Devices and methods to protect neonates during bed-sharing and co-sleeping

Abstract

This disclosure provides designs for inexpensive devices that can be sturdy, pleasing to the eye, light in weight, and attractively padded, to form an enclosure around an infant or neonate that is open at its bottom. These devices protect neonates from injury during bed-sharing or co-sleeping with other individuals. These enclosures include roll-over bars to protect infants and neonates from being injured or asphyxiated by weight of a co-sleeper inadvertently moving on top of a roll-over bar. Devices can be shaped to allow for easy placement and removal of the infant, or to place the enclosure with the respective roll-over bar(s) over an infant. Roll-over bar(s) can be hinged or intercalated with pivots to deflect frame base portions when an infant body part finds itself accidentally caught under them. The rotation can be limited to an angle that still allows for the roll-over bar to be above an infant's body when frame base portion(s) are raised above the sleeping surface by the pressure and forces exerted on a roll-over bar when a co-sleeper inadvertently moves over a roll-over bar.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to passive devices and methods to protect an infant during co-sleeping and bed-sharing.

BACKGROUND

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued recommendations to reduce sleep-related infant death, which advise against all bed-sharing for sleep, because infants or neonates can inadvertently be rolled-over, squished, pressed into a mattress, covered by blankets, pillows, bedcovers, toys, or other movable objects and become asphyxiated.

The AAP and other professional organizations strongly discourage mothers taking their infants into their bed while sleeping. When mothers are exhausted and fall asleep, they can roll over an infant and inadvertently hurt or even asphyxiate the baby. Adherence to the recommendations against taking infants into their bed while sleeping, as well as keeping them in a supine (nose up) position, and on a hard sleeping surface is associated with a decrease in the incidence of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). Nevertheless approximately 30 to 80% of mothers engage in this common practice of co-sleeping because they want to touch, smell, hear, and see their babies. It also facilitates bonding, may make them feel less exhausted when they do not have to place their infants in a separate crib after each feeding, and from a health perspective, the practice of co-sleeping is associated with higher rates of and continuation of breastfeeding across cultures.

SUMMARY

Protective enclosures having roll-over bars, frames, covers, and dome-like structures and combinations thereof, and certain specific safety features are disclosed that can be situated around and above a supine infant or neonate while another person (“co-sleeper”) shares a sleeping surface with the infant.

This disclosure offers a safe, inexpensive, infant or neonate age limited (up to 3-4 months of age) alternatives or additions to bedside cribs, bassinets, baby beds, corals, pens, attachments and other infant bedding provisions.

The disclosure addresses a common problem, namely allowing for safe bed-sharing and co-sleeping with an infant or neonate.

This disclosure relates to devices and methods to keep an infant or neonate enclosed on a bed or other sleeping surface, and to protect the infant from being injured and/or asphyxiated by a caretaker. Protective roll-over bar(s) arise from frame base elements of the enclosure and arch over the infant or neonate. The roll over-bar(s) and/or frame base elements is/are hinged, or the enclosure is made of easily flexible material such as and including foamed poly-ethylene-vinyl acetate swim noodles, so that either end of the frame base or parts of it can move or rotate up should an infant or neonate or one of his body parts finds itself accidentally caught under the enclosure. The angle of this passive rotational or tortional safety movement is limited so that the higher parts of the roll-over bar that is cannot press on the infant or neonate. Devices of this disclosure operate automatically when a co-sleeper moves on top of a roll-over bar. Pressure in the roll-over bar is transmitted either directly, or through hinges, pivots, or rotational elements to the frame base portions, thereby elevating at least one frame base portion, so an infant or neonate's extremity, head, or torso that may accidentally be caught under it is not subjected to the weight on the co-sleeper. The co-sleeper can be secured to a bed frame, when a bedside does not abut to a wall, and be adjusted to various mattress heights by a-rod pivot clamp system. Parts of the low profile enclosure are flexible to protect against injury from accidental limb entrapment. The enclosure can have pliable covers over a base frame, and/or air channels through a cover or indentations on the top or the bottom of a cover to allow air exchange, as a guard against asphyxia, should an infant inadvertently become covered by an air trapping object.

