REFLECTIVE INFANT SLEEPWEAR

Abstract

Various different forms of reflective infant sleepwear are disclosed. The embodiments include, but are not limited to, onesies, sleep suits, sleep sacks, swaddles, sleep/breathing bands, and pajamas for infants and babies. The reflective coating, pattern, fabric or threads is highly visible on baby video monitors, and shifts as the infant's torso rises and falls with each breath, resulting in a constant sparkling image on the baby monitor as the infant breathes. This allows parents to check on their infant's status with a glance of the video monitor. This visual cue helps to prevent SIDS, especially when the infant's face is not visible to the camera. Various different reflective coatings, inks, threads, sequins, or glitters can be used to embellish these sleepwear garments.

Claims

1. A reflective infant sleepwear garment, comprising: a sleepwear garment selected from the group consisting of: pajamas; sleepsuit; sleep sac; sleep band; and swaddle; one or more reflective elements forming, or attached to, an outer surface of said garment; wherein said one or more reflective elements reflect light having wavelengths in the range 2500-380 nm.

2. The reflective infant sleepwear garment of claim 1, wherein the one or more reflective elements are selected from the group consisting of: reflective inks; reflective tapes; reflective threads; reflective fabrics; reflective glitters; and reflective ribbons.

3. The reflective infant sleepwear garment of claim 2, wherein said one or more reflective elements are attached to, or form part of, a torso region of said garment.

4. The reflective infant sleepwear garment of claim 2, wherein said reflective inks are printed onto said outer surface of said garment.

5. The reflective infant sleepwear garment of claim 2, wherein said reflective tapes are stitched to said outer surface of said garment.

6. The reflective infant sleepwear garment of claim 2, wherein said reflective threads embroidered onto said outer surface of said garment.

7. The reflective infant sleepwear garment of claim 2, wherein said reflective threads are woven into a fabric that is used to make said garment.

8. The reflective infant sleepwear garment of claim 2, wherein said sleep band comprises a length of extensible fabric that is sized and configured to extend around a torso of an infant.

9. The reflective infant sleepwear garment of claim 8, wherein said sleep band is secured in place on said infant by hook and loop fasteners attached to opposing ends of said sleep band.

10. Use of the reflective infant sleepwear garment of claim 1 to prevent sudden infant death, wherein viewing movement of said one or more reflective elements, via a video monitor, indicates a breathing rhythm of a sleeping infant.

11. A method of protecting an infant from sudden infant death, said method comprising: dressing an infant is the reflective infant sleepwear garment of claim 1; placing the infant in a cot, crib or bassinette with said one or more reflective elements visible; activating and positioning a video monitor to capture images of said one or more reflective elements; and viewing said images of said one or more reflective elements on a mobile device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said video monitor is selected from the group comprising: a baby monitor camera; and a home security camera.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said mobile device is selected from the group comprising: a baby monitor handset; an iOS device; a smart phone; and a tablet device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0021] In the figures, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and figures are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding.

[0022] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures.

[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate side views of an infant wearing a sleepsuit having reflective embellishments in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and rear views of an infant wearing a breathing band having reflective embellishments in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate side views of an infant wearing a breathing band (FIG. 3A) and a swaddle (FIG. 3B) having reflective embellishments in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0026] FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate different aspects of breathing bands having reflective embellishments in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0027] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate garments having reflective patterns/embellishments printed on them in accordance with other embodiments of the invention.

[0028] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate garments having a reflective patterns/embellishments embroidered on them in accordance with other embodiments of the invention.

[0029] FIGS. 7A and 7E illustrate various aspects of the subject matter in accordance with different embodiments of the invention.

[0030] FIGS. 8A to 8E illustrate various aspects of the subject matter in accordance with different embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The single biggest concern of parents is if their baby is safe during sleep, given the prevalence of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Many parents will inadvertently wake their child, when checking to see if the child may have stopped breathing. This is especially common around 4 months old, when babies are first learning to roll, and start sleeping on their stomach. Online content about safe sleep consistently ranks as one of the most significant concerns parents have in the first year of their child's life.

[0032] There are numerous different systems available, that monitor breathing including Nanit™, Owlet™, Angel Care™, and Snoo™. Breathing may be monitored via sensors in a sleep pad, or via patterns on abdominal sleep bands that expand and contract with the abdomen as the infant inhales and exhales. Most of these systems are linked to some form of alarm linked to a phone or tablet. Some of the known devices and garment combinations rely on changes in shape of a pattern as the fabric expands and contracts with the abdomen of the infant.

