GB2597981A

GB2597981A - A device for a baby or infant

Info

Publication number: GB2597981A
Application number: GB2012656.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Donner Canaan
Original assignee: You Matter Design Ltd
Current assignee: You Matter Design Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-13
Filing date: 2020-08-13
Publication date: 2022-02-16
Also published as: GB202012656D0

Abstract

A device 12 for a baby or infant comprises a body 14 including a first side 16 and a second side 18, wherein the first side faces generally upwards during use and the second side rests on a supporting surface during use. The first side defines a surface (S, figure 5) for a baby or infant to rest upon in a supine position, and wherein the surface includes a first depressed or indented portion (H, figure 5) for receiving a head of the baby or infant and a second depressed or indented portion (T, figure 5) for receiving a torso of the baby or infant. Preferably the head portion is contiguous with the torso portion and a raised portion (30, figure 6) sits therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the first side is inclined during use. A system is also disclose comprising the device and a base for selectively receiving the device, wherein the base is generally wedge-shaped.

Description

Title: A device for a baby or infant Description of Invention The present invention relates to a device for a baby or infant, particularly, but not exclusively, to a device for a baby or infant to rest upon in a supine position.

A newborn baby or infant may be susceptible to medical conditions which may adversely affect the baby or infant's health and/or development.

For example, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a medical condition by which a baby or infant under the age of one appears to die suddenly during sleep, typically in their bassinet or cot, with no known underlying cause of death. In an attempt to prevent such deaths, pediatric professionals and organisations recommend that a baby or infant should sleep in a supine position, i.e. facing generally upwards and lying on the baby or infant's back. This has proven successful in reducing the number of deaths due to SIDS. However, an unintended consequence appears to have been an increase in another condition, namely cranial deformity, commonly referred to as "flat head syndrome". This is understood as being caused by pressure being exerted on the baby or infant's head by the object on which the baby or infant is resting in a supine position during the most accelerated phases of growth of the baby or infant. The area of the cranial bones on which the pressure is exerted results in this area suffering from inhibited growth whilst other areas of the cranial bones grow more freely. This results in a deformed cranium being formed over time.

Flat head syndrome may also occur due to a baby or infant being left for long periods in a bassinet or cot rather than being held by an adult.

Another condition that may affect babies and infants is reflux. Ref lux causes a baby or infant to eject food or milk from his or her mouth, typically through a spitting or vomiting action. Reflex occurs because the baby or infant's muscle between the oesophagus and stomach is not fully developed and so any food or milk within the stomach can travel back up the baby or infant's food pipe.

Prior art devices have been developed in an attempt to address flat head syndrome and/or reflux. For example, cushions including a hole within which a baby or infant's head fits. However, such cushions are often not optimised for the shape of the head and/or have sharp edges. This makes them less than ideal and health professionals can be reluctant to recommend them as a result. A known device for treating reflux is a wedge-shaped block for inserting into a bassinet or cot and on which a baby or infant's torso rests to keep the baby or infant in an inclined position so that food or milk is less likely to travel upwards along the food pipe. However, such devices may not comfortably support a baby or infant in this position and the baby or infant may struggle to hold his or her posture when inclined this way.

There is a need for an improved device that may address one or more of the issues identified with the prior art.

According to an aspect of the present invention we provide a device for a baby or infant including: a body including a first side and a second side, wherein the first side faces generally upwards during use and the second side rests on a supporting surface during use, wherein the first side defines a surface (S) for a baby or infant to rest upon in a supine position, and wherein the surface (S) includes a first depressed or indented portion (H) for receiving a head of the baby or infant and a second depressed or indented portion (T) for receiving a torso of the baby or infant.

Optionally or preferably wherein the portion (H) is contiguous with the portion (T).

Optionally or preferably wherein the first side has a top end and a bottom end, and, wherein the portion (H) is positioned near the top end and the portion (T) extends from the bottom end towards the portion (H).

Optionally or preferably wherein the surface (S) includes a raised portion between the portions (H) and (T).

