WEARABLE BABY BLANKET

Abstract

A wearable baby blanket includes a front panel. A first rear flap and a second rear flap extend from opposite sides of the front panel. The first and second rear flaps form an open space behind the front panel. A leg pouch holds an elastic band extending between the first and second rear flaps. First and second sleeves extend from the front panel with a connecting strap extending between the first and second sleeves. Between the first and second rear flaps, a slit is formed in the front panel. The slit is dimensioned, shaped and positioned to receive a seatbelt.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/717,082, filed on Aug. 10, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wearable baby blanket. One or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a wearable baby blanket including a slit and elastic bands.

BACKGROUND

As parents travel daily, babies are often taken along for the ride. Falling asleep during a car ride typically works best for the parent. Most parents put a blanket over the baby but it is difficult for parents to properly wrap the blanket around the baby and have the seatbelt on. As a result of bulky blankets that do not fit in the car seat or stroller, minor fidgets of a baby cause the blanket to frequently and easily fall off the baby, failing to keep the baby warm and distracting a driving parent.

Additionally, babies often wake when moving from the car to another location. Especially in the winter, parents struggle to remove the blanket and then the harness, pick up the baby, and then quickly re-wrap the baby before the baby has an opportunity to feel the cold breeze or to wake. Often already deep into sleep, babies are not fond of being woken and parents are not fond of the effects. Moreover, babies often feel restricted wrapped inside blankets, unable to move. The restriction often leads to frustration and causes more distractions to the driving parent.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a wearable baby blanket includes a front panel. A first rear flap and a second rear flap extend from opposite sides of the front panel. The first and second rear flaps form an open space behind the front panel. A leg pouch holds an elastic band extending between the first and second rear flaps. First and second sleeves extend from the front panel with a connecting strap extending between the first and second sleeves. Between the first and second rear flaps, a slit is formed in the front panel. The slit is dimensioned, shaped and positioned to receive a seatbelt.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and second sleeves may be spaced apart from the first and second rear flaps.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and second sleeves may each include an elastic band at a distal end thereof.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connecting strap may include a first connecting strap, and a second connecting strap disconnected from the first connecting strap.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and second connecting straps may each include one of a hook or loop fastener.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and second connecting straps may each include one of a stud or socket connector.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the slit may include an upper flap and a lower flap overlapping the lower flap.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the slit may include an elastic band surrounding the slit.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front panel may include at least one of cotton, organic cotton, cotton gauze, cotton muslin, a cotton/polyester blend, a cotton/spandex blend, double muslin, fleece, polyester, panne fleece, panne velvet, cashmere, flannel, interlock, terrycloth, corduroy, bamboo rayon, minky, minky dot, minky fleece, minky velvet, or voile.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front panel may include an ultraviolet (UV) light blocker.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the leg pouch may be dimensioned, shaped and positioned to surround a portion of an infant car seat.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the leg pouch may be dimensioned, shaped and positioned to surround a portion of a stroller.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and second rear flaps may each have a relatively wider width adjacent to the respective first and second sleeves, and a relatively narrower width adjacent to the leg pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an angled side view of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a slit of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a slit of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a seatbelt passing through the slit.

