CRIB BUMPER SECURED WITH A TOY

Abstract

A crib bumper including a bumper pad and a set of attachment members. The attachment members pass from in the interior of the crib through bores in the bumper pad and secure behind bars of the crib. Securing and releasing the bumper pad to the crib is simplified through the use of the bores and attachment members.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to crib safety devices, and specifically relates to a crib bumper with a bumper pad and separate attachment members.

BACKGROUND

Permanently mounted or removable rail or bar restraints are widely used to prevent children or the incapacitated from falling out of bed. Unfortunately, these restraints typically allow the head, arms and/or legs to be inserted through the rails or bars of the bed or crib. These limbs may then become lodged between the rails or accidentally struck by moving people or objects outside the crib.

To reduce these dangers, crib bumper pads have been developed. Typically, these crib bumper pads are thin, padded strips covered with fabric or plastic and positioned on top of the mattress and around the interior boundary of the crib. The bumper pads are attached to the crib side using string or cord attached to corner of each section of the bumper pad. The strings are tied around a corner post or bar of the crib. Thus, the bumper pad is held against the sides of the crib at each corner.

Conventional crib bumpers have a disadvantage in that each corner of the bumper pad must be tied in place. This can be a time consuming task for an already busy caretaker. Further, the bumper pad is sometimes only attached to the crib at its corners, which allows the bumper pad to fold outward in its middle. As a result, it is not uncommon for the top side of the bumper pad to slip downward toward the base of the crib.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a crib bumper that can be easily attached to a crib and securely held in place. The bumper pad includes one or more bores therethrough. Attachment members pass through the bores and secure the bumper pad to the crib bars or corner posts using a fastening device.

In some embodiments the attachment member is an elongate element that passes through the bore or bores and ends of the elongate element secure around the bars of the crib. Other embodiments include a central body and string attached thereto, which passes through the bore or bores and attaches to the crib bar.

Another embodiment is an elongate member with a central body. The elongate member is formed of appendages extending out form the central body. The appendages pass through the bore or bores and secure behind the bar or corner post. The central body of the attachment member can represent a character such as an animal, character, or children's entertainer. In some embodiments the appendages can be limbs corresponding to the character of the central body.

The fastening device of the attachment members can be an elongate pliable member inside the appendages, such that the appendages can be twisted into a secure position behind the bars. Other embodiments include hoop and loop attachment strips, a gear rack and ratchet or a cord lock, in the case when string is used.

The invention makes securing and removing the bumper pad very easy. The caretaker can leave the attachment members in their places in the bores and quickly release the fastening devices. Once the fastening devices are released, the caretaker can remove the bumper pad. Further, the bumper pad is held to the crib bars at its middle, which makes it less prone to sliding downward.

The crib bumper can include a bumper pad and a set of attachment members. The attachment members can be themed for the education and amusement of the child. For example, if the attachment members are characters, they can be a group of related characters. Alternatively, the attachment members can include a set of different shapes and colors. There are a great many possible alternatives for sets of attachment members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other objects and features of the invention will become more apparent by referring to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional top view of the crib bumper of the present invention in use in a crib;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of an attachment member of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of an attachment member of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front view of yet another embodiment of an attachment member of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front view of still another embodiment of an attachment member of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view of an embodiment of an attachment member of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front view of yet another embodiment of an attachment member of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a further embodiment; and

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional top view of a crib 1 with crib bumper 10 of the present invention. The cross-sectional view is taken just below the railings (not shown) such that bars 4 along the sides 6, 8 of the crib 1 are visible. Corner posts 2 of the crib 1 are also shown in the figure. The crib bumper 10 provides a protective bumper pad 20 between the inside of the crib 1 and the bars 4. The bumper pad 20 runs along entire perimeter of the crib 1 inside the bars 4.

The bumper pad 20 is soft so that a small child placed in the crib 1 is protected from the bars 4 of the crib 1 which are typically hard. The construction of the bumper pad 20, in general, is not particularly limited. For example, it may be formed from entirely of a soft sponge-like material, or it may include a textile pouch filled with padding or soft stuffing. Since the inner side 22 of the bumper pad 20 can be contacted by a child placed inside the crib 1, the inner side 22 is soft and the material of the inner side is preferably smooth. On the other hand, the outer side 24 of the bumper pad 20 is adjacent the bars 4 of the crib 1. Thus, the outer side may be formed from a variety of materials. In many embodiments of the invention the bumper pad 20 is reversible, and the inner and outer sides 22, 24 have similar or the same softness and smoothness.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bumper pad 20 is secured to the crib 1 with at least one attachment member 30. The attachment members 30 of the present invention may be formed in any one of a variety of different embodiments. The different embodiments are described in detail below. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the crib bumper includes six attachment members 30. Each attachment member 30 includes a central body 32 and two appendages 34 extending therefrom. Thus, the attachment member 30 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 are, as a whole, a substantially elongate element 40 with a central body 32 in the middle, near or at the center of the element 40.

The central body 32 of each attachment member is on the inside of the crib 1, adjacent the inner side 22 of the bumper pad 20. The appendages 34 of the attachment members 30 pass through bores 26 in the bumper pad 20. The ends 36 of the appendages 34 (as shown in FIG. 4) extend to outside of the crib 1 and wrap around one or more of the bars 4 or corner posts 2. Each appendage 34 includes a fastening device 38 that secures on or behind the bars 4 or corner posts 2. The fastening device 38 is not a simple string to be tied. The present invention contemplates an easy removal/fastening device without the use of knots.

Aesthetically, the attachment members 34 can be very simple and formed with a plain cotton or fabric exterior. Alternatively, as with many children's products, the attachment members can be made with a variety of colors and designs to amuse the child. As shown in FIG. 1, each attachment member 30 in the set includes a different design and the set includes two differently shaped attachment members.

The bumper pad 20 of the present invention may be a single continuous pad that traverses the entire crib 1. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, the bumper pad may include two or more sections. The bumper pad 20 shown, has a front section 42 that is separate from the back and side section 44 which is formed as three joined parts. This is particularly advantageous when the front side 6 of the crib 1 can slide upward and downward to close and open. The illustrated attachment members 30, not only hold the bumper pad 20 up against the bars 4 of the crib 1, they also hold the two sections 42, 44 of the bumper pad 20 together.

The illustrated embodiment of the crib bumper 10 shown in FIG. 1 exclusively uses attachment members 30 for holding the bumper pad 20 in place. However, this is not a requirement of the invention. The invention can include as few as one attachment member 30, for holding the bumper pad 20 to the crib 1. The rest of the bumper pad 20 can be held to the crib in a conventional manner, for example, with ties.

Various embodiments of the attachment member 30 are shown in FIGS. 2-12. FIGS. 2-4 illustrate a particularly amusing embodiment of attachment member 30. In this embodiment, attachment member 30 resembles a character, specifically a monkey. The head and torso of the character serve as the central body 32 of the attachment member and the limbs of the character serve as the appendages 34. The appendages 34 extend outward forming a substantially elongate element 40. In FIG. 2, the attachment member 30 includes two appendages 34 formed by the monkey's arms, while in FIG. 3, the attachment member includes four appendages 34, using both the arms and legs of the monkey. As shown in FIG. 4, the monkeys limbs pass through bores 26 in the bumper pad 20, from the inner side 22 to the outer side 24, and secure behind bars 4 of the crib.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of the attachment members 30. This embodiment is an elongate element 40 that does not include a central body 32. The elongate element 40 passes through two bores 26 in the bumper pad 20. Ends 46 of the elongate element 40 are similar to the ends of the appendages 36. Each end 46 includes a fastening device 38 for securing the elongate element 40 behind the bars 4.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 2-4, in that it includes two appendages 34 extending from a central body 32 and the appendages 34 are inserted through two bores 26 in the bumper pad 20. However, the design of the central body 32 and appendages 34 are independent. The appendages 34 are not integral to the design of the central body 32 as they are with the monkey embodiment. The central body 32 in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 is a star with a face. However, the central body does not need to have any descriptive characteristics. It could be as simple as a bulge in the center of elongate body 40. The central body 32 is defined by its size with respect to the bores 26 in bumper pad 20. The central body 32 is larger than the bores 26, such that it does not fit through bores 26 easily. Any design variations along elongate body 40 that are not larger than the bores 26 should not be considered a central body 32.

The embodiment of attachment member 30 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 includes a central body 32 and only one bore 26. The illustrated embodiment includes string extending from the back of central body 32. The string 48 passes through the bore 26 and is held by fastening device 38 behind the bars 4 of crib 1. A similar embodiment could include one or more appendages that extend from the back of central body 32 and include a fastening device 38 that secures on one or more bars 4.

The attachment member 30 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is an elongate element 60 that passes through a single bore 26 in the bumper pad 20. The elongate element 60 is in the form of a character, specifically a snake, and wraps around bar 4 of the crib 1. For added security, the elongate element also wraps up over bumper pad 20 and around the front of an adjacent bar 4.

Similar to the bumper pad 20, the attachment members 30 may be formed from a variety of materials. Preferably, the portions of attachment members 30 that will be on the inside of the crib, for example the central body and parts of the appendages, are soft and smooth. This design will ensure that a child placed in the crib will be safe. Possible materials that can be used for the attachment elements are textiles filled with a soft padding, or a sponge-like material that is soft without the need for a textile covering. These are merely examples, as the attachment members 30 may be made from many different materials.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the attachment members 30 may also include numerous additional features. For example, the attachment members 30 can include various additions to amuse a child placed in the crib 1. The attachment members can include lights 100 or toys 102. Additionally, the attachment members can make sounds or music. For example one or more attachment member 30 can include an audio playing device and a speaker 104. One possibility is that each attachment member 30 includes a digital audio player (DAP) 106. Likewise, a single DAP can be included in one of the attachment members 30 and each can include a speaker and a wireless receiver to receive signals for playing the audio sounds. Further, a transmitter 108 can be included in the attachment member to act as a baby monitor. A wireless receiver 110 can be placed at a location remote from the crib so the caretaker can monitor the sleep of the child.

FIGS. 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 show various embodiments of the fastening device 38 included on the attachment members 30.

In FIG. 4 the fastening device 38 is formed by the ends 36 of the appendages 34 themselves. For example, the appendages can be tied around the back of the crib bar 4. The ends of the appendages 36 and the knot formed therein serve as a fastening device 38. Alternatively, as shown, the appendages 34 can lock together using an elongate pliable member 50 that is flexible but retains its shape. Thus, the appendages 34 can be wrapped around a bar 4 and twisted into a locked position as shown in FIG. 4. A possible example of pliable member 50 is a wire, which can be bent into a position and hold its shape.

The fastening device shown in FIG. 6 is a pair of hook and loop fastening strips 52, one at each end 42 of the elongate body 40. The elongate body 40 wraps around the bar 4 and the strips 52 are attached to one another. This holds the bumper pad 20 securely against the bars 4.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 includes a pair of fastening devices 38 on the ends 36 of appendages 34. The fastening devices 38 include a gear rack 54 and a ratchet 56, similar to a cable tie or zip tie. Preferably the ratchet 56 is two-directional, allowing the gear rack 54 to pass easily to “tighten” the fastening device 38 to bar 4 and to “loosen” only with manual intervention by the caretaker, unlike most cable ties. The attachment member 30 shown in FIG. 10, as mentioned above, includes string 48 attached thereto. Also, as mentioned above, the string can be tied together to serve as a fastening device 38. Alternatively, a separate fastening device 38, such as a cord lock 58, can be included and hold the string 48 in place.

In FIG. 12, similar to FIG. 4, elongate element 60 serves as a fastening device 38. However, in the case of FIG. 12, the elongate element 60 encloses pliable member 50 does not engage another pliable member 50. Instead, the pliable member 50 holds against the bars 4 by its own strength.

Additionally, embodiments include the use of safety buckles, buttons or snaps 70 as illustrated in FIG. 13. Adjusters 72 can be used with this or the other embodiments to adjust the length of attachment member/appendage 34.

