BACKGROUND

[0001] Swaddling is the practice whereby an infant is wrapped in a blanket or similar cloth to tightly restrict movement of the limbs. Current studies suggest that swaddling helps an infant fall asleep and remain asleep while keeping the infant in a supine position, which lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

[0002] Conventional swaddles rely on proper wrapping techniques to sufficiently bind the limbs and maintain gentle pressure across the chest and abdomen. A swaddle that is wrapped too tightly may hamper normal breathing and may put an infant at risk of overheating. A swaddle that is improperly wrapped may loosen over time as the infant becomes restless, allowing the limbs to be freed and portions of the swaddle to migrate over the face, putting the infant at risk of suffocation.

[0003] Accordingly, what is needed are swaddle solutions that obviate the need for skilled wrapping techniques, do not loosen over time, and do not compromise an infant’s ability to breath normally.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a swaddle including a main body including an upper portion and a lower portion continuous with the upper portion, the upper portion including a flap configured to be positioned in a tucked condition around an infant and the lower portion forming a pocket, a left side portion attached to at least the upper portion, the left side portion configured to be positioned in a folded condition over the upper portion in the tucked condition, a right side portion attached to at least the upper portion, the right side portion configured to be positioned in a folded condition over the upper portion in the tucked condition, first fasteners attached to each of the left side portion and the right side portion, the first fasteners when engaged maintaining the left side portion and the right side portion in their respective folded conditions, and second fasteners attached to each of the main body and the flap, the second fasteners when engaged maintaining the flap in the folded condition.

[0005] In some embodiments, the second fasteners include spaced fasteners positioned on a front of the upper portion and at least one fastener positioned on a front of the flap, wherein, when the flap is in the tucked condition, the spaced fasteners removably engage the at least one fastener positioned on the flap to maintain the flap in the tucked condition.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first fasteners include spaced hook fasteners positioned on one of the left side portion and the right side portion and spaced loop fasteners positioned on the other of the left side portion and the right side portion, wherein the hook fasteners when engaged with the loop fasteners maintain the left side portion and the right side portion in an overlapping condition.

[0007] In some embodiments, the flap is attached to the lower portion along one edge of the flap, and a width of the flap in an untucked condition is greater than a width of the flap in the tucked condition.

[0008] In some embodiments, the upper portion includes padding and the second fasteners attached to the upper portion are positioned proximal to the lateral extents of the padding.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lower portion includes a front portion and a back portion removably attached by a zippered engagement, wherein a first entrance into the pocket is formed proximal to the upper portion and a second entrance into the pocket is formed between the zippered engagement, wherein a zipper is attached to the lower portion configured to open and close the zippered engagement to open and close the second entrance into the pocket.

[0010] In some embodiments, in use, an infant is positioned on the upper portion, the flap is wrapped around the torso of the infant, and the second fasteners engage under the armpits of the infant.

[0011] In some embodiments, the left side portion and the right side portion are removably attached to at least the upper portion by a zippered engagement.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second fasteners includes a hook fastener and a loop fastener continuous with the hook fastener, wherein the hook fastener is configured to engage with the loop fastener to maintain the at least one of the first and second fasteners in a closed condition between uses of the at least one of the first and second fasteners.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hook fastener of the at least one of the first and second fasteners includes a hook element positioned on a cloth backing and cloth covering edges of the hook element.

[0014] In some embodiments, the upper portion forms at least one of a neck support, a head support, and a hood.

[0015] In some embodiments, the lower portion tapers in a direction away from the upper portion.

[0016] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for swaddling an infant. The method includes providing a swaddle including a main body including an upper portion and a lower portion continuous with the upper portion, the upper portion including a flap configured to be positioned in a tucked condition around an infant and the lower portion forming a pocket, a left side portion attached to at least the upper portion, the left side portion configured to be positioned in a folded condition over the upper portion in the tucked condition, a right side portion attached to at least the upper portion, the right side portion configured to be positioned in a folded condition over the upper portion in the tucked condition, first fasteners attached to each of the left side portion and the right side portion, the first fasteners when engaged maintaining the left side portion and the right side portion in their respective folded conditions, and second fasteners attached to each of the main body and the flap, the second fasteners when engaged maintaining the flap in the folded condition. The method continues with positioning the infant on the upper portion such that the spaced fasteners are positioned under the arms of the infant and the legs of the infant are positioned in the pocket, folding the flap upward, and securing the flap to the upper portion by engaging the second fasteners. The method concludes with folding one of the left and right side portions inward over the folded flap, folding the other of the left and right side portions inward over the folded one of the left and right side portions, and engaging the first fasteners to secure the ieft and right side portions in an overlapping condition. When swaddled, an upper edge of the flap is secured in the tucked condition positioned around the torso and under the arms of the infant thereby preventing downward migration of the swaddled infant into the pocket.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pocket is a zippered pocket including a zippered connection formed between front and back portions of the lower portion, wherein, when the infant is swaddled, the zippered pocket is configured to be unzipped to access the lower body of the infant.

