CN107495744B

CN107495744B - Infant support device

Info

Publication number: CN107495744B
Application number: CN201710931703.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 海利·马林斯
Original assignee: 2373945 Ontario Co ltd
Current assignee: 2373945; 2373945 Ontario Co ltd
Priority date: 2013-02-12
Filing date: 2013-12-02
Publication date: 2020-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2033-12-02
Also published as: ZA201506757B; KR20160102092A; SG11201609617XA; MX2015010378A; NZ710948A; HK1248080A1; CN107495744A

Abstract

An infant support device for supporting an infant, wherein the infant is positioned on the front torso of a support person. The infant support device includes an elongated flexible body that extends across the back torso of the infant and the support person. The infant support device also includes a fastening end that overlaps and secures to support the infant on the front torso of a supporting adult. The infant support device may be configured to stretch to create an elastic force to pull the back torso of the infant toward the back torso of the supporting person.

Description

Infant support device

The application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent invention application 'baby supporting device' with application date of 2013, 12 and 2 and application number of 201380075473.1 (international application with application number of PCT/CA 2013/001004).

Technical Field

Embodiments described herein relate to infant support devices, and more particularly to infant support devices for use by adults (people) to support an infant while the infant is at rest.

Background

Infants may prefer to sleep or rest on the chest or front body of an adult because the heartbeat, body temperature, contact and pacification of an adult may calm the infant. Further, calming infants may bring developmental and health benefits, such as increased lactation, thermoregulation, and the like. However, if the adult is not paying close attention to the infant, for example if the adult is also asleep or otherwise distracted, the infant may roll or fall off the body of the support person, causing injury to the infant. Accordingly, there is a need for an infant support device for use when an infant is resting or sleeping on the chest or front torso of an adult, or at least a need for a replacement.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, embodiments described herein may provide an infant support device for supporting an infant positioned on a front torso of a support person. The support means may have an elongate flexible body which, in use, extends around a portion of the back torso of the support person and around a portion of the back torso of the infant. The support device may have an adjustable fastening mechanism integrally connected to the elongated flexible body to secure the infant on the front torso of the supporting adult. A portion of the support device (e.g., elongated soft body, sides, back, front) may be configured to stretch to create a spring force to pull the back torso of the infant toward the back torso of the supporting person. The spring force and the adjustable fastening mechanism may work together to provide a snug, secure and comfortable support for the infant.

According to some embodiments, a portion or the entire height of at least a portion of the support means (e.g., the elongated soft body) is configured for stretching in the longitudinal direction to distribute the elastic force along the height or a portion of the height of at least a portion of the elongated soft body.

According to some embodiments, the support device or the elongated flexible body is configured to stretch in four directions. This may allow the support person to conform to the contours of the infant when sitting, lying or in another position to provide firm and snug support.

According to some embodiments, the support device or the elongated flexible body is configured to stretch in a longitudinal direction to pull the back torso of the infant towards the back torso of the supporting person.

According to some embodiments, the support device or the elongated flexible body is configured to stretch in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction.

According to some embodiments, the support device or adjustable fastening mechanism is attached to the first and second ends of the elongated soft body. The support device may be wrapped around the torso of the adult or infant and secured by an adjustable fastening mechanism.

According to some embodiments, in use, the infant support apparatus positions an infant on the front torso of a support such that the skin of the infant is in direct contact with the skin of the support.

According to some embodiments, the adjustable fastening mechanism comprises a first fastener attached to the first end of the elongated flexible body; and a second fastener attached to the second end of the elongated flexible body, wherein the first fastener adjustably mates with the second fastener.

According to some embodiments, the adjustable fastening mechanism may be configured to be adjustably fastened in a plurality of positions, such that each position provides a different circumference for the infant sleep support device when the fastening mechanism secures the infant support device.

According to some embodiments, the adjustable fastening mechanism may be configured at an end of the infant support device.

According to some embodiments, the support device has a front side and a back side, wherein the adjustable fastening mechanism comprises a second fastening mechanism at the front side and a first fastening mechanism at the back side.

In another aspect, embodiments described herein provide an infant support device for supporting an infant positioned on a front torso of a support person. The support device may have an elongate flexible body having a first end and a second end, wherein in use the elongate flexible body extends across the back torso of the support person, the first end extends under an arm and across a side torso of the support person, and the second end extends under the other arm and across the other side torso of the support person. The first fastening end may be integrally connected to the first end of the elongated flexible body, the first fastening end having a first fastening mechanism. In use, the first fastening end extends across the back torso of the infant. The second fastening end may be integrally connected to the second end of the elongated flexible body, the second fastening end having a second fastening mechanism configured to mate with the first fastening mechanism of the first fastening end. In use, the second fastening end may overlap the first fastening end to attach the second fastening mechanism to the first fastening mechanism to support an infant on a front torso supporting an adult. Wherein at least a portion of the elongated soft body is configured to stretch to create a spring force to pull the back torso of the infant toward the back torso of the supporting person.

