Infant Restraint Apparatus

The present invention relates to infant restraint apparatus, particularly, but not exclusively, infant restraint apparatus for restraining an infant from rolling from a reclined position on his back onto his side whilst being handled by a caregiver during e.g. having a nappy / diaper changed.

It is common for infants to attempt to roll over whilst being handled by a caregiver. This can make changing of the infant's nappy or diaper particularly awkward for the caregiver and can, in certain circumstances, pose a danger to the infant.

One commonly known solution to this problem is to provide a changing mat which has flexible restraining straps that allow the infant's torso or legs to be secured to the mat in order to prevent the infant from rolling to either side. An example of such an arrangement is described in United States Patent Publication No. 2005/0050638.

Many such arrangements are ill suited for restraining an infant since there is a risk of the strapping being tied too tightly thereby risking stress, pain and aggravation to the infant. Furthermore, it can be difficult for the caregiver to strap the infant into such systems when the caregiver has only one free hand.

Another problem with existing systems is that the flexible straps themselves could potentially pose a strangulation danger to the child.

The result is that existing systems are relatively ineffective and unpopular.

According to the present invention there is provided infant restraint apparatus comprising:- a pair of rigid restraints for restraining a portion of the infant's upper torso from movement away from an infant's reclined position, the rigid restraints having a restraining surface which will abut against a portion of the infants torso if the infant attempts to move away from the reclined position to thereby prevent the infant from such movement away from the reclined position.

The rigid restraints preferably provide the restraining surface at a fixed distance from the infant in the reclined position. This ensures that no unnecessary pressure is put upon the infant's torso when in the reclined position or when the infant attempts to move away from the reclined position.

The infant restraint apparatus also preferably comprises field of vision reduction means for at least partially limiting the infant's field of vision in order to discourage the infant from attempting to roll away from the reclined position.

The field of vision reduction means may comprise a head restraint which limits the infant's field of vision by restraining the infant's head from side to side movement.

Alternatively, the field of vision reduction means may comprise a pair of blinker members which prevent the infant from seeing to either side.

Optionally, the pair of restraints and the field of vision reduction means are integrated with one another. Alternatively, the pair of restraints and the

field of vision reduction means are discrete members, the restraints being removably attached to the field of vision reduction means.

The restraining surfaces are preferably positioned to abut against the infant's shoulders.

Preferably, the restraint apparatus further comprises a comfort mat on which the infant may rest. Each restraint may have a pin at the bottom thereof for engagement with anchoring sockets provided in the comfort mat in order to secure the pair of restraints to the comfort mat. The dimensions of the pins and anchoring sockets are preferably arranged to provide an interference fit such that the restraining members may be rotated in the anchoring sockets in order to adjust the position of the restraints and hence the position of the restraining surfaces which will abut against the infant's torso.

Optionally, the blinker members comprise planar paddles which extend upwards from the mat adjacent both sides of the infant's head.

The distance between each of the blinker members is typically large enough to allow comfortable positioning of the infant's head therebetween and small enough to ensure that the infant cannot easily turn his head to either side. The blinker members may be adjustably mounted on the mat in order by adjustable mounting means in order to allow the distance between them to be altered by the caregiver. The adjustable mounting means may comprise a dovetail connection provided between the blinker members and the mat.

Each restraint may comprise an elongate protrusion adapted to span over the infant's shoulders towards the infant's chest. Optionally, the elongate

protrusions may be lengthened in order to span over the infant's shoulders and into close abutment with the mat. This may be achieved using either an additional attachment or by forming the elongate protrusion from a plastics material which is resilient enough to be moved by an adult caregiver but not an infant.

The blinker members may be hingeably mounted to the mat in order to allow the apparatus to be packed and stowed away easily. This may be particularly useful when travelling with an infant.

The mat, restraints and blinker members may be moulded from a suitable plastics material, and may be covered with padded surfaces at appropriate locations.

Friction increasing means such as suckers, Velcro, rubber gripping etc. may be provided on the bottom of the restraint apparatus and mat in order to prevent the apparatus from sliding over the surface on which it is being used.

