Abstract:
An infant sleeping cap adapted for multi-functional use is disclosed, the infant sleeping cap includes a veil having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an elongate portion extending therebetween. The veil is attached to a stretchable band, and is adapted to (i) obstruct the peripheral and frontal vision of an infant to promote sleeping; (ii) block the sun from direct exposure to the infants eyes; and (iii) block ultraviolet and other harmful radiation from the rear-portion of the infant&#39;s neck. The infant sleeping cap can be positioned for wear in a variety of orientations.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/206,214 filed Jan. 29, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to headwear for infants, and more particularly to such headwear having a pliable veil for alternative positioning and multi-functional use. The veil can be used for obstructing the peripheral and frontal vision of an infant, thereby promoting rest and relaxation. Alternatively, the veil can be used as a sun shade for protecting the infant&#39;s face or the back of the infant&#39;s neck during outdoor play. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Infant children, generally under the age of 1 year, require many hours of rest to facilitate their rapid growth and development. Rest, in the form of short periods of sleep, or naps, can be difficult to effectuate, especially where the infant&#39;s environment includes a number of distractions, such as other persons, lights, televisions and other appliances. Now, more than ever before, babies are subjected to an environment filled with distractions caused by electronic devices such as computers, televisions, digital photo frames, and others in addition to the traditional distractions of pets and other persons. These and other distractions can induce an infant&#39;s curiosity, and further inhibit the proper rest and relaxation required for healthy infant growth. 
         [0004]    Traditionally, infants have been placed in carriages or strollers having a cover for obstructing the vision of the infant in an effort to induce sleep in an infant while segregating the busy world beyond the enclosed carriage. Although carriages with covers are effective in inducing sleep in an infant, these devices are bulky, heavy, and not often convenient. 
         [0005]    Other methods for inducing sleep in an infant include wrapping the infant in a blanket, or covering the infant with a cloth-like material. One problem with this method includes instability of the blanket which may be lightly covering the infant&#39;s eyes. Another potential problem includes an increased risk for injury or fatality by suffocation, or asphyxiation. Although most parents would take adequate caution to protect the infant child from these dangers, the risk of injury is sufficient to discourage these methods from use. 
         [0006]    Recently, scientific studies have led to widespread education relating to sun damage, especially to the epidermal tissues of infant children. It is now widely known that sunburns, and other damage caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, can cause certain cancers and other diseases. It is therefore a primary concern for parents to protect children from prolonged exposure to the sun. Infants are particularly susceptible to injury from ultraviolet radiation, as their skin remains substantially undeveloped and unprotected. Clothing and caps tend to protect an infant&#39;s skin from prolonged exposure to the sun, however it has been shown that commonly unprotected areas, such as the back of an infant&#39;s neck, are more susceptible to injury from sun exposure. 
         [0007]    Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an article for use as infant headwear; the article will require a shield for obstructing the peripheral and frontal vision of the infant such that sleep can be induced upon use. The article will further require flexibility for adjustable fitting, and pliability for adjustable wear. The article will need to be adaptable for use as a neck-shade for protecting the rear side of an infant&#39;s neck from prolonged exposure to the sun during outdoor play. Additionally, it will be beneficial to provide such an article that is machine-washable, lightweight, portable, durable, and cost effective. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Accordingly, the present invention provides a solution to these and other problems in the art by providing an article for wear by an infant, the article including a veil attached to a stretchable band. The stretchable band can be further attached to a cap portion for covering the head of an infant. 
         [0009]    The veil generally includes a first edge for attaching the veil to one of a stretchable band or a cap portion, an elongated portion extending from the first edge, and a second edge. The elongated portion of the veil can be used to shield or obstruct an infant&#39;s peripheral and frontal vision for facilitating rest and relaxation. Alternatively, the elongated portion of the veil can be used to shield or obstruct harmful radiation such as ultraviolet light from the sensitive epidermal area along the backside of an infant&#39;s neck. 
         [0010]    The veil can further include an upwardly curved bridge substantially centered along the second edge of the veil. The upwardly shaped bridge allows for complete covering of the infant&#39;s eyes while preventing restriction or interference to the nostrils or nose of the infant. Additionally, the upwardly shaped bridge promotes a bisected fold for contoured fitting of the veil around the infant&#39;s face or neck. 
         [0011]    The stretchable band is generally manufactured from an elastic, or at least partially stretchable material. The stretchable band forms a substantially annular shape, and includes an expandable circumference. The stretchable band provides a secure, flexible fit with the infant&#39;s head. The stretchable band and veil can be further attached to a cap for shielding the infant&#39;s head from unwanted elements. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the invention includes a veil and a cap. In this embodiment, the cap includes an at least partially stretchable band attached to a hemispherical portion. The stretchable band is substantially annular shaped and has an initial circumference; the initial circumference of the band being radially expandable. The veil includes a first edge, a second edge, and an elongated portion extending therebetween. The second edge further includes an upwardly curved bridge substantially centered thereon. The first edge of the veil is attached to the cap along about one half of the initial circumference of the band. 
