NL2032510B1 - Self-supporting pod for infants - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-supporting pod configured to fit inside a crib for an infant. The self-supporting pod comprises a frame and a covering fabric, wherein the fabric is a breathable, light-limiting material. The light-limiting material blocks at least 65% of natural light. The pod is at a lower side arranged for supporting the pod on a supporting surface and the covering fabric is provided at an upper side of the pod, opposite of the lower side. The lower side of the pod is open for providing access to a receiving space of the pod arranged for receiving the infant, wherein in a first position of the covering fabric a cover opening at the upper side is present for allowing a user to access, via the cover opening, the receiving space and in a second position of the covering fabric the upper side is arranged for blocking access of the user to the receiving space.

Description

TITLE Self-supporting pod for infants

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a self-supporting pod for infants.

BACKGROUND

Sleep is very important for healthy development of infants. Infants may sleep as much as fourteen-eighteen hours per day, dependent on their age.

Providing a dark, low-stimulus and familiar space for the infant may help the infant to fall asleep faster and to stay asleep longer.

At home, this space is usually provided by a cradle or crib in a room where incoming daylight may be blocked for instance by curtains. However, infants often spend quite some time at other locations, and also need to sleep there. Examples are day-care facilities, the home of a grandparent or baby sitter, or when visiting friends or family. In these places, the infant has to sleep in a different bed and a different room. They are away from their familiar environment at home, and even if blocking of daylight or artificial light can be arranged, it is also different from the home environment.

US20220047092 discloses a pop up cover for a crib for providing a safe, comfortable and isolated environment for a child in a crib. The pop-up cover may be made of breathable fabric panels having an integrated frame, for example a flexible frame, which can be folded (collapsed) on itself.

EP2534981A1 discloses a self-deployable device with an arcuate structure with two hoops to support one flexible material wall defining a space for receiving a child and two stiffener bars to withstand bearing against the hoop end.

To become a familiar space for the infant, a pod or cover should be usable on a daily basis in the home environment, in combination with a standard cradle or crib, as well as in other locations where the infant has to sleep. The current portable beds or portable covers for the infant's sleeping space are designed for occasional use when travelling. Use of these products in the home environment would require adaptation, since they are generally not designed for frequent usage, they cannot always be used in combination with a standard cradle or crib, or they require quite some effort to be folded/collapsed when not in use each time because they take up a lot of space.

Thus, there is a need for a pod for infants that can provide a light- limiting environment for an infant to sleep in or under which can be used on a daily basis in the home environment, in combination with a standard cradle or crib, as well as in other locations where the infant has to sleep.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved self- supporting pod for infants.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self- supporting pod for instants that is light-limiting. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self-supporting pod for instants that is breathable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a self- supporting pod for infants that can be used in combination with a standard cradle or crib.

The invention therefore relates to a self-supporting pod configured to fit inside a crib, comprising a frame and a covering fabric. The covering fabric is a breathable, light-limiting material that blocks at least 65% of natural light. The pod is, at a lower side, arranged for supporting the pod on a supporting surface. The covering fabric is provided at an upper side of the pod, opposite of the lower side. The lower side of the pod is open for providing access to a receiving space of the pod arranged for receiving the infant. In a first position of the covering fabric a cover opening at the upper side is present for allowing a user to access, via the cover opening, the receiving space. In a second position of the covering fabric the upper side is arranged for blocking access of the user to the receiving space.

By being self-supporting and configured to fit inside a crib, the pod according to the invention can be readily applied both at home in the bed of the infant and at other locations. This allows for the infant to become familiar with the light- limiting environment created by the pod. Because of this, the infant can sleep at any location in their familiar, light-limiting environment. It is believed that this will facilitate the infant with falling asleep as well as staying asleep for longer.

One or more of these objects are achieved by the self-supporting pod according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention is described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the present invention are shown and in which like reference numbers indicate the same or similar elements.

