Baby wrapping blanket

An article for wrapping a baby or infant and adapted to keep the infant warm and secured. The article for wrapping the infant comprising a sheet of flexible material having an inner surface for receiving the infant and an outer surface. The sheet of flexible material is configured to include a central area which extends between a first side and a second side. A first side flap extends outwardly from the first side and the central area to a first side flap end. In a similar configuration, a second side flap extends outwardly from the second side to a second side flap end. A slit is disposed in the central area and extends between the inner surface and the outer surface. The first side flap is configured to be wrapped around the infant, inserted through the slit and secured to the outer surface. The second side flap is configured to be wrapped around the infant and over the previously folded first side flap.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to blankets for covering individuals and 
more particularly, to a blanket for wrapping around a baby or a small 
infant. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
It is well known that babies and small infants should be kept warm and 
securely covered. This is particularly true in the first few months of 
life when the baby is making its transition from leaving the mother's 
womb. In addition, babies and infants are vulnerable to outdoor weather 
conditions because of their small size and inability to recognize the 
dangers of exposure and cold temperatures. Exposure, in particular, to 
cold temperatures, drafts and chills are more likely to cause colds and 
complications such as pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses in the 
baby or infant. 
Various outer wrap clothing and covers are available for keeping babies and 
infants warm as well as for protection against exposure to cold 
temperatures. As is well known, small blankets may be used with babies and 
infants to keep them warm. Typically, these blankets, which are specially 
configured, are wrapped around the infant and pinned or otherwise tucked 
into place to protect the infant from becoming cold. Wrapping an infant in 
this manner not only keeps the infant warm, but also helps confine the 
infant, making it easier to handle and carry and reduces the risk of 
injury to the infant. However, since infant blankets are not tailored to 
fit each infants form, they may be cumbersome, difficult to secure and 
frequently fall open. In addition, many babies and infants have a tendency 
to kick with their legs resulting in the blanket be kicked open or even 
off. Every time the blanker or covering is opened or removed, the infant 
is potentially exposed to cold, drafts and chills. 
Another limitation of current baby and infant blankets is that it is often 
difficult to partially open a blanket once the child is wrapped within. In 
particular, many of these blankets include buttons, pins and other devices 
which are somewhat cumbersome to open. In addition, many of these blankets 
are not configured for being partially opened. Thus, there is a need for a 
baby and infant wrapping blanket which may be partially opened to adjust 
to various temperature and other conditions. 
It is often desirable to tightly wrap the baby or infant in the baby 
blanket. By being tightly wrapped, the baby or infant may feel more secure 
while maintained a warm environment. However, current baby and infant 
blankets are typically not capable of securely surrounding the baby or 
infant in a comfortable fashion. These blankets include a number of folds, 
fastening devices such as buttons and clips which prevent a tight and 
comfortable fit around the baby or infant. There is thus a need for a baby 
and infant wrapping blanket which is free from uncomfortable fastening 
devices and which can securely and comfortably surround a baby or infant. 
SUMMARY 
The present invention provides an article for wrapping a baby or infant for 
maintaining proper body temperature as well as to securely confine the 
wearer. By providing a sheet of fabric made from a thermally insulative 
material, the baby may be wrapped and kept comfortably warm. The present 
invention also provides an article for wrapping a baby or an infant which 
is simple, safe and inexpensive to use. 
The present invention is generally directed to an article for wrapping a 
baby or infant. For purposes of this invention, the terms baby and infant 
shall be interchangeable. Thus, the term infant refers both to infants and 
to babies. 
The article generally comprises a sheet of flexible material which has an 
inner surface for receiving the infant and an outer surface. The sheet of 
flexible material also includes a central area which extends between a 
first side and a second side. The central area also includes a slit which 
is disposed between the first side and the second side. The slit extends 
between and connects the inner and outer surfaces. 
A first side flap extends outwardly from the first side and the central 
area to a first side flap end. This first side flap is configured for 
folding around the infant and for inserting through the slit. The slit 
allows the first side flap to be tightly pulled around the infant without 
the use of buttons, clips, or other fasteners. A second side flap extends 
outwardly from the second side and the central area to a second side flap 
end. This second side flap is configured for folding over a portion of the 
first side flap and the infant. 
An upper edge extends from the first side flap across to the second side 
flap. In a similar fashion, a lower edge extends from the first side flap 
to the second side flap. The lower edge may be configured with a pocket 
for receiving a portion of the infant such as the feet. 
