Patent Publication Number: US-10786091-B2

Title: Infant stabilization and immobilization apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 14/713,303 filed on May 15, 2015, which itself claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/993,539 filed May 15, 2014. The entirety of the parent application and the provisional application are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to stabilization devices, and more particularly, to an apparatus for stabilizing and immobilizing an infant during diaper changing. 
     Changing a diaper can be a difficult task. As babies learn to move about, they are less likely to remain still while lying on their backs. During changing, for example, babies often squirm about in an attempt to rollover, or they attempt to move in a head-wise direction using their feet to push off the changing surface. A caregiver is then required to use at least one hand to keep the baby stable while using the other hand to change the diaper. The caregiver must maintain constant attention on the baby to change the diaper and to ensure the baby&#39;s safety. This can be particularly challenging for single caregivers changing a diaper without assistance or for caregivers such as an infirm grandparent who might not possess the strength and dexterity needed to keep the baby stable with one hand while changing a diaper with the other. In addition to imposing a burden on the caregiver, the baby&#39;s movement creates significant hazards, such as the possibility that the baby could fall from an elevated changing surface. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for stabilizing and immobilizing the infant in the supine position during diaper changing. The stabilization and immobilization apparatus disclosed herein utilizes a one or more restraints to prevent an infant from squirming about or reaching for objects during diaper changing while also mitigating the possibility that an infant will crawl away or roll onto its stomach. The apparatus thus greatly assists caregivers with changing diapers and providing for the general care of an infant. Repeated use of the immobilization apparatus also has the added benefit of establishing a routine for an infant during diaper changing where the infant remains stable and immobile, thereby teaching the infant over time to remain still during changing. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, an immobilization apparatus includes a base; a locking mechanism; a first and second strap having a fixed segment attached to the base and the locking mechanism and a free segment attached to the locking mechanism; and at least one fastener means to releasably secure at least a portion of the fixed segments to at least a portion of the free segments. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the fastener means for the for the first and second straps comprises a first hook-and-loop-fastening surface disposed along at least a portion of the fixed segment length and a corresponding second hook-and-loop-fastening surface disposed along at least a portion of the free segment length so that the two segments can be releasably secured together. In another aspect of the invention, the immobilization apparatus includes a guard overlying a surface of the fastener means. In other embodiments, the fastener means is made of at least one snap fastener disposed along at least a portion of the first and second strap lengths. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism is a side-release snap-fastener. The locking mechanism can include a buckle for moving the locking mechanism along the length of the first strap. The straps can be formed with a fabric layer, a foam layer, and a webbing layer. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, the base includes an impression to accommodate an infant. At least a portion of the base can be covered by a fabric covering. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the immobilization apparatus includes a base; a strap receiving element affixed to the second side of the base; and a strap having a fixed segment attached to the base and the locking mechanism, a free segment attached to the locking mechanism, and at least one fastener means to releasably secure at least a portion of the fixed segment to at least a portion of the free segment. 
     Another embodiment includes a base with a first side and a second side; a locking mechanism; a first and second strap affixed to the base and engaged with the locking mechanism; and at least one extremity restraint attached to the first strap. In one embodiment, the extremity restraint comprises a first hook-and-loop-fastening surface disposed along at least a portion of the first strap length and a corresponding hook-and-loop-fastening surface to releaseably engage the first hook-and-loop-fastening surface. In another embodiment, the extremity restraint is formed as a cuff secured to the first strap. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a stabilization and immobilization apparatus according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  shows an infant restrained in stabilization and immobilization apparatus according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a stabilization and immobilization apparatus according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a stabilization and immobilization apparatus according to third embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the operation of a stabilization and immobilization apparatus; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary extremity restraint according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrate an exemplary base with an impression for accommodating an infant; 
         FIG. 8  illustrate an exemplary base with a flat surface; 
         FIG. 9  illustrate an exemplary portable base with a flat surface; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary extremity restraint; 
         FIG. 11  is an exemplary extremity restraint; 
         FIG. 12  is an exemplary extremity restraint; 
         FIG. 13  is an exemplary extremity restraint; 
         FIG. 14  is an exemplary extremity restraint; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates the construction of a restraint strap according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is an exemplary anchor assembly; and 
         FIG. 17  is an exemplary side-release, snap fastener. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use, and practice the invention. 