According to some embodiments, the support device or the elongated soft body has a rectangular shape. The first fastening end may be semi-elliptical and the second fastening end may be semi-elliptical. The first end of the elongated flexible body is sized in proportion to and integrally connected to the long axis of the first fastening end, and the second end of the elongated flexible body is sized in proportion to and integrally connected to the long axis of the second fastening end.

According to some embodiments, the second fastening mechanism may be configured to adjustably mate with the first fastening mechanism in a plurality of positions, such that each position provides a different perimeter for the infant sleep support device when the second fastening end overlaps the first fastening end to secure the infant sleep support device.

According to some embodiments, the first fastening end and the second fastening end are tapered.

According to some embodiments, the first fastening mechanism and the second fastening mechanism comprise a fabric hook fastener and a fabric loop fastener.

According to some embodiments, the second fastening mechanism comprises one or more strips of fabric loop fasteners parallel to the longitudinal axis of the infant sleep support, and the first fastening mechanism comprises one or more strips of fabric hook fasteners perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the infant sleep support.

According to some embodiments, the second fastening mechanism comprises one or more strips of fabric loop fasteners parallel to the longitudinal axis of the infant sleep support, and the first fastening mechanism comprises one or more strips of fabric loop fasteners perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the infant sleep support.

According to some embodiments, the support device or elongated soft body comprises a stretch fabric. The stretch fabric may be a four-way stretch fabric.

According to some embodiments, the support device comprises a first piece of stretch fabric and a second piece of stretch fabric sewn together at a periphery, wherein the elongated flexible body has a front side and a back side, wherein the first fastening end has a front side and a back side, and wherein the second fastening end has a front side and a back side, wherein the first piece of stretch fabric provides the front side and the second piece of stretch fabric may provide the back side.

According to some embodiments, the support device has a front side and a back side, wherein the second fastening mechanism is located at the front side and the first adjustable fastening mechanism is located at the back side.

According to some embodiments, the support device or the elongated flexible body comprises a cushion for supporting the back torso of the person.

According to some embodiments, the first adjustable fastening mechanism and the second adjustable fastening mechanism comprise a button and a buttonhole.

According to some embodiments, the first adjustable fastening mechanism and the second adjustable fastening mechanism comprise snaps. Other examples include straps, buckles, grommets (straps), clips, and the like.

According to some embodiments, the first and second adjustable fastening mechanisms comprise hooks and eyes (eye).

According to some embodiments, the first and second adjustable fastening mechanisms comprise elastic loops and flaps (taps).

In another aspect, embodiments described herein may provide an infant support apparatus for supporting an infant positioned on a supporting person's front torso, the support apparatus comprising: an elongated flexible body having a first end and a second end; a first fastening end integrally connected to the first end of the elongated flexible body, the first fastening end having a first fastening mechanism; and a second fastening end integrally connected to the second end of the elongated flexible body, the second fastening end having a second fastening mechanism configured for adjustable engagement with the first adjustable fastening mechanism of the first fastening end; wherein in use the infant sleep support extends across the back torso of the support, extends under each arm of the support, across each side torso of the support, and across the back torso of the infant, wherein the infant sleep support overlaps to attach the second fastening mechanism to the first fastening mechanism to support the infant on the front torso of the support adult, wherein at least a portion of the elongated flexible body is configured to stretch to create a spring force to pull the back torso of the infant toward the back torso of the support.

According to some embodiments, the infant support device has a front side and a back side, wherein the second fastening mechanism is located on the front side and the first adjustable fastening mechanism is located on the back side.

Drawings

The drawings included herein are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods and apparatus of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way. In the drawings:

fig. 1A and 1B are front views of a baby support device having a strip of fabric hook fasteners and fabric loop fasteners, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 2A and 2B are rear views of a baby support device having a strip of fabric hook fasteners and fabric loop fasteners, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 3A and 3B are perspective views of an infant support according to some embodiments with the ends of the infant support secured.

Fig. 4A and 4B are top views of an infant support according to some embodiments with the ends of the infant support secured.

Fig. 5A and 5B are top views of the infant support apparatus of fig. 1A and 1B.

Fig. 6A and 6B are bottom views of the infant support apparatus of fig. 1A and 1B.

Fig. 7A and 7B are front views of infant sleep support devices according to some embodiments.

Fig. 8A and 8B are rear views of an infant support according to some embodiments.

Fig. 8C is another perspective view of the infant sleep support according to some embodiments with the ends of the infant sleep support secured.

Fig. 9A and 9B are front views of infant sleep support devices according to some embodiments.

Fig. 10A and 10B are rear views of infant support devices according to some embodiments.

Fig. 11A and 11B are front views of an infant-supporting device with sections of fabric hook fasteners and fabric loop fasteners, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 12A and 12B are rear views of an infant-supporting device with sections of fabric hook and loop fasteners, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 13A and 13B are front views of an infant support device with multiple columns of buttonholes, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 14A and 14B are rear views of an infant support device with one longitudinal row of buttons according to some embodiments.

Fig. 15A and 15B are front views of an infant support device with multiple longitudinal rows of eyelets according to some embodiments.

