WO2010003010A2

WO2010003010A2 - Infant soothing pad

Info

Publication number: WO2010003010A2
Application number: PCT/US2009/049433
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sarah Shoemaker
Original assignee: Learning Curve Brands, Inc.
Priority date: 2008-07-02
Filing date: 2009-07-01
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Also published as: WO2010003010A3

Abstract

An infant soothing pad to alleviate some of the effects or symptoms of colic. The infant soothing pad includes a first layer of fabric and a second layer of fabric stitched together along a periphery thereof and defining a pocket therebetween and an electronic device positioned within the pocket to provide a massaging action to an infant lying on the soothing pad.

Description

INFANT SOOTHING PAD RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/077,743 filed on July 2, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Colic is a problem that affects some babies during the first several months of life. It can be very stressful and frustrating to parents. Colic usually begins suddenly, with loud and mostly continuous crying.

[0003] There are several theories about why colic may or may not occur. One theory about colic relates to the adjustments that a new baby and his/her parents have to make to each other. Until babies learn to talk, one way they communicate with adults is by crying. Parents have to learn to interpret the reasons their baby is crying, and then figure out what to do to make the baby happy. Is the baby hungry? Wet? Cold? Hot? Tired? Bored? A baby will cry for these reasons, as well as for other reasons, and parents must try to determine what is causing their baby's stress, often by trial and error. New parents, especially, may have trouble reading their baby' s cues and responding appropriately. The baby may continue to cry simply because its needs have not yet been met.

[0004] Another theory about colic relates to the baby's temperament and adjustment to the world. Newborns must also make adjustments to the world they are living in. Not all babies have the same temperament. Some adjust to lights, loud noises, and all the other stimulation around them with no trouble, while others are not able to adapt as easily. Just like adults, some babies are easy-going, and some are impatient. Crying may be one way for a baby to vent feelings as he/she is getting adjusted to the world. Babies have been noted to cry for specific lengths of time every day, as they are getting used to the world, and as their parents are learning to interpret their needs.

[0005] Another theory about colic relates to oversensitivity to gas. Excessive crying in babies might be due to oversensitivity to gas in the intestine. Physicians do not think that babies with colic produce more gas than others, but simply that the normal amount of gas that is produced as food is digested is uncomfortable for some babies. If a baby with colic seems to pass more gas than other babies do, it is probably due to swallowing more air while crying for prolonged periods of time.

[0006] Another theory about colic relates to a possible milk allergy. Milk allergies may cause abdominal pain, but usually also cause diarrhea. A baby who cannot tolerate cow's milk and responds to a change in formula may have a milk allergy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] No single treatment has proved to make colic go away. But there are ways to make life easier for both parents and baby. If the baby is not hungry, it has been suggested to stop feeding, and instead, try to console the baby. Other suggestions have been to walk with the baby or sit in a rocking chair in different positions, try to burp the baby more often during feedings, place the baby across a person's lap on his or her back or belly and rub or massage the baby's back or belly, put the baby in a swing - the motion may have a soothing effect, put the baby in an infant seat in the back of the car and go for a ride - the vibration and movement of the car are often calming, and play music - some babies respond to sound as well as movement.

[0008] Another suggestion is to use a massage pad implemented according to the present invention. The massage pad can help reduce the effects of colic. The present invention includes a pad having a massage unit, which rotates to apply light pressure to the baby's stomach.

[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention includes an infant soothing pad comprising a first layer of fabric and a second layer of fabric stitched together along a periphery thereof and defining a pocket and an electronic device positioned within the pocket and at least partially encased in foam. The massage unit includes a housing, a pathway defined within the housing, a plurality of balls supported by the pathway, adjacent balls being spaced a predetermined distance, and a motor configured to move the balls along the pathway and provide a massaging action through the foam to an infant lying on the soothing pad. [0010] In another embodiment, the present invention includes an infant soothing pad comprising an elongated first layer of fabric and a complementary elongated second layer of fabric stitched together along a periphery thereof and defining a pocket therebetween and a removable electronic device positioned within the pocket and at least partially encased in foam. The pad includes a recess formed along a middle portion of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric. The removable electronic device includes a housing, a pathway defined within the housing, a plurality of balls supported by the pathway, adjacent balls being spaced a predetermined distance, and a motor configured to move the balls along the pathway at a selectable speed and provide a massaging action through the foam to an infant lying on the soothing pad.

