CHILD SLEEP SACK

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/626,205, filed on Jan. 29, 2024, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to an improved sleep sack for infants and, more particularly, to an improved transition sleep sack with a padded or reinforced chest panel and arms.

BACKGROUND

The childcare community universally understands that parents should discontinue swaddling babies as soon as the child shows signs of rolling. This is also the safe-sleep standard according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Even after a baby begins to show the ability to roll, however, the Moro Reflex, otherwise known as the Startle Reflex, can persist for months. The Startle Reflex is a developmentally normal reflex that causes a baby to flail their arms around when they suddenly, and without provocation, feel startled—for instance during sleep. Parents desire, rightfully so, to stop the Startle Reflex from disturbing the infant even further, potentially causing the baby to wake from their peaceful slumber.

One option to help blunt the Startle Reflex is to provide a tightly fitted sleep sack. This can help to ensure that the baby's arms stay fixed into a predetermined position. This understandably is not an ideal solution, since such a design can be uncomfortable for the baby and can be outgrown rather quickly. The design is also unsafe once the infant shows signs of rolling over. These and other problems exist.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure address these concerns as well as other needs that will become apparent upon reading the description below in conjunction with the drawings. Briefly described, aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to an improved sleep sack for infants and, more particularly, to an improved transition sleep sack with a padded or reinforced chest panel and arms.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a sleep sack. The sleep sack includes a front outer layer. The sleep sack includes a rear outer layer. The sleep sack includes a closure positioned along the front outer layer. The sleep sack includes a chest panel positioned on the front outer layer and separated into a left portion and a right portion by the closure. The chest panel is defined superiorly by a neck opening and two shoulder seams and defined inferiorly by an inferior boundary seam. The chest panel includes at least one support layer of fabric such that the chest panel has more layers of fabric than other portions of the sleep sack.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the sleep sack can include side seams disposed between the front outer layer and the rear outer layer. The chest panel can be defined, at least partially, laterally by the side seams.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the sleep sack can include a left arm seam and a right arm seam. The chest panel can be defined, at least partially, laterally by the left arm seam and the right arm seam.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the sleep sack can include sleeves. The sleeves can have outer sleeve layers attached to the front outer layer and the rear outer layer by one of the left arm seam or the right arm seam.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the sleeves can include one or more sleeve support layers of fabric.

In any of the embodiments described herein, a first quantity of the one or more sleeve support layers can be equal to a second quantity of the one or more support layers within the chest panel.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the closure can be a zipper.

The disclosure also describes a garment for a child, which includes a body section with a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion can include a chest area with multiple fabric layers, making it thicker and more supportive than the rest of the body section. This chest area can be further defined by a left portion and a right portion separated by a closure. The garment can also include sleeves with outer sleeve layers attached to the chest area and the rear portion, and the outer sleeve layers can incorporate one or more support layers of fabric. The chest area can be designed to be more rigid than the rest of the body section.

Furthermore, the disclosure outlines a method for manufacturing the sleep sack. This method involves forming the front and rear outer layers, positioning a closure along the front outer layer, and creating a chest panel on the front outer layer. The chest panel can be separated into left and right portions by the closure and can be defined superiorly by a neck opening and shoulder seams, and inferiorly by an inferior boundary seam. At least one support layer of fabric can be incorporated into the chest panel, making it thicker than adjacent portions of the sleep sack. The method may also include forming side seams, left and right arm seams, and attaching sleeves with support layers of fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Reference now will be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sleep sack, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the sleep sack of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the sleep sack of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a right elevation view of the sleep sack of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a left elevation view of the sleep sack of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the sleep sack of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the sleep sack of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the sleep sack of FIG. 1, wherein a chest panel of the sleep sack is open to provide a partial view of the inside of the chest panel, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an example sleep sack taken along the direction indicated in FIG. 2, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method of manufacturing a sleep sack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the examples included herein. Before the exemplary embodiments of the devices and methods according to the present disclosure are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that embodiments are not limited to those described within this disclosure. Numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and remain within the scope of the disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Some embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosed technology may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth therein.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. But it is to be understood that embodiments of the disclosed technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) of the disclosed technology so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

