Patent Publication Number: US-7584515-B2

Title: Snuggle pockets

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
   The present disclosure relates generally to baby bedding and more specifically to safe and secure baby bedding. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Crib bedding has yet to be sufficiently modified to safely meet a baby&#39;s security, protection, and comfort ability needs. The American SIDS Institute states that about 2,500 babies die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in the U.S. every year. Approximately 95% of those babies are between two months old to one year old. 
   Typical baby bedding consists of a heavy comforter, a thin fitted sheet, a bed skirt and a crib bumper. The comforter and crib bumper are treacherous to babies, potentially causing suffocation or serious injuries. The crib sheet provides little protection or support to babies head or body. The American SIDS Institute and pediatricians tell parents to remove all crib bumpers and heavy blankets from their cribs, bassinets and pack-n-plays stating they are hazardous to babies. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a fitted sheet-blanket in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows portions of the fitted sheet-blanket of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 3  shows a pillow attachment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4  shows a foam insert for a pillow in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5  shows a pocket coverlet in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 6  shows an bedding article attachment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 7  shows bottom safety bumpers for a pocket coverlet in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 8  shows a layering of a fitted sheet-blanket in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and 
       FIG. 9  shows an underneath attachment of a fitted sheet-blanket in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fitted sheet-blanket suitable for use in a crib or bassinet is provided. The fitted sheet-blanket can include a pocket coverlet securely detachable on a top of the fitted sheet-blanket to form an open-ended pocket on the fitted sheet-blanket, and a pillow securely detachable on the top of the fitted sheet-blanket and located above the pocket. The pocket coverlet can include one or more detachable inserts to provide an adjustable depth of the pocket relative to the pillow. 
   In a second embodiment, a snuggle pocket suitable for use with a crib or bassinet is provided. The snuggle pocket can include a fitted sheet-blanket having a first attachment and second attachment on a top of the fitted sheet-blanket, a pocket coverlet securely detachable to the first attachment to form an open-ended pocket that is approximately centered on the fitted sheet-blanket, and a pillow securely detachable to the second attachment and located above the pocket that is also approximately centered on the fitted sheet-blanket. The fitted sheet-blanket is intended to fit taught around a crib or bassinet mattress. The pocket coverlet and pillow are approximately centered and held taut by the first attachment and second attachment on the fitted sheet-blanket. 
   In a third embodiment, a fitted sheet-blanket bedding suitable for use with a crib mattress or bassinet mattress is provided. The fitted sheet-blanket can include a pocket coverlet securely detachable by a first U-shaped zipper on a top of the fitted sheet-blanket to form an open-ended pocket approximately centered on the fitted sheet-blanket, and a pillow approximately centered, securely detachable and held down by a second U-shaped zipper on the top of the fitted sheet-blanket. The pillow can be located at least 2 inches above the pocket to provide head and neck support and to alleviate flattened head syndrome. The pocket coverlet can include one or more detachable safety bumpers positioned at a bottom of the open-ended pocket to provide an adjustable depth of the pocket. The fitted sheet-blanket can fit taut around the crib mattress or bassinet mattress, and the pocket coverlet can fit sufficiently taught on the first U-shaped zipper. 
   The term “taut” can be defined as pulled moderately tight or pulled tight. The term “fit taut” can be defined as pulled sufficiently tight to keep a baby securely and firmly positioned within a pocket. The term “attachment” can be defined as a holding or clasping device. The term “detachable” can be defined as an attachment that completely or partially holds two fabrics or bedding pieces together. The term “insert” can be defined as an insertable relocatable object. The term “bumper” can be defined as an object that provides boundaries to adjust a depth of a pocket. The term “slot” can be defined as a window opening or a layered opening. The term “sleeve” can be defined as a open or closed covering. The term “open-ended” can be defined as having one opening. The term “fitted” can be defined as having a matching size. The term “pocket coverlet” can be defined as a covered attachment that creates a pocket when held down taut. The term “sheet-blanket” can be defined as a sheet that fits on top of a mattress and provides warmth from underneath. 
   The present application discloses a zippered pocket coverlet and pillow attached to a fitted sheet-blanket that can be secured onto a crib and bassinet mattresses, called Snuggle Pocket(s). A baby can be secured into the snuggle pocket, which provides shelter and keeps the baby safely sleeping on it&#39;s back. The snuggle pocket can position the baby in the center of the crib away from crib railings that pose potential dangers. The pillow can provide comfort and protect the baby&#39;s neck and help to eliminate a flattened head (Positional Plagiocephaly). This safe crib bedding provided by Snuggle Pockets protects the baby from possible risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SID) and other sleeping dangers. 
