Abstract:
An adjustable swaddle for an infant is described. The adjustable swaddle is made from a lightweight, breathable, stretchable fabric. The swaddle has an adjustable chest flap that can be used to increase or decrease the pressure felt by the infant. An adjustable foot flap can be used to increase or decrease the length of the swaddle. The foot flap further has an opening which allows for diaper changes without removing the swaddle.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 62/007,169 filed on Jun. 3, 2014, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0002]    This field of the invention and its embodiments relates to infant garments, namely garments that restrict an infant&#39;s movement. In particular, the present invention relates to form-fitting, adjustable garments that sooth, comfort, and protect an infant. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0003]    The practice of tightly wrapping infants in cloths or bands, known as swaddling, is thought to be hundreds and maybe thousands of years old. It is postulated that the practice arose out of a belief that it was necessary for an infant to develop proper posture. Although swaddling was by and large abandoned in the 17 th  century, the practice has found a resurgence as a result of a number of medical studies outlining the favorable benefits of the practice. 
         [0004]    Such studies have shown that swaddling assists infants in remaining in restful sleep by preventing the moro reflex, a response characterized by an involuntary spreading/unspreading of the arms and crying. By restricting the movement of the feet and arms, the effects of the moro reflex can be limited thereby decreasing the chances of a sleeping infant waking. Additionally, it appears swaddling can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (“SIDS”). While the practice can be extremely beneficial, there are potential drawbacks to swaddling an infant. 
         [0005]    For example, swaddling presents the risk that the infant will become overheated if the ambient temperature is too high or the swaddle material is too thick. This actually increases the risk of SIDS or cause hyperthermia. If looser, more breathable material is used for the swaddle, such loose wrappings may present a suffocation hazard by impeding the flow of air through the nose and mouth. As a result, proper swaddling techniques generally take a length of time, make diaper checks and changes more arduous, and increase the chance of completely waking a sleeping infant. 
         [0006]    Further, swaddles typically come in three sizes: small, medium, or large. These sizes do not take into account children of atypical sizes where a small size swaddle may be too small and a medium size swaddle may be too large. Some infants also grow more quickly than others, in either height or weight, which makes a swaddle not fit correctly. 
         [0007]    Thus, there is a need for a swaddle that can readily fit infants of varying sizes while providing a lightweight breathable material. The present invention and its embodiments meets and exceed these needs. Review of related technology: 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,607,364 pertains to an ergonomic garment for swaddling an infant with an elongate retractable fabric shell having an outer surface and inner surface defining an interior volume for receiving the arms, legs and trunk of an infant therein. Garments have a head end for receiving the arms of said infant, a foot end for receiving the legs of said infant, and a mid-section for receiving the trunk of said infant that is narrower than said head end and said foot end, and a neck opening at the head end for receiving a neck of said infant. The garment has an ergonomic peanut-like shape. The garments have a reversible closure means accessing said interior volume of said fabric shell extending longitudinally along the central axis of said fabric shell from said head end to said foot end, a chin protector closure means and optionally a means for accepting an automotive seat belt. Detachable arms and/or leggings and attached retractable arms and/or leggings garments are shown. Porous light-permeable and antimicrobial fabric embodiments are described. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,620 pertains to a baby swaddle apparatus comprising generally a torso portion, a blanket portion, and a pouch portion. The torso portion having a plurality of panels and containing a torso waist opening and neck opening to receive a baby inside of the torso portion. The front panel of the torso also comprising at least one fastener. The blanket portion coupled to the torso rear panel comprising of a blanket panel containing an exterior and interior side and at least one fastener. The pouch portion can contain a pouch opening which receives the baby&#39;s legs. The pouch comprising of a pouch front and rear panel and a pouch front panel which contains a plurality of fasteners which allow the pouch to be modified in a way to allow for at least one leg opening. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,774,875 pertains to a swaddling blanket and pouch combination (SBPC) that allows an infant to be comfortably and easily swaddled. The blanket is comprised of a right blanket flap and a left blanket flap and includes a designated area to which is removably attached the pouch. The pouch features a lower end which includes an opening and closing means that allows an infant&#39;s soiled diaper to be easily removed and replaced or to take a rectal temperature. The SBPC is used by first placing the left blanket flap over the pouch, which is then followed by placing the right blanket flap over the pouch. The right and left blanket flaps as well as the pouch are preferably held in place by hook and loop fasteners. 
         [0011]    U.S. Patent Application 2012/0125347 pertains to a garment for selective swaddling of an infant that includes an upper body portion for enclosing the torso region of the infant, a pair of sleeves extending outward from the upper body portion and crotch portion. Each of the outwardly extending sleeves is selectively closable such that a respective arm of the infant is precluded from passage therethrough and the crotch portion is selectively openable such that access is thereby provided to the interior of the garment. The upper body portion is provided with a selectively closable vertical opening extending downward from a collar of the upper body portion across a front portion of the upper body portion, thereby providing access into the upper body portion for tucking the infant&#39;s arms therein. A zipper is provided for selective opening and closing of the vertical opening. Snaps are provided for selective closure of the sleeves and selective opening of the crotch portion. 
