Abstract:
A stress-mitigating system for laying atop an individual, the stress-mitigating system comprising an upper portion adapted to be supported on a chest of an individual, a lower portion extending downward from the upper portion and adapted to be supported on a stomach of the individual, and at least one side portion extending from the upper portion and adapted to be supported on an extremity of the individual.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/175,712 entitled “Infant Bathing Aid” which was filed on May 5, 2009 and which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a stress-relieving aid and, more specifically, to a system and method for mitigating and relieving stress associated with certain stress-inducing activities. 
         [0003]    Some individuals, such as infants and infirm persons, lack the ability to address their own daily needs, such as feeding, bathing, changing clothing, and changing diapers. Accordingly, these tasks are typically performed by caregivers, such as a parent, doctor, nurse, or other care provider, several times each day. 
         [0004]    Some of these tasks can become stressful for the individual as they are performed by the caregiver. For example, a caregiver changing an infant&#39;s diaper often removes the infant&#39;s clothing and lays the infant on a changing surface such that the infant&#39;s skin is exposed to the air, which may be at an uncomfortable temperature for the infant. As another example, a caregiver bathing an infant may partially submerge the infant in a tub of water, wherein a temperature difference between the air and the water may be uncomfortable for the infant. The discomfort induced by these tasks and like activities often creates stress for the individual, which may cause the individual to resist or interfere with the caregiver&#39;s efforts in performing the task. Resisting or interfering with the caregiver&#39;s efforts may subsequently create additional stress for both the individual and the caregiver. 
         [0005]    As the individual&#39;s extremities, particularly the arms and legs, are often left free and unrestrained while these stress-inducing tasks are performed, the individual may move their extremities as the task is performed. This movement of the extremities may be voluntary or involuntary. The individual may, for example, move their extremities in resistance to an uncomfortable or unfamiliar task that is being performed by the caregiver. Returning to the infant bathing example, the infant may move their arms and legs when the air temperature is uncomfortable (i.e., too cold). As another example, water left on the individuals exposed skin after bathing or sponging may cause chills as the water evaporates. Regardless of the reason, the circumstances and stress associated with the task often cause the individual to move their extremities while the task is performed. 
         [0006]    Movement of the extremities often makes the task difficult for the caregiver to accomplish, thereby frustrating the caregiver and creating additional stress for both the individual and the caregiver. To help prevent or limit movement of the extremities, some caregivers may drape a towel or blanket over the body of the individual. However, towels or blankets are not designed to conform to the size and shape of the individual. Returning again to the infant bathing example, rectangular-shaped towels and blankets are often quite large compared to the size of an infant and are not contoured to match the general shape of the infant. Accordingly, the towel or blanket may be cumbersome and interfere with performing the immediate task. Further, the towel or blanket can be heavy, making it more even more cumbersome and possibly unsafe. With particular respect to bathing, for example, the towel or blanket may absorb large amounts of water, which may increase its weight significantly, thereby making the towel or blanket even more cumbersome for the caregiver and further adding to the stress of the individual. Further, the towel or blanket, especially a water-soaked towel or blanket may pose a significant suffocation risk to the individual if inadvertently placed in a position over the individual&#39;s face. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, a need exists for novel systems and methods which have, among other advantages, the ability to alleviate stress, calm, provide comfort, and otherwise soothe the individual while the caregiver performs these particular stress-inducing tasks. Further, a need exists for novel systems and methods which reduce or eliminate movement of the individual&#39;s extremities during these tasks, thereby further reducing stress for the individual, yet do not interfere with completion of the tasks, thereby also reducing stress for the caregiver. For example, and in one embodiment only, it is an object of the invention to place a stress-mitigating system over an infant that mitigates stress for both the infant and the caregiver while bathing, changing a diaper, or performing other tasks that might cause the infant to move their extremities. A further need exists for providing a stress-mitigating system that reduces the risk of suffocation of the individual. 
         [0008]    Therefore, a stress-mitigating system that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0009]    The aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages of using towels or blankets to mitigate stress have been identified and a solution is set forth by the invention described herein, which includes a stress-mitigating system for laying atop an individual. The system comprises an upper portion adapted to be supported on a chest of an individual, a lower portion extending downward from the upper portion and adapted to be supported on a stomach of the individual, and at least one side portion extending from the upper portion and adapted to be supported on an extremity of the individual. 
         [0010]    Another aspect of the present invention includes an infant stress-mitigating system for laying atop an infant during bathing, the stress-mitigating system comprising a main body having a chest portion, a pair of extremity portions, each extremity portion extending outward from opposite sides of the chest portion, and a stomach portion extending downward from the chest portion. 
