baby1 child or infant1 that the baby could become smothered, if the user were to inadvertently roll on to the baby whilst sleeping. For this reason sleeping with a baby in the bed may also be highly discouraged and the benefits of bed sharing may be lost.

The present invention arose to overcome the problems associated with having a baby share the bed with a user, and in particular the mother's bed, by providing a baby protector which defines a safe sleeping area for the baby on the bed, to reduce the likelihood of smothering amongst else.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 7 086 101 (WELCH et al) discloses an infant co-sleeper comprising: a central cloth bedding portion defining a generally rectilinear area for receiving an infant; two pockets on opposite sides of the generally rectilinear area for receiving removable padding to form barriers on either side of the generally rectilinear area; and, a first removable padding members for being received within one of the pockets of the central cloth bedding portion; and, a second removable padding member for being received the other of the pockets of the central cloth bedding portion; whereby when one of said first and second removable padding members are partially removed from opposite pockets of the central cloth bedding portion a partial barrier is formed on one side of the generally rectilinear area to maintain an infant on the central cloth bedding portion with access for breast feeding.

Granted United States patent US 6 381 787 (ROGONE) discloses a device for supporting and positioning a neonate, the device comprising: a conformable member; a plurality of support members; and a fastening means including a plurality of hollow sleeves with an extended strip of material for coupling each of the hollow sleeves to a portion of the conformable member at coupling points inwardly spaced from edges of the conformable member, each hollow sleeve having an open end to insertably receive one of the plurality of support members, said fastening means allowing each support member to be moveable between a first position a first distance from said coupling point to a second position a second distance from said coupling point, said support members providing support to said neonate when said neonate is placed on said conformable member to facilitate the re-positioning of the neonate.

United States patent application US 5 367 730 (SHER) discloses a restrainer for limiting an infant's movement comprising, in combination: a planar surface formed of a pair of co-extensive quilted sheets of nylon fabric, one sheet being brushed to form loop fasteners, two elongated support cushions each having a planar base for arrangement in a spaced-apart relationship to each other on said planar surface, and at least one hook fastener strip secured to at least one of said planar bases for releasable attachment of the support cushion to the planar surface.

In contrast the present invention provides means of simply providing and rearranging a protective device to surround an infant in an environment such as a parent's bed, minimising chances of accidental intrusion of objects or user parts into a protected area for the infant.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a bed device for an infant; comprising a sheet arranged in use with at least one detachable bolster, said bolster being secured with said sheet so as to define a raised periphery bounding a protected area for the infant.

Typically the raised periphery bounds at least two orthogonal sides of the sheet and preferably at least three in use, wherein a fourth side is detachable, displaceable or removable.

Advantageously the raised periphery minimises any chance of a user rolling onto the infant, and surrounds a protected area for an infant to sleep in, said area is protected from a plurality of directions of potential ingress, so increasing safety, flexibility and peace of mind for a user lying adjacent the infant.

The sheet may be a bottom sheet or mat, and provide at least one pocket shaped and dimensioned to receive at least one bolster. In use at least one bolster is inserted into a pocket(s) on or in the sheet for securement, and may even move within said pocket in use.

Typically therefore the device provides a baby protector comprising: a sheet arranged in use to receive at least one removable bolster wherein the at least one bolster, or bolsters1 serve in use to prevent the infant being rolled on and/or smothered by a parent who is sleeping in the same bed as the infant. The sheet or mat may be arranged to receive a plurality of bolsters such as for example a head pad, a foot pad, and two side barriers. The bolster(s) may be arranged in use so as to define a sleeping area for an infant, wherein the removable bolsters are adjustable and displaceable in relation to size of the infant and activity being performed to or by the infant and bolsters are not liable to accidental movement. The sheet may be a standard bottom sheet for example being of standard sizing for an adult bed.

In preferred embodiments the sheet may provide at least one pocket shaped and dimensioned to receive the bolster(s). The sheet and bolsters may be arranged in use to present an easy clean, minimal tangle solution.