     Disclosed is an apparatus for stabilizing and immobilizing an infant while changing a diaper. An apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention generally includes a cushioned base configured to seat an infant in the supine position and one or more restraints configured to stabilize the infant and immobilize the infant&#39;s torso and extremities during changing. The restraints can include one or more torso restraints to prevent the infant from squirming about, crawling away, or rolling onto its stomach during changing. The apparatus can also include one or more extremity restraints that prevent the infant from kicking or reaching for objects during changing while also further restricting the infant&#39;s ability to squirm about, crawl away, or roll over. 
     Although the inventive stabilization and immobilization apparatus is generally described with reference to restraining an infant during diaper changing, those skilled in the art will recognize that the apparatus can be used in a variety of circumstances where it is desired to stabilize or immobilize an infant, such as during the administration of medicine, feeding, changing clothes, or even after a medical procedure where movement could compromise sutures or have other negative effects. Additionally, while the present invention finds particular application in the field of restraining infants, a person of any age may be restrained by the stabilization and immobilization apparatus described in the embodiments below. 
     As used herein, the term infant is intended to generally describe a person under the age of three and is used interchangeably with the terms baby or child. The term caregiver denotes a person responsible for changing an infant&#39;s diaper or generally providing for the care and well-being of the infant, such as a parent, grandparent, babysitter, or healthcare professional. The term caregiver is used interchangeably with the terms parent, adult, user, or consumer. Wherever used herein, the masculine shall be deemed to include the feminine and the feminine shall be deemed to include the masculine. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary stabilization and immobilization apparatus  10  according to one embodiment includes a cushioned base  12 , a fabric cover  14 , a torso restraint  20 , and one or more extremity restraints  24 . The base  12  is generally rectangular, has a length greater than its width, and is of predetermined dimensions suitable for accommodating an infant being immobilized. Preferably, the length of the base  12  is approximately the same, or greater than, the height of the infant, and the width of the base  12  is approximately the same, or greater than, the width of the infant&#39;s torso while her arms are resting by her side. In one embodiment, the width of the base  12  is approximately sixteen inches, and the length of the base  12  is between about thirty inches and thirty-four inches. 
     The base  12  should be thick enough to provide cushioning but thin enough such that the infant would not be injured if he or she rolled off the base  12  onto the changing surface  50  on which the stabilization and immobilization apparatus  10  is placed. The dimensions of the base  12  (e.g., length, width, and thickness) can be sized to ensure stability and to prevent the infant from tipping the entire stabilization and immobilization apparatus  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 &amp; 7 , the top surface of the base  12  can include an impression  18  suitable to accommodate the shape of an infant lying in the supine position. The impression  18  can be, for instance, generally rectangular or elliptical, or it can include separately shaped portions to accommodate the infant&#39;s head, torso, or extremities. The raised base sidewalls  16  surrounding the impression  18  further ensure the infant&#39;s safety and immobility by impeding the infant&#39;s ability to rollover off the base  12 . The base sidewalls  16  can be sloped to provide for the comfort of the infant and to promote easier access to the infant by the caregiver. 
     Alternatively, the base  12  can be formed as a substantially flat pad if the impression  18  and sidewall  16  features are not desired, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 . In other embodiments, the thickness of the base  12  can be reduced as shown in  FIG. 9  so that the base  12  can be rolled or folded so as to reduce its dimensions for convenient transport and carrying of the stabilization and immobilization apparatus  10 . 
     The base  12  embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures is constructed as a unitary, substantially solid member. The interior of the base  12  can be made of any material rigid enough to hold the infant in place but soft enough to provide cushioning for the infant&#39;s comfort, such as expanded polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, latex foam, cotton batting, wool batting, polyester batting, plush, or any other suitable material known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The base  12  is optionally covered in whole or in part by one or more layers of a fixed or removable fabric covering  14 . The fabric cover  14  can be made from woven textiles, such as wool, cotton, velvet, or silk. Or the fabric cover  14  can be made from nonwoven textiles, such as plush, wool or acrylic felt, or a polypropylene fabric. The fabric cover  14  can also be a waterproof material, such as a natural or synthetic fabric treated with rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, silicone elastomer, fluoropolymers, or wax. In one embodiment, the base  12  is covered in whole or in part by a waterproof fabric layer underneath a second, outer fabric layer. Preferably, the fabric cover  14  is made of a soft, washable, nonallergenic textile to present a clean, comfortable surface for contacting the infant. 