         [0013]    In an alternative embodiment, the invention does not include a cap. In this embodiment, the veil is attached to an at least partially stretchable band. The band and attached veil define a visor veil capable of obstructing the peripheral and frontal vision of an infant, and thereby inducing rest and relaxation of the infant as discussed above. This embodiment can become useful when the infant is indoors and ultraviolet light is not of concern. This embodiment is particularly useful during the summer months where heat is of a concern. Additionally, this embodiment can be useful for an infant immediately after a bath, such as where the cap could become moist and irritate the infant&#39;s skin, or generally where covering the infant&#39;s head is not necessary or desirable. 
         [0014]    The article of the invention can be worn by an infant in a variety of positions. In a first position, the veil extends downwardly to cover the infant&#39;s eyes. In this position, an infant&#39;s peripheral and frontal vision is obstructed and a nap can be induced. With repeated use, the infant child may learn to sleep when the veil is positioned over the infant&#39;s eyes. 
         [0015]    In another position, the veil extends downwardly to cover the infant&#39;s neck. In this position, the baby is protected from harmful ultraviolet light when playing outdoors. 
         [0016]    Other features of the invention will become apparent to one having skill in the art upon review of the detailed description and the appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    These and other attributes of the invention are further described in the following detailed description of the invention, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an article according to one embodiment of the invention where the article is an infant sleeping cap including a veil and a cap attached to a stretchable band; the veil is maintained in an upright position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an article according to one embodiment of the invention where the article is an infant sleeping cap including a veil and a cap attached to a stretchable band; the veil is maintained in a folded position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an article according to one embodiment of the invention where the article is an infant sleeping cap including a veil and a cap attached to a stretchable band, the veil is maintained in a downward position for covering an infant&#39;s eyes. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an article according to one embodiment of the invention where the article is an infant sleeping cap including a veil and a cap attached to a stretchable band; the veil is maintained in a downward position for covering the rear side of an infant&#39;s neck. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a veil according to one embodiment of the invention where the veil includes a first edge, a second edge, and an elongated portion extending therebetween. The veil further includes an upwardly curved bridge centered along the second edge of the veil. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a veil according to one embodiment of the invention where the veil includes a first sheet and a second sheet layered one above the other, and a structural rim attached along at least a portion of the edge of the veil. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an infant sleeping cap according to one preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an infant sleeping visor according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these details and descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Certain embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings wherein illustrative features are denoted by reference numerals. 
         [0027]    The present invention provides an infant cap capable of inducing rest and relaxation in the form of short sleep intervals, or naps. Additionally, the present invention functions to provide a sun-obstructing veil for (i) blocking direct sun light to an infant&#39;s eyes, or (ii) blocking ultraviolet light from the rear-portion of the infant&#39;s neck. 
         [0028]    The infant sleeping cap of the present invention generally includes a veil for obstructing visible and ultraviolet light, and a stretchable band having a substantially annular shape and a stretchable circumference. The veil of the infant sleeping cap further includes a first edge, a second edge, and an elongate portion extending therebetween. The second edge of the veil can further include an upwardly curved bridge substantially centered along the second edge of the veil. The first edge of the veil is attached to the band along about one half of the circumference of the band. 
         [0029]    In one preferred embodiment, the infant cap includes a veil and a cap attached to a stretchable band at a seam. The seam can include a stitching pattern, such as a whipstitch, an adhesive or other means for attaching two fabrics. This embodiment is particularly useful where it is appropriate or desired to cover the skull or head of an infant, such as outdoors, or in a relatively cool or cold climate. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, the infant cap includes a veil attached to a stretchable band at a seam, without a cap. This embodiment is particularly useful where it is appropriate or desired to maintain uncovered the skull or head of an infant, such as after a bath, or in a relatively warm climate indoors where sunlight is not of concern. 
         [0031]    The term “band” herein refers to a substantially annular shaped fabric having an initial circumference and being stretchable to an expanded circumference. The band can be made of cotton, elastic, polyester, or other natural and synthetic fabrics, including woven and knit fabrics. The band serves to maintain the infant cap in a fixed position on the head of the infant. The initial circumference can be between 5 inches and 25 inches, and more preferably between 10 inches and 20 inches. 
         [0032]    Infants such as preemies have a head circumference of about 9 inches to about 12 inches. For preemies, the height of the cap portion should be between 3.5 inches and 5.5 inches. Typical newborn infants weighing between 7 and 10 pounds generally have a head circumference of between about 13 inches and about 14 inches. Young infants generally have a head circumference of between about 14 inches and about 19 inches. Adults generally have a head circumference of about 21 inches to about 25 inches. Although the invention is described as applied to infant children, there is utility in applications for adults, children, and premature babies, such as for sleep aids and the like. 