[0011] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a soothing pad according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the soothing pad illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the soothing pad illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the soothing pad illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a top view of a soothing pad having a second construction.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the soothing pad illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the soothing pad illustrated in FIG. 5

[0019] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a soothing pad having a third construction.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an electronic massage unit. [0021] FIG. 9B is a front perspective view of the electronic massage unit illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the soothing pad illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the soothing pad in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0025] Although directional references, such as upper, lower, downward, upward, rearward, bottom, front, rear, etc., may be made herein in describing the drawings, these references are made relative to the drawings (as normally viewed) for convenience. These directions are not intended to be taken literally or limit the present invention in any form. In addition, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance.

[0026] Figure 11 illustrates a soothing pad that can be applied to a person's shoulder area underneath a baby while burping the baby to help alleviate the symptoms of colic. The soothing pad provides a massaging action and/or vibrations to the baby's tummy soothe the baby.

[0027] Figures 1-4 illustrate a soothing pad 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The soothing pad 10 can be applied to a person's shoulder area (on either left or right side) and then the baby is positioned on top of the soothing pad 10 in a familiar burping position. The soothing pad 10 provides pressure, massage, and/or vibration to the baby's tummy to alleviate some of the effects or symptoms of colic. [0028] The soothing pad 10 includes a first layer of fabric 14 having an edge 18 with a defined contour. The soothing pad 10 also includes a second layer of fabric 22 having an edge 26 with a complimentary defined contour as the first layer of fabric 14. The first layer 14 and the second layer 22 are stitched together or secured by other means along the respective peripheries adjacent the edges 18, 26 to form an interior volume or pocket.

[0029] The soothing pad 10 includes a first recess 30 and a second recess 34 near a middle portion 38 of the pad. The middle portion 38 of the pad 10 is connected to a first portion 42 and a second portion 46. The recesses 30, 34 are formed to receive a portion of the person's neck to allow the pad 10 to comfortably fit on the person's left or right shoulder. The soothing pad 10 can also be positioned on the person's knees or across the person's chest or on the floor for use.

[0030] The soothing pad 10 also includes an electronic massage unit 50 (illustrated in FIG. 9 and 9B) positioned in the pocket formed between the first layer 14 and the second layer of fabric 22. The electronic massage unit 50 is positioned in one of the first portion 42 and the second portion 46 of the pad. The first layer 14 and the second layer of fabric 22 can be stitched around the periphery of the electronic massage unit 50 to secure its position within the first portion 42 or the second portion 46 of the pad.

[0031] The electronic massage unit 50 includes a housing 54 and a motor 57 to move one or more balls 56 along a predefined path to provide a massaging action. FIG. 9B illustrates six balls 56, however the massage unit 50 can include more or less than six balls 56. The balls 56 can rotate and can move along the path in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The balls 56 can be supported within a track or channel 55 that defines the pathway. The track 55 can include one or more peaks and valleys upon which the balls 56 can travel to provide a change in intensity in the massaging action. The track 55 can include a plurality of sockets 53 configured to support the balls 56 and to maintain the position of the balls 56 within the track 55. The balls 56 also can rotate within the socket 53. The track 55 and/or the balls 56 can move at a speed of about 1 to about 20 revolutions per minute. In another construction, the track 55 and/or the balls 56 can rotate at a speed of about 4 revolutions per minute. In yet another construction, the track

55 and/or the balls 56 can rotate at a speed of about 16 revolutions per minute. The moving balls

56 apply pressure to the fabric layer or foam layer (discussed below) and to the baby's tummy when positioned on the pad 10. The electronic massage unit 50 can include one or more batteries supported by the housing 54. The housing 54 can include an activation switch 59, a speed switch 60, and a port 58 adapted to receive a connector 62 to supply power and/or to recharge the batteries. One of the fabric layers 14, 22 can include an opening 52 with a recloseable flap for access to the port 58.