Optionally or preferably wherein the portion (H) is arcuate in side cross-section Optionally or preferably wherein the portion (T) includes an inclined section which is inclined downwardly as it extends away from the portion (H) in side cross-section.

Optionally or preferably wherein the first side is inclined with respect to the second side and/or wherein the portion (T) terminates at a bottom end thereof in an upwardly extending section in side cross-section, optionally or preferably the upwardly extending section is connected to the inclined section of portion (T) Optionally or preferably wherein the first side includes a peripheral surface (P) which extends around portions (H) and/or (T), optionally or preferably the peripheral surface (P) is generally planar or is planar.

Optionally or preferably wherein the portions (H) and (T) define a continuous space, optionally or preferably the space extends below a plane in which the peripheral surface (P) lies.

Optionally or preferably wherein, in plan view, portion (H) is generally D-shaped and/or in plan view portion (T) includes opposing concave sides.

Optionally or preferably wherein the first side is inclined during use.

According to another aspect of the present invention we provide a system for a baby or infant including: a device according to any one or more of the above recited aspects; and a base for selectively receiving the device, the base optionally or preferably including: a formation for selectively receiving the device.

According to another aspect of the present invention we provide a system for a baby or infant including: a device, the device including: a first side and a second side, wherein the first side faces generally upwards during use, wherein the first side defines a surface (S) for a baby or infant to rest upon in a supine position and wherein surface (S) includes a first depressed or indented portion (H) for receiving a head of the baby or infant, and a base for selectively receiving the device, the base optionally or preferably including: a formation for selectively receiving the device.

Optionally or preferably the device includes a second depressed or indented portion (T) for receiving a torso of the baby or infant Optionally or preferably wherein the device and base are releasably connected.

Optionally or preferably wherein the base is generally wedge-shaped.

Optionally or preferably wherein the device is supported in an inclined condition by the base when received thereby and/or the second side rests on a supporting surface during use, and the formation defines the supporting surface on which the second side rests during use.

Optionally or preferably wherein the supporting surface includes an inclined surface and/or the supporting surface supports the device in an inclined condition, optionally or preferably the device is inclined at an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees in the inclined condition.

Optionally or preferably wherein the formation defines a recess into which the device is received during use.

Optionally or preferably wherein the base includes an extended portion which extends generally away from a lower portion of the base, and wherein the extended portion is for use in supporting the baby or infant's legs or a portion thereof during use, optionally or preferably the extended portion is generally a rectangular cuboid.

Optionally or preferably wherein the extended portion is for selectively receiving a support device on which the baby or infant's legs or a portion thereof rest during use.

Optionally or preferably a or the system includes the support device, wherein the support device is generally in the form of a triangular prism.

Optionally or preferably a or the system according to one or more of the above recited aspects and optionally or preferably wherein the device is according to one or more of the above recited aspects.

Optionally or preferably a or the system includes a plurality of fastener devices for releasably fastening the device and/or support device to the base, optionally or preferably the fastener devices are hook and loop fasteners.

Optionally or preferably a or the system, or, a or the device, according to one or more of any above recited aspects, wherein the device and/or base are made from a foam material, optionally or preferably formed as a block of foam material.

Optionally or preferably a or the system according to one or more of the above recited aspects including a plurality of devices according to one or more of the above recited aspects, wherein each of the plurality of devices include respective portions (H), (T) that are different dimensions and the plurality of devices may be interchangeably received by the base.

Optionally or preferably one or more of the plurality of devices include respective portions (H), (T) having respective dimensions and/or shapes which have been determined in accordance with one or more of a baby or infant's gender, age and size percentile as determined by a baby / infant growth chart.

Embodiments of the invention will be set out below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures, of which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a system according to embodiments of the invention in a use state with another apparatus; Fig. 2 is another perspective view of a system according to embodiments of the invention in a use state; Fig. 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of a system according to embodiments of the invention; Fig. 4a is an exploded perspective view of components of a system according to embodiments of the invention in a partially assembled state; Fig. 4b is an exploded perspective cross-section view of components of a system according to embodiments of the invention in a partially assembled state; Fig. 5 is a plan view of a component of a device according to embodiments of the invention; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a system according to embodiments of the invention; and Fig. 7 includes a number of respective perspective views of a system in different states according to embodiments of the invention.

