Infant sleeping cap

Abstract

An infant sleeping cap adapted for multi-functional use is disclosed, the infant sleeping cap includes a veil having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an elongate portion extending therebetween. The veil is attached to a stretchable band, and is adapted to (i) obstruct the peripheral and frontal vision of an infant to promote sleeping; (ii) block the sun from direct exposure to the infants eyes; and (iii) block ultraviolet and other harmful radiation from the rear-portion of the infant's neck. The infant sleeping cap can be positioned for wear in a variety of orientations.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 206,214 filed Jan. 29, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to headwear for infants, and more particularly to such headwear having a pliable veil for alternative positioning and multi-functional use. The veil can be used for obstructing the peripheral and frontal vision of an infant, thereby promoting rest and relaxation. Alternatively, the veil can be used as a sun shade for protecting the infant's face or the back of the infant's neck during outdoor play.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Infant children, generally under the age of 1 year, require many hours of rest to facilitate their rapid growth and development. Rest, in the form of short periods of sleep, or naps, can be difficult to effectuate, especially where the infant's environment includes a number of distractions, suc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The veil generally includes a first edge for attaching the veil to one of a stretchable band or a cap portion, an elongated portion extending from the first edge, and a second edge. The elongated portion of the veil can be used to shield or obstruct an infant's peripheral and frontal vision for facilitating rest and relaxation. Alternatively, the elongated portion of the veil can be used to shield or obstruct harmful radiation such as ultraviolet light from the sensitive epidermal area along the backside of an infant's neck.

[0010]The veil can further include an upwardly curved bridge substantially centered along the second edge of the veil. The upwardly shaped bridge allows for complete covering of the infant's eyes while preventing restriction or interference to the nostrils or nose of the infant. Additionally, the upwardly shaped bridge promotes a bisected fold for contoured fitting of the veil around the infant's face or neck.

[0011]The stretchable band is generally manufactured from an elastic, or at least partially stretchable material. The stretchable band forms a substantially annular shape, and includes an expandable circumference. The stretchable band provides a secure, flexible fit with the infant's head. The stretchable band and veil can be further attached to a cap for shielding the infant's head from unwanted elements.

[0013]In an alternative embodiment, the invention does not include a cap. In this embodiment, the veil is attached to an at least partially stretchable band. The band and attached veil define a visor veil capable of obstructing the peripheral and frontal vision of an infant, and thereby inducing rest and relaxation of the infant as discussed above. This embodiment can become useful when the infant is indoors and ultraviolet light is not of concern. This embodiment is particularly useful during the summer months where heat is of a concern. Additionally, this embodiment can be useful for an infant immediately after a bath, such as where the cap could become moist and irritate the infant's skin, or generally where covering the infant's head is not necessary or desirable.

[0015]In another position, the veil extends downwardly to cover the infant's neck. In this position, the baby is protected from harmful ultraviolet light when playing outdoors.

Problems solved by technology

Rest, in the form of short periods of sleep, or naps, can be difficult to effectuate, especially where the infant's environment includes a number of distractions, such as other persons, lights, televisions and other appliances.

These and other distractions can induce an infant's curiosity, and further inhibit the proper rest and relaxation required for healthy infant growth.

Although carriages with covers are effective in inducing sleep in an infant, these devices are bulky, heavy, and not often convenient.

One problem with this method includes instability of the blanket which may be lightly covering the infant's eyes.

Another potential problem includes an increased risk for injury or fatality by suffocation, or asphyxiation.

Although most parents would take adequate caution to protect the infant child from these dangers, the risk of injury is sufficient to discourage these methods from use.

It is now widely known that sunburns, and other damage caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, can cause certain cancers and other diseases.

Infants are particularly susceptible to injury from ultraviolet radiation, as their skin remains substantially undeveloped and unprotected.

Clothing and caps tend to protect an infant's skin from prolonged exposure to the sun, however it has been shown that commonly unprotected areas, such as the back of an infant's neck, are more susceptible to injury from sun exposure.

Images