In the context of this application, the term “approximately” shall be understood to mean within plus or minus 10 percent of the stated value. This definition is intended to provide a reasonable range of tolerance for the specified measurements, ensuring that minor variations do not fall outside the scope of the invention. For example, when referring to a dimension of “approximately 3.0 mm,” this term encompasses a range from 2.7 mm to 3.3 mm, inclusive.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms used herein are to be understood according to conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. In addition to any definitions of terms provided below, it is to be understood that as used in the specification and in the claims, “a” or “an” can mean one or more, depending upon the context in which it is used. Throughout the specification and the claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or.” Further, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean one or more unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

Unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are explained hereinafter with reference to their implementation in an illustrative embodiment. Such illustrative embodiments are not, however, intended to be limiting. Dashed lines in the drawings are referring to ornamentation or design, but are instead only intended to show that a feature is optional and/or that a feature can be changed according to desired attributes of the manufacturer. For example, a closure is shown as a zipper, but the zipper is dashed, indicating that another type of closure could be implemented instead of a zipper.

The materials described hereinafter as making up the various elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the example embodiments. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the disclosed technology, for example.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology include a transition sleep sack for assisting in blunting the Moro Reflex (i.e., Startle Reflex) in babies. Throughout this disclosure, certain embodiments are described in exemplary fashion in relation to such blunting of the reflex. But embodiments of the disclosed technology are not so limited. In some embodiments, the disclosed techniques may be effective for any number of garments or accessories besides a sleep sack, including garments or accessories for babies or even for other uses. It will also be understood that the sleep sacks described herein can be configured for those other uses. Further, in some examples, the term “transition sleep sack” may be used. This term is understood to mean a garment used for babies as they transition from being fully swaddled to having no additional padding/support for the Startle Reflex. However, the present disclosure will be understood to include any sleep sacks that may include some of the features described herein.

Various designs for a sleep sack 100 are disclosed, and exemplary embodiments of the devices and methods will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sleep sack 100, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The top portion of the sleep sack 100 includes a neck opening 102. In some embodiments, the neck opening 102 can be opened further by opening a closure 116, which can allow the sleep sack 100 to be fitted over a baby. FIG. 8 provides a detailed view of such opening of the closure 116. In some implementations, the inferior end 120 (i.e., the bottom end in FIG. 1) of the sleep sack 100 can be closed via an inferior seam 122. Accordingly, the infant can then fit within the opening provided by the neck opening 102 and the opened closure 116. It will be appreciated, however, that the inferior end 120 of the sleep sack 100 could be open, or in some instances pant legs could be provided. In the case of a transition sleep sack, however, it may be preferred to close the inferior end 120 to at least partially constrain the baby's legs. The closure 116 can include a zipper 118, as shown in the examples. In alternative implantations, the closure 116 can be a series of buttons or snaps. The upper portion of the closure 116 can have a fold 124 proximate the neck opening 102 to protect the child's skin. The fold 124 can be secured, for example, via a snap 126.

The disclosed sleep sack 100 includes a front outer layer 202 of fabric and a rear outer layer 204 of fabric (see FIG. 3 for a rear view of the sleep sack 100). The closure 116 can be defined within the front outer layer 202, thereby separating at least a section of the front outer layer 202 into a left and right portion. Also defined at the front outer layer 202 is a chest panel 106. The chest panel 106 can also be separated into a left portion (e.g., left portion 106a) and a right portion (e.g., right portion 106b) by the closure 116. The left portion 106a and right portion 106b of the chest panel are hereinafter referred to collectively as chest panel 106. The chest panel 106 can be defined superiorly (i.e., upwards in FIG. 1) by the neck opening 102. Superiorly, the chest panel 106 can also be defined by two shoulder seams 108 extending along the upper portion of the shoulders of the sleep sack 100. The sleep sack 100 can include a left shoulder seam 108a and a right shoulder seam 108b, which can be referred to hereinafter as shoulder seams 108. The shoulder seams 108 can also provide a defining line between the front outer layer 202 and the rear outer layer 204. The chest panel 106 is defined inferiorly by an inferior boundary seam 110 (see FIG. 8 for a view of the inferior boundary seam 110). As will be described in greater detail below, the inferior boundary seam 110 can be placed at a predetermined distance down the baby's chest, for example approximately three (3) inches below arm seams 132. Alternatively, the inferior boundary seam 110 can be placed in line with the arm seams or any point inferior to the arm seams 132, including the aforementioned three (3) inches, or two (2) inches, four (4) inches, etc. A goal of the disclosed design is to have additional padding only where necessary to blunt the Moro Reflex; this to avoid overheating by extending padding further into the sleep sack 100. It has been found that the approximately three (3) inches provides the necessary support.