[0033] The present invention provides numerous embodiments of reflective infant sleepwear. The embodiments include, but are not limited to onesies, sleep suits, sleep sacks, swaddles, sleep/breathing bands, and pajamas for infants and babies. The reflective coating is highly visible on baby video monitors, and shifts as the infant's torso rises and falls with each breath, resulting in a constant sparkling image on the baby monitor as the infant breathes. This allows parents to check on their infant's status with a glance of the video monitor. This visual cue helps to prevent SIDS, especially when the infant's face is not visible to the camera (i.e. they are sleeping face down). Various different reflective coatings or inks or glitters can be used to embellish these sleepwear garments.

[0034] Numerous different embodiments of the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of protection sought. Various different glitter particles can cause light to be reflecting light, each particle essentially acting as a mirror. Within the structure of glitter particles is an extremely thin layer of metal such as aluminum, that causes reflection of light. Glitter is an assortment of small, reflective particles that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Glitter particles reflect light at different angles, causing the surface to sparkle or shimmer. Glitter is similar to confetti, sparkles and sequins, but somewhat smaller.

[0035] Alternative embodiments of the invention relate to reflective screen-printing inks. Numerous different types of reflective inks that can be used in the practice of embodiments of this invention will be known to workers skilled in the field. One such example is pure grey/metallic reflective inks, as well as a reflective ink which has some additional silver shimmer added for extra reflective properties, especially when viewed in regular daylight. The metals that are typically used in reflective inks include, but are not limited to: copper; bronze; zinc; and aluminum. These inks may contain microscopic glass beads that have been partially coated with a reflective metal.

[0036] There are other types of reflective inks, such as a clear inks or glitter particles comprising a variety of reflective particles. However, such specialized inks are somewhat less reflective than the coated metalized types described above. Some inks have colored reflectives, where pigment is added to the ink, the reflective property of this ink is also less than coated metalized inks, because the colored pigments mask the reflective coating of the beads.

[0037] Typically, reflective ink comes as a two-part system comprising an additive or coupler. The additive or coupler helps the ink stick to the garment, but it also promotes better adhesion of the ink to the glass beads. Inks are flexible, but the glass beads are not; so without the addition of the additive/coupler, after multiple washes and normal wear and tear, the glass beads can fall off and the reflectivity of the print will diminish at a faster rate. The coupler/additive acts to attach the ink to the garment and the inks to the beads.

[0038] Other embodiments of the ink may use a nylon catalyst instead of the coupler/additive. The nylon catalyst, once mixed with the ink, produced a more viscose ink.

[0039] When directly printing a reflective ink, it is recommended not to use underbase and never print-flash-print. This is because part of the process in printing reflective inks directly onto a garment is that the clear part of the ink, the vehicle or carrier of the glass beads, should be pushed into the garment, thus allowing the beads to ‘float’ on top of the garment and allow the most reflectivity. If an underbase is used, the absorption of the bead carrier into the garment cannot happen and the print cannot achieve the optimal reflectivity. This is also true if the reflective ink is printed, flashed, and printed again. One suitable process involves stroking the ink twice without flashing and always using as much pressure as possible, which is the opposite to correctly printing standard inks.

[0040] Yet another embodiment of the invention relates to the use of reflective threads that can either be woven into the material or fabric that is used to make the infant sleepwear or they can be used to embroider a pattern on a garment. Typically, reflective threads comprise a polyester thread, coated in microscopic glass beads. It is the beads creating the reflective effect, as described above in relation to reflective inks.

[0041] Other embodiments of the invention include using a combination of reflective inks along with specialty glitters and metallic inks to achieve unique designs. Most plastisol inks, regardless of the manufacturer, are pretty much interchangeable and will work together. These reflective inks offer excellent printability, wash fastness, print enhancement and very high reflectivity when lights are directed onto them.

[0042] Some embodiments of the invention may include garments having combinations of reflective inks, reflective fabrics and reflective embroidery patterns.

[0043] All embodiments of the reflective sleepwear are capable of functioning with any of the baby monitors on the market. When there is sufficient ambient or natural light in the room, the reflective inks, coatings, or threads on the infant sleepwear reflect the visible light spectrum (760-380 nm) into the baby monitor. Movement of the infant as it breaths results in sparkles and flashes of visible light being received by the monitor which are displayed on the baby's caretaker's iOS device, Smart phone, tablet, computing device or mobile handset.