         [0012]    Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. The other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. The present invention and its embodiments provide for an adjustable swaddle that limits the amount of fabric employed and is shaped to provide natural restriction to an infant. Further, the fabric has elastomeric properties enabling the fabric to provide natural pressure rather than having to apply artificial pressures by heavy wrapping. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    A garment for swaddling an infant is described and taught having a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel form the swaddle body, wherein the first panel is coupled to the second panel forming a body receiving area therebetween, a chest flap having at least one chest flap fastening mechanism, wherein the chest flap longitudedly crosses the midline of the swaddle body; a foot flap having at least one foot flap fastening mechanism, wherein the foot flap changes the overall length of the swaddle body, wherein the swaddle body has a top, a bottom, and elastomeric sides. 
         [0014]    The garment is generally constructed from a lightweight, breathable, stretchable material. This provides warmth without overheating an infant. The garment may further have a foot flap opening, and at least one other opening to receive arms and head/neck therethrough. The openings may be resealable via snaps, latches, buttons, hook and loop fasteners and the like or any combination thereof. The foot flap opening provides access to the body receiving area, or the internal area that receives the torso and legs of the infant. 
         [0015]    The particular shape of the swaddle body is important because it takes a number of measures into account in order to ensure the health and safety of the infant while providing the beneficial aspects of a swaddle. There is an opening at the top of the swaddle body that provides for a variable V-shape. This V-shaped opening allows for adjustable tightness of the swaddle body while preventing an impingement of the chin area of the infant. Further, the elastomeric sides provide extra compression and give the swaddle a form fitting, yet expandable quality. The elastomeric properties provide for a more natural pressure and prevent too great a pressure from being exerted on an infant due to careless wrapping. 
         [0016]    Overall, the swaddle body has a flared shape with the top area of the swaddle body being narrower (lateral diameter) than the bottom area of the swaddle body. The sides of the swaddle body have a slightly concave design which begins just below the arm area and ends at about the position of the infant&#39;s hips. At the infant&#39;s hips, the swaddle body flares outwards to provide excess space for the legs of the infant. The foot flap provides a rounded bottom to the swaddle body. 
         [0017]    In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives. 
         [0018]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment that forms to an infant&#39;s body. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment that has an adjustable sizing component. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment that is made of a lightweight, breathable, stretchable fabric. 
         [0021]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment that provides soothing pressure for an infant. 
         [0022]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment that is shaped to accommodate the hips and legs of an infant. 
         [0023]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment that does not cover the infant&#39;s mouth or nasal area. 
         [0024]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment that does not use zippers or other fastening mechanisms which may injure an infant. 
         [0025]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment that provides warmth to an infant. 
         [0026]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a garment that is adaptable to be worn by infants of varying sizes. 
         [0027]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a garment that minimizes fabric while maintaining the warmth of an infant. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the chest flap in a closed position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a back view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a side view taken from the left side of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a side view taken from the right side of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the chest flap in an open position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a baby contained therein and the chest flap and foot flap closed. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a baby contained therein and the chest flap closed with the foot flap open. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0038]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is an adjustable swaddle  100  with a first panel  112  and a second panel  114 . The two panels  112 ,  114  are adhered to one another with stitching or other comparable adherence mechanisms. In some instances, the first panel  112  and the second panel  114  are a unitary element formed from a contiguous piece of fabric. The first panel  112  has a first panel upper surface  111  and a first panel lower surface  113  (see  FIG. 8 ). The second panel  114  has a second panel upper surface  115  and a second panel lower surface  117 . In some embodiments, there is a central layer between the upper and lower surfaces of each of the panels that may be used for padding or insulation. 
         [0040]    The adjustable swaddle  100  generally has a top area  101 , middle area  105 , and a bottom area  103 . The top area  101  is oriented to be located where the head and arms of the infant protrude, the middle area  105  extends from just below the arm openings  108  to about the end of the elastomeric sides  116 , and the bottom area  103  comprises the remaining material and is located where the infant&#39;s legs and feet would preferably be situated. 
         [0041]    Preferably, the adjustable swaddle has a number of openings to accommodate appendages and provide ease of access to the infant in the swaddle. There are two arm openings  108  and a head/neck opening  106  located in the top area  101  of the adjustable swaddle  100 . Further, there is a foot flap opening  118  in the foot flap  104  of the adjustable swaddle  100 . The foot flap opening  118  is preferably resealable as necessary with a hook and loop fastener. The foot flap opening  118  provides access to the interior of the adjustable swaddle  100  without having to have first removed the infant from the adjustable swaddle  100 . This can be especially useful with the changing of the infant&#39;s diapers or to check on the status of the infant&#39;s diaper without waking them if they are sleeping. 