Although the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described, many features may be varied, as will readily be apparent to those skilled in this art. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A crib bumper comprising:

a bumper pad including: an inner side, an outer side, and at least one bore passing through the bumper pad from the inner side to the outer side; and

at least one attachment member including: an elongate body passing through the at least one bore, and a fastening device for securing the attachment member to a bar or corner post of a crib adjacent the outer side of the bumper pad.

2. The crib bumper of claim 1 wherein the at least one bore includes two bores, the elongate element passes through each of the two bores, and the elongate element includes ends extending from each of the two bores.

3. The crib bumper of claim 2, wherein the fastening device includes an elongate pliable member in each end of the elongate body, the elongate pliable member operable to hold a desired shape that secures the at least one attachment member to the bar or corner post.

4. The crib bumper of claim 2, wherein the fastening device comprises a strip of hook and loop fastener on each end of the elongate element for attaching the ends together behind the bar or corner post of the crib.

5. The crib bumper of claim 2, wherein the fastening device comprises a gear rack on one end of the elongate element and a ratchet on another end of the elongate element for attaching the ends together behind the bar or corner post of the crib.

6. The crib bumper of claim 2, wherein the at least one attachment member further includes a central body and the ends of the elongate element are appendages extending therefrom.

7. The crib bumper of claim 6, wherein the central body is larger than diameters of both of the two bores.

8. The crib bumper of claim 7, wherein the central body represents a character and the appendages represent limbs of the character.

9. A crib bumper comprising:

a bumper pad including: an inner side, an outer side, and at least one bore passing through the bumper pad from the inner side to the outer side; and

an attachment member traversing the at least one bore and including: a central body adjacent an inner side of the bumper pad, the central body being larger than a diameter of the at least one bore, and at least one fastening device for securing the attachment member to a bar or corner post of a crib adjacent the outer side of the bumper pad.

10. The crib bumper of claim 9 wherein the attachment member includes string extending from the central body and the at least one fastening device comprises ends of the string which are configured to tie around the bar or corner post of the crib.

11. The crib bumper of claim 9 wherein the attachment member includes string extending from the central body and the at least one fastening device comprises a cord lock operable to hold the string tightly around the bar or corner post of the crib.

12. The crib bumper of claim 9 wherein the at least one bore includes two bores, and the central body includes an appendage extending therefrom corresponding to each bore of the bumper pad, each appendage passing through the corresponding bore, and

wherein the at least one fastening device is at the end of at least one of the appendages.

13. The crib bumper of claim 12, wherein the fastening device includes an elongate pliable member in each appendage, the elongate pliable member operable to hold a desired shape that secures the attachment member to the bar or corner post.

14. The crib bumper of claim 12, wherein the fastening device comprises a strip of hook and loop fastener on each appendage for attaching the ends together behind the bar or corner post of the crib.

15. The crib bumper of claim 12, wherein the fastening device comprises a gear rack on one appendage and a ratchet on another appendage for attaching the ends together behind the bar or corner post of the crib.

16. The crib bumper of claim 12, wherein the central body represents a character and the appendages represent limbs of the character.

17. The crib bumper of claim 8 wherein the at least one attachment members includes a set of six attachment members

18. A crib bumper comprising:

a bumper pad including: an inner side, an outer side, and at least two bores passing through the bumper pad from the inner side to the outer side; and

an attachment member including: a central body adjacent an inner side of the bumper pad and being larger than a diameter of any of the at least two bores, the central body representing a character, and an appendage corresponding to each of the at least two bores and passing therethrough, the appendages including at least one fastening device for securing the attachment member to a bar or corner post of the of a crib adjacent the outer side of the bumper pad, wherein each appendage represents a limb of the character of the central body.

19. The crib bumper of claim 18, wherein the fastening device includes an elongate pliable member in at least one of the appendages for holding a desired shape that secures the attachment member to the bar or corner post.

20. The crib bumper of claim 18, wherein the fastening device comprises a strip of hook and loop fastener on each appendage, for attaching the appendages together behind the bar or corner post of the crib.