[0044] When the ambient or natural light in the room falls below a certain threshold, baby monitors can be set to automatically turn on the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the camera body. When electricity passes through the LED wires, near-infrared light (having a wavelength of 2500 to 750 nm) is produced. The reflective inks, coatings, or threads on the infant sleepwear similarly reflect the near infra red light into the baby monitor. The movement of the infant again resulting in sparkles and flashes of visible light being received by the monitor as the infant moves which are displayed on the baby's caretaker's iOS device, Smart phone, tablet, computing device or mobile handset.

[0045] The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

[0046] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

[0047] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a side view of an infant wearing an embodiment if the reflective infant sleepwear.

[0048] FIG. 1A shows an infant wearing a reflective infant sleepsuit 104. In this embodiment of the invention there is a reflective pattern or reflective embellishment 102 on the reflective infant sleepsuit 104. The reflective pattern or reflective embellishment 102 may be printed onto the fabric of the sleepsuit using reflective inks or it may be embroidered using reflective threads. In some embodiments of the invention, reflective threads may be woven into the fabric of the infant sleepwear to produce a reflective fabric 108. Other embodiments may include a reflective tape or tapes. Still further embodiments may include glitter particles. Incident light 106 is shown striking the reflective infant sleepsuit 104.

[0049] FIG. 1B shows the resultant reflected light 110 being produced from the incident light 106 be the reflective pattern or reflective embellishment 102 or reflective fabric 108. The incident light 106 may be in the visible or rear infra red spectrum. The camera portion of a baby monitor (not shown) detects the reflected light 110 and relays it to the baby's caretaker's iOS device or mobile handset (not shown). As the infant moves the reflected light 110 is displayed as sparkles or a shower of flashes and moving reflections.

[0050] FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIG. 3A illustrate front, rear, and side views of an infant wearing an embodiment if the reflective infant sleepwear.

[0051] FIG. 2A shows an infant lying on its back wearing an infant sleep band 202. The infant sleep band 202 has a soft non-irritant edge 206 and the outermost surface of the fabric 204 may be reflective, or it may have a reflective pattern or reflective embellishment 102.

[0052] FIG. 2B shows an infant lying on its front wearing an infant sleep band 202. The infant sleep band 202 has a soft non-irritant edge 206 and the outermost surface of the fabric 204 may be reflective, or it may have a reflective pattern or reflective embellishment 102.

[0053] FIG. 3A shows an infant lying on its side wearing an infant sleep band 202. The infant sleep band 202 has a soft non-irritant edge 206 and the outermost surface of the fabric 204 may be reflective, or it may have a reflective pattern or reflective embellishment 102.

[0054] The reflective pattern or reflective embellishment 102 or the fabric 204 when reflective, illustrated in FIG. 2A; FIG. 2B; and FIG. 3A functions as described in relation to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B.

[0055] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of an infant wearing an infant swaddle 302.

[0056] The infant swaddle 302 can similarly be made from fabric 204 that is reflective, or it can have a reflective pattern or reflective embellishment 102 printed on it using reflective inks or embroidered using reflective thread or threads.

[0057] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front and rear views of an infant sleep band 202 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0058] FIG. 4A shows an infant sleep band 202 is sized and configured to extend around an infant's torso. The front or outward facing side of the infant sleep band 202 is made from a fabric 204 that is either reflective or that has a reflective pattern or reflective embellishment 102 printed or embroidered thereon. The outer circumference of the infant sleep band 202 typically has a soft non-irritant edge 206. One end of the infant sleep band 202 has a means of securing to the other end of the infant sleep band 202. In this embodiment, the means of securing is the hook part of a hook and loop fastener 402.

[0059] FIG. 4B shows the rear or inward facing side of the infant sleep band 202. The inner surface is typically made from a soft non-irritant material. The opposite side of the other end of the infant sleep band 202 has a co-operating means of securing to the other end of the infant sleep band 202. In this embodiment, the means of securing is the loop part of a hook and loop fastener 402.

[0060] The hook and loop fasteners 402 can be oriented in the opposite configuration.

[0061] FIG. 4C shows a reflective patch or sticker or tape or ribbon that can be attached to an infant's sleepwear. The patch, sticker, tape or ribbon can be attached to the sleepwear via an adhesive, including iron-on adhesive, or it may be stitched in place.

[0062] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate sleepwear garments that have reflective images printed thereon.

[0063] FIG. 5A shows an infant sleepwear garment 502 having a silver reflective ink design 504 that is in the form of letters.