In preferred embodiments the device may provide a defined sleeping area for an infant that may in use be arranged upon a sleeping surface such as a bed, moses basket or cot so that the infant may lie within the defined area being protected from a mother or other user that is sharing the same surface but still in close proximity so that sound, smell and movement of either are easily detected. In particular the defined infant sleeping area serves to protect the child from being crushed by another sharing the bed or being smothered by another or by loose blankets as the device enables sheets to be secured. In this way the bolster(s) ideally comprise sufficient height or girth to prevent the user easily overcoming the bolster when rolling. In some embodiments bolsters may be rectangular in cross-section or otherwise arranged to allow multiple heights. Ideally the bolster is filled with appropriately robust material to minimise flattening.

Preferably the sheet serves as the area on which the infant lies and is placed on for example the bed. Preferably the sheet includes at least two pockets or sleeves arranged in use to removably receive the side barrier(s). Preferably the sleeve is open at a first proximal end and a second distal end so as to allow insertion and removal of the barriers from any orientation.

Accordingly the side barrier may be inserted into the sleeves so as to create a raised bolster in respect of the sheet against which the infant cannot roll out of, and against which the user in the bed would come up to if moving in their sleep without impinging on the infant area, for example without rolling onto the infant whilst asleep.

Ideally the sheet is formed from a soft, durable, lightweight, breathable material which is delicate enough for the infant's skin and may be repeatedly washed.

Preferably the sheet may be manufactured from a material such as brushed cotton.

In some embodiments the sheet may include a spine arranged in use to provide a semi rigid portion and to prevent the sheet from becoming folded or ruched whilst in use, for example due to movement of the mother or child. Preferably the spine is concealed within the sheet and covered by the material.

In preferred embodiments the sleeves may be integral with the sheet and formed of the same material. The sleeve may be arranged to be substantially flat with the sheet when no barriers are inserted but become raised with addition of the barriers.

In such embodiments there*fore the barriers may be removed and the area is continuous, In this way for example the user is able to attend to the infant, for example feeding the infant with minimal discomfort, Ideally bolsters located elsewhere about the area periphery minimise movement of the user onto the area even where the barrier is removed from the sleeve, Ideally the bolsters are formed from lightweight foam such as polyester which may be coated in a low friction material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) so as to allow them to be easily slid into the sleeves, allow them to be easily cleaned and advantageously to be waterproof. Alternatively a breathable satin may be used to coat the bolsters so as to have low friction but enable the child to breathe easily if positioned close to or against the bolsters. Typically the sleeve is able to accept the mother's hand and arm so as to be able to easily position the bolster.

It is envisaged that other materials may be used for the bolsters or barriers such as natural materials for example a lamb's wool and coconut coir mix so to as to be ecologically friendly.

Preferably the barrier is generally cylindrical with a fléttened portion extending along its length which is arranged in use to extend substantially parallel to the sheet so as to limit rolling of the barriers when in use and donsequent deformation of the area or sheet.

Advantageously the position of the barrier within the sleeve may be adjusted depending upon size of the infant. For example more than one barrier may be added or inserted into each sleeve thereby extending the overall length depending upon size of the infant. The sleeve may not be continuous so as to facilitate this, wherein the sleeve may include plural slit openings so as to allow parts of the sleeve tote filled and intermediate parts empty and flat in use to allow feeding or attending to the infant. Alternatively different sized bolsters may be available to alter the barrier lengths.

In some embodiments more than one sleeve may be provided. For example sleeves may be provided on each side of the sheet so that the width of the infant device can be varied according to preference. Typically in such embodiments two sleeves may be provided on each side, both being parallel to one another so that the barrier may be moved to the outer sleeve, the sleeve being closer to the sheet edge, as the infant grows.

In preferred embodiments the head and foot pads are also arranged in use to be removably attached to the sheet so as to define the infant's sleeping area dependent upon the infant's size so creating a protected area that is adjustable so as to promote a smaller or more appropriate area in use dimensioned for a feeling of security for the infant, and carer.. In this way flexibility of bolster positioning can define a cosy space for the infant.

Preferably the head and foot pads are formed from resiliently deformable foam or cellular structure material such as polyester and additionally include covers, ideally formed of the same material as the sheet and sleeves, typically brushed cotton or other material that may be accepted by or function in conjunction with hook and loop means such as Velcro (Trade Mark).

In some embodiments the covers may be formed as sleeves integral to the base which sleeves or pockets accept bolsters so as to restrict movement of an infant in use, for example to prevent a bolster being kicked away whilst the infant is sleeping.

Whereas in other embodiments the covers are detachable. Advantageously the covers may be washable so as to maintain optimal hygiene. In addition in some further embodiments the barriers may be provided with such covers also.

Typically in detachable format the covers may include an opening so as to enable the covers to be placed over the pads. It may be envisaged that.such an opening may be closed by means of attachment such as clips, push fillings or hook and loop means such as Velcro (Trade Mark).

The covers may accordingly be provided with similar means of aftachment in order to enable attachment to the sheet.

The covers serve to provide a soft comfortable surface to be in contact with the infant or parent and in addition or the alternative may be removed to be cleaned so as to maintain good hygiene.

Preferably the foot pad is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a length equal to the distance between the sleeves so as to close the gap where the infant's feet will be in use, thereby limiting movement. In some embodiments the length of the foot pad may be the same as the width of the sheet so as to allow for movement of the barriers. In yet further embodiments the pads are interchangeable with the barriers, wherein all or a majority of the bolsters are identical for use in a modular format.

Ideally the foot or head pad or bolsters generally may also include a flattened portion along its length so as to allow the pad to lie securely on the sheet in use with minimal rolling.

In preferred embodiments the head pad may be a U-shaped portion formed of cylindrical foam so as to enclose the space between the barriers where the infant's head is rested in use.

In some embodiments the head pad may be identical to the foot pad so as to be interchangeable and to save manufacture costs.

In some embodiments at least one of the pads or sleeves is permanently secured to the sheet to limit movement in use, for example the foot pad or bolster proximate the infant's feet in use, wherein the covers overlie the pads in use and the covers may be detached as required for cleaning.

In some preferred embodiments all the bolsters are inserted in sleeves so as to describe three sides of a typically rectangular protected space for the infant, Ideally bounding a fourth side of said space a bolster is provided with attachment means such as Velcro (Trade Mark). Said bolsters may protect any other shaped sheet providing for example an ovaloid protected sheet area for the infant, with raised periphery preventing smothering of any infant held within the protected sheet area.

In preferred embodiments the covers may include a means of attachment for securing the foot or head pad to the sheet. Preferably the means of attachment is provided where the flat portion of the cylindrical parts adjoins the sheet.

Ideally the means of attachment may include hook and loop means such as Velcro (Trade Mark) or Micro Velcro (Trade Mark) so as to enable the parts to be repeatedly removed and repositioned as and when required.

Ideally when the head pad, foot pad and side barriers are all secured to the sheet a mostly rectangular area is formed to provide the defined sleeping area for the infant.

Preferably all attachable parts are of the same diameter so as to provide equal protection for the infant around the sleeping area perimeter.

Typically the bolsters may be at least 50mm diameter and ideally no greater than 150mm. It is envisaged that the diameter may be varied so as to best accommodate the infant.

In preferred embodiments the sheet material is compatible with for example Micro Velcro (Trade Mark) hooks so as to allow the attaching parts; the head pad, to attach by hook means provided on the covers to the sheet. Therefore the attaching parts may attach to any part of the sheet therefore enabling the sleeping area size to be varied to exactly fit the infant.

Ideally the bolsters include handles so as to be easily positioned, adjusted and removed from sleeves.

In preferred embodiments the sheet and covers may accept a blanket so as to swathe the child when it is sleeping. Ideally the blanket may be formed from or include regions of hooks, such as Micro Velcro (Trade Mark) hooks, or other means of attachment so as to allow the blanket to readily attach to the sheet and/or covers thereby securing it in a fixed position and minimising or removing chances of smothering from the blanket as present with standard loose bed-clothing, therefore further providing a safe environment for a sleeping child. In use therefore the infant could be swaddled and then placed inside the protected area using the intrinsic blanket or a separate blanket, to aid a feeling of secureness for the infant and promote sleep Ideally the blanket is secured to the sheet underside in use so as to limit movement of the blanket in use wherein areas of hook or loop may be distributed about the sheet. Preferably the blanket may be folded and secured to itself so as to reduce its size thereby enabling the blanket to be enlarged by unfolding, as the infant grows and requires more space. a

In use pads or bolsters may be removed or displaced to accommodate certain activities. For example one side barrier and the head pad may be removed so as to allow the mother to be able to breast feed their infant without requirement for them to be moved or the mother to stand up, therefore causing minimum disruption to child and mother. Once feeding is complete the barrier and head pad may be repositioned so as to allow both mother and infant to sleep without risk of the child being inadvertently smothered by the mother.

In some embodiments the bolsters may be inflatable so as to be deflated and readily transported when not in use. Such inflatable bolsters may comprise multiple compartments or cells in order that even if one compartment is punctured the bolster is able to remain partially inflated and the child remains protected.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the device; Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of a second embodiment of the device; Figure 4 shows a view from above of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a view from above of the embodiment of Figure 3; Figure 6 shows a second view from above of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 3; Figure 8 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 9 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 3; Figure 10 shows a side view of an embodiment; And Figure 11 shows an end view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures, the sheet 1 provides sleeves 5 for insertion of side barriers 4 and a foot bolster 2, wherein the loot bolster 2 is inserted into the sleeve and covered by the cover 9, said cover attached at attachment means 7 Attachment is provided for the end bolster by small gauge loop material for use with small gauge hook portions provided on the end bolster 3, 2. The covers 9, 12 also include attachment/detachment means or slots 7, 11 to allow the covers 9, 12 to be removed from the bolsters 2, 3.

The side barriers 4 include handles 10 to allow easy removal from the sleeves 5 to facilitate rearrangement and/or feeding, wherein advantageously in some embodiments the sleeves 5 may Include plural access slits, for example in more than one place on the sleeve so that intermediate areas of the periphery may be left open to access an infant in or on the sheet, for example allowing safe feeding without dislocating the baby or compromising the periphery. This may be combined with plural sizes of bolster.

The embodiments are ideally provided in a kit form including a blanket 8.

In some embodiments the sheet 1 may be provided with a cover (not shown) for attachment using analogous attachment means to the bolsters 2, 3 and providing a soft surface for the infant.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A bed device for an infant; comprising a sheet arranged in use with at least one detachable bolster, said bolster being secured with said sheet so as to define a raised periphery bounding a protected area for the infant.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the raised periphery is capable of bounding at least three substantially orthogonal sides wherein a fourth side is displaced in use.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the sheet provides at least one pocket shaped and dimensioned to receive at least one bolster.
4. A device according to either of the preceding claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the device comprises a U shaped bolster arranged in use to be located at one side of the periphery.
5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the U shaped bolster is arranged in use to be attachable in a plurality of positions of the sheet.
6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a detachable blanket that secures to the device with a reversible securement means.
7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the securement means comprises hook and loop portions.
8. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein all the bolsters are inserted in sleeves on the sheet so as to describe three sides of a rectangular protected space for the infant and bounding a fourth side of said space a bolster is provided with attachment means
9. A device with reference to the figures.
10. A method of forming an infant bed according to any of the preceding claims.