[0032] The electronic massage unit 50 can be removable from the pocket through the opening 52 formed in one or both of the first layer 14 and the second layer of fabric 22. In addition, a hot or cold pack can be inserted into the opening 52 to apply heat or cold to the baby's tummy. The opening 52 as illustrated is located near the periphery of the pad 10, but the opening 52 could be located in or near the middle portion 38, the first portion 42, and/or the second portion 46. Also, the opening 52 could be formed in the first layer of fabric 14 or the second layer of fabric 22. The soothing pad 10 can include foam padding 70 positioned at least partially around the electronic massage unit 50 in the pocket. The massaging action and/or vibration can penetrate through the foam padding 70 to soothe the baby's tummy.

[0033] FIGS. 8 and 10 illustrate another construction of the soothing pad 10 having additional features and/or functionality. The soothing pad 10, illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10 can include a wall 74 connected to an edge 18, 26 and extending from the first layer 14 or the second layer of fabric 22. The wall 74 can be maneuvered or flipped depending on which shoulder the user places the soothing pad 10. The wall 74 is contoured to form a recess or catch-basin capable of receiving liquid and/or solid materials, such as spit-up from the baby. The wall 74 can be formed of a foam material and/or a plastic material in order to retain the spit-up. The wall 74 can be covered in a specialized fabric, such as vinyl or other easily cleanable fabric.

[0034] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a construction of the soothing pad 10 having an elongated structure. This configuration allows for the pad 10 to be applied across the chest and secured thereto with a strap and buckle arrangement or other suitable mechanism.

[0035] The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0036] Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An infant soothing pad comprising: a first layer of fabric and a second layer of fabric stitched together along a periphery thereof and defining a pocket; and an electronic device positioned within the pocket and at least partially encased in foam, the massage unit including a housing, a pathway defined within the housing, a plurality of balls supported by the pathway, adjacent balls being spaced a predetermined distance, and a motor configured to move the balls along the pathway and provide a massaging action through the foam to an infant lying on the soothing pad.

2. The infant soothing pad of claim 1 wherein the pathway includes a track configured to support the plurality of balls, the motor further configured to move the track along the pathway.

3. The infant soothing pad of claim 2 wherein the track includes a plurality of sockets, each configured to support one of the balls.

4. The infant soothing pad of claim 3 wherein at least one of the balls is configured to rotate within its respective socket.

5. The infant soothing pad of claim 1 wherein the balls move along the pathway at a speed of about 1 to about 20 revolutions per minute.

6. The infant soothing pad of claim 1 wherein the balls move along the pathway at a speed of about 4 revolutions per minute.

7. The infant soothing pad of claim 1 wherein the balls move along the pathway at a speed of about 16 revolutions per minute.

8. The infant soothing pad of claim 1 wherein the motor generates vibration.

9. The infant soothing pad of claim 1 further comprising a wall extending transverse from one of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric.

10. The infant soothing pad of claim 9 wherein the wall extends from the periphery of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric.

11. An infant soothing pad comprising: an elongated first layer of fabric and a complementary elongated second layer of fabric stitched together along a periphery thereof and defining a pocket therebetween; a recess formed along a middle portion of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric; and a removable electronic device positioned within the pocket and at least partially encased in foam, the massage unit including a housing, a pathway defined within the housing, a plurality of balls supported by the pathway, adjacent balls being spaced a predetermined distance, and a motor configured to move the balls along the pathway at a selectable speed and provide a massaging action through the foam to an infant lying on the soothing pad.

12. The infant soothing pad of claim 11 wherein the pathway includes a track configured to support the plurality of balls, the motor further configured to move the track along the pathway.

13. The infant soothing pad of claim 12 wherein the track includes a plurality of sockets, each configured to support one of the balls.

14. The infant soothing pad of claim 13 wherein at least one of the balls is configured to rotate within its respective socket.

15. The infant soothing pad of claim 11 wherein the balls move along the pathway at a speed of about 1 to about 20 revolutions per minute.

16. The infant soothing pad of claim 11 wherein the balls move along the pathway at a speed of about 4 revolutions per minute.

17. The infant soothing pad of claim 11 wherein the balls move along the pathway at a speed of about 16 revolutions per minute.

18. The infant soothing pad of claim 11 wherein the motor generates vibration.

19. The infant soothing pad of claim 11 further comprising a wall extending transverse from one of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric.

20. The infant soothing pad of claim 19 wherein the wall extends from the periphery of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric.