Infant restraint belt and nursing cape, and infant restraint belt-attached nursing cape that can be attached to these.

Abstract

Traditional nursing covers require the mother to hold the infant while breastfeeding, occupying both arms and restricting movement. Furthermore, the cover can shift, resulting in incomplete visual obstruction, and the position of both the infant and mother may be unstable. [Solution] An infant restraint belt-type nursing cape that integrates an infant restraint belt 1,2 and a nursing cape 3. The infant restraint belt has holes for inserting the infant's legs and can be secured around the neck and shoulders with an extendable body 11. The nursing cape has openings 31,32, a shielding mechanism, and an opening / closing mechanism 3) for the front opening, and is integrated with the infant restraint belt 1,2 by a connecting body 4.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention relates to an infant fixing belt for supporting an infant, a breastfeeding cape worn by a breastfeeding person, and further a belt-type breastfeeding cape with an infant fixing belt combining these.

[0002] Conventionally, when a breastfeeding person breastfeeds while holding an infant, it is common to hold the infant in the cape. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the breastfeeding person covers with the cape, holds the infant with both hands in the cape, supports the infant, and breastfeeds with breast milk.

[0003] Ensuring privacy is important during breastfeeding, and many breastfeeding people use a cape to block the line of sight of others (for example, Patent Document 1). However, the conventional breastfeeding operation requires supporting the infant with both hands, and both arms and hands are occupied during breastfeeding, so the movement of the breastfeeding person is restricted. In addition, there is a problem that the cape is displaced by the movement of the infant, and it is difficult to completely block the line of sight. Against such a background, there is an increasing need for a new breastfeeding environment that can reduce physical restrictions during breastfeeding while ensuring privacy.

[0004] Patent Document 1 is a breastfeeding cover for solving breastfeeding outside the home or in public places. It is designed using a semi-circular cloth so that the breast can be hidden during breastfeeding while the infant and the breastfeeding person can confirm each other's faces. In addition, a soft wire and a ribbon are used to stabilize the shape of the cape and prevent the cloth from slipping off.

[0005] In addition to Patent Document 1, there are also breastfeeding capes such as a breastfeeding cape with straps that are hung on the shoulders and cover the front, an apron-shaped design that is hung from the neck and has slits on both sides to fix the arms through, and a bolero-shaped breastfeeding cape that has sleeves like a bolero and is worn through the arms. Furthermore, the cape is also used as a general clothing item, and it may be used to enjoy fashion while hiding the unique body shape of a pregnant woman during pregnancy.

[0006] Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the ideal breastfeeding period last until the child is two years old. However, in reality, due to living circumstances and individual differences, it is often difficult to continue breastfeeding, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare sets 18 months as a guideline for weaning. In particular, considering that the average weight of an infant around 12 months of age is about 8.5 kg for boys and 9 kg for girls, holding an infant weighing about 10 kg while breastfeeding is a great burden for the breastfeeding mother, and the fact that there are approximately 5 feedings a day is also quite a burden. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4203864 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, traditional nursing capes alone cannot alleviate the physical limitations on the breastfeeding mother who is supporting the infant. Furthermore, in order to maintain the infant's posture, the breastfeeding mother must support the infant's head and body with her hands during breastfeeding, which occupies both hands and greatly restricts the breastfeeding mother's freedom of movement.

[0009] Furthermore, nursing covers may not completely block the view, which can make breastfeeding mothers uncomfortable. In particular, there are issues with functionality, such as the cover shifting or losing its shape during use, and unhygienic conditions due to stains from breastfeeding affecting appearance, as well as hygiene issues related to the stains themselves.

[0010] This invention was made in view of these problems, and aims to reduce the physical burden on breastfeeding mothers, enable breastfeeding without worrying about being seen by others, and reduce the psychological burden on both the breastfeeding mother and the infant. In particular, it has the function of supporting the infant like a baby carrier without requiring the breastfeeding mother to use both arms, thereby increasing the freedom of movement of the breastfeeding mother's arms during breastfeeding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention provides an infant restraint belt and a nursing cape, and also provides a tool (infant restraint belt and nursing cape with infant restraint belt attachment) that integrates these to achieve both stable infant support and freedom of movement for the breastfeeding person, while also ensuring the privacy of the breastfeeding person.

[0012] The present invention features the following configurations for each tool of an infant restraint, a nursing cape, and an infant restraint-attached nursing cape that can be connected to them.

[0013] <Infant restraint belt> The infant support belt according to the present invention is configured to support the infant's body, and by having holes through which the infant's legs are inserted, it supports the infant's body (upper body) while increasing the freedom of movement of the infant's legs. This contributes to making breastfeeding easier for the breastfeeder and the infant's posture, providing a stress-free breastfeeding environment (leg hole type, pant type).

[0014] The leg-hole type (Claim 1) provides a hole near the center of the main body through which the infant's legs are inserted, allowing for stable support of the infant, and the extendable body allows for fixation around the neck and shoulders, improving freedom of movement during breastfeeding. The pants type (Claim 2) uses pleats to envelop the infant's lower body, providing comfort to the infant, and the structure that supports the crotch and legs stabilizes the infant's posture.

[0015] The infant restraint belt has extension members (11) attached to both ends of the main body (10), so that both extension members are connected around the breastfeeder's neck or shoulders to support the infant. By wrapping the infant's upper body with the main body (10) and adjusting the extension members (11) to bring the breastfeeder and infant into close contact, relative fixation between the breastfeeder and infant is achieved, and the infant's stable posture can be maintained without the breastfeeder having to support the infant with their arms. Furthermore, even when the breastfeeder takes every precaution to maintain the infant's posture, such as supporting the infant's head or upper body with one arm, the breastfeeder's other arm can be used freely.

[0016] The stretching body (11) is preferably made of a fabric that can be worn around the neck or shoulder, and is particularly desirable to have sufficient tensile strength and durability to support the infant's weight around the breastfeeder's neck or shoulder, and is also desirable to be made of a material that reduces the burden of pressure on the breastfeeder's neck or shoulder. Furthermore, by joining the stretching bodies together with a connecting mechanism (15), the infant can be easily and stably supported. The material of the stretching body (11) and the main body (10) does not matter, and the main body (10) and the stretching body (11) may be integrally formed, or the stretching body (11) may be attached to or mounted on the main body (10) as a separate unit.

[0017] <Nursing cape> The nursing cape according to the present invention is a front-opening type that is draped over the shoulders by the nursing mother, making it easy to put on and allowing her to avoid being seen while nursing by covering her upper body. The opening and closing mechanism (35) for opening and closing the front opening is of the type that opens by being operated vertically or horizontally, making it easy for the nursing mother to put on. In addition, a pair of openings (31, 32) for inserting the nursing mother's arms are formed below the shoulder portion of the nursing cape, allowing the nursing mother to freely insert and remove her arms through the openings and ensuring freedom of movement of the arms. The opening may be a sleeveless type with the shoulder portion directly open, or it may be a sleeved type with a sleeve portion extending from the shoulder portion and opening at the cuff.

[0018] Since the openings (31, 32) are covered by curtains or opening closure mechanisms, privacy is ensured, preventing others from peeking inside the cape through the openings or making the breastfeeding mother overly conscious of the gaps in the openings. The curtains may be a curtain-like piece of fabric that completely covers and hides the openings, while the opening closure mechanisms may be buttons or Velcro that partially close the openings. There are various configurations and mechanisms to improve convenience during use.

[0019] Because the nursing cape has chest pads (33, 34), by attaching them to the cape as an integral part of the cape or using a separate material, dirt that adheres to the inside is less visible from the outside. Since dirt such as breast milk and infant saliva easily adheres to the cape, a dirt-preventing effect is added. The chest pads (33, 34) may be fixed to the nursing cape, but by making them detachable and providing them as consumables, they can be easily replaced when heavily soiled, making it more hygienic.