The mat may be provided with grooves in order to direct any spills away from the infant.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an infant restrained, in the reclined position, within the infant restraint apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 Fig. 3 is an end view of the apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an infant restraint apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a further view of the apparatus of Fig. 4, where one blinker member has been moved closer to the other in order to adjust the support provided by the apparatus;

Fig. 6 is a more detailed view of the blinker and restraint arrangement of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a view of the underside of the apparatus of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8A is a plan view of an infant restraint apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8B is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 8A;

Fig. 8C is an end view of the apparatus of Fig. 8A;

Fig. 9A is a side view of one of the two restraints for use with the apparatus of Fig. 8A; and Fig. 9B is an underside view of the restraint of Fig. 9A.

It should be noted that the terms "he" and "his" refer to both genders in the present description.

The term "rigid" should be taken to mean suitably rigid in order to provide the desired effect and is not therefore limited to entirely rigid structures that are substantially unable to move. For example a rigid restraint may be one that is sufficiently rigid to provide restraint of an infant; however, could be flexible enough to be bent or moved by an adult, for example.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, infant restraint apparatus 10 comprises field of vision reduction means in the form of blinker members 12 which project upwardly from a mat 14 on either side of an infant's head. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, each blinker member 12 is in the form of a planar paddle projecting from the mat 14

and includes a restraint member in the form of elongate protrusions 16 having restraining surfaces 25 on their lower surfaces; however, the blinker members 12 could, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) be discrete from the elongate protrusions of the restraint members. The restraints 16 extend from the top end of mat 14 toward the bottom end of the mat 14 such that, in use, they will extend over the shoulders of the infant. This is a simple way of restraining the infant since their arms, legs etc. do not get in the way.

Friction increasing means such as suckers (not shown) may be provided on the bottom of the mat 14 and / or blinker members 12.

In use, in order to restrain the infant during, for example, nappy/diaper changing, the caregiver first places the infant on his back onto the mat 14. The caregiver then slides the infant up the mat slightly, until his shoulders are snugly positioned under each of the restraints 16 and into contact with the restraining surfaces 25. During this movement, the infant's head slides into position between the pair of blinker members 12 (best seen in Fig. 3). In this position it is rare for an infant to attempt to wriggle downwards and out of the restrained position. However, if the infant does indeed attempt this, it is very easily rectified by the caregiver simply sliding the infant back up the mat until his shoulders are once again snugly positioned under each of the restraints 16. Again this is facilitated by the restraints 16 being arranged to lie over the top of the infant's shoulders.

With reference to Figs. 4 to 7 and according to a second embodiment of the invention, infant restraint apparatus 110 comprises field of vision reduction means in the form of blinker members 112 which are integrally formed with a dovetailed base 113. A mat 114 is provided with correspondingly shaped recesses 115 to secure the dovetailed base 113

of each blinker member 112 therein. Each recess 115 has an oversized width in order to allow each dovetail base 113 and hence each blinker member 112 to be laterally adjusted in order to neatly accommodate the head of the infant. In this regard, the inner surface of each blinker member 112 is provided with a curved base 123 such that when the blinker members are laterally adjusted toward one another, they form a cupped section ideally suited to supporting the infant's head.

Each blinker member 112 includes a restraint member in the form of elongate protrusions 116 having restraining surfaces 125 on their lower surfaces. In the embodiment shown, the shape of the blinker members 112 and restraints 116 are such that they represent an elephant head for aesthetic purposes. Additional decoration may be provided on the apparatus to accentuate this effect.

Referring to Fig. 7, the bottom of the mat 114 is provided with friction increasing means such as suckers / gripping pads 117. The bottom of the mat 114 is also provided with a lattice frame of rigidifying spars 119 which serve to reduce the overall mass of the apparatus 110 whilst maintaining optimal strength. Fluid runaway channels 121 are also provided on the upper surface of the mat 114.