         [0033]    The term “cap” herein refers to a substantially hemispherical shaped fabric portion intended to cover an infant&#39;s skull, or head. The cap is generally attached to a stretchable band for securely fitting the cap to the infant child. 
         [0034]    The term “veil” herein refers to a fabric portion of an article that is intended to cover at least a portion of: the head, neck, or face of an infant child. The veil generally obstructs light, such as visible light and ultraviolet light, and can be used to: (i) induce sleep in an infant; (ii) prevent direct sun light from exposure to the infants eyes; or (iii) obstruct harmful ultraviolet light from exposure to the rear-portion of an infant&#39;s neck. The veil includes a first edge, a second edge, and an elongated portion extending therebetween. The first edge is adapted for attachment to a cap at the band. The second edge can further include a structural rim for added pliability, and an upwardly shaped bridge for preventing obstruction of the nostrils or nose of the infant. The veil is generally attached to the band along about one half the circumference of the band. 
         [0035]    The eyes of an infant child remain in a developmental stage for several months, and therefore are generally more sensitive to light than other children and adults. Because infants are often placed to rest on their back with their eyes facing upward, or carried in the arms of a parent with their eyes facing upward, many distractions can interfere with the infant&#39;s comfort, such as direct sunlight and bright fluorescent lights pointing downward from a ceiling. Additionally, an infant&#39;s developing eyes are sensitive to variations in sunlight, such as when exiting a relatively dim room into a bright outdoor environment, or when entering a relatively bright room from a relatively dark room. The present invention provides an article for wear by an infant, the article being capable of obstructing bright lights when facing upward towards the sun or indoor lighting. The article further capable of preventing unrest and irritation caused to the infant when exiting a relatively dim room and entering a bright environment. 
         [0036]    The veil attached along about one half of the circumference of the band enables the peripheral vision, or side vision to be obstructed, thereby improving rest and relaxation. Additionally, because the veil is attached along about one half the circumference of the band, the veil is becomes arched such that a substantial portion of the veil floats in front of the face of the infant without irritating facial features. Because the veil is adapted to substantially float above the face of an infant, the infant&#39;s breathing and comfort are not interrupted by the veil. 
         [0037]    The terms “pliable” and “pliability” are used herein to describe an article or portion that is easily bent or shaped. A pliable veil is one that can be substantially maintained in a bent or shaped orientation. 
         [0038]    The term “stretchable” is used herein to describe an article or member that is easily expanded from an initial size or circumference to a second size or circumference. A stretchable band is one that includes an initial circumference and is capable of expanding to a second circumference. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an infant cap  1  is provided, comprising; a veil  2  and a stretchable band  3  having a substantially annular shape for maintaining a secure fit with the head of an infant. The veil  2  includes a first edge  9  for attaching to the stretchable band  3 , and a second edge. The second edge of the veil further includes a structural rim  6  extending along the second edge of the veil. The structural rim  6  can be used to provide one or more of additional mass for anchoring the veil in a downward position, or added pliability for bending or shaping the veil in an alternative position such as upright, or folded positions. An upwardly curved bridge  5  is disposed along the second edge of the veil and substantially centered thereon. A cap  4  is attached to the stretchable band  3  for covering the skull of the infant. The veil  2  is attached to the stretchable band  3  along about one half of the circumference of the stretchable band. 
         [0040]    The infant cap can be worn by an infant in a front position as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , where the veil is substantially disposed along the front side of the infant. Furthermore,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment where the veil is maintained in an upright position. The infant cap is generally worn in an upright front position when the veil is not in use, typically where sunlight and sleeping are not a concern. 
         [0041]    Direct sunlight can irritate and interfere with an infant child. In another embodiment of the invention as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the infant cap of  FIG. 1  can be worn by an infant in a folded front position, where the veil  2  is folded along a horizontal crease  7  and extends outwardly to block direct exposure of sun light to the infant&#39;s eyes. 
         [0042]    The infant sleeping cap can also be used to relax mild tension in infant children, such as crying infants. The sleeping cap further increases drowsiness and is an effective tool for inducing a rest or nap. Infant children can become restored and rejuvenated after a short nap, or rest period. Mothers can use the infant sleeping cap to induce rest in an infant, such that the mother can maintain a daily routine. Furthermore, the infant sleeping cap is a natural sleep-aid, alternative to pharmaceuticals, and is safe for the infant child and the environment. 