The slit is preferably configured as a vertical slit disposed between the 
first and second sides of the central area. The vertical slit generally 
comprises a predetermined length and may even include a predetermined 
width. The slit is configured such that the first side flap end of the 
first side flap may be passed through to secure the infant against the 
inner surface of the central area. Preferably, the vertical slit is 
disposed closer to the second side flap than the first side flap. 
A fastener, such as a velcro may be attached to the outer surface of the 
central area and also on the inner surface of the first side flap end for 
releasably retaining the first side flap end to the outer surface of the 
central area. 
In another aspect of the present invention, the article for wrapping an 
infant may comprise a horizontal slit disposed between the first side of 
the central area and the second side of the central area. Similar to the 
vertical slit previously described, the horizontal slit is configured to 
receive the first side flap end for securing the baby or infant against 
the inner surface of the central area. 
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the article for wrapping an 
infant includes a collar which is removably connected to the upper edge of 
the central area. The collar is interchangable as a padded collar, a 
decorative collar or a hood, and can be used to add style to the blanket 
as well as to protect the infant and to provide warmth. 
A method for wrapping a baby wrapping blanket around an infant according to 
the principles of the present invention includes the steps of providing an 
baby wrapping blanket made from a sheet of fabric, the sheet having a 
central area which extends between a first side and a second side. A first 
side flap extends outwardly and away from the central area to a first side 
flap end. A second side flap extends outwardly from the second side and 
the central area to a second side flap end. The central area includes an 
inner surface for receiving the infant and an outer surface with a slit 
extending through the inner surface to the outer surface. 
The infant is then placed against the inner surface of the central area. 
The first side flap is folded over the infant such that the side flap 
covers a portion of the infant, such as the torso. The first side flap end 
may then be extended through the slit in the central area. The first side 
flap end is then secured to the outer surface of the central area using a 
securing device such as Velcro. The second side flap is then folded around 
the infant such that the second side flap covers a portion of the first 
side flap. The second side flap is then secured to the outer surface of 
the central area using a second securing device, such as Velcro. 
The invention, together with the additional features and advantages 
thereof, will become more apparent to those of skill in the art upon 
reading the description of the preferred embodiments, which follows in 
this specification, taken together with the following drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate 
identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views and 
embodiments, an article for wrapping and covering an infant according to 
the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and designated by the 
reference numeral 10. 
As shown in FIG. 1, a baby 12 may be placed on the infant blanket or wrap 
10. The blanket 10 may be made from a sheet of flexible material 13 such 
as a cloth material. The blanket 10 may also be made from layers of such 
material. For example, the blanket 10 may comprise a first layer of soft 
cloth material and a second layer made from a plastic or easy to clean 
cloth. Preferably, the blanket 10 comprises a single sheet of such 
material. 
The blanket 10 includes a central area 14 and has a inner surface 16 and an 
outer surface 18. The central area 14 is preferably generally centrally 
located across the inner surface 16 and is configured for receiving the 
infant 12. The inner surface 16 may be provided with a liner 19. This 
liner 19 may be provided only within the central area 14 or across any 
portion of the inner surface desired. In addition, the liner 19 may be 
removably attached to the inner surface 16. In the removable 
configuration, the liner may include a soft absorbent cloth and have a 
plastic of other liquid tight base material. Preferably, the inner surface 
16 and the liner 19, if provided, comprise a soft material for comfortable 
contact with the infant 12. 
A slit 20 extends through the blanket 10 from the inner surface 16 to the 
outer surface 18. The slit 20 is preferably disposed between a first side 
22 of the central area 14 and a generally opposed second side 24 of the 
central area 14. 
A first side flap 26 extends outwardly from the first side 22 of the 
central area 14 to a first side flap end 28. Preferably, this first side 
flap 26 generally tapers away from the first side 22 and into the first 
side flap end 28. In this way, the first side flap 26 may have a generally 
triangular shape. However, other tapering shapes and configurations may be 
used. The first side flap 26 and the first side flap end 28 are generally 
configured such that they may be passed through the slit 20. 
A second side flap 30 extends outwardly from the second side 24 of the 
central area 14 to a second side flap end 32. The second side flap 30 is 
configured for folding over a portion of the first side flap 26 which has 
been previously folded over the infant 12. The second side flap 30 may 
also taper away from the second side 24 and into the second side flap end 
32 such that the second side flap 30 has a generally triangular shape. 
However, as with the first side flap 26, different configurations and 
tapers may be used. Preferably, the second side flap 30 tapers toward the 
second side flap end 32 from a lower edge 38 of the sheet of material 13. 
It is important that the second side flap 30, in conjunction with the 
first side flap 30, be sufficiently sized and configured to cover the 
torso of the infant 12. 