In use, in order to restrain the infant during, for example, nappy/diaper changing, the caregiver first places the infant on his back onto the mat 114. The caregiver then slides the infant up the mat 114 slightly, until his shoulders are snugly positioned under each of the restraints 116. During this movement, the infant's head slides into position between the pair of blinker members 112. In this position it is rare for an infant to attempt to wriggle downwards and out of the restrained position. However, if the infant does indeed attempt this, it is very easily rectified by the caregiver

simply sliding the infant back up the mat until his shoulders are once again snugly positioned under each of the restraints 116.

One or both of the blinker members 112 can then be adjusted laterally by the caregiver until the curved sections 112 cup the infant's head gently but securely.

With reference to Figs. 8 and 9 and according to a third embodiment of the invention, infant restraint apparatus 210 comprises field of vision reduction means in the form of fixed blinker stubs 212 which are integrally formed with the comfort mat 214. The mat 214 has a pair of anchoring sockets 213 on either side of the blinker stubs 212. Two removable restraints 216 are provided with the apparatus (one for each socket 213). As shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, each restraint 216 has a cylindrical base 217 which forms a pin member that will engage with the respective anchoring socket 213 when inserted therein. This allows the restraints 216 to be rotated in the sockets 213 to suit the position and size of the infant.

In use, in order to restrain the infant during, for example, nappy/diaper changing, the caregiver first inserts the pin ends 217 of the restraints 216 into the anchoring sockets 213. The infant is then placed on his back onto the comfort mat 214. The caregiver then slides the infant up the mat 214 slightly, until his shoulders are snugly positioned under each of the restraints 216. During this movement, the infant's head slides into position between the pair of blinker members 212. In this position it is rare for an infant to attempt to wriggle downwards and out of the restrained position. However, if the infant does indeed attempt this, it is very easily rectified by the caregiver simply sliding the infant back up the mat until his shoulders are once again snugly positioned under each of the restraints 216.

Throughout this operation, the restraining effect provided by the restraints 216 can be adjusted by rotating the restraints 216 in the sockets 213.

Resting the infant in the position provided in each of the above embodiments provides a number of benefits to the infant. These include:-

- Reduced stress since only a very gentle restraint is provided on their shoulders (i.e. it is impossible to secure the infant in the apparatus too tightly); - The potential for continuous eye contact between the caregiver and the infant, which itself can have a calming effect on the infant.

The apparatus also provides a number of resultant advantages to the caregiver. These include:-

- Reduced stress since the infant is less distracted and more settled;

- More rapid and straightforward changing of the infant;

- Peace of mind that the infant will remain in the restrained position whilst e.g. a nappy/diaper is prepared by the caregiver.

One particular advantage to both caregiver and infant is that the reduced field of vision provided by the blinker members 12, 112, 212 prevents the infant from seeing to either side whilst in the restrained position. In the initial few months of life, infants do not have a fully developed sense of "object permanence". Object permanence" is the term used to describe the awareness that objects continue to exist even when they are no longer visible. The present invention takes advantage of this since the infant is not distracted by objects obscured by the blinker members 12, 112 or 212. This has been found to reduce the infants' tendency to roll over.

Modifications, and improvements may be made to the foregoing, without departing from the scope of the invention, for example:-

The particular embodiments described show the field of vision reduction means in the form of blinkers which extend far enough forward of the infant's eye level to restrict sideways vision. However, the field of vision could also be reduced simply by having the members 12, 112, 212 extend only as far as the infant's eye level; thereby restraining the infant's head from side to side movement. With such restraint, the infant is only able to squint their eyes towards either side of their head by a very limited amount, and therefore the desired effect would be achieved.

Although the apparatus has been primarily described in relation to changing of an infant's nappy/diaper. It could also be used to simply secure the infant in a safe and comfortable position whilst the caregiver changes any article of the infant's clothing e.g. shoes, socks etc. or indeed when any, otherwise complicated, handling of the infant is required.

The combined blinker and restraint member described above could be formed into any shape which is visually and / or tactilely interesting for the infant, e.g. it is not limited to being shaped into the form of an elephant head.