The disclosed devices encourage the recommended supine (nose up) sleeping position and make it less likely for potentially smothering or breath trapping objects to be placed in proximity to an infant or neonate.

The protective on bed co-sleeping device disclosed here allows mothers to do what they frequently do anyway, but under circumstances that are safe for their infants and without having to bear the guilt feelings that come from not following their hospital and pediatrician's instructions. The device's use is limited to infants up to three to four months of age. After that age they learn to roll over and could propel themselves out. The use of this protective co-sleeper is also limited to larger beds and is a supplement only to the parents having a dedicated baby crib, bassinette or infant bed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention is described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. Other features of the embodiments can be understood with respect to the drawings. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments and drawings are not intended to be limiting, in which:

FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c depict drawings of an embodiment of a portable protective frame for an infant or neonate. FIG. 1a shows a top view of an embodiment. FIG. 1b shows an oblique side view of this embodiment. FIG. 1c depicts an oblique side view of an embodiment in which a hinge is rotated.

FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c show drawings of an embodiment having a alternate roll-over bar. FIG. 2a is a top view of this embodiment. FIG. 2b shows an oblique side view of this embodiment. FIG. 2c is another oblique view of this embodiment.

FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c show drawings of an embodiment having a different configuration of a roll-over bar. FIG. 3a is a top view of this embodiment. FIG. 3b is an oblique side view of this embodiment. FIG. 3c is an oblique view of this embodiment, wherein the base of the embodiment has a hinge attaching it to the roll-over bar.

FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c show drawings of an alternate protective device, where the device is characterized by an interrupted enclosure and two roll-over bars. FIG. 4a is a top view, FIG. 4b is an oblique side view, and FIG. 4c is another oblique side view of this embodiment.

FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c show drawings of another alternate embodiment. FIG. 5a is a top view, FIG. 5b is an oblique side view, and FIG. 5c is another oblique side view.

FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c show drawings of an alternative embodiment. FIG. 6a is a top view, FIG. 6b is an oblique side view, and FIG. 6c is a drawing where the base frame has been bent.

FIG. 7 shows a drawing of an embodiment similar to that of FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c, further including a pliable cover over the base of the device.

FIGS. 8a and 8b depict drawings of embodiments comprising flattened bands of material covered by a pliable covering. FIG. 8a depicts embodiment 800 shown in closed configuration and FIG. 8b depicts embodiment 801 is shown in open configuration.

FIGS. 9a and 9b depict drawings of embodiments comprising flattened bands of material covered by a pliable covering. FIG. 9a depicts embodiment 900 shown in closed configuration and FIG. 9b depicts embodiment 901 shown in open configuration.

FIGS. 10a and 10b depict drawings of embodiments comprising flattened bands of material covered by a pliable covering. FIG. 10a depicts embodiment 1000 shown in closed configuration and FIG. 10b depicts embodiment 1001 shown in open configuration.

FIGS. 11a and 11b depict drawings of embodiments comprising flattened bands of material covered by a pliable covering. Embodiment 1100 is shown in closed configuration (FIG. 11a) and embodiment 1101 is shown in open configuration (FIG. 11b).

FIGS. 12a and 12b depict drawings of embodiments comprising flattened bands of material covered by a pliable covering. Embodiment 1200 is shown in closed configuration (FIG. 12a) and embodiment 1201 is shown in open configuration (FIG. 12b).

FIG. 13 is a schematic line drawing of a newborn on a flat bed surface, in supine position, protected by a low profile enclosure with pivoting uplifting arms. The enclosure has U-shaped air exchange indentations or notches on their upper side. The enclosure holds a rigid S-shaped, protective roll-over bar arching over the supine infant. This rigid, 5-formed roll-over bar-protects the infant from being rolled over, hurt or asphyxiated by an inattentive or sleeping adult who shares the bed surface.

