Swaddle

Abstract

In providing a cord-like component that mimics the shape of the umbilical cord in a swaddle, we offer a suitable configuration that takes into account the characteristics of the product. [Solution] The swaddle 1 comprises a base fabric 2 and a string-like member 4, the string-like member being a twisted cord formed by twisting together multiple strings, having a joint end 4a with the base fabric at one end and a free end 4b at the other end, the joint end being sewn to the base fabric so as to stand approximately perpendicular to it, the free end and its vicinity forming a bulging portion with a major axis of cross-section exceeding a maximum of 5 cm, forming a movable range between the joint end and the free end, the length of the string-like member excluding the bulging portion in the movable range being 5 to 50 cm, and the thickness being a diameter of 1.0 to 3.5 cm.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to swaddling.

Background Art

[0002] The present inventor previously proposed an infant bedding provided with a plurality of string-shaped members imitating the outer shape of the umbilical cord (Patent Document 1).

[0003] On the other hand, regarding swaddling, various improvements have been reported in the past, such as those with additional functions that can also be used as caps or hoods (for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3), but no device for giving a sense of security to infants is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When providing a string-shaped member imitating the outer shape of the umbilical cord for swaddling, a suitable configuration considering the characteristics of the product is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present inventor has realized a configuration that can effectively give a sense of security to infants by providing a string-shaped member imitating the outer shape of the umbilical cord in the swaddling so that infants can easily notice and grasp it, and has completed the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the present invention provides a swaddle comprising a base fabric and a string-like member, the string-like member being a twisted cord formed by twisting together a plurality of strings, having a joint end with the base fabric at one end and a free end at the other end, the joint end being sewn to the base fabric so as to stand substantially perpendicular to it, the free end and its vicinity forming a bulging portion with a major axis of cross-section exceeding a maximum of 5 cm, forming a movable range between the joint end and the free end, the length of the string-like member excluding the bulging portion in the movable range being 5 to 50 cm, and the thickness being 1.0 to 3.5 cm in diameter.

[0008] In the swaddle of the present invention, it is preferable that the joining ends of the string-like members are sewn to the peripheral area of ​​the base fabric.

[0009] In the swaddle of the present invention, the string-like member is preferably made of a bag-shaped cloth string.

[0010] In the swaddle of the present invention, it is preferable that the bulging portion of the string-like member is filled with padding inside a bag-shaped cloth string.

[0011] In the swaddle of the present invention, it is preferable that a member that generates sound by oscillating is included inside the bulging portion of the string-like member.

[0012] In the swaddle of the present invention, it is preferable that a knot is provided between the bulging portion of the string-like member and the string-like member excluding the bulging portion.

[0013] The present invention also provides a method for using the swaddle, wherein the base fabric is placed on the infant so that the connecting end of the string-like member is positioned above the infant's navel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the swaddle of the present invention, the string-like member is easily noticed by infants and can be easily grasped when they reach out. Furthermore, the feel of the string-like member, which mimics the shape of an umbilical cord, effectively provides infants with a sense of security, thereby better stabilizing their emotions and effectively promoting sleep.

[0015] According to the method of using the soothing device of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the ease of gripping the string-like member for infants and the sense of security when gripping it.

[0016] According to the soothing device of the present invention and the method of using the same, it is possible to reduce the burden of child-rearing on caregivers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is an overall perspective view showing one embodiment of the soothing device of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a partially enlarged perspective view of the soothing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory view exemplifying the usage mode of the soothing device shown in FIG. 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] [[ID=2�]] Hereinafter, the details of the present invention will be described while referring to the illustrated embodiments.

[0019] The soothing device of the present invention includes a base cloth and a string-like member. In the soothing device 1, which is an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, one string-like member 4 is joined by sewing on the outer surface of the base cloth 2 so as to be surrounded by a plurality of patches 3. The soothing device 1 is usually used by wrapping an infant around the inner surface of the base cloth 2.

[0020] The term "infant" includes infants under 1 year old and young children from 1 year old until the start of primary school enrollment. The soothing device of the present invention provides particularly high effects when used for infants and generally children under about 3 years old, especially when used for infants.