         [0043]    Now turning to  FIG. 3 , the infant cap of  FIGS. 1 and 2  is worn by an infant in a downward front position. In this embodiment, distractions such as televisions and other electronic visual displays, people, animals, airplanes, congregated persons at amusement parks or grocery stores, and other objects are obstructed from the peripheral and frontal vision of the infant child. By obstructing his or her peripheral and frontal vision, an infant is no longer distracted by the environment, and the infant can relax and eventually sleep or nap. Infants are particularly in need of recurring rest, or naps, for enabling healthy development and growth. With continued use, it has been shown that an infant child can learn to sleep when the veil is positioned over the infant&#39;s eyes, making the process of inducing rest of the infant simple and efficient. 
         [0044]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the infant cap includes a veil  2  and a cap  4  attached to a band  3 . The veil  2  includes a first edge  9 , a second edge, and an elongated portion  8  extending therebetween. The elongated portion  8  is adapted to substantially cover both eyes of the infant. The second edge further includes an upwardly curved bridge  5  for exposing the nostrils and nose of the infant, and facilitating proper breathing. The upwardly shaped bridge  5  is adapted to float over the nose of the infant. 
         [0045]    The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative function of the infant cap, where the veil is used to obstruct harmful ultraviolet light from exposure to the infant&#39;s neck. In this embodiment, the infant cap is worn in a downward rear position, where the veil of the infant cap extends downward to substantially cover the rear-portion of the infant&#39;s neck. In this embodiment, the upwardly curved bridge provides a bisected fold for contoured fitting of the veil about the rear-portion of the infant&#39;s neck. This embodiment is particularly useful outdoors where sleeping is not a primary concern. Additionally, the infant cap as illustrated in  FIG. 4  can be used in conjunction with other products available on the market, such as a stroller or a bjorn. 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  further illustrates a veil according to an embodiment of the invention. The veil  2  includes a first edge  9 , a second edge and an elongate portion  8  extending therebetween. The elongate portion is adapted to cover the infant&#39;s eyes when the veil is worn in a downward front position. A structural rim  6  can be attached along the second edge for added pliability of the veil. The structural rim  6  can be attached to the second edge of the veil by a stitching, adhesive, or other known method for attaching fabric. The veil can further include an upwardly curved bridge  5  disposed along the second edge and substantially centered thereon. The veil can be made of one or more opaque materials for obstructing visible and ultraviolet light. 
         [0047]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the veil can further include a first fabric sheet  10  and a second fabric sheet  11  attached along the second edge by a structural rim  6 . In one example, the first sheet  10  can be an opaque fabric, and the second sheet  11  can be a soft fabric or a fabric having an artistic pattern. In another example, the two or more sheets can comprise the same material, such as an opaque material. One or more sheets can be pliable, stretchable, opaque, or soft. 
         [0048]    Now turning to  FIG. 7 , an infant cap is provided, comprising a veil  2  and a cap  4  attached to a band  3 . The veil  2  includes a first edge  9  for attaching to the cap, and a second edge. The second edge of the veil further includes an upwardly curved bridge  5  for exposing the infant&#39;s nose and nostrils. A structural rim  6  is disposed along the second edge of the veil, and the upwardly curved bridge  5  is substantially centered thereon. An elongate portion  8  extends between the first edge  9  and the second edge of the veil  2 , and is adapted to cover the eyes of an infant when wearing the cap in a downward front position. The band  3  is a stretchable band having an initial circumference and capable of expanding to a second expanded circumference. Each of the veil  2 , cap  4 , or stretchable band  3  can be individually manufactured from cotton, organic cotton, polyester, elastic and other known fabrics and other materials, including stretchable materials such as elastic or woven cotton. 
         [0049]    In another embodiment, the cap can be substantially cone-shaped. Alternatively, the cap can have a flat shape. One having skill in the art will recognize that various shapes and styles will be obvious improvements, and are therefore intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. The cap can be fabricated from a stretchable material for adjustable fitting to the head of the infant. 
         [0050]      FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, where the infant cap includes a veil  16  and a stretchable band  13 . In this embodiment, the infant cap is a visor veil  12 , and is useful where the infant&#39;s head might be wet or warm, and where a cap would interfere or where moisture might irritate the infants scalp. The visor veil comprises a veil  16  having a first edge  18  and a second edge  15 , where the first edge is attached to the stretchable band  13 . The second edge  15  can further comprise a structural rim  14  for providing a pliable edge to the veil  16 . An elongated portion extends between the first edge and the second edge, and is adapted to cover the eyes of an infant when worn in a downward front position. The visor veil can further comprise a horizontal fold  17  for maintaining the veil in an upright folded position. 
         [0051]    In another embodiment, the veil includes two or more portions, such as two ovals or other portions for obstructing light from the infant&#39;s face or neck. The veil can further include artistic printing, fabrics, or other ornamental designs. 
         [0052]    The above examples are set forth for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention. One having skill in the art will recognize that deviations from the aforementioned examples can be created which substantially perform the same tasks and obtain similar results.