Referring to figure 1, this shows a system 10 according to embodiments of the invention inserted in an apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 shown is commonly referred to as a bassinet or cradle. The system 10 rests on a flat inner surface at the bottom of the bassinet or cradle, e.g. provided by a mattress or the like (not shown). In embodiments, the system 10 may be used differently, e.g. on its own or inserted in another type of apparatus for a baby or infant to rest in.

Referring to figures 2 and 3, the system 10 may include a device 12 for a baby or infant, a base 50 for receiving the device 12 and/or a support device 58.

The device 12 includes a body 14 including a first side 16 and a second side 18. The first side 16 faces generally upwards during use and the second side 18 rests on a supporting surface, e.g. a surface provided by apparatus 200, during use or a supporting surface provided by base 50. One or more of the device 12, base 50 and/or support device 58 may be made from a foam material, e.g. formed as a single piece or block of foam material. In embodiments one or more of these may be made from other polyurethane or elastomeric materials that are sufficiently rigid, e.g. to support a baby or infant's weight whilst also being deformable to provide a comfortable surface on which to rest. The foam material may have an open cell and/or be a breathable material. As shown in figures 4a and 4b, the device 12 may include a plurality of ventilation passages 15 which extend from respective openings 17 on the first side 16 through to respective openings (not shown) in the second side 18. The device 12 may have a generally trapezoidal cuboid shape. In embodiments, the device 12 may have a different shape, e.g. triangular cuboid. The base 50 and/or support device 58 may similarly include ventilation passages 15a, 15a' and openings 17a, 17a'. In embodiments, the device 12 may be covered by a breathable cover that may be removable to permit replacement and/or cleaning thereof. The fabric cover may be made from a three dimensional knitted fabric (a so-called "3D fabric"). The support device 58 may be covered by a similar cover.

Referring to figure 5, the first side 16 defines a surface (S) for a baby or infant to rest upon in a supine position. The surface (S) includes a first depressed or indented portion (H) for receiving a head of the baby or infant and a second depressed or indented portion (T) for receiving a torso of the baby or infant. The portions (H) and (T) are deliberately shaped to smoothly follow the general curvature of a baby or infant's head and torso respectively. The terms "depressed" and "indented" denote the downwardly extending nature of these portions so as to define respective spaces within which the head and torso may rest. The portions (H) and/or (T) may be defined by respective recesses on the first side 16. The portions (H) and/or (T) are closed or solid surfaces (except for the openings 17 where provided in certain embodiments) across their entire, or substantially all their, extent for certain embodiments. The portions (H) and (T) may be formed according to pre-determined shapes, dimensions and/or geometry. In embodiments, the portions (H) and/or (T) may include an open or hollow section which is not closed, e.g. centrally thereof.

The first side 16 includes a top end 20 and a bottom end 22. Portion (H) may be positioned near the top end 20 and the portion (T) may extend from the bottom end 22 towards the portion (H). The portions (H) and (T) may extend longitudinally across the first side 16. The portion (H) may be contiguous with the portion (T) in embodiments. The portions (H) and (T) may be separate from one another in other embodiments.

In plan view, portion (T) may have opposing sides 26, 28 that are symmetric about a midline 13 of the first side 16 extending longitudinally along the first side 16. The sides 26, 28 may be concave. The portion (T) may define an open face at its top end which opens into portion (H). The portion (T) may be generally curved as it extends transversely between sides 26 and 28 such that it is deepest along the midline 13.

In plan view, portion (H) may be generally D-shaped and may define an open face at its bottom end which opens into portion (T). The portion (H) may be generally curved as it extends transversely such that it is deepest along the midline 13 and/or may be symmetric about midline 13.