FIG. 14 is a schematic rendering of the infant protective on bed co-sleeper in FIG. 1, having a curved, S-shaped, rigid protective roll-over bar, with the flexible arms of the enclosure bent up. This up-bending capability and function of the arms of the enclosure is a safety feature to protect accidentally trapped extremities from being compressed upon pressure on any part of this co-sleeper.

FIG. 15 depicts in schematic form, four of the many possibilities known to a person skilled in the art, of the low profile enclosure having air exchange channels that would prevent an infant from being suffocated when an air trapping object is accidentally placed over it.

FIG. 16 depicts in schematic form, a lateral holding mechanism that is attached to the skeleton of the protective co-sleeper in that can be adjusted to any mattress's or sleeping surface's height, and be secured to various bed frames. It allows for the protective on bed co-sleeper to be used on a side of a bed that does not abut to a wall, securing it against being pushed off.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Bed-sharing and co-sleeping follows a healthy maternal or paternal instinct. The proximity to a neonate facilitates bonding and increases the comfort and duration of breastfeeding with its salutary effects for the mother and her infant.

The disclosures allow for mothers, fathers, partners, and other infant caretakers to share a bed with them without fears for the infant's safety.

Aspects of the Disclosure

The following aspects of the disclosure are presented for illustration only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The following aspects can be used in conjunction with other aspects.

One aspect is an open protective infant device with an enclosure having a frame base that is contiguously or non-contiguously attached to one or more a roll-over bars arching over an infant to protect an infant during bed-sharing or co-sleeping and also other living or non living objects from mechanical intrusions. In situations where a co-sleeper moves on top of a device, the force or pressure of the co-sleeper pressed down on the roll-over bar, which transmits the force, either directly or through hinges, pivots, or rotational elements to the frame base portions of the enclosure. Parts of the enclosure can elevate, either through said hinges or pivots or by consisting of easily flexible material such as and including also exchangeable foamed poly-ethylene-vinyl acetate swim noodles, so that an infant or neonate's extremity, head, or torso is not subjected to the pressure on the co-sleeper when these are accidentally caught under the enclosure. The devices of this disclosure thereby protect the infant or neonate from being injured, and reduces the chance of suffocation.

Aspects of this disclosure includes one or more base portions, that are able to be moved relative to each other, to allow for the based to be moved away from an infant or an infant's body parts.

Another aspect has at least one roll-over bar incorporating at least one motion limited hinge, pivot or rotational element and the enclosure to be interrupted at least at two locations to allow for the enclosure to lift in order to diminish pressure and avoid injury to an infant or body parts that may accidentally find themselves caught under it.

A further aspect includes two longitudinal roll-over bars that are far enough apart from each other at their apex for an infant's neck or head to not get caught in between.

Another aspect includes horizontal roll-over bars at both ends of the device and hinges in the middle of the lateral enclosures.

A still further aspect includes a single longitudinal, undulated roll-over bar that covers more space on both sides.

An additional aspect parts of the enclosure(s) having a spiral and/or undulated form.

Additional aspects include a frame base being covered in full or in part with exchangeable, washable, water repellent, or other material characteristics, padding of any circular or edged or combined vertical cut form, reaching up to 10 cm or 4 inches from the center of the frame base.

Other aspects include a frame base covering having U-shaped notches cut through, and/or holes through a covering to act as safety air exchange channels to protect an infant from asphyxiation.

Further aspects include embodiments in which all potentially body part catching angles or recessions are closed off.

Additional aspects include embodiments which can be firmly affixed and removed to a bed's siding, a bed's head, a bed's frame, a bed sheet or on or into a mattress.

Other embodiments include embodiments that can be disassembled and reassembled at least one location of the enclosure or roll-over bar to facilitate shipping.

Further aspects include embodiments that can be elongated or shorted at least one location of the enclosure or roll-over bar to adapt to the size of a given and growing infant.

Additional aspects include embodiments equipped with one or more pressure and/or movement sensors that communicate with their respective alarm and recording devices to warn a caretaker or co-sleeper of a problem.

