DESCRI PTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[Para 1 ] This invention relates to infant blankets and, more particularly, to an infant blanket that soothes the infant by offering it a warm fluid cushion within which heartbeat sounds may be heard.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[Para 2] Small blankets have frequently been used to provide warmth and comfort for infants during the first few years of life. In order to provide the infant with a more enjoyable blanket, improvements in infant blankets have arisen over the years. Generally, simulation of the amniotic environment experienced by the infant prior to birth tends to soothe and make quiet the infant so that both it and its parents may relax.

[Para 3] Several attempts have been made previously in order to provide infants or young children with a warm and soothing environment. Some attempts have been made in the following listed art for which brief descriptions are given.

[Para 4] B. I. Fornarelli. U.S. Patent No. 5.205.81 1

[Para 5] This patent is directed to a baby blanket with a heartbeat simulator. The infant blanket is shown in Figure 1 and is formed from a padded material 1 2 with a pouch 1 3 with access by means of zipper 20. FIGURE 2 shows the device that has been opened to receive heart simu lator 1 8. The simu lator is cased within a foam form which is placed into the blanket recess and is activated when the baby is placed into the area overlying the pouch portion.

[Para 6] L. Bel ki n. U.S. Pate nt No. 3.292.61 1

[Para 7] This reference describes an infant mattress that includes both a heating device and a mechanism to provide comfort to the child by means of a mechanical clock device. The ticking device is meant to convey to the child a feeling that resembles the mother's heartbeat. The ticking device 26 is placed directly beneath the child and may be operated by a winding or electrical mechanism. Heating unit 32 is used to provide heat to the infant.

[Para 8] B.A. Reich. U.S. Patent No. 4 790 042

[Para 9] This patent is directed to a baby comforter which provides the child with a feeling of warmth and gives the feeling of being held by another

individual. Referring to Figures 1 -3, the apparatus 20 includes a body portion

22 which is constructed from a generally rectangular piece of soft, washable, du rable cloth. A length 36 of one of the complementary forms of Velcro-type hook-and-eye material is attached adjacent to edge 28 on face 32. The cloth

23 can be folded in a manner of a portfolio to form a pocket 42 for receiving a hot water bottle 44.

[Para 1 0] L. I. Clute. U .S. Patent No. 5 357 642

[Para 1 1 ] This patent describes a support pillow which is used to provide an infant with a generated sound that simulates that experienced by the infant when in the womb. Referring to Figure 1 , the device includes a chamber 1 36 with access by means of slit 1 38 designed to receive audio emitter 1 40. The audio emitter 1 40 is designed to provide sounds that simulate a mother's heartbeat as well as other sounds such as music. The sound that is projected through the phone pad by the emitter also creates a vibration which can be felt by the infant using the device. This vibration has been found to be somewhat comforting and, along with the sounds produced, tends to provide comfort to the infant utilizing the pillow device.

[Para 1 2] R. Cohe n. U .S. Patent No. 4.969.867

[Para 1 3] The apparatus described in this reference is used in the form of a blanket to promote sleep. The blanket may be seen in FIGURE 1 and comprises a sandwiched structure wherein sound transducers 4 are distributed between layers 2a and 2b. The transducers 4 produce both sound and compressional waves so that the infant may sense a vibration as well as hearing sounds. One embodiment includes a signal generator which is intended to simulate the hu man heartbeat.

[Para 1 4] B. L. Cu m m i ns. U .S. Pate nt No. 4 066 072

[Para 1 5] This patent is directed to a comfort cushion for infants, which is designed to simulate the temperatu re, sound, and other stimuli which a child would experience within the mother's womb. The system comprises a fluid- filled, flexible mattress 1 1 with a pulsating fluid pump 1 2 as well as other elements. Since the device uses a flowing fluid as well as operating valves, sounds and vibrations are emitted and the infant is provided with an environment that simulates prenatal experiences. A means is also provided to control the temperature so that the infant may be kept warmed to a comfortable

temperature level.

[Para 1 6] Despite the developments in previous devices related to infant blankets, sleeping surfaces, and heartbeat-sound generation, no previous devices are known where the heartbeat emanates from within a fluid-filled sac, or bladder, as would be present in the pre-birth amniotic environment.