         [0011]    Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a method for reducing stress on an infant, the infant having a head, a neck, a chest, a navel, and a pair of arms, the method comprising placing an infant in one of a sitting, reclined, and prone position; providing a stress-mitigating system having an upper portion, a lower portion, and at least one side portion, the lower portion extending downward from the upper portion, and the at least one side portion extending outward from the upper portion; placing the upper portion on the chest of the individual; placing the lower portion on the stomach of the individual; and placing the at least one side portion on an arm of the individual. 
         [0012]    Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosures that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject matter of the claims. 
         [0013]    In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. To wit, the stress-mitigating system of the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and material specifications have been included or omitted from the specification or the claims, or both, it is to be understood that the same are not to be incorporated into the claims. 
         [0014]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0015]    Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0016]    These and other objects, along with the various features and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the stress-mitigating system of the present disclosure, its advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention. 
         [0017]    As such, while embodiments of the stress-mitigating system are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    As a compliment to the description and for better understanding of the specification presented herein, two pages of drawings are disclosed with an informative, but not limiting, intention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the stress-mitigating system of the present invention in use atop an infant; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the covering of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a front view of an alternate embodiment, wherein the stress-mitigating system is configured to look like a character; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a front view of another alternate embodiment of the stress-mitigating system, wherein the stress-mitigating system includes an alternate lower portion. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0023]    The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of the preferred embodiment, wherein similar referenced characters designate corresponding features throughout the several figures of the drawings. 
         [0024]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 2 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0025]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, these same referenced numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have been further differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein the corresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. Further, the dimensions illustrated in the drawings (if provided) are included for purposes of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, particular details in the drawings which are illustrated in hidden or dashed lines are to be considered as forming no part of the present invention. 
         [0026]    As used herein, the term breathable is meant to be used and defined in its broad and ordinary sense. To wit, a material&#39;s natural ability to allow air to pass therethrough. 
         [0027]    As used herein, the term hydrophobic is meant to be used and defined in its broad and ordinary sense. To wit, having little or no affinity for water. 
         [0028]    As used herein, individual refers to any person requiring the assistance of a caregiver to perform certain stress-inducing tasks. For example, individual may refer to an infant, a medical patient, an elderly individual, or any infirm person who requires assistance. Of course, these are merely examples and are not meant to be limiting in any manner. 
         [0029]    As used herein, caregiver refers to any person that performs certain stress-inducing tasks on an individual. For example, caregiver may refer to a parent, a nurse, a doctor, or any other person that provides care to another individual. Of course, these are merely examples and are not meant to be limiting in any manner. 
         [0030]    The disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art are overcome through the stress-mitigating system of the present invention, wherein one preferred embodiment is disclosed in  FIGS. 1-4 . Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment of a stress-mitigating system  10  of the present invention that has been placed atop an individual  12 , in this case an infant. Stress-mitigating system  10  includes a main body  14  configured for draping over individual  12 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , stress-mitigating system  10  may include additional optional features, such as a neck recess  18  for providing a more comfortable fit, an access  20 , and a border  22 . 
         [0031]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , main body  14  may include an upper portion  24 , a lower portion  26  extending downward from upper portion  24 , and a pair of side portions  28  extending leftward and rightward from respective left and right sides of upper portion  24 , wherein portions  24 ,  26 ,  28  define a perimeter  36 . Upper portion  24 , lower portion  26 , and side portions  28  are configured such that main body  14  is complimentary in shape and size to an upper body  30  ( FIG. 1 ) of individual  12 . In this regard, main body  14  generally defines a “T” shape, wherein a distance across respective side portions  28  defines a horizontal portion  32  of “T” shape and a distance across upper and lower portions  24 ,  26  defines a vertical portion  34  of “T” shape. 
         [0032]    In the present embodiment, a size of main body  14  is generally complementary to a size of the upper body of an infant, wherein horizontal portion  32  is approximately 17.0 inches and vertical portion  34  is approximately 9.0 inches. Further, the size and relative positions of upper portion  24 , lower portion  26 , and side portions  28  are configured to be complementary in size to and placed over the infant&#39;s chest, stomach, and arms, respectively. While not intended to be limiting, main body  14  having the aforementioned shape and size has been found to advantageously cover upper body  30  of most infants, yet not interfere with the functionality of stress-mitigating system  10 , as will be described later herein. It will be appreciated, however, that the overall size and shape of main body  14  may be adjusted to compliment the size and shape of other individuals. For example, horizontal and vertical portions  32 ,  34  may be adjusted or modified to complement the size and shape of an adult. For another example, main body  14  may include additional portions, such as leg portions (not shown), that may be further utilized to cover legs or other extremities of individual  12 . 
         [0033]    As shown in the particular embodiment of  FIG. 3 , perimeter  36  may be configured into a shape of a character, such as an animal, fish, car, or toy, which may appeal to individual  12 , particularly if individual  12  is an infant. In this embodiment, perimeter  36  is shaped like an animal character instead of being T-shaped. 
