AU642603B2

AU642603B2 - Baby's mattress to reduce risk of cot death

Info

Publication number: AU642603B2
Application number: AU20778/92A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Laszlo Kovassy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-09-18
Filing date: 1992-08-03
Publication date: 1993-10-21
Anticipated expiration: 2012-08-03
Also published as: EP0604512A1; CA2118579A1; EP0604512A4; WO1993005685A1; AU2077892A

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT .9 9.

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9 9 9 Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: LAS ZLO I(OVASSY LAS ZLO KQVASSY PETER MAXWELL ASSOCIATES Patent &'-Trade Mark Attorneys National Bank House 255 Adelaide Street BRISBANE' OQLD 4000 (GPO Box 3125, BRISBANE, 4001) I1cabyls fA~ifi'j-e~SC g'ece kf-S of cof jiex4A No: PK(8422 filed 18 September 1991 Invention Title: Details of Associated Provisiona~l Application: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: The present invention is concerned with the prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) otherwise known as cot death and, more particularly, with a mattress for4Ae- .:prvnti of cot death.

Cot death is a tragic phenomena where infants between about one month and six months of age cease to breathe whilst asleep in their cots and die, The reasons for this are not well understood but to date mattress design does not seem to have been addressed as a possible cause as, although there are numerous proposals for imprpved mattresses, none seem concerned with means for avoiding cot death.

For example, Australian Application No. 38782/78 9 discloses a ventilated bed construction which has as one of its objects to provide a bed which maintains body warmth but can be kept cool in hot weather. A further object is to provide a bed wherein the bed quilt can be dried in situ if it is wet, for example by perspiration, and a still further object is to provide a bed wherein the room air may be cleaned by disinfection and/or deodourization. These objects are said to be achieved by providing a bed which has a large open space beneath the mattress extending into a vertical space adjacent the mattress (somewhat like a bedhead) which contains a heater element, a germicidal lamp, a deodourizer and/or a humidifier. Air which is heated, sterilized, deodourized and/or humidity-controlled is able to circulate within the space and through the mattress to achieve the objects of the invention. The specification Sdoes not discuss cot death and most certainly does not describe a mattress for preventing cot death or any method of or means for preventing cot death. Nor indeed does the specification envisage a mattress designed for a baby blit rather illustrates a single piece inner spring mattress designed for adult use.

Similarly, Australian Patent Application No., 41055/85 describes a foam mattress with ventilation passages extending therethrough so that air may circulate through the foam mattress to prevent excessive heating or cooling of the body contacting the mattress and to prevent build up of excessive moisture in the contact area. This seems largely aimed at the prevention of pressure sores in long term bedridden patients and, once again, there is no adaption of the mattress for babies nor any description of means for preventing cot death in babies.

A variety of other systems. for heating or cooling beds have been proposed in United States Patents Nos. 2585517, 2601189, 3101488, 3266064 and 4305168. None of these systems are adapted for use by babies nor do they describe means for the prevention of cot death in babies.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mattress designed specifically for babies and to reduce the risk of cot death fi babies.

Accordingly, in one broad aspect the invention resides in a baby's mattress comprising at least first and second discrete portions for respectively supporting the V. 20 head and torso of a baby,. wherein the first portion includes body or frame means peripherally defining an interior open topped cavity, at least one opening for ventilating said cavity laterally of the first mattress portion, gas permeable material ease secured to said first portion, so as to cover said open top of said cavity, for receiving and supporting the baby's head during use of the mattress, and means for detachably 25 coupling said mattress portions so that a baby may be supported on the mattress with its head on the gas permeable material of said first portion and its torso at least partially on the second portion.

**In a further broad aspect the invention resides in a method for 'spurting a sleeping baby comprising the steps of:providing a mattress having at least first and second separate portions for respectively supporting the head and torso of a baby, wherein the first portion 93081 -p:Noper~gn.2O78-92.128,3 -4includes body or frame means peripherally defining an interior open topped cavity, at least one opening for ventilating said cavity laterally of the first mattres'! portion, gas permeable material secured to said first portion, so as to over said open top of said cavity, for receiving and supporting the baby's head during use of the mattress, and means for detachably coupling said mattress portions so that a baby may be supported on the mattress;, detachably coupling said mattress portions; placing the baby on the mattress with its head on the gas permeable material of said first portion and its torso at least partially on said second portion; and allowing the baby to sleep with its head on said gas permeable material.

Preferably, the gas permeable material of the mattress is made of a woven net material which is also liquid permeable.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a factor in cot death is the build up of exhaled air (rich in carbon dioxide and poor in oxygen) around a sleeping baby's face. This build up is accelerated when a baby vomits or salivates while asleep since this wets the bedsheet and exhaled air passing over a wet bedsheet is rapidly cooled by evaporation of the liquid. This results in a cooled patch of exhaled air settling on the mattress near the baby's face beneath the fresh air which remains at room temperature. It is hypothesized that continually rebreathing the exhaled air is a factor in cot death.

is also noted that a majority of cot death babies are found face down.

W~hile not wishing to be bound by theory, sufficient air may not reach a baby's face if it is laid face down or if it rolls onto its face, and this may be a factor in cot death.