Further aspects include frame bases without pliable covering.

Yet further aspects include individually designed fabrics.

Additional aspects include arms of the non contiguous enclosure to lift up in order to not impinge on an infant's extremity that could accidentally find itself caught under it. In addition the low profile enclosure can have suitable air passages through, or on top or on the bottom of it, that allow for air exchange in case the infant is accidentally covered by an air trapping object.

PRIOR ART

The following publications are described to provide some information on the state of the art. Applicant makes no representation that any of the publications are material to patentability of the claims.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,554,659 discloses an infant sleep providing passive and/or active safety features. The infant sleep pod provides a safe sleeping environment for infants sharing sleep areas with adults. The infant sleep pod provides a firm, flat, separate, portable, and dedicated sleep space for an infant. The infant sleep pod includes a base with a bed and sidewall, and a bridge extending across the bed. The bridge covers a head portion of the bed, while a foot portion of the bed is left open for inserting and removing the infant. The bridge prevents pillows and blankets from covering the bed and infant. The infant sleep pod also includes electronics for monitoring the sleep pod. The electronics include a sensor unit in the bridge and a control unit in communication with the sensor unit. The control unit and sensor unit are operable to detect unsafe conditions and, in response, generate alerts.

This patent does not disclose any frame members or roll-over bars having hinges, pivots, or rotatable elements that can raise a frame base element in response to pressure or force applied to a roll-over bar.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,549,619 discloses cushions for co-sleeping, including structures configured to secure to a mattress or other sleeping surface, permitting cushion re-shaping to divide or otherwise configure a sleeping space. Cushions join to the mattress via an L-shaped plate that seats against a side and under a bottom of the mattress. The cushion is supported by the L-shaped plate, which may extend inside the cushion or otherwise mate with a flexible shaping pipe in the cushion. The flexible pipe in the cushion allows the cushion to be shaped in any fashion with sufficient human force while retaining its shape when slept on. The L-shaped plate is joined to an opposite latch plate that secures to an opposite side of the mattress by an adjustable belt that runs between the L-shaped plate and latch plate. The belt may run under the mattress and join to any number of structures.

This patent does not disclose any frame members or roll-over bars having hinges, pivots, or rotatable elements that can raise a frame base element in response to pressure or force applied to a roll-over bar.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,090 discloses a bed enclosure having a dome-shaped frame to protect a baby from being injured by a co-sleeper rolling onto the dome-shaped frame.

This patent does not disclose any frame members or roll-over bars having hinges, pivots, or rotatable elements that can raise a frame base element in response to pressure or force applied to a roll-over bar.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,549,140 discloses an infant protective bed having a resilient bumper around the perimeter of the bed. The resilient bumper is provided with spring-loaded switch activation members as part of an alarm assembly that is so configued to sense if an adult rolls on to the bumper member, the arm either sounds a loud alarm or vigorously vibrates the bumper member, or both, if desired.

This patent does not disclose any frame members or roll-over bars having hinges, pivots, or tortional or rotatable elements that can raise a frame base element in response to pressure or force applied to a roll-over bar.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,710 discloses a collapsable child restrainer having a triangular tube with a right angle between a base panel for resting on a surface and a vertical panel. The vertical panel provides a child restraining wall, and the restrainer is connected to other similar restrainers at an angle of 90 degrees to form a rectangular crib area for infants. The vertical panel is collapsible to be flat on the resting surface, and restrainer can be put in line with another restrainer to form a longer restrainer wall for children of 18 months to 2 years.

This patent does not disclose any frame members or roll-over bars having hinges, pivots, or rotatable elements that can raise a frame base element in response to pressure or force applied to a roll-over bar.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,785 discloses an attachable couch-cushion confining device for infants. A confining device couch converter which converts a seat cushion of a couch into a confining device for resting baby. The confining device includes a sheet portion, which is flat, for convering a portion of the seat cushion where the baby rests. A wedge positioned along a perimeter of the sheet portion provides a barrier so that the baby does not fall onto the floor. An attaching portion connects the sheet portion to the seat cushion so that the confining device is secured to the seat cushion.