The chest panel 106 provides the additional support to blunt the Startle Reflex. To do so, the chest panel 106 can include one or more support layers 206 (see FIG. 9 for additional detail) of fabric such that the chest panel 106 has more layers of fabric than other portions of the sleep sack 100. As described above, it is of interest to assist in stopping or lessening the baby's ability to flail arms during a startle episode. Placing additional stiffness, rigidity, and/or reinforcement at the baby's chest can help to blunt the reaction. Importantly, however, the additional stiffness, rigidity, and/or reinforcement is purposefully placed only at certain sections (e.g., the chest panel 106) to provide a lighter-weight and cooler garment in other sections. In other words, the chest panel 106 can have more layers of fabric (i.e., support layer(s) 206 shown in FIG. 9) than a front non-padded section 302 of the sleep sack 100 and a rear non-padded section 304 of the sleep sack (see FIG. 3). The rear non-padded section 304 can include the entire rear portion of the sleep sack 100—since the baby will be laid on its back, the additional padding is not necessary at the rear of the garment, though it could always be added.

The sleep sack 100 can also include side seams 114 positioned between the front outer layer 202 and the rear outer layer 204 of fabric. The chest panel 106 can be defined laterally, for example, by those side seams 114. The sleep sack 100 can also include arm seams, including left arm seam 132a and right arm seam 132b, which can be referred to collectively hereinafter as arm seams 132. The chest panel 106 can be defined laterally, at least partially, by those arm seams 132 in addition to the side seams 114, as is clearly shown in FIG. 1. In some implementations, and as shown in the examples provided herein, the sleep sack 100 can also include sleeves, including left sleeve 104a and right sleeve 104b, which can be referred to collectively hereinafter as sleeves 104. The sleeves 104 can therefore include outer sleeve layers 208, which can be secured to (e.g., stitched to) the front outer layer 202 and the rear outer layer 204 by the left arm seam 132a and the right arm seam 132b. As will be appreciated, the sleeves 104 can also help to suppress the Startle Reflex, and as such they can also be configured to provide the additional stiffness, rigidity, and/or reinforcement that is provided by the chest panel 106. The sleeves 104 can therefore have more than one internal sleeve support layer 210 of fabric. The layers of the sleeves 104 are shown in detail in the cross section of FIG. 9. The end of the sleeves can include elastic cuffs (e.g., left cuff 128a and right cuff 129b) to help secure the sleeves to the baby's arms.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the sleep sack 100 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The reference to FIG. 9 therein indicates the direction from which the cross section of FIG. 9 is viewed. FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the sleep sack 100 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a right elevation view of the sleep sack 100 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a left elevation view of the sleep sack 100 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the sleep sack 100 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As is visible in this view, and as is visible in FIG. 1, the chest panel 106 can have a slight internal curvature proximate the closure 116. As described above, the chest panel 106 is separated into a left portion 106a and a right portion 106b by the closure 116. On either side of the closure 116 can be a boundary 130 to the closure 116, such as stitching for the zipper 118. Closer to the boundary 130 to the closure 116, the padding (i.e., support layers 206) can be thinner and taper to a thicker padding more laterally (i.e., away from the sternum). This can provide the baby more comfort by decreasing the amount of fabric near the sternum-since such fabric thickness at this layer is not as critical to prevent arm flailing as is the more lateral portions nearer the baby's arms.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the sleep sack 100 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The image provides the best, least obstructed, view of the upper shoulder seams 108 that separate the front and back of the sleep sack 100.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the sleep sack 100 of FIG. 1, wherein the chest panel 106 of the sleep sack 100 is open to provide a partial view of the inside of the chest panel 106, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The plurality of support layers 206 of fabric (see FIG. 9 for additional detail) that provide the padding for the chest panel 106 can be stacked pieces of fabric, such as a synthetic fabric, a natural fabric, and the like. Since the support layers 206 can be stacked, they can also freely move, i.e., shear, over each other. To ensure that the chest panel 106 is more solidly assembled, and the layers stay in place more readily, the sleep sack 100 can include padding stabilization seams 112. These padding stabilization seams 112 can run vertically, as shown in FIG. 8, or can have other configurations that help to provide the additional structural support to the layers of the sleep sack 100.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an example sleep sack 100 taken along the direction indicated in FIG. 2, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. This cross-sectional view is taken through the chest panel 106 to show the various layers of each section. The rear of the sleep sack 100 does not include additional padding, so the only layer shown is the rear outer layer 204. That is not to say that the rear of the sleep sack 100 can only have one outer layer. Instead, what is described herein is a sleep sack 100 wherein the chest panel 106 (and optionally sleeves 104) have more layers than the non-padded sections (e.g., front non-padded section 302 (see FIG. 1) and rear non-padded section 304 (see FIG. 3)). To illustrate, if the rear portion has two rear outer layers 204, then the chest panel 106 has more than 2 layers, including its support layers 206 and front outer layer 202.