     FIG. 1  depicts a top view of a snuggle pocket bedding showing an arrangement of bedding articles. The snuggle pocket bedding can include a fitted sheet-blanket  30  having a pocket coverlet  21  securely detachable on a top of the fitted sheet-blanket  30 , and a pillow  13  securely detachable on the top of the fitted sheet-blanket  30  and located above the open-ended pocket. The pocket coverlet together with the fitted sheet-blanket  30  form an open-ended pocket on the fitted sheet-blanket  30 . 
   The pocket coverlet  21  can also include a triangular extension  20 , of the same or different material, that folds back to provide warmth to a baby&#39;s chest area. The fitted sheet-blanket  30  can fit taut around a crib or bassinet mattress  33  so as to secure a baby safely on it&#39;s back. The pocket coverlet  21  can be approximately centered on the fitted sheet-blanket so as to be sufficiently away from crib or bassinet railings. A triangular extension  20  can be a flap overlay that securely attaches to the pocket blanket to provide additional warmth to the baby&#39;s chest area. The pillow  13  can include a foam  10  to provide head comfort. As one example, the foam  10  can be a memory foam that helps a baby find a previously comfortable sleeping position. 
     FIG. 2  shows a top view of the sheet-blanket  30  as fitted on the mattress  33  illustrating how the pillow  13  and pocket coverlet  21  can be attached. In one embodiment, the pocket coverlet  21  can be fastened down by the first attachment  22 / 24  onto the fitted sheet-blanket  30  to form the pocket. As an example, the pocket coverlet can be fastened down by a first U-shaped zipper attachment open-ended at a top of the fitted sheet-blanket  30  to form the pocket. In such regard, the first attachment  22 / 24  can position the pocket coverlet  21  below the baby&#39;s arms away from the baby&#39;s breathing, or airflow. In one arrangement, the pocket coverlet  21  can be pulled sufficiently tight and fastened down  2  inches or more away from the pillow  13  such that the pocket coverlet  21  does not contact any portion of the pillow  13 . The first attachment can be interchangeable with the pocket coverlet  21  such that the pocket coverlet  21  exposes a first fabric side to the interior of the open-ended pocket in a first arrangement, and a second fabric side to the interior of the open-ended pocket in a second arrangement. 
   The pillow  13  can be fastened down by the second attachment  15 / 16  onto the fitted sheet-blanket  30  above the pocket so as to prevent a baby&#39;s head from getting under the pillow  13 . The pillow  13  can be positioned so that the babies head can rest in the center. As an example, the pillow  13  can be fastened down by a second U-shaped zipper attachment also open-ended at the top of the fitted sheet-blanket  30 . This allows the pillow  13  to be fastened onto the fitted sheet-blanket  30  above the pocket, for example by at least 2 inches, so as to prevent a baby&#39;s head from getting under the pillow. 
   For example, sewn onto the fitted sheet-blanket  30  is a first zipper casing  24  for the bottom portion of the zipper. The other half of the zipper casing  22  can be sewn on the pocket coverlet  21 . Sewn onto the fitted sheet-blanket  30  is a second zipper casing  16  for attachment to the bottom portion of the zipper. Sewn onto the pillow  13  is the other half of the zipper casing  15  for attachment to the bottom casing  16 . Both the pillow  13  and pocket coverlet  21  can be attached or detached for purposes of safety and convenience. 
     FIG. 3  depict a back view of the pillow  13 . The foam  10  (See  FIG. 4 ) can be inserted into slot  12  (or layered opening) in the pillow  10  to allow insertion and removal for cleaning and washing. The foam  10  can be enclosed in its own protective cover. In one arrangement, the pillow  13  may be less than two inches in thickness to ensure head and neck safety. 
   The memory foam  10  can help the baby lie in a recommended supine position which can reduce the effect of Positional Plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. The memory foam  10  also adds comfort created by a beneficial head and neck rest for the baby. The pillow can be less than 2 inches thick with the memory foam to distribute a weight of the baby&#39;s neck and head to alleviate flattened head syndrome. 
     FIG. 5  shows a top view of the pocket coverlet  21  which can include a zipper  27  along the border. The pocket coverlet  21  includes a triangular extension  20  (shown enlarged in  FIG. 6 ) that can be a fabric extension of the pocket coverlet  21  to add warmth to the baby&#39;s chest area. The triangular extension  20  may be permanently secured to the pocket coverlet  20 , or loosely secured as an extension of the material by a fastening device, such as a Velcro connector. The pocket coverlet can comprise cotton based material, or natural material but is not limited to these. The pocket coverlet  21  may have upwards of 2 layers for added warmth, which can be selectively added or removed. 