[0020] <Nursing cape with infant support belt> Nursing cape The infant restraint belt-attached nursing cape according to the present invention is an attached type made by joining the infant restraint belt and the nursing cape. By joining them, the relative fixation of the infant restraint belt and the nursing cape is made secure, preventing the infant cape from slipping off the shoulders, and allowing the breastfeeding mother to continue breastfeeding with peace of mind without worrying about being seen by others. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] This invention, through the infant restraint belt, reduces the burden on the breastfeeder's arms, freeing up one or both hands and improving the breastfeeder's work efficiency. Furthermore, the shielding mechanism at the opening of the nursing cape allows for comfortable breastfeeding while preventing others from seeing in. Furthermore, infant restraints help maintain the infant's natural posture, reducing stress for both the infant and the breastfeeding mother. Furthermore, the present invention is designed for use both indoors and outdoors, and can be used in a variety of situations as an aid for holding infants or assisting with breastfeeding. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] The figure showing the external appearance configuration of the cape for breastfeeding with an infant fixing band according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] The figure showing the infant fixing band (foot hole type) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] The figure showing the infant fixing band (pants type) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] The figure showing the unfolded state of the infant fixing band (foot hole type). [Figure 5] The figure showing the cape for breastfeeding according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] The figure showing the conventional breastfeeding overview.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0024] The cape for breastfeeding with an infant fixing band shown in FIG. 1 represents the external appearance configuration in a state where the infant fixing band A (broken line) and the cape for breastfeeding B (thick line appearance) are combined. The breastfeeding person wears the infant fixing band A inside the cape for breastfeeding B and ties both ends of the string (solid line). The infant fixing band A is either numbered 1 or 2, and the cape for breastfeeding B is numbered 3. The breastfeeding person (not shown) puts on the cape for breastfeeding B by hanging it on the shoulder, and winds the string extended to the main body of the infant fixing band A around the neck or around one of the left and right shoulders for wearing. Actually, the infant is supported in a posture with the back closely attached to the main body of the infant fixing band A in a supine state, the breastfeeding person holds the infant supported by the infant fixing band A, winds the string around the neck or around one of the left and right shoulders, joins the infant fixing band A and the cape for breastfeeding B, and then closes the front opening of the cape for breastfeeding B. Note that the collar opening can be fully opened so that simple operations such as not blocking the line of sight with the infant during breastfeeding and stretching the hand to the infant are possible. For optimizing the breastfeeding posture, the knot of the string can be adjusted so that the mouth of the infant is located near the breast of the breastfeeding person.

[0025] Figures 2 to 4 show the infant carriers 1 and 2. Figures 2 and 4 show the appearance of the leg-hole type infant carrier 1, and Figure 3 shows the appearance of the pant-type infant carrier 2. Both types of infant carriers 1 and 2 have two holes formed in the main body 10 and 20 for the infant's legs to pass through, and the main body 10 and 20 or the extendable body 11 is provided with fixing buttons for joining and connecting to the nursing cape 3, thus functioning as a baby carrier. The inner surface of the main body 10 and 20 comes into contact with the back of the infant when they are lying on their backs, so materials such as breathable and skin-friendly cotton or organic cotton, flexible and antibacterial bamboo rayon that is safe for sensitive skin, and Tencel (lyocell) which has excellent moisture absorption and a pleasant feel are suitable. Alternatively, the outer layer may be made of organic cotton or Tencel, the middle layer may be made of a highly breathable three-dimensional mesh for cushioning, and the inner layer (outer layer) may be made of a composite material such as polyester or nylon that has durability and antibacterial properties.