BRIEF DESORPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Implementations of the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the included drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, and In which some features may be exaggerated and some features may be omitted or may be represented schematically in the Interest of clarity Like reference numerals In the drawings may represent and refer to the same or similar element, feature, or function. In the drawings:

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a swaddle according to a first embodiment and In an unfolded condition;

[0020] FIG. 2 shows the swaddle according to FIG. 1 is a partially folded condition;

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the swaddle according to FIG. 1 In a folded condition;

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a swaddle according to a second embodiment and in an unfolded condition;

[0023] FIG. 5 shows the swaddle according to FIG. 4 In a partially folded condition;

[00241 FIG. 6 shows the swaddle according to FIG. 4 in a folded condition,

[0025] FIG 7 shows the swaddle according to FIG 4 in a folded condition and with the pocket formed In the lower portion unzipped and folded open; [00261 FIG. 8 shows a swaddle according to a third embodiment and In an unfolded condition;

[0027] FIG. 9 shows embodiments of cioseable fasteners;

[00281 FIG. 10 shows a swaddle according to a fourth embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 11 shows the swaddle of FIG. 10 with the left and right side portions detached from the main body, and

[0030] FIGS 12-14 show different head portions of the swaddles according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Before explaining aspects the Inventive concepts disclosed herein in detail, It is to be understood that the inventive concepts are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. In the following detailed description of embodiments of the instant inventive concepts, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure that the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure. The inventive concepts disclosed herein are capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, if is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0032] Broadly speaking, embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to swaddles generally including a body portions and folding portions that fold into place and secure to maintain their folded conditions. Fasteners strategically positioned on portions of the swaddle interact with fastener counterparts to secure swaddle portions in place to maintain the folded conditions. The swaddle facilitates defined and intuitive folding procedures that obviate the need for skilled folding techniques, while maintaining folded conditions while preventing downward migration into the swaddle.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a swaddle 100 according to a first embodiment generally includes an upper portion 102 for positioning an infant and a lower portion 104 configured to fold upward over the upper portion 102. With specific reference to FIG. 3, right and left side portions 106, 108 are configured to fold inward over the upwardly folded lower portion 104. As used herein, the terms ‘right’ and left' with respect to the side portions, and ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ with respect to the main body portions, denote the view of the swaddler and therefore may be used interchangeably with ‘left’ and ‘right’ from the opposite perspective, or ‘first’ and ‘second’ dissociated from any perspective. In some embodiments, the upper portion 102, the lower portion 104, and the right and left side portions 106, 108 are continuous. In other embodiments, one of more of the aforementioned portions may be sewn together or otherwise joined. The swaddle 100 may include one or more layers of material, for instance cloth fabric.

[0034] The upper portion 102, or main body, has a length generally corresponding to a length of an infant from head to toe, for example a median infant length or oversized, and a width generally corresponding to a width of an infant, for example a median infant width or oversized. In some embodiments, the upper portion 102 includes padding 110 strategically positioned to enhance comfort by relieving pressure on the posterior of the infant. A head end 112 of the upper portion 102 may support the head and/or neck and may have a particular configuration as discussed further below. The right side portion 106 is continuous with and positioned along one side of at least the upper portion 102. The left side portion 108 is continuous with and positioned along the opposing side of at least the upper portion 102. Thus, the right and left side portions 106, 108 are positioned on opposite sides of the upper portion 102 and separately fold inward.