Fig. 16A and 16B are rear views of an infant support device with one longitudinal row of hooks according to some embodiments.

Fig. 17A and 17B are front views of an infant support device with multiple longitudinal columns of half-clasps according to some embodiments.

Fig. 18A and 18B are rear views of an infant support device with one longitudinal column of mating half-snaps, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 19A and 19B are front views of infant support devices according to some embodiments.

Fig. 20A and 20B are rear views of an infant support according to some embodiments.

Fig. 21A and 21B are front views of an infant support device with multiple longitudinal rows of wings, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 22A and 22B are rear views of an infant support device with one tandem loop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 23 is a view of an environment for an infant support device illustrating a method of using an infant sleep support device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a view of an environment for an infant support device illustrating a method of using an infant sleep support device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a top view of the infant support apparatus when the fastening ends overlap to secure the infant sleep support apparatus, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 26 is a top view of the infant support apparatus with the fastening ends being secured, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27 is a view of a modified shape configuration of an infant support device, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 28 illustrates arrows showing a four-way stretch fabric for an infant support according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description

Embodiments described herein may provide an infant support device for supporting an infant or young child positioned on the front torso of a supporting person. The infant support apparatus may be configured to provide support to an infant in a resting position. The infant support device may be configured as a wearable fabric support device for holding a child in a resting position. The infant support device may provide a hands-free support system for maintaining a child in a resting position with skin contact.

An infant or young child may prefer to sleep or rest on the chest or front body of an adult because the adult's heartbeat, body temperature, contact, and pacification calm it. The infant support device according to embodiments described herein may snugly and supportingly secure an infant to an adult so that if the adult is not paying close attention to the infant, for example if the adult is also asleep or distracted from using the tablet, the infant may be prevented from rolling or falling off the chest and causing injury to the infant. The infant support apparatus may help prevent falls and accidents and allow the support person to relax by knowing that the infant is secured to its front torso. The infant support device may enable a support person to perform other various activities, such as reading a book or using a computer or smartphone, while remaining supporting the infant without the need for hands. In this context, the infant support device may be referred to as an infant sleep support device.

The infant sleep support 10 does not provide a fabric layer between the infant and the support so that the infant and the support can be in direct contact. This direct skin contact promotes intimacy and aids breast feeding.

The infant support device may be configured to stretch to create an elastic force to pull the back torso of the infant toward the back torso of the supporting person. The elasticity or stretch may be in, for example, the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The force acts to attach and firmly support the infant on the support. The spring force may be distributed along the entire height (or a substantial portion of the height) of the infant support.

According to embodiments described herein, the infant support device may be configured to generate a spring force and be adjustably secured in a plurality of positions and in a plurality of sizes. The use of the resilient force and the adjustable fastening mechanism provides a synergistic effect of a secure and snug fit for the infant and the support.

Referring now to fig. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, front and rear views of an infant sleep support apparatus 10 for supporting an infant positioned on a supporting person's front torso are shown. The break lines illustrated in fig. 1A (and other figures) indicate that the length of the infant sleep support 10 is indeterminate because it can be manufactured in a variety of lengths to accommodate adults and infants of different sizes. The infant sleep support device 10 may include an elongated flexible body 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16. The height of the infant sleep support 10 may be proportional to the average length of the human body, the average length of the infant, and the like. The infant sleep support device 10 may be made of a soft fabric material and the elongated soft body 12 may be longitudinally oriented, as shown. In use, the elongate flexible body 12 extends across or around the back torso of a support person with the first end 14 extending under a shoulder and across the side torso of the support person and the second end 16 extending under the other shoulder and across the other side torso of the support person. That is, the elongated soft body 12 is wrapped around the back torso and under the arms or armpits (armpit) of the support person.

Referring now to fig. 23 and 24 to illustrate a method of use of the infant sleep support 10, fig. 23 and 24 show views of an environment for an infant sleep support according to some embodiments. The infant sleep support device 10 is wrapped or secured around the support person's torso and under the arms and spans the back of the infant to support the infant on the support person's chest or front torso. Fig. 23 illustrates the support person lying on, for example, a bed or a sofa, and fig. 24 illustrates the support person sitting on, for example, a chair or a sofa.

The infant sleep support apparatus 10 is strong, stable and supportive for the support person and the infant so that the support person can rest and relax without fear of the infant rolling or falling off its chest or front body. For example, a neonate may be placed on the mother's chest and fall asleep, while the mother may be too tired even after delivery to relax by fear that the neonate will roll down on the floor if he falls asleep. With the infant sleep support apparatus 10, the mother knows that the infant is securely fastened to its front torso and can take a rest.

The infant sleep support device 10 may include an elastic or stretchable material to create a force that pulls the infant toward the adult. This may enable the infant sleep support apparatus 10 to stably support an infant on an adult. The entire infant sleep support 10 may be made of stretch fabric, or a portion of the infant sleep support 10 may be made of stretch fabric to create a spring force that pulls the infant toward the adult.