This patent does not disclose any frame members or roll-over bars having hinges, pivots, or rotatable elements that can raise a frame base element in response to pressure or force applied to a roll-over bar.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,245,337 discloses a baby portable bed and secure device for keeping baby in position while asleep or lying down. This device foam tubing inserts covered by fabric that form bumpers and kept rigid in place by stitching on the fabric.

This patent does not disclose any frame members or roll-over bars having hinges, pivots, or rotatable elements that can raise a frame base element in response to pressure or force applied to a roll-over bar.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are intended to illustrate specific embodiments of this invention. However, it is recognized that persons of skill in the art can use the teachings of this disclosure to produce other embodiments to serve similar purposes to those disclosed herein. All such embodiments are considered part of this disclosure.

Example 1

FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c depict drawings of an embodiment 100 of a portable protective frame for an infant. FIG. 1a shows a top view of an embodiment 100. This embodiment has a two-piece frame base (105a and 105b) and a two-piece roll-over bar 105c with one end of each of the pieces of the roll-over bar 105c being attached to the base frame, and having pivot 105d connecting the two pieces of the roll-over bar 105c. FIG. 1b shows an oblique, side view of embodiment 100 where pivot 105d is shown at the apex, where the two pieces of roll-over bar 105c are connected. FIG. 1c depicts an oblique side view of an embodiment 100 in which pivot 105d has been rotated, thereby opening the base frame elements 105a and 105b from each other. In this drawing, pivot 105d has reached its maximal extension upon a lateral rollover, and any further movement of the infant is arrested with the rollover bar still high enough over the infant's body to protect the infant or neonate.

This embodiment 100 comprises a sturdy, non-extremity catching, infant enclosure, which can be covered by a soft, washable, and exchangeable padding,

An S-shaped roll-over bar rises from its sides and arches over the infant. The S-shape allows for an easy placing and removal of the infant or placing it over an infant, regardless of the longitudinal orientation of the infant or device.

If a portion of the infant's body (e.g., legs, torso, arms, or head) becomes trapped under base frame 105a or 105b, pivot 105d can rotate to permit that portion of base frame 105a or 105b to become elevated, thereby avoiding harmful pressure being exerted on the infant.

Example 2

FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c show drawings of an embodiment 200 having an alternate roll-over bar. FIG. 2a is a top view of this embodiment. FIG. 2b shows an oblique side view of this embodiment. FIG. 2c is another oblique view of this embodiment.

The base frame of embodiment 200 has two curved pieces of a base frame 205a and 205b. The ends of the curved pieces of the base frame 205a and 205b are shown proximate to each other, defining a gap therebetween. Roll-over bar 205c comprises two pieces, with one end of each piece connected to one of the base frame 205a and 205b, and having pivot 205d shown connecting together the other ends of the two pieces of roll-over bar 205c.

Example 3

FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c show drawings of an embodiment 300, having two curved base pieces 305a and 305b arranged to have the ends of piece 305a proximate to the ends of piece 305b defining a gap therebetween. FIG. 3a is a top view of this embodiment. FIG. 3b is an oblique side view of this embodiment.

The roll-over bar comprises two curved pieces, 305c1 and 305c2 with the bottom ends of these pieces attached to base frame elements 305a and 305b using hinges 305e1 and 305e2, thereby permitting base frame elements 305a and/or 305b to be deflected relative to the roll-over bar. The ends of roll-over bar pieces 305c1 and 305c2 are connected together by pivots 305d1 and 305d2.

FIG. 3c is an oblique view of this embodiment, wherein the base piece 305b is shown rotated about hinge 305e1 thereby permitting base element 305b to be deflected downwards toward a surface upon which the device rests.

Example 4

FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c show drawings of an alternate embodiment 400 of a protective device, where the device comprises an interrupted enclosure made having two frame base pieces 405a and 405b, with the ends of the two pieces 405a and 405b being connected together using flexible hinges 405e and 405f.

