Crib mattress

Abstract

The crib mattress forms a structure that allows an infant to breathe properly when lying face down thereon. The crib mattress is adapted to replace current mattresses made with polyvinyl chloride and the like. The mattress includes a wooden frame assembled with a toxin-free, breathable material attached thereto. A soft, absorbent, cover is positioned over the assembled frame to form the upper surface of the mattress. A liquid-impervious liner is attached to the frame to form the undersurface of the mattress.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/174,383, filed Apr. 30, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to bedding accessories, and particularly to a crib mattress for infants.

2. Description of the Related Art

Each year government agencies compile statistics that relate to the phenomenon known as “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” (SIDS). There has been no definitive provable theory to determine the exact cause or causes of these tragic events. One popular theory as to the cause is that the most commonly utilized materials employed to fabricate crib mattresses (polyvinyl chloride, phthalates, polyurethane foam, etc.) prevent the infant from breathing if the infant is lying face down on the mattress. Furthermore, these materials are treated with various ingredients that have toxic properties, which properties may contribute to lung and respiratory problems in infants. It is understatement to say that parents and pediatricians would welcome a crib mattress that was breathable and free of toxic ingredients. Thus, a crib mattress solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The crib mattress is a mattress for a crib that allows an infant to breathe properly when lying face down thereon. The crib mattress is adapted to replace current mattresses made with polyvinyl chloride and the like. The mattress includes a wooden frame assembled with a toxin-free, breathable material attached thereto. A soft, absorbent cover is positioned over the assembled frame to form the upper surface of the mattress. A liquid-impervious liner is attached to the frame to form the bottom surface of the mattress.

Accordingly, the invention presents a crib mattress that is free of potentially toxic materials and is breathable, thereby permitting an infant to lay face downward thereon without experiencing breathing difficulties. The mattress also permits the capture of any moisture due to spillage or wetting and is easily disassembled for cleaning. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a crib mattress according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a crib mattress according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the crib mattress 10 is a mattress for a crib that allows an infant to breathe properly when lying face down thereon. Although shown to fit in a standard-size crib C, it is recognized that the mattress 10 can be made in a variety of sizes to fit different bed types, such as bassinets, toddler beds, twin beds, etc. A coil system may be provided for the larger size twin mattresses to enhance comfort. As best seen in FIG. 2, mattress 10 comprises a frame 12, which is generally rectangular and defines an open top and bottom. A brace 12a extending between lateral members of the frame 12 may be provided for the frame 12 if needed to enhance support. At its upper surface, the frame's top opening is covered with a soft, resilient or stretchable mesh material 14. The frame 12 is preferably fabricated from wood, and the mesh material 14 is preferably denier nylon. Other materials (metal, plastic, cotton mesh, rayon mesh, etc.) may be employed, if suitable. The mesh material 14 is attached to the frame 12 with any suitable fastener (staples, tacks, brads, etc.).

A sheet-like cover member 16 is dimensioned to fit over the top of the frame 12 and the mesh material 14. The cover member 16 is provided with conventional elastic corners 16a to permit a smooth fit, and easy mounting and removal. The cover member 16 is fabricated from a soft, breathable, liquid-absorbent material, preferably polyester. The bottom of the frame 12 defines an opening that is covered with a thin, liquid-impervious sheet 18. The sheet 18 is removably attached to the frame 12 with hook and loop fasteners 20 disposed on the periphery of the sheet 18, which mate with corresponding hook and loop fasteners on the frame 12.

In use, the assembled mattress 10 is placed in the crib C, and regular bedding (sheets, blankets, etc.) is provided. Any liquid deposited on the mattress 10 due to wetting or the like will seep through the cover 16 and mesh 14 to be retained by the liquid-impervious sheet 18. Cleanup merely requires retrieval of the assembled mattress 10 from the crib C and removal of the cover 16 and liquid-impervious sheet 18 for laundering. One or more extra sets of covers 16 and liquid-impervious sheets 18 may be kept on hand for changing purposes.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A mattress, comprising:

a frame having a perimeter, a top, a bottom, and an opening therethrough defined by the perimeter extending from the top to the bottom of the frame;

a mesh material attached to the frame and covering the opening at the top of the frame;

a liquid-impervious liner removably attached to the frame and covering the opening at the bottom of the frame; and

a soft, absorbent, breathable sheet disposed over the mesh material.

2. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein said mesh material is attached to said frame at the perimeter.

3. The mattress according to claim 1, further including hook and loop fasteners attached said liquid-impervious liner for removably attaching said liner to the bottom of said frame.

4. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein said frame is fabricated from wood.

5. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein said mesh material is fabricated from denier nylon.

6. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein said soft, absorbent, breathable sheet is fabricated from polyester material.

7. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein said soft, absorbent, breathable sheet has elastic corners for securing said sheet to said frame.

8. A mattress, comprising:

a frame having a perimeter, a top, a bottom, and an opening therethrough defined by said perimeter extending from the top to the bottom of the frame;

a mesh material attached to the frame at the perimeter, the mesh material covering the opening at the top of the frame;

a liquid-impervious liner removably attached to the frame, the liner covering the opening at the bottom of the frame;

a plurality of hook and loop fasteners disposed on the liner for attaching the liner to the frame; and

a soft, absorbent, breathable sheet disposed over the mesh material, the sheet having elastic corners.

9. The mattress according to claim 8, wherein said frame is fabricated from wood.

10. The mattress according to claim 8, wherein said mesh material is fabricated from denier nylon.

11. The mattress according to claim 8, wherein said soft, absorbent, breathable sheet is fabricated from polyester material.

12. The mattress according to claim 8, wherein said frame is rectangular, said frame having lateral sides and a brace extending between the lateral sides for structural support.