FIG. 7 illustrates connecting straps of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates connecting straps of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a wearable baby blanket worn by a baby according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be understood that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein to distinguish one element from another, and the elements are not limited by these terms. Thus, a “first” element in an exemplary embodiment may be described as a “second” element in another exemplary embodiment.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the specification and drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates an angled side view of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a slit of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a slit of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates connecting straps of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates connecting straps of a wearable baby blanket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a wearable baby blanket worn by a baby according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a wearable baby blanket 100 may include a front panel 103. A first rear flap 101 and a second rear flap 102 may extend from opposite sides of the front panel 103. The first rear flap 101 and second rear flaps 102 form an open space 302 behind the front panel 103 (e.g., between the first and second rear flaps 101 and 102). The first and second rear flaps 101 and 102 may be tucked under a baby for comfort, warmth and safety. The first and second rear flaps 101 and 102 may be tucked behind a baby's back (see, e.g., FIG. 2 and FIG. 3), for example, while being easily removeable at a later time.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, between the first and second rear flaps 101 and 102, the slit 107 may be formed in the front panel 103. The slit 107 may be dimensioned, shaped and positioned to receive a seatbelt 601 (see, e.g., FIG. 6). The slit 107 may include an upper flap 501 and a lower flap 502 overlapping the lower flap 502. Alternatively, the positions of the upper and lower flap 501 and 502 may be reversed the lower flap 502 may overlap the upper flat 501. The upper and lower flap 501 and 502 may secure the seatbelt 601 in place and may keep cold air out. The upper and lower flap 501 and 502 may also keep warm air in. The slit 107 may include an elastic band 503 surrounding the slit 107. The elastic band 503 surrounding the slit 107 may receive and secure the seat belt 601. Thus a baby may be comfortable and safe while sleeping in the wearable baby blanket 100. Upon removal of the seat belt 601 through the slit 107, the parent may lift the baby with the wearable baby blanket 100 still positioned on the baby's body. Further, the wearable baby blanket 100 may be removed from the baby with minimal movement of the baby's body.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front panel 103 may include at least one of cotton, organic cotton, cotton gauze, cotton muslin, a cotton/polyester blend, a cotton/spandex blend, double muslin, fleece, polyester, panne fleece, panne velvet, cashmere, flannel, interlock, terrycloth, corduroy, bamboo rayon, minky, minky dot, minky fleece, minky velvet, or voile. The front panel 103 may include a single layer of fabric or a double layer of fabric. However, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and each component of the wearable baby blanket 100 may include a single layer of fabric, a double layer of fabric, or three or more layers of fabric.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wearable baby blanket 100 may be reversible. The front panel 103 may include a first layer of at least one of the fabrics described herein and an inner layer 304, which may be a second layer of fabric behind the front panel 103, may include another layer of at least one of the fabrics described herein. For example, the inner layer 304 may include at least one of cotton, organic cotton, cotton gauze, cotton muslin, a cotton/polyester blend, a cotton/spandex blend, double muslin, fleece, polyester, panne fleece, panne velvet, cashmere, flannel, interlock, terrycloth, corduroy, bamboo rayon, minky, minky dot, minky fleece, minky velvet, or voile. Lightweight fabrics like cotton gauze may be included in the front panel 103 (e.g., for warmer days). Fabrics like wool, fleece or cashmere may be included in the inner layer 304, which may insulate the baby's warmth during the winter, in cold weather, or in areas with cold temperatures.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the wearable baby blanket 100 includes two or more layers of fabric, each of the layers of fabric may include a different material from each other. For example, the inner layer 304 may include fleece and the outer layer (e.g., including the front panel 103) may include a cotton/spandex blend; however, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and any combination of fabrics may be employed.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front panel 103 may include an ultraviolet (UV) light blocker. Additionally, any of the fabrics described herein may include a UV light blocker. The UV light blocker may include a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 to over 50. The chosen fabric may be woven relatively tightly to reduce the space between the threads to block UV radiation entry. Fabrics like cotton, wool, nylon and polyester may be included to block the UV light. The UV light blocker may include chemicals (e.g., zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) in the fabric to absorb and/or disrupt the UV radiation.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and second sleeves 104 and 105 may be spaced apart from the first rear flap 101 and second rear flap 102. For example, there may be a space between each of the first sleeve 104 and the first rear flap 101 and between the second sleeve 102 and the second rear flap 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 illustrating the first and second rear flaps 101 and 102 folded toward the front panel 103). The first and second sleeves 104 and 105 may be spaced apart from the first and second rear flap 101 and 102 for the baby's flexibility in movement. The first and second sleeves 104 and 105 may each include an elastic band 108 at a distal end thereof. The elastic band 108 of the first and second sleeves 104 and 105 may secure the wearable baby blanket 100 on the baby (e.g. to secure the first and second sleeves 104 and 105 around the babies wrist. The first and second sleeves 104 and 105 may include a fold over extension flap 901 to adjust the length of the first and second sleeves 104 and 105. The fold over extension flap 901 of the first and second sleeves' 104 and 105 elastic band 108 may secure the wearable baby blanket 100 on the baby. The fold over extension flap 901 may also extend a length of the first and second sleeves 104 and 105 to cover the baby's hands. The fold over extension flap 901 may include a mitten or glove attachment, or a thumb hole, which may be used to keep a baby's hands warm.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and second rear flaps 101 and 102 may each have a relatively wider width adjacent to the respective first and second sleeves 104 and 105, and a relatively narrower width adjacent to a leg pouch 301.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the leg pouch 301 may include an elastic band 303 extending between the first rear flap 101 and the second rear flap 102. The leg pouch 301 may be dimensioned, shaped and positioned to surround a portion 402 of a stroller 401 or infant car seat. The leg pouch 301 may be dimensioned, shaped and positioned to surround a portion 402 of a stroller 401. The leg pouch 301 may therefore surround a child's feet and legs. The leg pouch 301 may include an elastic band 303 that may adjust to any stroller 401 or carrier seat. The elastic band 303 may keep the warm air inside the wearable baby blanket 100. The elastic band 303 may keep the wearable baby blanket 100 from falling off the stroller 401 or a carrier seat.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first sleeve 104 and the second sleeve 105 may extend from the front panel 103 with a connecting strap 106 between the first and second sleeves 104 and 105. The connecting strap 106 may include a first connecting strap 701, and a second connecting strap 702 disconnected from the first connecting strap 701. The first connecting strap 701 and the second connecting strap 702 may each include one of a hook or loop fastener 801. Alternatively, a hook and pile fastener, or a touch fastener may be employed, for example. The first and second connecting straps 701 and 702 may each include a stud or socket connector 801. The connecting straps 701 and 702 may be easily attached and detached.