The infant sleep support 10 can be configured such that the spring force is distributed across the entire height (or a majority of the height) of the infant sleep support 10. Distributing the spring force across the height of the infant sleep support 10 may distribute the pulling force along the back of the adult and infant's body so that the spring force does not pull the infant or adult in a concentrated area or in a small section.

When the ends are fixed (see, e.g., fig. 3A and 3B), the spring force may be perpendicular to the height of the infant sleep support 10 to pull the infant toward the support. The spring force may be pulled in the longitudinal direction. The arrows in fig. 25 and 26 illustrate the longitudinal force of the resilient material of the infant sleep support that pulls the infant toward the support.

According to embodiments described herein, the infant sleep support device 10 can be configured to generate a spring force to pull the infant toward the support to provide a snug, secure support. For example, the infant sleep support 10 (or a portion thereof) may be made of a four-way stretch fabric to provide elastic forces in different directions to secure the infant to the support. As another example, the infant sleep support (or a portion thereof) may be made of a bi-directionally stretchable fabric.

Biaxially stretched fabrics are stretched in two opposite directions or orientations, such as the transverse direction, the longitudinal direction, the horizontal direction, or the vertical direction. The elastic fabric is stretched in opposite directions along the same line or plane. Four-way stretch fabrics stretch in four directions, such as the cross direction and the machine direction, or the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. The line or plane of stretch will depend, for example, on the direction of the weave, or grain, of the elastic material. Four-way stretching can generally be done in four directions along 2 intersecting lines or planes. The directions may be vertical, such as transverse and longitudinal or horizontal and vertical, depending on the weave of the fabric. The arrows illustrated in fig. 28 show four-way stretching (e.g., transverse, longitudinal, horizontal, vertical), where the stretching is in two perpendicular directions, or in two non-perpendicular directions. The elastic material allows the sleep support device 10 to conform to the body shape of the infant and support to snugly form a perfect fit while providing some elastic deformation for comfort.

The infant sleep support device 10 (or a portion thereof) made of a four-way stretch fabric can generate lateral and longitudinal elastic forces to support an infant against a support. The infant sleep support device 10 made of a bi-directional stretch fabric can generate an elastic force in a lateral direction or a longitudinal direction to support an infant against a support. The infant sleep support device 10 made of a non-stretch fabric may fail to generate an elastic force to fix an infant to a support person. Non-elastic materials may not be as suitable as elastic materials to fit a baby securely and snugly. Inelastic materials may be too tight to cause discomfort or may be too loose to provide firm support.

Further, the infant sleeping support device 10 made of flexible four-way stretch fabric can conform to the contour of an infant and distribute elastic force in the lateral and longitudinal directions to comfortably hold the infant against a support. That is, the elastic plane may be the entire length and width of the infant sleep support apparatus 10. Conversely, a thin strip of inelastic material tied around the infant and support can concentrate forces on a small portion of the infant's back, which can cause discomfort to the infant. Further, non-elastic materials may not be suitable for securely fitting an infant. Inelastic materials may be too tight to cause discomfort or may be too loose to provide firm support.

Accordingly, the infant sleep support device 10 or a substantial portion of the infant sleep support device 10 (e.g., the elongated flexible body 12) may be made of a resilient or stretchable material to conform to the contours of the infant to securely and snugly support the infant on the support person. The fabric of the infant sleep support 10 may also be sweat-absorbent, breathable, etc.

The use of elastic or stretchable materials may impart elastic properties to the infant sleep support device 10 (including the tendency of the material to deform, return to its original shape after stretching, etc.) to create an elastic force. The sleep support 10 may deform when an external force is applied to the sleep support 10, such as stretching and securing the sleep support 10 around an infant and a support person. If the material used for the sleep support 10 is an elastic material, the elastic force of the sleep support 10 will attempt to return the sleep support to its original shape and size, thereby supporting the infant firmly and snugly on the support person. When the external force is removed (e.g., no longer wrapped around the infant and support and secured), the sleep support device 10 will attempt to return to its original shape and size.

Referring again to fig. 1A and 2A, the infant sleep support apparatus 10 further includes a first fastening end 18 integrally connected to the first end 14 of the elongated flexible body 12. The first fastening end 18 may have a first adjustable fastening mechanism 22. In use, the first fastening end 18 extends across the back torso of the infant. One side of the first fastening end 18 may contact the back torso of the infant and the other side may expose the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22. The infant sleep support device 10 further includes a second fastening end 20 integrally connected to the second end 16 of the elongated flexible body 12. The second fastening end 20 may have a second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 configured to mate with the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 of the first fastening end 18. In use, the second fastening end 20 overlaps the first fastening end 18 to secure the second fastening end 20 to the first fastening end 18 to support an infant on the front torso of a support. The second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 may be located to one side of the second fastening end such that when overlapped, the second adjustable fastening mechanism contacts the exposed first adjustable fastening mechanism 22. According to some embodiments, the first and second fastening ends 18, 20 may be tapered to accommodate a smaller sized infant relative to the supporting person's back torso, which may prevent the smaller infant from choking when the sleep support device 10 is secured.