Figure 1 shows an example of a self-supporting pod according to the present invention, in a first position.

Figure 2 shows the self-supporting pod of figure 1, in a second position.

Figure 3 shows the self-supporting pod of figure 1 and 2, in a folded position.

Figure 4 shows another example of a self-supporting pod according to the present invention.

Figure 5 shows the self-supporting pod of figure 4, in a folded position.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In an embodiment, the light-limiting material blocks at least at least 65%, preferably 70%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%.

A fabric such as often used in mosquito nets may limit some light, but this is not enough to provide the desired sleeping environment for the infant as achieved by the present invention.

The cover opening at the upper side in the first position of the covering fabric may allow the user visual access into the receiving space. The term “access” in the context of the present description includes visual access. For visual access, a small opening is sufficient.

In an embodiment, the cover opening at the upper side of the pod is sized to permit loading and unloading of the infant into the pod.

The pod according to the invention may be placed upon any substantially flat supporting surface. For the comfort of the infant, the most suitable surfaces are surfaces such as a mattress. The mattress could be a mattress of a crib or cradle, or from a pram, but also a mattress of a regular single or double bed. The mattress may be an inflatable mattress.

In an embodiment, the self-supporting pod is configured to fit inside a cradle for an infant. A crib, also known as a cot, is a bed for an infant with high sides, and usually has a size of 60-70cm x 120-140 cm. For example, the crib may be 60cm x 120cm or 70cm x 140cm. A cradle or bassinet is smaller than a crib, and usually has a size of 40-55 cm x 80-90 cm, for instance 40cm x 90cm. The definitions of crib and cradle in the context of the present description also include a co-sleeper. A co-sleeper is also knows as a bedside crib, and is a crib (or cradle, depending on the size), of which one or more sides can be lowered or removed such that there is direct access to the infant from the side. It can be placed next to the parental bed.

In an embodiment, the pod is adjustable in at least two sizes, preferably wherein one size is smaller than the inside of a cradle and wherein another size is bigger than the inside of a cradle/bedside crib but smaller than the inside of a crib. This adjustability serves at least two purposes. It creates a more snug environment for a small infant, that can be extended when the infant outgrows the smaller size setting(s). This allows for the pod to be used for a long period of time while still providing a snug fit for the infant. Secondly, but related to the growing of the infant, it allows for the pod to be used in a cradle when the infant is small, and in a crib when the infant has outgrown the cradle. The adjustability of the pod can be achieved in various manners, depending on the construction of the pod. It may be a stepwise adjustment, or a sliding scale. With ‘size’ in this context is meant at least in the length direction of the pod.

In an embodiment, the frame is foldable. Foldability may also depend onthe material of the frame. The frame may be made from e.g. metal, plastic or wood.

In an embodiment, the frame is made of wood.

The breathable, light-limiting material may be any suitable material.

Examples of suitable materials are e.g. a mesh fabric for instance made of polyester or a thin, air permeable fabric such as cotton In an embodiment, the breathable, light- limiting material is a mesh fabric. A mesh is a barrier made of strands of flexible or ductile materials. A mesh fabric is a loosely woven or knitted fabric that has many closely spaced holes. The holes in the mesh may be large enough to allow improved breathability but small enough to prevent inflow of light into the pod. An additional benefit of small holes in the mesh could be that insects such as flies and mosquitos may be unable to penetrate the fabric, in case the mesh is fine enough.

The pod according to the present invention may have air vents. Air vents provide improved breathability. Preferably, the air vents have a maximum size 5 such that insects (e.g. flies or mosquitos) are unable to penetrate. For example, the air vents may have a size of at most 1.2 mm?2.

In an embodiment, the frame comprises a bottom support and two inclined supports.

In an embodiment, the frame further comprises a central support.

