PORTABLE CUSHION AND BUMPER DEVICE

Abstract

A portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device is described. The invention includes a flexible padded base and a plurality of padded wall sections integrally attached to each other. The wall sections may be raised and fastened together such that an interior cavity is formed. The bumper device may be used alone or inserted in part or all of a sleeping apparatus. When the wall sections are raised and fastened together, the playpen is in an erected configuration, and when the walls are unfastened, the playpen is in a collapsed and thus easily transported configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 60/926,258.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device that has sides which may be raised to discourage the baby or pet from rolling off the pad. The sides of the pad may also be lowered to roll up the pad to make it easier to transport. The pad may be used alone or may be inserted into a baby bed, bassinet, crib, playpen or pet carrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Playpens, baby tents and other enclosed structures in which a baby could be kept within a restrained area to play, have been known and used for some time. Traditional playpens include a square base and square walls, the base having a soft cushion for the baby's comfort and the walls typically designed to keep the child inside. Traditional playpens may, however, utilize add-on bumper systems which must be tied in to place. These add-on bumper systems may result in choking hazards of loose fitting sheets and bumpers inside of a baby bed, bassinet, crib, playpen or pet carrier. Also, traditional playpens may be difficult to set up and collapse, and may be heavy, thereby limiting their portability.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,547 to Harding describes an improved baby mattress is formed of four sections, with a two part central section including a pair of interactive cradles which provide safe and comfortable support for a sleeping infant. An upper life cradle area may be variably pressurized to produce a telescoping well which encourages placing the infant for safe sleeping on its back. A lower safety cradle is filled with strong and resilient foam rubber and serves to safely support the infant in the event of unwanted cradle deflation. An array of auxiliary support and shape retaining members serve to give the crib-sized mattresses a stable and smooth overall rectangular appearance.

This patent attempts to limit the movements of the child or infant by introducing a cavity maintained either by variable pressure, a belt or foam rubber, however, this solution does not lend itself to portability.

U.S. Pat. No. Design 359,869 to Oren depicts a portable, collapsible baby mattress having a fabric base and two curved supports extending from opposite comers of the mattress and crossing above the center of the mattress.

This patent describes a pad that is easily collapsed and is very portable; however, there is nothing to prevent the baby from rolling or crawling off the pad. Additionally, there is a danger from the collapsible rods breaking or splintering and injuring the child. Furthermore, because the collapsible rods are removable, in order to collapse the pad, they may become lost or misplaced.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,462 to Laosunthara describes a portable playpen/mattress for babies which includes a flexible base and a plurality of substantially open perpendicular walls all consecutively attached to each other. When the walls are attached to the base, the playpen is in an erected configuration, and when the walls are detached and folded one on top of another, the playpen is a collapsed configuration. The base is attachable to the walls in two configurations. When the comers of the base are curled around the leg portions of the walls, the base is in a rimmed configuration, and when the leg portions are directly attached to an upper surface of the base, the base is in a flat configuration. A reversible roof is selectively attachable to the walls. An outer cover is adapted to enclose the base and the walls in the erected configuration.

This patent is an improvement in portability, however, not only is it both complicated to set up and dismantle, but is also made of many different pieces which may be lost or accidentally discarded during multiple uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device that is easily collapsible and portable.

It is another object of the invention to provide a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device that has sides which may be selectively raised or lowered.

It is another object of the invention to provide a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device whose component parts are integral to the pad and not easily lost or separated.

It is another object of the invention to provide a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device that protects babies from rolling or crawling off the pad.

It is another object of the invention to provide a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device that is insertable into all or part of an existing baby bed, bassinet, crib, playpen or pet carrier.

It is another object of the invention to provide a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device that can be collapsed, rolled up and constrained with a strap for convenient storage and carrying.

It is another object of the invention to provide a water-proof skid-proof and washable portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device to allow versatile usage both indoors and outdoors.

The above and other objects are achieved by the invention, which is a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device for newborns, infants and young children or pets. The invention includes a flexible padded base and a plurality of padded wall sections integrally attached to each other. The wall sections may be raised and fastened together such that an interior cavity is formed. When the wall sections are raised and fastened together, the playpen is in an erected configuration, and when the walls are unfastened, the playpen is in a collapsed and thus easily transported configuration. The wall sections may be which may be selectively raised or lowered may be fastened together by any conventional attaching means, such as micro-hook fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), a zipper, a tie, laces, a snap, a buckle, a magnet, adhesive, and/or a hook. In the preferred embodiment, the four wall sections are secured together by tying them to each other with attached straps.

