Patent Publication Number: US-8973793-B2

Title: Infant support garment

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/633,206, filed Feb. 6, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to infant support garments configured for supporting and maintaining an infant against a wearer of the garment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Following birth of a child it is important to develop a paternal bond with the infant to promote a state of comfort and wellbeing. The security provided to the infant at this early stage can have positive lasting effects throughout their life. To this end, parents often spend substantial amounts of time holding their infant, both during the day and late into the night, to generate bonding and promote a calming effect. However, while bonding is comforting for both parents and infant, it is difficult for parents, particular the mother, to return to everyday life and continue with tasks previously performed before birth. For example, common tasks such as preparing meals, grocery shopping, cleaning, working from home, assisting other children, or otherwise, become increasingly difficult. The increase in commitments leaves the parents either sacrificing bonding time with their infant or exchanging the infant between one another. This problem is particularly exaggerated with single parents or families having a parent spending substantial amounts of time away from home. 
     Parents and manufacturers of childcare products have attempted to provide means for maintaining continual bonding with an infant but also allow for the resuming of everyday tasks. In one attempt, individuals have utilized long blankets, towels, or the like, to wrap around their body, over their clothing, to form a pocket for receiving and maintaining an infant against their body. Such devices provide a blanket having a length of approximately 15 to 20 feet with detailed instructions on wrapping procedures for forming a pocket for receiving a baby. Unfortunately, the complexity of the wrapping has resulted in complex instructions and the creation of many online videos for teaching individuals how to use the product. As shown in the videos, the infant must be placed down during the initial wrapping. After the initial wrapping, the user places the infant in a partial pocket and awkwardly attempts to continue to wrap the infant while carefully maintaining pressure against the infant to prevent dropping. After several minutes, the infant is finally secured against the wearer, albeit against the wearer&#39;s clothing. However, it has been discovered that while utilizing the device, the wrapping has a propensity to continuously loosen requiring the wearer to adjust and tighten ends of the wrappings. Accordingly, the device is both complex to use and requires continual maintenance. 
     Many other manufacturers of child care products have also provided devices for supporting infants. Most, if not all, of such devices provide externally worn carriers that include various straps, buckles, clasps, frames, or otherwise, that can be uncomfortable to wear over time. In certain configurations, such as slings, the devices are not ergonomically correct and place excessive strain on the back, shoulder and other body parts of the wearer. Also, many of these devices are designed to be utilized with dressed infants since they are worn externally to wearer of the device. 
     In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide improved infant carrying devices that are easy to use, comfortable to wear and safe for the infant during placement or removal of the device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an infant support device and more particularly an infant support garment wearable as a standalone garment or over another garment. The infant support garment is particularly suited for infants from approximately 0 to 3 months and weights of approximately 5 to 15 pounds, but may also be used with smaller or larger infants and babies. In certain configuration, such as with smaller twins, the infant support garment can be used with multiple infants. Also, the infant support garment is adjustable and maintains the infant in an advantageous position against the wearer to minimize stress on the wearer&#39;s back and holds the infant in a comfortable, safe ergonomically healthy position and provides support to an infant&#39;s head, neck and back. Further, through the use of one or more expandable performance fabrics, the position of the infant can be controlled and maintained while performing various activities. 
     The infant support garment is also configured as a body shaper which not only aids in providing confidence in ones appearance, but also assists in abdominal recover after birth and encourages breast feeding. The infant support garment is wearable by a male or female, is easy to place onto a wearer and provides a pouch for secure placement of an infant during installment. Advantageously, the infant support garment is free from unnecessary frames, buckles, straps or other hardware and is free of hard edges, which make the garment comfortable for both the infant in the wearer. Further, the infant support garment is easy to use and requires little to no instructions for use. 