[0026] The infant restraint belt 1 shown in Figures 2 and 4 consists of a main body 10 that narrows in width towards both ends, and extension members 11A and 11B attached to each end. Near the maximum width of the main body 10, the infant's buttocks are supported, stabilizing their posture. Therefore, two holes 12 and 13, which penetrate both sides, are formed slightly away from this position. The extension members may be of the type with a connecting mechanism 15 as shown in Figure 2, or of the type with fabric bodies 11A and 1B as shown in Figure 4. The connecting mechanism 15 may be buttons or buckles that securely connect both ends. The fabric bodies 11A and 1B may also be used as strings, and the ends may be fixed by tying the strings. The strings of the fabric bodies should have excellent load-bearing capacity, such as being 20 mm or wider. Alternatively, there may be a type that has both fabric bodies 11A and 1B and a connecting mechanism 15. In this case, the nursing cape A and the infant restraint belt B may be fixed by the connecting mechanism 15, and the fabric bodies 11A and 1B may be connected around the nursing person's neck or shoulders.

[0027] The infant restraint belt (pant type) shown in Figure 3 comprises a main body 20 having a pleated section 21 with an opening at one end. The lower half of the infant can be inserted through the inside of the pleated section 21, enveloping the infant's buttocks and lower abdomen. The end of the pleated section 21 has two holes 22 and 23 through which the infant's legs are inserted, and the infant's crotch is supported between the two holes 22 and 23. The two holes 22 and 23 (blacked-out areas in the figure) penetrate in the left-right direction (up-down direction of the breastfeeding position). The strings of the stretchable fabric bodies 11A and 11B are connected around the breastfeeder's neck or shoulders. The stretchable body is located in the center of the main body 20, between the two holes 22 and 23. The infant restraint belt 2 can be used by putting the infant's legs through it like putting on pants, allowing the infant to be held in a stable position. Furthermore, the main body 10 supports the infant's body in a position similar to lying in a hammock, allowing the breastfeeder to constantly monitor the infant's condition during breastfeeding, thus providing a favorable breastfeeding environment. The stretching body 11C connected to the pleated section 21 is made of a material that can expand and contract under the infant's own weight, providing a stress-free breastfeeding environment for the infant. The fabric body 11A connected to the stretching body 11C is a cord made of a fabric with little elasticity, thus strengthening the connection with the fabric body 11B.

[0028] The nursing cape 3 shown in Figure 5 has an opening 36 around the neck and a pair of openings 31 and 32 below the shoulders, through which the nursing mother's arms can be inserted. The openings are covered by a curtain or a shielding mechanism (not shown) to ensure privacy during nursing. An opening / closing mechanism 35 is provided at the front opening to improve the convenience of putting on and taking off the cape during nursing. The opening / closing mechanism 35 may be a simple slit, but may also be a button, zipper, Velcro, etc., and should be selected as appropriate depending on the design. If there is no opening / closing mechanism 35, a sufficient opening should be provided so that the head can be easily put in and taken out. The nursing cape 3 is preferably made of a thin and lightweight fabric.

[0029] A pair of chest pads 33 and 34 are provided in the chest area to prevent soiling while providing comfort. Gauze or similar material is acceptable. The cape itself should be made of a flexible fabric or material; transparent fabrics that allow the contents to be seen while worn are undesirable. The cape should be made of a thin and light material (cloth), and synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon with high light-blocking properties are suitable for the fabric to reduce the burden on the breastfeeding mother and allow her to breastfeed without worrying about being seen. Using fibers with high light-blocking properties allows for the creation of a tool made of a thin and light fabric. In the case of natural materials, the weaving method should be devised to increase the density and create a thicker fabric to ensure light blocking. For colder weather in autumn and winter, knit material may be used as a measure against the cold.

[0030] The infant restraint-attached nursing cape provides integrated functionality by connecting the infant restraints 1 and 2 and the nursing cape 3 with a connecting element 4. This improves the convenience for the breastfeeding user and allows for stable holding of the infant. For example, as shown in Figure 5, buttons serving as the connecting element 4 are attached to the back side of the nursing cape 3 near the shoulders and neck. The buttons engage with the connecting elements 4 (see Figures 3 and 4) provided on the infant restraints 1 and 2 on the back side, joining the infant restraints 1 and 2 to the nursing cape 3 and the connecting element 4. In the example of the infant restraint 2 shown in Figure 3, the nursing cape 3 is joined to it, and the string of the extender 11A is tied around the neck or shoulders. The connecting elements include buttons, buckles, Velcro, etc. [Industrial applicability]