     The fabric cover  14  can be secured around the base  12  using any suitable means known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including, but not limited to, stitching, elastic bands, zippers, glue (adhesive), or hook-and-loop type fastening material (e.g., VELCRO®). The fabric cover  14  can optionally be secured directly to the base  12  by, for example, stitching or gluing the cover  14  to the bottom surface of the base  12 . In another embodiment, the fabric cover  14  is releasably secured around the base  12  by forming the cover  14  so that it conforms to the shape of the base  12  and by inserting the base  12  into the cover  14  through an opening that is wholly or partially closeable by a zipper, hook-and-loop-fastening material, or elastic bands around the edges of the opening. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the base  12  embodiments depicted in the attached figures are not intended to be limiting, and other constructions and features are possible. By way of example, the base  12  can be formed as a pillow with filler material (e.g., polyester pellets, microbeads, feathers, etc.) enclosed by a fabric cover. In this embodiment, the base  12  may include a reinforcement member to provide added rigidity, such as a flexible plastic panel in the interior of the base  12 . Yet another embodiment includes a plurality of slots or handles around the perimeter of the base  12  that serve as hand receptacles for convenient carrying of the stabilization and immobilization apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  can also include safety features, such as anchors  70  that secure the base  12  to the changing surface  50  via a fastening strap  72 , as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . Further embodiments can include additional padding formed as contours on the base  12  to support various regions of the infant&#39;s body, such as a crescent-shaped pad to support the infant&#39;s head or a cylindrical pad to provide lumbar support. 
     The base  12  can also be comprised of multiple portions secured together by any suitable fastening means, such as when the base  12  includes separate portions to support the infant&#39;s head, torso, or extremities. In this manner, the stabilization and immobilization apparatus  10  can be adjusted to accommodate infants of different sizes or to accommodate a single infant as he or she grows. To illustrate, an additional base portion can be attached to the head of the base  12  shown in the attached figures using hook-and-loop-fastening material, straps, snap-fasteners, or the like, which effectively extends the length of the base  12  to accommodate infants of greater height. In one exemplary embodiment, the fabric cover  14  is an elastic material, such as spandex, nylon, or polyester, so that the fabric cover  14  can be stretched over an additional base portion. 
     The stabilization and immobilization apparatus  10  can include one or more straps that that run across the infant&#39;s chest, abdomen, or pelvic region to serve as torso restraints  20 . The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-3  include first strap  22  and a second strap  23  that connect over the infant&#39;s abdomen using a locking mechanism  30 , such as corresponding male and female parts of a buckle, button, or snap-fastener. 
     The first and second straps  22  &amp;  23  include a fixed segment  26  affixed to the base sidewall  15  and engaged with the locking mechanism  30  and a free segment  28  engaged with the locking mechanism. The free segment  28  folds back over the fixed segment and releasably secures to the fixed segment  26  via a fastening means. The fixed segment  26  of each strap  22  &amp;  23  is affixed to the base  12  and/or the fabric cover  14  by, for example, stitching, buttons, snap-fasteners, glue (adhesive), hook-and-loop-fastening material, or any other suitable affixing means. Exemplary straps  20  are shown in  FIGS. 1-3  as straps that buckle across the infant&#39;s abdomen using a side-release, snap-fit buckle, such as the exemplary buckle shown in  FIG. 17 . The side-release buckle includes a male portion  81 , a female portion  82 , and an opening  84  for receiving a strap. 
     The locking mechanism  30  includes a buckle  32  for adjusting the position of the locking mechanism  30  along the length of the straps  22  &amp;  23 , thereby effectively adjusting the length of the torso restraint  20  to secure infants of different sizes or to permit varying degrees of movement by the infant. The straps  22  &amp;  23  can optionally be made of an elastic material to permit some degree of movement when the straps  22  &amp;  23  are snug and secure across the infant. In other embodiments, the torso restraint  20  is formed as a continuous strap  42 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The continuous strap  42  includes a fixed segment  26  affixed to a base sidewall  15  and a free segment  28  that runs through a strap receiving element (e.g., a loop or buckle) on the opposite sidewall. 