These, together with other advantages of the integrated baby or pet bumper device, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the design, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the integrated baby or pet bumper device, its operating advantages and the specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of this application. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the integrated baby or pet bumper device in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the integrated baby or pet bumper device that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the integrated baby or pet bumper device in its unfolded configuration, completely flat.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the integrated baby or pet bumper device in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in elevation along section line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the integrated baby or pet bumper device in FIG. 1 folded and with the straps tied together on each corner.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the strap used to keep the integrated baby or pet bumper device secure when in a rolled up position as in FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a left perspective view of the integrated baby or pet bumper device rolled up with the strap from FIG. 5 attached to hold the integrated baby or pet bumper device in a rolled up position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the integrated baby or pet bumper device assembly shown in its raised side configuration inside a baby crib.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, FIG. 1 is a top view of an integrated baby or pet bumper device assembly 100 constructed in accordance with the invention. A material cover 102 encloses a central portion of the integrated baby or pet bumper device 104. The material cover may be selected for any particular desired quality including, but not limited to, softness, durability, waterproofing, non-slip, non-skid or a combination thereof. The central portion of the integrated baby or pet bumper device may be made of foam, foam rubber, wool or cloth batting, or other material chosen to obtain a particular desired quality including, but not limited to, firmness, resilience, retention of shape, etc. or a combination thereof. A plurality of additional side pad sections 106, 108, 110 and 112 are enclosed in cover 102 along each of the sides of the central portion of the integrated baby or pet bumper device 104. Each side pad section has at least a first longitudinal edge ex. 110a and at least a second longitudinal edge ex. 110b. This embodiment further has a first transverse edge 110c and a second transverse edge 110d. The side pad sections 106, 108, 110 and 112 of the integrated baby or pet bumper device assembly 100 may be made of foam, foam rubber, wool or cloth batting, or other material chosen to obtain a particular desired quality including, but not limited to, firmness, resilience, retention of shape, etc. or a combination thereof. A joining flap 114 connects each of the side pad sections 106, 108, 110 and 112 to their adjoining neighbors. A fastening device is provided on or near the side pad sections 106, 108, 110 and 112 to fasten adjoining side pad sections. In this embodiment the fastening devices 116 are straps 118a, 118b, 120a, 120b, 122a, 122b, 124a and 124b. When the side pad sections 106, 108, 110 and 112 are in their raised position, the straps 118a and 120b, 120a and 122b, 122a and 124b and 124a and 118b may each, in their respective pairs, be tied together to form an interior cavity surrounding the central portion of the integrated baby or pet bumper device 104 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The straps may be made of any of a particular material chosen for a particular desired quality including, but not limited to, tensile strength, durability, waterproofing, non-slip, non-skid or a combination thereof and sewn on or near the second edge of the side pad sections 106, 108, 110 and 112.

Referring now to FIG. 2 which is a bottom view of the integrated baby or pet bumper device assembly 200 constructed in accordance with the invention, showing zipper 202 in cover 102 to allow easy removal of the inner pad 104. Further access openings are made in the cover 102 at locations 206a, 206b, 208a, 208b, 210a, 210b, 212a and 212b. Each a and b pair of openings allows the easy removal and/or replacement of the interior side pad sections 106, 108, 110 and 112, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 3 which illustrates a cross-sectional view in elevation along central longitudinal line of FIG. 1 of integrated baby or pet bumper device assembly 100. FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of cover 102, side pad section 108, central pad section 104, and side pad section 112. An alternate embodiment is represented by inclusion of a waterproof pad enclosure 302 for central pad section 104.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the integrated baby or pet bumper device assembly 400 shown in its raised side configuration. Each of the side pad sections 106, 108, 110 and 112 has been folded at its respective first longitudinal edge ex. 110 joining its first transverse edge to its adjoining neighbor's second transverse edge. Fastening devices 116 are secured to form an enclosure around central pad 104. In this embodiment, the fastening devices 118a and 120b, 120a and 122b, 122a and 124b and 124a and 118b may each, in their respective pairs, be tied together to form an interior cavity surrounding the central portion of the pad 104 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The straps may be made of any of a particular material chosen for a particular desired quality including, but not limited to, tensile strength, durability, waterproofing, non-slip, non-skid or a combination thereof and sewn on or near the second edge of the side pad sections 106, 108, 110 and 112. Note that additional fastening methods may be used including, but not limited to, micro-hook fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), a zipper, laces, a snap, a buckle, a magnet and/or a hook.

