Abstract:
A kit containing infant hair protection devices which minimize hair loss and scalp irritation resulting from friction with materials contacting an infant&#39;s head, especially the back of an infant&#39;s head, is disclosed. The devices are configured for use with commonly used infant apparatuses, such as cribs, bassinets, car seats, bouncers, high chairs, strollers.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The technology disclosed herein relates generally to a kit containing infant hair protection devices which minimize hair loss and scalp irritation resulting from friction with materials contacting an infant&#39;s head, especially the back of an infant&#39;s head, with the devices being adapted for attachment to commonly used infant apparatuses. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    During the early stages of life, infants spend a considerable amount of time sleeping. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that when placing an infant in a crib or bassinett the infant should be placed on his/her back to minimize the chance for suffocation. Unfortunately this practice frequently causes a bald spot in the back of the head of the infant, especially if the infant&#39;s hair and scalp are dry. This bald spot is caused by the infant lying on abrasive cotton sheets and moving his/her head from side to side. The friction of the infant&#39;s head against cotton sheets causes the infant&#39;s hair to break and the back of the head to become bald. 
         [0003]    This bald condition is further aggrevated by the movement of an infant&#39;s head in a car seat, bouncer, stroller and/or high chair, and the like. 
         [0004]    There is a need, therefore, for devices that minimize the friction between an infant or toddler&#39;s head and the contact material in these scenarios. 
         [0005]    Related art that addresses these and other problems includes the following patents. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,813, issued to Neilson on Nov. 26, 1974, discloses a drawsheet of substantially frictionless material for use on a bed, to enable the user to easily slide thereon. The drawsheet may be applied over a sheet of normal sheeting material or attached thereto, in the area of the bed upon which the main portion of the user&#39;s body is normally located. This enables the user to easily change position by providing a substantially frictionless surface upon which even an incapacitated person may slide. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,572,174, issued to Eilender et al. on Feb. 25, 1986, discloses a bed pad structure is provided for the prevention of bed sores or pressure ulcers. The bed pad includes a pouch portion having an upper layer formed from a porous low friction material and a lower layer formed from a flexible impervious sheet material. The pouch portion is further constructed to enable easy insertion and removal of a lubricated insert in between the upper and lower layers. Lubrication from the insert can flow through the porous upper layer. The low friction characteristics of the upper layer plus the presence of the lubricant adjacent the patient substantially prevents friction and related wear which are contributing factors to the occurrence of bed sores. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,155,763, issued to North on Jan. 2, 2007, discloses baby linen including a hair protection layer and an underlying fabric layer. The baby linen may take the form of a baby blanket or a crib sheet. The crib sheet also may be a single layer of material including two sections of material sewn together. The first section of material may include a hair protection material. 
         [0009]    While these patents and other previous methods have attempted to solve the problems that they addressed, none have utilized or disclosed an infant hair protector kit having low friction hair protection devices adapted for attaching to a variety of infant sleeping, transporting and/or holding apparatuses, as does embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. 
         [0010]    Therefore, a need exists for an infant hair protector kit with these attributes and functionalities. The infant hair protector kit according to embodiments of the invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art. It can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved infant hair protector kit which can be used commercially. In this regard, the technology disclosed herein substantially fulfills these objectives. 
         [0011]    The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor&#39;s acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology disclosed herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor&#39;s claimed invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The technology disclosed herein is directed to low-friction (e.g. hypo allergenic satin, silk, or other non-abrasive synthetic) material assemblies adapted for placing behind an infant&#39;s head in bouncers, swings, car seats, bassinets, cribs, and the like. Low-friction material in contact with an infant&#39;s head minimizes balding and shedding. For example, a satin fabric is slippery, smooth, lustrous and less absorbent than a cotton fabric. Using a satin fabric in a crib environment reduces excessive breakage and shedding of an infant&#39;s hair, as compared to cotton crib sheets. 
         [0013]    In an exemplary embodiment an infant hair protector kit is comprised of a plurality of infant hair protector assemblies, e.g. a substantially horizontal surface infant hair protector (for cribs, bassinets, cradles, etc.), a non-horizontal surface infant hair protector (for bouncers, strollers, car seats, high chairs, etc.), instructions on the use and care of the infant hair protector assemblies, a receptacle or container for insertion of the kit elements and decoration for the outside of the receptacle or container. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment the horizontal surface infant hair protector is rectangular in shape and is comprised of a top layer of satin fabric over a bottom layer of fabric (e.g. cotton, polyester, water resistant material), with pairs of fabric ties affixed to each of the four corners of the rectangular protector. Examples of the fabric ties are string or satin ribbons. The fabric trim is affixed to the perimeter of the protector. The horizontal surface hair protector is positioned on the sleeping surface of a crib, bassinet, cradle or co-sleeper so that an infant&#39;s head will rest against the satin surface. The fabric ties are then used to secure the horizontal surface hair protector to the sleeping surface, e.g. a mattress pad, by tying the fabric ties together underneath the mattress pad for a snug fit by securely tying the fabric ties to the crib post/slats for a tight fit. The rectangular shape is ideally dimensioned to be 15 inches wide and 29 inches long. Other shapes and sizes are used depending on the embodiment. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment the non-horizontal surface infant hair protector is rectangular in shape and is comprised of a top layer of satin fabric over a bottom layer of cotton fabric, with one pair of fabric straps affixed to top edge and a second pair of fabric straps affixed to the bottom edge of the rectangular protector. Hook-and-loop fastereners, e.g. VELCRO, are affixed to the fabric straps. Fabric trim is affixed to the perimeter of the protector. The horizontal surface hair protector is positioned on the head receiving surface of a bouncer, stroller, car seat, or high chair so that an infant&#39;s head will rest against the satin surface. The hook-and-loop equipped fabric straps are then used to secure the non-horizontal surface hair protector to the head receiving surface. The rectangular shape is ideally dimensioned to be 7 inches wide and 8 inches long. Other shapes and sizes are used depending on the embodiment. 