In embodiments, the portions (T) and (H) may be formed to place the baby or infant's body into a more comfortable supine state, e.g. by partially replicating a foetal position for the torso. Referring to figure 6, this shows a side cross-section view through midline 13, i.e. a vertical plane in which midline 13 lies, of the system 10. It can be seen that the surface (S) may include a raised portion 30 between the portions (H) and (T). The raised portion 30 may provide support to the baby or infant's neck and may assist in maintaining the baby or infant in a comfortable posture. The portion (H) may be arcuate so as to follow the curvature of the baby or infant's head. The portion (T) may include an inclined section 32 which inclines downwardly as it extends away from the portion (H) in side cross-section. In embodiments including the raised portion 30, the inclined section 32 starts from the raised portion 30 and is inclined downwardly therefrom. The portion (T) may terminate at its bottom region 33 in an upwardly extending section 34 as it extends towards the bottom of portion (T) as seen in side cross-section. The upwardly extending section 34 is connected at its top end to the inclined section 32 of portion (T). The upwardly extending section 34 also provides a holding effect to prevent the baby or infant sliding downwardly along the first side 16.

The first side 16 may include a peripheral surface (P) which extends outwardly around portions (H) and/or (T). In embodiments, the peripheral surface (P) may be flat, e.g. it may be planar, and lie in a plane. The provision of surface (P) permits the baby or infant to at least have a line of sight to either side of the device 12 and thus makes it more comfortable for the baby or infant to rest on the surface (S). In embodiments, the portions (H) and (T) may define a continuous space 24 and the space 24 may extend below the plane in which the peripheral surface (P) lies. In other embodiments, the peripheral surface (P) may not be flat and could be curved or be shaped differently.

In embodiments, the first side 16 is inclined during use and so causes the baby or infant to be inclined in the supine position. For the embodiments shown, the base 50 supports the device 12 in an inclined state, thus effectively causing the first side 16 to be inclined. It has been found that having the device 12 / first side 16 inclined at an angle of around 30 to 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal is effective in preventing reflux whilst maintaining the baby in a stable state and that an optimum angle is around or is 35 degrees.

In other embodiments, the first side 16 may be formed to be inclined with respect to a remainder of the device 12 regardless of how the device 12 is supported. In other words, in other embodiments, the base 50 may not cause the first side 16 to be inclined, e.g. the device 12 may be wedge-shaped in embodiments with the first side 16 forming the inclined side of the device 12.

Referring to figure 3, in embodiments, the base 50 may be generally wedge-shaped. The base 50 may have a main portion including a first side 52 which faces generally upwards during use, and a second side 54 which rests on a surface and faces generally downwards during use. The first side 52 includes a top end 53 which is adjacent or near the top end 20 of the device 12 during use, and a bottom end 55 which is adjacent or near the bottom end 22 of the device 12 during use. In embodiments, the top end 53 is higher than the bottom end 55 with respect to the surface on which the base 50 rests.

The base 50 may include a formation 56 for selectively receiving the device 12. The formation 56 may be configured to retain the device 12 in place with respect to the base 50, e.g. to prevent the device 12 from moving, e.g. sliding downwardly, relative to the base 50. The formation 56 may be provided on the first side 52. In embodiments, the formation 56 may be in the form of a recess into which the device 12 is received during use. The formation 56 may define a supporting surface 59 on which the second side 18 of device 12 rests during use. In embodiments for which the base 50 is not wedge-shaped, for example, the base 50 may be shaped differently, e.g. rectangular cuboid, the base 50 may have a supporting surface including an inclined surface so as to support the second side 16 and device 12 in an inclined state.