     In view of the forgoing, in one exemplary embodiment, the infant support garment forms a plurality of pouches for receiving an infant. The garment provides a first pocket suitable for placement and securing of an infant, a second pocket that is adjustable to provide further security and support of the infant and a third pocket for added security and support. For example, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an infant support garment. The garment includes a tubular member having a front portion and a rear portion. The garment further includes a first shoulder member extending to the front portion of the tubular member, the first shoulder member forming a first pocket with the tubular member. The garment further includes a second shoulder member extending to the front portion of the tubular member, the second shoulder member forming a second pocket with the tubular member, wherein the first pocket and the second pocket are overlapping. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides an infant support garment. The garment includes a flexible elastic tubular member having a front portion and a rear portion. The tubular member is suitable in length to extend generally from a breast portion to a pelvic portion of an average sized adult person. The garment further includes a first shoulder member extending from the front portion of the tubular member to the rear portion of the tubular member. The first shoulder member is attached to the front portion of the tubular member and rear portion of the tubular member. The first shoulder member forms a first pocket with the tubular member. The garment further includes a second shoulder member extending from the front portion of the tubular member to the rear portion of the tubular member. The second shoulder member forms a second pocket with the tubular member. The garment further includes an adjustment feature to vary the dimensions of the second pocket. 
     These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other objects, features, advantages and details of the present invention appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary infant support garment according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a rear view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another side view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with two shoulder members in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a rear view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with two shoulder members in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a front view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with one shoulder member in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with one shoulder member in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a rear view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with one shoulder member in a lowered position. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with both shoulder members in a raised position and a second shoulder member in an unsecured configuration. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with both shoulder members in a raised position and a second shoulder member in an unsecured configuration. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates another side view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with both shoulder members in a raised position and a second shoulder member in an unsecured configuration. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a rear view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with both shoulder members in a raised position and a second shoulder member in an unsecured configuration. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a front view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with both shoulder members in a raised position and a portion of a tubular member covering the two shoulder members. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a rear view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with both shoulder members in a raised position and a portion of a tubular member covering the two shoulder members. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a front view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with both shoulder members in a raised position and a portion of a tubular portion covering the two shoulder portions and an infant shown in hidden lines. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a side view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1  with both shoulder members in a raised position and a portion of a tubular portion covering the two shoulder members. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a side view of another exemplary infant support garment with removable shoulder member according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary removable shoulder member useable with the exemplary infant support garment according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a side view of the exemplary removable shoulder member shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  illustrates another side view of the exemplary removable shoulder member shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the infant support garment illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , an exemplary embodiment of an infant support garment  10  of the present invention is shown, herein after referred to as garment  10 . The garment  10  is shown worn by an individual  12  and encompassing an infant  14 . The garment  10  includes a tubular member  16  configured to be worn about a torso  18  of the individual  12 . The garment  10  further includes a first shoulder member  20  configured for draping over a first shoulder portion  22  of the individual  12  and a second shoulder member  24  configured for draping over a second shoulder portion  26 . The first shoulder member  20  forms a first pocket  28  between the first shoulder member and individual  12 . The first pocket  28  being configured for encompassing the infant  14 . The second shoulder member  24  forms a second pocket  30  between the second shoulder member and individual  12 . The second pocket  30  is configured to encompass the infant  14 . 
     In one particular exemplary embodiment, referring to  FIG. 14 through 17 , the tubular member  16  includes an upper portion  32  and a lower portion  34 . The lower portion  34  is suitable for folding over the upper portion  34 , first shoulder member  20  and second shoulder member  24  for forming a third pocket  36  between the lower portion  32  and individual  12 . The third pocket  32  being configured for encompassing the infant  14 . It should be appreciated that in one configuration the first pocket  28  and second pocket  30  are overlapping. In yet another configuration the first pocket  28 , second pocket  30  and third pocket  36  are overlapping. 
     In greater detail, referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 ,  6 ,  22  and  23 , the garment includes the tubular member  16  which is configured to be worn about the torso  18  portion of an individual  12 . In one exemplary embodiment, the tubular member  16  is configured to extend from approximately a breast portion to an upper pelvic portion, just below the waist. In another exemplary embodiment, the tubular member  16  is configured to extend from approximately a breast portion to below a pelvic portion. In the latter configuration, it is contemplated that the tubular member  16  includes an upper portion  32  and a lower portion  34 , wherein the upper portion provides support for the waist and rib portion of the individual  12  and the lower portion  34  provides support for a hip portion of the individual. Also, as previously mentioned, the lower portion  34  may be folded upward to a raised position to form a third pocket  36  and provide added support to the waist and rib portion and/or to the infant  14 . In one configuration, the upper portion  32  and lower portion  34  of the tubular member  16  are attached together, via sewing or otherwise, at a center portion  38  of the tubular member. 