[0021] The base cloth in the present invention may be a single piece of fabric or a combination of multiple pieces of fabric. The material of the base cloth is not particularly limited as long as it has a good texture. The shape of the base cloth is typically substantially square or substantially rectangular, but other shapes may be adopted from the viewpoint of design or the like.

[0022] The string-like member in the present invention is a twisted string formed by twisting a plurality of strings. It is preferable that two or three strings are twisted together. Since the string-like member is a twisted string with an appropriate thickness, it is easy for an infant who grabs the string-like member by hand to recall the outer shape of the umbilical cord and can give a sense of security. Since the umbilical cord is twisted in the left-handed direction, it is preferable that the string-like member is also a twisted string twisted in the left-handed (left-twisted) direction. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment"), the base fabric 2 is a rectangle with a long side of about 100 cm and a short side of about 80 cm, and the string-like member 4 is composed of a twisted string in which two strings are twisted together in the left-handed direction relatively loosely.

[0023] One or more string-like members can be provided with respect to the base fabric. The number of string-like members is preferably three or less, more preferably two or less, and still more preferably one. The string-like member has a joint end portion with the base fabric at one end and a free end portion at the other end, and a movable range is formed between the joint end portion and the free end portion. That is, there is no additional joint portion with the bedding body between the joint end portion and the free end portion.

[0024] The length of the string-like member in the movable range is defined as the length of the portion excluding the bulging portion described later (hereinafter also referred to as the "twisted string portion"), and is 5 to 50 cm, preferably 5 to 30 cm. By properly using the futon of the present invention provided with a string-like member of such a length, it is possible to easily let an infant grab the string-like member and give a sense of security.

[0025] The thickness of the string-like member in the movable range is defined as the thickness of the portion excluding the bulging portion described later (twisted string portion), and is 1.0 to 3.5 cm in diameter, preferably 1.1 to 3.0 cm in diameter, and more preferably 1.2 to 2.5 cm in diameter. Here, the "diameter" refers to the diameter of the circumscribed circle with respect to the cross section of the string-like member. In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the length of the string-like member is about 20 cm and the thickness is about 2 cm in diameter.

[0026] <0000 '109>The joining ends of the string-like members are sewn to the base fabric so that they rise approximately perpendicular to it. This approximately perpendicular orientation of the string-like members makes it easier for infants wrapped in the swaddle to notice their presence and grasp them smoothly when they reach out. Here, "approximately" includes slight differences in angle as long as it does not impair the ease of grasping for infants. Specifically, when the base fabric is considered a horizontal plane and the joining ends are observed from any lateral direction, an "approximately perpendicular" angle of rise refers to a range of preferably 60° to 120°, more preferably 70° to 110°.

[0027] The specific manner in which the joining end is sewn to the base fabric is not limited, but it is preferable that the ends of the fabric pieces at the joining end are sewn so that they are not exposed to the outside. Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the cord-like member 4 of this embodiment. The joining end 4a is sewn so as to stand approximately perpendicular to the base fabric 2, and four pairs of reinforcing cloths 3 are sewn to the base fabric 2 so as to surround the joining end 4a. Each reinforcing cloth 3 consists of a slightly smaller reinforcing cloth 3b on top of a slightly larger reinforcing cloth 3a. By providing the reinforcing cloths 3, wrinkles in the base fabric 2 around the joining end 4a are not noticeable, resulting in a neat appearance. It also reinforces the base fabric 2.

[0028] The free end of the string-like member and its vicinity are formed to create a bulge with a major axis of cross-section exceeding 5 cm at its maximum. The presence of this bulge makes it easier for infants wrapped in the swaddle to notice the string-like member. Furthermore, when infants grasp the string-like member from parts other than the bulge, they can also touch and enjoy the texture of the bulge, which enhances its appeal.

[0029] The shape of the bulge is not particularly limited as long as the major axis of its cross-section exceeds 5 cm at most. The maximum major axis of the bulge's cross-section is preferably 8 cm or less, and more preferably 7 cm or less. The maximum minor axis of the bulge's cross-section is not particularly limited as long as it is smaller than the major axis, but is typically 4 cm or less, and preferably 3 cm or less. The length of the bulge is not particularly limited as long as it is necessary and sufficient to stably maintain a cross-sectional shape of the desired size, but is typically 3 to 8 cm, and preferably 4 to 7 cm. In this embodiment shown in Figure 2, the major axis of the bulge's cross-section is a maximum of about 6 cm, the minor axis is a maximum of about 2 cm, and the length is about 5 cm.