     FIG. 7  shows a pocket coverlet  21  including one or more detachable inserts  17 . In one arrangement, the one or more detachable inserts  17  can be one or more bottom safety bumpers ( 17   a - c ) that can be detachably located at a bottom of the pocket to establish the depth of the pocket. The bottom safety bumpers can sufficiently center a baby in the pocket, sufficiently prevent the baby from sliding down in the pocket, and keep the baby&#39;s head at a center of the pillow. A bumper wrap  18  can enclose and fasten the one or more safety bumpers together at a bottom of the pocket. The bumper wrap  18  can include enclosing attachments  18   b , such as Velcro pads, to accommodate one, two, or all three safety bumpers shown. The enclosing attachments  18   b  are staggered at proper wrap intervals to allow for proper closing together of the safety bumpers  17 . Securing the pillow  13  and the pocket coverlet  21  to the fitted sheet-blanket and adjusting the size of the pocket allows the baby to have use of a pillow for neck and cradling support. The slightly raised pillow  13 , elevates the baby&#39;s head which can be beneficial in helping the baby to breathe more easily. 
     FIG. 7  shows cylinder shaped safety bumpers  17  that are utilized to custom fit the pocket coverlet  21  to the baby. These safety bumpers  17  can be inserted at the bottom of the pocket to ensure the positioning of the baby within the pocket  21  relative to the pillow  13 . That is, the safety bumpers  17  when positioned at the bottom of the pocket, establish the depth of the pocket. This also ensures that the baby&#39;s head remains on the pillow  13 . The baby&#39;s feet, when placed in the pocket, rest above the safety bumpers thereby preventing the baby from sliding in the pocket. 
   The safety bumpers  17  can be fastened secure inside the blanket coverlet  21  and can be removed at anytime allowing for the growth of the baby. In another arrangement, the pocket coverlet  21  can include detachable footing nets, or mesh-like fabrics, that connect the pocket coverlet  21  to the fitted sheet  30  at various depth levels. The attachable inserts provide an adjustable depth of the pocket relative to the pillow. 
     FIG. 8  illustrates multiple layers of the fitted sheet-blanket  30 . The sheet-blanket  30  can comprise three layers of material, for example, a top layer fabric, a middle cotton batting layer, and a bottom layer fabric. The top layer  36  securely includes a portion of the first attachment  24  for the pocket coverlet  21 , and a portion of the second attachment  16  for the pillow  13 . The top layer  36  may also comprise waterproof material, or fabrics that wick away moisture. The center layer  37  can be a cotton batting, or any other soft natural fabric, used for comfort and durability. The center layer  37  can provide additional padding which to provide further security or tight fitting. The center layer  37  can also be removed and replaced. The attached bottom layer  38  covers the mattress and can be fastened to the upper two layers by a sleeve (not shown) which encompasses a heavy-duty elastic that is sewn around the entirety of the fitted sheet-blanket  30 . 
     FIG. 9  illustrates an underneath view of the fitted sheet-blanket  30  in one embodiment on a mattress  33  showing elastic suspenders  41 . The suspenders  41  are added for additional security used for customizing the size of the sheet-blanket to fit alternative sleeping surfaces such as a pack-n-play. That is, the fitted sheet-blanket  30  can include at least one underside detachable elastic strap so as to strap around a crib mattress. 
   In another arrangement, the fitted sheet-blanket  30  can fit around the mattress  33  without the suspenders  41 . An elastic stretch band  43  can be placed on the periphery of the fitted-sheet blanket  30  to provide a taut fit on the mattress  33 . In this arrangement, the fitted sheet-blanket can include an in-seamed elastic strap around a lower periphery of the fitted sheet-blanket so as to fit taut on a crib mattress  33  or bassinet mattress  33 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 , one embodiment of the snuggle pocket has been shown. The present invention, Snuggle Pockets, can provide a safe environment for babies to sleep. It also adds comfort and support for baby&#39;s growth and development. The snuggle pocket embodiment includes the fitted sheet-blanket  30  having the first attachment  24 / 26  and second attachment  15 / 16  on a top of the fitted sheet-blanket  30 , the pocket coverlet  21  securely detachable to the first attachment  24 / 26  to form the open-ended pocket that is approximately centered on the fitted sheet-blanket  30 , and the pillow  13  securely detachable to the second attachment and located above the pocket that is also approximately centered on the fitted sheet-blanket. The fitted sheet-blanket is intended to fit taut around a crib or bassinet mattress, and the pocket coverlet and pillow are approximately centered and held taut by the first attachment and second attachment on the fitted sheet-blanket. 