Referring now to FIG. 5 which is a perspective view of the strap assembly 500 used to keep pad assembly 100 secure when in a rolled up position as in FIG. 6. A length of material may be cut and fastened so as to provide at least a first loop strap 504 and a second loop strap 506. The loop straps may be pre-sized to fit the pad assembly 100 when rolled up. The loop straps may have an adjustable device 510 and 512 to snug fit the pad assembly 100 when rolled up. The adjustable device 510 and 512 may include, but not be limited to a button, a snap, a hook, micro-hook fasteners (e.g., VELCRO). The first loop strap 504 and the second loop strap 506 are then fastened together with a length of material 508. The length of material 508 may then be used as the handle to hold and carry the rolled up pad assembly 100.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a left perspective view of pad assembly 100 rolled up and the strap assembly 500 placed around the rolled up pad assembly 100 to secure it from unrolling. Now the strap 508 can be easily placed around a shoulder or carried by hand for simple portability. Note that the pad assembly 100 is rolled tightly and the loops 504 and 506 fit tightly around the pad 100 in the rolled up position.

Referring now to FIG. 7 which is a perspective view of the integrated baby or pet bumper device assembly 400 shown in its raised side configuration inside a baby crib.

Claims

1. A portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device comprising:

a. an enclosing cover;

b. a central pad including a first side and second side and a plurality of edges;

c. a plurality of side pads with a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge and a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge wherein the first longitudinal edge is integrally connected to at least one of the plurality of edges of the central pad;

d. a joining flap with a first edge and a second edge wherein the first edge is attached to the first transverse edge of at least one of the plurality of side pads and the second edge is attached to the second transverse edge of at least one of the plurality of side pads; and

e. a plurality of fastening devices wherein the fastening devices are situated such that the first transverse edge of one of the plurality of side pads may be fastened to the second transverse edge of an adjacent plurality of side pads.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first side of the enclosing cover is a soft absorbent material.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the first side of the enclosing cover is a water-resistant material.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the first side of the enclosing cover is a stain-resistant material.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the second side of the enclosing cover is a non-skid material.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the second side of the enclosing cover is an abrasion resistant material.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the second side of the enclosing cover is a water-resistant material.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the fastening device is a material tie.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the fastening device is a micro hook fastener.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the fastening device is a zipper.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the fastening device is a buckle.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein the fastening device is a hook.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein the fastening device is a buckle

14. A portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device comprising:

a. an enclosing cover;

b. a central pad including a first side and second side and a plurality of edges;

c. a plurality of side pads with a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge and a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge wherein the first longitudinal edge is integrally connected to at least one of the plurality of edges of the central pad;

d. a joining flap with a first edge and a second edge wherein the first edge is attached to the first transverse edge of at least one of the plurality of side pads and the second edge is attached to the second transverse edge of at least one of the plurality of side pads; and

e. a plurality of fastening devices wherein the fastening devices are situated such that the first transverse edge of one of the plurality of side pads may be fastened to the second transverse edge of an adjacent plurality of side pads;

wherein the integrated pet or bumper device may be inserted in a sleeping apparatus

15. The portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device of claim 14 wherein the integrated pet or bumper device is inserted in a portion of a sleeping apparatus.

16. The method of making a portable, integrated baby or pet bumper device comprising the steps of:

a. providing an enclosing cover;

b. providing a central pad including a first side and second side and a plurality of edges;

c. providing a plurality of side pads with a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge and a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge wherein the first longitudinal edge is integrally connected to at least one of the plurality of edges of the central pad;

d. providing a joining flap with a first edge and a second edge wherein the first edge is attached to the first transverse edge of at least one of the plurality of side pads and the second edge is attached to the second transverse edge of at least one of the plurality of side pads; and

e. providing a plurality of fastening devices wherein the fastening devices are situated such that the first transverse edge of one of the plurality of side pads may be fastened to the second transverse edge of an adjacent plurality of side pads.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of providing the first side of the enclosing cover with a soft, absorbent material.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of providing the first side of the enclosing cover with a stain-resistant material.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of providing second side of the enclosing cover is a non-skid material.

20. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of providing the second side of the enclosing cover is an abrasion resistant material.