An upper edge 34 extends along the sheet of material 13 from the first side 
flap 26 to the second side flap 30. This upper edge 34 is generally 
configured for contact with the infant 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
Preferably, the upper edge 34 includes a hem 36. The hem 36 may 
incorporate padding, a softer cloth material, an easy to clean material or 
any other material which is comfortable and non-abrasive against the 
infant 12. 
The lower edge 38 also extends along the sheet of material 13 from the 
first side flap 26 across to the second side flap 30 and is generally 
opposed to the upper edge 34. In a similar fashion to the upper edge 34, 
the lower edge 38 may be provided with a hem 40 for comfortable contact 
with the infant 12. 
The lower edge 38 may be configured with a pocket 42 for receiving a 
portion of the infant 12. The pocket 42 may be sufficiently deep that a 
portion of the infant may be maintained and even secured within. 
Preferably, the pocket 42 may comprise an open portion 43 within the hem 
40 of the lower edge 38. Securement straps, an elastic band or elastic 
materials, tie downs, as well as booties may be provided within the pocket 
42, or alternatively as part of the pocket 42. 
The pocket 42 is configured to maintain the feet and possibly a portion of 
the legs of the infant 12 warm as well as generally secure. This may be 
particularly advantageous if the infant 12 has a tendency to kick. In 
addition, the pocket 42 prevents the infant 12 from sliding out from 
within the infant blanket 10. 
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the infant blanket 10 will be described in 
greater detail. Particularly, the slit 20 within the central area 14 will 
be described. Preferably, the slit 20, which may merely be a cut or slice 
within the sheet of flexible material 13, is oriented vertically. In this 
orientation, the slit 20 is generally perpendicular to the upper edge 34 
and the lower edge 38. Preferably, the slit 20 is a generally straight 
cut, but may be curved to allow better passage of the first side flap 26 
and improved comfort for the infant 12. 
As previously mentioned, the slit 20 is configured such that the first side 
flap 26 may be folded over an infant 12 which has been placed against the 
inner surface 16 of the central area 14, and the first side flap end 28 
inserted therethrough. The first side flap end 28 may then be pulled 
through the slit 20 such that the first side flap 26 is pulled taut and 
secured around the infant 12. Thus, the slit 20 must be have a slit length 
21 sufficient to receive the first side flap end 28. Preferably, the slit 
length 21 is sufficiently long to receive the first side flap end 28 and a 
portion of the first side flap 26. This is particularly important with a 
smaller infant 12 where more of the first side flap 26 must pass through 
the slit 20. Preferably, the slit 20 is approximately between two and six 
inches in length and more preferably between two and four inches in 
length. 
The slit 20 may also comprise a slit width 23. As previously mentioned, the 
slit may merely be a cut or slice within the sheet of flexible material 
13. Preferably, this cut or slice comprises hemmed or otherwise finished 
edges. However, the slit 20 may also be provided with a space between 
opposing sides of the slit 20 to define the slit width 23. A slit 20 
having a slit width 23 may be preferable when using a sheet of material 13 
having a thickness or a plurality of layers. 
The slit 20 is preferably disposed closer to the second side 24 of the 
central area 14 than to the first side 22. This placement of the slit 20, 
in conjunction with its vertical orientation, allows the first side flap 
26 to be pulled snug around the infant 12. Preferably, the slit 20 is 
disposed in the sheet of material 13 such that the infant 12 may be placed 
within the central area 14 just to the side of the slit 20. 
A first fastener 44 may be attached to the first side flap 26 for 
attachment to the outer surface 18. Preferably, the first fastener 44 is 
secured to the inner surface of the first side flap end 28. In this 
configuration, the first side flap end 28 may be passed through the slit 
20 and fastened to the outer surface 18 using the first fastening device 
44. 
Preferably, the first fastening device 44 comprises a portion of hook and 
pile material such as Velcro. A mating portion of the hook and pile 
material may be provided on the outer surface 18 for connection with the 
hook and pile material on the first side flap end 28. Alternatively, 
buttons, ties, hooks, snaps or other fastening devices may also be used. 
As will be described below, the first side flap end 28 may be provided 
without any fastening device such that it may be secured with the second 
side flap 30. 
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, alternative embodiments of an article for 
wrapping an infant 50 constructed in accordance with the principles of the 
present invention is shown. In this embodiment, like features to those of 
the previous embodiment are designated by the reference numerals, 
succeeded by the letter "a". In these embodiments, the article for 
wrapping an infant is generally designated as 50. 