[0030] In the swaddle of the present invention, it is preferable that the joining ends of the string-like members are sewn to the peripheral area of ​​the base fabric. Here, "peripheral area" refers to the area excluding the one adjacent to the center of the nine sections obtained by dividing the base fabric into three equal parts in the long and short directions, respectively. Preferably, it refers to the area excluding the four adjacent to the center of the sixteen sections obtained by dividing the base fabric into four equal parts in the long and short directions, respectively. If the base fabric is not approximately square or rectangular in shape, it refers to the corresponding area in an approximately square or rectangular shape that is assumed to maximize overlap for the same area. By providing the string-like members in the peripheral area of ​​the base fabric, it becomes easier to position the string-like members in a place that is easily accessible to the hands of an infant wrapped in the swaddle.

[0031] In the swaddle of the present invention, the string-like member is preferably made of a bag-shaped cloth string. A bag-shaped cloth string can be made by cutting cloth into long, narrow strips and sewing them together. By twisting the bag-shaped cloth strings together to form a string-like member, a soft feel can be obtained while ensuring strength.

[0032] In the swaddle of the present invention, it is preferable that the bulging portion of the string-like member is made by filling the inside of a bag-shaped cloth string with padding. Here, "padding" refers to the material used to shape the bulging portion, and is typically composed of synthetic or natural fibers. By using padding, the bulging portion is given elasticity, which can provide a more comfortable feel to infants who touch it. Furthermore, by filling the inside of a bag-shaped cloth string with the required amount and shape of padding, the desired bulging portion can be created in a simple process. However, the procedure for creating the bulging portion is not limited to this. For example, it can also be created by attaching a pre-formed bulging portion to a string-like member that forms the twisted cord portion.

[0033] In this embodiment shown in Figure 2, the bulge is formed by stuffing batting into the interior of each of the free ends 4b of two bag-shaped fabric cords. When bulges are created by stuffing batting into the interior of each of the multiple bag-shaped fabric cords in this way, the multiple bulges may be joined together by sewing them to form a single bulge, or they may be left branched without being joined. In a bulge consisting of multiple branched bulges, the major axis, minor axis, and length of its cross-section are defined as being measured with the multiple bulges touching each other without compression.

[0034] In the swaddle of the present invention, it is preferable that a component that produces sound by oscillation (hereinafter also referred to as the "sound-producing component") is included inside the bulging portion. An example of a sound-producing component is a capsule containing multiple small pieces of plastic or the like. Sound is produced when the small pieces collide with each other or with the inner surface of the capsule due to oscillation. A string-like component that produces sound by oscillation is likely to attract the interest of infants and can motivate them to try to grasp the string-like component. Furthermore, auditory stimulation can be said to contribute to the intellectual development of infants and toddlers. It is even more preferable that the sound-producing component is placed inside the bulging portion wrapped in cotton, as this allows for both the tactile feel of the cotton and auditory stimulation.

[0035] In the swaddle of the present invention, it is preferable that a knot is provided between the bulging portion of the string-like member and the string-like member excluding the bulging portion. The knot separates the bulging portion from the string-like member excluding the bulging portion (twisted string portion), preventing the twist of the twisted string from unraveling. If the bulging portion is filled with stuffing, the knot prevents the loosened stuffing from moving to the twisted string portion. Furthermore, a tightly tied knot that does not come undone gives a firmer feel than the stuffed bulging portion, allowing infants to enjoy the difference in texture by touching both.

[0036] It should be noted that when a knot is made, the length and thickness of the cord-like member are more precisely defined as "the cord-like member excluding the bulging portion" or "the part excluding the bulging portion" rather than "the cord-like member excluding the bulging portion and the knot" or "the part excluding the bulging portion and the knot." While it is simpler and preferable to form the knot by tying the cord-like member that forms the twisted portion, it is also possible to create the knot using a separate material such as another cord. In this embodiment shown in Figure 2, the knot 4d is formed by tying the cord-like member that forms the twisted portion 4c, thereby separating the twisted portion from the bulging portion.