[0035] Spaced fasteners 114 positioned on the upper portion 102, for instance positioned proximal to the lateral extents of the padding 110, function to secure in place the lower portion 104 when in a folded condition, as discussed further below. Each fastener 114 may be a hook carrying counterpart of a hook-and-loop fastener system, or vice versa. Each fastener 114 may include a hook carrying member having a fabric covered backing, edges and corners such that no edge of the framed hook element is left exposed. Each fastener 114 may be positioned proximal to or continuously formed with a loop carrying counterpart component such that the hook and look counterparts can be joined to ‘close’ the fastener between uses, such as when laundering, to prevent the hook counterpart from snagging on other articles or other loop counterparts.

[0036] Spaced left side portion fasteners 116a, 116b, 116b are spaced along the curvature of the left side portion 108 strategically positioned to engage respective counterpart fasteners 124a, 124b and 124c positioned on the opposite face of the right side portion 106, as shown in FIG. 3. Like the main body portion fasteners 114, each of the left side portions fasteners 116a, 116b, 116c may be a hook carrying counterparts of a hook-and-loop fastener pairing, or vice versa, and may include a hook carrying member having a fabric covered backing, edges and corners. Each left side portion fastener 116a, 116b, 116c may be positioned adjacent a loop carrying counterpart component such that the hook and look counterparts can be mated to close the fastener when laundering or until needed.

[0037] In some embodiments, an elongate comfort-enhancing strip 118 such as muslin fabric may be provided along the detached edge of the lower portion 104, and at least a portion of the perimeter of the swaddle may be trimmed with a thin strip of folded fabric piping 120.

[0038] In use, an infant is positioned on the upper portion atop the padded portion with the head positioned ‘above’ or outside of the bounds of the upper portion and with the neck positioned over a padded neck portion. The feet may extend ‘below’ the padded portion and the shoulders are generally positioned between the spaced main body portion fasteners 114. [0039] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, the swaddle 100 transitions from the unfolded condition (FIG. 1) to a partially folded or tucked condition (FIG. 2) by first folding the lower portion 104 upward to cover the body, followed by folding the right side portion 106 over the folded lower portion 104, finally followed by folding the left side portion 108 over the folded right side portion 106 (FIG. 3) to form the folded condition. With specific reference to FIG. 2, the detached edge of the lower portion 104 is positioned around the torso and secured under the arms (i.e. , the arms are left outside of the lower portion 104) such that the attachment under the arms prevents downward migration into the swaddle. Alternatively, the arms may be positioned to the sides and the lower portion 104 tucked around the arms thereby restraining the arms. A center part 117 of the lower portion 104 may include a label or other indicia for referencing the center part for alignment with respect to the upper portion 102.

[0040] In the folded and tucked configuration, the loop counterpart of the hook and loop pairing, for instance implemented as an elongate loop strip 122, aligns between the main body fasteners 114. The elongate strip 122 allows for selective positioning of the main body fasteners 114 along the length of the strip to accommodate different torso sizes and easy fastening and adjustment. In some embodiments, the lateral extents of the elongate strip 122 may be positioned inward of the respective lateral sides of the lower portion 104 such that the lower portion requires wrapping around the arms and tucking under the infant in order to position the ends of the elongate strip proximate the fasteners 114 for engagement. This ensures that the swaddler properly wraps and tucks the folded lower portion 104.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, a swaddle 200 according to a second embodiment generally includes an upper portion 202 for positioning an infant and a lower portion 228 defining a pocket receiving at least the legs. A flap 204 folds upward to tuck around the infant. Right and left side portions 206, 208 are configured to fold inward over the upwardly folded and secured flap 204. In some embodiments, the upper portion 202, the lower portion 228, and the right and left side portions 206, 208 are continuously formed or attached.

[0042] The upper portion 202, or main body, has a length generally corresponding to a length of an infant from above the waist, for example a median infant torso length or oversized, and a width generally corresponding to a width of an infant torso, for example a median torso width or oversized. In some embodiments, the upper portion 202 includes padding 210 strategically positioned to enhance comfort by relieving pressure points on the back and shoulders. A head end 212 of the upper portion 202 may support the head and/or neck and may have a particular configuration as discussed further below. The right side portion 206 is continuous with and positioned along one side of the upper portion 202. The left side portion 208 is continuous with and positioned along the opposing side of the upper portion 202. Thus, the right and left side portions 206, 208 are positioned on opposite sides of the upper portion 202 and separately fold inward.