   In another embodiment, the pocket coverlet  21  includes a secure built-in pillow  13  zipped onto a fitted sheet-blanket  30  which fits taut on the crib or bassinet mattress  33  with heavy-duty elastic  43 . The pillow  13  and blanket coverlet  21  are each attached to the sheet-blanket  30  by separate molded plastic zippers and stitched fabric casings. 
   The pocket coverlet  21  is constructed of two layers of material to ensure warmth and comfort to the baby. The pocket coverlet  21  is detachable for easy washing. The detachable zipped pocket coverlet  21  allows for easy access to wash and change the baby. To ensure that the baby&#39;s head has comfort and support, memory foam  10  was used in the pillow. The memory foam pillow  10  is beneficial to help alleviate the common cause of flat head syndrome, known as Positional Plagiocephaly. The pillow  13  is detachable for easy washing. The fitted sheet-blanket  30  has three layers of material for long lasting and durable wear. This also contributes to comfort and replaces the need for a mattress pad. The safety bumpers  17  can be placed into the pocket to modify the pocket depth and size. These safety bumpers can be secured in the pocket with Velcro®. 
   In summary, the present invention relates to baby bedding for cribs, bassinets, and pack-n-play furniture currently sold in the market today. The baby bedding in one embodiment can include a tight fitted sheet-blanket  30  that covers the mattress and can be secured to custom fit baby furniture by elastic security bands  41 , or elastic seams  43 , on the underneath side of the mattress  33  able to adjust the constriction to different baby furniture. These elastic security bands can be made with heavy-duty elastic, covered with a cotton casing and fastened at both ends by metal clamps, like the clamps found on suspenders. This allows the baby&#39;s bedding to be used when traveling. 
   The fitted sheet-blanket  30  can be constructed of a top and bottom layer of heavy cotton material providing a soft and warm feel. Added for comfort and protection from the hard and plastic covered mattress surface is a middle layer of soft cotton fabric sewn in between the two layers of heavy cotton. This layer can provide a baby with a protected and comfortable surface for a more restful sleep. 
   The pillow  13  portion can be covered in cotton and the cushion can be assembled with memory foam  10  and covered in a cotton sleeve. The foam  10  can be removed from the slot in the back  12  of the pillow. The memory foam  10  can provide the baby support to their soft heads and fragile necks. The memory foam  10  can be less than two inches in thickness. The pillow  13  can be held stationary to the fitted sheet-blanket  30  by a molded plastic zipper. A zipper casing  15 / 16  can be sewn from the pillow  13  to the fitted sheet-blanket  30  so that a baby&#39;s head does not get under the pillow at anytime thereby providing one measure of safety. The pillow  13  can be unzipped  15 / 16  and removed from the fitted blanket  30  for washing and disinfecting 
   The pocket coverlet  21  can be secured in the same fashion as the pillow  13  with a zipper casing  22 / 24 . The pocket coverlet  21  can be held stationary to the fitted sheet-blanket  30  by a molded plastic zipper  27 . A zipper casing  22 / 24  can be sewn on to the pocket coverlet  21  and also to the fitted sheet-blanket  30  positioning the pocket coverlet in the center of the crib, bassinet or pack-n-play, therefore keeping the baby in the center for protection. The pocket coverlet  21  can be double layered with cotton blend materials making it warm but breathable. The pocket coverlet  21  can fit securely under the baby&#39;s arms which adds security and a custom fit. 
   The present invention can include safety bumpers  17  to fasten inside the pocket. These safety bumpers ( 17   a,b,c ) can adjust to fit a baby&#39;s individual needs. The safety bumpers ( 17   a,b,c ) can also be made from memory foam and cotton—are in the shape of a cylinder. They can be removed and washed. The crib pocket coverlet  21  can fit babies up to a year and the bassinet pockets coverlet can fit babies up to an average of three months. After the baby has outgrown their pockets they can be easily unzipped and removed. The pillow  13  and pocket coverlet  21  can be removed from the fitted sheet-blanket  30  and be turned over to utilize the reverse side for as long as the baby uses its crib and/or pack-n-play. 
   The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 
   Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. 
   The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.