Similar to the previous embodiment, the infant blanket 50 comprises a sheet 
of material 13a having an inner surface 16a and an outer surface 18a. A 
first side flap 26a extends outwardly and away from a central area 14a to 
a first side flap end 28a. In a similar fashion, a second side flap 30a 
extends out from an opposing side of the central area 14a to a second side 
flap end 32a. However, in this embodiment, the first side flap 26a and the 
second side flap 30a may be configured differently from that described in 
the previous embodiment. 
More particularly, the first side flap 26a may include a first elongate 
portion 52. This first elongate portion 52 may be configured such that it 
may be passed through a slit 20a disposed between the first side flap 26a 
and the second side flap 30a. Preferably, the slit 20a may be disposed 
vertically within the central area 14a as previously described. However, 
this slit 20a may also be disposed in a horizontal orientation, as best 
illustrated in FIG. 4. When using a horizontal slit 20, the first side 
flap 26a is preferably elongated as also illustrated in FIG. 4. 
The second side flap 30a may be configured similar to that of the 
previously described. However, the second side flap 30a may also be 
configured such that it tapers from both the upper edge 30a and the lower 
edge 38a. Preferably, this taper is configured such that the second side 
flap end 32 is disposed closer to the upper edge 34a than the lower edge 
38a, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. In this configuration, the second side 
flap 30a may be folded over ah infant without covering the infant's neck 
or creating obstructions. 
An attachment 54 may be coupled to the sheet of material 13a. The 
attachment 54 may be used to increase the warmth, comfort or even the 
safety of the infant 12. Alternatively, the attachment 54 may merely be 
for decorative or fashion purposes. Preferably, the attachment is 
removably attached to the sheet of material 13a. In one configuration, the 
attachment is a collar 56 which is attached to the upper edge 34a as 
illustrated in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the attachment may be a hood, 
padding, supports or similar. Attachment may be made using hook and pile 
material, fasteners or any other method as is known to those of skill in 
the art. 
Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, a method for wrapping an infant 
wrapping article around an infant according to the principles of the 
present invention will be described. The method first includes the step of 
providing an infant wrapping article 10 made from a sheet of fabric 
material 13 which includes a central area 14 extending on one side 22 to a 
first side flap 26 and on an opposing side 24 to a second side flap 30. 
The first and second side flaps 26 and 30 each extend outwardly to a 
corresponding first side flap end 28 and a second side flap end 32. The 
central area 14 includes an inner surface 16 for receiving the infant 12 
and an outer surface 18. A slit 20 within the central area 14 extends 
between the inner surface 16 and the outer surface 18. The slit 20 is 
configured for receiving and passage of the first side flap end 28 and a 
portion of the first side flap 26. A collar, hood or other attachment 54 
may be attached as previously described. 
The infant 12 may be placed on the inner surface 16 of the central area 14. 
The step of placing the infant 12 against the inner surface 16 may include 
inserting a portion of the infant 12, particularly the infant's feet, into 
the pocket 42. The first side flap 26 may then be folded over the infant 
12. As the first side flap 26 is folded over the infant. The first side 
flap end 28 may be passed through the slit 20. 
The step of folding the first side flap 26 over the infant 12 may include 
the steps of pulling the first side flap end 28 such that the first side 
flap 26 is pulled taut and secure around the infant 12. The first side 
flap end 28 may be passed through the slit 20 prior to the step of 
pulling. 
The first side flap end 28 may be secured to the outer surface 18 using the 
first fastening device 44. Preferably, this first fastening device 44, 
which may be a portion of hook and pile material, includes a mating 
fastener 46 as previously described. Thus, the first side flap end 28 may 
be pulled tight around the infant 12 and the first side flap end 28 
attached to the outer surface 18 while the infant 12 is held tightly. 
The second side flap 30 may then be folded around the infant 12 such that 
the second side flap 30 covers a portion of the first side flap 28 and 
surrounds the infant 12. The second side flap end 32 may then be secured 
to the outer surface 18 using the second fastening device 48 in a similar 
fashion to that described for the first side flap end 28. Alternatively, 
the second side flap end 32 may be folded around the first side flap 26 
and connected with the first side flap end 28. This connection may be made 
using a third fastening device (not shown) or alternatively, through 
merely tying the first side flap end 28 and the second side flap end 32 
together. 
It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the various 
embodiments herein disclosed, without departing from the spirit and scope 
of the invention. For example, various sizes of the present infant blanket 
are contemplated as well as various types of construction materials. Also, 
various modifications may be made in the configuration of the side flaps 
and the associated slit. Therefore, the above description should not be 
construed as limiting the invention, but merely as an exemplification of 
preferred embodiments thereof. Those of skill in the art will envision 
other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present invention 
as defined by the claims appended hereto.