[0043] Spaced fasteners 214 positioned on the front of the upper portion 202, for instance positioned proximal to the lateral extents of the padding 210, function to secure in place the flap 204 when in a folded condition, as discussed further below. Each fastener 214 may be a hook carrying counterpart of a hook-and-loop fastener pairing, or vice versa. Each fastener 214 may include a hook carrying member having a fabric covered backing, edges and corners such that no edge of the framed hook element is left exposed. Each fastener 214 may be positioned proximal to or continuously formed with a loop carrying counterpart component such that the hook and look counterparts can be joined to ‘close’ the fastener between uses, such as when laundering, to prevent the hook counterpart from snagging on other articles or other loop counterparts.

[0044] Spaced left side portion fasteners 216a, 216b are spaced along the curvature of the right side portion 208 (or alternatively the left side portion) strategically positioned to engage at least one respective counterpart fastener 224 positioned on the opposite face of the opposite portion, implemented as a single loop strip, multiple loop fasteners or otherwise. Like the fasteners 214, each of the fasteners 216a, 216b may be hook carrying counterparts of a hook-and-loop fastener pairing, or vice versa, and may include a hook carrying member having a fabric covered backing, edges and corners. Each fastener 216a, 216b may be positioned adjacent a loop carrying counterpart component such that the hook and look counterparts can be mated to close the fastener when laundering or until needed. The swaddle may be trimmed with fabric piping 220.

[0045] In use, an infant is positioned on the upper portion 202 with at least the legs positioned in the pocket defined in the lower portion 228. The swaddle 200 transitions from the unfolded condition (FIG. 4) to a partially folded or tucked condition (FIG. 5) by first folding the flap 204 upward to cover the torso and securing the flap 204 using the fasteners 214 and paired fasteners 222, followed by folding the left side portion 208 over the folded flap 204, finally followed by folding the right side portion 206 over the folded left side portion 208 and securing using the fastener pairings (FIG. 3) to form the fully folded condition. With specific reference to FIG. 5, the detached edge of the flap 204 is positioned around the torso and secured under the arms (i.e., the arms are left outside of the flap 204) such that the attachment under the arms prevents downward migration into the swaddle. Alternatively, the arms may be positioned under the flap 204.

[0046] With specific reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower portion 228 forms a pocket having a first entrance accessible from the ‘top’ for positioning the legs in the pocket, and a second entrance formed by a zippered opening formed along the perimeter of the lower portion 228. In use, a zipper 226 is pulled to open and close the lower portion 228. The zippered opening provides access to the infant, for instance for a diaper change, without having to detach and unfold any of the left and right side portions 206, 208 and the flap 204. Thus, the infant’s upper body can remain swaddled during a diaper change to avoid disruption to the infant while keeping the infant warm, among other advantages.

[0047] FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment of a swaddle 300 including a folding flap 304, left and right side portions 306, 308 that fold in an overlapping condition over the folded and secured flap 304, first fasteners 316a, 316b, second fasteners pairings 314, 322, etc. In some embodiments, the left and right side portions 306, 308 are remvably attachable using a zippered attachment 326 or snaps 328 shown as nonlimiting examples. Removable attachment allows the swaddle to be used with or without the left and right side portions, and the functionality to remove the side portions can be implemented on any of the above-described embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows a particular implementation of a fastener construction for a side portion 408 of a non-limiting example of a swaddle 400. Fasteners 416a, 416b, which can be any of the first and second fasteners, and generally include a hook element 418 backed with fabric and framed with fabric 420 to conceal any sharp edges. The hook element 418 engages an adjacent loop element 422 such that the fastener can be closed between uses to prevent snagging.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , a swaddle 500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body 502 forming a dress or sack. A zipper 512 provides access through a zippered opening 510 bisecting the main body 502. Each of the right and left side portions 506, 508 are removably attached using zippered attachments 528 and zippers such that the swaddle 500 can be used with or without the side portions. Fastener pairings 516a, 524a and 516b, 524b secure the side portions in their overlapping folded conditions over the main body 502.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, any of the swaddle embodiments disclosed herein can include a head portion formed as any of a straight section 600 shown in FIG. 12, neck support 602 as shown in FIG. 13, and hood 604 as shown in FIG. 14. Swaddle materials may be selected based on desired comfort (e.g., softness), aesthetic appearance, absorption, etc.

[0051] While the foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention by way of example only, 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 and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.