         [0016]    Other attachment elements are used in different embodiments, including, but not limited to snap assemblies, button assemblies. Also, combinations of attachment elements, i.e. fasterners, are used in some embodiments, e.g. snap assemblies with VELCRO. Depending on the embodiment, silk or other low-friction fabrics is used instead of satin for the top layer. Polyester or water resistant backing is used instead of cotton for the bottom layer. In some embodiments there is no bottom layer. 
         [0017]    The affixing or attaching of the top layer to the bottom layer is preferably done by sewing. The affixing or attaching of the hook and loop fasteners, snap assemblies or buttom assemblies is preferably done by sewing. 
         [0018]    One advantage of the technology disclosed herein is that it minimizes infant hair loss. 
         [0019]    Another advantage of the technology disclosed herein is that it provides for protecting an infant&#39;s head for both horizontal and non-horizontal surfaces. 
         [0020]    Another advantage of the technology disclosed herein is that it minimizes an infant&#39;s discomfort. 
         [0021]    Another advantage of the technology disclosed herein is that mothers of infants may feel more comfortable utilizing such devices. 
         [0022]    Another advantage of the technology disclosed herein is that it is economical. 
         [0023]    Another advantage of the technology disclosed herein is that it is easy to use. 
         [0024]    Another advantage of the technology disclosed herein is that it is machine washable. 
         [0025]    Another advantage of the technology disclosed herein is that it is durable. 
         [0026]    Another advantage of the technology disclosed herein is that it is aesthetically pleasing. 
         [0027]    Another advantage of the technology disclosed herein is that it can be made from readily available materials. 
         [0028]    Another advantage of the technology disclosed herein is that it can be manufactured utilizing existing manufacturing facilities and/or processes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    The technology disclosed herein, together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description of the simplest form of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an infant hair protector kit, according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a horizontal surface infant hair protector kit deployed in a crib, according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a horizontal surface infant hair protector kit deployed in a bassinet, according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front plan view of a non-horizontal surface infant hair protector kit deployed in an infant car seat, according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  illustrates a rear plan view of a non-horizontal surface infant hair protector kit deployed in an infant car seat, according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of a head protection body for an infant hair protector, according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  illustrates a sectional view of a head protection body for an infant hair protector, according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a partial sectional view of a head protection body showing detail of the top surface and bottom surface, according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  illustrates a top plan view of a horizontal surface infant hair protector, according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  illustrates a top plan view of a non-horizontal surface infant hair protector, according to an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0040]    The technology disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to at least one preferred embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the technology disclosed herein. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the technology disclosed herein may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known operations have not been described in detail so not to unnecessarily obscure the technology disclosed herein. 
         [0041]    Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-9 , where like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to  FIG. 1  that illustrates a typical infant hair protector kit  010  of the technology disclosed herein. 
         [0042]    In an exemplary embodiment, an infant hair protector kit  010  is comprised of a non-horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  100 , a horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  200 , instructions  300 , a container  400  and a container decoration  500 . 
         [0043]    The non-horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  100  is comprised of a low friction material  110 , having a border  130  disposed around its perimeter, where both the low friction material  110  and the border  130  are affixed to backing material  120 . The non-horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  100  is further comprised of a plurality of a first securing strap  140  having its proximal end affixed to the top portion of the non-horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  100  and having a first fastener  150  disposed at its distal end. The non-horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  100  is further comprised of a plurality of a second securing strap  170  having its proximal end affixed to the bottom portion of the non-horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  100 , having a second fastener  180  affixed to its distal end and having a third fastener  160  affixed between its proximal end and its distal end. In a preferred embodiment there are two of the first securing strap  140 , located near or at the top corners of the non-horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  100 ; also, there are two of the second securing strap  170 , located near or at the bottom corners of the non-horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  100  such as to correspond to the placement of the two first securing straps  140 . 
         [0044]    The horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  200  is comprised of a low friction material  210 , having a border  230  of trim material disposed around its perimeter, where both the low friction material  210  and the border  230  are affixed to backing material  220  (not shown). The horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  200  is further comprised of a plurality of a fabric tie  240  having its proximal end affixed to the top portion of the horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  200  and having its distal end free for securing to a substantially horizontal surface, e.g. an infant bed, crib, or bassinet. In a preferred embodiment there are pairs of the fabric tie  240  affixed at each corner of the horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  200 . 
         [0045]    The instructions  300  contain information to inform the user on the proper installation of the non-horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  100  and the horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  200 . 
         [0046]    The container  400  is sized and dimensioned to hold the non-horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  100  and the horizontal surface infant hair protector assembly  200 . A typical embodiment of the container  400  is box; other embodiments include, but are not limited to, a carton, a crate, a can, a bottle, a bag, or a sack. 
         [0047]    A typical embodiment of the container decoration  500  is a bow; other embodiments include, but are not limited to, a card, a ribbon, a sticker, a decal, a logo or wrapping paper. 
         [0048]    The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the technology disclosed herein, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations and modifications may be made within the scope of the technology disclosed herein. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. 
         [0049]    Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.