Patent Application
20130312178
The present invention generally relates to the field of child containment devices, and more particularly, to a child containment device having a mechanism for retaining a mattress against the floor of the containment device.
Child containment devices (which encompass play yards, play pens, play cots, bassinets, co-sleepers, and the like) typically comprise multiple sidewall panels and a floor panel which are supported by a frame structure. A mattress is often placed on top of the floor panel to provide a firm, cushioned surface for a child to stand, sit, or lie on.
Conventional child containment devices typically include means for holding the mattress against the floor panel to prevent the mattress from shifting as the child moves around. Known child containment devices utilize hook and loop fasteners to help keep the mattress in place on the floor panel. The downside of this design is that hook and loop fasteners quickly wear out, offer a weak connection, and can fail under relatively light forces. Other known child containment devices utilize elastic straps that are anchored to the floor panel and can be stretched over the corners of the mattress to hold it against the same. However, the straps can be easily released by a child within the containment device, allowing the mattress to move out of place. This method also requires multiple steps to secure the mattress, as each strap must be individually stretched over a corner of the mattress. Further, this design presents a safety hazard, as a child can get their feet and hands stuck between a strap and the mattress.
As a result, it can be seen that needs exist in the art for a mechanism that at least more reliably holds the mattress in place, requires fewer steps to secure the mattress, and which is safer for a child occupant. The present invention addresses these needs and others.
The present invention generally relates to child containment devices. Example embodiments of the invention comprise a sidewall enclosure formed by one or more sidewall panels and a floor panel coupled to the sidewall enclosure. A mattress is also provided for placement upon the floor panel. The sidewall enclosure includes a mattress retaining mechanism coupled thereto that is configured to retain the mattress against the floor panel.
According to an example embodiment of the invention, the mattress retaining mechanism comprises one or more elastic straps, or similar resilient members, coupled to the sidewall enclosure. The elastic straps are positioned on the sidewall enclosure proximate the floor panel, and are configured to bias a portion of the sidewall enclosure towards the interior of the child containment device, forming a pocket between each strap and the floor panel. Each pocket is configured to receive a section of the mattress, such that vertical and horizontal movement of the mattress with respect to the floor panel is prohibited.
According to another example embodiment of the invention, the mattress retaining mechanism comprises at least one strap having a length that is selectively adjustable. The adjustable strap is positioned on the sidewall enclosure proximate the floor panel and is configured to force a portion of the sidewall enclosure inward to define a pocket that accommodates a section of the mattress.
According to yet another example embodiment of the invention, the mattress retaining mechanism comprises at least one fastener that can be selectively engaged and disengaged by a user. The fastener is positioned on the sidewall enclosure proximate the floor panel, and when engaged, is configured to force at least a portion of the sidewall enclosure inward to define a pocket that accommodates a section of the mattress.
Hereafter, a brief description of example embodiments of the present inventions is disclosed. Various changes and modifications to such a child containment device and mattress retaining mechanism, beyond those explicitly mentioned herein, are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. Notably, it is contemplated that the orientation, quantity, material and construction method of certain components of the invention may be modified.
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,
The mattress retaining mechanism comprises a plurality of resilient elastic straps 18 coupled to the sidewall enclosure 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the straps 18 are sewn to the sidewall enclosure 12, but in other embodiments of the invention, the straps can be permanently or removably coupled to the sidewall enclosure by alternative attachment means (e.g. glue, clips, hooks, etc.). A strap 18 is positioned at each vertical corner edge 20 of the sidewall enclosure 12 proximate a corner of the floor panel 14, such that the strap 18 is substantially perpendicular to the length of the edge 20. In its neutral state, each elastic strap 18 is partially extended, biasing a portion of the sidewall enclosure 12 inward to extend over the corresponding corner of the floor panel 14. The gap between each elastic strap 18 and the floor panel 14 forms a pocket 60 that is configured to receive a corner of a mattress 32, as illustrated in
To position the mattress 32 in place on the bassinet floor panel 14, the mattress 32 can be bent at the hinges between the boards 34, placed on to the floor panel 14, and then unfolded in to the substantially flat expanded configuration. Each corner of the mattress 32 is configured to nestle in a pocket 60 defined by the gap between the floor panel 14 and a corresponding elastic strap 18. Ideally, the height of each pocket 60 is approximately equal to the height of the mattress 32, such that the mattress corners fit snugly in the pockets 60. This retains the mattress 32 in place against the floor panel 14 to prevent accidental horizontal and vertical shifting of the mattress 32. In other embodiments, the height of the pockets 60 can be slightly greater or slightly less than the height of the mattress 32, and the pockets 60 will still effectively retain the mattress 32 against the floor panel 14.
The mattress 32 can also be installed in the bassinet 10 while oriented in the flat expanded configuration. As the flat mattress 32 is lowered down into the bassinet 10, the corners of the mattress 32 push against the elastic straps 18, causing the straps 18 to lengthen and deflect outwardly. Once the mattress 32 is pushed past the elastic straps 18 and positioned on the floor panel 14, the straps 18 deflect back inwardly over the corners of the mattress 32.
Various changes and modifications to such a child containment device and mattress retaining mechanism, beyond those explicitly mentioned herein, are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. The particular configurations and objectives described herein are merely exemplary and are in no way limiting. For example, the mattress retaining mechanism can be utilized on many different types of children's furniture, such as cribs, play yards, play pens, co-sleepers, and the like. Furthermore, while some preferred materials for various components of the invention are described herein, they are merely suggestions and should not be construed as limiting. Also, the mattress retaining mechanism is not limited to the embodiments described herein and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments will fall within the scope of the invention. For example, the mattress retaining mechanism could utilize clips, magnets, springs, or other means to push, pull, or bias, cinch, or otherwise impel the sidewall enclosure inward to define pockets that can receive a section of a mattress. Moreover, there can be features added to the invention that are not discussed herein. For example, the child containment device can have a secondary mattress retaining mechanism, such as hook and loop fasteners between the mattress and the floor panel, as an extra safety measure.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,609 filed May 25, 2012, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61651609 | May 2012 | US |