         [0034]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , upper portion  24  may include optional neck recess  18  formed in an upper edge thereof. Neck recess  18  is defined by an arcuate edge  38  extending into upper portion  24  and is configured to compliment a size and shape of the neck of individual  12 , thereby permitting upper body portion  24  to be advantageously positioned adjacent to the neck of individual  12 . It will be appreciated, however, that neck recess  18  could take any other shape that provides sufficient clearance for the individual&#39;s neck. By way of example only, neck recess  18  could also be V-shaped or U-shaped. 
         [0035]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , lower portion  26  of the present embodiment is semi-circular and may include optional access  20  formed therein. However, other shapes for lower portion  26  are envisioned. For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates lower portion  26  having a V-shape. Returning to  FIG. 2 , access  20  may be configured and positioned to provide beneficial access to a body part or area of individual  12  without having to move or adjust the position of main body  14  on individual  12 . Access  20  may, for example, provide access near internal organs, a navel, a skin blemish, or any other particular area or body part that might require access in order to perform a desired task or procedure. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , access  20  is a circular aperture  40  extending through lower portion  26  and is positioned to align with a navel of individual  12 , which may be particularly useful when individual  12  is an infant. It will be appreciated, however, that access  20  could take any other shape that provides sufficient clearance for the respective body part or area. It will further be appreciated that access  20  is not limited to being formed in lower portion  26 , as access  20  may be formed in any portion of main body  14 . 
         [0036]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , upper portion  24 , lower portion  26 , and side portions  28  may be cut or otherwise made from a single piece of fabric to form main body  14 . The fabric may be manufactured from any suitable material such as, but not limited to, wool, silk, flax, cotton, or any other natural or synthetic fiber. In the preferred embodiment, however, main body  14  is made from polar fleece, also known as microfleece. More particularly, microfleece is made from polyethylene terephthalate or any other suitable synthetic material. Micro fleece, in general, has several advantageous characteristics. For example, microfleece is a natural insulator and is a breathable material. Further, microfleece is lightweight and soft as compared to other fabric materials. Even further, microfleece is generally hydrophobic, thereby retaining less than approximately 1% of its body weight in water when exposed thereto. Of course, water retention may vary depending on nap size and thickness of the microfleece fabric. The advantages of these characteristics in relation to use of stress-mitigating system  10  will be described later herein. While the preferred embodiment is described as being made from a single piece of fabric having a single layer, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that different portions of main body  14  may each be made from different materials and joined, such as by sewing, to form main body  14 . It will further be appreciated that main body  14  or the portions combining to form main body  14  may further comprise single or multiple layers of material. 
         [0037]    Border  22  may be attached to or incorporated into main body  14  around perimeter  36 . Border  22  may take any of several forms, such as but not limited to, stitching applied directly to main body  14  or a subsequently attached edging made of silk or other desirable material. 
         [0038]    Additional features, such as buttons, tassels, dyed portions, and other decorative features may be incorporated into stress-mitigating system  10  to further enhance the appearance of stress-mitigating system  10 .  FIG. 3 , for example, shows main body  14  being selectively dyed or colored to look like a character and, more particularly, an animal. 
         [0039]    Stress-mitigating system  12 , when draped over individual  12 , may mitigate stress while a caregiver performs certain stress-inducing activities that might normally cause individual  12  to become uncomfortable and move their extremities. One such situation, bathing an infant, will be discussed in greater detail herein. However, the following discussion is not intended to limit use of stress-mitigating system  10  to bathing an infant, as various other situations are envisioned in which stress-mitigating system  10  may mitigate stress on both individual  12  and the caregiver. 
         [0040]    To bath an infant, a caregiver initially draws warm water into a vessel, such as a bathtub or sink. After drawing the water, the infant&#39;s clothing is removed and the infant is placed in the vessel, usually in a prone, reclined, or sitting position. While in the vessel, the infant is typically only partially submerged in the water, wherein upper body  30  of the infant is exposed to ambient air. Stress-mitigating system  10  may be placed over the infant such that side portions  28 , lower portion  26 , and upper portion  24  are positioned over the infant&#39;s shoulders and upper arms, stomach, and chest, respectively. Neck recess  18  may be positioned adjacent to the infant&#39;s neck, which may permit more of upper portion  24  to be draped over the infant&#39;s shoulders in order to maintain stress-mitigating system  10  in its intended position. Further, navel access  20  may be aligned with the infant&#39;s navel to provide clearance therefor and access thereto. It will be understood that additional features incorporated into main body  14  may be aligned with corresponding body parts of the individual. For example, main body  14  could include leg portions that are positioned over the legs of infant  12 . 