Therefore, it can be seen that greater infant comfort and care could be delivered by the provision of a pleasing, soothing, and comfortable infant blanket that lu lls the infant into a relaxed state by providing some greater and more direct reminders of its previous amniotic environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Para 1 7] The present invention lies in a comforting and soothing infant blanket that uses a hydrophone to transmit heartbeat-like sounds to the adjacent infant through a fluid-filled sac, or bladder. A soft, outer shell provides the su rface of the blanket and may be machine washable for easy cleaning.

Generally, the soft, outer shell is in the shape of a sheep but may also have a shape of other friendly animals. The surface of the outer shell is generally soft and absorbent and possibly constructed of soft cotton, terry cloth, and/or fleecy sheepskin.

[Para 1 8] In the embodiment resembling a sheep, the amniotic infant blanket of the present invention may have a silk-screened sheep face attached to a portion resembling the sheep's head. Behind the sheep's head, an opening in the soft, outer shell may lead into a chamber immediately behind the silk-screened face or other portions of the blanket front. Inside the chamber, a non-leaking bladder, or sac, may be provided in which warm fluid such as water may held. The warm bladder will remind the infant of its pre-birth environment. Such reminiscence is enhanced by the use of a hydrophone residing within the bladder.

[Para 1 9] The hydrophone transmits sound into the surrounding flu id of the bladder and onto the infant so the infant may hear such sounds. Preferably, such sounds are those of the human heartbeat as would be heard by the infant in its pre-birth environment. A wire leading out from the hydrophone passes through the wall of the bladder. The interface between the wire and the bladder is well sealed to prevent any leakage of fluid therethrough. The wire of the hydrophone leads to a digital playback device having a digital recording of the heartbeat. When switched on, the digital playback u nit continuously repeats the heartbeat sound for the benefit of the infant. In order to allow easy removal of the bladder from the chamber, a plug-and-socket combination may be used to disconnect the hydrophone from the digital playback unit. If the materials used in the bladder and the hydrophone can withstand such treatment, placement of the fluid-filled bladder in a microwave oven for fluid heating is contemplated.

[Para 20] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in

conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. OBJECTS OF INVENTION

[Para 21 ] It is an object of the present invention to provide a blanket that soothes and comforts an infant.

[Para 22] It is an object of the present invention to provide a blanket that soothes and comforts an infant by providing a soft, cuddly surface covering a warm fluid bladder through which the sounds of a heartbeat may continually be heard.

[Para 23] It is another object of the present invention to provide an amniotic infant blanket that is visual ly attractive.

[Para 24] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an amniotic infant blanket that is washable and durable.

[Para 25] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a review of the following specification and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[Para 26] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

[Para 27] FIGURE 1 shows a front plan view of the amniotic infant blanket in a sheep-design embodiment.

[Para 28] FIGURE 2 shows a back plan view of the amniotic infant blanket of Figure 1 . [Para 29] FIGURE 3 shows a cross section view of the amniotic infant blanket of Figure 1 taken along line 3-3.

[Para 30] FIGURE 4 shows the bladder-hydrophone-player configuration with the cap of the bladder removed as for fluid flow through the open aperture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Para 31 ] Referring to FIGURE 1 , the amniotic infant blanket 1 0 of the present invention is generally flat when spread out and may be configured in the shape of a stylized sheep having a head 1 2 with ears 1 4. The ears 1 4 may have colored cotton 1 6 placed therein, one such color being pink. The head 1 2 may have a face 1 8 resembling a stylized face of a sheep.

[Para 32] The head 1 2 is attached to a torso, or body section, 20 from which four appendages, the arms and the legs, are attached.

[Para 33] As shown in FIG. 1 , the blanket's right arm 22 is generally rou nd in nature and may have attached thereto a toy lamb 24 by a string, or cord, 26. The toy lamb may be used for play, teething, or the like by the infant. The left arm 28 of the sheep may hold a mirror 30 into which the infant may gaze and see itself. The mirror 30 is generally covered by a fabric or other material flap 32 and may allow a parent or other individual to play games of peekaboo with the infant as its face and eyes are turned toward the mirror. Such games sometimes provide endless fascination for infants. A bow tie 34 may decorate the juncture between the torso 20 and the head 1 2. [Para 34] The right foot 36 and the left foot 38 may arise as lobes emanating from the torso 20. The same may be similarly true for the right and left arms 22, 28.