In an embodiment, the self-supporting pod further comprises an electronic unit for providing sound and/or light. This electronic unit may be detachable from the pod itself. There may be connection means attached to the (frame of the) pod to detachably connect an electronic unit to the (frame of the) pod. This electronic unit may for instance be a battery-operated unit. The unit may be able to generate sounds, such as white noise or lullabies, that may help calm the infant. The unit may be able to generate light. This light could for instance be a soft, red light to allow the caregiver to observe the child without the need of bright lighting. The unit may include a camera.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising the self- supporting pod according to any one of the preceding claims, and a bottom cover for covering the lower side, wherein the bottom cover is arranged for blocking access to the receiving space.

In an embodiment of this assembly, bottom cover comprises or is made of a breathable material.

The bottom cover may comprise an elastic material that allows the bottom cover to be attached to the pod, by having the elastic material placed around the lower side of pod. Other ways of attaching the bottom cover to the pod may also be envisioned. Examples are a zipper or hook-and-loop fasteners.

The pod can be used without the need of a bottom when used under supervision. The bottomless pod can be placed over the infant lying on (for instance) a mattress to create a light-limited confined space for the infant. When used without supervision, it is suitable to attach a bottom cover to the pod. It is an option to place a detached bottom cover on a surface such as a mattress, place the infant on top of this bottom and then place the pod over the infant and attach the bottom cover to the pod.

It is also an option to place the pod with the bottom cover attached to its lower side on a surface (such as a mattress), and load the infant into the pod via the cover opening on the upper side of the pod. It is believed that an assembly having a bottom cover attached to the pod creates a more safe environment for an infant. There is no need for any loose elements such as a mattress to be present within the pod, since the pod with the bottom cover can be placed upon a mattress. This not only increases the safety of the pod, but also keeps the environment for the infant simple in the sense that there are no distracting and/or possibly shifting elements presents. It is noted that most safety regulations for infants advise a rather stiff and breathable mattress. When the bottom cover is of a breathable material it does not hamper the breathability of any mattress used as a surface upon which the pod is placed. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the bottom cover is a soft fabric. With the term “soft” is meant in this context that is pleasant for the infant to lie on. An example of a suitable fabric is cotton.

A waterproof plastic material such as polyethylene is not considered breathable or soft.

An example of the self-supporting pod according to the invention is shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

Fig. 1 shows a self-supporting pod 1 in a first position. The pod 1 comprises a frame 2 and a covering fabric 3. At a lower side 1a, the pod 1 is arranged for supporting the pod 1 on a supporting surface. The covering fabric 3 is provided at an upper side 1b of the pod, opposite of the lower side. The lower side of the pod 1 is open for providing access to a receiving space 4 of the pod 1 arranged for receiving the infant. A cover opening 5 at the upper side 1b is present for allowing a user to access, via the cover opening 5, the receiving space 4. The frame has a bottom support 6, two inclined supports 7 and a central support 8. The cover opening 5 is created between the central support 8 and one of the inclined supports 7a by folding back the covering fabric 3 in this section. The covering opening 5 may be enlarged by moving the central support 8 towards the other inclined support 7b. This movement is enabled by a hinge 11 at the location where the central support 8 is connected to the bottom support 6. An electronic unit 9 is connected to one of the inclined supports 7 to provide light and/or sound.

Fig 2. shows the pod 1 in a second position: the covering fabric 3 the upper side 1b is arranged for blocking access of the user to the receiving space 4.

The pod 1 of Fig. 1 and 2 shows a bottom support 6 that comprises a first and a second U-shaped support member 12a, 12b, wherein the U-shaped openings of said first and second U-shaped support members 12a, 12b are arranged such that they form a substantially oval-shaped bottom support 6. The substantially oval-shape of the bottom support 6 is preferably a stadium shape.

To adjust the size of the pod 1 of this example, one option would be to reduce or extend the substantially straight section of the bottom support 6 can be extended by replacing a screw or other type of fastening means. This may be for instance at the location of the hinge 11.