The adjustable fastening mechanism 22 and stretch fabric may configure the infant sleep support 10 to provide a snug, secure fit around an infant and a support person to accommodate infants and adults of different sizes. That is, the spring force and adjustable fastening mechanism may cooperate to provide a secure, snug fit for infants and supporters to accommodate infants and adults of different sizes, as well as infants and adults of fluctuating sizes.

Referring now to fig. 3A and 3B, perspective views of the infant sleep support device 10 are shown with the first and second fastening ends 18 and 20 of the infant sleep support device 10 secured by the first and

second fastening mechanisms

22 and 24, according to some embodiments. As shown, the second fastening end 20 overlaps the first fastening end 18 to secure the infant to the torso of the supporting person. This is an illustrative example, other fastening mechanisms may also be used to secure the infant sleep support device 10.

Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate top views of the infant sleep support 10 with the first fastening end 18 and the second fastening end 20 of the infant sleep support 10 secured. FIG. 26 illustrates a top view of the infant sleep support device 10 with the first fastening end 18 wrapping around the back torso of an infant, according to some embodiments. Fig. 25 illustrates a top view of the infant sleep support 10 with the second fastening end 20 overlapping the first fastening end 18 to secure the infant sleep support 10. The height of the infant sleep support 10 may be proportional to the height of the body supporting the adult and the height of the infant to distribute forces across a larger surface area. For example, the infant sleep support 10 may be configured to distribute the spring force across a larger surface area (the height or a majority of the height of the infant sleep support 10). The infant sleep support device 10 may have a portion with a reduced height to accommodate an infant that is smaller than the supporting person's torso while still distributing forces across the back torso of the adult and infant.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, as a non-limiting illustrative example, the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 and the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 may be made of a fabric hook fastener and a fabric loop fastener, such as Velcro @^TM. Other fastening mechanisms may also be used. The second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 may be made of a strip of fabric loop fasteners aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the infant sleep support 10. The first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 may be made of strips of fabric hook fasteners aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the infant sleep support 10.

In some embodiments, the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 may be made from a strip of fabric hook fasteners and the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 may be made from a strip of fabric loop fasteners, so long as the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 is capable of mating with the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22. Other fabric fastening mechanisms or other fastening mechanisms may also be used to secure the first fastening end 18 to the second fastening end 20. In fig. 1A and 2A, the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 is shown as comprising three strips of fabric fasteners, while the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 is shown as comprising two strips of fabric fasteners, with more or fewer strips of fasteners being used. For example, in FIGS. 1B and 2B, the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 is shown as a strip including one fabric fastener. Further, the bars and orientations are non-limiting examples, and other configurations, layouts, and shapes may be used, such as ovals, rounded rectangles, wavy bars, dots, solid panels (solidpanel), patch blocks (patch), rings, messenger (messenger), diagonals, crosses, and the like.

The first fastening mechanism 24 and the second fastening mechanism 24 may be configured to distribute a force edge across the height of the infant sleep support 10 from a first edge to a second edge of the infant sleep support 10. In the case where the second fastening end 20 has an itchy fastening mechanism (which may be exposed if the fabric does not cover the itchy fastening mechanism), the first fastening end 18 may have a portion of fabric to serve as a cushion for the infant.

As an illustrative, non-limiting example, the elongated flexible body 12 may be rectangular, the first fastening end 18 may be a half oval, and the second fastening end 20 may be a half oval. The first end 14 of the elongated flexible body 12 may be dimensionally proportional to and integrally connected to the long axis 30 of the first fastening end 18. The second end 16 of the elongated flexible body 12 may be dimensionally proportional to and integrally connected to the long axis 32 of the second fastening end 20. This is merely an example, and the elongated flexible body 12, the first fastening end 18, and the second fastening end 20 can have various shaped configurations (see, e.g., fig. 27).

Referring now to fig. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, top and bottom views of the infant sleep support 10 of fig. 1A and 1B are shown, including a first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 and a second adjustable fastening mechanism 24. According to some embodiments, the infant sleep support device 10 may be made of two

stretch fabrics

26, 28 that are stitched together at their perimeters. The elongated flexible body 12 may have a front and a back, the first fastening end 18 may have a front and a back, and the second fastening end 20 may have a front and a back. The front faces of the elongated flexible body 12, the first fastening end 18 and the second fastening end 20 may have the same orientation (i.e., face the same orientation), and the back faces of the elongated flexible body 12, the first fastening end 18 and the second fastening end 20 may also have the same orientation (i.e., face the same orientation). A first piece of stretch fabric 26 may provide the front side and a second piece of stretch fabric 28 may provide the back side. This is an example of the integral attachment of the elongated flexible body 12, the first fastening end 18 and the second fastening end 20. In other embodiments, the pieces of fabric may be sewn together in different configurations. In this example, the front face of the second fastening end 20 may have the second fastening mechanism 24 and the back face of the first fastening end 18 may have the first fastening mechanism 22. The first fastening mechanism 22 and the second fastening mechanism 24 oppose and overlap each other to engage and secure the infant sleep support device 10 when the infant sleep support device 10 is wrapped around the torso of a support person and an infant.