The roll-over bar comprises two pieces 405c and 405d, each being connected to frame base elements 405a and 405b by pieces 405e and 405f of flexible tubing. FIG. 4a is a top view, FIG. 4b is an oblique side view, and FIG. 4c is another oblique side view of this embodiment.

This design allows for the pieces of roll-over bar 405c and 405d to be flexed away from each other, permitting an infant to be placed and removed from either side or even through the space between roll-over bar elements 405c and 405d. The roll-over-bars approach each other at their apex, but remain separated by enough of a distance that will prevent for an infant's neck or head to get caught underneath.

Example 5

FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c show drawings of another alternate embodiment 500. In this embodiment, two curved base elements 505a and 505b are shown connected to one end each of roll-over bar pieces 505c1 and 505c2. The other ends of roll-over bar pieces 505c1 and 505c2 are connected by pivot 505d.

FIG. 5a is a top view, FIG. 5b is an oblique side view, and FIG. 5c is another oblique side view.

Example 6

FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c show drawings of an alternative embodiment 600. This embodiment has two frame base pieces 605a and 605b that are contiguous with roll-over bar elements, where a portion of each frame base piece 605a and 605b are bent upwards to form portions of the roll-over bar.

The two portions of frame base pieces 605a and 605b that form lateral elements of the roll-over bar are connected to each other by way of a two-piece longitudinal element comprising 605c1 and 605c2. One end of each longitudinal elements 605c1 and 605c2 are joined together by pivot 605d in the middle of the roll-over bar, and the other ends of elements 605c1 and 605c2 are connected to the top portion of base pieces 605a and 605b, thereby forming a complete roll-over bar.

FIG. 6a is a top view, FIG. 6b is an oblique side view, and FIG. 6c is another oblique side view.

Example 7

FIG. 7 shows a drawing of an embodiment 700 similar to that of FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c, further including pliable covers 707a and 707b over the frame base elements of the device.

Example 8

FIGS. 8a and 8b depict drawings of embodiment 800 comprising flattened bands of material covered by a pliable covering. FIG. 8a depicts a drawing of embodiment 800, comprising frame base 807a and 807b connected together by roll-over bar 807d and connected to frame base portions 807a and 807b by hinge 807c. In this configuration, frame base portions 807a and 807b are shown on a sleeping surface and roll-over bar 807d is shown elevated to reduce pressure on a neonate's extremity.

FIG. 8b depicts a drawing of embodiment 801 where the embodiment 800 where roll-over bar 807d is connected to frame base portions 807a and 807b by hinge 807c, which has been moved to permit roll-over bar 807d to be lowered toward the sleeping surface, thereby elevating frame base portions to reduce pressure on a neonate's extremity.

Example 9

FIGS. 9a and 9b depict drawings of embodiments 900 and 901 respectively, comprising flattened bands of material optionally covered at least in part by a pliable covering. FIG. 9a depicts a drawing of embodiment 900 comprising frame base portions 908a and 908b shown on a sleeping surface. Roll-over bar 908d is shown elevated above frame base portions 908a and 908b to reduce pressure on a neonate's extremity.

FIG. 9b depicts a drawing of an embodiment 901 where the embodiment 900 is shown with roll-over bar 908d flexed at hinge 908c to permit the roll-over bar to be moved towards sleeping surface, thereby elevating parts of the frame base portions to permit an infant or caregiver to remove an extremity from under the frame base elements.

Example 10

FIGS. 10a and 10b depict drawings of embodiments 1000 and 1001, respectively, comprising flattened bands of material optionally covered at least in part by a pliable covering. FIG. 10a depicts a drawing of embodiment 1000 shown in sleeping configuration with frame base portions 1007a and 1007b shown on a sleeping surface. In this configuration, roll-over bars 1007c and 1007d are connected by hinges 1008a, and are elevated to reduce pressure on a neonate's extremity.