         [0041]    Although not meant to be limiting, stress-mitigating system  10  provides many desirable advantages when draped over the infant. For example, the weight of stress-mitigating system  10  gently pressing on the infant&#39;s chest and arms when draped over the infant may slightly restrict movement of the infant&#39;s upper body, particularly the arms. The weight may further provide the infant with a general feeling of comfort and security. Even further, the feel of stress-mitigating system  10  against the infant&#39;s skin may provide a pleasurable and soothing feeling similar to the familiar and comforting feeling provided by a baby blanket. In providing the infant with a sense of comfort, security, and slight restriction, stress-mitigating system  10  may mitigate or alleviate stress on the infant while being bathed, thereby reducing or eliminating movement of the infant&#39;s extremities and creating a more pleasurable bathing experience for both the infant and the caregiver. 
         [0042]    In addition, stress-mitigating system  10  provides a layer of insulation between the infant&#39;s upper body and the ambient air, thereby retaining some of the infant&#39;s body heat as a buffer against the colder air temperature and maintaining the infant at a comfortable temperature. Maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature may also serve to mitigate the stress on the infant while being bathing, thereby reducing or eliminating movement of the infant&#39;s extremities. 
         [0043]    Stress-mitigating system  10 , when made from microfleece material, provides additional advantages. In particular, the hydrophobic nature of stress-mitigating system  10  generally limits the amount of water that might otherwise be absorbed by other materials, such as wool or cotton. Accordingly, stress-mitigating system  10  generally maintains its original light weight when exposed to water. Wool and cotton, on the other hand, may become heavy and non-breathable as they become saturated with water. As a result, light-weight stress-mitigating system  10  permits the caregiver to easily manipulate stress-mitigating system  10 , thereby providing easy access to all parts of the infant&#39;s body. In addition to being light-weight, stress-mitigating system  10  maintains its breathable quality when exposed to water for added safety. For example, stress-mitigating system  10 , being light-weight and breathable, may permit the infant to breath freely should a portion of stress-mitigating system  10  inadvertently and unknowingly be disposed over the infant&#39;s face, thereby reducing a suffocation risk posed by other materials that absorb water. 
         [0044]    Advantageously, the shape and size of stress-mitigating system  10 , which has been configured to compliment the shape and size of the infant, reduces excess material in the bathing area. Accordingly, stress-mitigating system  10  is less likely to be displaced by water during bathing and is more likely to stay in its intended position atop the infant. Accordingly, stress-mitigating system  10  may mitigate stress on the caregiver, as the caregiver will not need to constantly place stress-mitigating system  10  back into the correct position. In addition, appropriately sized stress-mitigating system  10  makes the caregiver&#39;s task easier, as the caregiver may selectively lift and manipulate portions of stress-mitigating system  10  to access the infant&#39;s body, while not moving or adjusting other parts of stress-mitigating system  10 . If provided with access  20 , the caregiver may easily access the infant&#39;s navel and may gently wash the navel without adjusting or moving stress-mitigating system  10 . This ease of use makes the caregiver more efficient, thereby further mitigating stress on the caregiver during the task. Finally, appropriately sized stress-mitigating system  10  may reduce the probability that a portion of stress-mitigating system  10  will inadvertently come to rest over the infant&#39;s face, thereby further reducing the risk of suffocating. 
         [0045]    Any or all of the aforementioned advantages and features of stress-mitigating system  10  may mitigate the infant&#39;s stress and reduce movement of the infant&#39;s extremities while being bathed. Accordingly, stress on the caregiver is reduced, as the caregiver can more easily perform the desired task, thereby helping to provide a more efficient and enjoyable bathing experience for both the infant and the washer. 
         [0046]    It is to be understood that various modifications may be made to the particular sequences, methods, and orientations which are described herein without departing from the inventive concept, and that the description contained herein is merely a preferred embodiment and hence not meant to be limiting unless stated otherwise. Further yet, it is envisioned that the style or configuration of stress-mitigating system  10  can be varied and numerous other configurations may be fabricated and, while one preferred embodiment has been described, the specific characteristics of stress-mitigating system  10  may vary according to the specific requirements of the end user. 
         [0047]    Advantageously, the stress-mitigating system and method thereof of the present invention has, among other advantages, the ability to mitigate stress on an individual having a stress-inducing task performed thereon, thereby reducing movement of the individual&#39;s extremities. In turn, stress on the caregiver performing the stress-inducing task is also reduced, thereby providing a more efficient and enjoyable experience for both the individual and the caregiver. Therefore, a stress-mitigating system that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages has been described. 
         [0048]    The solutions offered by the invention disclosed herein have thus been attained in an economical, practical, and facile manner. To wit, a novel stress-mitigating system and method therefor which is cost effective, easily utilized, effective, aesthetically pleasing, and reduces stress has been invented. While preferred embodiments and example configurations of the inventions have been herein illustrated, shown, and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations disclosed herein are illustrative of the preferred and best modes for practicing the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and it is to appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.