[Para 35] The front and back portions of the blanket 1 0 are made of an outer shell in the shape of a stylized sheep. As shown in FIG. 1 , the torso 20 and outer portions of the head 1 2 are made of a sheepskin material that is fleecy, warm, and soft. The same is true for the oute r portion of the ears 1 4 with the inner portions having a su rface of pi nk cotton. The arms 22 , 28 of the blanket 1 0 may be made of a cotton material havi ng a paisley design. The right and left legs 36, 38 may be made of soft cotton such as terry cloth or the li ke.

[Para 36] The back 40 of the blanket 1 0 may also be made of soft cotton or other materials. Other materials such as polyester and wool may also be used in the present invention. Other materials will suggest themselves to those

constructing the blanket of the present invention in order to create a soft, warm, and comfortable environment for an infant. The outer shell 50 of the blanket 1 0 is durable, washable, and stain resistant in light of its use with an infant.

[Para 37] Infants are well-known for creating and causing many spills, stains, and messes; and the same should be easily removed as by washing the blanket 1 0 of the present invention. Likewise, such washing should serve to sterilize and make biologically safe the blanket for the infant as they are wont to chew upon the various parts of the blanket such as the toy lamb 24. The blanket 1 0 of the present invention may be approximately 28 inches in height and 30 inches in width in order to allow an infant to comfortably lie upon the blanket 1 0. As shown in FIGURE 2 , in the back of the head 1 2 of the blanket 1 0 is a chamber 52 which is sealed by a zipper or other means 54. The chamber 52 provides a space into which a bladder, or sac, filled with warm fluid (described in more detail below) may fit and provide soothing warmth and comfort to the infant lying upon the blanket 1 0. The bladder pocket 52 may be of variable size and depth, but the present invention contemplates the bladder pocket as resting behind the silk-screened face 1 8 of the blanket 1 0. The zipper 54 allows the bladder pocket 52 to be opened and closed at the parent's convenience. A back flap 56 covering the bladder pocket 52 may have a hole, or aperture, 58 through which a wire may pass, connecting a hydrophone to playback means.

[Para 38] In FIGURE 3, the head 1 2 of the sheep is shown in a side view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1 . Here, it is shown that the bladder-hydrophone assembly 70 has a relatively low profile, such that the head of the infant is not propped up too far. The hydrophone 80 is placed within the bladder 72 , such that the hydrophone 80 is free-floating. The wire 82 extends from the

hydrophone 80, through the bladder 72 and out through the hole or aperture 58 for connection to a playback unit 84 (not shown). The bladder-hydrophone assembly 70 fits within the bladder pocket 52 and is secured therein by the back flap 56.

[Para 39] Referring now to FIGURE 4, the bladder-hydrophone assembly 70 has a bladder 72 with a removable cap 74. The removable cap 74 detachably attaches to a neck or other protu berance 76 that has a threaded apertu re end 78. Threaded apertu re end 78 threadably attaches to the removable cap 74 by threads (not shown) along the interior of the removable cap 74. The neck 76 provides means by which the bladder 72 may be fil led with warm fluid, such as warm tap water, and emptied when the flu id becomes cold or when it is otherwise desired .

[Para 40] The hydrophone 80 is of design and construction known in the art and resides within the interior of the bladder 72. The hydrophone 80 is connected by a wire 82 to a playback unit 84. The playback unit 84 is also of known design and construction. Wire 82 may be detachably attachable at some point along its length by means of a coupling 86. The wire 82 may then be referred to as having two portions 82a, 82 b corresponding to the wire leading to the hydrophone and the wire leading to the playback unit, respectively.

[Para 41 ] The hydrophone wire 82a passes through the wall of the bladder 72 and, in doing so, must pass through a sealed junctu re 88 to ensure that no fluid leaks out past the point where the wire enters into the bladder 72. The

hydrophone 80 is an electroacoustic device that converts electrical signals into acoustic impulses. The hydrophone 80 may convert an electronic signal into a means that is best transmitted into a fluid environment such as that present in su rrounding warm tap water and other fluids.