FIG. 10b depicts a drawing of embodiment 1001 where the embodiment 1000 is shown. In this configuration roll-over bars 1007c and 1007d are flexed with respect to each other by hinge elements 1008a, thereby permitting roll-over bars 1007c and 1007d to be moved toward sleeping surface, thereby elevating frame base portions to reduce pressure on a neonate's extremity.

Example 11

FIGS. 11a and 11b depict drawings of embodiments 1100 and 1101, respectively, comprising flattened bands of material covered by a pliable covering. FIG. 11a depicts a drawing of embodiment 1100 shown with frame base portions 1107a and 1107b shown on a sleeping surface. In this configuration, roll-over bars 1107c and 1107d are connected together by hinge 1107e and are elevated to reduce pressure on a neonate's extremity.

FIG. 11b depicts a drawing of embodiment 1101, similar to that of embodiment 1100. In this configuration roll-over bars 1107c and 1107d are flexed with respect to each other by hinge element 1008a, thereby permitting top portions 1007c and 1007d to be moved toward sleeping surface, thereby elevating frame base portions to reduce pressure on a neonate's extremity.

Example 12

FIGS. 12a and 12b depict drawings of embodiments 1200 and 1201, respectively, comprising flattened bands of material covered by a pliable covering. Embodiment 1200 is shown having frame base portions 1207a, 1207b, 1207c, and 1207d on a sleeping surface. Elements 1207a, 1207b, 1027c, and 1027d are folded and elevated to create elevated portions to support roll-over bars 1207e and 1207f to reduce pressure on a neonate's extremity. Elements 1207e and 1207f are connected by hinge 1207g.

FIG. 12b depicts a drawing of embodiment 1201, similar to that of embodiment 1200. In this embodiment, roll-over bars 1207e and 1207f are flexed with respect to each other by hinge 1207g, thereby permitting roll-over bars 1207e and 1207f to be moved toward sleeping surface, thereby elevating frame base portions to reduce pressure on a neonate's extremity.

Example 13

FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing 1300 of a newborn 1305 on flat surface 1310, in a supine position (face up), protected by low profile enclosure 1315 with pivoting uplifting sides 1320 that have U-shaped air safety air indentations 1325 as air conduits on their upper sides. This protective device has a curved, S-shaped, roll-over bar 1330 arching over the newborn 1305 to protect the newborn from an inattentive or sleeping adult rolling over the infant.

Example 14

FIG. 14 is a schematic drawing 1301 of the protective on bed co-sleeper 1315 similar to the one shown in FIG. 13, with symmetrical, pivoting uplifting sides 1320 having a curved, S-shaped, rigid protective roll-over bar 1330, with the symmetrical, pivoting uplifting sides 1320 of the enclosure bent upwards away from surface 1310. This bending-up characteristic of the symmetrical, pivoting uplifting sides 1320 of the enclosure is a safety feature to protect accidentally trapped extremities from pressure damage when pressure is exerted on other parts of the device. Also shown are u-shaped safety air indentations 1325.

Example 15

FIG. 15 depicts in schematic form, an embodiment 1500 of a portion of a base frame having U-shaped safety air exchange channels 1325 and 1326 that protect an infant from suffocation when an air trapping object is unintentionally placed over the infant. Also shown are transverse safety air exchange channels in circular form 1327, or in elongated form 1328.

Example 16

FIG. 16 depicts embodiment 1600 a lateral holding device 1605 that is attached to protective device 1315, with gap 1610 that can be adjusted to a sleeping surface and secured to bed frame 1615 by clamp 1620. The position of the lateral holding device 1605 can be adjusted by sliding clamp 1620 upwards or downwards on rod 1625. Holding device 1605 allows for the protective co-sleeper to be used on a side of a bed that does not abut to a wall and thus secures it against being pushed off.

Methods for Protecting Neonates During Bed-Sharing and Co-Sleeping

In use, a device of this disclosure is placed on a sleeping surface, such as a bed, and the base portions are arranged to make contact with the sleeping surface. In embodiments in which the frame base portions can be moved relative to each other, the frame base portions are separated from each other to permit hinge functions. Then, the frame base portions of the device are moved into proximity with each other and surrounding the neonate or infant, with the roll-over bar(s) located above the neonate.