Fig. 3 shows the pod 1 of Fig. 1 and 2 in a folded position. The bottom support 6 and the inclined supports 7 are arranged such that in a folded position they substantially overlap. The support members 12a, 12b of the bottom support 6, the inclined supports 7a, 7b and the central support 8 may all be U-shaped. Each end of the first U-shaped support-member 12a of the bottom support 6 may be movably connected with an end of the second U-shaped support-member 12b of the bottom support 6. This allows for the frame to be foldable.

In Fig. 1 and 2, the first inclined support 7a is connected to the first

U-shaped support member 12a of the bottom support 6, and the second inclined support 7b is connected to the second U-shaped support member 12b of the bottom support 6.

As shown in Fig. 1, the covering fabric 3 may extend between the bottom support 6 and the inclined supports 7, and between at least one of the inclined supports 7a, 7b and the central support 8. In the position of Fig. 1, there is no covering fabric between one of the inclined supports 7a and the central support 8, creating a cover opening 5 on the upper side 1b of the pod 1. The covering fabric that is needed to close the cover opening 5 may be attached to one side of the opening 5, for instance to the inclined support 7a. The cover opening 5 may then be closed (to create the second position of the covering fabric 3, as shown in Fig. 2) by drawing this piece of covering fabric to the central support 8 and attaching it to the central support 8. This attachment may be formed by elastic properties of the covering fabric, but there may also be fastening means such as a zipper or hook-and-loop fasteners.

Fig. 4 shows another possible construction of a pod 1 according to the present invention. The pod 1 comprises a frame 2 and a covering fabric 3. The frame 2 has two trapezium shaped elements 13a, 13b, which may be connected by cross-beams (not shown). These cross-beams may be hinged to allow foldability of the pod 1. At a lower side 1a, the pod 1 is arranged for supporting the pod 1 on a supporting surface. The covering fabric 3 is provided at an upper side 1b of the pod, opposite of the lower side. The lower side of the pod 1 is open for providing access to a receiving space of the pod 1 arranged for receiving the infant. A cover opening may be created at the upper side 1b for allowing a user to access, via the cover opening, the receiving space. The cover opening is created by opening the access panel 14 shown on the front-facing side of the pod 1, on the upper side 1b of the pod 1. This access panel 14 is shown in a closed position, blocking access to the receiving space.

It may be closed for instance by a zipper or with hook-and-loop fasteners.

Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

One or more of the objects of the invention are achieved by the appended claims.

Claims (11)

CONCLUSIONS 1. Assembly comprising: - a self-supporting pod (1) configured to fit an infant crib, comprising a frame (2) and a covering fabric (3), the fabric being a breathable, light-reducing material, wherein the pod (1) is designed on an underside to support the pod (1) on a supporting surface and wherein the covering fabric (3) is provided on an upper side of the pod, opposite the underside, and wherein the pod (1) ) is open at the bottom to provide access to a reception area (4) of the pod (1) designed for receiving the child, wherein in a first position of the covering fabric (3) there is an opening (5) in the covering is present at the top to give a user access to the reception area (4) via the opening (5) in the covering and in a second position of the covering fabric (3) the top is designed to allow the user's access to to block the reception space (4), and a ground cover for covering the underside, wherein the ground cover is designed to block access to the reception space (4). 2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the light-limiting material blocks at least 85% of the natural light, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening (5) in the cover at the top of the pod (1) is dimensioned such that loading and unloading of the child in the pod (1) is possible. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the self-supporting pod (1) is configured to fit into a child's crib. 5. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pod (1) is adjustable in at least two sizes, preferably one size being smaller than the inside of a cradle and another size being larger than the inside of a cradle but smaller than the inside of a crib. 6. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pod (1) is foldable. 7. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the breathable, light-limiting material is a mesh fabric. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (2) comprises a bottom support (6) and two oblique supports (7a, 7b). Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (2) further comprises a central support (8). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electronic unit (9) for providing sound and/or light. 11. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the ground covering comprises or is made of a breathable material.