     The tubular member  16  includes a length ‘L’ extending approximately from a breast portion to an upper pelvic portion or to below a pelvic portion of the individual  12 . To that end, it is contemplated that the tubular member  16  extends lengthwise and includes a length ‘L’ of approximately 6 to 12 inches, 9 to 15 inches, 12 inches, 12 to 24 inches, 12 to 36 inches, greater than 36 inches or otherwise. 
     The tubular member  16  is sized and shaped to be utilized as a body shaper, for men or women, to sculpt the exterior shape of the wearer. As such, in one exemplary embodiment, the tubular member  16  is formed of a flexible material, stretchable and/or elastic material or both. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the material forming the tubular member  16  is formed of a flexible elastic material, such as Spandex or the like. However, other materials such as stretch denim, stretch velvet, stretch vinyl, stretch lace, stretch lining or otherwise may also be used. It should be appreciated that the tubular member  16  may be formed substantially of a single material or may include multiple materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the material forming the upper portion  32  and lower portion  34  are different to provide greater flexibility or stretchability. In one particular exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the lower portion  34  may comprise a material that has greater flexibility for folding over the first portion to form the third pocket  36 . Also, greater flexibility or stretchability provides easier movement of the pelvic portion of the individual  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-9 ,  18 ,  22  and  23 , views of the first shoulder member  20  of the garment  10  are shown. In  FIGS. 5 and 6  the first shoulder member  20  is shown in a down hanging position,  FIGS. 7-9  shows the first shoulder member in an up installed position and  FIGS. 22 and 23  shows a cross-sectional view of the first shoulder member. As mentioned, the first shoulder member  20  forms a first pocket  28  with the individual  12  and more particularly with the upper portion  32  of the tubular member  16 . In one configuration, the first shoulder member  20  includes an upper portion configured for hanging over the first shoulder portion  22  to provide support to the first shoulder member  20  and the infant  14 . The first shoulder member  20  also includes a lower portion that is attached to the center portion  38  of the tubular member  16 , via sewing or otherwise, to secure the infant  14  within the first pocket  28 . In one exemplary embodiment, the first shoulder member  20  is attached approximately 360° about the tubular member  16 . In one exemplary embodiment, the lower portion of the first shoulder member  20  forms a tubular portion. Accordingly, the first pocket  28  may extend entirely around the tubular member  16 , e.g. front portion  40 , rear portion  42  or side portions  44 , or may be limited to the front portion  40 , or otherwise, through attachment configurations. 
     The first shoulder member  20  is sized and shaped to form the first pocket  28 . In one exemplary embodiment, the first shoulder member  20  is formed of a flexible material, stretchable and/or elastic material, or both, to form a soft and flexible first pocket  28  for the infant  14 , but still provide ample support for maintaining or assisting in maintaining the infant substantially against the skin or clothing of the individual  12 . In one particular exemplary embodiment, the material forming the first shoulder member  20  comprises a flexible elastic material, such as Spandex or the like. However, other materials such as stretch denim, stretch velvet, stretch vinyl, stretch lace, stretch lining or otherwise may also be used. It should be appreciated that the first shoulder member  20  may be formed substantially of a single material or may include multiple materials. In one exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the material forming the first shoulder member  20  is more flexible than that material forming the second shoulder member  24 , as discussed herein in greater detail. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 ,  7 - 9 ,  10 - 13 ,  19 - 21 ,  22  and  23 , views of the second shoulder member  24  of the garment  10  are shown. In  FIGS. 1-4 , the second shoulder member  24  is shown in an up, installed and secured position,  FIGS. 7-9  show the second shoulder member in a down position,  FIGS. 10-13  show the second shoulder member in an up installed position,  FIGS. 19-21  show a removable second shoulder member, and  FIGS. 22 and 23  show a cross-section view of the second shoulder member. As mentioned, the second shoulder member  24  forms a second pocket  30  with the individual  12  and more particularly with the upper portion  32  of the tubular member  16 . As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , a portion of the first pocket  28  is disposed within the second pocket  30 . 
