CONVERTIBLE CRIB COVER

Abstract

A cover for use with a crib having a headboard, a footboard, and a pair of side rails is provided. The cover includes a dome-shaped top, a first plurality of straps configured to together extend substantially along the height of the crib to secure the dome-shaped top to the crib, and a second plurality of straps configured to together extend substantially along the height of the crib to secure the dome-shaped top to the crib.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/295,203 entitled “CONVERTIBLE CRIB COVER,” filed on Jan. 15, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a protective cover or enclosure for cribs and playpens. In particular, it relates to a cover primarily comprising a mesh fabric that covers the interior of a convertible crib.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cribs and playpens are frequently used to retain a child for relatively long periods of time while the child is either sleeping or awake and playing. Cribs are often used to minimize the amount of direct supervision a parent or guardian needs to give to a child by limiting the freedom of movement of the child. It is essential that during these times of limited supervision, potential dangers be minimized without impairing access of the parent or guardian to the child, should it be needed. It should be noted that the terms crib and playpen are used interchangeably herein.

Cribs are often constructed in a box-like fashion with opposed headboards and footboards, opposed side rails, and a bottom support. A snug fitting mattress or pad is typically placed on top of the bottom support. It is noted that the terms pad and mattress are used interchangeably herein. Most cribs lack a top covering.

Openings associated with a slatted headboard, footboard or side rail, and open crib tops create safety problems. To minimize such safety problems, Applicant invented a variety of crib covers or enclosures, which are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,584 issued Aug. 7, 1990, U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,707 issued May 21, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,083 issued Apr. 22, 2003, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,958 issued Mar. 1, 2005, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a mesh enclosure to safely enclose the interior of a crib or playpen. It is also an object of this invention to provide a cover specifically designed for a convertible crib.

Another object of this invention is to provide a cover or enclosure to safely line the interior surface of a crib or playpen and provide a protective structure that covers the top thereof.

According to one aspect, a cover for use with a crib having a headboard, a footboard, and a pair of side rails is provided. The cover includes a dome-shaped top having a structure provided by flexible mesh fabric and a plurality of bowed ribs for supporting the mesh fabric, and a first plurality of straps coupled to a first end of the dome-shaped top. The first plurality of straps is configured to together extend substantially along the height of the headboard of the crib to secure the dome-shaped top to the headboard when the first plurality of straps are secured to each other. The cover also includes a second plurality of straps coupled to a second end of the dome-shaped top opposite the first end, where the second plurality of straps are configured to together extend substantially along the height of the footboard of the crib to secure the dome-shaped top to the footboard when the second plurality of straps are secured to each other.

According to another aspect, a cover for use with a crib having a headboard, a footboard, a pair of side rails, and a bottom support is provided. The cover includes a dome-shaped top having a structure provided by flexible mesh fabric and a plurality of bowed ribs for supporting the mesh fabric, a headboard panel extending from the dome-shaped top at a first end, and a footboard panel extending from the dome-shaped top at a second end. The cover further includes a first strap coupled to the first end of the dome-shaped top, and a second strap coupled to the headboard panel, where the first and second straps are configured to secure the dome-shaped top to the headboard of the crib when the first and second straps are secured to each other. The cover may also include a third strap coupled to the second end of the dome-shaped top, and a fourth strap coupled to the footboard panel, where the third and fourth straps are configured to secure the dome-shaped top to the footboard of the crib when the third and fourth straps are secured to each other.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide certain advantages. Not all embodiments of the invention share the same advantages and those that do may not share them under all circumstances.

Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure of various embodiments that incorporate aspects of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other items and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated more fully from the following drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like features, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crib cover according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial side view of a portion of the crib cover;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a crib cover according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a crib cover according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a crib cover according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of a crib cover according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a crib cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant designed a variety of crib covers/enclosures, which are described in detail in the above mentioned patents. Some of these patents disclose covers which are easily secured to the side rails of a crib. In particular, some of these patents disclose covers or enclosures which include short side ties (i.e. see U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,584) which wrap around the top bar of slatted side rails.

Applicant recognized that such configurations may not be easily secured to a crib that does not have slatted side rails. Applicant also recognized that a new unique crib cover configuration may be better utilized for many of the convertible cribs that are on the market today. Convertible cribs are cribs that can transform into a child size bed once the child grows out of the crib. For example, the side rails of a convertible crib may be removable to transform the crib into a bed. Some convertible cribs have side rails that are configured differently, and may, for example, be formed from a solid piece of material. Thus, as set forth in greater detail below, aspects of the present invention are directed to a crib cover which is designed for a convertible crib.

One aspect of the present invention is directed to a crib cover that is secured to the headboard and footboard of a crib. This is in contrast to some of the prior crib covers which are secured to the side rails. As set forth below, in one embodiment, the cover includes a plurality of straps configured to extend along the height of the crib headboard and footboard to secure the cover to the crib. These straps may extend along the exterior of the crib. In one embodiment, the cover includes four straps for the footboard end and four straps for the headboard end. However, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited in this respect, and that other embodiments contemplate that one, two, three or more straps may be used.

As set forth in greater detail below, in one embodiment, the terms “headboard” and “footboard” are used to describe the two side ends of the crib, which may be shorter in width in comparison to the two side rails of the crib. This is because when a child is typically placed in a crib, the child is positioned such that the child's head and feet are near these side ends. It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, the terms “headboard” and “footboard” may be used to describe the wider sides of the crib, as the invention is not so limited.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a crib cover that has a dome-shaped top which is designed for use with a crib that has sides with differing heights. In particular, as set forth below, in one embodiment, the dome-shaped top of the crib cover may be longer on one side in comparison to another side such that the longer side may be placed on the shorter side of the crib. In this respect, the dome-shaped top of the cover may be level (i.e. not slanted) on the crib, even though some sides of crib, such as the headboard and/or footboard, have differing heights. For aesthetic reasons, it may be desirable to have a level dome-shaped top.

Turning now to the drawings, it should be appreciated that the drawings illustrate various components and features which may be incorporated into various embodiments of the present invention. For simplification, some of the drawings may illustrate more than one optional feature or component. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the drawings. It should be recognized that the present invention encompasses embodiments which may include only a portion of the components illustrated in any one figure, and/or may also encompass embodiments combining components illustrated in multiple different drawings.

In FIG. 1, one embodiment of a protective crib cover 50 according to the present invention is illustrated. The crib cover 50 may be designed to fit in the interior of a crib 58. Its dimensions are sized to be consistent with the length and width of the bottom pad 62 typically used in cribs 58. The cover 50 includes a dome-shaped top 66. In one embodiment, the cover 50 also includes two opposed end panels 70 and/or two opposed side panels 74. The cover 50 may also include a bottom panel (not shown as it would be positioned underneath the bottom pad 62). The dome shaped top 66 of the cover 50 may be set at a height that will allow a young child to stand unobstructed inside the crib 58.

It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the crib cover 50 may only include a dome-shaped top 66. In other embodiments where it is desirable to cover one or more of the side rails, headboard or footboard, the cover 50 may also include one or more of the end panels 70 and/or side panels 74. It is contemplated that the crib cover 50 may not include a bottom panel (not shown), as the invention is not limited in this respect.

The protective cover 50 confines a child to the inside of the crib 58. This may be accomplished by covering the top of the crib with the dome-shaped top 66, and may also be accomplished by lining the interior surfaces of the crib with the box-shaped body of the enclosure (formed by end panels 70, side panels 74 and/or a bottom panel). One or more openings (not shown) may be provided in the cover 50 and such openings may be covered with flaps (not shown) that can be selectively opened, for example, to easily place a child into the crib or to remove the child from the crib. U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,584 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,083 provide more information on various flap and opening arrangements. It should be appreciated that the box-shaped body formed by the end panels 70, side panels 74 and bottom panel may either be permanently or removably attached to the dome-shaped top 66.

The structure of the cover 50 is generally comprised of mesh cloth. Although in some embodiments, portions of the cover may be layered with a solid, reinforcing fabric such as a taffeta lining or be replaced with such fabric. For example, this may be done at such locations as the end panels 70 or at the end panel straps 126 (discussed below). Other portions of the enclosure 50 may also be reinforced.

In one embodiment, before installing the cover 50, the pad 62 is removed from the crib. The cover is then placed inside the interior of the crib 58. The pad 62 may be inserted through an opening or flap (not shown) in the dome-shaped top 66. The side panels 74 and end panels 70 are designed to fit snugly around the pad 62 to prevent an infant in the crib 58 from being lodged between the pad 62 and the side/end panels 70, 74 of the cover 50. End panel straps 126 that help attach the cover 50 to the crib may be connected to the cover 50 near the intersection of the end panels 70 and side panels 74. These end straps 126 are discussed in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,083, mentioned above, and these straps 126 may wrap horizontally completely around the headboard 86 or footboard 88 and may be tied together or otherwise connected to one another with VELCRO (hook and loop fasteners), or any other comparable fasteners known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

As set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,083, in one embodiment, the side panels 74 are not directly connected to the end panels 70. This embodiment includes two sets of straps 126 at each end of the cover 50. One set is associated with the end panels 70 and one set is associated with the side panels 74. These sets of straps 126 are both horizontally wrapped around the headboard 86 and footboard 88 and fastened together to eliminate any openings in the enclosure 50. In other embodiments, no end straps 126 are used, as the invention is not limited in this respect.

Unlike the prior crib covers, in one embodiment of the present invention, footboard and headboard straps 114, 116, 118, 120 extend substantially vertically along the height of the headboard 86 or footboard 88 to tautly secure the crib cover 50 to the crib 58. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two top straps 114, 116 and two bottom straps 118, 120 for both the footboard 88 and the headboard 86, although any number can be used. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, one end of each of the top footboard and headboard straps 114, 116 is secured (for example, by stitching) to the dome-shaped top 66 near its perimeter, and the other end of each of the top footboard and headboard straps 114, 116 include a VELCRO fastener 200 (hook and loop material) although other types of fastener may be used. Similarly, one end of each of the bottom footboard and headboard straps 118, 120 is secured to a bottom portion of the cover 50, such as at either the bottom of end panel 70 or the bottom panel, and the other end of each of the bottom footboard and headboard straps 118, 120 include a VELCRO fastener 200 (hook and loop material) although other types of fastener may be used. As shown in FIG. 2, the top to headboard and footboard straps 114 extend substantially vertically and downwardly from the dome-shaped top 66 and the bottom headboard and footboard straps 118 extend substantially vertically and upwardly such that top straps 114, 116 are arranged to be secured to bottom straps 118, 120 with the VELCRO fastener 200.

It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, these top and bottom headboard and footboard straps 114, 116, 118, 120 are anchored to a reinforcing strip 68 (see FIG. 2) which runs along a portion of the dome-shaped top 66 and/or the end panel 70. In one embodiment, this reinforced strip is made of taffeta, or a ribbon material, although other materials may be used. Furthermore, in embodiments where the cover 50 only includes a dome-shaped top 66 and does not include end panels 70 or side panels 74, the bottom straps 118, 120 may also connect to the dome-shaped top 66. For example, the bottom straps may extend downwardly along the interior of the crib and loop around the bottom of the crib to attach to the top straps 114, 116.

The size of the footboard and headboard straps 114, 116, 118, 120 may vary as the invention is not so limited. In one embodiment, the top straps 114, 116 and the bottom straps 118, 120 are approximately 0.5-3 inches wide and are approximately 10-30 inches long. In one particular embodiment, the top straps 114, 116 are approximately 14-16 inches long and the Velcro fastener 200 extends along approximately 9 inches of the strap. In one embodiment, the bottom straps 118, 120 are approximately 13-15 inches long and the Velcro fastener 200 extends along approximately 9 inches of the strap. It should be appreciated that the size of the straps 114, 116, 118, 120 may vary based upon the size of the crib. Furthermore, if the top strap is made shorter or longer, it should be appreciated that the corresponding bottom strap may be made longer or shorter. Also, the length of the Velcro fastener 200 on each strap allows the user to adjust the connection with the corresponding strap based upon the particular size of the crib headboard and footboard to assure a taut arrangement (i.e. for the straps secured to a shorter footboard, the Velcro fasteners of the top and bottom straps 114, 118 may overlap with each other more in comparison to the straps secured to a longer headboard). In FIG. 1, the top straps 114, 116 are secured to the bottom straps 118, 120 at a location behind the end strap 126. However, FIG. 2 illustrates this connection without the end strap 126.

The top 66 of the cover 50 includes a dome-shaped structure. The structure is supported by two rods 146, each held firmly to the cover 50. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the rods 146 are inserted into sleeves 150 of the cover 50. The sleeves 150 may end in pockets (not shown) near each corner of the top 66. The sleeves 150 and pockets hold the rods 146 in a manner that causes them to bow into a desired shape. This bowed shape of the rods 146 defines the dome-shaped structure of the top 66 of the cover 50. When the rods 146 are removed from the sleeves 150, the cover will be unstructured and may be rolled or compressed for storage. While continuous sleeves 150 are shown in the illustrated embodiment, multiple smaller sleeves, hooks or other fasteners known to one having ordinary skill in the art may be used in place of the continuous sleeve.

As mentioned above, some prior crib covers are secured to the crib by short ties which wrap around the top bar of the slatted side rails. In embodiments where the crib cover 50 has footboard and headboard straps 114, 116, 118, 120 extending substantially vertically along the height of the headboard 86 or footboard 88, the dome-shaped top 66 may be more tapered to accommodate for the cover 50 fitting over the footboard and headboard and not stretching out around the side rails.

As mentioned above, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a crib cover that has a dome-shaped top which is designed for use with a crib that is not the same height on each side. As shown in FIG. 3, one side of the crib, such as the crib headboard 86 may be taller than the crib footboard 88. As shown, in one embodiment, the dome-shaped top 66 of the crib cover 50 may be shorter on the headboard 86 side and longer on the footboard 88 side. In this respect, the dome-shaped top of the cover will be level (i.e. not slanted) on the crib, even though the headboard has a greater height than the footboard of the crib 58.

As shown, in this embodiment, the dome-shaped top 66 includes a sleeve 150A on the footboard side of the cover that has a length A, and a sleeve 150B on the headboard side of the cover that has a length B. As mentioned above, rods are inserted into these sleeves 150A, 150B to define the dome-shaped structure of the top 66 of the cover 50. As illustrated, when the headboard 86 is taller than the footboard 88, the length B of the sleeve 150B is less than the length A of the sleeve 150A.

The difference between the sleeve length (A−B) may vary as the invention is not so limited. In one embodiment, the difference between these two sleeve lengths is approximately 1-10 inches. In one particular embodiment, the difference between these two sleeve lengths is approximately 2.5 inches.

Turning now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed. The crib cover 52 illustrated in FIG. 4 is similar to the crib cover 50 shown in FIGS. 1-2, and accordingly, like components are given the same reference numbers. Crib cover 52 also includes footboard and headboard straps 114, 116, 118, 120 that extend substantially vertically along the height of the headboard 86 or footboard 88. However, as shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, one or more of the bottom straps 118, 120 may extend around the other side of the crib leg 56, such that it extends up from the bottom corner of the crib side rail 84 rather than extending up from the bottom of the footboard 88 or headboard 86. In one embodiment, the top straps 114, 116 extend downwardly from the dome-shaped top 66 and along the footboard 88 or headboard 86. In this respect, as shown in FIG. 4, when a top strap 114 is connected to its corresponding bottom strap 118, the two straps may extend along a substantially vertical diagonal line along the crib leg 56. Such an arrangement may assist in providing a snug taut fit of the crib cover 52 to the crib 58.

Turning now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a crib cover 300 according to the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment is similar to the crib covers 50, 52 discussed above, and accordingly, like components are given the same reference numbers. Crib cover 300 also includes footboard and headboard straps 114, 116, 118, 120 that extend substantially vertically along the height of the headboard 86 or footboard 88. However, as shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the top straps 114, 116 are attached to the rod sleeves 150, and in particular, may be stitched to the ends of the sleeves 150 which include pockets (not shown) to hold the ends of the rods 146. Applicant recognized that securing the top straps 114, 116 to the ends of the channels 150 helped to pull the ends of the rods 146 downwardly and inwardly into the crib, rather than having the rods protrude out from the crib boundary.

As shown in FIGS. 5-6A, in one embodiment, the crib cover 300 may include a railing wrap 302 configured to extend substantially along the length of a front side of the crib. The railing wrap 302 may be configured to secure the crib cover 300 to the front side of the crib to prevent a child from being able to climb between the crib cover and the crib. A plurality of straps 304 may be provided on the cover to be secured to the underside of the railing wrap 302 for securing the railing wrap to the crib. The strap 304 may include a fastener, such as VELCRO, such that the strap 304 may be secured to itself once wrapped around a slat of the side of the crib. In one embodiment, the underside of the railing wrap 302 includes a plurality of loops 306 stitched thereto such that the straps 304 may be fed between the slats of the side of the crib, through the loops 306 and then secured with the VELCRO fastener. The railing wrap 302 may be designed to prevent a child from easily accessing the straps 304.