         [0042]    The chest flap  102  is positioned to provide adjustable pressure to the infant contained within the swaddle  100 . The chest flap  102  may have any number of chest flap fastening mechanisms  120  which may include but are not limited to buttons, snaps, clasps, hook and loop fasteners, and the like or any combination thereof. On an under side of the chest flap  102 , which is the same as the first panel lower surface  113  (see  FIG. 8 ) there may be additional fastening mechanism(s). The chest flap  102  is designed to cross the longitudedly cross the midline of the swaddle  100 . The chest flap does so on a diagonal and then preferably, after crossing the midline, continues lengthwise down the swaddle  100 . 
         [0043]    The positioning and shape of the chest flap  102  provides for adjustable pressure or compression to be placed on an infant. Additionally, the chest flap  102  forms a V-shape with the first panel  112 . This shape prevents the pinching of skin on or beneath the chin area of a child as is the case with many types of swaddles. The lack of a zipper or other fastening mechanism that may pinch, along with the provided shape formed by the chest flap  102  provides a much more preferable structure for a swaddle. 
         [0044]    The elastomeric sides  116  help to provide a form fitting swaddle  100 . The elastomeric sides  116  have a rutching type pattern that causes the sides to compress inwards thereby holding the material more closely to the infant&#39;s skin. This also is a key factor in the distinctive shape of the swaddle  100 . The elastomeric sides  116  provide a “natural” pressure on the infant, as opposed to the artificial pressures employed on a typical swaddle when an infant is tightly wrapped. The elastomeric sides  116  may provide for a lengthwise (2-way) compression or lengthwise and widthwise compression (4-way). The elastomeric nature of the present invention prevents heavy wrapping thereby decreasing the layers of fabric and the chance of injury caused by careless wrapping. 
         [0045]    The swaddle  100  ends with a foot flap  104 . The foot flap  104  generally comprises the bottom area  103  of the swaddle  100 . The foot flap  104  has any number of foot flap fastening mechanisms  110 . By employing the foot flap fastening mechanisms  110 , one can change the length of the swaddle  100 . The foot flap  104  is folded upwards in order to bring the male and female fasteners together. Once secured, the length of the swaddle  100  has been shortened by the distance between the fastening mechanisms. One swaddle  100  may have varying levels by which the foot flap fastening mechanisms  110  can be attached thereby resulting in varying levels of length of comfort. 
         [0046]    The swaddle  100  is shown from a front view in  FIG. 2 . Here, the shape of the swaddle  100  is evident. The top area  101 , middle area  105 , and the bottom area  103  form a shape reminiscent of a teardrop with a flattened top and bottom. In the bottom area  103 , is the foot flap  104  and foot flap opening  118 . 
         [0047]    The swaddle  100  has the chest flap  102  closed and coupled to the chest flap fastening mechanism  120  across the midline of the swaddle  100 . The foot flap fastening mechanisms  110  are shown in two distinct rows. There is an upper row and a lower row. The foot flap fastening mechanism  110  in each column couples to the other in the column. In some instances, there may be more than two rows giving more flexibility in terms of length adjustments. 
         [0048]    Further, the shape of the head/neck opening  106  is more delineated in this view. The rear of the head/neck opening  106  follows area between the infant&#39;s neck and back, whereas the front of the opening has a pronounced V-shape. Further, there may be a chest flap fastening mechanism  120  located at the terminal point of the juncture thereby preventing any slippage of the fabric from this shape. This prevents the fabric from shifting to a position over the mouth and from pinching the head/neck area as the infant moves about. 
         [0049]    In  FIG. 3  the swaddle  100  is shown from the back. The top area  101  is shown having the arm openings  108  and head/neck opening  106 . The middle area  105  has the elastomeric sides  116  and the bottom area  103  has the foot flap (see  FIG. 2 ). The second panel  114  and namely the second panel upper surface  115  are visible. The second panel  114  is a continuous panel of fabric to provide comfort when an infant is laying on their back as there is no seams, fastening mechanisms, or the like to press into the infant&#39;s skin and cause discomfort. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the swaddle  100  is shown from a side view. In  FIG. 4  the view is taken from the left side placing the first panel  112  on the left of the drawing and in  FIG. 5  the view is taken from the right side placing the first panel  112  on the right side of the drawing. The first panel  112  and the second panel  114  are shown coming together forming the swaddle  100 . At the terminal end, or bottom area  103 , of the swaddle  100  there is a foot flap opening  118 . The foot flap opening  118  preferably is sized to provide access to the infant without the need for removal of the swaddle  100 . 