     In one configuration, the second shoulder member  24  includes an upper portion configured for hanging over the second shoulder portion  26  to provide support to the second shoulder member and the infant  14 . The second shoulder member  24  also includes a lower portion that is disposed proximate to the center portion  38  of the tubular member  16 . In one configuration, the lower portion of the second shoulder member  24  is attached to a side portion  44  and center portion  38  of the tubular member  16 . The side attachment of the second shoulder member  24  to the tubular member extends from the center portion  38  to approximately the top of the upper portion  32  of the tubular member  16 . In another configuration, similar to the first shoulder member  20 , the second shoulder member  24  is further radially attached to the tubular member  16  about the center portion  38 . In one configuration the second shoulder member  24  is attached approximate 90° about the tubular portion  16  from the side portion  44  to the front portion  40 . In another configuration the second shoulder member  24  is attached approximately 180° about the tubular portion  16  from the rear portion  42  to the front portion  40 . In yet another configuration the second shoulder member  24  is attached approximately 360° about the tubular portion. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 19-21 , the second shoulder member  24  is removable from the tubular member  16 , first shoulder member  20  or both. This removability provides the ability to change sizes, shapes and appearances of the second shoulder member  24  and hence the garment  10 . In one particular exemplary embodiment, releasable attachment members, such as hook and latch Velcro® configurations or otherwise, are used to releasably attach the second shoulder member  24  to the tubular member  16 , first shoulder member  20  or both. It should be appreciated that attachment of the second shoulder member  24  includes any of the attachment configurations previously discussed with respect to attachment of the second shoulder member to the tubular member  16 . 
     The garment  10  further includes an adjustment feature  46  for adjusting and maintaining the amount of firmness against the infant  14 . The adjustment feature  46  may be configured for adjusting the volume space of the first pocket  28 , second pocket  30  or both. The adjustment feature  46  may comprise any suitable adjustment features including ties, hook and latch Velcro® strips on opposing members, mechanical fasteners or otherwise. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the adjustment feature  46  is formed or included with the second shoulder member  24 . In one particular exemplary embodiment, the second shoulder member  24  includes end portions  48  that are connected to the portion of the second shoulder member forming the second pocket  30 . As such, the end portions  48  can be tied in a manner to effect the amount of tension across the infants back  14 , the amount of volume within the second pocket  30  and/or even the amount of volume within the first pocket  28 . 
     The second shoulder member  24  is sized and shaped to form the second pocket  30 . In one exemplary embodiment, the second shoulder member  24  is formed of a flexible material, stretchable and/or elastic material, or both, to form a soft and flexible second pocket  30  for the infant  14 , but still provide ample support for maintaining or assisting in maintaining the infant substantially against the skin or clothing of the individual  12 . In one exemplary embodiment, the material forming the second shoulder member  24  comprises a flexible elastic material, such as Spandex or the like. However, other materials such as stretch denim, stretch velvet, stretch vinyl, stretch lace, stretch lining or otherwise may also be used. It should be appreciated that the first shoulder member  20  may be formed substantially of a single material or may include multiple materials. In one exemplary embodiment, it is contemplated that the material forming the second shoulder member  24  is less elastic than that material forming the first shoulder portion  20 . Advantageously, this allows for firmer pressure to be placed against the infant so as to maintain closeness, limit movement and/or maintain proper ergonomics. 
     In view of the foregoing, the present invention further provides a method of use of the garments  10  of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the individual  12  inserts their feet or head through the opening formed by the tubular member  16 . The tubular member  16  is smoothed over the surface of the individual&#39;s  12  clothing or skin and extending from the breast portion, albeit male or female, to an upper portion or lower portion of the pelvic region, depending upon the configuration. Referring to  FIGS. 7-9 , the individual  12  places their arm through an opening formed by the first shoulder member  20  to form the first pocket  28 . The infant  14  is then placed in the first pocket  28 . Referring to  FIGS. 10-13 , the individual  12  then places their other arm through an opening formed by the second shoulder member  24  to form the second pocket  30 , which now envelops the infant  14 . Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the adjustment feature of the second shoulder member  24  is utilized to provide suitable tension on the back of the infant, which also modifies the volume of the second pocket  30 . In this configuration, this is performed by tying end portions  48  of the second shoulder member  24  together to form the desired tension and volume of the second pocket  30 . Referring to  FIGS. 14-17 , optionally, the lower portion  34  of the tubular member  16  is lifted to a raised portion to cover the first shoulder member  20 , second shoulder member  24  and form the first pocket  36  thereby providing additional support and security to the infant  14 . 
     While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.