In situations in which the neonate's leg(s), arm(s), or head is moved underneath a frame base portion, or where a co-sleeper moves on top of the device, or where the neonate cries or is otherwise believed to be distressed, the frame base portion(s) are moved away from the neonate by moving one or more motion limited hinges, pivots, or rotational and re-adjusting the position of the frame base. Then the frame base portions can be returned to their normal positions, making contact with the sleeping surface.

In embodiments comprising one or more position or pressure sensors, if a neonate moves an arm(s), leg(s) or head under a frame base portion, a sensor detects the abnormal position or pressure, and communicates by mechanical, air pressure or hydraulic means, to one or more alarms or recording devices to notify a co-sleeper or caregiver of abnormal position or pressure. A caregiver can then adjust the neonate's position and return the frame base portion(s) and roll-over bar(s) to their normal positions.

Applications

The foregoing embodiments have broad applications. While examples disclosed herein may focus on the protection of infants or neonates, devices of this disclosure may also be used in animal husbandry, farm operations, and zoos or to protect any living or non-living object from being crushed by larger ones.

Accordingly, the discussion of various designs is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or the claims.

Although the concept and implementation of the disclosures of this novel and non-obvious invention are provided, the dimensions and materials for the frame base(s) and roll-over bars, and the nature of the most practical and reliable hinges, pivot(s) rotation mechanisms, motion ranges and arrests, and frame connections can easily be chosen and adapted to various needs and safety requirements by an ordinary person skilled in the art.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Embodiments of this invention find industrial applicability in hospitals, the medical device field, and consumer product industries.

Claims

1. A device for a protective enclosure to protect a neonate during bed-sharing and co-sleeping, comprising: a frame base portion sized to accommodate a neonate and adapted to rest upon a sleeping surface;a protective roll-over bar attached to said frame base portion, wherein said protective roll-over bar is arched above the sleeping surface, wherein said frame base and roll-over bar includes one or more hinges, pivots, or rotational elements, including one or more safety air channels, said roll-over bar configured so as to elevate said frame base portion above said sleeping surface when a force or pressure is applied from under it by a neonates body part getting caught under it and by a co-sleeper to said roll-over bar from above, thus protecting them from injurious pressure.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said frame base portion comprises a plurality of frame base elements, adapted to be moved relative to each other by pressure applied to said roll-over bar, to rotate said hinges, pivots or rotational elements to elevate said frame base portion above said sleeping surface, each of said frame base elements being connected to said roll-over bar.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said roll-over bar comprises a plurality of elements.

4. The device of claim 2, said roll-over bar further comprising a plurality of elements connected together by one or more motion limited hinges, pivots, tortional, or rotational elements adapted to permit motion of said frame base element away from said sleeping surface.

5. The device of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of roll-over bars.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said roll-over bar has an undulating shape.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising pliable covering on said base element or said roll-over bar.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more elements to affix said device to a portion of a bed.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or pressure or movement sensors to sense abnormal positioning or pressure on said device and to communicate sensor information by electrical, mechanical, air pressure, or hydraulic devices, to one or more alarms or recording devices.

10. The device of claim 1, said safety air channels being either a U-shaped indentation or transverse hole.

11. The device of claim 10, said transverse hole having either circular or elongated cross section.

12. A method for protecting a neonate during bed-sharing and co-sleeping, comprising: a) providing the device of claim 1;b) placing a neonate between elements of said frame base portion and underneath said roll-over bar;c) adjusting said frame base portion into a position to encircle said neonate; andd) adjusting said roll-over bar into a position elevated above said neonate.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said device comprises one or more pressure or position sensors, wherein if said one or more sensors detects an abnormal position or pressure, and transmits a signal to an alarm, triggering the alarm, thereby notifying a co-sleeper or caregiver.