Referring again to FIG. 9, the example shows a garment with two support layers 206 positioned internally to the front outer layer 202. This is in accordance with one implementation, but is not intended to be limiting. The sleep sack 100 can include one support layer 206, which can be a slim piece of fabric or, in some implementations, a thick piece of fabric to provide additional support, such as a felt, neoprene, denim, etc. Whereas in other examples, the sleep sack 100 can include, three support layers (totaling four layers including the front outer layer 202), four support layers (totaling five layers including the front outer layer 202), or more. In addition, or alternatively to the aforementioned fabrics, other fabrics are capable of being used for layers and can include other synthetic or natural fabrics.

In some examples, a thickness of the chest area defined by the one or more portions can be significantly thicker than the body section of the garment outside of this chest area. For example, the chest area (e.g., chest panel 106) can be approximately 3.0 mm thick, whereas the remainder of the body section can be approximately 1.0 mm thick. In some examples, the chest area can be approximately two to four (2-4) times thicker than the remainder of the body section. Similarly, the sleeves 104 can be approximately 3.0 mm thick, whereas the remainder of the body section can be approximately 1.0 mm thick. In some examples, the sleeves 104 can be approximately two to four (2-4) times thicker than the remainder of the body section. These examples are not to be considered limiting. For example, the chest area (e.g., chest panel 106) can be approximately 2.0-10.0 mm thick or any measurement in between; the sleeves 104 can be approximately 2.0-10.0 mm thick or any measurement in between; and the remainder of the body section can be approximately 1.0-10.00 mm thick or any measurement in between.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sleeves 104 can also have additional and/or thicker layers to help blunt the Startle Reflex. The additional sleeve support layers 210 are shown positioned internal to the outer sleeve layer 208. The fabric for the sleeve support layers 210 can be substantially similar to the fabrics described for the support layers 206. Further, a quantity of the one or more sleeve support layers 210 can be equal to a quantity of the one or more support layers 206 for the chest panel 106. That said, nothing requires the number of sleeve support layers 210 and layers 206 to be the same.

In some examples, instead of having additional support layers in the sleeves 104 or in the chest panel 106, the sleeves 104 and/or chest panel 106 can have the same number of support layers as found in the remainder of the body section, but the sleeves 104 and/or chest panel 106 can include a stiffer or more ridged support layer, our outer layer, that helps to ensure the sleeves 104 and/or chest panel 106 have the necessary support to blunt the Startle Reflex.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary method 1000 for manufacturing a sleep sack, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 1000 begins with forming 1002 a front outer layer 202 and a rear outer layer 204. These layers are typically made from a soft, breathable fabric to ensure comfort for the infant. Next, a closure 116, such as but not limited to a zipper 118, can be positioned 1004 along the front outer layer 202. This closure allows the sleep sack 100 to be easily opened and closed, facilitating the placement of the infant inside the sleep sack.

Following this, a chest panel 106 can be created 1006 on the front outer layer 202. The chest panel 106 can be separated into a left portion 106a and a right portion 106b by the closure 116. The chest panel 106 can be defined superiorly by a neck opening 102 and two shoulder seams 108, and inferiorly by an inferior boundary seam 110. The chest panel 106 can be further defined 1008 superiorly by the neck opening 102 and the two shoulder seams 108, and inferiorly by the inferior boundary seam 110. These seams help to position the chest panel 106 correctly on the sleep sack 100 and ensure that it provides the necessary support, as defined herein for the purposes of protecting the infant from the Moro Reflex.