The shape of the infant sleep support 10 shown in fig. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B is merely an example, and the infant sleep support 10 may have other shaped configurations. Reference is now made to fig. 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B, which illustrate front and rear views of an infant sleep support apparatus 10, according to some embodiments. The dotted lines illustrate that the first and second fastening ends 18, 20 of the infant sleep support apparatus 10 may have different shapes (as opposed to the semi-elliptical example shown). For example, fig. 19A, 19B, 20A, and 20B illustrate front and rear views of an infant sleep support device 10 according to some embodiments, wherein the first and second fastening ends 18 and 20 have a rounded square or rectangular shape. FIG. 27 illustrates other example shape configurations of the infant sleep support 10 according to some embodiments.

According to the embodiments described herein, the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 is configured to mate with the first fastening mechanism 22 in a plurality of positions. Each position may provide a different perimeter for the infant sleep support device 10 when the second fastening end 20 overlaps the first fastening end 18 to secure the second fastening end 20 to the first fastening end 18. This may enable the infant sleep support apparatus 10 to accommodate adults and infants of different sizes. Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of an oval perimeter of the infant sleep support 10 in which the first and second fastening ends 18 and 20 of the infant sleep support 10 are secured. In the example embodiment shown in fig. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 may be made of strips of fabric loop fasteners aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the infant sleep support 10, while the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 may be made of strips of fabric hook fasteners aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the infant sleep support 10. Thus, the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 provides different longitudinal positions to which the first fastening mechanism 22 may be attached. This enables the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 to be secured to the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 in a plurality of different positions to accommodate adults and infants of different sizes and to ensure a snug fit of the secured infant sleep support device 10. A variety of attachment locations coupled with stretch fabric may provide a snug fit that fits the body shape of infants and adults. Each position will cause the infant sleep support 10 to have a different perimeter size when the infant sleep support 10 is stationary. Thus, as the infant and the support change size, the stationary infant sleep support 10 can be adjusted accordingly by changing the perimeter size, depending on the position at which the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 is attached to the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 along the strip of fasteners. The second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 may have a strip of fasteners configured to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the infant sleep support 10 to provide a variety of different possible positions for varying the circumference of the infant sleep support 10 when the infant sleep support 10 is secured. For example, if the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 is fixed to the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 at a position closer to where the second fastening end 20 meets the elongated soft body 12, this may be smaller than if the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 is fixed to the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 at a position closer to the other end of the second fastening end 20 (in this example, the other end is, for example, a semi-elliptical shape). The multiple fastener strip embodiment may also provide a secure fit because it provides multiple locations for attachment.

The first and second

adjustable fastening mechanisms

22, 24 for securing the infant sleep support device 10 may be implemented using various shapes of fabric hook and loop fasteners. Fig. 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B illustrate front and rear views of an infant sleep support 10 according to some embodiments. The dotted lines illustrate that the fabric hook and loop fasteners of the first and second

adjustable fastening mechanisms

22, 24 can have a variety of shapes, and are not limited to strips. The number, width and length of strips with fasteners can vary.

11A, 11B, 12A and 12B illustrate front and rear views of an infant sleep support 10 according to some embodiments. The first and second

adjustable fastening mechanisms

22, 24 may be implemented using semi-elliptical fabric hook and loop fastener sections to correspond with the shape of the first and second fastening ends 18, 20. Other shapes for the first and second

adjustable fastening mechanisms

22, 24 and the first and second fastening ends 18, 20 may also be used.

The first and second

adjustable fastening mechanisms

22, 24 for securing the infant sleep support 10 may be implemented using a variety of securing devices. The dotted lines shown in fig. 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B illustrate different types of fixation devices that may be used for the first and second

adjustable fastening mechanisms

22 and 24. For example, buttons and buttonholes may be used to implement the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 and the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24. Fig. 13A and 13B are front views of an infant sleep support device 10 with multiple columns of buttonholes for the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 according to some embodiments. Fig. 14A and 14B are rear views of an infant sleep support device 10 with one longitudinal row of buttons for a first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, buttons may be used for the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 and button holes may be used for the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22. Further, buttons and buttonholes of different configurations and arrangements may be used, and the columns are merely examples.

As another example, hooks and eyelets may be used to implement the first and second

adjustable fastening mechanisms

22, 24. Fig. 15A and 15B are front views of an infant sleep support 10 with multiple longitudinal rows of eyelets for the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 according to some embodiments. Fig. 16A and 16B are rear views of an infant sleep support 10 with one longitudinal column of hooks for the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, a hook may be used for the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 and an eyelet may be used for the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22. Further, different configurations, shapes and layouts of hooks and eyelets could be used, and the shapes/types and column layouts illustrated are examples only.

As a further example, snaps may be used to implement the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 and the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24. Fig. 17A and 17B are front views of an infant sleep support 10 with multiple longitudinal rows of half-buckles (i.e., half of the buckle sides) for the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 according to some embodiments. Fig. 18A and 18B are rear views of an infant sleep support apparatus 10 having one longitudinal row of half buckles (i.e., the other half of the buckle) for a first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 according to some embodiments. Different configurations, shapes and layouts of the snaps can be used and the shapes/types and column layouts illustrated are examples only.