In embodiments, the base 50 may include an extended portion 60 which extends generally away from the bottom end 55, i.e. lower portion of the main portion of the base 50. The extended portion 60 is for use in supporting the baby or infant's legs or a portion thereof during use. The extended portion 60 may take the form of a rectangular cuboid. In embodiments, the extended portion 60 may selectively receive a support device 58 on which the baby or infant's legs or a portion thereof rest during use. The support device 58 may be a generally elongate shape which extends transversely or widthwise across the extended portion 60 and may, during use, abut the bottom end 22 of the device 12 during use. The support device 58 may include an upwardly facing surface 64 which extends upwardly to a raised central section. As best seen in figure 6, a portion of the surface 64 which faces inwardly towards the device 12 follows the curvature at the lower end the portion (T). In embodiments, the support device 58 may be generally in the form of a triangular prism. The support device 58 may be made of a similar to the same material and/or inner construction as device 12 and/or block 50. The support device 58 may help to prevent the baby or infant from sliding down the device 12 during use.

The device 12, base 50 and/or support device 58 may be releasably connected. The device 12, base 50 and/or support device 58 may include a plurality of fastener devices 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b for releasably fastening the device 12 and/or support device 58 to the base 50. In embodiments, the fastener devices 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68c may be hook and loop fasteners, e.g. Velcro fasteners.

Referring to figure 7, the system 10 may include a plurality of devices 12a, 12b, 12c which are of a similar construction to device 12 and which may be received by the base 50 so that the devices 12a, 12b, 12c may be used interchangeably with the base 50. The devices 12a, 12b, 12c are designed to be used for specific phases of the baby or infant's age. Each of the plurality of devices 12a, 12b, 12c differs in that its respective portions (H), (T) are of different dimensions and/or shapes so that it follows the development of the baby or infant's body as it grows. In more detail, based on a baby's gender, age and size percentile (head circumference and height for example) the respective portions (H), (T) for the devices 12a, 12b, 12c, may have respective dimensions which have been determined in accordance with a size percentile for the baby or infant based on a baby / infant growth chart. This permits the system 10 to accommodate the baby or infant as it grows and ensures that the baby or infant remains comfortable and that the system 10 works effectively without causing harm. The devices 12a, 12b, 12c may be designed to work with a baby or infant based on respective age ranges. For example. Designed to work for three respective age ranges: newborn, 0-3 months and 3-6 months respectively. By adopting dimensions for the respective portions (H), (T) suited to a higher end of the size percentile, the respective device 12a, 12b, or 12c may last a longer duration for each of the three age ranges. In embodiments, the dimensions may be determined differently or based on other considerations.

In embodiments, the system 10 may be dimensioned so as to be suitable for widely available commercial products forming the apparatus 200, e.g. based on the dimensions of the commercial bassinet being used by the user, the system 10 may be manufactured to be of a width and length that means it fits neatly within the apparatus 200 with little to no empty space along the sides of the system with respect to the inside walls of the apparatus 200.

Use of the system 10 will now be described. A user selects a device 12 based on the baby or infant's gender, age and size percentile. The device 12 is placed on the base 50 and the system 10 as a whole is placed into an apparatus 100. The user then places the baby or infant so as to rest the baby or infant on the surface S in a supine position. The baby or infant's legs will rest on the support device 58. The baby or infant may now comfortably rest and/or sleep whilst being held in an inclined position so as to inhibit reflux and also having the baby or infant's head / torso comfortably accommodated within the portions (H) and (T) without undue pressure being exerted thereto.

As the baby or infant grows older, the user may select another device 12a, 12b, 12c that is more suitable for the baby or infant depending on its characteristics at the time and replace the device 12 whilst retaining the same base 50 and support device 58. Once the baby or infant is around 3-6 months old, the support device 58 may be removed because the presence of the support device 58 is likely to hinder the muscle development in the baby or infant's legs at this age.

The present invention advantageously allows the baby or infant to rest comfortably in a stable posture whilst also decreasing the likelihood of the baby or infant suffering from flat head syndrome and/or reflux. Furthermore the system 10 permits interchangeable devices 12a, 12b, 12c to be used with it to accommodate the baby or infant as he or she grows whilst not having to change the base 50 or support device 58.