[Para 42] If the hyd rophone 80 and wi re 82a are constructed so as to withstand microwave radiation and if the bladder 72 is likewise constructed to withstand microwaves, the neck 76 and removable cap 74 may be eliminated from the construction; and a flu id which absorbs microwaves to produce heat for a long period of time may be substituted for warm tap water or the like so that the sealed bladder 72 may be placed into a microwave oven and heated for a short period of time to provide a long-lasting source of flu id heat for the blanket 1 0 of the present invention. Precaution must be taken not to

overradiate the bladder 72 and its contents with microwaves as catastrophic bu rsting may occur shou ld the flu id expand and /or gasify. The cou pling 86 may be a plug-and-socket configuration or other convenient configuration for the quick and easy detachable attachment of wire 82a with wire 82b. The wire 82a may be threaded through or from the hole in the flap 56 to insert or withdraw the bladder 72 from the bladder pocket 52.

[Para 43] The playback unit 84 is battery powered and is preferably as small as conveniently possible while preferably providing several tens of hours of playback transmissions to the hydrophone 80. Preferably, the playback unit transmits the signal that, when converted into sound, closely resembles that of a heartbeat of a pregnant mother near her time of delivery.

[Para 44] This sound is that with which the infant will have great familiarity as it would with the heartbeat of the mother when held close to the mother's chest. The playback unit derives its signal from a digital recording stored in a chip or other medium 90 that may store a digital recording of a single heartbeat that is endlessly repeated by the playback unit 84 while it is switched on by switch 92. The playback unit 84 may be attached to the blanket 1 0 near where the right arm 22 meets the torso 20 or in some other convenient area where it would not be available to the infant lying on the blanket. It may be possible to have a hyd rophone / playback u nit combined into one device that may be magnetically switched through the wall of the bladder 72 so that no wire needs to pass through the wall of the bladder 72. U nder such circu mstances, the combi ned playback/ hydrophone device wou ld be attached to an inside wall of the bladder 72 with a magnetic switch located as close as possible across the bladder wall.

[Para 45] While the present invention has been described in terms of a sheep configuration, other friendly animals may also be used and also other textu res, fabrics, materials, and placements of the bladder with its hydrophone in the present invention may be made without departing from the present invention.

[Para 46] In order to use the present invention, the removable cap 74 is taken off the neck 76 at the threaded aperture end of the neck 78. Lukewarm tap water may then be poured into the open neck 76 to fill the bladder 72. The hydrophone 80 will then be immersed within the lukewarm water; and upon threading the cap 74 from the neck 76, the bladder 72 may be placed in the bladder pocket 52.

[Para 47] Wire 82a is then threaded through apertu re 58 and attached at the coupling 86 to wire 82 b. The playback unit 84 is then switched on at switch 92 to transmit the heartbeat signals stored in the chip 90 to the hydrophone 80. Hydrophone 80 then converts the signals transmitted to it by the playback u nit 84 into acoustic signals that are transmitted to the surrounding lukewarm water. These signals should be loud enough to be audible to one pressing their ear to the face 1 8 of the sheep and hopefully a little louder so that one's ear adjacent to the head 1 2 of the blanket 1 0 would notice the sound. The back 40 of the blanket is then laid upon a floor or other flat surface; and the infant, in its pajamas or otherwise, is then laid upon the front of the blanket 1 0. The soft, warm, and cuddly surface of the blanket 1 0 provides the infant with a

comfortable environment; and the warmth from the water in the bladder 72 will radiate out from the head 1 2 or face 1 8 of the blanket 1 0. As the infant becomes accustomed to its su rrou ndings, it will notice the heartbeat sound of the hydrophone coming from the head 1 2 of the blanket 1 0 and will be soothed and comforted u ntil ultimately lulled into a state of restfu l sleep. Should the infant remain alert, the toy lamb 24 or the mirror 30 can be used to entertain the infant.

[Para 48] Although several embodiments have been described in detail for pu rposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.