[0064] FIG. 5B shows an infant sleepwear garment 502 having a gold reflective ink design 504 that is in the form of a unicorn.

[0065] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a sleepwear garment having a design embroidered in reflective thread.

[0066] FIG. 6A shows an example of infant sleepwear 602 having a design created using reflective thread 604.

[0067] FIG. 6B shows the reflective thread 604 when illuminated with near infra red light emitted from a baby monitor when viewed on the baby's caretaker's iOS device or mobile handset. It must be understood that the illustrated image as shown in FIG. 6B is a still of a moving image, hence the intensity of the sparkles and flashes are not accurately show in this still image.

[0068] FIGS. 7A to 7E illustrate various examples of reflective inks, tapes, threads, fabrics and ribbons that can be used in different embodiments of the invention.

[0069] FIG. 7A shows a reflective tape 702 that can be attached to an infant's sleepwear garment. The reflective tape 702 can be attached via adhesives, including iron-on adhesives, or it can be stitched in place.

[0070] FIG. 7B shows two different types of embellishments that can be applied to the fabric of an infant sleepwear garment. The smaller patterns have been printed onto the fabric using a reflective ink 704. The larger central star and some of the smaller surrounding stars have been embroidered onto the garment using reflective threads 604.

[0071] FIG. 7C shows a fabric that has a reflective ink 704 pattern printed onto the outer surface. The reflections show reflected near infra red light captured by a monitor and displayed on a iOS device. It is contemplated that there are numerous different platforms that can be used in the practice of various different embodiments of the invention, not just iOS. For example, smart phones and tablet devices can also be used. Also the monitor is not necessarily limited to baby monitors, any type of video monitor, such as home security cameras, can also be used.

[0072] FIG. 7D shows the use of reflective threads woven into a fabric to produce a reflective fabric 706. The 706 can then be used to make infant reflective sleepwear, or patches of reflective fabric 706 attached to infant sleepwear.

[0073] FIG. 7E shows a selection of reflective ribbons 708 that can be used to embellish infant sleepwear.

[0074] FIGS. 8A to 8E illustrate various embodiments of the invention as described herein, including: pajamas; sleep sacs; sleepers; swaddles; and sleep bands for infants and babies that includes a reflective element.

[0075] FIG. 8A shows a diagram of typically sleepwear pajamas. They may comprise a long or short sleeved top and long or short legged pants, that are either elasticated at the waist of have a drawstring.

[0076] FIG. 8B shows a number of sleep sacs. A sleep sac is a one piece garment having a body portion covering torso region and legs of the infant; a neck opening; arm openings, short sleeves or long sleeves; and a resealable opening extending from the neck opening, down either the front or side of the garment, and shoulder fasteners may or may not be present.

[0077] FIG. 8C shows and example of a sleeper. A sleeper is a one piece garment having a body portion covering torso region of the infant; a neck opening; a pair of sleeves (short or long); a pair of leg covering portions; and a resealable opening extending from the neck opening, down either a front or back of the torso region and optionally down one or both of the leg covering portions.

[0078] FIG. 8D shows an example of a swaddle. A swaddle is a one-piece garment that restricts the movement of the infant's arms and limits the movement of the infant's legs. It may use a variety of fasteners. It may also be in the form of a blanket specifically designed to swaddle a baby, cut to specific dimensions appropriate for swaddling, and fastening using swaddle methods of folding. Typically, a swaddle blanket should be no less than 42″×42″ in size and square in shape to make it easy to swaddle, and have enough fabric to tuck into itself to secure.

[0079] FIG. 8E shows examples of infant sleep bands. A sleep band is a one-piece garment similar to a belt, covering the torso region of the infant, which fastens using hook and loop fastener or another form of fastener.

[0080] The reflective element includes patterns, designs or embellishments provided via coatings, inks, threads, tapes, or ribbons. The reflective element in some embodiments of the invention can be the fabric that is used to make the sleepwear garment, having reflective threads woven into the fabric. The sleepwear can be manufactured with the reflective exterior or can be applied via printing, adhesives, sown on or other methods of adhesion known in the art. The reflective portion of the sleepwear is ideally situated around the torso such that the reflection of the incident light from the monitor can be detected across several types of sleeping positions. The various embodiments of the invention does not require monitoring and processing by a computing device.

[0081] The various embodiments of the invention help ease parent's anxiety around infant sleep. They help prevent against SIDS. They also prevent against unnecessary waking of the child, therefore helps babies attain healthy sleep

[0082] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. As can be understood, the examples described above are intended to be exemplary only.

[0083] The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.