As another example, an elastic loop and flap may be used to implement the first and second

adjustable fastening mechanisms

22, 24. Fig. 21A and 21B are front views of an infant sleep support 10 with multiple longitudinal rows of tabs for the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 according to some embodiments. Fig. 22A and 22B are rear views of an infant sleep support device 10 with one longitudinal column of elastic loops for the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22 according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, an elastic loop may be used for the second adjustable fastening mechanism 24 and a tab may be used for the first adjustable fastening mechanism 22. Further, different configurations, shapes and arrangements of elastomeric rings and tabs may be used, and the shapes/types and column arrangements illustrated are examples only. Examples of other fasteners include straps, buckles, noose straps, clips, and the like.

According to some embodiments, the infant sleep support 10 may include a cushion on a portion of the elongated flexible body 12 that abuts against the back torso of an adult when seated in a chair to provide cushioning. The cushion may be an orthopedic cushion that supports the torso of a person. Further, the infant sleep support device 10 may also include armrests, pockets, heating pads, different liners (e.g., fleece), electronic charging modules, and other features and configurations. Examples of other features of the infant sleep support 10 include weather (e.g., sun, rain, wind) shields or covers used outdoors, foot warmers (foot cozy) for infants, hand warmers (hand muff) for supporting a person, pacifier clips or attached pacifiers, bottle sleeves, and digital music file (e.g., MP3) reader slots, adapters, or sound connector systems.

The infant sleep support device 10 may be made of a stretch fabric (e.g., a bi-directional or a four-directional stretch fabric). The use of stretch fabric enables the sleep support device to stretch, thereby comfortably and securely securing the infant to the body of the supporting person. Lightweight stretch fabrics can be breathable and comfortable in a variety of climates and temperatures. The stretch fabric may be washable for ease of care. The secure and snug manner of the stretch fabric may hug the infant and become the bassinet of the infant to provide additional comfort. The supportive stretch fabric may also provide a binder, which may be recommended to tighten the uterus or abdomen of the support post-natally.

The infant sleep support 10 does not provide a fabric layer between the infant and the support so that the infant and the support can be in direct contact. This direct skin contact promotes intimacy and aids breast feeding. The support person may wear a dress or a lappet shirt to expose the skin. The support person may place the infant directly on his chest and lean back slightly. The infant sleep support device 10 can be placed around the back torso of a support person, wrapped around an infant, and secured in a desired position. The skin of the infant may then be in contact with the skin of the support without a layer of fabric or other material between the support and the infant.

Further, the first and second

adjustable fastening mechanisms

22, 24 may facilitate removal of the infant sleep support apparatus 10 from a support person, which may be beneficial for transferring a sleeping infant to a crib or other infant sleep system. Further, since the infant sleep support apparatus 10 can be disposed around the body of the support person and under the arms of the support person, the support person is enabled to free both hands. This may facilitate removal of the infant sleep support device 10, as an adult may reach behind the infant to unfasten the first and second fastening ends 18, 20. The adult may also easily adjust the perimeter size of the secured infant sleep support apparatus 10 by extending his or her hands behind the infant to unfasten the first fastening end 18 and the second fastening end 20 and change the position of the adjustable first fastening mechanism 22 and the second fastening mechanism 24. The secure fit of the infant sleep support 10 also enables the support person to sway the infant to sleep by moving the torso.

According to some embodiments, such as the examples shown in fig. 1A-6B, an infant sleep support device may be constructed using a large piece of fabric sewn together at the perimeter, which may be cost effective to manufacture as the complex design of many components may result in higher manufacturing costs. Further, the use of strips of fabric hook fasteners and fabric loop fasteners allows the first and second fastening mechanisms to be comfortable and flexible to use. The strips of these fasteners may be sewn to the bulk of the fabric making up the elongated flexible body 12 and the first and second fastening ends 18, 20, which may also be cost effective to manufacture because the same techniques (e.g., sewing) may be used to construct the entire infant sleep support apparatus 10. The infant sleep support 10 can be made of different types of fabrics to accommodate different temperatures and personal interests.

It should be understood that numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be taken in any way as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein, but is instead only descriptive of implementations of various embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. An infant support for supporting an infant positioned on a front torso of a support person, the infant support comprising:

an elongate flexible body, wherein, in use, the elongate flexible body extends around a portion of the back torso of the support person and around a portion of the back torso of the infant;

a first fastening end integrally connected to a first end of the elongated flexible body;

a second fastening end integrally connected to the second end of the elongated flexible body;

an adjustable fastening mechanism integrally connected to the elongated flexible body to secure the infant on the front torso of the support, wherein the adjustable fastening mechanism is configured to be adjustably fastened in a plurality of positions such that each position provides a different perimeter for the infant support device when the infant support device is secured; and is

The entire length and width of the infant support device includes a four-way stretch fabric configured to conform to the contours of the infant by stretching to provide a firm and snug support, thereby creating a spring force to pull the back torso of the infant toward the back torso of the support person such that the plane of the spring force extends the entire length and width of the infant support device;

wherein the adjustable fastening mechanism comprises a first fastening mechanism attached to the first end of the elongated soft body and a second fastening mechanism attached to the second end of the elongated soft body, wherein the first fastening mechanism is adjustably mated with the second fastening mechanism;

wherein the first fastening mechanism extends laterally or along the width of the body part of the support and the second fastening mechanism extends longitudinally or along the length of the body part;

wherein the first and second fastening ends are tapered;

wherein the infant support device positions the infant on the front torso of the support such that the skin of the infant is in direct contact with the skin of the support.