Having described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is further noted that it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wearable baby blanket, comprising:

a front panel;

a first rear flap and a second rear flap extending from opposite sides of the front panel, wherein the first and second rear flaps form an open space behind the front panel;

a leg pouch comprising an elastic band extending between the first and second rear flaps;

first and second sleeves extending from the front panel;

a connecting strap extending between the first and second sleeves; and

a slit formed in the front panel between the first and second rear flaps, wherein the slit is dimensioned, shaped and positioned to receive a seatbelt.

2. The wearable baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the first and second sleeves are spaced apart from the first and second rear flaps.

3. The wearable baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the first and second sleeves each include an elastic band at a distal end thereof.

4. The wearable baby blank of claim 1, wherein the connecting strap comprise a first connecting strap, and a second connecting strap disconnected from the first connecting strap.

5. The wearable baby blanket of claim 4, wherein the first and second connecting straps each include one of a hook or loop fastener.

6. The wearable baby blanket of claim 4, wherein the first and second connecting straps each include one of a stud or socket connector.

7. The wearable baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the slit comprises an upper flap and a lower flap overlapping the lower flap.

8. The wearable baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the slit comprises an elastic band surrounding the slit.

9. The wearable baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the front panel comprises at least one of cotton, polyester, panne velvet, a cotton/polyester blend, a cotton/spandex blend, fleece, cashmere, terrycloth, corduroy, bamboo rayon, minky, or cotton gauze.

10. The wearable baby blanket of claim 9, wherein the front panel comprises an ultraviolet (UV) light blocker.

11. The wearable baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the leg pouch is dimensioned, shaped and positioned to surround a portion of an infant car seat.

12. The wearable baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the leg pouch is dimensioned, shaped and positioned to surround a portion of a stroller.

13. The wearable baby blanket of claim 1, wherein the first and second rear flaps each have a relatively wider width adjacent to the respective first and second sleeves, and a relatively narrower width adjacent to the leg pouch.