     The stabilization and immobilization apparatus  10  embodiment in  FIGS. 1 and 5-6  includes one or more extremity restraints  24  formed from hook-and-loop-fastening material disposed along the length of the strap  22  &amp;  23  free segments  28 . The extremity restraints  24  restrict movement of the infant&#39;s arms, legs, hands, or feet and to prevent the infant from reaching for objects or kicking during diaper changing. The extremity restraints  24  are co-located with the torso restraint  20  and affixed to the torso restraint  20  using stitching, buttons, an adhesive, or any suitable affixing means. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a first end  25  of the extremity restraint  24  is lifted upwards before placing the infant&#39;s arm between the two surfaces of the hook-and-loop-fastening material. The first end  25  of the extremity restraint  24  is reattached to the restraint to releasably secure the infant&#39;s extremity as shown in  FIG. 6 . The extremity restraints  24  may be placed around any suitable part of the infant&#39;s extremities, including the infant&#39;s wrists, forearms, upper arms, ankles, lower legs, or thighs. Placing the extremity restraint  24  around the infant&#39;s upper extremities, such as upper arm or thigh, has the advantage that it becomes more difficult for the infant to extract his or her extremities from the restraints  24 . 
     The straps  22 ,  23 , &amp;  42  of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3-4  include a fastener means to releasably secure the fixed segment  26  to the free segment  28 , thereby forming an extremity restraint  24 . The fastener means implemented as by disposing a hook-and-loop-fastening material along the length of the straps  22 ,  23 , &amp;  42  such that the strap segments  26  &amp;  28  can be releasably secured together. 
     The hook-and-loop-fastening material may partially cover the straps  22 ,  23 , &amp;  42  so that the uncovered portion of the strap contacts the infant&#39;s extremities to provide for a comfortable fit. The hook-and-loop-fastening material should cover enough of the straps  22 ,  23 , &amp;  42  so that the length of the straps  22 ,  23 , &amp;  42  can be adjusted to accommodate infants of different sizes or to permit varying degrees of movement by the infant. The straps can include a guard  46 , such as the fabric sleeve depicted in  FIG. 4  to enhance comfort and safety. The guard can also be formed as a patch that covers a portion of the straps. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the embodiments described are not intended to be limiting, and other configurations for the torso  20  and extremity restraints  24  are possible. For instance, the exemplary extremity restraint  24  embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10-13  are constructed as two separate straps connected together by snap buttons ( FIG. 10 ), a peg and aperture buckle ( FIG. 11 ), or a sliding snap-fit buckle ( FIG. 12 ). By providing multiple buttons, apertures, or a sliding buckle along the length of the extremity restraint  24 , the extremity restraint  24  can be adjusted to accommodate infants of different sizes or to permit varying degrees of movement. In other embodiments, the extremity restraint  24  can be constructed as a sliding hook and loop strap, such as the extremity restraint  24  depicted in  FIG. 14 . 
     The extremity restraints  24  can be integral with, or separable from, the torso restraint  20 , such as when the extremity restraints  24  are separately affixed directly to the base  12  and/or fabric cover  14 . The extremity restraints  24  can be attached to the torso restraint  20 , base  12 , and/or fabric cover  14  using any suitable fastening means, including, for example, a snap button, as illustrated in  FIG. 13  or by stitching as shown in  FIG. 14 . By affixing one or more extremity restraints  24  to various locations on the torso restraint  20 , base  12 , and/or fabric cover  14 , the extremity restraints can be configured to contact various locations on the infant&#39;s extremities, such as the infant&#39;s upper arm, forearm, wrist, thigh, lower leg, or ankle. 
     In one embodiment, the base  12  is configured so that extremity restraints  24  can be affixed to various locations along a sidewall  15  of the base  12 . To illustrate, one or more components of a snap button fastener can be affixed to various locations on the base sidewall  15  so that the exemplary extremity restraint  24  shown in  FIG. 13  can be snapped into a plurality of positions along the base sidewall  15 . 
     The restraint straps  22 ,  23 , &amp;  42  can be made from nylon, neoprene, polypropylene, cotton, vinyl, silk, leather, or any other suitable material known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The straps can be covered with a guard  46  as shown in  FIG. 4  to provide for the infant&#39;s comfort and safety. The exemplary strap profile shown in  FIG. 15  utilizes a multilayer design with layers of fabric  60 , foam  62 , webbing  64 , and hook-and-loop material  66 . The fabric  60  is folded over the foam  62  and webbing  64  and the layers are stitched along lines A and A′ with the hook-and-loop material  66  serving as the outside layer. 
     Although the foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention by way of example, it is envisioned that other embodiments may perform similar functions and/or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention.