Child Nap Kit

Abstract

A child nap kit 1 is provided having an attached pillow 9, blanket 3 and sheet 5 wherein the sheet includes a detachable waterproof liner 7. Thus, the present invention provides an all in one storable child nap kit 1 for day care, school and camps.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

This invention relates in general to a child nap kit, and more particularly to a child nap kit having a removable training mat and an integral back pack configuration.

(2) Background Art

All daycare facilities, preschools, and camps struggle daily with nap time and potty training children. Not all preschool children are successfully potty trained before they are sent to daycares, preschools, or camps. Even fewer children are without the occasional potty accident, especially at nap time.

Most daycare facilities, preschools and camps require that the parents provide sheets and/or blankets with their children. Such sheets and/or blankets run the risk of repeatedly being soiled and sent home for washing with children who are still potty training and suffering from potty accidents especially during sleep or nap time. Such episodes are embarrassing for the child, messy for the caregivers, and a burden for the parents that must now wash the linens or send in new ones by the next nap time. Furthermore, many facilities provide industry standard mats and/or cots that are covered by the children's linens during nap time. Thus, when a child soils their linens, the mats and/or cots become soiled. Therefore, the mats and/or cots need to be cleaned and disinfected constantly. Such accidents require a lot of time and resources from the facilities in order to keep their environment sanitary and safe.

Even children who are successfully potty trained and rarely, if ever, suffer from potty accidents; find it difficult to keep together all their linens and pillows during the day and especially during transitions to and from nap time. The bulky linens and pillows sometimes do not fit in the children's cubbies or storage areas at the different facilities. The children are constantly forgetting to keep their nap items together or stored properly and invariably lose a valuable piece and go without and uncomfortable during at least the next nap time or until noticed by a caregiver.

Unfortunately, there are few sleeping bags on the market that are even sized or suitable for toddlers or small children. Even so, none address the problems of the potty training toddler at daycare, preschool, or at camp as described. There are a relatively few available children's linens that are sized as required to fit the industry sized mats and/or cots that also protect the mats and/or cots in case of a child's potty accident. Such linens need to be child friendly and easily transportable.

Thus, there is a need to provide a simple all in one child nap kit that is easily portable and storable that addresses the needs of a potty training child or even the child who suffers from the occasional potty accident at sleep or nap time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention a child nap kit is provided having a sheet, a blanket and pillow attached to the sheet and a removable waterproof liner attached to the sheet. The pillow easily transforms into a back pack for storing the sheet, blanket, and liner.

The present invention may further include the waterproof liner having a cloth side.

The present invention may further include attachment means for attaching the sheet to a mat and/or a cot at a child care facility, preschool, or camp.

The present invention solves the problem of the prior art by providing an all in one child nap kit with a detachable waterproof liner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a child nap kit according to an embodiment of the present invention, in an open configuration.

FIG. 2 shows a back view of the waterproof liner according to an embodiment of the present invention and a top view of a child nap kit, in an open configuration, with the waterproof liner detached.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a child nap kit according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a second configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a child nap kit according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a third configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a child nap kit according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a fourth configuration.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a child nap kit according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a fifth configuration.

FIG. 7 shows a back view of a child nap kit according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a fifth configuration.

FIG. 8 shows a side perspective view of a child nap kit according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a sixth configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a child nap kit 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in an open configuration ready to have a child lie down and take a nap on it. The child nap kit 1 includes a sheet 5 having four sides, with one side 2 being attached to a blanket 3. The blanket 3 is shown folded open. A pillow 9 is attached to the top side of the sheet 5. A child or toddler may lie on the sheet 5, put their head on the pillow 9, and cover themselves comfortably with the blanket 3.

FIG. 1 shows a blanket 3 attached along one side 2 of the sheet 5. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the sheet 5 and blanket 3 is approximately 52 inches. The width of the sheet 5 is 23 inches and the width of the blanket 3 is 33 inches. The blanket 3 is wider than the sheet 5 so that the blanket 3 may fully and comfortably cover a child lying on the sheet 5 and under the blanket 3.

The sheet 5 and blanket 3 may be made of any cotton and/or polyester blend material. Such material may also be flame retardant as long as it is comfortable for a child. The materials must be lightweight and may include different colorful patterns, such as trains, animals, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the blanket 3 includes batting or a bit of insulating fill for added comfort and warmth. The blanket 3 comfortably folds over a child when a child is resting on the sheet 5. The blanket 3 is conveniently attached to one side of the sheet so they cannot be separated and lost. Such feature helps the child and caregiver keep track of a child's complete nap kit 1.

FIG. 1 further shows the pillow 9 attached to a top side 4 of the sheet 5. The pillow 9 is shown flipped down in a position so that child's head may comfortably rest on the pillow 9. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width of the pillow 9 is 12 inches and the length is 12 inches. The pillow 9 is attached along the top side 4 of the sheet 5 so that pillow 9 stays secure when it is placed in a position to be used by a child and is not easily displaced or lost. The pillow 9 may also include an embroidered name on a side of the pillow 9 where the child places their head.

FIG. 1 further shows four attachment means 6 attached to the four corners of the sheet 5 for attaching to a mat or a cot. Such mats or cots are typically provided by daycare centers and preschools and may be industry standard with regard to type and size. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such attachment means are elastic bands or loops 6 sown on all four corners of the sheet and sized so that they attach to a mat or cot and keep the sheet 5 in place when attached to the mat or cot.

FIG. 1 also shows a removable training mat or waterproof liner 7 attached to the sheet 5 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The waterproof liner 7 is shown attached in place on the front of the sheet 5 with attachment means or ties 8. Any attachment means 8 such as ties or hook and loop fasteners will suffice. Embodiments of the present invention concerned with the highest regard to the safety of children should include attachment means of only six inch strings or hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro. In a preferred embodiment, the ties 8 must be reliable and easily washable. The ties 8 may be made out of any fabric or material sturdy enough to stay tied but soft enough not to rub or scratch a child when sleeping on them. An embodiment of the present invention uses simple soft cord type ties 8 to attach the waterproof liner 7 to the sheet 5. There may be two ties 8 located at two top corners of the waterproof liner as shown in FIG. 1 or four ties placed at each of the four corners of the liner. The waterproof liner 7 must be attachable to the sheet 5 in the proper position on the sheet 5 so that the waterproof liner 7 protects the sheet 5 in the area that may get wet if a child is to have a potty accident while sleeping on the sheet 5. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the width of the waterproof liner is 20 inches and the length is 20 inches. However, the length may be longer if desired. The waterproof liner 7 is shown in FIG. 1 with a top side 16 facing up and ready for a child to lie down on it. The top side 16 of the waterproof liner may be made of the same cloth and material as the sheet 5.

FIG. 2 shows a back view 15 of the waterproof liner 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a top view of a child nap kit 1, in an open configuration, with the waterproof liner 7 detached. The matching reciprocal or mating ties 8 on the sheet 5 and waterproof liner 7 are shown respectively. The ties 8 are for tying together and holding the waterproof liner 7 in place on the sheet 5. The complimentary attachment means 8 for attaching the waterproof liner 7 to the sheet 5 are placed on the sheet so that the waterproof liner 7 protects the sheet in the area that may get wet or soiled if a child were to have a potty accident while sleeping on the sheet 5. The attachment means 8 need to allow the waterproof liner 7 to be easily removable from the sheet 5 for cleaning. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the ties 8 can be easily tied and untied but must remain secured when tied.

In the preferred embodiment, the easily removable waterproof liner 7 has cloth on the top side 16 where the child contacts or lies on it. The cloth side 16 may be a padded cloth side 16 with a layer of padding provided under the cloth. Such cloth or soft padded material may be made of the same decorative material as of the sheet 5 so that the top side 16 of the waterproof liner 7 matches and blends in with the sheet 5 and kit 1. If an older child was to use the waterproof liner 7 and it was a different color or stood out from the sheet 5 it may draw attention to the waterproof liner 7 and embarrass a child as still being in a potty training phase. So a top side 16 of the waterproof liner 7 should be of the same material as the sheet 5.

The back side 15 of the waterproof liner 7 is made of sturdy waterproof material such as a vinyl. The waterproof material should be easily washable. The cloth side 16 and vinyl side 15 of the waterproof liner 7 may be easily sown together along their sides and hemmed after being placed together. An embodiment of the present invention includes a trim sown around the edges of the waterproof liner 7 covering the edges where the cloth 16 and vinyl 15 are attached or sown together. The cloth side 16 completely covers the vinyl side 15 so that none of the vinyl is seen when the waterproof liner 7 is attached in position on the sheet 5 ready for use.

The waterproof liner 7 is attached so that the vinyl side 15 is placed against the sheet 5 to prevent leakage onto the sheet 5 in the case of a potty accident. The cloth side 16 faces up when attached to the sheet 5 as in FIG. 1. Thus, if a child is to have a potty accident while on the nap kit 1, only the waterproof liner 7 will be soiled and have to be washed immediately. A parent or caregiver could have a number of clean waterproof liners 7 available so if accidents happen only the soiled waterproof liner 7 needs to be changed and replaced with a clean one. A new clean waterproof liner 7 can be available and attached immediately. Since the waterproof liner 7 protects the sheet 5, the whole nap kit does not become soiled and unusable in the event of an accident. An advantage of the present invention is that even though the entire nap kit 1 is washable it does not need to be washed with every use or with every potty accident. Only the liners 7 will have to be washed after every potty accident as the liners 7 protect the rest of the kit 1 from being soiled so that the kit 1 may only need to be washed once a week or when the caregiver, daycare facility or preschool recommend it to be washed.

FIG. 3 shows the nap kit 1 with the blanket 3 folded over the sheet 5 ready for further folding for storage. The pillow 9 is flipped up with an opening to a compartment 10 of the pillow 9 shown. The compartment 10 of the pillow 9 is for receiving the neatly folded blanket 3, sheet 5, and waterproof liner 7 for storage and travel. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compartment 10 of the pillow may also house a padded insert cushion 17 for comfort. The padded insert cushion 17 may also be removable for cleaning.

FIG. 4 shows the backside of the sheet 5 folded over the blanket 3 so that it is lined up with the sides of the pillow 9 for neatly folding into compartment 10 through the opening of the pillow 9. FIG. 5 shows the bottom end of the sheet 5, blanket 3 and waterproof liner 7 (if attached) begin folding up, in the dimensions slightly smaller that the pillow 9, for easily placing the completed folded package of sheet 5, blanket 3 and waterproof liner 7 in the compartment 10 of the pillow 9.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a child nap kit 1 with the blanket 3 and waterproof liner 7 folded in the sheet 5 and tucked neatly in the compartment 10 of the pillow 9. An embroidered name 19 is strategically placed on the pillow 9 so that it is easily visible on the back pack when all the components are stored away in the pillow 9. The backside of the pillow 9 includes straps 12 attached for carrying over a child's shoulders. Thus, the pillow 9 easily transforms into a nice carry all, back pack, or nap sack for travel or storage of the kit 1 and its contents.

FIG. 7 shows a back view of the pillow 9 with the straps 12 attached to the backside of the pillow 9 for carrying over shoulders of a child in the well known back pack or nap sack fashion. The straps 12 may be adjustable. FIG. 7 also shows a clasp 14 or closing means to close the opening of the compartment 10 when the waterproof liner 7 and blanket 3 are folded in the sheet 5 and stored in the compartment 10 of the pillow 9. The closing means 14 may simply and safely comprise of only a hook and loop fastener, Velcro. In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, no closing means are needed. FIG. 8 shows a side perspective view of a child nap kit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. No closing means are needed because when the blanket 3 and waterproof liner 7 are neatly folded into the sheet 5 and tucked into the compartment 10 of the pillow everything is held snugly in place. The pillow 9 is snugly and comfortably full with all of the kit's elements situated safely inside.

An advantage of the present invention is that the pillow 9 is attached to the sheet 5 which is attached to the blanket 3. All the elements are safely attached without zippers or metal fasteners which could pose a danger if they fall off and are swallowed by a child. The water proof liner 7 is removably attachable to the sheet 5. So everything is attached onto the sheet 5 and the entire nap kit 1 may be described as having all of its elements singularly attached and storable in its pillow 9. This advantage prevents the loss of any one single element of the kit 1. If the removable waterproof liner is removed for cleaning it may be separated from the kit but the rest of the kit is a single unitary piece. Another embodiment may have any one of the elements detachable but the preferred embodiment has them all attached or attachable. This really helps from losing any items of the kit 1. This is important as the child nap kit 1 is meant to travel from home to daycare or school or anywhere the child may want to nap or lie down.

Thus the present invention provides a child nap kit 1 having a sheet 5, blanket 3, pillow 9, and waterproof liner 7 that is easily portable and usable with the industry standard mats and cots provided at daycare centers, schools and camps. The present invention provides a child nap kit 1 that includes a waterproof liner 7 as an inconspicuous training mat that protects the rest of the kit 1 from being soiled in the event of a potty accident. The present invention further provides a pillow 9 that becomes a lightweight backpack for storage and travel yet is small enough to fit in the cubbies or lockers in a daycare, preschool or summer camp facility.

Claims

1. A child nap kit comprising:

a sheet having four sides, a front, and a back;

a waterproof liner removably attachable to the front of the sheet;

a blanket attached to one side of the sheet so that blanket can be folded over the front of the sheet;

a pillow attached to a top side of the sheet and having a compartment for storing the blanket, sheet, and liner,

said pillow further comprising straps attached to a backside of the pillow for carrying over a child's shoulders in a back pack fashion when sheet, liner, and blanket are stored within the compartment of the pillow.

2. (canceled)

3. The child nap kit of claim 1 wherein the sheet includes attachment means for attaching to a mat.

4. The child nap kit of claim 1 wherein the sheet includes attachment means for attaching to a cot.

5. The child nap kit of claim 2 wherein the straps are adjustable.

6. The child nap kit of claim 3 wherein the attachment means are elastic bands.

7. The child nap kit of claim 4 wherein the attachment means are adjustable elastic bands.

8. The child nap kit of claim 1 wherein said waterproof liner includes a cloth side.

9. The child nap kit of claim 1 wherein said waterproof liner includes a padded cloth side.

10. The child nap kit of claim 1 wherein said pillow includes a removable padded insert.