As shown in FIG. 6B, in one embodiment, the crib cover 300 may include a plurality of rear straps 308 to secure the crib cover to the rear side of the crib to prevent a child from being able to climb between the crib cover and the crib. FIB 6B also illustrates the top and bottom straps 114, 116, 118, 120 extending substantially vertically along the height of the headboard or footboard having a varying height to tautly secure the crib cover 50 to the crib 58.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present invention may be formed with one or more of the above-described features. The above aspects and features of the invention may be employed in any suitable combination as the present invention is not limited in this respect. It should also be appreciated that the drawings illustrate various components and features which may be incorporated into various embodiments of the present invention. For simplification, some of the drawings may illustrate more than one optional feature or component. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the drawings. It should be recognized that the present invention encompasses embodiments which may include only a portion of the components illustrated in any one drawing figure, and/or may also encompass embodiments combining components illustrated in multiple different drawing figures.

It should be understood that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention are intended merely to be illustrative thereof and that other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents of the invention are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cover for use with a crib, the cover comprising:

a dome-shaped top having a structure provided by flexible mesh fabric and a plurality of bowed ribs for supporting the mesh fabric;

a first plurality of straps coupled to a first end of the dome-shaped top, the first plurality of straps configured to together extend substantially along the height of the crib to secure the dome-shaped top to the crib when the first plurality of straps are secured to each other; and

a second plurality of straps coupled to a second end of the dome-shaped top opposite the first end, the second plurality of straps configured to together extend substantially along the height of the crib to secure the dome-shaped top to the crib when the second plurality of straps are secured to each other.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of straps includes at least a first pair of straps configured to be secured to each other and to extend substantially along a first corner of the crib, and a second pair of straps configured to be secured to each other and to extend substantially along a second corner of the crib.

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the second plurality of straps includes at least a third pair of straps configured to be secured to each other and to extend substantially along a third corner of the crib, and a fourth pair of straps configured to be secured to each other and to extend substantially along a fourth corner of the crib.

4. The cover of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first plurality of straps is directly coupled to the dome-shaped top.

5. The cover of claim 1, wherein the dome-shaped top includes a reinforcing strip and at least one of the first plurality of straps is directly coupled to the reinforcing strip.

6. The cover of claim 5, wherein the reinforcing strip is made of a taffeta material.

7. The cover of claim 1, further comprising:

a box-shaped body made of flexible mesh fabric having a bottom panel, a pair of side panels and a pair of end panels for fitting inside of the crib, wherein the crib provides structure to the box-shaped body; and

wherein the dome-shaped top is attached to the box-shaped body.

8. The cover of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the first and second plurality of straps extend directly from the dome-shaped top.

9. The cover of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the first and second plurality of straps extend directly from the box-shaped body.

10. The cover of claim 1, wherein the first and second plurality of straps includes fasteners for securing the first plurality of straps to each other and for securing the second plurality of straps to each other.

11. The cover of claim 10, wherein the fasteners are VELCRO fasteners.

12. The cover of claim 1, wherein the straps are between approximately 10-30 inches in length.

13. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a railing wrap coupled to the dome-shaped top, and a plurality of straps configured to be secured to the underside of the railing wrap for securing the cover to the crib.

14. A cover for use with a crib having a headboard, a footboard, a pair of side rails, and a bottom support, the cover comprising:

a dome-shaped top having a structure provided by flexible mesh fabric and a plurality of bowed ribs for supporting the mesh fabric;

a headboard panel extending from the dome-shaped top at a first end;

a footboard panel extending from the dome-shaped top at a second end;

a first strap coupled to the first end of the dome-shaped top;

a second strap coupled to the headboard panel, wherein the first and second straps are configured to secure the dome-shaped top to the headboard of the crib when the first and second straps are secured to each other;

a third strap coupled to the second end of the dome-shaped top; and

a fourth strap coupled to the footboard panel, wherein the third and fourth straps are configured to secure the dome-shaped top to the footboard of the crib when the third and fourth straps are secured to each other.

15. The cover of claim 14, wherein the first, second, third and fourth straps each includes a fastener for securing the straps to each other.

16. The cover of claim 15, wherein the fasteners are VELCRO fasteners.

17. The cover of claim 14, wherein the straps are between approximately 10-30 inches in length.

18. The cover of claim 14, wherein the dome-shaped top includes a reinforcing strip and at least one of the first and third straps is directly coupled to the reinforcing strip.

19. The cover of claim 18, wherein the reinforcing strip is made of a taffeta material.

20. The cover of claim 14, further comprising a railing wrap coupled to the dome-shaped top, and a plurality of straps configured to be secured to the underside of the railing wrap for securing the cover to the crib.