         [0051]    Each of the arm openings  108  are shown to be virtually symmetrical and identical to one another. The arm openings  108  are preferably rounded to conform to the infant&#39;s arms. The arm openings  108  may have some elastic qualities to cling to dimensions of the infant&#39;s arm. Additionally, the arm openings  108  may be adjustable to provide increased or decreased amounts of tension on the infant. The elastic sides  116  is preferably uniform as well in order to provide an even amount of tension to each side of the garment thereby properly securing the garment in place. The chest flap fastening mechanisms  120  and the foot flap fastening mechanism  100  round out the design. 
         [0052]    In  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there is a top view ( FIG. 6 ) and a bottom view ( FIG. 7 ) of the swaddle  100 . The foot flap fastening mechanisms  110 , foot flap opening  118 , and first panel  112  and second panel  114  are visible, as is the arm openings  108  and the head/neck opening  106 . Additionally, in  FIG. 6  the shape of the swaddle  100  is shown. From this “top-down” view, the elastic sides  116  is clearly visible as the swaddle  100  flares outwards to accommodate the infant, namely the infant&#39;s hips. This shape of the swaddle  100  helps to prevent injuries or cause afflictions related to the restrictive nature of the material. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is a perspective view of the swaddle  100  with the chest flap  102  opened exposing the first panel lower surface  113  and hook and loop fastener  109  disposed thereon. Visible are the elements named and described at least above in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0054]    Further, the structure of the chest flap  102  is shown. The chest flap  102  is essentially a split in the fabric of the first panel  112  rather than making the first panel  112  a contiguous piece. This makes the chest flap  102  ideal for increasing or decreasing the pressure or accommodating the size of the infant. 
         [0055]    As shown, the chest flap  102  has a number of chest flap fastening mechanisms  120 . The arrangement of the chest flap fastening mechanisms  120  may vary and may include chest flap fastening mechanisms located in proximity to one another on the first panel lower surface  113  of the chest flap  102 . This enables fixed fastening mechanisms such as snaps or buttons to be incrementally tightened or loosened depending on one&#39;s needs. Additionally, there is a hook and loop fastener  109  which comprises a portion of the first panel lower surface  113  and the first panel upper surface  111 . On the first panel upper surface  111 , there is preferably a strip that can be used for adherence and on the underside of the chest flap  102 , or the first panel lower surface  113 , there is a hook and loop fastener  109  covering the surface. This, in turn, provides greater flexibility in adjustments rather than the having individual strips of such a fastener. 
         [0056]    In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , an infant  122  is shown positioned within and wearing the swaddle  100 . In each instance, the infant&#39;s head/neck  126  is positioned and placed through the head/neck opening  106 . Additionally, the arms  124  are positioned and placed through the arm openings  108 . The chest flap  102  has been secured via the chest flap fastening mechanisms  120  and potentially the hook and loop fastener  109  (see  FIG. 8 ). The elastomeric sides  116  are shown lightly constricting on the infant&#39;s body. In  FIG. 9 , the foot flap  104  has been secured to the foot flap fastening mechanisms  110 , whereas in  FIG. 10 , the foot flap  104  is unsecured tot eh foot flap fastening mechanism(s)  110 . This can be used to change the length of the swaddle  100  or to constrict the movements of the infant  122 . If the foot flap  104  is secured to the foot flap fastening mechanisms  110 , then access to the foot flap opening  118  may be obscured. As a result, the foot flap  104  may be unsecured and then the foot flap opening  118  may be properly accessed. 
         [0057]    The swaddle as described in  FIGS. 1-10  can comprise a number of materials including but not limited to woven or unwoven fabric, cloth, terrycloth, woven or woven fibers of wool, flax, cotton, and/or yarn, mineral textiles, and synthetic textile including but not limited to nylon, polyester, and/or acrylic, or any combinations thereof. Preferably, the materials selected provide a natural compression on the infant&#39;s body as opposed to requiring the swaddle  100  to be tightly wrapped around them. Materials exhibiting compression properties may further be used for the elastomeric sides  116  such as spandex and spandex in combination with other fibers including those named above. This reduces the chance for bodily injury from improper swaddling, as well as allows the fabric to conform to the infant thereby reducing the amount of fabric required. By limiting the amount of fabric, the likelihood of material obstructing the infant&#39;s airways and chances of overheating are greatly diminished. 
         [0058]    Overall the dimensions of the swaddle  100  can vary with the particular sizing for an infant but should range from about 38 cm (15 inch) to about 76 cm (30 inch) in length to accommodate an infant up to the age of about 4-5 months and about 9 kg (20 lbs.). The foot flap  104  may have foot flap fastening mechanisms  110  variably positioned to change the overall length of the swaddle  100  by about 2.5 cm (1 inch) to about 13 cm (5 inch). 
         [0059]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.