[0031] The infant support-type nursing cape according to the present invention is industrially useful for the following reasons. This invention features a function that allows for stable holding of the infant while improving the freedom of movement of the breastfeeder's arm, thus reducing the burden during breastfeeding. Therefore, it can be used in a wide range of situations, not only at home but also when out and about or in public facilities. In particular, given the busy nature of modern childcare, there is a high demand for products that combine functionality and convenience, and market expansion is expected both domestically and internationally.

[0032] Furthermore, this invention integrates an infant restraint belt and a nursing cape, allowing a single product to serve multiple purposes (holding the infant, protecting privacy during breastfeeding, and assisting with movement). This multi-functionality enhances the product's added value and expands user choices. It is also lightweight, highly portable, and easy to put on, making it user-friendly even for first-time parents. Additionally, it is easy to clean and maintain after use, ensuring excellent hygiene.

[0033] Furthermore, this invention enables product design that reduces environmental impact by using natural and renewable materials. It is also expected to be developed as an ecological product that appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 1,2: Infant restraint belt (1: Foothole type, 2: Pants type) 3: Nursing cover 4: Connecting body 10,20: Main body 11: Stretched body 11A, 11B, 11C: Cloth body 12,13,22,23: Leg insertion holes 15: Coupling mechanism 21: Pleated section 31,32: Arm insertion openings 33,34: Chest pad 35: Opening / closing mechanism (front opening) 36: Opening around the neck

Claims

1. An infant restraint belt (1) that supports the body of an infant, The main body (10) becomes narrower towards both ends, The main body (10) is equipped with extension members (11) attached to both ends, The extension body (11) is connected around the neck or shoulder, The infant restraint belt has two holes (12, 13) formed near the center of the main body (1) through which the infant's legs are inserted, and the infant's buttocks are supported at a position where the width of the main body (10) is wider.

2. An infant restraint belt (2) that supports the body of an infant, The main body (20) is narrower towards one end and has a pleated section (21) from near the center to the other end, The main body (20) is equipped with extension members (11) attached to each end, The extension body (11) is connected around the neck or shoulder, The extension body (11) is connected around the neck or shoulder, The inside of the pleated portion (21) is designed to allow the lower body of an infant to pass through, and to enclose the infant's buttocks and lower abdomen. The end of the pleated portion (21) has two holes (22, 23) through which the infant's legs are inserted, and the infant restraint belt supports the infant's groin between the two holes (22, 23).

3. The infant restraint belt according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stretchable body (11) is a cloth body (11A, 11B) that can be worn around the neck or over the shoulders.

4. The infant restraint belt according to claim 3, wherein the stretchable body (11) has a connecting mechanism (15) for connecting a cloth body (11A, 11B) that can be worn around the neck or over the shoulders.

5. A front-opening nursing cape (3) that a nursing mother can drape over her shoulders, A pair of openings (31, 32) are formed below the shoulder area for inserting the breastfeeding person's arms. A nursing cape having a curtain or opening shielding mechanism to cover the aforementioned openings (31, 32).

6. A front-opening nursing cape (3) that a nursing mother can drape over her shoulders, A pair of openings (31, 32) are formed below the shoulder area for inserting the breastfeeding person's arms. The openings (31, 32) are covered by curtains or opening shielding mechanisms, A nursing cape having an opening and closing mechanism (35) for opening and closing the front opening of the nursing cape.

7. The nursing cape according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the chest portion of the nursing cape (3) is provided with a pair of breast pads (33, 34).

8. A nursing cape with an infant restraint belt, comprising an infant personal carrier (1,2) according to claim 1 or 2 and a nursing cape (3) according to claim 5 or 6, A nursing cape with an attached infant restraint, wherein the infant restraint belt (1, 2) is attached to the inside of the nursing cape (3) by the connecting body (4).

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