[0037] The swaddle of the present invention can be used by folding the base fabric to wrap an infant, especially a baby, in its intended use. The swaddle of the present invention can also be used as a substitute for a towel blanket, lap blanket, etc. In particular, it is thought that infants who regularly use the swaddle of the present invention during infancy will become accustomed to the feel of the string-like members and develop a strong attachment to the swaddle, and by continuing to use it thereafter, a sense of security can be provided to the infant.

[0038] When using the swaddle of the present invention, a caregiver can observe whether the infant spontaneously grasps the string-like member and position the swaddle on the infant's body so that the string-like member is in the most easily graspable position for that individual infant.

[0039] A preferred embodiment of the swaddle of the present invention involves placing the base fabric over the infant so that the connecting end of the string-like member is positioned above the infant's navel. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how the swaddle of this embodiment is applied by placing the base fabric 2 over the infant so that the connecting end 4a of the string-like member is positioned above the infant's navel. In this way, by allowing the infant to grasp the string-like member above their navel, it is possible to evoke the feeling of touching the umbilical cord as a fetus, giving them a sense of being in the mother's womb and providing them with a greater sense of security.

[0040] Therefore, when selling the swaddle of the present invention as a product, the above-mentioned method of use may be included on the packaging or in accompanying documentation.

[0041] The swaddle and its method of use according to the present invention can reduce the burden of childcare on parents and contribute to solving important social issues in modern society, where the birthrate is declining and the population is aging.

[0042] [Note] This specification further discloses the following additions to the above description.

[0043] [1] A baby swaddle comprising a base fabric and a cord-like member, the cord-like member being a twisted cord formed by twisting together multiple cords, having a joint end with the base fabric at one end and a free end at the other, the joint end being sewn to the base fabric so as to stand approximately perpendicular to it, the free end and its vicinity forming a bulge with a major diameter of more than 5 cm at its maximum, and a movable range being formed between the joint end and the free end, the length of the cord-like member excluding the bulge in the movable range being 5 to 50 cm and the thickness being 1.0 to 3.5 cm in diameter.

[0044] [2] The swaddle according to [1], wherein the joining ends of the string-like members are sewn to the peripheral area of ​​the base fabric.

[0045] [3] The swaddle according to [1] or [2], wherein the string-like member is a bag-shaped cloth string.

[0046] [4] The swaddle described in [3], wherein the bulging part of the string-like member is filled with padding inside the bag-shaped cloth string.

[0047] [5] A swaddle according to any one of items [1] to [4], which includes a component that produces sound by oscillating inside the bulging part of the string-like component.

[0048] [6] The swaddle according to any one of items [1] to [5], wherein a knot is provided between the bulging portion of the string-like member and the string-like member excluding the bulging portion.

[0049] A method of using a swaddle as described in any one of items [7], [1] to [6], wherein the base fabric is placed on the infant so that the joined ends of the string-like members are positioned above the infant's navel. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1 swaddle 2 Base fabric 3. Pressing cloth 3a Lower patch 3b Upper patch 4. String-like member 4a Joint end 4b Free end 4c Twisted cord part 4d knot

Claims

1. A baby swaddle comprising a base fabric and a cord-like member, the cord-like member being a twisted cord formed by twisting multiple cords together, having a joint end with the base fabric at one end and a free end at the other, the joint end being sewn to the base fabric so as to stand approximately perpendicular to it, the free end and its vicinity forming a bulge with a major diameter of up to 5 cm in cross-section, forming a movable range between the joint end and the free end, the length of the cord-like member excluding the bulge in the movable range being 5 to 50 cm, and its thickness being 1.0 to 3.5 cm in diameter.

2. The swaddle according to claim 1, wherein the joining ends of the string-like members are sewn to the peripheral area of ​​the base fabric.

3. The swaddle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the string-like member is made of a bag-shaped cloth string.

4. The swaddle according to claim 3, wherein the bulging portion of the string-like member is filled with padding inside a bag-shaped cloth string.

5. The swaddle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a member that emits sound by oscillating is included inside the bulging portion of the string-like member.

6. The swaddle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a knot is provided between the bulging portion of the string-like member and the string-like member excluding the bulging portion.

7. A method of using a swaddle according to claim 1, wherein the base fabric is placed on the infant so that the connecting end of the string-like member is positioned above the infant's navel.

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