Finally, at least one support layer 206 of fabric can be incorporated 1010 into the chest panel 106. This ensures that the chest panel 106 has more layers of fabric than other portions of the sleep sack 100, providing additional stiffness and reinforcement to blunt the Startle Reflex. By following these steps, the method ensures that the sleep sack 100 can be designed to provide the necessary support to blunt the Startle Reflex while maintaining comfort and safety for the infant. Method 1000 can end after step 1010, or additional steps can be implemented in view of the examples described herein.

The present inventions can be exemplified by one or more of the embodiments defined by the following clauses:

Clause 1: A sleep sack comprising: a front outer layer; a rear outer layer; a closure positioned along the front outer layer; and a chest panel positioned on the front outer layer and separated into a left portion and a right portion by the closure, the chest panel defined superiorly by a neck opening and two shoulder seams and defined inferiorly by an inferior boundary seam, the chest panel comprising at least one support layer of fabric such that the chest panel comprises more layers of fabric than other portions of the sleep sack.

Clause 2: The sleep sack of Clause 1 further comprising side seams disposed between the front outer layer and the rear outer layer, wherein the chest panel is defined, at least partially, laterally by the side seams.

Clause 3: The sleep sack of Clause 1 or 2 further comprising a left arm seam and a right arm seam, wherein the chest panel is defined, at least partially, laterally by the left arm seam and the right arm seam.

Clause 4: The sleep sack of Clause 3 further comprising sleeves, the sleeves comprising outer sleeve layers attached to the front outer layer and the rear outer layer by one of the left arm seam or the right arm seam.

Clause 5: The sleep sack of Clause 4, wherein the sleeves comprise one or more sleeve support layers of fabric.

Clause 6: The sleep sack of Clause 5, wherein a first quantity of the one or more sleeve support layers is equal to a second quantity of the support layers provided within the chest panel.

Clause 7: The sleep sack of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the left portion and the right portion are approximately three times thicker than the rear outer layer.

Clause 8: A garment for a child comprising: a body section having a front portion and a rear portion; and a chest area defined on the front portion of the body section, the chest area comprising one or more fabric layers, wherein the chest area is more rigid than the remainder of the body section.

Clause 9: The garment of Clause 8, wherein the chest area is thicker than the remainder of the body section.

Clause 10: The garment of Clause 8 or 9, wherein the chest area comprises more layers of fabric than a remainder of the body section.

Clause 11: The garment of any of Clauses 8 to 10, wherein the body section has a thickness of greater than or equal to approximately 3.0 mm, and wherein the body section has a thickness of less than or equal to approximately 1.5 mm.

Clause 12: The garment of any of Clauses 8 to 11, wherein the chest area is further defined by a left portion and a right portion separated by a closure.

Clause 13: The garment of any of Clauses 8 to 12 further comprising sleeves, the sleeves comprising outer sleeve layers attached to the chest area on one side and the rear portion on another side, wherein the sleeves comprise one or more sleeve support layers of fabric.

Clause 14: The garment of any of Clauses 8 to 13, wherein the chest area is three times thicker than the remainder of the body section.

Clause 15: A method of manufacturing a sleep sack comprising: forming a front outer layer and a rear outer layer; positioning a closure along the front outer layer; creating a chest panel on the front outer layer, the chest panel being separated into a left portion and a right portion by the closure; defining the chest panel superiorly by a neck opening and two shoulder seams, and inferiorly by an inferior boundary seam; and incorporating at least one support layer of fabric into the chest panel such that the chest panel is thicker than other portions of the sleep sack adjacent to the chest panel.

Clause 16: The method of Clause 15, further comprising: disposing side seams between the front outer layer and the rear outer layer; and defining the chest panel, at least partially, laterally by the side seams.

Clause 17: The method of Clause 16, further comprising: forming a left arm seam and a right arm seam; and defining the chest panel, at least partially, laterally by the left arm seam and the right arm seam.

Clause 18: The method of Clause 17, further comprising: attaching sleeves to the sleep sack, the sleeves comprising outer sleeve layers attached to the front outer layer and the rear outer layer by one of the left arm seam or the right arm seam.

Clause 19: The method of Clause 18, further comprising incorporating one or more sleeve support layers of fabric into the sleeves.

Clause 20: The method of Clause 19, wherein a first quantity of the one or more sleeve support layers is equal to a second quantity of support layers within the chest panel

It is to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. It is also to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the public, and especially for the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. Instead, it is intended that the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.