Also, it is postulated that overheating of the baby may be a factor.

As 'will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the provision of a gas permeable material of a mattress on which a baby's head is placed will allow the :cooled exhaled air to sink -through the mattress away from the baby's face. Since air may circulate beneath the mattress the carbon dioxide rich air is dispersed. The baby may also breathe freely even when lying face down. It will also be appreciated that when a liquid peineable woven net is employed, vomit or saliva will not 93G813,p:~oper~gjn=78-9Z2.2,4 -4aaccumulate and therefore the baby cannot lie in this nor does it wet the bedsheet.

The woven net also provides ventilation that keeps the baby's head cool.

In a particularly preferred mattress and method according to the inention, the mattress has means for restraining the baby so that its head remains on the first portion while it sleeps. The restraining means preferably are constituted by a third portion of the mattress which can be placed on top of the second portion against the baby's feet so that the baby cannot slide down the mattress. Typk tlly, the second and third portions of the mattress are made of 9 9 .9* 9 9 9 9* 9* *9 9.

99**9 9 930813,p:\oper\gjn. 8-92.28,4 conventional mattress materials such as foam or may even be small inner spring mattresses. The third portion is generally the same size as the first portion so that once the baby is old enough that the danger of cot death has passed the third portion may replace *o o *o *o 930707,p:\oper\gjn,20778-92226,S Sor'ron the first '.4eie- This allows the mattress to be used as a conventional mattress albeit in two pieces, until the baby is too large for the cot.

por+floi The thirdAi-ee may be fixed to.the second piece in any way but conveniently it is secured thereto by self-clipping strips such as VELCRO (registered trademark) strips.

portons Conveniently, the first and secondA4-p.]a may also be fixed together by self-clipping strips. The gas permeable materials may also be fixed to the frame in any way possible including by means of self-clipping strips.

The bottom of the frame may be removable to allow additional air to circulate beneath the mattress. This is particularly useful in hot climates where it provides additional cooling and prevents the baby from overheating.

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In cooler climates it is preferable to have the bottom closed to prevent draughts around the baby.

In a further broad aspect the invention resides in a baby's cost which has a mattress as described above placed therein. Where the mattress includes restraining means to ptevent the baby sliding down the mattress under the bedclothes, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the walls of the cot will prevent movement of the baby off the mattress in any other direction. The baby's head cannot move off the gas permeable portion of the mattress.

In order that the invention' may be more readily understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying Et~j~, drawings in which:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the second and third pieces of the mattress pushed together for use in a similar manner to a conventional riattress.---.

Fig. 2 is a similar representation to Fig. 1 where the third piece is placed on top of the second piece; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the frame that forms a part of the first piece or a mattress in accordance with the invention; Fig. 4 shows the woven net fabric that is used to cover the frame shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5> is a perspective viw of a mattress in accordance with the invention; Fig. 6 shows an alternate form of the frame of a mattress in accordance with the invention; and Fig. 7 is a cross-section through line 7-7 in Fig 6.

Referring now to Fig 1, it may be seen that the 4 oo"" mattress 10 when it is to be used by a baby that is old enough that the danger of cot death has passed has a third 7 piece 11 and a second piece 12 lying adjacent one another.

The third piece 11 and second piece 12 are both made like conventional mattresses and may, for example, be pieces of foam rubber. They are simply pushed together or may be fastened together, for example by self-clipping strips (not shown) on the adjoining faces to form a mattress suitable for an older baby to sleep on. On the top surface of the second piece 12, self-clipping strips 13, 15, in this case Ss VELCRO strips, are provided to allow the third piece 11 of the mattress to be fixed thereto, The third piece 11 includes self-clipping strips 16, 17 to allow for its' attachment to the second piece 12.

Fig. 2 shows the third piece 11 of the mattress attached to the second piece 12 via strips 13, 15 on the second piece and strips 16, 17 on the third piece which are pushed together so that they stick to each other. The position of the third piece 11 on the second piece 12 can be varied simply by placing the third piece in the desired position as the strips 13, 15 are sufficiently long that they will hold the third piece in a position anywhere between the front end 19 being almost on strip 14, and the

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back end 20 being coincident with the back edge 21 of the second piece 12. This allows the third piece 11 to be placed against the feet of the baby no matter what length

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the baby is and allows adjustments to be made as the baby 0 grows.

por4 Lt or Fig. 3 illustrates the frame 22 of the first 4 piece 18 which replaces the third piece 11 when the mattress 10 is to be used for a baby still at an age where it is susceptible to cot death. Each of the sides 24, 25, 26 in this case are fitted with seit-clipping strips 27, 28, 29 which extend right along their top surfaces and/or along the top edge.

These allow the attachment of a gas permeable material over the top of the frame 22. It may also be noted that the bottom 30 of the frame 22 is detachable. Also, side 26 is partly open since it does not extend fully to bottom leaving a gap 31. This allows air to circulate within the first piece 18. Cross-brace 23 is 'provided to strengthen the frame 22.