It will be appreciated that the device 12 may be used independently of the rest of the system 10 to provide relief from flat head syndrome. It will also be appreciated that the base 50 may be used as part of a system 10 including devices that may differ from the embodiments described, for example, the devices may only have a depressed or indented portion for receiving a baby or infant's head but still provide the benefit of permitting interchangeable devices to be used.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A device for a baby or infant including: a body including a first side and a second side, wherein the first side faces generally upwards during use and the second side rests on a supporting surface during use, wherein the first side defines a surface (S) for a baby or infant to rest upon in a supine position, and wherein the surface (S) includes a first depressed or indented portion (H) for receiving a head of the baby or infant and a second depressed or indented portion (T) for receiving a torso of the baby or infant.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the portion (H) is contiguous with the portion (T).
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the first side has a top end and a bottom end, and, wherein the portion (H) is positioned near the top end and the portion (T) extends from the bottom end towards the portion (H).
4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the surface (S) includes a raised portion between the portions (H) and (T).
5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the portion (H) is arcuate in side cross-section.
6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the portion (T) includes an inclined section which is inclined downwardly as it extends away from the portion (H) in side cross-section.
7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first side is inclined with respect to the second side and/or wherein the portion (T) terminates at a bottom end thereof in an upwardly extending section in side cross-section, optionally or preferably the upwardly extending section is connected to the inclined section of portion (T).
8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first side includes a peripheral surface (P) which extends around portions (H) and/or (T), optionally or preferably the peripheral surface (P) is generally planar or is planar.
9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the portions (H) and (T) define a continuous space, optionally or preferably the space extends below a plane in which the peripheral surface (P) lies.
10.A device according to any preceding claim wherein, in plan view, portion (H) is generally D-shaped and/or in plan view portion (T) includes opposing concave sides.
11 A device according to any preceding claim wherein the first side is inclined during use.
12.A system for a baby or infant including: a device, the device including: a first side and a second side, wherein the first side faces generally upwards during use, wherein the first side defines a surface (S) for a baby or infant to rest upon in a supine position and wherein surface (S) includes a first depressed or indented portion (H) for receiving a head of the baby or infant and optionally a second depressed or indented portion (T) for receiving a torso of the baby or infant, and a base for selectively receiving the device, the base optionally or preferably including: a formation for selectively receiving the device.
13. A system according to claim 12 wherein the device and base are releasably connected.
14. A system according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the base is generally wedge-shaped.
15.A system according to claim 12, 13 or 14 wherein the device is supported in an inclined condition by the base when received thereby and/or the second side rests on a supporting surface during use, and the formation defines the supporting surface on which the second side rests during use.
16.A system according to claim 15 wherein the supporting surface includes an inclined surface and/or the supporting surface supports the device in an inclined condition, optionally or preferably the device is inclined at an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees in the inclined condition.
17.A system according to any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the formation defines a recess into which the device is received during use.
18.A system according to any one of claims 12 to 17 wherein the base includes an extended portion which extends generally away from a lower portion of the base, and wherein the extended portion is for use in supporting the baby or infant's legs or a portion thereof during use, optionally or preferably the extended portion is generally a rectangular cuboid
19.A system according to claim 18 wherein the extended portion is for selectively receiving a support device on which the baby or infant's legs or a portion thereof rest during use.
20.A system according to claim 19 including the support device, wherein the support device is generally in the form of a triangular prism.
21.A system according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the device is according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
22.A system according to any one of claims 12 to 21 including a plurality of fastener devices for releasably fastening the device and/or support device to the base, optionally or preferably the fastener devices are hook and loop fasteners.
23.A system or device according to any preceding claim wherein the device and/or base are made from a foam material, optionally or preferably formed as a block of foam material.
24.A system according to any one of claims 12 to 23 including a plurality of devices according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each of the plurality of devices include respective portions (H), (T) that are different dimensions and the plurality of devices may be interchangeably received by the base.
25.A system according to claim 24 wherein one or more of the plurality of devices include respective portions (H), (T) having respective dimensions and/or shapes which have been determined in accordance with one or more of a baby or infant's gender, age and size percentile as determined by a baby / infant growth chart.