2. An infant support for supporting an infant positioned on a front torso of a support person, the infant support comprising:

an elongate flexible body having a first end and a second end, wherein in use the elongate flexible body extends across the back torso of the support person, the first end extends under an arm and across a side torso of the support person, and the second end extends under the other arm and across the other side torso of the support person;

a first fastening end integrally connected to a first end of the elongated flexible body, the first fastening end having a first fastening mechanism, wherein in use, the first fastening end extends across the back torso of the infant; and

a second fastening end integrally connected to a second end of the elongated flexible body, the second fastening end having a second fastening mechanism configured to cooperate with the first fastening mechanism of the first fastening end, wherein in use, the second fastening end overlaps the first fastening end to attach the second fastening mechanism to the first fastening mechanism to support the infant on the front torso of the support;

wherein the second fastening mechanism is configured to adjustably mate with the first fastening mechanism in a plurality of positions, such that each position provides a different perimeter for the infant support device when the second fastening end overlaps the first fastening end to secure the infant support device;

the entire length and width of the infant support device comprises a four-way stretch fabric configured to conform to the contours of the infant by stretching to provide firm and snug support, thereby creating a spring force to pull the back torso of the infant toward the back torso of the support person such that the plane of the spring force extends the entire length and width of the infant support device;

wherein the first and second fastening ends are tapered;

3. The infant support device of claim 2, wherein the elongated flexible body has a rectangular shape, wherein the first fastening end has a semi-elliptical shape, and wherein the second fastening end has a semi-elliptical shape, wherein a first end of the elongated flexible body is sized and integrally connected to a long axis of the first fastening end in proportion to a long axis of the first fastening end, and a second end of the elongated flexible body is sized and integrally connected to a long axis of the second fastening end in proportion to a long axis of the second fastening end.

4. The infant support device of claim 2, wherein the first and second fastening mechanisms include fabric hook fasteners and fabric loop fasteners.

5. The infant support device of claim 4, wherein the second fastening mechanism includes one or more fabric loop fasteners parallel to a longitudinal axis of the infant support device and the first fastening mechanism includes one or more fabric hook fasteners perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the infant support device.

6. The infant support device of claim 4, wherein the second fastening mechanism includes one or more fabric hook fasteners parallel to a longitudinal axis of the infant support device and the first fastening mechanism includes one or more fabric loop fasteners perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the infant support device.

7. The infant support device of claim 2, wherein the infant support device includes first and second pieces of stretch fabric sewn together at a periphery, wherein the elongated flexible body has a front side and a back side, wherein the first fastening end has a front side and a back side, and wherein the second fastening end has a front side and a back side, wherein the first piece of stretch fabric provides the front sides and the second piece of stretch fabric provides the back sides.

8. The infant support of claim 2, wherein the infant support has a front and a back, wherein the second fastening mechanism is located on the front and the adjustable first fastening mechanism is located on the back.

9. The infant support device of claim 2, wherein the elongated flexible body includes a cushion for supporting the back torso of the support person.

10. The infant support device of claim 2, wherein the adjustable first and second fastening mechanisms include buttons and button holes.

11. The infant support device of claim 2, wherein the adjustable first and second fastening mechanisms include snaps.

12. The infant support device of claim 2, wherein the adjustable first and second fastening mechanisms include hooks and eyelets.

13. The infant support device of claim 2, wherein the adjustable first and second fastening mechanisms include an elastic ring and a flap.

14. An infant support for supporting an infant positioned on a front torso of a support person, the infant support comprising:

an elongated soft body having a first end and a second end;

a first fastening end integrally connected to a first end of the elongated flexible body, the first fastening end having a first fastening mechanism; and

a second fastening end integrally connected to a second end of the elongated flexible body, the second fastening end having a second fastening mechanism configured to adjustably mate with the adjustable first fastening mechanism of the first fastening end;

wherein in use, the infant support device extends across the back torso of the support, extends under each arm of the support, across each side torso of the support, and across the back torso of the infant, wherein the infant support device overlaps to attach the second fastening mechanism to the first fastening mechanism to support the infant on the front torso of the support, and

the infant support device includes a four-way stretch fabric configured to stretch to create an elastic force to pull the back torso of the infant toward the back torso of the support person such that a plane of the elastic force extends the entire length and width of the infant support device;

wherein the first and second fastening ends are tapered;

15. The infant support of claim 14, wherein the infant support has a front and a back, wherein the second fastening mechanism is located on the front and the adjustable first fastening mechanism is located on the back.