Fig. 4 shows a gas permeable material which in this case is a woven net fabric 32 (the net is shown only in a portion 33) which allows gases (for example, air exhaled by a baby resting thereon) and liquid to pass throu-'_. The fabric 32 is fitted all around with self-clipping strips 34, 36, 37 .hich are capable of engaging strips 27, 28, 29 on the frame 22 and strip 14 on the second piece 12 to secure it to the mattress 10. This is best seen in Fig. where the entire mattress assembly is shown.

t* In Fig. 5 it may be seen that a baby can be placed with its head on the woven net fabric 32 stretched over frame 22 which together constitute the first piece 18, its torso on •o second piece 12 with its feet against the end 20 of third piece 11. When the mattress is placed in a cot this arrangement ensures that the baby's head will remain on the 00o woven net fabric 32.

0, As the fabric 32 is gas permeable the baby's breath will not accumulate in a layer above the mattress around the face of the body. Air can enter through gap 31 and circulate within frame 22 and through the gas permeable fabric 32 to disperse the carbon dioxide rich exhaled air and introduce fresh air around the baby's face as well as cooling the baby.

Furthermore, as the fabric 32 is also liquid permeable, vomit and saliva pass through it. The baby cannot lie in its own vomit or saliva, and the liquid does not wet the bedsheet.

Fig. 6 shows a plastic frame 38 that has been injection moulded. The frame comprises sides 39, 40 joined by crossbeams 41, 42 which slide into the slots 44, 45, 46, 47 in the sides. As best seen in Fig. 7, the frame is covered by woven net fabric 43 which is the same as the fabric described above. However, to attach the fabric 32 to frame 38, the frame is provided with rod 48 which slides into a loop 49 in the fabric 43. The fabric 43 is stretched over the frame 38. Then split rod 50 with ratchet knob 51 attached thereto is pushed through the loop 52 in the fabric 43. The fabric is tighzened by turning the ratchet knob whereupon the assembly may be used as the first piece of the S" mattress in place of the assembly shown in Fig. 3.

Various modifications apparent to those skilled in the art may be made without departing from the broad ambit and o"o scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

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Claims

1. A baby's mattress comprising at least first and second discrete portions for respectively supporting the head and torso of a baby, wherein the first portion includes body or frame means peripherally defining an interior open topped cavity, at least one opening for ventilating said cavity laterally of the first mattress portion, gas permobble material secured to said first portion, so as to cover said open top of said cavity, for receiving and supporting the baby's head during use of the mattress, and means for detachably coupling said mattress portions so that a baby may be supported on the mattress with its head on the gas permeable material of said first portion and its torso at least partially on the second portion.

2. A baby's mattress according to Claim 1 wherein the gas permeable material is a woven net fabric which is also liquid permeable.

3. A mattress according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the mattress includes a third portion which can be placed on top of the second portion against the baby's feet so that the baby cannot slide down the mattress, thereby ensuring that the baby's head remains on the first portion.

4. A baby's mattress according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the gas permeable material is fixed to the frame means by self-clipping strips and/or the first 20 and second portions of the mattress are connected together by self-clipping strips.

5. A baby's mattress according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the bottom of the frame means is removable to allow additional air to circulate within the frame.

6. A baby's cot with a mattress in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to placed therein. 25

7. A method for supporting a sleeping baby comprising the steps of:- providing a mattress having at least first and second separate portions for respectively supporting the head and torso of a baby, wherein the first portion .includes body or frame means peripherally defining an interior open topped cavity, at least one opening for ventilating said cavity laterally of the first mattress portion, 30 gas permeable material secured to said first portion, so as to cover said open top of said cavity, for receiving and supporting the baby's head during use of the mattress, and means for detachably coupling said mattress portions so that a baby may be 930812,p:\oper\gin,20778-92.128,11 12 supported on the masress; detachably coupling said mattress portions; placing the baby on the mattress with its head on the gas permeable material of saws first portion and its torso at least partially on said second portion; and allowing the baby to sleep with its head on said gas permeable material.

8. A method in accordance with CLum 7 wherein the gas permeable material is a woven net fabric which is also liquid permeable.

9. A method in accordance with Claim 7 or 8 further including the step of applying restraining means to the baby <io that its head remains in position on the gas permeable material of the mattress. A method in accordance with C i=m 9 wherein a third portion of the mattress copstitutes the restraining means, the third portion being placed on the second portion against the baby's feet so that the baby cannot slide down tbe mattress. Datd this 12th day of August, 1993 LASZLO KOVASSY By his Patent Attorneys Davies Collison Cave 6e II S S...e 93(813,pAoper\dn=8-92. 128,12 I- Z ABSTRACT A baby's mattress for the prevention of cot death comprising a first piece having a frame which has an open top and at least one side that is at least partially open to allow air to circulate within the frame, the top being covered by a gas permeable material that is fixed to the m*.e frame, the first piece being adapted to support the baby's head; and a second piece adapted to support the baby's *o ep torso. In a further aspect the invention resides in a 00* method for the prevention of cot death in babies comprising the steps of:- providing a mattress having a gas permeable portion on its upper surface through which air can circulate; placing a baby on the mattress with its head on the gas permeable portion; and allowing the baby to sleep with its head on the gas S permeable portion.